MAPLESHADE SCHOOL

Mapleshade School proudly serves 328 students in grades three, four and five. Our staff, parents and community are dedicated to helping our students achieve academic excellence.  It is through this combined effort that we have created a safe, pleasant, and positive teaching and learning environment.

 Mapleshade saw many changes this year.  We said our farewells to three longtime staff.  Wayne Wilson, principal, retired after a long career in ELPS.  This launched a new principal’s search in the spring.  Larry Cadorette, school psychologist, and Barbara Davis, grade three teacher, also said their goodbyes. 

The Mapleshade School Improvement Plan which provided the focus and direction for our school concentrated on three areas. First, our school investigated strategies and models to support our English Language Learners (ELL) in the classroom.  Secondly, we sought to improve our CPI for the special education subgroup in English Language Arts in order to meet AYP standards for the 2007-2008 school year.  Thirdly, a school-wide goal involved promoting good character, community service, and spirit throughout our school.

Professional Development for our staff advanced the professional skills they need backed by solid educational research.  Some of this year’s offerings reflected supporting ELL.  Pat Metzger, a retired ELL educator, conducted a workshop for staff on “Supporting ELL in Your Classroom”.  In addition, some staff attended a LPVEC workshop on “Sheltered English Immersion”.  The diversity of professional development workshop topics included an all day workshop on Guided Reading by Dr. Sandy Roth from  HEC, and a visitation to a school in Ware, MA to view a model of this program.

Mapleshade students broadcasted weekly on MPTV “community tips” to our entire school via our closed circuit TV network. Advertisements for Coats for Kids, Pennies for Meals, Children’s Giving Tree, etc were some of the community service projects highlighted. Under the tutelage of Mrs. Barry and Mr. Cadorette, the students promoted student awareness of the needs of others. 

This year’s physical plant improvements included the completion of four modular classrooms in the South Wing. Staff and students began the “move-in” phase late in the year.  Carline entrance was renamed “ Davis Court” for retiring third grade teacher, Barbara Davis. 

Mapleshade’s PTO’s involvement included fundraisers, dances, vendor nights and support of all school activities. The East Longmeadow Lions Club generously supported our school library and the East Longmeadow Educational Endowment provided grants for our classroom teachers.  We are indeed very thankful for these wonderful school supporters.

Finally, it is through the combined efforts of our staff, parents and the East Longmeadow community that we can provide an enriching educational experience for all of our students.