Greetings!
I hope this email finds you well and that your school year is off to a great start!
These first weeks of school have let me greet buses, visit classrooms, and start getting to know our amazing students. As I have visited classrooms, I have been so impressed by the warm, inviting learning environments our educators have created for students. I have also been impressed by how quickly our students have embraced routines and expectations and settled into the rhythm of the school day.
It has been exciting to see the strong foundation taking shape across our schools and to watch the important work of teaching and learning unfold. Students across the district have been participating in beginning-of-the-year assessments, helping educators understand each student's current level of performance so they can plan instruction. As we look ahead to our first five-day school week next week, you'll begin to see a natural shift from beginning-of-the-year activities and routines toward our first curricular units of study.
In my experience, this is also the time of year when families may notice their children showing a bit more resistance, frustration, or difficulty with their schoolwork. While that can be hard to watch, productive struggle is an important part of learning. When students encounter something challenging, encourage them to pause, consider the strategies they have learned, and try again. Encourage them to show their thinking by showing their work. The goal isn't always to get the right answer on the first try. In fact, it's okay, and even encouraged, for students not to have the right answer every time. Some of the most meaningful learning happens when students make a mistake, work through a challenge, and discover a way forward. Our role as educators and families is to provide the encouragement and support students need to persevere through those moments.
I'm excited to see our students continue to grow as learners as we move into this next phase of the school year, and I appreciate your partnership in helping them embrace the challenges that come with learning.
Thank you for your partnership and support in making the start of the school year such a positive experience for students!
Be well!
Cari Perchase, Ed.D.
Patriot Day, Remembering September 11, 2001
Tomorrow, September 11, 2026, marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001. For those of us who remember that morning, the events remain etched in our memories.
As educators, we have a responsibility to ensure that the next generation understands the significance of historical events such as 9/11. Teaching our students about our history helps develop critical thinking, citizenship, and an appreciation for the importance of remembering.
The words inscribed at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum offer a fitting reminder:
"No day shall erase you from the memory of time." — Virgil
On Friday, September 11, our flags will be flown at half-staff as we honor the lives lost and remember all those whose lives were forever changed by the events of that day. As Mr. Atherton shared in his recent update, students at the JSHS will be asked to participate in a moment of silence at 8:46 am, the moment the first plane struck the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Cell Phones During the School Day
Cell phones and "smart" watches can be helpful communication tools, and we understand that many families appreciate being able to connect with their children after school. At the same time, these devices can be distracting and disrupt the learning environment. Students at Memorial Elementary School and the Junior-Senior High School are expected to keep cell phones turned off and put away in their backpacks or lockers throughout the school day, from the time they enter the building until the final bell.
We understand that students may occasionally need to contact a family member during the school day. Students may use the main office phone. We also ask families to refrain from texting or calling students during the school day. If you need to reach your child urgently, please get in touch with the main office.
We are pleased with how cooperatively students have embraced this procedure. In speaking with administrators at both schools, we are already seeing positive results. At the JSHS, for example, students have been observed engaging in more face-to-face interactions with one another in the lunchroom, during transitions, and during other non-academic times.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work to create focused and positive learning environments for all students.
Superintendent Entry Plan
During the September 8th School Committee meeting, I presented my formal entry plan to the Committee. The plan outlines the objectives, guiding questions, and specific actions I will take in three phases during the first year in the role.
I look forward to attending each of our upcoming Back-to-School Nights and meeting families and caregivers. As the school year gets underway, I will also create additional opportunities to connect with our community and hear your perspectives. Your experiences, ideas, and feedback will be an important part of my learning as I continue to get to know Hopedale Public Schools and our community.
New DESE MCAS Portal
We previously communicated that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is launching a new online MCAS Family Portal. This secure portal will let parents and guardians view preliminary spring 2026 MCAS results and scores from prior school years. Final results, including detailed growth data and statewide comparisons, will be posted to the portal in late September.
Please watch for a separate communication tomorrow with the specific instructions on how to access your child/children's student-specific registration code in the Aspen Family Portal and the information from DESE on how to register your child(ren).
We appreciate your patience as we support this DESE-driven initiative.