EPSD News and Announcements

Dear Easthampton Students, Families, Staff, and Community Members,
I look forward to my work with all of you in the Easthampton School District. In…

Dear Easthampton Students, Families, Staff, and Community Members,
I look forward to my work with all of you in the Easthampton School District. In the time I have spent in the district, I am impressed with the strong school and community commitment to providing the best education for all Easthampton students. I am impressed with the talent, passion and commitment of the school staff and school and district leadership. I look forward to learning more about the Easthampton District and sharing conversations with all of you.
I share with all of you my educational journey:
I have a Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude, from Fitchburg University in Elementary Education, and Special Education (1976), a Master’s in Education from Fitchburg State IUniversity (1981) and a MA of Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education (1992). The focus of my training at Harvard University was Administration, Planning and Social Policy.
I worked 46 years in the Worcester Public Schools, beginning as a Special Education Teacher in 1976 and rising to Special Education Department Head to Assistant Principal to Principal and to Superintendent of Schools.
I supervised and managed the daily operations of the Worcester Public Schools, the 2nd largest city in MA, for 6 years. I provided a safe learning environment for the 24,000 students and 5000 staff by orienting staff and students to the rules and policies of the Worcester Public Schools. Under my leadership, the Worcester Public Schools was recognized for the best Early College Program in MA, a model Innovative Pathway Program, expansion of Chapter 74 Programs into the comprehensive high schools, the opening of a Dual Language School, and expanded community partnerships. I worked with the administrative team to deliver effective professional development to all Worcester Public School staff. I opened one new elementary school, one high school and the current building of another comprehensive high school. I worked with all building architects, and construction companies as well as with the MSBA (MA School Building Association).
I spent 38 years at South High Community School, which included my roles as an Assistant Principal for 14 years and as Principal for 8 years. As Assistant Principal and Principal, I followed a sound discipline process and reinforced procedures defined by the policy of the WPS to work with students and parents to create a positive learning environment. Under my team’s leadership, South High became a community of educators who set high expectations for all students and provided differentiated learning experiences that allowed all students to achieve their goals. In response to the increasing needs of our student population due to poverty, in partnership with the Family Health Center, I opened the first food pantry in the Worcester Public Schools, and relocated a clothing pantry, Andy’s Attic, to South High. I also was instrumental in setting up a contract with the Optometry Department of the MA College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, where South High students received free eye exams and glasses.
I serve the Worcester community by my leadership roles on several community boards and advisories. I have built long-term relationships with these community agencies and worked collaboratively daily with them to meet the needs of Worcester Public Schools families and students. Through these community partners Worcester Public School students and staff have experienced unique opportunities: to name a few-participation in Broadway Shows at Hanover Theater, planting and harvesting at the Community Harvest Project, singing the Messiah with the Worcester Chorus through Music Worcester at Mechanics Hall, representing MA in National Band Performances, author in residence series, STEM internships, National Dance Competitions, playing music at Symphony Hall.
In August 2022, I was appointed as Interim Superintendent of the Quaboag School District.The Quaboag Regional School District consists of an Integrated Preschool, Quaboag Middle /High School, and West Brookfield and Warren Community Elementary Schools. I worked with dedicated district office and school leadership staff, and 92 school staff to provide an effective education to 1,181 students. During the 22-23 school year, the Wonders Early Literacy Program began its first year, an Early College Course with Worcester State University was provided to CNA high school students, and connections with ST Math for the 23-24 school year was finalized for both elementary schools. I worked successfully with the Quaboag School Committee to set the Regional School Budget for the 2023-24 school year.
I have worked with thousands of students and dedicated educators, parents, and community partners. I bring all I have learned to the position of Interim Superintendent of the Easthampton Public Schools. I look forward to continuing my learning with the Easthampton community as we work together for the 2023-24 school year to meet the goals for every student in the Easthampton Public Schools.
Sincerely,
Maureen Binienda
Interim Superintendent
Past Announcements
Special Ed. Parent Advisory Council Meeting 5-26
Agenda for meeting:
Easthampton Public Schools
Special Education Parent Advisory Council
Agenda
Regular Meeting May 26, 2022
6:30 PM
Location: Virtual Only
1. Introductions
2. Carey… Read more.
Special Ed. Parent Advisory Council Meeting 5-26
Agenda for meeting:
Easthampton Public Schools
Special Education Parent Advisory Council
Agenda
Regular Meeting May 26, 2022
6:30 PM
Location: Virtual Only
1. Introductions
2. Carey Goldenberg - Occupational Therapist - Presentation (see description below)
3. Questions, Concerns, Networking - open only to parents/caregivers
4. Adjourn
This meeting will be virtual only. RSVP to Sepac@epsd.us to request a zoom link
RSVP to Sepac@epsd.us to request Spanish translation be available.
Intro to Sensory Processing:
Join us to learn about sensory processing. In this session, we’ll learn about our 8 sensory systems and the many ways sensory differences present challenges and opportunities for learning, participating, and navigating our many environments. Our district occupational therapist, Carey Goldenberg is certified in sensory integration and has over two decades of experience supporting children and families with sensory differences.
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ACTUALIZACIÓN: Esta reunión será todo virtual. Consulte los comentarios a continuación para ver la información del enlace de zoom.
Todas las familias de las Escuelas Públicas de Easthampton interesadas en aprender más sobre el PAC de Educación Especial de Easthampton están invitadas a asistir a la próxima reunión el 26 de mayo.
Reunión Ordinaria 26 de mayo de 2022
6:30 PM
Ubicación: Virtual
1. Presentaciones
2. Carey Goldenberg - Terapeuta ocupacional - Presentación
Únase a nosotros para aprender sobre el procesamiento sensorial. En esta sesión, aprenderemos sobre nuestros 8 sistemas sensoriales y las muchas formas en que las diferencias sensoriales presentan desafíos y oportunidades para aprender, participar y navegar en nuestros diversos entornos. Nuestra terapeuta ocupacional del distrito, Carey Goldenberg, está certificada en integración sensorial y tiene más de dos décadas de experiencia apoyando a niños y familias con diferencias sensoriales.
3. Preguntas y conversacion - abierto solo para padres/cuidadores
4. Suspender
Este encuentro será virtual. Confirme su asistencia a Sepac@epsd.us para solicitar un enlace de zoom.
Confirme su asistencia a Sepac@epsd.us para solicitar que la traducción al español esté disponible.
Special Education Parent Advisory Council Meeting 4/28
Easthampton Public Schools
Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
Agenda
Regular Meeting April 28, 2022
-Any interested EPS parents or guardians are welcome to attend-
6:30 PM… Read more.
Special Education Parent Advisory Council Meeting 4/28
Easthampton Public Schools
Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
Agenda
Regular Meeting April 28, 2022
-Any interested EPS parents or guardians are welcome to attend-
6:30 PM
Location: Mountain View School - Middle School Cafeteria
Agenda:
Introductions
Basic role of a SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council)
Meet Sarah Mochak, Director of Special Education
Explore topics of interest for future meetings
Informal small group discussion on topics
Adjourn
This meeting will be hybrid. RSVP to Sepac@epsd.us to request a zoom link.
RSVP to Sepac@epsd.us to request Spanish translation be available.
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Escuelas públicas de Easthampton
Comité Asesor de Padres de Educación Especial (SEPAC)
Calendario
Reunión Ordinaria 28 de abril de 2022
6:30 PM
Ubicación: Mountain View School - Cafetería de la escuela secundaria
Introducciones
Rol básico de un SEPAC (Consejo Asesor de Padres de Educación Especial)
Conozca a Sarah Mochak, Directora de Educación Especial
Explore temas de interés para futuras reuniones
Discusión informal en grupos pequeños sobre temas
Aplazar
Este encuentro será híbrido. RSVP a Sepac@epsd.us para solicitar un enlace de zoom
Confirme su asistencia a Sepac@epsd.us para solicitar que la traducción al español esté disponible.
Kindergarten Registration 2022-23 - Submit registration forms today!
Welcome to Mountain View School! All Easthampton families with students who will be 5 years old by August 31st are invited to register for Kindergarten today! Turning in your registration packets as… Read more.
Kindergarten Registration 2022-23 - Submit registration forms today!
Welcome to Mountain View School! All Easthampton families with students who will be 5 years old by August 31st are invited to register for Kindergarten today! Turning in your registration packets as soon as possible will ensure you receive information about upcoming Kindergarten screenings, play dates, and classroom teacher assignments in a timely manner.
Questions? Please call 413-529-1500 x142
Kindergarten Registration Event 3/9
Kindergarten In-Person Registration Event
March 9th from 3:30-6:00pm
at Mountain View School
Bring completed registration packet and supporting documents and register your student for… Read more.
Kindergarten Registration Event 3/9
Kindergarten In-Person Registration Event
March 9th from 3:30-6:00pm
at Mountain View School
Bring completed registration packet and supporting documents and register your student for Kindergarten for 2023-24. Staff will be on hand to accept registration packets and to answer questions about enrollment.
Registration packets will be mailed to Easthampton residents in late February. Registration documents are also available online at: https://epsd.us/students-families/student-registration
Kindergarten Information Night
Kindergarten Info Night
Thursday, January 26, 2022
5:00-6:30 pm
@ Mountain View School
200 Park St.
Attend a "Welcome to Mountain View" info session & tours of K classrooms.
Meet Mountain… Read more.
Kindergarten Information Night
Kindergarten Info Night
Thursday, January 26, 2022
5:00-6:30 pm
@ Mountain View School
200 Park St.
Attend a "Welcome to Mountain View" info session & tours of K classrooms.
Meet Mountain View School administrators, kindergarten teachers, and district staff.
Connect with other kindergarten families, and learn about upcoming registration events!
Hear from parents and students about their experiences in Easthampton schools.
Ask questions about curriculum, transportation, daily schedule and our new facilities!
Bring your future kindergartener to see their new school and receive a free "I LOVE Mountain View" button!
Winter Break - No school 12/26-1/2!
Enjoy your break! School resumes on Tuesday, January 3rd!
Easthampton Learning Foundation Campership Opportunity
Dear Easthampton School Community,
With spring and summer camps around the corner, ELF wanted to share two opportunities with you that might be helpful for your own family planning or that you… Read more.
Easthampton Learning Foundation Campership Opportunity
Dear Easthampton School Community,
With spring and summer camps around the corner, ELF wanted to share two opportunities with you that might be helpful for your own family planning or that you could bring to the attention of others in our school community:
Camp Kinda Membership: ELF is providing access to Camp Kinda for all Easthampton Public School families. Camp Kinda is an online exploratory learning experience designed to keep kids ages 3-13 engaged, curious, and entertained—at home.
To join, visit CampKinda.org, and use code ELF44 to register for free today.
If your family doesn't have access to a laptop or internet services, please reach out to EPS's Family and Engagement Coordinator, Jean Libby (jlibby@epsd.us; 413-529-1500 EXT: 142).
Camp Stipends/Camperships: Stipends are given to families of students from EPS grades K-12, on free and reduced lunch and/or limited financial resources, to help cover the cost of attending camps during spring and summer breaks. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, until funding runs out – whichever comes first.
To apply, please click this announcement to fill out the simple form.
Applications will be reviewed by EPS’s Family and Engagement Coordinator, Jean Libby, and/or building principals. Please note that all information will be kept confidential. Jean is also happy to connect with you to discuss opportunities that might be a good fit with your child(ren), and share a listing of local camps.
To make a gift to support ELF and our initiatives, or to learn more about our work, visit elfhelps.org. We’d also love to hear from you! Reach out to us at contact@elfhelps.org.
With thanks,
Gen Brough Jenny Papageorge
President Grants Chair
Strategic Planning Community Forums 2/18 or 2/28 Registration Open to All
Easthampton Public Schools are developing a strategic plan and would like your input. We are going to host two public, town hall-style meetings, facilitated by our partners at Strategy Matters.… Read more.
Strategic Planning Community Forums 2/18 or 2/28 Registration Open to All
Easthampton Public Schools are developing a strategic plan and would like your input. We are going to host two public, town hall-style meetings, facilitated by our partners at Strategy Matters.
The first, will be held virtually on Friday, February 18th at 11:30 am.
The second, will be held as a hybrid event both virtually and at Easthampton’s new Mountain View School with limited seat capacity on Monday, February 28th at 7:00 pm.
To register for one of these events visit our announcement page, or click this announcement for more information.
Over the last several months, the consulting team has hosted interviews, focus groups, and a community survey to understand community perceptions of EPS, what the district does well, and where there is need for improvement. During the town hall meeting, the consulting team will share what they have learned and ask for your thoughts. We would love to hear more about your experiences with EPS, and your thoughts about what you'd like for the district to focus on in the coming years.
This is an opportunity for us to come together as a community and create a shared vision for the future of education in our city. We hope to see you there!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Amanda
Santos Jewell, Project Manager, directly. amanda@strategymatters.org
EHS Lunch Menu Jan 22 -Week 3
Tiny Tots Classroom
A part of EHS for over 30 years! Children learn to play, work, communicate, and develop basic skills to get them ready for Kindergarten.