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The Public Schools of
Northborough and Southborough
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"Ten Schools, Three Districts, One Community of Learners" |
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Table of Contents:
- Superintendent's Update
- Start Time Update - Planning for the 2021-2022 School Year
- An Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) Class Makes the News
- NSPAC Go The Distance Awards a Huge Success
- ARHS Student-Athlete Makes History
- 2021 Graduating Class
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“For tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”
African Proverb
The month of May was the first full month of the 2020-2021 school year, where five days of in-person learning was in place from preschool through grade twelve. Our students have settled into more traditional routines, and for many students, it was a welcomed change. Teachers have also shared that they have enjoyed the increased time to connect with students.
The month of May is a key planning month, as educators, principals, and directors plan for the start of the next school year. Principals are finalizing programs of studies, student handbooks, and master schedules. Educators are engaged in student placement processes and scheduling. In September, the District is planning for a full reopening, with no option for families to sign up for a Stand-Alone Remote Program.
Last week, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) communicated with superintendents that the requirement for social distancing for the 2021-2022 school year has been lifted. DESE’s guidance was broad and shared that it is working with the Department of Public Health on determining COVID-19 mitigation guidelines. DESE also indicated that it would communicate guidelines in mid to late July. The great news is that the start of the 2021-2022 school year will be a typical launch to an academic year.
This month has also been busy for organizations and councils that support our schools. The District’s parent-teacher organizations went above and beyond in recognizing our excellent faculty and staff during teacher appreciation week. The recognition and acknowledgment were well received by faculty and staff.
Lastly, I want to take a minute and acknowledge Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.
Respectfully,
Gregory L. Martineau
Superintendent of Schools
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Start Time Update - Planning for the 2021-2022 School Year |
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In September 2021, the Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough will launch a new start time configuration. Since the inception of the School Start Time Task Force, the goal has been to engage the community in a conversation about how adjusting school start times can positively impact our students' health and wellness. The goals were also to make sure the adjustments would be feasible and fiscally responsible. Our transportation is complicated, with two towns and three districts to support. It required a deep investigation to determine what proposal would meet all of those goals. As a result, the Northborough School Committee, the Southborough School Committee, and the Northborough-Southborough Regional School Committee voted to approve the new start time configuration in the spring of 2020.
The District has created new routes, school schedules, and communication systems to bring the plan to fruition. We will be closely analyzing route performance, ride times, and the combination of different student groups on our buses. Like with any change, we know the new start time configuration may need adjustments. We will continue to keep our students’ safety a priority throughout the transition process. We also know that many families will need to adjust their current routines. We encourage families to review the new configuration, ask questions, and plan for the launch on September 1, 2021. We are optimistic that the outcomes will benefit our students and that the transition will go smoothly.
If you have any questions about the new start time, please feel free to reach out to Assistant Superintendent of Operations, Keith Lavoie, or Transportation Assistant, Jean Pinto.
klavoie@nsboro.k12.ma.us
Respectfully,
Keith Lavoie
Assistant Superintendent of Operations
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An Algonquin Regional High School Class Makes the News |
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An Algonquin Regional High School Class makes the news. A course called "Holocaust & Human Behavior" teaches students about the decisions that led to some of the darkest days of the 20th century. To view the news segment, click here (Boston.cbslocal.com)
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NSPAC Go the Distance Awards a Huge Success |
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I want to acknowledge the Northborough/Southborough Special Education Parent Advisory Council (NSPAC) and its longstanding commitment to our District, students, and families. Last evening, NSPAC hosted its eleventh annual Go the Distance Awards night. As always, the event was well planned, organized, and inspiring. I’ve attached a link to the recording of the Go the Distance Awards presentation here.
The Go the Distance Awards event is one of my favorite school-related celebrations each year. It is an opportunity for our students and teachers to shine. Behind each Go the Distance recognition is a strong connection between an educator and a student - each playing an equally important role. Our faculty and staff work tirelessly on behalf of our students. I want to thank our families and students for acknowledging them at the event. I can assure you that there is no more excellent gift than recognizing an educator for the positive impact they have made on their students.
I also want to acknowledge the Northborough/Southborough Special Education Parent Advisory Council (NSPAC) and its longstanding commitment to our District, students, and families. The Student Support Services Department and I appreciate the NSPAC’s partnership and leadership. We are grateful for this year’s Board members: Alyssa Degon, President, Johanna Sheynar, Recording Secretary, Kim Tolander, Communications Coordinator, and Lisa Jackman, Treasurer.
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ARHS Student-Athlete Makes History |
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Congrats to sophomore Ellie Westphal, the first young woman to start for Algonquin baseball. |
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This Sunday, June 6, 2021, Algonquin Regional High School will hold a graduation ceremony for the graduating class of 2021. The graduation will begin at 10:00 AM and will be live-streamed on local media channels. The District faculty and staff had an opportunity to wish our graduating seniors well on Thursday, May 26, 2021, as seniors participated in a ‘Teacher’ parade as they headed to their Senior Night. |
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School Committee Information |
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District Policies,
Procedures,
and Notices
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- Annual Notice Regarding Website Accessibility
- Asbestos Policy
- Free and Reduced Meals Information
- Non-Discrimination Notice
- Notice of Destruction of Student Records
- Parents' Right to Know
- Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) Notice
- Rights Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
- Tobacco Ban
- Student Insurance Brochure
- Rights
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Transportation Information |
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The safe transportation of students to and from school is a critical part of The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough's operation.
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Food Services Information |
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The District is encouraging families to participate in the food services programs as the meals are free of charge until June 30, 2021. The USDA has extended a waiver to schools to give access to food during the pandemic.
If you have any questions, please email Keith Lavoie, Director of Operations, for support (klavoie@nsboro.k12.ma.us).
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Parent and Community Organizations
(Click on images to find out more about our partners in education)
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"Ten Schools, Three Districts, One Community of Learners" |
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