by Steev Riccardo

Oxford – The Oxford School Committee signed off on a new three- year contract with the Oxford Education Association (OEA) between teachers and the schools this past Monday night at its bi-monthly meeting at Oxford High School.

Amy Belhumer, who is a teacher at the Oxford Middle School and the incoming President of the OEA, was happy with the negotiations.

“This year we sat down, just school committee members, just teachers, and the superintendent, and worked out the contract together without lawyers,” said Belhumer.

“I think it worked out very well with the resources that we had and we came to an amicable agreement together as two groups and there was not a lot of anger or resentment.”  

The term of the agreement between the union and the schools is for three years, versus the one-year contracts of previous years.

School Committee chairman Daniel Coonan praised both sides for getting the agreement done and singled out the work of former school committee member Marc Peterson and current member and former chairperson Brenda Ennis for their outstanding efforts in doing so.

The Committee also paid tribute to and honored Oxford High School band director Alton Baggett and the school band for their excellent accomplishments this year and years past.

“We have a very special night because our band director Alton Baggett is going to allow his students to present all their accomplishments from this year,” said Superintendent of Schools Allen Himmelberger.

“We are very proud of all that they have been able to accomplish because Alton Baggett literally is a one-man band.”

“It has been extremely rewarding working with these kids and no matter how seemingly low we start out with, the amount of music we can play by the end of the year, they are doing college level work,” said Baggett, who has been the band director since 1998.

Band captain Lauren Puishys and lieutenant captain Laura Holmes also addressed the committee and told them about their trip to Riverside Church in New York City and the awards they received while they were. They also talked about the sightseeing and other activities they were able to take part in while in the Big Apple.

Lastly, in what Himmelberger called “one of the most important meetings of the year, the committee heard representatives from all the school buildings and school programs present to the school committee for “perusal and approval the reading plans, the improvement plans, and handbook changes.”

Himmelberger said, “It is a very important part of what the school committee does.” They were also presented end-of-year reports from program directors, special education technology, curriculum, and Title I.

The committee will meet again on June 18 at Oxford High School in a public meeting.

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BOSTON, MA – State Treasurer Steven Grossman, Chairman of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), and Jack McCarthy, MSBA Executive Director, today announced that the MSBA Board voted to approve the schematic design and funding for repairs to the Oxford Middle School. One of the next steps is for the District and the MSBA to enter into a Project Funding Agreement, which will detail the project’s scope and budget and set forth the terms and conditions under which the District will receive its grant from the MSBA. 

The proposed project would upgrade building systems potentially including roof, windows, boilers, and HVAC. The estimated total budget for the project is $6,128,870. The estimated Total Facilities Grant is $3,369,847.

 “This project will not only create a top-notch learning facility, but it will also create well-paying, highly skilled jobs, which are vitally important in the current economy,” said Treasurer Grossman.

 “The repair work to Oxford Middle School will mean a better learning and teaching environment for students and teachers in the District,” said Executive Director McCarthy. “It’s really great when we can extend the useful life of these buildings.”

The MSBA partners with Massachusetts communities to support the design and construction of educationally-appropriate, flexible, sustainable, and cost-effective public school facilities. Since its inception, the Authority has made $8.7 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects. These timely payments have saved municipalities over $2.9 billion in avoided local interest costs and have provided much needed cash flow to communities.

Text and photos by Steev Riccardo

Oxford – The Oxford School Committee unveiled its three new elected members this past Monday night and immediately proceeded to elect a new chairperson.

New chairperson Daniel Coonan

Former Oxford Selectman Daniel Coonan was introduced as a new committee member and soon thereafter was voted in by a 3-2 margin to replace Brenda Ennis as the committee’s new chairperson.

The committee also introduced the other two new members, former Oxford Selectman Alice Walker, and Sarah Gaucher.

“It’s very exciting to be a member of this new school board. I think you will see a very diverse population on it,” said Coonan. “It will work for a good year and we should get along and look out for the best interest for the town of Oxford.”

Alice Walker

Walker, who was the first woman selectman in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, said, “It’s a challenge to face the problems that we have today to stretch that dollar and still serve all the people and all the children to the best of our ability.”

“The number one reason I ran for school committee is I think that we can do better than be a level three district,” said Gaucher. “I think that parents need to know that they have a voice to change the way schools run and to get our parents out there to vote and to talk to school principals.”

Sarah Gaucher

Brenda Ennis commented, “As we closed out the last meeting it was an historic one and I think this one is an historic one as well. We have two former Board of Selectman members and a very involved mom who has children in different schools in the area, so I have to say that it is a great dynamic.”

The trio of new board members replaced Marc Peterson, Laura Coonan, and Stephen Anderson.

Zach Tremblay also attended the meeting as the new student council representative.  “I’m sure Zach will do a great job, just as his predecessor Ryan Donovan did and we look forward to having him here,” said Ennis.

The School Committee will meet again on June 11 at Oxford High School at 6PM.

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Voter ID questions pass--
with low voter turnout

Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

On Tuesday, May 15, 2012, the second-lowest turnout of Oxford’s 8,654 registered voters showed up for their constitutional right to vote. Ballots cast totaled 384 or 4.4% of all registered voters. Although there were no contested elections taking place, according to Lori Kelly, Town Clerk, this was the second lowest voter turnout for a Town Election since 1995, when she began tracking them. Dennis Lamarche, who ran unopposed, was re-elected as Selectman with 277 votes and Daniel Coonan along with Sarah Gaucher were elected to 3-year terms to the School Committee with 249 and 195 votes, respectively. Alice Walker was voted in to fill a 2-year vacancy on the School Committee with 294 votes. Additionally, John Bowes received 273 votes to win a 3-year term as a Library Trustee and Rene Hamel collected 265 votes for a 3-year seat on the Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Committee. Howard Merson received 262 votes to fill a 5-year seat on the Housing Authority and Joseph Depasquale obtained 259 votes for a 3-year term as Trustee of the Charles Larned Entertainment Fund. Nancy Maki’s total of 284 votes allowed her to fill a 2-year vacancy as a Trustee of the same Entertainment Fund.

Of the four ballot questions, results were as follows: Prop 2 ½ exemption to pay Oxford’s share of the Bay Path High School renovation project was narrowly defeated 187 to 181; a non-binding instruction to the town’s state representatives and senator to vote in favor of legislation requiring proof of U.S. Citizenship and legal Massachusetts residence before allowing a person to register to vote in all elections was passed 318 yes votes versus 52 no. Also listed as non-binding were questions 3 and 4, instructing Oxford’s state representatives and senator to vote in favor of legislation requiring Massachusetts election officials to require a picture ID before allowing a person to vote, as well as to vote similarly requiring proof of U.S. Citizenship and legal Massachusetts residence from the applicant before providing any form of state benefit, assistance, or public subsidy for said individual. Votes cast were 298 in favor 71 nay; and 321 in favor with 45 nay, respectively.

Text and Photo by Steev Riccardo

Oxford - The Oxford School Committee said goodbye to Five Oxford Teachers and three-fifths of its committee on Monday night at its regular meeting at Oxford High School.

“We have an historic night and we start by saying goodbye and thank you to a combined 163 years of teaching experience,” were the opening words school committee chairperson Brenda Ennis.

The five teachers who are retiring this year from the Oxford School district are Barbara Boulay, 35 years with the Oxford Middle School as an English Teacher; Jean Buell, 31 years with the Chaffee school as a Literary Teacher; Kathleen Casavant, 34 years with Oxford High School as an English Teacher; Dixie Lawrence, 29 years with Oxford High School as a Health Teacher; and Martha Spinney, 34 years at Oxford High School as a Math Teacher.

Ennis further acknowledged the departing teachers by saying, “It is truly this committee’s honor to have you here tonight. You will be greatly missed”.

Superintendent of Schools Allen Himmelberger also addressed the retiring group of teachers. “On behalf of Oxford public schools we are very fortunate to have had your expertise and competence all these years. You will be missed but never forgotten.”

The Committee also said goodbye to three of its members who are retiring.  Marc Anderson is leaving after 21 years; Laura Coonan, who served six years; and Stephen Anderson who was with the committee for the last year. All were attending their final meeting. Ennis said, “We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your hard work.”

Himmelberger also honored four Oxford High School students for being essay finalists in a state wide writing competition. Seniors Michelle Williams, Nicole Westerlind, Nicole Mangaudis, and Jenna Mandella all were present and acknowledged for their excellence in essay writing.

Mandella was also honorable mention for the Will McDonough award for her essay on the Oxford Girls Field Hockey team, of which she was a member.

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Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

Oxford’s May Town Meeting brought out 171 voters to review and act on 29 articles presented by Town Moderator Russell Rheault. In addition to customary & usual money transfers, voters approved compensation for the School Committee with the Chairman’s annual stipend to be $750 and members allowed $650. The Finance Committee had opposed the measure.

Additionally, voters unanimously approved demolition of the 5 Sigourney Street property (formerly the school administration building) for expansion of the Town Hall parking lot and also approved revolving fund authorizations to credit fees & receipts from wiring, plumbing, and gas inspections. The voters also allowed a $30,000 transfer to the Tercentenary Trust Fund to pay for services hosting the Town’s upcoming anniversary celebration with the understanding that any funds not used will be returned to the Town.

The warrant article for becoming a member of the Central Mass. Mosquito Control Project for three years was defeated due to the annual $60,000 cost. The Planning Board recommended the article for passage while the Finance Committee voted it down. Selectman Saad spoke about the Board of Health’s support of the article due to the many areas in town surrounded by wetlands and swampy areas that breed mosquitoes. Selectmen Chair Caissie suggested that more information be obtained and perhaps placing the article on the October Town Meeting Warrant.

An exemption for excise tax was passed applicable to active and full-time military service members wherein their motor vehicle would not be subject to the tax if they were deployed or stationed outside U.S. Territories for a period of at least 45 days. Additionally, voters approved the $73,800,000 borrowing authorized by the Southern Worcester County Reg’l School District for the purpose of renovating the Bay Path Reg’l Vocational High School. John Lafleche, the school’s Business Manager, and Michael McKeon, building architect, were present and gratefully acknowledged the positive impact upon passage of the article.

Voters also passed Article 24 authorizing petition of the General Court for special legislation amending the Town Charter to provide submission of the budget by the Town Manager at least 45 days prior to the Annual Town Meeting instead of 90 days. The Finance Committee had also recommended passage of this article. Final article acceptances included safety personnel radio coverage improvements, allowing a solar farm to be located on Town-owned land east of Industrial Park-East, and receiving a land gift from the Robert Chaffee Trust. Lastly, a non-binding vote was taken regarding non-regionalization of the new animal shelter/animal control position.

Oxford senior, Savannah Goodrich

Text and photo by Steev Riccardo 

OXFORD—Oxford High School students who took a simulated driving test this past week were able to see the results of drinking and driving, texting and driving—or being distracted while driving.

The UMass teen D.R.I.V.E. program, which stands for “Distracted Reality – an interactive virtual education,” allows teenagers to spend 30 minutes in a simulator called “One Simple Decision.” This simulator focuses on “the perils of distracted driving including the use of cell phones and driving under the influence.”  By participating, the driver is introduced to a variety of distractions, which help reinforce making the right decisions for safe driving.

Oxford High School Principal Kevin Wells discovered the program and helped bring in to the high school.

“Last year the University of Massachusetts Medical School was able to procure a grant, and I noticed that they had a truck that was going to all the high schools in the city of Worcester. I took the liberty of calling them, and they said they were only doing city schools because of the way the grant was written.”

Wells asked them to contact him if that changed, which it did. “I am glad that I took that initiative because they called me to see if we would still be interested. This entire week they have been here from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.” 

Driving instructor, Tom Welch, who operates the truck which is sponsored by All-State Insurance said, “We are trying to show the implications of drunk driving and texting and driving with this simulation.  We also go through the reality of being stopped, taking a sobriety test—and the reality of being booked and brought to the impound.  There is also a simulation of going in front of a judge. It’s all based on reality. All State funds the program, and they do a great job.  They get about 100 kids during the week to watch the 30 minute simulation.”

Oxford High School senior, Savannah Goodrich, decided to try the program after one of her friends told her that it would be a good experience for her.  “I have obviously talked on the phone and driven before, and the test was difficult. When it comes to driving impaired after watching this it is something I would never do, so I definitely learned a lot from it.”

“I think this program is especially important here at Oxford High School because we don’t have our own in house drivers education program,” said Wells, “It’s about education. Everything we do, we try to educate the kids in some way, shape, or form.  This has been a great week and a great program. The kids are really enjoying doing it.”

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By Steev Riccardo

OXFORD – Superintendent of Schools Allen Himmelberger asked the Oxford School Committee to reconsider its decision to make November 21 a full school day, and instead make it a half day, in a final change to the 2012-13 school calendar, at their meeting on Monday night.

The committee voted unanimously to change the full day on November 21 to a half-day and make June 11 the final school day of the year instead of June 12.

During the superintendent’s segment, Himmelberger sent out a word of the wise to Oxford High School seniors who will be graduating in five weeks. “I encourage seniors to enjoy the moment and to be safe from now until the end of the year.”

Committee member Marc Peterson, who will soon be retiring, paid tribute to both the Oxford Middle School and Oxford High School on the success of their recent school plays. He said that they both “did a tremendous job.”

The Oxford School Committee will meet again on May 7.

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Juniors Ryan Donovan and Anissa White will attend Art All-State

Photos and text by Steev Riccardo

OXFORD - When walking through Oxford High School, you can barely escape noticing the paintings on the walls throughout the building. They are among the unique features that gives this school a comfortable and hip "feel."

The paintings were already on the walls when current Principal Kevin Wells took the job, and he gave no thought to removing them. 

“Prior to my arrival, one of my colleagues decided it would be a great idea to have the students paint on the walls, and I totally agree with it.” said Wells.  “This is a school that is driven by students, and it’s for students; so I think it’s a wonderful presentation. We started a tradition over the years, where every year the senior class has its best artist do a senior mural in one of the hallways.  It’s two things: one, it shows that the kids are part of the fiber of the school, and more importantly, it shows off the talents of the young artists we have.”

Wells credits former art teacher Susan Briody, who retired last year, as being “the mainstay of the art department for many years.”  Upon her leaving, Briody and Wells hired someone who Briody “was very comfortable turning the department over to,” her former student Jaimee Taborda.

Art Teacher Jaimee Taborda and Anissa White

Taborda who graduated from Oxford High School in 1997, took over for her former teacher, and the transition was a smooth and easy one for the school.  She had actually filled in for her predecessor in 2007-08 when Briody was on sick leave, so she wasn’t completely new to running the department.

“It’s going pretty well,” said the Gordon College School of Art graduate. “It’s really important to encourage the students to do their best work all the time. I have high standards, and that takes a little getting used to for some students, but if you raise the bar, most of the kids will reach that level, so I think that the quality of work is improving all the time.  I’m hopeful in four years, when I have had the freshmen for four full years, we will see some results.”

The Oxford Art Department has about 150 students in it this year, with the most advanced class having 24 of those students."Out of those 24 kids, 6 or 7 are considering doing something with art after high school, maybe 4 of them are more serious,” said Taborda.

Oxford art students in class

Two of Taborda’s top students, juniors Anissa White and Ryan Donovan, have been accepted to Art All-State, a program for juniors at Worcester Art Museum, which takes place in May.  “I was able to nominate them both, and I was shocked that they were both accepted because a lot of times they only accept one student per school.”

150 art students from all over the state will be attending. “It’s really cool to see all the students from around the state,” she said.

All the students who attend the Art All-State will collaborate on a huge installation piece that will stay at the Worcester Art Museum.  

Taborda had great things to say about both White and Donovan who are two of the stars of her Art group and have been with her for over a year now.

“Anissa wants to go to art school; she works very hard to make things happen. Her peers see her as very talented and she is getting to be more of her own artist and not just do what I ask her to do. She is very focused on portfolio and getting herself ready for college.” said Taborda.

White attended St. Anne’s School in Webster and became interested in art at a young age, and it has been her passion ever since.  “I was excited my sophomore year when Mrs. Taborda came because she taught us so much and we did so many projects,” said the bright-eyed junior.

She is involved in many aspects of the department, including painting, 3D design, drawing, oil paints, just to name a few. “I want to go to college for drawing and painting.  My top two choices are the Hartford Art School and Mass Art in Boston.”

White, who lives with her mom Sharon Gemme and her stepfather Dan Fitzpatrick, is also in the National Honor Society and plays three sports (cross country, basketball, track) because “I really love to run, ” she says.

Donovan, on the other hand, is not sure he wants to go to school for art “but is very talented,” said Taborda.  “He has grown tremendously from when I had him last year. He works hard.  He is very thoughtful, and he takes in the things that I say and listens to the critique. He looks for critique of his work, which I think is very important. He has this love for art, but when he is thinking about college he is thinking about something completely different. I am hoping that Art All-State will guide him.”

“When I got here I had Mrs. Briody and she was so influential to me; I loved her personality, and her teaching was very good. She taught me how to draw faces, which is what I love to do now,” said Donovan, who is “best friends” with White.  “It reflects on most of the work I do because I mostly do portraits.  Mrs. Taborda has helped me improve on several things.  I’m not sure I want to major in art, but I would like to do it as a personal thing.”

“I think the art program here is fantastic. We are one of the only schools where we are allowed to paint on the walls and people do take notice of that,” said Donovan, who lives with his parents Jon and Marie Donovan, “I really have grown so much in art here so I think it’s a great program.”

“It’s been a pretty interesting experience,” said White. “The art department has broadened my horizons about art and where I can take it.”

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By Steev Riccardo

OXFORD - Oxford High School continues to lead the way in special e with programs such as Special Olympics “Best Buddies.

And April 5 they held their first ever “Best Buddies” Prom, an event  that was attended by students from both Oxford High School and Grafton High School.

Oxford High’s Special Education Teacher Rachel Piette and her assistant Lori Green have worked together on Project Success, the school’s special education program, for 27 years.  The pair have also served as advisors for the school's very successful and popular “Best Buddies” program for the past nine years.

It seems like every other week Oxford High School has another event happening to not only raise awareness on special education but to continue in its remarkable efforts with the “Best Buddies” program.

“Our club has grown from about 16 kids to where we now have 78 kids,” said Green, “We can’t even match all the kids we have with peer buddies.”

“The kids at Oxford are great, they accept all the students,” said Green. “We have never had a problem with a student making fun of our kids or being disrespectful since we have been here,” added Piette. 

This is our ninth year that we have had “Best Buddies,” said Piette, “and every year we send whoever is the president of our club to Indiana to attend a convention for four days. Kids from all over the US and other countries attend and they learn what it means to be the president of the club.”

Piette and Green also work together with Patty Ross and Patty Spitz on the Unified Special Olympics program, which recently presented “Spread the Word to End the Word,” and also hosted the Berkshire Music Academy, a group of special needs adults that consists singers and musicians.  Piette said that “The kids were on their feet clapping and the musicians and singers met all the “Best Buddies” kids afterwards” making it very special for the kids.

The programs have been so successful that two former Oxford High students, Amanda Blevins and Missy McConnell, started in the “Best Buddies” program and are now working with Piette and Green in Project Success at the school.

Piette is proud of the work that they have done and the “Best Buddies” Prom is just further proof of how well the programs are working. “It's just another way of showing the kids that even though they have some sort of disability they can still enjoy the same kind of activities as all the other kids, they love to have friends, they love to have fun, they are gonna rip it up tonight.”

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