About Us
Email: mcohen@mursd.org
Website: https://www.mursd.org/
Location: 150 North Ave, Mendon, MA, USA
Phone: 508-634-1585
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MURSDInspires/
Twitter: @mendonuptonrsd
Updates in Protocols
Good afternoon Mendon-Upton Families,
I'm sure you have already heard the news that the Governor and the Commissioner of Education announced this week that Massachusetts will let its mask mandate expire on February 28, 2022. Here is a link to the press-release. On this date, masking policies will revert to local decision-making, and in the instance of our district, that falls to the School Committee. The School Committee will be meeting next week to discuss the possibility of rescinding the mask policy in alignment with the state guidelines.
Clarifications
The following are some clarifications from the Governor’s announcement.
Transportation: Masking will still be required on school buses as it is mandated under a federal order.
Mask optional: Once a district removes the mandate on masking, any staff, student, or parent who wishes to continue to wear masks will be supported in doing so.
Post-Covid: After a five-day isolation and/or quarantine period, it is recommended towear a mask around others for an additional five days, except when eating, drinking, or outdoors.
Weekly testing option: We still have the weekly opt-in for testing taking place.
Waiver Percentages: The state has stopped accepting waiver requests related to masking and there are no vaccination percentage requirements linked to the removal of masks.
To better inform the School Committee's decision-making, we are reviewing all of our data (vaccination rates of staff and students, COVID positive cases, numbers of staff/students who opted-in to testing). Overall, our data is all trending in a positive direction with COVID cases dropping drastically the last few weeks from the surge, increased access to test kits for staff and students for weekly testing, and a gradual increase in both vaccinations and booster opportunities for all ages.
Feedback:
The School Committee welcomes community feedback. Recognizing that there are varied opinions on the recent news of lifting the mask mandate, here is a brief survey where you can share your feedback. This will be shared with the School Committee in advance of their meeting, which is scheduled for Monday. As always, you can also send e-mails to the School Committee at schoolcommittee@mursd.org
I will provide updates after the School Committee meeting and as new information from the state is communicated, as we are awaiting updated FAQs and protocols from D.E.S.E. in the coming week.
Best,
Maureen Cohen, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Mrs. Gallagher's Retirement Annoucement
February 8, 2022
The Mendon-Upton Regional School District today announced that Mrs. Janice Gallagher, H.P. Clough Elementary School principal, has decided to retire effective June 30, 2022 after 27 years of service to the Mendon-Upton school community, families, and students.
Mrs. Gallagher’s illustrious career in Mendon-Upton has touched so many people in so many roles. She began her career as a kindergarten teacher at Memorial Elementary School in Upton before becoming a second grade teacher at Clough Elementary School where she dedicated the majority of her professional career. She served as Director of Curriculum for the Mendon-Upton Regional School district for four years, where she oversaw the district’s curriculum and instruction, professional development, and mentoring and induction programming. Eventually, however, she followed her heart, and her love of working closely with students and teachers, back to Clough where she has served in her current position as principal for the past eleven years.
Ever since her first year of teaching Mrs. Gallagher states that she loves “going to school,” and after 27 years she never calls it “going to work” because of her love, passion, and enthusiasm for her school community and students. Testimonials from her staff say it all:
“Mrs. Gallagher built a team motto as principal of Clough, “One Team, One Goal”. Every single day, she has led by the perfect example of a team player. Mrs. Gallagher has devoted so much time to establish a personal connection with each and every student, as well as her staff members/ team. From playing recess games with children, eating lunch in the cafeteria, to coaching Clough staff, Mrs. Gallagher has made a lasting impression with the Clough community.”
“When I think of Janice and her love for her students, I think of how she knows every child by their name, in addition she knows what is going on with them in their daily lives. She very rarely misses a day to greet them before school and say goodbye to them at the end of the day. She is a part of them throughout every day and never misses a chance to see them. She truly is one of a kind and gives her full heart and attention to her students and staff.”
“Although she was the "boss" at Clough she treated the staff like family, guiding many of us like a beacon through some very difficult times. “
“Mrs. Gallagher has always believed in me as a principal. She has guided me when I was unsure and gave me all the support I needed to know what I was capable of.”
“Mrs. Gallagher treats all of us like family and always puts us first. She has a motto ‘family first’ and is always reminding us of this whenever needed.”
Dr. Maureen Cohen, Superintendent of the Mendon-Upton Regional School District, stated that “You can feel the positive culture of kindness and caring the moment you walk through the front door of H.P. Clough Elementary School and that is a direct result of the legacy and leadership of Mrs. Gallagher. Not only does she know each student by name, she cares deeply about them and they know it.”
While retiring from a school family she holds so dear was not an easy decision to make, she is looking forward to spending precious time with her own family, children, and grandchildren.
The Mendon-Upton Regional School District has big shoes to fill with Mrs. Gallagher’s departure, but because of her leadership and commitment to H.P. Clough Elementary School, they know that the positive culture she has established makes Clough a wonderful school environment that will welcome a new leader with open arms. Anyone interested in applying for the position should apply at www.schoolspring.com.
An email will go to the Clough ES Community today from Dr. Cheryl Kirkpatrick, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Schools, regarding the principal search process. She will be seeking input through a visioning form, hosting focus groups, and also seeking members to be part of the screening committee.
#MURSDInspires
YOU INSPIRE ME: Melissa Leone, Grade 2 Teacher
"She is a wonderful teacher. She utilizes all staff in her room in a meaningful way, and communicates expectations to support staff as well as students. She treats all students with respect, and is kind."
YOU INSPIRE ME: Adam Quimby, Paraprofessional
"He has stepped up and covered so many classes while staff have been out. He is a trooper and is so flexible, a real team-player!"
YOU INSPIRE ME: Beth Gervais, Miscoe Technology Teacher
"Beth is constantly willing to take on new challenges at Miscoe. She is always looking to make her curriculum more relevant to her current group of students. She is passionate about her students rights and the acceptance of all students in the school community. Beth is always willing to offer a helping hand and help out any staff member or student."
YOU INSPIRE ME: Nipmuc Science Dept
"The Nipmuc Science Department organized another stellar Science Symposium this week. It was truly inspiring to hear from our students describing problems in the world and their research-backed solutions."
Calendar
The school calendar for the 2022-2023 school year was approved at the last School Committee meeting. Here is a link to the 2022-2023 calendar.
- Monday, February 14-Special School Committee Meeting
- Wednesday, February 16- Inspired Learning Day-ES/MS
- Wednesday, February 16-Nipmuc College Planning Night
- Friday, February 18- PD Day, Early Release
- Monday, February 21- Friday, February 25 - February Vacation, No School
- Tuesday, March 8- Nipmuc Showcase
- Friday, March 11- PD Day, No School
- Monday, March 14-Open Budget Hearing
- Thursday, March 17-Inspired Learning Day-HS
- Friday, March 25-27--Nipmuc Drama Guild "The Addams Family"
- Monday, March 28- School Committee Meeting
