Superintendent's Update

Post date: Aug 24, 2015 9:25:15 PM

Superintendent’s Update 10-12-2015

I trust that everyone enjoyed this beautiful New England fall weekend with their family and friends.

Results of the spring 2015 administration of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) were recently released. Our students always put forth a good effort on the assessments, and we are proud of their performance again this year. Overall the results are positive with gains in most areas targeted for improvement. The majority of students scored proficient or advanced. More detailed information on grade and school results is available from the building principals or DESE website: http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/mcas/achievement_level.aspx?linkid=32&orgcode=01620000&orgtypecode=5&

Individual reports were sent home Friday with students who participated in the assessment with the exception of the current fifth grade who will receive their results tomorrow, Tuesday, October 13. The reports include helpful information to assist parents/guardians with interpreting the MCAS results. Please contact the school if you have any questions about your son or daughter’s report.

School Start Time

On Wednesday the School Committee established the following start times for the 2016-2017 school year:

Grades Start Time Dismissal Time Early Dismissal

6-12 8:00 a.m. (1st Bell 7:55) 2:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m.

3-5 8:50 a.m. 3:10 p.m. 12:10 p.m.

K-2 9:00 a.m. 3:20 p.m. 12:20 p.m.

PK Morning 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

PK Afternoon 12:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m.

There is general consensus that adolescents are not getting enough sleep and that delaying school start times is an effective countermeasure to chronic sleep loss. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a start time of 8:30 or later. The Start Time Sub-Committee will remain active over the next several years assessing the impact and making further recommendations as appropriate.

School Building Project Update

During our site visits we are able to experience the various classrooms and learning areas in this remarkable school! Windows and glass curtainwalls are installed and weather tight with detailing work underway. Roof top HVAC (heating, ventilation & air conditioning) equipment installations are complete. Both the high school and middle school wings are now weather tight. Lighting, tile and ceiling gird/tile installations are underway in high school wing. The high school wing classrooms are painted. Wall and floor tile installation on the first floor of the high school wing is also complete. Project updates with photos are posted weekly at Facebook page - Lunenburg Middle/High School Building Project.

Reconfiguration Advisory Appointed

The following individuals have been appointed to the Reconfiguration Advisory: Nathan DiPerri, Liz Petersen, Lance May, Peter McCauliff, Steve Schaff, Colleen Shapiro (School Committee), and Amanda Waltz. Part of the Advisory charge is to bring questions and concerns of the community and alumni to the attention of the School Committee, School Administration, and School Councils. Questions/concerns should be sent to Ms. Liz Petersen at lpetersen@lunenburgonline.com. The Advisory is also charged with making recommendations to the School Committee regarding naming of the gym and auditorium in the new Lunenburg Middle/High School, advising the School Committee regarding policy and procedures on the handling of trophies, awards, and banners and contacting families who have given memorials to obtain input regarding disposition of item(s) donated to LHS. The Advisory will also assist in plans for decommissioning and dedication ceremonies.

Upcoming Events

Sunday, October 18, 2015-14th Annual Miles for Myles. There is an event for everyone in the family so come out and join the fun. Events include: Riding with the Chief at 11:00, One Mile Fun Run at noon, the 5K run begins at 12:30 with the 5K walk starting at 12:35. Remember the school with the highest number of attendees will receive a $1000.00 gift, so when you register be certain to identify your school affiliation. For more information: http://www.milesformyles.com/

Saturday, October 24, 2015 -Homecoming! A wonderful Lunenburg tradition that you do not want to miss. If you have not experienced a Lunenburg Homecoming Parade you are in for a special treat. The high school classes are busy constructing floats based upon this year’s theme – continents. The parade kicks off at noon from THMS and travels toward the center of town via Oak Avenue to Main Street. At the traffic light the parade heads toward the high school via Massachusetts Avenue (Route 2A). After the parade, stay to cheer on the Blue Knights at the football game (kickoff is at 2:00), enjoy the LHS Marching Band’s fantastic half-time show, and get caught up in the spirit of the LHS Dungeon!

Superintendent Loxi Jo Calmes

Lunenburg Public Schools

1025 Massachusetts Ave.

(978) 582-4100 x211

Superintendent’s Update August 24, 2015

Welcome Back! The first day of school for students is one short week away and I want to welcome our students and their families back to school! We look forward to an exciting and productive year ahead. Our mission is to prepare life-long learners and responsible community members. Fulfilling our mission has never been more critical to our students’ individual achievement and emotional well-being. It is our responsibility to keep the students we serve safe, healthy, engaged, challenged and supported. Their success is fundamental to our collective future as a community, a nation, and the world. That is inspiring and demanding work. The dedicated educators of the Lunenburg Public Schools look forward to working with parents and guardians in making a positive difference in our students’ lives.

Following is some information to assist you as the students return to school:

Updating Student Information

Parents/Guardians are encouraged to update student information prior to the start of school. All registration information can be completed on-line with the exception of the Emergency Information Form. This form can be downloaded from the website and will also be sent home the first day of school. The 2015-2016 calendar, school hours, bus routes, parent drop off/pick up procedures, handbooks, and other important information can be found at our website www.lunenburgschools.net.

Open House Dates

Mark your calendars for these important upcoming open house events

Sept. 8 Grade 3 6:00- 7:15pm

Sept. 9 Grades 6 & 7 6:00-8:00pm

Sept. 10 Grades 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12 6:00-8:00pm

Sept. 14 Grades 4 & 5 6:00-8:00pm

Sept. 15 Kindergarten 6:00- 7:15pm

Sept. 16 Grade 1 6:00- 7:15pm

Sept. 17 Grade 2 6:00- 7:15pm

We will have information available at these events about proposed changes to school start times for the 2016-2017 school year and a one-to-one computer initiative for Lunenburg High School. Information on both these topics can be found at our website under the “School Committee” tab.

PTO Membership & Meeting Schedule

I extend my thanks to the Lunenburg PTO for organizing the recent “Welcome-to-our-School” social for Kindergarten students and parents. Despite the hot and humid weather, many children and their families were able to participate. This is one example of many exciting opportunities, including awards and scholarships, made available through the PTO. I encourage parents/guardians to be part of this great organization. Even if you have limited time your membership matters. Applications are available on-line at http://www.lunenburgpto.org/ and are also available at all the open house events. The PTO meeting schedule for the upcoming school year is attached.

Reconfiguration: Questions and Advisory

Detailed planning for the opening of the new co-located middle/high school and reconfigured district occurred this summer with building based transition teams. Teachers, staff, and administrators will continue to work throughout the upcoming school year to plan for the move and operation of each school in the reconfigured district. The new building for grades 6-8 and 9-12 will open in August, 2016. Students in grades 3-5 will attend school in the building that is currently Turkey Hill Middle School. Grades PK-2 will attend school at the Primary School. A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document is being developed. Please send your questions related to the reconfiguration to Ms. Liz Petersen at lpetersen@lunenburgonline.com.

The School Committee is looking for interested Lunenburg community members or LHS alumni to serve on a special advisory. To apply please send a short paragraph about yourself and why you are interested in serving on the Advisory to Ms. Petersen at lpetersen@lunenburgonline.com. Six individuals will be appointed by the School Committee at the October 7, 2015 meeting. The Advisory charge is as follows:

· To bring questions and concerns of the community and alumni to the attention of the School Committee, School Administration, and School Councils.

· To make recommendations to the School Committee regarding naming of the gym and auditorium in the new Lunenburg Middle/High School.

· To advise the School Committee regarding policy and procedures on the handling of trophies, awards, and banners.

· To contact families who have given memorials to obtain input regarding disposition of item(s) donated to LHS.

· To advise the School Committee on decommissioning and dedication ceremonies.

The Lunenburg Middle/High School Building Project reached the half-way mark this summer. The front field has been turned over to the District and will be utilized for fall sports. Please remember that the project construction entrance is off Oak Avenue and Turkey Hill Middle School students walking on Oak Avenue are reminded to use the sidewalks and crosswalks provided. Daily transportation from THMS will again be provided to the Teen Center after school. Photos are posted weekly at the Lunenburg Middle/High School Building Project on Facebook.