March Supt Report
Union #73 and Ralph C. Mahar Regional
Orange Elementary's Educational Visioning Workshop
Take a peek at the photos and information below to view what the group has been percolating!
Regional Amendment Committee for Orange, Petersham, New Salem & Wendell
January Minutes:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_aiJuL2f70bt275rUVzOuUDxO4XbK9y1i_zApw_2OZU/edit?usp=sharing
Personnel Update
Fisher Hill Update
Petersham Center School News
Click on the links below to enjoy the latest from the Petersham Center School!
https://www.smore.com/app/pages/preview/1r4wy
https://www.smore.com/app/pages/preview/ezhbr
The 2018 Ralph C. Mahar Annual Report to the Towns
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-cmjO_LpJ6CVPGckPZhtkwKApHrFx1FU/view?usp=sharing
Smoking and Vaping
Click here for important Ralph C. Mahar parent information on vaping and tobacco products:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Mrx7hNnu9kKbkVz4XsUoCyt98zcJXqQHW9MDPGgshxQ/edit?usp=sharing
Ms. Channing Receives the Excellence in Teaching Award
The Orange Peel from the Dexter Park Innovation School
School District Physician
Fisher Hill Community Letter
The Gateway and Pathways Program with MWCC is Moving to Gardner
In response the the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School Committee's request to no longer be the school choice conduit for students in the Commonwealth to attend Mount Wachusett Community College's dual enrollment programs, a partnership is now being formed with the program's original collaborator, the Gardner Public Schools. Ralph C. Mahar Regional will still be able to offer acceptance into these programs but through the Gardner Public Schools as student in the choice program.
Massachusetts Rural Schools
The MA Rural Schools Coalition, formed in March of 2016, has been advocating for educational funding equity since its inception. New Salem, Wendell, Petersham and Orange are among the 135 economically disadvantaged towns responsible for supporting rural public schools.
Last year, we realized Rural School Aid and a funding level of $1.5 million. This year, Senator Adam Hinds has proposed a continuation of Rural School Aid at a funding level of $9 million. Critically, based on the advocacy of the Rural Schools Coalition, Senator Hinds has proposed the addition of a rurality factor into the Chapter 70 formula, which would be a more permanent solution for all of us.
We need your support!! Please advocate for SD2292 (https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/SD2292).
Dexter Park Innovation School Students Meeting with Legislators on February 28th
Melting Snow People in the Fisher Hill PreSchool
Mid-Year Report of the Districts
Union #73 & R.C. Mahar Regional
Feedback regarding all of the schools, programs and services is highly valued and welcome. Students are encouraged to contact Supt Thomas to ask questions, seek information and share/discuss ideas and concerns as we redesign our schools for a new era.
Please see contact information below.
Email: tthomas@rcmahar.org
Website: www.rcmahar.org
Phone: 978-544-2920
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orangepetershammaharregional/
Twitter: @suptthomas