Monson, Palmer offer info on start of schoolDate: 8/23/2023 As summer winds down, Reminder Publishing asked the Monson and Palmer Public School districts what their parents/guardians should know going into school and what they can do to ensure their children are prepared.
Over the last three years, the Monson Public Schools has worked hard to remediate some of the academic gaps as a result of COVID-19.
Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Clarke stated, “We’ve made some great strides, especially in the areas of math and reading. We want to continue that work, and continue to see those huge advances and close those gaps for our kids.”
They also have a robust team of counselors at each of the schools that will work with students to meet their needs socially, emotionally and behaviorally.
“We’re thrilled that we’ll be back soon and look forward to a wonderful school year,” said Clarke. “In the meantime, before school starts, we encourage our kids to practice their math facts and do some reading every day so they are ready to start their year.”
The first day for Granite Valley School is Wednesday, Aug. 30, and for the Early Childhood Center, located at Quarry Hill Community School, is Tuesday, Sept. 5. Principal Joe Trivisonno at the Early Childhood Center and Granite Valley wants families to know that they are ready. They are excited to welcome all of their students back and looking forward to a really great year for all of their students and families.
“Both schools are blessed to have continuity with the teachers this year and with our staff in general,” Trivisonno pointed out. “The staff is excited. The schools are looking good and we’re looking to continue the great educational experience that it has provided for all of our families.”
He went on to say, “Though, some of our students are not where we would really like them to be academically and that’s okay it takes time. Our main goal is to ensure we are meeting the needs of all students. This is through Tier 1 instruction for all students and tiered support for students who may need additional support.”
At the Early Childhood Center, Trivisonno said it’s about establishing the foundation. It’s the first school experience for many of their students and their families. As well as creating a strong foundation to give students and families a great start to an educational experience. For grades 1-6, Granite Valley will continue with its Appleseeds program which is an early grades literacy foundational reading program and the OpenSciEd science curriculum for grades 2-6. Granite Valley will also continue working with their community to try to fundraise for the outdoor basketball court that they are looking to build. It will be a significant project that will take the majority of the school year in order to raise the funds.
“I am truly blessed to work in Monson,” Trivisonno added. “Dr. Clarke as a superintendent has certainly created an incredibly supportive environment that has allowed me to promote and grow Granite Valley and the ECC with the support of an incredible faculty. I can’t speak highly enough about our Superintendent Dr. Clarke.”
Monson High School welcomes a new principal, Arthur Murphy, and Aug. 30 is the first day of school for students. Though having a new principal always brings some changes, Murphy told Reminder Publishing the school still has many of its great staff returning and teacher leaders that ensure a rigorous learning environment that will prepare their students for the challenges of their academic and professional future.
“Parents should know that Monson High School has clear expectations for all of its students,” Murphy stated. “At MHS we ‘Keep it REAL’ to prepare all of our students for a great experience. REAL is an acronym for Respect, Empathy, Accountability and Leadership. In our first week of school all staff will be going over what these expectations look like around the building. Whether in the classroom, the hallway or the cafeteria, if students are keeping it REAL, all students will be in situations to succeed in a positive environment.”
Murphy advised parents and guardians to prepare their students by constantly sharing their own excitement for the start of the school year. He said parents should let their child know that Monson High School is a place that will challenge them academically, give them outlets for their passions and help them work through any issues they might be having.
“When home and school work together to make sure students are feeling safe and respected, great learning will be the outcome,” Murphy reiterated. “I look forward to facilitating that experience for all involved.”
At Palmer Public Schools, teachers return on Aug. 28, students in grade 1-5 start on Aug. 29, kindergarten starts on Sept. 6 and preschool starts Sept. 11. This year, the Palmer school district welcomes in a new superintendent, Matthew T. Francis, and a couple of new teachers. The district is looking into updating and upgrading several grade level and subject area curriculum materials as well as reviewing and adopting benchmark assessments for grades 6-10 in ELA and Math and several additional resources for teachers.
Francis stated, “We are planning so many new and exciting opportunities for students such as after-school enrichment and tutoring activities, vacation programming and summer programming.”
He continued, “Parents and guardians should make sure the schools have your most current contact information including email, so you can stay up-to-date on what’s going on throughout the district.”
Francis’ main goal for this year is to listen and learn. He will be conducting different surveys (caregiver and student), meeting with community members, faculty/staff and school committee members learning about their individual needs and wants. By mid-February, he will be presenting his findings and constructing a Strategic Plan.
Principal Holly-Beth Riopel at Old Mill Pond is ecstatic for the positive changes in the school.
She said, “There are some changes that we are excited for the students to see. For this school year our theme is ‘Ready, Set, Grow’ and we will continue to work on growing in all areas of instruction but especially in writing.” She went on to say, “Parents should know that we have the most amazing team of teachers and we can’t wait to all learn and grow together.”
All staff will be participating in a book study called the “The Writing Rope” and they will be looking at incorporating writing across all grades and subject areas. Parents/guardians should go their website at www.palmerschools.org and get their class list. Also the Palmer Journey will give them the bus routes. They can also follow up on Facebook for all the updates.
At Palmer High School, there will be a sixth grade orientation on Thursday, Aug. 24 in the auditorium at 6 p.m. for sixth graders and any new students new to the district. As well as an Open House on Sept. 14 at 6 p.m.
Principal Susan North responded, “The administrative team, Amy Herring, Shawn Germain, and myself are excited to start this new school year. Our motto will be Palmer High, A Place to Thrive. We build relationships with all of our students and staff to help them be successful.”
The high school has increased its Advanced Placement programs to include AP Biology. They will be offering the NC3 and EMT course again this school year. They have increased its School to Career opportunities for their students and have new programs to help address social and emotional well-being for students. Every Sunday a newsletter will go out to all families and staff so that they know exactly the information for the week. They also have a Palmer High School Panther Facebook page as well.
“It is important to arrive to school on time, 7:25 each day so that students are not missing any instruction,” North said.
The school is planning a special first day of school to recognize and appreciate everything that Dave Peritz, their respected and beloved teacher who passed away this summer, has done for their students and staff. They will have services, support dogs and a moment of silence to start the day. A senior, Bill Partelo, will be making a special bench for a memorial that they will have at the high school.
“We are here to help your child be actively engaged in their learning,” North said. “We want a collaborative partnership that allows every student success. We look forward to seeing everyone soon.”
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