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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: [email protected] 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 [email protected], 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