AROUND THE REGION FY 2018 Issue #7 June 1, 2018 To The Class of The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character that is the goal of true education. - Martin Luther King, Jr As you continue your preparations for life s journey, I am confident that the educational foundation you have received over the last 12 plus years at Tantasqua Regional and Union 61 has prepared you to enter the world and pursue your dreams, whatever they may be. Our mission is to build a community of life-long-learners, prepare students for their role in society and promote responsible participation in a democracy. You, the graduates of the Class of 2018, already exemplify the use of education as an instrument to change the world. You have learned through your activities that you are the tool for change. With education comes awareness and the willingness to promote positive change, and the belief that you can do anything that you set your mind to and work hard to achieve. It is with great pride that I offer you my sincere congratulations and best wishes for continued success in the pursuit of your goals and dreams. Never stop seeking knowledge, never stop striving to be your best self,and always contribute to your community. As you leave Tantasqua, I wish you all the very best that life may offer. I look forward to hearing about your successes. Have a safe and happy summer. Remember you are always a part of the Tantasqua family. Congratulations, Erin M. Nosek, Ed. D Superintendent of Schools
The end of the school year will be a welcome respite for staff and students alike. It will also mark the culmination of administrative service of two gentlemen held in very high esteem at Tantasqua Regional /Union 61 School Districts. Mr. Sean Gilrein, Interim Principal at Tantasqua Junior High School, will complete his duties as of June 30, 2018. He has done an outstanding job during the past year. With his extensive background in education, Sean was the perfect individual to helm the school as the Search Committee for a new Principal was formed. He was very visible throughout the building and quickly established himself as an integral part of the Tantasqua community. We thank Mr. Gilrein for his service, and wish him the very best in all future endeavors. After serving the Wales Community for seventeen years as Principal of the Wales Elementary School, Mr. Richard Zinkus will retire as of June 30 th. remembered and are deeply appreciated. Known for his humor, support of students and staff, and his open door policy to the community, Rick will be greatly missed by all. Due to his leadership, knowledge, commitment, and caring, rarely was there a staff opening at the Wales Elementary School. The climate of the building was always very positive. Rick s contributions to our Leadership Team will be long As Rick starts this next journey we wish him good luck, the best of health, and many happy years of retirement!
As a way to celebrate mothers, The Burgess Preschool and Kindergarten teams collected money and donations for the Abby s House Shelter for homeless woman and children. We raised over $500 in cash and gift cards and a full truckload of supplies for this important charity. Our children learned that helping others is a great way to be a good citizen and a Burgess Bear! Fifth and sixth grade band students from all five towns, and the Brookfield Elementary chorus, attended the Great East Music Festival on Friday, May 18th where they achieved the highest rating for their efforts. A fun day at Six Flags following the performance concluded a wonderful experience!
Submitted by Mark Wood Matthew Sexton, son of Michael and Nancy Sexton, resides in Wales and is a student who has shown excellence in his technical program of Honors Level Architectural Design with a grade of 100 as well as an impressive aptitude for academics. Currently, Matthew has earned a 4.44 grade point average and is ranked number one in the Technical High School. This year Matt has taken, or is taking AP Calculus, AP Psychology, AP Physics, and AP English Lit Comp. Matthew has earned the title of AP Scholar with Distinction due to his accomplished AP scores. Matthew has received High Honors every year of high school, is a John and Abigail Adams Scholarship recipient, was awarded Student of the Quarter recognition last year and was elected as Senior of the Month this year. Matthew has been very involved in student activities at Tantasqua Regional High. He has demonstrated tremendous leadership skills, responsibility and initiative. He has been a member of: Student Council since 9th grade, serving as the Technical High School Vice President Mock Trial since 9th grade, now serving as Co-Captain The Math Team since 10th grade The National Honor Society since 11th grade Co-Captain and Co-Founder of the Honor Bowl/ As Schools Match Wits Team since 11th grade President of Tantasqua s SkillsUSA Chapter Other leadership positions Matthew has held while attending Tantasqua are: Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Community Service Award recipient in 10th grade RYLA Group Facilitator in 11th and 12th grade Recording secretary for Program Advisory Board since 11th grade The Humanities Scholars Collaborative in 11th grade Student Representative to the School Committee since 11th grade Elected delegate this year for the Central Mass. Regional Student Advisory Council Matthew also participated in freshmen football and played on the JV Lacrosse team. Matthew is passionate about community service and helped to start the Monson Summer Feeding Program beginning in 9th grade. He has accumulated over 450 hours of service to ensure that children have enough to eat when school is not in session. Last year Matthew was a Trigonometry Tutor and accumulated over 20 hours. Since the fall of 2016, Matthew has been employed by Adams Hometown Market. Matt will be attending The College of the Holy Cross in the fall.
Submitted by Helena Paez Over spring break a group of twenty-two high school students and their chaperones, Helena Paez, Joseph Afiadata and Deb McKinstry toured London, Paris and Barcelona. Each day the group, accompanied by tour guide Freddy and a local guide from the respective cities visited key historic sites and explored city parks and neighborhoods. By the end of the tour, students were deeply appreciative of and enriched by the distinct cultures, and they had become savvy travelers adept at handling foreign currency, negotiating in the markets, traveling by trains, and navigating the cities using the tube and metros.
Rachael Hager (TJHS) and husband Matthew, on the birth of son Kit Bruffee Hager, born at 11:12am on May 7, 2018. Kit weighed 7lbs 12oz. Kit was welcomed by big sister Piper. Welcome Kit!! Liz Venezia (Holland Elementary School) and husband Joe, on the birth of daughter Maria, born on February 28, 2018. She weighed 8lbs 6oz. and was 21 ½ inches long. William is a great big brother! Happy birth day Maria!
Tantasqua Guidance Director Kendra Cantrell and husband Nick, who welcomed their baby boy Henry Theodore-Hudson Cantrell born on May 12th. Eight pounds, four ounces! Henry was greeted by big sister Violet and big brother Elliot. Congrats to the Cantrells! Braidy Miarecki (Tantasqua Junior High School) and husband Curtis, welcomed son Joshua Curtis Miarecki! Joshua weighed 8lbs, 9oz and was 20 inches long. Everyone is doing well!
Holland Elementary Just Can t Wait To Be King! Kids Tours performance of The Lion King Jr. had every student absolutely enthralled. From the intriguing costumes to the toe tapping upbeat songs, a great time was had by all! Submitted by Cara Peters