March 22, 2020 


Dear Quashnet School Community, 

In an effort to bring some continuity, I will continue to post the weekly QS Blog on Sundays at 5:00 PM throughout our extended school closure. Last week was a very long week, but the highlight certainly was seeing students come to pick up Chromebooks and Meals To-Go at Quashnet. We all miss our wonderful students and can't wait to get back to business!  

In the meantime, let's stay connected and have some fun.  This week is spirit week throughout the district!  Thank you, Mrs. Hough, for sharing this great idea! 

Please see the https://sites.google.com/mpspk12.org/mps-at-home-learning/home for more info. If you are not comfortable with Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, you can share your photos directly with me (mobrien@mpspk12.org) and I will add them to the Quashnet photo page.  Stay Connected - social distancing doesn't mean social isolation! 

A few weeks back, I was so excited to share that an eagle was in my back yard, right here in Mashpee! This weekend, I found this webcam from Pennsylvania where a new eaglet just hatched and another egg is ready to hatch anytime.  Check out this Eaglet Live Cam.  Warning, the cam is ongoing raw live video so you will see the eagles' nest in real-time.  

MCAS Update:  
Quashnet School students were scheduled to take the ELA MCAS on Tuesday,  April 7 and Thursday, April 9. This will not happen. Although President Trump has waived the standardized testing requirements for states, Massachusetts has only committed to a shift in the timeline at this point.  We expect to have a clearer directive from the state coming soon.  You will be informed of official changes when we receive them. 

Did your child leave their instrument or music binder at school?
If so... pick up location is at the Quashnet School cafeteria door - Exit #8 - at the times indicated below.  DO NOT come to the main entrance.  The instrument(s) will be delivered to your car - please do not come in to school.   

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Monday, March 23

 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Tuesday, March 24

Practice time should be added to your child's daily schedule.  

Although most of this information has been shared previously, I am including the links and information below for your reference. Resources are being updated so please check regularly.

As you know, Governor Baker's directive is that all Massachusetts schools will be closed from March 16 - until April 6, 2020.  Our anticipated return to school is on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, however, this date may change. During this extended closure, please respect social distancing. Students should not be getting together for playdates or sleepovers. Our playgrounds have been closed to the public, but getting outside for a walk, run, bike ride, or doing yard work is highly recommended. 

To support students learning while at home, Mashpee Public Schools has shared a new website with families. Please visit  MPS At-Home Learning.  There are multiple links to familiar websites that your child uses in school, plus more.  It is also recommended that families follow a daily schedule that includes structured learning time, activity time, and downtime.  Be sure to check out the website above for a sample schedule. Another daily activity could also be to keep a journal, write a story, interview family members and write a biography. April is National Poetry Month - here is a link worth checking out:  https://poets.org/poems-kids. 

Quashnet students should be checking their google classroom daily.  Teachers have been posting information, suggestions, and challenge questions for students.  Group chats have been going on, read aloud from teachers, recommended assignments have been posted, and so much more.  Thank you to the wonderful Quashnet staff for being there for students and families.  Please don't let your child fall behind.  If your Grade 1-6 child(ren) need a Chromebook at home, use this link to reserve one today: 
                      https://forms.gle/YFyJqXhNe4VZf3zg9.  
Pick-up times for the Chromebook loaner program will be next week, March 24 - March 27, Tuesday - Friday from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM.


There is still want to sign up for our free MEALS-TO-GO program, please complete the form linked https://forms.gle/vXRTskBhqt6Duut3A For next week, the meals can be picked up from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the back of the Quashnet School (Door #8). 

Beginning on Monday, March 30th, we will be packing a week’s worth of lunches and breakfasts for a once-a-week MEALS-TO-GO pick-up on Mondays from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM.

To stay informed, be sure to visit the district website  https://www.mpspk12.org.  Superintendent DeBoer's letter to families is posted there, Frequently Asked Questions is a great resource, you will find additional information on the school closure and COVID-19. It is a great source of information for you. 

Don't be left wondering.  If you have any questions, concerns, or want to share... 

PLEASE reach out by email at  mobrien@mpspk12.org.  

I am checking my email regularly and I will get back to you. The Quashnet School office is not open during this closure period.  

Lucy O'Brien is SO excited to
plan her Spirit Week posts! 

Looking forward to seeing your family pics from this week's SPIRIT WEEK! Students, be sure to check Google Classroom. 

I hope you are well and practicing social distancing. 

Respectfully, 
Principal O'Brien