In today’s daily 5 Things You Need to Know feature, ThisWeekinWorcester.com explores five important items and stories that Worcester and Central Massachusetts residents should keep a close eye on.
These five things can cover a whole range of subjects and issues that we feel are pertinent to understanding what’s going on in the city and the cities and towns surrounding Worcester.
In today’s edition – Friday, September 30 – grab a great deal between Worcester and New York City on JetBlue, MCAS test results are released, Massachusetts eliminates probation fees, Worcester Ice Center is now enrolling for learn to skate for tots program and the YMCA of Central Massachusetts is now enrolling for youth basketball clinics.
Fly from Worcester to NYC on JetBlue this Fall for $40
Travelers on JetBlue’s direct service between Worcester and New York City can book a one-way ticket for just $40 this fall.
JetBlue is running a sale on fall travel. Flights between Worcester and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. are also on sale for $65 each way.
To book fall travel, click here.
MCAS Results Released
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released 2022 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) results today, providing the state with its second overview of statewide learning since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The numerical results provided by DESE are below:
| Math | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade | 2021 %M/E | 2022 %M/E | Change M/E 21-22 |
| 3-8 | 33% | 39% | +6 percentage pts. |
| 10 | 52% | 50% | -2 percentage pts. |
| Science | |||
| Grade | 2021 %M/E | 2022 %M/E | Change M/E 21-22 |
| 5 | 42% | 43% | +1 percentage pt. |
| 8 | 41% | 42% | +1 percentage pt. |
| High School | 47% | ||
| English | |||
| Grade | 2021 %M/E | 2022 %M/E | Change M/E 21-22 |
| 3-8 | 46% | 41% | -5 percentage pts. |
| 10 | 64% | 58% | -6 percentage pts. |
Massachusetts is the Third State to Eliminate Probation Fees
The Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS) budget, signed by Gov. Charlie Baker, included a provision to eliminate probation fees of $65 per month for the around 12,000 individual probationers in the state. In Fiscal Year 2022, $7.9 million was collected for assessed supervision fees.
“The elimination of Probation fees removes a significant barrier to effective, evidence-based probation practice for many on our caseload. It further reduces the stress that mounting financial insecurity can bring,” said Massachusetts Probation Commissioner Edward Dolan.
Learn to Skate for Tots
The Worcester Ice Center, at 112 Harding Street, hosts skating lessons for children ages 3 to 4 years old on Saturdays for eight weeks starting now until Nov. 26.
Sessions include 25 minutes of instruction and five minutes of free skate. Helmets are required. The fee is $100. All levels are welcomed.
Visit the Worcester Ice Center website for more info.
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YMCA Youth Basketball Leagues Now Enrolling
The YMCA of Central Massachusetts is enrolling youth basketball players.
The Little Ballers division is for four to six years old and is an eight-week program on Saturdays from Oct. 24 to Jan. 7. This includes two weeks of practice and six weeks of games with lower hoops. The cost is $100
The Ballers division is for grades two through nine and is a twelve-week program from Oct. 24 through Feb. 4. This includes six weeks of practice on Mondays or Tuesdays and twelve weeks of games on Saturday and Sunday. The cost is $150.
Contact program director Amie Cox, Sr., at [email protected] or at (508) 755-6101 x1240 for more information.
