Superintendent's Update February 23, 2016
Post date: Feb 24, 2016 1:55:29 AM
Reminder: Public Forum Reconfiguration Scheduled for March 2, 2016 at Town Hall
On Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. the first public forum regarding district reconfiguration will take place at the regularly scheduled School Committee meeting at Town Hall. This meeting will be televised, but we encourage you to attend to hear presentations from the administrative team and ask questions.
Proposal to Install a Cell Tower to be Considered by School Committee at March 2, 2016 Meeting
The Town of Lunenburg Parks Commissioners are proposing to contract with Verizon to lease space at the track and field facility for a cell tower. The revenue generated could support long term maintenance of the facility. An RFP issued in December 2015 gathered two responders and Verizon was declared the top ranked successful bidder. The details of the proposal are to replace the 60 foot southeast lighting tower with a 75 foot pole that mounts the lighting array at 60 feet and has antenna array at 75 feet.
School Committee approval is required for this project to move forward. The Committee’s authorization is necessary to allow for school grounds to host this type of endeavor, to have the utilities to cross school grounds, and to allow an easement for electrical and communications (telephone and/or cable). Utilities for the cell tower would need to traverse the school campus from Massachusetts Avenue to the vicinity of the white barn and would follow the route of the existing underground and overhead utilities. All the utilities would be underground and will need an easement to allow repair work. Utilities would need to be run before work is completed for Phase 2 of the MS/HS project. If the School Committee approves the next steps include a Town Meeting vote to allow the Selectmen to enter into a long term contract with Verizon. Verizon would also need to obtain a special permit as well as a building permit.
The public is invited to provide input to the School Committee in writing or in person at the March 2 regular meeting at Town Hall after the reconfiguration forum.
Diversity Advisory Seeking Volunteers
The school district is seeking volunteers to serve on the Diversity Advisory Committee The responsibilities of the Advisory are as follows: (a) To evaluate Civil Rights compliance annually utilizing the DESE program review standards. This advisory will ensure that all students, regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, limited English proficiency, sexual orientation, disability, or housing status, have equal access to all programs, including athletics and other extracurricular activities. It makes recommendations to the SC for such changes as are indicated by the evaluation. (b) To promote activities for students that promote social justice and provide opportunities for learning about different cultures and perspectives. (c) To seek financial support for student activities.
For more information or to volunteer please contact the District’s Civil Rights Coordinator, Julianna Hanscom ( jhanscom@lunenburgonline.com )
Elementary School Principal Search Committee Members Appointed
The following individuals have been appointed to the Elementary School Principal Search Committee: Tim Santry- Current THMS Principal and Committee Facilitator, Wendy Bertrand -School Committee Member, Parents Camilla Thompson, Karma Tousignant, Dawn Marie Ayles, Ami Powers, and teacher Rhonda Connery, Heather Witham, and Amy Jones. Finalists for the position will make a presentation and answer questions at a public forum is tentatively scheduled for March 22, 2016.
Have you Submitted Your Feedback on the School Name and School Calendar?
There is still time to provide feedback. Submit your choice in writing to the Superintendent’s Office by 4:00 pm on Tuesday, March 1, 2016. The names proposed for the elementary school for grades 3-5 that will open in the fall of 2016 are (1) Lunenburg Elementary School (2) Turkey Hill Elementary School and (3) Oak Ave Elementary School You can send your choice to lps@lunenburgonline.com, drop-off or mail your choice to the Superintendent’s Office, Thomas C. Passios Building, 1025 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462.
Calendar -Utilizing the guidelines recommended by last year’s Calendar Advisory Committee, two attached calendar options are under consideration by the School Committee. The most notable difference in the calendars is the length of the 2017 February Break. Calendar Option A 2016-2017 School Calendar Option A for Feedback 12-12-2015.pdf includes a five day February Break while Option B2016-2017 School Calendar Option B for Feedback 12-12-2015.pdf includes an extra day for the Winter Break on December 23, a two day February Break, and a day off on March 17, 2017. The School Committee invites your feedback on these calendars. They will take a vote establishing the official calendar for 2016-2017 at their televised meeting on March 2, 2016. Please send feedback no later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 via electronic mail tolps@lunenburgonline.com or you can drop-off or mail your choice at room #12, Thomas C. Passios Building, 1025 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462.
Lunenburg PTO Zootopia Movie Event: PJs for the Playground
Saturday, March 5th, 2016
Zootopia Movie, 9:30am Doors Open, 10am Movie
Cinema World, Fitchburg, MA
$6 per ticket, Advanced Purchase Only
http://www.lunenburgpto.org/Zootopia_Movie.html
Due to the popularity of our Peanuts Movie Event last Fall the PTO is offering another Family Movie Matinee. The movie will be Disney’s Zootopia and the theme is PJs for the Playground. Attendees are invited to wear their pajamas to the movie. Ticket prices are $6 per ticket and $0.50 of every ticket sold will go towards the Playground Fund for the Grade 3-5 School (currently THMS). The remaining profit from this event will benefit all of the schools. Anyone who might prefer to donate directly to the playground fund can do that at the PTO webpage.
To find out more about the event, or to purchase tickets: http://lunenburgpto.org/Zootopia_Movie.html
Also remember to mark your calendar on April 2nd for Parents Night Out at the Leominster Elks from 7-11:30 p.m
Sincerely,
Superintendent Loxi Jo Calmes
Lunenburg Public Schools