Rays of Hope - Water and Wind - and a Powder Puff!

It's been another eventful week in the Belchertown Public Schools. My husband and I had the privilege of walking with 125 athletes and 17 coaches/chaperones in the Rays of Hope Walk in Springfield, MA on Sunday, October 28th. This walk, sponsored by Baystate Medical Center's foundation, raises money for support and research for breast cancer prevention, treatment, and working toward a cure. Mr. Marchewka, our athletic director, encouraged the fall teams to participate in this worthwhile community service project. Leading up to the walk, teams held various "Think Pink" games and events to raise money toward this endeavor. Congratulations to the girls' volleyball program for raising the highest amount of $2,200.00 and the boys' soccer program for raising the second highest amount of $1,000.00. These events, coupled with individual donations have resulted in over $4,000.00 being raised for this worthwhile cause with more money coming in! Thanks to one and all for your efforts.

Happy athletes at the end of the walk!

Monday, October 29th, and Tuesday, October 30th, were focused on the arrival and departure of Superstorm Sandy. School was closed on Monday at the request of the governor; and downed branches, trees, limbs, and a few power lines forced cancellation again in the interest of student and bus safety on Tuesday. Our hearts go out to all those up and down the eastern seaboard who have suffered major damage in her wake, particularly in Delaware, New Jersey, and New York. Having lived through last year's unwelcome October storm, we know what they are dealing with in terms of loss of lives, power and services, as well as damage to homes, businesses and other services. Their road to recovery will be greater than ours was last year.

It looks as though we are in for some cold weather over the next few days, but don't let the chill in the air dissuade you from a fun event on Saturday, November 3rd at 5:00 pm, the annual BHS Powder Puff classic! Bundle up and come out to cheer on our junior and senior girls' flag football teams and our boys' cheerleading squads as we raise money to support class activities and enjoy a great time together!

Daylight savings time ends this weekend. Don't forget to "fall back" by setting your clocks back 1 hour on Saturday night. It's also a good time to remember to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to be sure they are in good working order. Be safe!

As always, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me by phone: 413.323.0423.

Best regards, Dr. Judith Houle, Superintendent of Schools