I am pleased to share that Essex Elementary School was named a School of Recognition by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Schools of Recognition demonstrate progress toward annual accountability targets which are set at the school level to ensure all schools are continuing to improve and grow.

Progress indicators considered in the school's accountability report include achievement and growth in various subjects, attendance, and other indicators. EES showed particular strengths in the areas of Math and Science achievement, student growth scores in both English and Math and exceeded the target goals in decreasing absenteeism.

Congratulations to Essex Elementary students, faculty, staff, and families for this achievement and for their dedication to supporting student growth and success.

The Spaulding Education Fund (SEF) has been a dedicated partner of Manchester Essex Regional Schools (MERSD) for over 25 years, supporting educational excellence through its generous grants. SEF's contributions enhance core subjects like math, science, reading, and writing, while also enriching programs in foreign language, music, art, and physical education for students in grades K-12.

This year, SEF hosted the 13th Annual Night of Stars Talent Show, featuring 32 acts and 52 performers from the community. The event was a great success, raising over $25,000 for MERSD, thanks to the support of sponsors, volunteers, and enthusiastic participants. We are deeply grateful for SEF’s continued investment in our schools, which helps us provide an engaging educational experience for all students.

Superintendent's Coffee RSVP Link

Facilitated by Kerry Gallagher, JD, Education Director of ConnectSafely.org and Assistant Principal at St. John’s Prep.

Session #1: A Foundation for Healthier Tech Use

November 14th, 6:00pm

MS/HS Learning Commons

Appropriate for families at all levels

Please RSVP to help us plan for space needs: https://forms.gle/z3TpFHNnVowphWxv6 (RSVP is not required to attend, all are welcome!)

A resource for parents who have questions, suggestions, or would like to share ideas with other parents of special education students. Contact MERSD SEPAC Facilitators Elizabeth Crowley-Burns and Caitlin Eppes at mersdsepac@mersd.org

Play is not just something children do, it is one of the most important ways they learn basic skills including academics and social interactions. This critical part of every child's development should be supported by families and schools. In this workshop, join us to learn about the kinds of play and how to help your child make the best out of play.

Monday, December 16th

3:15-4:15pm

Instructor: Alison Turpel

Location: Ms. Turpel's Preschool Classroom

Childcare is available for this workshop!

RSVP: Shelley Mullarkey - mullarkeys@mersd.org or 978-525-6060 and let us know if you would like to access childcare during the workshop.

If you are interested but cannot attend in the afternoon, email Shelley Mullarkey or Allison Collins. Depending on interest level from parents, we may also schedule a repeat of this workshop at 7:00pm on Monday, December 16 via Zoom.

Questions? Contact Allison Collins at collinsa@mersd.org.

During the 2023-24 school year, MERSD facilitated an Arts Program review supported by MA DESE's Arts Culture grant. Our Arts Council (a representative team of educators, family, community members, and administrators) utilized the Arts & Cultural Vitality Index to examine measures of all aspects of arts and cultural programming offered in our district. The overview findings of the Arts Council can be VIEWED HERE. Next steps includes utilizing the review data to formulate an action plan based on the areas of need identified in the review.

During the November 5th School Committee meeting we shared an overview of our district data, including review of last year and information about the start of our school year. The data presentation can be viewed in the link below or by watching the School Committee Meeting video replay.

Did you know that missing just 2 days each month would mean your child is chronically absent from school? (that equates to over 18 days, which is more than 10% of the school year.)

The Open Door Food Truck will visit Essex Elementary School and Manchester Memorial Elementary School. For more information about The Open Door please visit their website.

Essex Elementary
12 Story St.
Essex, MA

3rd Wednesday each month
(during the school year only)
2:45 pm – 3:30 pm

Manchester Memorial Elementary School
43 Lincoln St.
Manchester, MA
1st Wednesday each month
(during the school year only)
2:45 pm – 3:30 pm

36 Lincoln St., Manchester, MA 01944

https://www.mersd.org/

Phone 978.526.4919

Fax 978.526.7585