Winchendon Weekly News -- April 26, 2024
From the Desk of Dr. Goguen - Superintendant's Update February 16, 2024
Watch the April 26, 2024 Student-Produced Blue Devil Weekly!
Kindergarten Registration Open for 2024-25 School Year
If you have a child that will be eligible for Kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year, the registration forms and more information can be found at:
2024-2025 Kindergarten Registration
Eligibility Requirements:
- Your child must be five (5) years of age by August 31, 2024.
- Original Birth Certificate must be provided.
- Proof of Residency must be provided (current utility bill, lease or mortgage)
- Physical examination, including vision and hearing screening by your physician, dated after August 31, 2023 must be provided.
- Immunization verification must be provided by the end of August, 2024. (Must include lead screen results.)
Subaru Donates 2024 Crosstrek to Enhance Education Opportunities at MWCC
Subaru Representatives with MWCC Automotive Technology students and faculty members.
Photo courtesy of Nia Carignan
GARDNER, MA - May 2, 2024 - Subaru, in collaboration with Patrick Subaru, North Reading Subaru, and Subaru of New England, has generously donated a brand-new 2024 Crosstrek to Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC). This donation underscores Subaru's commitment to fostering educational excellence and supporting the next generation of automotive professionals.
"We have had a long partnership with Subaru and this generous donation is going to pave the way for the next generation of automotive technicians. The 2024 Crosstrek exposes our students to the newest technology available on the market and will enhance their learning tremendously. This wouldn't have been possible without our partnership with Subaru and their investment in student learning at MWCC," stated Eric Almeida, Professor and Automotive Program Director.
Representatives from Subaru and MWCC, including Rebecca Carr, Community Love Promise Manager at Subaru of New England, Jeff LeClair, Subaru University Educational Manager at Subaru of New England, and Dan Enderle, District Parts and Service Manager at Subaru of New England were on hand for the delivery of the vehicle on April 24th at the MWCC Automotive facility in Gardner, MA.
Rebecca Carr, Community Love Promise Manager at Subaru of New England, expressed Subaru's dedication to making a positive impact through education, stating, "This is part of Subaru's Love Promise to help make the world a better place through providing quality education opportunities. We are happy to provide a new 2024 Subaru to allow students to learn and enhance their career pathways."
Jeff LeClair, Subaru University Educational Manager at Subaru of New England, highlighted the significance of the partnership between Subaru and MWCC, emphasizing the importance of equipping students with the tools they need to excel in their careers. "We are pleased to be partnered with the MWCC Automotive Technology Department and hope that this donation will better equip students to develop career tools and learn trending customer needs," said LeClair. "Subaru has a long history with the College and feels privileged to be part of mentoring the next generation of skilled trades professionals."
Dan Enderle, District Parts and Service Manager at Subaru of New England, underscored Subaru's commitment to its workforce and customers, stating, "Subaru is a major contender and trusted brand that operates as a family unit. We hope and look forward to MWCC graduates becoming part of the Subaru family and continuing the important impact that technicians have with the customer experience. Technicians are a main focus because of the great depth and value they add to the Subaru family."
Student Rebecca Buell noted "It was nice getting a chance to network with the Subaru partners. The care and investment they put into student learning is incredible! Through the donation of the beautiful Crosstrek, the emphasis they place on job training, and exposure through cooperative work placements, it has been amazing to be a part of it."
The MWCC Automotive Technology Program is dedicated to providing students with comprehensive training and preparation for careers in automotive service and repair. The addition of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek to the program's fleet will undoubtedly contribute to the success of its students and reinforce MWCC's position as a leader in automotive education.
For more information about the MWCC Automotive Technology Program and how to support its mission, please visit mwcc.edu.
MWCC Student Honored as Newman Civic Fellow
GARDNER, MA - May 2, 2024 - Athol resident Sara Leopaldi has been named as a Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance the public purposes of higher education. Leopaldi is one of 142 students from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico to be named to the cohort.
The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who stand out for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change in communities. The fellowship is named for the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact's founders, who was a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education. In the spirit of Dr. Newman's leadership, each fellow is nominated by their campus president or chancellor, who is invited to select one exemplary community-committed student from their campus each year.
Leopaldi was inspired by a family member who has Autism and is non-verbal to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education for Exceptional Children at MWCC. A full-time student, Leopaldi serves as the Child Watch Lead in the college's drop-in child watch managing volunteers and supporting other parenting students. She has presented regionally and nationally on her work and has also connected MWCC with community resources such as "Valuing Our Children" and has replicated some of their parenting workshops on campus.
"Sara has shown so much dedication to ensuring the success of parenting students," notes Ann Reynolds, MWCC Academic Coordinator. "It is not an exaggeration to say that our new child watch service would not have been as successful without Sara's commitment and leadership."
Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides these students with learning and networking opportunities that help to nurture their development as civic leaders. Programming emphasizes personal, professional, and civic growth that can empower them to collaborate effectively across disciplines and create large-scale positive change.
The cornerstone of the fellowship is the Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows, which offers intensive in-person skill-building and networking over three days. The fellowship also provides fellows with pathways to apply for exclusive opportunities, including mini-grants to help fund community projects, scholarships, and post-graduate opportunities.
"Sara is a leader both on and off campus, always willing to share insights and wisdom to ensure all students and their children benefit from her experiences, and all while being a full-time parenting student herself," stated MWCC President James Vander Hooven. "Sara is truly remarkable."
"I loved early education while working with and teaching the children in my life. An individual with disabilities came into my life, and my teaching them became a true passion, and I knew then that I wanted to earn a degree not only for me, but to show the children I love that it could be done," Leopaldi stated. "I enrolled at MWCC in the Early Childhood Education for Exceptional Children degree and began as a work-study in the new Child Watch for parenting students. It is here where my passion has grown to include working with not only the children, but the families that raise them. Working with my fellow parenting-students and their families makes me feel part of a community that values the change we are all becoming."
"We are honored to recognize such an outstanding group of community-committed students," said Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur. "One of the best parts of the Newman Civic Fellowships is the richness of students' perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds--and how these varied stories all led to their passionate engagement with the social, political, and environmental issues impacting our world. These students will be the catalysts for change on many levels, and we are privileged to help empower them to create that change."
The Newman Civic Fellowship is generously supported by The Allstate Foundation. Learn more at compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship. You can read more about each of the student leaders selected for this year's cohort at compact.org/current-programs/newman-civic-fellowship/newman-civic-fellows.