Superintendent's Update 6-6-14
Post date: Jun 7, 2014 7:22:35 PM
Superintendent’s Update June 6, 2014
It has been a busy and exciting week in our schools with various receptions, rehearsals, services, and ceremonies all leading to the 117th Commencement. Tomorrow 110 members of the Class of 2014 will graduate from Lunenburg High School. We are very proud of these young men and women for all they have contributed and accomplished these past four years. I congratulate them and their families and wish them best in the future! To quote Bea Adams in her remarks to the class last night during the Community Awards Program, “Make a difference!”
I want to thank the Baccalaureate Committee, Sue Basque, Elaina Corcoran, Bobbie Curtis, Cindy Howe, Holly Johannson, Carol Murphy Keir, Michelle McCauliff, Claude and Jo-Ann Poirier, Jean Proctor, Susan Tetreault, and Jennifer Tremont for a beautiful service on Tuesday evening. The music was wonderful with the bell choir of Littleton performing along with pianists senior Ryan Proctor and Regie Pineda. Members of the LHS chorus under the direction of William Harris performed a beautiful arrangement of “The Irish Blessing”. Also contributing to the service were Father Dennis O’Brien, Reverend Vern Swett, Brian Spadafino, Father John Dwyer, Reverend Tracy Reeves, Deb Zivojinovic, Lisa McCullah, Cindy Howe, Sheila LaPoint, Bashir Uddin Mehmud, Claude and Jo-Ann Poirier, Susan Tetreault, Hooshmand Afshar, and Pastor Ryan Sarenpa. Mr. Bob Bourque former Lunenburg Public Schools teacher, coach and mentor delivered an inspiring keynote address on the evening’s theme, “Compass”.
Last night was the Community Awards Program $42,350.00 in scholarships was awarded to 55 seniors. This is another special evening for the graduating class, their families and the individuals presenting awards and scholarships. Nineteen (19) members of the class received the prestigious Gold L pin. A Lunenburg High School tradition, students with grades of A or B for all four years at LHS receive the Gold L. Thirty (30) senior NHS members received honor cords. Twelve (12) seniors received athletic awards. Congratulations to all the award recipients.
I want to recognize and congratulate the students speaking at tomorrow’s commencement including: Alaina Johansson, Valedictorian; Jaclyn Ordway, Salutatorian; Samuel Arciprete, Class President; Mikayla McCauliff, Class Vice President; Bruno Garat, Class Secretary; Ryan Proctor, Class Treasurer; and Amelia McDonald, Student Council President. The graduation ceremony begins at 4:00 p.m. in the Recreation Center at Fitchburg State University.
CONGRATUATIONS to …
THMS 7th grader Kaylyn Carlucci is a semi-finalist in the National Amateur Poetry Competition. Her poem is going to be published in the poetry anthology, "Across the Way." Kaylyn is already published at TeenInk.com. She is the daughter of Stephen and Kellie Carlucci. Well done Kaylyn!
I also want to recognize the members of the Class of 2018 who traveled to Washington D.C. last week. I received many compliments about these students from their chaperones. Following is one example from parent John Mola:
“Thank you for the opportunity to be a chaperone for this trip. I have had the pleasure and honor to a chaperone for this particular class on a few occasions and I honestly cannot say enough about the Class of 2018. What a wonderful, tremendous, exceptional, polite, and respectful group of young women and men. The Town of Lunenburg should be very proud in knowing that the Class of 2018 did a fine job in representing our community in our nation’s capital.”
Bravo Class of 2018!
DRAFT POLICIES
Attached are three proposed policies discussed at the June 4 School Committee meeting. We are in the process of formulating a policy to address the number of school lunch accounts that are in deficit. The draft policy reflects our philosophy that well-nourished students are more engaged, productive students and that payment of school lunch fees the responsibility of the student’s parent/guardian. The other two policies relate to criminal background checks of employees, sub-contractors, and volunteers. We are seeking input from the public on these policies. Please send comments to Ms. Petersen in the Superintendent’s Office lpetersen@lunenburgonline.com
PTO Spring Fling and New York Life Child ID Program!
This event is scheduled for Sunday, June 8 at the THMS parking lot and surrounding fields from 3-7 p.m. It looks like it will be a beautiful afternoon, just the right weather to come out and enjoy some fun with family and friends. We appreciate Kevin Berry and NY Life for making available to our community the child identification program. This is made available at no cost. Please note that we have relocated the Child Identification Program to THMS school!
14 More Host Families Needed!
Last week was 20 and now we are down to needing only 14 more host families to offer short term hospitality to a middle/high school student from Japan. Students will be in Lunenburg for one weekend only, June 27th through June 29th. Students arrive at THMS at 6 pm on June 27th. We will welcome them with a dinner reception. They will spend Saturday with your family, and return to THMS by 8 am on Sunday, June 29th. Please call Kim Massak at 978-582-5579 or at kbmqueen@yahoo.com. Please help us welcome these students to our community!
There’s a Lot Riding on This - Please donate to Sarah Houston’s pledge to raise $1500 for cancer research. https://docs.google.com/a/lunenburgschools.net/file/d/0B-TXWy9uLFrVa182SzhESVFNcjQ/edit
Passport to Summer Fun! The Lunenburg Boys and Girls Club is offering a special program this summer for students entering grades 6-9. A great opportunity right here in Lunenburg! https://docs.google.com/a/lunenburgschools.net/file/d/0B-TXWy9uLFrVaG0tdU1Ma3dieWM/edit