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 6th and at the ballot on May 8th.  Boxford and Middleton Town Meeting approved the budget on May 13th and both towns approved at their town elections on May 20th. 

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 7th 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.

Stay Connected with Masconomet

Stay Connected with Masconomet 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 2024-2025 Strategic Initiative Goals

Masconomet’s Portrait of a Learner

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Superintendent’s Report to the School Committee, 4/30/25

Information on Masconomet’s FY26 Budget

Masconomet’s FY26 Budget will be presented for approval at Annual Town Meeting in Topsfield on Tuesday, May 6 and in Boxford and Middleton on Tuesday, May 13. Topsfield and Boxford Town Meetings will be held in the Masconomet Auditorium. Middleton Town Meeting will be in the gymnasium at Howe Manning School. All three will start at 7:00 PM. All three communities have made a portion of the Masconomet Operating Budget subject to a Proposition 2 1/2 override. This means that in addition to needing approval at Town Meeting, the Masconomet FY26 budget will also need to be approved at the ballot in each town’s annual election. For more information regarding the FY26 Masconomet Operating Budget, please go to www.masconomet.org/mascoplanning.

Parent Advisory Committee seeks Donations for Teacher Appreciation Week

The MASCO Parent Advisory Committee needs your help! PAC would like to provide raffle baskets for MASCO staff members to show our appreciation and to enhance the fun during the staff appreciation luncheon on May 7th. All staff members will be given their raffle tickets as they enter the cafeteria for their meal. PAC volunteers will pull and announce winners during dessert.

Please help us make this day great for our staff by donating an entire raffle basket, an individual item we can add to a basket or volunteering your time. Please contact Tara Donnell @ tarah02135@yahoo.com to volunteer on May 7th from 12:00-2:00pm in the school cafeteria. PAC has also created an Amazon Gift List (https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/3IGB3H57H233Z) for raffle basket donations.  Please select Tara Donnell 77 Topsfield Rd. Boxford as the shipping address for donations.

If you are interested in volunteering to help with any Masconomet PAC events please email us at:masconometpac@gmail.com.

School Choice Applications Accepted through May 8th

Our School Choice Application for 2025/2026 is now open. Admission through the School Choice program is only open to residents of Massachusetts. Additionally, a student must remain a resident of Massachusetts throughout their time at Masconomet Regional School District.

This application does not guarantee acceptance into the Masconomet Regional School District. This is an application to be considered for enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year.

The School Committee has approved the following for the 2025-2026 school year:

  • 10 slots for the 7th-grade class of 2031
  • 10 slots for the 9th-grade class of 2029

This application will close on Thursday, May 8, 2025. If more applicants than spaces are available, a lottery will be held. You will receive an emailed copy of your responses to this survey. This indicates your application is complete and you are in the lottery. If you do not receive this email, please contact the school registrar for further assistance; 978-887-2323.

Families will be notified, via email, if the student has been accepted or placed on a waitlist on May 12, 2025. You will have until May 16, 2025, to decide if you want to move forward with the School Choice enrollment.

Once confirmed by the Registrars, the next steps in the process will be discussed with you.

Please click here to apply.

Meetings with Incoming 7th Grade Parents at Masconomet Middle School

Middle School Principal McManus and I will be hosting meetings for parents of current 6th grade students. Parents will have an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about Masconomet Middle School. The dates for the coffees are listed below:

  • Spofford Pond Parents — Monday, May 5th: 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
  • Proctor School Parents — Wednesday, May 7th: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
  • Howe Manning Parents — Wednesday, May 14:  9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

All meetings will be held in the Middle School Library. Attendees should check in at the Middle School Main Office.

Parent Coffees with Administration

Our next High School Parent Coffee will be held on Friday, May 23rd in the High School Library at 8:30 AM. Our next 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.

Stay Connected with Masconomet

Stay Connected with Masconomet 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 2024-2025 Strategic Initiative Goals

Masconomet’s Portrait of a Learner

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Superintendent’s Report to the School Committee, 4/9/25

Masconomet Girls Gymnastics Celebrates their State Title. Photo Credit: Boston Globe

Congratulations to Girls Gymnastics Team on Winning State Championship

On March 1st, the Masconomet Girls Gymnastics Team won State Championship with a team score of 149.05, 2 points ahead of runner-up Newton North. Sarah Aldrich finished third in the all-around and Janey Young scored a 9.65 on the vault to secure the victory. This is the 5th state championship for the Girls Gymnastics Program since 2019. The team celebrated their victory with a “Rolling Rally” through the high school on March 3rd.

Masconomet Qualifies 15 Students for DECA International Career Development Conference in Orlando, FL

The Masconomet DECA Chapter returned home triumphant on Saturday, March 1, from the 66th annual Massachusetts DECA State Career Development Conference (SCDC) at the Westin Seaport and Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) with 10 students qualifying for the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, FL.

115 Masconomet students joined over 4,000 students, advisors, and business professionals for the 3-day conference where students competed in over 50 categories of marketing, hospitality, finance, and entrepreneurship. Masconomet DECA earned 2 medallions for a top score on their role play, 25 Top-12 Finalist medallions, and 10 top 6 placements giving them a shot at the ICDC competition in April.

State Champions: ICDC Qualifiers

PlaceStudent & GradeCategory
4thJack Fieldler, Devin O’Brien & Tyler Guaragna, 12International Business Plan (EIB)
4thHannah Mitchell, 11Finance Operations Research (FOR)
6thMerideth Brandt & Taylor Blanchette, 12Finance Operations Research (FOR)
6thCharlie Olson & Jacob Olson, 12Sports & Entertainment Team Decision Making (STDM)
6thGenevieve Clapp & Elise Clapp, 11School Based Enterprise (SBE)
9thCash Kornusky &
Chris Young, 12		Travel & Tourism Team Decision Making (TTDM)
Masconomet DECA Team at the Westin in Boston before Closing Session Saturday

One8 Foundation Grant Awarded to Support Innovative Middle School Science Curriculum

Congratulations to our middle school science department, which recently received a $44,700 grant courtesy of the One8 Foundation over the next three years to support the implementation of our new Open SciEd curriculum! This grant will provide valuable resources, professional development, and hands-on learning opportunities to enrich our students’ science education. 

OpenSciEd is an innovative, research-based science curriculum that engages students in authentic, inquiry-driven learning. Using real-world phenomena, students ask questions, investigate through hands-on experiments, analyze data, and construct explanations – just like real scientists and engineers. Furthermore, this curriculum aligns well with our Strategic Plan and Portrait of Learner competencies as it reinforces the skills we foster across disciplines: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, perseverance, and social-emotional learning.

Special thanks to Tammy Fay, the Department head of the Science, Technology, and Engineering Department, for securing this grant and our educators and administrators, whose commitment to teaching, learning, and innovation makes this all possible!  

Annika Rodgers Wins National Silver Medal in Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

The Masconomet Art Department is proud to announce that Annika Rodgers (current 8th grader) won a National Silver Medal this year in the Scholastic Art & Writing National Awards for her cyanotype print “Rhapsody in Blues”. 

Annika’s piece was selected by some of the foremost leaders in the visual arts for excellence in originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice. More than 310,000 works of art and writing were submitted to the 2025 Scholastic Awards and less than 1% of works received a National Medal!

“Rhapsody in Blues” by Annika Rodgers

Nirali Patel wins “Best in School” in 2025 6th Congressional District Art Competition

The Masconomet Art Department is pleased to announce that Nirali Patel (’26) was awarded the “Best In School Award” in the 2025 6th Congressional District High School Visual Art Competition for “Peacock Feather.” The Congressional Art Competition, initiated by Congress in 1982, is a nationwide high school arts competition sponsored by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Nirali’s work was displayed with the other contest winners at Monserrat College of Art. The winning work and honorable mentions were presented with a citation from Congressman Seth Moulton. Additionally, Montserrat provides the awardees and honorable mentions varying amounts of scholarship to the college’s Summer Pre College Program.

Congratulations to Masconomet’s Model UN Team

Congratulations to the Masconomet Middle School Math Team

The Middle School Math Team ended its season in historic fashion. Both regular teams completely dominated the meet with scores well above average and significantly higher than their nearest competitors. In addition, the team finished the year with an undefeated record. Every team member was at their best and deserves a BIG CONGRATULATIONS for their accomplishments. There were many near-perfect scores and once again, Masco took the top awards for the meet with 5 perfect scores earned by 8th graders Maniya Kari, Damien Townes, Aanvi Bhargava, Jackson Yespy, and 7th grader Sanya Patel. This meet was extra special for Team Advisor, Mrs. Afrow, who is retiring this spring. “I have been so inspired by the level of talent, enthusiasm, and collaboration displayed by these middle school mathletes. Their love of math is contagious and their potential is limitless.”

“Masco Planning” Website Launched

We’re pleased to announce the creation of the “Masconomet Planning” Section of the District Website. This section places information about the future vision of Masconomet, including our Strategic Plan, Capital Plan and FY26 Budget information, in one place on our website. More information will be added frequently. The new section can be found under the “Masco Planning” tab on the District homepage or at www.masconomet.org/mascoplanning.

Parent Coffees with Administration

Our next Middle School Parent Coffee will be held on Friday, April 18th in the High 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.

Stay Connected with Masconomet

Stay Connected with Masconomet 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 2024-2025 Strategic Initiative Goals

Masconomet’s Portrait of a Learner

Designed with WordPress

Superintendent’s Report to the School Committee, 2.26.25

State Champion Girl’s Soccer Team Visits State House 

The girls’ soccer team won the MIAA Division II State Championship in November 2024 and visited the State House on Monday, Feb. 10 to commemorate their accomplishment. 

The visit was hosted by Sen. Bruce Tarr and State Representatives Sally Kerans, Kristin Kassner and Brad Jones. Additionally, State Representatives Tram Nguyen and Adrianne Ramos each sent a staff member to the state house to assist with honoring the team.

During the visit, the team was given a tour of the State House and was presented with individual citations by Sen. Tarr who spoke at the informal Senate session where he thanked the team for representing Masconomet. The team also received citations from their respective state representatives. 

Also during the visit, the team was invited onto the Senate floor for photo opportunities, went onto the balcony, and waved at passersby on the Boston Common. 

The team also had the honor of seeing King Abdullah II of Jordan, who was visiting Gov. Maura Healy. 

This is the first time Masconoment Girls Soccer has won a state championship since 1989. The team held a 22-0-1 record throughout the season, ranking first in their division, and won the state championship 5-0 over Duxbury. Throughout the season, the team had 19 shutout games and outscored opponents 101-6. The seniors on the team will leave Masconomet with a career record of 74 wins, five losses, and five ties, with three undefeated regular seasons. 

“It has been an incredible honor to watch these girls achieve their goals and be recognized for all their hard work throughout the season,” said Masconomet High School Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Alison Lecesse. “We had an amazing time at the State House. It allowed our team to meet Sen. Tarr and state representatives and celebrate their accomplishments on a larger scale.”

The Masconomet Girls Soccer program has been coached by Lecesse, Assistant Varsity Coach Dan Bisceglia, Junior Varisty 1 Coach Krista Marcoulier, and Junior Varsity 2 Coach Scott Marcoulier. 

“I would like to thank Sen. Tarr and State Representatives Sally Kerans, Kristin Kassner and Brad Jones for inviting the soccer team to the State House,” said Superintendent Harvey. “The team should be immensely proud of their success both on and off the field.” 

StateChampions, Masconomet Varsity Girls Soccer Team takes a photo with State Representatives Sally Kerans and Kristin Kassner during the team’s visit.
Masconomet Varsity Girls Soccer stands on the Senate floor with state representatives.

Holocaust Remembrance at Masconomet Middle School

On Thursday, February 13th, Debbie Coltin from the Lappin Foundation led a powerful all school assembly at Masconomet Middle School to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day which occurred at the end of January. Holocaust Remembrance Day marks the day that Allied Forces librated the Auschwitz Concentration Camp in Germany. Coltin showed a video clip of Holocaust survivor Sonia Weitz, who lived locally on the North Shore before her passing, who describes her experiences as a child in various concentration camps around Germany. You can watch the video here and read her book of poems here. Please consider discussing this important history with your child.

School Committee Public Hearing on FY26 Budget

The Masconomet School Committee will hold a public hearing on the District’s proposed 2025-2026 (FY26) Budget at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. The hearing will be held in the Masconomet High School Library. The public hearing is an opportunity for members of the public to be heard on any part of the budget. Masconomet’s FY26 Budget documents can be found at https://www.masconomet.org/Page/1010

Masconomet High School Course Selection Night, March 6, 2025

Parent Coffees with Administration

Our next Middle School Parent Coffee will be on February 28 in the Middle School Library at 8:30 AM. Our next High School Parent Coffee will be held on Friday, March 21 in the High 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.

Stay Connected with Masconomet

Stay Connected with Masconomet 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 2024-2025 Strategic Initiative Goals

Masconomet’s Portrait of a Learner

Designed with WordPress

Superintendent’s Report to the School Committee, February 5, 2025

From Readers to Reviewers: Masconomet Young Adult Book Club Shares Their Top Picks

MASCO_books1_0125
Masconomet students who recommended Young Adult novels at Jabberwocky Bookstore in Newburyport pose with store owner Sue Little and staff member Chaucer. (Photo Courtesy Masconomet Regional School District)

One day in December, students in Reilly Finnegan’s English class shared that they loved to browse Young Adult novels in independent bookstores and then discuss their discoveries in a coffee shop. From that first discussion came an idea: Rather than talk among themselves, why not have students share their views with the world? “I thought this might be a fun way to lean into their love of reading and give them an authentic learning experience where they could share their passion for Young Adult books with the public,” said Finnegan, who teaches the new Young Adult Book Club elective at Masconomet Regional High School. Finnegan contacted Jabberwocky Bookstore in Newburyport, which agreed to display the students’ recommendations. Students participating were Erin Benson, Taylor Blanchette, Bryn Bucher, Lydia Deal, Jordyn Fallis, Bella Florentino, Charlotte Guido, Krystal Harlow-Powell, Gwyneth Kane, Lisha Patel, Carly Petersen, Finley Podgurski, Amelia Polanco, Emily Stearns, and Savannah Stevens. They brainstormed a question – “If someone was going to read only one Young Adult novel, what would you recommend?” – and wrote down their suggestions. The store set up a display at the entrance displaying the students’ picks and books. “The students selected interesting and thought-provoking novels,” English Department Chair Meagan Hildebrand said. “This is a wonderful project and aligns with Masconomet’s vision that a love of reading puts our students on the path to being lifelong learners.” Hildebrand and Finnegan wish to thank Jabberwocky Bookshop owner Sue Little and store manager Paul Abbruzzi for their support of this project, and for discounting students’ purchases to further encourage their love of reading. 

MASCO YA Recommendations
MASCO_books2_0125
Masconomet students’ recommendations were displayed at the front of the store.(Photo Courtesy Masconomet Regional School District)

Masconomet Application for Turf Field Permit with Boxford Conservation Commission

The Masconomet District will be presenting an application to the Boxford Conservation Commission for a permit to construct two artificial turf fields on the Masconomet Campus on February 6, at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be held via Zoom and can be accessed at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81623130778.

Pages from Turf Update Mtg 2024_01_31_School Committee Meeting_FinalDownload

Congratulations to Sofia Pomerantz!

Masconomet Music Parents Association Fundraiser

February Parent Coffees with Administration

Our next High School Parent Coffee will be held on Friday, February 14 in the High School Library at 8:30 AM.  Our next Middle School Parent Coffee will be on February 28 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.

Stay Connected with Masconomet

Stay Connected with Masconomet 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 2024-2025 Strategic Initiative Goals

Masconomet’s Portrait of a Learner

Designed with WordPress

Superintendent’s Report to the School Committee, January 22, 2025

Middle School Drama Presents The Drowsy Chaperone, Jr January 31st and February 1st

Masconomet Middle School’s Drama Club will present The Drowsy Chaperone, Jr. on Friday January 31st at 7:00 PM and Saturday February 1st at 2:00 PM in the Masconomet Auditorium. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance through the form at this link: https://289f.edulnk.com/e/0z9du/reQZu2?__$u__

Masconomet Students Selected to MMEA Northeastern Senior District Music Festival

Congratulations to the band and chorus students who were selected and participated in this year’s MMEA Northeastern Senior District Music Festival!  Masconomet was exceptionally represented by Grady Barber (Percussion, Orchestra), Sofia Pomerantz (Voice, Chorus), Charlie Posanka (Clarinet, Concert Band), Mercury Renault (Voice, Chorus), Jackson Silva (Piccolo, Concert Band), Conall Strangman (Clarinet, Concert Band), and Judah VanderWoude (Voice, Chorus).  Students collaborated with the highest achieving music students in the Northeastern part of the state and came together to rehearse with master conductors.  The festival was held at Lexington High School and commenced with an outstanding performance by the Northeastern District Honors Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, and Chorus.  Congratulations to all!

Masconomet School Committee Begins FY26 Budget Development Process

The Masconomet School Committee has begun the process of developing its annual budget for the 2025-2026 school year (FY26). The process begins with the presentation of the District Administration’s Recommended Budget on January 22nd. The School Committee will spend the next two months reviewing and adapting this proposal and will vote to adopt the School Committee’s Recommended Budget on March 19. The School Committee’s Recommended Budget will be presented for approval at annual town meeting in Topsfield on May 6th and Boxford and Middleton on May 9th. The full FY26 Budget Development Calendar is below. School Committee Meeting Agenda are located at: www.masconomet.org/public_meetings FY26 Budget documents will be posted to: www.masconomet.org/financeandbudget

Tri-Town Council Youth Action Advisory Board (YAAB) Presents Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data

The Tri-Town Council’s Youth Action Advisory Board will be presenting the results of the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey on January 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the Masconomet Small Cafeteria. Please use this link to register: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BDx1ZDOS27U6F3nDVwbCxcEmEGuJUOk1/view?usp=sharing. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey is administered to all Masconomet Students every two years. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey measures the prevalence of unhealthy behaviors among our adolescents.

January/February Parent Coffees with Administration

Our next Middle School Parent Coffee will be held on Friday, January 24 in the Middle School Library at 8:30 AM.  Our next High School Parent Coffee will be on February 14 in the High 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.

Stay Connected with Masconomet

Stay Connected with Masconomet 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 2024-2025 Strategic Initiative Goals

Masconomet’s Portrait of a Learner

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Superintendent’s Report to the School Committee, 1/8/25

School Quality Survey Open

Masconomet is conducting a survey regarding parents’ and guardians’ experience with our schools. We have partnered with the Education Commonwealth Project (ECP), a research group located at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, to administer our survey.  ECP’s surveys are currently in use in districts across the state, encompassing more than 10% of all students in Massachusetts public schools. On January 6th, all Masconomet families received an email from “norelpy@qemailserver.com” that contained a personalized link to the survey.  If you did not receive this email, please check your spam filter before contacting your child’s school.

The survey itself will take 15-20 minutes to complete.  If you have students in multiple schools, it would be greatly appreciated if you could complete multiple surveys as they are specific to each school.  The survey will not collect personal information.  All responses will be anonymous. The parent/guardian survey window will close on Monday, January 20th.

I hope you will take the time to share your perspectives with us.  The feedback of our students, faculty and community members is an important source of information as we develop plans to improve our programs.  Masconomet students and faculty took separate versions of this survey this week.

PowerSchool Data Breach

We need inform the community of a recent cybersecurity incident involving PowerSchool, the student information system used by Masconomet Regional School District to manage student records, attendance, academic, and behavioral information.

Yesterday, we were notified by PowerSchool that their systems were compromised in a national data breach, affecting student and staff record information across multiple districts, including Masconomet. Our Director of Technology has confirmed that no Social Security numbers or financial data were involved, as Masconomet does not maintain Social Security numbers within PowerSchool. However, it is possible that addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses may have been affected.

 A copy of PowerSchool’s official communication is included HERE for your reference.

Additionally, please be vigilant for any suspicious emails or phone calls in the coming weeks, as compromised contact information may increase the likelihood of phishing attempts or scams.

January Parent Coffees with Administration

Our next High School Parent Coffee will be held on Friday, January 17 in the High School Library at 8:30 AM.  Our next Middle School Parent Coffee will be on January 24 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.

Stay Connected with Masconomet

Stay Connected with Masconomet 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 2024-2025 Strategic Initiative Goals

Masconomet’s Portrait of a Learner

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Superintendent’s Report to the School Committee, 12/18/24

Appointment of Brad Denton to Position of Assistant Superintendent for Student Services

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Brad Denton to the position of Assistant Superintendent of Student Services.  Brad has served in this role in an “acting” capacity since the end of March of 2024. 

Brad has a deep understanding of the Student Services Department at Masconomet.  He first joined Masconomet as a Special Education Program Coordinator in 2006 and was promoted to the position of Assistant Director of Special Education in 2009.  As the Assistant Director of Special Education, Brad has been involved in all aspects of our Student Services programming, including program development, student case management, and the evaluation and supervision of faculty and staff.  In this role, he was, and continues to be, an integral member of our Social Emotional Learning Leadership Team (SELLT), which has implemented a comprehensive approach to addressing the mental health needs of our students.  He also coordinated our summer programming for special education and credit recovery.  Through these roles and responsibilities, Brad demonstrated his capabilities and talents are a great match for the Assistant Superintendent role.

Brad has also developed meaningful relationships with faculty and members of the community.  As a member of the Masconomet leadership team, Brad has worked closely with all members of our Student Services Department and has earned their trust and support.  As a former Special Education Program Coordinator, he has an intimate understanding of the needs of our special educators and the challenges they face.  In his time at Masconomet, he has worked closely with our school counselors and nurses on developing programming to meet the needs of our students.  As Assistant Director, Brad has worked with our department heads and principals on solutions to school and district-wide issues, such as the development of our student success centers.  Brad is also a Masconomet graduate and a Topsfield resident.  He has been able to leverage his understanding of the communities Masconomet serves to build strong relationships with parents and community members.  These relationships, both inside and outside Masconomet will serve him well in the role of Assistant Superintendent for Student Services.  

Brad has been serving in the role of Acting Assistant Superintendent for the last nine months, and has demonstrated he is clearly the right person for this role.  While some see an “acting” position as a caretaker role, Brad has spent his time working to improve and strengthen our programming.  He has led an analysis of our special education programming this year, including reviewing our current programs and looking at future needs that may require adjustments to the services we offer.  This review has led to developing stronger relationships with our counterparts in the Tri-Town School Union so we can better understand the needs of students who will be entering Masconomet in the near future.  Most recently, Brad has been engaged with meeting personally with the special education coordinators in the three upper elementary schools to discuss the needs of current 6th grade students as they prepare to transition to Masconomet, and to review the profiles of students in the lower grades.  These conversations will allow Brad to be proactive in developing programming to meet future student needs.

Under other circumstances, I would normally undertake a search to fill the position of Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, but given Brad’s experience, relationships and performance in the “Acting” role, I wholeheartedly believe we have already identified the right person for the job.  Please join me in welcoming Brad to this role.

Masconomet DECA Wins Big in District Competition

Masco DECA competed at the District 24 Conference at the DoubleTree Danvers on December 11 & 12. One hundred and fourteen of the 220 Masconomet DECA Members in the competition were the Top 7 winners in their category and qualified to represent Masconomet at the DECA State Conference in Boston in February. These DECA State qualifiers will have the opportunity to represent Masco and earn a spot at the International DECA Conference which will be held in Orlando, Florida in April. For more information of the DECA Program and their most recent competition please go to: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j0uA5iz4vU9ykwtYyLu5SDZFuym4T9qJqxv_60hMewQ/edit?usp=sharing

Congratulations to Masconomet’s Science Team!

Model UN Team Members Recognized

The Masconomet Model United Nations team kicked off their conference season with a one-day simulation hosted by St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers. Eighteen Masco delegates joined with hundreds of students from schools around New England for an exciting day of debate and negotiation to create resolutions for some of the world’s most pressing issues. Student delegates were assigned to one of a dozen committees, including traditional UN bodies, such as the Special Political and Decolonization Committee, UN Human Rights Committee, and the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, as well as more specialized committees, such as the US Senate debate on immigration reform and the British House of Commons debate on Brexit. Several Masco delegates received awards of recognition, and all should be proud of their efforts!

Award Recipients pictured:

  • Dylan Guido, Best Negotiator (as Russia in the COPUOS Committee)
  • Delaney Ogden, Best Delegate (as UK in the SPECPOL Committee)
  • Thomas Buckley, Best Negotiator (as US in the General Assembly)
  • Landen Boutilier, Best Negotiator (as Hunter S. Thompson in Altamont Committee)

School Quality Measures Survey

Beginning January 6, 2025, the Masconomet Regional School District will be conducting a series of surveys to help us better understand the experiences of students, parents and faculty in our schools.  These School Quality Measures (SQM) Surveys will be administered through the Education Commonwealth Project (ECP), an organization based at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst dedicated to assisting Massachusetts school districts gain a better understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement. 

All Masconomet Middle and High School students will take the SQM Survey during M-Block on January 6th.  This survey will take approximately 25 minutes to complete.  Parents or guardians who have questions about the survey should contact their child’s principal.  We will also be sending a companion survey link to all Masconomet parents through the email address they have provided to the district.  Faculty members will also complete a version of the survey during their faculty meetings on January 6th. All survey responses are anonymous and will not collect personal information.

The School Quality Measures (SQM) Framework seeks to create a comprehensive picture of the effectiveness of a school.  Rather than focusing solely on achievement test scores, the SQM Framework evaluates a school’s effectiveness in the areas of “Teachers and Leadership,” “School Culture,” “Resources,” “Academic Learning,” and “Community and Wellbeing” through collecting school-reported data from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and through surveys of school stakeholders.  The result of this data collection is the creation of a SQM Dashboard that offers a more “dynamic picture of school quality and student learning than a single standardized test.”  For more information on the SQM Dashboard, please visit: https://www.edcommonwealth.org/school-quality-measures 

Thanks in advance for taking the time to complete the survey.  We will use the SQM Dashboard to guide our school improvement efforts.  Creation of an SQM Dashboard for Masconomet is a component of the Masconomet Strategic Plan, 2023-2028.

SBIRT Screening

On January 6 & 7, 2025, the Masconomet Regional High School Nursing and Counseling staff will administer the SBIRT health screening to all 9th-grade students. SBIRT stands for Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment. SBIRT is used to screen for alcohol, nicotine, tobacco, and other drug use. This health screening is required by Massachusetts law. Please check your email for details.

January Parent Coffees with Administration

Our next High School Parent Coffee will be held on Friday, January 17 in the High School Library at 8:30 AM.  Our next Middle School Parent Coffee will be on January 24 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.

Stay Connected with Masconomet

Stay Connected with Masconomet 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 2024-2025 Strategic Initiative Goals

Masconomet’s Portrait of a Learner

Designed with WordPress

Superintendent’s Report to the School Committee, 12.4.24

Girls Soccer Team wins Division 2 State Championship

Congratulations to Masconomet’s Varsity Girls Soccer Team for winning the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Division 2 State Championship.  The Team defeated Duxbury, 5-0, on November 23 in Worcester to clinch the state title.  They finished with a season record of 22-0-1 and a truly dominant 101-6 goal differential.  Congratulations to Head Coach Allison Lecesse, her coaching staff and to the entire team.

Photo Credit: Boston Globe

Masconomet Cheerleading takes 2nd Place at State Meet

Congratulations to the Masconomet Cheerleading Squad for finishing in second place in Division 2 at the 2024 Massachusetts School Administrators Association State Meet on 11/24 in Worcester.  The team finished second to Billerica by earning a score of 88.5. Great job!

Masconomet Middle School Leaders Testify Before State Antisemitism Commission

Middle School Principal Philip McManus and school counselor Jessica Goldberg shared their experiences with the Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism during a Statehouse hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Antisemitic acts have increased in recent years, with the Anti-Defamation League of Boston reporting that incidents in New England tripled from 2022 to 2023.

Principal McManus and Ms. Goldberg shared the impact the discovery of swastika graffiti on campus had on the school community, and the importance of continuous communication with stakeholders. They were joined by Deborah Coltin, Executive Director of the Lappin Foundation in Beverly, which provided antisemitism education services and support following the incident.

Commission members were particularly interested in the school’s quick and strategic response, leading to positive response from parents and the school community.

The Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism was created in July and was charged with soliciting feedback from across the state on proactive measures to reduce the incidence of antisemitic attacks. Members include representatives of the House and Senate, municipal government, education, and law enforcement, including Essex District Attorney Paul Tucker.

The Middle School and district are committed to continuing its work with the Lappin Foundation around educating students about antisemitism and the Holocaust, and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and welcoming school community.

(Testimony may be viewed here, beginning at 2:23:00)

Masconomet Middle School Holds Successful Food Drive

Masconomet Middle School held a successful Food Drive prior to the Thanksgiving Holiday.  The entire middle school collected 2,790 food items to donate to local food pantries, which is the most that has been collected in several years.  The 8 Blue Team won the school-wide competition to donate the most food items with 872 items collected! Donated food was delivered by the Middle School Student Council on November 27th to the First Church in Boxford, Trinity Church in Topsfield, and Acord Food Pantry in Hamilton.  Thanks to everyone who donated for your generosity!!

Masconomet High School’s Days of Giving

The Peer Leading program is excited to share with you that Masco’s Days of Giving will run from Monday, December 16th, to Friday, December 20th!

Masconomet High School’s Peer Leading strives to create, and stress, the importance of community within and outside the walls of Masconomet. This holiday season, the Peer Leaders are seeking donations of gifts and/or gift cards for adolescents aged 11 and up.  This age range is to ensure that all children have a merry and bright Holiday season. All collected items will go directly to students and families in the Tri-Town! All donations can be dropped off outside of the Library or House B each morning from 7:00-7:30 during the Days of Giving.

December Parent Coffees

Our next High School Parent Coffee will be held on Friday, December 6 in the High School Library at 8:30 AM.  Our next Middle School Parent Coffee will be on December 13 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

HS Winter Band and Chorus Concert on December 10 at 6:00 PM

Senior Citizen Holiday Luncheon on December 12

Our annual holiday luncheon for senior citizens in Boxford, Middleton and Topsfield will be held on December 12 in the Masconomet Auditorium.  Our Masconomet High School Band and Choral Groups will perform.  Thanks to the Institution for Savings and Sol Bean Juice Bar and Kitchen for sponsoring this event. Interested senior citizens should contact their local Council on Aging for more information.

School Cancellation Notification Procedures

As we enter the winter season and the possibility of inclement weather, I wanted to share with you our procedures for communicating school cancellations and delayed openings.   

School cancellation or delayed opening announcements will first be communicated through “passive” means, such as Instagram and local news media outlets and then later through direct telephone contact through our Blackboard Communication System.

Once the decision is made to cancel or delay the start of school, it will be communicated through the following outlets:

  1. All Media Communications will be sent out as soon as a decision has been made regardless of the time, and should be before 5:30 AM on the morning of the cancellation/delay.
  2. Direct Contact Communications through Blackboard via telephone and email should be sent out prior to 8:30 PM if a decision to close or delay school has been reached on the evening prior or at 6:00 AM if a decision is made on the morning of the cancellation or delayed opening.

Please remember that conditions may vary widely across the three communities during a weather event.  Parents always have the final authority to make the decision that it is unsafe for their child to travel to school.

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.

Stay Connected with Masconomet

Stay Connected with Masconomet 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 2024-2025 Strategic Initiative Goals

Masconomet’s Portrait of a Learner

Designed with WordPress