Shepherd Hill Regional High School
February ~ 2023
Dear Shepherd Hill Learning Community:
I am pleased to report that the second semester is off to an excellent start! Midwinter can be a very challenging time of year, but teaching, learning, and extracurricular activities are helping to make this difficult stretch enjoyable for all on The Hill! Mid-year, I encourage all students to reflect on their successes while also identifying areas for growth. I am confident that the second half of the school year will be even more positive and productive than the first!
Previously, I described the efforts underway to commemorate Shepherd Hill’s 50th Anniversary, including the transformation of Room 100 into a “50 Years of Excellence” display. Recognizing the abundance of student talent, a logo competition was commissioned in which our art students designed and submitted 50th anniversary logos for consideration. There were many outstanding entries, but in the end, the faculty overwhelmingly voted in favor of Senior Sidney Roland’s design (see photo). The banner pictured is now on display, and Sydney’s design will continue to be incorporated throughout the school. I would like to thank Mrs. Lashua and Mrs. Hines for facilitating this competition that yielded so many impressive designs. As a reminder, if you have artifacts or suggestions for the “50 Years of Excellence” display, please contact Mrs. Anne Marie LaFond, or Ms. Kristin Griffiths.
At the beginning of my tenure, I shared an entry plan outlining my preliminary vision for Shepherd Hill. Among the priorities identified, expanding programs and strengthening local partnerships continue to be critically important focus areas. In this pursuit, we are pleased to offer a Firefighting and Fire Science pilot elective for the first time at Shepherd Hill, this semester. For the past several months, I have been fortunate to collaborate with Dudley Fire Chief Kochanowski and Assistant Chief Konieczny on the development of the pilot. Without the Chief and the Assistant Chief’s support, we would not be able to offer Shepherd Hill students this unique opportunity, and I am incredibly grateful for their willingness to share their time and professional knowledge with our students! It is my hope that this will be the first of several new programs that will have a positive impact on our local Dudley and Charlton communities.
As I have interacted with students, staff, parents and other stakeholders this year, the topic of mental health continues to be a recurring theme. Based on these conversations, it is my belief that increasing mental health awareness will lead to improved outcomes for students at Shepherd Hill -- and beyond. On February 14th and 15th, each class will participate in the National Alliance on Mental Health Initiative’s (NAMI) “Ending the Silence” presentation, intended to alert students to the early warning signs of mental health conditions, and how to respond, accordingly. To be clear, we recognize that mental health is a subject that requires heightened sensitivity and thoughtful engagement. Please know that if students become uncomfortable with the content of the presentations, the Guidance Department will be available to answer students’ questions or provide additional support. Additionally, looking ahead to the spring, we will also be providing mental health workshops in partnership with the Shine Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. Beyond the upcoming workshops, we will also be expanding upon Wellness Week activities from last year, recognizing that wellness during high anxiety testing periods (MCAS, AP, final exams, etc.) should be as important as test preparation.
With regard to the 2023-2024 course selection process, please be advised that information will be released by the Guidance Department after the February break. In the meantime, on behalf of the faculty and staff, please do not hesitate to reach out should you have questions regarding your child’s experience at Shepherd Hill; we value our partnerships and we appreciate your support!
Sincerely,
Mr. Elwell
Need to Leave School Early?
Early Dismissal Procedure
Please note the following:
To obtain an early dismissal, bring a written request from your parent or caregiver to the principal’s office as soon as you arrive at school. The request will be reviewed and an early dismissal slip will be issued if warranted. CHECK-OUT WITH THE OFFICE WHEN YOU LEAVE AND CHECK-IN WHEN YOU RETURN. Students must be in school prior to or after 11:00 a.m. for the day to count for participation in school activities.
A reminder to parents/caregivers: Students should not be using their cell phone to contact parents if they are not feeling well. Our Nursing Office is staffed with full time nurses who will meet with and assess students who are not feeling well. The Nursing Office will reach out to parents/caregivers if students who are ill need to be dismissed. Thank you for your cooperation.
It is very important to follow this procedure whenever possible. Phone calls to classrooms for dismissals are very disruptive to the educational process. Advance notice of the dismissal with a note helps alleviate those disruptions. We appreciate your assistance!
School Hours
The school hours for Shepherd Hill Regional High School are 7:40am-2:10pm. Students entering the building after 7:40am must check into the main office to receive a pass to proceed to class.
School Lunches
Universal Free School Meals has been extended in Massachusetts for the 2022-2023 school year! There will be no cost to families for any student to receive (1) breakfast and/or (1) school lunch at schools participating in the National School Lunch Program.
Dress Code
Our community and school take pride in the appearance that our students present. We expect that all students will dress and groom themselves neatly in clothes that are suitable for school activities. Students that dress in an inappropriate manner will be required to change into proper attire; the second offense will result in a detention and parent will be notified.
Access to Student Records
Military Recruiters and Post Secondary Education Institutions
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires that all schools receiving federal funds must provide the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of secondary students to military recruiters and institutions of higher education. The act also requires that military recruiters be given the same access to students that is given to recruiters for post secondary institutions and employers. If a parent objects to releasing this information he/she should notify the guidance office.
News from the Health Office
Physicals and Immunizations
-All students 16 years or older must have a MenACWY vaccination per Massachusetts state law. Please provide proof of immunization to the nurses' office as soon as possible.
-Physicals for sports clearance are required prior to participation. Physicals are up to date if they were obtained within 13 months of participation.
-Per MA state law (105 CMR 200), ALL students entering 10th grade are required to provide documentation of a physical exam.
-Statement of religious exemption must be renewed annually.
A reminder to parents/caregivers: Students should not be using their cell phone to contact parents if they are not feeling well. Our Health Office is staffed with full time nurses who will meet with and assess students who are not feeling well. The Health Office will reach out to parents/caregivers if students who are ill need to be dismissed. Thank you for your cooperation.
Any health documentation should be faxed or emailed to the Health Office:
- Fax # 508-943-5956
- Kareen Powaza BSN,RN,NCSN kpowaza@dcrsd.org
- Rachael Goetz BSN, RN, NCSN rgoetz@dcrsd.org
News from the Cafeteria
The cafeteria will welcome back make your own salads for students! The salad bar will return with 30+ options at the end of February! Check it out!
DCEF
Our “Heroes Among Us” Award & Recognition Dinner will be held on April 1st, 2023 at the Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center. We will be recognizing and awarding 10 recipients in the DCRSD community and we will be reaching out to you for your assistance with this! This event will have an awards ceremony, dinner, dancing, and silent auction!
Frank Foley from WXLO will be emcee for the event!
Get your tickets now!
Super Bowl Grinder Sale
Support the Spain, Gibraltar and Portugal Trip
Orders must be received in the main office by 2/3. See the order form below.
Yearbook Information
Yearbooks are available for purchase online! https://www.balfour.com/massachusetts/dudley/shepherd-hill-regional-high-school
- January 31 is the last day to purchase yearbooks online for $80.
- February 1, the price will increase to $85
- March 1, the price will increase to $90!
News from the Art Department
Ceramics class celebrated with a cocoa party with mugs they created. Advanced Digital Photo joined us while taking some pictures.
Emerging Young Artists 2023 Juried Exhibition
Congratulations to Alexis Germain and Ashley Erickson whose work has been selected for a juried art exhibit. From EYA:
"Thank you for all your students’ submissions to the Emerging Young Artists (EYA) 2023 Juried Exhibition! This year, we will celebrate EYA’s 10th birthday and the exceptional artistic merit of New England’s high school students through this highly competitive online exhibition and its awards. We received submissions from 591 students from which the juror, CVPA’s Dean A. Lawrence Jenkens, selected 120 works to be in the exhibition. Congratulations to all the students whose artwork was selected for this highly competitive New England juried exhibition! We encourage you and all your students to attend the virtual opening reception on Friday, January 27, 2023, 6:30-7:30pm. The Zoom link, exhibition poster and press release will be sent to all of you ahead of time."
The Emerging Young Artists 2023 Juried Exhibition is online. Starting January 27, it will be featured on the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ website: www.umassd.edu/cvpa/explore/emerging-young-artists
Art exhibit - Alexis Germain
Art exhibit - Alexis Germain
Art exhibit - Ashley Erickson
YOUTH ART MONTH FLAG CONTEST:
This year’s this theme for YAM and the Flag Contest this year is “YOUR ART YOUR VOICE”
The flag contest is open to all students in grades K-12.
Each teacher may submit up to 10 student entries.
Grand Prize of $200 art supply gift card for winning student. PLUS $100 art supply gift card for your classroom. And to top it off, the grand prize work will be displayed at NAEA’s national convention in San Antonia, Texas!!!
In addition, $100 art supply gift cards will be awarded to one student winner in grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Plus an additional $100 art supply gift card for the winning students’ classrooms.
April 13, 2023 – The Grand Prize Flag Design will be exhibited at the 2023 NAEA Convention in San Antonia, Texas.
"Just Another High School Play" - COMING SOON!
The drama club will be holding auditions for their spring production of "Just Another High School Play" on Thursday, February 9th, 2:30-3:30. In order to audition, students MUST sign up with Ms. Griffiths in room 227. They are also looking for stage crew members! Students should see Ms. Griffiths or Mr. Foley with any questions.
Alumni News
The SHRHS Alumni Newsletter—sharing the latest news and updates from our alumni community. View the newsletter here: https://www.smore.com/hg5fz
For the latest scholarship information from the guidance department, view their newsletter here:
College Acceptances
Jessica Robert Awad
Quinebaug Valley Community College
Quinsigamond Community College
Jack Ryan Barrows
Westfield State University
Lily Ann Bateman
Assumption University
Regis College
Rivier University
University of Hartford
University of Massachusetts-Boston
Melinda Beato
Quinsigamond Community College
Fady Romany Beshay
Quinsigamond Community College
Brooklyn Marie Bonczyk
Assumption University
Framingham State University
Franklin Pierce University
Hofstra University
Lasell University
Roger Williams University
Salem College
Salem State University
University of New Haven
Western New England University
Worcester State University
Jacob Stephen Brodeur
Assumption University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Ryan Michael Brooks
Keene State College
Taylor Elizabeth Burdett Curry College
Merrimack College
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Quinnipiac University
Westfield State University
Worcester State University
Alexander Jace Card
Nichols College
Augustus Edward Cederman
Boston College
Victoria Grace Chamberlain
Husson University
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Worcester State University
Kaylie Ann Christian
Quinebaug Valley Community College
Quinsigamond Community College
Olivia Katherine Cranney
Simmons University
Worcester State University
Victoria Emily Cravedi
Assumption University
Xavier University
Elena Jean Cronin
Assumption University
Colleen Mary Cumming
Hawaii Pacific University
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Quinnipiac University
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Villanova University
Westfield State University
Connor Mark Daniel
Quinsigamond Community College
Christopher Charles Davey
Merrimack College
Quinnipiac University
Roger Williams University
University of Hartford (College of Engineering)
Katelyn Elizabeth Dennison
Quinebaug Valley Community College
Quinsigamond Community College
Abigail Megan DeWitt
Assumption University
Elms College (College of our Lady of the Elms)
Emmanuel College
Endicott College
Merrimack College
Nichols College
Quinnipiac University
Worcester State University
Olliver Lee Dickinson
Quinsigamond Community College
Marc Nabil Farouk Dinary
Quinsigamond Community College
Cullen Sean Dow
Nichols College
Quinsigamond Community College
Emma Morgan Drake
Assumption University
Drake University
Franklin Pierce University
Mercyhurst University
Nichols College
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Plymouth State University
Quinnipiac University
Stonehill College
University of Hartford
University of Maine
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
Western New England University
Aidan Patrick Dugan
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Western New England University
Daniel Durda
Worcester State University
Michaela Lee Ebbeling
Southern New Hampshire University
Marlee Elyse Eckbold
Quinsigamond Community College
Worcester State University
Christy Pierre El Khoury
Quinsigamond Community College
Adam Jeffrey Faucher
Worcester State University
Sandy Perpetuo Fontes
Nichols College
Quinebaug Valley Community College
Quinsigamond Community College
Cheyenne Liberty Ghiz
Quinsigamond Community College
Emma Marie Girasuolo
University College Dublin
Julia Catherine Hickey
Roger Williams University
Salem State University
Salve Regina University
Stonehill College
Westfield State University
Keller Galen Holmes
Assumption University
Fitchburg State University
Springfield College
Western New England University
Madeleine Elizabeth Johnson
University of Hartford
Western New England University
Charles Joseph Karp
Worcester State University
Kellen Guy Kinnes
Assumption University
Fisher College
Lasell University
University of Massachusetts-Boston
Worcester State University
Olivia Ann Krukonis
High Point University
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Main Campus
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
University of Rhode Island
Leah Rose Leclair
Assumption University
Seton Hall University
Worcester State University
Rachel Ann Lolax
Arcadia University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Salem State University
Olivia Rose Lombardi
Assumption University
Bridgewater State University
University of New England
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Westfield State University
Worcester State University
Alison Veronica Lotter
Assumption University
Owen William Marengo
Nichols College
Luke Harry Miller
Providence College
University of Rhode Island
Manar Medhat Morgan
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Worcester State University
Emery Augusta Mullen
Vassar College
Natalie G. Nayfeh
Worcester State University
Joshua Caleb Njoroge
Lasell University
Western New England University
Tenderness Nneoma Onyekwere
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Stony Brook University
Mason Howard Paine
Fitchburg State University
Army National Guard
Jacob Ryan Perzanoski
SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill
Maria Marguerite Piekarczyk
Norwich University
Quinnipiac University
Saint Michael's College
Alek John Poirier
Worcester State University
Mic Riopel
University of Maine
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
University of New Haven
Sydney Elizabeth Roland
Ringling College of Art and Design
Savannah College of Art & Design - SCAD
Abraham Alexis Rosario
Quinsigamond Community College
Myrna Amir Roufail
Quinebaug Valley Community College
Quinsigamond Community College
Olivia Jean Salem
Salem State University
Worcester State University
Alex Michele Salerno
Curry College
Nichols College
Juan Francisco Santos
Quinsigamond Community College
Caden Hayes Senseman
Quinsigamond Community College
Olivia Paige Simpson
Quinsigamond Community College
Keanu Sirimongkhoune
Quinsigamond Community College
Michael Thomas Sobocinski
Quinsigamond Community College
Madison Rose Stewart
Quinsigamond Community College
Jessica Patrycja Surmiak
Quinsigamond Community College
Brayden Robert Thompson
Quinsigamond Community College
Francisco Javier Torres
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Andrew Daniel Trudel
Florida Southern College
Jocelyn Kaye Van Minos
Messiah University
Abdiel Javier Vera
New England Institute of Technology
Quinsigamond Community College
Emma Grace White
Nichols College
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Roger Williams University
Stonehill College
University of Maine
Western New England University
Gregory Emerson Winans
Assumption University
Ashley Anne Wojcicki
Assumption University
Franklin Pierce University
Johnson & Wales University-Providence
Quinnipiac University
Isabella Rose Youssef
Nichols College
Joy Mary Youssef
Worcester State University
Olivia Odete Youssef
Assumption University
Gabriella Leigh Yovan
Nichols College
University of Massachusetts-Boston
Ashlee Elainea Zaleski
Assumption University
Worcester State University
Save the Date ~ MCAS
Please make every effort to be attendance for the tests!
All Grade 10 students will be testing:
· ELA Session 1: March 28
· ELA Session 2: March 29
· Mathematics Session 1: May 16
· Mathematics Session 2: May 17
All grade 9 students will test in either Biology or Physics on:
· Session 1: June 6
· Session 2: June 7
National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) will present to grades 9-12 on February 14th and February 15th. The schedule is below for your planning purposes. Also included are brochures, so that you have additional information on the subject of the presentation.
February 14th:
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Grade 11
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM: Grade 12
February 15th:
8:00 - 9:00 AM: Grade 10
9:15 - 10:15 AM: Grade 9
Reminders for Seniors!
Seniors please be sure to visit the Class of 2023 Google Classroom and complete the form for your cap and gown measurements. (You can find it under classwork)
Also, be sure to check in with Mrs. McGrail or Mrs. Armstrong to make sure your dues are paid! Dues must be up to date to participate in all of the upcoming senior activities ~ including PROM!
Military
United States Air Force
United Stated Space Force
United States Army
United States Navy
United Stated Marine Corps
United Stated Coast Guard
The ASVAB is coming to Shepherd Hill!
The ASVAB is a multiple-aptitude test that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. There is no fee to take the ASVAB.
March 21 - 8am
Library Conference Room
Sign up in Guidance
Limited spots available, based on seniority
Score interpretation April 11 - 8am
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIEINCE AS WE NAVIGATE THE MANY CHANGES AND CHALLENGES THAT HAVE COME OUR WAY!
We need and value your input. Contact us:
Email: shboosterclub@dcrsd.org
Facebook: Shepherd Hill Regional School District Booster Club
Twitter: @HillBooster
Booster Club on the SHRHS website:
BOOSTER CLUB WEBSITE
CHECK OUT THE NEWLY UPDATED & RE-DESIGNED
BOOSTER MERCHANDISE ONLINE STORE
https://shepherd-hill-booster-club-online.square.site/
Thanks again for all you do to support our kids!!!
CALLING ALL MEMBERS (CURRENT & NEW)
We need your help to renew memberships or to become a booster member!!!
Visit the SHRHS Booster Club website as noted above…
Your commitment to sharing your ideas, time and
talents are greatly appreciated!
FUNDRAISING/MARKETING
We are ALWAYS seeking new ideas for fundraising. Please send an email to: shboosterclub@dcrsd.org
Attention: Hilary Marsi, Fundraising Coordinator
Our Mission:
"To assist the music directors and support the activities of the Shepherd Hill Regional High School music department, and to provide experiences outside of the typical high school music curriculum within the established policies of the school. All activities and decisions of this association will conform to the views of the administration and the music directors of Shepherd Hill Regional High School."
Meet the SHMPA Board
President: Jeff Cloutier
Vice-President: Terry Salonis
Treasurer: Jim McGonagle
Associate Treasurer: June-Ellen Cloutier
Secretary: Thalia McClay
Corresponding Secretary: Maria Perea-Beaulieau
Member at Large: Bill Perry
Member at Large: Kristi White
If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at
What do the Shepherd Hill Music Parents raise money for?
*Provide funding for a new sound system in the auditorium
* Purchasing new stairs for backstage
* Award 4 students with scholarships
* Pay stipends for extra support staff.
Meeting Dates
Join other music parents, get the “inside scoop” from the directors, get your questions answered,
and hear about the amazing things your music students are doing.
2/1/2023, 3/1/2023, 4/5/2023, 5/3/2023, 6/7/2023
We would also like to thank all the generous 2021/2022 sponsors for supporting our talented music students. We are always looking for new sponsors and here's the link.
CHECK OUT OUR NEW SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE!
CHECK OUT OUR NEW SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE!
We would also like to thank all the generous 2021/2022 sponsors for supporting our talented music students. We are always looking for new sponsors and here's the link. https://forms.gle/X1bjBUiPjhDrQwSU7
Dates to Remember
February
2/3-2/4 ~ Show Choir Festival
2/12 ~ Super Bowl Grinders
2/20-2/24 ~ February Break
March
3/9 ~ Early Release Day - Parent Conferences