MCAS Participation and Schedule: An Important Message for NMS Families

Dear NMS Families,

I am writing to share important information about MCAS participation and why it remains essential for our students and for Norton Middle School. We need all students to participate and give their best effort. 

Recent state changes  will no longer include MCAS scores to decide a student’s Competency Determination for graduation. However, state and federal laws still require all students in tested grades to participate in MCAS, and this requirement has not changed. In fact, at Norton High School all students must still participate in MCAS examinations in order to earn their High School Diploma. MCAS continues to inform school accountability, scholarship eligibility at the high school level, and most importantly our ability to understand and support student learning.

I want to be fully transparent: last year, Norton Middle School experienced a significant number of parent-initiated MCAS opt-outs. As a direct result, our school was labeled as a school requiring intervention due solely to low participation not because of student performance. This automatic rating was disappointing and does not reflect the tremendous work, effort, and growth occurring at NMS. It is a situation we must avoid in 2026.

We are deeply committed to improving student achievement, strengthening instruction, and continuing the positive academic growth our students are demonstrating. We are optimistic about our trajectory and do not want progress overshadowed or negated because low participation rates trigger an automatic accountability status.

It is also important to remember that cumulative testing is a normal part of a student’s educational journey and remains an integral part of many career fields and military service. Whether students pursue higher education, enter a trade, join the workforce, or serve in the armed forces, assessments will continue to be part of their professional life. Developing experience and confidence in structured testing environments now helps students build the resilience, familiarity, and skill set that will contribute to future success.

MCAS is one of the tools that allows us to understand student needs, guide instruction, and plan meaningful supports and interventions. High participation ensures accurate data and provides a true reflection of our school’s performance and the accomplishments of our students and staff.

We are asking for your partnership in ensuring that all students participate in this year’s MCAS exams. Below is a link to the NMS MCAS Testing Schedule for Spring 2026 to support your planning. 

Thank you and please reach out with any questions.

Vincent M. Hayward

Principal NMS