Post date: Nov 22, 2016 1:31:13 PM
As I gather with friends and family on Thursday to celebrate this uniquely American holiday, I am thankful for the many blessings of life. I am very grateful to work with so many wonderful students, their parents/guardians, and the faculty and staff of the Lunenburg Public Schools. The students in our classrooms bring joyful spirits and kindness that lifts us up each day. I am grateful to their parents and guardians, who share them with us. I appreciate the many ways Lunenburg parents/guardians support the students and the schools in so many ways. You read with your children, help with projects, volunteer in classrooms, arrange your schedules so they can participate in after-school activities, support fundraising, and attend concerts and sporting events. The list could go on and on. Similarly our dedicated faculty and staff demonstrate a commitment to the students that goes beyond the classroom and instruction.
A hallmark of a strong and united community is the way we care for each other. Since becoming part of the Lunenburg community almost twenty years ago, I have witnessed time and time again the pride, caring concern and generosity of our community. I am thankful to our public safety officials, who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe. I am grateful to the many citizens who serve on the various boards and committees and who lead with truth, honesty, open minds and giving hearts. I am also grateful for the many volunteers who take an active role in their community as members of organizations like Scouting, PTO, Lion’s Club, and Women’s Club.
Thank you for everything you do to support the Lunenburg schools and community.
Jane Doyle Community Playground Dedication, Wednesday, November 23, 2016, 9:30 a.m.
Please join us in the Turkey Hill Elementary School Gymnasium. This playground was made possible by the generous donations and support from the Connor Lourens Memorial Fund; the Arnold family and BEIM Foundation; Turkey Hill Family Lions Club; Lunenburg PTO; Extended Day Program; and many Lunenburg parents and community members.
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony - Town Gazebo, Thursday, December 1, 2016, 6:00 p.m.
Come join in the festivities and caroling at the Annual Tree Lighting. This year the LHS Student Council will have hot chocolate and cookies available for purchase on-site. This event is organized by the School, Fire, Police, & DPW Departments with support from the Lunenburg Turkey Hill Lion’s Club, area businesses, and community members.
PTO Fundraiser – Leominster Barnes & Noble, December 8, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
This fun and helpful fundraiser is becoming a Lunenburg tradition. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend.
Lifelong Learning Advisory – Appointments
Thank you to the following individuals who were recently appointed by the School Committee to the Lifelong Learning Advisory: Jennifer Judkins, Abigail Perrine, Mandy Trainque, Richard Beardmore, Robert Truax, Wendy Bertrand, and Anne Gilman. The Advisory’s goal is to research best practices and make recommendations for developing and implementing an adult education program to benefit the Lunenburg Community. The first meeting of the Advisory was last week and a community survey was developed. It only takes a minute of your time to complete the survey so please let us hear from you!
Life-Long Learning Interest Survey
Lunenburg's Life-Long Learning Advisory Committee seeks your input to implement an adult education program. Workshops would be offered on evenings or weekends at the new Lunenburg Middle-High School by local instructors for a nominal fee. Link to digital survey: https://goo.gl/forms/c26Jns3zEfiznhWh1
Congratulations 2016 Adams Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to the following students upon receipt of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship: Sarah Barrett, Laura Beaudoin, Samuel Burns IV, Maxine Carbone, Nathan Charland, Emily Deschamps, Tristan Deschenes, Zachary Fortin, Jacob Hall, Steven Hoffman, Mitchell Hollis, Timothy Hoover, Ronald Hyatt, Kayla Jodoin, Morgan Joseph, Olivia Kelley, Sara Laford, Hannah Leahy, Scott Miller, Jennifer Mitchell, Shikha Pandey, Joseph Rager, Erin Reffitt, Kaylyn Romano Leah Swain, Judith Swift, Brendan Tobin, Casey Voyer, Abbey Whitcomb, and Celia Wilkins.
The scholarship provides a tuition waiver for up to eight semesters of undergraduate education at a Massachusetts state college or university. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must (a) score at the Advanced performance level on one of the three high school state assessment tests in ELA, Mathematics, or STE (Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Physics, or Technology/Engineering); and (b) score at the Proficient level or higher on the remaining two high school state assessment tests; and (c) have combined scores from the three tests that place them in the top 25 percent of students in the graduating class in their district.
Congratulations LHS National Honor Society Inductees
The following students were inducted into the National Honor Society at Lunenburg High School last week: Sierra Heppler, Kylie Hill, Morgan Joseph, Rylee McHugh, Erin Reffitt, Celia Wilkins, Jessika Antinori, Hannah Begley, Noah Benson, Ashley Blatt, Isobel Bodkin, William Broden, Sierra Champagne, Cassandra DiGeronimo, Abigail Dwyer, Ariana Farr, Rebecca Handy, Olivia Hayes, Emma Houston, William Huntington, Emma Jones, Taylor Jones, Elise Marie Lilly, Molly Masciarelli, Christopher McCauliff, Sarah Morse, Connor Palma, Adam Peplowski, Olivia Proctor, Hannah Roane, Kayla Robison, Sophie Shapiro, Mike Tenie-Kengmeni, and Jake Vallee. National Honor Society promotes character, leadership, scholarship, and service. NHS members are active in community service activities both in the community and at the school.
Congratulation to Hannah Leahy
Hannah recently signed a letter of intent to accept an athletic scholarship in track and field for Division 1 UMASS Lowell. She is a stand out in the pole vault and currently holds the LHS record in this event. During the signing ceremony Mr. McCauliff talked about her great athletic abilities, self-discipline and leadership qualities. He also suggested that before she graduates LHS she will probably move the school record even higher.
Facility Use Fees
At the November 16, 2016 School Committee meeting, additional discussion was held regarding the costs related to using the facilities. The fees for the spaces are posted on the main page of the district website. At this time the School Committee is considering a proposal that would charge a single for custodial, kitchen staff and IT staff to cover labor costs as well as the cost to process invoices, payroll, and administration. The following rates were proposed: Custodial Staff $32.00/hour; Cafeteria Staff-$25.00/hour; IT Staff -$30.00/hour. Payment of fees will be due in advance of the rental. The School Committee will deliberate the recommendation again at the December 7, 2016 meeting at Town Hall. The meeting is televised. Please send questions or comments to LPS@lunenburgonline.com .
2017-2018 School Calendar Development Underway
Three options for the 2017-2018 school calendar are under discussion. 2017-2018 School Calendar Draft Option A.pdf 2017-2018 School Calendar Draft Option B.pdf 2017-2018 School Calendar Draft Option C.pdf Please note that details around open houses, parent-teacher conferences, and some professional development days are still under consideration. Calendar Option A is based upon guidelines from the Calendar and Start Time Advisory and includes a 2 day February Break. Calendar Option B is a traditional school calendar with students starting before Labor Day and a 5 day February Break. Option B also has the Friday before Labor Day as a non-school day. In Calendar Option C, students start school after Labor Day and have a 2 day February Break. The School Committee will continue deliberations on the calendar for next year at the December 7, 2016 meeting at Town Hall. Please send questions or comments to LPS@lunenburgonline.com .
FY18 Budget Development Underway
Budget presentations are underway and proposed department budgets for Nursing Services, Facilities, and Technology can be accessed on the main page of the website. http://www.lunenburgschools.net/ . Budgets for the Primary, Turkey Hill Elementary, Lunenburg Middle School, Lunenburg High School, Special Education, and the athletics program will be presented at the December 7, 2016 televised School Committee Meeting which begins at 7:00 p.m.
Giving thanks and wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Loxi Jo Calmes
Lunenburg Public Schools
1025 Massachusetts Ave.