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Uxbridge High School

Responsibility-Respect-Equity-Collaboration

December Newsletter Uxbridge Public Schools

Posted Date: 12/21/25 (08:30 PM)


Uxbridge Public Schools

Holiday Newsletter

Monday, December 22nd, 2025

Dear Uxbridge Families,

As we approach the winter break, I want to share some important updates from our district and wish you a safe and joyful holiday season. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students!
Thank You for Your Understanding

Thank you for your patience and understanding regarding the school closure on Friday, December 19th. Our team used this time to complete a full disinfection of all three school buildings to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our students and staff.

A special thank you to our Facilities Department, led by Mr. Marty Shaw, and the custodial team from Pritchard Industries for their outstanding work in making this happen.

What Was Accomplished

🏫
Areas Cleaned:Every classroom, hallway, restroom, gym, art room, and cafeteria across all three schools
🧴
Products Used:Alpha Disinfectant and PurTabs — both hospital-grade disinfectants
Technology:Victory Innovations electrostatic sprayers — the most advanced technology for sanitizing all surface areas

We are grateful for your flexibility and partnership as we prioritize the health and safety of our school community.

🎄 Winter Break Schedule

Dec 23
Half Day of SchoolEarly dismissal for all students
Dec 24 – Jan 2
Winter BreakSchools closed — Enjoy time with family!
Jan 5
Students ReturnWelcome back! Classes resume
🏢
Soft Close: Central administrative offices and school buildings will have a "soft close" over the holiday break. In case of emergency, please dial 911 or contact the Uxbridge Police Department business line at (508) 278-7755.
📊
School Committee Budget Update

The December 16th School Committee Meeting included important budget discussions for the upcoming fiscal year. I presented preliminary projections showing that even with level funding from FY26 to FY27, our district faces a significant budget gap that will require careful planning and community input.

📄 View the Budget Presentation

📅 Public Hearing
Tuesday, January 13th, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Uxbridge High School — Community members are encouraged to attend and provide public comment
🏆
Student Creativity Shines!

Congratulations to our Uxbridge students who were among the winners in the Town of Uxbridge Department of Public Works Snowplow Naming Contest! Two of the newly named trucks made their debut at the Uxbridge First Night Holiday Parade on December 6th. View the full announcement on the Town of Uxbridge website and the DPW Facebook page.

Evelyn Munged

Kindergarten • Taft Early Learning Center
"Snowbi-Wan Kenobi" (Truck H-5)
🌟

Julie

7th Grade • Whitin Intermediate School
"Fast and the Flurryous" (Truck H-9)

Sonny Pereira

1st Grade • Our Lady of the Valley School
"Scoop Doggy Dog" (Truck H-2)
⚠️
E-Bike Safety Reminder

The district partnered with the Uxbridge Police Department this fall to share important e-bike safety information. If your child uses an e-bike, please review these guidelines and ensure they always wear appropriate protective gear.

293%
Increase in child e-bike injuries since 2019
44%
Of all e-bike injuries involve ages 10-13
<35%
Of children in crashes wore helmets
10 mph
CPSC max speed rec. for ages 9-12
💜
Who to Call in a Crisis

A family can be in crisis and not need to call 911. There are several options — all offer 24/7 support and are free and confidential.

🚨 Call 911

When there is IMMEDIATE DANGER of harm to your child, yourself, or others — or access to a weapon

Massachusetts Mental Health
(All needs, including crisis)

833-773-2445
masshelpline.com • All languages available

Massachusetts
Substance Use Support

800-327-5050
helplinema.org

The Trevor Project
(LGBTQIA+ Youth Support)

866-488-7386
Text: 678-678

National Crisis & Suicide
Prevention Lifeline

Call or Text 988
988lifeline.org • Text HOME to 741741
Additional Resources for Massachusetts Families

PPAL (Parent Professional Advocacy League): 866-815-8122 or ppal.net

Massachusetts SafeLink (Domestic Violence): 877-785-2020

Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 (will not contact police)

❄ ✦ ❄ ✦ ❄

Wishing You a Safe & Happy Holiday

"Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast."

— William Shakespeare

As I reflect on this semester, I am continually inspired by the strength of our Uxbridge community. Our core values — Equity, Respect, Collaboration, and Responsibility — are not just words; they come alive every day through the dedication of our staff, the engagement of our families, and the growth of our students. Thank you for embodying these values and for entrusting us with your children's education.

🌐Coming January 5th: Our district website will have a fresh new look! Same address — www.uxbridge.k12.ma.us — with an improved design.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students. I wish you and your families a restful winter break filled with joy and time with loved ones.

David Ljungberg
Superintendent, Uxbridge Public Schools

Uxbridge Public Schools • www.uxbridge.k12.ma.us

Taft Early Learning Center • Whitin Intermediate School • Uxbridge High School • Independence Project