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McGovern News!
March 3, 2023
I hope you all had a wonderful vacation. The weather this week has been quite surprising, especially since we really haven't had much of a "winter." Our students did a great job transitioning back to school and learning.
All times of the year are important and special in the life of a school. March through the end of the year have a particular buzz as students are really starting to put all of their academic and social emotional learning together. Students have gained a great deal of independence and have grown leaps and bounds since September. It is truly exciting to see this happen for our students and hopefully your noticing at home too!
Have a great weekend.
Best,
Amy McDonald, Principal
Night of the Arts !
Save the Date!
Dear McGovern Families,
The Allied Arts Team (Wellness, Music, Art, Science, and Library) will be
hosting Open House events for the McGovern School! Save the following dates:
PreK families
May 17th, 3:30-4:30
Kindergarten families
May 17th, 5:30-6:30
First Grade families
May 24th, 5:30-6:30
More information will be shared as we get closer to the date, but we wanted you to mark your
calendars for these fun upcoming events! Please reach out with any questions!
Brad Shoenfelt, Wellness
Peter Malagodi, Music
Beth Ann Cornwell, Art
Stephanie Fogaren, Science
Matthew Holt, Library
Thank you MEPTO for organizing our "Celebrating African American History" Bulletin Board
Caregiver Connection & Support Group
351 Clothing Drive
Did you know that 245,000 children in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts don’t have warm, comfortable clothing to wear to school each day? Across our state, thousands of children between the ages of zero and twelve depend on donations of basic clothing necessities each year. Cradles to Crayons is a non-profit organization that works with approximately 75,000 families across the commonwealth to meet these needs. But they can’t do it alone! Please consider helping out this noble organization and these deserving children by donating new or gently used clothing at one of our conveniently located drop boxes any time between March 20 and March 31. You can find donation boxes at the following locations:
Medway Middle School
Burke Memorial School
McGovern Elementary School
Medway Public Library
Boxes will be easy to recognize by their bright colors and “Project 351” and “Cradles to Crayons” labels.
Please remember that “quality equals dignity.” Cradles to Crayons and these deserving children request that you tailor your donations to the age range of 0-12 years, and only donate clothes that are still in new, or nearly new condition. Clothing cannot be accepted if it has rips, stains, or any sort of messaging. Donations of socks, underwear, and/or pajamas are greatly needed but can only be accepted if they are new.
Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity! Together, we can improve the lives of thousands of kids and families across Massachusetts.
Aurelia Mello
Project 351 Ambassador
Medway Middle School
Mrs. Cowern's Class hosts a Book talk for families
COVID-19 REMINDERS AND PROTOCOLS
With the cold and flu season upon us, and the continuing challenges posed by COVID-19, it is important that we all stay vigilant in protecting the health of our schools. At-home testing is encouraged when your child or a family member has symptoms. Free at-home tests are available with most health insurance through CVS. If your child tests positive, please inform your child’s school nurse and follow COVID protocols around isolation and mask-wearing. We encourage you to keep your child home when exhibiting COVID and influenza symptoms and recommend mask-wearing when sick. For tips on effective mask-wearing and mask options, please click here.
Parking for School Events
Principal Coffee Hours
The coffee hour in January was focused on inclusion for all students. You can find the presentation here. Please reach out to Shelby Holt or Amy McDonald with any questions.
Please mark your calendars for upcoming coffee hours this year:
May 8, 2023
Kindergarten Registration is Open
We have several events leading up to our first day of kindergarten including Summer Kindergarten Camp. You can find them here. We look forward to welcoming our Class of 2036 to the Medway Public Schools!
Preschool Lottery is Open!
Preschool Lottery applications close March 8, 2023
The preschool lottery packet that explains the process in detail can be found here.
You can find a timeline of the Preschool Lottery/Registration Process here.
You can enter your child in the preschool lottery by filling out this Google Form.
The Book Fair is Coming !
Please reach out to our Library Media Specialists Mat Holt (mholt@medwayschools.org) with any questions.
2022-2023 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SCHOOL REPORT CARD
Dear McGovern Elementary School Families:
Every year, each public school and district in Massachusetts receives a report card. Just as your child’s report card shows how they are doing in different subjects, the school’s report card is designed to show families how our school and district are doing in different areas. A link to a fact sheet about the report card can be found here: here. A link to our district’s report card is available here.
The report card includes multiple measures of a school’s performance – more than just MCAS scores. It represents a new way of looking at school performance, by providing information on student achievement, teacher qualifications, student learning opportunities, and more.
Report cards are designed to be useful tools for everyone connected to our school. Families can use the information to have meaningful conversations with us about what the school is doing well and where there is room for improvement. Community and education leaders can use the information to better understand how to support students and our school.
We encourage you to become involved in helping us improve our school. We see parents as critical partners in the success of our students and school, and we are grateful for your continued support.
Finally, as your child attends a school that receives federal Title I funds, you also have the right to request the following information about the qualifications of your child’s classroom teachers:
Whether your child’s teacher is licensed in the grade levels and subject areas they teach,
Whether your child’s teacher is teaching under an emergency license or waiver,
The college degree and major of your child’s teacher, and
Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.
If you have questions about our district report card, would like to become involved in school improvement activities, or would like to request information about the qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher, please contact Mrs. Amy McDonald, principal.
Sincerely,
Gabrielle Abrams
Assistant Superintendent
Medway Public Schools
OLDER NEWS !
Bingo for Books with MEPTO !
Friday, March 3rd in the Memorial School Cafeteria. Registration is required, please click here to register!
88 Keys
Medway Public Schools, in partnership with our support organizations, are excited to invite funding contributions to support the purchase of a new professional performance piano and additional performing arts’ department needs! For fundraising details, please see the 88 Keys for Kids and MFPA Annual Campaign flyer! Thank you for your support!
2023-2024 School Calendar
At the School Committee meeting that was held on Thursday, February 2, the 2023-2024 School Year Calendar was approved. School Committee also approved the 2024 Medway High School Graduation date. Click here to view!
Medway App
MFE Trivia Bee
After School Program Reminders - Parking
There are various after school programs (Monday through Thursday from 3:15-4:15 PM) at McGovern School. Please park using the front circle and side parking lots. Please do not block in other cars. Most importantly, please do not park in front the bus and please leave enough room behind the bus so it can pull out first.
Lost and Found
MPS Budget Development and Approval Process
March 9, 2023: Public Forum on the FY24 Budget
On Thursday, March 9, at 7:00 p.m., in the Medway Middle School Presentation Room, the School Committee and Dr. Pires will host a public forum for interested community members regarding the FY24 budget. This session is interactive and participant questions will be answered.
March 16, 2023: Public Hearing on FY24 Budget and FY24 Budget Vote
On Thursday, March 16, at 6:00 p.m. in the Medway Middle School Presentation Room, community members are invited to share public comments regarding the proposed FY24 budget with the School Committee. This is the final opportunity for community feedback prior to the School Committee vote on the FY24 budget planned as part of the regular School Committee meeting agenda later this evening. Feedback shared at the hearing will be acknowledged and noted, but there will not be a dialogue during the Budget Hearing.
At 7:00 p.m. this same evening, in the Medway Middle School Presentation Room, the School Committee will vote to forward the FY24 Medway Public Schools Budget to the Town of Medway, to be included as part of the FY24 Town of Medway budget.
May 8, 2023: Town Meeting
Community members are encouraged to attend Medway’s Town Meeting on Monday, May 8, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., at Medway High School, 88 Summer Street, when residents will be asked to vote on the Town of Medway FY24 budget, which will be inclusive of the FY24 Medway Public School’s budget to be used for the 2023-2024 school year.
COVID-19 Reminders and Protocols
With the cold and flu season upon us, and the continuing challenges posed by COVID-19, it is important that we all stay vigilant in protecting the health of our schools. At-home testing is encouraged when your child or a family member has symptoms. Free at-home tests are available with most health insurance through CVS. If your child tests positive, please inform your child’s school nurse and follow COVID protocols around isolation and mask-wearing. We encourage you to keep your child home when exhibiting COVID and influenza symptoms and recommend mask-wearing when sick. For tips on effective mask-wearing and mask options, please click here.
SORA
We’re excited to remind you that the school has access to a wonderful reading resource called Sora. Sora is an online library, run through the Massachusetts Library Network, giving our students access to thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, and digital read aloud books. The service is free to all students, accessible at all times, and only requires your student’s school email and password to access it. Sora can be accessed at home via your web browser at soraapp.com/library/masslibma or download the Sora app onto your device.
When using Sora for the first time, please select our school district ‘Medway Public Schools’ from the list and then use your student’s school email address (@student.medwayschools.org) and password, this is the same password students use to log into their Chromebooks. Student’s may borrow up to 5 books at a time and keep them for 21 days or return them early if they wish to check out more.
If you have any issues accessing Sora please email support@medwayschools.org
Fuel Assistance
Inclement Weather
It is the goal of the district to hold school whenever possible. Parents and students should plan accordingly and leave plenty of time on winter mornings to arrive at school safely. Please know that the final decision about a child attending school during a weather event always rests with individual families. There may be occasions when deteriorating weather will mean that schools close due to unsafe conditions.
The superintendent will review anticipated road and sidewalk conditions, access to schools, projected weather forecasts, and consult with the police and public works departments in order to make a determination between approximately 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. if conditions will be safe for students to come to school.
The following plans will be in effect for inclement weather:
No School Announcement
If the superintendent has determined the conditions are unsafe, school will be canceled. The district will utilize the emergency notification system that will contact your home/cell phone and email using the information you have provided to your child’s school. The “no-school” announcement will also be carried on local television channels 4, 5, and 7.
All classes, school activities, before and after school programs, the Medway Extended Day program (MEDI), daycare program, adult education evening classes, and any school facilities use activities will be canceled. Transportation of students to out-of-district schools will also be canceled.
One- or Two-Hour Delayed Opening Announcement
If the superintendent has been notified that the public works department needs additional time to plow or sand the streets to ensure safety, then a determination for a one or two hour delay may be made. As with no-school announcements, the delayed opening announcement will be made using the emergency notification system to home/cell phone and email and carried on local television channels.
Please keep in mind:
Bus routes will begin by a one or two hour delay, including all special education transportation for out-of-district schools.
Do not send your child to school earlier than the delayed opening, as the school grounds may not be plowed and there will be no staff available to supervise early arrivals.
PreK ½ day sessions will take place if a one hour delay is called, and will be canceled for a two hour delay.
School lunch will be served at its regularly scheduled time.
Schools will be dismissed at their regular times.
Emergency Early Release Announcement
If a severe weather condition or other emergency develops during the school day, the district may release students before the typical end of the school day. Parents will be notified by home/cell phone and email and the announcement will be carried on local television channels, and displayed on the district website. As appropriate, the district will work with public safety officials to shelter students in the district if unable to send home.
Inclement Weather Bus Stops for Walkers
We understand that inclement weather days can prove challenging to getting your child to school. If your child(ren) is/are typically a walker and you are unable to find another means of transportation during inclement weather, or when sidewalks have not yet been plowed, please complete this brief form . We will use this information to set up “inclement weather bus stops.” We have provided this service as a way to support safe transportation to school. Please note that these stops will only be activated during storms or following a storm when sidewalks have not yet been cleared, and as communicated. We will communicate additional information when bus stops have been established.
Additional Reminders for Parents
Be sure your child’s school has your updated contact information.
Have a family emergency plan in place so your child knows what to do if sent home for any of the reasons noted above. If your child is regularly driven to school and you or he/she feels it is unsafe to drive during the inclement weather, please determine an alternative means of transportation to school.
Supporting Shriners Hospital
At least 4 families in Medway have been helped by Shriners Hospital for Children in Boston over the years. The Jackson family, the Davis family, the Fagerson family, and most recently the MacLeod family this summer. All at no cost thanks to the incredible Shriners Hospital!
Shriners hospital collects can tabs for money. If you would like to join us in thanking Shriners Hospital on behalf of these families you can collect can tabs and drop them at the fire station or police station. If you have a student at McGovern School you can have them bring them to school to drop in a container in our main office. Thank you for your support!
Follow us on Social Media!
Did you know there are several ways to follow us on social media? Please see below for our links. Please also note that we will not be interacting with our Facebook page, as it is a place for us to post information. As always, if you have any questions regarding your child and/or the school, please reach out to your child's teacher, the front office, or administration.
McGovern Elementary School: Twitter: @McGovernElem
Facebook: @mcgovernelem
Instagram: @mcgovernelem
Breakfast and Lunch
Important Dates!
March 7: MFE Trivia Bee, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
March 8: MCG School Site Council, 3:20 - 4:20 PM
March 9: Public Forum on Budget 7:00 -8:00 PM
March 11: MEPTO Shamrock Shuffle, 9:00 AM at Medway High School
March 16: Wear Green!
March 16: Public Hearing on Budget - 6:30 PM, School Committee Meeting - 7:00 PM
March 17: No School - Professional Development
March 30: Opening Day of baseball, wear baseball gear!
April 7: No School - Good Friday
April 14: No Preschool - Arena Day
April 17-21: Spring Vacation - No School
April 25: MCG School Site Council, 3:20 - 4:20 PM
April 27: PK-12 Permanent Art Gallery Collection Viewing, Medway Middle School - Presentation Room, 5-6 PM
April 27: School Committee Meeting, 7:00 PM
Do you need the Smore Newsletter Translated?
Here is the link for the master directions in English.
Here is the link for Spanish.
Here is the link for French.
Here is the link for Russian.
Here is the link for Arabic
Here is the link for Portuguese.
Here is the link for Chinese (traditional).
Here is the link for Tamil.
Here is the link for Telugu.
Haga clic en los siguientes enlaces para obtener instrucciones sobre cómo traducir el boletín.
Aquí está el enlace para español.
Here is the link for Spanish.
Veuillez cliquer sur les liens suivants pour savoir comment traduire le bulletin d'information.
Here is the link for French.
Пожалуйста, нажмите следующие ссылки для получения инструкций о том, как перевести информационный бюллетень.
Вот ссылка на русский.
Here is the link for Russian.
Clique nos links a seguir para obter instruções sobre como traduzir o boletim informativo.
Aqui está o link para o espanhol.
Here is the link for Portuguese.
單擊以下鏈接以獲取有關如何翻譯時事通訊的說明。
這是西班牙語的鏈接。
Here is the link for Chinese (traditional).
செய்திமடலை எவ்வாறு மொழிபெயர்ப்பது என்பது குறித்த வழிமுறைகளுக்கு பின்வரும் இணைப்புகளைக் கிளிக் செய்யவும்.
ஸ்பானிஷ் மொழிக்கான இணைப்பு இதோ.
Here is the link for Tamil.
వార్తాలేఖను ఎలా అనువదించాలో సూచనల కోసం క్రింది లింక్లపై క్లిక్ చేయండి.
స్పానిష్ కోసం ఇక్కడ లింక్ ఉంది.
Here is the link for Telugu.
انقر فوق الروابط التالية للحصول على إرشادات حول كيفية ترجمة النشرة الإخبارية.
هنا هو الرابط
Here is the link for Arabic