TPS District Newsletter
Tewksbury Public Schools
January 2024
Message From the Superintendent
Dear TPS Community,
Happy New Year everyone!
Even though I have been told that it’s too late to say happy new year now, (with only 12 days into January) I would like to savor the excitement and hope we all experienced at the midnight countdown for just a little longer. So, thank you for bearing with me. I also heard that by now, many people have already abandoned their new year’s resolutions. I have to admit I am in that boat too, as I promised myself to exercise more, and have already broken that promise. Maybe next year! Hopefully you are doing better with your own resolutions than I did.
With that, as we stand at the doorway of 2024, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead for our students and our whole school community. The past year has been a testament to the unwavering dedication that defines our community. We navigated challenges at the start of the school year, celebrated achievements in our classrooms and on the field, and embraced the power of unity when we are “all in” for each other and for our students. I am so proud to observe all we have done together in just 84 school days. In just about a week, we will be halfway through the year.
I have always thought that coming back to school after the December recess is like the (second) start of a new school year again. The bonus is that we have already had the time to build strong relationships with our students and with each other. Let us welcome 2024 with open arms and capitalize on those relationships. Let us continue to build on the foundation of collaboration and school-home partnering that makes our school community truly exceptional. May the 2nd half of the school year be a canvas for new experiences, boundless learning, and remarkable growth for all. Finally, may the New Year bring joy, laughter, and countless moments of inspiration to each and every member of the Tewksbury Public School community.
Sincerely,
Brenda Theriault-Regan
Please watch the following video from the MA Secretary of Education, Patrick Tutwiler.
Accessing Grade 5-12 Published Report Cards in Aspen
It has come to our attention that "Published" report cards in Aspen only stay available (in the published widget section) for 2 weeks. In order to access it, the system automatically downloads the report to your computer or device. The system is purged after the 2 weeks. As a courtesy to our families, we are extending the window for 7-10 weeks. After 7-10 weeks, the report card will no longer be accessible in the published widget section. Be sure to access and store the report in a convenient place during that time frame. However, Aspen has informed us that there will be updates to our published widget section later this winter. We will keep you informed once new updates and/or changes occur in retrieving published documents.
As a friendly reminder, here is the video on how to retrieve a Grade 5-12 published report card in Aspen.
Grades K-4 Standards-Based Report Cards are stored in the "Documents" side tab.
Literacy Department News
Mid-Year Literacy Benchmark Testing Is Underway!
Students and staff are busy completing our middle of the year literacy benchmark assessments! We are utilizing DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) in Grades K-8 as both our universal screener for Dyslexia and to assess and monitor the acquisition of literacy skills. Early literacy universal screening is a way to collect and analyze reliable and valid data on the most predictive literacy skills, helping to identify each student's risk of experiencing reading difficulties. Screening does not diagnose dyslexia or other disabilities, but it does help us understand which students may need additional support to be successful readers. (Following the screening assessment, literacy team members and teachers will review all student data. If your student is in Grades K-3 and scores "significantly below benchmarks", we will contact you within 30 school days of testing to discuss how we can support your child.)
STEM Department News
Center School STEAM Night: Volunteers Needed
The Center School PAC and Charity Legvold, STEAM teacher, are bringing back STEAM Night! Volunteers are still needed to help run tables. Reach out to Anna or Molly at CenterElementaryPAC@gmail.com if you are available to help.
Corning Foundation Supports Tewksbury Public Schools
Tewksbury Public Schools has been fortunate to receive a grant from the Corning Foundation again this year. This year's grant funded science enrichment for students in K-4. In September, K-1 students enjoyed the Discovery Museum for sound and state of matter lessons. In December, Center School students enjoyed Cultivating Curiosity lessons in which students worked with simple machines, gravity, and forces.
Student & Family Services News
TMHS Junior Parent Presentation on Post Graduate Planning
On January 26, TMHS Administration and Guidance counselors welcome all junior parents to join an informational presentation on Post Graduate Planning. Jennifer Bento-Pinyoun from Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) will make a brief presentation on College Financing.
Middlesex Partnership for Youth - Parent Resources
We are pleased to share with you Middlesex Partnership for Youth Parent Resources, which are as follows:
Need assistance completing the new FAFSA forms?
Do you need assistance completing the FAFSA, the form required to apply for college financial aid? Join MEFA for a virtual FAFSA Festival on January 24th 4:00 PM-6:00 PM. You can log in anytime and you will be paired with an expert who can answer your FAFSA questions and help you complete the online application. Before you join us, we encourage you to start filling out the FAFSA at fafsa.gov. Reserve your space for the virtual FAFSA meeting by clicking the link.
Did you know that we have an App?
This App makes finding information about your child's school much easier. This FREE app is available on the Apple App store for iOS devices and Google Play store for Android devices. Check it out!
REMINDERS FROM PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS
We understand that many folks were in the holiday and end of the year mode before the December Recess. For that reason, many of the flyers and information shared in the December Newsletter is contained (again) below.
FAFSA Support for Senior Students & Families
The Department has partnered with the nonprofit uAspire to provide free support to students and school staff to help seniors complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
For Students: uAspire will offer a FAFSA webinar for students three times: 4:00-5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3; 5:00-6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 30; and 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27. Registration is open online. In addition, FAQs are available in English and Spanish, and more resources are posted on uAspire.org/resources, uaspire.org/Checklist, and uaspire.org/FSAID.
For School Counselors and Staff: School counselors/staff will receive training on the new “Better FAFSA” application. This training will provide them with the opportunity to practice complex scenarios and learn about potential pitfalls. Trainings will happen throughout the year.
In addition, school staff might be interested in this blog post on “How you can support your students through the new FAFSA.”
MCAS
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is planning to administer the Next Generation Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (NG MCAS) test for all students in grades 3-10 this Spring. We have identified the planned testing weeks at each grade level with some helpful links (see MCAS Testing Schedule button above). Please note, the specific details in this testing memo may be subject to change if required or necessary.
ACCESS for ELLs
We are actively preparing for ACCESS testing in the new year. The ACCESS for ELLs Language Proficiency testing window for our EL students opens on January 4 and closes on February 16th. ACCESS testing gives our EL students the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. The results of the assessment help us monitor progress and determine appropriate levels of support.
Childcare programs will be scheduled during the February and April vacations. For more information, please click the button above.
The next Preschool screening will be held on January 26, 2024 at the Heath Brook Elementary School from 10:30-12:00. Click the button above for more information.
Kindergarten Registration
We are delighted to announce that kindergarten registrations for the Tewksbury Public Schools will be open from January 16, 2024 through April 26, 2024. To streamline the process families are required to complete online registration paperwork and upload necessary documents, including: Child's birth certificate, current mortgage statement / lease, current utility bill, updated physical and immunization record for the child and parent's photo identification (current driver's license). All this information is mandatory for all families, even if you have previously registered another child. During the registration appointment, you will have the opportunity to select a kindergarten screening appointment date, which will be in May. To provide essential information and guidance, an informational video will be available on our website and local cable access channel starting January 2, 2023. On this date, families can also begin scheduling virtual kindergarten registration appointments, unless an in-person meeting is requested. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a smooth registration process for your child's exciting educational journey with Tewksbury Public Schools.
TPS is looking for daily substitute teachers and daily substitute classroom aides for every grade level K-12. The daily substitute pay rate has been increased to:
- $110.00 daily rate for substitute classroom aides (this is a 6-hour 20 minute day)
- $150.00 daily rate for substitute teachers (this is a 7-hour day)
For more information, please click the button above and scroll down for links to the Substitute Application, CORI form and information on Fingerprinting.
Athletics and After-School Clubs: Sign-Up through Community Pass
All students should sign-up for Athletics and/or Clubs through Community Pass. Community Pass will automatically adjust fees for Family maximum amounts. If you have any questions, please contact your child's school.
Tewksbury Public Schools
Website: https://www.tewksbury.k12.ma.us/
Location: 139 Pleasant Street, Tewksbury, MA, USA
Phone: (978) 640-7800