Region In Review
October 14, 2022
Elementary Schools Celebrate Reading
One hundred percent of our elementary school students participated in the Governor's Summer Reading Challenge. What an extraordinary accomplishment for our schools! We’d like to express our gratitude to all the students and families who clearly love to read and recognize how important reading is for our students throughout the summer and beyond. This kind of dedication to reading is truly remarkable.
One of our greatest joys is receiving students' summer reading logs and having discussions with students about the books they enjoyed reading. Student logs revealed a wide range of reading with a variety of genres and book complexity. Some of our younger students delved into the world of chapter books for the first time while others tackled lengthy series, and soon became absorbed in reading text with growing characters and rich language and themes. Whether students read digital books, listened to audiobooks, or visited their local library to enjoy the wonders of a book in their hands, the theme that soon emerged is that when it comes to reading, there is truly something for everyone.
All this reading deserved to be celebrated! Each school found creative ways to celebrate summer reading success. As we progress further into the school year, we look forward to continuing to foster the love of reading in all of our students.
Exploring Light and Shadow in Photography
While exploring the subject of rhythm and movement, sixth graders were exposed to four different photography media; photograms, scanography, digital art, and cyanotypes. Photo development can seem like magic but students learned how light and shadow affect the processes of each type of photography and can also capture the artistry and beauty of their subject matter.
In the dark room, students exposed their botanical designs using enlargers. They used sunlight to process cyanotype paper while outdoors. The adjustment of spotlights allowed students to capture the rhythm and movement of their paper sculptures through interesting shadows in the art studio.
Creating Rhythm and Movement using the Sumopaint App
Playing with Light and Shadow as they photograph their White Paper Rhythm Sculptures
Exposing botanical designs to light while creating Photograms in the darkroom
Comparing four photographic methods using their Botanical Rhythm Designs
Seven Leaf Clovers
I remember my first time finding a six-leaf clover, and I had thought that was the most I would ever find in a lifetime. But then I stumbled upon that clover patch and stood back up with the luckiest possession. Again, I underestimated how much the world could give me. What went through my head when I gazed at that seven-leaf clover was, "I’m not going to find another one of these for thirty years."
Even if I had underestimated this, it was reasonable to think what I thought, because the odds of a seven-leaf clover are one in 250 million. One in 250 million is extraordinary, but two in 500 million? I feel delusional knowing those were the chances that I somehow surpassed. Not only am I delusional about finding these. Shepaug is delusional, and for good reason. It’s not just the fact that where I found the two seven-leaf clovers in the surroundings of Shepaug’s building, it’s the fact that I found both of the clovers just mere feet away from each other.
Either Shepaug is the luckiest place in the world, or I just have very good eyes (at least, that’s what people tell me, but I beg to differ).
- By Merlin Moon '26
Senior Project Spotlight
Alina Shyshkov - Ukrainian Music & Fundraising
For my senior project, I am pursuing an interest of mine, guitar playing, to learn more about myself and my Ukrainian background. I will be learning two songs, The Smashing Pumpkins by Starlight and Обійми by Okean Elzy. Moreover, I will be participating in a fundraiser(s) and doing research on how guitar music plays into Ukrainian culture. This is all done with the end goal of donating my fundraising money to a Ukraine-based organization.
The Double C - James Philipakos
My senior project is called The Double C which stands for coaching and cooking. For the coaching aspect of my senior project, I will be able to coach a youth soccer team for Shepaug. The other part of my senior project will be cooking. I want to learn about all the different components that can go with cooking because I want to become a chef. Both topics about my senior project play a role in a passionate happy life.
FFA, Tech Clubs Annual Pies & Cookie Dough Fundraiser
Why not surprise your people with a delicious Lyman Orchards pie or some outstanding cookie dough, delivered right to school?
You can also order some yummy items online like beef jerky, coffee, and other snacks. Please help to support our Tech Clubs and our FFA Clubs. We greatly appreciate it!
Click here to place your order. Fundraiser ends 10/15 - pickup in on 11/4 from 3-4pm or by arrangement during conference week.
Yearbook Information
High School:
Order your high school yearbook here:
https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A01094860v
Order your senior ads or business ads here until February 2nd:
https://www.jostens.com/apps/jcom/router.mvc?affiliateId=1037297
Order before 10/28 and if you order name personalization, you will get up to FOUR FREE ICONS! Personalization cannot be ordered after January 27th. Orders close May 31st. No late orders can be accepted.
SENIORS ONLY: Order before January 1 to receive your yearbook for a discounted price of $60.00. Orders are only accepted in school with checks made out to SVS Fund or cash only. Any orders with personalization need to be ordered online.
Middle School:
Order your middle grades yearbook here:
https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A02185968v
Order your 8th grade ads or business ads here until February 2nd:
https://www.jostens.com/apps/jcom/router.mvc?affiliateId=3072333
Order before 10/28 and if you order name personalization, you will get up to FOUR FREE ICONS! Personalization cannot be ordered after January 27th. Orders close May 31st. No late orders can be accepted.
Picture Day Information
Middle Grades - Tuesday, October 25th
Orders can be prepaid online at www.artrichphotography.com, select "Order Online" then "Preorder School Portraits" Enter password "valley22". Online payments will only be available before photo day and up to three days after photo day.
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Alternatively, fliers will be sent out next week from Art Rich Photography and checks can be sent in with students on photo day only and should be given to the photographer. Late envelopes cannot be accepted. Cash, checks, or money orders made out to A&R School Portraits only.
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High School Grades 9-11 - Tuesday, October 18th
Orders can be prepaid online at www.artrichphotography.com, select "Order Online" then "Preorder School Portraits" Enter password "shepaug22". Online payments will only be available before photo day and up to three days after photo day.
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Alternatively, fliers will be sent out next week from Art Rich Photography and checks can be sent in with students on photo day only and can be given to the photographer. Late envelopes cannot be accepted. Cash, checks or money orders made out to A&R School Portraits only.
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Retake Days for all grade levels November 29th
***Seniors should have received email communication directly from Art Rich Photography for senior portrait appointments. Please schedule senior portraits with Art Rich Photography if you have not done so yet 860-620-1736.
Fliers & Upcoming Events
Region 12 Calendar
October 18 - High School Picture Day, SVS
October 18 - BS Picture Day, BS
October 19 - Unity Day, WPS
October 19 - Unity Day Walk, WPS, 2:30pm
October 20 - FFA Pumpkin Carving Social, SVS, 2:30-4pm
October 22 - Shepaug Equine Expo, SVS, 9am–4pm
Oct 24-29 - National FFA Convention
October 24 - Curriculum & Educational Programming Committee Meeting, SVS, 5:30pm
October 24 - Board of Education Meeting, SVS, 7pm
October 25 - Middle School Picture Day, SVS
October 26 - College Financial Planning Night, SVS, 6:30-7:30pm
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: www.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: @Region12Schools
Finding a seven-leaf clover feels like a miracle, much more, than finding a second one six days later. I’ve been collecting four-leaf clovers for about a year, but I never would have predicted the luck that I have had these past few weeks.