Dear Community,
This is my last Friday news for the 2020-2021 school year. I would like to take this moment to thank all of you for your support this year. The teachers and I feel so lucky to have been in-person for the whole school year minus the small amount of time we were remote due to COVID. We could not have done it without the incredible partnership with the parents, school committee, board of health and our dedicated faculty! Thank you!
As we close for summer recess, the teachers will be taking a much needed break from teaching and learning. And, I plan to take some time off to be with my family in order to celebrate Owen and Tatum’s end to an unprecedented school year and to celebrate Owen’s graduation from high school! I will be out of the office from June 20 – 27th, and will return back to the office on June 29th. While on vacation I will not be checking my emails.
I wish everyone a relaxing summer and look forward to seeing you all for the first day of school on August 26th!
Computers and Hotspots: If the district loaned you a hotspot or computer/charger, please return those by June 14, 2021.
Summer Reading: Please follow the link for suggested summer reading.
2021 Summer Reading Lists For Kids of All Ages
Last day of school: June 16, 2021 – Noon dismissal
Friendly reminder from the After-School Program: The After-School Program is hosting two programs this summer. There will be new teaching staff added to both programs to offer new, innovative activities. The first program is an end of school year “Summer Kick Off” camp. The program will run from June 21st to June 25th, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This program is open to R.H. Conwell students grades kindergarten to grade 6.
The second program is a two week “Outdoor Adventure and Exploration” summer camp. There will also be an emphasis on the fine and performing arts. The program will run from August 2nd to August 13th, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We are now offering an earlier drop off time of 8:00 am for this camp. This program is open to R.H. Conwell students grades kindergarten to 5 (2020-2021 grade).
This program is free to our students because of the DESE grant funding. Please return registration forms by June 17th. Registration forms may be mailed to the school, or e-mailed to Shannon Madden, After-School Program Coordinator. If there are any questions you may contact Shannon Madden at smadden@hr-k12.org.
Equity Advisory Committee: The Worthington School District is encouraging educators, middle and high school students from Worthington, and family members to apply to become a member of an equity advisory committee. This advisory group will work with facilitators from the Collaborative of Educational Services who will support the group in building relationships around shared values in order to discuss what equity means for Worthington. The first steps in this process will be to convene this facilitated group of parents/guardians, educators, and administration that will meet monthly to advise the superintendent and school committee. Applicants must be willing to productively engage in a relational, respectful, and dialogic process with each other, and with other members of the school community. Please stay tuned for more information including a form indicating your interest in joining the committee.
Recording Secretary: The Worthington School District is seeking a Recording Secretary to draft minutes for all School Committee meetings. Meetings are once monthly, with a few additional meetings as needed during budget season. Approximately 16 meetings per year. Draft minutes will need to be returned to the Committee for review within 2 weeks of the meeting. The stipend for the position is $1000, annually. If you are interested, please contact Superintendent Gretchen Morse-Dobosz at gmorsedobosz@hr-k12.org or (413) 238-5856.
21st Century Grant: I am so pleased to announce that the district has been awarded the 21st Century Learning Center/Supporting Additional Learning Time Grant. This $150,000 per year grant award is a 5yr grant (Year 4 and 5 dependent on meeting grant requirements and there will be a 5% decrease) is to help close proficiency and opportunity gaps and increase student engagement. The grant is expected to strengthen student learning by implementing innovative, interactive, relevant, and engaging teaching and learning strategies during the school year and summer that meet the specific academic, social/emotional learning, and developmental needs of students. Program coordinator Shannon Madden submitted the extensive grant application and we are so excited for her and the enrichment program! Cheers to Shannon!
A Weekly Covid Update from the Nurse’s Office (6/11/2021)
Number of positive cases within the school community: 0
Overall health of the school community: HEALTHY
We are continuing to have great success with our health and safety protocols within our school community, and we continue to thank you all for your support in keeping our students safe and in person learning.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Gretchen