Notes from the Head of School

Happy Friday!

*Well, the staff had some fun this week with a Secret Spirit Week! Some students questioned the boring outfits we wore on "Monochrome Monday", but weren't quite sure... "Tacky Tourist Tuesday" getups really made them question what was happening, as staff simply said, "I need sunshine" or "I'm just dreaming of my favorite vacation spot"...They say imitation is the highest form of flattery, and our staff proved that by dressing like the students on Wednesday. Thursday appeared to be a normal day, but teachers had a secret phrase! Did students hear teachers say the word, "locenually"? And we ended the week with Princesses and Pirates Day. If the students were unsure before... it was very clear that the teachers were having a fantastic time with their own secret spirit week!

*Two of our seniors started an internship at the Whip City Animal Sanctuary this week! They will be responsible for feeding and watering the animals, general clean up and giving the animals attention. The animal sanctuary is open to the public on weekends - check their site for days and times.

*Play participants and the set design crew have started meeting after school. You know what that means! Our spring production of Wonka Jr. is creeping up! Make sure to mark your calendar for Friday, May 1st!

*Mrs. Mercier's 7th grade science class made bird feeders from materials they recycled!

*As I see job opportunities posted for the spring and summer, I will share them in my Friday emails for students and families seeking summer employment.

*The Parent Advisory Group met Wednesday morning to hear Tara Armstrong present recent research on the changing landscapes of technology and health for the neurodivergent community. Thank you to the parents who participated in this important conversation.

*On Thursday, the 7th and 8th grade classes went to the Holyoke Mall for a few rounds of bowling and lunch! This was a great opportunity for class bonding and to practice sportsmanship. And Mrs. Lynch and Josie met the Easter Bunny!

*Prom tickets will be on sale next Wednesday, April 1st at morning break and lunch. Tickets are $75 each. Prom is open to students in Grades 9-12. Students are allowed to bring a guest from outside of school in grades 9-12 with a signed permission slip. Dinner, dancing and a photo booth will make the "Once Upon A Time" Prom an evening to remember!

*The Stop the Swerve event is next Thursday, April 2nd. The Hampden County District Attorney's office will present their "Stop The Swerve" event at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. I have attended this event many times and it always proves to be educational and frankly a little shocking as students get to experience simulated drunk, drugged and distracted driving. There is also a presentation for parents on the liability of hosting teen parties. White Oak entered a billboard idea into their contest. I hope you will consider attending this event and supporting this really important educational source. (See attached flyer) - if you don't have parent conferences scheduled that night!

*UPCOMING MCAS DATES:

-Wednesday, April 1st- Grades 5 & 8 ELA

-Thursday, April 2nd- Grade 7 ELA

Have a great weekend!

Jody

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