Wachusett News
Late Winter 2018
News from the Superintendent's Office
As winter winds down in our region, spring brings new opportunities for growth and inspiration.
In this edition, you will find information pertaining to the proposed FY19 Budget, and how our requests will help support WRSD students and staff. This time of year is always exciting, as we work together to develop an appropriate plan of action to pass a budget for our district. With each town, we make every effort to provide a quality education while remaining cognizant of budgetary restraints associated with our communities.
Given the recent tragedy that our nation has incurred, I would like to remember the 17 students and staff who lost their lives last month in Florida at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. This tragedy further solidifies our need as a nation to cease the endless loss of young lives and protect our greatest asset: our children.
Darryll McCall, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Wachuset Regional School District
FY19 Budget
Over the past several weeks, District administration has met with town officials in the five Member Towns (Rutland on February 13th, Sterling on February 21st, Holden on February 22nd, Paxton on February 26th, and Princeton on March 5th) to review and discuss the FY19 budget proposal. The meetings with town officials were well attended by local members of the community, as we continue to advocate for increased funding from the state, including 100% reimbursement for regional transportation.
Our proposed budget for FY19 is $94,209,452, an increase of 4.24% from FY18. The complete FY19 Budget Narrative is now available, as well as the FY19 WRSD Budget Book.
Annual Town Meetings
Each spring, in each community, an annual town meeting is held across Massachusetts to make decisions concerning the upcoming fiscal year. This is a great opportunity for community members to participate in the democratic process, a tradition that has been taking place in our towns for hundreds of years. The annual town meeting dates are as follows:
Holden - Monday, May 21, 2018
Paxton - Monday, May 7, 2018
Princeton - Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Rutland - Saturday, May 12, 2018
Sterling - Monday, May 7, 2018
On Sunday, January 28th , eighth-graders from towns across Massachusetts met in Boston for their first “day of service” as the newest Project 351 Ambassadors. Project 351 is a statewide, youth-driven service organization founded in 2011 by then-Governor Deval Patrick. As an independent, nonprofit organization that unites an eighth grade ambassador from every city and town in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Project 351 provides a transformative year of leadership development, enrichment and impact. Through unique service opportunities, ambassadors gain valuable skills, create positive change, build a statewide network of values-aligned peers, and unite the state in a common purpose. Wachusett Regional School District has participated in this program since its inception in 2011. Join us in congratulating the 2018 Project 351 ambassadors:
Mountview Middle School - Caleb Keogh
Paxton Center School - Jordan Stanley
Thomas Prince School - Paul Zgurzynski
Central Tree Middle School - Jayna Schmohl
Chocksett Middle School - Madelyn Fisher
Each student was selected by their principals based on an exemplary ethic of service and values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude. Over twelve months, ambassadors are invited to develop their leadership skills through many activties such as, Launch and Service Day in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Spring Service for Cradles to Crayons, the opportunity to represent Governor Baker in home town Memorial Day ceremonies, Leadership Reunion at Gillette Stadium, 9/11 tribute in support of Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, and Fall Service campaign to end hunger through food drives in support of hometown food pantries.
2017 Massachusetts District and School Report Cards
Each year, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education creates Report Cards for every district and school in the state. These reports share relevant information pertaining to the progress a particular school or district is making in reference to accountability for student success. The WRSD 2017 Report Card is now available, as well as the report cards for each school in the district.
As a means to further enhance communication within WRSD, the Wachusett App compiles many of the important items related to the district into one convenient location. The app is available to download for free through the Apple App store or GooglePlay. The app has several components that will be helpful for students and families, including links to:
- the school calendar,
- athletic schedules for the high school,
- a staff directory by school with direct links to email,
- the mobile PowerSchool site,
- the superintendent’s blog,
- school lunch menus,
- school listings with phone numbers,
- a map that will provide directions to any school in the district,
- the WRSD bus provider, AA Transportation and,
- the WRSD website
District Website
Wachusett Regional School District
Website: www.wrsd.net
Location: 1745 Main St, Jefferson, MA, United States
Phone: 508-829-1670