Dear Masco Middle Families,

I hope that you are enjoying these mid-summer days and have been able to spend some time by a pool, lake, pond or the ocean during the heat!

I have now spent my first month at Masco, and I have to say that pandemic aside, it has been great! Between learning all that I can about Masco, its classes, programs, and structures and meeting with the leadership team, connecting with new people virtually, on the phone, and by email, my days fly by! Everyone I have met welcomed me to the role and offered their support. As I already knew from the interview process and the reputation of Masco, working here only reinforces the many positives that the middle school and broader community possess. Furthermore, I cannot stress enough how much I am looking forward to working with our faculty, staff, students and families this school year.

The Leadership Team is in the midst of planning for the fall, and while I do not yet know what it will look like, I can tell you that we will have a robust educational program ready for your child(ren) that is in line with state and DESE guidance and protocols. Additionally, the building looks great! Our janitorial crew finished the summer cleaning, floors are waxed and glistening, textbooks are ready, and our IT department is working on their summer technology to do list.

I cannot pass up the opportunity to remind our students about summer reading! Whether they have not yet started reading their selection or they are in the midst of it, please make sure that reading is finished by the first day of school. For further information, details, and the list of book selections by grade, please click HERE. The link is also included below. If you have any questions about summer reading, please contact our School Librarian, Ms. Gatti, at ogatti@masconomet.org.

I will continue to be in touch with updates as we draw closer to the fall, including our traditional summer mailing, which will be electronic this year. The summer mailing includes information about team assignments, the student handbook, supply lists, etc. Please let me know if you have any questions, and in the meantime, I hope that you continue to enjoy the summer months and cross off a couple items on the family to do list, such as swimming in the way-too-cold Cape Ann Atlantic!

Take care and stay safe,

Phil McManus

Principal