Dear SEBRSD Families, Staff, and Community,
As we concluded the month of April, we took time to celebrate our newest National Junior Honor Society inductees at Knox Trail Middle School on Thursday, April 30, 2026. (See Photo Above). Thank you to everyone who came out to join us in what was an incredible evening acknowledging our young scholars!
And in case I did not say so, welcome to May! We are officially in the "home stretch" of the 2025-2026 school year. May is packed with celebrations of student achievement, pivotal community meetings, and final preparations for our graduating seniors.
Senior Spotlight 2026! Throughout the month of May, we will be posting a "Senior Spotlight" for any senior who wishes to be recognized and celebrated, so everyone can honor their hard work and accomplishments, especially as we approach commencement.
Enrollment: Our enrollment as a regional school district has steadied. As of this morning, we have 1,472 students enrolled within our district. David Prouty High School has 312 students enrolled; Knox Trail Middle School has 405 students; Wire Village School has 460 students; and East Brookfield Elementary School has 272 students, including 118 students enrolled for the "Cubs Corner" Preschool!
Personnel: Open positions for summer and fall have begun to be posted within the district. If you are interested in becoming a part of our team of professionals, please continue to check back and apply at: https://www.schoolspring.com
MCAS Mathematics Testing Update! The anticipated MCAS Math testing schedule for May 2026. Note that while DESE provides testing windows, specific schools may select different dates within that window.
Grades 3–8 Math Testing (May 2026)
Testing Window: The primary administration window for Mathematics is throughout May, typically early to mid-month.
Commonly Scheduled Dates:
Grades 3-6: Often scheduled around May 11–12 or May 13-14.
Grades 7-8: Frequently scheduled for May 19-20.
Make-up Testing: Continues through late May (e.g., through May 22 or May 27, 2026).
Grade 10 Math Testing (May 2026)
Dates: May 19 and 20, 2026 (Sessions 1 and 2).
Make-ups: Through May 27, 2026.
Key Notes for May 2026
Sessions: All MCAS tests are untimed but broken into two sessions.
Format: Most tests are computer-based (CBT), though Paper-Based Testing (PBT) is used for specific accommodations.
Let’s work together to make your child’s experience positive and successful! We’ve been preparing at school. Here are some suggestions you can do to help every day:
✔Ensure your child arrives at school on time.
✔Have your child eat a healthy breakfast at home or at school.
✔Ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep.
✔ Gentlely encourage them to do their best.
✔And finally, take a quick moment to write an encouraging note to your child.
Go to the MCAS Resources for Parents/Guardians website to learn more about the steps you can take as parents or guardians.
District Highlights
National Recognition: I am thrilled to share that SEBRSD is featured as the cover story in the April/May 2026 issue of Business View Magazine. This feature highlights our "Purpose-Driven Education" and strategic focus on innovation, including the renovation of David Prouty High School and our award-winning preschool program.
FY27 Budget Approval: The School Committee has unanimously approved the FY27 District Budget. This plan prioritizes financial transparency and strategic resource allocation to maintain our focus upon teaching and learning with purpose and student achievement in our classrooms.
Town Meeting in Spencer, MA is: Thursday, May 7, 2026, beginning at 7:00 pm in the Great Hall. The district has our FY27 budget on the floor for a vote, along with an override question to fund $318,591 in general operating expenses.
The Town Meeting in East Brookfield, MA, is: tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2026. More information will follow on the FY27 Budget and articles at the East Brookfield, MA Annual Town Meeting as they become available.
School Year Update: Following the facility emergency earlier this winter, the Commonwealth has granted a waiver, adjusting our instructional year to 177 days. The final day of school for the district is now scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2026.
Upcoming May Events
School Lunch Hero Day: May 1, 2026. Please join me in recognizing and celebrating our cafeteria workers and acknowledging the extra miles they go to for our staff and students each day, ensuring they have high-quality meals every day of school.
Teacher Appreciation Week: May 4 – May 8. Please join me in thanking our dedicated educators for their tireless work.
National School Nurse Day 2026: May 6, 2026. Celebrated annually on the Wednesday within National Nurses Week (May 6–12), this day honors school nurses for their dedication to student health, safety, and academic success. It recognizes their role in managing both acute and chronic health issues in schools.
Art Show & Senior Showcase: May 6, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM at Sugden Library.
High School Junior/Senior Prom: May 9. We wish our students a safe and memorable evening.
Leicester Day Games (Special Olympics): May 15. Good luck to all our participating athletes!
Public Meetings:
School Committee Meeting: May 19, 6:00 PM.
School Building Committee Meeting: May 21, 6:00 PM.
SEBRSD Unified Olympics: May 27, 2026, at East Brookfield Elementary School.
David Prouty High School Commencement: May 28, 2026.
Important Reminders
Attendance Matters: As the weather warms up, please help us finish strong by prioritizing daily attendance. Every day in the classroom is a vital opportunity for growth.
Memorial Day: All schools within the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of the holiday.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for making SEBRSD a wonderful place to learn and grow. @ChooseSEBRSD #Innovate #Inspire #Achieve
Sincerely yours,
Paul S. Haughey, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools