The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of February 24 to March 3, 2022

Mask Mandate for Schools Rescinded as of February 28

Effective February 28, 2022, the Winchendon Public Schools will lift the local mask requirement dated August 30, 2021 and mirror the position of the Winchendon Board of Health, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of Public Health and the Governor's office. Therefore: Masking will not be required in the district as of Monday, February 28, 2022.

The district will respect individual choice to wear or not to wear masks.

The Federal mandate for busing remains in effect. Masks are required on all buses.

Masks are still required in the district nurses' offices as required by the state Department of Health.

The Winchendon Public Schools' approved COVID protocols will remain in effect.

The Winchendon Public Schools continues to strongly encourage all individuals to be vaccinated when medically possible.

Have a wonderful break; stay safe and healthy, and we look forward to a fresh start on February 28.

Watch the February 18, 2022 edition of Murdock Student-Produced BLUE DEVIL WEEKLY

including an exclusive interview with Murdock budding theatre star Audrey II!



Open Kindergarten Registration Starting March 1

If you have a child that will be eligible for the 2022-2023 Kindergarten school year, you will need to fill out the registration forms that can be found on our website at www.winchendonk12.org/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 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 of lease.
  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. Read or download complete immunization requirements (PDF)
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 26th before your child will be permitted to start school. These forms can be faxed by your doctor to the school at 978-297-3944.

There will be a Parent Orientation on Wednesday, May 18 from 6-7 at Memorial School. More information will be provided. A Kindergarten Screening will be conducted, as required by State and Federal school laws. Screenings will be Wednesday, June 1, Thursday, June 2, and Friday, June 3. You will be contacted as these dates get closer to schedule an appointment.

We share the excitement of your child entering Kindergarten and look forward to both of you being a part of the Memorial School family. Please feel free to call the school at (978) 297-1305, with any questions or concerns you may have.