Dear Spencer-East Brookfield Regional RSD Families, Staff, and Community,
Good Afternoon!
As we welcome March, I’m reminded of the energy and renewal that come with this time of year. The days are growing longer, the snow is beginning to melt, and our schools are buzzing with learning, creativity, and community spirit.
Enrollment: Our enrollment as a regional school district has remained steady since our last update! As of this morning, we have 1,487 students enrolled within our district. David Prouty High School has 323 students enrolled; Knox Trail Middle School has 408 students; Wire Village School has 465 students; and East Brookfield Elementary School has 271 students, including 118 students enrolled for the "Cubs Corner" Preschool!
Personnel: At this time, all positions with the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District are filled. Please check for any opportunities that arise in the months ahead at https://www.schoolspring.com.
Celebrating Student Success
This month, our students have truly shined—whether it’s in the classroom, on the stage, or on the athletic field. Congratulations to our winter sports teams for their dedication and sportsmanship, and to our music and drama students for delivering inspiring performances that brought our community together.
Academic Highlights
We are continuing to focus on mathematics, literacy, STEM innovation, and social-emotional learning across all grade levels. Teachers have been integrating hands-on projects and collaborative learning experiences that prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Looking Ahead
• "Cubs Corner" Preschool Registration is open! "Cubs Corner" Preschool registration is now open for all 3-5 year olds looking to join our early learners next fall.
• Kindergarten Registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open. We look forward to welcoming our newest learners!
• Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held the week of March 18th. This is a great opportunity to connect with your child’s teachers and celebrate their progress.
• MCAS Testing begins later this month—please help your child be ready with a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast. IMPORTANT: The Spring 2026 MCAS testing for MA DESE features Grade 10 ELA on March 26–27, Mathematics on May 19–20, and High School Science on June 2–3. For Grades 3–8, the ELA window is March 23–April 17, and Math/STE is April 27–May 22, with embedded field tests planned for ELA.
Key 2026 Spring MCAS Dates (General Windows)
• Grade 10 ELA: March 26 and 27.
• Grade 10 Mathematics: May 19 and 20.
• High School STE (Biology/Physics): June 2 and 3.
• Grades 3–8 ELA: March 23–April 17.
• Grades 3–8 Mathematics & STE: April 27–May 22.
• Grade 8 Civics: April 27–June 5.
Important MCAS Notes
• Test Design: 2026 Grade 3–8 ELA tests will include embedded field test questions to prepare for new tests in 2027.
• Format: Tests are untimed but designed for specific recommended durations.
• Graduation Requirement: Although a 2024 ballot law removed the state-level MCAS graduation requirement, districts may still use it for local requirements.
School Updates
• Winter Weather: Living in New England means adapting to unpredictable weather. We appreciate your patience and understanding regarding school delays and closures, such as the one last week that closed our schoolhouse doors for two whole days due to snow and freezing conditions. Please continue to check the district website or social media channels for the latest updates in case of inclement weather.
• Building Project Update: The David Prouty High School Building Project is progressing well, with recent work including the placement of masonry and metal stud interior walls and the formwork for auditorium seating. We are excited about the future learning environment these improvements will provide our students. Most recently, on Monday, March 2nd, 2026, we celebrated the placement of the final steel beam on the facticity as part of a “topping off ceremony.” I was honored to welcome everyone and provide some brief remarks. However, the highlight of the “Topping Off Ceremony” program was the speech by David Prouty High School Senior Class President Lauren Tutlis, who spoke to what the building project means to the communities of Spencer and East Brookfield, as well as to the future of the Central Massachusetts region: the students. The next School Building Committee meeting is planned for Thursday, March 19th, 2026, at 6:00 pm at David Prouty High School (Room 241).
• Green School Works: The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) accepted our proposal last month and has just informed the district that we have made it through to the second round of the grant review process. As a proud 2025 Green Ribbon School District, we proposed installing photovoltaic solar arrays on the roof of our high school and in one of the parking lots, with the goal of improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and/or mitigating the impacts of climate change at our flagship high school.
• Attendance Matters: Every school day is a critical opportunity for students to learn, grow, and build skills. We kindly ask that parents and caregivers prioritize student attendance to ensure every student is set up for success.
Important Information & Resources
FY’27 SEBRSD Budget Update: At this time, I continue to recommend a “level service” budget with minor adjustments to programming and service delivery to continue meeting the needs of the district and its effective and efficient operation, as well as those of the students. As the district's Chief Child Advocate, the leadership team and I have worked tirelessly to ensure that the district not only looks to the future but also works toward it and builds for it.
The next important step in the FY’27 Budget process is the FY27 SEBRSD Budget Public Hearing. The Public Hearing is scheduled for next week, on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, at 6:30 pm in the Wire Village School Auditorium.
The 2025-2026 School Calendar is available on the district's official website for your planning needs. So, you may plan well moving forward, given some of the recent weather events. Here is the updated information related to the last day of school:
• Knox Trial MS, Wire Village, and East Brookfield Elementary Schools' last day is Thursday, June 18, 2026 (Half Day)
• David Prouty HS is Wednesday, June 24, 2026 (Half Day)
Community Connection
I want to thank our families, staff, and community partners for your continued support. Your involvement—whether volunteering, attending events, or simply encouraging our students—makes a tremendous difference.
As we move toward spring, let’s continue to work together to ensure every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
For the latest news and live updates, please follow the district on social media, such as their official Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District X page, or the official news section of the website. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District.
With gratitude,
Paul S. Haughey, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District