The Public Schools of
Northborough and Southborough
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EDUCATE - INSPIRE - CHALLENGE |
"Ten Schools, Three Districts, One Community of Learners" |
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Superintendent's Update
Friday, February 4, 2022
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Robert E. Melican Middle School students take advantage of the snow from last Saturday's storm.
Table of Contents:
Superintendent’s Weekly Message - NSBORO Spotlights
The Public Schools of Southborough: School Building Research
COVID-19 Information
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Dear Parent(s) and Guardian(s):
One, of many, positive aspects of being a school superintendent is that I have many opportunities to observe the amazing work of our educators and students across the District’s ten schools. In this week’s update, I’d like to spotlight a couple of exciting experiences students were involved in over the past five days.
World Reading Day at Margaret A. Neary Elementary School:
First, On Wednesday, February 2, Neary School participated in World Read Aloud Day (WRAD). WRAD was started 13 years ago by LitWorld and is celebrated in over 173 countries. On this day, authors are encouraged to donate their time to virtually visit schools all over the world. Neary School Zoomed with Lisa Fipps, Chana Stiefel, Jeanne Ferruolo, April Prince, Nanci Turner Stevenson, Ann Braden, Elly Swartz, and Jess Redman. The Neary students are very familiar with these authors as this fall, Neary SOS purchased 20 books for each classroom. The students all enjoyed listening to the authors read aloud from their books and were able to ask them questions. The day was a big success and we are looking forward to participating in WRAD in 2023. I’d like to thank Jennifer Turieo, Southborough educator, for organizing the day at Neary School. The future goal is to expand this event and have other schools participate in WRAD. Here are a couple of photos capturing the event.
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Algonquin marketing students develop a Screencast in preparation for a student vote on a new ARHS mascot:
On Wednesday, February 2, 2022, Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) students watched a screencast - created by marketing students, outlining the brand attributes of each of the mascot options (Eagles, Falcons, Nor’Easters, Thunder, & Titans). Another class created images and content for our Instagram feed, Gonkgram. The student vote will take place next week.
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Marguerite E. Peaslee Elementary School Winter Concert
Lastly, Marguerite E. Peaslee Elementary School fifth grade students held their Winter Concert.
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Respectfully,
Gregory L. Martineau
Superintendent of Schools
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The Public Schools of Southborough: School Building Research |
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Since the fall of 2020, the Town and School District have had continuing discussions about school building use in light of the need to make long-term plans for capital expenditures. The Town of Southborough’s Capital Planning Committee - School Research Subcommittee has worked on several aspects of this analysis, including gathering information about student enrollment projections, commissioning an assessment survey of the Neary School, and reviewing school building use and grade configurations. The Subcommittee has also gathered preliminary information regarding cost and funding relating to the renovation or replacement of the Neary School. In connection with this, the District has submitted a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s Core Building Program for work on the Neary School building.
When is the next important meeting to discuss the next steps?
The Town of Southborough's Capital Planning Committee - School Research Subcommittee will be making a presentation to the School Committee at the next scheduled meeting on February 9, 2022. The presentation will update the School Committee and the public on its work so far, as well as discuss options for moving forward. The meeting will be held via Zoom and will begin at 6:30 p.m. Please join the meeting to hear more about this important topic.
Where can key documents be viewed?
The Public Schools of Southborough’s (PreK-8) Space Needs Analysis and Demographic Report can be viewed on the School Committee’s webpage. In addition, the Town of Southborough’s Capital Planning Committee - School Research Subcommittee information can be accessed on the Town of Southborough’s website.
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Important Update on New COVID-19 Testing Opportunity |
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The District is updating its COVID-19 Testing Program. For more information about this update to the statewide testing program, please click here.
- The District will continue with routine COVID Safety Checks (pooled screening) on Mondays.
- The District is adding an at-home antigen testing option for families.
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To have your child participate, complete the sign-up form for an at-home antigen test kit (Students). This form only needs to be submitted once.
- At-home antigen testing will take place on Thursday of each week.
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The at-home testing option will begin the week of February 7, 2022.
- As of today, Friday, February 4, 2022, contact tracing in school will stop.
- Out-of-school close contacts will need to follow DPH quarantine guidelines.
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For detailed information please visit STUDENT at-home testing informational email
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If you have questions, please contact Mary Ellen Duggan, District Wellness Coordinator and Nurse Leader at, mduggan@nsboro.k12.ma.us.
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Black History Month - February |
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In February, the United States celebrates Black History Month or African-American History Month. Throughout the Northborough-Southborough Public Schools, our students and teachers will be recognizing Black History or African-American History Month through writing activities, literature, storytelling, art projects, performance, music, and dance.
Below are some websites you can explore about Black History Month, black authors, and activities you can do at home. We welcome your suggestions for other resources, as well.
Comic Books written by Black Authors:
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Stay Updated: School Committee Sites |
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Parent and Community Organizations
(Click on images to find out more about our partners in education)
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Northborough Parent Teacher Organizations |
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"Ten Schools, Three Districts, One Community of Learners" |
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Find us on social media... |
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