Winchendon Weekly News school newsletter - Friday, May 19

Community Happenings newsletter - Friday, May 19

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WPS Superintendent Cancels Plan for District Reorganization Next Year

Parents of students in the Winchendon Public Schools received a message from Superintendent Thad King this week, saying,

"I have heard the voices of community members who have recently attended school committee meetings and, equally important, the voice of the Winchendon Teachers Association regarding the district reorganization; I continue to believe in the need for an Early Childhood Literacy Center for the community; however, we will not continue with the district reorganization this year.

"As we look to next year, this means that the grade levels will remain in their current buildings as will faculty and staff. We will continue to focus on our current initiatives such as our newly developed math curriculum (IM Math), early literacy work at Memorial, and ELA alignment to name a few. Additonally, there are no cuts to any music, art, theater arts or athletics programming. Summer school programming will return to typical buildings with the exception of any programming run in collaboration with the Clark.

"I am extremely appreciative of the work that many have taken on while working toward an Early Childhood Literacy Center in Winchendon and grateful for the support the School Committee has shown during this process.

Respectfully,
Thad King
Superintendent of Schools"

Memorial School Gets Visits from Baby Goats

Mrs. Musgrove's and Mrs. Duprey's classes had special visitors this week! The Ruschioni Homestead family brought Parker and Penny, their newest members of the dairy herd, to Memorial School. Morgan Ruschioni shared facts about the goats and every student got the opportunity to snuggle with Penny and interact with Parker. Morgan shared with us the different products she makes with her goats' milk, such as soap, and how she uses goats' milk in her coffee and in making fudge. All of her products are available at her store The Homestead Market (59 Gardner Road (Rte 140), Winchendon).

Photos courtesy of Martha MacEwen, Memorial School

Mount Wachusett Community College President's and Dean's Lists for Spring 2023 Semester

GARDNER, MA - May 24, 2023 - Mount Wachusett Community College is pleased to announce our Dean's and President's Lists for the spring 2023 semester. Students who complete a minimum of 12 semester hours are eligible. The Dean's List requires a 3.30 to 3.99 grade point average while the President's List requires a 4.0 grade point average.

The following Winchendon students were named to the Dean's List:
Maxx Chanthachack
Sydney Comire
Molly C Eglington
Amy M Fasulo
Adam M Garcia
Owen Hunt
Alex J Lafrennie
Vermie LeBlanc
Kevin J Pesce
Breanna B Whittier

The following Winchendon students were named to the President's List:
Chloe M St Peter

Mount Wachusett Community College Early College Graduation Awards Diplomas to 57 Students and Associate Degrees to 40 Students

GARDNER, MA - May 24, 2023 - Mount Wachusett Community College's full-time Early College programs, Gateway to College and Pathways Early College Experience, held a graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 18, 2023, to honor the 57 students graduating with their high school diplomas, 40 of whom also earned their associate degree.

Welcoming students to the ceremony was Gateway to College student Chloe Caisse, who in addition to earning her associate degree, served as Student Government President and President of Cru Club during her time at MWCC.

"Today we come together as one body of students who, despite the pain and challenges of the sleepless nights and countless hours of homework, have come out with an experience that is invaluable as we leave here and start the next chapter of our lives," Caisse told her fellow graduates. "Some students will go on to continue their education, some will go into the workforce, while others may travel. No matter where we go, the experience we have all gained here will be carried with us."

"The work we do would not be possible without the deep relationship we have with Gardner Public Schools," noted MWCC President James Vander Hooven. "We are grateful for their innovation and partnership, and the tremendous impact that our collective work is having on the student experience."

Dr. Mark Pellegrino, Superintendent of Gardner Public Schools, welcomed graduates and commended them for making the brave decision to enroll in an early college program, to pursue college credits while finishing their high school diplomas and wished them luck as they continued their journeys.

Gateway to College Alumna Keynote speaker was Molly Murphy, a 2009 graduate who has since earned Master's Degree in Social Work from Salem State University and currently works for the Department of Children and Families. The Pathways to Early College Alumni Keynote was Thomas Elbourn, a Gardner native who was a member of the first Pathways class in 2012. Elbourn has since earned degrees in Psychology, Divinity and Theology at Assumption University and Gorden-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is an adjunct professor of Theology at Assumption University.

The following Winchendon students were part of the Gateway to College Class of 2023:

Vermin LeBlanc
Sarah Proietti
April Rosello

The following Winchendon student was part of the Pathways Early College Class of 2022:

Danielle Fitzpatrick (also earned an associate degree)

About MWCC's Gateway to College
MWCC's Gateway to College program, established in 2006 as the first Gateway site in New England, provides a second chance for students ages 16 to 21 who have dropped out of high school, are at risk of dropping out, or experienced a setback, as well as an opportunity for home schooled students to complete high school and college studies.

About MWCC's Pathways Early College Experience
MWCC's Pathways Early College Experience offers motivated students interested in getting a head start on college the opportunity to earn their high school diploma and an associate degree while completing their junior and senior years in high school taking courses at MWCC.

Both programs are designated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as approved Early College programs, and are offered in partnership with Gardner Public Schools.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute Announces Spring 2023 Dean's List

WORCESTER, MA (05/23/2023)-- A total of 2,054 undergraduate students achieved the criteria required for WPI's spring 2023 Dean's List. The criteria for the WPI Dean's List differs from that of most other universities as WPI does not compute a grade point average (GPA). Instead, WPI defines the Dean's List by the amount of work completed at the A level in courses and projects.

"WPI's academic programs are rigorous and require a level of independence beyond what is required in traditional courses. WPI students work on open-ended problems for communities around the world. The problems are important and the impact is real" said Professor Arthur C. Heinricher. "Some of this nation's best and brightest students come to WPI to study engineering and science and business and the humanities. Those named to the Dean's List have excelled in all of their work, and we are exceptionally proud of these outstanding students."

The following students were on the Dean's List for Spring 2023:

Sophie Chretien of Winchendon, Massachusetts, class of 2023, majoring in Mechanical Engineering

Worcester Polytechnic Institute Students Complete Intensive Research Projects

WORCESTER, MA (05/24/2023)-- All students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are required to complete a senior thesis as part of the university's distinctive project-based educational experience called the Major Qualifying Project (MQP), one that is usually team-based and often focuses on very specific issues or needs of an organization that has partnered with the university to sponsor the student's work.

"It's inspiring to see the creativity and skills that our students bring to these projects, as well as the professionalism with which they present their research," says Arne Gericke, interim dean of undergraduate studies and director of the Office of Undergraduate Research. "Their experience managing a major project like this-including identifying a problem and researching all of the implications and possible solutions while also managing team dynamics over an extended period of several months-sets them up well for success not only in their first jobs after graduation but throughout their careers."

A signature element of the innovative undergraduate experience at WPI, project-based learning offers students the opportunity to apply their scientific and technical knowledge to real problems that affect the quality of people's lives-an experience that changes the student and their world.

In addition to providing tangible work experience that proves valuable to employers, MQPs often lead to publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at regional and national conferences, patents, and entrepreneurial ventures. Others become useful innovations and products for their corporate sponsors.

Prior to their MQP, students complete an Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP), usually in their junior year, with a team of other students across disciplines; the projects may or may not relate to the students' fields of study and are sponsored by organizations across the globe to give students real-world experience addressing problems that lie at the intersection of science and society. Approximately 85% of WPI students complete a project at one of the university's 50+ off-campus project centers located in more than 30 countries around the world.

The following students completed their MQP:

Sophie Chretien of Winchendon, Massachusetts, majoring in Mechanical Engineering, class of 2023 completed the project titled Design, Optimization and Testing of an FSAE Electric Racecar

Local Residents Receive Degrees at Worcester Polytechnic Institute's 154th Undergraduate Commencement

WORCESTER, MA (05/25/2023)-- President Grace Wang and Board of Trustees Chair William Fitzgerald presided over Worcester Polytechnic Institute's 154th Commencement exercises on May 13, marking the first time for both in their respective positions. In her remarks, President Wang, who officially joined WPI in early April, applauded the graduates for their dedication, persistence, passion for their field of study, and achievements. "You have earned your place among generations of exceptional WPI alumni. I hope you will take the opportunity, as they did, to push boundaries, explore unknowns, and deliver a tangible and profound impact to the world."

In his commencement address to undergraduates titled, "Don't Switch Off Your Conscience," Congressman James P. McGovern, who represents the Massachusetts second congressional district, urged graduates not to forget about the moral and ethical consequences of their work. "I ask you to stay true to yourself and the values you have learned at WPI. As citizens of the world, you have a responsibility to the greater good. To ask yourself not only what is profitable, but what is just. To ask yourself not only what is efficient, but what is equitable. And to ask yourself not only what is innovative, but what is honorable."

McGovern received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree at the event. Honorary degrees were also bestowed upon Shankar Balasubramanian, the Herchel Smith Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at Cambridge University, and John T. Mollen, former chair of WPI's Board of Trustees.

The undergraduate student speaker was Susanna Oppong, biology and biotechnology, who led the graduates in a resounding cheer, "I am here because I am resilient!" Recalling the unprecedented times the Class of 2023 has faced, Oppong said "They say resilience is born through experience and I truly believe that the resilience of our generation has come from the situations we have endured as students and how we have gathered as a community to advocate for them. We have broken through the stereotypes given to our generation and created the definition of our destiny."

The following Winchendon students were bestowed degrees:

Sophie Chretien of Winchendon, Massachusetts, majored in Mechanical Engineering

Gardner VFW Donates to MWCC's Student Veteran Scholarship

GARDNER, MA - May 24, 2023 - The Ovila Case Post 905 Veterans of Foreign Wars in Gardner donated $1,000 this week to the Mount Wachusett Community College Foundation's Veterans Memorial Scholarship.

MWCC President James Vander Hooven, Foundation Executive Director Carla Zottoli, and Director of Veteran Services Bob Mayer accepted the generous donation from past Post Commander and MWCC alumnus Donald Progen and past Post Commander Joe LeBlanc.

The scholarship was established in 2004 to recognize the important role played by MWCC in ensuring that the sacrifices and service of veterans who served the country will not be forgotten. The Ovila Case Post 905 Veterans of Foreign Wars has supported the scholarship since that time. Scholarship funds are awarded to new or returning full-time students who were honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces or are currently serving in the Reserves or National Guard.

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.