The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

Update on Level 5 Schools

This memo provides the May monthly update to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on our work with the four Level 5 schools: Dever Elementary School and UP Academy Holland in Boston; Morgan Full Service Community School in Holyoke; and John Avery Parker Elementary School in New Bedford. In this memo, I am reporting on a few end-of-year events planned at each of the four schools.

End-of-Year Student Recognition Events

At each of the four schools, students and staff will engage in events celebrating their hard work during the 2014-15 school year. At the Dever School, kindergarten and grade 5 students will engage in commencement ceremonies to recognize these two important transition years. Students in all other grades at the Dever will participate in grade-level award and recognition ceremonies celebrating their academic and behavioral achievements throughout the school year. At UP Academy Holland (UAH), students will participate in the school's first annual Field Day. This event is designed to reward students and staff for their great work throughout the year. The school plans to invite families and community stakeholders, celebrating their students as well as the school's diverse student population and cultures. At the Morgan School, eighth grade students will participate in the annual Step Up graduation ceremony. This event is aimed at celebrating the accomplishments of the graduating class and to provide a positive send-off to high school. Finally, Parker School students in kindergarten and grade 5 will participate in promotion ceremonies to recognize students' accomplishments and growth throughout the school year.

Other End-of-Year Events of Note

On Thursday, May 21, students at the Morgan School will participate in the school's first annual STEM Fair. For this event, students in all grades will present a science and/or math project. Students in grades 4-8 will have their projects reviewed by a group of volunteer judges, and all projects will be on display for the school community.

On Friday, June 19, students at the Parker School will perform in front of students, families and community members in the school's Spring Concert. During this event, students will have the opportunity to experience performing publicly and share their learning from music, band, and chorus classes.

Looking ahead to Quarter 4

In June 2015, the Board will receive the final Level 5 schools quarterly report for the 2014-2015 school year. The report will highlight how the schools are advancing teaching and learning in their classrooms. I will also provide updates on how the schools are implementing the priority areas for improvement in each turnaround plan.