The new Mansfield Public Schools logo will be officially unveiled during the Special Olympics Pep Rally on June 7 at Mansfield High School. As we build up excitement for the big reveal, every Monday until the launch we will be providing you with a sneak peek of the district’s new logo. Here is this week’s sneak preview. Check back next week for another preview of the new logo!
Mansfield Students Prepare for April 8 Solar Eclipse
MANSFIELD – According to The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), on Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. The Mansfield area is not on the direct path for totality but will experience a partial eclipse.
In response to the April 8 solar eclipse, which will occur during our school dismissal, and out of an abundance of caution, Mansfield Public Schools is in the process of securing eclipse glasses for all students and staff in grades PreK-8. The glasses’ filters are made in the USA and assembled by a NASA-approved manufacturer, which is recognized as ISO-compliant by the American Astronomical Society. Glasses are provided to our youngest students as a precautionary measure.
People must look through safe solar viewing glasses (“eclipse glasses”) or a safe handheld solar viewer (which projects an image of the sun) at all times to avoid damage to the eyes.
At the Jordan/Jackson Elementary School students recently participated in various STEM-based activities to create solar eclipse viewers in preparation for the solar eclipse. Teachers have addressed safety issues for watching a solar eclipse, which inspired the creation of solar eclipse viewers. Under the direction of their teachers, students in grades 3-5 used a variety of household items to create their own eclipse viewers including paper tubes, rubber bands, aluminum foil and paper to create their mock safety devices, while students in grades 4-5 used cereal boxes, aluminum foil, paper, tape and paper clips.
“These activities served as a great way to get our students excited about science while also teaching responsible habits for solar eclipse viewing,” said Principal Nieratko.
At Robinson Elementary, Principal Ryan Gentili and his staff will discuss viewing safety with students and demonstrate how to wear glasses during the eclipse.
The Mansfield High School Astronomy Club, under the direction of science teacher and club advisor Caroline Cooney, purchased Eclipse-certified (ISO 12312-2) glasses, and plan to view the partial eclipse after schoolon Monday. In addition, the Astronomy Club leaders created a presentation to teach the club members about Solar Eclipses and to get students excited about the event.
Superintendent Murphy would like to provide the following safety tips to all Mansfield students and staff, courtesy of NASA, and strongly encourages families to review this information at home with children :
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It is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.
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Always inspect your eclipse glasses or handheld viewer before use; if torn, scratched, or otherwise damaged, discard the device.
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Always supervise children using solar viewers.
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Do NOT look at the sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury.
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Do NOT use eclipse glasses or handheld viewers with cameras, binoculars, or telescopes.
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Even during a partial or annular eclipse, or during the partial phases of a total eclipse, the sun will be very bright. If you are watching an entire eclipse, you may be in direct sunlight for hours. Remember to wear sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing to prevent skin damage.
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To learn more about best practices for solar eclipse viewing, courtesy of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, click here.
In addition, adjustments to athletics and afterschool programs have been made to ensure the safety of our students.
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Mansfield Public Schools Appoints Jessica Davis as New Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
MANSFIELD – Superintendent Teresa Murphy announces that Jessica Davis has been selected as Assistant Superintendent of Student Services.
The School Committee voted unanimously to appoint Davis at its March 26 meeting, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Murphy.
Davis will begin in her new role on July 1. She will replace Director of Special Education Jim Leonard, who will retire at the end of the school year.
“On behalf of the entire district, I would like to thank Mr. Leonard for his years of service to the district as both an Assistant Director and Director of Special Education,” said Superintendent Murphy. “We wish him the best in retirement.”
Leonard will work closely with Davis to ensure a smooth transition for students and families.
“Jessica brings a wealth of experience and a strong passion for advocacy for students with disabilities to our district,” Leonard said. “Her expertise and work ethic will make a great addition to our school’s mission.”
Davis is passionate about education and brings more than 25 years of education experience to her new role.
Davis worked as an elementary classroom teacher and Assistant Director of Student Services for North Attleborough Public Schools. In 2023 Davis was named Assistant Director of Elementary Special Education for Mansfield Public Schools.
Davis holds a Master’s degree in special education and an Advanced Education Specialist degree in special education administration from Bridgewater State University.
“Ms. Davis is a leader who thinks out of the box to create individualized programs for students and create inclusive school-based practices that become part of our school culture and benefit all students,” Superintendent Teresa Murphy said. “I look forward to continuing working with Ms. Davis to enhance and grow our programs and support our students and staff.”
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Mansfield’s Jordan/Jackson Elementary School to Perform “DreamWorks Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr.”
MANSFIELD – Superintendent Teresa Murphy and Principal John Nieratko are pleased to announce that Mansfield’s Jordan/Jackson Elementary School will perform “DreamWorks Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr.” this week.
WHEN:
Friday, April 5 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 6 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
WHERE:
Qualters Middle School Auditorium, 24 East St.
WHAT:
Tickets can be purchased at the door before each performance for $8. Cash or check only.
“DreamWorks Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr.” tells the story of Marty the zebra celebrating his tenth birthday at the Central Park Zoo with his friends Alex the lion, Gloria the hippo and Melman the giraffe, yet he longs to experience life outside of the zoo’s walls. When Marty eventually escapes, his animal friends from the zoo pursue him into New York City. After reuniting, the animals are chased by the police and ultimately felled by tranquilizer darts. They awake, trapped in crates, on a ship, which – through a series of events – is thrown off course. Upon reaching land the animals discover they have been shipwrecked on the island of Madagascar. Ultimately, it is only in being so lost that they can begin to discover where they really belong.
Over 60 fifth-grade students are participating in the show.
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