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Hello Oxford Community!

I hope your children are as excited to be back in school as we are to teach them! Let

me say you have done a wonderful job, and your children are great! The Oxford

educational community continues to be committed to our students and there are

many great things happening for them every day in Oxford. I would like to take this

opportunity to highlight a few of the “behind the scenes” activities that we are

working on to improve the educational program for our students.

The Chaffee and Barton Elementary Schools are in their second year of a three-year

professional development program with Novak Tiered Literacy. The teachers in the

elementary schools are digging deep ensuring that instruction follows the state

standards. We also have just launched year one of a three-year professional

development program with Math Recovery. We know mathematics is a challenge for

some of our students and this training offers teachers a great opportunity to learn the

best methods to use to improve math performance.

The Oxford Middle School has progressed in academics and has continued to move

forward with creating a school culture of safety and kindness. The teachers are

actively working with the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional

Learning (CASEL), continue promoting Rachel’s Challenge, and have provided

updates since the launch of Screenagers last year. Keep a lookout for information

from the Middle School about new technology and its use during the school year!

Much has changed at Oxford High School! Grades 8-12 have a new class schedule;

the change has allowed the High School to launch an Early College Program with

Quinsigamond Community College. Students electing to take these courses can

graduate from Oxford High School with both their Oxford High School Diploma and

up to 18 credits in college coursework. We are also working on a new internship

program for students at the High School - more information about this opportunity

will be provided in the future.

Some of the great work that was completed over the summer was the District

Strategic Plan which includes revised District Mission and Vision Statements that you

can find on Page 5 of this Newsletter. I want to express my sincere thanks to all of the

staff members, parents, and community members who took the time to take the

survey and/or participate in one of the focus groups this past school year. In order to

keep the great conversations going, I will be meeting with interested community

members at public forums to be held in the school buildings throughout the District

over the course of this school year. Please be on the lookout for dates and times of

these events - “Supper with the Super.” Lastly, please remember to check the

electronic backpack on a regular basis so not to miss important events!

Dr. Elizabeth Zielinski, Superintendent

Volume 1, Issue 1

Fall

2019

Oxford Public Schools

District Highlights An informational newsletter showcasing

news and events of the Oxford Public Schools

Superintendent’s Message

Superintendent’s

Message 1

Technology News

and Updates 2

Middle/High News 3

Elementary News 4

What is SEPAC? 5

Revised District Mission

and Vision Statements 5

Look Who’s New to

the OXPS District! 6-7

District Finance and

Operations News 8

Upcoming Important

Dates 8

Inside this Issue:

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Technology News and Updates By: Kadion Phillips, Director of Instructional Technology

1:1 Chromebooks at Oxford Middle School

With the increase in digital content and the need for online

testing, the District requested capital funding from the Town of

Oxford to place Chromebook carts in every core classroom at

Oxford Middle School.

We chose to go with Chromebooks as they integrate well with

Google and all students and staff have a Google-suite account.

Chromebooks are relatively inexpensive, quick to start up, have

a long battery life, and work well accessing online content. With

an integrated keyboard, they have similar functionality as a

regular computer.

All students at the High School have a Chromebook and take it

home at the end of the day. However, at the Middle School,

students leave the Chromebooks in the carts so there will be less

damage and wear on the devices.

The Middle School did have some Chromebook carts last year

that they used for MCAS testing. Now having a Chromebook

for each student, we will be able to test all students at the same

time in the spring instead of testing only one grade level each

day. This will shorten the amount of time required to complete

all necessary testing so this will result with more time for

classroom instruction.

Broadcast Messaging System

Oxford Public Schools continues to utilize the “OneCall Now” notification system as a means of notifying families, faculty, and staff of important information of both a general communication nature and an emergency nature. The system enables the District to send messages via telephone, email, and/or text message. This notification system is used to announce school delays and cancellations. Additionally, the system is used by the building principals to send out informational and reminder messages to parents/guardians. Lastly, it is also used by the Superintendent’s Office to communicate general newsworthy items and messages. The software pulls the personal demographic information from our PowerSchool student information system. Therefore, please be sure the District has your most up-to-date contact information on file. You are able to opt out of receiving these messages by visiting the company website: onecallnow.com.

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What’s New at Oxford High School By: David Nugent, Interim Principal

Upcoming Events at Oxford Middle School By: Amy Belhumeur, Principal

Rehearsals are well underway at Oxford Middle School preparing for our school musical, FROZEN, JR.

Students have been working extremely hard learning songs and script lines under the direction of Mrs. Looney,

Mrs. Rutkiewicz, and our student director, Miss Danielle Johnson. There are many advantages and benefits

for students who take part in a school musical production, including learning skills such as organization,

cooperation, creativity, following direction, and commitment. It also helps students make friends, build

confidence, and improves grades! Performances will be held on December 5th, 6th, and 7th. In the meantime,

we are holding a Backdrop Design Contest where individuals may submit a design for the backdrop of this all-

school musical which will help our production come to life on the stage! The contest runs until October 21st.

.

Looking for School District Information?

Please visit our website: www.oxps.org

The start of the school year now seems like a distant spot in a rearview mirror as the month of September flew

by. Staff and students are highly motivated and focused on teaching and learning. Our athletes have been

practicing and competing with great sportsmanship and our band has been outstanding at football games and

community events. The Booster Club continues to be a huge support for all of our programs and Student Council

worked diligently to prepare our student body for a fantastic Homecoming 2019.

As the leaves change colors, we continue to focus on our decennial visit in 2021 from the New England

Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). To prepare for this accreditation visit, our teachers have been

working hard to update our curriculum maps on Rubicon Atlas (a curriculum management platform). We will

also be transforming our Core Values and Beliefs into our Vision of the Graduate to better identify the skills we

want our graduates to have by the time they leave us.

Safety and Security at Oxford High School

Through a grant, Oxford High School was able to install 27

additional cameras to our current security system. These

cameras are currently up and running.

We are thankful to parents/guardians for adhering to the

new student drop-off procedure. From 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

vehicles are asked to drive around the school and drop

students off at the designated area on the left side of the

building across from the cafeteria. This has allowed for a

much safer and more fluid morning student drop-off which

has also shown a decrease in student tardiness. Thank you!

Holiday Band and Chorus Concert

The Middle School Holiday Band and Chorus Concert

will be held on Thursday, December 12th, in the

Middle School Auditorium. This family-friendly event

is always enjoyable and a great kick-start to the

holiday season. We look forward to seeing you there!

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News from Barton Elementary School By: John Quinn, Principal

Sensory Space

We are currently working to create a sensory

space in alignment with our Mindfulness

program, where students can use the space to

practice the techniques they've learned in

Mindfulness class, such as the breathing and

focusing skills. This will be a smaller space

that can be utilized by any student who needs

a quiet space to calm down or to privately

speak with a staff member. We will keep our

Barton families updated on when we get it

started and how it is being utilized.

Grade 2 Mindfulness Class with teacher, Mrs. Casillo

Students practicing their breathing and focusing skills

News from Chaffee Elementary School By: Robert Pelczarski, Principal

Mindfulness is the psychological process of focusing

one's attention and awareness to experiences

occurring in the present moment, without judgment

and by calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s

feelings and thoughts. This mental state can be

developed and achieved through the practice of

meditation and other therapeutic techniques.

Once again this year at Chaffee Elementary School our Kindness Committee took over on World Smile Day

(October 4th) and celebrated what we do best…combining KINDNESS with HAPPINESS. Our staff

coordinated our 2nd annual can drive for the Oxford Food Shelf and hosted a school-wide assembly to

celebrate our “Kindness Kick-off.” Well over 10 large boxes of non-perishable food items were collected.

The “Kindness Kick-off” event was implemented to run in conjunction with our 365Z Kindness Program

which has been instrumental to many of our positive interactions over the past two years at Chaffee

Elementary School. Way to go team Chaffee!

Kindness Kick-off - Student Assembly Chaffee staff models KINDNESS!

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The Oxford Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is an

all-volunteer organization of parents and caregivers of children

receiving support services in the Oxford Public Schools and private

school settings. The SEPAC is a self-governing body (creates its own

by-laws and operational procedures) and is open to all parents of

children with disabilities and other interested parties. A SEPAC is

different from a PTA, PTO, or School Council – it does not represent

families from one school, but rather serves all families of children with

special needs from the entire school district.

In the Oxford school system, there are approximately 290 students on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and

80 students on 504 plans (accommodation plans). The mission of the Oxford SEPAC is to promote and help

facilitate a network for parents of children with special needs and disabilities, and provide a forum to share

information and discuss matters of relative interest and concerns. The goal is to work together as a team and

stimulate meaningful dialogue with the professionals that support our children within the school setting, in order

to make a difference for our children’s experiences in school and prepare them for their life’s journey. Whether

your child is already receiving support or you are trying to determine if your child needs services, the SEPAC is

here to provide a parent’s perspective and connections. If you would like additional information on the SEPAC,

please feel free to contact me at: shenrichon@oxps.org OR at 508-987-6050 x3.

What is the Oxford SEPAC? By: Dr. Susan Henrichon, Assistant Superintendent

District Mission and Vision Statements

Mission Statement

The Oxford Public School District engages ALL students in a comprehensive and

challenging learning experience through high quality instruction that supports

each student’s academic, social, and emotional development, while fostering a

commitment to community so students thrive in a technological global society,

prepared for life, college, career, or the military.

Vision Statement

It is the vision of the Oxford Public School District that through implementation of

best educational practices, utilizing technology and rigorous curriculum, our

students will lead and shape the future.

** Academic Excellence **

** High Expectations **

** Responsibility **

** Respect **

** Kindness **

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Patrick Button

High School English Teacher

Look Who’s New to the OXPS District!

This section of our District Newsletter is dedicated to introducing and spotlighting a few of our newer staff members.

In this edition we will tell you a little about Caitlyn Dawe, Patrick Button, Samantha Allyn, and Christen Hutchinson.

Caitlyn Dawe joined the OXPS District in February 2019 as our Human

Resources Specialist. She is originally from Burlington, Massachusetts and

holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management from Bay Path

University. She has been in the Human Resources field for about seven years

but this is her first time working for a school department. Caitlyn works in the

Central Office processing payroll, onboarding and assisting employees with the

benefits programs, and addressing other personnel-related and employee

matters. All new employees will meet with Caitlyn upon hire, and existing

employees will hear from her occasionally with respect to updating a CORI or

completing the annual mandatory training. She tells us that what she likes most

about her job is meeting staff on their first day of employment and then being

there for them all the way through, maybe even until retirement!

In her spare time, Caitlyn enjoys reading, watching horror movies (the scarier

the better!), hiking, and jogging with her dog, Sushi. (Can you guess what her

favorite food might be?!) She thinks that in a past life she might have been an

owl because she is basically nocturnal! WhooWhoo doesn’t love a night owl!?

Staff members are welcome to reach out to Caitlyn with any questions or

concerns - she can be reached at 508-987-6050 x1114, at cdawe@oxps.org, or

feel free to stop by the Central Office to say hello! Welcome aboard, Caitlyn!

Caitlyn Dawe

Human Resources Specialist

This school year we were pleased to welcome Mr. Patrick Button as our new

English Teacher at Oxford High School. He hails from Sturbridge,

Massachusetts and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Worcester State University.

He is currently enrolled in a Master’s Degree program at Western New

England College. Mr. Button previously worked as a Substitute Teacher and

Summer School English Teacher at Tantasqua Regional High School, and then

spent three years as an English Teacher for Springfield Public Schools. An

interesting fact about Mr. Button is that he had planned to be a Police Officer

after graduating from college but instead decided to seek a career in education!

Mr. Button tells us that what he enjoys most about his current job at OXPS is

the sense of community at Oxford High School - he looks forward to coming to

work every day because of the students and faculty. As such, he has also become

very involved in other aspects of Oxford Public Schools, serving as a coach for

the middle school field hockey team and junior varsity boys basketball team.

Additionally, he is the 2019-2020 student council advisor. One may wonder if

Mr. Button is a Superhero taking on all of those additional duties; however, he

tells us that if he was a Superhero, his superpower would be never needing

coffee to feel energized at 6:00 a.m.! (I bet most of us can relate to that!)

When he’s not teaching English to our students, Mr. Button likes watching

sports; in fact, if he could invent a holiday it would be the Monday after

Superbowl (“super” idea!). He also enjoys walking his dog, exercising, and

spending time with family and friends. Welcome aboard, Mr. Button!

Honoring All Who Served *** VETERANS DAY *** Thank You!

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Samantha Allyn

School Psychologist

Christen Hutchinson

Assistant Principal

Look Who’s New to the OXPS District! (continued)

The Oxford Public School District welcomed a new School Psychologist this

year, Mrs. Samantha Allyn. Samantha is originally from New Jersey but

currently resides in Rhode Island. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in

Psychology from the University of Rhode Island, a Psychologist Education

Specialist Certificate from Rider University, and brings with her 5 years of

professional experience. She enjoys helping students and families access support

for mental health and address how mental health impacts student learning.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys attending comedy shows and rock concerts

with her husband, and visiting her parents. An interesting fact about Samantha

is that she collects vinyl records! She also tells us that if she could invent a

holiday, it would definitely involve pizza and puppies! Welcome, Samantha!

Please welcome Mrs. Christen Hutchinson who joined our staff this school year

as the new Assistant Principal at Clara Barton Elementary School. This is her

first year as an administrator after spending twelve years in special education.

Mrs. Hutchinson is originally from Woburn, Massachusetts. She attended

college in Plymouth, England where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in

Psychology. While in England, she got married and gave birth to her son.

After graduating and returning to the United States, she began working as an

Applied Behavior Analyst at Crossroads School for Children. She attended

Simmons College and earned her Master’s Degree in Special Education. After

three years at Crossroads she transitioned to working in public schools. She

spent three years in Norton, Massachusetts as a Special Education Teacher for

Grades K-3, then six years in Southbridge, Massachusetts as a Special Education

Teacher for elementary students with emotional disabilities. During her time in

Southbridge she earned her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS)

in Special Education. Mrs. Hutchinson was recognized for her leadership skills

in Southbridge and was pursued by the school administration to obtain her

Principal/Assistant Principal license.

Mrs. Hutchinson is greatly enjoying her new role as Assistant Principal at Clara

Barton and is learning the names and faces of all our students. In addition to

assisting with the day-to-day responsibilities of running the school, she will serve

as the lead administrator working with teachers on the new math curriculum.

She currently lives in Northbridge, Massachusetts with her husband, son, and

black labrador retriever. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and kayaking.

Welcome aboard, Mrs. Hutchinson!

The importance of addressing social-emotional needs of children has been well

documented. These needs have become increasingly critical as children face

difficult challenges at school and in their personal lives. Research shows that

psychologically competent children are more likely to avoid high-risk activities

that can have dangerous consequences for their health and well-being. Schools

have the potential to reach these students, and school psychologists can provide

the leadership necessary to enhance their experiences by helping with academic

performance, boosting social functioning, working to resolve behavioral

problems, and supporting overall emotional health. With that being said…

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The Fall Season Means Budget Season for OXPS

Fall has arrived! This means it’s time for the Oxford Public Schools to begin

developing the District’s operating budget for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2020 -

June 30, 2021). This process is a collaborative and public process which engages

the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, School Committee, Town and

District staff, and citizens of Oxford.

The Superintendent of Schools and School Business Administrator are responsible for coordinating, developing,

and monitoring the annual budget process based on budget guidelines and a calendar timeline established by the

School Committee. These guidelines and calendar timeline provide the school administration with the roadmap

necessary to develop and present a proposed annual budget in a timely and efficient manner. The Superintendent

is tasked with recommending a budget that advances and promotes the School Committee’s goals and objectives,

while the School Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving the recommended District budget to be

presented to the Town.

The following is a general calendar timeline of budget development events for Oxford Public Schools:

Early Fall - The School Committee gives the directive to the Superintendent as to what type of budget should be

developed for the next fiscal year, and approves the annual budget calendar timeline.

Fall - All Principals and Department Heads are directed to prepare their respective preliminary budget requests.

Late Fall/Early Winter - All Principals and Department Heads meet with the Superintendent and School Business

Administrator to review existing staffing levels, assess budget priorities, discuss budget requests, and develop

preliminary departmental budgets. During this time, a series of meetings are conducted with the Town Manager,

Superintendent, Finance Director, and School Business Administrator to discuss the current financial health of

the Town, to review budget issues, and to finalize a school budget dollar figure. The Superintendent, in

consultation with the School Business Administrator and the District’s administrative leadership, then reviews

preliminary budget requests and makes recommendations to the School Committee.

Winter - Joint meetings are held between the School Committee and Finance Committee as well as the School

Committee and Board of Selectmen. The District presents its recommended budget for the next fiscal year.

Late Winter/Early Spring - Prior to the Annual Town Meeting, the School Committee holds a public hearing on

the recommended budget. The School Committee votes on whether to approve the budget as recommended.

Spring - The Annual Town Meeting is held in May and seeks authorization from the Townspeople to appropriate

the District budget as part of the total Town operating budget.

Teacher Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Reports Cards Issued for First Quarter Grades Friday, November 8, 2019

Veterans Day - NO SCHOOL Monday, November 11, 2019

Parent/Teacher Evening Conferences - Chaffee Elementary Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Parent/Teacher Afternoon Conferences - ½ DAY for Students Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Parent/Teacher Evening Conferences - Barton Elementary Thursday, November 14, 2019

Parent/Teacher Evening Conferences - Oxford Middle School Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Parent/Teacher Evening Conferences - Oxford High School Thursday, November 21, 2019

Day Before Thanksgiving - ½ DAY SCHOOL Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Thanksgiving Recess - NO SCHOOL Thursday & Friday, November 28 & 29, 2019

Winter Recess - NO SCHOOL December 23, 2019 - January 1, 2020

District Finance and Operations News By: Justin Leduc, School Business Administrator and Director of Operations

Upcoming Important Dates