BBRSD District-Wide Weekly Update
December 3, 2021
Superintendent's Office
Vaccine Clinic
The Berlin-Boylston School District will be hosting a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at Tahanto Regional on Saturday, December 11th from 9:00 -5:00. The clinic will be for students who are eligible for the vaccine as well as adults in the community who need their first dose.
Anyone interested in receiving the vaccine must register in advance, using this link: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/yankeeline
Bay State Textiles Donation Box
So far this year, BBRSD families have donated 2, 765 pounds of textiles in our Bay State Textiles donation boxes. These donations have netted our schools $138.25 in rebates. While this may not seem like a lot, these boxes do more than provide money for student activities. These boxes provide jobs and help the environment at the same time. During this season of giving, please take a moment to read this handout from Bay State Textiles on how your donation makes a difference.
School Year Calendar
Please check to make sure you have the correct copy of the school year calendar. Schools will be open on January 3, 2022. Please click here to see the correct version.
Jeff Zanghi, Superintendent of Schools
Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
Here is some good news shared by our elementary staff members that is sure to generate excitement!
Elementary Mathematics Coach/Coordinator Kicks Off New Parent Series
Mr. Joey Flournoy, our elementary mathematics coach/coordinator, has been busy preparing for his new online learning series, "Partnering with Parents,” which focuses on helping parents work with their children at home on mathematics content, skills, and strategies. The first live session is scheduled for Thursday, December 9th from 9:00 am - 9:45 am. Invitations are being sent through the school PTOs and principals, however, you can also access the first session here: Zoom Link.
The topic for this session, “New Math” will be geared toward the 4-5th grades, however, all parents in the Berlin-Boylston School District are invited to attend. This topic, as well as other future topics, are intended to be transferable to other grade levels.
If you are a parent hoping to get a better understanding of strategies you may have seen your child use at home such as solving math problems by drawing visuals, breaking numbers apart, or others, this session is for you. For more information or questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Joey Flournoy at: jflournoy@bbrsd.org.
Grant Awards Support Elementary S.T.E.M. Learning
Congratulations to Ms. Megan Tamalavitch, our elementary technology integration specialist, on receiving two grants this past week! NewEngland FIRST and the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Robotics Resource Center funded this grant opportunity for Science/Technology/Engineering/Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) educators and will enable the District to bring robotics into the K-5 classrooms along with hands-on learning opportunities.
Using the FIRST® LEGO® League Explore Class Pack, students in grades 2-4 will use their engineering notebooks to explore the fundamentals of engineering through a real-world problem, learn to design and code, and create unique solutions made with LEGO® bricks and powered by LEGO® Education SPIKETM Essential.
In grades 4-5, students will participate in a range of learning opportunities that will immerse them in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering using the FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge Class Pack. Students will be able to develop, design, build and code a LEGO® robot that navigates missions of a robot game and develop an innovative project solution to a real-world problem.
As part of the integrated program at the K-5 level, Ms. Tamalavitch teaches Digital Learning Skills and Citizenship, Computer Science (coding), and S.T.E.M.-related activities.
Carol Costello, Assistant Superintendent
Business Office
School Bus Transportation Update
As noted in prior email communications earlier this week, NRT Bus will be short a driver for our district for the next three weeks, with an expected return to full staffing on December 23, 2021.
This is currently impacting only Boylston Elementary routes, and Tahanto Boylston routes.
Coverage plans for the next three weeks will follow the same routes that were in place for Thursday and Friday of this week. These plans had all students in Tahanto arriving before the start of school, and the same for Boylston Elementary, except for one bus arriving a couple of minutes late.
To recap the plans for the next three weeks:
Tahanto bus routes impact
Boylston Bus 4’s route will start 18 minutes early. Bus 5 will complete Route #4 FIRST AND CONTINUE DIRECTLY ONTO Bus 5’s usual route.
There will be no interim stop at Tahanto between routes, as we have determined that combined ridership levels on bus #4 and bus#5 can accommodate this single combined route. We will monitor this, as the bus is very close to capacity. I want to stress that this is a temporary solution for the next three weeks and not a permanent change to the route.
Tahanto Boylston bus 5 may be running a few minutes later than published times, but very close to its regularly scheduled pickup times
Boylston Elementary bus routes impact
Boylston Bus 4 students will be picked up at regularly scheduled times by Bus 2
Bus 4 Students will be dropped off at school before Bus 2 proceeds to its own route.
Boylston Elementary route 2 will be delayed by a few minutes, due to the above.
Boylston Elementary route 5 should run its regularly scheduled route, with a possible delay of a couple of minutes.
We are still evaluating whether we can consolidate Boylston Elementary into 4 routes instead of 5 routes. It will take more time, and we will provide an update in an upcoming newsletter as soon as a decision is made on this.
Food Service Update
Please see the message below from our Food Service Director, Lauren Staples.
Attention parents and caregivers: All students are eligible to receive free school meals this academic year, including breakfast! Free school breakfast means all kids can start the school day ready to learn. Breakfast is available daily at BES and BMS from 8:30am-10:00am, and at Tahanto from 7:30am-9:00am. Breakfast includes a serving of whole grain, fruit, and milk.
Bob Conry, Director of Finance and Operations
Boylston Elementary School
Student Art Exhibits
This week, another of our old traditions was reinstated. Over the last few years, we have celebrated our student artists by installing regular art exhibits in our conference room. In all of the hubbub of hybrid learning, multiple transitions, etc. this tradition was lost last year. It's back! This week I had the chance to enjoy the art installation and a picnic lunch with these artists! Thank you Mrs. Kuppens for making this happen again and thank you to our artists who spiffed up the place!
Cafeteria Seating
While we're talking about a return to normal, the cafeteria staff, Nurse Lisa and Ryan have been working together to adjust our current lunch system. In the coming weeks, we plan on returning to our traditional cafeteria tables. We should be able to limit the number of students at each table while still allowing for safety and contact tracing if necessary. Teachers will be adjusting seat assignments to this end. I spoke with a few students about the possibility and they were VERY excited about the possibility. Stay tuned for information or pictures.
Parent Math Boot Camp
Have you heard comments, seen posts, or watched a celebrity as they talk about "New Math" but didn't quite understand what they were talking about? Have you seen your students solving math problems by drawing visuals, breaking numbers apart, or using other ways that are different than how we once learned? If you are hoping to get a better understanding of what these strategies are and how to use them, we've got something for you! Our new math coach, Joey Flournoy will be leading parent zoom sessions this year starting with his first on 12/9 at 9:00 a.m. This session will be geared towards 4th and 5th grade specifically but all are welcome. You can join via this link.
The Week Ahead:
Monday (12/6)
Patriots day! MNF and the Bills! Go Pats!
Thursday (12/9)
"New Math" Zoom session
PTO Meeting
Ace Thompson, Principal
BES Office: 508-869-2200
Student Art Exhibition
Cafeteria Tables
New Math Parent Class
Berlin Memorial School
Just a couple of items as we move into December!
Holiday Food Drive
A reminder that our Holiday Food Drive, hosted by Michelle Donoghue from Project 351 and our student council, begins on Monday, December 6th. Each grade has a targetted list of items, you can find a flyer with all the details here.
A Note from Parent-Teacher LINK
Mack Louh, a parent here at BMS, noted at the last LINK meeting that many new families had not had the opportunity to meet others. He asked me to share the following information with you.
Dear K, 1st and 2nd Grade Families,
During one of our Parent Teacher LINK meetings, it was brought up that the new families missed out on many face-to-face meetings, gatherings, or social interactions. The committee has agreed to host a social gathering but wanted to get a feel if there is any interest. This gathering would be to give everyone the opportunity to meet or be introduced to new families. Nothing is set in stone but it could be as simple as meeting at the playground (if we get a warmer day in December) for a coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts on a Saturday morning for 1 hour.
If you are interested or have any questions, please email at mack.louh@gmail.com.
Thanks,
Mack (Also known as Alexander’s dad)
Clinton Savings Bank In-school Program
Friday is the first day of in-school banking with Scratch the Cat and our friends at Clinton Savings Bank. We will bank here on a monthly basis. For more information, click here.
Community Events
Just a reminder that the Holidays in Berlin event is Saturday - you can find more information on that here. The Berlin Twinkle Tour, 2021 also continues!
And finally…
We hope you have a great weekend!
John Campbell, Principal
978-838-2417
Tahanto Regional Middle/High School
Congratulations Grade 8 NJHS Inductees!
The following 8th-grade students were inducted into the NJHS during a ceremony held on November 18, 2021. Congratulations to all!
Molly Abdella, Cloudia Arthur, Jasmine Bella, Tyler Bergman, Jillian Bradford, Annika Busenitz, Colin Casperson, Owen Crowley, Ashlyn Daher, Matthew Dowd, Madalyn Ebert, Thomas Giolas, Cole Goulet, Kiera Humphrey, Taylor Johnson, Logan Lewis, Claire Lozoraitis, Roark Markle, Lilah Martinez, Maria Mishechkina, Emily Munter, Samantha Pirelli, Corinne Poretsky, Ryan Schwehr, Luke Stevens, Daniel Soliman, Bella Wetherell
Hope for Humanity Club
Tahanto’s Hope for Humanity Club is working to support the WHEAT Community Cupboard & Cafe this holiday season. Please help support this community cause!
Music Department News
Congratulations to Josh and Will Cranford!
Congratulations are in order for Joshua and William Cranford. They both survived a rigorous audition process and were accepted into the Central District jazz and concert bands. It is an honor to be a part of these ensembles and we here at Tahanto are proud of their accomplishments. Well done gentlemen!
Why try out for winter sports when you can DO MATH after school?!
Tahanto had 35 high school students show up to Math Team practice…...AMAZING!
MODEL UN
Model United Nations empowers students with the confidence they need to be leaders in the world. Students learn about different countries and debate world issues.
Congratulations Luke Valleli, Parthiv Anandaraman, and Ryan Gleason
Luke Valleli and Parthiv Anandaramn earned Best Delegate awards at the Catholic Memorial Model United Nations. Ryan Gleason also was recognized with an Outstanding Delegate award at the same event.
Upcoming events
December 6th: SEPAC Meeting
December 21st: Mid-Term Grades Posted
December 23rd: Early Release
December 24th-December 31st: Winter Break
Middle School Counseling News
Managing Middle School
Hello everyone!
Somehow it’s almost Thanksgiving which means holiday break is right around the corner. This can be a really tough time for many families, so if there is anything I can do to support your student in the coming months, please let me know. This is the end of a long stretch of school before we get into regular breaks, so many students are feeling the strain and we often see behaviors pop up this time of year. Keep an eye out for anything that seems out of place and let us know how we can help.
What’s happening now?
6th-grade Counseling Class
6th-grade classes were swapped in the rotation, but we’re still hoping to get some time with the students before the new year. It will look a little different, taking place during Quest block, but this allows us to connect with students on a more personal level. We’re really looking forward to connecting with the students!
7th grade
Our 7th-grade lessons have begun in Ms. Hutchinson’s classroom. We started our conversation by going over how to identify and deal with bullying and mean behavior. We are moving towards talking about common stressors for middle schoolers and will be identifying strategies to deal with them. By the time we finish in a few weeks, we will also have touched on morals and ethics, philosophy, community, and good citizenship.
8th grade
We’re planning on meeting with the 8th-grade class right after the holidays to discuss the transition to High School at Tahanto. We will also be introducing them to Naviance, which is a tool they will get to know quite well during the college application process.
IMPORTANT
Assabet applications and all required paperwork are due January 15th, 2022. That feels like a ways away, but these next few months can fly! Tahanto has little to do with the application or school tour process, so if you have any questions about Assabet, please reach out to them!
School Absences/Tardies/Dismissals
Just a reminder that if your child is not feeling well, please keep them home and notify the nurse
BBRSD COVID-19 Test and Stay Program
Below please find two very important forms regarding BBRSD's COVID-19 Test and Stay program. Please note that for your child to participate in the Test and Stay program a student consent form MUST be filled out and signed by a parent/guardian. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me at dtucceri@bbrsd.org.
1. Letter regarding Test and Stay COVID-19 Program
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FzNLTefNy4qjKgtMDASxKlD7GTGKnB2GdYjWNH1V8Uk/edit?usp=sharing
2. Student Consent Form
https://www.cic-health.com/consent/ma#consent
Athletic News
Please click on and read the important letter below from AD Matt Porcaro concerning Winter Athletics
Winter 21-22 Pre Season Letter to Athletes & Parents
https://tahantoregional.rschoolteams.com
Click on 2021-2022 Winter Athletic Registration and follow the directions.
Matt Porcaro
Athletic Director
Tahanto Regional
Diane Tucceri, Principal
Sally Stukuls, Assistant Principal
Tahanto Regional High School
1001 Main Street
Boylston, MA 01505
50) 869-2333
Contact Us!
Email: parentquestions@bbrsd.org
Website: bbrsd.org
Location: 215 Main Street, Boylston, MA, USA
Phone: 508-869-2837