Region In Review
October 18th, 2023
Students had a fantastic time at the homecoming dance, where they danced the night away and enjoyed a memorable evening filled with laughter and camaraderie. The dance was a night to remember as students showcased their dance moves and created lasting memories with friends old and new.
Additionally, they had a great time at the homecoming bonfire, where they roasted marshmallows, shared stories, and reveled in the cozy, togetherness of a cool autumn evening.
Spanish Comes Alive!
By E. Judd & E. Rhew
¡Estudiantes participando en español! Students across the three elementary schools are excited to take part in weekly Spanish lessons. Through stories, songs, and movement, students will develop grade-appropriate listening, speaking, and comprehension skills. Using a comprehensible input approach to language acquisition, students will engage in topics such as: “Who Am I?”, “My Home and Family”, "My School and Friends”, “My World/Natural Surroundings”, and more.
During the first weeks of classes, students learned about greetings and salutations and how to express feelings and emotions. Students quickly learned new expressions and shared greetings throughout the day. ¡Hola! Buenos días. ¿Cómo estás? and ¿Cómo te llamas? are a few phrases students are readily using with classmates and teachers. We are all eager for our students to expand their conversational skills in an alternative language.
100 Wins!
Congratulations to Shepaug Spartan Boys Soccer Coach Jim Stinson for earning his 100th win! Coach Stinson has been an outstanding leader for the team, guiding them to success both on and off the field. His dedication and commitment to the sport, along with his unwavering support for the students, make him a positive role model and a source of inspiration for all who have had the privilege of playing under his coaching.
Capturing Memories: Yearbook Club's Creative Journey
Yearbook Club is off to a great start as students design page ladders, learn Photoshop, and brainstorm ideas for this year’s yearbooks!
Senior Project Spotlight
Faith Bargellini - Bionic Endeavors
This year for my senior project, I have decided to design, motorize, and code a model of a bionic human hand. For my whole life, I have been interested in the medical field, and after attending an introductory engineering camp at a local university, I became particularly interested in biomedical engineering. I wanted my senior project to connect my future goals of studying bio/biomedical engineering in college and my desire to make a meaningful impact on a community of people. Thus, I will spend my year trying to create my own (hopefully functional) 3D-printed model of a human hand that would mimic that of a prosthetic hand for an amputee.
Outside of this main goal, I hope my project will bring light to those with prosthetic limbs and their journeys as amputees; explore and showcase the role that biomedical engineers have in the medical community; and finally, I hope to educate and inspire current/future Shepaug students through making tutorial videos on certain parts/programs I use throughout my project. So far, I have been researching the dexterity of human hands and the process of amputation/developing prosthetics, as well as finalizing my 3D-modeled design of the hand.
Phia Ledbetter - EcoFashion Odyssey
Phia Ledbetter adores fashion, and she is frustrated by the effects she sees from our culture's obsession with the fast fashion industry. The project she designed, "Putting a Pin in Waste," focuses on building her sewing and design skills through reclaiming clothing from thrift stores. Phia is learning from experienced seamstress and crafter, Daphne Parker, and plans to produce six finished pieces that encompass a variety of sewing techniques. Her final project will be designing and creating her prom dress. She will also host middle school workshops to teach basic sewing life skills. Her academic research targets the scope and impact of the fast fashion industry in the US and globally.
Annabelle Churyk - Birdifying Washington
Annabelle Churyk’s project is called “Birdifying Washington”. She is helping to create a better environment for birds by building and installing birdhouses and planting bird-friendly plants. She is also hoping to spread awareness through an Instagram page and by making a book about unique birds that can be found in Washington, combining photography and the new knowledge that she is researching. All these pieces, along with extensive research about the positives of having a healthy bird population around will contribute to the beneficial coexistence between birds and humans in our community.
Summer Reading
Shepaug students participated in a middle school and high school combined grade level event in different rooms to celebrate Summer Reading. Over the summer, students read a novel in verse of their own choosing. On this day of celebration, students were able to experiment with creating their own pieces of verse in the form of found poems and concrete poems.
Their creations were lovely, philosophical, moving, and whimsical. The event allowed students to explore their creative side through found poems and concrete poems, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. It was a delightful celebration of their summer reading achievements and artistic talents.
Alternative Energy Challenge
Seventh grade students work hard to collaborate and use their newfound knowledge of different types of alternative energy as they design and create their own games.
High school student Tony Atencio, member of the MakerSpace and the Game Club, attends as a guest game reviewer and provides insightful feedback to each design team as he reviews their games. The event not only showcased the students' teamwork and creativity but also provided a valuable opportunity for cross-grade learning and engagement.
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.
- 10/28 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 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
Oct. 18-20 Early Dismissal - Parent Teacher Conferences
Oct. 18-20 - Scholastic Book Fair, WPS, 9am
Oct. 27 - Elementary Halloween Dance, 5pm-6:30pm
Oct. 27 - 7th/8th grade Dance, SVS, 7pm
Nov. 1 - BFS PTO, 3:30pm
Nov. 6 - BOE Long Range Planning Committee Meeting, SVS, 6pm
Nov. 6 - Board of Education Meeting, SVS, 7pm
Nov. 7 - Professional Development - No School for Students
Nov. 8 - Burnham PTO, 3:30pm
Nov. 9 - The Agriscience Academy Open House, SVS, 6pm
Nov. 10 - Veteran's Day - No School
Nov. 13 - Board Policy Committee Meeting, SVS, 6pm
Nov. 13 - SVS PTO, 6:30pm
Nov. 15 - Parent Visitation Day, BFS, BS, WPS
Nov. 15 - Red Cross Blood Drive, SVS, 7am
Nov. 17 - School Picture Day, BS
Nov. 17 - Grade 6/7 Social, SVS, 2:30pm
Nov. 17-18 - Shepaug Dramatics Play, SVS, 8pm
Nov. 19 - Shepaug Dramatics Play, SVS, 2pm
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