2019 LPS Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award Recipients

Our favorite time of the year-- drum roll please --- introducing our 2019 Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award recipients. Join us in congratulating...
Chris Rea- Ludlow High 
David Galvin- Baird Middle School (1st year) 
Katie Leary- Veterans Park 
Deb Donovan- East Street 
CONGRATULATIONS to each of these hardworking, dedicated and passionate educators who make a positive difference for the students of Ludlow. Click the recipients names to learn more about these amazing teachers!

BMS Students of the Month- December 2018 & January 2019

Join us in congratulating the December & January Baird Middle School students of the month for their outstanding academic achievements and for being positive members of the classroom and school community. Congratulations Kyle, Delores, Mason, Caitlyn, Cole, Sayla, Kaitlyn, Luke, Lizette, Mert, Zane and Charelee. Click here to learn more about these incredible students.

 1st Grade Project Promotes Civic Pride and Participation

1st grade students in rooms 217 and 222 at East Street welcomed families, along with school and town officials to share their projects that began with one question- “What does our Town of Ludlow need, and where would you build it?” 
These real-life projects not only reinforced opinion/persuasive writing skills and cardinal map skills, but also exposed them to civic pride and participation. Click here to read the full article.

Ludlow Students Bring Home Top Honors at MA VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship and Patriot's Pen Essay Contest

 LHS Junior, Matthew Tibbitts, captured 1st place in the Voice of Democracy Competition. He will now go on to compete in the Nationals! BMS 8th grader, Aaron Little, finished in 5th place in the Patriot's Pen Essay Competition. Congratulations to both of these very talented students- you make us very proud!   

 LHS Chorus & Band Students Perform at MMEA-WD Festival

Sending our congratulations to the LHS student musicians who recently performed in the Massachusetts Music Educators Association Western District (MMEA-WD) Music Festival. LHS Chorus- freshmen, Alina Banas & Tristan Maynard- sophomores, Brady Duquette & Sara Ketchale- juniors, Marah McDonnell, Brielle Hamel & Adam Wehner, & seniors- Christianna Alves and Joshua True, along with LHS Band member, senior, Emily Mullin. Click here to read the full article.

 Baird Middle School 8th Grader Riley Londraville Represents Baird as Project 351 Ambassador 

Sending our congratulations to Baird Middle School 8th grader, Riley Londraville, who will begin her journey representing her school as this year's Project 351 Ambassador. On Monday she travels to the State House to meet the other 350 ambassadors from across Massachusetts as "they become one community, one team, one force for extraordinary good.” Click here to learn more about this amazing student and the 351 Program.

 Veterans Park December 2018 First Mates

 Melissa Knowles, Veterans Park Principal, is proud to announce the December 2018 First Mates. CONGRATS to Adam, Lillia, Cylie, Ben, Joey, Timothy, Nadia, Rita, Eylul, Mahnoor, Emma, Gabby, Arianna, Sophie, Marcelina and Talyn who all received this recognition for demonstrating DO YOUR BEST! Click here to see the presentation and learn more about these amazing students.

 2nd Grade Cultural Exhibit Highlights Traditions & Creativity

This cultural exhibition hosted by 2nd grade students in rooms 5,6 & 7 at Chapin Street School was educational, creative, fun and AMAZING! We were very impressed with their research and presentations including posters, culture pizzas, treasure boxes and Google Slideshows. Did we say AMAZING! Click here to read the full aticle.

CTEC Walter E. Quigley Jr. Students of the Month Award

CONGRATULATIONS to LHS students, Carter Milfort (Automotive Technology I), Niccolo DeStefano (Automotive Technology II), Matthew Rodio (Building/Property Maintenance), Dillan Craven (Carpentry II), Savannah Thurber (Cosmetology I), Hannah Arsenault (Cosmetology II), Matthew Fontaine (Culinary I), Kaylee Martin (Culinary II), Taylor Neveu (Graphic & Visual Design I), Frank Hunter & Shauna Conroy (Landscaping Technology/Horticulture II), Jared Provost (Information Support Services & Networking II) who were recently recognized as December students of the month at the Lower Pioneer Valley Career and Technical Education Center Program (CTEC). Click here to read the full article.

LHS Junior, Matthew Tibbitts, Wins District 7 VFW Voice of Democracy Contest 

Sending our congratulations to Ludlow High School Junior, Matthew Tibbitts for winning the 2018-19 VFW District 7 Voice of Democracy contest. The Voice of Democracy audio-essay contest has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program since 1947. High school students, grades 9-12 compete by writing an essay and then recording an audio version for submission for consideration. The 2018-19 theme is: “Why My Vote Matters.” To learn more about Matt and this amazing accomplishment click here.

 Torcato Zina Wins BMS Schoolwide Geography Bee for 3rd Consecutive Year

Sending our congratulations to 8th grader Torcato Zina for winning the Baird Middle School schoolwide Geography Bee for the 3rd consecutive year; with Alex Brown coming in second place and Benjamin Presz finishing third. Click here to read the full article.

 LHS Initiative Promotes Positivity, Kindness and Acceptance

 This year at Ludlow High School as part of the school wide initiative to promote positivity, kindness and acceptance, all students watch a monthly social minded video from the Herff Jones video series, Believe In You. Following the videos students participate in classroom activities that echoes the message of the video. Click here to read the full article.

 Class of 1967 Honors Beloved Teacher, Jerome "Jerry" Linehan

To the LHS Class of 1967 Jerome "Jerry" Linehan was more than their English teacher- he was their longtime mentor, confidant and friend. As they celebrated their 50th class reunion they generously donated a resplendent gift of large scale photos to the library as a lasting memorable to Mr. Linehan and as a reminder of the positive difference one person can make in the lives of others. Click here to read the full article. 

WWLP-22News Storm Team Meteorologist, Brian Lapis, visits 5th Graders at Veterans Park School

On December 19th Meteorologist Brian Lapis spent the morning instructing 5th graders at Veterans Park School about the differece between weather and climate.  Click here to view the video from his visit.

 8th Grader, Aaron Little, Takes 1st Place in VFW District 7 Patriot's Pen Competition 

Join us in congratulating BMS 8th grader, Aaron Little, for being selected by a panel of three judges as the 2018-19 VFW District 7 first place winner for the Patriot’s Pen Essay Competition. Little received a congratulations letter from Troy W. Henke, Patriot’s Pen District 7 Chairman District 7, VFW MA stating, “The competition was strong this year, however the judges selected your entry for the top prize out of 17 other entries. The judges awarded you 286 out of 300 points.”He will now move on to the state level competition. Click here to read the full article and read Aaron's essay.

LHS FALL PVIAC ALL Stars

The Ludlow High School Athletic Department is proud to announce the 2018 Fall Pioneer Valley Interscholastic Association League All-Stars. CONGRATULATIONS! Click here to view the list of names.

 Portuguese Club Makes Season Brighter for Local Families

The Ludlow High School Portuguese Club made the season brighter for local families by collecting hats and mittens as well as toys for the LUSO Federal Credit Union holiday initiative. Way to go! Thank you for making a positive difference for so many. Click here to read the full article.

Sharing a Brother's Love 

Shawn and Mark  are two very sweet and special brothers that share a love of hockey, pillow fights and playing Nintendo Switch. Recently Shawn asked his 2nd grade teacher, Jodi Yarkey, if he could "share" his little brother with his classmates during morning meeting- a request that was met with a smile and a response of sure! Click here to read the full aricle.

East Street Giving Tree Spreads Holiday Joy 

The East Street Giving Tree has been an annual tradition for several years. As the holiday season approaches, staff gather names of families that would welcome a little extra help to make the season more bright for their children, and share with Giving Tree organizers- Paraprofessional Trudy Line and School Nurse Rosanne Krawiec and Kindergarten teacher, Kristen Ortyl.  This year, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the East Street staff- 42 families will be having a brighter and more joy-filled Christmas. Click here to read the full article.

 Third Graders Travel Back in Time to the 1600's

Third grade students in rooms 10, 14, 19, 20 at Chapin Street School recently travelled back in time to experience life back as Wampanoag Native Americans in the 1600’s; stepping into a world where people did not have access to any of the technologies that have become commonplace today. Click here to read the full article.

 BMS October/November Students of Character

Sending our congratulations to the October/November Baird Middle Students of Character- I CAN EXPLORE. Click here to view the full list of names.

BMS 6th grader Brady Procon's Random Act of Kindness

Very proud of BMS 6th grader Brady Procon for his random act of kindness at the Chicopee Walmart, paying off a random layaway. "Not a lot of kids are as fortunate as others, so I thought it would be nice to help a kid have Christmas," said Brady. Click here to view the video.

 LHS Decision Day

Yesterday was Decision Day for 26 LHS seniors- learning of their acceptance to area colleges- Elms College, Western New England University, American International College and Bay Path University. Christina Dionne, LHS Guidance Coordinator, was proud to share that all 26 seniors were accepted to one or more colleges, with a total of $437,000 in scholarships awarded. Click here for the full article.

Veterans Park First Mates- November 2018

Mrs. Knowles,Veterans Park Principal, was proud to announce this month's First Mates at the school wide morning meeting on Friday. Congratulations to... Krysta, Ellie, Cole, Kat, Tannar, Danielle, Nicholas, Jacob, Madeline, Marissa, Ariana R., Arianna P., Lilliana, LuciAnna, Manahil, Joshua, Samantha who all received this recognition for demonstrating RESPONSIBILITY! Click here to learn more about these amazing students.

 Michael Tuck, Jr. Named MVP

Sending our congratulations to LHS student athlete Michael Tuck, Jr. who received the Pioneer Valley Soccer Official Association, George E. Russell Award. The award is presented to the Boys Large School MVP for the season, and is chosen by the PVSOA Selection Committee. Click here to read the full article.

5th Grader, Katherine Anselmo, Donates Hair to Locks of Love 

This. Is. AWESOME! Katherine (Kat) Anselmo, is a smart, sweet, caring 5th grade student at Veterans Park School, who recently donated her hair to Locks of Love. In her words- “Sending my hair to Locks of Love made me feel good because my hair didn’t go in the trash- it’s going to make another girl, or maybe a boy, smile and feel good." Click here to read the full article.

 LHS CTEC  Students of the Month- November 2018

 Sending our congratulations to Justin Costa (Graphic & Visual Design I), Sade Coates (Cosmetology I), and Jesse Chartier (Information Support Services & Networking II), who were recently recognized as November students of the month at the Lower Pioneer Valley Career and Technical Education Center Program (CTEC). Click here to read the full article.

 Patriots Pride Club Sponsors Wreaths Across America Fundraiser

Very proud of the Patriots Pride Club at Chapin Street School for organizing a fundraiser for Wreaths Across America. With the support of Chapin Street School staff, students and families, along with community donations they raised a total of $1,715. The donations will help purchase wreaths to place on the graves of Ludlow Veterans at Island Pond Cemetery during this holiday season. Click here to read the full article.

LHS NHS Raises over $7000 Annual Mayflower Marathon

 The Ludlow High School National Honor Society is proud to announce that with the help of the LHS community they raised a total of $7,159.50 for this year's Rock 102 Mayflower Marathon. According to Brandi Stratton, NHS Adviser, the radio station notified them that LHS had won the school competition, again this year. Click here for the full article.

 Credit for Life Fair Promoting Financial Literacy 

Recently the Ludlow High School gym was the setting for the 4th annual Credit for Life Fair (CFL). This interactive fair allows LHS seniors to select an occupation they would envision having at the age of 25. They are then given an income, debt load and credit score and set off on a journey to navigate their way through real financial life situations such as buying a car, renting an apartment, selecting investments and more. Click here for the full article.

 BMS Students of the Month

 Stacy Monette, Baird Middle School Principal, proudly welcomed parents, extended families and Baird teachers to celebrate the accomplishments of twelve very deserving and talented Baird students for their outstanding academic achievements and for being positive members of the classroom and school community. Congratulations Maya G., Arda, Gabe, Esther, Anthony, Maya K., Piotr, Melia, Alyxa-Ray, Jaycob, Rory and Caitlyn. Click here to view the presentation and learn more about these amazing students.

Junior Achievement Stock Market Competition 

Students from Linda Courtney’s Math for Finance class and Jennifer Picard’s Stock Market Investing class participated in the Junior Achievement Stock Market Competition on Thursday, November 8th at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield. The JA Stock Market Competition offers students the experience of buying and selling stocks as if they were on Wall Street. The objective of the competition is for teams to create as much net worth in their investment portfolio as possible. Click here  for the full article.

Class of 2019 John & Abigail Adams Scholarships Announced 

Sixty seniors recently received the 2019 John and Abigail Adams Scholarship during an awards ceremony in the LHS auditorium. The recipients received the scholarship based on their advanced and/or proficient scores on the state assessment exams.  Click here to read the full article including the list of recipients.

 Paper Microscopes Open Up the World of Microscopy to 7th Grade Life Science Students 

THIS IS WAY COOL! 7th grade Baird Middle School Life Science students in Carlee Taggart’s classroom joined students from around the world when they received innovative Foldscopes- paper microscopes that fit in your pocket and gives hands-on microscopy to students anytime, anywhere. Sending our thanks to Dr. Lawrence Roberge, Professor of Anatomy & Physiology, Three Rivers Community College (Norwich, CT) for sharing this amazing tool with Mrs. Taggart and for donating a class set of Foldscopes. Click here to read the full article.

 Kindergarten Students Make Personal Connection with Veterans

East Street kindergarten student, Aidan Corneau, is very proud of his Dad- U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Justin Corneau, who is currently deployed to Kuwait. Aidan's mother visited his classroom to share a little about her husband's service with Aidan's classmates and also learned that all kindergarten classes made thank you cards and/or Hero Boxes for her husband's unit. Click here to read the full article.

 Legacy of WWI Soldiers brought to BMS

Eric Segundo, Ludlow Director of Veteran Services and Brian Willette, VFW WWI Massachusetts Centennial Chair, visited Baird Middle School dressed in replica WWI uniforms and eager to share a mini history lesson about Veterans Day and the important role WWI soldiers played in our history on this 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Click here to read the full article.

 CTEC Walter E. Quigley Jr. Students of the Month Award

 CONGRATULATIONS to LHS students, Isaiah Gutierrez, Nicholas Placzek, and Angel Andino who were recognized as October students of the month at the Lower Pioneer Valley Career and Technical Education Center Program (CTEC). Click here to learn more.

 Girls on the Run- Inspiring & Empowering 3rd graders 

Once again this year we were inspired and energised by the 3rd grade GIRLS ON THE RUN student athletes at Chapin Street School as they completed their 3 mile practice run in preparation for this year's Fall 5k on November 18th at Smith College. This empowering and enriching after school program is more than just running- participants learn and experience lessons on cooperation, community, commitment, friendship and empathy. Thank you to their three amazing coaches, running buddies and the staff and students at Chapin Street School for their support and encouragement! Click here to read the full article.

 Veterans Park October 2018 First Mates

 During the recent school wide morning meeting we recognized many First Mates (students). Congratulations to, Daniel, Yade,Giani, Alannah, Liberty, Giovanni, Isabella, Layla, Colin, Robert, Teagan, Jayla, Eliana, Sierra, Michael, Carina, and Niki who all received this recognition for demonstrating RESPECT!  Click here to view the presentatoin that highlights these deserving students.

New York Times best-selling author/illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka visits BMS to discuss 'Hey, Kiddo' 

“No matter what you experience in your childhood it turns you into the person you are meant to be. Every life experience becomes a part of who you are. Whatever it is you like to do, embrace that, work hard, never stop believing in yourself and you will achieve your dreams, whatever they may be.” Powerful advice from New York Times best-selling author/illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka during his author's visit to Baird Middle School to discuss his latest book, 'Hey,Kiddo'. Click here to read the full article.

Ludlow Clock Tower Welcoming Symbol for 1st Grade Student, Hirad Falahatian

As part of an ELL assignment 1st grader, Hirad Falahatian, created an amazing image of the iconic Ludlow Clock Tower and shared the most heartwarming reason for his choice. Click here to read his explanation and the reaction of of his teacher, Kerri Kinne.

 September LPVEC CTEC Students of the Month

 Proud to announce the Ludlow High School LPVEC CTEC students of the month for September- Kaylee Martin, Anthony Costa, Shauna Conroy, Madison Peacey, Yvette Lauzon. CONGRATULATIONS! Click here for the full article.

 Author/Illustrator, Grace Lin, Connects with Chapin Students

350 Chapin Street 2nd and 3rd grade students excitedly gathered in the school cafeteria to Skype with New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, Grace Lin. Lin’s book, "The Year of the Dog", was the school’s One Book, One School selection, this year. As a way to celebrate the author’s visit, many students and staff wore red (symbolizes good luck) and arrived to school with a stuffed dog. Click here to read the full article.

Superintendent Gazda Receives High Marks Stepping Back into Classrooms 

The reviews are in and Superintendent Gazda receives high marks as he returns to classrooms as a substitute teacher to fulfill his goal to reconnect with his roots as a teacher. “Dr. Gazda did a tremendous job as a sub,” said BMS student, Hadleigh Goff. “He definitely knew what he was doing and helped any students that needed it." Click here to read the full article.

 Veterans Park September 2018 First Mates

The October First Mates were announced at Veterans Park School. CONGRATULATIONS to Aubree, Beatrice, Christian, Sam, Allyson, Ecem, Selena, Jayden, Gabriella, Michaela, Colin, Gia, Makenna, Garrett, Laylla, Liana, Edward, who all received this recognition for having a POSITIVE ATTITUDE! Click here to view the presentation and learn more about these deserving students.

BMS Students of Character- I Can Belong

 At the recent grade level class meetings Baird Middle School Principal, Stacy Monette, recognized several Students of Character, celebrating the theme- I Can Belong. Click here to view the list of names.

LHS Cross Country Teams Attend Paul Short Invitational 

The LHS girls and boys cross country teams travelled to Lehigh University in Pennsylvania this weekend for the Paul Short Invitational. Coaches Becca Gauvin and Amy Walsh were extremely proud of the way the student/athletes represented Ludlow both on and off the track. Click here to view the results.

 Help the Lions Bring Back the ROAR

LHS Athletics is sponsoring a campaign to raise funds to renovate our track and stadium. The LHS Athletic Complex was constructed in 2001 and has served the Town of Ludlow well, but is now outdated & in need of major repairs & upgrades. Click here to learn more and/or make a donation.

 Chapin Street Room 4TEAM 

At the start of the school year, and for several years previously, the classroom was always identified by its room number - fourteen.  That all changed, however following a classroom discussion about the importance of cooperation and teamwork when student, Kellan Steigmeyer, suggested they should change the name of the classroom to 4TEAM! Click here to learn more.

 Celebrating the Project Learning Garden

It was all about the veggies on Wednesday as representatives from Dole Sunshine, Captain Planet Foundation, Big Y World Class Market and the Western Mass Professional Soccer Club gathered at Chapin Street School to celebrate the success of the Project Learning Garden. The garden was made possible by a grant awarded to the school last spring by the Captain Planet Foundation.  Click here to learn more about this amazing educational, get your hands dirty adventure, teaching students the importance of healthy eating habits.

Cross Grade Level Houses to Plant 'Grow the Good' Gardens

The staff at Veterans Park School recently participated in a non-traditional back to school PD- accepting an Acts of Kindness Challenge- to give them a sneak peek into a new school wide initiative that will focus on every 4th and 5th grade student embarking on a new adventure - cross grade level houses- to promote social connections and active engagement. Veterans Park principal Melissa Knowles shared theses pics of the staff sprinkling kindness throughout the town of Ludlow! Click here to read the full article.

The Principal's New Dress!

There was a lot of buzz around Chapin Street School on the 1st day of school last week about Principal Reed's new dress - a one-of-a-kind, unique, signature dress- signed by all of the incoming 2nd graders at the end of last year when they were finishing 1st grade. To learn more about the dress and why Mrs. Reed wanted to have a special dress to welcome the class of 2029 to Chapin Street School. Click here to read the full article.

 Orientation Focuses on the Power of Optimism 

Optimism was the word of the day at the 2018-19 school year LPS staff annual orientation breakfast and presentation at Ludlow High School on August 28th. Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Todd Gazda, explained this event is the perfect way to get energized for the new school year, “It’s great to see everyone coming back, sharing breakfast, catching up on summer adventures and preparing to make this school year the best ever!” Click here to read the full article.

3rd Grader, Sadie Leatherman, Spreading Kindness to Animals at Dakin Humane Society 

We are very proud to share this story about Sadie Leatherman- a 3rd grader at Chapin Street School - who organized a carnival fundraiser in her backyard - raising over $300 for the Dakin Humane Society. We loved what Sadie said she learned about this experience-- “You don’t really have to be big to make a big difference- you can be any age to make a difference, and be kind to animals and people.”
WAY TO GO SADIE- you are an inspiration to us all. Click here to read the full article.

 'Life is Good' for LPS Admin Team!

On July 18th members of the LPS Admin Team participated in a full day training lead by Steve Gross and Kate Nugent from the Life is Good Kids Foundation (the nonprofit side of the Life is Good brand). Their work has primarily been with hospitals and with community organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and YMCA, however, in the past few years they have branched out to K-12 education. The foundation's goal is to spread the power of optimism to help kids heal. Click here to read the full article.

LHS senior, Nicholas Gregoire, Runs to Home Base at Fenway in Honor of Ludlow Hero 

Sending our congratulations to LHS senior Nicholas Gregoire for his participation in the 2018 Run to Home Base at Fenway Park. He ran in honor of 2004 LHS graduate Sgt. Joshua D. Desforges, U.S.M.C. who was killed at the age of 23, on May 10, 2010, supporting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Nick raised a total of $1,300 for Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program with proceeds from the event funding the clinical care provided to Veterans, Service Members and their Families.  Click here to read the full article.

5th grade Gus Adamopoulos Award - A Legacy of Caring, Kindness and Making the World Better

The Gus Adamopoulos Award has been given each year, for the past seven years, to two 5th grade Veterans Park students (boy & girl) each year who exemplify Vets Park PRIDE. We are proud to announce the 2018 award was given to Calleigh Foley and Matthew Ganhao - CONGRATULATIONS! 

They are shown below with former recipients of this very special award. Click here to learn more about this award.

One Book, One School - The Year of the Dog 

Exciting news from Chapin Street School! Over the summer all Chapin Street staff, students and families will be participating in the One Book, One School initiative.The book they all will be reading is Grace Lin's The Year of the Dog. A shout out of thanks to LUSO Federal Credit Union for funding the project that allowed every staff and family to receive a personal copy of the book. Click here to read the full article.

 BMS Community Service Club Remembers Eren Yanbul with Donation of Superhero Books

Members of the Baird Middle School Community Service Club held a dedication ceremony in the school's library to honor the memory of their friend and classmate, Eren Yanbul, who tragically died last June in a drowning accident. Since Eren was an avid reader who loved superheroes, members raised money to purchase and donate a bookcase filled with superhero books, in his memory, to the BMS library. Click here to read the full article.

 The Ludlow Public Schools Mission

The mission of the Ludlow Public Schools is to provide a quality education for every student by working in partnership with parents and community to assist each student in reaching his/her full potential.