May 12, 2021
GMS Parents, Guardians, & Students:
MCAS testing-
Testing begins next week for students in Grade 5. Those students who are learning remotely will be taking the tests at the same time as their peers who are in the school building. Testing will begin at 8:00 am and will conclude between 10:30-11:00 am. The schedule for the remainder of the day will be shared by the grade level teachers
Tips for helping your student to prepare to take the MCAS tests:
Ensure that they get a good night’s sleep
Charge your Chromebook
Have a healthy breakfast
Pack your Chromebook and charger
Bring a refillable water bottle
Cell phones: Cell phones are not permitted during or after MCAS testing. A student who is found to be using a cell phone during testing will have their results voided and may be asked to retake the test. This includes the use of a cell phone even if you have completed the test and others in the room are still testing. When a student is taking the MCAS tests, he or she will be asked to turn off the device and place it in their backpack or school bag. These backpacks or school bags will then be moved out of the students’ reach.
**If a student does not come to school with a backpack/school bag, he or she will be asked to write the student’s name on a Post-it, attach it to the phone and place the phone in the locked storage cabinet in the classroom. Once all testing has been concluded and the students are ready to transition to the next classroom, cell phones will be returned.
Grade 5
Tuesday, May 18th- ELA testing
Wednesday, May 19th- Math testing
Thursday, May 20th- Science testing
Grade 6
Monday, May 24th- ELA testing
Tuesday, May 25th- Math testing
Grade 7
Wednesday, May 26th- ELA testing
Thursday, May 27th- Math testing
Students who are in Cohort D (fully remote) will be taking the tests from home.
Students testing remotely will be able to use either their school issued devices or their own personal computers, as long as these devices have working cameras.
Students testing from home will also be Zooming in with the proctor assigned to test them
Those taking the test remotely will be receiving directions, usernames and passwords via their school email accounts. Please be on the lookout for this information as the testing dates get closer.
May is Mental Health Month and is being honored and recognized throughout the country by reaching out to millions of people through the media, local events, and screenings.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of people of all ages. Now, more than ever, it is critical to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles, because that stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help.
If you'd like more information on Mental Health Awareness Month, you can visit https://www.mhanational.org/mental-health-month. And, if you'd like to talk with someone about your child's mental health, please reach out to your child's school counselor.
Meetings will be held every other Wednesday from 1:45-3:00 in the Art room
Follow up dates are: 5/26 and 6/9.
GARDNER MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORUS IS BACK!
Please use the link below to learn more about this exciting program Mr. Zuaro is offering to our students.
Gardner Middle School Chorus
Trio Talent Search
Click the link below to learn more about the services offered through this program
Trio Talent Search
Food Services
The Wildcat Wagon Neighborhood Delivery for All Virtual Learners (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday): This service will continue for our remote learners * 1:10 - 1:20 pm Corner of Cross St. & Pine St. * 1:50 - 2 pm Manca Dr. Cul-de-Sac * 1:25 - 1:35 pm Monument Park * 2:05 - 2:15 pm South Gardner |
Keep Smiling and Go Wildcats!
Arthur Murphy, Principal