Winchendon Weekly News school newsletter - Wednesday, April 12

---

WPS Working with MassDOT Safe Routes to School

WPS has partnered with MassDOT's Safe Routes to School. SRTS is a free, federally funded program administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation that works to increase safe walking, biking, and rolling among public elementary, middle and high school students.

Winchendon Memorial Elementary School crossing guard, Angelina Thompson, shows off her reflective vest from the Safe Routes to School Program.

The vest is a gift to say thank you for helping SRTS reach an incredible milestone with 1,000 Massachusetts schools partnering with the program. More information about the SRTS program can be found at: https://www.mass.gov/safe-routes-to-school

Memorial School Meets Therapy Dogs from Boonefield Labradors

Memorial School Grades K-2 had some very special visitors on Wednesday, April 12 from Boonefield Labradors in Rindge, NH. Therapy dogs Bear, Emmy and Odin visited each classroom with their handlers Peggi, Tiffany and Erin. The students enjoyed hearing all about the dogs and their jobs. Much love was given to our furry guests.

Winchendon Public Schools Pre-K Screening

Winchendon Public Schools Preschool Screening will take place on May 3 and 10, 2023 by appointment only. Children must be age 3 or 4 by August 31, 2023 to be eligible. Screening is optional and looks at a child's development in the areas of speech and 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 Kathy at the Winchendon Pre-K Program office at 978-297-3436 or email kbrooks@winchendonk12.org.

MWCC Utilizes SUCCESS Funding to Support Underrepresented Students

Gardner, MA - April 13, 2023 - MWCC is utilizing funding from the Supporting Urgent Community College Equity through Student Services (SUCCESS) program to increase support services designed to improve student success, particularly for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Governor Healey has proposed that the SUCCESS program statewide be funded at $18 million in FY2024.

At a recent event at the MWCC's Leominster campus, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll noted, "The SUCCESS program is a data driven approach that is proven to produce positive outcomes for students in community college. The wraparound services that the SUCCESS program supports, like coaching, advisory services, transportation, and food assistance, are critical to helping students overcome barriers and address the challenges that they face outside of the classroom to help set them up for success in the classroom."

To be invited to participate in the SUCCESS program, students must be new to Mount Wachusett Community College, either new to college or transferred in. Students may also be enrolled in foundation courses (general eds). Additional qualifications can include being first-generation college students, having a disclosed disability, being part of an underrepresented ethnic group, being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, or are Pell Grant eligible. If students do not meet the criteria but would like more support, advisors will refer students to other support programs.

The SUCCESS team of advisors includes Aly Pichardo-Rosario, Dawn Babineau and Shelby Bourisk and is led by Sara Williams, Associate Director of Advising and Student Success. The SUCCESS Scholars Program will work with students who meet program criteria to help them create a plan for successful degree or certificate program completion, employment after graduation, or assistance with transferring to a 4-year school after they earn their associate degree. The SUCCESS fund renewal is allowing MWCC to create new jobs in advising roles and specifically staff who will work with our students of color and LGBTQIA+ individuals to increase the support offered to MWCCs diverse student population.

If you are interested in learning more about SUCCESS Scholar Program or about the opportunity to become a part of the Success Coach Team, please contact The Office of Advising, Career & Transfer (ACT) by calling 978-630-9109 or email advisor@mwcc.mass.edu.

Open Kindergarten Registration Starting March 1

Dear Parents:

If you have a child that will be eligible for the 2023-2024 Kindergarten school year, you will need to fill out the registration forms that can be found on our website at www.winchendonk12.ore/o/mes. They are located under the Menu dropdown, Kindergarten Registration. You can download and fill in the forms. Hard copies are also available at Memorial School. Once completed, you will need to return them to Memorial School along with the items listed below. You can do this any number of ways:

1. Fax: 978-297-3944
2. Email: mmacewen@winchendonk12.org
3. Mail: Memorial School, 32 Elmwood Road, Winchendon, MA 01475
4. Drop off: In person between the hours of 10 AM - 2 PM

No child will be admitted to Kindergarten without having met the eligibility requirements listed below.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

1. If your child is five (5) years of age by August 31, 2018 (of the forthcoming year), he/she is eligible.
2. "BIRTH CERTIFICATE"- Original must be brought with you.
3. PROOF OF RESIDENCY- Current utility bill, or copy oflease.
4. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION INCLUDING VISION AND HEARING SCREENING BY YOUR PHYSICIAN MUST BE DATED AFTER AUGUST 31, 2022.
5. IMMUNIZATIONS - VERIFICATION WILL NEED TO BE PROVIDED BY THE END
OF AUGUST. This must include lead screen results. Click here to view and download a list of needed vaccinations.

Each child MUST have a physical examination completed by your physician. A signed printout from your child's doctor's office listing all the required information is also acceptable. Students cannot start school without a completed physical. We recommend calling your physician today to schedule an appointment as it sometimes takes several months to get one.

All completed immunization/examination forms need to be in the School Nurse's Office by Friday, August 25th before your child will be permitted to start school. These forms can be faxed by your doctor to the school at 978-297-3944.

Kindergarten Screening will be conducted, as required by State and Federal school laws. Screenings will be Wednesday, May 31; Thursday, June 1, and Friday, June 2. You will receive a letter with a sign up link for a screening appointment after you have registered.

We share the excitement of your child entering Kindergarten and look forward to both of you being a part of the Winchendon Public Schools. Please be aware that screenings will take place at Memorial School but your child will be attending Kindergarten at Toy Town School due to the school econfiguration. We are excited to have you be a part of the first year of our Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten building. Please feel free to call the school at (978) 297-1305, with any questions or concerns you may have.