Weekly Update
Monday, June 2-Regular School Day
Blandford Town Meeting-7pm
Tuesday, June 3-Regular School Day
Rural Schools Bill Hearing 1pm
Wednesday, June 4-Regular School Day
Chester Field Day
Thursday, June 5-Regular School Day
Wellness Committee Meeting at 1pm
Friday, June 6-Wear jeans and your Gator Gear!
Rural Schools Bill Hearing!
The Rural Schools Bill will be getting a hearing with the Joint Committee on Education June 3 at 1pm. This bill includes securing adequate funding for rural aid, transportation assistance, special education assistance, and regionalization support. There is a push for testimony to be submitted to share why this bill is so important. More information can be found below:
- Here is a copy of the rural schools bill
- A 3-page summary document of tips for writing your testimony. Includes talking points to emphasize with data and citations.
- A 27-minute video of Martha Thurber and me explaining in detail everything that's in the tips for writing your testimony summary, for folks who prefer to get their info that way. Passcode: h^P%08cm
- The slide deck from the video.
And as always, ruralschoolsma.org has extensive background info and supporting documents.
Click here to sign up to testify either in person or remotely. Written testimony may be submitted to the Joint Committee on Education at 24 Beacon Street, Room 473G, Boston, MA 02133 or by e-mail to fiona.brucebaiden@mahouse.gov and emily.reynolds@masenate.gov, CCing your own State Rep and Senator. Use the subject line "EDUCATION COMMITTEE TESTIMONY H.517/S.314" and provide the committee with your name, organization and phone number. The Committee will accept written testimony until June 10, 2025.
Reminder to School Staff to Check Measles Immunity Status
This information was in the latest DESE Commissioner Newsletter
Reminder to School Staff to Check Measles Immunity Status: With measles cases on the rise nationally and with cases reported in Rhode Island and New York, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health encourages all educators to reach out to their health care providers to confirm they have immunity. It is particularly important to verify immunity if the educator was born between 1957 and 1968.
Save the Date
Please join us on Monday, June 16 from 2:00–4:00pm at the Central Office as we gather to celebrate the incredible contributions of Deb Kuhn and Steph Fisk ahead of their well-earned retirements.
Deb and Steph have each made a lasting impact on our district through their dedication, integrity, professionalism, and care for our school community. This is a chance for all of us to come together to share our gratitude, well wishes, and a few stories with two people who have truly shaped the heart of Gateway.
Light refreshments will be served—we hope to see you there!
Yearbooks Available!
High School yearbooks will be distributed soon! Only a limited number of books are available - did you reserve your copy already? The current cost of the 120 page full-color book is $60. Buy online at JostensYearbooks.com or bring cash/check to Mrs. Wing.
