CRIME ALERT FOR HOPKINTON RESIDENTS
October 24, 2012

On Monday October 22, 2012 the Hopkinton Police Department investigated reports of a vehicle having been stolen from a Walcott Valley Drive residence. This vehicle was recovered a short distance away in Hopkinton. In the immediate area there were reports of four (4) additional vehicles having been entered and items having been stolen.

All of these incidents appear to have occurred during overnight hours.

The items being stolen are small items including IPods. All of the vehicles were open and a key was left in the vehicle that was stolen and recovered.

This type of crime has occurred in other areas of town and other communities.

Residents are strongly urged to lock their vehicles and remove valuables. Also please make sure you lock your homes at all times.

Help the Hopkinton Police keep you and your neighbors from being victimized.

· Always make sure you lock your doors and windows
· If you have an burglar alarm always activate it
· Always lock your vehicles and remove any valuables.
· Report any suspicious persons or vehicles to the Hopkinton Police Department immediately by calling 911

The National Crime Prevention Council has an easy to use Home Security Checklist you can download to help assess your own home’s level of security you can access this form online at;
http://www.ncpc.org/resources/files/pdf/neighborhood-safety/homechk2.pdf
If you have any questions please call the Hopkinton Police Department at 508-497-3401.

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Hopkinton Resident Shows Off Holliston

Hopkinton resident Donald Cronin co-produced a video entitled “America in Bloom 2012” which was recently named a finalist in a national video competition. The sponsoring organization, America in Bloom, promotes nationwide beautification through education and community involvement by encouraging the use of flowers, plants, trees, and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements. The short video showcases various aspects of the town of Holliston including heritage, environmental awareness and forestry. The video also captured many of the beautiful floral arrangements which were displayed along Main Street in downtown Holliston this past summer. Cronin is employed as a video producer at Holliston Cable Access Television.

 In the spring, Holliston resident Bobby Blair (photo), who is manager of the Downtown Marigold project, asked the staff if they would be interested in competing in the contest. After accepting the challenge, Donald and his co-producer Lisa Hedrick of Holliston spent six weeks shooting scenes around town including Fatima Shrine, Bullard Farm, Balancing Rock, the Historical Society, the Eight Arch Bridge, and the Casey at the Bat statue. Station Manager Dennis Bergeron provided technical support on the project. In addition, the town of Holliston received awards and was recognized for other beautification initiatives including tree preservation, appearance, landscaping and design. America in Bloom held a symposium and awards ceremony in Fayetteville, Arkansas on September 20-22. The video has received more than 1,850 hits and can be viewed by clicking http://youtu.be/xev4L3PzEpQ  

Hopkinton, MA
10/23/2012

The Hopkinton School Committee has engaged the services of the New England School Development Council (NESDEC) to assist them in the search process for our next Superintendent of Schools.
 
The School Committee will consider the input of faculty, staff, parents and community in determining the attributes, experience and knowledge that our next Superintendent should possess.  Opinion on the immediate tasks and priorities on which our next Superintendent should focus for the next few years, will be valued as well.  To that end, professionals from NESDEC will facilitate a community focus group to give interested individuals the opportunity to provide such input.
 
The focus group will be facilitated by a representative from NESDEC, is designed to last approximately 60 - 90 minutes, and is scheduled for 

Monday, 10/29/2012, in the High School Library, from 7:00 – 8:30 PM

For individuals unable to attend this focus group session, input may be provided by participating in our electronic Community Survey. For more information, and a link to the survey, please visit the Superintendent Search website:  https://sites.google.com/a/hopkinton.k12.ma.us/suptsearch/
and click on the “Community Survey” link, found in the dialog box on the left-hand side of the page. NESDEC will compile the data from the focus group and electronic survey responses, and create an updated candidate profile, which will be presented to the School Committee for its consideration.

The Hopkinton School Committee and NESDEC strongly encourage faculty, staff, parents and community members to participate. ~HPS Press Release

Milford Regional Recognized for Support to Breast Cancer Patients

The Breast Center at Milford Regional was recognized by the American Cancer Society (ACS) for their extraordinary efforts supporting breast cancer patients, while also supporting the Society’s mission to save lives and help people stay well, get well, find cures and fight back. The special presentation took place at the ACS 20th anniversary Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Boston on October 14 at the DCR Hatch Shell.

The ACS lauded Milford’s commitment to breast cancer patients, families dealing with a loved one diagnosed with breast cancer, and raising breast cancer awareness in their communities. Dr. Renée Quarterman, medical director of The Breast Center at Milford Regional, accepted the honor which was presented by Don Gudaitis, executive vice president for the ACS and Peg Camp, chief operating officer of the ACS New England Division. The Breast Center at Milford Regional was one of eight Massachusetts breast health facilities recognized and celebrated by the ACS at Making Strides in Boston for their dedication and commitment to serving breast cancer patients and caregivers.

For more information on The Breast Center at Milford Regional, go to the Medical Center’s Web site at milfordregional.org; health services; women’s health services, or call 508-482-5439.

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BOSTON – October 22, 2012 – Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt today announced Hopkinton residents and businesses have qualified for the lowest pricing tier available under the Solarize Massachusetts Program (Solarize Mass) and will receive prices well below rates for traditional sources of energy
 
As a result of Solarize Mass, the average Hopkinton participant who enters into a contract to buy solar electricity will now pay an average of 5 cents per kilowatt hour. This rate is lower than the average statewide price of 15 cents per kilowatt hour for traditional energy sources, which are a mix of coal-fired, nuclear or natural gas generation.
Residents and businesses have until October 31 to sign contracts to participate in the bulk purchasing program.
 
“I hope Hopkinton’s renewable energy leadership will inspire residents in this community and beyond to take advantage of this program that not only cuts energy costs, but creates local jobs,” said MassCEC CEO and Executive Director Alicia Barton McDevitt.
 
Under the leadership of Governor Deval Patrick, Massachusetts set a goal of achieving 250 megawatts of solar by 2017. As a result of the Solarize Mass program and other incentives, the state is more than halfway to its goal – with 162 megawatts of solar installed to date, the equivalent of powering 25,623 homes for a year.
 
To date, a number of residents and businesses in Hopkinton have banded together to participate in the program, contracting 38 solar systems for a total capacity of 252 kilowatts (kW).
 
Solarize Mass, which is available in 17 Massachusetts communities including Hopkinton, offers five tiers of discounted pricing based on the total solar capacity contracted under the program. As more residents and businesses contract for solar, the price for solar energy drops. Solarize Mass is administered by MassCEC and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER).
 
“This is a bright day for Hopkinton residents and businesses,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “Solarize Mass and the 103 Green Communities are helping spread solar power across the 340 of 351 communities that now have at least one state-supported solar electricity project.”
 
The average Massachusetts household uses 667 kilowatt hours per month, equivalent to an average $100 monthly bill for traditional energy sources. By installing a solar electric system under the Solarize program, Hopkinton homeowners entered into contracts to purchase solar would pay $33.
 
A committee of Hopkinton volunteers and municipal officials selected a partnership between Framingham-based SolarFlair.

Hopkinton Education Foundation Announces iPad Winner

Contest Increases Awareness of Innovation in the Hopkinton Public Schools

Hopkinton, October 22, 2012.  The Hopkinton Education Foundation today announced that David Godfroy, whose daughter Madelyn is a kindergartner at Center School, was the winner of its Partners in Innovation iPad contest.  The contest increased awareness of iPads as one of the innovative technologies used in Hopkinton schools as the result of a grant from the Hopkinton Education Foundation.

iPads are just the latest in a long list of technologies introduced into Hopkinton schools as the result of Education Foundation grants.  Some others include Smartboards, Internet-based collaboration technologies, Smart Pens, digital microscopes and display technologies, GIS software, and engineering and mathematics curricula.

Over the last two years, the Hopkinton Education Foundation directed over 40% of its grants, approximately $52,000 to teachers who are bringing a broad spectrum of curricula alive for students with the help of iPad applications.  These grants will improve literacy at Center School, improve problem-solving abilities at Hopkins, and enhance the wellness curriculum across the district.

According to Clelland Johnson, President of the Hopkinton Education Foundation, “We are excited to showcase this innovative technology in this way.  Through Education Foundation grants, we have demonstrated that in the hands of a pioneering educator, technologies like this can help revolutionize the way our kids learn, allowing them to interact, experience, and engage in their education in transformational ways.”

Recently, members of the Education Foundation visited a 3^rd grade classroom at the Elmwood School.  The lesson was Massachusetts history.  The students were asked to complete a “Massachusetts Scavenger Hunt” (a series of questions on Massachusetts history).  Armed with an iPad and a website that included articles about Massachusetts history, maps of the state, and a dictionary, the students eagerly logged onto the site and set about discovering facts about the Commonwealth’s history.  While these applications may appear to be just games, in the hands of a savvy educator, they add an engaging and accessible teaching tool. 

“Kids today live in a media-rich environment.  Using an iPad and applications appropriate to the grade level increases the level of student engagement and the accessibility of up-to-date information.  It allows students to take more ownership of their education, moving the learning from being teacher-instructed to teacher-facilitated,” according to Mrs. Lauren Mack, 3rd grade teacher.  "We still go to the rug and use many of the teaching tools you'd find in a traditional classroom," explained Mack.  "However, using technology, especially the iPad, is a great way to lend variety to the learning experience."

Mrs. Mack’s class uses the 18 iPads provided by the Education Foundation several times per week.  The rest of the time, the iPads are used throughout the Elmwood School to engage students in language arts, math, social studies, and science.  Additionally, the iPads represent another opportunity for teachers to collaborate, sharing ideas for iPad applications and how to leverage them in the classroom.

For more information or to make a contribution to the Hopkinton Education Foundation, please visit www.hopkintoneducationfoundation.org.

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STATEMENT OF U.S. REP. JIM MCGOVERN ON THE PASSING OF GEORGE MCGOVERN

“The world has lost a great and good man, and I have lost my inspiration, my mentor, my dearest friend.  There is less hunger and poverty because of George McGovern.  There is more hope.  He believed that one person can change the world, and he proved it every day.  While Lisa and I will miss him terribly, we are comforted by the knowledge that he is in a better place.  And we are celebrating a long and well-lived and uniquely American life.” 

Senator McGovern speaking at an event at Mechanic’s Hall in Worcester in 2008. Seated behind him are the late Senator Ted Kennedy, Governor Deval Patrick, Lisa McGovern(wife of Rep. Jim McGovern), and Rep. Jim McGovern.

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First, I want to thank Alyson Geary for her outstanding work in Hopkinton. As everyone knows, she will be leaving her position at the end of December to begin working as an Associate Director for the Commission on Public Secondary Schools at the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). She will be working with schools across New England to help ensure high quality educational experiences for children. We all know the passion she brings to ensuring high standards for all students. The evidence of her work and commitment is seen at Hopkinton High School. She will be missed but we wish her well in the next phase of her career.

While transitions are always challenging, there is a strong team of administrators and staff in place at the high school to ensure their work continues. As we begin the process of selecting a successor, there will be two phases. The first phase will be to appoint an interim principal who will begin January 1, 2013 through the end of the school year in June. This process will begin immediately. There is a strong pool from within the district to consider and we will also reach out to other sources such as experienced retirees. This process will be completed soon to provide time to overlap with Ms. Geary and ensure a smooth transition.

The second phase will begin after the first of the year. This phase will be to find and appoint a new principal to begin July 1, 2013. Beginning the process after the first of the year will provide the best possible pool of candidates. As this process will begin after the search for a new Superintendent nears conclusion, there should be an opportunity for the new superintendent to have input in the selection.

Hopkinton High School has a tradition of excellence that I am confident will continue. We all wish Ms. Geary well and are looking forward to the next couple of months as she closes out her work here.

Middlesex Sheriff's Office Warns of Scam Involving Civil Process Division 

October 19, 2012 — The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office is warning citizens today of a telephone scam involving a man falsely claiming to work for the Civil Process Division of the office.
In the scam, the man allegedly claiming to be a Middlesex Sheriff’s Office deputy working on behalf of group named ‘American Cash’ and with an out of state law firm tells the person being called he, or she, will be arrested if they do not wire money to a specific bank. The call might appear to be coming from a legitimate sheriff’s office number, but it is not.
“We want citizens to be aware of this scam so they can properly protect themselves,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “These are not legitimate calls. Arrests performed by the Civil Process Division deputies are done in person, never over the phone and the individual is brought to court to resolve the matter.”
The law group, who also appears to be a victim of this scam, has already posted a warning on its website regarding the scam.
The MSO is advising citizens that receive similar calls that they should not give any personal information to the caller and should immediately report the call to their local law enforcement agency. We also ask that you contact the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Investigation Unit at 978-932-3104

October 19, 2012 — Boston - A Framingham man was sentenced today for possessing child pornography and threatening to injure the reputation of another. 
      Joshua M. Pizette, 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Chief Judge Mark L. Wolf to 65 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Pizette pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography and five counts of making threats to injure the reputation of another.

Pizette attempted to blackmail a young Massachusetts woman to provide him with nude photographs. Pizette, who knew the young woman and her family, anonymously contacted the young woman by email and threatened to place embarrassing information about her on the Internet if she did not send him nude photos. The young woman and her family contacted the police and an investigation revealed that Pizette had made the threats. Upon Pizette’s arrest, his computer was seized and a collection of photographs and videos of child pornography were found. None of the images appear to have been taken or made by Pizette.

      United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Bruce M. Foucart, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Chief Richard A. Flannery of the Hopkinton Police Department; and the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council’s Computer Crimes Unit made the announcement today. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit. 

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School Committee Ponders Super, Principal Search, more

by Muriel kramer

October 19, 2012 — The School Committee-led search for the next Superintendent is well under way; Dr. Arthur Bettencourt from the New England School Development Council (NESDEC) reported on the process at the School Committee meeting indicating that some applications have already been received. The application deadline is November 19, 2012, and the screening committee should be finalized November 7^th.  The screening committee will have 11 members, Nancy Alvarez-Burdick and Rebecca Robak from the School Committee as well as 2 members from central office staff, 1 principal, 1 teacher, 1 community member from the business sector, 1 community member that is a parent of past, present or future students and 1 Selectman.  There will be an online survey up and available soon to allow community members at large to inform the process with feedback.  NESDEC will facilitate the entire process; the screening committee will see all applications and likely interview 8-12 candidates in executive session to then identify 3-5 finalists for consideration.

                Dr. Steven Hiersche Interim Superintendent had some good news.  We have experienced the much hoped for “hard frost”, and the ban on evening activities has been lifted.  That means the Homecoming football game Friday October 26^th will be held that evening as planned; tonight is the much anticipated football contest with Holliston at Holliston.

                Dr. Hiersche also spoke to the recent resignation of High School Principal Alyson Geary.  Praising Geary and her tenure in Hopkinton, Hiersche commented, “She will be missed, but we wish her well.”   Hiersche is hoping to appoint an interim principal to serve January to June 2013 and set a target of hiring a new principal to start July 1, 2013.  This timing should allow the new Superintendent to have some participation in the hiring process of the new principal.

                The School Committee voted to set the District Goals last night.  The goals specifically include addressing the facility deficiencies at Center School and Elmwood (the roof); continuing work to align with the  Massachusetts Common Core Standards in math, science and English; developing and negotiating the new mandate to implement the Educator Supervision and Evaluation Model for September 2013; as well as targeting work on Strategic Plan initiatives to include hoped for expansions in the language program, STEM initiatives, and Technology initiatives (1:1 laptop program and  Technology Master Plan as examples).

                The Annual Budget process kicks off formally next week at a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen.  The Board of Selectmen will issue a policy statement that establishes guidelines for the FY14 budget this month.  The Superintendent will present a preliminary budget to the School Committee on December 20^th, and the School Committee will hold its annual Public Hearing on the budget January 24^th. The School Committee will submit its draft budget to the Town Manager by February 1^st; he will then submit a comprehensive (capital and operating budgets) draft to the Selectmen February 26^th.

                The School Committee re-addressed the formation of an Elementary School Building Committee emphasizing the structure is largely defined by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) and is specifically designed to take the project from design to completion.  Dr. Hiersche addressed the most pressing issue.  “We need to move sooner rather than later.”  He spoke to the need for a collaborative process that capitalizes on the strengths of both committees, the School Committee and Board of Selectmen; importantly, he emphasized that we need to get this issue in front of a committee whose sole function is to expedite this and get us to a successful project. 

                Jean Bertschmann, SC member, spoke to emphasizing the most important issues.  “The structure of the School Building Committee was not the stumbling block.”  It’s important to have the correct committee make-up, but most important to pursue a project that has broad-based community support.

                Upcoming dates and meetings:

October 23^rd Joint meeting School Committee and Board of Selectmen to discuss Special Town Meeting (STM), the formation of an Elementary School Building Committee (ESBC), and the upcoming budget cycle, specifically the formation of the budget message to departments

November 1^st  School Committee

                November 26^th Special Town Meeting

                December 3^rd Special Town Election