Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this email in detail as it contains a lot of information in relation to the upcoming MCAS tests.

We are about to start the journey towards MCAS testing for 2023 and students will soon be introduced/ reminded of the process for our computer-based (CBT)for this year.

MCAS tests are required by state and federal law and are an important tool to promote student success and educational equity.

High school students in the class of 2025 (10th graders) must take and pass the MCAS tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics to earn a high school diploma, in addition to meeting local requirements. Students in the class of 2026 (9th graders) will take tests in ELA and mathematics next year, and they are also required to take and pass a test in science and technology/engineering (they will take or have already taken the science test this year). Students will have opportunities to retest if they do not pass.

The high school MCAS tests also provide the opportunity for students to qualify for several state awards. These include the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship and the Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery.

In addition, MCAS test results will:

• give information about areas of learning that have been most impacted by the pandemic,

• provide important data on which students, schools, and districts have been most affected by pandemic-related changes in schooling, and

• improve understanding of your child’s knowledge and skills in relation to the state’s learning standards, so that we can provide the best system of support and instruction in future years.

Schedule & Parent Information

Please be aware of the schedule. It can be found here

For parents/guardians who are interested in learning more about the tests themselves, DESE has put together a number of useful resources, here. Student expectations during testing are explained, here.

Grade Level and Tests

Grade 10 - ELA and MATH - Computer-Based Testing (CBT)

Grade 8 - ELA, MATH & Science CBT

Grade 7 - ELA & MATH CBT

Staff will be reviewing expectations and supporting students with the testing process in preparation for the respective tests later in the term. This includes familiarity with the testing technology as well as looking at past papers.

Day of the test

Please make sure that students have slept well and eaten breakfast prior to coming to school. There will be a snack available for students who have not been able to have breakfast before traveling to school.

ChromeBooks

Students will not be using their own devices for testing. On the morning of the test, they should sign out a device from Kathy in the front office. These are devices that have been set up with testing technology. After completing testing, students will return the device they used to the front office.

After Testing

The vast majority of tests are scheduled from 8 - 10 am. This is followed by a lunch break. Students are expected to remain in school for the remainder of the day. It is important that students are able to take advantage of what little time remains in person for the rest of the year. Staff will adjust lessons to account for students taking a test earlier in the day.

Please email or call your student’s counselor if you have any questions or concerns.

*GCC Youth Fest and Resource Fair: Tuesday, April 18, 5:30 pm-7:30.
This event is designed for pre-teens and teens but all are welcome! The GCC Youth Fest is co-sponsored by the Franklin County YMCA and is designed to give youth something fun and free during April vacation. There will be several activities such as a bounce house, dance, theater, and more! We will also be providing pizza for dinner! Here is the RSVP: https://www.gcc.mass.edu/events/youth-fest/

*Campus Visit Day: Thursday, April 20, 10 am-2 pm.
This event is for any student who is thinking about college regardless of grade. They will have the opportunity to join a classroom, take a tour, and have lunch with us on campus! Students should be directed to RSVP here: https://go.gcc.mass.edu/campus-visit-day/


*The GCC Dual Enrollment and Early College Team invite 10th -12th-grade students to join us for three different online Zoom workshops this Spring. Each workshop has a different theme. The attached flyer will provide you with the workshop details and Zoom link.
Things to keep in mind! As a participant, you should be prepared to have your video on for the Zoom meeting. You will be expected to engage with other high school students in Zoom break-out rooms, and the larger Zoom room together. We look forward to seeing you!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to DualEnrollment@gcc.mass.edu

*GCC is offering workshops and micro-courses targeted at local teens. Below is a list of topics, and dates as well as registration links. Each series is $40, and each individual workshop is $10. If finances prevent anyone from attending, please contact Judy Raper at raperj@gcc.mass.edu. These workshops happen after school hours. We hope to see you there!

April 19 Finance 101: https://engage.gcc.mass.edu/workshops/finance-101/

April-GCC Beat Academy: https://engage.gcc.mass.edu/workshops/gcc-beat-academy/

May-Introduction to 3D Modeling and Clay Animation:

https://engage.gcc.mass.edu/workshops/introduction-to-3d-modeling-animation/

Please consider donating any used clean clothing to the “MOHAWK SHARING IS CARING ROOM.” All sizes of clothing are needed. We will accept footwear if clean and are in good condition. You may contact Mrs. Camarda if you have any questions. The community may drop off their donations at the front office. Mohawk staff may contact Mrs. Camarda or bring donations to room 214.

On behalf of the Key Club members, we thank you for your support.

The HyoomKloh Fashion Can Change the World Scholarship, described below, is a new scholarship to support college education. We, the founders of HyoomKloh, are Massachusetts natives and alums of the Franklin County School System. We wanted to especially share the scholarship with students around the area. Please let me know if you have any questions.

At HyoomKloh, we believe that fashion has the power to change the world. Our vision is to use fashion as a vehicle for social good and to empower individuals to use their personal style to make a positive impact on the world. We offer fashionable, high-quality t-shirts that make a statement and inspire positive change. We hope to spark conversation through clothing and encourage customers to think critically about the world around them.

We would like to honor future change agents who are currently in school or returning to school. So, we're happy to announce the Fashion Can Change the World Scholarship for 2023 to get the word out about how fashion can be used for good. Winners will be rewarded with scholarships to help pay for the cost of school.

See below for more information on the HyoomKloh Fashion Can Change the World Scholarship, including how to apply, official rules, and more.

First Place: $500 | Second Place: $250

The Fashion Can Change the World Scholarship is open to students who meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Students must be incoming or currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or law program at an accredited university within the United States.

The deadline to submit your completed scholarship application is May 1, 2023.

Application instructions:

• Follow @hyoomkloh on Instagram and leave a comment describing a cause that is important to you.
• Submit a 250-word essay or less by May 1, 2023, on the following prompt: Tell us about an article of clothing that is meaningful to you. How does it inspire you?
• The essay should be submitted to impact@hyoomkloh.com with the subject line “HyoomKloh Fashion Can Change the World Scholarship.” In the email, be sure to tell us what your Instagram handle is.
• Winners will be announced on May 30, 2023.
• All scholarship awards are paid directly to each winner.