Schools
The Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School has received the largest private donation ever made to a Vineyard school. Taking the form of a matching grant, the gift will double all money up to $100,000 raised by the school before February 2008. Charter school director of development Paul Karasik said the $200,000 is needed to pay for enlarged classrooms and a modest addition, which will include a new art room and a second bathroom facility at the public school.
A sharply divided Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School district committee voted 5-4 to certify a $16.2 million budget on Monday, up 2.7 per cent over last year. Approved by a single vote at an uncharacteristically well-attended high school committee meeting, the budget reflects last-minute revisions to instructional and fixed costs.
And it follows an emotional public hearing last week at which music and drama students, teachers and parents spoke out on proposed teacher and program cuts across those departments.
At an emotionally charged public hearing Wednesday night, over 100 teachers, students, parents and citizens turned out in force to protest proposed budget cuts to the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School drama and music programs.
“What I learned shaped me as person,” said a teary-eyed Lydia Fisher, a Minnesinger currently in her senior year, of her time in the performing arts programs. “I wasn’t excelling in academics — and to wake up with a song in my head . . . it’s incredible.”
Charter School
Monday, Nov. 19: Turkey or vegetable stew over rotini pasta, baked sugar pumpkin with maple syrup, peaches and milk.
Tuesday, Nov. 20: Tomato vegetable soup, sunflower butter and jelly sandwich, apple crisp and milk.
Wednesday, Nov. 21: Half day — bag lunch with sandwiches (ham and cheese, tuna salad or veggie and cheese), baby carrots with ranch dip or hummus, fresh fruit and milk.
Thursday, Friday: No school.
Edgartown
The Nantucket varsity football team is a formidable foe.