Picture of the Week

Computer Science for All!

We are very excited about new opportunities for our students next school year.  One of these opportunities is the implementation of Computer Science education in Grades K-12. A computer science education will prepare our learners for their future. The business world needs engineers, programmers, and technologically competent workers. Computer science education promotes important skills such as collaboration, creativity, and communication. We have disparities in young women’s engagement in STEM fields. We want ALL students to engage in Computer Science.  This past Wednesday and Thursday, the Leadership Team and I participated in a District Implementation Planning Workshop with the goal of creating inclusive and sustainable K-12 computer science education in ASRSD. We are looking to the future because our students are at the heart of all we do.

Page Hilltop Panther News Show

Did you know the Page Hilltop students have a news show? They sure do. It is called "Panther News".  Kristin Mayo, Digital Literacy teacher at Page Hilltop, is the producer and oversees the student reporters. The episode below features the new teachers at Page Hilltop. Take some time to watch this six minute video. You will love it. To see all of their episodes, please visit the district website and click District Videos. We love all of our new teachers!

Student Accolades Keep Coming!

ASRHS students, Olivia Oestreicher, Junior, and Chris Govang, Senior, are joining the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) 2020 All-State Chorus.  Congratulations, Olivia & Chris! We are very proud of you.

Have you had a chance to hear Olivia and Chris sing? Well, come to the high school spring concert on Tuesday, March 10 at 6:30pm. You just might hear them sing!  Or perhaps, attend the spring musical, "Pippin", showing March 20-22, and see our well-accomplished student actors. If you love singing, do not miss the show.

Olympic Bound? Qualify for the US Track & Field Nationals?

Sam Folger is a junior at Ayer Shirley Regional High School. His dream is to make the Olympic Trials. His goal is to shave 4 seconds off his best time and make the cut in the 200 butterfly. Good luck, Sam! We are rooting for you!

See the full press release!
https://www.telegram.com/news/20200119/in-central-mass--olympic-aspirations-motivate-local-swimming-standouts

Dana Maloney set a school record in the 1000 meter at the 26th Coaches Invitational this past Saturday. He is just one second off of qualifying for Nationals.  Dana has three meets in which to qualify for the Nationals; the League Meet, Central Mass Championships, and Division 5 State Championship. . Go Dana! You got this!

Pictures of the Week

We love our student showcases at School Committee meetings. This past Wednesday night, January 22, 2020, students from Lura A. White, Levi Cenedella, Kindergarten, Ethan Hunt, Grade 1, Kate Walker, Grade 2, Dylan Pliskaner, Grade 3, Chloe Woodward, Grade 4, and Aadie Patel, Grade 5, shared their opinion pieces. The writing prompt was, "Which is a better pet?  A cat or a dog? The students did a fabulous job and the majority felt dogs make s better pet.

Levi-    "I like dogs because they are playful."

Ethan- "Dogs are patient pets. Dogs can keep you very healthy."

Kate-  "The first reason why dogs are the best is that they make a good friend. For an example it helps people meet new people."

Dylan-  "I like dogs because they snuggle with you."

Chloe-  " I think dogs are better than cats because they are active animals. They have brain powers and they are very hard workers. While dogs are really smart and can learn165 words in its lifetime, a cat can only learn 35."

Aadi-    "I would pick a cat because no one likes noise. Cats are much quieter and sleep most of the day. Cats need much less exercise. You will be happier by just letting your cat chase a ball in your living room."

LAW teachers, Mrs. Stephanie Hemenway, Grade 4, and Ms. Courtney Powell, Grade 1, attended the meeting to support their students, Thank you!

Picture of the Week

Had the pleasure of visiting Ayer Shirley Regional High School today. During lunch I happened to catch these two fine, young men deep in discussion on international politics. China, Iran, Hong Kong, economics, trade... Very impressive discussion!

Picture of the Week

Our fabulous high school teachers actively engaged in stations during their faculty meeting on Thursday, January 9, 2020. #collaboration #weareateam

Congratulations Cole!

Cole is a Grade 5 student at Page Hilltop, and he entered the attached essay in Scholastic's Kid's Flaunt Contest. Students were asked to write a three paragraph essay about what makes them different and how they flaunt it. Cole won 1st place!   Cole was joined by his family at the School Committee meeting last night and read his essay. Congratulations, Cole! You can read his amazing essay here.

Two Important Items

1. I recently became aware of an opinion from the Labor Department that states IEP meetings qualify for Family and Medical Leave (FMLA). Please see the full article below.

'https://parents-together.org/labor-dept-says-iep-meetings-qualify-for-family-and-medical-leave/

2. It is important we take care of our mental and physical health. This article, "Five ways to improve your mental health in 2020", is a must read. The article provides successful, scientifically proven strategies that when practiced will keep you in good health.

Welcome to 2020

Welcome to 2020! We wish our families and friends all the best. May your hopes and dreams ring true!

Please see a very special donation made by a Grade 3 student at PH! On December 30, Alex Powell shaved his head and donated his hair to Children with Hair Loss. He also raised $300 for One Mission, which is a pediatric cancer charity that does whatever it takes to get kids through cancer.

A selfless act from an amazing Grade 3 Page Hilltop student. We are all very proud of him.

Please check out the ASRSD Robotics Newsletter.