Jonas Clarke Middle
News and Notes| February 2019
From the Principal
It is a short month so we just have a few updates down below. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of escorting Dr. Hackett through many classes at Clarke. We both got the chance to participate in student presentations in 7th grade World Geography class as they presented their final projects for their Project Based Learning Unit on Africa. It was incredible to see the learning and collaboration that went on during this unit. We also got the chance to visit an 8th grade English class, a 6th Grade English class, technology and drama classes and many more. Dr. Hackett was impressed with the energy and positive buzz around Clarke. It was wonderful to have her learn more about our school community in action as well.
I am wishing you all a wonderful week off and I hope that the weather continues to be kind to us!
All the best,
Anna Monaco
Don't Forget Your Yearbook!
Upcoming MCAS Info and Dates
Our testing schedule for the spring is as follows:
ELA (all grades):
Tuesday April 2, 2019
Thursday April 4, 2019
MATH (all grades):
Wednesday May 8, 2019
Thursday May 9, 2019
SCIENCE (Grade 8 only):
Monday May 13, 2019
Tuesday May 14, 2019
Thank you for taking note of these dates and ensuring that students are in school and on time.
Upcoming PTO Forum
Thursday, February 28, starting at 7 pm in LHS Commons 2
(Mock Teen Bedroom will be open beginning at 6:30 pm)
Parents of 6-12th graders are invited to this important session led by LPD School Resource Officer Kristina Hankins and Lexington Public Schools Prevention Specialist Kristie Demirev, LICSW. Parents will have the opportunity to hear about current trends in youth substance use (including vaping, marijuana, and alcohol); review recent data; understand the science behind the developing brain and the impact of substances; and learn strategies for talking with their children. LHS students will also be in attendance to facilitate Q&A with parents. This will be an interactive session, and all are welcome.
The "Hidden in Plain Sight" display of a mock teen bedroom will also be set up starting at 6:30 for parents to walk through to help them understand common household items that could be an indication of substance use by their teen. This forum is co-sponsored by the LHS PTO, Clarke PTO, and Diamond PTA.
LPS Redistricting News
At the January 22nd School Committee meeting, Superintendent Julie Hackett announced the start of Phase II elementary and middle school redistricting. Phase I redistricting began in 2015, with an outcome of some modification of the elementary school assignment map that applied to new, incoming students. It was planned that Phase II would involve a more comprehensive effort that would occur at or near completion of the new Lexington Children’s Place and Hastings Elementary School.
It is now time for us to begin the challenging and important work of adjusting our school assignment maps. Phase II Redistricting is expected to be more widespread, impacting more neighborhoods and areas of town than our 2015 redistricting effort. Our goal is to effectively use existing and newly available school capacity to ensure learning environments that are as equitable as possible for all students across the district. New maps will be implemented for the 2020-21 school year.
A complete project timeline is available at: http://bit.ly/RedistrictTimeline. The full Superintendent’s report can be read at http://bit.ly/SupUpdate012219. New information and redistricting updates will be posted to the Superintendent’s blog at http://bit.ly/RedistrictBlog
Interested in participating in our Advisory Committee? Parents or caregivers may apply here between now and February 20.
Dates to Remember
February 18 - 22 | No School
Winter Vacation
Thursday February 28 | Parent Forum on substance abuse
7:00-9:00 pm, Lexington High School Commons 2
Thursday March 7 | Clarke PTO Meeting
8:30AM Clarke Cafeteria
Thursday March 7 | Early Release Day
11:45AM Dismissal for Middle School (Please note earlier calendars indicated 3/21 as the early release date. This has been changed)
Thursday March 7 | International Potluck
6:00PM Clarke Cafeteria Sign up Here
Tuesday March 26 | Clarke Shop at Wilson Farms Day
Be sure to bring you flyer to support Clarke
Tuesday April 2 | MCAS Testing
ELA - Grades 6, 7, and 8
Thursday April 4 | MCAS Testing
ELA - Grades 6, 7, and 8
Friday April 5 | Trivia Night 7:00PM St. Brigid's Keilty Hall
Grab some friends and come support the Clarke PTO ! Sign up here