FBMS Weekly Newsletter
March 1, 2024 #wearemarshfield
A GLANCE AT MARCH
Today is the mid-term for Quarter III. Progress Reports will be posted to ASPEN on 3/5.
MARSHALAIRS TRYOUTS- 8th Grade Students
From MHS Chorus: Attention all 8th Graders! Do you like to sing and perform? Would you like to travel to Disneyland, California? Go on a 5 day trip to New York City next year? Sing the National Anthem at a Boston Celtics game? Then you should audition for Marshalairs! Marshalairs is a mixed chorus of approximately 20-25 students grades 9-12 at Marshfield High School. If you are interested in joining this group, auditions will be held at MHS on Monday, March 4th and Tuesday, March 5th afterschool at MHS. If you are interested in learning more about Marshalairs, see Mrs. DiRoberts for more information! We look forward to singing with the Class of 2028 at MHS next fall!
Club 7 DANCE -3/8
Our annual informal dance for 7th Graders will be held next Friday, March 8th. Club 7 is always a fun event. Tickets can be purchased online---see link below. The PTO is also looking for volunteers to help decorate and chaperone the event---see link below. A huge thank you to our PTO for organizing this awesome event!
8th GRADE SWEET FROG FUNDRAISER- 3/19
Attention families of 8th graders! 8th grade PTO and school advisors are hosting a fundraiser at Sweet Frog in Marshfield Center on Tuesday, March 19th from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. A portion of the profits will be given to support 8th grade events this school year. Raffle tickets will be sold at the event and in school for the week leading up to the event, for $5. Winning tickets will receive free froyo at Sweet Frog for one year. Anything we sell beyond 50 tickets will go directly toward our fundraising efforts. Please consider attending the event or purchasing a raffle ticket. We look forward to seeing you and to celebrating our amazing 8th graders at the end of the school year. Thank you for your time, consideration and support!
PASTEL ART
Students in Grade 8 learn how to blend and layer pastels for a three dimensional approach.
FUN FRIDAY FUNDRASING FOR 8th GRADE STUDENTS
Our 8th grade "Hat Day" fundraiser will be held on the first Friday of each month. Hats must still be appropriate for school and should not take away from the learning of any class. Students pay $1 in HR.
All profits from these fundraisers support 8th grade events!
8th GRADE PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CLASS NIGHT
Attention families of 8th graders! Grade 8 advisors Meaghan Segalla and Sean Baldwin are looking to meet with adult volunteers to plan 8th Grade Class Night. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 13th at 6:00 pm at FBMS. Lobby doors will be open, and we will greet you in the lobby before meeting for about an hour in Rm. 6. During this informational meeting, you will help us to select a theme for the Grade 8 dance and begin to form groups for decorating the cafeteria. This event is always a meaningful one for our 8th grade students, and we always try to make it as special as possible for them. PTO representative Megan O'Brien has been working with us. She is the parent liaison should questions arise. Megan can be reached at
If you cannot attend the meeting but would still like to help with the event, we will share informational slides with you after March 13th. Thank you for your time, consideration, and effort. We truly appreciate any help, and we are excited to celebrate our wonderful 8th grade students!
6th GRADERS CREATIONS
Our 6th graders studied the life of James Hampton, a visionary artist whose work was created with debris of everyday life. Students created their very own work of art with reflection and thought.
Cluster Awards
Sharks Cluster teachers recognized exceptional achievement and citizenry on their cluster this week. Additionally, students who excelled at their work with math iReady were also recognized. Well done, students!
Whales iReady Champs!
Narwhals Cluster Awards!
Starfish Cluster Awards!
Starfish Cluster Awards!
Starfish Cluster Awards!
Starfish Cluster Awards!
Whales Cluster Awards!
Project 351
Our Project 351 Ambassador, Nick Roht, is hard at work here at Furnace Brook. After surveying our student body regarding ways to improve our school, Nick presented his findings to the School Committee this week, and has formed a committee to start working on some great initiatives. He found that our students were most concerned with kindness and respect, environmental care and protection, world peace and equality, humanitarian aid, and personal health and general community changes. You can see these key points highlighted in the poster Nick created below.
Thank you, Nick, for your hard work! We appreciate all you are doing for FBMS!
Stay tuned for more on this front!
Nick and his 351 Committee helpers!
Nick presenting to the School Committee!
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.
Inside the Middle School Mind...
Stanley cups now have straw toppers and they are sprouting at FBMS!
AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT UNDERWAY
Thank you for signing up for enrichment.
Class Dates are March 7, 14, 21, April 4, 11
Each session runs for six weeks, and attendance is taken. Classes meet from 2:25 pm to 3:25 pm. Students may take the late bus home, or be picked up at school. Our classes are off to a great start!
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.
Our policy for arrival to school:
- 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.
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.
Additionally, Chromebook insurance covers one incident only. After that, there is a charge for repair. More information here. It is therefore of great importance that students take good and safe care of their Chromebook.
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
More information will be shared regarding final decisions in the future.
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
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...
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
Where:
Brant Rock 277 Ocean Street, Marshfield, MA
CLICK TO REGISTER TODAY!
https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Marshfield/MarshfieldStPatricksDay5k
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.