Pupil Services Quarterly
June 2020
It's hard to believe we are wrapping up the first week of June! Where has the time gone!?
I continue to be amazed by all that you are doing...
- the custodial department has summer cleaning underway
- the food services department continues to prepare amazing meals for the children of our community
- IAs and ABAs are supporting students and teachers in whole and small group virtual classes, assisting students 1:1, and working on online professional development
- teachers, related service providers, clinical staff, and specialists continue to provide engaging lessons, social groups, and check-ins
You have handled this shift to remote learning with such professionalism! I am so very grateful to be a part of this Woolie Community! #wooliepride
This edition of the Pupil Services Quarterly will share some updates in the various departments/areas.
ESL Department
For the upcoming school year, Ms. Coleen Thomas-DeBari will move up to the Jr./Sr. High School. Mrs. Susan Lewis will continue to support Elmwood. We are currently accepting applications for an ESL teacher for the Shaw School. I will be sure to share the newest Woolie once the individual is hired.
Special Education Department
There will also be some shifts in and additions to the special education department for the 2020-2021 school year. These shifts are based on student needs and to support the budget. Staff impacted by these shifts have begun talking with staff, students, and families to ensure a smooth transition.
Speech and Language Department
After 30+ years of services to our students, Mrs. Patricia Siimes has announced that she will be retiring. Please join me in wishing her well!
With Pat's retirement, there are some changes in this department. Jamie Wilson and Lisa Farese will continue to support our youngest Woolies at Elmwood. They will be joined by our newest SLP, Samantha Mansur. She comes to Millbury with 10 years of experience in a variety of settings. Stephanie Hermann will move up to Shaw and Nicole Delisle and Vicki Quinn will continue to support the Jr./Sr. High School.
Occupational Therapy
Sarah McCausland, French River OT, will support students in preschool through grade 3. Laura Newhall will transition from Elmwood to Shaw and the Jr./Sr. High School to support grades 4-12. Laura's schedule will be shared in September.
Preschool
Over the last few years, the integrated preschool has grown. As a result, we have been able to add a full-day program and a variety of half-day sessions. Additionally, due to the hard work of our preschool team, we have an award-winning program that families are eager to be a part of, and this year we had quite the waitlist. Because this is a tuition-based program and the waitlist has continued to grow, we are able to add an additional part-time preschool teacher, with no impact on the budget. I look forward to announcing the new hire once this process has been completed.
Do you need PD for license renewal?
SEI or ESL Professional Development
From WIDA, "Six on-demand eWorkshops are available to educators in participating states from Sept. 1, 2019 – Aug. 31, 2020. Relevant content for all educators: school leaders, coaches and facilitators, K-12 classroom teachers, ESL teachers and specialists, and professional learning communities. All workshops are available in the eLearning Center via the WIDA Secure Portal." Please visit the WIDA eLearning page for more information. Should you decide to participate in one of these workshops, please also reach out to me via email so that I may assist in creating your WIDA account. These PD opportunities are self-paced and FREE!
Students with disabilities and instruction of students with diverse learning styles
DESE offers a FREE, online, self-paced workshop that meets these requirements. Please visit DESE's website for more information: Foundations for Inclusive Practices.
Pupil Services Office
Mary O'Brien, Administrative Assistant
Email: kryan@millburyschools.org
Website: https://www.millburyschools.org/domain/15
Location: 12 Martin Street, Millbury, MA, USA
Phone: 508-865-0875