Monday, December 21, 2020

Weekly Update for this week, December 21, 2020.

 Dear Students/Parents/Guardians:


We have posted the Weekly Update for this week, December 21, 2020.

Wednesday is a half day for staff and students.  We will follow the Monday/Thursday schedule for unified arts classes.  The schedule is as follows:


  • Period 1: 8:15 – 8:35

  • Period 2: 8:40 – 9:00

  • Period 3: 9:05 – 9:25

  • Period 4: 9:30 – 9:50

  • Period 5: 9:55 – 10:15

  • Period 6: 10:20 – 10:40

 

Attendance will be taken during the first period, please be on time.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Warmest Regards,


Michael Rossi

Principal



Thursday, December 17, 2020

Weekly Update for Wednesday, December 16, 2020

 Dear Students/Parents/Guardians:

Today we will have our first remote learning snow day.  If you have questions please click this link.  Enjoy the snow after classes today.

A few updates for today’s schedule:

  • The picture retake day for Cohort B has been rescheduled to tomorrow, Friday 12/18/20.

  • Cohort B may bring in money and gift cards for the Holiday Drive tomorrow.  

  • Report cards will go live today at 2 PM (see instructions in the weekly update)

  • Tomorrow is the last day for 7th graders to submit a baby picture for the yearbook. (see see instructions in the weekly update)


We have posted the Weekly Update for this week, December 17, 2020.


Warmest Regards,


Michael Rossi

Principal



Monday, November 9, 2020

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Weekly Update October 7, 2020

 Marshall Middle School

Weekly Update

October 5, 2020


Dear Students and Parents, 

Stomp Out Bullying Day, Monday October 5, 2020.  We had a synchronous learning activity at 9:15 AM on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 for students in the Hybrid model.  I apologize to our Full Remote Learners, as the district’s Full Remote Program schedule on Wednesdays is not the same as the Hybrid schedule on Wednesdays.  This caused confusion.  I will be more clear in future emails.  Here is the Stomp Out Bullying presentation if you missed it.

Warmest Regards,

Mr. Rossi


Agenda books and 5th Grade Swag Bags

We have agenda books for our 6th and 7th grade students and SWAG Bags (binders, agendas and other goodies) for our 5th grade FULL REMOTE students.  You can pick them up at picture day (see below), or by stopping in at the school office between 7:30 - 2:30 M-F.  If you are not comfortable coming into the building you can call the office and we will bring one out to your car.  (978) 528-8670.  SWAG Bags and agendas have been passed out to Hybrid students.


School Pictures

School pictures have been set up for the first week in November.  We will send out forms once they arrive.  Picture Forms will be mailed out to FULL REMOTE students. 

  • Cohort A: Monday, November 2, 2020

  • Cohort B: Thursday, November 5, 2020

  • Full Remote Students: Wednesday, November 4, 2020 (Times TBD)


Hybrid Students

As the weather gets cooler students should plan for the classrooms to be a bit cooler than usual, as we will have the windows opened for ventilation purposes.  Please send your child to school with a sweater or sweatshirt.  


Balancing your schedule with your child’s:

We know that it is difficult when your child needs help navigating through emails, google classroom invites, and many other obstacles with technology all while you are trying to work from home.  This is a strategy to reduce the number of interruptions, called “Ask 3 then me.”  While the three steps are: First ask Google, Second look for a Youtube tutorial, and third, ask people on social media, I recommend asking three students in his/her virtual classroom rather than those out on social media.  We hope that this helps.

ASPEN Accounts

If you encounter issues or problems with your ASPEN Account, please contact:

GOOGLE Accounts:

If you do not know your child's student ID/school ID, it is available on the Aspen Parent Portal (https://ma-billerica.myfollett.com).

  • You can find the school ID number by going to the Family tab (it will be listed under LASID or Local Identifier depending if you are viewing the mobile site or desktop site).

  • If you do not know your Aspen login information, please email portalhelp@billericak12.com.


Chromebooks

If you are in need of a chromebook please call the school office at (978) 528-8670.  Our district website has a great deal of useful information on Chromebooks and school district technology at https://www.billericak12.com/district/families 

Virtual Meeting Etiquette for Students

The Virtual Meeting Etiquette for Students includes guidelines for Virtual Meeting Etiquette.  Please note, this is not an exhaustive list -- students must also abide by the etiquette set by their classroom teachers.

Upcoming Events:

  • Stomp Out Bullying Day……….Wednesday, October 7, 2020

  • Columbus Day (Holiday- No School)…..Monday October 12, 2020

  • Virtual Back to School Information….October 15, 2020

  • Parent Teacher Conferences….October 27 and 29, 2020

  • School Picture Day Cohort A…..Monday, November 2, 2020

  • Election Day (Staff Development, No School)….Tuesday November 3, 2020

  • School Picture Day FULL REMOTE students…..Wednesday, November 4, 2020

  • School Picture Day Cohort B…..Thursday, November 5, 2020

  • Veteran’s Day (Holiday- No School)...Wednesday, November 11, 2020

  • Quarter 1 ends (Last day for unified Arts Classes)..….November 17, 2020

  • Quarter 2 begins (Classes Change)...November 18, 2020 

  • Half Day (Staff and Students)......Wednesday, November 25, 2020

  • Thanksgiving Day (Holiday- No School)....Thursday, November 26, 2020

  • Thanksgiving Recess (Holiday- No School)...Friday, November 27, 2020

  • Trimester 1 Ends...Thursday, December 10, 2020

  • Report Cards Issued (Trimester 1  & Quarter 1)....December 17, 2020

  • Half Day (Staff and Students)......Wednesday, December 23, 2020

  • Christmas Eve (No School)....Thursday, December 24, 2020

  • Christmas Day (Holiday- No School)...Friday, December 25, 2020

  • Winter Break (No School).....December 28, 2020 to January 1, 2021)

  • Schools Resume…..Monday, January 4, 2021

  • Quarter 2 ends (Last day for unified Arts Classes)..….January 29, 2021

  • Quarter 3 begins (Unified Arts Classes Change)...February 1 2021 


Have a great week!

 “Be the best version of yourself!”

Follow us on Twitter: @mmsbps

Visit us at:  https://www.billericak12.com/schools/marshall-middle-school

Parent Portal………….https://ma-billerica.myfollett.com

Issues, problems with the Family Portal: email portalhelp@billericak12.com

Issues, problems with the Student Portal: email jmorgan@billericak12.com


Friday, August 14, 2020

Return to School letter

Dear Marshall Community,


This was certainly a busy week.  On Monday, the Billerica School Committee decided that we will be returning to school in the Hybrid Model for our return to school plan.  Please see the Return to School letter that was sent on Thursday to the Marshall Community for details. 


Warmest Regards,


Mike Rossi


Marshall Orientation Letter and Video Week 8

 Welcome to the Marshall,


We hope you are enjoying the summer.  We are on vacation this week and many of our teachers took the time to send you a postcard.  Please check your mail this week.  We look forward to beginning the process of returning to school in August.


Click here for the Marshall Orientation Letter and Video Week 8


Warmest Regards,


Ms. Marshall and Mr. Rossi

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Marshall Orientation Letter and Video Week 7

Welcome to the Marshall,


We hope you are enjoying the summer.  We are on vacation this week and many of our teachers took the time to send you a postcard.  Please check your mail this week.  We look forward to beginning the process of returning to school in August.


Click here for the Marshall Orientation Letter and Video Week 7


Warmest Regards,


Ms. Marshall and Mr. Rossi

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Marshall Orientation Letter and Video Week 6

Welcome to the Marshall,


Click here for the Marshall Orientation Letter and Video Week 6


Sorry this one is a bit long, but we wanted to get all of the information in.


Warmest Regards,


Ms. Marshall and Mr. Rossi


Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Marshall Orientation Letter and Video Week 5

Welcome to the Marshall,

Click here for the Marshall Orientation Letter and Video Week 5

Sorry this one is a bit long, but we wanted to get all of the information in.

Warmest Regards,

Ms. Marshall and Mr. Rossi

Marshall Orientation Letter and Video Week 4

Welcome to the Marshall,

Click here for the Marshall Orientation Letter and Video Week 4

Warmest Regards,

Ms. Marshall and Mr. Rossi

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

End of Year Reverse Parade June 17

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Our PTO will be hosting a “Reverse Parade” on June 17 to provide an opportunity for staff and students to wave goodbye from a safe distance and close out the 2019-20 school year.  We will be following social distancing guidelines and ask that everyone remain in vehicles.  We need all staff and students to assist with adherence to the safety protocols that will be in place.  There is no parking at the school during the parade times.  If you would like to follow cars with your friends you will need to set that up on your own.  Thank you in advance for your support.  We will be sending out more details at the end of the week.

Schedule:

  • 8:30-9:15 AM Grade 5
  • 9:30-10:15 AM  Grade 6
  • 10:30-11:15 AM Grade 7

Parade Route:

We look forward to seeing you next Wednesday!  Thanks for all you do to support our school.

Saturday, May 23, 2020

8th Grade Washington DC Trip

Dear Students/Parents/Guardians:

Mr. Murphy, the principal of Billerica Memorial High School has prepared infromation rergarding the 8th Grade Washington DC Trip for next spring.  Please click here for the information.
Please direct all question to the trip coordinators:



Warmest Regards,

Mike Rossi
Principal
Marshall Middle School

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Weekly Update April 6 to 10

Dear Parents/Guardians:

I wrote a lengthy email (below) and decided to add this to the top as some of you are so busy, and now, one more email.  I have added the quick read for you.

3 Key Points to this lengthy email:

  1. Students need to be actively participating in learning, meaning participate in the remote learning, do the work, and turn it in.  We are at 75-80% participation!  GREAT JOB!

  1. Teachers will review, comment, and/or correct the work, not issuing a grade or score.  School work will be identified as “submitted” or “missing” in ASPEN, but kids need to do their best.  This is important, it is about learning!

  1. We want our students to do well and be well.  Schedules help, having things to do helps, and having a purpose helps. School is a kid's purpose. Get connected and learn with us!

Thanks,  

Mike Rossi.


Mrs. Fitzgerald is providing a class for parents tomorrow:

Live Stream training on Google Classroom Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 2 pm. 



April 8, 2020

.
Dear Parents/Guardians:

I hope this email finds you and your family well.  By now you have probably listened or read the update from Mr. Piwowar, Superintendent of Schools sent out Friday, April 3, 2020.  We have some big changes taking place as we begin “Phase II” of our remote learning during this unprecedented school closure. The biggest change is the expectation of work completion  by students. For most students this is not a change as we had a participation rate of about 75-80% during the first three weeks of the closure.  GREAT JOB MARSHALL STUDENTS AND PARENTS!!!

  • Teachers will continue to create learning experiences and activities in ALL subject areas. 
  • Teachers have shared scheduled office hours and remote learning experiences.   
  • Each teaching team will send out a weekly planner to both you and your child including information for each class your child is enrolled in.  
  • The suggested planner provides daily activities by subject area.  This guide is intended to help students with planning. However, we recognize that each household will need to make adjustments around your needs.
  • Students should turn all work in as identified on the weekly planner for credit.
  • Teachers will be providing feedback on the completed activities and tracking work completion in ASPEN, as this is a familiar resource for both students and parents. 
  • Work will be identified as “submitted” or “missing” in ASPEN.  
  • Again the expectation is that students will complete and submit activities and participate in virtual learning experiences.

This has been a difficult time for all of us and for some, extremely difficult.  We recognize that each family is doing their best to address their child’s education during this public health emergency.  Our goal is to support you as best we can. As students access remote learning it is wonderful to see how teachers focus on the social connection for kids, and then everything else.  Our teachers get it! This is great for their social emotional well being. We want to connect with them. Please have them log on to their remote learning experiences. We also recognize that being active and having a structure to their day helps.  

We continue to learn and adapt while we engage in this new style of learning for our students.  I truly appreciate your support and understanding, as we work to provide the best possible education to your child during the school closure.  I am grateful for the outpouring of effort our teachers have made in designing, creating, and developing remote learning experiences for our kids.  Finally, I continue to be grateful for our healthcare workers!  


Warmest Regards,


Mike Rossi


Mrs. Fitzgerald is providing a class for parents tomorrow:

Live Stream training on Google Classroom Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 2 pm.