Heritage School Newsletter

On Wednesday we had a band from the Berkshire Hills Music Academy called The Capabilities. Berkshire Hills Music Academy is a unique college-like program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are looking to expand their social, vocational, and life skills in a music-infused environment. This is one of my favorite events of the year as our students certainly appreciate the incredible music and get up and dance in the aisles, while also understanding that with perseverance and effort they can achieve anything. It is so heartwarming to see kids just having a good time and being kids. Our students and staff work hard every single day to learn very important lessons in our academic curriculums but these life lessons are just as important! There isn’t anything more enjoyable than watching our staff and students up on their feet and dancing! Below is a photo from the show. There is also some great live footage on our Heritage School Facebook page.

As stated in our handbook, attendance at school is expected not only as a district policy but it is also a state mandate. With that in mind, we have recently sent out required attendance letters to students who have missed a certain number of school days. These letters are part of our normal attendance procedures. We certainly understand that if you receive this letter, it may cause some anxiety and confusion because, of course, it is also expected that students be kept home if they are not feeling well and we have had a large amount of illnesses circulating this winter.

The most important thing is if your child is out sick please contact the office so it can be documented appropriately.

Also, if a doctor’s note is written, it should be turned into the school office promptly. If you receive an attendance letter regarding your child, please consider it as information to update you where your child is attendance wise. If there is a concern academically, or excessive absences, you will be contacted by the office or the school adjustment counselor to set up a meeting. In the end, we are all on the same team, looking to set up our students for success! Success starts with being at school.

We know the weather has been mild, but it is still winter! Please send your child to school with a coat and not just a hoodie. If your child needs a coat please let us know.

Students celebrated the 100th day of school on February 3 by dressing up as they might look when they are elderly or using a phone filter to depict their image as "old". :)