Weekly News & Notes

So that's what a five-day week feels like... just in time for more snow Monday!

 MCAS and PARCC

Over the next couple of weeks, you can expect to see some of the instructions regarding MCAS and PARCC tests. The MCAS will be administered on March 18, 19 and 21. Thanks to all who caught the couple of errors in the instructions that were there and in advance for your flexibility with that week. Without question, the shifting of classrooms, the moving of students around the building, and the scrutiny with which we all follow the procedures that week is complex, so the cooperation we have from everyone is appreciated.

We will hold a sophomore class assembly the week of March 10, probably the morning of the 14th on the early release day, to review procedures.

As for the PARCC pilot field test that Medway is administering, there will be additional information regarding our procedures for that test administration forthcoming. That test will be given to only about 80 students identified from four randomly selected 9th grade classes. The complete roster and few classrooms that are being impacted for moving will be posted as part of a full procedure in the high school conference.

Scheduling

We are starting the scheduling process for 2014-15 and have looked at the course selections for the coming year already with the department leaders. While we do not, as of yet, have a sense of the incoming 9th graders or what our staff requests will yield, particularly as the budget is not yet approved, we are starting to see certain projections come together. Fortunately, many of the new electives included in our program of studies are currently looking like they have strong enrollments. Hopefully, we will be able to offer many of these courses, efficiently schedule our classes, and look at all the variables with some time to spare.

As always, as information becomes more readily available, we will try to keep you posted, particularly as the board starts coming together for next year. Please be patient and understand that right now NOTHING has been decided.

Finally...

The world lost one of my favorite comic minds this week, as Harold Ramis passed away. I'm not sure if this is mathematically or scientifically accurate, but it's worth a smile at the end of the week: