This update includes a message from Dr. Sawyer, along with informational updates on the district's proposed goals for this year, the "No Homework" Calendar, respiratory virus guidelines, and a special upcoming Shrewsbury Public Library event.
September 26, 2024
Dear Shrewsbury Families, Colleagues, & Community Members,
The first month of the school year has gone by quickly, and as I visit schools I continue to be impressed by the active engagement of our students in interesting learning experiences that were designed by our outstanding educators. When visiting Beal School yesterday, it was particularly fun to speak with kindergarten and first grade students who were very excited to share what they are learning – and who are never shy about directly sharing their personal observations about their classroom visitor. Yesterday this included many who told me "You're tall" (I am), and one who said "You look like Tom Brady" (I do not).
These students' joy and curiosity boosted my spirits, and reminded me of the importance of cultivating these feelings in our schools. While this takes different forms from young children to adolescents, our educators are adept at creating environments where students feel valued and that they belong, a foundation on which they build a positive climate for learning.
This is especially important given how external events can affect our schools. These include worries about school shootings (and the higher level of concerning social media posts stoking this fear across the U.S. in recent weeks). These include ongoing war and strife happening in places across the globe where some of our students, families, and staff have roots. These include false rhetoric directed at specific nationalities or religions that have harmful repercussions for those communities. As I mentioned at last evening's School Committee meeting, I am proud that our schools' work to be welcoming to all of our students, families, and staff, regardless of differences. At the same time, we are not immune from difficult issues happening in our society and across the globe, and we are committed to providing support and addressing any issues that arise here that compromise our mission and values.
At the first School Committee meeting this year, member Lynsey Heffernan spoke eloquently about the importance of education as a force for good. The remarks she made on the anniversary of the loss of her sister, Neilie, on September 11, 2001, were a poignant and inspiring reminder of why the work of our schools is so important. I invite you to view them here.
Respectfully,
Joe Sawyer
Superintendent of Schools
Important Informational Updates
Proposed District Goals for 2024-2025: A draft of the SPS Strategic Goals and Action Steps for this school year was presented to the School Committee last evening. The School Committee welcomes feedback on the goals in advance of their vote at their October 9 meeting. You can reach them via email at schoolcommittee@shrewsbury.k12.ma.us.
"No Homework" Calendar for 2024-2025: The School Committee recently voted on the "no homework" dates for this school year. You can view the list of dates HERE. The first date on which no homework will be assigned to be due and no assessments requiring prior studying will be given will be next Thursday, October 3. While this date coincides with Rosh Hashanah, it is a no homework date for all students.
Updated Respiratory Virus Guidelines: Please click HERE for this year's guidelines that address expectations if someone in the school community has influenza, RSV, or COVID-19.
Shrewsbury Public Library Author Visit: Please consider attending this special event: Join number one New York Times bestselling novelist Chris Bohjalian on Tuesday, October 1st at 7:00 p.m. at SHS as he talks about his life and work —and why, for instance, he hopes never to write the same book twice. His conversation will focus on novels as diverse as The Flight Attendant and The Sandcastle Girls. Bohjalian's books will be available for sale at the event. This program will take place in the Shrewsbury High School Auditorium; please register to attend. Please click here for the flyer.