SHRHS Newsletter

Dear Shepherd Hill Learning Community:

I am pleased to report that the 2025-2026 school year is off to an excellent start!

At the beginning of every school year, I review the “right to recover” educational principle

during our expectations assemblies. From one school year to the next, the proverbial slate is

wiped clean, leaving behind the academic and behavioral challenges of the previous school year.

Students have the unique opportunity to learn from past mistakes and build on prior successes,

and I encourage all to seize the opportunities that the new school year offers.

Over the summer, our first priority was the recruitment of highly-qualified staff to fill critical

vacancies. I am pleased to introduce the following new staff members who I’m sure, will

contribute in meaningful ways to Shepherd Hill’s culture of excellence!

Ms. Lisa Pytko, Assistant to the Principal

Ms. Amber Boucher, English Teacher

Ms. Alison Roberts, Spanish Teacher

Ms. Sarah Bisson, Biology Teacher

Ms. Victoria Baker, Reading Specialist

Ms. Haley Gosselin, Therapeutic Learning Classroom Teacher

Ms. Barbara Marderosian, Special Education Teacher

Ms. Allyson Link, School Psychologist

Ms. Morgan Leduc, Paraprofessional

Ms. Erica Santiago, Paraprofessional

Ms. Nicole Morrison, Paraprofessional

Mr. Phil Legier, Paraprofessional

Mr. Gary Piekarczyk, Head Custodian

Ms. Kimberly Holtman, Custodian

Mr. Ryan Desabre, Custodian

Once again, our maintenance team worked tirelessly throughout the summer heat and humidity

to prepare our building and grounds for the new school year, and their attention to detail is

evident throughout! We are fortunate to have a team of hard-working individuals with varied and

specialized skills to help keep our very original building in tip-top shape! In addition to the

routine maintenance, the auditorium stage received a much-needed upgrade. The original pine

stage flooring was replaced, and the hardwood floor from the curtain forward was resurfaced and

refinished. I am so pleased that our award-winning music programs will now have a suitable

stage on which to perform! In the future, it is our intent to once again pursue the Massachusetts

School Building Authority’s grant program. In the meantime, we are operating within our means

to address critically-important upgrades, such as the gymnasium floor last summer, and the stage

floor project this summer.

During a recent meeting of the Dudley-Charlton Regional School Committee, several Handbook

updates were approved. Last year, we implemented a cell phone policy which required students

to place their cell phones in school-installed holders in every classroom, at the beginning of

every class. This new policy overwhelmingly received positive feedback, and we met our

objective of minimizing the distraction that cell phones pose. The Massachusetts Senate recently

voted on legislation relating to a proposed cell phone ban in schools, and regardless of the final

outcome, we feel that our existing policy positions us well to be in compliance with any

forthcoming mandates. Additional language was approved by the School Committee that

requires students to leave their cell phones in the holder when leaving the classroom for the

bathroom. This will help to minimize bathroom meet-ups, and the inappropriate use of photo and

video.

Regarding generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), there are both significant challenges and

opportunities for students and educators, alike. The guidelines approved by the School

Committee were distributed by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees and

Superintendents, and, in my opinion, reflect a sensible approach to both encouraging integration

and experimentation, while also outlining parameters for responsible use. We seek to strike the

right balance between requiring students to demonstrate their authentic abilities, while also

preparing students for successful 21st century lives.

The third substantive change relates to alternative consequences for acts of property damage or

vandalism. We continue to explore strategies to reduce the school’s external suspension rate,

while also more effectively targeting the behaviors that, heretofore, have not changed as a result

of “traditional” consequences. External suspension results in missed instruction, and long-term

suspension results in the need for tutoring, at a cost to the district. Examples of alternative

consequences could include litter removal on campus, desk cleaning, or tasks relating to

technology maintenance. Limited instances of alternative consequences will be piloted with

parental consent and with the provision of appropriate supplies and supervision.

As we are all painfully aware, our learning community has suffered incredible loss, and the well-

being of our staff and students remains a priority. Mental health is a broad, all-encompassing

term, and in a school the size of Shepherd Hill, the needs of our population are varied and

complex. Thus, our approach to addressing wellness will continue to be multi-faceted.

• Our guidance counselors, adjustment counselors, and school psychologist, in particular, will continue to provide acute and ongoing counseling for any student.

• The Dudley-Charlton Regional School District is fortunate to work with several community organizations that have been an integral part of every crisis response. The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line is available to any Massachusetts resident, free of charge. In addition, the Seven Hills Foundation has offered expedited intake for Dudley-Charlton students and families in need of community-based services.

• Currently, our district is exploring different programs that will allow all staff to be equipped at the Tier 1, baseline level in order to support students’ social and emotional development. Assistant Superintendent True is forming a committee to review PreK-12 curricular materials, and once a program is selected and approved, staff will be trained for coordinated implementation.

• At the secondary level, we recognize the incredible power of student involvement. This year, with the generous support of the Jak-L Foundation, Shepherd Hill will launch a Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention initiative, under the direction of trained supervisors. As an example of the power of student agency, the Shepherd Hill Cheer Team, guided by Coach Loretta Andre, is organizing a “Tackle the Stigma” 5K Road Race on September 14th . Brake the Silence and the Jak-L Foundation are also generously sponsoring this event.

Finally, critically important to our multi-faceted approach is parent/guardian and family

involvement, and we know that our efforts are far more effective with strong partnerships.

Looking ahead to the next few weeks, we are excited to host the 37th First Honors Dinner, and in

early October, we will host a visiting team of educators from the New England Association of

Schools and Colleges for a Collaborative Conference visit. In the meantime, we will continue to

establish the rituals and routines that will ensure a positive, productive school year.

As always, thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,

Principal Elwell

The school hours for Shepherd Hill Regional High School are 7:40am-2:10pm. Students entering the building after 7:40am must check into the main office to receive a tardy pass to proceed to class.

To obtain an early dismissal please bring a written request from your parent or caregiver to the main office as soon as you arrive at school. The request will be reviewed and an early dismissal slip will be issued if warranted. If returning from a dismissal, students should check in to the main office to have their attendance record updated.

Students must be in school prior to or after 11:00 a.m. for the day to count for participation in school activities.

It is very important to follow this procedure whenever possible. Phone calls to classrooms for dismissals are very disruptive to the educational process. Advance notice of the dismissal with a note helps alleviate those disruptions. We appreciate your assistance!

Thank you! Mrs. Jalbert and Ms. Pytko

Parents/Guardians have the ability to update contact information through the Parent Portal (phone numbers, email addresses, employment details, and emergency contact information. To access the Change Request Form, log in and click on your user icon in the top right corner.

Important Note: Address changes will not be accepted through the Parent Portal. If you have changed your address, please contact Mrs. Burlingame to ensure the appropriate documentation is provided to update your student’s record.

Caregivers can purchase an Ad for their Senior. They must be purchased by 2/27 at midnight. The cost breakdown is: Full Page $250, 1/2 Page $175, and 1/4 Page $100.

Ad Design Website

How to design an ad video

Class of 2026 Yearbook Google Classroom

Senior Bio Form due 10/3

Senior Photo Form due 11/7

Baby Photo Form due 12/5

Buy a Yearbook

Updated Bus Routes have been posted to our website.

Students who reside in the Dudley-Charlton district will be routed to and from their home address unless other arrangements have been made.

Please note: The Late Bus schedule has been modified. Late Buses will depart Shepherd Hill at 3:30pm and run only Monday through Thursday. The 5:30pm Late Bus has been eliminated.

Click the button below for more info.

Dear Parents/Guardians:

In collaboration with our transportation partner, First Student, Dudley-Charlton Regional School District is relaunching FirstView®, a real-time GPS vehicle tracking and student transportation monitoring platform.

With FirstView, parents and caregivers can download the secure, easy-to-use vehicle tracking mobile app that will allow you to stay easily connected with your student(s) daily trips.

• See the real-time vehicle location via GPS and track its progress.
• Easy access to vehicle details as well as updates regarding any changes.
• Receive multiple distanced-based ETA notifications when the vehicle is getting close.
• Set-up family members and caregivers to receive trip email alerts.
• Dedicated customer support team for all app-related questions.

Let’s get you started with FirstView!

Step 1: Download* the free, easy-to-use mobile app, which is available on both iOS and Android devices. Search for app name: FirstView 1.0 and register for a new account.

*Not all devices are compatible and must meet the minimum operating system requirements. Users from previous versions of FirstView will not migrate over and all users must create a new account.

Step 2: Set up your FirstView 1.0 mobile app profile. You’ll be
asked to provide:

• The 5-character District Code: G3I7M
• Your student’s ID number
• Your student’s last name

Confirm your student(s) name to add them to your profile.

Step 3: Add distance notifications to be alerted in the app or via push

notification when the vehicle is close to your student’s stop location. To set

this up in the app, click on Set Distance Notifications. You can edit or add

additional distance notifications by clicking on the notification bell and

selecting Notifications Settings.

Optional: Add yourself and/or other family members and caregivers as a

notification recipient to receive email alerts. To set this up in the app, click

on the notification bell and select Manage Recipients.

Step 4: Once you have added your student(s), set-up distance notifications,

and signed up for email alerts, begin tracking your student’s daily trips on

the map!

Contact Support for assistance with app-related questions or concerns:

Monday – Friday from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm EST

In App: Click Contact Support

Email: support@myfirstview.com
Phone: (888) 889-8920 Toll Free / (513) 419-2921 Local

The office will issue a bus pass for a student to ride a bus not assigned to them in emergency situations only. A parent/caregiver must call the main office at 508-943-6700 to explain the circumstances and request a bus pass for their student.

A bus pass will not be issued for social reasons.

There is still room in the Drivers Ed Class beginning September 8th. Please email Mr. Provost with questions.

Picture Day is coming on Tuesday, September 9!

Absences

A student should stay at home:

• If they have a fever of 100 degrees F or greater (Must be fever free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school)

• If vomiting and or diarrhea has occurred in the last 24 hours

The Shepherd Hill Attendance Guideline designates six (6) unexcused class absences per subject, per semester (each 1/2 year) as the maximum allowed for normal circumstances of regular school attendance. The allowed number of days for absence is designed to accommodate:

· Personal illness

· Religious holidays

· Serious personal or family problems

· Professional appointments that could not be scheduled outside the regular school day

Physicals and Immunizations

• Physicals for sports clearance are required prior to participation. Physicals are up to date if they were obtained within 13 months of participation.

• ALL students entering 10th grade are required to provide documentation of a physical exam. per MA state law (105 CMR 200)

• Proof of Meningococcal Vaccination (MCV4) is required for 11th grade students.

• Statement of religious exemption must be renewed annually.

Medications in Schools

• If your student will be taking medications in school, it will require a physician's written order and must be in the original container . Medication Order Form

• All medications also require a consent form from parent or guardian.

• Swallowing pills is a life skill and age appropriate at the middle school level. If your student will need an alternative (liquid or chewable) please provide it to the school nurse with their name on it.

• All medications should be picked up by the last day of the school year by a parent or guardian or they will be discarded

Allergies

• Allergy season is upon us. The nurse's office does not carry seasonal allergy medication. If your student uses daily allergy medication, please medicate your student at home prior to coming to school.

A reminder to parents and caregivers: Students should not be using their cell phone to contact parents if they are not feeling well. Our Health Center is staffed with a full time nurse who will meet with and assess students who are not feeling well. The Nursing Office will reach out to parents/caregivers if students who are ill need to be dismissed.

Thank you! Nurse Goetz and Nurse Colon

Do you want to be in our award winning Pitt Band, Becky and the Beehive? These guys won best band 4 times last year accompanying our show choirs Fantasy and Illusion. Auditions will be held Wednesday September 24th in the band room. Music will be posted outside the band room to pick up and practice. Auditions will be held afterschool starting at 2:30. Can you shred? Bang the drums? Play the banjo, fiddle, or tickle the white ivories? Want to help out with all the fun noises of auxiliary percussion? Pitt band is the place for you! See Mrs. Bussiere for more details.

There is a full body National Honor Society meeting Thursday, September 4th, directly after school in the library. Please contact Mrs. Racicot or an officer if you cannot attend.

Click the button below to view our daily lunch menu.

Our community and school take pride in the appearance that our students present. We expect that all students will dress and groom themselves neatly in clothes that are suitable for school activities. Students that dress in an inappropriate manner will be required to change into proper attire; the second offense will result in a detention and parent will be notified.

Our Daily Announcements can be found on our website or by using the button below.

Click the button below to see the latest edition of the SHRHS Alumni Program Newsletter!

2025-2026 School Calendar:

Our Guidance Department Team

Guidance Secretary

Mrs. Alana Burlingame aburlingame@dcrsd.org Ext. 175

Guidance Counselors

Mr. Laliberte jlaliberte@dcrsd.org Ext. 172

Mr. Gendron cgendron@dcrsd.org Ext. 173

Mrs. Hernandez dhernandez@dcrsd.org Ext. 170

Ms. Walker jwalker@dcrsd.org Ext. 171

Adjustment Counselors

Mr. Haig dhaig@dcrsd.org Ext. 166

Mrs. McGrail jmcgrail@dcrsd.org Ext. 122

We are excited to inform you that we have partnered with College Guidance Network (CGN) to help you with your student’s career and college planning. CGN will provide you with a personalized project plan with timelines and checklists based on your student’s interest, all supported by content from over 250 nationally recognized college and career experts to guide you through every step in the process. Additionally, you will have access to live, online programming from leading admissions, financial aid, and career experts and college admissions officers.

Create your account today at www.cgnroadmap.com Parents PIN 104507

Hard copy information on all scholarships is available in the Guidance Office.

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires that all schools receiving federal funds must provide the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of secondary students to military recruiters and institutions of higher education. The act also requires that military recruiters be given the same access to students that is given to recruiters for post secondary institutions and employers. If a parent objects to releasing this information he/she should notify the guidance office.

Please email Mr. O'Donnell with any athletic questions.

Click the button below for the SHRHS Athletic Website.

The Booster Club always welcomes new volunteers and new Junior Boosters (students). There are scholarship opportunities for those students who volunteer and meet the required hours. Stay tuned for concession stand volunteer sign ups.