Superintendent's Update May 22, 2015

Post date: May 22, 2015 8:44:54 PM

Today Memorial Day Assemblies were held in each building in tribute of those brave service men and women who sacrificed their lives defending freedom, justice, and peace. Those in attendance were encouraged to pause this weekend in honor of those fallen heroes. Students were also encouraged to observe, in their own way, the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day in prayer for permanent peace. The Town of Lunenburg’s Memorial Day observance will be Monday, May 25th at 11:00 a.m. in Veteran’s Park.

Congratulations Class of 2015!

I want to acknowledge the outstanding academic achievement of this class and thank them for their leadership and many positive contributions to our schools and community. Today was the seniors’ last day of class. Next week they have final exams. Baccalaureate is 7:00 p.m. on June 2 at United Parish in Lunenburg; the Senior Motorcade is June 4th at 7:15 a.m., the Community Awards Program is June 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the LHS Auditorium, and Commencement is Saturday, June 6th at 4pm at Fitchburg State University. The public is invited as we honor and celebrate these outstanding young men and women.

Congratulations to our Retirees!

Please join us Wednesday June 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall for a reception honoring educators from across the district that have or will be retiring this year. The following individuals have served the students of Lunenburg for a combined total of over 140 years:

  • Vivian Butler – THMS Paraprofessional

  • Joanne Deming – THMS 7th Grade Teacher

  • Sharon Kimball – LHS Foreign Language Teacher

  • Sandy Laserte –THMS Physical Education/Health Teacher

  • Suzanne Saven – District-wide School Psychologist

  • Kristin Mackay – Primary School Social Worker/Guidance

  • Phil McMurray – LHS 8th- 9th Guidance Counselor

  • MaryAnn Weisman – LPS Special Education Teacher

  • Marlene Wiita – THMS Paraprofessional

School Start Time

At the School Committee meeting this past Wednesday the Start Time Sub-Committee recommended that beginning the 2016-2017 school year when the new building opens, the start time for the middle/high school be 8:00 a.m., the start time for grades 3-5 be 8:50 a.m., and the start time for the Primary (PK-2) remain 9:00 a.m. A later start time for high school students was recommended by the School Calendar/Start Time Advisory earlier this year. The School Committee will discuss this recommendation at upcoming meetings in June and when school begins in the fall. Information will also be available at open houses in the fall.

FY16 School Budget Update

While the State has not finalized the budget for FY16, both the House and Senate versions provide additional funds for schools. We have posted a position to add a teacher to grade 4 and will soon post a position to add a teacher at grade 6 to lower class size in those grades from 26-28 students per class to 22-23. We appreciate the work of our state legislative delegation in their efforts to increase state support to schools.

Upcoming Events:

Primary School

6/15/2015 3rd Grade Field Day

6/17/2015 Kindergarten Field Day

6/18/2015 1st Grade Field Day

THMS

Date Time Event

5/28/2015 7:00pm Spring Concert at LHS

5/29/2015 5:00-7:00pm End of Year Celebration

6/11/2015 9:30 Move up day for 3rd Grade

6/19/2015 8:30 6th Grade award ceremony

6/22/2015 8:30 7th Grade award ceremony

LHS

5/26-5/29 All Week Washington Trip

6/2/2015 7pm,@United Parish Baccalaureate

6/3/2015 7:15am Senior Motorcade

6/3/2015 7pm Senior Showcase-Music dept.

6/4/2015 7pm@LHS auditorium Community Awards Ceremony

6/6/2015 4pm@FSU Graduation

6/18/2015 1pm Underclassmen Awards

Sincerely,

Superintendent Calmes

Lunenburg Public Schools

1025 Mass. Ave.

Lunenburg, MA 01462

978-582-4100 X 210 (Office Phone)

978-582-4103 (Fax)

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