The Peak - December 2023

Monthly News from the Wachusett Regional School District

First grade students at Houghton Elementary School showcased their wearable owl art on Friday, December 15th. The Owl Art Parade was open to Houghton families and community members who were duly impressed with the quality and hard work shown through these unique projects. Great job, Houghton students!

On Tuesday, December 12th, the Wachusett Boys Varsity Basketball team welcomed North High School for what turned out to be more than just a game. The evening served as a touching tribute to two individuals who had left a lasting mark on the North High community. North High School, the reigning Division 1 State Champions, recently suffered the heartbreaking sudden loss of Carl-Hens Beliard, a beloved member of their team who graduated last June and was pursuing his education at Salem State University. Additionally, the North High community was mourning the recent passing of Meaghan Milonopoulos, the Assistant Principal and a Wachusett Alum, who fought a courageous battle against cancer.

Demonstrating the true spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie, our Athletic Director, Jennifer Lynch, and Varsity Boys Head Basketball Coach, Tom Gibbons, led a collaborative effort along with North High School coaches, to organize a heartfelt pre-game ceremony. The ceremony included a specially printed game program, a moment of silence to honor Carl-Hens and Meaghan and WRHS Warm-Up T-shirts adorned with Carl-Hens' initials.

The event not only marked the commencement of the 2023-2024 season but also served as a powerful reminder of the sportsmanship and compassion that extends beyond the basketball court.

After three months of tryouts, rehearsals, and preparation, Central Tree Middle School students presented the Drowsy Chaperone Jr. to students, families, and friends. The cast and crew, consisting of more than 30 CTMS students, performed in front of large, enthusiastic audiences on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, December 7th to 9th. All who attended were impressed with the talented acting, singing, and dancing throughout the show as well as the incredible costumes and production quality.

Our CTMS Community was so proud of the efforts of our students and we thank Director Kim Arum and her staff for their dedication and commitment to providing our students this opportunity twice a year. Director Arum announced the next show, Willy Wonka Jr., to a rousing response from the cast and crew. If you missed this show, check out the next one in May of 2024.

6th grade students at Mountview Middle School practiced the art of writing in the world's first written language: cuneiform. Just like the ancient Mesopotamians, students carved their names into clay using a stylus.

An ancient Mesopotamian poem gives the first known story of the invention of writing:

Because the messenger's mouth was heavy and he couldn't repeat [the message], the Lord of Kulaba patted some clay and put words on it, like a tablet. Until then, there had been no putting words on clay.

— Sumerian epic poem Enmerkar and the Lord of Aratta

Dear Wachusett Families,

Typically, I would tell you that I can only have my attention on one thing at any moment! There

may be multiple things that require attention in a minute’s time but really I am always deep in

thought about how to achieve those meaningful goals that I have established. The past six

months have been extremely busy and all seems like a blur! However, I know that there are

many more goals to reach and perseverance is the key to accomplishment. So, of course my

laundry list of things to do will be added to the upcoming year!

It is hard to believe that the holiday season is upon us already. Last year I came across the following story. After reading it again, I thought I would share it here, as it really provides important perspective.

The Other Seven Wonders

A group of students was asked to list what they thought were the present “Seven Wonders of the World.” Though there were some disagreements, the most popular choices among the students were Egypt’s Great Pyramids, the Taj Mahal, the Grand Canyon, the Panama Canal, the Empire State Building, St. Peter’s Basilica, and China’s Great Wall.

The teacher noticed that one student was still working on her list after everyone else had finished. When asked if she was having trouble, the girl replied, “Yes, a little. I couldn’t make up my mind because there are so many.” The teacher said, “Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help.” The girl hesitated, then replied, “I think the Seven Wonders of the World are to see, to hear, to touch, to taste, to feel, to laugh, and to love.

- Author unknown

During the holiday season may you be reminded of those things which are truly wondrous to you

and your family. May you experience peace, hope and joy during this time…and all the days to

follow.

Joan M. DeAngelis, MSW, LICSW, CAGS

Director of Special Education & Student Services

Congratulations to our student-athletes who have recently signed NCAA Letters of Intent to play Division 1 College Athletics! Hannah Martin (Swim, Iona), Meg Jones (Lacrosse, Iona), Mary Gibbons (Basketball, Navy), and Kaleigh and Lindsey McGurl (Field Hockey, UMass Lowell). We are so proud of you!

Congratulations also go out to our WRHS Field Hockey Team on advancing to the MIAA Division 1 Final 4 for the second year in a row! Outstanding season, girls!

Each year, second grade students at Naquag Elementary School are given the opportunity to vote on the dog tag design to be used for all dog licenses issued in Rutland. Students complete an official ballot and the votes are scanned and tabulated just as they are for other elections. This year’s winner is…the fire hydrant!

This month, the kindergarteners from Thomas Prince School traveled all the way to the Princeton town library. Working in concert with the Library trustees, who sponsored the trip, students were exposed to the offerings the town of Princeton provides in our public library.

Kindergarteners had a read-aloud and also completed a scavenger hunt. They met the librarians and perused the stacks. Students even met Dewey, the library Axolotl! All students left with their own library cards and big smiles. We expect they'll be back!

The Exploring Fine Arts class at the High School is hosting a schoolwide participation show in the Bowes Art Gallery. We invite you to become part of Linking Hands, our evolving exhibition that invites everyone at Wachusett to create art and community. We are using the symbol of the human hand to represent the connections we can create amongst us. Share something with others through your visual statement and be in community while you make it. Hang it in the gallery to find connections with other people through their art.

This show, inspired by Principal Pratt’s vision “Disconnect to Reconnect” will also include information about Assistive Technology used in our schools to promote greater independence for people with disabilities. This technology is designed to help us connect! Learn about Assistive Technology and about communicating with students who use these tools.

On December 20th, the talented 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade strings students at Chocksett Middle School went above and beyond in the spirit of spreading holiday joy. The ensemble showed up early to school to share their musical talents with fellow students as they arrived for the day at both Chocksett and Houghton Elementary School.

Led by their strings teacher, Abby Haynes, the students showcased their impressive musical skills and festive spirit. These performances served as a delightful surprise for students but also set a positive tone for the day ahead.

The strings participants included Sarah Balducci, Ruby Bavosi, Sophia Contreras, Kevin Creamer, Arden Crowely, Gwen Crowley, Luca Raymond, Alea (AJ) Salvatelli, and Maci Walsh.

Thank you for your wonderful performances!