The Peak - January 2025
Monthly news from the Wachusett Regional School District
Grade 7 Science students at Mountview Middle School have been actively engaged in hands-on experiments to explore processes like weathering, erosion and deposition along with their impacts on our environment. To investigate how ground cover impacts soil erosion, students planted grass seed at the start of the month and took care of it for the next few weeks. Once our grass sample had grown, students conducted a lab using two bottles filled with soil: one with sprouted grass (representing vegetation) and one with bare soil. By pouring water steadily over each sample, students observed the differences in soil movement and water clarity between the two setups. Students were also able to observe the process of deposition as the sediment was “deposited” into the cup from the bare soil sample, similar to what happens with river delta formations.
This lab helped students understand how vegetation acts as a natural barrier to erosion, protecting soil from being washed away during heavy rainfall.
Paxton Center School proudly unveiled six brand-new basketball hoops during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the culmination of a project that has been years in the making. The addition of these hoops reflects a community-wide effort to enhance recreational opportunities for students and underscores the school’s commitment to fostering inclusive play spaces.
The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and Paxton Center School families played a pivotal role in funding the project, covering the installation costs with funds raised through their generosity and hard work. Additionally, Town Administrator Heather Munroe secured a grant to purchase the six hoops, exemplifying the power of collaboration and resourcefulness in making community projects a reality.
Former Principal Shawn Rickan and Recreation Director Kathy Card devoted six years to the coordination of this project. Their dedication ensured that every detail was thoughtfully planned, resulting in an impactful upgrade to the school’s facilities.
The new hoops include innovative features, such as adjustable side hoops that can be lowered to six feet, making them accessible for younger students, including those in grades K-2. This inclusive design ensures that children of all ages and abilities can enjoy basketball as part of their physical education and recreation.
This project represents more than just new equipment—it’s a celebration of our community’s spirit, teamwork, and dedication to creating spaces where our students can thrive.
The school extends heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in bringing this project to life and looks forward to many years of fun, fitness, and growth on the new courts.
- Interim Principal, Kathryn Miville
On January 15th, our STEP (Skills Transition Empowerment Program) students braved the wind and cold to meet travel trainer Karen Anderson Walsh at Union Station in Worcester and learn the skills required to take public transportation. We started with a check-in at the office where some students practiced asking for a bus schedule from the secretary. We then toured Union Station, learning the different places to go in order to board a Peter Pan bus, take the Amtrak to Boston, or hail a taxi.
After the tour, we waited for and rode bus #30 to Walmart in West Boylston. It was very cold on the platform but the students prevailed and did a nice job listening to Karen as they learned to read the schedule and be vigilant while waiting for the bus. On the bus, students rode patiently, asking Karen some informative questions and looking out for landmarks.
We got to Walmart around 9:45 and students had the objective to shop for their households. It was a productive day and I am very proud!
- Special Education Teacher, Maili Donovan
Four of our adult learners began a new internship program in January, helping out at the Early Childhood Center and District Central Office. During their first shift, two interns focused on classroom support while two helped out with custodial tasks. They're scheduled to work two hours each week with additional tasks to be determined. Students and staff are very excited about this new partnership.
Mountview Middle School Grade 8 students held a Constitutional Convention to rewrite the ineffective Articles of Confederation. Over four days, delegates from the states met, debated, and proposed changes to create a new government. They arrived at a solution similar to our current Constitution, but included a ban on slavery; calling out the threat made by Carolinas and Georgia to leave the Union if slavery was outlawed. In the end the states reached an agreement and the Union was preserved!
