­­­­­­­LIFE AT THE LOCKE … Issue #34 2024-2025

May 11, 2025

Dear Parents/Guardians, Staff, and Students,

Happy Mother’s Day!! I hope you are all having a great weekend. We have another busy week ahead with 5 DAYS OF LEARNING! Let’s see what’s happening …

FOLLOW US ON X @LockeMiddle and INSTAGRAM: locke_middle_school

LOCKE WEBSITE

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Mothers are like glue. Even when you can’t see them, they’re still holding the family together.” — Susan Gale

SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

Monday – B Day – HW Club

Tuesday – C Day – MCAS Science Day 1 (Grade 5 only), Grade 6/7 Band Concert Marshall 7:00 PM

Wednesday – D Day –  No Advisory, MCAS Science Day 2 (Grade 5 only), HW Club, Orchestra Concert Marshall 7:00PM, PTO Meeting 6:30 PM

Thursday – A Day – HW Club

Friday –  B Day

MCAS TESTING THIS WEEK

5^th Grade students will be taking the MCAS Science assessment on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. MCAS make-ups for math will begin on Monday and will continue throughout the week. Our counselors will contact you when make up dates are scheduled.

HOMEWORK CLUB THIS WEEK

HW Club will be in session Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week. Parent pick-up is at 2:45.

YEARBOOK – 7^th Grade Information Needed

7^th Graders -- Please log into your Billerica account and fill out the forms if you would like to include your vote for favorites and what you'll be doing in 20 years -- a little something fun to put in the book to remember your time at Locke!
PLEASE NOTE:  the links will close May 16^th for submission. Responses will not be accepted after that date.

Thanks!
Mrs. McAleer & Mrs. Hebert-YB advisors

7th grade favorites survey

In 20 years form

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

From the Locke staff:

A huge thank you to the PTO for pampering the staff all week. From breakfast, lunch, and snacks to incredible desserts and raffles, we are so grateful for all that you do for us. Also, thank you to our families for their generous donations

CONCERT SEASON

It’s that time of year again. Our students will be showcasing their musical talents in their end of the year concerts. All concerts are at 7:00 PM.

May 13^th  – Grade 6,7 Band – Marshall, 7:00 PM

May 14^th  – Orchestra – Marshall, 7:00 PM

May 21^st    – Grades 4 and 5 Band – Marshall, 7:00 PM

May 22^nd – Choral Concert – BMHS, 7:00 PM

ROBOTICS INFORMATION FOR NEXT YEAR

The Locke Monsters Robotics Team is already looking forward to next year as the new game/challenge will be revealed after the World Championships. We will be holding a Spring Training Camp later in May/June, dates to be determined.  We are asking parents/guardians to fill out this survey to let us know if their student is interested in finding out more about our program.  We will follow up with additional details as soon as they are available. Questions about the robotics program should be directed to either hdebenedetto@billericak12.com or jtolleson@billericak12.com 

PTO ANNOUNCEMENTS

The PTO welcomes all families to the Locke. Our last meeting was on April 9^th. Please see the attached minutes. Our next meeting is Wednesday, May 14^th at 6:30 PM in the Locke Library.

Our board members are:

Andrea Toomey -- President

Amit Gandhi -- Vice-President

Jacqui Chaffins -- Treasurer

Katie Malone – Secretary

We also have a new Facebook page – “Billerica Locke PTO”. Click on the link below to take you there:

https://www.facebook.com/share/6JkVGEdSGKuujT1u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

LOCKE SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL

Our school council met on Monday, May 5^th. Please see the minutes for the meeting. All related documents for the council can be found on our website.

MATH PROBLEM OF THE WEEK

Good Game, Good Game, Good Game, …

At the end of the Red Sox game, there were 25 players who each shook hands with one another. Each person shook hands exactly one time with every other person. How many total handshakes were there?

Send your answers to Mr. Garas – tgaras@billericak12.com – Show your work! You can win a Dunkin gift card and the highly coveted math certificate!!

RIDDLE/JOKE OF THE WEEK

This week – 1. What did the baby corn say to the mama corn? 2. Why is a computer so smart?

Last week’s Answers – 1. What do you call Chewbacca when he has chocolate stuck in his fur? A chocolate wookie 2. What do you call cheese that isn't yours? Nacho Cheese !!

LOCKE GEAR FOR SALE

The PTO is now selling Locke gear. Please see the attached flyer with the link to the store.

FOOD ALLERGY INFORMATION NIGHT

The Billerica health and wellness committee is hosting a food allergy awareness night on Thursday, May 15^th at the Marshall Middle at 6:00 PM. See the attached flyer for more information.

REMINDERS

ABSENCES

If your child is going to be absent, please call 978-528-8650 to report the absence. You can leave a voicemail at this number which goes directly to our secretary. You may also email our secretaries, Ms. Brewster at nbrewster@billericak12.com  and Lucy O’Brien at lobrien@billericak12.com

CELL PHONE POLICY

Our cell phone policy is that all student phones/smart watches are to be kept in student lockers and turned off for the duration of the school day. If parents need to contact students, please contact the main office.

UPCOMING DATES -- ALL DATES ARE ALSO ON THE MASTER CALENDAR ON THE LOCKE WEBSITE

• Monday, May 12^th – Site Council Presentation to School Committee, 6:00 PM
• May 13^th and 14^th – MCAS Science, 5^th Grade Only
• Tuesday, May 13th – Grade 6/7 Band Concert Marshall 7:00 PM
• Wednesday, May 14^th – Orchestra Concert, Marshall 7:00 PM
• Wednesday, May 14^th – PTO Meeting 6:30 PM Library
• May 19^th through May 23^rd – Book Fair
• Tuesday, May 20^th – Early Release, 11:40
• Wednesday, May 21^st – 5^th Grade Band Concert Marshall 7:00 PM
• Thursday, May 22^nd – Chorus Concert BMHS 7:00 PM
• Friday, May 23^rd – Last Day for MCAS makeups
• Monday, May 26^th – No School, Memorial Day
• Wednesday, May 28^th – Last Day of Advisory
• Thursday, May 29^th – Last Day of HW Club
• Monday, June 2^nd – 5B1 Field Trip
• June 3^rd and 4^th – Grade 4 Step-Up Days
• Wednesday, June 4^th – 5B2 Field Trip
• Wednesday, June 4^th – 4^th Grade Parent Information Night – 6:00 PM, Auditorium
• Monday, June 9^th – 5A2 Field Trip
• Monday, June 9^th – 7^th Grade to BMHS
• Tuesday, June 10^th – Field Day
• Wednesday, June 11^th – 5A1 Field Trip
• Wednesday, June 11^th – PTO Meeting 6:30 PM Library
• June 11^th and 12^th – Bionic Project for 6^th Grade
• Thursday, June 12^th – 7^th Grade Canobie Lake Field Trip
• Wednesday, June 18^th – 7^th Grade Class Day
• Wednesday, June 18^th – 7A Ceremony, 8:00-9:00 AM
• Wednesday, June 18^th – 7B Ceremony, 9:30-10:30 AM
• Thursday, June 19^th – No School, Juneteenth
• Friday, June 20^th – Last Day of School, Half Day – 10:40 AM Dismissal
• Friday, June 20^th – Final Report Cards Published

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