March 23, 2023

Dear Clippers,

Falmouth Education Foundation staged their Winter Gala at the Coonamessett Inn last weekend. It was a wonderful evening celebrating our dynamic and dedicated educators in Falmouth Public Schools, while honoring the community contributions of Drs. Barbara and Gary Schneider. It was also wonderful to see our teachers, administrators, and staff relaxing and enjoying each other’s company, having the chance to catch up as friends and colleagues. FEF is one of the things that make our district unique, and we are so lucky to have their support, vision, and dedication. Congratulations to the Gala Committee and all involved, including our incredibly talented FHS Jazz Ensemble for the fantastic entertainment!

Music in Our Schools Month!

Speaking about our fabulous FHS Jazz Ensemble, they performed along with the jazz ensembles from Morse Pond and Lawrence Schools at the All Bands Night last week. The Field House at Falmouth High School was packed, and the energy was inspiring. I am continually impressed by the talent and skill of our Clipper musicians in the concert and jazz bands and their dedicated, enthusiastic teachers. The value and importance of music as a form of creative expression cannot be overstated. To support the Falmouth Band Parents, contact chairpersons Grace Simpkins at abromait@hotmail.com or Gina Palanza at ginapalanza@gmail.com for more information.

You have another opportunity to enjoy the Falmouth High School Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Sarah Wheeler, at the Evening of Jazz event held at the Coonamessett Inn on Saturday, April 29 at 7 pm, featuring professional musicians, Jared Sims Quintet, along with our jazz ensemble.

“Disney Descendants the Musical” is This Weekend at Lawrence

The auditorium at Lawrence School has been bustling with excitement in recent weeks. The Bulldogs have been diligently rehearsing under the direction of Victoria Santos for “Disney Descendants the Musical,” which will be staged this weekend. Let’s all support their impressive efforts by cheering them on. Three performances will be held: Saturday at 2 pm and 7 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online: https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/lawrence-school/63ee41513f13230e4dfd686b/tickets.

Wishing the best of luck and well-deserved congratulations to our multi-talented students, both on stage and behind the scenes!

Student Events

This week, students from Falmouth High School are at the Marine Biological Lab (MBL) for the Exploring Hidden Biodiversity with DNA Sequencing Program. This is one of many learning opportunities happening this spring through our Partnership with the Woods Hole and Greater Falmouth Professional Community. Others include Oceans Day (Kindergarten), Shiverick’s Pond Day (Grade 1), Cape Verdean Museum and Cultural Center Tour (Grade 2), Earth Day (Grade 3), and Green Bus Tour (Grade 4). We also have Morse Pond grade 6 students going to Penikese Island and Lawrence grade 8 students going to Cuttyhunk Island. The grade 5 trips to the National Seashore continue. And new this year, our grade 7 students will be taking a trip to Woods Hole, for a “Walk in the Village,” visiting both NOAA and WHOI. As students learn in these ‘living classrooms,’ they are becoming stewards of Falmouth’s future.

Get the Word Out!

Kindergarten registration is now open for students entering Kindergarten in September 2023. Each new kindergarten student will receive a Clipper hat during registration. Children must be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2023. Each elementary school will have open registration from March 27 through March 3, from 8:15 am - 3:45 pm. Additionally, the schools will be open on Thursday, March 30 from 4:30 - 6:30 pm. Join the Clipper Team!

Falmouth Public Schools Custodians are Unsung Heroes

School was in session on Monday, February 6 at North Falmouth Elementary School thanks to the Falmouth Public Schools Custodial Team, who spent their weekend cleaning up after not one, but two burst sprinkler pipes. You can read all about their tireless efforts for the district in the latest edition of the Clipper Corner, on the FPS website: https://www.falmouth.k12.ma.us/ and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FalmouthPS. I am extremely grateful for the professionalism and care they exhibit to our staff, students, and beloved buildings, each and every day.

Spring is finally here, and the days are getting longer and warmer. I hope you have the opportunity to take advantage of our beautiful seaside town by getting outside to connect and unplug with friends and family.

Sincerely,

Lori Duerr, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools