McGovern News

As we head into the final two FULL weeks of school, we have several fun celebrations coming up! While these unstructured days are fun, they can also be hard for students to manage and regulate themselves. Teachers will review expectations frequently during these last few weeks of school so all students can enjoy the last several days with their classmates.

Next Friday, June 12 we will have our annual Field Day, hosted by MEPTO. It will be a fun-filled day where are students can make lasting memories with their classmates and teachers before closing out the school year. You can find information about volunteering for Field Day below. Please remember to have your child wear sneakers and apply sunscreen before sending them to school.

Please see below for the McGovern spirit week, which will be the last few days of school from June 18 to June 23. In addition, please remember that Tuesday, June 23 is the last day of school and will be an early release day.

We have thoroughly enjoyed this school year. Our students have made so many gains and in all aspects. It has truly been a pleasure working with your children this year- thank you for sharing them with us!

Have a great weekend!

Best,

Amy McDonald, Principal

June is Caribbean-American Heritage Month to honor the rich contributions of Caribbean immigrants and their descendants to the history, culture, and development of the United States. June is also Pride Month for the LGBTQUA+ community, to recognize their history, achievements, and ongoing fight for equality through parades, events, and advocacy.

Flag Day is observed annually on June 14th in the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the national flag of the United States, which occurred on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The day is marked by various activities, including flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and educational programs that honor the history and symbolism of the American flag.

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, is celebrated on June 19th. It commemorates the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed the enslaved African Americans that they were free, marking the end of slavery in the United States. It is a time for celebrating African American culture and history with festivals, parades, educational events, and community gatherings.

June 21st celebrates Father's Day. It is a day to honor fathers, grandfathers and any father figures for their contributions to family and society. People often celebrate by giving gifts, spending time with their fathers, and expressing their appreciation and love. Happy Father’s Day to all our McGovern dads!

Read, read, read!

The research is clear that children who don't read during the summer can lose up to three months of reading progress and that loss has a cumulative, long-term effect. If you only have time to do 1 thing, READ! Log the books you read together on this summer reading log. Please bring your completed reading log to your new classroom teacher during the first week of school (by Monday, 9/8/25). For children entering grades 2-4, you will be entered in a fun raffle for returning your log! If you speak another language at home, read in that language. Research shows that reading in your native language is incredibly beneficial to your child.

• CLICK!- Medway Summer Reading List & Resources K-5

This list is available in paper copy at the Medway Public Library. You can also check out books at Medway Public Library and explore their summer reading resources and programming!

• Video tips for supporting readers…

• Helping your child to read unknown words

• Helping your child with reading fluency

• Helping your child to understand the text

• Helping your child learn to read using a phonics blending pocket (Best for K-1)

• Reading Rockets: Summer Reading Tips for Families

SORA: Use this app to access books

• Go to: https://soraapp.com/library/masslibma

• Follow the directions here: Steps to log into SORA

Math Learning over the summer

• Check out our K-4 summer math website here: https://sites.google.com/medwayschools.org/k4summermath/home

• Children entering Grades 1-2: You will get access to your child's iReady math login information this summer using his/her personalized log in card. One way to get some extra math practice is to have them log on 2-3 times each week for 15 minutes. They should work on this independently. Here are the instructions. Your child’s personalized pass code will be provided in his/her end of year report card.

MEPTO has extra copies of McGovern's 2025–2026 yearbooks available for purchase while supplies last. Yearbooks are a wonderful way for students to remember the special moments, friendships, and memories made throughout the school year. If you are interested in purchasing a yearbook or an extra copy, please order online below. Any questions, please reach out to MEPTO at medwaypto@gmail.com.

We’re looking forward to Field Day on Friday, June 12 (rain date scheduled for Monday, June 15) — a day full of fun, movement, and school spirit! Students will rotate through a mix of outdoor and indoor stations, many of which involve physical activity, so please be sure your child:

• Wears their class t-shirt or class color

• Brings a water bottle

• Has sunscreen applied before school (staff are not permitted to apply sunscreen)

• Packs an extra shirt if possible—some stations may involve water!

Field Day is a highlight of the year and is generously sponsored by MEPTO in collaboration with our school. All activities are challenge by choice for our students.

We always welcome parent volunteers to help make the day a success! MEPTO organizes all volunteer communication and coordination. If you’re interested in volunteering, please note:

• A current CORI must be on file with the school.

• CORI forms must be submitted by Monday, June 8th to allow time for processing.

• For safety reasons, siblings may not accompany volunteers during the event.
  

Field Day is a much-loved tradition and a memorable way for students to celebrate the end of the school year with their classmates. Thank you in advance for helping us make it a great day!

Dear English Learner Families,

The EL Department has ordered “My Summer” Scholastic books for our K–4 English Learners. Each student will receive a book to keep and use at home over the summer.

Inside each folder, students will find a book and a double-sided worksheet. One side is for “Family Time,” and the other side is for “On My Own.” These books and resources are being sent home to help students continue practicing English and academic language in a fun, low-pressure way. Students will also receive a reading journal to use with their book.

In addition, students will receive the Weekly Reader: Summer Express Packet. This packet includes 100 practice pages to help students review and build skills. Although the packet is organized into 10 weeks, with two practice pages for each weekday, families may use the pages in any order that works best for their child.

Please know that all of these materials are completely optional. They are simply intended to give students a fun way to keep practicing and to help them maintain the English and academic language skills they have developed this year.

If you have any questions, please reach out to EL Coordinator, Johanna Townsend at jtownsend@medwayschools.org or 508-533-3230 x3149.

We've put together a flyer with resources for families so they can stay well and active, and share joy together this summer. Please use the QR code within each flyer to find direct links to the highlighted resources.

Summer Resource Flyer:

English

Spanish Flyer

Portuguese Flyer

Director of Student Services

We are pleased to share that Barbara Cerwonka has been appointed as Director of Student Services. Barbara joins Medway from her current role as the Director of Student Services for the Plainville Public Schools. A role she has held since 2024. Barabara has significant experience in special education leadership, including prior service as the Director of Student Services for Cohasset Public Schools. Her extensive experience also includes roles as Assistant Director, Out of District Coordinator, Team Chairperson, and special education teacher. Barbara earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Providence College. Barbara will begin in Medway in July.

Elementary Assistant Principal

We are pleased to share that Shelby Holt is a dedicated educational leader who has served as a Curriculum and Instruction Leader at McGovern Elementary School since 2021. Shelby brings more than 17 years of vibrant, global experience to our community. She is passionate about supporting strong academic outcomes while fostering student belonging and social-emotional wellness. Her rich professional journey spans both domestic and international leadership, including roles as a Deputy Headteacher in London, a Grade Level Chair in high-performing urban charter schools, and an instructional coach across grades PreK–6. Shelby holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Human Development from Boston College, studied at Trinity College Dublin, and earned a Master of Education in Prevention Science and Practice from Harvard University.

Medway Public Schools has several exciting openings available throughout the district, including instructional, support, and administrative roles.

Are you ready to join our team? Click here to see if there is a position that matches your credentials

Transportation registration for the 2026–2027 school year will open tomorrow, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2026. Please check your email from March 13, 2026 for a memo that was sent to provide an overview of transportation eligibility, the Pay-to-Ride program, and the registration timeline as well as the school year 2026 - 2027 Transportation Handbook.

Our goal is to make the registration process as simple and clear as possible. Please review the information below and mark the upcoming key dates on your calendar.

Milestones & Dates

• April 3, 2026 - Registration Opens

(Eligibility Status will be auto-populated within the registration form for your student(s))

• June 19, 2026 - Registration Deadline
• July 24-31, 2026 - Confirmation of Ridership / Open Seats

We are excited to offer a variety of engaging Summer 2026 programs designed to keep children active, happy, and learning all summer long! Whether families are looking for full-day programs, early drop-off and late pick-up options, STEM activities, art enrichment, or a traditional summer camp experience, there is something for everyone.

Please take a moment to explore our Summer 2026 Brochure and use the links below to register for programs.

If you have any questions, we are always happy to help: communityed@medwayschools.org

Summer 2026 Programs

• Medway Early Childhood Center - Summer Program - Registration Link

• Summer Adventures Camp - Registration Link

• Summer Youth & Teen Programs - Registration Link

All MEPTO meetings will be held from 6:30-8:30 pm at the following dates and locations.

June 8, 2026 is Volunteer Appreciation held at Mickey Cassidy's

MEPTO Executive Board Members:

Aileen Keaney & Barbara Holmes, Co-Presidents

Kelly Field, Treasurer

Christina St. Pierre, Secretary

Members: Emily Midgley, Meagan Wilde, Ellie Rice, Angelica Crosby, Christine Better, Kim Pisano

Children need healthy meals to learn. Medway Public Schools offers healthy meals every school day. As you may know, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through the recent passage of the state budget, will again allow local districts to provide breakfast and lunch for all students at no cost.

However, families who submit an application for free or reduced lunch which is approved based on income guidelines may qualify for discounts on specified school fees, including but not limited to athletic fees, transportation fees, and preschool tuition. A district cover letter, the application and instructions can be found here.

Medway Schools has partnered with Care Solace and Cartwheel to support the mental health of students and their families:

• Care Solace offers mental health care coordination services and can help connect you, your child, and extended family members with appropriate community-based mental health providers. Whether it's counseling, therapy, or other mental health services, Care Solace can assist you in finding the support your family may need. To access Care Solace's coordination services, simply reach out using the following options:

• Call 888-515-0595: Their multilingual helpline is staffed 24/7/365.

• Visit www.caresolace.com/medway: On their website, you can explore mental health providers independently or click "Book Appointment" for personalized assistance through video chat, email, or phone.

• Cartwheel is a teletherapy service that supports students in grades 3-12 and families in grades K-2. For more information about Cartwheel’s services, please click here. To complete a self-referral form, please visit this site.

The Medway Resource Hub, curated by Medway School’s Wraparound Team, provides direct links to community social, mental, and physical health supports for students and their families. If you have questions about specific resources, please reach out to your student’s school counselor.

For the last several years, Medway Schools have collaborated with the Massachusetts Partnership for Youth (MPY) to provide professional development for our staff. MPY now offers a library of 10-minute videos and handouts for parents. Over 24 offerings include tips for parents regarding school success, student mental health, and more. The library can be accessed for free by clicking here.

Medway Schools has partnered with Care Solace, which offers mental health care coordination services and can help connect you, your child, and extended family members with appropriate community-based providers. Whether it's counseling, therapy, or other mental health services, Care Solace can assist you in finding the support your family may need. To access Care Solace's coordination services, simply reach out using the following options:

1. Call 888-515-0595: Their multilingual helpline is staffed 24/7/365.
2. 2. Visit www.caresolace.com/medway: On their website, you can explore mental health providers independently or click "Book Appointment" for personalized assistance through video chat, email, or phone.

Medway partners with Cartwheel to provide mental health support to students and families. Our partnership includes access to free family webinars that feature pediatric mental health experts. Please find the 2025-2026 webinar series calendar here.

Last year, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced the launch of MassLinks, the first fully virtual educational option for Massachusetts adults statewide who are seeking their high school equivalency or English language instruction. MassLinks classes are free for all adults, and Mount Wachusett Community College, in partnership with DESE’s Office for Adult and Community Learning Services, will deliver the instruction.

English

To open the SMORE newsletter, click on the link above. Then, to translate the SMORE newsletter, click on the “Translate” button at the top of the page. Use the drop-down menu to select your language. The newsletter will then be translated.

Portuguese

Para abrir a newsletter SMORE, clique no link acima. Em seguida, para traduzir a newsletter SMORE, clique no botão “Traduzir” no topo da página. Use o menu suspenso para selecionar seu idioma. O boletim informativo será então traduzido.

Spanish

Para abrir el boletín SMORE, haga clic en el enlace de arriba. Luego, para traducir el boletín SMORE, haga clic en el botón "Traducir" en la parte superior de la página. Utilice el menú desplegable para seleccionar su idioma. Luego se traducirá el boletín.

Arabic

لفتح النشرة الإخبارية SMORE، انقر على الرابط أعلاه. وبعد ذلك، لترجمة نشرة SMORE الإخبارية، انقر فوق الزر "ترجمة" الموجود أعلى الصفحة. استخدم القائمة المنسدلة لاختيار لغتك. سيتم بعد ذلك ترجمة النشرة الإخبارية.

Haitian Creole

Pou ouvri bilten SMORE a, klike sou lyen anlè a. Lè sa a, pou tradui bilten SMORE a, klike sou bouton "Tradwi" ki anlè paj la. Sèvi ak meni ki dewoule a pou chwazi lang ou. Lè sa a, y ap tradui bilten an.

• Community Update from the Superintendent, monthly
• McGovern News from me, bi-weekly
• Teacher newsletters, bi-weekly

All community updates and the McGovern News will be emailed and can also be found on the district and school websites or through our Medway Public Schools app which can be accessed through the QR Code below. Teachers will email their newsletters directly to their class.

Friday, June 12: McGovern Field Day**

Monday, June 15: **Rain Date** for McGovern Field Day

Friday, June 19: Juneteenth (No School)

Tuesday, June 23: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!