Painting Donated to Memorial School

The Memorial School Community will have the pleasure of enjoying an original work of art each day as they pass through the lobby of the school.  Upton resident, and parent of a Memorial School student, Scott Joseph recently delivered a painting, titled “Bus Stop”, which was painted by his mother Marlene Joseph.  The painting is a donation from the Joseph family and will take its place of honor in the entrance way of the school.

 

The artistic works of Marlene Joseph, a prolific artist and teacher, are represented in numerous private collections and galleries throughout the United States and several foreign countries, including Africa and New Zealand.  Her paintings represent a wide range of style, techniques and subject matter, which won frequent awards in New England art exhibitions.  Her sympathetic treatment of poignant subjects enchants the eyes and often evokes an emotional response.  “Sunday Morning”, a nostalgic definition of a quiet New England village was selected as a cover for the well-known New England monthly publication- “Yankee”.

 

Marlene began her art education as a child, and continued her studies through the Pittsburgh Institute of Fine Art.  Professionally, she held painting classes for both adults and children at her Studio & Gallery in Brockton MA for over twenty-years.  Marlene also taught painting at Stonehill College in Easton MA.  Her gifted talents and professional interest in art took many forms, including- studio teacher, club lecturer, art workshop demonstrator, volunteer teacher of underprivileged children, art show judge, art association president and officer, to name just a few.

Marlene is now a retired artist, living on Cape Cod, and still enjoys painting at home and on her annual trips to Ogunquit and Wells Maine.  Marlene has grandchildren who are attending Memorial School.

 

Setting Goals

Beginning next year, the new Educator Evaluation System will be utilized to evaluate all teachers and specialists in Massachusetts schools.  The Mendon Upton Regional School District, under the direction of superintendent Dr. Joseph Maruszczak, has begun the process of working together to better understand the evaluation tool and the impact it will have on teaching and learning.

As a district, we have begun "unpacking" the rubric which will help us to define and quantify best practices.  Each teacher has also developed SMART Goals which are being submitted to their building principals.  This year, as part of the learning process, each educator has been asked to submit a professional practice goal, as well as a student learning goal.  As the principal of Memorial School, I have had the pleasure of meeting with teachers to discuss their goals and the impact they hope each will have on the learning of the students they serve.  With each meeting, I am more and more impressed with the level of professionalism and commitment of the teachers I am fortunate enough to work with.  The amount of thought and reflection that have clearly been put into each goal is evidence of  the dedication the staff has to providing EVERY student at Memorial School with a positive learning experience, as well as academic and social success.

With the hectic pace that most days bring, the opportunity to sit with teachers and reflect on our practices has been extremely rewarding.  Although change is not always easy, I think that any change which promotes reflection and conversation has to be viewed as positive. 

Mrs. Horn and Miscoe Hill Skippers are Recognized by the American Heart Association

Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to join members of the Memorial School Family to honor the hard work of Physical Education Teacher Chrissy Horn and the Miscoe Hill Skippers (many of whom are former Memorial School students.)

The American Heart Association held their Heart of Our Mission Award Ceremony on September 27th in Boston.  This event was a volunteer appreciation and awards reception celebrating the volunteers that have been instrumental in achieving the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.  Ms. Horn was asked to have the Miscoe Hill Skippers perform at the ceremony before learning that she was chosen as one of the recipients of this award.   Of the many thousands of volunteers who give their time to these organizations, only six volunteers are selected annually to receive the Heart of Our Mission Award.

Chrissy Horn is not only a dedicated educator, but gives her time willingly to coach the Skippers, enabling them to develop the skills that will help motivate other students to be fit and live a healthy lifestyle through the Jump Rope for Heart Program.  Ms. Horn and the Miscoe Hill Skippers have performed at a number of schools to kick off this important initiative.

Congratulations to Ms. Horn and the Miscoe Hill Skippers for their hard work and  this important award.