FBMS Weekly Newsletter
February 16, 2024 #wearemarshfield
FEBRUARY BREAK
FBMS THEATER CLUB SHINES IN WILLY WONKA,JR.
The FBMS theater club put on a few outstanding shows of Willy Wonka, Jr. this past week. Today, specifically, there were two showings of the play so that all students could see it. It was a GREAT way to kick off the vacation.
Congratulations to the cast and crew! It takes a village to put on a show from costume changes to stage sets. What a performance it was! A special shout out to our Theater Club Director and Producer, Mrs. Stacey Shanahan, for bringing this amazing play to fruition! A big thank you to all of her parent and teacher volunteers as well!
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS WEEK
Random Acts of Kindness Week is the perfect time to #MakeKindnessTheNorm by sharing stories of kindness along with making a big impact through small acts. See what a difference a small act can make - Meet Norm.
Every day we work hard to encourage kindness within our students. Check out a kindness challenge (see below) Gr. 8 teacher, Mrs. Segalla, offered her students. Some great suggestions! Print this out and hang it on the fridge. Challenge your child to do 30 acts of kindness this month!
Spirit Week
2023 DESE REPORT CARD
Every year, each public school and school 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 is doing in different areas. The letter below, detailing the report card, was emailed to your account on file. 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. Links are provided below:
A link to our FBMS report card
A link to our district’s report card
1st ANNUAL ART THROWDOWN
From the FBMS Art Department:
This week our FBMS art department hosted the 1st annual art throw down. The Art Throwdown brought together 56 students from grades 6 through 12, forming 7 teams. These talented individuals participated in three engaging challenges, all focused on the theme of community.
In the first challenge, students created a collage using wrapping paper that showcased their favorite place in Marshfield. For the second challenge, they designed a cardboard structure, either as a redesign of an existing place in Marshfield or as a completely new addition to the community. The final challenge involved painting a canvas banner that depicted the future of Marshfield.
To kick off the event the students had breakfast from the MHS concession stand in the morning and had the opportunity to bond with their teammates while naming their teams and creating a team poster. They also enjoyed a pizza lunch after completing the second challenge. Throughout the day, the students showed great enthusiasm and dedication. They worked well together in their teams, demonstrating maturity and a deep passion for the arts.
Our art department was fortunate to collaborate and work with fellow art teachers at the High School level. Additionally, teachers had the pleasure of welcoming and working alongside four esteemed judges: Mr. Keuther, former MHS Principal; Ms. Lenahan, a beloved Governor Winslow Elementary teacher; Mr. Davis, a talented MHS graduate who served as the event's MC; and Mr. Perry, an aspiring art teacher and also an MHS graduate. Their involvement added to the excitement and inspiration of the day.
Thank you, teachers, for all the support you provided to make the Art Throwdown such a great success. This event showcased the incredible talent and creativity of our students, fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts and community in Marshfield. We are already looking ahead to next year's Throwdown.
Sincerely, The FBMS Art Department
EGYPT PRESENTATIONS in 6th GRADE
Our 6th grade students have been working on their research projects and presentations over the last few weeks. Impressive work, Grade 6!
MCAS TESTING IN APRIL & MAY
All students will be taking the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) in April and May. MCAS Testing is required for all students who attend public schools. Additionally it is a graduation requirement. Every opportunity to test before Grade 10 is additional practice for this graduation requirement. The data from the tests also helps us to make important decisions about curriculum.
As we plan ahead, please take note of testing on the following dates. Any students who is absent will make up testing upon returning.
- ELA: All grades: Tuesday 4/2 and Thursday 4/4.
- MATH: All grades: Wednesday 5/8 and Thursday 5/9.
- STEM: Grade 8 only: Tuesday 5/14 and Wednesday 5/15.
- CIVICS: Grade 8 only: Tuesday 5/21 and Wednesday 5/22.
FROM THE LIBRARY
Congratulations to our book fair chocolate tour winner!
AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT STARTS 2/29
For those student who signed up for after school enrichment, it will begin on Thursday, February 29th.
Each session runs for six weeks beginning on February 29th. Classes meet from 2:25 pm to 3:25 pm. Students may take the late bus home, or be picked up at school. We are looking forward to starting these great classes!
Class Dates: February 29 March 7, 14, 21, April 4, 11
Club 7
Our annual informal dance for 7th Graders will be held on March 8 which is a Friday night. Club 7 is always a fun event. Tickets can be purchased online---see link below. The PTO is also looking for volunteers to help decorate and chaperone the event---see link below. A huge thank you to our PTO for organizing this awesome event!
Cluster Awards
Sharks Cluster teachers recognized exceptional achievement and citizenry on their cluster this week. Additionally, students who excelled at their work with math iReady were also recognized. Well done, Sharks Students!
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ON TIME
General Law 76 requires that all public schools have plans in place to achieve the highest attendance possible. We want our students here every day and on time to make the most of the learning opportunities available. Please see our handbook for more detailed information.
Our policy for arrival to school:
- Students must be in homeroom by 7:50 AM.
- Students who are not in homeroom by 7:50 AM must stop in the front office to receive a tardy slip.
- Tardy students must provide the office with a note from a parent or guardian or be accompanied into the school building by a parent. This allows us to check that you know your child was elsewhere and not here on time.
- Students with more than three unexcused tardies in a quarter are subject to after school detentions for each and every tardy.
What does this mean for my child? Students need to either take a bus or be dropped off by 7:45AM. They also need to be seated in homeroom by 7:50AM in order to be considered on time. If a student has an appointment, he/she/they should bring in a slip from the provider to excuse the tardy.
Students who are tardy to school miss learning opportunities. Additionally, now is the time to teach accountability and the importance of being on time. We take a full attendance at exactly 7:50AM, and we would like it to be as accurate as possible. If we can help you with getting your child to school on time, please reach out to our guidance department. Along with administration, we can work together to help you and your child.
CHROMEBOOK INFORMATION
Please remind your child to charge his/her/their Chromebook daily. It is important for our students to school prepared for the day, and it is difficult when many students are not able to participate since their Chromebook is not charged. It is helpful for most students to have one location where they can plug in and that the location is consistent so that it become routine. If you child struggles with this, purchasing a second charging cord would be helpful for your child to carry during the day. Does your child need another or replacement Chromebook charger? If so, click here. Cost is $35.
Additionally, Chromebook insurance covers one incident only. After that, there is a charge for repair. More information here. It is therefore of great importance that students take good and safe care of their Chromebook.
A CHANGE TO START TIMES IN 2024/25
From the Superintendent:
Last year the District Transportation Sub-Committee initiated the process of creating greater efficiency with our bus transportation with a stated goal of creating a later start time for Marshfield High School and aligning our five elementary schools on the same schedule. Last spring, the School Committee voted to approve the combining of High School and Middle School transportation for the 2024-2025 school year, at a yet to be determined start time.
This past month the District School Start Time Sub-Committee recommended the following school hours for the 2024-2025 school year:
Marshfield High School 8:00 – 2:32
Furnace Brook Middle School 8:05 – 2:35
All Elementary Schools 8:40 – 3:20
Pre-School 9:00 – 11:30; 12:25 – 2:55
The District’s goal is to establish these school hours through more efficient bus routes, enabled by the bus registration process that was implemented this school year. Presently, these times are not official, they must be approved by the School Committee, however we are providing this information now so that all are aware. Bus registration for the 2024-2025 school year will take place in the month of March. Once registration is concluded, the District will be able to make the determination on the establishment of the singular Elementary school tier and a vote on school hours is expected to be taken by the School Committee in April.
If, after the conclusion of bus registration, it is determined that the District is unable to create the singular Elementary school hours, the recommendation will be made for the following school hours for the 2024-2025 school year:
Marshfield High School 7:45 – 2:17
Furnace Brook Middle School 7:50 – 2:20
Daniel Webster, Governor Winslow, Eames Way 8:20 – 3:00
Martinson, South River 8:50 – 3:30
Pre-School 9:00 – 11:30; 12:25 – 2:55
More information will be shared regarding final decisions in the future.
FBMS WEEKLY ROTATION OF DAYS
We run on a six day cycle at FBMS. This allows all of our students to not only receive instructino in their core subjects daily but also gives them the opportunity to take several electives. Please see the calendar below which states what day # it is for the year.
Also note: Our last day of school is now June 12th due to 1 day of inclement weather thus far. This date could change again...
FROM THE CLINIC- SCREENING MARCH 2024
7th Grade: SBIRT SCREENING in March, 2024
This March, Grade 7 students will participate in an evidence-based screening that will be implemented as required by MA Law (Chapter 52, Acts of 2016). This screening, known as SBIRT, (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment) is a public health prevention model aimed at preventing the use of alcohol, marijuana, and/or other substances. Our primary goal is to let students know that nursing and counseling staff are available to reinforce healthy decision-making behaviors and to assist students in obtaining additional support, if needed, for any substance use or related issue.
As with any health screening, you have the right to opt out of this process. If you have not already, we request that you send a signed, dated note to the FBMS health office as soon as possible if you wish to opt out. Additionally, screening is voluntary and students may choose not to answer any or all of the screening questions.
Annual Physicals:
Students in Grade 7 are required to submit an updated physical with proof of immunizations for their health record at the beginning of the school year. Please send in via scan/email or Fax
Medication:
All medications must be hand delivered by the parent and be given directly to the Nurse. Medications are not permitted to be sent in with students---this is unsafe as medication could get lost or contaminated. Guidelines PRIOR to bringing in medication, please have: A current Physician’s order, the Parent Consent Form Filled out, and the medication in its original container with pharmacy label if applicable.
Absences / Injuries:
Please provide up to date information and indicate that students are receiving adequate care at home and by their pediatrician, and clearance for participation in gym class. Please report any changes in health status e.g. health conditions, new medication, illnesses, and injuries to the clinic.
Guidelines as to when to keep your child home. Click here.
We look forward to assisting families and students in achieving optimal health and wellness during the academic school year. Please feel free to contact us at any time with concerns or questions. Be well.
Covid:
At this time, MPSD is deferring to the most recent covid guidelines provided by the Department of Public Health. We are no longer excusing absences surrounding COVID without a doctor's note. Please contact your child’s primary care physician for further guidance.
~FBMS Nurses: Maura Carrol, RN, BSN, Karen Mellen, RN, BSN & Megan Owren, RN, BSN
Clinic Contact Information: Phone: (781)-319-3965 / Fax: (781)-319-1780
ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK HERE
Yearbooks contain pictures of all students and staff and are distributed in June. The yearbook is a wonderful item for students to receive at the end of the year. About 75% of our students will order a yearbook. Please order using this link. We encourage you to order the yearbook now. Only a few are ordered to purchase with cash at the end of the year, and they always sell out. Order yours now so that your child is guaranteed to receive one in June.
MARSHFIELD EDUCATION FOUNDATION (MEF) IS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS
The Marshfield Education Foundation is always looking for new members to join our organization. The MEF is currently seeking a new Treasurer to begin the 2024/25 school year. We would ideally like to have this role filled before our current Treasurer ends their term at the end of the 2023/24 school year. If you are interested, please send an email to info@marshfieldfoundation.org. Following is a brief description of the role:
The Treasurer shall maintain accurate accounts of all monies of the MEF received or disbursed. The Treasurer shall carry out all MEF financial transactions at banks and depositories designated by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall have the authority to endorse all drafts received by the MEF, and render as required, an account of all transactions and of the financial condition of the MEF. The Treasurer will cause to prepare any financial statements required including tax forms. The Treasurer shall perform all duties incident to the office of Treasurer. The books and accounts of the Treasurer shall at all times be open to the inspection of the Directors and Officers of MEF and of any authorized auditor.
MEF ST. PATRICK'S 5K- 3/16
Come celebrate St. Patrick's Day at "America's Most Irish Road Race"! Wear your green and join 4,000 runners, walkers, and crawlers at the South Shore's premier road race! Flat, fast, USATF certified 5K ocean course with cash prizes ($683, $250, $100) for the top three overall male and female, along with $317 ($1,000 total!) for a new male or female course record! (M-14:39 & F-16:15). Age group awards for those who place first through third. Great celebrations at the restaurants of Brant Rock! A fun day for all!
Date:
Saturday, March 16, 2024 - 10:00am
Registration Fee:
$25.00 Race Fee + $3.45 SignUp Fee
Price increases to $30.00 after 12/31/2023 at midnight
Where:
Brant Rock 277 Ocean Street, Marshfield, MA
KINDERGARDEN REGISTRATION OPENS TODAY
Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 school year opens Friday, February 2!
Parents have the option to register online or in-person. Please be sure to complete your child’s registration no later than Thursday, February 29, 2024.
Children entering Kindergarten must be five (5) years old by August 31, 2024.
WANT TO BE A SUBSTITUTE TEACHER?
Our district is always looking for Substitute Teachers, and Furnace Brook is a great place to work. As a substitute teacher, you choose the number of days you would like to work and when. There is great flexibility. The pay rate is $125 per day, and the requirement is that you love kids, have patience (and a sense of humor), and can manage large groups. We tend to see a lot of retirees, folks looking for part time work, and people interested in teaching and the school environment.
If any of this interests you, please call Central Office at 781-834-5000. The people at Central Office will have you come in to complete an application, which requires a CORI (background) check and fingerprinting.
Come join us!
If you are interested in other specific roles within our district, click here. Jobs are always posted.