Good Afternoon,
I hope this Superintendent Update for December 2023 finds you and yours well.
Enrollment: Our enrollment as a regional school district has steadied. As of this morning, we have 1427 students enrolled within our district. David Prouty High School has 328 students enrolled; Knox Trail Middle School has 385 students; Wire Village School has 446 students; and East Brookfield Elementary School has 247 students including 106 students enrolled for the "Cubs Corner" Preschool!
Personnel: We continue to post for paraprofessionals to join our district. If you are interested in becoming a part of our family, please apply at: https://www.schoolspring.com
Mrs. Lavin named Lead Teacher at EBE! As mentioned in early November, Mr. Ron Tomlin has agreed to assume the role of Principal for Knox Trail Middle School. Mrs. Manske, Director of Preschool/Early Education and Care, has been looking after East Brookfield Elementary School temporarily with Mr. Tomlin while we posted and worked to identify a candidate for the position of “Lead Teacher” for the remainder of the school year.
I am pleased to announce that just before Thanksgiving, Mrs. Chrissy Lavin has been identified and agreed to assume the “Lead Teacher” role and responsibilities at East Brookfield Elementary. Mrs. Lavin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Geography; a Master of Education degree in Elementary Education; and a Master of School Administration – Principal/Assistant Principal honors from Worcester State University. She has taught for almost 25 years at both the Lashaway and East Brookfield Elementary Schools in the community; and has been a dedicated employee of the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District throughout her tenure serving on numerous sub-committees, committees, and boards.
“What has impressed me most about Mrs. Lavin is the fact that she is a continuous learner and someone who models for others what we want to see in our learning community; a professional who is respectful, responsible and always ready to go the extra mile for staff and students,” said Superintendent of Schools, Paul Haughey. “Moreover, she has always been a reflective practitioner who puts others - students first!” he added.
Mrs. Lavin has my every confidence that whenever Mr. Tomlin steps away from the building, she will colook after the day-to-day operational needs of East Brookfield Elementary, and make sure to advocate for the school and community appropriately. Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Lavin in earning this leadership opportunity.
James McNicol recognized as MASS Academic Achievement Award Recipient for 2023-2024!
Recently, Superintendent Paul Haughey met to recognize the top senior, James McNicol, with the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Academic Excellence Award. The state association celebrates top students during the early portion of their senior year instead of the usual spring award ceremony so that the distinguished honor is in time to be included on college applications.
Superintendent Haughey and Principal Nathaniel Malone invited James to join him recently in the high school for a brief press event. Mr. Malone noted that, “James has demonstrated exceptional academic achievements, leadership qualities, and a commitment to extracurricular activities. As the top-ranked student at David Prouty High School, he consistently shows an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, actively seeking challenging courses and displaying a drive for success. James' leadership skills are evident through his role as vice president of the student council and president of the National Honor Society, showcasing effective collaboration and advocacy for the student body."
Assistant Principal Sara Kinnas noted, "Beyond academics, he excels in sports - participating in varsity soccer and track - while also dedicating considerable time to the Boy Scouts of America, earning the prestigious Eagle Scout rank."
Superintendent of Schools Paul Haughey added, “What stands out most about James is his quiet confidence and determination, preparing him thoroughly for life after high school.”
FamilyID SEBRSD Winter 2023 Athletics Registration Information! The athletic program has been designed to enhance the overall student experience. Participation in athletics provides our student athletes with the opportunity to develop physically, mentally and emotionally. The development of physical fitness, athletic skills, leadership, self-discipline, self-esteem, loyalty, cooperation, and self-motivation, sense of fair play, social attitudes and behaviors, along with developing friendships are promoted through participation in athletics. The Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District’s athletic program is voluntary, extra-curricular, and as such, designed to complement the objectives and policies of the school district to develop well-rounded individuals who are capable of taking their place in today’s society.
Winter 2022 Athletic Teams registering online now for David Prouty HS & Knox Trail MS!
This year's winter sports offerings at David Prouty HS & Knox Trail MS.
David Prouty HS
- Girls Basketball
- Boys Basketball
- Indoor Track
- Winter Cheer
Knox Trail MS
- Girls Basketball
- Boys Basketball
- Indoor Track (7 & 8)
- Winter Cheer (7 & 8)
You can sign-up at FamilyId on the following link - https://www.familyid.com/organizations/3760/account
Inclement Weather Notifications: As noted in our 2023-2024 school calendar, we will have traditional snow days this year. Safety considerations, uniform access to electricity/internet during the school day, and COVID fatigue, make snow days an important part of successfully navigating the school year. Calling snow days in New England is a difficult task. As the Superintendent of Schools, I have a unique opportunity to evaluate conditions in real time, as well as consult with the National Weather Service, Department of Public Works, local Emergency Management officials, and neighboring towns. My decision regarding delaying, closing, or releasing schools early always has been and always will be based upon “safety first” for everyone within our learning community. If you have not already done so please put a plan in place for the safe care and/or receipt of your child in the event that a weather-related delay, closing, or release is necessary.
Notification Process: Our district has now transitioned over to the latest version of our App and website. Our latest App and website services are our primary means for delivering the most up-to-date information to your cell phones with our notification feature. To get the App, you can go to the Apple Store or Google Play Store and search for “SEBRSD” then download the App to your phone.
MSBA Update: Later this month, on Thursday, November 30th, 2023 at 6:00pm, the School Building Committee will hold its annual meeting via Zoom.
Upcoming Events in Late November and December!
Finally, we have many exciting activities taking place throughout our learning community in the month of December.
- Event: DPHS Marching Band & AA Transportation's Stuff the Bus! (Sat, Nov, 25th, 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM at David Prouty HS!) Donations may also be made throughout the first week of December 2022.
- Event: School Building Committee Meeting (Thurs, Nov 30, 6:00 PM)
- Event: Elementary First Trimester Grades Close (Fri, Dec 1) *Report cards will be distributed on Friday, December 8th
- Event: Winter Crafts & Vendor Fair at East Brookfield Elementary School (Sat, Dec 2, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
- Event: SEPAC Meeting via Zoom (Mon, Dec 4, 6:30 PM)
- Event: School Committee Meeting (Tue, Dec 12, 6:00 PM)
- Event: School Closed - Holiday Break (Fri, Dec 22 – Mon, Jan 1)
Finally, from our family to yours, have a safe and healthy holiday season and a happy new year! And as always, thank you for your partnership and support of the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District! #Innovate #Inspire #Achieve
Sincerely Yours,
Paul S. Haughey, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District