Learning at ARPS
January 27, 2006

colored chalk

Dear Everyone Learning at ARPS:

I heard on the news the other day that someone somewhere has determined that January 23 is the most depressing day of the year. The reasons include that is when people realize they are not keeping the new year's resolutions, they are tired of the cold and being indoors, and others.

Well, we had a snow day on January 23 and an energetic school week to follow. Middle school students presented exhibitions this week culminating weeks of research and integrating learning into a formal presentation. Students across the district were engaged in their lessons. And, as one who loves attending student musical and sporting events, I had two nights with no meetings so I was able to take in a girls' and a boys' varsity basketball game.

It may be January, but the hours of daylight are getting longer and our kids and adults are as active and motivated as can be.

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School Committee meetings reviewing school budgets continue next week. As noted previously, we are in the process of building the budgets, and it is just that, a construction project. As the weeks proceed, we learn what resources are available to us. This week, the Governor's budget was released. Simultaneously, we have determined what a "level services" budget looks like and will now match our expectations with the resources available.

As we have noted before, there are cuts in the federal budgets for school programs. While limited, we rely on those funds.

The Governor's budget indicates an increase of funds to towns, and subsequently the schools, but it offers very little help to Regions (middle school and high school). As this process proceeds, we will call on you for your voice to be heard about school funding.

The school budgets will be discussed at the following School Committee meetings:

Thank you for your interest and your support of our children.

Jere Hochman
Superintendent

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