Working to continually improve our positive school culture and we often welcome guest speakers to campus to inspire our students and staff. With a story and perspective that applies to all of us, whatever we are going through, we invited Kaleb Joseph on September 4th to spark an honest conversation with our students in peer-to-peer engagement.

Congratulations! We're so proud of Mr. Brian Rhodes, who was recently named the 2024-25 National PLTW Engineering Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes educators from a nationwide pool of nominees who exhibit exemplary leadership and are committed to expanding STEM access while empowering students to develop key transportable and technical skills. Mr. Rhodes has earned this distinction for his work in the PLTW Engineering pathway.

We're so proud of our Commended Students! 

Dylan Leeds and Lacey Coffman have been named Commended Students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. They were recognized during the October school committee meeting and received a Letter of Commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), which conducts the program. Congratulations!
 

Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick, a highly esteemed and nationally recognized leader in vocational-technical education, has been a cornerstone of our school district since 1994, serving as the superintendent-director. His remarkable career, which includes significant advancements and achievements, has left a proud and profound mark. He has announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year, marking the end of an era.

The National Defense University in Washington, D.C., provides senior international civilian and military leaders with graduate learning opportunities. Its International Fellows program is a one-year intensive program focused on educating, inspiring, and developing national security leaders. As part of their studies, the International Fellows Class of 2025 visited Upton, MA, on September 25th to better understand the American education system.

 

Thanks to generous donations, we have new tools
Our music program is thankful for recent instrument donations from Burkart Flutes and Piccolos as well as the in-kind donations of a saxophone and French horn from Hungry for Music. The additional support is “instrumental” in growing and ensuring a sustainable program that strives to increase equitable access to a broader range of musical tools and instruments for all our students.

Mentoring the Next Generation of Tradesperson
During her senior year on Co-Op, Julia Saksa of Northbridge (Electrical, Class of 2024) had a unique opportunity to work with owner and Master Electrician, Tom Kuik (Electrical, Class of 1982), on a special project for the Northbridge Fire Department. This involved repairing and rewiring an antique fire alarm control panel, which is still a crucial component of the firehouse’s alarm system.

Acknowledging Academic & Vocational Achievement
The Commendation List for the third trimester of the 2023–2024 school year has been released.

Our Annual Budget and Bond Request 
This spring, our annual budget and bond for major roof repairs sought approval from its 13 sending towns at the town meeting and, in some cases, at the town election. The FY25 annual budget earned unanimous support from its District towns. While the bond for major roof repairs received unanimous support, a debt exclusion ballot action is pending in the town of Douglas on July 30 and in Millbury on September 3.

Named a 2023-24 PLTW Distinguished School
It’s not luck; it's hard work. Year after year, the collective effort of our students and staff has resulted in national recognition from the nonprofit organization Project Lead the Way (PLTW). We are proud to be named a 2023-24 PLTW Distinguished School for the seventh consecutive year, a testament to our shared commitment and dedication. 

165 Medals Earned at SkillsUSA Competitions in 2024  
Our students proved their vocational-technical ability at the annual SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, June 24th – 28th. The event is the world's largest showcase of career and technical education students. Students work against the clock and each other, proving their expertise in occupations such as electronics, computer-aided drafting, precision machining, medical assisting, and culinary arts.

Our Summer Projects Are Underway 
It was a perfect morning to be outdoors. On June 14, teachers, administrators, and support staff at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (BVT) gathered under a blue sky to say goodbye to students as the last buses of the school year rolled out. The annual send-off marks the official start of summer at BVT, with smiles and waves before teachers and students embark on their sabbatical.

Acknowledging Academic & Vocational Achievement
The Commendation List for the second trimester of the 2023–2024 school year has been released.