TPS District Newsletter

Tewksbury Public Schools is now on Facebook!

Students and staff are busy completing our beginning of the year literacy benchmark assessments! We are utilizing DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) in Grades K-8 as both our universal screener for Dsylexia and to assess and monitor the aquisition of literacy skills. Early literacy universal screening is a way to collect and analyze reliable and valid data on the most predictive literacy skills, helping to identify each student's risk of experiencing reading difficulties. Screening does not diagnose dyslexia or other disabilities, but it does help us understand which students may need additional support to be successful readers. Following the screening assessment, literacy team members and teachers will review all student data. If your student is in Grades K-3 and scores "significantly below benchmarks", we will contact you within 30 school days of testing to discuss how we can support your child.

Our Special Education Department actively seeks professional development opportunities for our faculty and staff regarding specialized curricula and teaching methods. We continue implementing evidence-based interventions such as the SPIRE Intensive Reading Program, Lexia, and iReady for ELA and Math, supported by Landmark Outreach and MGH SAiL Literacy Lab. Our latest pilot curriculum project this school year is the Social Learning and Emotional Regulation (SOLER) program, developed by STARR Autism Support, to assist students with social and behavioral challenges in the DLC programs. We are also excited to announce our participation in Southern Connecticut State University's T3I Transition Project for up to four high school tenth-grade students. We will share more information on this project soon. In addition, we will be providing multiple opportunities for staff to learn about the New IEP, which will be in effect for the 2024 school year. Families will also be notified and offered opportunities for training. As we begin the new school year, we continue to reflect and focus on the best social-emotional and instructional practices to ensure that all students have equal access to the services they need for personal growth and learning.

We are continuing to work with Tewksbury Transit and Trombly Motor Coach to mitigate the effects of the continuing, unprecedented driver shortage. We thank you for your understanding and patience. If you or someone you know would like to make a difference in our students' lives by providing exceptional transportation service, Tewksbury Transit is hiring. Their number is 978-851-9863.

Please feel free to reach out to Eileen Osborne at eosborne@tewksbury.k12.ma.us with quesions or concerns about your student's transportation.

We are beyond excited to be moving forward with our plan to implement Standards Based Report Cards in grades K-4. Please click on the button above to view the presentation that was shared with School Committee in June to learn more. We are planning a Parent Information Night on October 26, 2023. The presentation will be held in the CES cafeteria at 6:30 PM. Please reach out to Assistant Superintendent, Lori McDermott with any questions at lmcdermott@tewksbury.k12.ma.us.

AP Testing is now optional: All students currently enrolled in AP courses were given an AP Testing Form to be completed by their parent / guardian. It is imperative for students to decide if they are selecting to participate in the Spring AP test administration now. College Board requires high schools to order the exams in the fall. Students who decide to request an exam after the order date are required to pay an additional $40 fee on top of the exam fee of $98. If your child is selecting to take the exam you must register and pay on Community Pass by October 6, 2023.

Dual Enrollment Application & Registration Information: All students enrolled in high school Dual Enrollment courses must decide if they would like to receive college credit. Students should check in with their Dual Enrollment teacher for information on application and registration instructions. Please note, the College will bill the families directly.

The open enrollment window for Chromebook insurance is here!
Enrollment Window: August 15th, 2023 - October 31st, 2023.
To learn more about our Chromebook insurance program and to enroll, visit: Chromebook Insurance Information.

All students should sign-up for Athletics and/or Clubs through Community Pass. Community Pass will automatically adjust fees for Family maximum amounts. If you have any questions, please contact your child's school.

We are excited to provide ALL students with a FREE nutritious and tasty breakfast and lunch every day! Even though meals are free, we are still encouraging households to fill out a Free/Reduced Meal application because the benefits do not stop at just free school meals, other school fees may be waived or reduced for those who qualify and may assist for increased school funding to support our students. The link to the meal’s application is provided.

Please feel free to contact DebraLee Mugford at dmugford@tewksbury.k12.ma.us with any questions.

Website: https://www.tewksbury.k12.ma.us/
Location: 139 Pleasant Street, Tewksbury, MA, USA
Phone: (978) 640-7800