Perry Newsletter

As we mentioned last week, we are very excited to announce that the Perry School is now in the 82nd percentile in the state – up from the 21st percentile just three years ago!

Here are a few more highlights from the data released to the public last week:

• #2 in the state in ELA student growth percentile (second to Petersham Center School in Central Mass)

• This is the first time that any school has repeated in the top two in ELA student growth percentile in the state since 2015 - 2016.

• #1 in the state in both ELA and Math performance amongst the ELL and former ELL subgroup

• #1 in the city in ELA performance and #2 in the city in Math performance amongst the High Needs subgroup

• #1 in the city in ELA performance and #2 in the city in Math performance amongst the Special Ed subgroup

If you didn’t get a chance, please see last week’s MCAS Update linked here.

We will be hosting our Fall Family Open House on Thursday, October 10th from 4:30 to 6:00 PM. We hope to see you all there!

As a reminder, this will be an opportunity for families to visit their child's classroom(s) and see what's happening at the Perry each day. (Please do note that this is not intended as a time for one-on-one conferences with teachers.)

If you're interested in volunteering, please contact Rachel at rachelpearson123@gmail.com.

When visiting or picking up a student, we kindly ask that all visitors ring the bell. While in most situations holding the door for the person behind you is a kind gesture, we ask that you do not hold the door open for other visitors. This is to ensure the safety of both our students and staff.

As a reminder, when picking your student(s) up early from school, we ask that you do so by 3:30pm to avoid classroom disruptions.

As a reminder, the Book Fair will be open for families one last time this afternoon from 4:30 PM to 5:15 PM. Please enter through the main entrance in the parking lot. Happy Reading!

We would like to give a huge shark shout out to all of our parents who volunteered to help set up and helped run the book fair this week! We could not have done it without you all!

THANK YOU! 💖

Please save the date for Fall Picture Day: Thursday, November 7th. Details for ordering pictures will be sent along as we get closer to the date.

As a reminder, it is our hope and expectation that all students read (or are read to) for at least twenty minutes each night. Independent reading at home should be primarily for pleasure and based on your child’s interests.

Looking to change up the reading routine? Here are a few options to possibly try:

• Listen to a book on tape.

• Watch and listen to a read aloud on YouTube.

• Have your child read aloud to you.

• Read a book to your child that is above their reading level, but still engaging.

• Start a “book club” with your child, in which you both read the same book independently and discuss/ compare notes.

Routinely reading at home truly makes a HUGE difference in building your child’s “reading muscles” and their lifelong love of reading! Thank you for helping to make this happen on a daily basis!

Name: Logan B.

Q: What's your favorite part about school?

A: Going to the book fair! I also like the Perry playground.

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?

A: I want to be a construction worker! I like construction.

Q: What's your favorite food?

A: Potatoes!

Q: If you could have any super power in the world, what would it be?

A: To run really fast!

Q: If it were up to one superhero to save the world, who would it be?

A: Flash. He would run around so fast and save everyone!

Introducing the Boston Music Project Team for this year -- welcome back Mr. G and Ms. Lily and a first-time welcome to Ms. M! Boston Music Project provides weekly music instruction on Tuesdays for every class at the Perry.

* John Glennon, also known as Mr. G, will teach in-school music, as well as before school brass at the Perry School. He is a Boston based musician, brass pedagogue, and educator. From 2021-2023, Mr. G worked at the Joyce Kilmer K-8, and has since been a full-time teacher with Boston Music Project. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Gettysburg College and a Master of Music Education from Longy.

* Lily O’Mara, known by Ms. Lily, will be our early childhood and special education music specialist. Ms. Lily has taught previously at the Roger Clap, Perkins, and Winthrop Elementary Schools with BMP as a supporting and lead teacher. She holds a degree in Choral Music Education from Indiana University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Music Education with an Autism Concentration at Berklee.

* Mikayla Frank-Martin, Ms. M, will be teaching before and in-school brass at the Perry this year. She is currently a teaching artist with Boston Music Project, and has taught at the Roger Clap School. She holds a degree from Lawrence University in trombone performance and psychology. Currently, Ms. M is pursuing a Master’s degree at Boston Conservatory.

We also want to extend huge welcome to our Doc Wayne Recess Team! The Doc Wayne Team provides coaching for students everyday during recess – helping to facilitate games and providing Social-Emotional Learning instruction (for example, teaching the importance of sportsmanship or helping to build conflict resolutions skills).

Hi! I’m Coach Avery! I am from Salem, Massachusetts and graduated from Emmanuel College in 2023 with a degree in psychology. My hobbies include reading and watching baseball. I’m very excited for the new school year!!

-----------------------------------------

Hi! I’m Coach Ally. I graduated from Bates College in 2024 with a degree in psychology and was the captain of the women’s tennis team. When I’m not coaching or playing tennis I love to rock climb. I am super excited to get to work with you all this year.

On Monday, October 14th, schools are closed for Indigenous Peoples’ Day. For other upcoming holidays this year, please see the 2024 - 2025 BPS Calendar linked here.

For families with students in K0-K1, please refer to the Pre-K menu on the second page.