Message from the Principal’s Office
MJ,
I wanted to provide updates on both the district budget and the MJ PEER Program. Two Wednesdays ago, Superintendent Piwowar presented the FY27 Budget to School Committee. At that time, the proposed budget fell $510,000 short of maintaining current service levels. To bridge this gap and meet legal mandates for Special Education and English Learner (EL) staffing the district proposed significant personnel reductions. The proposed cuts would impact student learning and district improvement efforts.
However, this past Wednesday, School Committee began their open forum with a discussion of the initial proposed budget, in conjunction with the overall town budget picture. During this, they asked Superintendent Piwowar to prepare two different budget scenarios for their meeting this Thursday - an addition of $300,000 over what was proposed, and a level-services budget scenario (roughly a $510,000 increase). These budgets and their impacts will be presented at the next school committee meeting (Thursday, February 5 at 6:30).
Additionally, at the January 21st School Committee meeting, a proposal was presented to reorganize our preschool and elementary specialized programs. This move shifts us away from years of reactive, short-term solutions toward a model that improves instructional quality and operational efficiency in support of students.
The following transitions will take place for the new school year:
Preschool & WABA: To resolve long-standing DESE class-size waivers, the Preschool WABA program will move from Pine Hill to Downey, accompanied by the expansion of one Integrated classroom.
PEER Program at MJ: The Downey PEER program will relocate here to MJ. We will host both an upper and lower PEER classroom, which offers an exciting opportunity to improve instructional efficiency and build a stronger student community.
FOCUS Expansion: Moving the WABA program out of Pine Hill allows the FOCUS program the necessary space to expand and meet growing student needs.
Change—both in budget and programming—is a big part of this coming year. However, I am confident in our community's resilience. I am eager to welcome the PEER program families to MJ, and I look forward to working together to build a stronger, more inclusive student community.
Matt
updated 2-3-2026
February is here (almost!) That means the Valentine’s Dance, STEAM Fair Registration and not to mention February Break. Have you signed up for Mini Courses? Register before they all fill up! Thanks to all who supported the Jake n Joes Dine Out fundraiser. As always, every little bit helps and allows us to support the MJ community. Speaking of support, we are actively looking for volunteers to join the PTO Board for the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 school years. Feel free to reach out with any questions!
All bundled up,
Your PTO
SAVE THE DATES
Valentine’s Dance - February 6th
SEPAC Coffee Meet Up - February 11th (details)
Read-a-thon Starts - March 2nd
PTO Meeting - March 3rd
Book Fair - March 4th
STEAM Fair- March 12th
International Night - March 27th
VALENTINE’S DAY DANCE
The Martha Jones PTO is excited to welcome our school community to the Martha Jones Valentine’s Dance on Friday, February 6th. This special evening will be a fun celebration of friendship and school spirit, featuring a DJ, photobooth, crafts, snacks, and sweet treats.
This event is designed for MJS students and their caregivers to enjoy time together in a festive, welcoming space. Please note that this is not a drop-off event, and attendance is limited to students who attend MJS and their caregivers. We kindly ask that siblings who do not attend MJS not attend.
This year, families are also invited to spread a little extra love through an optional donation to the Westwood Youth & Family Services Birthday Giving Program. Donations may be made by bringing an item from the Amazon Wishlist or purchasing directly from the list and having it sent to WYFS.
Amazon Wishlist: http://bit.ly/3LvJzw4
We look forward to celebrating with you! ♥️
Join the PTO!
We are actively looking to fill board positions for next year. A board seat is a two year commitment, with a “shadow year” to learn the ropes. Questions? Reach out to Ally or Lisa to learn more!
ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION DRIVE
We are sooooo close!! We aim to raise $7,500 from our annual PTO drive. Every donation, no matter the amount, is appreciated and important in helping us continue to fund enrichment and community activities. Please consider making a contribution today! We recommend a contribution of $50 for families with one student and $100 for families with two or more students.
Donate based on what feels comfortable for your family and your financial situation. Every amount, big or small, is greatly appreciated.
As a reminder, we also have a Corporate Match option. Many employers offer matching donations because MJS PTO is a qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
BIRTHDAY BOOKS
Participate in the PTO Birthday Book Program! Ms. Swinning has selected some fantastic books that students have requested, but the Martha Jones library does not currently have. During their birthday month, participating children are invited to the library to pick a brand new book from this collection. A bookplate commemorating your child’s birthday will be placed inside the front cover and they will be the very first student to borrow this book! Once they’ve finished reading it, the book will be returned to the library’s collection, where it can be enjoyed for years to come. The cost of this program is $15 per student.
Martha Jones PTO Meeting Dates 2025-2026
March 3, 2026, 7pm
May 5, 2026, 7pm
PTO CONTACT FOR EVENTS, NOTICES:
If you have an event or notice for our PTO update, please email it to:
PTO Co-Secretary - Jenn Katsilieris, Erika Gauthier
Martha Jones PTO Board 2025-2026
Ally Pavlic, Co-President
Lisa Lennon, Co-President
Abbe Lynch, Co-Treasurer
Monisha Dabek, Co-Treasurer
Jenn Katsilieris, Co-Secretary
Erika Gauthier, Co-Secretary
Priya Sharma, Co-Social Media
Gina Ciampolillo, Co-Social Media
Lauren Fortin, SEPAC
