Birch Meadow Update

As we head into April, students in grades 3–5 will begin the first round of MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) testing next week, focused on English Language Arts (ELA).

MCAS is a statewide assessment that provides one snapshot of how students are progressing in relation to Massachusetts learning standards. While it helps inform school and district planning, it is just one measure of student learning and growth over time.

For families, the most important thing is helping children feel comfortable and confident. A few simple ways to support your child during testing days include:

• Ensuring a good night’s sleep
• Providing a healthy breakfast
• Keeping morning routines calm and consistent
• Offering encouragement and reassurance and reminding your student to simply try their best

At school, we work to keep the testing environment low-stress and supportive. We’re proud of the hard work our students demonstrate every day, and MCAS is just one opportunity for them to show what they know.

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions about MCAS.

-Dr. B

School Hours:

Monday-Thursday, 8:15 AM - 2:45 PM

Friday, 8:15 AM - 12:45 PM

*Students must be in class by 8:25 to be counted as on-time and present.

*Please do not park in the staff parking lot at drop off or pick up.

April 6th and 7th: Grade 5 ELA

April 8th and 9th: Grades 3 & 4 ELA

May 11th and 12th: Grade 5 Math

May 13th and 14th: Grades 3 & 4 Math

May 18th and 19th: Grade 5 Science

As we transition from winter into early spring, we are still seeing an increase in illnesses including: Strep throat, Respiratory viruses, Influenza and Pneumonia.

When you call to report an absence, please provide the specific reason for your child's absence. This helps keep the school healthy in the following ways:

· Health Trends: This helps monitor health patterns in the school such as which grade levels may be affected and whether there are multiple similar illnesses.

· Family Notification: It allows us to share general information with families when cases of a particular illness are reported.

· Attendance: Please remember that absences are marked as unexcused unless a specific reason is given.

In the coming months, many classes will be participating in field trips to enhance student learning. Please be sure you are available to pick up your child at the field trip location if they become ill during the trip. Be sure all contact information is current on the permission slip so we can reach you if needed. Thank you for helping us keep students safe and supported.

METCO unites suburban towns with Boston to engage in a reciprocal learning partnership in support of all students. Because of this, every child who attends school in Reading Public Schools is a METCO student and every parent or guardian who has a student in RPS is a part of the METCO community.

SEPAC works for the understanding of, respect for, and support of, all children with special needs in the community (including ALL children on IEPs or 504 plans and children who may require specialized support). Reading SEPAC IS OPEN TO ALL parents/caregivers, not only families who have a child with special needs as we offer various opportunities to connect with other families and provide learning experiences. To learn more about Reading SEPAC, please visit our website: Reading SEPAC Website

Should you wish to receive our monthly newsletter, please send an email to SEPACReading@gmail.com