FBMS Weekly Newsletter
February 2, 2024 #wearemarshfield
AWARD CEREMONY HIGHLIGHTS
Today we held our Semester 1 Award Ceremony. It is during this time that we recognize the hard work and dedication of our students in their core classes and electives. Students whose individual contributions in good citizenry are also recognized by their Cluster teachers. Congratulations to all award recipients. We are truly thankful and grateful of your hard work. Parents, thank you for joining us today in applauding all things exemplary!
FEBRUARY AT A GLANCE
- Early release on 2/7
- February Vacation 2/19-2/23
FBMS THEATER CLUB SHOW 2/9
Come support the FBMS Theater Club and their production of Willy Wonka, JR!
Friday, February 9th at 7:00 PM
Saturday, February 10th at 12 NOON and again at 5:00 PM
All seating is assigned. Tickets can be purchased online through ShowTix4U or at the door. (Please note, door sales are cash/check only.)
:
About the play: "The delicious adventures of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl's fantastical tale. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film, in addition to a host of fun new songs, Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka JR is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone's sweet tooth. Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka JR follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka's rules in the factory — or suffer the consequences."
Please come join us and enjoy seeing the many talents of FBMS students!
(Note: The FBMS Theater program will also perform the play, in school, the day before February vacation for all students and staff!)
CLUSTER AWARDS
BOOK FAIR WEEK WAS A SUCCESS
Students loved visiting the Scholastic Book Fair this week. A huge thank you to Mrs. Deluca for organizing this amazing event! Mrs. Deluca sets up the displays and adds her own creative flair following a special theme. She additionally creates incentives for individual classes. This is a tremendous effort, and we are so appreciative!
We love to promote the enjoyment of reading---thank you, parents, for supporting this event. Thank you, also, to our parent volunteers for helping out and for purchasing teacher wish list items!
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.
MR BALDWIN'S 8th GRADE SCIENCE
Students in 8th grade Science are working on developing a model for a healthy digestive system.
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
The School Committee and District Leadership welcome your feedback in determining school hours for the 2024-2025 school year. Please respond by February 2, 2024:
MRS BURNETT'S ART CLASS
Working on creating collages with color theme similarities.
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...
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS CLUB 2/14
There is a full club meeting for D&D on Wednesday, February 14th. All are welcome & new members are encouraged to come. We will be done in time for the late bus. New members will receive their first set of dice.
7th GR SHARKS CLUSTER
Our 7th grade students have been working on reimagined short story skits and have been acting them out in class. Great job future thespians!
Grade 6 Math
Students practiced their multiplication and division of fractions while playing "battleship" in Miss White’s classroom!
PE with MRS NEWCOMB
Some great pickle balling here at FBMS! Equipment comes to us from a grant provided by the Marshfield Educational Foundation!
Grade 8 Science
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
SEPAC PRESENTATION 2/15
Please join the Marshfield SEPAC for an important presentation
TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT ANXIETY
When: Thursday, February 15 @ 6:30PM
Where: Seth Ventress Building, 76 South River Street
Presented by: Joanna Silverman from Pilgrim Area Collaborative
Register: Please click HERE to register *
Taking A Closer Look At Anxiety
Anxiety is increasing among school aged children and often goes misunderstood or unnoticed. It can impact a student’s ability to perform optimally in the school and community environment. To support students with anxiety, we need to understand it ourselves. During this workshop you will learn about the different types of anxiety, how they impact a child’s performance and useful strategies to use and consider when raising a child with anxiety.
The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session and light refreshments.
* If you require an interpreter, please note it on your registration no later than 2/12/2024
Sponsored by the Marshfield Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
To learn more about SEPAC, visit https://mpsdsepac.weebly.com/
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
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.
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.
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.
Monday, November 6, marks the beginning of Quarter 2. We will be adhering to the “Tardy to School” policy as stated in the handbook:
- 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.
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.
LATE BUSES ARE AVAILABLE
AROUND THE TOWN
VENTRESS LIBRARY HAS A NEW MEMBER
Join the Ventress Children's department in Welcoming out therapy dog friend Rocko on a new night! Monday February 5 at 6pm! Stop by from 6-7 pm as we welcome Rocko and his owner Kim!! This program allows each child to have a 15 minute one-on-one session with Rocko! Children can pick a favorite book from home or the children's room. Spots are filled on a first come first served basis.