Region In Review
October 30, 2020
A New Look at the Arts
Moving with the flow of music, creating colorful pieces of art, and engaging in innovative games round out our academic programs as the Region's elementary students engage in the arts in new ways. With very specific safety protocols in place, music, physical education and art classes continue to thrive and offer students opportunities to be physically active, to exercise their creativity, and to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor spaces at each elementary school.
This year, our special area teachers (art, music, physical education) are spending four weeks at one school on a rotational basis. Students receive greater continuity and application of content and skills in that special every day. Each specialist begins instruction in the classroom connecting with distance learners and often move outdoors for extension work.
Music stretches students' understanding of the foundation of music with lots of movement opportunities, rhythm, beat, and tempos exercises. Growing artists explore many paper activities such as collage making, origami, pop-up aquariums, and drawing projects like self-portraits. The personalized art journals are a big hit! Students in physical education engage in games that require little to no equipment to practice strength, balance, and flexibility skills. The use of hula hoops, pool noodles, and frisbees keeps students on their toes ready for the next challenge. The older students enjoy sprints, distance running, and jumping activities.
With small adjustments in place, the arts continue to bring “big” energy to our students' daily schedule as they look forward to the many new and exciting learning experiences.
A Show of Support
Shepaug FFA Prepares for 93rd National Convention
The National FFA Organization is the largest student-run organization in the United States, and Shepaug recently joined through our new program, The Agriscience Academy, in 2019.
This past weekend the Shepaug FFA members came to school Saturday to give back to their community.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the National FFA Convention usually held the last week of October, has been converted to a virtual experience. One part of this convention each year is for members to participate in a day of service, giving back to the community. Since the Convention was virtual this year, chapters from around the country planned their own service events to give back to their local communities. Students swarmed the Shepaug campus to remove garbage, debris and began working on clearing some invasive plants from the fringe of the property.
While maintaining six feet, and wearing masks, the Shepaug FFA members were able to collect and properly dispose of 156.4 lbs of trash. In addition to this great feat, students cleared climbing vines from around the entrance to the campus, as well as the baseball cages on the sports fields. Students at The Agriscience Academy look forward to providing more support, and community service as the program continues to grow, showing what it truly means to be a Shepaug student.
All FFA Chapters service projects, including Shepaug's, can be explored through this link.
Unity Day
Students from Burnham School decorated the many feathers of an eagle for Unity Day.
Academic Awards
Friday, October 16, Shepaug Valley School hosted the Class of 2021 Academic Awards. The event was held virtually and all Shepaug students tuned in during their advisory class virtually. Although the majority of award recipients were from this year's senior class, several juniors and underclassmen were also recognized. Awards ranged from prestigious book awards to departmental awards selected by SVS faculty.
John-Paul Gordon was recognized as a National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist. Only 16,000 students across the country receive this honor. The celebration was a culmination of hard work and determination during these trying times.
Shepaug spirit and pride were on full display in what was a fantastic end to another great week.
Senior Project Spotlight
Art Incorporated
Sydnie Vidal’s senior project is titled The Power of Pictures. Over the course of her senior year, Sydnie will be learning the process of establishing a photography business. Her plans include taking pictures at Shepaug's various sporting events and other exciting activities as a way to help increase the overall sense of a local community.
Sydnie will be offering to take portraits for senior athletes. In addition, she will be exploring as well as laying the foundation for a small art business, including establishing a business model that carries forward her artistic endeavor.
The Treehouse
Lily Blyn is planning to spend the year completing a treehouse that she originally designed and framed for an eighth-grade project. By finishing the structure, Lily hopes to expand her construction skills, learn to weld, install a solar panel, and to conduct research on sustainable building practices. She is most excited to finally have the opportunity to weatherize the treehouse so it becomes a functional space.
Once a Spartan, Always a Spartan
Dear Shepaug Alumni,
We are reaching out to all Shepaug alumni to build a network of alumni to stay connected and stay in touch. Our intent is to keep alumni informed about the happenings at Shepaug and alumni events, and connected with current students. We are working to compile a database with email addresses to connect with past, current, and future students. Please complete the Google form with your name, year of graduation, and email address. If you are unable to access this form, please contact us at alumni@region-12.org. Please help us spread the word by forwarding this form to your contacts or post on social media sites.
We are looking forward to creating a strong network of Shepaug alumni.
Mike Boucher
Scott Werkhoven ‘89
Alumni Coordinators
Fliers & Upcoming Events
Region 12 Calendar
November 2 - High School Picture Day
November 2 - BOE / Long-Range Planning Committee Virtual Meeting, 6pm
November 3 - Professional Development - No School For Students
November 5 - Burnham PTO, 6pm
November 11 - Veterans Day - No School
Follow Region 12 on our social media channels for updates and information!
The Region 12 community educates, challenges, and inspires all learners to become compassionate, creative, and courageous individuals who are empowered by the knowledge, character, and perseverance to achieve their greatest potential within the global society.
Email: rir@region-12.org
Website: region-12.org/
Location: 11A School Street, PO Box 386 Washington Depot, CT 06794
Phone: 860-868-6100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shepaug-Regional-School-District-12-153899298123985/
Twitter: @ShepaugRSD12