Superintendent's Update February 17, 2017
Post date: Feb 21, 2017 1:58:05 PM
Given the number of cancellations to date I want to review how snow days impact the school calendar. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requires 180 school days each year. The DESE also requires each District to include in the local calendar at least five additional school days. To date our schools have closed a total of five days due to weather. Our final day of school this year is now June 19, 2017. That last day is an early release day. Please be aware that should any more cancellations be necessary, those days will also need to be made up.
At the School Committee meeting on March 1, 2017 the Committee will discuss snow days, make-up days and future school calendars. That meeting is at Town Hall at 7:15 p.m. and is televised live. The meeting begins at 7:15 to accommodate the Strategic Planning Forum (see information below). Also on the agenda is the presentation of the revised K-8 ELA Curriculum.
Strategic Planning Community Forum – Wednesday, March 1, 6:30 p.m. Town Hall
Bob Milley from the New England Educational Consultants group is working with a team of Lunenburg Public Schools stakeholders on the development of a Strategic Plan for our district. He is available to meet with parents/guardians and community members to share recent drafts of the planning framework and to accept ideas and input for the district’s vision for the next 2 – 5 years. He will be available on Wednesday, March 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall. I encourage you to attend this meeting and contribute your thoughts to the planning effort. The forum is not televised, but Mr. Milley will attend the televised meeting of the School Committee that follows where he will again share recent drafts of the planning framework and provide a project update.
Competitive Class Plays Tonight!
Please join us tonight for encore performances. Always a fun and entertaining evening the competitive class plays are a Lunenburg tradition. Last evening the Class of 2018’s production of Dinner with Lloyd and His Voices took top honors. Honorable Mention went to the Class of 2019's production of The Seussitication of Romeo and Juliet. The Class of 2017 also delivered a great performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Gabrielle White and Emily Whitcomb shared the Best Actress honor and Maxwell Bollous was named Best Actor.
Safety and Security
I want to remind everyone to exercise caution when driving on and around school property. There is a lot of pedestrian and vehicular traffic during pick-up and drop-off times at each school. Also, please be aware that there are still a variety of school programs operating at the Thomas C. Passios building including the Lunenburg ACE program that serves students age 18-22 with disabilities, the regional FLLAC Caldwell Elementary Day School, and of course our Primary Extended Day Program. We ask everyone to continue to be attentive and drive safely whenever you are on school property. I also want to thank everyone for their support of building security measures. Energy savings will fund installation of security cameras at THES and the Primary. We anticipate those systems will be operational by fall. I also appreciate those who contacted my office or school offices to report concerns in response to our “See Something-Say Something” reminder. We appreciate your assistance in maintaining a safe, respectful environment for everyone.
Robert Nash Jr. - Lunenburg’s 2017 Project 351 Ambassador
Congratulations to 8th grade student Robert Nash, Lunenburg’s 2017 Project 351 Ambassador. Robert was selected by his teachers and Principal Santry in recognition of his leadership and service to our school and community. Robert is the son of Robert and Kerry Nash. Project 351 is a statewide youth service program whose mission is to develop a rising generation of “community-first” citizen leaders. Governor Deval Patrick founded the project in 2011 and is now convened by Governor Charlie Baker. Lunenburg has sent an ambassador since the program’s inception in 2011.
Upcoming Lifelong Learning/Adult Education Events!
Health and Wellness program designed to provide education in the areas of Strength, Fitness and Flexibility. In addition to these areas, classes in Yoga, Kickboxing as well as TRX Resistance training are offered. The class can be set up for individual’s needs. Workout in your state of the art fitness facility. Open to any Lunenburg residents age 18 and older. All skill and experience levels welcome. Sessions will run for 11 weeks in length (Approximately 21 sessions). Enrollment will be capped at 24 participants per session. All participants must sign an insurance waiver and submit with a completed registration and full payment prior to participating. Cost: $75.00 per person total, per session. Session dates: March 7, 9, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, and 29; April 3, 5, 10, 12, and 26; May 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, and 24. Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Location: Lunenburg Middle High School Instructor: Steve Boone. To register or for more information please contact sboone@lunenburgonline.com or call 978-582-4115 ext. 3131
Lunenburg Life Long Learning and the Camera Club of Central New England are excited to announce a presentation of “Of Thee We Sing”. See this program in the beautiful new auditorium at the Lunenburg Middle-High School on March 10 at 7:30 p.m. The program is open to the public and there is no charge to attend. Donations will, however, be gratefully accepted. Lunenburg Lifelong Learning & CCCNE presentation and LPL exhibit.pdf
Additionally, the following day, the Lunenburg Library will be hosting the opening reception for a Gallery Exhibit by the Camera Club of Central New England in the Wallace Room of Lunenburg Public Library from March 11 to mid-April. An open house will be held on Saturday March 11 from 1:00-4:00pm and all are welcome!
Have a wonderful February Break!
Sincerely,
Superintendent Loxi Jo Calmes
Lunenburg Public Schools
1025 Massachusetts Ave.
(978) 582-4100 x211
(978) 582-4103 fax