August 26, 2018


Dear Quashnet School Community, 


It is that time of year to say...  

I sincerely hope everyone had a wonderful summer and is rested, rejuvenated, and almost ready to go! School staff reports to work this Monday and Wednesday for scheduled staff meetings and planning purposes, first day for students is Tuesday, September 4th.  I can't wait for everyone to see the beautiful upgrades to our school.  The library looks amazing!  The Liberty courtyard is outstanding.  We can see out of the windows, they have screens, shades, and can open, oh my! The bathrooms have had a complete makeover. Have you seen the beautiful blue doors yet? All we need now are our amazing Quashnet students!  

New front entrance being installed. 

Watching the Quashnet School construction project all summer, I am thrilled to be welcoming everyone on time!  That has been the question of the summer, "Will the school be ready?" You may not be aware, but the completion date for the entire scope of work is not until the end of December. So not to worry when you still see trailers and construction equipment. The summer work focused on the classroom windows, the roof, bathrooms, and courtyards. The construction has moved into the front of the school and will be fenced off for safety.  A temporary construction wall is also being installed in the front area before students arrive. This is intended to minimize any interruption to learning. Overall, the project is ahead of schedule with windows. The playgrounds will be checked this week and ready for the opening of school.  PLEASE do not plan on going to the playgrounds during sneak-a-peek.  We need to have a thorough safety check prior to them being open for business to ensure they are free of any construction materials or debris.  

For those of you new to Quashnet School and to our third grade families, ALL construction workers on our campus have had a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and are approved to work on our school grounds.  They are required to wear a specific badge for our school project that is visible at all times. You can trust the Quashnet staff to ensure this happens. Student safety  ALWAYS comes first! 

Quashnet teachers and staff have not been able to be in the school all summer.  The first opportunity for them to enter the building will be on Monday, August 27th after 3:00 PM.  In the past, classrooms have been prepared and ready to go by the sneak-a-peek date, but we ask for your understanding as classrooms and supplies will not be complete on Wednesday, 8/29. The office staff will be in all week to support teachers and prepare for student arrival on September 4th.  Our custodians have cleaned all classrooms, but hallway floors may not be waxed as of Wednesday. Even DPW has  not been able to work their regular schedule at Quashnet this summer.  I hear patience is a virtue - it WILL all come together. Thank you in advance for your understanding. 

😊 Mark you calendars for some important upcoming dates. 

Monday, August 27th 4:00-6:00 PM  Instrument Rental Night for Grades 4-6 IN THE QUASHNET CAFETERIA.  IMPORTANT: YOU MUST ENTER THROUGH THE CAFETERIA DOORS ONLY.  The front doors of the school WILL NOT be open.   You may also rent online at:  wellerinstrumentservice@yahoo.com.  (Playgrounds will not be open.)

Wednesday, August 29th  2:00-3:00 PM Sneak-a-peek.  All three schools will be open for students and families to visit classrooms and know where to go on the first day of school.  On this day please use the FRONT DOOR ONLY.  *Playgrounds WILL NOT be open. 

Tuesday, September 4th - SCHOOL OPENS - First day for students  

Tuesday, September 11th - Quashnet School OPEN HOUSE 6:00 -7:30 PM 

Friday, September 15th - PTO Back-to-School BBQ 5:00 PM 

Monday, September 24th - Early Release Day for students 11:30 Dismissal 

Friday, September 28th - Quashnet School Picture Day 

Every Sunday at 5:00 PM, unless otherwise notified, you will receive an email with a link to the blog that contains Quashnet School updates and information.  There are several tabs at the top of the page that will be helpful.  MCAS dates are already posted for Spring 2019.  There is a link to the MPS website, food  services, Week at a Glance for example. Once school starts, there will be school photos posted on the photo tab.  The link to Bus Routes for 2018--19 is coming this week.  

Staff Update:  Two new teachers have joined the Quashnet Team this year.  I am pleased to announce Mr. David Williams will be joining us as a Grade 6 teacher.  I am confident that Mr. Williams will have a positive impact on student learning. We also welcome a new English Language Educator (ELE), Miss Courtney Ream.  Miss Ream comes to us from the DY School system and her expertise will help to support our English Language Learners. 

Students should keep reading and practicing math facts.  A week from Monday is a school night!

I look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday, August 29th for Sneak-a-peek.  

Respectfully,
Mrs. O'Brien