Good evening FLRSD,
With allowance for a necessary change in these words, “No (person) is an island unto thine self,” John Dunne brilliantly spoke of the need to work together in order to thrive. As a society, too often we individually are looking and hoping to make change, be it in organic or inorganic ways, in order to improve our “situation”. We hear what we want to hear and not the full extent of what the message is, yet we also have experienced that things are “tuned” out depending on who is speaking even if the message is helpful or true. Many of us have experienced giving advice to our children that might have been seen as baseless because we said it , yet when a coach for example, gives the same advice it is heard perfectly. And, certainly that is a natural exercise that although is frustrating, it is a prime example in how people listen.
Without hesitation collective collaboration creates far more powerful and lasting change. Individual personal change is the first step in the journey, and while needed and vitally important, is typically less likely to create a long lasting change as it often impacts others aspirations and is blind to the needs of others.
Some believe individual needs are all that matter and we only focus on others if one can get something for themselves. We so often forget that together we can create incredible change if we spend our time on collaboration rather than confrontation. We must always remember that in positivity, kindness and in openness to others' thinking, we are more likely to increase our sphere of influence. The story below, should you choose to read it, is not only simple and powerful, it is a needed reminder for all of us that when we were told growing up that “we have two ears and one mouth so we listen more and talk less” there actually was some truth to it.
In a day and age when so many live through their devices rather than speak face to face which dismisses the ability to actually hear messages, we must remember to really listen and work to understand what is being said rather than preparing to immediately respond. This habit of mind is not easy but essential yet as the story above reminds us, chosen listening is not helpful.
Everyday, I am amazed at the empathic, selfless and focused attention and listening that so many of our Principals, Directors, Faculty, Assistant Principals,Paraprofessionals, Secretaries, Staff, SRO, Counselors, Coaches, Advisors, Library and IT Staff, Nurses, Schedulers, Custodial, Maintenance and Food Service Staff give to our students, and this community everyday. And in conjunction with our Central Office Administration and Staff, School Committee, Town Hall Officials and Employees, First Responders and our community partners we will continue to build a bridge of equity, empathy, inclusion and commitment to all of our students all of which begins with listening and hearing intently and openly.
May your week be filled with joy, kindness and listening
Alan
Alan Strauss, Superintendent
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Due to the February Break, which will cover Feb 18th and Feb 25th, the next Sunday Message will be delivered March 3rd
Freetown-Lakeville Regional Schools District’s Annual Report Card
The annual DESE report cards were released and you can find results on the district website or below. Just as your child’s report card shows how they are doing in different subjects, the school’s report card is designed to show families how our school district is doing in different areas. There are many areas we are very proud of and we will continue to focus on the areas of growth in order to best serve our students.
06650002 - Freetown-Lakeville - Assawompset Elementary School |
06650015 - Freetown-Lakeville - George R Austin Intermediate School |
06650305 - Freetown-Lakeville - Freetown-Lakeville Middle School |
Excellence in School Counseling Programming Award
We are so excited to announce the following
It is with great pleasure that the Professional Recognition Committee is awarding Apponequet Regional High School as the recipients of the inaugural Excellence in School Counseling Programing Award (ESCPA) through the Massachusetts School Counselor Association.
We will celebrate at the MASCA Spring Conference on April 9th Awards Luncheon.
The team at Apponequet Regional High School has demonstrated excellence in the following areas:
A comprehensive school counseling program.
Achieved Positive results for ALL students in the areas of: AcademicTechnical, Personal/Social-Emotional, and Workplace/Career Readiness
Data driven decision making
Proves to be an intricate part of the community.
Congratulations to the team:
Lisa Craig, Guidance Administrative Secretary Jennifer Cronin, School Counselor Shawnna Fontaine, School Counselor Aimee Lombard, School Counselor Nicole Graf, School Counselor & Counseling Department Head Alison Robidoux, Adjustment Counselor and Brian Vieira, Adjustment Counselor
A huge shout out to the team and for all they do for our students, families and staff!
Pre-School
FLRSD is now accepting applications for community role model peers for the 2024/2025 school year who are residents of Freetown/Lakeville and turn age 3 between September 1, 2023 and August 31, 2024. (We are not currently accepting applications for children who will be 4-years-old prior to the start of the 2024/2025 school year). For more information about the program and/or to access the registration packet & role model questionnaire, please visit the district’s website at www.freelake.org.
SEPAC
SEPAC Meeting- Tuesday February 13th from 6:30-7:30.
Does your student have an IEP or 504? Do you have questions about special education? Are you interested in being more involved in the District's Special Education program and an advocate for District needs? Please join SEPAC and Mrs. Meredith Foye on Tuesday February 13th at 6:30 to meet other parents/guardians and learn more!
This month we will be virtual-- join us :
Tuesday, February 13 · 6:30 – 7:30pm
Time zone: America/New_York
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/kbm-hjur-jjp
Or dial: (US) +1 219-281-4827 PIN: 626 192 119#
FAFSA Delays:
The U.S. Education Department (USED) recently announced that data from college-bound students’ Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will not be delivered to colleges until March. While news of this delay is disconcerting, here is some guidance and information for students and families:
Students should still complete the FAFSA. If they are experiencing technical errors, they should be patient and keep trying, especially when it comes to reaching Federal Student Aid (FSA) by phone. Students can also contact their prospective colleges and let them know that they are having problems with their submission. Federal Student Aid continues to correct errors.
Anyone who has submitted their FAFSA but needs to make corrections will be able to do so once the FAFSA data is processed in March.
National college access organizations are urging colleges and universities to extend financial aid and admissions deadlines in light of the delayed data. Colleges that depend on the FAFSA to make aid offers will most likely be delayed in sending offers to students. However, there is widespread understanding that students need these aid offers to make a college decision.
First Student is looking for School Bus Drivers! Starting wage: $33.27. No experience necessary, they will train. Paid training, paid holidays, additional hours offered, no nights or weekends!
Qualifications:
Good verbal communication skills
At least 21 years old
Valid driver's license for at least 3 years
Be subject to a drug screen and physical
Subject to DOT drug test
If interested, please contact Ken Rezendes at 508-763-9260 or email him at kenneth.rezendes@firstgroup.com
Freetown Lakeville Regional School District School Links
Please click on the link(s) below for district information and easy access to your child’s school news
FLRSD: News | Freetown Lakeville Regional School District
ARHS: Apponequet Regional High School News
FLMS: Freetown Lakeville Middle School News
GRAIS: George R. Austin Intermediate School News
AES: Assawompset Elementary Schools News
FES: Freetown Elementary School News
Below please find links to important forms and information. These are located on our website but hope this may assist you in locating them quickly.