May 2016 Principal`s Newsletter

OAKMONT REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
Administration
David Uminski, Principal
Greg Smith, Assistant Principal
Brian Sargent, Dean of Students
Main Office Staff
Cathy Stangroom, Registrar
Pegi Deshayes, Administrative Assistant
Inga Morin, Administrative Assistant
PRINCIPAL’S NEWS:
Class of 2016
Final Senior Activities
First Graduation Rehearsal: Seniors will have their first graduation rehearsal on Wednesday,
May 11 in the New Gymnasium. Seniors should report to A Block and will be called to the gym.
Graduation Announcements and Tickets: Announcements and tickets (5 per senior) will be
distributed in May. The tickets are necessary only if the commencement must take place in the
Oakmont gymnasium due to inclement weather.
Senior Final Exams: Seniors take their final exams on Thursday, May 26, and Friday, May 27. Seniors must leave school
once they have completed their exams.
Evening of Reflection: Thursday, June 2 at 7 pm. An inspirational end of year ceremony for the Senior Class will
be held on the Thursday evening preceding graduation for those who are interested in attending. All seniors,
parents and guests are welcome to attend. Semi-formal attire is requested. The ceremony consists of student
chosen readings and music. This ceremony was formerly known as Baccalaureate. Academy Hill in Westminster
Second Graduation Rehearsal: Seniors will have their second graduation rehearsal on Friday, June 3 at 8:30 a.m. on
Hurd Memorial Field. After the rehearsal, caps and gowns will be distributed to students who have paid all their bills.
Class Relays, Academic Awards, & Senior Barbecue: Relay races and other class competitions are scheduled for Friday,
June 3 at 10:00 a.m. After the competitions, the administration will present academic awards. Parents are invited.
Seniors will then hold a class meeting to read the Class Will and view the senior video. A barbecue with the faculty will
follow.
Class Night: Class Night will be held on Friday, June 3, at 7:00 p.m. All members of the senior class and their families are
encouraged to attend the gathering. Community members and the administration will present scholastic awards.
Seniors will read the class history and celebrate the talents of the class. Seniors will wear their graduation gowns and sit
as a class. Alumni Auditorium.
Senior Reception and Graduation: Graduation will be held on Sunday, June 5. There will be a reception in the cafeteria
starting at 11:30 AM for all seniors and teachers. Seniors will line up for the graduation ceremony at 12:30 PM. The
ceremony begins at 1:00 p.m.
*In keeping with the importance of graduation events, seniors are asked to wear appropriate clothing
underneath their graduation gowns. For men, this is long pants (not jeans), a shirt with a collar, and shoes
(not sneakers or flip-flops). For women, this is a dress or pants, and shoes (not sneakers or flip-flops). Only
honors and awards given by Oakmont Regional High School may be worn during the graduation ceremony.
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AP EXAM SCHEDULE
STUDENT HANDBOOK FOCUS
Code of Dress and Appearance
May 2
May 4
May 5
May 6
May 9
May 11
May 12
Students are expected to exercise maturity and
responsibility in all matters including their dress and
personal grooming. Oakmont is a place of serious work and
dress should be attuned to that concept. Students should
remember at all times the five guiding principles of dress:
neatness, suitability, moderation, cleanliness and safety.
Teachers and the administration will determine the
interpretation of the guiding principles. Students’ clothing
shall not disrupt the educational process. While in school
students will wear clothing that meets the following
standards:
No hats, bandanas, scarves, hoods, or
sweatbands during the school day or at any
time in classrooms or the Library. Hats may not
be carried in students’ hands during the school
day.
No “bare back” clothing
No low-cut shirts/blouses that expose cleavage
No bare midriffs (Shirts/blouses must be able
to be tucked into pants)
No bare feet or unsafe footwear
No “see through” clothing
No clothing that displays words/graphics that
are obscene, vulgar, violent, sexist, racist, or
promote the use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco
No gang or cult-related apparel
No drooping pants or clothing that exposes
undergarments
No exposed undergarments
No clothing with metal chains or other
dangerous items
No masks or face painting
Skirts and dresses must be no shorter
than four inches from the top of the knee.
Shorts must be no shorter than six inches
from the top of the knee and are highly
discouraged from being a tightly fitted
style.”
Outerwear (coats and jackets) may not be
worn indoors and must be kept in lockers.
No strapless tops. Shoulder straps on shirts
must be wider than one inch.
Young men must wear shirts with sleeves.
Student I.D. cards must be visibly displayed at
all times on a lanyard. Students may not deface
or alter the I.D. card that has been issued to
them.
Chemistry
English Literature
Calculus AB
United States History
Music Theory
English Language
World History
Studio Art Portfolios due May 6
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
Students with unpaid school bills are ineligible
for participation until obligations are met, ie: lost
books, lost uniforms, class dues, cafeteria, etc.
Ten school days after Report Cards are received
financial ineligibility list will be published. At
that point students on that list may not be
eligible to participate in co-curricular activities.
Parents will receive bills from our office 4 times a
year around report card time.
HASKINS MATH CONTEST
Fitchburg State University
Congratulations
Fay Whittall
Honorable Mention Award
for Juniors
The principal, or his designee, will decide when clothing is
inappropriate or disruptive.
OAKMONT SCHOOL STORE
Students in violation of the dress code will be sent to the
main office and will receive disciplinary consequences (see
page 25). Refusal to change or cover offensive clothing
items will result in disciplinary measures for insubordination
and may result in removal from school. Missed class time
due to dress code violations will be treated as unexcused
absences.
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Oakmont apparel and other merchandise on sale!
Hooded Sweatshirts and Sweatpants, Winter Coats,
Fleece Jackets, Large Duffle Bags, Tee Shirts (Short
and Long Sleeved) and Caps and Hats
The store will be open during lunch and evening events.
Special arrangements can be made during the school
day by contacting
Mr. Sargent or Mr. Uminski
April 30
May 3
May 4
May 4-15
May 5
May 6
May 7
May 13
May 16
May 17-18
May 19
May 21
May 25
May 26
May 26-27
May 30
June 1-2
June 2
June 3
June 3
June 5
MAY CALENDAR
NHS Fun Run
9 am
Ashburnham Town Meeting
7 pm
School Council
6 pm
Advanced Placement Testing
SADD Blood Drive
11 am-8 pm
Evening With The Arts
6:30 pm
Jordyn’s Day
10 am-4 pm
Peer Leaders-Hypnotist Show
7 pm
NHS Induction
6:30 pm
Math MCAS Testing (Sophomores)
Robotics Competition
7:30 am-2:00 pm
Prom
6-10:30 pm
Last Day of Classes for Seniors
Spring Concert
6:30 pm
Senior Final Exams (Seniors dismissed at 10:30 am)
NO SCHOOL-Memorial Day
Biology MCAS (Freshmen who have Biology S2)
Evening of Reflection
7 pm
Half Day-Dismissal at 11:07
Class Night
7 pm
Graduation
1 pm
HAVE BREAKFAST AT OAKMONT
Hurd Field
Alumni Auditorium
Nims Library
New Gym
Main Lobby
Hurd Field & Driscoll Park
Alumni Auditorium
Alumni Auditorium
Wyman-Therrien Gym
Alumni Auditorium
Academy Hill, Westminster
Alumni Auditorium
Hurd Field
SPRING SPORTS
SCHEDULES
AVAILABLE AT
rSchoolToday
BREAKFAST IS SERVED DAILY
7:00 -7:25 AM
www.mwlma.org
click on Oakmont
MILK, JUICE, AND EITHER AN EGG SANDWICH, BAGEL, OR
MUFFIN
$1.50
(REDUCED PRICE IS $ .30, MILK $.50)
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE
REDIKER PARENT GRADING
PORTAL?
PARENTS
Please remember to update your contact
information if it changes especially email
addresses.
CONTACT:
support@awrsd.org
We want to keep our
Rediker information current.
Thank you.
STUDENT ACTIVITY FUND
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REMINDER: ALL CHECKS WRITTEN TO THE SCHOOL SHOULD BE
MADE PAYABLE TO THE OAKMONT STUDENT ACTIVITY FUND
THIS WOULD BE FOR CLASS DUES, LOST BOOKS, DANCES,
FUNDRAISERS, AND CLASS FEES
ATHLETIC AND MARCHING BAND FEES SHOULD BE PAYABLE TO
AWRSD
THANK YOU
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EVENING with the ARTS
Friday May 6, 2016
6:30 - 8:00 pm
Displays include over 1,200 pieces of Visual Arts from all grade levels and course offerings, Technology
Engineering student work, and the award winning Oakmont Jazz Band! Shown here are the 2016 Senior
Artists! The event is free and open to the public! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to our culminating
exhibition of student work!
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WORK PERMITS
Work permits can now be found on-line http://oak.awrsd.org/
Click on “Forms”
COLLEGE VISITS
College visits and interviews must be pre-approved by
Guidance for the absence to be excused.
Approval forms are in the Guidance Office.
To be eligible for an excused absence:
 The student must be a SENIOR or JUNIOR in
good academic standing
 Parent, Guidance and Administration must sign the
form
 Parents should call the school the day of the visit to
verify the absence
 A signature from a College Admissions Officer is
required
 Student must return the form to the Main Office
after the visit (the absence will be considered
unexcused until the completed form is returned to
the office.)
Thank you for your cooperation.
Oakmont Regional High School is now accepting book, video,
DVD, CD, and audio book PLUS SHOES AND CLOTHES!!
Drop off your contributions to help raise money for the school’s
Business Education Department
For more information: Contact Wendy LeBlanc
wleblanc@awrsd.org
(978) 827-5907 x2174
Oakmont Regional High School
is on Twitter AND Facebook!
Follow us!
@OakmontRegional
MORNING TRAFFIC
For those of you who are trying to get to Oakmont or
Overlook between 7:10 am and 7:30 am, you know the
traffic is a nightmare.
And
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oakmont-Regional-HighSchool/1659966270884549
Out of safety concerns we ask that cars from
Westminster and Ashburnham try to alternate pulling
onto Oakmont Drive, allowing cars to exit Oakmont
Drive as part of the rotation. Our new drivers have
been anxious trying to turn into the driveway,
especially from the Westminster side. We would also
suggest an alternative route from Westminster using
Rt. 140, Rt. 101 and South Main St. to enter
Oakmont/Overlook from the Ashburnham side.
ATM AVAILABLE
When dropping students off in front of Oakmont,
please pull down as far as you can go down the island
(as long as there are no large snow banks), this will
minimize the back up on the driveway.
An ATM has been installed in the vestibule next to the
Kiuru Health Room primarily for the convenience of
spectators attending athletic events and to support
athletic vending.
Students are not allowed to use it during the school
day.
Of course, having students ride to school on the school
bus would also lessen the volume of traffic.
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Thank you.
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE
The New Parent Resources Section has replaced
the Virtual Backpack
There you will find:
 Events Calendar
ROBOTICS COMPETITION
Technology Engineering students are
busy preparing their robots for
Oakmont’s VEX Robotics Challenge.
This year marks the tenth year for
hosting competitions, and the seventh
year involved with VEX. VEX Robotics
is an international competition with
more than 4800 teams from 20 countries
competing in over 300 competitions
worldwide. This objective of this year’s
challenge, Nothing But Net, is to attain
a higher score than the opposing
Alliance by scoring balls and bonus
Balls in either a low or high goal. Teams
can earn bonus point by elevating
another robot in a “climbing
zone”. On May 19th 34 robots from 15
different high schools will come to
Oakmont to test their solutions to this
year’s challenge. As always this is a
high energy, exciting event which has
the Wyman Therrien Gym echoing with
cheers and satisfaction of the students
who have worked so hard this year.
Oakmont will enter 8 robots this year
representing
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Technology
Engineering students.
See the Competition
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Semester I Grade Reporting Dates
Payment and Fees
Yearbook Information
Basic School Supply List
Armed Forces Recruitment
College Visits Info for Juniors and Seniors
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AWRSD 2015-2016 District Calendar
AWRSD Bus Route Information
Chartwells School Lunch Menus
My School Bucks: Add Money to your
Chartwells Account
Oakmont Student Handbook 15-16
Ashburnham Westminster Foundation for
Academic Excellence
There are also links to:
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Other Useful Sections
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Athletics
Guidance
Forms
 College Visit Excused Absence Request
Form
 Guest Permission Form for dances and
other school events
 Request for Community Service Help
Form
 School Choice Application
 Work Permit Application
Library
News and Newsletters
Student Resources
Alumni Resources
BACK PARKING LOT
TRAFFIC FLOW
For safety reasons, please enter the back
parking lot through the second or third entry
points and exit through the exit nearest the
gym. There is a Do Not Enter Sign and Yellow
Arrows as reminders.
The area to the right of the gym, is a
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NO DROP-OFF/PICK UP Zone.
THANK YOU!
Lou's Upcycle Workshop
Sponsored by OEA
On May 13th the Oakmont Peer Leaders will host Dan
Candell and his new and exciting "The Wild Side" hypnotist
show. All proceeds will be donated to relay for life. Come
out and support a great cause while having some great
laughs. For more information contact Leanne
Roy lroy@awrsd.org
Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
July 2017
See the islands that changed everything!
See Mrs. Archangelo in Room 602 for information
Students in the pictures are Vanessa Archangelo, Jenn
Aubuchon, Lance Despres, and Michael Forbes.
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This trip is sponsored by EF Tours and not the
Ashburnham Westminster Regional School District
Larry “Spotted Crow” Mann
By: Larissa Boyack
The students of Ms. Martin’s World Religions Class had a very unique guest in their classroom.
Larry “Spotted Crow” Mann is part of the Nipmuc tribe, and an award winning writer, poet,
Native American cultural educator, traditional storyteller, tribal drummer/dancer, and
motivational speaker. He came as a representative of an indigenous religion—the first that was
covered by the class.
Each student researched a different indigenous tribe and compared them in class. They learned
about worldview, creation stories, rituals, etc, and compared and contrasted the different tribes
and their cultures.
Larry “Spotted Crow” Mann brought the indigenous culture to life right before our eyes, starting
off his presentation by playing a native “welcome” song.
He then went on to speak about his own spirituality and the spirituality of his tribe. “Native
American spirituality is an intricate and complex topic, that we can never cover the range of
deities, legends, cultures, creation stories and beliefs. But what we will discuss is the common
Larry “Spotted Crow” Mann fundamental spiritual beliefs and practices of Native Americans of North America—which of
playing a native song for Ms. course includes Canada,” said Mann to begin his presentation.
Martin’s World Religions
class
Mann shown a light on indigenous beliefs as a whole. Mann says “In essence, there is a belief
that the very universe and everything in it is connected in one way or another, and everything
around us has a spirit or life-force that is equal to ours. There’s no dominance over anything,
we all have equal value to the things around us.”
Photo taken by Ms. Martin
Mann opened up the floor to questions from the students. The World Religions students inquired about shamans, a woman’s
role in Indigenous society, how a spiritual name is bestowed, and many more.
There was an overwhelming positive reaction from the students, who believed that Mann opened their eyes to the very
fascinating beliefs of Indigenous cultures.
Ms. Martin’s World Religions Class is enormously grateful to the Ashburnham-Westminster Foundation for Academic
Excellence who provided the grant for Larry “Spotted Crow” Mann to come and speak to the class.
Oakmont Jazz Band
The Jazz band had an excellent festival season. The band was awarded a Gold Medal at the Massachusetts Association for
Jazz Education (MAJE) Central District Festival in early March. Andrew Bedard, Jack Mellish, and James Beaudry were
named MVP's of the ensemble. Andrew was also awarded the overall MVP award for all Division II bands at that festival.
The band moved onto the MAJE State Big Band Festival in Norwood in mid-March. The Andrew Bedard, Kevin Gallant,
and Jack Mellish were awarded MVP Certificates at this festival. Andrew Bedard was given the MVP of all Division II bands
in Massachusetts.
The Jazz Band was awarded another Gold Medal at the MAJE State Big Band Festival, and given an invitation to
perform at the Hatch Shell on Sunday May 15, 2016. All Gold Medal bands will be showcased from 11:00am 4:00pm. Come out and support the Jazz Band on Sunday, May 15!
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9th Annual
Jordyn Taylor Kalagher
Scholarship Fund
Benefit Day
Jordyn was in her junior year at Oakmont
Regional High School in December of 2007
when she lost her life from injuries sustained in
an automobile accident on her way to work.
Jordyn’s friends and family are again
organizing a benefit day with all proceeds going
to a scholarship fund established in her name.
Please come and enjoy a day filled with fun
activities, music and food…there’s something
for everyone!
WHERE: Oakmont Regional High School,
Ashburnham, MA
WHEN: Saturday ~ May 7, 2016 ~
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Toy/Clothes Drive
Troop 33 Westminster Boy Scouts is now collecting
gently used toys and clothes for the neighbors helping
neighbors KIDS flea market.
Donations can be left at the Westminster Police
Department or the Westminster Elementary School.
For pickup please contact Wendy at 978-870-6267.
Achieving academic excellence requires passion, imagination,
and creativity. However, in today’s world strategic support
and comprehensive training also play key roles-strategic
support that brings innovative and inspiring teaching
methods. The Ashburnham-Westminster Foundation for
Excellence, through private funding, seeks to provide
teachers and students with tools, training, and experiences
that foster academic excellence. To learn more visit:
http://www.ashwestfoundation.org
2016 Franklin Pierce University
Baseball Camp
ACTIVITIES
Food, Music
Raffles, Bake Sale
Kid’s Play Land, Face Painting
Field Hockey
Canine Unit Demonstration
Ages 7-18
Session I: July 11-15
Session II: August 8-12
All Proceeds to Benefit
“The Jordyn Taylor Kalagher Scholarship Fund”
For more information:
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Click Here
A Day on the Hill
By Robert Hoyt
Robert Hoyt with State Representative Kim Ferguson
On Tuesday, April 26, 2016, I attended the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) Day on the
Hill at the State House in Boston, MA. The day began with my checking in as a student with MASC staff, and being
given a package of legislative priorities to discuss later in the day. After registration, I went to the Gardner
Auditorium and heard from the Chairs of the Education Committee, Rep. Alice Peisch and Sen. Sonja Chang-Diaz.
They spoke about the concern that the two of chambers wouldn’t be able to put together the consolidated charter
school bill. Without that, the November ballot question on charter schools may go ahead and possibly be passed.
That would mean that the 4% of public school students who attend charter schools would be better funded than the
96% proportionally that attend traditional public schools.
I went to the governor’s office, and later met with House members and their aides about many benefits I have
received as an Ash-Waest students. I explained a senior that I have seen difficult budgets before, but I wanted the
representatives to see how education really does change a person’s life. I expressed my appreciation for the education
I have received, but asked that they take time to think about those students who will graduate after me.
The people I have talked to cared very much about students. Something that Rep. Peisch said I have found to be very
significant was the legislature needed to make sure every child has access to an education. In order to do that, some
communities may lose funding they need to pay for school services in order to to fund programs for low income/low
performing districts. I hope they understand that students like us depend on their leadership to prioritize our future.
WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY
Fay Whittall, Stella Ikuzwe, Macie Hytonen, Lauren Sowerbutts recently completed the Women in Technology
Program sponsored by Tyco SimplexGrinnell. This program allows for female high school students to work on actual
projects for the company. Macie and Stella, as part of the ByTech Informers team, coded a webpage to create easier
access to Tyco fire safety panels. Fay and Lauren, as part of the CADNinjas team, created tutorial videos on the use
of AutoCAD for the company’s employees and clients.
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Leominster Art Association
2016 Art Awards
Guidance News
Freshmen are meeting with counselors for 20162017 course selection.
Sophomores & Juniors are encouraged to access
their Naviance account throughout the summer to
explore majors, occupations and colleges.
Congratulations to Oakmont Visual Art Students
at the 51st Annual Leominster Art Association Arts,
Crafts, Photography Exhibition. The reception and
awards gala was held April 22 – 24 at St. Leo’s
Gymnasium in Leominster! Congratulations to
several students who received awards: Johanna
Thorp - Honorable Mention "Water Dragon";
Laurynn Bedard - Honorable Mention "Black &
White Self Portrait"; Vincent Barry - Second Place
"K1000"; Austin Evans - First Place "The Cold
Truth"; Vincent Barry - Exhibit Chairperson’s
Award "Dynamic Slice". Additional students
whose artworks were displayed included Seana
Mawhinney, Katherine Haschig, Abigail Thrailkill
and Tyler Young.
Interested Juniors took the ASVAB test on April
14th. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude
Test is administered by personnel from the
Military Entrance Processing Station. Students
received results on April 27th.
Juniors are invited to attend the NEACAC
College Fair at Assumption College on May 17th.
A parental permission form is required, and a
$5.00 fee will be collected to cover cost of
transportation. Sign up in guidance began on
April 26th.
Seniors will attend a “Transitions” workshop on
May 18th presented by Rob Hynes, PhD.
Assistant Dean for Student Support Services at
Fitchburg State University.
The SOS Signs of Suicide Program, Second
ACT: Preparing For Life Beyond High School
was presented to the Seniors on April 28th. The
focus was on seeking treatment for depression.
Seniors: Massachusetts Educational Finance
Authority has a full range of resources available
at www.mefacounselor.org to help college-bound
seniors and their families understand their
financial aid and make a plan to pay for college
costs.
Seniors: There are scholarship applications still
open. Check on Naviance to see which ones are
still available to apply for.
Seniors have the responsibility of notifying all of
the colleges that they have been accepted to, as to
whether or not they plan to attend.
SAVE THE DATE
August 19, 2016
Oakmont Golf Team
GOLF TOURNAMENT
Westminster Country Club
9:30 am
THANK YOU!
I SAVED PAR AT OAKMONT!!
Seniors: Once you have decided on the college
that you will be attending, it is important to
update your Naviance account. Your final
transcript will be sent to that institution.
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News from the Nurse
May, 2016
Here we are back from April vacation, and still no real signs of spring, though we have had a couple of
“teaser” days! Here’s hoping that warmer, sunnier days are in our near future here in Ashburnham and
Westminster. Here are some suggestions to make sure your students stays healthy in the coming months:
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Our insect friends are coming out of hibernation. If your student has a life-threatening
allergy to bee stings, please make sure that they are carrying an unexpired Epi-pen with them
at all times. The few minutes that it takes to retrieve an Epi-pen from another location can
make a difference in terms of complications
Of course, we all know that those insects are after pollen, which brings me to the next
suggestion. If your student suffers from seasonal allergies, please make sure that they take
any needed medication at home before they leave for school in the morning. The nurse’s
office is unable to dispense allergy medication without signed orders from a physician and
parent, and a supply of medication from home.
Sun safety is also very important at this time of the year. Remember, sunburns can occur on
cloudy days as well as sunny ones, so if your student plans to spend any time outdoors
(playing sports, etc.) have them slather on a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater. A
student may carry their own sunscreen.
Dehydration is another health issue that is more prevalent at this time of the year, especially
for student athletes. Remember, dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue and
poor concentration. The average adolescent between 14 and 18 requires 6-8 eight ounce
glasses of water per day, and even more if they are very active. Avoid fruit juices and
sugared soda, not only do they increase the risk of tooth decay and obesity, but also
considerably more expensive than plain old tap water.
If your student plans to play a fall sport, it’s never too early to plan ahead and schedule a
physical exam! Remember, to be eligible to play or practice a sport, a student must have a
current (within 13 months) physical exam on file in the nurse’s office.
Finally, Wednesday, May 11h is National School Nurse’s Day and the theme is: School Nurses: Better Health,
Better Learning. The following press release from the National Association of School Nurses commemorates
this day as:
…a time to celebrate the specialty practice of school nursing. The National Association of School
Nurses (NASN) applauds the contributions school nurses make every day to improve the safety, health,
and academic success of all students.
The theme this year -- School Nurses: Better Health. Better Learning.-- continues to be reflective of the
significant roles school nurses have in the health care in their school communities, as well as in modeling
health and resiliency. That healthy children learn better is a simple truth, and school nurses work to remove
barriers to learning. In the United States more than 73,000 school nurses are stepping up to help students meet
new challenges they face today and working to support education and advance student health. Health, healthy
lifestyles and graduation are the goals. NASN believes all teachers deserve to have school nurses in their
buildings so that teachers can focus on instruction and students’ individual educational needs; and parents
deserve to feel secure that children are safe at school and their health needs are met every day by specialized
school nurses. School nurses have the skills to plan and implement care for students with chronic and medically
complex conditions and prepare school staff to recognize and respond appropriately to potential emergencies.
Prevention is key in school wellness and safety, but planned emergency response and disaster preparedness is
an essential part of the important role school nurses play.
Enjoy Spring and stay healthy!
Susan M. Lofquist, BSN, RN, NCSN
School Nurse: Oakmont Regional HS
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FY17 Budget Information
The AWRSD School Committee recently certified a level services budget of $28,907,187. The school district receives
revenue from the state and the two towns of our district. State money includes Chapter 70, Regional School District
Reimbursement, Special Education Circuit Breaker and School Choice Money.
The state has not finalized their public school financing numbers yet, so based on what we will receive from the towns
and anticipated state revenue we have a districtwide deficit of $1.3 million. On April 13, 2016, the Massachusetts House
Ways and Means Committee released their proposed Chapter 70 and Regional Transportation reimbursement funds.
They will increase state funding $55 per student resulting $77,000 and Regional transportation reimbursement was
increased by $87,000 more than Governor’s proposed allotment.
As a result our deficit is $1.1 million. Therefore, to balance the school budget, the school district will need to cut nearly
19 FTE teachers and other staff.
The impact on the Oakmont budget will result in more than $300,000 in budget reductions. We will be reducing our
faculty by 3.3 FTEs and staff by an additional 3.04 FTEs. We will have 20 fewer classroom sections.
The following academic programs and services will be eliminated at Oakmont:
 6 sections of Social Studies, mostly Psychology and Sociology classes
 2 sections of Science, most likely Environmental Science classes
 4 sections of Fitness
 2 sections of Business Education
 6 sections of the Academic Success Center that provides tutoring assistance to students
 a part-time School Adjustment Counselor who supports students in crisis
 a paraprofessional who supports students with special needs
 the School Librarian, who provides research instruction and maintains the Nims Library, the elimination of the
school librarian will jeopardize our NEASC accreditation
The following co-curricular activities will not be funded:
 Math team
 Mock Trial team
 Oakmont Environmental Association
 Photography Club
 Science Club
 Spanish Club
 Boys’ and Girls’ Freshman Basketball teams
 Boys’ and Girls’ Tennis teams
 Golf team
 Fall and Winter Cheerleading squads
Thanks to our communities we have an excellent school system and an outstanding high school. We wanted to notify
parents of the impact of these cuts.
For more information on the budget process, impact of the cuts, or potential solutions please contact your
representatives at the state house, town hall and school committee or attend the following upcoming meetings:
Ashburnham Board of Selectmen: Monday, May 2, 6:30 pm, Ashburnham Public Safety Building
Westminster Board of Selectmen: Monday, May 2, 6:00 pm, Westminster Town Hall, Room 205
Ashburnham Annual Town Meeting, Tuesday, May 3, 7 pm, Alumni Auditorium, Oakmont RHS
Westminster Annual Town Meeting: Saturday, May 7, 1 pm, Westminster Elementary School
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