School Committee Selects MASC for Superintendent Search

Megan Weeks Recommended for Murdock High School Principal position

by Inanna Arthen
In their meeting on Thursday, June 3, the Winchendon School Committee voted to hire the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) to handle the search process for a new Superintendent.

"I am a fan of MASC, after only being introduced to them about a year ago for their professional development work more than their search services," said School Committee member Ryan Forsythe. He stated that both presentations at the May 20 School Committee meeting impressed him, "but I would be more comfortable with MASC right now."

School Committee member Shauna LaPointe said she had done research into both firms, and found that MASC had a better record in the immediate area, with more Massachusetts candidates, and more active searches in similar towns and school districts such as Shirley and Ayer.

School Committee member Greg Vine stated that he agreed with the arguments in favor of MASC, but still disagreed with the decision to undertake a search process rather than offering the position to the current Interim Superintendent, Thad King. (Mr. King was attending the Senior Awards ceremony and was not present.)

The Committee voted to hire MASC with three in favor, and Mr. Vine abstaining. School Committee member Karen Kast was not present.

The other firm which presented on May 20 was the New England School Development Council (NESDEC).

Retiring Superintendent Joan Landers also told Committee members that the Search Committee for High School Principal has recommended Megan Weeks, currently serving as Interim Principal, for the permanent position. A recommendation for Toy Town Elementary principal is pending. The Search Committee has been meeting almost every day, Ms. Landers stated.

Preschool Screening in June

Winchendon Public Schools Preschool Screening will take place on June 9 & 10, 2021. Children must be age 3 or 4 by August 31, 2021 to be eligible. Screening looks at a child's development in the areas of language, fine and gross motor skills, cognition and social emotional skills.

If you have any concerns about your child, suspect your child may have a disability, or if you did not receive an information packet by mail please call the Winchendon Pre-K Program 978-297-3436 or email kbrooks@winchendonk12.org.

Six Sizer Artists Honored with Janet Cragin Youth Art Awards

In photo, (l-r), Vio Malley, Raine Ramos, Joelle Osgood, Callie S., Emelia Robertson and Ixchel Thibault-Munoz
Photo credit: The Sizer School

Congratulations to three Sizer School 7th graders and three 8th graders who were awarded the Janet Cragin Youth Art Award for excellence in the arts!

On Thursday, May 20, on a sunlit afternoon at Saima Park, our talented artists and performers were celebrated for developing their talent and creativity. A special congratulation was offered by Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale. Each student received an arts medal, an arts swag bag filled with treats and a plant in memory of Janet Cragin.

Cragin was active in the arts as a performer and teacher for many years in Fitchburg. She is sorely missed.

According to Sizer School Visual Arts Teacher Catherine Judge, "The Awards Committee asked our students: ‘Why the Arts are important to me' and I am proud of the way our awardees responded."

According to Sizer 7th grade student Emelia Robertson, "It's a way to relieve stress and let my creativity flow. It is also a way for me to do something I love."

According to Sizer 7th grade student Callie S. "I get to show my uniqueness in the way I know best. I get to make memories I can never forget like playing a monkey in The Wizard of Oz." Callie continued, "You may be wondering out of all the roles I've ever played, why I would decide to include a small role? For me, it's about the memories you make along the way."

7th grade student Ixchel Thibault-Munoz said the arts were a way to find out who you are.

"Through the arts I can express myself creatively. The arts help me to see the world in a different way. The arts are fun and exciting. The arts are a way for me to be myself, without actually being myself, if that makes sense?" explained Thibault-Munoz.

For 8th grade student Vio Malley, "They are a way for me to express the way I feel and who I am as a person. I can tell stories or express myself to others and I feel this is an important and powerful thing to do."

8th grader Joelle Osgood said the arts are a means of expression.

"Art is a way to bring the vivid imagery of my mind into being; to share mental pictures with others. But beyond that, art is meaningful because it's a wonderful means of expression. It provides imaginative links to parts of oneself which are much harder to get in touch with otherwise," said Osgood. "I have always found art, in various forms, to be a pleasurable activity and I'm always striving to improve my work. Art has brought many meaningful connections into my life and I don't think I could live without it."

And for 8th grader Raine Ramos, "I've been drawing since I was little. I want to be an artist when I grow up. I use art as a coping skill to help me feel focused. When I see art, I see emotions and beauty."

As Janet Cragin once said, "Life is a celebration! Follow Your Passion!" Congrats to all our Sizer students following their passions!

To find out more about Sizer School, visit www.sizerschool.org. Sizer School is currently accepting applications for the 7th and 9th grade for next year. Apply now, by visiting https://tinyurl.com/SizerSchool or email Lindsay Sauvageau at info@sizerschool.org to learn more!

Mount Wachusett Community College Celebrates Class of 2021 Nursing Pinning

Gardner Mayor Nicholson Proclaims May 27, 2021 Mount Wachusett Community College Nursing Day

GARDNER, MA - May 27, 2021 - Mount Wachusett Community College celebrated the 104 graduates of the Associates Degree in Nursing Class of 2021 with a pinning ceremony via livestream on May 27, 2021.

"It is a great honor to be with you to congratulate you with your Associate Degree in Nursing," MWCC President James Vander Hooven welcomed graduates to the ceremony. "We know your experience has been difficult to say the least. Your persistence and your drive to get your nursing degree has been exemplary. We have appreciated being a part of your path forward in a career where you are going to do so much good for so many others. Thank you for the patience you have shown and the commitment to your educational goals."

A traditional pinning ceremony welcomes students to the nursing profession with graduates receiving lapel pins fastened by a mentor from the nursing profession. Due to the virtual nature of the 2021 ceremony, video of students receiving pins from family and friends were included in the live stream event.

Gardner Mayor Mike Nicholson addressed the graduates from the Heywood Healthcare vaccination clinic at the Polish American Citizens Club. "On behalf of the City of Gardner I want you to know that the meaning behind this ceremony is more important than ever. We are so thankful for the faculty and students who have helped us at our vaccination clinic. We would not have been as successful as we have been without the assistance provided by you all. This is an impact that this city will never forget."

"On behalf of the city, I have a special proclamation for you," Nicholson continued. "I, Michael J. Nicholson, Mayor of Gardner, alongside Council President Elizabeth J. Kazinkas, do here by proclaim May 23-29, 2021 nursing student appreciation week here in the city of Gardner. And we further name May 27, 2021 as Mount Wachusett Community College nursing day here in Gardner to help raise awareness in our community and as a sign of our eternal gratitude for all of those who have helped us here during this pandemic like the world has never seen in 100 years. Thank you very much on behalf of a grateful city and best of luck in your future endeavors."

The ADN Class of 2021 in order by hometown/city are: