Thornton Burgess Middle School

Dear Thornton Burgess Student and Parent,

It is hard to believe that we are already more than half way through the school year! As we make our way through the third marking term, I would like to report on the progress of programs taking place at Thornton Burgess School

The School Council is in the process of developing a survey to send home to parents. We are seeking feedback in order to rate our performance in several categories. As you might expect, we continually monitor our progress in order to better serve our students and their families. Please be on the lookout for this survey. We will be sending a copy home with each child in the “Tuesday envelope”. We ask that parents complete one survey for each child in this building, as this information will help us to determine the level of satisfaction at each grade level. Adding your name to the survey will be optional, but we are asking that you fill in the grade level of your child.

Updating technology continues to be a priority here at Thornton Burgess Middle School. Along with our new computer lab, we have been able to assemble a “mini lab” for students and teachers to utilize. Through various grants and donations, we have been able to add a Smart Board to the mini lab complete with a sound system and brand new projection unit. We could not have accomplished this task without the assistance of the SmarterKids foundation, and the Big Y Education Express point program. The SmarterKids grant significantly reduced the cost of purchasing a Smart Board, and points earned through the Big Y Education Express program allowed us to receive a new projection unit at no cost.

As you are well aware, the MCAS testing period is right around the corner. To help families plan for this significant event, please refer to the following schedule:

  • Grade 5 ELA 3/27/06-4/07/06
  • Grade 5 Math 5/15/06-6/02/06
  • Grade 5 Science 5/15/06-6/02/06
  • Grade 5 History 5/15/06-6/02/06
  • Grade 6 ELA 3/27/06-4/07/06
  • Grade 6 Math 5/15/06-6/02/06
  • Grade 7 Long Composition 3/29/06
  • Grade 7 ELA 3/27/06-4/07/06
  • Grade 7 Math 5/15/06-6/02/06
  • Grade 7 History 5/15/06-6/02/06
  • Grade 8 ELA 3/27/06-4/07/06
  • Grade 8 Math 5/15/06-6/02/06
  • Grade 8 Science 5/15/06-6/02/06

As a reminder, we ask parents to ensure that their children get a good night’s rest and eat a hearty breakfast during the testing period. Encourage your children to do their best, and if you should have any questions regarding the testing process, please contact Mary Aberdale in the Guidance Office.

Below are important dates to remember:

  • 3/3- Progress reports sent home today
  • 3/7- TWB book fair, PTO meeting at 7:00 (Green Meadows)
  • 3/8- TWB book fair
  • 3/10- Career Day sponsored by VIPS (grades 7/8)
  • 3/15- TWB School Council meeting, 3:00 TWB Library
  • 3/16- Substance Abuse Assembly (grades 6-8) 1:00 PM
  • 3/24- Fun Night (grades 5-6)
  • 4/4- PTO meeting 7:00 (TWB)
  • 4/7- Report card grades close for the term
  • 4/10- MRHS jazz band here at 12:30 to perform for our students
  • 4/12- TWB School Council meeting, 3:00 TWB Library
  • 4/13- Report cards sent home today, Read Aloud (grades 5-6)
  • 4/14- Good Friday- NO SCHOOL
  • 4/17-4/21- Spring Vacation
  • 4/26- Honor roll breakfast
  • 4/27-4/30- 8 th grade Washington D.C. trip

Thank you for visiting our web page! I hope you find this information informative and useful.

Sincerely,

Noel P. Pixley
Principal