Winchendon Weekly News school newsletter - Wednesday, March 1

Parent Child Plus Program Launches at Memorial School

The Winchendon CFCE, who works under the Winchendon Public Schools has received a grant for the "Parent Child Plus Program." This program is available to all Winchendon residents who are parents or caregivers to children ages 18 months to 4 years old. This free program is designed to provide two weekly 30 minute in-home visits. Each week an Early Learning Specialist will visit the family with a high quality book or educational toy that the family will get to keep. The specialist uses the book or toy to model reading, conversations, and play activities designed to support families in stimulating parent-child interactions that promote language, literacy, and school readiness. Children who take part in this program start preschool and Kindergarten with an advantage! Studies have shown that 84% of children who have participated in Parent Child Plus have graduated high school!

The program will begin in February 2023, and run throughout the school year. If you would like to register to be part of the program, or you would like more information, you can email Kristin Moran at kmoran@winchendonk12.org or call 978-297-3436 extension 4150.

Program Coordinator Kristin Moran said, "We also run the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement grant, which provides free infant/toddler and preschool playgroups every week, as well as free parent education and workshops, summer story walks and Nature programs, and collaborations with the Clark YMCA and Beals Memorial Library to offer special family fun events, all at no charge to families! Once we move to the new 'Early Education Center' at Toy Town Elementary next year, we will offer more than once a week playgroups, with specialized groups such as 'Tummy Time' infant groups, afterschool STEM groups, and Homeschooling Family groups."

This program is funded through the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. To learn more about the Parent Child Plus Program, visit parentchildplus.org/.

Emerson College Student Shawn Zhang of Winchendon, MA Earns Dean's List for Fall 2022 Semester

BOSTON, MA (02/24/2023)-- Emerson College student Shawn Zhang of Winchendon, MA (01475) earned Dean's List honors for the Fall 2022 Semester.

The requirement to make Dean's List is a grade point average of 3.7 or higher for that semester.

Shawn Zhang is majoring in Journalism and is a member of the Class of 2024.

About Emerson College
Based in Boston, Massachusetts, opposite the historic Boston Common and in the heart of the city's Theatre District, Emerson College educates individuals who will solve problems and change the world through engaged leadership in communication and the arts, a mission informed by liberal learning. The College has approximately 4,161 undergraduates and 554 graduate students from across the United States and nearly 70 countries. Supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a renowned faculty, students participate in more than 90 student organizations and performance groups. Emerson is known for its experiential learning programs at Emerson Los Angeles, located in Hollywood, and at its 14th-century castle, in the Netherlands. Additionally, there are opportunities to study in Washington, DC, London, China, and the Czech Republic, Spain, Austria, Greece, France, Ireland, Mexico, Cuba, England, and South Africa. The College has an active network of 51,000+ alumni who hold leadership positions in communication and the arts. For more information, visit emerson.edu.

WPS February Staff Spotlight

Alyssa Waters
Murdock Middle School
Para-educator

Alyssa has worked in education for sixteen years, with the last four years in Winchendon. Aside from her normal duties, she takes on whatever is asked of her and always with a positive attitude. Her flexibility & initiative, kindness & inclusivity to all are what make her stand out in her field. Her positive energy radiates through the Murdock hallways, & her infectious laugh makes students gravitate toward her. A friend to all, Alyssa is truly an asset to our district!

Marilisa Strand
Murdock Adjustment
Counselor/Social Worker

Marilisa has served as the Murdock Middle/High School Adjustment Counselor/Social Worker for two years. She has worked in mental health in various clinical roles since 2011. Marilisa is well-known in Winchendon for taking the time to build trust and providing a consistent, friendly and supportive presence for students. She works hard to be an advocate and a safe person for students, while still holding them accountable to see they reach their goals. She goes above and beyond for Winchendon!

Nichols College announces AACSB International business accreditation

AACSB International is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools

DUDLEY, MA (02/27/2023) Nichols College has announced that is has earned business accreditation by AACSB International. AACSB International (AACSB) is the leading accrediting body for business degree programs globally. AACSB announced Nichols received the distinguished designation on February 21.

Founded in 1916, AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators and businesses worldwide.

"The Nichols College community is elated to receive the news of our AACSB accreditation and honored by this prestigious distinction, which highlights the outstanding work of our faculty and staff, as well as our campus-wide commitment to embrace greatness in all that we do," said Nichols College President Glenn M. Sulmasy, JD, LL.M.

President Sulmasy added a heart-felt thanks to the academic team that led Nichols College to the finish line, including Dan Borgia, Ph.D., Provost; Mauri Pelto, Ph.D., Associate Provost; and Jean Beaupre, Ed.D., Dean of the School of Business. "Their dedication to excellence is evident in the myriad contributions they make toward enriching and elevating the Nichols learning experience. Without them, this accreditation would not be possible."

Synonymous with the highest standards of quality, AACSB accreditation inspires new ways of thinking within business education globally. As a result, less than 6 percent of the world's schools offering business degree programs hold AACSB business accreditation.

AACSB-accredited schools have successfully undergone a rigorous review process conducted by their peers in the business education community. During this multiyear path, schools focus on developing and implementing a plan that aligns with AACSB's accreditation standards, ensuring that they have the resources, credentials and commitment needed to provide students with a first-rate, future-focused business education.

"AACSB accreditation recognizes the depth, breadth, relevance and rigor of our academic programs and assures students of the continued caliber of a Nichols education as we prepare them for their roles as global business leaders," said Provost Borgia. "This is a proud day for Nichols College."

"This journey has enriched the learning experiences of our students and built a stronger collaborative learning environment across campus. The AACSB community's collaborative nature of building excellence in business education has supported our efforts," said Associate Provost Pelto. "Each graduate today has a story of experiential learning opportunities to tell that has been key to career development. Beyond our campus, the support of the board and the alumni has made all this possible. I look forward to the next generation of ideas that will emerge to enhance experiential learning at Nichols College."

"We are now part of a network of the best business schools around the globe. This prestigious accreditation is in recognition that we are in alignment with what AACSB is all about-excellence in teaching, research, curriculum and learner success, as well as a deep commitment to continuous improvement," said Dean Beaupre. "We are exceedingly proud of this collective accomplishment, and are excited about what this means for our students and our future.

Added Stephanie M. Bryant, AACSB Executive Vice President and Chief Accreditation Officer, "Nichols College's commitment to earning accreditation is a true reflection of their dedication-not only to their students, alumni network, and greater business community, but to the higher education industry as a whole," said Bryant. "Today's students are tomorrow's business leaders, and the addition of Nichols College to the network of AACSB-accredited business schools will have a lasting positive impact for their institution, both locally and globally."

Around the Nichols community

Positive commentary and reactions from community members around campus were prompted by the accreditation announcement from AACSB and an on-campus press conference held to demarcate and help communicate the historic accomplishment.

Accolades from the Nichols College Board of Trustees

"I'm simply elated and thankful for all the hard work and efforts that went into our multi-year effort of achieving AACSB accreditation. This represents the pinnacle of recognition for business schools, and Nichols College is honored to be a member of this exclusive community. Nichols is blessed with an incredibly dedicated faculty and close-knit, hardworking student body. AACSB accreditation will continue to enhance Nichols' commitment to the highest levels of the entire academic process."
-Randy Becker, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Nichols College

"I'm delighted and proud that Nichols College recently completed an incredibly rigorous process to achieve the prestigious AACSB accreditation! This important milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to provide a high- quality education and optimal student experience and become a leading business school of choice. Congratulations!"
-Carolyn Burke, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees

"This is another great accomplishment that Nichols College has attained in its over-200-year history! The hard work and effort that went into attaining AACSB accreditation is why Nichols is one of the top educational institutions in the country."
-John Davis, Former Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Cheers from Nichols College students

"Nichols now having the AACSB accreditation proves I made the right investment by attending Nichols College. Nichols has always provided me with the best education, knowledgeable faculty and staff, and unlimited opportunities. The accreditation proves the college I attended was a prestigious and dedicated environment that allowed me to grow professionally and personally."
-Elizabeth Duffy '23, Business Management Major

"This accreditation makes me more confident in my degree and all future degrees that students will earn. This accreditation makes my degrees and everyone else's degree hold more weight. And this also means to me that Nichols is striving towards greatness in all aspects of education and professional development. Nichols isn't the type of college to be content where they are. Nichols wants to grow, expand and strive towards greatness for the sake of all students, future students and alumni."
-Grant Garcia '23, Marketing Major, Men's Tennis Team

"As a current senior at Nichols, knowing that I will graduate from an institution that has this accreditation makes me more confident in receiving a job from top employers. Having the opportunity to receive an education from outstanding faculty and a school that has programs that can meet rigorous benchmarks has truly prepared me for my future career."
-Madison Robichaud '23, Finance Major, Women's Lacrosse Team

"Being an international student here at Nichols, our college having AACSB accreditation allows me to further validate the degree that I'm working so hard for. I was also a student who got to meet firsthand the peer-review team while they were on campus through their process, and as a future higher-education professional, hearing their stories about their own institutions was inspiring and exciting."
-Julia Carroll '23, Sport Management Major, Women's Ice Hockey Team

"As a student, even one who is set to graduate in May, this accreditation means that the only direction in which Nichols is moving is forward. We have made great strides to make sure we can provide our students with the best possible professors and learning services. As well as holding all of our students to a high standard, and a higher standard than schools in our area. Also, when it comes to being properly prepared for the business world, Nichols has done it better than most for a long time, and it is the one thing that has been made clear to me when I have been job searching and mentioning that I go to Nichols."
-Brian Gagnon '23, Sport Management Major, MBA 2024

About Nichols College
Within a supportive community, Nichols College transforms today's students into tomorrow's leaders through a dynamic, career-focused business and professional education.