September 2025
Dear MPS families,
Thank you for helping us start the school year strong. It has been wonderful to see our students and staff back in classrooms. The energy of a new year is in full swing and will grow even more when our PreK and Kindergarten students join us on September 4.
Your cooperation with new travel routines has made a real difference. We are especially grateful to our crossing guards, bus drivers, and transportation team for helping students arrive and leave school safely each day.
Thank you as well for your continued partnership in ensuring that every student begins and ends their school day with care. As routines settle in, I look forward to seeing deep teaching and learning take hold across our schools.
Transforming Education is more than just a tagline in Panther Nation—it’s a commitment we live out together. This year, we will continue advancing the goals of our current Strategic Plan while launching a truly inclusive community process to shape the next one. This process will capture the voices and ideas of our students, families, educators and staff, city officials, local businesses, and nonprofit partners. Together, we will create the next MPS Strategic Plan that will guide our schools to new heights.
With the incredible diversity of our community, the brilliance of our young scholars, and the dedication of our educators, leaders, and city partners, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
As I shared with staff in my opening remarks on Monday morning: each of us is a force in our own right, but together, we are a movement. I am excited for us to begin this movement—for kids—together.
With gratitude,
Jason DeFalco, Ed. D.
Interim Superintendent
Marlborough Public Schools
Student Arrival and Dismissal
Our bus routes and walking zones are posted at www.mps-edu.org/transportation.
For the safety of all students, it is essential that each child’s dismissal plan is up to date and communicated clearly with the child’s school. If you have not yet finalized your child’s dismissal plan, please do so as soon as possible.
If you need assistance, please visit our transportation website or contact buses@mps-edu.org.
School Resumes Next Week
We hope you have a relaxing Labor Day weekend! No classes will be held on Friday, August 29 or Monday, September 1. School will resume on Tuesday, September 2 for all grade 1-12 students. We look forward to welcoming our PreK and Kindergarten students on Thursday, September 4.
Here are some tips to help your child have a successful return to school:
Help your child get a good night’s sleep by reinforcing bedtime routines.
Pack up book bags and backpacks the night before.
Plan for breakfast — free breakfast and lunch are provided at school.
Remember, regular school attendance helps set up your child for academic success.
Join the Marlborough School Committee
The Marlborough School Committee is seeking passionate individuals who want to make a difference in our community to fill the vacant seat left by the untimely passing of Heidi Matthews.
If you are interested, we invite you to submit a letter of interest to the Office of Mayor J. Christian Dumais by September 26 via email at mayor@marlborough-ma.gov or by mail to 140 Main St., Marlborough, MA 01752. Candidates must be residents of Marlborough and cannot be currently employed by the City of Marlborough.
Candidates must attend the Joint Convention Meeting of the Marlborough City Council and School Committee, scheduled for 7 p.m. on October 6 in the City Council Chambers, where the committee will appoint its chosen candidate to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.
We look forward to meeting the individuals who are ready to contribute to our schools and community!
Richer Building Project Public Forum
The Richer Building Project Committee will host a public forum at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, at 17 Washington St. Come learn about the proposed Richer School building project, including the preliminary project designs. Can't make it? The meeting will be livestreamed by WMCT-TV at www.wmct-tv.com.
Mark Your Calendars
September 1: Closed for Labor Day
September 4: First Day of School for Pre-K & Kindergarten Students
September 9: School Committee Meeting
September 18: Richer Building Project Public Forum
September 24: Early Release Day; Professional Development for Staff
September 30: School Committee Meeting
For event details and a list of all district events, please visit www.mps-edu.org/events.
Stay Connected
The MPS app is where you can go to get the latest district news and alerts directly to your device Download it on the App Store or get it on Google Play.
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X to see highlights from what’s happening in our classrooms and beyond.
Visit our Virtual Backpack
Are you looking for tutoring sessions, after-school programs, or family-friendly events? Check out our virtual backpack — our go-to spot for events and resources from local organizations that support our students and families — at www.mps-edu.org/flyers.