Region In Review
February 17, 2023
written by Dr. Marc J. Gosselin Jr., Superintendent of Schools
During the past few weeks, I’ve been spending time with students to learn about their firsthand experiences as Region 12 students. Students at Booth Free School, Burnham School, and Washington Primary School have shared their favorite books to read, desire for more recess time, and inspiring ideas to enhance playground spaces (water slides, anyone?).
I had the opportunity to hear about their favorite subjects (It’s an even split between reading, writing, math, and science.), and their hobbies outside of school (one student is a railroad aficionado). It was moving to hear how much they love their teachers and schools, which promote a community where all students feel welcome and included.
My next stop is Shepaug, and I’m eager to learn from our older students how to ensure that we provide the best educational experience to help them reach their dreams.
Québec En Hiver!
Three parents and four faculty members joined 31 Shepaug French students, grades 8-12, as they braved an arctic blast to absorb the local language and culture of Quebec City.
Starting with a ferry ride across the St. Lawrence river, other highlights included a visit to a traditional sugar shack (to learn about maple syrup production and eat a traditional lumberjack meal), a reenactment of key moments in the territorial conflict between the French and British, an exploration of the Ice Hotel, and a favorite -- a morning of snowshoeing and dog sledding.
Alumni Day
The Counseling Department welcomed five 2022 alumni back to Shepaug to speak to the current senior class on their early college experience during Spartan Period.
Janelle Frankland; University of Tennessee, Caroline Kibbe; Brown University, Wyatt King; Columbia University, Elaina Stumpf; Naugatuck Valley Community College and Anika Stumpf; University of Massachusetts, Boston briefly shared what it was like being a freshman at their school. Even though each alum has had a different experience, each expressed that Shepaug had prepared them for college. Their talk was followed by a Q&A session with both teachers and students. Thank you, Janelle, Caroline, Wyatt, Elaina, and Anika for coming back to Shepaug and for your sage advice!
Growing Young Leaders
Region 12 Elementary Student Leaders in grades four and five attended the CAS Leadership Conference on January 11, 2023, at Naugatuck Community College with other students from around the state. Students attended workshops with a focus on ‘how to be a leader in our community’ with an emphasis on communication, productive thinking, and decision-making.
Students were divided into groups and assigned to breakout sessions that covered these skills with a variety of unique approaches. From collaborative games and art to solving problems, communication activities, role plays, and “straight talk.” Students couldn’t wait to share their learning with their friends and advisors.
The day concluded with a poignant presentation that addressed bullying and highlighted the importance of being an upstanding person. Students left the conference excited and inspired to lead with assertion, creativity, and kindness.
WPS Student Wins Statewide Essay Contest
Washington Primary School third-grader, Eloise Clemente, was selected as a winner of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Essay Contest sponsored by Senator Chris Murphy. Eloise’s words inspire all of us in Region 12, and we look forward to joining her in her efforts to make the world a better place. Way to go, Eloise! Read her winning essay below:
I am very grateful for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He helped and inspired many people of many colors to be kind and treat others equally. He inspires me to be a kind and caring person. I will carry on his message and as I do, people will notice and start spreading his message too. “I have a dream,” he said, and that inspired me to make the world a better place. To make this happen, I will do many things. To start, I will help people in need by donating things I do not need and giving to charity. Also, I will keep being kind to everyone no matter the color of their skin. Lastly, I want to learn more about inspirational people, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King who showed love and kindness to everyone, no matter what, so I want to too. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. taught us all an important lesson. No matter the color of your skin, the money you have, or your uniqueness, you are awesome!
Connecticut Association of Schools Elementary Arts Recognition 2023
On February 7, 2023, six outstanding fifth-grade students from Region 12 received recognition for their excellence in the arts during the 24th Annual Elementary Celebration of the Arts. It felt extra special this year due to the fact that this event was held in person after being held virtually for the past two years, and missed altogether in 2020.
The Aqua Turf Club in Southington was all decked out for the occasion, complete with face painters, caricature artists, magicians, and a photo booth! The Connecticut Association of Schools, through its Elementary Arts Recognition Festival, annually honors students who have excelled in areas of visual or performing arts, and who exhibit high levels of citizenship and cooperative skills.
Every year, two award recipients are chosen from the highest grade level of each elementary school of our state - one for excellence in the visual arts and one for excellence in the performing arts. As a highlight of the evening, students, parents, educators and administrators from all over the state were entertained by members of Flock Theatre, who provided a very engaging and fun demonstration of six different types of puppetry. It was the perfect way to underscore the importance of the arts in our schools.
Congratulations to the following fifth-grade students who were this year’s recipients from Region 12:
Booth Free School: Peyton Livingston, Kiara Brew
Burnham School: Mabel Mariano, Madeline Toczylowski
Washington Primary School: Olivia Harris, Annavictoria Lara
Senior Project Spotlight
Reagan Rivera - Dog Training
Reagan Rivera’s senior project, “Dog Training,” centers around training her golden retriever puppy Zuko to become a therapy dog. Reagan got Zuko when he was 8 weeks old and has taken him from entry-level skills (i.e., potty training) through initial certification by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Zuko passed the All S.T.A.R. (Socialization, Training, Activity, Responsibility) Puppy exam and is on his way to earning the Canine Good Citizen Certification. Reagan says leash work has been frustrating because Zuko “just wants to love everything. He gets way too excited.” Reagan hopes Zuko ends up working in a hospital, retirement home, or school. “He really loves people, and I think he’ll bring happiness to them,” she explains.
Thank you, Shepaug Counselors!
In celebration of National Counseling Week from February 6th - 10th, Shepaug Valley School would like to thank our hardworking and caring counseling department.
-- Sophia Velez, Kelly Norris, Kerry Schur, Joanne Kelly, Samantha Steinis, Lisa Roush --
Thank you for all that you do!!
3D Modeling and Animation
3-D Modeling and Animation student, Eden Bruzinski, designs, models, 3-D prints, and assembles parts to create a ball-jointed doll.
Design and Modeling
Sixth-grade students learn how to ask questions about engineering as they start their new course, Design and Modeling. Students brainstorm questions and work to explore answers, document sources, and find or create images of engineers in action. Students have the option to add to their project by creating engineering comic strips and tin foil sculptures to demonstrate their newfound knowledge and showcase their creativity.
7th & 8th Grade Social
Shepaug 7th & 8th grade students had a blast at the Valentines Day social!
Fliers & Upcoming Events
Yearbook Information
High School
Order your high school yearbook here. THE DEADLINE IS MARCH 1ST
Order your senior recognition ads or business ads online here until February 9th.
Order offline until February 21st, 2023 by completing this form and sending pictures/text to gambinos@region-12.org
Middle School
Order your middle grades yearbook here. THE DEADLINE IS MARCH 1ST
Order your 8th-grade recognition ads or business ads here until February 9th.
Order offline until February 21st, 2023 by completing this form and sending pictures/text to gambinos@region-12.org
8th Grade Parents
Please send in a baby picture of your 8th grader as an attachment to an email to gambinos@region-12.org for Yearbook Club. A picture of a picture is fine.
Parents of Grade 6-8 Students: Please send in a picture of your pet(s) as an email attachment. Yearbook Club would like to include a "Pets of 2023" page.
Yearbook Club Request for all grades: Please send in any images you might have of sports, clubs, or school-related events for inclusion in our yearbook. Thank you!
Region 12 Calendar
February 20th - Presidents' Day - No School
February 21st - Professional Development Day - No School for Students
February 27th - Curriculum & Educational Programming Committee, SVS, 6pm
February 27th - Board of Education Meeting, SVS, 7pm
March 2nd - Read Across America Day
March 2nd - Burnham School PTO, 3:30pm
March 6th - SVS PTO, 6:30pm
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