@NipmucRegional
Keeping you informed on important dates & information.
August 28, 2023
Fabulous First Days of School!
We're thrilled to welcome everyone back to school on Wednesday! Along with your teachers, we've put together plans to make the transition back to school easy, helpful, and fun!
With that in mind, during the first two days of school we will run a unique schedule that will provide the chance for connections, positivity, and support. Here are some of the key features of the first two days.
- We will run an alternate schedule (see above) in which each class meets only one time during the first two days of school.
- The school day will begin with advisory sessions on Wednesday and Thursday.
- On Thursday we'll host a picnic on the front athletic field during lunch block.
- Thursday's lunch block will also include class meetings, presentations from upperclassmen and peer leadership for our freshmen and sophomores, and wellness activities in the courtyard.
- Wellness activities will include therapy animals, games, bubbles, kindness rocks, activities, and more!
- The chance to see some of what's new at Nipmuc including new furniture in the lobby, upgrades in our library media center, the return of computer labs, the relocation of the school store, the addition of a Mac lab, and more!
Since we're running a different schedule on the first two days, you'll notice some adjustments to your schedule in PowerSchool. Take a look at the image of an example schedule below to help you understand how to read your schedule. Keep in mind that advisory - which will start the day on Wednesday and Thursday - shows up as "H block" on your schedule.
2022-2023 Student Schedules
Student schedules for the upcoming school year can be accessed through PowerSchool. After logging in, click on the "My Schedule" or "Grades and Attendance" link which can be found on the menu on the left side of the page.
If you have any questions about your schedule, please reach out to your school counselor.
School Meals and Snacks
If students would like to purchase a second lunch after receiving their free lunch they can do so. Additional entrees can be purchased for $1.50. Please be aware that students who have access to free and reduced lunch will incur the same charge of $1.50 for additional entrees. Additional entrees will be based on availability.
We will also be selling snacks this year! These will include such items as chips or crackers, fruit, granola bars, etc. These will be sold during lunches. Prices will vary based on the snack item. We will be selling small and large waters this year and hope to add on flavored carbonated waters as well.
We are pleased to add some more variety of food options for our students to take advantage of and we thank our food service team for all they do as we begin another school year!
School-Wide Picnic
On Thursday, September 1 we will host a school-wide picnic to take place during all lunches. Students should bring their own blankets or towels and join us on the front athletic field for music, games, fun, and more! Brown bag “grab-and-go” lunches will be available to all students!
BVExcel - Time Sensitive Student Sign-up If Interested
BVExcel is a collaborative program that offers free evening credit-bearing classes throughout the semester at local schools in the Blackstone Valley. The purpose of BVExcel is to provide non-traditional course offerings that will expose students to career options, build industry skills, and provide workforce opportunities. Each of these courses is credit bearing towards high school graduation, will be reflected on the students’ transcript, and each student will receive a grade.
Fall registration is open now! Classes begin on September 12th. BVExcel is offering the following courses:
Manufacturing I/ Intro to Welding - Tuesdays 6:00-8:00pm, Location - EdHub (Whitinsville)
Cybersecurity & Programming - Mondays 3:15-5:00pm, Location - Hopedale Jr.-Sr. High School
Food for Thought - Tuesdays 3:15-5:00pm, Location - Douglas High School
Intro to Health Careers & Care Essentials - Wednesdays 6:00-8:00pm, Location - Northbridge High School
Click here to view course descriptions and registration information.
Welcome to the Team
Amy Huchowski
1 year in Education
What is your favorite part about being an educator?
My favorite part about being an educator is getting to know each student as an individual with their own unique personality. Working with teenagers is fun and adventurous. They make me laugh!
What are you most excited for this year?
I'm excited to be a part of the Nipmuc team and to share my love of mathematics with my students.
What (non-professional) hobby or interest do you enjoy most?
I like to crochet almost anything from Mario characters to tote bags. I also knit and do macrame.
What would you like our students/parents to know about you?
I care about your child as a whole person, not just as a student. As a mother of three I know firsthand that students have different needs and learn in different ways. I aim to have an open line of communication with parents and families so that we can work together to help your student be successful and happy in school.
Kim Lopes
English Language Teacher
11 years in Education
@learninglopes
What is your favorite part about being an educator?
Connecting with students, helping them through challenges, and cheering for their successes.
What are you most excited for this year?
Seeing former students all grown up— my first class of third graders at Memorial is graduating this year!
What (non-professional) hobby or interest do you enjoy most?
Baking with my kids.
What would you like our students/parents to know about you?
I began my teaching career in Florida where I taught at a public school where over 90% of the student population spoke a language other than English. My experiences in Florida inspired me to earn a Masters degree in TESOL/ ELL. Since then, I taught third grade at Memorial for the last 9 years. I am excited to begin a new role supporting English learners and their families at Nipmuc and Miscoe.
Amy Townsley
First year in Education
What is your favorite part about being an educator?
I am looking forward to connecting resources to students and teachers to spark creativity, learning, and fun.
What are you most excited about this year?
I am most excited to meet students and staff!
What (non-professional) hobby or interest do you enjoy most?
I think my answer has to include reading, right? But I also love archery and spending time outside with my husband and children as well as with our dog/sidekick, Dixie.
What would you like our students/parents to know about you?
I feel very lucky to be welcomed into the Nipmuc community in my role at the Library Media Center. I am most excited to get to know students as well as collaborate with faculty to ensure the library is a safe space with accessible resources that will help each student thrive.
Christopher Cook
Biology Teacher
17 years in Education
@CCook116
What is your favorite part about being an educator?
Inspiring curiosity and creating a safe and supportive classroom environment.
What are you most excited for this year?
Returning to the classroom where I can focus on positive interactions with students.
What (non-professional) hobby or interest do you enjoy most?
As an avid ice hockey fan, I am currently fueling that passion as a hockey dad and helping to coach my younger son's team.
What would you like our students/parents to know about you?
I make social/emotional learning and student-centered activities a priority in my classroom. We will learn a lot from one another and I am always open to feedback.
Nipmuc Student Parking
Once students complete the parking form, they should drop off their payment of $50 to the Nipmuc main office on their first day(s) of school. Fees can be paid in cash or by check made out to MURSD. Parking passes will be assigned and available for pick-up at the end of the day in the office once school is back in session.
PSAT for 10th and 11th graders
This year, we are offering the PSAT/NMSQT for sophomores and juniors on Wednesday, October 12. The PSAT is representative of the actual SAT exam in content, scope, and design. It will help students feel confident and prepared when they take the SATs later in their junior year. All sophomores and juniors are strongly encouraged to sign up for the exam. You can find more information about the PSAT, SAT, and NMSQT at www.collegeboard.org/psat.
The test takes place at Nipmuc. It begins at 7:30 am and finishes before lunch.
The cost is $20. You must submit payment in order to be officially registered. The deadline to sign up is Friday, September 16. Please contact Allison Towne (atowne@mursd.org) with any questions.
You can register and submit payment here.
Athletics Update
Important Information for Fall 2022 Athletic Fees
- Football: $350
- All other sports: $325
- Unified Basketball: $150
(Please do not pay athletic fees until on or after September 1, 2022.)
We recognize the impact athletic fees have on families. With that in mind, we have established a family cap of a maximum payment of four athletic fees per family. Please remit payment prior to the first athletic contest either through check (made out to MURSD) or through credit card at bit.ly/mursdonlinepayments. Should you have any questions or are looking for financial support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Payments are accepted beginning on September 1.