NSBORO News

NSBORO NEWS- September 2019

The Public Schools of

Northborough and Southborough

"Ten Schools, Three Districts, One Community of Learners"

NSBORO News - September Edition

Superintendent's September Update

“ Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” ― W.B. Yeats

New teacher orientations, athletic tryouts, open houses, college nights, Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meetings, Southborough Organization for Schools (SOS) meetings, Algonquin Booster Club meetings, Algonquin Parent Teacher Organization (APTO) meetings, band demos, musical auditions, school pictures, and parent coffees. The month of September represents a significant change in routines for students, families, and educators and the month has no shortage of events and activities. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with many educators, parents, and students and all have shared that they have had an excellent start to the school year. In this September update, I want to communicate important information and several opportunities for parents and community members to get involved and make a positive difference in our schools.

Respectfully,

Gregory L. Martineau

Superintendent of Schools

School Closings and Cancellations

I’m finding it hard to believe that fall has arrived and, with fall, winter weather is not too far off. With that said, it’s never too late for families to prepare and plan for school closings or cancellations. While our goal is to remain in session, the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. Every effort is made to make the call with as much notice as possible; however, there should be no expectation that any delay or cancellation will be announced before the day of school.

Like weather forecasting, the school-closing decision process is not a perfect science. However, it is important for families to understand how the process works. A FAQ document was designed to answer such questions. To review the FAQ document, please visit: School Closings and Cancellations

Join our School Community Read:

“Ten Schools, Three Districts and One Community of Readers”

This year the District is launching a Ten Schools,Three Districts and One Community of Readers book group . The book selected for our community read is, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed by Jessica Lahey. The purpose of the school community read is to engage families in discussing the topic of parenting and engaging in conversations about the role that failure has in the learning process of a child. The purpose of the community read is to engage in a larger conversation about a shared text. In fact, you might completely disagree with the author’s message.

How can you get involved? First, we encourage anyone who is interested in participating to read the book. Copies of the book are available at each of our ten schools' libraries and the town libraries. Next, there are two opportunities to connect with others to discuss the book. First, on October 28, 2019, at 6:30 PM in the ARHS Library, there is an opportunity to discuss the book with others in a smaller “book group.” At this session, there will be guided discussion questions to facilitate conversations. Secondly, on March 25, 2020, the author, Jessica Lahey, will be visiting our District and giving a keynote speech. You can participate in one or both of these sessions. The goal is to engage the school community in shared learning, making connections, and conversation about parenting.

Lastly, for those who are interested in purchasing a copy of the book, it’s available on Amazon by visiting: The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed by Jessica Lahey

School Start Time Task Force Update

In the spring of 2019, a School Start Time Task Force convened to assess the feasibility of a later start to the school day at the middle and high school level. The Task Force met several times to organize and establish its purpose and goals. As a result, four subgroups were created: Community Outreach; Scenario and Options; Logistics; and Research and Data. The subgroups met and they continued their work over the summer months. This fall and winter the Task Force will continue its work by:

Providing communities with information and educational opportunities to learn about the role sleep plays in the adolescent brain;
Reviewing scenarios and options;
Identifying options that align with research;
Identifying the potential impacts of the later start time (E.g. financial, family, before and after school care and athletics);
Providing opportunities for the communities to give feedback on the scenarios and options; and,
Presenting to the School Committee with a recommended proposal(s).

It’s essential to note that if the outcome of this work results in a change to the schools’ start times, the changes would not be implemented until the 2021-2022 school year.

PreK-12 Music Study Group

The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough are establishing a PreK-12 Music Study Group to evaluate and celebrate our PreK-12 music program, highlight strengths, identify opportunities for growth, and make recommendations for the next 3-5 years, including budgetary implications. The PreK-12 Music Study Group will be responsible for:

Researching the benefits of music;
Highlighting strengths and identifying opportunities for growth; and,
Gathering recommendations for the next 3-5 years.

Time Commitment:

Dates: October 8, November 7, January 9, February 13, and March 5

Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Location: Algonquin Regional High School Library

We are seeking the following members who are interested in serving on the PreK-12 Music Study Group:

Northboro-Southboro Music Association (NSMA) (2)
Music Educators (8)
Parents (3)
School Committee (3)
Administrators (3)

If you are interested in serving on the PreK-12 Music Study Group, please complete the following form:

PreK-12 Music Study Group Form

Transportation Advisory Working Group - Seeking Members

The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough is creating a Transportation Advisory Working Group and is seeking three representatives from each of our three districts to serve. The purpose of the Advisory Working Group is to provide the District with input and feedback on how transportation services can be improved across our ten schools. The Advisory Working Group will meet three times during the 2019-2020 school year. Dates will be communicated once membership is established. If you are interested in serving on the Advisory Working Group, please complete the following form: Transportation Advisory Working Group Form