MAY MCAS SCHEDULE

                     
Grade 5 - testing on May 8, May 9, May 14, May 15

Grade 6 - testing on May 8, May 10

Grade 7 - testing on May 15, May 17

Grade 8 - testing on May 9, May 11, May 16, May 17


All testing starts in the morning.  Our students are well prepared for their tests.  Please contribute towards their success by encouraging a good night's sleep, a healthy breakfast and arriving at school on time.

PTO Sponsored Budget Information Meeting

Please join us on April 24th at 7:00 PM in the Chocksett Library.

This meeting will be a joint Houghton/Chocksett PTO Meeting.

Dr. Pandiscio will be available to answer questions regarding the district budget.  We encourage you to review the budget prior to the meeting so any questions you have can be addressed.  The budget can be found on the following link:  WRSD Budget Information

We hope you can join us!

Chocksett Art Students Reach Out To New Orleans

The National Junior Art Honor Society has been working diligently to support a classroom of third grade students at a Renew School in New Orleans. Knowing how precious simple school supplies are to these students, our 7th and 8th grade NJAHS students, under the direction of Mrs. Grabek and Mrs. Valcarce, are creating art kits for each child.  They will also receive an individualized activity book created just for them.

Each book is filled with a variety of coloring, cutting and pasting projects designed by the NJAHS’ members.  The personal notes that accompany each package are truly heartwarming and inspiring for the recipients.  We thank our local Girl Scout Troop for their donation of supplies for this project. Donations of supplies, to the Art Club such as pencils, colored pencils, erasers and crayons are always welcome.

Congratulations to Chocksett Middle School’s Destination ImagiNation Students

On Saturday, March 31st, our Chocksett Middle School Destination ImagiNation students competed in the state tournament hosted at WPI.  At the Middle School level, 6th graders, Lauren A., Emily C., Gianna D. and Andrew M. achieved 3rd place in the state middle school competition in “The World Canvas,” a project outreach challenge.  Their project was a book donation drive to benefit the Chocksett Library.  As 6th graders, this was their first time participating in Destination ImagiNation competing against returning students through grade eight statewide.

Many thanks to Mrs. Pare (team manager), Mrs. Dow (school librarian), Appletown Market, Old Sterling Candle Co.,  Sterling Conant Library and all our community members that donated books to support their project.

CHOCKSETT EDUCATORS PRESENT AT THE NEW ENGLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL CONFERENCE

Kathleen Mitchell and Mary-Beth Petit, grade eight teachers at Chocksett Middle School, were presenters at the recent 31st Annual New England League of Middle Schools Conference held April 2nd and 3rd in Providence, RI.  The conference brought together teachers, administrators, higher education students and professors, and others committed to educational growth and improvement.

 The conference focused on effective instruction, improved student outcomes, positive school cultures and learning strategies.  Approximately 100 sessions were held relating to topics such as advisory, literacy, math & science, common core curriculum, technology, anti-bullying, professional learning communities, differentiated instruction, student motivation, assessment and leadership.

Ms. Mitchell and Mrs. Petit presented a workshop entitled “Motion Madness – CBR and Graphing Calculator Technology in the Math and Science Classroom.” The goal of this workshop was to share the knowledge they have gained in their collaborative efforts to develop an interdisciplinary teaching approach in the STEM field.

 Ms. Mitchell and Mrs. Petit shared their expertise using CBR motion detectors and TI-83 graphing calculators to explore the concepts of slope (rate of change) and its affect on distance vs. time graphs.  Real life data collection techniques were modeled to make the algebra and physics concepts more relevant. The participating educators were able to actively perform lessons and activities that they could take back and use within their own classrooms.  Many of the participants were excited by the prospect of presenting the challenging concepts to their own students and the opportunity to introduce this technology to them.

Ms.Mitchell and Mrs. Petit were honored to be able to share their knowledge with other educators throughout New England.  This would not have been possible without the Chocksett PTO’s grant for the purchase of most of the CBR units.  Bringing technology into the classroom helps support the WRSD’s “21st Century Skills” initiative which helps prepare students for success in our rapidly changing world.