NPS Engage News
12/20/24
Dear NPS Families and Caregivers,
Need something to do in between viewing college basketball games? Next week there’s a full slate of NPS athletic events, including tennis, softball, lacrosse and much more.
Starting tonight, enjoy a production of The Little Mermaid Jr. at Kennedy Middle School. Next week offers the opportunity to attend NPS’ first Neurodiversity Fair on Wednesday, followed by Art Night on Thursday.
Our students will also begin taking the MCAS exams next week, and we want to take a moment to share how you can best support them during this time.
First, a quick clarification: While voters in Massachusetts chose not to make MCAS a graduation requirement in the fall, the test itself is still very much in place. Educators use MCAS results to understand where students are thriving, where they may need more support, and how we can improve instruction across our schools. The data also help us work toward closing achievement gaps and personalizing learning for every student.
That said, we encourage families to de-emphasize pressure around MCAS performance. Instead of focusing on scores, we ask students to approach the test with a growth mindset—aiming to show more progress than ever before. Every child’s journey is different, and what matters most is that they continue to learn and grow.
You can help by ensuring your child gets plenty of rest, eats a healthy breakfast, and arrives at school ready to do their best. Most importantly, remind them that this test does not define them—it’s simply one tool that helps us understand and support their learning.
Thank you for partnering with us to create a positive and encouraging experience for all students!
-Dr. Melissa Spash
During the week of April 7th-April 11th, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE’s) Office of Language Acquisition will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of the Natick Public Schools. The Office of Language Acquisition reviews each district’s and charter school’s ELE program every six years to monitor compliance with federal and state English learner education laws and regulations. Areas of review will include English learners’ student assessments, identification of English learners; what programs English learners are placed in, parent and community involvement, curriculum and instruction, student support services, licensure requirements for faculty, staff and administration, program plans, and evaluation and recordkeeping.
In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The district will send a survey to the parents of students whose records the review team examines. The survey focuses on key areas of their child’s English learner education program. Survey results will contribute to the monitoring report.
Within approximately 60 business days of the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the Natick Public Schools with a report with information about areas in which the Natick meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the Natick Public Schools requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The report will be available to the public at https://www.doe.mass.edu/ele/cpr/. If you have any questions about the program review you can reach Caitlin O'Neil, the EL Program Coordinator, via email at coneil@natickps.org for assistance.
Thanks to a Boston Department of Youth Employment and Engagement, grant, students in various METCO programs have been working within their districts. They support employees and departments, while gaining valuable skills and earning a paycheck. Asia Brun, a junior at Natick High School, serves as an administrative assistant to the school's front office staff, a role she has embraced with enthusiasm. She appreciates the balance of responsibility, finding the workload engaging yet manageable. In her position, Asia oversees space use requests for the school and processes work permits for students. She shared that this experience has fostered both academic and personal growth, as it encourages her to stay after school for additional support from teachers. Moreover, the role has strengthened her time management and organizational skills, equipping her with valuable abilities that extend beyond the classroom.
Students who participate in the METCO program are thriving from the elementary to high school grade levels. Natick became a partner METCO district in 1969. Learn about METCO's history.
Join ServeNatick for the Natick Impact Collaborative on April 2nd
WHAT: Natick Impact Collaborative (NIC) -- hosted by ServeNatick
WHERE: Natick High School Auditorium (15 West St.)
WHEN: Wednesday 4/2/25, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Learn more & register today: www.servenatick.org/natick-impact-collaborative
** This entire event is run by Natick High School students, from concept to event execution **
The event features leaders from the following organizations:
- Natick Service Council
- Boston Athletic Association
- Mental Health Declassified Inc.
- MetroWest Chamber of Commerce
- Office of Senate President Karen E. Spilka
- MetroWest Nonprofit Network
- Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
- Boston Public Schools
Is someone in your household not receiving the Engage biweekly district newsletter or important notices related to bus transportation? Direct them to communications@natickps.org to let us know.