Congratulations to Masconomet’s 2024 Retirees!

As the 2023-2024 school year come to a close, I’d like to recognize the members of the Masconomet Faculty and Staff who are retiring this year. Together, these retirees represent 118 years of experience impacting the lives of thousands of Masconomet students. Thank you to all our retirees and best wishes as you enter the next phase of your careers!

I would also like to wish the entire Masconomet community a happy and safe summer!

Sincerely,

Michael M. Harvey, Ed.D.

Chris Fay

After 30 years at Masconomet, Chris Fay retired at the end of September of 2023.  He was initially hired at the beginning of the 1993-1994 school year as a .7 Social Studies Teacher and .2 Business Teacher where he taught a course called “Practical Math.”  Chris earned Associate Master Teacher Status in 1999 and Master Teacher Status in 2011.  Through his Master Teacher work, Chris served on the Professional Improvement, Educator Evaluation, Professional Development, Homework, PowerSchool, Black Board and the NEASC Faculty Committees.  Chris was also very involved in athletics and extracurriculars at Masconomet.  He served as a baseball coach at the freshman and junior varsity levels, and was a freshman, junior varsity and varsity assistant basketball coach.  He also advised the chess club, and Masconomet’s radio station WBMT.

Sylvie Hardy

Sylvie Hardy was hired as a Long-Term Substitute Tutor (Paraprofessional) at the High School in January of 2010.  She was appointed to a full-time position the following September.  In her 13 and ½ years at Masconomet, she has worked with students both as a 1:1 aide and in our learning centers.

Brian Ocock

Brian Ocock is retiring after 26 years in the Masconomet Regional School District.  He began working at Masconomet in 1997, when he was appointed to the position of part-time rehearsal accompanist.  In 1998, he added a .2 teaching position to his accompanist duties.  For the 1999-2000 school year, Brian increased his teaching role to .9 and finally was appointed to a 1.0 position for the 2000-2001 school year.  Brian attained Associate Master Teacher Status in 2010, and Master Teacher Status in 2016.  He served on the Global Education and Mental Health Master Teacher Committees.  During his time at Masconomet, Brian has also served as the Middle School Pit Orchestra Advisor, High School Pit Orchestra Advisor, and Middle School Musical Assistant Director.

Walter (Randy) O’Keefe

Randy O’Keefe has led the Music Department at Masconomet since 1990.  He began his career here in September of that year, when he was hired as a Music Department Coordinator and Teacher, Pep Band Advisor and Senior High Pit Orchestra Advisor.  Over the last 34 years, Randy has conducted literally hundreds of music department performances, including annual concerts, jazz band performances, Middle and High School Drama Presentations, Department Trips, Senior Citizen Concerts, Memorial Day Assemblies and Graduation Ceremonies. 

Geri Van Lenten

Geri Van Lenten retired in December of 2023 after 15 years at Masconomet.  Geri began working at Masconomet in 2007 as a part-time High School Library Tutor.  From 2015-2020, Geri held the position of Writing Tutor.  In 2020, she transferred to the Special Education Department as a Paraprofessional.

Superintendent’s Report to the School Committee, 5/29/24

Performing Arts Department Head Announcement

I’m pleased to announce the hiring of Jared Cassedy as the next Performing Arts Department Head for the Masconomet Regional School District.  For the past six years, Jared has been the K-12 Performing Arts Coordinator/Band Director for the Lexington Public Schools.  He began his career in 2005 as a music teacher at Windham Middle School, in Windham, NH and was appointed as the first Director of Bands for the newly constructed Windham High School directing all instrumental ensembles in 2009.  Until 2016, Jared held the position of Director of K-12 Fine and Performing Arts in Windham and was responsible for the supervision and evaluation of teachers as well as the development of curriculum.  From 2016 to 2018 Jared worked as the first Director of K-12 Performing Arts for the Salem School District in New Hampshire.

Jared is also the conductor of the New England Conservatory Preparatory School’s Jr. Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble, a position he has held since 2016 where he works with students within the Greater Boston area who rehearse and perform actively throughout the school year.  Additionally, Jared is on the faculty of The Longy School of Music of Bard College where he teaches conducting classes for the Masters of Music in Music Education program and is the Artistic Director for Longy’s Side-by-Side Orchestra Program.

Jared is the recipient of the 2015 GRAMMY Music Educator Award furnished by the GRAMMY Foundation and The Recording Academy having been selected out of a pool of more than 7,200 nominees nationwide and was most recently recognized as a 2022 National Music Teacher of Excellence by the Country Music Association (CMA) Foundation. Jared is President-Elect for the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) and is the Past Chairperson for the MMEA Northeastern District.  Jared graduated Summa cum Laude from the University of New Hampshire – Durham where he received his Bachelors of Music degree in Music Education and has a Masters of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Educational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University.

Jared will be available to meet with students, parents and interested members of the community at 5:30 PM on Monday, June 17th in the small cafeteria.  Please join us in welcoming Jared to Masconomet.

Director of Teaching and Learning Finalists

I am happy to announce the two finalists for the position of Director of Teaching and Learning for the Masconomet Regional School District.  The finalists are:

  • Kevin Cyr, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Lynnfield Public Schools
  • Dennis Mahoney, Principal of Winchester High School

Both finalists will next spend an afternoon at Masconomet meeting with groups of district administration, department heads, and faculty.  Kevin Cyr will be at Masconomet on Thursday, May 30th and Dennis Mahoney will visit us on Thursday, June 6th.  Both candidates will be available to meet with faculty from 2:30 to 3:30 PM in the High School Library on their respective dates. 

The position of Director of Teaching and Learning was posted on May 1, 2024 and received 27 applications.  Based on a review of qualifications and experience, six applicants were selected for interviews, five of whom accepted this invitation.  Interviews were conducted on the afternoons of May 21st and 22nd by an interview committee that included Faculty Members Michael Kelsen, Lauren McAuliffe, Michael Surette and Nicko Tzortzis, Department Heads Irene Duros and Sarah Smith, Principals Katie DiNardo and Phil McManus, and Acting Asst. Superintendent for Student Services Brad Denton.  I want to thank the members of the interview committee for offering their time and sharing their viewpoints on each of the candidates invited to interview. 

Credit for Life Fair on May 23rd

Over 100 Masco Juniors attend the Credit for Life fair sponsored by Institution for Savings at Salem State University on Thursday, May 23rd!  It was a great opportunity for our students to get hands-on experience learning about the realities of being a 25-year-old working professional in this day and age. Students were tasked with choosing a career, receiving a credit card and a credit score to learn and visit 12-15 booths learning about budgeting their monthly expenses on things they needed and things that they wanted.  Thank you to all who supported this event and made it happen!

Memorial Day Assemblies on May 23 and May 24

Masconomet Middle School held its Memorial Day Assembly on Thursday, May 23rd.  8th Grade students and their teachers led the assembly, which consisted of solemn and moving readings and musical performances to honor our fallen soldiers.  Masconomet High School’s Memorial Day Assembly included remarks from Health Teacher Nick Parianos, who is a United States Marine Corp Veteran.  Contingents of local veterans were on hand to observe both of these ceremonies with our students. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2024

We are in the middle of “Senior Week” at Masconomet High School.  Last Tuesday, May 21st, members of the Senior Class participated in our Internship Fair, where students who have been engaged in an internship since the beginning of April shared their experiences with other students, members of the faculty and parents.  On Tuesday, May 28th, the Senior Class held its Baccalaureate Celebration.  On Thursday morning, we will hold our Senior Awards Ceremony at 10:30 AM.  Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2024 will be held this Friday, May 31st at 6:00 PM at Bunker Stadium.  I would like to extend my congratulations to the members of the Class of 2024 and wish them the best as they enter their post-secondary studies or begin their careers!

Letter Regarding the FY25 Masconomet District Budget and Capital Improvement Plan

Dear Masconomet Community,

This week, Topsfield will hold its Town Meeting on Tuesday, May 7th in the Masconomet Auditorium at 7:00 PM followed by Boxford (at Masconomet at 7:00 PM) and Middleton (at Howe-Manning School at 7:00 PM) Town Meetings on Tuesday May 14th.  The warrants for all three town meetings will include articles to fund Masconomet’s Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Operating Budget and Masconomet’s Capital Improvement Plan.  Both the Operating Budget and Masconomet’s Capital Plan are critical to the future health of our schools.

The FY25 Operating Budget

The Masconomet Regional School Committee began deliberations on the FY25 Operating Budget in January of 2024 and voted on March 20, 2024 to adopt the budget that will be presented at town meetings.  Masconomet’s FY25 Operating Expense Budget (after offsets) is $40,676,236, reflecting a 2.3% increase over FY24 in Operating Expenses, and a 4.1% increase over FY24 in Operating Assessments. The total assessment for the FY25 Budget to the towns is $33,643,846, which is apportioned as follows:  $12,527,928 to Boxford (3.7% increase over FY24), $11,239,392 to Middleton (1.7% increase over FY24), and $9,877,326 to Topsfield (6.7% increase over FY24). 

In December of 2023, the Masconomet School Committee adopted the Masconomet Strategic Plan, 2023-2028, which prioritizes four areas of focus: Curriculum, Instruction, Culture and Wellbeing, and Community.  The FY25 Budget supports the implementation of the Strategic Plan through funding a Director of Teaching and Learning position to coordinate curriculum development, strengthen professional teaching practices, and collect, analyze and communicate District data.  The FY25 Budget also furthers the Strategic Plan’s commitment to student wellbeing through funding two school adjustment counselor positions and an Academic Support Center Teacher position.  All three of these positions had been previously funded through the ESSER III Federal COVID Relief Grant.  Additionally, the FY25 Budget request includes a Capital Assessment of $400,000 for immediate priority facility projects to ensure that Masconomet’s facilities continue to meet the needs of our students and serve as a resource for our member communities.  Each town has decided to fund their apportionment of this $400,000 through the use of free cash, so this item will appear as a separate warrant article at each town meeting.  The $400,000 will be apportioned as follows: $147,711 to Boxford, $135,586 to Middleton and $116,704 to Topsfield. The projects under this facility request include:

  • Campus-wide Surge Protection System
  • Campus-wide Wireless Internal Clock System
  • HS Art Studio Mac Lab Upgrade
  • Kitchen Equipment, including convection ovens and a walk-in cooler
  • Maintenance Equipment, including a scissor lift and skid steer angle broom

The School Committee’s FY25 Budget will support our vision to prepare active and engaged learners for a rapidly changing future, continue providing our students with equitable and comprehensive educational programs, and support a capital plan that invests in the sustainable future of the capital asset that Masconomet provides the Tri-Town community. 

Debt Authorization

The Town Meeting Warrant in each of our member communities also includes a request to authorize the School Committee to borrow up to $5,000,000 to secure the services of an owner’s project manager and a design firm to begin the process of replacing/upgrading the building’s roof, HVAC system and building management system (BMS).  Masconomet’s “new” building opened in 2001, which means that the facility is now 23 years old. 

Beginning in 2022, District Administration, under the leadership of Asst. Superintendent Jeff Sands, developed a comprehensive capital plan to identify the needs of our facilities.  As a result of this 11-month planning study, which was presented to the School Committee in February of 2023, the HVAC, roof and building management system (BMS) were identified as being in critical need of replacement.  The building’s roof was installed 2001 with a 20-year expected life.  In 2019, the roof was repaired in order to extend its useful life for 5 years.  Our current HVAC systems/equipment range in age from 23 to ~60 years old and are beyond their useful life.  Failure of the majority of existing HVAC equipment is not a question of “if” but “when.”  Our current BMS, which consists of the controls for our heating and ventilation systems, is a mixture of aged systems, which are obsolete, cannot be upgraded or integrated with new equipment, and only allow monitoring with no equipment control.  These systems are critical to the operation of our school.  Failure of the approximately 60-year-old boilers in the Middle School, for example, would result in forced school cancelations until repairs/replacements could be implemented, thereby disrupting the education of our students.  Estimates for the entire roof, HVAC and BMS project are approximately $30M for a “like-kind” replacement. 

In order to begin the lengthy process of design and installation of more modern systems to replace this aging infrastructure, the School Committee will need to engage the services of an owner’s project manager (OPM).  This consultant will work on behalf of the School Committee to oversee the project through planning, design and construction.  The hiring of an OPM is required under Massachusetts Law for all public construction projects with a budget in excess of $1.5M.  After an OPM is hired through a state-mandated selection process, the District will hire an architectural firm to develop plans for the project, including detailed cost estimates.  The $5M request represents 20% of the total estimate for the entire project (5% OPM and 15% designer).  Masconomet’s budget will not reflect repayment of this debt until FY26.  The School Committee is also engaged in seeking volunteers from the community to serve on a Building Committee to act as an advisory board that will provide technical expertise regarding these projects to the full School Committee. 

The Masconomet FY25 Operating Budget and Capital Debt Authorization Request are critical to achieving the goals of our Strategic Plan and ensuring we meet our responsibility to maintain our facilities.  Please attend your local town meeting and support these warrant articles.

Sincerely,

Michael M. Harvey, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Masconomet Building Committee Volunteer Opportunity

The Masconomet School Committee is seeking community members to join our newly established Masconomet Building Committee.  Many of the systems on our Masconomet campus are approaching or have reached end of life.  As a result, we are embarking on a series of capital improvements which are expected to take place over the next several years.  Those improvements include the replacement of the roof, HVAC systems, IT infrastructure and classroom upgrades.  The Masco Building Committee (MBC) will act as an advisory board that provides technical expertise to the full School Committee. The ideal candidates for the committee will offer technical skill sets relevant to the construction, renovation and operation of municipal buildings.  We are seeking two volunteers per town and the commitment is for a one or two year term at this time.  Subsequent terms will be two years in length.  For more details, see the MBC charter: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14KoklAsQ0RkMsZJz8uryrm5vao7aOmBL/edit

If you are interested in volunteering for the MBC, please send an email with a summary of your qualifications to one of the following people:

Interested candidates should submit their letters of interest by May 23rd

Superintendent’s Report to the School Committee, May 1, 2024

Author Presentation at Masconomet Middle School

On Friday, May 3rd, Michael Tougias will present to our 7th and 8th grades about his New York Times’ bestselling book, The Finest Hours.  The Finest Hours recounts the story of the 1952 wreck of the SS Pendleton and the rescue of the crew by the U.S. Coast Guard.  Thanks to the Masconomet Education Foundation (MEF) for supporting Mr. Tougias’ presentation.

Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10

The week of May 6-10 is celebrated as teacher appreciation week.  I think that all of us have fond memories of a teacher who challenged us to be better, supported us when we made mistakes, and knew how to unlock our unrealized potential.  I ask everyone to please join our school committee, district administration, and Masconomet Parent Activities Committee (PAC) in thanking our teachers for the amazing work they do every day with our students.  Masconomet PAC is collecting donations to recognize our teachers next week.  Please go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A4BABAF28A2FC1-49056029-masco to get involved.

9th Grade Fundraising Walk

The Freshman Walk is back and taking place on Friday, May 17th.  This year’s chosen non-profit organization is the Service Dog Project.

The 9th grade class is looking for parent volunteers to donate snacks/beverages for students to enjoy the day of the walk, or to staff a snack station along the walk route. Please complete this PARENT VOLUNTEER FORM to express your interest in assisting.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Peer Leader Advisor, Mr. Kelsen (mkelsen@masconomet.org).

Masconomet High School Theater Company Presents Mamma Mia!

The Masconomet Theater Company’s spring musical, Mamma Mia! will be performed on Friday, May 17th at 7pm, and Saturday May 18th at 2pm and 7pm.

Tickets are available at: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/masconomet-regional-high-school-theater-company/mamma-mia

mm-posterDownload

Parent Coffees in May

Parent coffees with our building principals and superintendent will be held on the following dates in May:

  • Middle School Parent Coffee—5/17 at 8:30 AM
  • High School Parent Coffee—5/24 at 8:30 AM

Please sign in at the respective school’s main office in order to attend the Parent Coffees.

Town Meeting Schedule

All three of our member communities will be holding their Annual Town Meeting in May.  Masconomet’s annual operating budget and requests for $5 million to fund an owners-project manager and designer for our anticipated HVAC, building management and roof replacement project will be among the articles presented for approval.  Please come to your annual town meeting to support Masconomet.  The dates and locations are:

  • Topsfield, 5/7 at Masconomet Auditorium at 7:00 PM
  • Boxford, 5/14 at Masconomet Auditorium at 7:00 PM
  • Middleton, 5/14 at Howe Manning School Gymnasium at 7:00 PM

Superintendent’s Report to the School Committee, 3/20/24

Masconomet Receives Scholastic Art Awards

The 2024 Scholastic Art & Writing Regional Awards were recently announced and Masconomet High School once again achieved excellent results—one of the top five highest performing public schools in the state. Our students received a total of 56 awards (13 Gold Keys, 12 Silver Keys, and 31 Honorable Mentions). Additionally, Piper Testa’s Gold Key winning drawing “Blessed” was one of five pieces honored with an American Visions Award from the state of Massachusetts. This award is a prestigious honor that represents each region of the Scholastic Awards. The Awards’ core values of originality, skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision are key factors in the selection process. Congratulations to all of the talented and hard-working award winners, participants, their high school art teachers and Department Head Stacy Mannheim!

Masconomet Middle School also achieved excellent results in the 2024 Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.  Masconomet Middle School students had a total of 10 awards (2 Gold Keys, 2 Silver Keys, 6 Honorable Mentions), which is the highest number of awards at the Grade 7 and 8 level of any public school in the state! Congratulations to the award winners, all the students who participated in this competition, and our Middle School Art Teachers, Ms. Amsler and Mrs. Malinowski.

On Sunday, March 17 an Award Ceremonies for Gold and Silver Key recipients was held at Cohen Hall on the Tufts University campus. All Gold Key works are on display at Breed Hall, March 16-23, open 9-5 to the public. All Gold Key winning work is currently being reviewed on a national level and results will be announced in late March.

High School Gold Key Winning Artwork

Top row from left to right:  Piper Testa, “Blessed”,  Jenna Lindsay, “Morning Ritual”,

Lydia Kosta, “Blue Yeti”

Second row:  Nora Achille, “The Joy of Family”,  Isabella Maddaleni, “T.L.C.”,

Ryan Lamprey, “Wheelchair Cover Design”

Third row: J.T. Mroczek, “Roasting”,  Adaya MacRae, “Coil Vessel”,  Jenna Lindsay, “Connection”

Bottom row: Emma Boldi, “All Together Now”,  Mariko Prazar, “New Day”

Megan Brady, “Inner Struggle”

Middle School Gold and Silver Key Winners

Middle School Gold Key work top left: Clara Alberta, “Under the Sea”,  top right: Bridget Moran, “Wildflowers” 

Silver Key work bottom left:  Grace Bellardino, “Meredith Farms Views”,  bottom right:  

Georgia Staley, “Dragon Eye”

High School Parent Coffee on Friday, 3/22

The March coffee with administration for high school parents will be held on Friday, March 22 at 8:30 AM.  These coffees are an opportunity for parents to meet with Ms. DiNardo and me to learn about what’s happening in the schools and to ask questions.  We ask that parents first report to the Main Office at the High School to sign in to the building.  Parents will then be escorted to meeting location.

MCAS Testing Begins

Annual MCAS Testing will begin at Masconomet High School next week with the administration of the 10th Grade English Language Arts Tests on Tuesday, March 26 and Wednesday March, 27.  All students in the Middle School will take the English Language Arts and Mathematics Tests.  Additionally, 8th grade students will take the Science, Technology and Engineering Test, and the Civics Test.  At the High School, all 9th grade students will take the Science, Technology and Engineering Exam and all grade 10 students will take the ELA and Mathematics Tests.

The test schedule for the Middle and High Schools is as follows:

Masconomet Middle School Testing Dates

Grade and Subject Area Test Administration Dates
Grade 7, ELA, Session 1Tuesday, April 2
Grade 7, ELA, Session 2Thursday, April 4
Grade 8, ELA, Session 1Tuesday, April 9
Grade 8, ELA, Session 2Thursday, April 11
Grade 7, Mathematics, Session 1Tuesday, April 23
Grade 7, Mathematics, Session 2Thursday, April 25
Grade 8, Mathematics, Session 1Tuesday, April 30
Grade 8, Mathematics, Session 2Thursday, May 2
Grade 8, Science, Technology, Engineering, Session 1Tuesday, May 7
Grade 8, Science, Technology, Engineering, Session 2Thursday, May 9
Grade 8 Civics, Session 1Tuesday, May 21
Grade 8, Civics, Session 2Wednesday, May 29
ELA Make Up DaysApril 5, 8, 12, 22, 26
Math & STE Make Up DaysMay 6, 10, 13, 16

Masconomet High School Grade 10 Tests

Subject AreaTest Administration Dates
ELAELA Session 1: March 26
ELA Session 2: March 27
Mathematics  Mathematics Session 1: May 21
Mathematics Session 2: May 22

Masconomet High School Grade 9 Tests

Science, Technology, EngineeringSTE Session 1:  June 4
STE Session 2: June 5

Congratulations to Ms. Siden’s Documentary Filmmaking class!

One of the documentaries has been selected to screen at the Salem Film Fest! This film, “From a Little Teeny Kitchen,” was produced by students Paige Mason, Nate Mroczek, Gabriella Saitta and Camille Wayland, and tells the story of the Boxford landmark known as Jack’s, Wayne’s, or Boxford Community Kitchen. You can watch the film below.

The screening will be at 10am on March 23 in Salem, MA. More info can be found here:

https://salemfilmfest2024.eventive.org/schedule/65d41578ffc311003a893ef5

Masconomet Parent Activities Committee (PAC) Fundraiser on March 23

The Masconomet Parent Activities Committee will be holding a Comedy and Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, March 23rd at Teresa’s Restaurant in Middleton.  For tickets, please go to www.mascopac.org/comedynight 

Narcan Available Through Local Public Health Departments

The Boxford, Middleton and Topsfield Public Health Departments would like members of the public to be aware of the opioid and fentanyl epidemic and the availability of opioid overdose rescue kits to members of the public.  The Health Departments are in the process of installing Opioid Rescue Kits, which are hard acrylic boxes that contain narcan/naloxone, a breathing barrier, gloves and an instruction card on what to do in event of a suspected overdose.  The Opioid Rescue Kits are being installed in public spaces in our communities, including our school buildings.  The Health Departments also have community distribution kits available for any member of the public who would like one.  Please contact your local public health department for more information on how to obtain a kit:  Boxford (978) 887-2875, Middleton (978) 777-1869, and Topsfield (978) 887-1520.

For more school-specific info, please see the High School Principal’s Masco Memo and the Middle School Principal’s Weekly Update.

Superintendent’s Report to the SC, 2/28/24

Girls Alpine Ski Team Wins State Championship

Congratulations to our Girls Alpine Ski Team, who won the MIAA State Championship on February 27 at Mt. Wachusett.  Junior Amanda Schneider finished third in the slalom (49.36 seconds) and ninth in the giant slalom (56.8 seconds).  Senior captain Megan Riley finished the giant slalom in 56.93 seconds to place 10th.  Sophomore Hannah Mitchell rounded out the three-person squad. Congratulations to the entire team and coaching staff, including Head Coach Ryan Quinn.

Amanda Schneider, Photo—Boston Globe

Coach Ryan Quinn, Amanda Schneider, Megan Riley, Hannah Mitchell, Asst. Coach Leo Kraunelis, Photo-Boston Globe
Megan Riley, Amanda Schneider, Hannah Mitchell

2024-2025 School Calendar Published to District Website

On February 14, the School Committee approved the School Calendar for the 2024-2025 School Year.  The calendar has been posted to the Masconomet Website at: https://www.masconomet.org/Page/2#calendar1/20240228/month

Introduction to the New IEP Workshop on March 7th

Masconomet will be hosting a webinar introducing parents to the new Individualized Education Plan (IEP) forms on Thursday, March 7 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.  The webinar will be available at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87272527972?pwd=Zlh6UEUzWnlyV05DSWlMUjZqa2plQT09  The webinar will be conducted by Allan Bloom, who has been working with Masconomet Staff this year in preparation of the roll out of the new IEP forms in September of 2024.  The program will be recorded so those who cannot attend will be able to view it at a later date.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (Department) recently made updates to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) form. These changes are intended to strengthen the IEP process and improve the educational outcomes and experiences of students with disabilities in the Commonwealth. The IEP Improvement Project is intended to provide schools, districts, and families with more than newly designed and updated forms. It is also intended to provide opportunities for families, schools, and districts to work together to build better systems that more effectively support students with disabilities. 

Middle School Parent Coffee on March 15

Our next Middle School Coffee with Dr. McManus and me will take place on Friday, March 15.  We hope that these sessions are a way for members of the community to learn more about what is happening within the Masco community and a time for questions and dialogue.  All parent coffees will be held from 8:30-9:30 AM.  Please check in at the main office. 

Masconomet Parent Activities Fundraiser

The Masconomet Parent Activities Committee will be holding a Comedy and Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, March 23rd at Teresa’s Restaurant in Middleton.  For tickets, please go to www.mascopac.org/comedynight 

Narcan Available through Public Health Departments

The Boxford, Middleton and Topsfield Public Health Departments would like members of the public to be aware of the opioid and fentanyl epidemic and the availability of opioid overdose rescue kits to members of the public.  The Health Departments are in the process of installing Opioid Rescue Kits, which are hard acrylic boxes that contain narcan/naloxone, a breathing barrier, gloves and an instruction card on what to do in event of a suspected overdose.  The Opioid Rescue Kits are being installed in public spaces in our communities, including our school buildings.  The Health Departments also have community distribution kits available for any member of the public who would like one.  Please contact your local public health department for more information on how to obtain a kit:  Boxford (978) 887-2875, Middleton (978) 777-1869, and Topsfield (978) 887-1520.

For more school-specific info, please see the High School Principal’s Masco Memo and the Middle School Principal’s Weekly Update.

Superintendent’s Report to the School Committee, 2/14/24

Masconomet School Store Receives DECA School-Based Enterprise GOLD Certification

The Masconomet School Store was awarded the DECA SBE Gold Certification this year. Two Masconomet sophomores, Genevieve Clapp and Emma Allen have worked as the managers of the school store since June 2023, and completed a 30-page manual to receive this National recognition. 

For the certification process, School Based Enterprise (SBE) student leaders completed a written project to demonstrate how their SBE met the National Curriculum Standards and showcasing how their retail operations school-based business adheres to select model business standards. SBEs have faced numerous challenges to remain open and run business operations following the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Genevieve Clapp and Emma Allen

Masconomet Competes in Boston Model UN Conference

Twenty-one members of the Masco MUN team traveled to Boston on February 2-4 to debate and collaborate with 2000 delegates from around the world.

Officers Miranda Soriano, Margaret Turpel, and Shrreya Narayanakumar led the team as they tackled topics ranging from international law around sea level rise to human genome editing regulation to securing airspace in conflict zones. All delegates should be proud of their efforts. Next up are conferences at BC High and Clark University in March.

Financial Literacy Speaker Series at Masconomet High School

As society continues to put pressure on our youth from many different directions, many students miss out on the opportunities to learn the skills or approaches to be financially responsible and independent. Many of our students will leave Masconomet after graduation, being the #1 target market for credit card companies, blindsiding them with offers that can be detrimental to their financial future. Many of our students lack the skills or awareness of how to handle real-life financial challenges. Credit card offers paired with pressures like student loan debts, gambling, rent, food, vehicle, and healthcare expenses will all present challenges for our students.

Through this speaker series, our goal is to give our students some control, skills, and awareness on how to navigate through the financial challenges real life provides. The Speaker Series will host financial professionals once per month during M-Block (Feb.-June) to speak with our 10th and 11th-grade students in an attempt to expose them to as much information as possible.

The Series Topics will include:

  • February 15 – Benefits and Drawbacks of Credit and Credit Cards, presented by the Institution for Savings
  • March—Safeguarding your money.  Why Banks?  What they Offer.
  • April—Investing at an early age.  Setting your goals for the future.
  • May—Budgeting and Saving
  • June—Credit Unions.  Alternative Options for your money.

Thanks to Bryan Duplisse and Jeff Waldron for organizing this series.

Masconomet Parent Activities Fundraiser

The Masconomet Parent Activities Committee will be holding a Comedy and Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, March 23rd at Teresa’s Restaurant in Middleton.  For tickets, please go to www.mascopac.org/comedynight 

High School Parent Coffee on 2/16

Our next High School Coffee with Ms. DiNardo will take place on Friday, February 16.  We hope that these sessions are a way for you to learn more about what is happening within the Masco community while also allowing you to ask questions.  All parent coffees will be held from 8:30-9:30 AM.  Please check in at the main office. 

Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth Parent Library

Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) is pleased to announce its new, free MPY Parenting Solutions Library. MPY is offering the MPY Parenting Solutions Library in partnership with Peace At Home Parenting Solutions, a non-profit located in Mansfield, Connecticut. Through this new partnership, MPY is pleased to offer proven resources to help students’ families thrive.

Peace At Home Parenting Solutions specializes in empowering parents with evidence-based strategies to foster nurturing connections that safeguard their children’s mental well-being. The Parenting Solutions Library may easily be accessed using the link on MPY’s home page (www.mpyinc.org). No log in or passcode is needed.

For more school-specific info, please see the High School Principal’s Masco Memo and the Middle School Principal’s Weekly Update.

Superintendent’s Report to the School Committee, 1/17/24

High School Parent Coffee on 1/19/24

Our next High School Coffee with Principal DiNardo and me will take place on Friday, January 19.  We hope that these sessions are a way for you to learn more about what is happening within the Masco community while also allowing you to ask questions.  All parent coffees will be held from 8:30-9:30 AM.  Please check in at the main office.  We look forward to seeing you. 

James and the Giant Peach at Masconomet Middle School

The Middle School Musical this year is James and the Giant Peach.Performance dates are February 2 at 7:00 p.m. and February 3 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets will be $10 each. Click here for information on how to purchase tickets.

For more school-specific info, please see the High School Principal’s Masco Memo and the Middle School Principal’s Weekly Update.

Superintendent’s Report to the School Committee, 1/3/24

Seniors’ National Letter of Intent Signing

Congratulations to the six Masconomet student athletes who signed their letters of intent to compete in college athletics next year.  These student-athletes were recognized at a ceremony held in the gymnasium on December 19th.  The student athletes are:

  • Ryan Corcoran (Anna Maria – Baseball)
  • Paul Donnelly (Gordon College – Baseball)
  • Gabe Fales (Gordon College – Baseball)
  • Ellie Green (Wesleyan University – Track)
  • Lilly Podgurski (Endicott College – Soccer)
  • Sam Serio (Emmanuel College – Softball)
From Left: Ellie Green, Lilly Podgurski, Sam Serio, Ryan Corcoran, Gabe Fales, Paul Donnelly, John Daileanes, Masconomet Athletic Director

Presentation from Masconomet Alums in the US Coast Guard

On Tuesday, January 9th all Masconomet Students will hear a presentation from Commander Brooke (Bagge) Millard and Engineering Officer Emily Dow of the US Coast Guard Cutter Bear.  Both Millard and Dow are Masconomet Graduates (Classes of ’99 and ’14).  They will describe life at sea and share photos of operations across diverse counter-drug, maritime migration, and fishery deployments, ranging from Greenland to Haiti, as they lead a 270-foot expeditionary ship with a crew of 100. Bear’s operational successes were recently highlighted by both CNN and Fox News.

USCGC Bear

Middle School Parent Coffee on January 12th

Our next Middle School Coffee with Dr. McManus and me will take place on Friday, January 12.  We hope that these sessions are a way for you to learn more about what is happening within the Masco community while also allowing you to ask questions.  All parent coffees will be held from 8:30-9:30 AM.  Please check in at the main office.  We look forward to seeing you. 

For more school-specific info, please see the High School Principal’s Masco Memo and the Middle School Principal’s Weekly Update.