Caregiver Update
Watch us SOAR!
Dear Clough Families,
It's been nice to see the sun shining lately, now we just need the temperatures to match these sunny days! Just a reminder that tomorrow, Tuesday, May 5, Dean Bank will be here in the morning for our monthly savings deposit day for students. Please see the important message from Nurse Bellafontaine below. We are very excited to be partnering with Colgate and have a dental screening truck that will be at Clough on Monday, June 8. Permission slips will be coming home this week in backpacks.
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week across the country. The timing is complicated with what we are dealing with as we navigate the budget crisis and the uncertainty over the next few weeks. More than ever, I am grateful for our community, especially the PTO, for organizing special treats and notes for our staff this week. This is part of the message that I shared with our staff today:
I have the privilege of seeing the work you do every day—the care, the effort, the creativity, and the commitment you bring to this school. It is what makes this place what it is. This week, we’ll still take time to recognize that. It may look simple—notes from students, small treats, moments to connect—but it comes from a very real place of gratitude.
Thank you for helping to show our staff how much they appreciated!
Our 4th grade student council is planning our Memorial Day Assembly for Friday, May 22nd. We are sending out this survey to all Clough Staff and Families so that we can honor both those currently serving in active duty and any veterans of our Clough Community.
Please see the information below about the finalist round for the new MURSD Mascot search. Voting ends this Friday, May 8th.
Hope to see many of our families at the Multicultural Night this Wednesday night from 5:30-8:00pm at Nipmuc. See the flyer below for more info.
Sincerely,
Liz Garden
Principal
P.S. If you are looking for important upcoming dates, scroll to the bottom of this newsletter and you will find the Important Dates to Remember section.
Free Dental Screenings with Colgate!
Dear Families,
We’re excited to share that Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures will be coming to Clough on Monday, June 8th!
This is a wonderful opportunity for students to get excited about taking care of their teeth and feeling more comfortable about going to the dentist. Through this engaging program, children will learn about healthy dental habits in a fun, age-appropriate way.
The whole school participated in a live Zoom meeting on 2/9/26, and students were highly engaged in the program and asked amazing questions. We’re excited to build on that experience with this upcoming visit.
As an added bonus, students will be bringing home new toothbrushes for the whole family, helping support healthy smiles at home too!
Please fill out the permission form coming home in backpacks this week, and send it to school as soon as possible so your child can participate.
We’re looking forward to hosting this great event and sharing it with our school community.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Warmly,
Tara Bellefontaine
Finalist Round for the Mascot Search!
Thank you to everyone who voted in our semifinalist round. After tabulating over 800 responses; we have narrowed the new mascot choices to three finalists:
Bears
Coyotes
Nor'Easters
The finalist round of voting begins today and will run through May 8th. The winner will be announced at School Committee on May 18th. We encourage everyone to vote during our finalist round and links to the ballot and voting directions can be found below.
Link for our community members: https://forms.gle/d5wbCzz8Z9q3xQP18
Final round voting directions (written)
FInal round voting directions (video)
Warmest Regards,
Chris Schmidt
MURSD Multicultural Night - Join us on May 6!
Hi families,
On Wednesday, May 6, 2026 from 5:30–8:00 PM at Nipmuc High School, we will celebrate the many cultures that make up our community at MURSD’s Multicultural Night.
This special evening will feature student and guest performances, live music, traditions, and food from around the world. All families are invited to attend—and to participate!
You can get involved by:
- Hosting a country/cultural table (sharing crafts, language, customs, games, clothing, artifacts, and more), or
- Contributing a dish to the multicultural buffet
If you’d like to participate, please sign up here:
We hope you’ll join us for this wonderful celebration of our community’s diversity!
Nipmuc Summer Sports Clinics!
Mendon-Upton families—get ready for an exciting summer of skill-building, teamwork, and fun with our 2026 Nipmuc Summer Clinics!
We’re thrilled to offer three fantastic opportunities for MURSD students in Grades 3–8 (in 2026-2027 school year) to learn from the best. Each clinic is led by our dedicated Nipmuc varsity coaching staff along with current varsity athletes—bringing energy, experience, and school pride to every session!
Clinic Schedule:
- Girls Basketball: June 22–25 at Memorial School
- Boys Basketball: June 29–July 2 at Memorial School
- Girls Volleyball: June 29–July 2 at Blackstone Valley Tech (BVT)
Cost: $150 per clinic
Whether your child is just getting started or looking to sharpen their skills, these clinics are a great way to stay active, build confidence, and connect with the Nipmuc community.
Spots will fill quickly—don’t miss out on an unforgettable summer experience!
Registration is now open so don't delay!
Important Dates to Remember
May:
May 4 - 4th grade instrument demo
May 6 - MURSD Multicultural Night @ Nipmuc 5:30-8:00
May 8 - Half day, dismissal @ 12:05, Teacher PD in the afternoon, selected 4th grade students attending One8 Foundation Student Showcase in Boston
May 11 - 4th grade Discovery Museum enrichment
May 12 - Mendon Town Meeting
May 18 - 1st grade Discovery Museum enrichment
May 19 - 3rd grade Trolley Tour, 4th grade field trip, PK AM Zoomobile visit
May 21 - 4th grade chorus concert @ Nipmuc at 7:00
May 22 - Memorial Day assembly @ 2:00
May 26 - PK PM Zoomobile visit
May 28 - 3rd grade Discovery Museum, Specialist Night
May 29 - 4th grade Move Up Day at Miscoe, 4th grade Writing Celebration @ 2:00
Last day for Kindergarten: Monday, June 15
K screening taking place on June 16 and 17
Last day for PK: Tuesday, June 16
Las day for 1st-4th: June 17 (half day)
MCAS Dates:
May 12 and 14 - Math MCAS 4th grade
May 13 and 15 - Math MCAS 3rd grade
Connect with Us!
Email: lgarden@mursd.org
Website: https://www.mursd.org/o/henry-p-clough-elementary
Location: 10 North Avenue, Mendon, MA, USA
Phone: 508-634-1580
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HPClough-Elementary-School-102887309160164
Twitter: @HPClough