Staffing Update

April 26, 2016

Because of a decrease in enrollment, we will be going from 21 to 20 classroom sections.  This means that we will have:

• 3 sections: Kindergarten
• 3 sections:  First Grade
• 3 sections:  Second Grade
• 3 sections:  Third Grade
• 4 sections:  Fourth Grade
• 4 sections:  Fifth Grade

At the end of this year, several staff members will begin new chapters in their lives, so there will be many changes in our community.  

Pam Saba, assistant principal/PE teacher/Wellness Director, will be retiring at the end of this year.  Pam has worn many hats during her tenure in the Winchester Public Schools, and in each role she has left a lasting impression.  We will miss her warm smile and her commitment to do whatever it takes to meet students’ needs.

Ellen Souris, grade 3 teacher, will be retiring after 36 years of teaching.  Throughout the years Ellen worked hard to connect with her students, and as a result, they were eager to show their best self in all parts of their day.  Ellen was so very proud to be part of our community and her compassion will be greatly missed.

Mindy Davin, social worker, has resigned.  Mindy has played an integral role in developing the Partnership Program, which is in its third year.  Her passion for what she does and her ability to connect with her students and their families will be greatly missed.

Andrea Phelan, grade 3 teacher, was named Assistant Principal to Lynch School.  Andrea has been an interim Assistant Principal at Lynch since October; how lucky for Lynch!  Her dedication and commitment to her students and their families and her craft were notable.  We will miss her positive energy and strong work ethic!

Christina Ulacco:  will be leaving the kindergarten team to join the third grade team.  Christina is excited to take on this new challenge, and the third grade team is eager to work with her.

Leah Ferullo, grade 5 teacher, will be taking a one year leave of absence to complete her Doctorate program.  

Dina Smith, grade 2 teacher, is expecting her first child in July.  She has decided to take a year’s leave of absence to spend time with her baby.  

Liz Orfanos, special education teacher, is also expecting her first child in June, and she has made the decision to take a one year leave of absence.   

I know that you join me in wishing these members of our community all the best!

If you would like to be on one of the hiring committees, please contact me.

Best,

Laurie

April is Autism Awareness Month and Saturday, April 2nd was World Autism Awareness Day. Groups and buildings around the world Lit It Up Blue by wearing blue or putting up blue lights to raise awareness.  Winchester is hosting the 4th annual "Light It Up Blue" event on Thursday, April 7.  There will be a lighting ceremony at Winchester Town Common at 7:00 p.m. that evening.  We invite all of our students to wear blue to school on Thursday, April 7.

Placement Information:

In the next couple of months we will be starting the process of placing students for next year. Please know that a tremendous amount of time and thought goes into student placement.  The Muraco staff works tirelessly to meet the needs of all students.

      

Our goal is that each child's placement is thoughtfully considered.  To best meet the needs of each child, we will be doing placement in the following manner: we will consider teachers' suggestions, past school experiences, academic and social/emotional achievement, and input from support staff, as well as input from you, should you choose to offer it.

      What would you like us to know about your child (his/her learning style, social/emotional characteristics, or any additional considerations) that you feel should be factored into the placement process? Specific teacher requests will not be honored.  If you would like to express your thoughts about your child's style of learning, please send a letter or an email to me by Friday, April 15.  

    Thank you for being committed to your child's education! We look forward to a great finish this year and to a wonderful 2016-2017 school year.

Best,

Laurie Kirby

Friendly Reminders

To assist us with our planning for next year please:

• Complete and return Kindergarten registration packets as soon as possible.   
• Contact Lori McKinney if you will be moving at the end of this school year.