* E C R S h r e w s b u y Shrewsbury School P o s t a l W S E D M * C u s t o m e r , M A 0 1 5 4 N O - P R F I T W O R C E S T , P E R M I T Serving a community that empowers learners Winter Edition 2020 • Vol XXIV • No. 2 U . S P O S T P

Journal A I D N O . 1 0 A G E O R G . Superintendent’s Corner Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. M A Education is the premise of progress, in every Rising to an society, in every family. - Kofi Annan unprecedented challenge

DR. JOSEPH M. SAWYER SUPERINTENDENT

This Superintendent’s Corner would have been on a much different topic, but the COVID-19 pandemic became an emer- gency just prior to the time this edition of the School Journal would have gone to print. So, instead, I will share with the larger community some of what I have been communicating with our families and staff now that all of our schools are closed Elementary students (left to right)Nina and Aishah, and Grade 4 teachers Kelly Finneran, Anna Ross, Christine Zambernardi, Wendy Bell (Principal), and Julie Murphy engage with the new science curriculum. See “A Positive by order of Governor Baker until at least Reaction...” on page 6. April 7, and all town buildings are closed to the public with business being conduct- ed via phone and electronic communica- tion. Please see our website at schools. shrewsburyma.gov for up-to-date informa- Budget Planning: a rite of spring tion on our school district’s response to the pandemic. and a familiar scenario cost mitigation across the district. I hope all of you reading this continue to MS. SANDRA FRYC be well. When I write this, there are still no SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR Funding for schools is a combination of state confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Shrews- aid, local contributions from taxes, fee revenue bury, but with expanded testing begin- and grants. State aid and Federal grants have ba- ning to happen I assume it is a matter of As winter turns to spring the rite of devel- sically been flat for a decade. The level of fund- time until we have the first confirmed case oping the annual School Department budget ing from the State of Massachusetts is below the within our community. I ask that you help becomes the main focus of the School Com- rate of inflation. Growth in local property tax protect our older family and friends, those mittee’s work. The budget develops over revenue combined with relatively flat increases with health conditions, first responders, several months and the recommendations in other revenue areas means that all inflation- and medical professionals by practicing made take into consideration the district’s ary pressure shifts to the town appropriated bud- social distancing. mission, values, and strategic goals and pri- get and the core of our school budget funding orities. Unfortunately, we are facing an all comes from town dollars. Over time the public too familiar scenario of structural funding is- school budget cuts have translated into higher Closing schools is a major interruption to sues that continue to overshadow the School costs for families. Shrewsbury school fee rev- our educational program that creates dif- Department budget process. enues have nearly doubled in the past ten years, ficulties for our students, who rely on our which means this source of revenue has become schools not only for education but also for On January 22, 2020, Dr. Sawyer provided significant to the annual School Department the school committee with his initial bud- budget. Proactively the School Department has CONTINUED, see page 2 get recommendation. In order to main- sought additional funding by seeking alternative inside • pages 2, 3 & 4 tain the district’s status quo an increase of revenue sources including competitive grants, partnerships, sponsorships, and philanthropic • Right-sizing our elementary schools $4,277,873 or a 6.45% increase over the Fis- cal Year 2020 school budget will be required. gifts to the district. As we begin the FY2021 through redistricting This means the amount of money the district budget planning, the reality is that our town con- • Beal Project: the faces behind will have to invest in the advancement of tinues to struggle to fund a level service school Construction Management its five-year strategic priorities will be zero. budget due to the fiscal constraints. The amount • SHS Alumni - we’re looking for you! Town Manager Kevin Mizikar’s initial FY21 of revenue available to our local government is budget recommendation is an increase of not sufficient to meet the short-term needs of the inside • pages 5, 6 & 7 $1,366,281 or 2.06% over the FY20 school schools or town departments. • Beal Unified Hour of Play - A practice budget resulting in a budget gap of $2.9 mil- lion. Please note that as of the writing of this A frequently asked question is, “Didn’t the suc- in inclusive practices article we are very early in the budget pro- cessful Proposition 2 ½ Override in 2014 solve • United Sound at Shrewsbury High cess and there may be some improvement in the school funding problem?”. In the three years School the town’s overall budget situation as we get prior to 2014, in order to reach a balanced school • A Positive Reaction: new Science Cur- closer to the annual Town Meeting in May. budget, the district had to reduce staff positions riculum engages elementary students, However, the School Committee and School and educational programming. It was neither teachers Administration do not believe the budget • Add some “Spark” to your summer gap can be resolved without some level of CONTINUED, see page 3 WINTER 2020 • SHREWSBURY SCHOOL JOURNAL • PAGE 2 Superintendent’s Corner CONTINUED from page 1 Right-sizing our elementary schools many aspects of their well-being, including social and emotional sup- through redistricting port and meals. This decision also places a significant burden on many while keeping geographic School Building Committee families with regard to childcare. JON WENSKY entities intact. voted unanimously to fund with However, I believe that this has SCHOOL COMMITTEE • Student demographics should the approved project budget. been the right thing to do with re- VICE CHAIR be taken into account when gard to the health and safety of our redistricting school atten- Over the next month, the Central community. dance zones. Office and the Town of Shrews- The new Beal School construc- • Future potential population bury’s GIS Coordinator will tion is well underway and the growth should be consid- share critical school and town “I have always been proud School Committee has formal- ered when establishing at- data with AppGeo to begin the to be a member of the ly assembled an Elementary tendance zones. process of crafting redistricting Shrewsbury community, School Redistricting Subcom- • Changes of school assign- recommendations. AppGeo will mittee to support the addition ments for existing students also incorporate our guiding and I am confident that of a new school and allow should be minimized to principles along with conduct- our collective response to for successfully right-sizing the greatest extent possible ing a neighborhood review to this very challenging all Shrewsbury elementary within the context of the develop a baseline of options. schools. We received many ap- other priorities. The technological capabilities situation will be character- plications from local residents • The redistricting process of AppGeo will expedite the ized by respect and sup- that had an interest in contrib- should work in concert with information and analysis pro- port for one another.” uting to this important town other district initiatives vided to the subcommittee. project. This subcommittee is where possible. Geographic boundaries can well represented and includes be tweaked based on the com- I shared three key messages with a diversity of perspectives from The last time Shrewsbury Public mittee’s feedback and revised the school community regarding School Committee & District Schools experienced redistrict- school zone maps can be gen- how we are responding to this un- leadership, Elementary School ing was prior to the 1997 open- erated quickly. The goal is for precedented and rapidly evolving Principals, and, most important- ing of Floral Street Elementary the subcommittee to review Ap- crisis: ly, parents representing each of School. Patrick Collins, Assis- pGeo’s initial recommendations our existing elementary schools. tant Superintendent of Finance before the summer. Meetings The subcommittee consists of • The health & well-being of stu- & Operations, participated in will reconvene in September the following 11 members: dents, families, & staff is priority #1. the Floral initiative and advised with AppGeo providing revised • This is an extraordinary time in that the process was very manu- redistricting recommendations • Two School Committee al. Paper maps were used to cre- and collecting additional feed- history, and everyone in our members: Sandra Fryc and ate neighborhood zones. These back. The subcommittee will community has a collective Jon Wensky maps were color coded with then prepare to present formal responsibility to respond to this • Joe Sawyer, Superintendent highlighters and school zones redistricting options for review challenge. of Schools were manually weighted & op- in public hearings and School • Even though our schools are • Patrick Collins, Asst. Su- timized based on the capacity Committee meetings beginning closed, we will continue to perintendent for Finance and geographic location of each in October. support our students, fami- and Operations school. lies, and staff from a distance • Tiffany Ostrander, Princi- The process to decide new el- and empower our students pal, Calvin Coolidge School Fast forward 23 years later to ementary school districts is with opportunities for learning. • Bryan Mabie, Principal, our new Beal School Project lengthy & complex. It requires Spring Street School and significant advancements in-depth analysis, the assistance • Nicole Grace, Parent, With our schools closed for an ex- in technology allow our school of consultants, input from key Spring Street School tended period of time, we immedi- district the opportunity to seek stakeholders, and ample com- • Shannon Creedon, Parent, assistance from companies that munication. While change is ately began providing grab-and- Walter J. Paton School specialize in geographical track- difficult, it’s important -to re go meals to needy families since • Rajesh Velagapudi, Parent, ing and digital mapping. As part member that all elementary school breakfasts and lunches are Floral Street School of the vetting process, Shrews- school students will be positive- not available, and we are also part- • Christine Jasinski, Parent, bury Public Schools entered ly impacted by reducing the en- nering with St. Anne’s Human Ser- Calvin Coolidge School into a public request for propos- rollment at existing elementary vices to ensure our students and • Terrick Andey, Parent, Beal al (or “RFP”). The public RFP schools so as to provide equi- their families have access to the Early Childhood Center. is a bidding process that allows table and dedicated space allo- food they need. To address stu- Shrewsbury to hire a qualified cations and providing universal dents’ educational needs, our cur- The inaugural subcommittee planning service to re-align the full-day, tuition-free kindergar- riculum leaders and educators con- meeting was held on Tuesday, elementary schools across the ten to all Shrewsbury families. tinue to work on determining ways January 14 at Sherwood Middle town. The bidding process was School’s Media Center. The first to best provide learning opportuni- completed by the end of Febru- Most importantly, at the end of meeting served as a “meet & ties while students are at home. I ary 2020 and Boston-based Ap- all these changes, one thing will greet” amongst subcommittee pGeo (Applied Geographics) remain the same - Shrewsbury am grateful to our parents for help- members and an introduction was awarded the contract for Public Schools will continue ing their children stay engaged with to the redistricting process. The GIS (Geographic Information meeting the educational needs learning activities at home, and I am subcommittee also reviewed the Systems) consultant services. of all students regardless of grateful to our educators for con- following guiding principles for AppGeo is a firm with 29 years school assignment. necting with students and families the redistricting plan: of GIS experience. They have through technology and providing completed more than 1,000 various learning options. This pro- • Student educational needs projects for government and pri- cess will continue to evolve, and I will be met regardless of vate-sector clients in a number appreciate everyone’s patience as school assignment; Student of markets and industries. App- we work to do this effectively during population must be distrib- Geo has provided school redis- a time when many students’ families uted so that each school has trict planning services to several sufficient, appropriate, dedi- and staff’s families are undergoing a Massachusetts towns including cated instructional spaces. significant amount of upheaval. Lexington, Wellesley, and, most • School assignments will recently, Marlboro. AppGeo’s be determined by drawing GIS technology will simplify This crisis is creating health and fi- attendance zone boundar- the redistricting process by nancial difficulties for so many, and ies and should emphasize a providing the technological re- the unpredictability and fear regard- “neighborhood school” ap- sources necessary to ensure our ing what might happen naturally can proach by prioritizing geo- district satisfies the needs of its create stress, anxiety, and emotion- graphic proximity of home elementary students. AppGeo’s to school for walkability service will cost approximately CONTINUED, see page 4 and efficient transportation, $60,000, an expense the Beal WINTER 2020 • SHREWSBURY SCHOOL JOURNAL • PAGE 3 Budget Planning Beal Project: the faces behind CONTINUED from page 1 implied nor stated that a Proposition Construction Management 2 ½ Override was the solution to edu- cation funding. The funding from the the renovation and expansion of ing a native of Worcester, I take override provided much needed reve- PATRICK C. COLLINS Shrewsbury Public Library in great pride and responsibility in nue to the school department in order to ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT the center of Town and now the being able to have such a pro- stem the erosion of educational services FOR FINANCE & OPERATIONS Beal Elementary School. My job found effect on our community’s but it did not solve the town’s structural BEAL SCHOOL BUILDING superintendent Mr. Jim Morin built environment. deficit. COMMITTEE MEMBER and I have worked on the Min- nechaug Regional High School What’s going well with the Others might wonder about the recently In this update I decided to focus as well as the West Springfield project and what concerns do passed Student Opportunity Act (SOA), on the key people leading the High School together. you have for the remainder of which is the major overhaul of the construction management ef- the project? state’s Chapter 70 education funding fort. The Beal School Building What’s going well with the formula and revision of foundation bud- Committee is very pleased to project and what concerns do Being able to work with the get rates. “Won’t this additional $1.4 have selected a highly qualified you have for the remainder of same team assigned to the con- million in new spending, which will be and experienced team. These the project? struction of the Shrewsbury phased in over seven years, provide ad- are the key design and construc- Public Library has been a real ditional revenue for the schools?” Due tion management firms leading The project was well-planned pleasure. In addition to that we to Shrewsbury’s level of property and the project: from the beginning from design have experienced a mild winter income wealth, the new state education to the OPM’s (Owner’s Project which has allowed construction funding law is not expected to change Architect: Manager) oversight. It is well- to proceed at a pace not usu- the amount of state aid Shrewsbury will LPA/A [formerly Lamoureux Pa- funded and is on track to be ally afforded by New England receive in 2021, which is the minimum gano Associates] of Worcester on budget. We also had a very winters. All of our major con- aid of $ 30 per pupil. SOA is expected mild winter which allowed us to cerns for this project have al- to have a minimal impact on Shrews- Owner’s Project Manager: keep the project moving during ready been addressed; among bury’s school budget in the coming PMA Consultants of Boston the winter months without any them were the challenges asso- years. delays due to snowfall which ciated with developing the for- is helping us with the schedule. mer Glavin Center site, includ- Construction Manager: Some may believe the School Com- The most difficult part of this ing demolition and hazardous Fontaine Brothers of Springfield mittee’s budget concerns are an all project was with the coordina- abatement of the existing struc- tion of the new waterline and tures, mitigation of the natu- too familiar yearly complaint. “Why Here are some “faces of the can’t they provide educational services Beal Project”… the realignment of Lake Street. rally occurring arsenic soils, That part of the project is be- realignment of Lake Street, and without needing additional funding?” hind us now, so we can focus on sufficient site utilities to support In 2017, committee members Dr. Dale the school building and pushing a new elementary school. Magee and John Samia conducted a fis- that to the finish line. cal study project that assessed short and long-term trends that will impact the Shrewsbury Public Schools. Their work included a five-year fiscal projection for FY2018-FY2022. This high-level pro- jection assumed sustaining the existing education program, meeting mandates in a cost-effective manner, and incor- porating terms of collective bargaining Frank Payeur, Construction agreements, and projects costs based on Project Manager, Fontaine actual FY2017 numbers and best guess Brothers estimates. The outcome of this exercise Walter Hartley, Owner’s was that Shrewsbury Public Schools What is your role and what Sean Brennan, Project Archi- Project Manager, PMA Con- would be facing a widening structural are your major responsibili- tect, LPA/A sultants deficit over the next five years. ties on the Beal project? What is your role and what What is your role and what Providing educational services is ex- The major role of the Project are your major responsibili- are your major responsibili- Manager (PM) is to ensure that ties on the Beal project? ties on the Beal project? pensive. The cost of education, even the project is delivered on time in a well-managed district such as and on budget to the client. The Serving as the Project Architect As the Owner’s Project Man- Shrewsbury, as well as throughout the PM also needs to make sure that for the project, I have been as- ager (OPM) we are responsible state, increases roughly 4% each year the client, in this case the Town signed to the project since the for overseeing the entire project due to a variety of cost drivers. In order of Shrewsbury, is delivered a beginning. I helped assist the from beginning to end, a process to maintain our school district’s current school facility that meets all town throughout the design that typically takes 5-7 years. level of service the main cost drivers for of the design specifications set phase to ensure they were able OPMs are the first people hired the FY21 budget include not only infla- forth for the project. to make informed decisions, when a Town would like to com- tion, but in-district transportation, em- which resulted in a building de- plete a project. We work with ployee compensation, vocational tech- Tell us a bit about your back- sign that will serve the town’s the Town to hire a designer, de- nical high school tuitions, out of district ground and experience doing high educational standards for sign the project, maintain the special education tuitions, out of dis- this type of work. years to come. I am currently budget, maintain the schedule, trict special education transportation, overseeing construction to ver- bid the project, oversee the con- and weaning off of the full-day kinder- I have been in the construction ify the construction documents struction of the project, move garten tuition in advance of providing industry since I was 16 years are followed to ensure the build- the building occupants into the tuition-free, full day kindergarten for all old, nearly 43 years of experi- ing will function as intended. new building, and finally close- when the new Beal School opens in the ence. I started as a laborer with out the project. During the con- fall of 2021. Fontaine and then went to the Tell us a bit about your back- struction phase it is the OPM’s Carpenters Union Apprentice ground and experience doing job to review change orders, Data, at the state and local levels, con- School and worked my way into this type of work. ensure the proper work is being tinues to support that Shrewsbury is a becoming a Journeyman Car- put in place, review the prog- well-managed school district; however, penter. After that I earned my I am a registered architect with ress against the schedule, and volatility and inflation are predictable Civil Engineering Degree from both a Bachelor and Master of assist in project communication factors that destabilize future budgets. Springfield Technical Com- Architecture from Wentworth between all parties. This issue is not new and remains as munity College and made my Institute of Technology. I have predictable today as it did in 2014. If way from the field into the- of been with LPA/A for 10 years Tell us a bit about your back- the pattern of structural funding per- fice and started with the man- and have worked on projects of ground and experience doing sists, the ability to provide even the agement side of things. I have all scales from small projects this type of work. current level of educational services worked with Fontaine for the like St. John’s Food Pantry to will become increasingly difficult. The Town of Shrewsbury overseeing large projects like Beal Elemen- I have been working for PMA School Committee is cognizant that the the renovation and expansion of tary School [largest elementary the Fire Station Headquarters, school in the firm’s history]. Be- CONTINUED, see page 5 CONTINUED, see page 5 WINTER 2020 • SHREWSBURY SCHOOL JOURNAL • PAGE 4 Superintendent’s Corner CONTINUED from page 2 SHS Alumni - we are looking for you! al and physical exhaustion. These for life after high school. nect! There will be opportuni- are trying times, so it is important for MICHELLE BISCOTTI & ties for you to engage with us in us all to show empathy, patience, KATHLEEN KEOHANE We invite you to return to our the future. kindness, and goodwill toward one COORDINATORS OF school district so that you can DEVELOPMENT AND share your college and career This month, we mailed over another, and to model these things VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES for our children. If we do, courage, strategies with others. It’s easy 8000 postcards to alumni for to sign up for our new alumni whom we had mailing address- fortitude, and perseverance will fol- Shrewsbury Public Schools network - just go to our new es. If you are an alum who did low. is building an engaging new website, https://schools.shrews- not receive a postcard, please alumni program and we need buryma.gov/alumni, and let us email us at alumni@shrews- “Please see our website at the help of our alumni. know how you would like to bury.k12.ma.us. We are espe- schools.shrewsburyma.gov help. cially looking for graduates Because you are an alum of from 1990-2003 for whom we for up-to-date information Shrewsbury High School Here are ways that Shrewsbury have very few contacts. Our to our school district’s (SHS), you can offer a unique Public Schools can immediately 1969-1989 graduates’ names perspective to current students use your experience: and addresses came from old response to the pandemic.” of all ages. Finding a path for- yearbooks and our 2004-2018 ward following high school • Share your college and ca- graduates’ names and addresses This is an unprecedented and ex- graduation can be a daunting reer paths came from Powerschool. traordinary time for all of us. I have task. When shared with others, • Be a guest speaker in a always been proud to be a member the life experiences of alumni classroom Please spread the word to your positively influence our -stu • Become a mentor classmates. We look forward to of the Shrewsbury community, and dents’ college, career or mili- • Engage with students in an connecting our alumni with our I am confident that our collective tary readiness. As a result, we internship, externship or job current students and fostering response to this very challenging are actively seeking graduates shadowing experience relationships that will have an situation will be characterized by re- who are willing to contribute impact for a lifetime. spect and support for one another. their time, energy, and expertise Even if you can’t volunteer We will rise to this challenge, to- to better prepare our students right now, that’s ok – just recon- gether.

The non-profit Shrewsbury School Journal is published three times a year and reaches every household in the diverse and growing town of Shrewsbury. It is published by the central office of the Shrewsbury Public Schools with the help and expertise of many individuals. The mission of the Shrewsbury School Journal is to provide an accurate source of information about our school system and the town in which we live. We hope to foster a community of continuous learners.

Dr. Joseph M. Sawyer Superintendent

Elizabeth McCollum Project Coordinator

Cristina Luther This is the postcard that went out to alumni recently, which has been updated with a QR code that links to our new SHS Designer alumni site. WINTER 2020 • SHREWSBURY SCHOOL JOURNAL • PAGE 5

Budget Planning Beal Unified Hour of Play - CONTINUED from page 3 funding dilemma affects not only the A practice in inclusive practices schools, but all town departments. By looking at trends we see that ongoing budget issues are highly predictable. It CHRIS GIRARDI is time for a broader discussion of how PRINCIPAL, BEAL EARLY our community will prioritize funding CHILDHOOD CENTER education. The current budgeting pro- cess is reactionary and tends to focus on short-term needs and current fiscal “You can discover more about a constraints. I suggest that the budget person in an hour of play than in process evolve to one where we not a year of conversation.” ~Plato only address short-term needs, but pro- actively assess long-term needs and the Beal Early Childhood Center has revenue required to appropriately fund embarked on a new practice this education and town services. year called Unified Hour of Play, which is a series of self-directed Education is one of the most important opportunities for all students to possessions a person has in their life. seek out their passions through It is the key to knowledge, success and play. Inspired by the success financial stability. Public school- edu of the Unified Sports Teams at cation is the great equalizer that opens Shrewsbury High School along windows of opportunities for all stu- with our district’s commitment dents. I believe our community has to Inclusive Practices, Unified once again reached a critical crossroad Play has provided all of our where available school funding is not students, regardless of ability, a sufficient to fund even a level service wonderful platform for rich play budget. Shrewsbury Public Schools experiences to develop and prac- has achieved excellent results despite tice their social and emotional spending far less than most school dis- learning skills. Beal Early Childhood Center students are shown above enjoying a variety of activities during their “Unified Hour of Play.” tricts in Massachusetts due to our edu- cators’ dedication to student learning What does Unified Play look excitement of this freedom to developing the skills needed to and the efficient fiscal management of like? Imagine a one-hour chunk play is an opportunity to develop regulate attention, impulse, and the district. The school funding issues of time where the entire school, some valuable skills: behavior; faced today will not be solved without inside and out to the playground, a serious and meaningful assessment of is open for students to decide -students building trusting, -students with disabilities en- town priorities and resources for educa- how they want to use their time. healthy relationships with old gaged in social equality, where tional services. Teachers open their classrooms friends and new; they might otherwise rely on an for play (much like indoor recess adult for peer interactions. or STEAM activities) and then -students developing a positive Beal Project step back and allow students to sense of self and self-efficacy; During this hour, our staff act as CONTINUED from page 3 seek out their passions. The re- ‘lifeguards’, observing all stu- sult is truly remarkable - an hour -students expressing a healthy dents but only getting involved for roughly 10 years as an Owner’s of pure joy from 280 students range of emotions in socially ap- when they are sought out or Project Manager. I worked as a labor- playing games, making new propriate ways; to prevent a student from get- er for a small residential construction friends, meeting new teachers, ting injured. Importantly, Beal company during high school and in the exploring new parts of the build- -students understanding the summers during college. I attended ing, and having fun. Amidst the role of social interactions and CONTINUED, see page 7 Merrimack College and received my Civil Engineering Degree but decided to enter the construction industry as opposed to the design industry. Prior to joining PMA, I worked for a year in Saudi Arabia on a multi-billion dollar United Sound at Shrewsbury High School: construction project. I also worked on building relationships that resonate the Shrewsbury Library project as well. What’s going well with the project rience, United Sound joins ing, music-making, and per- and what concerns do you have for BRIAN LIPORTO students with and without dis- formance opportunities. It also the remainder of the project? TEACHER, PERFORMING ARTS, abilities to learn and perform in allows New Musicians to find MUSIC, BAND the band and orchestra together SHREWSBURY HIGH SCHOOL The quality of the Project Designer and and provides authentic learn- CONTINUED, see page 6 Construction Manager have made the KATE MERCADANTE OPM’s job an enjoyable experience. TEACHER, PERFORMING ARTS, MUSIC, ORCHESTRA When the Designer and CM function SHREWSBURY HIGH SCHOOL this way there are many ways a proj- ect can benefit. The cost is kept on or under budget, the project is completed This past November a chapter of within the allotted schedule, and there United Sound, a school-based are minimal change orders. At this instrumental music program point in time, we do not have many for students with special needs concerns regarding the remainder of (New Musicians) and their typi- the project. The largest task that is yet cal peers (Peer Mentors), was to be started will be moving the new established at Shrewsbury High building occupants in and getting them School (SHS). Established in trained on how to maintain the various 2014, United Sound currently building systems [HVAC, lighting, life- has 135 chapters in 29 states. safety, etc…] to ensure they operate ef- Shrewsbury High School is one ficiently and serve the students and staff of only two high school chap- as planned. ters in Massachusetts and is the United Sound musicians pictured are: upper photo, bottom row (left to right) seventh chapter established in - Jeanette Reeve, Kendra Litt, Daniela Guzman, Ann Titus, Hannah Mok, With the leadership and management of New England. Michelle Kim, Nishita Roy, Njeri Mayanja, Zaid Syed; top row (left to right) - these business partners and individual lead- Goutham Subramanian, Samuel Walsh, Jackie Li, Aaron Janecek, Sarah Meuse, Megan Welch, Ryan Love, Ally Mello, Bethany Fornal, Mahathi Gopinathan, ers, the Beal Project is currently on sched- Dedicated to promoting social Kenneth Lee. Bottom photos (left to right): Ryan Love, Daniela Guzman, Zaid ule and running under budget. The school involvement through shared Syed, Njeri Mayanja, Goutham Subramanian. Not pictured: Lylah Current and is scheduled to open in August 2021. ensemble performance expe- William Yankee. WINTER 2020 • SHREWSBURY SCHOOL JOURNAL • PAGE 6

United Sound CONTINUED from page 5 A Positive Reaction: their “niche,” new friend-set opportuni- new Science Curriculum engages ties, and social connectedness. elementary students, teachers The Peer Mentors benefit as much, or more, from United Sound programs as amazing,” says Coolidge sec- the New Musicians. For the Peer Men- ELEMENTARY ond-grader Ayla Matos-Cabral. tors, service opportunities develop an INSTRUCTIONAL COACHES: “I get to see and touch experi- increased sense of social responsibility, BECKY DUMPHY ments. This helps me learn.” offer exposure to diversity, provide an BEAL EARLY CHILDHOOD Fellow Coolidge second-grader, opportunity to apply academic learning CENTER/PARKER ROAD PRESCHOOL Donny Chen, adds, “We learn a to real human needs, and build relation- lot and we make stuff!” When ships. Most of all, though, it creates a ERIN KENDRICK CALVIN COOLIDGE SCHOOL you walk into an elementary community of people who understand SHELLEY HOEY & classroom during science time, one another. LINDSAY MORSE you can expect to see a very FLORAL STREET SCHOOL lively environment with lots The club advisors are Brian Liporto LISA PAPAZIAN of discussion, collaboration, (band), Kate Mercadante (orchestra), WALTER J. PATON SCHOOL and Special Education Teacher Meghan engagement, and hands-on ex- DONNA RICE ploration. According to Wendy Wallace (special education). While the SPRING STREET SCHOOL adults serve as the advisors for the club, Moran, a grade 4 teacher at Pa- the planning and teaching is left to the ton, “The new science curricu- Peer Mentors, led by their club presi- “The new [elementary] science lum gives an opportunity for dents Megan Welch (‘20) and Kenneth curriculum is a giant step for- all different kinds of learners to Lee (‘22). This year’s SHS chapter of ward...It is fun and engaging for shine and be engaged in the cur- United Sound is comprised of five New students and teachers alike.” - riculum.” Musicians, assisted by 17 Peer Men- Annemarie Hurley, Grade 2 tors. Each New Musician is assigned Pilot Teacher, Calvin Coolidge For teachers, the new science three Peer Mentors who work with him/ School curriculum has required a lot of her to learn how to play the instrument new learning and some shifts of their choice. In the fall of 2019, all elemen- in instructional practice. Fortu- tary teachers in Shrewsbury be- nately, the pilot teachers have Rehearsals began this past January and gan teaching a new science cur- served as instructional lead- run every Wednesday afternoon from riculum. The new curriculum, ers, helping their colleagues to 2:00-2:45. Each rehearsal, planned by developed over several years by better understand and facilitate the club presidents, begins with a team- a team of dedicated pilot teach- the new curriculum. On the af- building activity followed by a review ers* and the elementary instruc- ternoon of March 3rd, 2020, of previously learned skills. Using a tional coaches, aligns with the science pilot teachers modeled modified system of note and rhythm- 2016 Massachusetts Science upcoming science lessons for reading, Peer Mentors assist their New and Technology/Engineering their grade-level colleagues. Musician peers through modeling, Curriculum Framework. As the This professional development tracking, and sound production. Stu- Framework states, “...all stu- opportunity allowed teachers to dents are applying these skills to the dents must have an appreciation experience the new science les- band and orchestra repertoire to prepare for the wonder of science, pos- sons prior to teaching them. Ac- At top, Spring Street School Grade them for a concert in April. Members sess sufficient knowledge of sci- cording to Coolidge first-grade 4 students Lucas and Joseph (left to of the Chamber Orchestra and Wind right) and Walter J. Paton Grade 1 ence and engineering to engage teacher, Cheryl Mongeon, “Do- students (middle photo, left to right) Ensemble will support the United in public discussions on related ing the lessons in advance was Amisha, Aleena, and Sam, engage in Sound New Musicians in performing issues, and be careful consum- helpful. We watched videos, scientific investigations and design an arrangement of “Pirates of the Ca- solutions. ers of scientific and technologi- talked through activities, and ribbean” in their first concert. cal information and products in we played! That’s exactly what for the next generation,” said The United Sound New Musicians their everyday lives.” The new we want the kids to do.” Mon- Coolidge paraprofessional Am- are scheduled to perform at the April elementary science curriculum geon’s first-grade colleague, ber Khan. “It will be ingrained 29 Spring Concert at 7:30pm in the in Shrewsbury aims to provide Leah Terrasi, adds, “It’s nice to in their minds forever.” Shrewsbury High School Auditorium. our youngest learners with the have teachers who have already Please contact myssma.com for ticket engaging, relevant, rigorous, experienced the curriculum help *Many thanks to our science pi- information, or purchase them at the and coherent experiences they us preview what is expected. lot teachers: door. need to develop a strong foun- This way, we can work to avoid dation in, and enthusiasm for, any [mistakes].” Parker Road Preschool: Cindy Funding and materials for the estab- this subject area. Mietkiewicz, Jenna Roxo, Kara lishment of this chapter were provided The new elementary science Vincelette, Hayley Smith by the Shrewsbury Cultural Council, For students, the new science curriculum has brought a great the Shrewsbury Schools Music/The- curriculum has given them the deal of excitement and energy Beal Early Childhood Center: ater Association (SSMA), The Musary, opportunity to behave as sci- into classrooms, from preschool Lynn Pinto, Charlene Costello, JRP Inc., the Shrewsbury Education entists and engineers in their to grade 4. Teachers and stu- Lisa McKiernan Foundation, David French Music, and own classrooms. Students rou- dents have been collaborating, alumna Ruby Lee. If you are interested tinely engage with science and solving problems, analyzing Calvin Coolidge School: Kath- in supporting our program, please con- engineering practices, such as data, and, most importantly, en- erine Mills, Linda McQuade, sider a donation to the Shrewsbury Pub- asking questions, carrying out joying the wonder that comes Annemarie Hurley, Lesley Bur- lic Schools Colonial Fund, in honor of investigations, and designing with new discoveries, all year nap, and Kelly Finneran United Sound. Donations can be made solutions. “The new science is long. “This will change science here: https://schools.shrewsburyma. Floral Street School: Kara Fran- gov/alumni/donate kian, Meaghan McCarthy, An- gela Poppalardo, Sarah Miller “Music is a language that transcends and Laura Spangenberg disability and the relationships formed in this way will truly resonate for all Walter J. Paton: Heidi March- children involved.” - Dorean White, and, Abby Cosenza, Jenna Vio- Program Director, United Sound lette, Jill Symonds, Dan Camp- bell, Nicole Cormier

Spring Street School: Kathryn Lewis, Susan Brand, Lindsey Elementary teachers (all left to right) Christina Baumann, Linda McQuade, and Tina McGrail (Grade 1); Melissa Allen and Ani Marold (Grade 3); and Les- Halloran, Elizabeth McRae, ley Burnap and Ken Avery (Grade 2) collaborate during science Professional Lynne Doherty Development on March 3, 2020. WINTER 2020 • SHREWSBURY SCHOOL JOURNAL • PAGE 7 Add some “Spark” to your summer Spark CONTINUED from left fastest growing undergradu- stacles. Throughout the week, MICHELLE BISCOTTI & ate majors in the United States. participants will explore strong can curve soccer balls at will and cy- KATHLEEN KEOHANE Think you might be interested in women throughout history and clists can ride with no hands? Want to COORDINATORS OF a career in medicine or health? today in a variety of fields, DEVELOPMENT AND learn how to run faster, and hit a golf VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES Start your exploration here and identify personal goals and cre- ball farther? Look no further than phys- learn about the importance of ate fun, eye-catching vision ics! Understanding how to use physics public health, self-health, and boards, learn basic self-defense to your advantage can improve your Summer Experiences for High the science of protecting and skills, and learn to be a critical abilities in whatever sport you play. School students improving the health of people consumer of the way women and their communities. This are portrayed in the media. This Ultimate Frisbee, July 13-17 Looking for something for your course will allow you to explore workshop will provide students Looking for a sport to play this sum- high schooler to do this sum- a health- related topic of your with skills to improve self-es- mer? Love playing outside and com- mer? After the success of last interest and teach you how to teem and body image through peting with friends? Come learn one of year’s inaugural Summer Spark communicate your knowledge mindfulness and yoga, as well the fastest growing team sports in the program, the Shrewsbury Pub- through a public health aware- as the ways to nourish growing country! Ultimate Frisbee combines lic Schools Colonial Fund is ness and prevention project. bodies while fostering a healthy concepts of football, basketball and once again offering opportuni- relationship with food. soccer to produce an exciting non-con- ties for rising and current high Creating with Micro:Bits, July tact sport. Students will learn how to school students to experience 6-10 Introduction to Sustainability, execute various types of throws, along something fun and different this This class explores coding, July 6-10 with the rules of the game, some basic summer. physical computing, and elec- Topics range from waste and strategy, and the “spirit of the game.” tronics using micro:bits, which renewables to agriculture and Summer Spark is an exciting are small microcontrollers with environmental justice (and what Website Development, Customiza- week-long experience that will built-in sensors, buttons, and they all mean!). Each day we tion & Publication, July 6-10 take students beyond the walls LEDs. Students will use block will cover a different topic; we Have you ever had a great idea that of a traditional classroom to coding to learn programming will start the mornings with a you wanted to share with the world? awaken new interests, inspire principles in Microsoft Make- discussion and spend the after- Maybe a cause you would like to pro- existing passions and excite ea- Code and create programs that noons exploring the local envi- mote or perhaps a product you want to ger minds. Each class is rich control the micro:bit. They will ronment or visiting a local orga- sell? Maybe you would like to let the with hands-on activities, field also explore different Grove nization doing real work related world know more about who you are trips, and engaging instruction, modules (inputs, sensors, and to that topic. Students will ex- and promote your skills for future em- all designed to ignite the spark actuators) that extend the capa- pand their knowledge of local ployers to see. Whatever your reason, to learn, discover, and most of bility of the micro:bit and learn systems and walk away with understanding how to build and publish all, have FUN. At the end of the how to control them with code. a better understanding of how a web presence is your window to the week, students will be inspired groups here in central Massa- online world! In this course we will to continue pursuing the inter- Creative Acrylic Painting, July chusetts are working to solve cover the basics of building your first ests fueled by the depth of their 6-10 & July 13-17 environmental issues. Partici- site from the ground up. You will learn experiences and teachers will Students will access their cre- pants will also spend quality how to read and create HTML, JavaS- feel energized by the opportu- ativity and learn how to become time outside and gain skills in cript, and CSS files and understand how nity to explore a new topic or a expressive in a new medium naturalist ID and citizen science they form the foundation of any web different style of teaching. – Acrylic paint. In our class, technology (eBird, iNaturalist) site. Students will also be exposed to students will learn basic vo- to grow their ability to engage the free tools available to automate the All proceeds will benefit the cabulary and color theory, as with the natural world. At the creation of web content and then how to SPS Colonial Fund, which well as paint mixing and texture end of the week we will discuss customize that content to make it eye- funds innovative projects that techniques. They will have the careers in environmental sci- catching and exciting. In the class, stu- make Shrewsbury an extraor- opportunity to put these learned ence with guest speakers from dents will learn about and use the free dinary place to learn and teach. applications into action as we governmental and non-govern- hosting sites to publish their content to See our website, https://schools. travel outside of the classroom mental organizations. the web for everyone to admire. We will shrewsburyma.gov/future. to paint from observation in the also learn how to associate a name with beautiful outdoors! This class Once Upon a Time: Faerie & your site and to your content by discov- This year, we are offering class- is suitable for beginner Art stu- Fantasy, July 6-10 & July 13- ering and understanding Domain Name es during the weeks of July 6-10 dents, as well as experienced 17 Servers (DNS), what role they play in and July 13-17. Full descrip- Art students who wish to ex- Do you love exploring the mag- the Internet, and the process for grab- tions can be found on the Co- plore this medium further. ical world of Hogwarts, trav- bing your own. lonial Fund website at https:// eling to Narnia, or watching schools.shrewsburyma.gov/ Devising: Exploring the Ele- Shrek and Donkey embark upon future/summer-spark. Brief de- ments of Theater, July 6-10 & their quest to save the swamp? Unified Hour of Play scriptions of this year’s offer- July 13-17 Or maybe you’re nostalgic for ings are below. By signing up for this class, you the classics of “Hansel and CONTINUED from page 5 will get the opportunity to work Gretel” and “The Three Little Adulting 101: Life Skills for with your fellow artists to create Pigs.” This course will explore staff are observing play through the Teens, July 6-10 & July 13-17 and perform an original piece. the traditional genre of the fairy lens of our social and emotional learn- Do you know what it means We will explore a topic (chosen tale and a variety of different ing frameworks, where we are work- to budget your money? Can by the class) and work to not reinventions of those tales. The ing on developing our understanding of you imagine finding a place to only write it, but to bring it to course will introduce students self-awareness, self-management, social live on your own? Have you life in whatever manner helps to traditional fairy tales, such awareness, relationship skills, and re- ever planned a week’s worth tell the story best. You will en- as “Cinderella” and “Little Red sponsible decision-making. This gives of meals? In this class we will joy learning how to craft scripts, Riding Hood,” as well as mod- us valuable information to take back to cover skills in budgeting, gro- build props and set pieces, and ern retellings (with the help of our classrooms and gain a better under- cery shopping & food prepara- create costumes. You will also film) including, but not limited standing of the skills and needs of our tion, workplace readiness and learn stage management and to, Alice’s Adventures in Won- students. interview training, finding suit- design your own lighting and derland, Harry Potter, and able housing & home mainte- sound. All of this work will cul- Into the Woods. Throughout Beal is excited to continue this Unified nance. Students will leave this minate in a performance at the the week, we will read, watch, Play practice into the spring as we pre- course with the confidence that end of the week. discuss, and debate the realm of pare our students for the next stage in they can navigate life after high faerie and fantasy. their education. Even though Beal is the school and maybe even the Empowering Young Women, start of their journey, we have a great skills to help more at home be- July 6-10 Physics of Sports, July 6-10 responsibility to build the foundation of forehand. This Empowering Young Wom- Ever wonder how professional what our community deems important en workshop will provide young baseball players can throw so for our students to know and be able to Create Your Own Public adults with dreams of all kinds fast and hit so hard? Are you do by the time they graduate from school Health Campaign, July 6-10 to explore their strengths, iden- amazed at how soccer players as defined by the Portrait of a Shrews- & July 13-17 tify their goals, and learn the bury Graduate. Public Health is now one of the tools to overcome various ob- CONTINUED, see right WINTER 2020 • SHREWSBURY SCHOOL JOURNAL • PAGE 8

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Statement of Non-discrimination you about this policy and our complaint process. Harassment Investigation When a complaint of harassment (sexual or other Shrewsbury Public Schools is required by the Massachusetts Department of Education to publish an annual statement of non- forms) is received, an administrator will promptly investigate the allegation in a fair and expeditious manner. The investigation discrimination. This notice serves to meet that requirement. The Massachusetts Equal Educational Opportunity statute, Gen- will be conducted in such a way as to maintain confidentiality to the extent practicable under the circumstances. The investiga- eral Laws Chapter 76, § 5, ensures that all students have the right to equal educational opportunities in the public schools. The tion will include an interview with the person filing the complaint and with witnesses. The person alleged to have committed Shrewsbury Public School District is committed to ensuring equal educational opportunities for all students, and does not dis- harassment will also be interviewed. The investigation will include review of the alleged harasser’s employment file and appli- criminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or disability. cable policies. When the investigation is complete, the investigator will, to the extent appropriate, inform the person filing the The Shrewsbury Public Schools are in compliance with state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment. The complaint and the person alleged to have committed the conduct of the results of that investigation. If it is determined that inap- following laws apply: Massachusetts General Law Chapter 76, § 5, which states, “No person shall be excluded from or discrimi- propriate conduct has occurred, the school district will act promptly to eliminate the offending conduct, and where it is appropri- nated against in the admission to a public school or in obtaining the advantages, privileges, and course of study of such public ate the school district will also impose disciplinary action, as described above. Complaints about the Superintendent of Schools school on account of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.” Title IX of the should be made to the Chairperson of the School Committee. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal statute Educational Amendments of 1972 is a Federal statute which states, in part, “ No person in the United States shall on the basis of which states, in part, “No otherwise qualified individual, shall solely on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program be denied benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” This receiving federal assistance.” This requirement not to discriminate in educational programs and activities also extends to employ- requirement not to discriminate in educational programs and activities also extends to employment. Each school has a desig- ment. Ms. Barbara Malone, is the Title IX Coordinator, Director of Human Resources at (508) 841-8400. Title VI of the Civil nated Section 504 Coordinator. Initial inquiries relating to Section 504 should be directed to the building-based Section 504 Rights Act of 1964, provides that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be ex- Coordinator who can be contacted through the principal’s office. Further information may be requested by contacting Ms. cluded from participation in be denied the benefits of or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activ- Margaret Belsito, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, the district’s Section 504 Coordinator at (508) 841-8400. The ity receiving federal financial assistance. Title VI provided for equal access and prohibits discrimination in the assignment of following grievance procedure should be used to report discrimination under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Acts of 1973: To students to classes. It also prohibits discrimination in ability grouping or tracking students. The Shrewsbury School Committee’s fulfill its obligation under Section 504, the Shrewsbury Public Schools recognizes a responsibility to avoid discrimination in Policies #316 and #645 deal directly with the issues of harassment. Copies of these policies are available in the Principal’s Office policies and practices regarding personnel and students. No discrimination against a person with a disability will knowingly be at each school or through the Superintendent’s Office, located at 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Further informa- permitted in any of the programs or activities of the Shrewsbury Public Schools. The school district has a specific requirement tion may be obtained by contacting Ms. Barbara Malone, Director of Human Resources @ 508 841-8400. The following griev- under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which includes the responsibility to identify, evaluate and if the child is determined to be ance procedure, which was approved by the Shrewsbury School Committee, is to be used for all issues relating to harassment or eligible under Section 504, to afford access to free and appropriate educational services. Questions about eligibility or services discrimination involving student and/or staff: 1. The Shrewsbury Public Schools does not and will not knowingly discriminate should be first directed to the building-based coordinator. If a parent or guardian disagrees with the determination made by the against any student or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability. All re- professional staff of the school, he/she has a right to a hearing, first with the district’s Section 504 Coordinator, and secondly with ports of harassment or discrimination will be taken seriously and investigated in a timely fashion. Reports will be held in the an impartial hearing officer. The district’s Section 504 Coordinator can be reached at 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 utmost confidence. Any student who believes he/she has been the subject of harassment or discrimination should immediately or by phone at (508) 841-8400. The Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, the district’s Section 504 Coordinator, who report the incident, either verbally or in writing to an administrator, adjustment counselor, guidance counselor, or teacher. The will provide a written report of the district’s findings, will hear all grievances in a timely manner. If a parent or guardian is unsat- principal must be notified in all cases of harassment or discrimination. If any employee believes that he or she has been sub- isfied with the results of the review, they may contact one of the agencies listed below. For grievances not resolved at the Assistant jected to harassment, the employee has the right to file a complaint with Shrewsbury Public Schools. This may be done in writing Superintendent for Student Services level, a review by an impartial hearing officer may be scheduled. Individuals with griev- or verbally. It is the goal of Shrewsbury Public Schools to promote a workplace that is free of sexual and other forms of harass- ances are not required to use the Shrewsbury Public Schools’ grievance procedure. Written complaints may be filed with the ment, and even if an employee believes that they may have a concern, he or she is encouraged to report it. If you would like to following agencies: Massachusetts Department of Education, 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148, (781) 338-3000; United file a complaint you may do so by contacting the Director of Human Resources: Barbara Malone, Shrewsbury Public Schools, States Department of Education Region 1 - Office of Civil Rights, 8th Floor, 5 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02203 (800) 368- 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545; [email protected]; Ph 508-841-8443. Complaints may also be filed 1019; Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, John F. Kennedy Federal Building, 475 Government Center, Boston, MA with any School Principal, any Assistant Principal, or any Assistant Superintendent for Shrewsbury Schools, or with the Super- 02203 (800) 669-4000; Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, One Ashburton Place, Room 601, Boston, MA intendent of Schools. These individuals are also available to discuss any concerns you may have and to provide information to 02108 (617) 994-6000.