It's Time To Evolve!!
January, 2021
Dear Mason Road School Parent(s)/Caregiver(s),
Happy New Year!!! Without a doubt, this year IS going to be a great year! I know this because we are going to stay positive, focused, while having some fun!! I know what you are thinking...easier said then done. Well, yes, this is true however we are moving in the right direction. Vaccines are coming out (hopefully sooner rather than later), the school schedule is evolving to provide more structured time on learning, PLUS we have the most amazing little people that we share between home and school!
There might be times that you, as parents, are ready to just scream and run. Trust me! I have been there and, honestly, am still living it. This way of learning is not easy for our K and 1 students!! It is not easy for anyone. But if you stop and think about it, the children are doing it! They have learned how to navigate a google meet platform!! I know that there is still a lot of dependency at home, as there is at school. It is normal! These little people are learning the skills to increase their ability to become independent learners. It takes time, but it happens. THANK YOU for all of your support, flexibility, and understanding as we try to get back to what we know as "normal school."
On that note, wishing you all an amazing January (what is left of it) and February!
As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions and/or concerns at jdesto@dcrsd.org or (508)943-4312.
Sincerely,
Jennifer A. Desto, Principal
YOU MUST CERTIFY YOUR CHILD EVERYDAY
This is an extremely important measure in maintaining the safety of our staff and students in the spread of COVID in our schools.
New Learning Model - Starting Monday, January 25th
*Note: while we are obligated to provide it, and we will, we all have realistic expectations for our little people and their ability to maintain attention, focus, and interest during remote, live lessons. We will build to tolerance but please know, teachers will be available during designated times to assist, reteach, answer questions, etc. until we are able to have all students engaged and focused for the entire duration. Additionally, we understand that this may impact current schedules at home. Please be sure to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Here is the link to the presentation: Mason Road School Quick Facts: Transition to Model A
Expectations for in-person and remote learning
Attendance is required - each and every day. Teachers need to see the students, as expected according to the schedule, either in person or remotely. Submission of completed work is not the same as attending. If teachers do not see the students, each class, attendance will be marked accordingly. Lack of attendance is a lack of instruction.
If your child is sick and will not be attending, please reach out to the classroom teacher. On-going communication is important.
When in remote learning:
* Be sure to complete the self-certification for your child. YES! It is required on remote learning days as well.
* Please have your child up and ready for the day.
* Please be sure that your child has had his/her breakfast before remote learning has started. It is best to avoid eating during the remote time as it can become a distraction.
* Please set your child up within a distraction free work space with the necessary materials to engage in the on-line learning. Teachers spend endless hours planning and preparing for students to have all the necessary materials for home.
* Students should have their cameras on when instructed to do so. Please reinforce the importance of this. Believe it our not, teachers utilize observation to determine if a child is understanding the material or if it is confusing. Many times, facial expressions give it away. The beauty of the youth.
* Microphones should be off unless your child is called upon. Background noise is extremely distracting for all.
* It is necessary for everyone to maintain the privacy of instruction, student performance, and behavior.
* Lastly, teachers need to get a clear understanding of student performance. Allow your child to complete their assigned activities independently. They may require assistance navigating the computer/materials to get there, but it is really important that teachers are able to assess skill development.
As always, on-going communication with your child's classroom teacher will continue to support your child's learning.
Registration for the 2021-2022 School Year will Open February 1, 2021
Dear Parents/Guardians:
In an effort to prepare for the new school year, registration for children entering Kindergarten or Preschool in September, 2021 will be held via on-line registration (https://www.dcrsd.org/parents/new-student-registration) beginning February 1, 2021.
Children who reach the age of five (Kindergarten) or four (Preschool) by September 1, 2021, will be eligible for registration. Parents must bring their child’s original birth certificate, immunization records, physician form, proof of residency, and any pertinent information regarding legal, physical and or joint custody to registration. Under state law, immunization forms signed by a physician will be required and reviewed by the school prior to admission in the fall.
Student registration must be conducted on-line by parent/guardian. Telephone registrations will not be accepted. Parents/guardians are also reminded that they can only register their own children.
If you have any questions regarding the registration process please contact Mrs. Lori Pacheco, Principal of Charlton Elementary School (508-248-7774) or Mrs. Jennifer Desto, Principal of Mason Road School (508-943-4312).
We look forward to welcoming the Graduating Classes of 2034 and 2035!
Sincerely,
Lori A. Pacheco, Principal – CES
Jennifer A. Desto, Principal - MRS
****Registrations will not be accepted unless all required documents are presented.
Lifetouch is coming to Mason Road School!
Finally! We can get our 2020-2021 school pictures!
Lifetouch will be visiting Mason Road School on Tuesday, March 2nd (cohort A, C and preschool with remote students in the afternoon) and Thursday, March 4th (cohort B, C, and preschool with remote students in the afternoon) to take student pictures! Be on the look out for order forms.
I can assure you that all safety protocols will be followed. Pictures will take place in the cafetorium and student groups will be spread out. For remote student pictures, a schedule will be sent home for your child's scheduled time. Details on how the process will work will be provided to you prior to your child's arrival for pictures.
I have requested more information on yearbooks. We might not be able to create one this year and if that is the case, I can assure you we will do something special.
The FLU Vaccine is NO LONGER MANDATED
I do want to share that the staff and students at Mason Road continue to do an extraordinary job following all the safety protocols put into place. Is it true that the district has an increase in positive cases? Yes. Can you tell us if it is at Mason Road? No, but what I can share is that the staff and students continue to practice ALL safety protocols by:
1. Staying home with any symptoms (a HUGE thank you to parents for this one)
2. Wearing masks throughout the time at school (unless it is a mask break/snack/recess outside)
3. Sanitizing hands upon entering the classroom, throughout the time in the classroom, and before/after any transitions with recess
4. Continuing to practice and reinforce social distancing
Additionally, I want to thank the parents who keep the school informed of any potential case, close contact, and/or positive test that the student has been around. This information is extremely important. Nurse Johnson is working tirelessly to ensure that communication between these homes and school is consistent.
A HUGE thank you to Nurse Johnson! She really has been working around the clock to support the staff, students, and parents so that our school stays COVID free (no guarantee but not because of efforts in preventing it).
Message from Nurse Johnson
Additionally, the winter weather is here so please be sure to dress your child appropriately. We will be accessing outside recess for as long as the weather allows.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
** District calendar has been revised for the remainder of the school year. Any changes will be proposed at School Committee meetings.
February 2nd: Dudley PTO Meeting 6:30pm
February 11th: Half day for students. Parent-teacher conferences 1-4; 6-8: MORE DETIALS TO FOLLOW.
February 15-19th: NO SCHOOL Winter Break
February 25th: School Council Meeting 3:30-4:30pm
March 2nd: School Pictures Cohorts A, C, Preschool and Remote; Dudley PTO Meeting 6:30pm
March 4th: School Pictures Cohorts B, C, Preschool and Remote
March 11th: School Council Meeting 3:30-4:30pm
April 6th: Dudley PTO Meeting 6:30pm
April 8th: School Council Meeting 3:30-4:30pm
April 19th - 23rd: NO SCHOOL Spring Break
May 4th: Dudley PTO Meeting 6:30pm
May 13th: School Council Meeting 3:30-4:30pm
June 1st: Dudley PTO Meeting 6:30pm
June 6th: DCRSD Class of 2021 Commencement
June 15th: Tentative - last day of school - half day
Did someone say BASEBALL/SOFTBALL?????
Registration for Dudley Little League is OPEN for the 2021 baseball and softball season. Just visit the DLL website: http://www.dudleylittleleague.com to register your child(ren) all ages 4 to 16!
Personally, I have seen the amazing things that Dudley Little League has done not only for the students, but for our community. If I can't get to a Red Sox game, there is nothing better than a Dudley Little League one! I want those schedules!!!
Dudley PTO
Mason Road School SWAG
Important Links
http://www.dcrsd.org/uploaded/District_Files/CV/DCRSD.Reopening.Plan_Strategy.08.10.2020.pdf
School Committee Presentation: August 4th and 5th, 2020
http://www.dcrsd.org/uploaded/District_Files/CV/Presentation.08.05.2020.2.0.pdf
Follow Up Questions & Answer from August 5th School Committee Presentation:
http://www.dcrsd.org/uploaded/District_Files/CV/Combined.Q_A.pdf
District COVID Information:
http://www.dcrsd.org/about-dcrsd/covid-19
District Calendar for the 2020-2021 School Year (trimesters subject to change upon School Committee approval):
http://www.dcrsd.org/uploaded/District_Files/calendars/SY2020-2021_Calendar.pdf
Asbestos Notification:
http://www.dcrsd.org/uploaded/District_Files/2019_Asbestos_Notification.pdf
2020 Dudley-Charlton Regional School District Asbestos Notification
Mason Road School
20 Mason Road
Dudley, MA 01507
Telephone: (508) 943-4312
Fax: (508) 949-1005
Principal: Jennifer A. Desto
Email: jdesto@dcrsd.org
Administrative Assistant: Crissy Harris
Email: charris@dcrsd.org
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact contact me. This cannot be stressed enough especially when there are concerns. I cannot address what I am not aware of. ~Jen