Superintendent John Buckey
Good People of Marblehead:
As I sent (Friday) morning in a separate message, I am relieved and grateful to be able to share that our missing students were safely reunited with their families last night. Many thanks to the Marblehead Police Department for their work with us and the Boston Police Department in helping bring this situation to a positive resolution.
Rain, rain snow away
Misery loves company, at least that’s what the North Shore superintendents were saying after our “rain day” call on Tuesday. As I shared with another news outlet, Superintendent Snow Day Anxiety is a real thing. Emails, calls and texts started early Monday morning among superintendents, wondering who was going to do what and when they would announce. Larger districts made the call early, and one by one others joined.
For me, part of the calculus was staffing. With 50 percent of our staff living outside Marblehead, I was not sure with the number of surrounding communities being closed how that would impact the number of staff who would not be able to make it in. Waiting until the morning would not have changed that concern.
But, at the end of the day, we superintendents know one thing: No decision — to open or close — will resonate with everyone.
Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month, and there is a major new online research guide to the Library of Congress collections that highlights the stories of women through a wide variety of perspectives and media. I look forward to the work our schools and classrooms will do this month in celebrating women’s history and encourage our families to find ways to engage in conversations at home.
Tyler Earp Greenhouse Project
I am passing along information regarding a silent auction/fundraiser dinner for the greenhouse project at MHS. If you can, please support the project, as Tyler has put in significant work to make the greenhouse a reality!
“My name is Tyler Earp, and I am working on my Eagle Scout Project, which will be building a greenhouse at MHS. I am having a silent auction/fundraising dinner at The Landing on March 7 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The silent auction will have many great items, such as a Damien Harris autographed photo, Red Sox tickets, gift cards to local restaurants and businesses, and many more great auction items. To make a reservation, please call The Landing at 781-639-1266 and reserve a table for the greenhouse event on March 7.
“My project is to improve the outdoor classroom at MHS. The first part of my project included site conservation to improve the site (removing invasive species and overgrown plants). I will then build new raised beds to replace the 10-year-old, deteriorating raised beds. Finally, the biggest component of my project will be installing a greenhouse.
“The greenhouse will provide new learning space and opportunities to expand the curriculum. The greenhouse can be used in the science, culinary, world language, fine arts, and even the language arts curriculum, as well as by clubs and other groups at the school. My project website (mhs greenhouse.org) has more detailed information.”
Dollars for Scholars
In its 36th year, Marblehead Dollars for Scholars is sponsoring the third annual “Let’s Eat” during the month of March. Gift cards purchased at eight establishments will benefit Marblehead High School graduates. Ten percent of every gift card will go directly to need-based scholarships for undergraduate college students. Each year, close to $200,000 is awarded to graduating seniors and advanced-standing students. Please participate.