As you recall, we have refreshed our academic support services (MTSS) this year to ensure our students successfully master the curriculum. A significant part of this effort is our assessment process. The Mashpee Public Schools will conduct mid-year Renaissance STAR Assessments between January 13th and 24th.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to have accurate data from these assessments, as they will form the foundational work in our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for the next half of the year. When students give their best effort, we can use that accurate data to measure progress and for intervention or extension activities—poor data will result in plans that may be inaccurate or ineffective.

Please briefly talk with your children to emphasize the importance of doing their best on these assessments. Your assistance will ensure we are best provisioned to meet your children's needs.

At the January 22nd School Committee Meeting, the Mashpee School Committee voted to adopt our school budget for next year. We adopted a $26,114,347 budget, which represents a 3.9% increase. You can see the final budget information here and the entire progression of budget information on the School Committee webpage under the finance section FY26 budget.

With Dr. Hope Hanscom's resignation as she assumes the role of Executive Director of the Cape Cod Collaborative, I am pleased to share that Dr. Pam Gould will assume the role of Interim Assistant Superintendent of Schools, beginning January 21, 2025. Dr. Gould is the retired Superintendent of Sandwich Public Schools and previously served as an Assistant Superintendent, High School Principal, Teacher, and Coach. She brings experience and perspective to help the district through this transition until a permanent assistant superintendent is chosen.

Outline of the Importance of MCAS and FY 26 Budget

I. Introduction

• Overview of the recent discussions regarding the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) and its role in education.

II. Importance of MCAS

• A. Legal Requirements
  • Mandated by federal law (No Child Left Behind) for yearly achievement testing starting in third grade.
• B. Individual Student Assessment
  • Provides parents with detailed performance reports on their child's progress against state standards.
  • Aims for students to meet or exceed expectations for college and career readiness.
• C. District-Level Insights
  • Used to evaluate curriculum effectiveness and student skill acquisition.
  • Data helps identify areas for improvement and assess school progress in closing achievement gaps.
• D. Call to Action for Parents
  • Encouragement for parents to motivate their children to perform their best on the tests.

III. FY 26 Budget Overview

• A. Budget Adoption
  • The Mashpee School Committee adopted a budget of $26,114,347 for FY 26.
• B. Budget Increase
  • Represents a 3.9% increase from the previous year.
• C. Purpose of the Budget
  • Aimed at supporting educational needs and improving overall school performance.

IV. Conclusion

• Emphasis on the necessity of accurate data from MCAS for understanding student progress and guiding district improvements.