December 17, 2012
Dear Ralph C. Mahar Regional School Community Members:
In the telephone message that was sent to your home on Sunday morning (CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MESSAGE), December 16, 2012 I indicated that safety protocols would be posted on line and available in our offices. I learned later in the day that the safety drills and procedures practiced regularly and followed by our students and staff was already available on the Mahar website. Principal Tabales and I both felt that the level of detail provided could pose a threat to the safety of our students and staff.
This morning I met with the Chiefs of Police from Petersham and Orange, our School Resource Officer, Counselors, and other Administrative Personnel. I am also planning to work regionally with Franklin County Sheriff, Chris Donelan in maintaining the sense of safety and security that exists in all of our schools.
I feel that it is important that you be made aware of the safety protocols currently in place:
They include:
1. Full-time Resource Officer who is vigilant within our hallways, cafeteria, and wherever he is needed
2. Administrators and support personnel are equipped with two way radios to communicate with the Resource Officer and each other at all times
3. An Emergency phone system that reaches our offices with a distinct ring tone so that all are made aware of a call that must be answered immediately
4. 32 Cameras throughout the building and in some exterior locations
5. Video monitors at our offices so that administrative support personnel only “buzz in” appropriate visitors
6. Students and staff regularly practice and participate in secure in place and evacuation drills
It is recognized that even with all that we do, there is always room for improvement and our goal is to create the greatest sense of safety in our school community.
I will continue to post information this website as it becomes available. As always if you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to E mail me at mbaldassarre@rcmahar.org or call my office at 978-544-2920.
Sincerely,
Michael R. Baldassarre
Superintendent of Schools
Monday, December 17, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Savings Reinvested in What Matters
As Published in Local Papers, Week of November 12, 2012
For the past three years the Orange Elementary Schools, Mahar Regional, and Petersham Center School have been sharing a consolidated Administration for Special Education, and the same three districts are now in their second year of sharing all Central Office Services and Administration of Technology. Orange Elementary and Ralph C. Mahar Regional (without Petersham Center) are in their second year of sharing Administration for Food Services Management. The spirit of saving resources by sharing services also appears to be on the brink of permeating Town Hall as the new Orange Town Administrator, Diana Schindler and I have begun sharing ideas about how we can team up to do more with less!
The consolidation of the schools’ Central Offices began with considerable commotion. For starters, the Orange Elementary School District was faced with a half-million dollar deficit that could only be alleviated through cuts in staff. On top of this Orange Elementary was faced with a decaying technological infrastructure and pressure from the Department of Education to improve student performance on standardized testing. Up the street, Mahar Regional prepared for a ten-year accreditation visit by a team of 14 people from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and all three districts began to struggle through the initiation of a new system for educator evaluation that was forced by the State.
As if this was not enough, the roof at the Dexter Park Elementary School continued to leak water, the chairlift at Butterfield Elementary School was in need of repair, and the Dam at Mahar Regional started making front page news on a regular basis. The roof at Dexter Park and Mahar Dam alone threatened to constitute about another half-million in spending for the district and the Town.
Just yesterday I was asked about the shared cost agreement that was voted by all three school committees seemingly so long ago. I took a moment to reflect on that document this morning and actually found myself smiling because I am starting to realize how the actions that the committees have taken are paying off for our children. In all the consolidation of Technology, Special Education, and Central Office Administration has saved the partnering districts hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Some of these savings are easily seen. For instance one Technology Administrator instead of three, one Special Education Administrator instead of three, one Cafeteria Director instead of two, and one Superintendent Salary with two Assistants instead of three Superintendents, and all with health and dental care plan costs that are shared by the three districts approaches $200,000.00 in savings each year. By the end of this fiscal year nearly $500,000.00 will have been saved in salary and benefits alone.
Then there are savings that are not so easily seen. For instance, every time counseling, speech, or psychological services are shared in the Special Education Department and every time joint contracts for services across the districts are negotiated the taxpayers continue to save. Let us not forget partnerships such as those in the ASPIRE afterschool care program. Under normal circumstances the transportation of Petersham students from Petersham Center to the program at Mahar would cost nearly $17,000.00 per year. This expense would be incurred by the taxpayers from Petersham or the parents of the children who participate. In the current partnership the cost to the parents and Petersham Center School for transport to Mahar is $0.00.
I am happy to report that the savings you have just read about have been put to use in improving the quality educational environment for all of our students. In the Orange Elementary Schools all three school buildings now have full access to the Internet – without wires. 72 brand new Mac Airs (new high tech laptops) and 140 iPads have been deployed to the elementary schools for student use. This is the equipment that many educators across the country use everyday in their classrooms – and we are proud to say that we finally have this technology in Orange.
The leaky roof at Dexter Park is fixed, the chairlift repair at Butterfield is underway, the accreditation team has come and gone at Mahar, the Mahar Dam issue is going to be handled by a generous group of volunteers, and we are hopeful that assessments to our member towns will be reduced in Fiscal Year 2014. Art instruction and Physical Education are back at Orange Elementary along with additional support in reading. We are also scheduling the purchase of a brand new math curriculum in January 2013, which is outstanding considering that our teachers were called upon to provide instruction without for far too many years.
As you can see the administrators, teachers, and staff of our three districts have dealt with a lot in recent years. I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to publicly applaud their efforts. Their willingness to engage in professional development and to pursue data driven techniques for the improvement of student learning is noted and should be appreciated by all. If you have gotten this far into this article and are the parent or friend of an employee in our three systems, please take a moment to send them a note of thanks.
Because of their hard work and efforts the schools in your towns have been enhanced. These schools are a better place for your children than they have ever been. You have elected educationally supportive school committees, and you continue to do your part to fund us as best you can. For this I am personally grateful. Your investment in our schools is an investment in the future of our children. The path to improvement in not only set, but as you have read we have been on it for some time.
For the past three years the Orange Elementary Schools, Mahar Regional, and Petersham Center School have been sharing a consolidated Administration for Special Education, and the same three districts are now in their second year of sharing all Central Office Services and Administration of Technology. Orange Elementary and Ralph C. Mahar Regional (without Petersham Center) are in their second year of sharing Administration for Food Services Management. The spirit of saving resources by sharing services also appears to be on the brink of permeating Town Hall as the new Orange Town Administrator, Diana Schindler and I have begun sharing ideas about how we can team up to do more with less!
The consolidation of the schools’ Central Offices began with considerable commotion. For starters, the Orange Elementary School District was faced with a half-million dollar deficit that could only be alleviated through cuts in staff. On top of this Orange Elementary was faced with a decaying technological infrastructure and pressure from the Department of Education to improve student performance on standardized testing. Up the street, Mahar Regional prepared for a ten-year accreditation visit by a team of 14 people from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and all three districts began to struggle through the initiation of a new system for educator evaluation that was forced by the State.
As if this was not enough, the roof at the Dexter Park Elementary School continued to leak water, the chairlift at Butterfield Elementary School was in need of repair, and the Dam at Mahar Regional started making front page news on a regular basis. The roof at Dexter Park and Mahar Dam alone threatened to constitute about another half-million in spending for the district and the Town.
Just yesterday I was asked about the shared cost agreement that was voted by all three school committees seemingly so long ago. I took a moment to reflect on that document this morning and actually found myself smiling because I am starting to realize how the actions that the committees have taken are paying off for our children. In all the consolidation of Technology, Special Education, and Central Office Administration has saved the partnering districts hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Some of these savings are easily seen. For instance one Technology Administrator instead of three, one Special Education Administrator instead of three, one Cafeteria Director instead of two, and one Superintendent Salary with two Assistants instead of three Superintendents, and all with health and dental care plan costs that are shared by the three districts approaches $200,000.00 in savings each year. By the end of this fiscal year nearly $500,000.00 will have been saved in salary and benefits alone.
Then there are savings that are not so easily seen. For instance, every time counseling, speech, or psychological services are shared in the Special Education Department and every time joint contracts for services across the districts are negotiated the taxpayers continue to save. Let us not forget partnerships such as those in the ASPIRE afterschool care program. Under normal circumstances the transportation of Petersham students from Petersham Center to the program at Mahar would cost nearly $17,000.00 per year. This expense would be incurred by the taxpayers from Petersham or the parents of the children who participate. In the current partnership the cost to the parents and Petersham Center School for transport to Mahar is $0.00.
I am happy to report that the savings you have just read about have been put to use in improving the quality educational environment for all of our students. In the Orange Elementary Schools all three school buildings now have full access to the Internet – without wires. 72 brand new Mac Airs (new high tech laptops) and 140 iPads have been deployed to the elementary schools for student use. This is the equipment that many educators across the country use everyday in their classrooms – and we are proud to say that we finally have this technology in Orange.
The leaky roof at Dexter Park is fixed, the chairlift repair at Butterfield is underway, the accreditation team has come and gone at Mahar, the Mahar Dam issue is going to be handled by a generous group of volunteers, and we are hopeful that assessments to our member towns will be reduced in Fiscal Year 2014. Art instruction and Physical Education are back at Orange Elementary along with additional support in reading. We are also scheduling the purchase of a brand new math curriculum in January 2013, which is outstanding considering that our teachers were called upon to provide instruction without for far too many years.
As you can see the administrators, teachers, and staff of our three districts have dealt with a lot in recent years. I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to publicly applaud their efforts. Their willingness to engage in professional development and to pursue data driven techniques for the improvement of student learning is noted and should be appreciated by all. If you have gotten this far into this article and are the parent or friend of an employee in our three systems, please take a moment to send them a note of thanks.
Because of their hard work and efforts the schools in your towns have been enhanced. These schools are a better place for your children than they have ever been. You have elected educationally supportive school committees, and you continue to do your part to fund us as best you can. For this I am personally grateful. Your investment in our schools is an investment in the future of our children. The path to improvement in not only set, but as you have read we have been on it for some time.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Outstanding Attendance at Preschool Network Conference on October 3!
On October 3, 2012 the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School hosted an event in partnership with the Regional Preschool Network, Thom WRCP, and the Orange Elementary Public Schools to provide a day of workshops for parents and area child care providers. Professional presentations by Certified Human Behavior Specialists provided attendees with opportunities to understand new and effective practices and philosophies for working with children and students.
In all, the three workshops offered had a total of attendance of 250! From local schools the event was attended by, Narragansett; Gardner; Petersham Center School, Ralph C. Mahar; UMASS; Deerfield Academy, Quabbin; Ashburnham- Westminster; The Perkins School for the Blind; CAPS Collaborative; and the Orange Elementary Public Schools. Other organizations represented were, THOM WRCP (Thom Western Regional Consultation Program); PCDC (Parent Child Development Center- Head Start)- Greenfield; Greenfield STARR Program; Hampshire Franklin Daycare; Bethany Christian Nursery School- Gardner; REACH Early Intervention; ABC Easthampton; Criterion Heritage EI Program- Hadley and Holyoke; Totspot Child care- Pittsfield (at least 5 staff); Little Bears Learn & Care; Valley Opportunity Council- Holyoke; Southern Berkshire Child Care Program- Sheffield MA; and Educare.
Participants were asked to complete Evaluation Forms after each session. Below, please find some highlights from the comments sections of these forms:
Session I: BRAIN GYM
“Loved practicality of it, it is easy to do and takes minimal time but there is a large benefit.”
“I am a parent that has 2 young girls. Transition is hard and I think this will help!”
“I now have the knowledge & information to put some of the activities to use at home!”
Session II: BEYOND BOSSING, BEGGING AND BRIBING
“Another great workshop- the humor- the suggestions- the life experiences shared were wonderful to listen to even at the late hour. So many great tips, thoughts and advice!!!”
“ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!”
“I gained a lot of strategies to try and share with my co-workers.”
“I will put the 3 steps (rules, consequences, consistent follow through) into my newsletter for parents because it is clear & easy to understand- Thank you”
Session III: EMOTIONS COACHING
“Jeanine[the presenter] is a marvel at what she does. Every bit is useful and her stories make it enjoyable. Her LOVE of children is strong and pleasant to see.”
“Triggers, humor, informative, as parent found information very valuable.”
“Connection from child to adult concepts back to child behavior, the way the presenter did her presentation, that there is work that I need to do to better my relationship with my children! To give them and myself an emotional language.”
Thank you to CAPS Executive Director, Dr. Edward McCaul for taking the lead on this outstanding program. Thank you to the Regional Preschool Network and Thank You to all who were able to attend. I hope that the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School can serve as the site for future workshops with the same level of success as we saw on October 3!!!!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Mahar Grade 10 ELA Growth Percentile: 9th Highest in State
The release of 2012 MCAS data last week brought
about what has become a usual stir of activity in the media. Whether we like it or not, our system for
accountability pits neighboring districts against one another. I think it is human nature. People just want to know who the best is, who
the worst is, and where they stand in this continuum. In recent years, test results for individual
students tell parents how their children performed in relation to their same aged
classmates who scored similarly on previous MCAS administrations state-wide.
For many people who do not work in schools or take a
seriously active role in understanding all of the information, it can be very
confusing. The casual visit to the
assessment portion of our Department of Education’s website presents acronyms,
and statistical analyses that require a careful eye. In 2012, more than 395,000 Massachusetts
students took the MCAS and there is plenty that can be said about their
performance locally as well as across the Commonwealth.
For many districts in Central and Western
Massachusetts it is business as usual when it comes to reporting our
scores. With great certainty our
districts are improving as the Department of Education encourages central
office administrators, who support principals.
The principals provide direction and guidance to teachers and staff who
have the most monumental task of all; teaching, motivating, and assisting their
students. But as always when it comes to
comparing district to district, the playing field is not level.
The original examination on this topic was published
in 1966 by a researcher named Coleman.
He showed that children from high socioeconomic backgrounds consistently
outperformed children from low socioeconomic backgrounds when it came to school
based outcomes. This fact has been
researched and reported on again and again and again over the 66 years that
followed his study. Last year a book
called “Unequal Childhoods” was published and it was more of the same. Rich kids outperforming poor kids
nationwide.
The system of accountability has put extreme focus
on individual teachers, administrators, schools, and districts – indicating
that the axis for real transformation in student performance rests on local
school committees. Yet many argue that
with per pupil expenditures so out of whack, the low socioeconomic districts
will really never be able to compete with the high socioeconomic
districts. For example, the per-pupil
expenditure in 2011 for Orange, MA was roughly $5,000.00 less per student that
it was in Newton, MA. If the Orange
Elementary Public Schools were funded at the same level as the Newton Public
Schools it would have an operating budget of $11 million rather than the $6.9
million that it is provided to do business with.
For those who are waiting for the Federal or State
Government to do something drastic to bring about some fairness to education
funding, my recommendation is for you is to be optimistic, but don’t hold your
breath. In our region we have been
taking steps locally to provide our children and young adults with as many
opportunities to compete with their classmates around the state – and not just
on our athletic fields.
Specialized programming along with focused
day-to-day instruction has brought Ralph C. Mahar Regional High School to a
high point with regard to our Grade 10 English and Language Arts
performance. In 2012 our district is
reported by the Department of Education to have just fewer than 50% of our
student body classified as low income. This
is more than 15% higher than the average of all districts in the state. And you know what? In 2012, 10th graders at Ralph C.
Mahar Regional High School outperformed the state average on their English and
Language Arts Assessments. It appears
as though we can compete.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Episode #8: All About Pre-School
In this episode, Jackie and I talk with CAPS Educational Collaborative Executive Director, Dr. Edward McCaul, Assistant Superintendent Tari Thomas, and Naragansett Director of Early Education, Ms. Terry LaBonte. Since pre-school is not compulsory for all students, many parents and community members are unaware of the benefits of early educational opportunities for children between the ages of 3 and 5. Click Here to View Episode #8: All About Pre-School
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Episode #7: Canines for Disabled Kids
Jackie and I had the opportunity to sit in the studio with Canines for Kids Executive Director, Kristen Hartness and her trainee, Asha. Prior to our interview, I like many assumed that service animals were limited to Seeing Eye Dogs and Police work. Kristen provided me with a new understanding of how would be pets can trained to do so much more to improve life's quality. http://www.schooltube.com/video/47d97b230fa64c058883/Education Connection - Service Dogs
Friday, August 17, 2012
Kindergarten - Grade 6 After School Program: ASPIRE Approved by Mahar Regional School Committee
On August 13, 2012 the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School Committee held a special meeting in which I presented plans to open a Kindergarten – Grade 6 after school program that was given the name, “ASPIRE.” The acronym stands for:
A = After
S = School
P = Program
I = Incorporationg
R = Recreation &
E = Education
In prior years approximately 75 children in the Orange Elementary Public Schools attended an after school program that was grant funded. The five year grant known as the “21st Century Learning Grant” expired at the end of the 2011 – 2012 school year, leaving area parents and students with no after school programming. Many families in the Orange-Athol region also utilize pricey private after school programs to which transportation must be arranged and in which there is little connection between classroom instruction and after school academic programming.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education posted grant applications for another 21st Century Additional Learning Time Grant for this academic year. We will be filing an application for funding, and it is due on September 20, 2012. Competitive priority in this grant fund is given to applications that are jointly developed between school districts and/or other partnering entities. Mahar and Orange Elementary will partner on this grant application, and invite some other after school programs to participate with us in the grant application process.
I informed the school committee that the ASPIRE program would be available for families in Orange and surrounding towns. The program will be housed at the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School because the nearly 200,000 square foot facility offers more opportunities for children to engage in sports, arts and crafts, cooking, and networked computer use. The Mahar facility also sits on more than 100 acres of land, offering students opportunities for outside play, nature walks, and even a low level ROPES course that is used for Mahar’s physical education program.
It is also our intention to work with area farmers and our partners at the Seeds of Solidarity to have a small farm on campus. The children will have the opportunity to have real hands on experiential learning with regard to agriculture. The opportunity to grow food that we can distribute on our campus is also very exciting!
Children who attend the ASPIRE program every day during the school year will be provided with an additional 290 hours of instruction in mathematics and language arts. I presented data from the Massachusetts Extended Learning Initiative that showed how the additional hours of instruction have paid huge academic dividends for children across the state.
The cost of the program is $10.50 per 3-hour day. Children will be provided with snacks, 90 minutes of instruction in mathematics and language arts, and 60 – 90 minutes of recreation daily. The adult to student ratio was set at 8.5 students per adult. This is because each group of 17 students is scheduled to be supervised by two adults at all times. At no point will a child be unaccompanied by an adult in this program. We have a huge facility and the safety of the children is our first priority.
Services will be available on the first day of school which is August 29, 2012. Applications are available for parents at the Ralph C. Mahar Regional Website (www.rcmahar.org) and in the Superintendent’s Office at the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School. Applications are also be available at the Fisher Hill, Dexter Park, Butterfield, and Petersham Center Schools.
Questions about the program can be directed to me at 978-544-2920 or via e-mail (mbaldassarre@rcmahar.org).
A = After
S = School
P = Program
I = Incorporationg
R = Recreation &
E = Education
In prior years approximately 75 children in the Orange Elementary Public Schools attended an after school program that was grant funded. The five year grant known as the “21st Century Learning Grant” expired at the end of the 2011 – 2012 school year, leaving area parents and students with no after school programming. Many families in the Orange-Athol region also utilize pricey private after school programs to which transportation must be arranged and in which there is little connection between classroom instruction and after school academic programming.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education posted grant applications for another 21st Century Additional Learning Time Grant for this academic year. We will be filing an application for funding, and it is due on September 20, 2012. Competitive priority in this grant fund is given to applications that are jointly developed between school districts and/or other partnering entities. Mahar and Orange Elementary will partner on this grant application, and invite some other after school programs to participate with us in the grant application process.
I informed the school committee that the ASPIRE program would be available for families in Orange and surrounding towns. The program will be housed at the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School because the nearly 200,000 square foot facility offers more opportunities for children to engage in sports, arts and crafts, cooking, and networked computer use. The Mahar facility also sits on more than 100 acres of land, offering students opportunities for outside play, nature walks, and even a low level ROPES course that is used for Mahar’s physical education program.
It is also our intention to work with area farmers and our partners at the Seeds of Solidarity to have a small farm on campus. The children will have the opportunity to have real hands on experiential learning with regard to agriculture. The opportunity to grow food that we can distribute on our campus is also very exciting!
Children who attend the ASPIRE program every day during the school year will be provided with an additional 290 hours of instruction in mathematics and language arts. I presented data from the Massachusetts Extended Learning Initiative that showed how the additional hours of instruction have paid huge academic dividends for children across the state.
The cost of the program is $10.50 per 3-hour day. Children will be provided with snacks, 90 minutes of instruction in mathematics and language arts, and 60 – 90 minutes of recreation daily. The adult to student ratio was set at 8.5 students per adult. This is because each group of 17 students is scheduled to be supervised by two adults at all times. At no point will a child be unaccompanied by an adult in this program. We have a huge facility and the safety of the children is our first priority.
Services will be available on the first day of school which is August 29, 2012. Applications are available for parents at the Ralph C. Mahar Regional Website (www.rcmahar.org) and in the Superintendent’s Office at the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School. Applications are also be available at the Fisher Hill, Dexter Park, Butterfield, and Petersham Center Schools.
Questions about the program can be directed to me at 978-544-2920 or via e-mail (mbaldassarre@rcmahar.org).
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Education Connection Episode #6: A Conversation with School Resource Officer Softic
On June 7, 2012 Mrs. Samalis and I had the opportunity to sit down with Orange Elementary / Ralph C. Mahar School Resource Officer, Chad Softic. Officer Softic provides us with insights related to his work in the area of juvenile justice and some interesting observations of student life in 2012. I recommend that all parents view this episode.
Click Here to Watch the Video:
http://www.schooltube.com/video/8ee2cbfe32e44d56ab28/Education%20Connection%20-%20School%20Resource%20Officer
Click Here to Watch the Video:
http://www.schooltube.com/video/8ee2cbfe32e44d56ab28/Education%20Connection%20-%20School%20Resource%20Officer
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Education Connection, Episode #5: Autism Awareness Center in Sterling, MA
On April 6, 2012, Jacki Samalis and I had the opportunity to visit the Autism Resource Center in Sterling, MA. There we met with Executive Director, Sue Loring. Please remember that April is Autism Awareness Month!
Questions and/or suggestions for future broadcasts can be E maild to: edconnect@rcmahar.org
Click here to view Episode #5:
http://www.schooltube.com/video/5fa908b70f864045915b/Education%20Connection%20-%20Autism%20Awareness
Questions and/or suggestions for future broadcasts can be E maild to: edconnect@rcmahar.org
Click here to view Episode #5:
http://www.schooltube.com/video/5fa908b70f864045915b/Education%20Connection%20-%20Autism%20Awareness
Education Connection, Episode #4: Regionalization and Consolidation, Part II
Part II
On Friday, March 30, 2012 Mrs. Samalis and I had the opportunity to sit with Hadley Superintendent, and author of Creative Solutions to Contemporary Challenges in Small and Rural Schools Across America, Dr. Nicholas Young, and Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools Executive Director, Dr. Stephen Hemman. In this two part series we discuss District Consolidation and Regionalization.
Suggestions for future shows and questions with regard to content in this episode may be E-mailed to edconnect@rcmahar.org.
Click Here to View Education Connection Episode #4
http://www.schooltube.com/video/2ba4fe2a1b4544bdbab8/Education%20Connection%20-%20Regionalization%20part%201
On Friday, March 30, 2012 Mrs. Samalis and I had the opportunity to sit with Hadley Superintendent, and author of Creative Solutions to Contemporary Challenges in Small and Rural Schools Across America, Dr. Nicholas Young, and Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools Executive Director, Dr. Stephen Hemman. In this two part series we discuss District Consolidation and Regionalization.
Suggestions for future shows and questions with regard to content in this episode may be E-mailed to edconnect@rcmahar.org.
Click Here to View Education Connection Episode #4
http://www.schooltube.com/video/2ba4fe2a1b4544bdbab8/Education%20Connection%20-%20Regionalization%20part%201
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Parent Workshop Series: May 2012
Programs Sponsored By: The Mahar Regional School District with funding provided through a Department of Secondary and Elementary Education School Improvement Grant on Drop Out Prevention
Understanding Eating Disorders and Body Image
When: Wednesday, May 9, 6 to 7:30 pm with time after for informal talk and questions
Where: Charlotte Ryan Theatre
Presenters: Carol Nolin; Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator at Heywood Hospital, Gardner.
Body image refers to how people see themselves. A distorted body image refers to an unrealistic view of how someone sees their body. Today, millions of Americans possess a negative body image, or at the very least, body dissatisfaction. The way a person sees their own body is rarely based on reality. Come learn the facts about dieting, eating disorders and how body image relates to both.
New Strategies for the Care of Children with ADHD
When: Wednesday, May 16, 6 to 7:30 pm; with time after for informal talk and questions
Where: Room H08
Presenters: Catherine Sickles LMHC and Grace Leger LICSW; Staff clinicians at CHD-Outpatient Behavioral Health Services
Presentation will help to untangle some of the myths and mysteries of this common disorder among school-aged children and adults. Details about the necessary steps for a good screening will be discussed. Learn what other types of problems are "look-alikes" for ADHD. How parents and teachers can come together to create a healing and supportive environment for each child.
Your Responsible Child:
Chores-Homework-Cooperation, No Problem!
When: Monday, May 21, 9:15 to 10:45 am; with time after for informal talk and questions
Where: Mahar Teacher’s Dining Room
Presenters: Catherine Sickles LMHC, Staff clinician at CHD-Outpatient Behavioral Health Services
What are the secrets to parenting children who actually WANT to help out around the house, finish their homework, and cooperate with adults? The answers are found in understanding the child's stage of development and what can be expected of the child in each stage, TTT (taking time for training), building self esteem, and rewarding the right kinds of attitudes and actions.
Organizing the Disorganized Student
When: Tuesday, May 29: 6 to 7:30 pm with time after for informal talk and questions
Where: Mahar Media Center
Presenters: Victoria Elliott; School Adjustment Counselor, Mahar Regional
Participants of the workshop will learn the organizational style of their child; learn how to choose school supplies most compatible with your child’s organizational style; learn how to effectively organize a school locker; and learn how to get homework home, back to school and into the teacher’s hand.
Mindfulness for School Success
When: Thursday, May 31, 3 to 4:30 pm; Mahar Media Center
Presenters: Paula Swenson; LMHC, Guidance Counselor, Mahar Regional
Learn how studies have shown that mindfulness can help reduce stress, increase focus and concentration and help with emotional regulation. Through various forms of mindfulness practice such as eating, sitting and walking, participants will discover/rediscover the capacity to mindfully pay attention in the present moment, without judgment. In addition, a bibliography and list of area resources will be available to help participants who wish to continue to explore mindfulness in their lives.
Light refreshments will be served
during each program
during each program
For information contact: 978-544-2535
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Education Connection, Episode #3: Regionalization and Consolidation
On Friday, March 30, 2012 Mrs. Samalis and I had the opportunity to sit with Hadley Superintendent, and author of Creative Solutions to Contemporary Challenges in Small and Rural Schools Across America, Dr. Nicholas Young, and Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools Executive Director, Dr. Stephen Hemman. In this two part series we discuss District Consolidation and Regionalization.
Suggestions for future shows and questions with regard to content in this episode may be E-mailed to edconnect@rcmahar.org.
Click Here to View Education Connection Episode #3
http://www.schooltube.com/video/2ba4fe2a1b4544bdbab8/Education%20Connection%20-%20Regionalization%20part%201
Suggestions for future shows and questions with regard to content in this episode may be E-mailed to edconnect@rcmahar.org.
Click Here to View Education Connection Episode #3
http://www.schooltube.com/video/2ba4fe2a1b4544bdbab8/Education%20Connection%20-%20Regionalization%20part%201
Monday, March 26, 2012
Education Connection Episode #2: Educational Collaboratives
Education Connection is a show that is airing on Athol-Orange Television. I am working closely with CAPS Educational Collaborative Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, Jackie Samalis to share information about our school community on a larger scale than can be offered by this blog. The show also airs on a popular website known as SchoolTube.
Thank you to Mrs. Samalis for making this opportunity to communicate with our community possible.
Episode #2: Educational Collaboratives
Guest: Dr. Edward McCaul, Executive Director of CAPS Educational Collaborative
May be viewed by clicking below:
http://www.schooltube.com/video/80f3a913e3bb468c84b0/Education%20Connection%20-%20Education%20Collaboratives
Thank you to Mrs. Samalis for making this opportunity to communicate with our community possible.
Episode #2: Educational Collaboratives
Guest: Dr. Edward McCaul, Executive Director of CAPS Educational Collaborative
May be viewed by clicking below:
http://www.schooltube.com/video/80f3a913e3bb468c84b0/Education%20Connection%20-%20Education%20Collaboratives
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Free Associate Degree
The title of this article reads like the bottom of the television screen during some late night infomercial and it is a gimmicky title at the very least. But if it captured your attention, I encourage you to read on. For high school students in the vicinity of Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC), you do have an opportunity to earn a free Associate Degree.
To earn an Associate Degree a successful student must complete 66 credit hours. The cost of a single credit hour at MWCC is $185.00. So for the families of students enrolled in the Pathways Innovation School at MWCC, $12,210.00 worth of high quality educational programming is now available for your children.
For those who depend on student loans to pay for college, $12,210.00 can easily become more than $20,000.00 in payments over the years that it takes to pay off such a loan. And for those who continue to accrue loans as they go through Bachelor Degree programs, Masters Degree programs, advanced certificate programs, or doctoral programs, the costs just balloon from there. For students in the Pathways Early College Innovation School at MWCC, the cost of tuition is $0.00. No loans. No bills.
The Pathways Early College Innovation School offers a unique set of learning opportunities for students who will be entering grade 11 in the fall, 2012. For the young men and young ladies who are willing to go to college every day, rather than their local high schools – an Associate Degree can be theirs on the very same day that they receive their high school diplomas in May, 2014.
Students in this program can still participate in athletics programs at the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School, attend dances, belong to clubs, participate in theatrical performances, and enjoy all of the after school activities offered in the Mahar Regional School District. These students also have opportunities to participate with their peers at Mount Wachusett in many of the extra-curricular offerings of the college.
In order to enroll, students must reside in Massachusetts, possess a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 (cumulative, based on a 4.0 scale), be at least 16 years old and entering Grade 11 by the start of the fall semester, be recommended by the sending school and complete the Pathways application process. Students who have not passed the MCAS will be scheduled to take the appropriate test at MWCC. Students must be willing to enroll in classes during all available MWCC semesters, including Fall, Intersession, Spring, May, and Summer sessions, in order to complete diploma and associate degree requirements during the program.
Space is limited, and applications are accepted on a first-come, first served basis. In order to be eligible for the program, applicants must attend an information session, complete placement testing, and be interviewed by the Pathways director prior to the fall semester. For details please call (978) 630-9248.
To earn an Associate Degree a successful student must complete 66 credit hours. The cost of a single credit hour at MWCC is $185.00. So for the families of students enrolled in the Pathways Innovation School at MWCC, $12,210.00 worth of high quality educational programming is now available for your children.
For those who depend on student loans to pay for college, $12,210.00 can easily become more than $20,000.00 in payments over the years that it takes to pay off such a loan. And for those who continue to accrue loans as they go through Bachelor Degree programs, Masters Degree programs, advanced certificate programs, or doctoral programs, the costs just balloon from there. For students in the Pathways Early College Innovation School at MWCC, the cost of tuition is $0.00. No loans. No bills.
The Pathways Early College Innovation School offers a unique set of learning opportunities for students who will be entering grade 11 in the fall, 2012. For the young men and young ladies who are willing to go to college every day, rather than their local high schools – an Associate Degree can be theirs on the very same day that they receive their high school diplomas in May, 2014.
Students in this program can still participate in athletics programs at the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School, attend dances, belong to clubs, participate in theatrical performances, and enjoy all of the after school activities offered in the Mahar Regional School District. These students also have opportunities to participate with their peers at Mount Wachusett in many of the extra-curricular offerings of the college.
In order to enroll, students must reside in Massachusetts, possess a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 (cumulative, based on a 4.0 scale), be at least 16 years old and entering Grade 11 by the start of the fall semester, be recommended by the sending school and complete the Pathways application process. Students who have not passed the MCAS will be scheduled to take the appropriate test at MWCC. Students must be willing to enroll in classes during all available MWCC semesters, including Fall, Intersession, Spring, May, and Summer sessions, in order to complete diploma and associate degree requirements during the program.
Space is limited, and applications are accepted on a first-come, first served basis. In order to be eligible for the program, applicants must attend an information session, complete placement testing, and be interviewed by the Pathways director prior to the fall semester. For details please call (978) 630-9248.
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