Recognizing Excellence!

One of the great privileges I have as a superintendent is to recognize students for outstanding achievement. Over the past couple of weeks, I have had two opportunities to do just that with students at BHS.

Tri-M Induction

On Wednesday, October 16, 2013, an induction ceremony for new Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) inductees was held in Veterans' Memorial Auditorium at BHS. Sixteen students were selected and inducted into this society, which recognizes students with musical and academic excellence. In addition to the 16 students who were inducted into this honor society, Mr. Joshua Guerrez, General and Vocal Music Teacher at CHCS, was inducted as an honorary member. Following the induction ceremony, the audience was treated to a recital by the newly inducted members. They all did a fabulous job playing and singing!

New inductees join current members of Tri-M following their induction ceremony.

Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Excellence Award

At the October 22nd School Committee meeting, I had the pleasure of presenting the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) Excellence Award to Claire Nauman, a member of the Class of 2014. These awards are given to high school students who have distinguished themselves in the pursuit of excellence during their high school careers. The recommended criteria are: three (3) year cumulative average, rank in class, and personal selection by the Superintendent. M.A.S.S. gives the Superintendent leeway among the top 5% for his/her personal selection. Claire was nominated by Ms. Christine Vigneux, BHS Principal, to receive this award.

This is a very prestigious award given only to a select number of graduating seniors in the Commonwealth. Claire meets all the criteria established by M.A.S.S. and has contributed much to her school community academically, athletically, and through the performing arts and other extra-curricular activities. It is a pleasure to recognize Claire for her outstanding achievements.

Claire Nauman, left, receives the M.A.S.S. Academic Excellence Award

Update on Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent

Four of the five Coffee & Conversation with the Superintendent gatherings have been held for the first quarter of the year. Four parents/guardians joined us at CHCS, 3 at JBMS, 5 at SRE, and 17 at BHS. I would like to thank all of you who took the time to join us and talk about our curriculum initiatives and assessments that are being used to help us better understand how to help our students achieve at high levels. The conversations have been rich. I would also like to thank Mr. Brian Cameron, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, and the principals who joined me in the dialogue. The last session for this quarter will be held at CSS on Tuesday, November 5th at 6:00 pm. If you haven't had a chance to join a gathering at one of the other schools, please plan to join Mr. Cameron, Ms. Bremer, and me next week. Please call my office at 323.0423 or email superintendent@belchertown.org to RSVP. This will help us plan for enough refreshments and handouts for you.

As always, if you have any questions or comments about this blog, please call the number above or use the email link to contact me. 

Best regards, Dr. Judith Houle, Superintendent of Schools