Dear Marlborough Public Schools Community,
As we enter this special time of year, I am pleased to share that the December edition of our PantherConnection newsletter is here! This month's issue is filled with important updates, highlights and opportunities for you to stay engaged. Notably, it includes the launch of our Portrait of a Learner/Strategic Plan survey for families and staff.
I would also like to recognize and cheer for our outstanding winter athletes and our talented fine arts students as they begin their busy winter season. Whether on the court, the stage or behind the scenes, our students put in tremendous effort, passion and pride into their work. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and supporting them every step of the way.
In addition to a full calendar of extracurricular activities, our students can expect plenty of learning opportunities remaining this year. I want to remind our families that student attendance is critical to academic success. Being in school consistently and on time helps our students build strong habits, stay connected and reach their full potential. We hope you will continue to partner with us to set your student up for success.
As we approach the holiday season, I want to extend my warmest wishes for a happy, healthy and peaceful time—no matter how you choose to celebrate. Our district is strengthened by the incredible diversity of our students, families and staff, and it is this diversity that makes Marlborough Public Schools such a vibrant and remarkable place to learn and grow. If you or your family need support during this season, please reach out. We are here for one another, and we are all in this together.
Thank you for your continued trust, partnership and commitment to our students.
Warm regards,
Jason DeFalco, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendent of Schools
Super Saturday
Catch the latest episode of Super Saturday, our monthly video series aimed at keeping you updated about what’s happening in the Marlborough Public Schools! In this episode, Interim Superintendent Jason DeFalco interviews Kerry Purcell, the managing director of Focused Schools. They discuss our proactive approach to transforming education through the launch of a strategic planning process that will help determine the future direction of our schools. Learn more about what the process will entail and how you can get involved.
Be sure to subscribe to WMCT-TV on YouTube and follow them across all channels so you never miss an episode!
Take our Survey
Marlborough Public Schools has partnered with Focused Schools to create a new district-wide strategic plan and Portrait of a Learner. A Portrait of a Learner (PoL) clearly defines the essential knowledge, skills, and mindsets every student should have by the time they graduate.
Knowledge: Important content and understanding every graduate should know
Skills: What every graduate should be able to do
Mindsets: The attitudes, beliefs, and ways of thinking that prepare graduates for life
Focused Schools is gathering input from alumni, staff, families and community members on the qualities MPS should develop in every graduate. This vision aims to ensure all Marlborough students have the necessary opportunities and support for success in college, career and life.
We encourage everyone to take a few moments to participate in this short, anonymous survey by Friday, Dec. 19. Your voice truly matters to us.
Update from the Interim Superintendent: Student and Staff Safety and Security
At Marlborough Public Schools, the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority, second only to our commitment to teaching and learning. As such, we have placed significant emphasis on ensuring that all safety systems are in place so that our students and staff can focus on what they do best—teaching and learning! We believe that by preparing correctly, we can effectively handle emergency situations without unnecessary panic.
We want to keep you informed about our ongoing efforts to enhance safety across our schools in partnership with local city agencies, including the Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Works and the Mayor's Office. While we do not share all the details of our safety initiatives publicly (for many reasons), I would like to highlight some key focus areas currently underway:
Student and Staff Safety Drills (including lockdowns): We will conduct various drills at each school on a routine basis to ensure our staff and students are well-prepared for any emergency. We will enhance communication around these drills so that staff, parents and guardians are aware of them.
Family Assistance and Reunification: We are actively updating our plans for Family Assistance and Reunification Sites to provide timely and organized support during emergencies should students and staff need to evacuate their school building.
Classroom Safety Enhancements: We are implementing updates related to classroom environments to improve safety within our learning spaces.
Communication System: We are rolling out an instant communication safety system to enable timely and effective communication during emergencies.
MPS Safety Manual Review: Our safety procedures have been carefully reviewed and updated.
Tip Line: On the Marlborough Public Schools webpage, you’ll find a “Safety Contact Information” button on the main page. If you need to report a safety concern or potential threat, please do not hesitate to use it. The information is directed to the two Assistant Superintendents and me. Here, again, are the details:
Phone: (508) 460-3520
Email: school-safety@mps-edu.org
We are committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for our students and will continuously evaluate our procedures to ensure they meet the highest standards. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.
Download our Bus App
Our new bus tracking app is now available, providing parents with peace of mind by offering real-time updates on their child's school bus location. Currently, the app only includes routes for the big yellow school buses. We are collaborating with our vendor to add specialized transportation routes, and we will provide more information as it becomes available.
To start using the app, download it from Google Play or the App Store. You may also search "BC Family" in your app store to find it. To read step-by-step instructions or watch a video tutorial to set it up, visit www.mps-edu.org/transportation. If you have issues with the app, email BeaconConnect@GoBeacon.com.
Help for the Holiday Season
We understand that the holiday season can pose significant financial challenges for many families. Our dedicated School Adjustment Counselors and Wraparound Services Coordinators are here to assist you in locating local resources that can provide support during this time. They can help connect you with food banks, community programs or other assistance services designed to ease some of the burden.
Additionally, each school has established a care closet stocked with essential items, such as winter boots and warm coats, to support students in need. We make every effort to keep these closets well-stocked and accessible to students who may benefit from these resources. If you know of a student who could use assistance, please encourage them to contact their school counselor or coordinator for support. We are committed to ensuring that all students have what they need to thrive, especially during the holiday season.
Review our Winter Weather Procedures
It's that time of the year when the weather can be unpredictable! We encourage you to review our protocols to learn how we communicate important updates about school closures, early dismissals and cancellations. Let’s stay connected and safe this winter!
Any school closures or delayed starts will be announced before 6 a.m.
We'll send alerts to staff, students and families via email, robocall or text.
Additionally, any closings, delays or early dismissals due to inclement weather will be posted on our website and shared with local media outlets as soon as possible after the decision is made.
Breakfast will not be served during delayed starts.
Special Education transportation will be delayed or canceled in the same manner as for other students, unless the student is individually notified of an adjustment.
For more details about our inclement weather protocols, visit www.mps-edu.org.
Marlborough City Takeover at Worcester Railers
Get ready for a night of Panther pride! Join the Worcester Railers for a Marlborough City Takeover and Worcester Sharks Throwback Night on Saturday, Jan. 31. The puck drops at 6:05 p.m.
All Marlborough students are invited to attend, and families can receive up to two complimentary tickets. Additional tickets are available at a discounted rate through this link.
Come out, show your Panther pride, and cheer on the Railers for an unforgettable community night! If you have any questions, please contact Joshua DeMaio at joshuad@Railershc.com or call 508-365-1759.
Here Today, Ready for Tomorrow
Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in a student's success. When students miss school—whether it's a full day or just a few minutes each morning—they miss valuable learning time that's hard to make up.
Across Marlborough Public Schools, our student attendance rates year-to-date are as follows:
Early Childhood Center: 93.2%
Charles Jaworek Elementary School: 95.4%
Francis J. Kane Elementary School: 95.2%
Goodnow Brothers Elementary School: 95.2%
Richer Elementary School: 95.3%
1LT Charles W. Whitcomb School: 94.7%
Marlborough High School: 93.1%
Let's work together to ensure every student is present, prepared and ready to learn — that means showing up every school day and arriving on time.
Winter Reading Challenge
The Marlborough Public Library is happy to announce its 2nd Annual Winter Reading Challenge!
Join Beanstack to log your minutes from Dec. 1-Feb. 28 and earn tickets as you work your way towards the finish line. The Iditarod is 975 miles long, so you will need to read 975 minutes this winter to keep pace. Challenges available for all ages: kids, teens and adults.
You may register multiple children under a single adult registration login, so you can keep track of everyone's reading logs throughout the summer. If there are any questions, please call 508-624-6900.
Mark Your Calendars
Dec. 9: Welcome to Marlborough (Orientation event)
Dec. 9: School Committee Meeting
Dec. 10: Early release day; Professional development day
Dec. 11: Marlborough High School Winter Concert
Dec. 16: 8th Grade Concert
Dec. 18: Voices Rechoired Winter Concert
Dec. 23: Early release day
Dec. 24-Jan. 2: No school; holiday recess
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 and LinkedIn to see highlights from what’s happening in our buildings.
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.