The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of June 18 to June 25, 2020

Winchendon Public School Department Cuts 76 Staff Positions

20 Percent Reduction in Chapter 70 State Funding Anticipated Due to COVID-19


On June 11, the Winchendon Public School Department decided not to renew the contracts of 76 employees, including 32 first and second year teachers, six specialist teachers, and all 38 paraeducators in the district.

This step was taken in response to projected reductions in Chapter 70 funds from the state, due to revenue shortfalls caused by the COVID-19 shutdown and its effects on unemployment rates and businesses. An additional factor is the uncertainty in how schooling will be managed when schools open in fall, when and if they do open. Recommendations include "no mixing" of students during the school day. Each class will stay in one classroom at all times, including lunch, while teachers rotate from classroom to classroom, to minimize social contact among students and staff as much as possible.

Depending on the funding that becomes available, staff may be able to re-apply for their jobs, but rehiring is not guaranteed, and not all positions may be funded.

Positions which have been terminated (for now) include all music and art teachers.

SNHU Announces Winter 2020 President's List

MANCHESTER, NH (06/17/2020)-- It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Winter 2020 President's List. The winter term runs from January to May.

Eligibility for the President's List requires that a student accumulate an academic grade point average (GPA) of 3.7-4.0 and earn 12 credits for the semester.

Hannah Gaunt of Winchendon
Anthony Kelley of Winchendon
Michaela Stewart of Jaffrey
Julie Thomas of Templeton

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution with an 87-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 130,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers over 300 accredited undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as the "Most Innovative" regional university by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner. Learn more at www.snhu.edu.

Noah Colbert and Angelina Welch receive Cowdrey Scholarships

Noah Colbert Angelina WelchOn Monday, June 15, 2020, Sizer School Seniors Noah Colbert and Angelina Welch were named as recipients of the Cowdrey Scholarship.

This year represents the seventh year that the City’s Board of Commissioners and Trust Funds (CBCTF ) gave out scholarships from the Cowdrey Trust.

The CBCTF estimated approx. $7,000 in scholarship funding would be available to the 2020 application pool according to a letter sent out to guidance counselors and principals in April of 2020.

“To be eligible, the student must be a Fitchburg resident graduating from one of the high schools in Fitchburg. One graduating senior residing in Fitchburg will be eligible from each high school based in Fitchburg. The remaining scholarships will be eligible to graduating students based on the discretion of the CBCTF. Prior high school graduates, who are still residents of Fitchburg, are eligible to apply; however, priority shall be given to students graduating in 2020,” according to that letter.

Factors considered for selection included academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need.