During a recent Tewksbury School Committee meeting, key updates were shared regarding ongoing educational initiatives and community events. Superintendent Dr. Gasseri highlighted the continuation of the summer enrichment program, which, despite reduced funding, will still provide valuable opportunities for needy students.

The Tewksbury Memorial High School DECA Club is set to host its annual fashion show on November 19, raising funds for cancer research in memory of Megan McCarthy, a former student who lost her battle with cancer. Last year, the event raised over $1 million, and this year’s show is expected to attract significant community participation.

Dr. Gasseri also reported on her attendance at the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) conference, where she engaged in discussions about the dignity index for fostering respectful discourse, updates on school law, and the development of an AI framework for educational policy. The conference provided valuable networking opportunities with other district leaders.

In response to a question about inclement weather protocols, Dr. Gasseri clarified the distinction between early releases and delays, emphasizing that early dismissals are rare due to the challenges they pose for families.

The committee also discussed the recent decision by Massachusetts voters to end the use of MCAS as a high school graduation requirement, effective December 5. While MCAS will no longer serve as a competency determination, it remains a critical measure for assessing student performance and eligibility for scholarships.

Additionally, the meeting included updates on the Standards Based Report Card Committee's efforts to refine report cards for better clarity on student progress, and a successful professional development day for staff, which received positive feedback from participants.

Looking ahead, the committee announced a community listening session scheduled for November 21, coinciding with parent-teacher conferences, to encourage open dialogue about educational topics.

The meeting concluded with a review of enrollment numbers, showing a slight increase in student enrollment since October, and a discussion on upcoming budget workshops and adjustments to the fiscal year 2025 budget, particularly in response to rising costs in transportation and special education.