Region In Review

At Washington Primary School, students had an exciting opportunity to visit the local Washington Firehouse, where they participated in hands-on learning centers that brought emergency services to life. One station focused on emergency medical services, where students explored the inside of an ambulance and even got to ride on a stretcher. At another station, they met with state police officers who explained their role in keeping the community safe and showed the special equipment in their patrol vehicles.

A highlight of the visit was a demonstration with a trained arson dog, who amazed students by finding a hidden substance using only its nose. The kids also enjoyed giving the hardworking dog plenty of affection. In another center, students learned about mechanical pulley systems and how they help move heavy equipment during emergencies. Students even used a pulley to pull an ATV with surprisingly little effort! Firefighters also taught students about their uniforms, safety gear, and the importance of calling 911 in an emergency. Some students got to spray a real fire hose, and others watched in awe as firefighters demonstrated how they use special tools to cut through a car to rescue trapped individuals. The students were fully engaged and left with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the work our local fire department and emergency services do.

At Booth Free School and Burnham School, in recognition of Fire Prevention Week, students were treated to an exciting and educational visit from the Bridgewater and Roxbury Fire Departments. Firefighters spoke with students about the importance of fire safety, emphasizing key tips such as never hiding during a fire, staying calm, and having a designated family meeting spot outside the home. The firefighters also demonstrated their protective gear, showing students how each piece helps keep them safe in an emergency. Both students and staff had the opportunity to try on helmets, jackets, and gloves, which brought lots of smiles and laughter! The visit continued outdoors, where everyone got to explore the fire truck up close and learn about the tools firefighters use to do their jobs every day. It was a wonderful hands-on learning experience that helped students better understand the role of firefighters and how to stay safe in case of a fire.

Fire Prevention Week was not only a fun and memorable experience for our elementary students, but also an incredibly valuable one. Students walked away feeling informed, and empowered to stay safe and help others in times of need. These educational experiences were enjoyed by all students from Pre-K through fifth grade and made possible through the dedication of our community’s first responders. We are so grateful to the Washington, Bridgewater and Roxbury Fire Departments for their time, dedication, and service to our community!

Students in Mrs. Blum's Grade 8 and the Grade 7 Accelerated Math classes recently had an exciting in-school field trip to the Planetarium with Mr. Hermans. As part of their study of scientific notation, students explored the vast distances between planets and compared their masses—real-world examples where scientific notation is not just useful, but essential.

This hands-on experience helped students view math from a new angle, seeing firsthand how scientific notation simplifies working with extremely large numbers. They also engaged in discussions about which mathematical operations would be appropriate in different contexts—such as measuring distances or comparing planetary masses.

Next up in this cosmic math journey: students will scale and draw the planets, placing a model of the solar system around the classroom!

Students in the UConn ECE First-Year Writing Seminar (ENGL 1007) took their inquiry on memory beyond the classroom with a local field trip to the Gunn Memorial Museum, Judea Cemetery, and monuments in Washington Depot.

Guided by the essential question—What is the role of memory in shaping who we are, what we value, and how we choose to live?—students examined how historical memory is communicated through place and artifact.

They analyzed the rhetorical situation of each site, considering the values of its creators and what those choices reveal about the community’s identity and priorities.

Through critical discussion and analysis, students also reflected on whose perspectives might be missing, deepening their understanding of how memory—personal and collective—constructs our sense of self and society.

Over the last few years, our drama program has dwindled and I would like to build it back up to what it used to be. My hope with this project is to inspire students to fight for what they love and expand Shepaug’s drama program to its fullest potential.

Shepaug students have been showing up in full force for our weekly college, military, and career visits! So far this fall, we’ve hosted representatives from 26 colleges/universities, three military branches, and one professional career speaker — with more to come.

👉 View the full list of past and upcoming visits here: College Visits 2025/26

Unfortunately, due to the government shutdown, Lt. Adam Cusolito from the U.S. Air Force Academy was unable to visit as planned. Everyone was excited for this rare opportunity, but the good news is that Lt. Cusolito is now officially connected with Shepaug and plans to reschedule once the shutdown ends.

A big thank you to Officer Dennis Phelan, our School Resource Officer, for meeting with students interested in a Law Enforcement Career on October 7.

Our Motivational Mondays series with Junior Achievement of Southwest New England continues to inspire! Next Up (Oct. 20): Corporate Communications, Sales & Marketing

A Niche Direct Admissions webinar was held on October 2, introducing a new way for colleges to proactively admit students—sometimes with scholarships—based on their Niche Profile.

👉 Learn more about Niche Direct Admissions here: Niche Direct Admissions

Starting this month, The Gunn Memorial Library and the College and Career Center are launching Career Lab, a new high school club where students can explore different professions using Virtual Reality (VR) headsets (a computer-generated, 3D digital environment). The club will meet in the College and Career Center, and the VR headsets are on loan from The Gunn Memorial Library.

College Spotlight: Paul Smith’s Glamping Major

FUN FACT: Paul Smith’s College of Arts and Science now offers a Glamping Major that blends Culinary Management, Sustainability, and Parks & Recreation to prepare students for careers in the booming outdoor hospitality industry. The global glamping market is projected to grow from $2.5 billion (2023) to $7.74 billion (2033)!

Future Resources & Opportunities:

• Career Exploration: O*NET Online https://www.onetonline.org/ – Explore careers, skills, and interests.

• Guide to Military Nursing Education & Service 🔗 NursingROTCprogram

• Upcoming Field Trips: Lincoln Tech - November 6, 2025.

• ASVAB Career Exploration Test - Friday, Nov 7 – 10:00 am at SVS
  The ASVAB is not just for students considering the military—it also helps identify strengths and explore civilian career pathways 🔗 https://www.officialasvab.com/

Mrs. Barksdale’s math students teamed up with Ms. Lamothe in the brand-new Learning Commons to sharpen their skills in determining credible sources. Building on their work with proportions and ratios, students are exploring real-world applications by researching recommended daily sugar intakes for children and adults, and applying that to popular drinks.

Students will create ratios to show how much sugar is really hiding in our daily beverages. Shortly, they will be creating eye-opening posters, using trustworthy information and their calculations, to help spread awareness throughout Shepaug. Grown-ups, go ahead and ask your sixth grader about the sugar in your favorite drink—but don’t be surprised if they make you rethink that soda!

October 16 - Public Planetarium Show, 7pm, SVS

October 20 - BOE Agriscience Committee Mtg cancelled

October 20 - BOE Meeting, SVS, 7pm

October 21 - Burnham School PTO Mtg, 6pm, BS

October 22-24 - Parent Teacher Conferences, Early Dismissal

October 22-24 - Scholastic Book Fair, 12:30pm, WPS

November 3 - BOE Finance & Operations Committee Mtg, SVS, 5:30pm

November 3 - BOE Agriscience Committee Mtg, SVS, 6:30pm

November 3 - BOE Meeting, SVS, 7pm

November 4 - No School, Professional Development Day

November 6 - Shepaug FFA PFA Meeting, 6:30pm, SVS

November 7 - Shepaug Fall Play, SVS, 7pm

November 8 - Shepaug Fall Play, SVS, 7pm

November 9 - Shepaug Fall Play, SVS, 2pm

November 11 - Veteran's Day, No School

We’re excited to bring you the latest edition of Region 12’s Region in Review, our monthly newsletter highlighting the outstanding achievements and exciting initiatives happening across Region 12.

If you'd like to receive this newsletter directly in your inbox each month, simply send your name and email address to RIR@region-12.org and ask to be added to the mailing list.

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.

Email: rir@region-12.org
Website: www.region-12.org
Location: 11A School Street, PO Box 386 Washington Depot, CT 06794
Phone: 860-868-6100
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Region12Schools

Instagram: www.instagram.com/region12schools