October 15, 2017 


Dear Quashnet School Community, 

Last week, I had the privilege of attending a National Conference on MTSS, Multi-Tiered System of Supports. Over the last several years Mashpee Schools have worked to implement this practice to improve student outcomes at each grade level. The focus is to use the best research-based instructional practices, design a curriculum that provides access for all learners, and to create a classroom environment that supports a variety of learning spaces to include small group instruction within the classroom. With the focus on instruction, curriculum, and environment the goal is to provide a robust learning experience for ALL students. The chart below is from a session I attended on improving reading instruction.  

Students who read just 14.2 minutes per day are exposed to 1 million more words per year than the student who reads 1.8 minutes per day. 


When those printed words become familiar and automatic there is a greater capacity to comprehend what you are reading. On average, those students who read 15 minutes per day are scoring in the 80th percentile vs in the 30th percentile for students reading under 2 minutes daily. 

Daily reading time is an investment in student success.  Building vocabulary and reading skills supports ALL content areas. Your child's teacher or our librarian, Mrs. Pons, are able to recommend wonderful books.  Be sure to reach out if you need help finding high interest titles.  

Project Life field trips are underway.  Last week, Grade 6 explored the salt marsh at Scorton Creek, and this week Grade 4 will visit the Mashpee Woodlands.  These field trips are field experiments, and students are active participants in applying what they learned about these unique ecosystems in the classroom.  

We have partnered with Thorton Burgess Society to bring these rich experiences to our students for over twenty-five years.  With the merger of the Natural History Museum and Thorton Burgess, this same opportunity may not be available to us next year.  Thank you Mary Beers, pictured here to the right, for her years of educating Mashpee students and bringing her enthusiasm, knowledge, and passion of our fragile Cape Cod environment to generations of Mashpee children. 

Field Trip Reminder - Reregistration MUST be complete before a student is able to attend a field trip. This applies to ALL students.  If you have not done this - there is no time like the present!  If you received a second notice or reminder call, don't wait - call or email if you need help.  We are available to assist you!

Mrs. Lithwin 

Congratulations to the bride-to-be!  If you see Miss Dunnigan this week, be sure to wish her well - she will be getting married next Saturday, October 20th!      

Wishing you years of happiness! 



This Monday, October 16th, is a special day at Quashnet School.  It is Mrs. WENDY LITHWIN Day! Monday is not only Mrs. Lithwin's birthday, it is also her last day with us at Quashnet School. Mrs. Lithwin will be retiring from public education.  Mrs. Lithwin has been a dedicated and respected educator for almost thirty years and she aways put students first.  She has worked in Vermont, Barnstable, and for the last six years in Mashpee.  Thank you Mrs. Lithwin for your work ethic, focus on students first, and for your care and kindness over the years.  Wishing you health and happiness in your retirement! 


The last two weeks I referred to 7 Ways to Protect your Child from Alcohol and Drugs.  I shared two ways, can you remember them?  1. Be a role model for your child.  2. Be well-rounded by participating in clubs and activities.  Another recommendation is encourage your child to work hard in school.  Consider the reading data above.  Working hard in school doesn't stop when school ends.  Build habits that supports learning - it is a life long skill.  

Have a great evening everyone.  Thank you for taking the time to read the Blog. We all achieve more when we work together.  

Wishing you a productive week ahead! 

Respectfully, 
Mrs. O'Brien