QRMHS Family Newsletter

Dear QRMHS Families,

As we welcome the month of April, we are excited to continue our journey through the final stretch of the school year. This is a time to reflect on the hard work and dedication our students have shown thus far, and to encourage them to finish the fourth term strong. Maintaining consistent attendance is crucial during this period, as every lesson and interaction plays a vital role in their academic growth. We urge families to continue supporting their students in staying focused, completing assignments, and seeking help when needed.

I also want to remind families of the importance of maintaining a balanced routine as we approach the end of the year. Ensuring that students get adequate rest, stay engaged in extracurricular activities, and find time for personal reflection will help them manage stress and remain motivated. We are proud of the progress our students have made, and with your continued partnership, we are confident they will finish the year with success.

Additionally, I invite you to read about the many exciting events and achievements happening at QRMHS in this month's newsletter. From academic honors to extracurricular accomplishments, there is much to celebrate as we continue to build a positive and enriching school environment. Let’s work together to ensure our students finish the year on a positive note and set themselves up for continued success.

With warm regards,

Ms. DeMorais, QRMHS Principal

04/07

• Quarter 3 Ends

04/09

04/10

04/11

04/12

04/14 - 04/18

04/14

• French Exchange Field Trip: Paris/Avignon/Barcelona

04/16

04/17

04/21 - 04/25

Updates from High School:

Grade 9: Lessons

This month, Mrs. Ward kicked off spring 9th grade lessons. She is utilizing AchieveWorks in Naviance. These sessions will help students explore their strengths, interests, and potential career paths through a series of assessments. The assessments will offer valuable insights into their skills and future possibilities. Parents, we encourage you to ask your child about their results—this can spark meaningful conversations about their academic and career goals!

Grade 11: Lessons

In the month of April, Mrs. Csorba and Mrs. Gaspar will be in junior flex blocks to discuss post-secondary planning and to go over the steps for the college admissions process.

Save the Date: College Admissions Night

The high school counselors will host a College Admissions Night presentation in the auditorium on Wednesday, April 30th at 6 pm. This program will cover all the essentials about the college application process. It is targeted for juniors and their families but all are welcome to attend! It's never too early to think about your future!

SATs

Just a reminder that the SATs are offered at Quabbin in May (5/3/25). If your child is interested in taking the SAT they can sign up directly through collegeboard.org. If the May test date is not convenient, there are other testing locations throughout the state in other months. All of this information is located on the CollegeBoard website. If your child qualifies for a fee waiver, please have them see their School Guidance Counselor to access it. If your child wishes to prepare for the exam, they can find resources here: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/practice

Grade 11: Opportunities for Senior Year

Seniors have the opportunity to participate in College Dual Enrollment Programs or Work Based Learning (Internship) Experiences as a part of their senior year schedule. If your child is interested in learning more about taking college coursework or interning (either at Quabbin or at an external placement) please encourage them to sign up for an appointment with their Guidance Counselor to discuss next steps and the application process. Additional information will also be forthcoming in the Junior Guidance Google Classroom.

Grade 12: Instant Decision Days

We had a very successful Instant Decision Day with Mount Wachusett Community College on 3/26 in our College and Career Center! Representatives from MWCC met with some of our seniors to discuss programs, financial aid, applications and more! It was a wonderful experience for our seniors who participated.

Quinsigamond Community College will be here on 4/2 for an Instant Decision Day! If you have a senior who is interested in QCC, please encourage them to reach out to their Guidance Counselor to be added to the schedule!

Grade 12: Future Plans Survey

There is a Google Form that was emailed to all seniors and is posted in the Guidance Google Classroom. All seniors should fill out this form to indicate their future plans so that we can celebrate all of our seniors’ diverse plans over the upcoming months!

Updates from Middle School:

The middle school counselors are focusing on skill development and growing positive habits during the spring months.

Grade 7

Mrs. Veber will be visiting 7th grade classrooms during the first week of April to deliver lessons on conflict resolution skills.

We are so proud of our seniors! Shared here is a list of their college acceptances/plans. As you can see we have a lot to celebrate. All of you are behind their continued success!

Attached is the upcoming IB/AP Exam schedule

On March 26, 2025, 41 eighth grade students were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. NJHS President, Greyson Mullins gave the welcome address. Readings for the Candle Lighting ceremony were done by Adeelya Andrade - Character, Zoey Salvadore - Citizenship, Madisyn Shotwell - Leadership, Addison Surprenant - Service, and Adalyn Cranston - Scholarship. Hazel Rose Carter led the inductees in the Pledge. Guest speakers were Irene Stolgitis, NHS President and Eamon Arnold, two members of the class 2025.

Row 1 (L-R) John Tyler, Adeelya Andrade, Alison Baptiste, Kalina Bassett, Hazel Rose Carter, Lauren Colleton, Adalyn Cranston, Jeremy DeMoranville, Fiona Derr, Brynn Dunphy, Maya Faucher, Xavier Jackson Fjeld, Silas Flint

Row 2 (L-R) Nathan Gingras, Sawyer Harmon, Hayston Hay, Madisyn Hill, Reese Jamieson, Sarah Jean-Francois, Gemma Mullins, Greyson Mullins, William O'Neill, Joseph Perrone, Lukas Potter, Whitney Reeves, Chloe Richardson, Ava Rogowski

Row 3 (L-R) Connor Roohan, Zoey Salvadore, Madison Scanlon, Madisyn Shotwell, Annabelle Silver, Rosalie Stark, Addison Surprenant, Michael Tabares, Robert Tobin, Launa Tran, Olivia Abbas-Peck, Maxwell Wade, Robyn Waltz, Jack Wynne

Matthew Erickson has been selected as the QRSD Class of 2025 Superintendent Scholar. This is a huge accomplishment, and we are all so proud of him. He is kind, helpful, hardworking and intelligent. He exemplifies our vision of the graduate, and this honestly made the decision very easy. Matthew was honored at a luncheon on March 27th at Holy Cross in Worcester where he was recognized along with his peers that have been selected throughout Worcester County.

Spring sports has over 300 student athletes participating on the following teams and levels: MS, JV and varsity baseball, MS and varsity softball, MS and varsity boys’ and girls’ track and field, varsity girls’ tennis, varsity girls’ golf and varsity unified track and field teams. Games will be starting up this week!

All schedules, including practices and games, can be found HERE.

Congratulations to Mr. Miville on being named the NFHS Citation Award winner! NFHS Citations are awarded to individuals whose contributions have impacted high school activity programs through their association with one of the following groups of professionals: state associations and NFHS music adjudicators and directors, and speech, debate and theatre directors.

Boost Your Immune System :

A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help boost the immune system. Five elements that support our immune system are Vitamins C & D, Zinc, probiotics, and sleep. Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties can be found in citrus, bell peppers and broccoli. Vitamin D is made in the skin when exposed to sunlight. In the winter or when sun exposure is limited, sources like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) and fortified foods can help. Zinc is an essential mineral found in meat, shellfish, legumes, seeds, and nuts. Probiotics, found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy balance of gut microbiota. Finally, quality sleep is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. During sleep, the body produces and releases cytokines, which are proteins that help regulate immune responses.

LATE BREAKING NEWS: Captain Brennock received notice on Thursday that the newly appointed Commander of Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) under which NJROTC comes will be visiting Quabbin on Thursday, 10 April from 8:30 to 9:30 AM. Rear Admiral Matthew Pottenburgh will receive a presentation on the unique qualities of Quabbin NJROTC and then speak with the Cadets about what is going on nationally in NJROTC. He will also conduct a quick Q & A session.

NOTE THIS CHANGE: The Spring Spaghetti Dinner is now being held on Tuesday, 15 April from 5:00 to 7:00 PM in the school cafeteria. Cadets will be selling tickets beginning Monday, 31 March. Tickets are $9 for adults and $5 for children between 2-12. In concert with the dinner, there will be three very nice raffle items including a JVC Tube, a Ninja Creami, and once again two Red Sox Tickets in a Suite with unlimited beverages and food (valued at $1000!). There will be an announcement coming soon for the raffle items.

Memorial Day Assembly: Friday, 23 May at 9:00 AM in the high school gym. Loading of the gym will commence at 8:30. The assembly is for all grades 6-12. If you are a veteran please contact Captain Brennock and he will arrange seating for you.

Annual Awards Ceremony, Change of Command, and Farewell to Seniors is on Thursday, 29 May at 9:00 AM in the High School Gym. There will be a reception for Senior Cadets and their guests in the cafeteria from 7:30 to 8:30. A private caterer will be providing the light fare breakfast.

The Scholastic Book Fair is taking place in the school library from Thursday, April 10th - Thursday, April 17th. Middle school students will have the opportunity to preview the Fair during their ELA classes and can make purchases throughout the week. Flyers are being sent home that include information on setting up an e-wallet, an online payment alternative to cash. Additional payment methods include cash, credit cards, and checks (made out to QRSD). You can also shop online (free shipping with $25+ purchases). Proceeds from the Fair directly benefit the Quabbin Media Center. If you have any questions, please reach out to Christy Minton (cminton@qrsd.org). Thank you for your support!

Student Government Day (SGD) in Boston is an annual event where Massachusetts high school students, elected by their peers, participate in simulated government activities at the Massachusetts State House. This program, coordinated by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, provides students with firsthand experience in state government processes, including legislative hearings and formal sessions. Students take on roles like state senators, representatives, constitutional officers, or Supreme Court justices, observing the workings of the legislative and judicial branches

Christiana Dunn and Aiden Fuller at the Boston State House for Students in Government Day. We had a beautiful day to visit Boston.

“I was able to attend the statehouse and take part in the student government day, learning the ways the legislative process works. It was very fun and informative to be able to be a part of this process.” -Christiana Dunn

State Representative Donnie Berthiaume met with Ana and Aiden to discuss Students in Government Day.

On April 7th, 30th and May 3rd we are pleased to announce that we will have five Quabbin students participate in the Massachusetts Music Educators’ Junior Central District Festival. Amon Packard, Niki Nikakhlagh, Aiden Leger, Sebastian Palomera-Espinoza and Theodore Langer were all selected to participate in this festival after their challenging auditions in February.

On April 9th Julia Tuttle and several members of the music department will travel to Mechanics Hall to participate in an “extraordinary event that will bring high school singers together to perform Sunrise Mass by Ola Gjeilo alongside the Clark University Choirs, Clark University Symphony Orchestra, and New England Repertory Orchestra, under the baton of renowned conductor Cailin Marcel Manson.” We are very excited for the students as this is the third year they have had the opportunity to participate in this event.

Upcoming Events where you can hear your students performing!!

April 7th- JR Central District rehearsal- five students

April 9th- Clark University choral field trip- HS choral students

April 30th- JR Central District rehearsal- five students

May 3rd- JR Central District concert- five students

May 15th- High School Senior Night Concert- all HS music students

May 23rd- In School Memorial Day service- HS band and choral students

May 26th- Hubbardston Memorial Day service- HS band

May 30, 31, June 1- Hershey Park HS music field trip- HS band/chorus/orch

June 5th- Baccalaureate- HS orchestra

June 6th-Graduation- HS band/chorus/orch

June 10th-MS Spring Concert

June 12th- Elementary School Tour of district- Tri-M honor student mentors

June 18th- 8th grade Recognition Night- 7th&8th grade band/chorus/orch

International Baccalaureate: April Brings a Focus on Risk-Taking as IB and AP Exams Approach

As we enter April, our students prepare for one of the most academically demanding times of the year. With IB and AP exams beginning in early May, students are refining their knowledge, practicing exam strategies, and managing the pressures of high-stakes testing. This month, our IB Learner Profile attribute of focus is risk-takers, a perfect theme for this pivotal period.

IB defines a risk-taker as someone who "approaches uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies." Now more than ever, we encourage students to embrace this mindset—stepping outside their comfort zones, confidently tackling challenges, and staying committed to their academic goals.

Fostering Risk-Taking in Learning

Parents play a crucial role in reinforcing this attribute at home. Here are some ways to help students reflect on their ability to take risks and build resilience:

• Self-Reflection: Encourage students to think about a time they took an academic risk and what they learned from the experience. How did they push through uncertainty?

• Goal Setting: Have them identify one area where they tend to play it safe and set a goal to push beyond their comfort zone.

• Growth Reflections: Encourage students to recognize their progress by identifying the skills they have strengthened over the school year, and celebrate their achievements.

Looking Ahead: IB & AP Exam Season

Again, with IB and AP exams beginning in early May and spanning multiple weeks, we want to ensure that students and families are well-prepared. To support this, the school will be sending out a letter to parents/guardians of students enrolled in these courses. This letter will include the full exam schedule and valuable study strategies to help students prepare effectively at home.

As we approach this important time, we appreciate your partnership in supporting your child’s success. Let’s encourage them to take risks, embrace challenges, and finish the academic year strong!

If you have any questions about the IB program. Please contact Eleni Marinelli (emarinelli@qrsd.org).

Purple for Prevention is drawing to a close, but the message of supporting our students to make healthy, safe choices needs to be an ongoing discussion for all of us. Our youth face difficult decisions all the time, but having adults who care about the choices they make can have a big impact on how they act and respond. Knowing that parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles, coaches, teachers, neighbors or other adults care about the choices they make, and support them in making good decisions can have a big impact on how youth feel and respond.

This month we were able to provide a training for adults about vaping, what it is and what are the health impacts of vaping, especially on the developing brain of a teenager. Many adults are not clear about what vapes are, what they look like, or what is in one. Drug Free Communities staff, Nekr Jenkins and Mary Whitelaw, are available to provide additional information or support to families and students.

This week we brought Stephen Hill back to Quabbin for our 8th grade students.

“It was great to be back working with @q.drug speaking with the 8th graders and reconnecting with the high school students I spoke with back in September. Nekr & Mary are truly dedicated to the well-being of the kids they work with. They have a remarkable ability to connect with each student on a personal level, showing genuine care and interest in their lives. Always involved and engaged, they stay in tune with the day-to-day struggles and triumphs of the kids, offering unwavering support when it’s needed most. Their big hearts and constant presence make a profound difference, ensuring that each student feels seen, heard, and cared for. Thank you for what you do”- Stephen Hill.

We were also able to have our Upstander club members present to the 8th grade students about the importance of speaking up when they see a peer being bullied or harassed, and how to help others. The students were engaged and interactive.

Thank you to the 8th grade team and the administration for making this day possible.

Q-DRUG Vision: A Quabbin Region that is mentally, physically and emotionally healthy, allowing all to be addiction free.

Q-DRUG Mission: Quabbin Drug Response Unifying Group "Q-DRUG", works with our community to stand together to support youth substance use prevention. We seek to promote awareness and erase the stigma of substance use disorder to build a recovery supportive community.

Energy drinks have become increasingly popular among young people, often marketed as a quick way to boost energy, alertness, and performance. However, research and health experts strongly advise against their use by children and adolescents. These beverages typically contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants that can pose significant health risks to growing bodies and developing brains. Thes beverages often contain an advisory/warning that they should not be consumed by people under 18.

Some of the potential risks and side effects include:

• Difficulty concentrating and focusing in class

• Anxiety, irritability, and restlessness

• Sleep disturbances, which can impact academic performance and mental health

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms

• Dehydration, especially if consumed during physical activity

In the school setting, we have observed that energy drinks can interfere with students’ ability to learn effectively and may contribute to behavioral issues. For these reasons – we STRONGLY discourage students from bringing or consuming energy drinks during the school day. Thank you for your continued support in promoting the health and well-being of our students.

A bit of clarification, there are currently 2 active spaces for the Q-munity closet.

• One space is in the middle/ high school, and is available to students throughout the school day by contacting a school counselor or Mrs Whitelaw or Mrs Jenkins.

• The second space is much larger, and located at the New Braintree Elementary School. This space is available on Mondays 12-2pm and on the 2nd Saturday 9-11am to the community, with items for children and adults available.

We are so thankful for all of the teachers and staff who have contributed to the Q-Munity Closet.

List of items that we are in need of are:

• Hangers

• Snacks

• Granola bars

• Peanut butter or cheese crackers

• Trail mix

• Peanut butter

• Pop tarts

• Shorts

• Gently used sneakers

We were also able to have our Upstander club members present to the 8th grade students about the importance of speaking up when they see a peer being bullied or harassed, and how to help others. The students were engaged and interactive.

Quabbin Regional Middle/High School is a collaborative learning community, where all students have opportunities to achieve personal excellence in a safe and accepting environment.

Our mission is to prepare students to become self-reliant, life-long learners who are responsible and resourceful citizens in a global society.

Email: pdemorais@qrsd.org
Website: Home - Quabbin Regional School District (qrsd.org)
Location: South Street, Barre, MA 01005, USA
Phone: (978)355-4651