Post date: May 27, 2014 2:05:15 PM
Superintendent’s Update May 23, 2014
I want to wish our students, families, faculty and staff a good Memorial Day weekend. Our Schools will be closed on Monday in honor of those who answered the call to defend their nation and, in doing so, made the ultimate sacrifice. Please remember the families who lost loved ones while they defended our freedom.
Today in each of our buildings the students, faculty, staff and distinguished guests held our annual Memorial Day observances. It was a time to reflect on our freedom and the sacrifices made on our behalf. I appreciate the veterans, parents, and town officials who joined us at the assemblies today. A special note of thanks to Major Emily Koziol for the inspiring message she delivered at LHS. I also want to thank all that students that contributed to the ceremonies.
LHS: Sam Arciprete, Mikayla McCauliff, David Feliz Taylor Olson, James Rivard, Kyle Lourens and Mr.Harris and the LHS band and chorus
THMS: William Asselin, Gabrielle White, Rachel Drasser, Christopher Tobin, Owen Gerow, Will Terren, Alex Powers, Joshua Herrick and Mr. Archambault and the THMS chorus.
PRIMARY: Nataliah Simmons, McKenzie Martel, Zachary McClure, Annabelle Chapman, Abby Rodriguez, Brandon Carlson, Isabella LaCross, Dylan Pichnarcik, Malia Ruggiero, Hannah McHugh, Brady SpeidelChloe Prokoview, Brooke Melvin, Ella Jaffee, Deena Qasim, Jack Heffernan, Cassandra Cohen, Stephen Adams, Skylah Krauss, Ethan Graham, Joey Dinan, Victoria Silva-Olivera, Natalie Corey,William Nutter, Seth Tardie, Gavin McDonald, Michael Daly, Isabella Paduani, Nick Fortier,Max Clarke. Abby Shapiro, Dillon Ryan, Emma Kibbe, Anajo St. Laurent, Krystianna Sodano,Alex Machunsky, and Elena Almonte. Each grade level also sang a patriotic song at the program.
VALOR Act
Massachusetts joined other states as part of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. More information about the compact can be found at www.mic3.net . Children of active duty members of the uniformed services, National Guard and Reserve on active duty orders, veterans who are medically discharged or retired for (1) year or members who die on active duty. The schools have been asked to report this information to the State as part of our student information report. We are requesting your assistance and ask that you please complete the attached form and return to kcooper@lunenburgonline.com
Lunenburg School Committee
On behalf of our students and schools I want to express my appreciation to Mr. Todd Blake for his service a member of the Committee for the past two years. Mr. Blake also served as a member of school councils, policy sub-committee and negotiation sub-committees Congratulations Ms. Heather Sroka who was elected to the School Committee on May 17th and Mr. Michael Mackin on his re-election. At this time at their meeting Wednesday the committee elected the following members as officers: Dr. Greg Berthiaume, Chair; Mr. Michael Mackin, Vice Chair; Ms. Heather Sroka, Secretary. Other members of the committee are Ms Colleen Shapiro and Mr. Brendan Grady.
Congratulations Class of 2014
Yesterday we held the Senior Academic Awards ceremony at Lunenburg High School and several students were recognized by the faculty for their achievement. Senior exams are next week. Upcoming graduation activities include baccalaureate on June 3, community awards night on June 5, and graduation on June 7. Please check the website for details. The public is welcome at all these events.
Retiree Recognition
Please join us at 6:30 p.m. at town hall on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 as we recognize this year’s school department retirees: Sheila Szocik, Kay Hillman, Martha Cheesman, Dale Diamantopoulos, Nancy Karis, Donna Dufour, and Judith Moodie. Refreshments will be served prior to the recognition ceremony which begins at 7:00 p.m.
Budget
The School Committee has approved the FY15 line item budget. The budget supports the restoration of 3 paraprofessional positions in the district and the addition of 1.5 English Language Learner teachers. The FY15 school budget appropriation was insufficient to support replacement of two teaching positions (English language arts and physical education). At this time we are looking at options in order to be able to replace a Spanish teaching position. The budget provides basic support for educational materials and supplies and the maintenance program remains significantly understaffed. The administration, faculty and staff will continue to work toward preserving services and programs for students. We anticipate class size to remain consistent with the current situation. We appreciate the donations and other support that parents, faculty, staff and the community continue to provide. We appreciate the hard work and quality of instruction that the dedicated faculty and staff consistently deliver to students in this resource constrained environment. The budget is posted at the website for viewing.
Summer Program
The Lunenburg Boys and Girls Club is offering an exciting summer program for students entering 5th -9th grade. See attached for more information.
Upcoming Events
Next Week – 8th Grade trip to Washington D.C.
PARCC Assessments- Grades 5, 6. 7, 8- May 27th –June 4th
May 29, 2014 THMS Spring Concert
May 30, 2014 THMS End of Year Celebration
PTO Spring Fling/Child ID Event- June 8th