As we wait for the warmer spring weather, I want to reflect on our accomplishments in the Mashpee Public Schools. We have several initiatives this year where we are seeing significant progress.

First, the district has refreshed and revamped our Multi-Tiered System of Support. This effort includes using progress monitoring, specific planned interventions to close achievement gaps, and reteaching to ensure students are improving. For this to occur, dedicated educational professionals collaborate to discuss student progress and plan for instruction to enhance student learning. Our growth measurements from our mid-year assessment showed high normal growth in many places and above-normal growth in other areas. Please know this is at mid-year, with time remaining to continue to facilitate student growth and achievement. The staff and administration committed themselves to this effort, and I could not be more pleased with both the effort and the results.

Another area of emphasis has been our communication protocols. We have streamlined and set up consistent communication methods to ensure predictable and consistent communication. Our stakeholders have embraced these efforts, and we are excited about the improvements we will suggest for next year. These plans will occur later this spring, and if you have any suggestions, please share them with me.

The last area of emphasis is the ongoing work to establish positive learning environments in our schools. The Kenneth C. Coombs School and the Quashnet School have been working on achieving the prestigious “No Place for Hate” designation again this year, a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and respect. At Quashnet, in between MCAS testing days, the entire school came together to participate in multiple community-building cultural experiences. Quashnet also transformed an adjustment counselor position into a school social worker role, now providing immediate support for peer-to-peer interactions. This has led to an improvement in school culture among students. Meanwhile, our middle high school students also come to our elementary schools to provide programming on everything from Digital Safety to Kindness. The MMHS Hope Squad and Active Minds group facilitate activities focused on mental health and bullying prevention throughout the district. Our MMHS Peer Leaders provide lessons to middle school students focused on bullying and discrimination. These efforts include our health classes and visits with our counseling staff. This year, the Peer Leaders also provided these lessons to our MMHS staff during professional development. Finally, MMHS has engaged in multiple school spirit weeks that have helped to increase a positive school culture and climate.

As we move into the final part of our school year, I am excited to see the following aspects of the work already done in the Mashpee Public Schools.

With the U.S. Department Of Education freezing or eliminating funding for schools, we are closely monitoring the impact and possible disruption of our programs and services. Please know that we remain committed to ensuring our students get the support they need to continue their growth and development. As always, we will keep you informed and are committed to maintaining open lines of communication with you. Thanks for your patience and support.

Abstract

The April Newsletter from Mashpee Public Schools highlights significant progress in educational initiatives, particularly through the enhancement of the Multi-Tiered System of Support, improved communication protocols among stakeholders, and the establishment of positive learning environments. The district reports high growth in student achievement backed by dedicated staff collaboration, while also emphasizing community-building and inclusivity efforts. Continued support for mental health and anti-bullying activities has further strengthened school culture, demonstrating a commitment to student welfare as the school year progresses.

Key Points

• The district's Multi-Tiered System of Support has been revamped to include progress monitoring and specific interventions, yielding promising mid-year growth in student achievement.
• Improved communication methods have been established to ensure consistency and predictability for all stakeholders involved in the education process.
• The "No Place for Hate" initiative at the Kenneth C. Coombs School and Quashnet School highlights the district's dedication to inclusivity and respect in learning environments.
• Quashnet School has enhanced its support system by transitioning an adjustment counselor position into a school social worker role to better address peer-to-peer interactions.
• Middle high school students participate in educational programming at elementary schools, focusing on topics such as Digital Safety and Kindness.
• The MMHS Hope Squad and Active Minds group are actively involved in promoting mental health awareness and bullying prevention throughout the district.
• School spirit weeks organized at MMHS have contributed positively to the school culture and climate, fostering a sense of community among students.