A New Principal for Chestnut Hill Community School

It is my pleasure to announce that Ms. Paula Fitzgerald has been appointed as the new principal of Chestnut Hill Community School, effective July 1, 2013. I would like to thank the members of the Search Committee, administration, faculty staff, parents, and others who gave of their time to screen and interview applicants and meet with our finalists. Your input was most valuable in the decision-making process.

Ms. Fitzgerald is currently the principal of Quarry Hill Community School in Monson, MA. Prior to that experience, she worked in the Holyoke Public Schools as a reading teacher and coach, and principal. She has both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Elms College and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

There was a qualified pool of applicants for the position, making this decision a difficult one. The Search Committee conducted an initial screening of applications and a first round of interviews, resulting in the selection of three finalists. Each of the finalists interviewed with me and visited CHCS as part of the process. A team from the school, led by Mr. Brian Cameron, Assistant Superintendent, visited their schools as well. 

We will have more details for you regarding Ms. Fitzgerald’s transition into the school in the coming weeks. I hope you will join me in welcoming Ms. Fitzgerald to Chestnut Hill Community School.

MCAS testing and end of the year activities

Our students have been taking MCAS mathematics tests and will continue to do so this coming week. Our tenth graders will also be taking the biology test in June. These tests will complete this year's statewide testing schedule. 

As we bring the 2012-2013 school year to a close, there are many activities in all of our schools. Be sure to check the district calendar (a link can be found on the main page of our web site: www.belchertownps.org) for updates. We will celebrate the accomplishments and graduation of the Class of 2013 on Sunday, June 2, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Belchertown High School! The last day of school for the rest of the students will be Monday, June 24th. This will be a half day. The middle and high school students will be dismissed at 11:00 am. Dismissal for the elementary students will be at 12:00 pm. Lunches will not be served. It's hard to believe that another year is coming to a conclusion!

As always, if you have any questions or comments about this post, please call me at 413.323.0423, or email me at superintendent@belchertown.org.

Best regards, Dr. Judith Houle, Superintendent of Schools