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Region In Review
October 1, 2021
Boys Soccer
The Shepaug boys' soccer team has had a very strong start to the season, winning their first five games before suffering a loss. The Spartans' early-season success and 5-1 record have been due to team chemistry and consistent teamwork. Shepaug has had 10 different players score a goal this season, with team scoring leader Lane Faison having netted five goals, followed closely by Liam Pacific with three goals. Phill Ostrosky has been tremendous as Shepaug's goalkeeper, shutting out opponents during four different games. Led by senior Luke Schneider, the Spartan defensive unit has also been solid so far this season.
Girls Soccer
After a slow start to the season, the Shepaug girls' soccer team has fought through several injuries and has won two of their last three games. Led by leading scorer Marissa Perachi and goalkeeper Madison Douskey (25 saves per game), the team is looking forward to finishing the first half of the season on a high note before making a run at the state tournament in the second half of the regular season.
Girls Cross Country
The girls' cross country team is currently 6-0 in regular-season Berkshire League meets. They have also performed very well in the two-weekend invitationals they have attended, with a third-place team finish at the Wizard Invitational in Washingtonville, NY, and a fifth-place team finish at the Winding Trails Invitational in Farmington, CT. Eilish Foy, Faith Bargellini, and Emma Perun all earned medals at the Wizard Invitational. Eilish Foy finished in eighth place overall at the Winding Trails Invitational. The girls will have an October 12th home meet vs. undefeated Northwestern and undefeated Litchfield.
Golf
In their first season competing in the newly-created CIAC fall golf season, the Shepaug golf team is off to a strong start and has had consistent contributions from Gavin Giroux, Peyton Thomas, Miles Wilson, Jared Frankland, and Emmet Tredennick. Thus far, the team is 4-3, suffering two 1-shot losses and one 4-shot loss to the top teams in the league. All team members are dedicated to practice and enthusiastic about improving which suggests a very bright future for Shepaug golf. Special congratulations go to Peyton Thomas who eagled the par-4 9th hole at Norfolk Country Club, Gavin Giroux who has been medalist in two matches, and Emmet Tredennick who has been medalist in one match.
Field Hockey
The Spartan field hockey team hopes to even their record, which at press time sits at 3-4. Led by team scoring leader Taylor Giroux (four goals this season so far), the Spartan scoring attack has been balanced by Grace Crispino, Clare Moore, Rachel Hofmann and Sophia Granata have also scored for us. Hailie Collette has been a steady, strong force in our goal. Strong leadership from senior captains, Grace Crispino and Taylor Giroux.
Growth Mindset
Ever wonder why some children give up when faced with difficulties and others work to overcome the problem? A significant body of research shows that the one important difference between those who give up and those who persevere is their mindset.
According to Dr. Carol Dweck, who coined the terms “growth mindset” and “fixed mindset”, a growth mindset leads to increased effort, a focus on learning, and a willingness to risk making mistakes. Alternatively, when working from a fixed mindset we seek ease instead of effort, avoid mistakes, and focus on appearing “smart” rather than learning.
Although some of Dr. Dweck’s work can be misinterpreted, the Region 12 elementary schools continue to teach the research-based aspects of growth mindset, including the critical knowledge that a positive approach to challenges can be taught. At each grade level, the children are provided mini-lessons and learning activities to understand, at their developmental level, the differences between a fixed and growth mindset, and the advantages of a growth mindset. The students learn about their brains- how neural pathways are built and strengthened each time they practice a skill. The role of mistakes and feedback in learning also is explored. These learnings take place early in the school year so as the year enfolds the language of growth mindset can be used in the classroom to help students overcome obstacles and reach their potential.
Teachers understand that no one has a growth mindset all the time, and a growth mindset is not a state or disposition but a set of strategies to foster resilience at school and in all aspects of life. Sara Feola, first grade teacher at Washington Primary School, observes that talking about the importance of effort in learning really sticks with her students, and they quickly start applying the concept to their own efforts in school and at home. Fifth-grade teacher, Amy Testani, sees her students benefiting greatly from the emphasis on growth through mistakes. Her students are able to explain inaccurate thinking in math, and how their thinking changed. They are really learning to celebrate stretch mistakes.
Parents can help support growth mindset learning at home too. Dr. Carol Dweck’s website Mindset Works has some great free resources to help parents embrace growth mindset parenting (https://www.mindsetworks.com/parents/growth-mindset-parenting).
Academic learning is at the heart of Washington Primary School, Booth Free School, and Burnham School. We also recognize the importance of your child’s social and emotional development. When Region 12 students are faced with challenges, we want them to have the strategies to persevere and succeed.
A Beautiful Bouquet
Julianna Fontanilla's beautiful floral design took fifth place (out of more than 30 entries) in the FFA Eastern States Floral Design Competition at the Big E.
Congratulations Julianna!!
Senior Project Spotlight
This week Senior Project classes welcomed staff from central office to talk about project ideas and the kind of support the administrators provide. Superintendent Bennett was joined by Nicole Grant, Director of Finance, and Don O'Leary, Director of Facilities. They answered questions about project scope and viability, insurance, event planning, and other issues that shape project planning and execution.
Students found the meeting to be very helpful for strengthening their project proposals. Likewise, the administrators enjoyed hearing the wide variety of project ideas. Mrs. Bennett and Ms. Grant agree that helping students anticipate problems ahead of time and plan proactively streamlines the learning process for everyone.
Janelle Frankland - Volleyball Club
For Janelle Frankland’s senior project, she is creating a volleyball club where she aims to make it as close to an actual sport as possible. She intends to scrimmage against other public schools, private schools, and clubs in the area in the hopes to create scenarios that are both inviting and exciting to newcomers and experienced volleyball players. She also plans to have fundraisers and other events focusing on volleyball, a sport not currently offered by Shepaug's after-school athletic program. She wants to give other Shepaug students a chance to experience an exciting and different sport that is physically challenging and incredibly fun.
Jason Steinis - A Dog Park in Roxbury
Jason Steinis is building a dog park at Hurlbut Park in Roxbury. He is excited to broaden options for community members and their dogs to socialize. Jason plans to construct a fence, equip the park, and conduct research on the benefits of dog parks for towns and cities.
The Big Clean
Agriscience students strike a pose for the camera while performing their cleaning duties at the new large barn.
Into the Kitchen
Intro To Foods students learn about baking, roasting, and creating a sauce to pair using ingredients from the nearby Riverbank Farm. Meanwhile, ninth-graders slice apples in preparation for apple sauce.
Fliers & Upcoming Events
High School Yearbook Earlybird Specials!! Order yours today!!
- 9/2 to 10/29 personalization get up to FOUR FREE ICONS.
- 10/30 to 1/31 personalization and accessories will be offered but icons will not be free
- 2/1 to 5/31 NO PERSONALIZATION OR ACCESSORIES will be offered
SENIORS DO NOT HAVE TO ORDER YEARBOOKS UNLESS PERSONALIZATION IS WANTED. Orders need to be done manually with Ms. Gambino for seniors wanting customization.
Order your middle school yearbook today and take advantage of earlybird personalization specials!
- Earlybird Special: From 9/2 to 10/29, books will be sold for $35. PLUS, if they order personalization, they’ll get up to FOUR FREE ICONS.
- Earlybird Special 2: 10/30 to 1/31, books will be sold for $35, plus personalization and accessories will be offered. but icons will not be free.
2/1 to 5/31 books will be sold for $35, but NO PERSONALIZATION OR ACCESSORIES will be offered.
PURCHASE YOUR MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARBOOK HERE
Place a business ad or an ad for your 8th grader here:
https://www.jostens.com/apps/jcom/router.mvc?affiliateId=3072333
Region 12 Calendar
October 4 - Burnham School PTO Meeting, 3:30pm
October 4 - BOE / Finance & Operations Committee Meeting, SVS Library, 5:30pm
October 4 - BOE Meeting, SVS Library, 7pm
October 7 - Pep Rally, SVS, 1:35pm
October 8 - No School for Students - Professional Development Day
October 11 - No School - Columbus Day
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: 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