Region In Review
April 29, 2022
A Congressional Visit
On April 20, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes joined Shepaug students, Superintendent Megan Bennett, Board of Education Chairman Gregory Cava, Board of Education Member Mary Weber, Curriculum Director Teresa DeBrito, and Shepaug Principal Don Schels for a guided tour of The Agriscience Academy’s state-of-the-art classrooms and facilities.
Principal Don Schels shared, "It was so nice to feel connected to our Representative, and see our students explain our achievements and challenges in a way that will actually inform policy (Representative Hayes sits on the Agriculture Committee). As an educator, the Congresswoman was able to relate directly to our students and engage them in a really meaningful way. I believe our students will remember the visit for a very long time."
The students discussed increasing access to the programs so others who are passionate about the environment, engineering, and plant systems can take part in the growing movement happening in our schools.
Curriculum Director Teresa DeBrito said, "Our students shined as they led the tour and shared their agriscience learning experiences with Congresswoman Hayes. It was a rewarding visit for all."
At the end of her visit, Paris Afiouni ’22 took the opportunity to ask Congresswoman Hayes to join him at the upcoming prom. Her response was, “I guess I’ll have to come back!”
Welcome to Oz
Shepaug Dramatics is in their home stretch of rehearsing for The Wizard of Oz musical which opens at 7pm on Friday, April 29th.
For 12 weeks, students have been working around the clock to put together the middle and high school production. A timeless classic, The Wizard of Oz brings together powerful themes and is one of the most iconic pieces of American entertainment.
Excited to be part of the tradition of storytellers who get to go on this amazing adventure down the yellow brick road, the Dramatics team built several locations and many large set-pieces with a variety of intricate features.
Backstage crew members were able to recycle sets and reuse cardboard boxes to build entire structures from scratch by repurposing old materials. The lighting team used every single light available to them to illuminate the various locations required to bring the story to life, including Kansas, Munchkinland, and Emerald City.
The actors have been studying their lines, practicing their songs and dance numbers, and are incredibly thrilled to share this special experience with audience members.
The show runs on Friday, April 29th at 7 pm, Saturday, April 30th at 7 pm, and Sunday, May 1st at 3 pm. Tickets are available by calling 860.251.9369.
Caring for Bats
Washington Primary students were treated with a visit from bat expert Maureen and her flying friend Gus on Wednesday.
In addition to learning various facts about bat populations, students were educated about safety precautions to follow when potentially encountering the flying mammals, some misinformation that exists in mainstream media, and how bats communicate with each other.
Kindness Mural
Elementary students and teachers at The Burnham School made clay tiles and painted them with a special glaze on Tuesday in preparation for the mosaic that will be created for the Be Kind mural in collaboration with Ben’s Bells.
Each grade, from Kindergarten to fifth, took the time to carefully paint several layers of the paint that will be fired by Ben’s Bells in Bethel.
Coffee!
Guest speaker Nick Benson, the owner and coffee roaster at Zero Prophet Coffee, visited Food Science students in tenth grade for a demonstration. Students participated in a discussion with Mr. Benson learning about sourcing different coffees, supply chains of coffee, and the science behind the endothermic and exothermic reactions while coffee beans are roasted to their desired strength.
Continuing their research, the students crafted several baked goods and drinks inspired by the flavorful bean, and the interesting flavors it can create, including coffee toffee muffins and tiramisu.
We are thankful for Mr. Benson's time and expertise and anticipate visiting the roastery next year to see commercial coffee roasting production in action!
Fliers & Upcoming Events
Region 12 Calendar
May 2 - BOE/Curriculum/Education Committee Meeting - Cancelled
May 2 - Annual District Budget Meeting, SVS, 7pm
May 2 - BOE Meeting, SVS, 7:15pm
May 5 - PTO Meeting, SVS, 6:30pm
May 6 - Grade 6-7 Social, SVS, 2pm
May 9 - PTO Meeting at Burnham, 3:30pm
May 10 - Middle School (6&7) Concert, SVS, 6pm
May 10 - PTO Meeting, WPS, 6:30pm
May 12 - Eighth Grade & High School Concert, SVS, 6pm
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