Region In Review
April 21, 2023
Students at Washington Primary School, Booth Free School, and Burnham School had the opportunity to perform in front of their family members, staff, and peers just before the April break. After a three-year pause, we were so grateful to hold a music concert for our K-5 students.
Students in each grade showed off the skills they have been developing all year long, whether it was singing or playing a recorder, bucket drum, or ukelele. The energy in the auditoriums at each school was palpable! Mrs. Doiron, our general music teacher, created an interactive experience by incorporating improvisation from the audience throughout the concert.
This event brought back a lot of joy that hasn’t been felt since the start of the pandemic. All of the seats were completely full and family members were just glowing with pride. But most importantly, our current students in third grade and under had their first chance at experiencing a musical performance in front of a large audience. They did such a wonderful job!
The Appellate Court Visits Shepaug
On April 18, 2023, the auditorium at Shepaug Valley School was transformed into a courtroom when the State Appellate Court visited to hold two oral arguments. Parents and members of the public were invited to attend the event that was held from 9:45 am to 12 pm.
The visit was part of the judiciary’s commitment to educating young people about the judicial process. Two provocative cases (one criminal and one civil) were showcased as lawyers argued their positions before an appellate panel. The Honorable Nina F. Elgo, along with two other colleagues, presided.
Shepaug students who attended the oral arguments had been briefed on the facts and legal issues surrounding each case by Attorney Cava, Attorney Macchiarulo, Dr. Gosselin, and Dr. Schels. Students had the chance to review the substance of each case, ask questions, and learn about the decorum and protocol governing appellate court sessions. With the help and guidance of Attorney Macchiarulo (who is also a Region 12 Board Member), Shepaug was able to successfully apply for this honor.
The event reflected the community's support for vibrant partnerships with other agencies in the spirit of curating wide vistas of real-world experience for students. Shepaug will be on the lookout for other symposia that connect students to topics and projects of wide interest.
To Costa Rica!
A group of twenty-three Shepaug students and three Spanish teachers traveled to Costa Rica during their April break. During their stay, the students stayed with host families with whom they were able to practice their Spanish in a real-life setting and learn about Costa Rican culture and cuisine.
Among a long list of activities, the students ascended the Poas Volcano, toured San José center, played street soccer, visited a cocoa plantation, bathed in volcanic hot springs, explored the jungle where they spotted white-face monkeys and sloths, and spent a day at the beach on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. They also took a cooking class where they made authentic Costa Rican patacones (fried plantains) with beans and pico de gallo. Their teachers wish to thank the students for being outstanding ambassadors for their school while on their trip.
Back Row: Matthew Napoli, John Wild, Charlie VandenBosch, Andrew Bauer
Middle Row: Señor Nolan, Señora Hynes, Elliot Krebs, Sophia Granata, AJ Conrad, Samuel Butts, Grace McKinnon, Bella Gronbach, Arantza Artieda, Sagely Brenner, Lucas Jacob, Mason Murphy, Lindsay Mulhare, Gabrielle Neunzig, Myles Gronbach, Phil Ostrosky, Señora Holst-Grubbe, and Everett Gronbach
Front Row: Hailea Thompson, Ella Waupotic, Eliana Quigley, and Hayden Myles
The Lightning Thief
Shepaug Dramatics put on three spectacular shows of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. It was truly special to see the dedication and hard work of the talented cast and stage crew come together in such a remarkable production.
Congratulations to everyone involved for creating such a memorable experience!
Earth Day
To celebrate Earth Day, Shepaug students cleaned up and beautified our campus, showing their caring and commitment to the environment.
We thank these students for their hard work and dedication to making our planet a better place!
Fliers & Upcoming Events
Region 12 Calendar
April 28th - Bingo Night, WPS, 5:30pm
May 1st - PTO Meeting, SVS, 6:30pm
May 1st - Annual District Meeting, SVS, 7pm
May 1st - Board of Education Meeting, SVS (follows Annual Mtg)
May 3rd - FFA Supporters Meeting, SVS, 7:30pm
May 4th - FFA Alumni & Supporters Meeting, SVS, 7pm
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