Weekly Newsletter

Dear Morris Families,

As MCAS testing begins this week, we want to provide an update on its role in school and district accountability. While MCAS is no longer a graduation requirement, it remains a key measure of school performance, student growth, and equity. This assessment helps us understand how we can best support our students and continue to improve our instructional practices.

To kick off testing with excitement, we held an MCAS pep rally, and our students had a fantastic time! There was plenty of school spirit, encouragement, and even a fun surprise. Mrs. Soules and I ended up covered in slime! It was a great way to motivate our test-takers and remind them that we believe in their hard work.

MCAS and Its Role in Accountability

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) uses MCAS results to assess how well schools and districts are meeting student needs. These results help:

• Evaluate Performance: Identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Support Improvement: Provide resources, professional development, and targeted interventions.
• Monitor Achievement Gaps: Track disparities among student groups to promote equitable education.
• Ensure Transparency: Keep schools accountable through public reporting of results.

What This Means for You:

• Students: Although MCAS is not required for graduation, taking it seriously provides valuable feedback on academic progress and helps schools secure necessary support.
• Families: School performance affects available resources and support, making it important to stay informed.
• School Staff: Results guide instructional strategies and professional growth.

MCAS data plays a vital role in ensuring continuous school improvement and addressing educational disparities. For more information, visit the DESE website. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the school.

Thank you for your continued support. We are so proud of our students!

Science Fair Volunteers Needed!

Our Science Fair is coming up, and we need your help to make it a success! If you're available to volunteer, please sign up using the link below. Your support makes a big difference in creating a fun and engaging experience for our students.

Sign up here: Science Fair Volunteer Sign-Up

Thank you for your support!

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.

• March 28th – Hats Off to Reading Day: Students and staff can wear their favorite hat as we wrap up our month-long reading celebration!

• 4/1 Science Fair - 5:30-7 at Morris.
• 4/10 SEPAC Meeting at Morris School 5:30 p.m.
• 4/11 School Dance - 6-6:30 for grades PK-1st. 6:30-7:30 all grades at Morris.
• 4/15 Fifth Grade Shakespeare Play at Shakespeare & Co.
• 4/17 Morris Talent Show - 6pm. At the Duffin Theater, LMMHS.
• 4/18 Early Release 11:45 a.m.
• Stay tuned for Screen Free Activities May 5th -11th
• 5/8 Books Before Bed
• 5/15 SEPAC Meeting at Morris School 5:30 p.m.
• 5/20 Parent Night for incoming Sixth Grade Families @ LMMHS 5:30 p.m.
• 5/21 Kindergarten Information Night for incoming K students
• 5/22 Art Show and Chorus Concert
• 5/23 Ice Cream Social (during school)
• 6/3 Fourth and Fifth Grade Band Concert
• 6/5 Field Day - Rain date 6/6
• 6/10 Last Day of Kindergarten (May change based on snow days.)
• 6/17 Move up Ceremony Fifth Grade 1:30 p.m. (May change based on snow days.)
• 6/18 Last day of school. (May change based on snow days.)