School News

Northbridge M.S. Teachers receive award

At this years’ Blackstone Valley Education Foundation Business and

Education forum, participants from area industries and school districts meet

to discuss relevant topics to schools and business, such as necessary job skills, educating for the future, and how to develop an employable workforce through the support of the foundation. BVEF honors community members and teachers who are making a difference in the valley. This year, a pair of teachers from Northbridge Middle School were honored. Toted as a “Dynamic duo” by the Executive Director of the founda-

tion, Mrs. Erika Baum, Mrs. Lisa Gogolinski and Mrs., Betsy Wermuth were honored for their commitment to

exposing students to different STEM careers with a Massachusetts State

Senate Official Citation declaring their “outstanding enthusiasm and involvement with the foundation.”

Mrs. Gogolinski teaches Computer Science and Mrs. Wermuth teaches

STEM to 500+ 11-14 year old's, developing a curriculum that not only challenges their students through teamwork and iteration, but also reflects the different careers needed to complete a task. “I think what we have created is

unique at the middle school level,” says Mrs. Gogolinski. “Students of today have to learn about what they have to offer to careers of tomorrow.”

In their classes, Mrs. Gogolinski and Mrs. Wermuth use their curriculums to

guide students into understanding how a product is developed, from a concept, through prototyping, testing, and team feedback. The realization that students

may work in careers that don’t even exist today creates a “What if?” discussion that fosters innovation and creativ-

ity in their understanding of skills.

“Our little town is a perfect example of small business taking a global scale. Whitinsville industry started as a blacksmith shop, developed into a textile mill, foundry, and war time supplier, and now is a haven for innovation,” says Mrs. Wermuth, “What better place to teach about the importance of a team effort for success?”

Mrs. Gogolinski agrees, “Students learn through experiences that bring the real world into their vision of them-

selves. We are encouraging that development, especially with the makerspace and the tools students have access to.”

Over the past several years, the two have received grants from BVEF and other organizations, as well as donations from the community and curriculum supplies to create a workspace with vinyl cutters, a 3-D printer, video equipment, and general maker supplies to create a makerspace they dubbed Whitin Works in an unused room at 3-D FUN - Uxbridge Public Schools STEAM team is breaking technology barriers with their youngest learners in three 3-D Printing Workshops this spring! it was an amazing example of three Uxbridge School Public Teachers: Ms. Amanda Gallerani from Taft Early Learning Center. Miss Samantha Wise from Whitin intermediate School and Mr. Michael Smutock from Uxbridge High School created amazing vertical alignment opportunities across Uxbridge District for the third-grade students! The 3-D Spring Workshops gave the opportunity to 70 third grade students to explore a career development in 3-D technology beyond their 45-minute STEAM class at Taft, as well as an opportunity to sneak peek and help with the transition to a new school in the district at Whitin in the Fall. it was wonderful to see all the students and parents learning how to design key chains.

Douglas students enjoying School to School Connection

This year the elementary school fifth graders have partnered with the primary school first graders in Douglas. Each month they get together to do some learning while also having fun. The goal is to allow the first graders to get comfortable with their upcoming transition to the elementary school while also providing the fifth graders a chance to mentor and lead.

During the monthly meetings a few fifth graders are paired up with a few first graders and they do an activity together. The students have read together, played math games, engaged in STEM activities, and written thank you cards to people in the community. The meetings have taken place on the field outside, in the elementary gym and in the primary cafeteria but no matter the location, the students have had a blast. Even though the pairings are different each time, it is neat to see the students looking for the group they worked with the last time to try and work with them again. The first graders really look up to the fifth graders and the fifth graders feel special being able to help others.

Along with the academic skills that the students have worked on during the activities, these meetings are also a great opportunity for the students to work on their social-emotional

competencies (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making). Together they problem solve, communicate, organize, persuade, and advocate.

Overall, the school-to-school connection has been a success. The students

look forward to the monthly meetings and are enjoying the new relationships they are developing. The teachers have enjoyed allowing the students to learn in a different format and it is a nice shift

away from traditional learning. They are excited to continue to grow the program in the years to come!

508-234-6161

The uxbridge Free Public Library is located at 15 North Main St. in uxbridge. www.uxbridgelibrary.org 508-278-8624 x100 / Hours: Mon &

Thurs: 10am-8pm, Tues & Wed: 10am5:30pm, Sat: 9am-2pm / Summer hours begin on Memorial Day Weekend! Adult Programs FArM GIrL ON THE FrONT LINES

Deborah Sampson’s Secret; Saturday, May 7th at 10:00 a.m. Details on page 15 of this issue. registration is encouraged. MINDFuLNESS MEDITATION

Thursdays, May 12th & 19th at 6:00 p.m. Mindfulness is the energy and continuous practice of being aware and awake to the present moment. This program is sponsored by the Board of Library Trustees. GENTLE FLOW YOGA

Mondays, May 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd at 7:00 p.m. Join Michelle Forest, a 200Hr registered yoga teacher, for a gentle yoga class at the library! registration required. Sponsored by Board of Library Trustees. BOOK-A-LIBrArIAN

Wednesdays from 2:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Need help downloading e-books and audiobooks on your tablet, using online databases, or setting up an email account? Book up to thirty minutes with a librarian for tech assistance. registration required. POPuP LIBrArY AT

THE SENIOr CENTEr

Thursday, May 5th and 19th at 11:30 a.m. Coming now to the uxbridge Senior Center… is the Popup Library! Stop by during the lunch meal program to sign up for a library card, browse an assortment of books, and learn what your librarians are up to! Please contact the Senior Center at 508-278-8622 to reserve your lunch. SENIOr CENTEr BOOK CLuB

Tuesday, May 10th at 1:00 p.m. At the May meeting of the Senior Center Book Club, they will be discussing Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz. This “story-within-a-story” was adapted to PBS Masterpiece and will appeal to fans of classic, Agatha Christie-style murder mysteries. Print copies are available at the Library; the e-book and audiobook are available through the Libby app. HISTOrICAL FICTION BOOK CLuB

Tuesday, May 17th at 3:30 p.m. At the May meeting of the Historical Fiction Book Club, they will be discussing Antoinette’s Sister by Diana Giovinazzo, a novel that focuses on Charlotte, the sister of Marie Antoinette. Print copies are available.

BOOKIES BOOK CLuB

Monday, May 23rd at 6:30 p.m. The May Bookies Book Club meeting, they will be discussing Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters, which was named one of 2021’s best books of the year. Print copies are available at the Library; the e-book and audiobook available through the Libby

app. LEAD LIKE A PrO with Matt raidbard -

Thursday, May 26th at 7:00 p.m. Matt raidbard is a local author (West Hartford, CT) with a book that was released in September called, "Lead Like A Pro: Effective Leadership Styles For Athletic Coaches". The book was written to provide coaches, at all levels of sports, with the tools to be more intentional and effec-

tive leaders for their athletes and teams.

He will be holding a virtual event to discuss the importance of coaches viewing themselves as leaders and teach them

about leadership. registration required. Youth Programs BABY STOrYTIME

Ages 0-2 years (Mondays at 11:00 a.m.) & Toddler/ Preschool Storytime Ages 2-3 years (Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.) Have fun with your children during our weekly storytimes, as you engage in songs, rhymes, stories, and movement. This encourages language development, social, and listening skills. registration required. CrAFTY WEDNESDAY

is back in person! - Wednesday mornings and afternoons. Get crafty and creative with your kids every Wednesday. Improves coordination, fine motor skills, and encourages creativity. They will have some crafts ready to go as Take-Homes. MuSIC AND MOVEMENT

with Deb Hudgins - Thursday, May 12th & 26th at 11:00 a.m. Join Deb Hudgins as she leads a fun-filled, theme-based program with songs, rhymes, dancing and more!. registration is required. Brought to you by the Library Board of Trustees. LITTLE LOTuS YOGA

by Lindsey - Mondays, May 2nd, 9th, & 23rd at 4:00 p.m., Ages 6+. Join Lindsey to practice yoga postures and mindful activities which will help you relax, lessen anxiety, and teach young ones to find their calmness. registration required. Brought to you by the Library Board of Trustees. LEGO CLuB

Drop-in on Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m. Lego Club is back! It will be drop-in style. The library will provide all materials to exercise their imagination, creativity, social skills, and sportsmanship. Ages 5y-8y MAKING N’ BAKING

VIrTuAL MuG MEAL

Thursday, May 19th, 6:00 p.m., Ages 8+ Encouraging kids’ confidence and knowledge in the kitchen. Mixing math, stirring in science, and cooking up culture! Visit the calendar to register. You will receive an email with the Zoom link and recipe list closer to the event. Brought to you by the Library Board of Trustees. DrOP-IN FAMILY GAME NIGHT

Thursday, May 5th at 6:00 p.m. Come explore some new board games and learn how to play while bonding with the kids! VIrTuAL FOrTNITE TOurNAMENT

Thursday, May 12th at 6:00 p.m. They are partnering with One up Games for another Fortnite tournament! The entire event

will consist of FOur games with short breaks in between each game. Visit calendar to register! After registration you will receive a confirmation email. Brought to you by the Library Board of Trustees. DIY SuCCuLENT TErrArIuM

Monday, May 16th at 6:00 p.m. Succulent terrariums are easy to maintain because they don’t need to be watered often, can grow in a confined space, are good in artificial light, and are beautiful. Design your own! registration required. GOATS AT THE LIBrArY! What?!!-

Saturday, May 21st at 12:00 p.m. Local farmer, and your very own Library Technician, Emily Cole, will be teaching you about goat care and will allow time to interact with her Nigerian, Dwarves, & Nubians. registration required. TEEN GAME NIGHT

Thursday, May 19th at 6:00 p.m. Drop-in! They have many new board games for you to try out in the YA room. Exploding Kittens, Betrayal at the House on the Hill, Pandemic, Wingspan, King of Tokyo, Disney Villainous, Azul, and more! TEEN MINIATurE PAINTING

Saturday, May 28th at 11:30 a.m.This workshop will help you to learn techniques to make it easier to create works of art using paint in acrylic, oil, washes, and paint markers. All materials will be provided. Theme is Game of Thrones.

registration is required. Brought to you by the Library Board of Trustees. TEEN BOOK-IN-A-BAG

KEARNS

Ages 13+ Pick-up May 2nd-16th "Book in a Bag '' is a teen subscription book program. This month’s theme is “Fighting for Individualism.” registration is required.