Here are answers to some questions that parents and students may have!

1. What's the best way to contact Mrs. McBrine/Mrs. Ingalls?
2. Do you offer extra help sessions?
3. My child didn't understand the Homework/had a
4. My child forgot/didn't do his homework. Does it matter?
5. What are MCAS Tests?
6. What is Study Island?
7. My child is a

What's the best way to contact Mrs. McBrine/Mrs. Ingalls?

Send a note to school with your child! we do check email
(smcbrine@melrose.mec.edu/singalls@melrose.mec.edu), but may not get to it right away.  Feel free to call the school (781-979-2250,
ext.205) to leave a message, or ask our secretary to drop a note in our office
mailboxes. We try very hard to get back to you as soon as possible!

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Do you offer extra help sessions?

We offer extra help sessions "as needed" two mornings a week. More details to
follow. 

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My child didn't understand the Homework/had a

Everyone has a "bad Homework day" from time to time. If the Homework
assignment takes longer than 30 minutes and/or frustration sets in, feel free
to jot a quick note on the bottom of the page ("this was a struggle",
"couldn't finish", "didn't understand" or simply, "BAD NIGHT").
Sign it and send it to school.  Be sure to tell your child, "Your teacher said
that we can do this, and the Homework counts as done". Homework should not
ruin everyone's evening!

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My child forgot/didn't do his homework. Does it matter?

It matters! Homework is a report card grade, and should be given priority over
sports and social engagements. It reinforces concepts that were introduced in
class, and fosters independent study skills. Packing homework is your child's
responsibility, not yours. Please help your child to  make every effort to get
Homework returned to school NEAT, COMPLETE, and ON TIME!

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What are MCAS Tests?

Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests are administered
annually in the Spring to all public school students in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts in Grade 3 and up.  MCAS measures student academic performance
based on learning standards in the MA Curriculum Frameworks.  It is given
in  separate sessions (one for English Language Arts, one for Math), each over
two days.   

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What is Study Island?

Study Island is an on-line MCAS prep program that helps students prepare for
MCAS. 
Its format is a combination of multiple choice question tests (with review)
and colorful interactive games.  Students will be assigned user names and
passwords during the school year. 

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My child is a

You can read with or to your child. Take turns reading pages, or have her
follow along with you. If there's a younger sibling, she might enjoy reading
to him or her.  For some variety, go to the English Language Arts link and
click on "Story Line On Line" to listen to well-known actors read favorite
children's books. Be sure to click "read with captions". 

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