This week we have started the development of next year’s budget. Next week we will present the initial budget recommendation to the school committee with the understanding that it will continue to be discussed and refined throughout the next couple of months. I commit to transparency throughout the process and will share information throughout our communities.
Professional Development Day – Friday
People often ask what happens when teachers have a full day of professional development. Today, the entire district spent 2.5 hours working with our consultants from Equity Journey Partners. Today we:
- Examined how our social identities impact how we feel and move through the world.
- Worked to understand how privilege operates to normalize some identities over others.
- Worked to understand how social identity manifests in the school and classroom.
We also worked at the Secondary level on updating and organizing curriculum documents while at the Elementary level teachers worked in grade-level groups to adjust curriculum pacing and resources.
Veterans Day
In many ways, we are connected to veterans within our families and friend circles. In my family, several people sever our country, my grandfather, several uncles, a brother, and a cousin. I am grateful for their service. Thank you to the members of our communities who have served!
Spirit Week at the HS
Last year, spirit week was moved to the spring because of COVID-19. It is awesome that Spirit Week will be coming up once again as we approach Thanksgiving. Here is the event schedule for each of the days. This is a great opportunity for our HS students to come together with their fellow classmates while also having some fun!
Autism Awareness/Outreach Program with Police
On Wednesday at our Leadership Team meeting, we had a presentation by School Resource Officer Kent Richards and Officer Joe Achidina of the Hamilton Police Department. They would like to begin to develop a plan to gather pertinent information about residents and students who may need to have a more specific police response based on their individual needs. They are in the beginning stages of program development and may work with HS students to grow and market the opportunity. Be on the lookout for more information!
Problem Solving Quick Guide
Every once in a while you may run into an issue and not know whom to call or email. The new HWRSD – Problem Solving Quick Guide will help you figure out whom to call when specific issues arise. More often than not, we would ask you to start with the source, at the building level. The quick guide is set up by level so that you can quickly find whom to contact. If you have a general question, our parent liaison, Jen Caufield can help.
Friends of the Arts Meeting
HW Friends of the Arts will hold their monthly meeting next week, Wednesday, November 17th at 6:30 p.m. Please note, we will be meeting in the high school conference room, which is on your right off of the main lobby. Our guests this month are the two high school students who attended the Montserrat program this summer; they will be showing us some of their work. Also joining us is A.J. Lease, the Theatre Teacher, and Ferrini Dramatics Center, Manager. All are welcome to join.
Welcoming Erin Donovan to the HWRSD
I am excited to announce that Erin Donovan joined the High School Guidance Team this fall as a School Counselor. Prior to joining the district, Erin was most recently the Director of College Counseling and Guidance at Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School, a High School Counselor in Georgetown, and worked in college admissions at MCPHS University. She has previously coached middle school field hockey, coordinated community service programs, and served as a faculty advisor for SADD. Erin enjoys reading, beach days, and hiking with her husband and beagle/boxer mix Reggie.
5 School Street 