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SPENCER/EAST BROOKFIELD – Tuesday, August 26 marked the first day of school for students in the Spencer East Brookfield District in grades one to 12. Preschool and Kindergarten students return on September 2.
Because many in the community will be taking part in the Spencer Fair throughout the Labor Day holiday weekend, school will be closed on Friday, August 29.
Superintendent Paul Haughey noted that David Prouty kids will have a booth at the fair and the Music Boosters offer a dunk tank.
During a recent interview with The Spencer Journal, Haughey spoke about the kickoff of the new term and the changes and challenges ahead.
Adaptability will be key as students and staff navigate the environment at David Prouty High School.
At the time of the interview, the first phase of the high school building project was drawing to its conclusion. It entailed construction of the new building, its gym and academic wing.
“It is going to be an adjustment,” Haughey said, noting the school community will be learning the flow/movements at the new facility and its three floors.
“Once everyone gets into a new routine, it will be fine,” the superintendent said.
The second phase involving renovations of the auditorium, kitchen, cafeteria and administrative offices has an anticipated completion date of August 14, 2026.
“That’s a lot to do in one year,” Haughey said. “But that target is not going to move.”
David Prouty High School also welcomes a new principal this year, Mary LaFreniere. The superintendent spoke about the excitement with which LaFreniere is embracing her new role. Haughey added that an “overwhelming,” number of community members had reached out to her over the summer.
Haughey referred to several happenings that took place over the summer. These included:
- The Summer Eats program, which provides free breakfasts and lunches, distributed 7,800 meals to families. “I give a lot of credit to the food services department and staff, who work hard to meet the need,” Haughey said.
- The Extended School Year program, offered to diverse student learners and kids with disability needs, benefitted from safety presentations from the police and fire departments, he said. Other public servants assisted with fun activities featuring puppets and music and a zoo program where kids got to play with lizards and animals.
- Professional development at the elementary level focused on a new literacy program.
- AI training was given at the middle school in conjunction with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Also, thanks to a grant, robotics is being brought to the middle school, in addition to other STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) offerings, which Haughey called “key and essential, hands-on learning opportunities.”
Haughey also spoke about how the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) recognized DPHS this past June as an Early College Designated school. It makes the ongoing practice “official.”
For the past few years, high school students have been able to earn college credits with course work in core and special interest areas, the superintendent said.
The students travel from DPHS to Worcester State University at no cost, thanks to the governor’s initiative to participate.
“It’s exceptional and opens up a lot of doors,” Haughey said, “offering opportunities the kids may not have had (otherwise).”
The superintendent urged parents to refer to the district website for more information about the school calendar, bus routes and traffic patterns and other news.
Haughey expressed appreciation to the faculty and staff, families and townspeople of Spencer.
“The community is so supportive and helpful, even when we’ve had to adjust our sails a bit,” he said. “We have multiple sites running and they help make it so seamless and positive. I’m really honored to serve (as superintendent) here.”
