CH School News & More - 3.25.25

Dear Claypit Hill Caregivers,

Today marks the beginning of the MCAS testing season for students at Claypit. We can agree that there are varying viewpoints when it comes to this test. Regardless of your personal views we do believe that the way educators and families discuss MCAS with our students is important. In an effort to take the pressure off our students there is a temptation to say, “We don’t care about MCAS.” While the intention here is a good one, we’re not sure it truly serves our students. Instead, consider saying, “We expect you to do your best everyday. When it comes to MCAS, we expect that you’ll give it your all. When you do your best, you make us proud.”

MCAS testing started in 1998. Since its inception, the test has improved. The reading selections, both narrative and informational, are generally interesting and the questions are fair. Math and science tests are reflective of the standards educators are charged with teaching.

What is especially hard for our students is that the test requires them to work for an hour or an hour or a half at a time. This kind of focused work, in the absence of body breaks and socialization, is not something that we demand from students on a regular basis. This test requires focus and stamina and that can be really hard for our students, especially our third graders who are taking the test for the first time.

As caregivers, there are a few things you can do to better support your student as they prepare to take the MCAS test.

• Insist that your student gets a great night’s sleep the night before

• Wake your student a little earlier

• Provide a nutritious breakfast for your student

• Keep the morning routine chill without the stress of rushing

• Ensure your child arrives to school on time

• Encourage your student to do their best and remind them that you believe in them

Schools and caregivers will receive MCAS data in late September/early October. The data we receive, when we know a child has done their best, provides a picture of each child's strengths and helps us to focus on areas for improvement. The data helps us to look at the effectiveness of our curriculum and teaching practices, too.

MCAS season is here. Please join us in ensuring that it is as positive an experience as possible for your child.

Sincerely,

Marie, Kate, and Naomi

The Claypit Hill Art Show is this Wednesday 3/26! Claypit's cafeteria will be transformed into an art gallery featuring each student's favorite masterpiece from this year.

We’re in need of 2-3 more volunteers to help with easy, 30-minute shifts at the art show (Wed, March 26). Please sign-up here to help!

Thank you in advance, this event wouldn't be possible without your and PTO support!

The Wayland Girl Scouts are collecting and packing birthday materials for the nonprofit Birthday Wishes, who organizes birthday parties for children experiencing homelessness. If you'd like to help, please consider contributing materials by Thursday, March 27:

• Order an item from our Amazon wish list or

• Drop off wrapping paper, a pack of candles, icing or a box of cake mix at Btone, Claypit Hill, Happy Hollow, Loker or the Wayland library

Thank you for your support!

We need additional volunteers to help our 3rd grade classrooms’ Just Like Me disability awareness program on Wed, March 26. Third graders will be learning about Deafness and Hard of Hearing Activities are heavily scripted and material and the script will be provided in advance. Please sign-up here if you can help. Thank you for your help in bringing this back to our community and running smoothly

The hour-long session will include an opening introduction with a video and then students will break up into stations for some experiential learning activities. A guest speaker will come later to speak to the students.

Any questions, please reach out to Elizabeth Wuerz at elizabeth.wuerz@gmail.com

Claypit Campus and Garden Clean Up - April 11

Please save the date and RSVP here for our Claypit Campus and Garden Clean Up. Join us on Friday, April 11th from 5pm-7pm to help get our school’s outdoor space ready for spring – we will pick up trash, clean out beds, and prep our community garden for spring planting.

We need more parent support to keep these green initiatives going! If you are interested in helping, please contact ClaypitPTO@gmail.com.

Be Part of the Wayland World’s Fair! Sign Up to Host a Booth or Get Involved

Sunday, May 18
2:00–4:00 PM
Loker School Back Field

Wayland World’s Fair is back, and we invite you to be part of this exciting celebration of culture, community, and connection! Hosted by all three Wayland Elementary Schools, this beloved event brings families together to explore traditions from around the world—through food, music, dance, games, crafts, and more!

Sign-up here to get involved: https://tinyurl.com/WorldFair2025

• Host a Booth – Share a country’s traditions, cuisine, and customs with the community.

• Join a Booth – Want to participate but not ready to host? Sign up, and we’ll match you with a booth!

• Become a Sponsor – Support the event and gain visibility in the community