Post date: Aug 1, 2013 3:48:50 AM
While the summer months provide an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather and time with family and friends, it remains a busy time for school personnel. Educators are busy taking advanced level college classes, teaching summer school, attending or delivering professional development workshops/conferences and updating curriculum and writing instructional units with colleagues. Other school personnel are busy ordering supplies and materials, submitting reports, or cleaning and repairing the buildings for the upcoming school year. The members of various committees continue to meet to conduct the business of the district and town. With July ending and half of summer behind us, I want to take the opportunity to share some exciting school news and happenings.
MSBA APPROVES LUNENBURG MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL’S PREFERRED SCHEMATIC DESIGN
The Lunenburg Middle/High School project passed a significant milestone this week when the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s (MSBA) Board of Directors unanimously approved the project’s preferred schematic design. The new school will accommodate a MSBA approved design enrollment of 820 students in grades 6-12. The total area of the building will be approximately 168,000 gross square feet. It will feature state-of-the-art classrooms and science laboratories, a library/media center, an auditorium, a cafeteria, gymnasium, technology labs, a greenhouse, and spaces for special education, art, music, guidance, physical education, and school administration. Since design commenced early last spring, school teachers, staff, parents, administrators and town staff have provided thoughtful feedback on the development of the project through visioning sessions, workshops, and meetings. For more information please see the full press release (attached). To stay up to date on project developments, please visit the project’s website at: https://sites.google.com/a/lunenburgschools.net/school-building-project/.
SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE VACANCY
The School Building Committee is also looking for a new member to fill a recently vacated seat. While not required, individuals with architecture, engineering and/or construction experience are encouraged to apply. If interested, please complete the attached talent bank form and return to the Town Manager (kspeidel@lunenburgonline.com) as soon as possible to be submitted to the Board of Selectmen for their consideration. If you are interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Mary Landi in the Office of the Superintendent at 978-582-4100, extension 211.
MUSIC AT THE PRIMARY SCHOOL
I am very pleased to announce that the music program at the Primary School has been reinstated for the next school year. The consolidation of the schools and some unanticipated resignations helped address the budget shortfall. We remain concerned about class size in some grades, lack of technology offerings for students, and sufficient educational, custodial, and maintenance personnel to support and enhance the educational program for all students. We continue to look for creative cost efficient solutions. The approved line item school department budget for the 2013-2014 school year is posted at our website, http://www.lunenburgschools.net/school-committee-1/budget.
CHAD ADAMS APPOINTED ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AT THE LUNENBURG PRIMARY SCHOOL
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Chad Adams as assistant principal at the Lunenburg Primary School. Mr. Adams is an accomplished educator and instructional leader with seventeen years of experience. This includes classroom teaching in the public schools in Worcester and Lunenburg, as well as serving as Dean of Students at Turkey Hill Middle School since 2010. In this role Mr. Adams was instrumental in assisting students in their understanding of school rules and procedures, while at the same time connecting with students on a personal level. In addition to his classroom and building-level experience, Mr. Adams has been active in curriculum development, mentoring, and other professional development activities. He has experience and expertise in the areas of inclusion strategies and behavior management. Mr. Adams brings an extensive array of strategies and interpersonal expertise to this position. His work with students extends beyond the classroom; throughout his career he has been involved as an advisor and coach. We are fortunate to have Mr. Adams serving Lunenburg students in his new capacity as assistant principal and are confident that he will continue to make significant contributions to the Primary School and the district.
Heidi Champagne Full-Time Assistant Principal at THMS
Ms. Champagne served as the assistant principal at both the Primary School and Turkey Hill Middle School this past school year. This year Ms. Champagne will be full-time at THMS.
PTO MEMBERSHIP
The mission of the Lunenburg Public Schools is to prepare our students of life-long learning and responsible community membership. This is accomplished through a partnership with a supportive community. Please join us in supporting the students of the Lunenburg Public Schools by becoming a member of the Lunenburg PTO. The PTO 2013-2014 membership form is attached for your convenience. Additional information about the Lunenburg PTO can be found at http://www.lunenburgpto.org/.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
August 7, 2013 7:00 p.m. Town Hall (televised) Joint Meeting of the School Committee and School Building Committee
August 17, 2013 9:00 a.m. Thomas C. Passios – School Committee Work Session
August 21, 2013 7:00 p.m. Thomas C. Passios – School Committee Regular Meeting
Please check our website often for updates and information about our students and schools!
Sincerely,
Superintendent Loxi Jo Calmes