April News and Highlights
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope this letter finds you well. As we head into the month of April, we want to share some important updates regarding the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) testing schedule, as well as information on an upcoming presentation for our 8th-grade students about the dangers of vaping.
MCAS Testing Schedule and Preparation Tips
Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 will be participating in MCAS testing throughout the month. Please see the testing schedule below:
April 1 & 2 – English Language Arts (ELA) Testing: 7th and 8th graders
April 7 & 8 – English Language Arts (ELA) Testing: 6th graders
April 29 & 30 – Math Testing: 7th and 8th graders
(May 13 & 14 - Math Testing: 6th graders)
See other testing dates for May in section below "MCAS Testing Dates Spring 2025"
We understand that standardized testing can be a stressful time for students. Here are a few tips to help your child feel prepared and confident:
Get plenty of rest: Encourage your child to get at least 8–9 hours of sleep the night before testing.
Have a healthy breakfast: A nutritious meal can help with focus and stamina.
Arrive on time: Being on time reduces unnecessary stress and allows students to settle in calmly.
Encourage positive self-talk: Remind your child that they’ve worked hard all year and should approach the test with confidence.
Limit screen time the night before: Reducing screen exposure before bed can help promote better sleep quality.
We appreciate your support in helping your child be well-prepared and confident for these assessments.
Vaping Awareness: Talking to Your Child
In recent years, vaping has become a growing concern among adolescents. To help educate our students, the District Attorney's Office will be presenting to our 8th-grade students on April 11 and April 18. The presentation, titled
"Vaping and the Adolescent Brain", will cover the potential health risks, addiction concerns, and the impact of vaping on adolescent brain development.
We encourage you to have conversations with your child at home about the dangers of vaping. Here are some tips for starting the conversation:
Be informed: Learn about the types of vaping products and the risks they pose.
Ask open-ended questions: Rather than lecturing, ask your child what they know or have heard about vaping.
Share facts, not fear: Use credible information to discuss the health risks without resorting to scare tactics. (See some facts below in section titled "Talking to your child about facts about vaping")
Keep the conversation ongoing: Make it clear that they can come to you with any questions or concerns.
We are committed to keeping our students safe and informed and greatly appreciate your partnership in reinforcing these important messages at home.
Washington DC Trip: Grade 8 Parents
Also, it is important to note for Grade 8 Parents that there is a mandatory pre-departure meeting for those students going on the Washington DC trip on April 8 at 5:30pm in the OMS Team Room (upstairs). This is important to review student expectations for parents' understanding and for medication paperwork (only parents need to attend).
If you have any questions regarding the testing schedule, the vaping presentation, or any other matter, please feel free to contact our main office. Thank you for your continued support of Overlook Middle School.
Sincerely,
Kristina Bogosh, Principal
Lori Shattuck, Assistant Principal
