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Schools

Appreciate the School Staff, Run for a Cause, and Board Game Buddies

This is a busy time of year at the schools, with only 29 more days left until the summer break begins. Classes are taking field trips, the final MCAS tests have been given, programs for incoming kindergarteners are being held, field days are being planned

Here are a few highlights of what has been happening in the schools:

Staff Appreciation Week: Has a teacher or school staff member gone above and beyond for you or your child? This is the week to say thanks to those who work hard to give students a brighter future. It’s never too late to show gratitude to these professionals; a simple note to let them know how much you appreciate them will make their day.

Many of the schools had their own plans to recognize and celebrate their teachers. One parent at Proctor School, a massage therapist, generously donated her time to give massages to the staff.

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Run for a Cause: The big race in town is only a week away. On Saturday, May 19, the Girls Learn International Club at is sponsoring its first 5K race. The event is to raise awareness and funds for girls around the world who are in need of education. This is the first year that the club has been in existence at the school and is advised by foreign language teacher Karla Steele and Social Studies teacher Gina Johnston.

Funds raised through the proceeds of the 5K race will benefit the Girls Learn International Club, as well as the Algonquin Regional Teachers Association for scholarships.

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The race will be officially timed by Central Mass Striders and there will also be a fun one mile run which is perfect for the younger kids.

Johnston is hoping for more runners. “We currently have 45 people signed up,” she said. “Not as many as we had hoped by now, but we are assuming we will get big numbers on the day of the race.”

She in fact encourages people to sign up on the day of the race. Registration will start at 8 a.m. with the kids fun one mile run at 9 a.m. and the 5K starting at 9:30 a.m.

The route is contained within the property of Algonquin using roads and cross-country trials. 

“New Balance and Digital Federal Credit Union are our biggest donors,” said Johnston. “New Balance is giving sneaker vouchers to the winners as well as the bibs and bags. Davidian Farms will be supplying oranges.”

There will be raffles including the chance to win a gift certificate from Every Body Balance in Northborough and Algonquin apparel.  A trip for two to Costa Rica, which includes flights, hotel and breakfast, will also be raffled off. The trip was donated by EF Tours. The raffle donations will also assist the group in raising the funds.

Board Game Buddies: A tradition that stated over 20 years ago, is still going strong at. Once a month, senior citizens come to Proctor and play traditional board games with the fifth graders. Sometimes it is the senior citizen teaching the students how to play, and sometimes it is the student teaching the senior citizen.

Games such as Bingo, Checkers, Yahtzee, Scrabble, Boggle, chess, and Dominoes are set up on the cafeteria tables, with one adult at each table to challenge the fifth graders.

Nancy Berglund was enjoying a good game of Scrabble with her group of fifth graders acknowledging that her competition was very good.

Patricia Cluff was one of the key individuals who started this tradition over 20 years ago. She stated that the fifth grade teachers were told to find something to do with senior citizens; an intergeneration project. This monthly event evolved and is still enjoyed by both the adults and students.

Mark Your Calendars 

Kidzfest will be held at the school on May 19 from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. The theme this year is Luau and there will be live music provided by the local band 3MF, games and crafts, as well as the famous cake walk. A huge silent auction with fantastic items to bid on will also be held.

Memorial Day will be celebrated on Monday, May 28, and there is no school on this date.

seniors will be celebrating their graduation on June 3 at 2 p.m.

The last day of school is scheduled for June 21 (as long as there are no big power outages or snow storms). Schools will be on a half day schedule. 

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