Region In Review
September 20th, 2023
On the morning of August 29th, the first day of the new school year brought a wave of excitement and smiles to Shepaug Valley School, The Burnham School, Booth Free School, Washington Primary School and Shepaug Valley Partnership.
Students at these four schools in Region 12 were filled with enthusiasm as they eagerly arrived, ready to learn and make new friends.
The air was buzzing with the joy of the first day of school, as these young learners embarked on their educational journey with anticipation and happiness.
Welcome Back Families
During welcome back-to-school events, staff, students and families had great fun together as they reconnected after a long summer break!
Let the Adventures Begin!
by Emily Judd & Emily Rhew
Elementary School Principals
A sense of joy filled our elementary schools as students and staff eagerly began a new school year full of adventures. Students hit the ground running starting with Morning Meetings, greeting one another, sharing personal stories and learning, and having fun together with class activities. In the early weeks, students generated and shared hopes and dreams to spark interest and to set personal goals.
This process led students to create shared classroom expectations that will guide their pathway to learning. These and other experiences cultivate a sense of community and belonging in our classrooms and throughout our schools.
Essential to a positive classroom community are clear expectations, classroom rules, smooth routines, and transitions. Students create classroom rules with their teachers based on behaviors they hope to see and experience in their daily lives. In addition, routines were modeled proactively, practiced, and reinforced to foster the development of independence and agency for our students which will continue to grow throughout the school year.
Classrooms that are welcoming, focused on social-emotional learning, and provide effective and efficient routines create a positive learning environment for all students. Students are able to feel safe, take learning risks, engage in accountable talk, and develop kind, caring relationships with others.
Convocation
by Dr. Marc J. Gosselin Jr
Superintendent of Schools
Region 12 launched the 2023-2024 school year with Convocation for the faculty and staff to welcome them back to the new school year. We heard opening speeches, introduced our new hires, and even had live entertainment as I donned the persona of Ted Lasso and held a mock press conference interlaced with videos that he put together to motivate and inspire our employees while adding a dose of humor and fun.
Photo Credit: Betsy O'Neill
The Benefits of Friendship at REACH Preschool
By Anthony Weymouth
REACH Teacher
At the REACH preschool, developing friendships helps teach children to connect with others, learn to share, and grow emotionally. While they’re playing together, our students are also learning about negotiation, compassion, and respect.
These are skills that will serve them well beyond preschool. When your preschooler becomes part of a friend group, these social connections increase innate feelings of belonging, which can decrease stress and anxiety. Strong social bonds help us to develop higher self-esteem. It feels good to share, be kind to others and have friends.
Opening Day
by Dr. Marc J. Gosselin Jr
Superintendent of Schools
Schools opened for students on Tuesday, August 29th. We welcomed 752 students back to our four schools. Our current enrollment for each school is as follows:
Booth - 85
Burnham - 72
Washington - 100
Shepaug - 495 (153 Ag students)
It was an exciting day with lots of festivity across the district. Shepaug students walked the red carpet on their way into school. Students were greeted by teachers waiting to help them understand their schedules and find their lockers. Tom Scarola welcomed them as he wandered the mall playing his guitar while singing. Each grade level had a class meeting with the administrative team to set expectations, review school rules, and share some fun things to look forward to in the year ahead.
Elementary students were all smiles as they returned to school and reconnected with friends. The only tears witnessed were from the parents. Families captured those iconic first-day photos, and students had the chance to explore their classrooms, arrange their school supplies, and meet their teachers. I had the opportunity to visit every elementary classroom and see the excitement firsthand. The students are excited and ready to soar into the new year!
Sixth Graders Tackle Engineering Research
Sixth-grade students settle into the new school year and work hard to practice asking their own research questions about engineering and engineering careers.
Senior Project Spotlight
Cameron Goethner - Maple Sugaring
Cameron Goethner decided to enroll in the new pilot program to capitalize on his summer work experience. Cam’s senior project, Maple Sugaring, builds on his summer work at Sullivan Farm. Cam toured Bascom Maple Farms in New Hampshire and Ioka Maple Farms in Massachusetts, interviewing owners and operators to understand different levels (i.e., corporate and hobbyist) and components of maple sugaring. He is now working with the State of Connecticut Forester to plan out how to develop a sugarbush at Sullivan Farm. Cam will spend this year executing the plan presented by the state forester. Next month he will attend the International Maple Syrup Conference in Massachusetts. He will also interview the head of the Proctor Maple Syrup Research Center at UVM and continue his visits to local museums to learn about the history of maple sugaring. This spring, Cam will also tap trees in Kent, New Preston, and at Sullivan Farm with the goal of producing maple syrup.
Hailie Collette - Pink Harvest
Hailie Collette works at Ox Hollow Barn Store in Woodbury, and one of her responsibilities is managing the farm stand. In this capacity, she sells foods grown on the farm, including produce and meat. Her SAE this summer centered on a variety of farm work. An important dimension of Hailie’s senior project revolves around her mother’s recent battle with breast cancer. Hailie has embarked on a campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer in the area. She hosted a display at the Bridgewater Fair, is coordinating a “pink out” day for Shepaug field hockey, and is planning fundraising events–including a “manes and ponytails” hair donation drive–to support breast cancer research. Finally, Hailie will prepare and sell preserved farm goods (jams, pickles, etc.) as part of her fundraising efforts. Interested folks will be able to find those at the Ox Hollow Barn Store in the coming months.
Ready 2026
by Dr. Marc J. Gosselin Jr
Superintendent of Schools
During Convocation, I shared a three-year vision with our faculty and staff to bring our strategic plan alive and give focus and coherence to our collective work as a learning community of four schools.
Region 12 students will be Ready...
For academics
For arts
For athletics
For college & careers
For a healthy and well-balanced life
By 2026
All students will meet or exceed proficiency on Smarter Balanced
All 3rd-grade students will read on grade-level
All seniors will have a post-graduation plan
100% of students will have 97% attendance or better
All 9-12 graders will be involved in at least one sport, club, or activity
Region 12 students will be ready
to innovate
to create
to use their voice (agency)
to collaborate
think critically
to define success in multiple ways
Stay tuned for more information about our efforts to ensure our students are Ready!
Region 12 Education Foundation
by Dr. Marc J. Gosselin Jr
Superintendent of Schools
I am working with Nicole Grant, our finance director, to create a Region 12 Education Foundation. An educational foundation is the public school equivalent of a private school endowment. The foundation will allow donors to contribute to the district to support educational enhancements and enrichment that directly impact Region 12 students. We will share more information as we prepare to launch this exciting new resource.
Shepaug Valley School Ranked Among Nation’s Best
by Dr. Marc J. Gosselin Jr
Superintendent of Schools
Shepaug Valley School (SVS) earned high National and metro-area rankings in 2023-2024 Best High Schools, which U.S. News released this past week. SVS was ranked #1 in our region, #21 in CT (top 10%), and #1010 in the nation (top 6%).
Football Wins Opening Game of the Season
by Dr. Marc J. Gosselin Jr
Superintendent of Schools
On 9/8, the Northwest United co-op [Wolcott RVT/Litchfield/Nonnewaug/Shepaug Valley/Wamogo] varsity football team won their away non-conference game at East Lyme by a score of 27-21. I traveled down to the game and was impressed by the spirit of our fans as they cheered the team on. It was a thrilling back-and-forth game capped off by an exciting last-minute touchdown for the win.
Senior Lunch Meetings
by Dr. Marc J. Gosselin Jr
Superintendent of Schools
I am scheduling meetings to have lunch with every SVS senior this year. During our lunch, I hope to gain greater insight into the following:
What students are interested in, and what hobbies or activities do they enjoy
What they like about Shepaug
What could be done to make the school even better
What are their hopes for their senior year
What plans do they have for their lives after graduation
By going directly to the students, I want to learn how I can work to ensure that we are creating the best possible experience for our students. I can’t wait to hear from our seniors.
COVID-19
by Dr. Marc J. Gosselin Jr
Superintendent of Schools
I have communicated with area superintendents and health officials to discuss COVID-19 protocols for the 2023-2024 school year. Since we are no longer in a public health emergency, and we are currently not experiencing extraordinary circumstances with virus occurrence, such as increased severity of illness or hospitalizations, we will follow CDC guidance that if someone is ill with COVID or tests positive but has little to no symptoms; they should be out for five days and then wear a mask Days 6 thru 10. I have prepared the following document synthesizing the information so we can share it with families and staff.
Kindergarten Registration Changes
by Dr. Marc J. Gosselin Jr
Superintendent of Schools
Connecticut has changed the cutoff date for Kindergarten enrollment beginning next school year. Starting with the 2024-2025 school year, children must turn five on or before September 1st to be automatically eligible for kindergarten. This is a change from the current kindergarten cutoff date of January 1st. Exceptions may be made based on a developmental screening for students who don’t qualify by birthdate. The state has promised to identify a tool for districts to use. We will create our own system as a backup in case the state cannot deliver on this promise in time.
Senior Parking Lot Painting
by Dr. Marc J. Gosselin Jr
Superintendent of Schools
I met with students, senior class advisors, Dr. Schels (SVS Principal), and Don O’Leary (Facilities Director) to discuss a proposal to paint parking lot spaces at SVS. I love the idea but want to ensure that the event is inclusive and done with guidelines that ensure the parking spaces are painted in a manner that best represents our school and students. The senior class will plan a weekend soon to paint the spots. We’re excited to see their artwork!
Fliers & Upcoming Events
Yearbook Information
Order your middle school yearbook today and take advantage of early-bird personalization specials!
Middle Grades Yearbook Earlybird Specials!! Order yours today!!
- 9/2 to 10/29 personalization up to FOUR FREE ICONS.
- 10/28 to 1/26 personalization and accessories will be offered. but icons will not be free
- 1/27 to 5/31 NO PERSONALIZATION OR ACCESSORIES will be offered
ORDER MS BOOKS HERE: https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A02185968
High School
High School Yearbook Earlybird Specials!! Order yours today!!
- 8/7 to 10/27 personalization get up to FOUR FREE ICONS.
- 10/28to 1/26 personalization and accessories will be offered but icons will not be free
- 1/27 to 5/31 NO PERSONALIZATION OR ACCESSORIES will be offered
ORDER HS BOOKS HERE: https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A01094860
***SENIORS WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF PARTICIPATING IN FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES TO COVER COSTS OF YEARBOOKS FOR SENIORS (TO BE ARRANGED WITH THE SENIOR CLASS ADVISORS AT THE START OF THE YEAR). DO NOT ORDER YEARBOOKS FOR SENIORS UNTIL THE SENIOR CLASS DISCUSSES THIS OPTION AT THE START OF THE YEAR.***
Parent/Business Ad Sales - Last day to order February 8th, no exceptions.
Order a congratulatory ad for your 8th grader or senior child and/or place an ad for your business!!
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOOK ADS:
Direct Link: https://www.jostens.com/apps/jcom/router.mvc?affiliateId=3072333 (Main link is www.JostensAdService.com)
HIGH SCHOOL BOOK ADS:
Direct Link: https://www.jostens.com/apps/jcom/router.mvc?affiliateId=1037297 (Main link is www.JostensAdService.com)
Region 12 Calendar
Sept. 20 - BFS Open House 6pm-7:30pm
Sept. 21 - Early Dismissal - Professional Development
Sept. 21 - SVS Open House 7pm-9pm
Sept. 23 - Home Coming Dance 7pm-9pm
Oct. 1 - Roxbury Tractor Parade, 11am - 3pm
Oct. 2 - BOE Finance/Operations Committee Meeting, SVS, 5:30pm
Oct. 2 - Board of Education Meeting, SVS, 7pm
Oct. 4 - Walk to School Day - BFS, BS, 830am
Oct. 4 - National Walk to School Day, WPS, 2:30 – 3:00pm
Oct. 6 - School Picture Day, BS
Oct. 9 - No School - Columbus Day
Oct. 10 - PTO Meeting, WPS, 6:30
Oct. 11 - PTO Meeting, BS, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Oct. 14 - Equine Expo, SVS, 9am
Oct. 16 - PTO Meeting, SVS, 6:30pm
Oct. 16 - BOE Curriculum & Educational Programming Committee Meeting, SVS, 6pm
Oct. 16 - Board of Education Meeting, SVS, 7pm
Oct. 17 - Picture Day, SVS
Oct. 18 - 20 - Early Dismissal - Parent Teacher Conferences
Follow Region 12 on our social media channels for updates and information!
The Region 12 community educates, challenges, and inspires all learners to become compassionate, creative, and courageous individuals who are empowered by the knowledge, character, and perseverance to achieve their greatest potential within the global society.
Email: rir@region-12.org
Website: www.region-12.org
Location: 11A School Street, PO Box 386 Washington Depot, CT 06794
Phone: 860-868-6100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shepaug-Regional-School-District-12-153899298123985/
Twitter: @Region12Schools