Athol-Royalston Regional School District

1062 Pleasant Street●P.O. Box 968

Athol, MA 01331

Tel: 978-249-2400 ● Fax: 978-249-2402

Darcy Fernandes Kathryn Clark Superintendent Director Of Pupil Services Julie M. Marynok Lynn Bassett Dianne Billingham Admin. Assistant Business Manager Admin. Assistant

Dear Parents/Guardians,

It is with great anticipation and excitement that I welcome you to another successful school year. As Athol-Royalston’s new superintendent it is a great honor to join this districts family.

In my 25-year journey from classroom teacher to becoming your superintendent, I learned firsthand of the dreams parents and children have for themselves. As educators we carry a tremendous responsibility to do everything we can to ensure our children have the tools and skills to meet these dreams. I’m proud to join Athol-Royalston as a small town girl who grew up on Cape Cod in a working class town. I understand and get the challenges small communities face, as well as, appreciate the sense of community that is developed among the town’s people.

In the up and coming months I look forward to meeting all of our dedicated teachers, staff, and committed families. I have had the opportunity to talk with many stakeholders over the last few months. In the meetings I have reminded everyone of the districts priorities for teaching and learning that have been placed in the district strategic plan. They include the following:

  • Provide for all students a rigorous academic curriculum with full access to the Arts
  • Consistently utilize research-based practices in instruction in every classroom
  • Utilize a standard system of collecting and analyzing data to inform instruction, identify gaps, increase flexible grouping, tailor instruction to specific groups of students and provide a tiered system of support

As I begin my tenure here in the district I will do my best to make sure these remain the priority for the district. In addition I would like to invite each of you to a superintendents welcome session at the Athol-Royalston Middle School on August 16, 2017 from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM in the cafeteria. Cookies and punch will be served. During the welcome session I will introduce myself further, seek feedback from you and do my best to answer any questions you may have. I truly hope you will stop in. I look forward to meeting you and your children.

Sincerely,

Darcy Fernandes

Superintendent

Athol-Royalston School District

"The Athol-Royalston Regional School District is committed to providing a challenging, engaging, and well-rounded education that inspires excellence, meets the needs of all students, enriches students' lives, and empowers students to become positive, successful members of society."