GPS Newsletter
March 2023
Renaissance Star Assessments
Grafton Public Schools uses Renaissance STAR assessments in grades 1-10 to assess current skill level in reading and math. Students will be assessed three times a year; the information derived from the assessments will allow teachers to target their instruction to meet the needs of all students.
Q: What are Star Assessments?
A: Star Assessments are short tests that provide teachers with learning data. Star tests are computer adaptive, which means they adjust to each answer that your child provides. This helps teachers get the best data to help your child in the shortest amount of testing time (about one-third of the time other tests take).
Q: What do teachers do with Star Assessments?
A: Teachers analyze the data they get from Star assessments to learn what students already know and what they are ready to learn next, to monitor student growth, and to determine which students may need additional help. Star assessments are heavily researched and scientifically proven to help teachers guide each student on his or her unique path to mastery.
Q: What do Star Assessments do for my child?
A: By pinpointing exactly what your child knows, teachers can personalize your child’s learning to maximize growth. Plus, short test times ensure your child spends more time learning and less time testing.
Q; Can I prepare my child for the STAR Assessments?
A: STAR Assessments measure your child’s progress and adapts it’s questions as your child moves through the assessment. There is no preparation required for the assessment.
Q: When will my child take the STAR Assessments?
A: Students will take the reading and math assessments three times during the year (fall, winter, and spring).
Q: How do I access my child’s results?
A: Parents/guardians can access the Star Assessment Parent Letter in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. The Star Assessment Parent Letter contains student specific information and directions that will allow you to set preferences to receive an email after your student takes a Star Assessment. To access the Star Assessment Parent Letter:
- Log into the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
- Select a student in the blue bar at the top of the PowerSchool window.
- Click on the SwiftReach Link at the top of the left navigation menu
- Click Star Assessment Parent Letter to open or download the letter
If you do not have a PowerSchool Parent Portal Account click here for more information.
Equity Audit Survey
https://qfreeaccountssjc1.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oOJBScgKQByRJY

Grafton Summer Enrichment 2023
We are thrilled to announce the 2023 Summer Season of Learning!
This enrichment program offers learning opportunities that extend beyond the scope of our grade-level curricula.
Topics include science, math, technology, literacy, and more.
There is something for everyone!
Classes will be taught by Grafton Public Schools professionals.
We welcome students entering Kindergarten through grade 12 to participate.
Browse the program guide! (CLICK HERE)
Registration will be online this year!! (CLICK HERE)
Questions? Please email: enrichment@grafton.k12.ma.us
Sock Drive
Collection boxes will be located in the lobbies of all GPS schools from Monday, March 6th through Monday, March 20th. Please email Kelly Rauktis at krauktis@gmail.com with any questions.
Foster Care Information
The Massachusetts Department of Children & Families is in need of foster parents You can be single or married, own a home or rent one. There’s a need for foster parents across Massachusetts, from all diverse backgrounds. Please see the link below for more information!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mMKNtzjQVHtm3ciDaHGVORXXvAOZRhiO/view?usp=sharing