District Download February 2025

Welcome back from Winter Break! Just a reminder that school opens tomorrow!

Marking the 100th day of school at Abby Kelley Foster Charter School was a vibrant celebration filled with joy and creativity. In the elementary school classrooms of Ms. Basta, Mrs. Marcil, and Ms. Gosselin, students engaged in a variety of innovative projects that highlighted their learning experiences over the past months. From colorful displays to interactive activities, the excitement was palpable as students collaborated and shared their ideas. This special occasion not only allowed them to reflect on their academic journey but also fostered a sense of community and pride in their achievements. Each project showcased the hard work and dedication of the students, making the 100th day a memorable milestone in their educational adventure. It was great to see our students engaged and creative, what fun they had!

Parents/guardians have a responsibility to ensure AKFCS has current, updated contacts (other friends, family members, neighbors, relatives) who can pick up or have your student released to them in the event you are unavailable. We all hope that this type of situation does not happen, however, it is best to be prepared in the event it does. We encourage you to have an authorized list of people on file with AKFCS, who can take care of your student if you can't. Please add at least 2 or 3 names and accurate phone numbers into each of your student's records as soon as possible. Our policy is that if your child needs to be released to an adult and no one is available to pick him/her up, we must contact the Worcester police department for further instructions. Help us by updating your emergency contact information. today.

If you have any questions about updating your contact information, please contact the main desk of your student's school at 508-854-8400 (Elementary school (K-3) is ext. 4100) (Middle School (4-7) is ext. 3112) (High School (8-12) is ext. 1030). Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

A GI illness is a general term that refers to diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, or abdominal cramps,

usually caused by an infection. GI illness outbreaks are commonly caused by norovirus, a

highly contagious virus that spreads easily from person to person, especially in close proximity such as in schools. Food, surfaces, and other commonly touched objects can also be

contaminated with the virus. Here is some helpful information to help combat this illness.

Massachusetts State Representative John Mahoney - 13th Worcester recently visited Abby Kelley Foster Charter School. Along with Danielle Pape, Chief of Public Affairs at the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association, Rep. Mahoney toured the High School and Elementary School lead by our student tour guides. Special thanks to AKFCS Board Chair Patrick Royce, teachers Dave O'Brien, Frank Malone, Sarah Roy and a host of students and staff who took time to say hello and talk to Rep. Mahoney.

The AKFCS Facilities and Finance Committee, which is a committee of the Board of Trustees, is seeking interested parents to volunteer for the newly established Ad Hoc Building Committee. This committee will play a crucial role in advising and guiding AKF on various long-term projects aimed at enhancing the school's infrastructure and supporting its future expansion. We are looking for individuals with professional expertise and experience in fields such as construction, architecture, real estate, or engineering to contribute. Your involvement will be instrumental in shaping the future of AKF. If you are interested in being considered for this committee, please sent a short statement of interest to Mrs. Heidi Paluk, including your relevant background and connection with Abby Kelley. Thank you for considering this opportunity.

We are proud to announce that two of our Seniors received the prestigious Posse Scholarship. The Posse Scholarship is a FULLY paid, 4 year tuition awarded through a competitive process.The Posse Foundation supports talented students from diverse backgrounds so they can become leaders. Working together in small, multicultural groups, (a posse), the program not only offers financial benefit, it also offers mentoring support for the four years the students are in undergraduate school. This model helps Posse Scholars graduate college at a rate of 90 percent. Congratulations to Elyna Peluyera who will attend Rutgers University and pursue a degree in social work and Alisha Owiredu, who will attend Union College and pursue a degree in medicine. A shout out to Alisha and Elyna (pictured below with AKFCS Executive Director Heidi Paluk), on this distinguished accomplishment!

Jim Dunn and Dr. Carrie Cole will be presenting a SEL session for parents/staff on information from the book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt. This book argues that the spread of smartphones, social media and overprotective parenting have led to a "rewiring" of childhood and a rise in mental illness.

Specific strategies as to what you can do as a parent will be presented. Please join us on ZOOM.

Applications to enroll next school year close on February 24, 2025.

We encourage current families and staff to share this great news with their families and friends. For additional information or questions, please contact the Enrollment Office at admissions@akfcs.org

Congratulations to the AKFCS Girls and Boys Varsity Teams for making the playoffs. Girls will play on Tuesday, February 25 at Rockport High School and Boys will also play on Tuesday in Springfield, MA. Congratulations to all players and coaches for representing AKFCS so well. A special shout out to Girls Basketball Coach Brian Morse, who recently reached a milestone --the 100th victory as the AKFCS girls coach. We are thrilled for Coach Morse, who is also the Athletic Director, for his continued dedication to our student athletes on and off the court.

The Massachusetts Charter Public School Association (MCPSA) hosted a virtual kick-off rally via Zoom to start of its annual Charter Public School Advocacy Week!

Thanks for all those who attended the rally and engaged in the advocacy week-filled activities to raise awareness to our State decision-makers that an charter school education is an education that add up!