Dear Marlborough Public Schools community,

As we welcome the month of October, I want to take a moment to thank you for the strong start we’ve had to the school year. Our classrooms are alive with learning, and our students are settling into routines with excitement and focus.

We recognize that transportation remains a concern, and we continue to push NRT to address all remaining issues. Please know this is a top priority for us as we work to ensure reliable service for our students and families.

In other news, I’m proud to share that our fall Panther musicians and athletes are off to a strong start, representing our schools and our city with great pride. In our classrooms, elementary students are diving into our new math program, and our middle school is adjusting to a new model of English Language Learner instruction—both significant shifts to support deeper learning and growth for all students.

We are also working closely with our Grade 8 students to highlight the many and varied opportunities that await them at Marlborough High School. In addition, I am excited to share that we have expanded the Career Specialist role to serve students in grades 6–12. This expansion will allow us to provide even greater support to middle and high school students in career exploration—helping them find internships, preparing them for work experiences, and guiding them as they take on these valuable opportunities. Our middle and high school programming in MPS is really on the move!

Looking ahead, we are reviewing proposals for the consulting group that will guide MPS in developing our next Strategic Plan and Portrait of a Learner. Your feedback and input will be critical in shaping this work, and we look forward to inviting your voice into the process.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our schools. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time—I value your partnership and commitment to Marlborough Public Schools.

Warmly,

Jason DeFalco, Ed.D.

Interim Superintendent

Marlborough Public Schools

Super Saturday

Don’t miss the premiere episode of "Super Saturday," a monthly video series designed to help you stay connected with Marlborough Public Schools! Hosted by Interim Superintendent Jason DeFalco, the first episode launched on Sept. 20 and features updates and important insights from Marlborough High School Principal Stephen Sierpina and Goodnow Elementary Principal Jennifer Collins.

Be sure to subscribe to WMCT-TV on YouTube and follow them across all channels so you never miss an episode!

New Marlborough School Committee Member to Be Appointed

The Marlborough School Committee has identified many passionate individuals who want to make a difference in our community by filling the vacant seat.

These candidates will present their cases at the Joint Convention Meeting of the Marlborough City Council and School Committee, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Oct. 6 in the City Council Chambers. The committee will appoint its chosen candidate to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.

The meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed at www.wmct-tv.com.

Tiered Focused Monitoring Review

During the week of Oct. 13, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Language Acquisition will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of our district’s English Learner Education program. This review, which occurs every six years, will assess compliance with federal and state laws regarding English learners, focusing on areas such as student assessments, identification, program placement, parent involvement and curriculum requirements.

As part of the review, the district will conduct a survey of parents of students being evaluated. The results will be included in the monitoring report. Parents can contact Samantha Kodak at (781) 338-3561 for telephone interviews or accommodations.

Following the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide a report within 60 business days outlining compliance levels and areas needing improvement. The report will be publicly available on DESE’s ELE webpage.

Coffee & Conversation

Marlborough High School and Whitcomb Middle School invite all families and caregivers to our Coffee & Conversation series this fall on:

Saturday, Oct. 25, 10-11 a.m., Marlborough Public Library
Thursday, Oct. 30, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Marlborough Public Library

Led by Interim Superintendent Jason DeFalco, Ed.D., these gatherings provide a welcoming space for you to connect with the district as partners in your child’s education. We welcome all families — current and prospective— to learn about the career pathways and educational programs we offer. Light refreshments and interpretation services will be available.

Registration is not required but is appreciated to help us plan for materials, supplies and services. Register for our Coffee & Conversation series here.

MCAS Scores to Be Released in October

The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System enables teachers, parents and students to identify areas where students are excelling and where they require assistance.

Your student's MCAS scores will be mailed to you by the end of October, so be on the lookout for a letter in the mail. Once you receive their MCAS scores, you can see how well your student is meeting basic learning standards. If you have any questions regarding your student's learning, please get in touch with their school to discuss areas where they may require additional support.

A public presentation regarding MCAS scores will be held at the Oct. 14 Marlborough School Committee meeting. Visit www.mps-edu.org/MSC for meeting details.

Transportation App Launching Soon

We're excited to share that we'll be launching the Beacon Connect app in October, in partnership with NRT. The Beacon Connect Family App provides parents with peace of mind by offering real-time updates (with a 16-second delay) on their child's school bus location. More information will be shared as soon as possible.

In the meantime, visit www.mps-edu.org/transportation for information about our transportation services.

Be Present. Be Engaged. Achieve More.

Consistent, full-day attendance is critical to student success. Every minute of instruction counts — and arriving late or leaving early can significantly disrupt the learning process.

We understand that life happens. Appointments with doctors, dentists and counselors often fall during school hours, and after-school availability can be limited. However, we encourage caregivers to book appointments during early release days and school vacation weeks. Visit www.mps-edu.org/events to view all observed holidays and breaks, which will help you plan accordingly.

Together, we can support strong attendance and ensure every student has the opportunity to level up their skills, make friends and move closer to their dreams.

Mark Your Calendars

Oct. 6: Joint Convention Meeting
Oct. 13: Closed for Columbus Day
Oct. 14: School Committee meeting
Oct. 22: Early release day; Professional development day
Oct. 25: Coffee & Conversation
Oct. 28: School Committee meeting
Oct. 30: Special Education Parent Advisory Council meeting
Oct. 30: Coffee & Conversation

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 access the latest district news and alerts directly on your device. Download it on the App Store or get it on Google Play.

Don’t forget to follow Marlborough Public Schools on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X to see school highlights, event recaps and more.

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.

Goodnow Brothers Elementary School

Panther Nation Connection: October 2025

Welcome to the New School Year!