TPS District Newsletter
Tewksbury Public Schools
October 2023
Message from the Superintendent
Dear TPS School Community,
I know I speak for many in saying how nice it has been to be outside in the crisp and sunny weather. Leaf peeping, picking apples, decorating pumpkins and embracing every great day without a winter coat are just some of the joys of October.
In fact, today we were witness to an upbeat and joyful event (right outside our Central Office windows), the Center Elementary School & Ryan School FUN RUN! Seeing and hearing the laughter, smiles, and culminating activities brought happiness, a sense of hope, and optimism to all of us, that cannot be taken for granted. When, as adults, the images we have been seeing all week on the news are simply heartbreaking.
I do believe though, that together, we can cultivate a world within our schools and beyond, where the pursuit of knowledge and the quest for peaceful coexistence flourish side by side. So let’s embrace the changing of the seasons, and let the spirit of October inspire us all to be the peaceful change we wish to see in the world.
Warm regards,
Brenda Theriault-Regan
Fun Run Day at Ryan and Center Schools!
Students celebrated a successful end to their fundraiser with a DJ, inflatable tunnel and themed laps around a running course.
Corning Grant for STEM Education
The Heath Brook and Dewing Elementary Schools engaged in hands-on science with the Discovery Museum. This enrichment program was provided by the Corning Foundation grant. First graders explored sound through solids, liquids, and gases. Kindergarteners explored solids and liquids and how to change one form to another.
The Corning Incorporated Foundation has been supporting STEM education in Tewksbury since 2018 with over $50,000 donated to benefit the children of Tewksbury Public Schools.
EL Implementation is Under Way!
Last year, Tewksbury Public Schools piloted and adopted EL Education as our new language comprehension curriculum in Grades K-6. EL Education builds deep knowledge by using content-rich, authentic texts on real-world topics in social studies, STEM, and literature. Students leverage their learning in literacy while building habits of character that help them contribute to a better world. This year, full implementation is under way as teachers and students engage in all that EL Education has to offer! To learn more about EL Education, click HERE.
Wellness Committee K-4 Parent Representative Needed
The Wellness Committee will meet on December 6th, February 7th, April 3rd and June 5th for the remainder of the school year. If you are interested in in becoming part of the Wellness Committee, please contact Brenda Regan at bregan@tewksbury.k12.ma.us. Thank you.
Special Education: NEW IEP Improvement Project
Earlier this year, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released a new Individualized Education Program (IEP) form to be used in schools and districts across the state. The new statewide IEP form helps teams to more effectively address the needs of students eligible for special education services. The revised form focuses on gathering complete information about your child's strengths, challenges, and individualized goals to develop a more personalized education plan for each child. Using the new IEP form will benefit you and your child in Tewksbury. Key Advantages include: Enhanced Collaboration: The form promotes better communication and collaboration between you, your child's teachers, and the IEP team. It encourages a better understanding of your child's unique needs, allowing for improved support strategies. More Clarity and Consistency: The revised form was designed to ensure clarity and consistency in the IEP process and the implementation of state and federal requirements. This consistency will facilitate smoother transitions between grade levels and is mainly designed to help students with disabilities transition to post-high school life. Comprehensive Documentation of the Program: The new IEP form offers a more detailed framework for documenting your child's progress, accommodations, and services. This will support better tracking your child's achievements and provide valuable information for future evaluations and assessments. Tewksbury Public School staff will receive ongoing training across this school year, in order to prepare for full implementation in the Fall 2024. Updates for parents and the greater community will be forthcoming.
PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT regarding K-4 Standards Based Report Cards
We invite you to join us on October 26, 2023 to learn more about the new K-4 Standards Based Report Cards. The presentation will be held in the CES cafeteria at 6:30 PM. Please reach out to Assistant Superintendent, Lori McDermott with any questions at lmcdermott@tewksbury.k12.ma.us. Please see the flyer linked here.
Annual Community Safe Halloween
Sunday, October 29th 1-3pm at TMHS
Hosted by Tewksbury Police Department.
Please join us!
HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREAT HOURS WILL BE ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2023 FROM 6:00 TO 8:00 P.M.
There are so many ways to celebrate Farm to School Month with us in 2023. Please check out the many celebration ideas, click the button above.
The open enrollment window for Chromebook insurance is here!
Enrollment Window: August 15th, 2023 - October 31st, 2023.
To learn more about our Chromebook insurance program and to enroll, visit: Chromebook Insurance Information.
We continue to work with Tewksbury Transit and Trombly Motor Coach to mitigate the effects of the unprecedented driver shortage. We thank you for your understanding and patience. If you or someone you know would like to make a difference in our students' lives by providing exceptional transportation service, Tewksbury Transit is hiring. Their number is 978-851-9863.
Please feel free to reach out to Eileen Osborne at eosborne@tewksbury.k12.ma.us with quesions or concerns about your student's transportation.
We are excited to provide ALL students with a FREE nutritious and tasty breakfast and lunch every day! Even though meals are free, we are still encouraging households to fill out a Free/Reduced Meal application because the benefits do not stop at just free school meals, other school fees may be waived or reduced for those who qualify and may assist for increased school funding to support our students. The link to the meal’s application is provided.
Please feel free to contact DebraLee Mugford at dmugford@tewksbury.k12.ma.us with any questions.
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.
NEW Ryan and Wynn School Start and End Times
Tewksbury Public Schools
Website: https://www.tewksbury.k12.ma.us/
Location: 139 Pleasant Street, Tewksbury, MA, USA
Phone: (978) 640-7800