LIFE AT THE LOCKE … Issue #30 2018-2019
April 7, 2019
Dear Parents/Guardians, Staff, and Students,
I hope you are enjoying the great spring weather this weekend. We have another 5 days of learning this week as we head toward vacation. Of course, we’ll be busy. Let’s see what’s happening …
Monday, April 8th is a “D” Day. Please plan accordingly for the week.
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @LockeMiddle and Instagram: locke_middle_school
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“What sculpture is to a block of marble education is to the human soul.”
Joseph Addison
Joseph Addison
MCAS TESTING IS HERE!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It is that time of year again and students will be taking the MCAS exam beginning tomorrow in English Language Arts and mathematics. 8th graders will also participate in the MCAS science exam. See the attached schedule for all testing dates.
The MCAS exam gives all students an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned and how much they have grown as learners. It is important for our school and community to ensure that all students do their best work. The testing can be stressful for students and as a staff, we work diligently to provide a positive environment. You can help your children in many ways:
- Be Positive
- Make sure your child attends school on every testing day
- Make sure your child arrives on time at 7:30 AM
- Emphasize that the tests are important and give students a chance to demonstrate learning.
- Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and breakfast prior to testing.
The MCAS assessment will be given on computers again this year. Students will be taking the assessment on a chrome book. MCAS is based on the common core and all of our curricula have been aligned to ensure that the work being done in our classrooms everyday meets the standards. If you have any questions regarding MCAS, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I thank you once again in advance for helping our students navigate through the testing season and demonstrating that the Locke is a great place to learn and grow.
AFTER SCHOOL THIS WEEK
HW Club and late buses will continue on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week.
REPORT CARDS
Report Cards were published on to the Aspen portal on Wednesday, March 27th. It can be seen on your home screen under “published reports”. We will not be sending home a paper copy of the report card. We ask that you still sign the report card envelope for us to verify that you have seen the report card. If you do not have a login, please email ksharkey@billericak12.com and we will be able to provide this information to you as soon as possible. All student reports are published on the portal.
CLOTHING DRIVE to benefit CRADLES TO CRAYONS
Thank you for your generous donations to our clothing drive. As usual, our community always demonstrates a great willingness to help others whenever needed.
LITERARY MAGAZINE NEWS
Submissions for Literary Magazine Due by End of April
Any students interested in submitting work for Locke Middle School’s literary magazine should do so by the end of April. Submissions can be essays, poems, artwork, or any other creative work. All students are encouraged to submit. Please see the attached flyer for more information. We look forward to reading your work!
BAND, CHORUS, or ORCHESTRA SIGN-UPS for 2019-20 School Year
If your student is currently in grade 5 or 6 and would like to schedule Band, Orchestra, or Chorus for next school year they should fill out the online form at http://tinyurl.com/
MATH PROBLEM OF THE WEEK
Last week’s answer: 28,800 possible batting orders
Shape Shifting
a. The radius of circle N is 3 inches, and the radius of circle O is 4 inches. What is the radius of circle P whose area is the sum of the areas of circles N and O?
b. A small square has side length 7 cm, and a medium square has side length 24 cm. What is the side length of a large square whose area is the sum of the areas of the small and medium squares?
Turn answers into the main office
PTO CORNER
Just a reminder that the PTO Board will have three openings for the 2019 – 2020 school year. If you are interested, please come to our next PTO meeting on April 29th (no May meeting) for more information.
Thank you to everyone for having dinner at Pinis on April 3rd. We nearly TRIPLED Pinis’ donation from the last restaurant night there, and it’s our biggest donation to date! Every penny goes to make your child’s school year great!
Field Day is getting closer. Remember, not only is this the 8thgraders final Field Day, but it’s the 7th graders final Field Day as well. We have some great events lined up so please help us to make this year’s Field Day the best for your child! This year’s Field Day will be June 14th. If you have ideas about how to make your child’s end-of-year event more enjoyable or would like to volunteer to help, please email billericalockepto@gmail.
If you need a gift card for a special occasion, we have a supply! Give a gift and support your school! If interested, email billericalockepto@gmail.
The PTO needs volunteers. If you would prefer not to participate in our fundraisers, but would still like to contribute, please see our Alternative Fundraiser form. "Like" the Locke PTO on Facebook for PTO, school, and district updates, email us at billericalockepto@gmail.com
Important Upcoming Dates:
- April 8th, 9th – MCAS Grade 8 ELA Sessions 1,2
- April 10th,11th – MCAS Grade 7 ELA Sessions 1,2
- Early Release – April 12th, 11:40 Dismissal
- April Vacation – April 15th–April 19th
- Return to School – April 22nd
- April 24th,25th MCAS Grade 6 ELA Sessions 1,2
- PTO Meeting, Monday, April 29th – 6:30 PM
3 attachments this week:
If you have any questions, please contact me at tgaras@billericak12.com or call at 978-528-8655. Have a great week!!
Warmest regards,
Tony Garas, Principal