FBMS Weekly Newsletter

March 17, 2025 #empoweringchange&inspiringhope

MARCH AT A GLANCE

3/19-Early Release

MCAS TESTING BEGINS 4/1

All students will be participating in the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System testing (MCAS) next month in April and May. MCAS testing is required for all students who attend Massachusetts public schools. These assessments provide valuable insight into student learning, helping us identify strengths and areas for growth while ensuring our curriculum meets state standards. The data from the tests helps us to make decisions regarding our curriculum and instruction every year.

Please take note of the following dates. Any student who is absent will make up testing upon returning.

4/1 and 4/3: Grades 6, 7, and 8 ELA

4/29 and 5/1: Grades 6, 7, and 8 Math

5/6 and 5/8: Grade 8, STEM

5/20 and 5/21: Grade 8, Civics

PROJECT 351

Our FBMS Project 351 Ambassador Cora N. spoke to our school committee members on upcoming projects in the pipeline for 2025.

Project 351 is an independent nonprofit organization that builds a movement of youth-led service by engaging an unsung hero from each of Massachusetts' 351 cities and towns. United for a year of leadership and service, Ambassadors transform communities, elevate kindness, advance social justice, and gain the courage, compassion, and capabilities to lead change.

Project 351 is determined to meet the demand for high quality, enriching service opportunities that respect and reflect the unique gifts and world changing aspirations of young people. And, to joyfully mobilize that abundance of talent and goodness to uplift, unite, and transform communities.

Thank you Cora for your continued commitment!

CRIMINAL JUSTICE CLUB HIGHLIGHTS

The Furnace Brook Criminal Justice Club had two guest speakers at their meeting this week: Officer Bruno and Officer Fitzgerald from the Marshfield Police Department. Thank you for coming in and sharing your stories with our students.

AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT

This past week our enrichment classes were filled with fun activities...sewing, sports, board games and more!

EGG YOUR YARD- SPONSORED BY MHS DECA PROGRAM

The "Egg Your Yard" fundraiser sponsored by DECA. This fundraiser helps subsidize their trip to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC), where MHS students compete and represent Marshfield on a global stage.

For the fundraiser, our DECA members will be hiding eggs for Easter egg hunts at homes in the community.

Marshfield DECA’s "Egg My Yard" Fundraiser!

Surprise your kids with a yard full of Easter eggs on Easter morning! Marshfield DECA will hide treat-filled eggs in your yard the night before, so you can wake up to a fun Easter surprise. Simply place your order, and we’ll take care of the rest!

Cost:

$20 - 12 eggs

$30 - 24 eggs

$40 - 36 eggs

$50 - 50 eggs

OPTIONAL ADD-ON: $5 - Golden egg filled with small toys & extra candy

Sign up at bit.ly/eggmyyard2025! Confirmation emails will be sent after completing the form, and all payments are due by Tuesday, April 15th.

*Please note this is only for Marshfield residents!

ADAPTIVE LEADER PROGRAM

This past week our FBMS adaptive peer leaders showed off their badminton skills.

CURRENT 8th GRADE FAMILIES

A presentation was held this past week for current 8th grade students to go over the MHS program of studies and electives for September 2025.

These are available for reference:

* Grade 9 Elective Options

* MHS Program of Studies

Please be sure to check out our video. CLICK HERE to access it.

CURRENT 5th GRADE FAMILIES- ASPEN PORTAL OPEN UNTIL 3/24

We are very excited for the Class of 2032 to join the Furnace Brook Middle School community this fall!

At this time, the FBMS Course Selection window is open in the Aspen Portal. 6th Grade students select their FBMS Music Course through that Portal.

The following subjects are required courses for all Grade 6 students. A complete description of these courses is available on the FBMS website under “Program of Studies.”

Grade 6 English/Language Arts
Grade 6 Mathematics
Grade 6 Science
Grade 6 Social Studies
6th Grade Foundations
Grade 6 Art (1/2 year)
Grade 6 Health (1/2 year)
Grade 6 Physical Education
Grade 6 Music (Band, Orchestra/Strings, Chorus, or Music Appreciation)*

*All incoming 6th grade students must request a music course (Band, Orchestra/Strings, Chorus, or Music Appreciation), and will do so via Aspen, the district’s secure, web-based Student Information System. All music classes are full-year courses.

Please follow the directions attached to make a Music course selection for Grade 6. Your child’s course selection must be completed by Monday, March 24, 2025. Students who do not request and post a Music course by the deadline will have a Music course chosen for them. The course descriptions for FBMS Music Courses can be found here.

Instructions for Selecting a Music Course in the Aspen Portal:

Grade 6 Music Course in the Aspen Student Portal.pdf (ENGLISH)

Curso de Música da 6ª série no Aspen Student Portal.pdf (PORTUGUESE)

LIBRARY NEWS

The March reading program is underway. Check out the CANVAS page for more details

FROM THE MIND OF A MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT...

How do you rate your favorite candy from 1-10? What's your honorable mention?

From the Mind of a Different Middle Schooler....

Eating cheetos with a spoon so your fingers don't turn orange...brilliant!

UPCOMING TECHNOLOGY SEMINAR FOR PARENTS-3/26

Parents, please join Marshfield & Duxbury Public School Districts on March 26, 2025 at the Duxbury Performing Arts Center for an informational session on navigating Digital Technology. We are honored to have guest speaker Dr. Jill Walsh, an author, researcher and digital space advocate.

GREEN TEAM TRASH FREE TUESDAYS

Furnace Brook Middle School's Green Team started their Trash-Free Tuesdays. Please try to avoid bringing pre-packaged food, plastic Ziploc bags, plastic water bottles, etc. We understand that zero packaging can be a challenge; all we ask is everyone's best effort. Instead of putting goldfish in a plastic bag, toss it in a small reusable container instead. The Green Team and our planet thank you!

SAVE THE DATE..8th GRADE FAMILIES

Mark your calendars for the 8th grade processional!

FROM THE CLINIC

We look forward to assisting families and students in achieving optimal health and wellness during the academic school year. Please feel free to contact us at any time with concerns or questions.

Maura Carroll, RN, BSN mcarroll@mpsd.org

Karen Mellen, RN, BSN kmellen@mpsd.org

Megan Owren RN, BSN mowren@mpsd.org

Clinic Contact Information: Phone: (781)-319-3965 / Fax: (781)-319-1780

FBMS CLINIC WELCOMES SNACKS, JUICE, & TISSUE DONATIONS

The FBMS Clinic is accepting specific snack and juice donations. They also welcome Tissue donations.

We are now accepting donations of the following items:

Saltine crackers
Individual serving bags of Goldfish crackers
Individual serving bags of Smartfood (as a gluten free option)
100% Juice Boxes -- preferably 15g. carbs or fewer per juice box (ex. Apple Juice)
Tissues

Donations can be brought to the FBMS Clinic by students or dropped at the main office by families. Your generosity is great appreciated! Thank you!

Families of Incoming Kindergarten Students- REGISTRATION IS OPEN

If you have not already done so, please submit your child’s kindergarten registration as soon as possible.

Children entering Kindergarten must be five (5) years old by August 31, 2025.

Kindergarten Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open!

Children entering Kindergarten must be five (5) years old by August 31, 2025.

Click HERE to visit the Kindergarten Registration webpage.

Parents have the option to register online or in-person at their child’s school.

Please be sure to complete your child’s registration no later than Friday, February 28, 2025.

LATE BUSES ARE AVAILABLE M-TH

Later than normal transportation, or "late buses," run almost every day. FBMS provides two late buses: a North Marshfield bus and a South Marshfield bus. If your child is staying after school for a club or activity, your child can take a late bus home at approximately 4:05PM. Events that run later than 4PM will require a ride home.

Students can determine what bus to ride (North or South) by checking the list of bus stops located in the front lobby. Additionally, students must have a bus pass to ride the bus. Buses pick up and leave an hour and a half (4PM) after dismissal so it gives students time to participate in after school activities or obtain extra help. We will be on hand to help students navigate this optional transportation.

DISTRICT EVENTS

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

Ready to tackle a new sport? Join our Rugby Club at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield! Open to kids in K–Grade 6, this exciting program runs from March 20 – April 17 on Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:45–6:45 PM.

$125 per child

Learn skills, teamwork, and have fun!

Register now here https://bgcmarshfieldmch.my.site.com/portal/s/login-home!

#RugbyClub #BGCMarshfield #YouthSports #MarshfieldMA