Region In Review
December 2, 2022
In honor of American Education Week, elementary students and staff across the region showed excitement as they welcomed nearly 200 parents/guardians to Parent Visitation Day, November 16th. Parents were invited to participate in a variety of interactive lessons with their child gaining a greater understanding of their child’s social and academic experiences.
Parents became scientists, mathematicians, writers, musicians, artists, and lunch buddies. They also visited informational sessions on growing readers at home and how math models support math thinking.
This opportunity provided a lens into the classroom environment while filling the day with positive and rich connections. Many smiles of appreciation were exchanged making this day extra special and memorable for the students, parents, guardians, and teachers.
Community Connections
An attitude of gratitude infused our elementary schools as we celebrated members of our community. Our students entertained and showed appreciation to our special guests, parents, senior citizens, and town officials with songs, poems, stories and artwork. In addition, there were delicious foods and treats sponsored by our PTOs and local businesses.
This opportunity promoted student leadership, volunteerism, and a deep appreciation for our community at large. Our guests left filled with the spirit of kindness and valued by the local school community.
Distinguished Service Award
Congratulations to Shepaug Athletic Director Matt Perachi, who has been recognized to receive the Distinguished Service Award from the Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors (CAAD). The Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to an athletic administrator who has made significant contributions at the local and state levels. Without question, Matt’s devotion and service to the Shepaug community, the Berkshire League, and CAAD earned him this recognition. The positive impact that Matt has had on the lives of student-athletes has not gone unnoticed.
Thank you, Matt, for all of your time and hard work! We are
incredibly grateful to have you here at Shepaug Valley School.
Red Cross Blood Drive
The National Honor Society hosted its annual blood drive on November 16 at Shepaug. Co-chairs for the event were Arantza Artieda, Jack Buchholz, and Olivia Schulta. Twenty first-time student donors along with twelve Shepaug faculty and community members donated 32 pints of blood.
The 32 pints collected will save 96 lives. The National Honor Society and their advisors, Mrs. Kelly, and Ms. Steinis, would like to thank all those who participated and encourage those interested in donating to come to the drive at Shepaug on March 23, 2022.
An Inspiring Visit to Boehringer Ingelheim
Last month, seniors in The Agriscience Academy benefitted from a field experience when they visited Boehringer Ingelheim. In addition to learning about green initiatives, water consumption/conservation, onsite bees, and wildlife, additional presentations included Boehringer Ingelheim’s research, clinical development processes, and animal health.
During lunch, students were able to ask questions and interact with the team. The Regional Head of Global Facilities also shared Boehringer Ingelheim internship and career opportunities. A special shout out to Ms. Paula Wilcox, who worked with Dr. DeBrito, for organizing this opportunity. Thank you to the Boehringer Ingelheim team, recognized below, for providing our students with an amazing experience.
Bill Galdenzi, Director, EHS and Security: Provided R&D and campus tour and spoke about our campus green initiatives
Dr. Manami Tsutsumi, Scientific Excellence and Engagement: Presentation on Drug Discovery and Development
Todd Rotkewicz, Operational Sourcing Specialist
Erik Chaves, Operational Sourcing Specialist
Paula Wilcox, Executive Assistant to Carlos Gusmon VP, Head of Purchasing: Event Coordinator
Roman Wandl, Director of Sourcing Area Indirect
Dr. Adrienne Meyers, Senior Principal Scientist, Veterinary Medicine: Presentation on Animals and Their Importance in Drug Discovery and Development
Sara Elma, Senior Associate Director, Sourcing Area Indirect
Lab Tours:
- Heather Robinson, Scientist, Histology & Imaging
- Eric Finnemore, Scientist, Cardio metabolic
- Ashlee Bell-Cohen, Post-Doctoral Development Biologicals
- Elise Ishida, Post-Doctoral Development Biologicals
- Jeffrey Burns, Scientist, NDS
Lunch Speaker:
- (Pictured) Benedikt Kraus, Regional Head of Global Facilities
Senior Project Spotlight
Collin Harty - Marketing School Spirit
My name is Collin Harty and my senior project is entitled "Marketing School Spirit." My goal for this year is to increase school spirit through activities and events. My primary activities include researching and implementing effective marketing strategies, coordinating appearances of Sparky the Spartan, and hosting activities for students. At the end of this school year, I hope that my project increases school spirit and I want to keep the spirit and traditions for years to come.
Arantza Artieda - A New Tomorrow
Through my senior project, entitled “A New Tomorrow,” I will be making a documentary that focuses on telling the often untold and unrecognized stories, struggles, and contributions of immigrants and refugees, including those in our own communities. In addition, I will be fundraising throughout the course of the year, donating all proceeds to the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRICT), an organization that works to provide legal, economic, linguistic, and social services to those who so desperately need them.
Wildlife in the Region
While delivering the mail to the schools, you never know what you will see!
Fliers & Upcoming Events
8th Grade Parent/Student Night 8th grade students and families who are considering attending Shepaug for high school are invited to our 8th Grade Parent/Student Night on Thursday, December 15th at 7:00 pm. This event is designed for current Shepaug 8th graders, students who live in Sherman, or those plannning to apply to Shepaug as tuition-in or agriscience students. Students and their families will tour the school and some classrooms and learn about our high school programs. RSVP here.
Region 12 Calendar
December 3rd - Santa's Breakfast & Holly Jolly Boutique, BFS, 8-10am
December 5th - Finance & Operations Committee Meeting, SVS, 5:30pm
December 6th - National Honor Society Induction, SVS, 6pm
December 6th - HS Winter Concert, SVS, 7pm
December 7th - Early Dismissal for Students - Professional Development
December 8th - Burnham PTO, 3:30pm
December 8th - Holiday Bazaar, SVS, 6pm
December 8th - MS Winter Concert, SVS, 7pm
December 10th - FFA Holiday Sale, SVS, 9am-3pm
December 12th - Long Range Planning Committee Meeting, SVS, 6pm
December 12th - PTO Meeting, SVS, 6:30pm
December 12th - Board of Education Meeting, SVS, 7pm
December 15th - 8th Grade Parent/Student Night, SVS, 7pm
December 15th - Family, Friends, FFA Alumni Meeting, 7pm
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