Superintendent's Newsletter 1/29/21

 



Hello,

One thing I can say for certain is that winter is here. After some very comfortable days, mother nature has certainly made sure we know she did not forget about winter. Although I am not a skier, this weather is making for some great skiing, which I am certain makes people happy. It is also difficult to believe that next week we hit the halfway point of the school year. February 2 will be our 85th day of school. 

Middle School Principal

I am very pleased to announce that on Monday February 1, Mr. Ralph Olsen will start as the interim Middle School Principal. Mr. Olsen spent several years as a high school teacher, before going into a leadership position. He retired in 2005 as the principal of Framingham High School and has spent the last 15 years in a variety of interim positions in both middle schools and high schools. He is meeting today with Ms. Urquhart and Mr. Aronian to get a head start for his first day and learn a little about the school and the district. Within the next two weeks I will post for the full time Middle School position. My hope is to have the process finalized by April 1 for a July 1 start date. This will allow for Mr. Olsen and the new principal to work together for a few months to ensure a smooth transition.

MCAS

As of today, MCAS will still happen, but we have been told it will be a much shorter exam and will be used solely for diagnostic purposes. This has just been approved this week by the DESE Board of Directors and more information will be out in the next few weeks. Cancelling MCAS all together will require a change in Federal regulations and at this time we have not heard anything on that front. The diagnostic data we will receive from the test will allow us to plan for next year and begin to address any gaps that have been created over the past year.

Professional Development for Families

HOW CAN CAREGIVERS SUPPORT STUDENTS TO USE TECHNOLOGY IN SAFE AND HEALTHY WAYS?

Parents from the districts of Bellingham, Blackstone-Millville, Blackstone Valley Tech, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon-Upton, Milford, Millbury, Northbridge, Sutton and Uxbridge are invited to a workshop with internet safety expert, Katie Greer. This 90 minute workshop will provide advice for having real conversations with your child to foster a positive online experience for your family, with suggested restrictions and rules.  We will discuss how to design digital health check-ins and think about the following question: "Is your family doing a good job balancing life and technology? Most KIDS say "NO!"  

When: Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Time:    7 PM - 8:30 PM

Zoom Link

COVID Data

Attached is a link to our COVID Dashboard along with guidance and information for families. Link To COVID Dashboard  guidance for families 

Stay warm, it is going to be a cold one!

Paul

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