MURSD District Update

MURSD: We Empower All Learners To Thrive.

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

December 1, 2023

Dear Mendon-Upton School Community,

Yesterday, my family received wonderful news about my oldest son—he has been accepted into his top-choice college. This moment feels like the culmination not only of his efforts in college preparations over the past year, but also of his entire PreK-12 education. This has prompted me to reflect on my dual role as a leader of a school district and as a parent.

Allow me to take you back to the beginning, when I embarked on the journey as a young parent and a school leader. At that time, a private PreK informed me that they were unable to meet his needs. Upon entering the public school system, we encountered early challenges, such as addressing sensory and occupational needs to enable him to fully access learning. Subsequently, in his middle years, concerns arose about delayed executive functioning or social skill development possibly hindering his progress. In his high school years, we worked to chart a course where his courses aligned with the college and career goals he had set. Despite these challenges and worries, as of today, December 1st, he is ready to pursue his passion for electrical engineering at his "best-fit" school.

So, how do such success stories unfold for all our students, allowing them to achieve their dreams and goals at the culmination of their experience in our school district?

The answer lies at the heart of our work here in Mendon-Upton:

• First, we strive to truly know and understand all our students, including their passions, interests, and strengths.
• Second, we are committed to providing whatever our students need, whenever they need it.
• Continuing, we prioritize the creation of a safe and supportive school environment where all our learners can thrive.
• We actively seek opportunities for our students to engage in deep learning and authentic experiences that will prepare them for college and career readiness.
• All of these efforts are undertaken in close partnership with our caregivers, parents, guardians, and families.

Whether you have a child entering PreK or Kindergarten, one navigating the middle years of development, or one, like me, on the cusp of the next phase of life, please know that we are here for you and your students. We pledge to honor their identities, interests, strengths, and goals, actively engaging them in meaningful and authentic learning experiences.

It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as the leader of this incredible district.

Maureen Cohen, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

The Mendon-Upton Regional School District has formed a Capital Planning Subcommittee to work on reviewing analyses of all of our facilities, fields, and technology needs to help guide in the development of a district capital improvement plan. If you would like to learn more about our current capital planning process please go to our capital planning webpage: https://www.mursd.org/page/capital-planning for more information and updates.

What is the purpose of a capital plan?

A school capital plan serves as a vital financial roadmap for educational institutions, detailing the allocation of funds for major investments, projects, and asset acquisitions within the school environment. Its primary purpose is to effectively manage and optimize the school's capital assets and expenditures. This plan typically includes:

1. Infrastructure and Facility Management: It helps schools identify, acquire, maintain, and enhance their physical assets, including buildings, classrooms, and equipment. This ensures that these assets remain in good condition and provide a conducive learning environment.

2. Resource Allocation: A school capital plan outlines how financial resources will be distributed among various educational initiatives and infrastructure improvements. It helps prioritize investments, balancing short-term needs, like repairs, with long-term goals, such as expanding or modernizing facilities.

3. Risk Mitigation: By systematically planning for major expenditures, schools can reduce financial risks associated with unexpected maintenance or emergency repairs. This proactive approach minimizes disruptions to the educational process.

4. Budgeting and Financing: Capital plans assist in developing budgets and securing financing for school projects. They help determine how funds will be sourced, whether through government grants, bond issues, community fundraising, or other means.

5. Educational Alignment: The plan aligns capital spending with the school's educational and strategic objectives, ensuring that investments support the institution's mission and the needs of students and faculty. It also considers evolving educational practices and changing enrollment numbers.

6. Lifecycle Management: Capital plans take into account the entire lifecycle of school assets, considering factors such as regular maintenance, renovation, and eventual replacement. This helps schools extend the useful life of their assets and reduce the total cost of ownership.

7. Transparency and Accountability: A well-documented school capital plan promotes transparency and accountability in resource allocation and financial decision-making, allowing stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and the community, to understand the rationale behind capital investments in the context of improving education.

8. Compliance and Regulation: In the education sector, capital plans may be necessary to meet regulatory requirements and educational standards. They ensure that school investments adhere to safety, accessibility, and curricular standards.

In summary, a school capital plan is a strategic financial tool that helps educational institutions make informed decisions about capital investments, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to create a safe and enriching learning environment, and supporting the long-term educational goals of the institution. It plays a crucial role in the overall well-being and quality of education provided by the school.

As part of this capital improvement plan development, we are seeking public comment. The district has multiple areas of need and appreciates your input in the decision-making process to ensure that community input is provided as part of the the capital planning process. The button below has a link to an initial survey. We will have future surveys and thought-exchanges as we move through our capital planning process.

Superintendent Maureen Cohen and Principal Robin Benoit proudly share that a Miscoe Hill Middle School teacher has been recognized for excellence by the Massachusetts Art Education Association (MAEA).

Visual Art instructor Justin Williams was named Middle Level Art Educator of the Year by MAEA, which advances high-quality visual arts education by empowering ‍‍art educators‍‍. MAEA Announcement

Williams uses a student-centered approach that teaches foundational art skills through experiential learning, but also tailors lessons to meet students’ individual needs to open paths to creativity and exploration.

Students are encouraged to ask questions and work independently, focusing on the process rather than the final product. Williams works to ensure all students have a safe space to create art, emphasizing mental health and social-emotional wellness.

Williams joined the Miscoe Hill staff in 2020. He served as a student teacher in several districts, then worked in the private sector for eight years before returning to education.

“Winning Educator of the Year is such an honor and I am so thankful for my students, colleagues and families,” Williams said. “I hope winning this award can empower my students to pursue their own artistic pursuits and strive for excellence.”

MAEA will honor Williams and other award winners in a ceremony at a future date.

“Congratulations to Justin on behalf of our entire Miscoe Hill community,” Principal Benoit said. “His passion for art is evident to anyone who enters his room. His teaching style is always focused on his students, who become collaborators and communicators through their self-expression.”

Mr. Gorman's engineering students had an amazing experience at the inaugural Maine Space Conference in Portland, ME from November 5-7, 2023. The students made connections and collected over 50 business cards, turning networking into a game! On Sunday evening, they presented their posters and had attendees' full attention. During the "Students Take the Stage" session the next day, several students shared how the engineering course had shaped their futures. The students also made special presentations to NASA's Associate Administrator Michael Kincaid, who provided career advice and was very impressed with their work. In the evening, MaxIQ.Space took them to the Southworth Planetarium for a show. On Tuesday, Mr. Gorman discussed integrating space STEM into the classroom. The students felt valued as members of the space community, as they were respected, asked thoughtful questions, and made connections. A huge thank you to sponsors MaxIQ.Space and ClearPlan, Inc. for making this inspirational experience possible!

Congratulations to the Nipmuc seniors who qualified for the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship based on their performance on the MCAS testing. This scholarship good for up to 4 years upon their acceptance to a participating Massachusetts public institution of higher education. The list of students who qualified based on their high academic achievement are listed in the image below.

Attention all travelers! During April of 2025, Nipmuc students will be traveling to Switzerland, Germany and Austria. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore the Alps, visit WWII sights and follow in the footsteps of the VonTrapp family in Austria. Any student who is at Nipmuc next year is eligible to travel with us.

There will be two informational meetings about this trip:

-Tuesday, December 5th at 7pm in room 239 at Nipmuc

-Wednesday, December 6th at 7pm on zoom

(click here for the link)

There is a $200 discount for those who sign up before December 20th, 2023. The code for the discount is Travel3O. Please reach out to Ms. Reardon with any questions at kreardon@mursd.org.

Miss Holloway has begun planning a trip to the Galapagos for April 2025! The trip will be open to current 6th and 7th graders. Parents will be invited if space allows. Please indicate your interest in traveling by filling in the short survey here.

We are thrilled to announce an incredible opportunity for our high school students to participate in an Early College program in collaboration with Worcester State University. This program allows students to take college-level courses right here at Nipmuc, taught by experienced college professors. These courses provide a unique and enriching academic experience, giving students a head start on their college journey. The classes will take place after school hours, making it convenient for participants. Participating in the Early College program not only exposes students to higher education standards but also allows them to earn college credits while still in high school. This experience can be invaluable in preparing them for the academic rigor of college. One of the unique aspects of this opportunity is that students can drop one of their current or second-semester classes to “make room” for the after school college-level course.

As an organization, we are committed to providing a high-quality education to our students and understand the importance of building a supportive and collaborative workplace. We are also committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are valued and respected for their unique perspectives and contributions. If you are seeking a workplace that values creativity, inclusivity, and making a positive impact on the lives of students, consider joining our team.

Not all superheroes wear capes; some substitute teach!! Are you looking for an opportunity with a flexible schedule? Are you a college student home during winter break and looking for some extra income? We currently have openings and would like to hear from you.

Substitute teachers play an important role in the continuity of educational instruction for our children.

STARTING DATE: As soon as possible.

SALARY: $110 per day

QUALIFICATIONS: You must submit your application, resume, completed CORI form, and fingerprint results to be considered a candidate.

Please help us spread the word!

Every month we seek nominations from our entire Mendon-Upton School Community to highlight members of our community who have made a positive impact. If you have someone who has inspired you or who you would like to celebrate, please click on the form below to submit a #MURSDThrives YOU INSPIRE ME nomination.

You Inspire Me: Lauren Sannicandro, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent

After close to 30 years in the district, we want to thank Lauren for her commitment and dedication to our district. She wears many hats from coordinating facilities, to managing district reports, to ultimately keeping this district running. She will be retiring at the end of this calendar year and we wish her all the best!

You Inspire Me: Amanda Hart, Occupational Therapist, Memorial ES

Amanda provides so many resources to the staff, students, and parents regarding ways to support and instruct therapy. She makes it a point to visit all the Kindergarten classrooms once a month to provide all of us with helpful hints. During IEP meetings, she is positive and encouraging of a student's progress. We are very fortunate to have her here at Memorial!

You Inspire Me: Crystal Grieves, BCBA

Crystal is the new Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at the elementary level. In her relatively short tenure, Crystal has already demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting both staff and students, setting a new standard for excellence in her role. One of Crystal's standout qualities is her exceptional dedication to fostering a positive and collaborative environment. From day one, she has actively engaged with staff, offering her expertise and guidance to ensure the success of each student.

You Inspire Me: Jon Camire, Miscoe Hill MS Custodian

Jon always does his work with a smile and is eager to please. He is very attentive to his staff's needs at a drop of a hat. We appreciate his positivity and work ethic.

You Inspire Me: Amy Buzzell, Nipmuc Regional HS Administrative Assistant

Amy is the nicest and sweetest person who goes out of her way to make you feel good. Her kindness and efforts make every day a better day.

You Inspire Me: Christina Savini, Skylar Considine, Shelby Black, Adam Quimby, Allison True

This incredible team of teachers is stepping outside of their comfort zone and learning new tools to embed some podcasting into their instructional practice with students.

The following provides some highlighted events:

• Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2 - Miscoe Night at the Wax Museum Performance
• Monday, December 4 - Early Release Day
• Monday, December 4 - School Committee Meeting
• Tuesday, December 5- School Committee Budget Subcommittee Meeting
• Wednesday, December 6 - Miscoe PTO Meeting
• Wednesday, December 6 - Choral Vertical Concert
• Wednesday, December 6 - Spanish Immersion Advisory Board 6-7pm
• Tuesday, December 12 - 7th Grade Band and Concert Band
• Tuesday, December 12 - Clough PTO Meeting
• Wednesday, December 13 - 8th Grade Band and Wind Concert
• Wednesday, December 13 - Memorial PTO Meeting
• Friday, December 15 - Winter Carnival (5th & 6th Grade)
• Monday, December 18 - School Committee Meeting
• Wednesday, December 20- Clough Winter Wonderland Math Event
• Friday, December 22 - Early Release Day (No After School Program)
• Monday, December 25 through January 1 - Winter Break (No School)
• Tuesday, January 2 - School Committee Capital Planning Subcommittee Meeting
• Friday, January 5 - Mendon-Upton Schools Night at the Railers

Links to School Weekly Communications Below. If you would like to subscribe to a school newsletter and are not currently on their list, please reach out to the school directly.

The hysterical meets the historical in this comic romp through the wackiest wax museum in history. School’s out for summer but not for six unlucky students who don’t know much about history — they have to re-take history class in summer school. First-year teacher, Heather Fairchild has arranged for them to help her two aunts set up a new wax museum as a class project. Though the students’ eyes glaze over with boredom, there’s a twinkle in the wax figures’ eyes when a mysterious incantation brings them to life. King Henry VIII, Cleopatra, Anne Boleyn, Butch Cassidy, Calamity Jane, pirates galore and, Lizzie Borden are just a few of the characters featured.

Look out for all of these historical characters coming to Mendon on December 1 & 2 at 7:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased at the door or on click here to purchase tickets online.

The Mendon-Upton Education Foundation is a volunteer organization committed to enhancing academic opportunities for the children of the Mendon-Upton School District by providing funding, ideas, and other resources to educators while cultivating friendships

Please check out the most recent MUEF Newsletter.

We have partnered with a local business to offer Mendon-Upton clothing and other items. Use the green button below to bring you to the online website.