School Committee Newsletter

As we head into winter break, the Ipswich schools are bustling with activity. From "crafternoons" to toy drives to holiday concerts, December is always a busy month. This weekend I attended the Ipswich High School chamber orchestra performance at Castle Hill. As always, I was blown away by their performance, but what struck me most was the confidence and poise of our young students. They played some extremely technical pieces, many students had individual solos, and there were 3 songs with talented vocalists (including freshmen!) singing beautiful harmonies. In every single face I saw diligence, concentration, pride, and joy. Our district has so many opportunities for our students to showcase their talents, and our teachers set the bar high, instill confidence, and the students rise to the challenge again and again. The community is so fortunate to be able to witness the fruits of their labor, what a gift! Thank you to all of our staff for your dedication to our students, you are truly doing an amazing job.

The Ipswich School Committee is keeping busy as well, as we dive into budget season and all that entails. We are focused on improved communication with the community around the budget this year, so stay tuned for postings on budget meetings and discussions as we head into winter and early spring. Additionally, we heard last week from the Massachusetts School Building Authority that we have not been invited into their project pipeline this cycle. While this is not the news we were hoping for, we are not discouraged. We will forge ahead, reapply in 2024, and continue to work on building consensus on a solution for our aging elementary buildings.

Finally, for many of us, this time of year flies by. It seems there is so much to do and not enough time. I remember reading once that a child's strongest memories are often the simple things, like reading a book with a loved one, sharing laughs over a board game, or singing in the car together. In 2024 let's vow to go easy on ourselves as parents, cherish the simple things, and slow down a bit. On behalf of the entire Ipswich School Committee, I want to wish all of our Ipswich families a safe and joyous holiday season.

Thank you for your support of our schools.

Kate Eliot

Chair, Ipswich School Committee

During our December meeting, the School Committee welcomed Athletic Director Tom Gallagher to recognize the outstanding achievements of our student athletes during the fall sports season. Those students receiving recognition were:

Cheerleading All-Star – Lily Paine

Field Hockey First Team All-Star – Abbie Allen

Field Hockey Second Team All-Star – Kate Bekeritis

Field Hockey Second Team All-Star – Faith Hauenstein

Field Hockey Second Team All-Star – Natalie Whitten

Football First Team All-Star – Will Gromko

Football First Team All-Star – Luke Wile

Golf First Team All-Star – Charlie Jepsen

Golf Second Team All-Star – Connor Wright

Boys’ Soccer First Team All-Star – Jack Totten

Boys’ Soccer Second Team All-Star – Ned Buletza

Boys’ Soccer Second Team All-Star – Zane Norton

Girls’ Soccer First Team All-Star - Izzie Wetter

Girls’ Soccer Second Team All-Star – Taylor Walsh

Volleyball CAL Baker Division Player of the Year - Tess O’Flynn

Volleyball First Team All-Star – Claire Buletza

Volleyball First Team All-Star – Addison Pillis

Volleyball Second Team All-Star – Ella Stein

The School Committee also recognized the success of the undefeated, three-time CAL Baker Division and MIAA Division IV state champion volleyball team and CAL Baker Division Coach of the Year, Staci Lawrence.

Congratulations to all of the honorees on a wonderful season!

• Monday, December 25th through Monday, January 1st - No School - Winter Break

• Tuesday, January 2nd 2024 - Classes Resume

• Thursday, January 4th - School Committee Meeting - 7pm in the Middle/High School Ensemble Room and online

• Monday, January 15th - No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Thursday, January 18th - School Committee Meeting - 7pm in the Middle/High School Ensemble Room and online

Continue to stay up to date on district events and school committee news by following Ipswich School Committee on Facebook and Instagram.