I wish you all could have been a fly on the wall in our room last week as the students worked through the MCAS. While I really have no idea how they did (I'm not allowed to even look at the questions unless a student asks me a specific question related to their iPad and the technological aspects of the test) but I can tell you that the students put forth a TREMENDOUS effort. I really don't feel like anyone rushed. Sure, there were kids who did calculations in their heads that really should have been done on paper, but for the most part, they really looked like they were giving it their all. Thank you for everything you did to support your child. I'm not convinced that the data gathered from these tests will be any more helpful than the data I collect each day but I am pleased to know that the kids put their hearts into their work. That is what I expect from them each and every day and they didn't disappoint.

Clough yearbook order forms were sent home with students last week. The price of the yearbook is $20 and all checks can be made out to MURSD. The check and the form are due by May 21, 2021. If you order more than one book please fill out two forms, one for each student. Please let me know if you would like another form.

Please know that Mrs. Gallagher is working with Clough's PTO to ensure that our fourth-graders receive a very special send-off to Miscoe. We feel very fortunate to be able to include so many of the time-honored traditions that our students look forward to. Stay tuned. Details will be available to families very soon!

From May 10th to May 21st, the eighth and ninth grade Project 351 Ambassadors and Alumni are hosting a clothing drive with collection bins outside of all the district’s school buildings. They will be accepting children’s new or gently used clothing donations in sizes newborn to youth large. The clothing donations will go to Cradles to Crayons, an organization that collects and gives clothing and other essentials to children in need. They will be holding a raffle for the elementary students at Clough and Memorial! Students at Clough and Memorial can scan the QR code that is located on the coloring pages that can be found on the donation bins at each elementary school or by clicking this link to enter the raffle. Organizers can’t wait to see your coloring page creations! -

Thank you so much for your support with this service project!

Kayla Vallecillo, Jocelyn Graham, Lauren Scott, and Ben Joseph

Project 351 Ambassadors and Alumni

Our district has recently revisited the practice of assigning homework. I have never been a huge proponent of assigning tons of homework. My philosophy is that homework is helpful if it provides students with meaningful practice, helps to build confidence, and helps students to acquire and maintain critical skills.

Over the last year, all educators have really dialed back on homework in an effort to attend to students' social/emotional wellness and in the interest of maintaining parent sanity. I know you join me in hoping that next year will really be a return to normal. Typically, our fifth-grade team has also shared the philosophy that homework should be reasonable and meaningful. I fully anticipate that all fifth graders will have homework in the fall. Now that we are back fully in person, I will start to insist that students fulfill some minimal homework expectations.

Homework expectations are as follows:

Reading: 20 minutes of silent reading Monday through Thursday evenings. There will be occasional accountability checks. PLEASE support your child in developing this important habit. Truly, reading will help your child to excel in ALL curriculum areas. Students who do not develop a reading habit will be more apt to fall behind their peers across all subjects, including mathematics.

Math: 20 minutes of STMath daily completing a minimum of 12 puzzles (You can check your child's progress as they work...ask him or her how. I am also happy to show you how too. Please contact me if you need assistance.) As you know, the STMath goals are often completed IN SCHOOL. Students are asked to work toward their time and puzzle requirements at home when the work was unable to be completed in school.

Practicing math facts as needed. We have finished our unit on division and fractions. Students with fact fluency have had a much easier time with these units. As the year concludes, we will continue to work with fractions as they are a major fourth-grade focus. (We'll also be studying geometry and measurement.) I can't emphasize how important multiplication fact fluency is to the mastery of our fourth-grade fraction standards. Please continue to encourage your child to practice and learn his or her multiplication facts. Knowing their facts by heart will make tackling the content in future fourth-grade units, as well as fifth-grade units, so much easier for the students. Students who know their facts by heart are far more confident and take more risks in math class. Anything you can do at home to build fact fluency will be greatly appreciated. Working on fact fluency twice a week for about five minutes each session is enough for the typical fourth-grader.

I will email parents to let you know if your child is NOT completing homework from week to week. Frequent parent check-ins with students will help to show your child that you care and that this small amount of homework is important.

Let's continue to stay connected. Please reach out should you have any questions or concerns. Also, always feel free to share triumphs you're noticing in your child. We love hearing stories of growth and increased independence. We are committed to helping your child overcome obstacles and to set and work toward meaningful goals. As a parent myself, I know how tricky navigating parenting during typical days is let alone during a pandemic. Let's continue to keep the dialogue open as we move through the school year. Don't ever hesitate to contact us.