News from the Masconomet Superintendent

Superintendent’s Report to the School Committee, 9/10/25

Welcome Back!

We’ve had a great opening to the 2025-2026 school year. Teachers returned to work on Monday, August 25. They participated in our all-district meeting, met with their principals and department heads, and had time to complete annual required trainings and set up their classrooms.

On Tuesday, August 26, we welcomed our incoming 7th and 9th grade students for orientation. Ninth grade student orientation is led by our Peer Leaders, who are upper grade students trained to help ninth graders with the transition to high school. Peer leaders are assigned a small group of ninth grade students to meet with throughout the school year. Thanks to High School Teacher Mike Kelsen for coordinating our peer leader program.

At the Middle School, 7th grade students begin the process of transitioning from students from their hometown elementary schools to becoming Masconomet students. The 7th grade began their orientation by meeting with their M-Block class to learn about school policies. They then participated in a scavenger hunt designed to teach them the building’s layout and then in a “Poison River” team building game. The 7th grade ended the day assembling toiletry kits that were donated and received a swag bag for themselves courtesy of the Masconomet Parent Activities Committee (PAC).

All students officially began the school year on Wednesday, August 27, where all classes met in a modified half-day schedule. On Thursday, August 28, we ran a “Monday” schedule to make up for the Labor Day Holiday. After returning from the long weekend, the High School held its Back to School Night on Thursday, September 4. Our opening of school activities will conclude on Thursday, September 11 with the Middle School’s Back to School Night at 6:00 PM.

Masconomet September 11 Memorial

Thanks to the members of the Boxford, Middleton, and Topsfield Fire Departments, student government representatives and High School Principal Katie DiNardo for giving their time yesterday afternoon to set up Masconomet’s September 11th Memorial on the front lawn of the school. The memorial was originally coordinated by Masconomet students Cole O’Malley, Nate Hopper and Olivia O’Malley (no relation to Cole) in 2006. For the past 19 years, the Flag Memorial has continued as an annual tradition at Masconomet to remember those killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Both the Middle and High Schools will also be observing a moment of silence to commemorate the day.

Parent Communications Guide

Masconomet always seeks to promote good communication – with parents, the Towns, and within and among the schools themselves. To this end, our Executive Leadership Team has developed a Problem–Solver and Communications Guide, which is intended to help us foster effective communication through putting members of the community in touch with the best person to answer their specific question. The guide can also be accessed from the front page of the Masconomet Website under the “About Our District” heading.

The Problem–Solver and Communications Guide provides parents and community members with the appropriate contacts at Masconomet for a number of common issues, such as academics, attendance, student records and special education/student services. Because problems and concerns are best addressed at the source, we suggest that parents should always begin at this step. For example, the chain of communication for a concern about a grade on an assignment would be to begin with the teacher who assigned the grade, then to the appropriate Department Head, and then to the Principal or Assistant Principal. If the concern is not resolved, the last step in this process would be the Superintendent. If you have a question about a topic that is not listed on the Problem–Solver and Communications Guide, the best place to start is the main office of either the Middle or High Schools where our administrative assistants will then direct you to the appropriate person in the District.

Capital Plan Updates:

HVAC and Roof Replacement Project: In March of 2025, the School Committee approved the submission of Statements of Interest with the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s Accelerated Repair Programs to replace our current HVAC system with heat pumps and replace the roof. One Statement of Interest was submitted for the high school and one for the middle school. Asst. Superintendent Jeff Sands, HVAC Technician Keith Starosciak and I participated in a conference call with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) on July 28 and the three of us hosted a team from MSBA to conduct a site visit at Masconomet on August 21st.

The MSBA expects to issue invitations to school districts to participate in the Schematic Design Phase of the Accelerated Repair Project at the end of October. There are 96 applications before the MSBA in this round of funding. Because of the large number of applications, they will be staggering the commencement dates for districts that have been invited into the Schematic Design phase. If we are invited, this could allow us to potentially seek approval to borrow funds for designer and owner’s-project manager services at next May’s annual town meetings. If we are not invited to participate in this round of funding, the next window for submitting an application will be in the spring of 2027.

Electrification Study: In May of 2025, Boxford, Middleton and Topsfield Town Meetings approved the funding for Masconomet to conduct a study on the feasibility of electrifying our building HVAC systems. Jeff Sands and Keith Starosciak kicked off this project this week by hosting a team from CMTA. The current plan is for CMTA to issue a draft report in early January.

Track and Softball Renovation Project: Boxford, Topsfield and Middleton Town Meetings also approved the funding for a study to re-design our softball facilities and replace the track Bunker Stadium. On August 20, Asst. Superintendent Sands, Athletic Director Daileanes and I hosted a design team from Vision Sports Design to kick-off this project. Vision Sports Design plans to have draft designs and costs estimates to us by the end of October.

Press Box Lift Replacement: Last fall, the Boxford Building Inspector closed the second floor of the press box at Bunker Stadium because the lift to the second floor was not functioning. Last May, Boxford, Middleton and Topsfield Town Meetings approved the funding to replace the lift. This August, temporary scaffolding was installed that includes public address and scoreboard controls, and space for football coaches. This will allow athletic games to be held at the Bunker Stadium this fall. The press box lift is scheduled to be replaced in spring of 2026.

Turf Field Project: The turf field project application for a permit is still before the Boxford Conservation Commission. On August 13, the District’s project designer, Stantec, submitted its response to comments from the Boxford Conservation Commission’s peer review firm, Williams and Sparges. Stantec received a response to these comments on September 2 and is currently working on a response to this review. This response should be ready in time for the Boxford Conservation Commission’s next meeting on September 18.

On September 4, I was notified by Ross Povenmire, the Boxford Conservation Agent, that the $18,000 District had paid for Williams and Sparges peer review services had run out and that we are now $5500 in arrears. Mr. Povenmire also informed me that Williams and Sparges anticipates an additional $2000 will be needed to complete the peer review work. This is the first update we’ve received relative to the cost of the peer review since the District paid the initial $18,000 in February of 2025. The School Committee has appropriated the additional funding so our permit application may continue.

Parent Coffees

This year, we will again be hosting as series of parent coffees on Friday mornings at 8:30 AM. These coffees are an opportunity for members of the public to meet with school principals, members of the District Administrative Team and me to ask questions and discuss issues that concern the Masconomet District. Our Parent Coffees this month will be held in the High School on September 19 and in the Middle School on September 26 from 8:30 to 9:30 AM.

Please click here for the list of Principal’s Coffee Dates for the 2025-2026 School Year.

Superintendent’s Contract

Two weeks ago, I informed the Masconomet School Committee that I do not want to renew my contract as Superintendent of the Masconomet Regional School District after my current contract expires on June 30, 2026. After six years, it has become clear to me that my professional goals and the goals of the Masconomet District are not aligned. I will continue to work with everyone within the district to support students, faculty and community members through this school year.

Stay in Touch with Masconomet

District Communications and Quick Reference Guide

Have a question or concern and don’t know where to start? The District Communications and Quick Reference Guide will get you in touch with the right person at Masconomet.

How We Communicate

“How We Communicate” outlines our District’s communication methods.

School Principals’ Blogs

Both our Middle and High School Principal’s publish weekly blogs with information from their schools. For more school-specific info, please see the High School Principal’s Masco Memo and the Middle School Principal’s Weekly Update.

Masconomet’s Strategic Plan, 2023-2028

Masconomet 2025-2026 Strategic Initiative Goals

Masconomet’s Portrait of a Learner

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Superintendent’s Report to the School Committee, 7.30.25

New Website Launch

We are excited to announce the launch of our new website, hosted by Finalsite. The re-designed website will elevate our district’s online presence and make it easier for parents, students, and community members to find important information.

IT Department Member, Matthew Riley, has worked diligently to ensure that all content from the old site has been reviewed, transferred, and brought up to date to align with the new structure and functionality. The redesigned site features a modern, mobile-friendly layout, enhanced navigation, a stronger search tool, and dedicated sections for each school. The homepage showcases the district’s news and events, providing visitors with the latest updates and important information. The re-designed website will go live on Friday, August 1st at the same address: www.masconomet.org

Turf Field Update

As I last updated the School Committee in June, Stantec was awaiting a response from the Boxford Conservation Commission’s Peer Reviewer. This response was delivered to Stantec on June 24th. Additionally, the Boxford Conservation Agent, Peer Reviewer and Stantec conducted another site visit to Masconomet to review wetland delineations on July 9th. Stantec is due to submit its response to the Peer Reviewer’s comments and to the site visit on July 31st and has asked for a continuance of our hearing until the Boxford Conservation Commission’s August 7th meeting. This will likely be extended to August 21st to allow for all members of our team to be present. The Boxford Conservation Commission’s meeting agenda are posted here: https://www.boxfordma.gov/AgendaCenter

MSBA Roof and HVAC Project Update

On Monday, July 28, Asst Superintendent Jeff Sands, HVAC Technician Keith Starosciak and I participated in a conference call with a team from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) regarding our application for a building-wide heat pump conversion and roof replacement project. On this call, we learned the MSBA is reviewing our application and will conduct a site visit to Masconomet later in August. We also learned that the MSBA Board of Directors will be making decisions regarding inviting school districts into the “Feasibility Study” phase of the project in late October of 2025. The MSBA is currently reviewing 96 project applications in this two-year funding round. Because of the large number of applications, they will be staggering the commencement dates for districts that have been invited into the “Feasibility Study” phase. This would allow us to potentially seek approval to borrow funds for the feasibility study at next May’s annual town meetings. If we are not invited to participate in this round of funding, the next window for submitting an application will be in the spring of 2027.

Superintendent’s Report to the School Committee, 6.18.25

Congratulations to Our Retiring Educators

On Friday, June 13th, we celebrated the retirement of eight faculty members. Congratulations to Middle School Math Teacher Lois Afrow, Student Services Administrative Assistant Elaine Cavatorta, High School Math Teacher Alyssa Hardy, Middle School Assistant Principal Gavin Monagle, High School Math Teacher Rich Schonewald, Athletics Department Administrative Assistant Jan Smallman, Special Education Professional Nancy Walker and Special Education Paraprofessional Amelia Wallace. These eight educators represent a combined total of nearly 150 years of experience serving the students of Masconomet. On behalf of the entire Masconomet School Community, I wish them the best as they enter into this next phase of their journey! For more information on our retirees, please go to: https://mascosuper.school.blog/2025/06/16/congratulations-to-masconomets-retiring-educators/

Displays of Masconomet History Installed by Social Studies Department

After 15 years in storage, the Killam Collection of Prehistoric Native American Artifacts is back on display at Masconomet High School! The collection was on display from the early 1960’s to the 1990’s, again after the school was rebuilt in 2001, and it has made a triumphant return this week. In collaboration with Social Studies teachers, AP US History students researched, curated and created a permanent display of these artifacts, as well as the history of the Killam family and of their donation of these objects. Gratitude to Robin Seigel of the Boxford Historical Documents Center for her support and expertise in all of our projects! We look forward to collaborating with the Masconomet Educational Foundation to create permanent signage and displays to supplement the excellent work the students have started. Please explore the exhibit next time you visit the high school main office.

AP U.S. History students created a mural exploring: “Who was Masconomet?” that is now displayed on the second floor of the high school. Students learned about the Native American legacy of our area and why the school was named after this leader of the Agawam. Did you know that Masconomet’s name means, “He who overpowered a black bear?” We look forward to continuing to learn about and explore Masconomet’s local legacy in the coming year as we install more permanent exhibits around the district honoring our namesake.

AP U.S. History students created a display chronicling the evolution and development of our regional school district using original documents, brochures and artifacts collected through the years. Artifacts include a brochure of recommended curriculum in 1959: Juniors in high school should take Stenography and Bookkeeping and Seniors were to take Glee Club and Commercial Law and Salesmanship. Explore this engaging permanent display of the history of our school from 1959-2001 in the main entrance of Masconomet High School!

Turf Field Project Update

I wrote to you last winter that on February 6^th the Masconomet Regional School District submitted a notice of intent to the Boxford Conservation Commission to construct two turf fields on its campus. The Boxford Conservation Commission retained the firm Williams and Sparges to provide a peer review of our application and to advise the Conservation Commission in its decision on the project. Williams and Sparges provided Stantec, our design firm, with its comments on our application on April 2^nd. Stantec reviewed these comments and submitted a detailed response to the Boxford Conservation Commission on April 24^th. Williams and Sparges provided their response to Stantec’s April 24th document on June 24th. Stantec will be submitting a response to this document with the goal of making the Conservation Commission’s July 10th meeting. The Boxford Conservation Commission’s meeting agenda are posted here: https://www.boxfordma.gov/AgendaCenter

The Conservation Commission is also seeking letters from the community regarding the project. If you would like to submit a letter of support for the project, please send it to the Boxford Conservation Commission c/o Ross Povenmire at rpovenmire@town.boxford.ma.us.

For more information regarding the Masconomet Turf Field Project, please go to: https://www.masconomet.org/Page/1036

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Have a Great Summer!

I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy summer. School will resume from summer vacation for all students on Wednesday, August 27.

Congratulations to Masconomet’s Retiring Educators!

As the 2024-2025 school year comes to a close, I would like to recognize the eight members of the Masconomet Faculty who are retiring this year and to thank them for their service to the students of the Masconomet Regional School District. These eight retirees possess a combined total of nearly 150 years of experience at Masconomet. In this time, they have touched the lives of thousands of students. On behalf of the entire Masconomet Community, I wish them all the best as they enter the next stage of their journey!

Lois Afrow, Mathematics Teacher, Masconomet Middle School

Lois Afrow was first appointed as a Middle School Mathematics Teacher at Masconomet for the 2006-2007 school year. Prior to coming to Masconomet, she worked for six years as a Special Education Teacher at the Holten-Richmond Middle School in Danvers. Lois was granted Associate Master Teacher Status in 2010 and Master Teacher Status in 2014. In 2007, she began serving as the Advisor to the Middle School Mathematics Team. She also worked as a Summer Title I Instructor (2009), as a Technology Integration Specialist (2010), and a Summer Acceleration Academy Teacher (2021).

Elaine Cavatorta, Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent, Student Services Department

Elaine Cavatorta was hired to the position of Team Evaluation Secretary at Masconomet High School in August of 1978. In 1980, she also served as the Varsity Wrestling Cheerleading Advisor. Elaine left Masconomet in 1982 and returned as a clerk in the Special Needs Department ten years later. In September of 2004, Elaine was hired to the position of Administrative Assistant to Director of Special Education. In 2018, Elaine also took on the role of District Grant Coordinator. Because of her wealth of experience at Masconomet, Elaine was selected to mentor several newly-hired administrative assistants through her career.

Alyssa Hardy, Mathematics Teacher, Masconomet High School

Alyssa Hardy was hired as a Mathematics Teacher at Masconomet High School for the 2000-2001 school year. She came to Masconomet after working for three years as a Mathematics Teacher at Haverhill High School. Alyssa was awarded the designation of Associate Master Teacher in 2005 and Master Teacher in 2019.

Gavin Monagle, Assistant Principal, Masconomet Middle School

Gavin Monagle first came to Masconomet as an Assistant Football Coach under Jim Pugh in 2008. He then joined the faculty as the Assistant Principal of Masconomet Middle School for the 2014-2025 school year. Prior to coming to Masconomet, Gavin served as the Assistant Principal at Rumney Marsh Academy in Revere from 2006-2014, and as a Social Studies Teacher in Revere from 1994-2006. Gavin assumed the role of Head Varsity Football Coach in 2015 and held this position through the 2023 season. He also served as an Assistant Boys Indoor Track Coach and as an Assistant Girls Varsity Track Coach.

Richard Schonewald, Mathematics Teacher, Masconomet High School

Rich Schonewald was appointed to the position of Mathematics Teacher at Masconomet High School for the 1999-2000 school year. Prior to joining Masconomet, he worked as a Mathematics Teacher in Raleigh, NC and as a Design Engineer with General Electric. Rich was awarded the Associate Master Teacher Designation in 2004 and Master Teacher Designation in 2023. He was the Boys Varsity Tennis Coach from 2001-2006, the Faculty Manager for Athletic Events from 2008-2021, and the Athletics Operations Manager from 2022-2024. Rich also served as the Senior Internship Study Program Advisor in 2011.

Jan Smallman, Administrative Assistant, Department of Athletics and Wellness

Jan Smallman was hired as the Administrative Assistant to the Athletic and Physical Education Department at Masconomet in August of 1998 to work under Athletic Director Joe Casey. In her time at Masconomet, Jan also served as the Assistant Faculty Manager and as the Faculty Manager for home athletic contests. She was appointed to the position of Athletics Operations Manager in July of 2022.

Nancy Walker, Special Education Paraprofessional, Middle and High Schools

Nancy Walker was appointed to the position of Middle School 1:1 Special Education Paraprofessional in April of 2015. In 2017, Nancy was re-assigned as a Paraprofessional at Masconomet High School. Prior to working as a Paraprofessional, Nancy served as a substitute teacher as Masconomet from 2008-2015.

Amelia Wallace, Special Education Paraprofessional, Middle School

Amelia Wallace began working as a Special Education Tutor at Masconomet Middle School in 2012 and retired prior to the start of the 2024-2025 school year. Prior to becoming a Tutor, she also worked as a Substitute Teacher at Masconomet from December of 2011 through June of 2012. Amelia served in several elementary school teaching positions on the North Shore prior to coming to Masconomet.

Superintendent’s Report to the School Committee, May 28, 2025

Thanks to Our Member Communities for Supporting the FY26 Budget

I would like to thank the residents of Boxford, Middleton, and Topsfield for supporting the FY2026 Masconomet Operating Budget. Topsfield approved the budget at Town Meeting on May 6^th and at the ballot on May 8^th. Boxford and Middleton Town Meeting approved the budget on May 13^th and both towns approved at their town elections on May 20^th.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025

This week we will be celebrating the graduation of Masconomet High School’s Class of 2025. Senior Week activities began on Tuesday evening with the Baccalaureate Ceremony. On Wednesday afternoon, our Parent Activities Committee (PAC) held a barbecue for students before they visited their elementary schools. On Thursday morning, we will hold our Awards Ceremony in the auditorium at 10:00 AM. Our Graduation Ceremony will be at 6:00 PM on Friday, May 30th at Bunker Stadium. Congratulations to all of our graduates and their families!

Thanks to PAC for Teacher Appreciation Week

Thank you to the Masconomet Parent Activities Committee (PAC) for their contributions during Teacher Appreciation Week. On May 7^th the PAC provided gift baskets and desserts at our annual Teacher Appreciation Luncheon.

New Middle School Families Welcomed to Masconomet Middle School

Throughout the month of May, Masconomet Middle School hosted a series of meetings for parents of incoming 7th grade students. These meetings were attended by Principal Phil McManus, Assist. Superintendent Brad Denton, Director of Teaching and Learning Kevin Cyr and me. Parents were able to learn from administration about how the Middle School operates and have their questions answered about how to best approach the transition to Middle School. These meetings were a new initiative for this year that we are excited to continue in future years.

Congratulations to our Student Athletes

On May 13th, fifteen current members of Masconomet’s Class of 2025 were recognized for their commitment to continuing their careers as scholar-athletes in college. The following students, and their families and friends were invited to a ceremony held in the Masconomet Gym.

Tyson Arnold – Track: Bentley
Riley Bovardi – Soccer: Ithaca College
Meri Brandt – Gymnastics: Univ. of Nebraska
Will Carey – Lacrosse: Endicott College
Jack Fiedler – Soccer: Holy Cross
Greta Hartung – Track: St. Anselm
Abby Hoover – Rowing: Univ. of Delaware
Jackson Magee – Football: Univ. of New England
Amanda Schneider – Soccer/Track: Colby College
Nicole Schneider – Soccer: St. Anselm
Teagan Skulley – Tennis: Connecticut College
Adam Staffier – Track & Field: Marist
Jake Testa – Track: Roger Williams
Piper Testa – Track & Field: Merrimack College
Lilia Thomas – Rowing: Marist

Seniors Show Off Their Internship Experiences

On Wednesday May 21st, members of the Class of 2025 demonstrated their readiness for college and career at our annual Senior Internship Fair. Students presented on their internship experience to their families and to students from both Masconomet Middle and High Schools. Masconomet seniors spend the majority of the fourth quarter participating in their internships. Thanks to Senior Internship Coordinator Madison Marc-Aurele for her work with our seniors this year.

Middle School Band and Chorus Concert

On the evening of May 21st, our Middle School Chorus and Band held their annual Spring Concert. The night was filled with great performances and our students found out the meaning of the expression “the show must go on” when the power went out in the middle of a song! Congratulations to our students and the faculty of the Middle School Performing Arts Department for a great show!

Peer Leaders Welcome Class of 2029 to Masconomet High School

On Thursday, May 22nd the Masconomet High School Peer Leaders welcomed our current 8th grade students to Masconomet High School. The Peer Leader Program is designed to orient our incoming 9th grade students to Masconomet High School. The Peer Leaders kicked off the program with a meeting in the Auditorium where they met their new advisees and heard from the Peer Leader Captains and the Faculty Advisor, Mr. Kelsen. The Peer Leaders then led their groups on tours of the High School and met with their advisees to answer their questions. These groups will meet again on our 9th Grade Orientation Day on August 26th.

Memorial Day Assemblies

Last week, Masconomet observed the Memorial Day Holiday with two ceremonies honoring our veterans. On Thursday, May 22nd, Masconomet Middle School held an all-school assembly to commemorate the sacrifices of the service men and women from our communities. Masconomet High School held its ceremony on Friday, May 23rd. Both ceremonies featured speeches from students and faculty and performances by our chorus and band students. Each ceremony was well-attended by veterans from the Tri-Town Community. Thank you for your service!

Parent Coffees with Administration

Our last Middle School Parent Coffee will be held on Friday, May 30th in the Middle School Library at 8:30 AM. Parents are asked to check in at the main office to sign into the building. They will then be escorted to the library for the Parent Coffee.

Click here for the full schedule of Parent Coffees with Masconomet Administration

Stay in Touch with Masconomet

District Communications and Quick Reference Guide

Have a question or concern and don’t know where to start? The District Communications and Quick Reference Guide will get you in touch with the right person at Masconomet.