Dear MPS community,

We did it - we made it through March! Happy April and we look forward to what spring has in store for Panther Nation! There are many exciting things happening across our school community! 

The development of the FY27 budget for Marlborough Public Schools reflects a clear, student-centered focus and a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility. Through thoughtful planning and collaboration, this budget prioritizes what matters most—supporting teaching and learning while preparing for the future of our district.

New Investments for the 2026–2027 School Year

As part of this work, we are excited to introduce new programs and expanded support positions that will directly benefit students and staff across the district:

Guided by Clear Priorities

Three primary goals shaped this year’s budget:

These priorities ensured that every decision remained focused on students while maintaining organizational efficiency.

In other news, as we look ahead, planning for Summer 2026 is already well underway across Marlborough Public Schools. This will include the return of summer reading for all students, along with summer work packets designed to keep math and reading skills sharp throughout July and August. Stay tuned for more information. 

Our focus will continue to deepen on student achievement as we raise academic expectations and support the growth of our young—and very capable—scholars.

Stay informed about the latest news from our district with our new monthly video series, "The Super Six." This series summarizes the Panther Nation Connection, our community newsletter, and helps you stay up-to-date on district developments.

Watch the video and then continue reading for more detailed information on each topic.

In the March edition of Super Saturday, Superintendent Jason DeFalco interviews School Business Manager Mohammed Siddiqui. They discuss Siddiqui's background, his transition into the new role and, most importantly, how the FY’27 budget will support students and staff in the upcoming school year. Additionally, they address an important schedule change to the budget certification, originally planned for March 24.

Tune in now to learn more about our business operations and our new guiding leader. Be sure to subscribe to WMCT-TV on YouTube and follow them on all social media channels so you never miss an episode!

With less than 50 days left in the school year, let's make every day count. As we face our longest stretch of consecutive school days, it can be challenging for students to get out the door in the mornings. Here are a few tips for establishing a smooth morning routine:

If your child is having difficulty getting out the door, please reach out. We are here to support you!

By ensuring that your student is on time and present every school day, we can help them prepare for a successful tomorrow.

Here are the year-to-date attendance rates across our district:

We would like to inform you about a change in schedule for the Marlborough Public Schools budget certification. The FY’27 budget certification meeting, originally scheduled for March 24 will now take place on April 14 at 7 p.m. at the Marlborough Early Education Center, located at 17 Washington Street.

Public attendance is permitted. This meeting may also be broadcast on the WMCT-TV website or its various communication channels.

The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System is a set of standardized tests administered statewide. Students in grades 3–8 and 10 take MCAS tests in English language arts and mathematics; students in grades 5, 8, and one high school grade (usually grade 9 or 10) take a science MCAS test. Students in grade 8 take a civics MCAS test.

To prepare for the MCAS testing windows, we have conducted refresher and full training sessions to ensure the appropriate staff are trained in test administration procedures, safety protocols and expectations for each testing session.

Additionally, our staff and faculty members have been preparing students by letting them explore the MCAS student tutorial and practice tests. DESE guidance shows that students do better when they are familiar with the testing platform and technology. Our staff and faculty have also planned motivational and engaging activities to boost our students' test-taking confidence.

One great example is at the Richer School, which has planned a series of Growth Walks. During these walks, grade 3-5 students create posters showing an area of growth they are especially proud of (e.g., "I can persevere in math problem solving" or "I have grown to be a confident writer") and parade through the hallways, with students from other grades cheering them on in the sidelines.

MCAS testing will run through early June. Exact testing dates for each subject and grade level are available by contacting your student's school.

Are you a Marlborough resident with a child who will turn five before Aug. 31? Starting Feb. 1, you can register your little one for kindergarten at Marlborough Public Schools for the 2026-2027 school year!

Ready to get started? Visit www.mps-edu.org/registration to begin the registration process today. By registering early, you play a vital role in helping us plan class sizes and ensure the best possible placement for each student.

We’re also offering in-person registration workshops. Our dedicated Parent Registration and Outreach Center staff will be available to assist families with completing their registration from 4-7 p.m. on April 7 and May 21 at Whitcomb Middle School, 25 Union St. For your convenience, please use the back entrance off Bolton Street.

Have questions? We’re here to help! Call (508) 460-3594 for more information. Interpreters are available. Let’s make this an unforgettable start to your child’s educational journey!

Attention all families of students in grades 5-9! We invite you to an informational meeting on April 8 at 7 p.m. at Whitcomb Auditorium to learn about our new accelerated learning pathways.

Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, students in grades 6-10 will have the opportunity to engage in advanced coursework in English Language Arts and Math while fully experiencing a well-rounded middle and high school education.

Our accelerated pathways will not only allow students to potentially graduate with a Pathway of Distinction designation but also provide scheduling flexibility for completing college courses, earning career certifications or gaining internship experience.

If you're interested, please join us on April 8 at 7 p.m. at Whitcomb Auditorium to find out more!

Don’t miss an exciting evening of creativity and community on April 9! 

Join us from 5:30-7:30 p.m. as we celebrate the incredible talent of our students at the annual K-12 Citywide Art Show, held at Whitcomb Middle School. Our students will showcase their creativity through a variety of media, including digital art, video and graphic design.

Join us on April 9 from 6-8 p.m. at the Whitcomb Middle School cafeteria for our 5th Annual Title I and Title III Family Wellness Fair! This engaging and free event, hosted by the MPS Family Community Liaisons, will be fun for the whole family. Interpreters will be available.

Enjoy complimentary food, free books and the chance to win prizes while accessing valuable community resources. Don’t miss our special presentation on "The Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health," designed to empower families with important insights.

The Marlborough School Committee, chaired by Mayor Christian J. Dumais, establishes and monitors the annual operating budget, hires, manages and evaluates the Superintendent and sets and reviews district policies and practices to support student achievement.

The Marlborough School Committee will host its next regular meetings on April 14 and April 28. Public attendance and comments at these meetings are generally permitted.  To view the meeting agendas, minutes and location details, visit www.mps-edu.org/MSC.

As part of Massachusetts’ 250th Anniversary commemoration, students across the Commonwealth are invited to explore, document and share diverse perspectives from our past. Projects may take the form of essays, artwork, performances, digital media or other creative expressions that highlight community voices and civic stories.

Submission information can be found on the Mass 250 website, and educators can find handouts with guidance for integrating the project into history, civics and ELA instruction. Submissions are due here by Friday, April 17.

April Vacation is right around the corner! There will be no classes from April 20-24. Classes will resume on Monday, April 27.

To find local community events and activities, visit www.mps-edu.org/flyers.

25 Union St. Marlborough, MA 01752
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