TPS District Newsletter
Tewksbury Public Schools
March 2023
Message from the Superintendent
Dear TPS Community,
March: “In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb"
According to the Farmers' Almanac, “the weather folklore stems from ancestral beliefs in balance, meaning if the weather at the start of March was bad (roaring, like a roaring lion), the month should end with good weather (gentle, like a lamb).”
March certainly provided us with unusual weather challenges, not only in New England, but all throughout the United States. One can only hope for good weather moving forward as our students love being outside on the playground and on the fields. The laughter we hear from inside the Central Office is heartwarming. Our neighbors across the States facing extreme weather crises deserve a much-needed reprieve as well.
With that, I thought I might lift the curtain a bit to describe what actually goes into an inclement weather decision (as there have been some very tricky decisions this month and some of you have asked). A lot goes into this decision making; if you’d like to know more about this feel free to look at this document. Please cross your fingers along with us in the hopes that we do not need to access this process again this school year, as our last day of school is currently Friday, June 16th.
March has also been a very busy month recognizing and celebrating our women, our people with disabilities, and our health. There are links below if you want to learn more.
Women's History Month
NEW: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
National Nutrition Month
Food Play is in our K-4 schools this week!
Before you know it, April vacation will be upon us. Please be reminded of the upcoming holiday observances, early release days, and the upcoming vacation days on the TPS District calendar.
Be well...Sincerely,
Brenda Theriault-Regan
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K-6 English Language Arts Literacy Pilot Program Update
This year, select teachers in Grades K-6 have been piloting two English Language Arts comprehension literacy curriculum resources - EL Education and Wit & Wisdom. Both of these programs engage our learners in content-based lessons and deep studies of high-interest, compelling topics that build literacy skills as students acquire knowledge. These resources have been thoroughly researched, align with the Science of Reading, and are highly rated through EdReports and DESE Curate. TPS will adopt one of these curriculum resources for full implementation in the 2023-2024 school year. We are excited to offer the community an opportunity to view EL and Wit & Wisdom curriculum materials through the links above. You may also set up an appointment to view the materials in person at the Administration Office at the Center Elementary School from March 27th - April 7th, 9:00am - 3:00pm. Please call to set up an appointment if you wish to visit us 978-640-7800.
Please click the link above for the TPS specific MCAS testing dates for Grades 3-10. If you have any questions, please contact your child's school principal.
April 3rd - April 8th.
ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS through 4/13
This award recognizes an educator who has had a significant impact on the TPS in the area of active involvement, volunteering, and giving a generous amount of time and energy to the quality of the educational system as an advocate for students.
ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS through 4/13
This award, established in 2013, to recognize an individual, a group, or a company/organization who has had a significant impact on TPS in the area of physical, monetary, or tangible contribution(s), or volunteering to benefit a school or district.
All Welcome -- Please Join Us
Our first meeting was a success! We look forward growing, learning and working together! The English Learner Parent Advisory Team is made up of parents/guardians of English learners who work with the English Language Education (ELE) staff and the school community to best support our language learners.
We will continue to update our families as we build our own Summer School offerings as well.
Please note that all dates are subject to change.
Tewksbury Public Schools
Please visit our website for up to date announcements, helpful resources, school calendars and events.
Website: https://www.tewksbury.k12.ma.us/
Address: 139 Pleasant Street, Tewksbury, MA, USA
Phone: (978) 640-7800