Congratulations to the Class of 2013!

This past week has centered around celebrating the accomplishments and graduation of the Class of 2013 of Belchertown High School. Senior week prior to graduation included rehearsals for the students, distribution of yearbooks and caps and gowns, a celebration of success and awarding of scholarships on Thursday night, and finally, the big day on Sunday, June 2nd at 2:00 pm!

Over $70,000.00 in scholarships were given to graduating seniors on Thursday, May 30th, along with awards for excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts. Sunday's graduation was held in the gymnasium with a standing-room only crowd fanning themselves in the heat of the day, while 191 students received their diplomas. Student speakers included Class President Caleb Bernard, Valedictorian Devyn Hebert, and Salutatorian Kimberly Drawec. Mr. Brennan Murray, Library-Media Specialist at BHS, was the graduation speaker, selected by the students.

Town Clerk, William Barnett, also addressed the students and presented each of the graduates with a Belchertown 250th Anniversary Watch. This is the second year that students have received this gift from the town. All in all, it was a great celebration with student smiles all around! Best wishes to one and all for continued success in the future!

Other upcoming events

As we wind down to the end of the year, there are many events and celebrations planned for our students: field day celebrations, culminating classroom activities, and step-up day visits to new schools are planned. Jabish Brook Middle School will present awards to their students on June 10th, BHS will host an undergarduate awards ceremony on June 13th, the eighth grade celebration and Aloha Dance will be held on Friday, June 21st, and the last day of school will be held on Monday, June 24th. The last day will be a half day for students. Dismissal will begin at 11:00 am for the secondary students and 12:00 pm for the elementary students. Lunches will not be served that day. Check out the district calendar for more details.

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to call me at 413.323.0423 or send an email to: superintendent@belchertown.org.

Best regards, Dr. Judith Houle, Superintendent of Schools

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