October 2, 2016                                                                                      

Greetings Quashnet School Community,

This Tuesday evening at 6:00 PM at the Kenneth C. Coombs School, there will be an informational meeting for all those interested in the possible change in school start times. The proposed change is for MMHS to start school at 8:30 AM and Quashnet School students to begin at 9:00 AM.  This potential change is for the 2017-18 school year next year.  If you can't make it to Tuesday's meeting, there is another scheduled for Monday, 10/16, at Quashnet School, and again on Thursday, 10/27, at MMHS. All meetings will begin at 6:00 PM.  If you are looking for more information click this link: School Start Time.


Getting to school in the morning and back home safely is a priority for MPS, our families, and definitely our bus drivers. Parents, please discuss with your children the importance of sitting during the bus ride. Many drivers are reporting to me that students are standing up, moving from seat to seat, or sitting backwards. All of these present safety hazards.  Reinforcing safe bus behavior would be appreciated.  All students should remain in their assigned seat, no eating on the bus, and respect the space of others. If you are planning on picking your child up from school, it is imperative that any changes in dismissal come in before 2:00 PM. This will allow the time to ensure a teacher and student are notified of the change and your child is where they should be!

Curriculum Update: 

READING - This week at QS we will roll out WIN Block (What I Need) instruction for all students.
Students are grouped based on their need, and receive targeted instruction based on specific skills to move them forward.  Since this is to benefit ALL students, some groups will be to review skills, others to reinforce, and some to challenge on a higher level. STAR assessments, which were completed the week of September 19th, were  used to identify these targeted individual skills for students.  Teachers will be reviewing student data every six weeks and regrouping students based on need - the groups are not fixed.  We are excited to provide this "extra scoop" of literacy instruction for students in addition to their current ELA instruction.  A student's reading ability and comprehension impacts learning in all other areas.  Investing time in reading is an investment in academic and future success.  Reading for a minimum of twenty minutes a day at home will help improve your child's reading skills.

Bog on 6A in Sandwich

Green Briar Nature Center

SCIENCE - Grades 4-6 are currently involved in the study of the Forest, Pond, and the Salt Marsh ecosystems.  In collaboration with Green Briar Nature Center, our students benefit from an in depth study of each area. Not only do we have live animals, fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and skeletons brought into school, each class participates in a field experiment to visit the habitat they study.   Pictured here are Ms. Weston's fifth graders learning about the flora and fauna of the pond. These trips are truly "field experiments" featuring hands on learning!

Mrs. Pimental's Math Class 

MATH - Our curriculum is currently based on Everyday Math-4th Edition.  This is the latest version  of Everyday Math having been released just last year.  Students in math are asked to think and problem solving on a daily basis. Students build models to represent their thinking, they explain their thinking in writing, and have discussions in class daily.  Math instruction looks different for today's students, as I am sure you have noticed! Not to worry, we are planning a Parent's Academy to help you see the "how to" of what your child(ren) are learning.  Please know it is good to struggle with concepts and persevere in solving them- that is learning!

SOCIAL SCIENCES -  We have had a shift in social sciences this year in the sixth grade level.  In the past, sixth grade students studied the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, the Greeks and Romans. Seventh graders in Mashpee studied geography, natural resources, and landforms. When looking at why civilizations chose to settle where they did, a solid understanding of geography makes sense. Along with Principal Balestracci, the MMHS Department Head, Mr. Brodie, and our sixth grade team, this was a logical shift in curriculum.  I know it will be a great year with Mrs. Johnson, Mr. Greggerson, and Ms. Sweeney bringing geography to life!  Social Science standards in Grade 3 & 4 will be met through ELA instruction and in Grade 5 the focus will be on the early history of                                                         our country from the Ice Age to the American Revolution.

With the release of the MCAS and PARCC scores, as a district and school we will work to analyze the scores to improve student learning and review/revise curriculum as necessary.  Fifth grade MCAS scores for our current sixth graders will be sent home with PARCC scores for students in grades 4-6 on Friday, October 14th.  Please be sure to notify the main office if you have had a recent address change! (508) 539-1550 x 4100.  This year's testing will be administered during the first three weeks in May - specific dates are on the PARCC/MCAS tab above.

CONGRATULATIONS 

to the 2016-17
Sixth Grade Student Council!
  They are SO excited they are jumping for joy!

Student officers will be selected soon!

On the photo tab above, you will find a link to some great pics from the BBQ.  
Thank you Lisa Oakley for sharing - 
the pictures are GREAT! 

Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead!  

Respectfully, 

Mrs. O'Brien

Reminder:  Monday, 10/3, Early Release Day - Students dismissed at 11:30 AM 

Monday, 10/10, No School - Columbus Day