Region In Review
November 19th, 2025
Orange filled the halls of our elementary schools on October 22nd as students celebrated Unity Day, a nationwide event started in 2011 by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center as the heart of National Bullying Prevention Month.
Unity Day is all about standing together to show that kindness, acceptance, and inclusion can bring real commUNITY to life. Wearing orange sends a simple but powerful message that each of us can make a difference in creating a school community where everyone feels respected and valued.
At Washington Primary School, students and staff explored the meaning of unity through activities like The Wrinkled Heart and Acts Above and Below the Line. After watching the video Ride the Kindness Wave, they reflected on the quote, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Then, each student and staff member created a puzzle piece representing acts of kindness they could contribute to our school community. Together, these pieces formed a powerful symbol of connection and care. To wrap up the celebration, students, teachers, and families came together for a Walk for Kindness along the river path, a joyful reminder that unity starts with each of us.
Burnham and Booth Schools celebrated Unity Day with a special whole-school morning meeting focused on inclusion, kindness, and community. Students began by watching a short video about the meaning of Unity Day and how they can help create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. Following the discussion, classes participated in a variety of activities to reinforce the message of togetherness. Students traced and cut out their handprints, writing what unity means to them or examples of kindness they’ve witnessed in their school and community. They also collaborated to create a colorful community chain symbolizing connection and signed an anti-bullying pledge to show their commitment to standing up for one another. The day served as a powerful reminder that kindness and inclusion help make Burnham and Booth Schools stronger, safer, and more unified communities.
Mrs. Blum's and Mrs. Barksdale's middle school math classes celebrated Halloween by exploring proportional relationships and scaling. Students first designed faces on graph paper, then carefully scaled accordingly and transferred their drawings onto real pumpkins. These creative pumpkins now line the school’s mall area, showcasing both students’ mathematical thinking and their Halloween spirit.
These creative pumpkins now decorate our school’s mall area, adding a festive touch to the season. The pumpkins were generously donated by March Farm in Bethlehem. The project offered students a memorable way to see how proportional reasoning applies beyond the classroom. Their finished designs highlight creativity that strong mathematical thinking can inspire!
On October 21, Shepaug Valley School welcomed Chris Sandy of the Choices Matter program for an engaging presentation on safe and responsible driving. Chris told his story to the students with honesty and clarity, offering a powerful look at how one decision behind the wheel can shape countless lives. His message encouraged students to think deliberately, drive attentively, and understand the real responsibility that comes with getting behind the wheel.
Shepaug Valley School extends its appreciation to Chris Sandy and the Choices Matter organization for bringing this meaningful program to our community. Their visit combined energy, insight, and genuine connection with students, making it a memorable highlight of the fall.
Ms. Pearce’s 8th grade English Language Arts students recently visited the Shepaug Planetarium for a special presentation led by Mr. Hermans, Shepaug’s Planetarium Coordinator. The session served as an introduction to the students’ upcoming study of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer through the lens of “Wonders and Worthy Worries.”
During the presentation, students were guided on a visual and contemplative exploration of Earth, the solar system, and the greater universe. They examined topics such as satellite debris, light pollution, and climate change, prompting reflection on questions of perspective, significance, and stewardship of our planet.
Following the experience, students will trace a theme or motif through Twain’s novel -- ranging from tangible elements like superstition, adventure, or friendship to more abstract ideas such as morality, power, or maturity. This interdisciplinary approach encourages students to consider universal human experiences and the ways in which literature helps us make sense of our place in the wider world.
Submitted by REACH Teachers
This month, preschool students had the exciting opportunity to explore their creativity through hands-on art and music workshops with Washington's local arts organization ASAP! The children dove into the world of sculpture, shaping colorful clay into imaginative creations while learning about texture, form, and self-expression.
In addition to their artistic adventures, the young learners discovered the joy of rhythm during a drumming session led by ASAP! teaching artists, John Marshall. Using real drums and percussion instruments, the students practiced keeping a beat, listened to one another, and learned how music can bring people together.
These experiences not only encouraged creativity and fine motor skills but also built confidence and teamwork. The preschoolers left with big smiles—and a deeper appreciation for the arts thanks to ASAP’s inspiring program.
At Washington Primary School, students participated in Operation Gratitude, writing heartfelt notes to accompany care packages for service members. They also had the special opportunity to hear from a staff member Shanice Rolls, who is a veteran, gaining firsthand insight into service, teamwork, and courage.
At Booth Free and Burnham Schools, students collected comfort items and snacks to create care packages for local veterans, which included blankets, granola bars and other treats. Staff will be delivering these to our nearby VFWs. In addition, students made heartfelt cards expressing their gratitude and appreciation for the veterans’ service and sacrifice.
These experiences helped students understand the importance of gratitude and inspired them to show respect for those who protect our freedoms every day.
By Diane Decker
College and Career Coordinator
The College and Career Center has had an exciting few months! We welcomed several colleges to Shepaug for the first time, earned positive feedback from college representatives, and hosted a variety of career events/presentations. And thanks to Gunn Memorial Library, we launched our very first Career Club which wouldn’t have been possible without GML’s commitment to helping students explore new opportunities. Each of these achievements represents a unique opportunity for our students—let’s take a closer look:
First-Time College Visits - The following colleges visited Shepaug for the first time, giving students fresh insights into campus life, programs, and admissions processes:
Colorado School of Mines
Princeton University
Florida Atlantic University
University of Chicago
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Wake Forest University
College representatives had glowing feedback about Shepaug! They praised our students for asking thoughtful questions and for being exceptionally polite and respectful. Many raved about our new library—“LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!”—and were impressed with our Shepaug Reads program (thank you, Amber!). They were also wowed by our three State Championships last year and couldn’t wait to see our Ag-STEM animals. More than a few remarked that Shepaug has the most beautiful high school campus they’ve ever visited.
The following Career-focused events allowed students to explore their interests in more detail:
US Air Force and US Navy
Motivational Mondays with Junior Achievement
Careers in the Gaming Industry and Digital Creation
Forensic Science Careers
Police Officer Career
The Gunn Memorial Library and the College and Career Center teamed up to launch Career Lab, a new high school club where students can explore different professions through immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experiences. The club meets in the College and Career Center, and the VR headsets are generously on loan from the Gunn Memorial Library. Collaborations like this are so valuable, and we’re fortunate to have such a supportive partner in our public library.
Region 12 Calendar
November 20 - 8th Grade Open House, SVS, 6pm
November 21 - Parent Visitation Day, BFS, WPS, BS
November 21 - NHS Red Cross Blood Drive, SVS, 8am
November 24 - Harvest Gathering, Burnham School, 9:30 am
November 24 - Senior Luncheon, WPS, 11:45a
November 25 - Spelling Bee/Pie Feast, BFS, 1:15pm
November 26 - 28 Thanksgiving Recess - No School
December 2 - PTO Meeting, WPS, 6pm
December 4 - Shepaug Holiday Bazaar, SVS, 6pm
December 6 - (snow date) Shepaug Holiday Bazaar
December 8 - PTO Meeting, SVS, 6pm
December 8 - BOE Policy Committee Meeting, SVS, 6pm
December 8 - Board of Education Meeting, SVS, 7pm
December 9 - Shepaug High School Winter Concert, SVS, 7pm
December 11 - Early Dismissal - Professional Development
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The Region 12 community educates, challenges, and inspires all learners to become compassionate, creative, and courageous individuals who are empowered by the knowledge, character, and perseverance to achieve their greatest potential within the global society.
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