Uxbridge Times THE NEW
Established in 1991 Vol. 31 • Issue 3
Over 21,000 Copies Mailed Free UxbrIdge • North UxbrIdge • LINwood • doUgLas • NorthbrIdge • whItINsVILLe • sUttoN • MaNchaUg March 2022
G.R.A.C.E. Rett Center offers many activities for students by Christine Beauchaine A little more than two years after she passed away in a tragic motor vehicle accident, Grace Rett’s legacy continues at Our Lady of the Valley school in Uxbridge. The Grace Rett Athletic Complex and Education Center or G.R.A.C.E. Center for short, was blessed and opened on January 16th, 2022, according to Principal, Ed Reynolds. Reynolds went on to say that while there is some “ongoing detailed construction” the G.R.A.C.E. Center is “currently in use for middle school academy classes, physical education classes, indoor recesses, sports practices, drama club meetings and Irish step dance classes.” Our Lady of the Valley began fundraising for the project in 2020 and construction began in 2021. “To be fully constructed and ninety-five percent funded within two years of beginning the drive is nothing short of remarkable,” Reynolds said. Many younger students never had an opportunity to meet Rett personally but, Reynolds said they are all familiar with her story. Now they are getting to experience “leading edge classrooms, on campus practices and gym classes and their first ever home basketball games.” Prior to the construction of the center, Our Lady of the Valley did not have its own gymnasium. Rett was a talented multi-sport athlete with a love for basketball and rowing.
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She also excelled academically. “Grace continues to be a shining example of an extraordinary student-athlete firmly rooted in the faith. Our students are absolutely thrilled to have witnessed the G.R.A.C.E. Center construction from start to finish,” Reynolds said. When asked about the local community and their support, Reynolds said, “We are forever grateful to the Uxbridge community for all that they have done to support this project. The friendship, prayers and support has been remarkable. Without their support, this project would not have been possible.” The Case Study for the G.R.A.C.E. Center said, in part, “Grace was a magnificent daughter and sister and blessed her family in countless ways. Grace loved her family, her friends and her school communities, holding a very special place in her heart for OLV. She often stated that if she ever had enough money, she would build a gym for OLV. Grace’s faith was at the forefront of everything she did and was clearly articulated by her favorite bible verse: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, which she had tattooed on her arm. Grace will be loved, missed and remembered always at Our Lady of the Valley Regional School and at St. Mary's Parish.” The newly opened space includes a mural designed by Rett’s sister, pictures of Grace and inspirational quotes. Rett’s rowing oars hang from the ceiling.
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Child Find Screenings Underway
Principal Leanne DeMarco
World Read Aloud Day Celebrated Recently, the Whitin Intermediate School joined with the world in a school wide celebration of reading. The day was highlighted with a read aloud given by Principal DeMarco (pictured above) of the book, “What the Road Said” by Cleo Wade. This book was shared aloud via Zoom to the entire student body. The author, Cleo Wade encourages people to lead with kindness and curiosity, remembering that the most important thing you can do in life is to keep going even when life is difficult. As a wrap up to the story,
Principal DeMarco quoted the text by sharing with the students that they are important, they are loved, and they have been put here for a reason! Other activities for the day included each teacher sharing their favorite childhood book with their students, providing an opportunity to showcase the powerful stories that literature brings to life. Lastly, many teachers invited a children’s published author to virtually join their classroom. The authors read aloud from one of their published books followed by Q/A session.
Douglas Board of Health addresses environmental concerns The Douglas Board of Health has several efforts under way to make the environment cleaner. One of these is properly disposing of household batteries such as AA, 9 Volt, button/cells and rechargeable tool batteries. All of these may be disposed of at the Adult Social Center, Town Hall or the
Transfer Station in specially label boxes. Please help them to leave a cleaner environment for the next generations. The Board of Health is reminding all Douglas residents that use the Transfer Station, that Stickers need to be purchased by the first of March.
It is the responsibility of the Uxbridge Public Schools to identify any child who is a resident of Uxbridge, or who attends a private school in Uxbridge who may have a disability. This includes students who are residents of Uxbridge who are homeschooled. It is also the responsibility of the Uxbridge Public Schools to evaluate those students to determine if they are eligible for special education or related services under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) or 603 CMR 28 (Massachusetts Special Education Regulations), or who may be eligible under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you suspect that your school-aged child has a disability, you may request an evaluation, at no cost, at the Taft Early Learning Center. The Uxbridge Public Schools is also committed to identifying children before their third birthday that may need special education services. If you have questions or concerns that your child under 3 may have a disability, please contact Laura Newhall, Preschool Coordinator at lnewhall@uxbridge.k12.ma.us or 508-278-8643. The Taft Early Learning Center will be holding a screening clinic on March 15th, 2022 for preschool-age children (ages 3 and 4 years) who are living in Uxbridge. (Screenings are also scheduled upon request throughout the school year) If you have questions or concerns regarding your child's development and would like to have your child screened, please contact: Laura Newhall, Preschool Coordinator at lnewhall@uxbridge.k12.ma.us, Christine Veneziano, Administrative Assistant at cveneziano@uxbridge.k12.ma.us or call the Taft Early Learning Center at (508) 278-8643 to schedule an appointment.
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