Calmes says cameras like these have been installed on buses for student safety. - Stock photo

By Kristen Levine

Last Wednesday, the School Committee opened with an optimistic statement from Superintendent Loxi-Jo Calmes regarding the upcoming school year, detailing efforts that have been put into preparing for the first days of school.

    “We met with new Fire Chief Sullivan from the Lunenburg Fire Department and talked about emergency procedures, and we continue to develop those with Sullivan and [Police Chief] Marino,” said Calmes. “We sent out back-to-school letters welcoming everyone back. We’re finalizing schedules, double-checking class lists, [and] meeting with bus drivers for the annual review.”

    “Ongoing professional development” and methods of keeping the school bus environment safe and free of bullying were also discussed, according to Calmes.

    “We’re going over how we keep everyone safe,” she said. “We have cameras on the buses this year should investigations be necessary.”

    School enrollment has also been  active.

    “We’re seeing a lot of new enrollments,” she said.  “This last week has been quite busy with people coming in – once school gets underway we will be able to provide [more] information [as to] where we are.”

    Three new hires to the school system have also been introduced:  Hailee Martin, taking over LHS Social Studies courses, Dawn Grebinar in 7th Grade ELA, and Audur Murphy hired into the preschool.

    “We’re excited to have them,” Calmes said.