Winchendon Weekly News school newsletter - Wednesday, December 21
Watch the December 22, 2022 edition of Murdock Student-Produced BLUE DEVIL WEEKLY
MWCC Celebrates Practical Nursing Graduates at Traditional Pinning Ceremony
MWCC Practical Nursing Graduates
Photo by Jenn, Jennifer A Gyles
GARDNER, MA - December 23, 2022 - Mount Wachusett Community College welcomed twenty-one new nurses to the profession on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at the Theatre at the Mount.
"It is truly an honor for me to be here to help celebrate this occasion," noted President James Vander Hooven. "You have put in so much time, effort and dedication, both inside and outside of the classroom, in a program that requires a calling, a vocation in service of others in their greatest times of need."
"This has not been easy and may have been the hardest thing we've ever done for ourselves," Casey Bernhardt, who was pinned by her mother Maureen, told her fellow graduates. "We lost a lot along the way but gained so much more."
Students were welcomed into the profession by a mentor, instructor, friend, or family member fastening the program's nursing pin to their lapel. Following their pinning, the nurses recited the Florence Nightingale Pledge.
In addition to a rigorous academic program, students participated in clinical rotations at one MWCC's partners; Alliance Health at Baldwinville, Clearbrook Treatment Center, Gardner Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Heywood Hospital MHU/GPU, Heywood Hospital LaChance Maternity Center, Life Care Center of Leominster, Stetson School, Quabbin Valley Health Care, and Seven Hills Pediatric Center.
The Practical Nursing Class of 2022 are:
Rosimar Bonicenha, Acton
Casey Elizabeth Bernhardt, Ashby
Brianna Lillian Mary Cauley, Athol
Jenna M. Whitney, Athol
Mumtaz Khan, Fitchburg
Emeli M. Luna, Fitchburg
Anny D. Nankap-Shimi, Fitchburg
Felicia Lynne Tourigny, Fitchburg
Summer M. Westfield, Fitchburg
Tiffany A. Morrison, Gardner
Nicholas Allen Indeglia, Groton
John K. Mburu, Leominster
Neyi Zuleika Rijo Alvarez, Leominster
Iris M. Gonzalez, Lunenburg
Elizabeth Marguerite Whiting, Phillipston
Danielle Jean Bonzey, Spencer
Annabel Keneema, Waltham
Racheal Nakisandha, Waltham
Erin Pinault, West Townsend
Melanie J. Willor, Whitinsville
Carrie Ann Peery, Peterborough, NH
Sizer Student Leaders are Looking for Prom Closet Donations
At Sizer School, a North Central Charter Essential School, the Prom Closet has been a tradition for over 10 years. Created for and organized by students, the Prom Closet was established to make sure every Sizer student has the opportunity to find that certain something special for Prom without worrying about cost.
"The prom closet is super important because formal wear can be expensive. Some people honestly can't afford to buy things and need some assistance and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that," explains Sizer School Senior Elizabeth Waite of Lunenburg.
She continued, "The prom closet is a subtle way that people can get formal wear when they might not be able to otherwise. We really just want everyone to be able to attend [Prom]!"
Every year, Sizer's Prom Committee of student leaders dedicates themselves to making sure each Spring Prom is accessible and affordable to every Sizer School student.
Last year's Prom Closet was led by Lily Noon of Townsend, Class of 2022. More than a dozen students were able to utilize the Prom Closet to find or complete their Prom outfits.
"I was talking to a friend and they said they would probably not be going to the prom. I said there is a way we could cover ticket prices for people and they said they still wouldn't be able to go. They said they wouldn't be able to afford a dress," said Noon.
This year, the Prom Committee - Zach Wallace of Fitchburg, Adam Camerer of Leominster, Aisha Elouafa of Fitchburg, Sabrina Jaiman of Gardner, Yoimar Escobar of Fitchburg, Jaiden Killion of Templeton, Sierra Leary of Fitchburg and Elizabeth Waite – are overseeing the Closet and Prom organization.
"I am the lead on the closet this year because I worked with Lily Noon last year and have some experience," said Waite.
The Prom Committee will be accepting donations when students return from winter break. Donations will be accepted until Sizer School's May Prom.
"From seeing last year's donations, I think we could definitely use more suits or more traditionally ‘masculine' clothes. We definitely got more dresses last year," said Waite.
If you would like to connect with Elizabeth in order to make a donation, email waitee@sizerschool.org or find out more about this and other student-led Community Initiatives, email info@sizerschool.org.
For over 20 years, Sizer School in Fitchburg has been sending graduates into the world who Think for themselves, Care about themselves and others, and Act creatively and responsibly. Apply now at https://tinyurl.com/SizerSchool to join us next year in grades 7, 8 and 9. Find out more about the project-based, innovative education Sizer School offers at www.sizerschool.org
Winchendon Public Schools
"Working Together"
Thaddeus King
Superintendent of Schools
173 Grove Street
Winchendon, MA 01475
Our schools are participating in a federal program available to select schools as part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program called Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). This means that all students attending Winchendon Public Schools are eligible to receive breakfast and lunch at no charge throughout the 2022-2023 school year and beyond, regardless of family or household income.
The Community Eligibility Provision runs on a four year cycles and is available to all the students regardless of income in all of the public schools in Winchendon. This helps to increase access to healthy school meals and enhances the integrity of the school meal programs, today and in the future.
One of the benefits of CEP, it alleviates the need for families to submit paperwork for their children to receive school meals, increasing access for eligible students who may fail to submit a household application.
If you have any questions, please contact Winchendon Public Schools Food Services Secretary, Marilyn Murphy at 978-616-3215 or email at mmurphy@winchendonk12.org.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Murphy
Information sheet from Chartwells (PDF)