Nipmuc Regional High School Named a 2015 Commended School by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Nipmuc Regional High School is excited to announce that it has been recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) as a 2015 Commendation School. Nipmuc is one of forty-five schools in Massachusetts that received commendation for high achievement, high progress, and/or narrowing proficiency gaps. Nipmuc is one of only five high schools in the Commonwealth to receive this commendation which recognizes the school’s “high progress” with the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS).

In being notified of the award, Nipmuc Principal John Clements stated, “We are very excited and honored to be recognized as a 2015 Commendation School. This accomplishment speaks to the culture of high expectations established by our students as well as the skill and dedication of our teachers. We are fortunate to have talented faculty members who are committed to the success of all students. Receiving this commendation highlights the high quality of teaching and learning that takes place each day at our school.”

Some of the highlights of Nipmuc’s 2015 MCAS performance include:

• 99% of students reached proficient or advanced on the English Language Arts (ELA) test
• 72% of students earned advanced on the ELA test
• 0 ELA failures
• 92% of students reached proficient or advanced on the math test
• 74% of students earned advanced on the math test
• 94% of students earned proficient or advanced on the science test
• 0 science failures
• ELA growth = 61%
• Math growth = 60%

Mendon-Upton’s Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joseph Maruszczak, stated “Nipmuc’s designation as a Commendation School is further affirmation of the outstanding programming happening for our students.  It is also indicative of the culture of continuous improvement that has been carefully cultivated by the Nipmuc administration and staff.”

In alerting Nipmuc of this commendation, Commissioner Chester provided a certificate of achievement and wrote, “My hope is that your school will serve as a model to schools statewide and that you will continue to make strides to ensure that all students are prepared for success at the next level.”