Superintendent's Message
I'm pleased to report that it has been a very warm but smooth start to the year. It is wonderful to have students and staff back on campus!
Last fall MERSD completed and began implementation of its Strategic and District Improvement Plans. The Strategic Plan consists of the district Mission, Vision and Core Values. It forms the construct for the development of the district-based and school-based Improvement Plans and the framework for the development of teacher goals and objectives.
The District Improvement Plan is our commitment to continual improvement, focused on creating a learning environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. It also is our commitment to provide future-focused, hands-on education in a school environment that is inclusive, equitable and respectful of differences.
Finally, the District Improvement Plan is a living document. It provides a road map for growth and informs the development of school and educator plans, advancing our strategic priorities of fostering authentic learning and integrating social emotional learning into all aspects of the school day.
Despite the ongoing budget challenge, we are making solid progress toward reaching our goals and expanding our capacity to help students achieve their goals. During the 2022-2023 school year 87% of our curriculum and instruction district improvement deliverables were completed or on track for completion. To learn more about our accomplishments and plans for the year ahead, please visit our Strategic Plan page.
As a result of this work by faculty and staff, MERSD continues to be recognized as one of the highest-performing schools in the state. Manchester Essex High School was ranked 2nd in this fall’s Boston Magazine Best High Schools edition this fall and remains among the top 5% of high schools nationwide in the year’s US News & World Report rankings.
We have a lot of exciting work on our agenda for the year ahead, and I encourage you to get involved with the many opportunities available to volunteer and serve on committees. Watch your email and the October District Newsletter for announcements on ways to get involved.
As we begin a new year, I would like to thank you for your ongoing support of our students and of our schools. Schools are a part of their communities and work best when the lines between home and school remain open. Communication is important so please do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher, counselor or building Principal with any questions or concerns you may have. Additionally, I welcome and value your input so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have a suggestion or need assistance with an issue.
Have a great year!
Pam
Late August we held our annual New Staff Orientation Day, where all new faculty were invited to spend a couple of days getting to know the district better. At this session, we introduced them to the full-year staff, shared the district Mission and Vision, and provided them with an overview of our expectations for teaching and learning. We have been incredibly impressed with the level of professionalism and student-centeredness that our new members have exhibited, and I am certain they will make our team stronger.
I am excited to be joining MERSD as the Director of Curriculum and Instructional Technology. I will be working through the steps of my ENTRY PLAN as I get to know the school district, Essex, and Manchester communities. The community survey is still open, and I am happy to set up meetings to hear more from you in-person.
What does the Director of Curriculum do anyway? When we use the word “curriculum” we mean far more than the textbooks. Curriculum includes all aspects of student learning experiences. Curriculum in schools includes pacing, assessment, curricular materials, and instructional methodology, all of which align to our MA State Frameworks. The work supported by the Curriculum office will ensure vertical and horizontal alignment, provide high quality professional learning opportunities, and facilitate collaborative teams that are responsive to our student needs and research in the field.
Heather Leonard
Director of Curriculum & Instructional Technology
Registration is required for all riders
All bus riders, regardless of distance to their school, must register to ride the bus in order to receive a bus pass. In accordance with the fee schedule established by the School Committee of the Manchester Essex Regional School District (MERSD), all riders who live less than 1.5 miles from school must pay a $225 transportation fee.
When will I receive a bus pass?
Bus passes will be distributed at school during the first two weeks of the new school year. After that time, only students with a bus pass will be allowed to ride.
For more information on Bus and Transportation click HERE
The Open Door Food Truck will visit Essex Elementary School and Manchester Memorial Elementary School. For more information about The Open Door please visit their website.
Essex Elementary
Third Wednesday of each month during the school year.
2:45-3:30 P.M.
12 Story St.
Essex, MA
Managing Social Media and the Adolescent Brain
Presenter: Elizabeth Englander
October 12th ~ 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. ~ Virtual
Sponsored by Middle School Council
Powerful Strategies to Help Children Develop Independent Executive Functioning Skills
(including a focus on using technology in positive/helpful ways)
Presenter - Sarah Ward
January 3rd ~ 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. ~ Virtual
Sponsored by Middle School Council
More information and events coming soon!
