Weekly Newsletter

As we come to the end of another incredible school year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your unwavering support, partnership, and engagement throughout the year. Together, we’ve celebrated so many milestones, watched our students grow in both character and learning, and created memories that will last a lifetime.

It has been a joy to see our students thrive exploring new ideas, building friendships, and embracing challenges with resilience and curiosity. Their enthusiasm and accomplishments have truly made this year special.

As we prepare to close out the school year, we want to wish each and every one of you a safe, restful, and joy-filled summer. May it be filled with sunshine, adventures, time with loved ones, and plenty of opportunities to relax and recharge.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the fall, ready for another year of growth and discovery. Until then, enjoy the well-deserved break!

PTO Recognition and Leadership Update
At our final PTO meeting of the year, we proudly honored Kim Winger and Kristen Morarity for their dedicated service as past Presidents of the PTO. Both of these wonderful women have contributed greatly to the Morris school community through their leadership and unwavering commitment. Their time and efforts have made a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that Ashley Turcak will be serving as next year’s PTO President, with Jane Singer stepping in as Vice President. We look forward to the energy, ideas, and support they will bring to the year ahead.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Apple Squeeze Committee, please email the Morris PTO.

For the past two years, our school has been deeply committed to implementing Tier 1 Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). This framework has helped us create a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment where all students are set up to succeed. Through clearly taught expectations and consistent reinforcement of positive behavior, we’ve built a culture where students are recognized, supported, and empowered every day.

This week, our efforts were evaluated by an outside reviewer as part of our end-of-year Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI)—and we are proud to share that Morris Elementary received an incredible score of 97%, a 27% increase from last June! 🎉

This outstanding result is a direct reflection of the dedication and teamwork of our staff and we especially want to recognize Assistant Principal Soules, who led our PBIS Team this year with vision, energy, and unwavering commitment. Thanks to her leadership and the tireless work of the entire PBIS Team, Morris continues to grow as a place where all students can ROAR: Respect, Ownership, Acceptance, and Responsibility.

We’ve attached the following documents that showcase the strength and intentionality behind our work:

• Morris PBIS Annual End-of-Year Evaluation

• Tier 1 Annual Planning Template

Assistant Principal Soules and I could not be prouder of our PBIS Team, our staff, and our students for embracing this work with such heart. Thank you, families, for being our partners and champions throughout this journey.

Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to build on our success. At Morris, we will continue to ROAR! 🐯

The LMMHS Food Box Program will continue to run over the summer facilitated locally now by our partners at Church on the Hill. If you are interested in receiving a weekly box of pantry items, fresh produce, proteins, dairy items, and dried rice and beans, contact Ellen Merritt at 441-5335.

The food pantry at the Methodist Church at 9 Holmes Rd.(behind the Mobil Gas station) is open every Saturday between 9-10 AM to all Lenox residents.

Amy T. Higgins (she/her)

School Adjustment Counselor

Lenox Memorial Middle & High School

197 East Street

Lenox, MA 01240

413-637-5560 ext. 6650

As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety, we want to inform you of an additional step in our background check process. To further ensure the safety of our students, anyone submitting a CORI request—including employees, volunteers, subcontractors, and others—must now also complete a DCF Background Check Form.

• As CORIs expire part of the new process will also be a DCF Background Check Form.
• All new CORI request will include a DCF Background check.

• 6/17 Move up Ceremony Fifth Grade 1:30 p.m.
• 6/18 Last day of school dismissal at 11:45 a.m.

2025-2026 School Year Upcoming Events

• 8/27 2:30 - 3:00 Popsicle social on the back playground
• Meet your teacher and students in your classroom.
• 8/28 First day of school for students first through fifth grade
• 9:00 - 10:00 Welcome coffee sponsored by the PTO.
• Half day of school for kindergarten
• 8/29 Half day of school for kindergarten
• 9/1 Labor Day - No School for students
• 9/2 First day of school Pre - K
• 9/11 Back to School Night - Morris
• 9/16 PTO Meeting
• 9/27 🍎 Apple Squeeze 🍎
• Save the date: Our biggest fundraiser is coming up, and we’ll need parent volunteers to help make it a success. More details soon!