Connections - Holyoke Public Schools

Holyoke Publ ic School s
Connections
Holyoke Public Schools
A Community Working Together
Our Web site: www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
Volume 6, Issue 1
Fall 2007
Holyoke High School receives accreditation
Schools make great gains in MCAS scores
By Eduardo B. Carballo
Inside this issue:
Superintendent of Schools
Welcome back. We have had a
great transition from summer
into the school year!
Over 1100 children attended
summer school from KinderKamp to high school. We held a
late ceremony on September 6
for those seniors from Holyoke
High and Dean Technical who
achieved the credits for graduation through attending summer
school. Since we began the
additional high school graduation, we have had 112 students
go through this ceremony. Congratulations to these young men
and women.
Summer was busy for staff members and administrators as they
attended many professional
development opportunities.
Curriculum maps were revised
and ready for the teachers.
Coaches worked hard over the
summer to get everything in
place for the opening of school.
We are well staffed with a dedicated team of professionals despite the cuts we had to make
due to budget deficits. The
education of the children of
Holyoke is the top priority of
the School Committee, the
Holyoke Public Schools and the
City of Holyoke.
I am very excited about the
latest round of MCAS results.
Our schools’ composite performance index scores (CPI) for
ELA and Math rose for eight of
our schools. Gains in ELA and
Math ranged anywhere from two
to over eight points per school.
While two of our schools,
McMahon and E.N. White made
AYP, it is important to note
progress of several of our other
schools. Sullivan made AYP in
the aggregate in both ELA and
Math and in all subgroups with
Community Involvement
Dr. Eduardo Carballo (left) speaks
at the 10,000 Acts of Kindness
assembly at Lawrence School.
Above, students listen intently to
his message.
the exception of the LEP subgroup in Math. Additionally,
Sullivan Elementary School was
identified as one of the top improving schools across the State
in the percentage of students
scoring Proficient or Advanced
since 2006. Dean and Holyoke
High School also made significant
progress.
Some more good news to share
is that Holyoke High School was
awarded accreditation. Dean
will be working toward their
accreditation this school year.
I invite you to become involved
with our schools whether by
volunteering, getting involved
with your school’s Parent/Teacher Organization or
School Improvement Councils
depending upon what organization is in your child’s school.
Our parent advocacy center
schedules many events during
the school year at each of our
schools in which you can participate.
In addition, our Channel 12
educational programming will
continue to offer high quality
professional development for
staff in the Annenberg and
NASA series. Our around the
schools In Focus and events
schedule will continue to keep
you informed about our district’s
happenings. I must also congratulate our Connections editor,
Kelly Doktor, as we received the
2007 Apex Award for Publication Excellence. Our quarterly
newsletter has been honored
with this award since 2003.
Everything is in place for a very
successful school year. Please
continue to visit our website at
www.hps.holyoke.ma.us for
information regarding our
schools and district. The latest
information on the Web is also
outlined on page 3 of this newsletter.
Dr. Eduardo Carballo has been
appointed as a member of the
Leadership Council within the
Readiness Project initiated by
Massachusetts Governor Deval
Patrick. The volunteer position
is one of 150 posts held by
citizens to address education
issues from a systemic perspective which includes drafting a
10-year strategic plan to solidify a comprehensive public
school system.
2
Mayor Sullivan
What’s New on the Web 3
Lynch Advisory Program
4
Wally the Red Sox
Mascot reads
5
School Briefs
6
Talking Points
7
Sports
8
Spanish Highlights
9-12
Connections
Page 2
Mission Statement
The mission of the
Holyoke Public Schools
is to provide educational
opportunities for all
students to reach their
full potential in a safe,
secure, healthy learning
environment while
valuing diversity and
promoting responsible
citizenship.
Edited by
Kelly Doktor
[email protected]
Special Thanks to:
Luz Aguilar, Cris Brown, Kim Counter, Laura DuPont, Mike Hines,
Judy Taylor and Judy Williams
Contributing to this issue:
Pauline Carriere
Karen Guillette
Hava Preye
John Cavanaugh
Joanne Marcotte
Pam Quieroga
Christine Corey
Mary Jo Mazzu
Hilary Russell
Marianne Currier
Lee McGarrigle
Nancy Stenberg
Steve Damon
Aaron Morris
Tom Vaghini
Kathy Dunn
Winnie Moynihan
Sue Werenski
Helen Gibson
Aaron Patterson
Glenn Yarnell
Autism Walk
Holyoke School
Committee*
Mayor Michael Sullivan
Michael Moriarty
Mary Signet
Yvonne Garcia
Barry Conway
Mollie Plant
Staff members from
McMahon School
walked for the second
year in the annual Walk
Now for Autism at
Stanley Park in September. The team, named
Hope for Holyoke 2,
raised over $900 for
autism research. Even in
the chilly fall weather,
the team, along with
many other partcipants
from neighboring communities, showed support for the autistic
children who are a part
of the McMahon Supportive Inclusion Program.
William A. Collamore
Walkers L to R: Tina Hebert, Sue Frederick, Stephanie Hills, Amy Sturmer,
Jen Harbarger, Ann Winberg, Christine Winberg and Elizabeth Winberg.
Margaret Boulais
Gladys Lebron-Martinez
Jonathan Allyn
*As of 11-1-07 presstime
Pink & Denim Day
Mary Jo Moore, Sullivan
School Math teacher and
Breast Cancer survivor, organized Sullivan School’s second
annual Pink & Denim Dress
Down Day in October as a
part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. About
60 staff members donated $5 to wear the attire
and a special Ray of Hope sticker.
Several community partners participated and
assisted in the 2nd Annual Kids’ Safety Walk for
Lawrence School students, parents and staff
members. They walked the eight blocks from the
Holyoke Public Library to the school reinforcing how
to safely cross at intersections. Community partners
for the walk are: Kohl’s Department store volunteers, FedEx, MassRides Safe Kids, and the Holyoke
Police Department.
Volume 6, Issue 1
Page 3
Dedication, hard work paints a colorful picture
http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
________________________
What’s New on the Web
By Michael Sullivan
Mayor of Holyoke
For everyone involved, it certainly has been a period of good
news for the Holyoke Public
Schools in recent weeks. In this
instance, when I say the Holyoke
Public Schools, I mean everyone;
teachers, students, support staff,
administration, parents, from top
to bottom, your efforts have
been confirmed.
Congratulations to Holyoke High
School for a positive accreditation process. The examination
was thorough and no stone was
left unturned. At the end of the
assessment, the New England
Association of Schools and Colleges said that there was no
doubt that the curriculum and
professional staff is equal to any
anywhere. In a system that has
many more challenges and some
significantly less than modern
facilities (as the report points
out), you rose to the challenge
and were recognized for your
commitment to Holyoke High
School.
I realize there are those that will
dwell on the criticisms of Holyoke High (these “dampers” exist
at every other school too), but I
implore you to not allow the wet
blankets to steal your moment in
the sun. Revel in the glory, pat
yourself on the back, and congratulate your colleagues for your
collective success. When you
see Linda Rex,
Mary Ellen
O’Connor, or
others from
the accreditation team, give
them twothumbs-up for
creating a
Readers Digest version of
the larger
story that is
happening at
Mayor Michael Sullivan reads a book to a class during
Holyoke High
Donahue Elementary’s Literacy Launch to celebrate
the 25 Book Campaign program.
School.
The MCAS
scores were also another confir- you through the negative storm
mation that the Holyoke Public
of comments or the lack of wind
Schools have the most dedicated as you sail to professional sucand professional educators in the cess.
Commonwealth of MassachuWe all must face the fact that we
setts. One cannot name another
have some work to do and Holydistrict in the state that has such
oke Public Schools will always be
major socially-based educational
an under appreciated educational
challenges. But with your dedicawork of art. We already have an
tion we rise, with your experiincredible portfolio. The probence lives are changed and slowly
lem is that it is hard to recognize
people from Boston to Washingbeauty when the backdrop is
ton D.C are beginning to take
sometimes so ugly. Please never
notice of your success.
forget what you are… the best
I have been asked why the media faculty and staff working in educahas not been as interested in the tion today; I sincerely believe
success as it is in failures. I can
that. No district has been given a
only suggest that the obituaries
more challenging canvas, yet you
are reported and read more
have picked up the brush set and
readily than the birth notices. I
have worked hard. Your art is
would suggest that your reward
priceless and will be recognized,
is the student that sees you as
but like most artists, you may not
making a difference in his or her be recognized in your own relife. That thank you, a smile, or
gion. I just want to let you know,
other gesture of appreciation (no I am a huge fan and thank you for
matter how small), will sustain
your work, it is stroke of genius.
Title I Parent & Student Activities ~ All events start at 6:30 p.m.
12/5/07
Sullivan School
Bingo for Books
1/3/08
White School
Reading Café
12/10/07
Morgan School
Bingo for Books
1/9/08
Kelly School
Family Game Night
12/11/07
McMahon School
Bingo for Books
1/10/08
Lawrence School
Games to GO!
12/12/07
Kelly School
Bingo for Books
1/14/08
Donahue School
Reading Café
12/17/07
Donahue School
Family Game Night 1/16/08
McMahon School
Pirate’s Cove
12/18/07
Lawrence School
Bingo for Books
1/23/08
Lawrence School
Reading Café
1/28/08
Morgan School
Bingo for Books
By Judy Taylor
Take a peek at new and
updated resources.
NEW:
~District documents include
Professional Development and
Technology Plans.
~The HHS website has two new
web pages:
•
The Connections After
School Program which
features hours, schedule,
description and registration
information.
•
The Library Page provides
links to the library’s
monthly newsletter, new
materials request form, and
Web resources.
________________________
UPDATES:
•
Calendars (School, Assessment and MCAS)
•
Bus Routes
•
Student Handbooks
•
Book of the Month
________________________
REVAMPED:
•
Parents Resources page is
accessible via the Community Menu. This page has
links to Athletic Schedules,
Calendars, School Committee Meeting Schedules and
General Parent Web Resources.
•
Assistive Technology page
is accessed through the
Inside HPS menu ~ the
page describes services and
provides access to Web
related resources and links.
•
The Literacy page includes
suggested reading links
including Reading is Fundamental (RIF) and 75 Authors and Illustrators Everyone Should Know.
Connections
Page 4
Engineering is Elementary Summer Institute
This summer 15 Holyoke teachers
from grades 3-6 participated in a
two-week professional development
developed by the Boston Museum
of Science. The training was designed to help teachers understand
how to integrate engineering and
technology into the science curriculum. During the Institute, teachers
conducted hands-on engineering
activities based on the Engineering is
Elementary Curriculum Units developed by the museum. Teachers who
participated were provided with the
materials to enable them to teach
engineering investigations in their
own classrooms. The program was
funded through the Board of Higher
Education’s STEM Pipeline Fund.
Helen Gibson, HPS Science Academic Coordinator, secured the
funding for the program.
Crazy for Harry Potter at Barnes & Noble
Teachers in the Engineering
is Elementary Institute test
out the windmills they designed. Pictured L to R: Lori
Thayer, Michelle Eastman
and Erin Cauley.
Barnes and Noble at Holyoke Crossing was the scene of a Harry
Potter Trivia Challenge in early July which coincided with the release of the final Harry Potter book. Holyoke Public Schools were
well represented and placed second among the teams participating. Jack McGeer proved to be a deep cauldron of information and
took the lead for the team. Other team members included Jack’s
sisters, Tess and Laura, as well as Tyler Angers. Each school received a copy of the newest Harry Potter book for their library
while each team member received gifts for participating. The
group was coached and organized by Louise Cavanaugh, grade 2
teacher at McMahon School.
Lynch Middle School Advisory Program helps improve attendance
At Lynch Middle School, the 15 minutes
from 8:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. has become a
treasured time. This is the Advisory Program time, when teachers meet with a small
group of students to discuss whatever topics
need to be talked about. Staff members at
Lynch agreed to try an Advisor/Advisee
program this school year for a variety of
reasons. Studies have shown that schools
with advisory programs experience increased attendance rates, have lower drop
out rates, have fewer behavior problems,
and have an overall positive school environment. Furthermore, the program ensures
that each student is well known by at least
one adult who can advocate for the student,
guarantees that every student belongs to a
peer group, and helps students develop skills
in communication, team work, and responsibility.
In September, each advisory group was
briefed on the purpose of the program, devised a set of ground rules, reviewed the
school handbook and mission statement,
came up with a group name, and used several icebreaking techniques to get to know
each other. The month of October is devoted to study skills, habits and self- assessment. Advisor and advisee alike are keeping
time management logs for
a week, and reviewing
them as a group. They
will then discuss how
they are using their
agenda books, what
makes both a successful
student and a successful
school. They will then
set some personal goals
for the school year, and
on a fun note to end the
month, they will write
advice letters to their
Members of The Paper City Knights Advisory Group advised by
own “someday” children. Social Studies teacher Ronnie McCoy L to R: Nashary Velazquez,
In addition to the written Kerline Ducasse, Hector Colon, Hector Luis, Guy BarkerCaballero, Jose Calderon, Hector Cabrera and Ben Dupont.
curriculum, the advisory
groups spend additional
time together during the school day in a
Sixth Grade Social Studies teacher Ronnie
variety of ways, including eating lunch toMcCoy works with an advisory group that
gether, spending recess time together, chalnamed itself the Paper City Knights because
lenging each other to four square tourna“we live in Holyoke and it is the Paper City
ments, and making t-shirts for Peace Week.
and the Knights are the high school mascot.”
Advisees have also started to advocate for
The students agree that they like the new
improvements in the school, including recess
program because it is “the only time in the
policies and food service, and have come up
day we can really talk about things we like
with their own organizing projects such as
or ask private questions.”
putting on a school dance and holding a
school motto contest.
Volume 6, Issue 1
Page 5
Lawrence
School
was one
of many
who participated
in the
annual
“Holyoke
Denice Ortiz and Denis
Loves
Sanchez guide children at the
Learning”
Above Josue Pacheco reads with Sister MauEducation
reen Brougham during Lawrence’s Open
Lawrence learning station.
House on October 2nd. Sr. Brougham is one Fair in
Heritage
of many volunteers for the school’s Homework House Program. Keeping the 380 fami- Park on Sept. 29th. The annual event provides
community residents the opportunity to parlies and students busy at the Open House
ticipate in fun learning activities and receive
were the school chorus, raffles, a bake sale
information on a variety of educational proand of course, this was the best opportunity
grams offered by the city. Lawrence students
to have families see classrooms and meet
could earn stamps by visiting different learning
teachers while viewing academic work on
stations which in turn rewarded them with a
display. Also present were community agenfree ride on the Merry-Go-Round and encies Enlace de Familias, Kool Smiles, MassRides Safety Program and HPS Parent/Student trance to the Children’s Museum.
Liaison Pauline Carrier which service many
Lawrence families.
The 25 Book Campaign Literacy Launch was held on September
24th at the school with the theme being sports related. Prior to the
launch, students were encouraged to read a sports related book and
complete a book report. Those who participated received a raffle
ticket to win prizes including autographed baseballs, posters, sports
jerseys and bikes.
After an outside opening ceremony, various
guest readers from
Holyoke and the surrounding communities
read in classrooms
like Dean Tech football players at right,
and Wally the Green
Monster mascot from
the Boston Red Sox.
The school has started the 10,000 Acts of
Kindness program which kicked off on September 14th with Mayor Michael Sullivan and
HPS Superintendent Eduardo
Carballo. At the
assembly, students were introduced to the
program values,
goals and the
School cooks Deb Ancollection jar. For
gers and Jane Orsucci
every genuine act
were recognized for
of kindness withelping
an ill colleague in
nessed by a staff
an Act of Kindness.
member a penny
is placed into the
jar. This program is designed to go beyond
the walls of Lawrence Elementary School.
Parents are encouraged to send letters to
school acknowledging good deeds performed
at home and in the community. The goal is to
exceed 10,000 pennies by the end of the
school year. Teachers have agreed to match
the student contributions penny for penny.
Students in Ms. Kennedy’s
physical education class spell
out the word “HOPE” in a team
building activity. The lesson
worked in conjunction with
October’s Book of the Month,
Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting
which had the theme of hope.
Donahue Supports Volleyball Legislation
Senator Michael Knapik and Representative
Michael F. Kane have petitioned for legislation
to designate volleyball the official recreational
and team sport of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. The Maurice A. Donahue
Learning Community is privileged and honored to be chosen by Sen. Knapik to help
support this legislation by submitting essays for this petition.
Ann Marie Shields along with Jim Cunha, Jade Kennedy, and Hava
Preye are coordinating volleyball events and an essay contest for
students in grades 4-8. Students are writing a five paragraph essay
on why the sport of volleyball should be the recreational sport of
Massachusetts and the significance of volleyball to the city of Holyoke. These essays were read On November 7th at the State House
in Boston.
Page 6
Connections
-Students in grades 1-6 have started running
laps around the school playground to go
School Spirit Week at Kelly School was a
into the Morgan Miles Fund. Every 21 laps
major success, creating a united, positive
around the playground is equal to one mile.
atmosphere. Students So far the students have run a total of 127
and staff in all grade
miles. Students who ran at least one mile
levels participated in
received a certificate to take home stating
daily activities such as their accomplishment. Students will also be
Twin Day and Dress put into a weekly drawing in which they
Up Day when many
have a chance to win a prize.
students dressed like
Kindergarteners at Morgan will begin runtheir friends; teachers dressed like other
ning Morgan Miles during their physical eduteachers and some eighth graders dressed
up as twins with their younger siblings. The cation class with Mr. Charpentier in November.
ideas were thought of by a team of middle
school teachers.
The miles run by Morgan students will also
be charted on a map of the United States.
HALO News
Students who run Morgan Miles will attend a
The HALO Center has successfully begun
“beach party” once they have run across the
another year of adult education.
United States to California.
All of the Center’s classes are fully enrolled, -Lt. Governor Timothy Murray visited Morbut we continue to intake and assess stugan School’s third graders along with school
dents for future class placement in our ABE, committee member Michael Moriarty. The
following students: Waylene Ramos (Mrs.
GED and ESOL classes.
We eagerly anticipate participating in a num- MacBain’s class); Anthony Heath and Jonaber of activities in the coming year, including than Rosado (Mr. Ruiter’s class), and Aliya
One Book Holyoke and center-wide explo- Pinkney (Mrs. Zito’s class) had the privilege
of showing the Lt. Governor their great
rations of math, poetry, and writing.
reading abilities. They also passed out dicThe HALO Center is part of the Juntos
tionaries to all third graders.
Collaborative, a partnership of 6 ABE/ESOL
service providers in the City of Holyoke.
McHugh Literacy Program
The collaborative is continuing in its second Students from the McHugh Literacy Proyear of curriculum analysis and alignment, in
gram display their “Where I’m From”
order to provide more seamless, highpoems, a culmination of a lesson in critical
quality services to adults.
thinking. The poems reflect students’ lives
Morgan School Notes
and personal experiences into writing.
-Mr. Scottoni’s sixth grade classes have been
writing to Private Eric Martin serving in
Iraq. All sixth graders have
written a letter to Pvt. Martin and his comrades in
hopes of receiving some
letters back with information about being a soldier
and about life in Iraq.
Morgan students are now
collecting items needed for soldiers in Iraq
to send to the troops over the holiday season.
Pictured above (top row) Benjamin Rodri-Thanks to fourth grade teacher Mrs.
guez, Jose Sosa, Dayanara Rivera. In front,
Lafleur, the school will be able to buy over
$500 worth of Scholastic books. She organ- Ashley Perez, Ms. Pam Quieroga, Marc Santos, Maria Vega and Elliot Figueroa.
ized a Scholastic Book Fair October 9-11.
Kelly School
Peck Middle School
The Launch of the 25 Book Campaign at
Peck Middle School was September 20th.
The Morris Brothers from Hollywood, CA
were the school’s special guests. Students
were told they
were N.E.R.Ds
(Never Ending
Radical Dudes)
and they loved
their taped
glasses, unstylish clothes,
shoes tied and taped together. Part of their
message is that it really doesn’t matter how
you look, but what you are like on the inside.
The message they presented was about
bullying which came through loud and clear
during the jokes, songs, skits and audience
participation. At one point students, teachers and the Morris Brothers were dancing
together on stage, much to the delight of
the rest of the audience.
Their bullying message had five key points:
tell a teacher about any bullying; include
everyone in activities and be friends with
them; follow the school rules; think before
you say anything mean to some one and
finally, agree with the bully and walk away.
The GEAR UP Program funded this performance.
-This year Peck students have a Peace Project that will last the school year. The slogan is ”Peace in our classrooms, homes,
communities and even the world.” All students, teachers and guest readers will sign
the Peace Banner and it will be on display
during Peace Week. Our Books of the
Month have peace related themes. Students
have made paper cranes, a symbol of peace
and hope, and throughout the year will be
writing poems, stories, and creating illustrations and book marks with the theme,
“What Peace Means to Me.” After Christmas vacation a Design a t-shirt contest will
be held. The winning t-shirt will be printed
and given out to special guests and students
who are recognized for actions and honors
that need to be recognized during the
school year. Thanks to The DiNapoli Golf
Tournament Fund for providing funds for tshirts and printing.
Volume 6, Issue 1
Retirements
Page 7
Sullivan School
In September, Sullivan School guidance counselor Lynne Skypeck and
Grade 8 teacher Sheilah Curtis visited with Holyoke High School 9th
graders who graduated from Sullivan School in June. The purpose of
the visit was to find out how the transition from middle school to
high school was going, to discuss what issues the students might be
struggling with and to focus on what could be done to improve the
transition for future students. The students met in the high school
auditorium and were quite excited to see the Sullivan staff and each
other, as many had not seen each other since school started. The
students split into groups of 4 -5 and using chart paper and markers,
noted the differences between middle school and high school. They
shared their ideas with each other and then took an exit interview,
answering questions such as what has been the easiest/hardest part
of high school so far, what were helpful things they were taught in
The Metcalf Preschool Community bid farewell to recently retired
Grade 8, what were things they wish they had been taught in Grade
principal Elizabeth Larivee on September 20th. She retired after
8, and any messages they had for the new 8th grade and for their
34 years of service to the children and families of Holyoke.
teachers. Many students talked about the size of the high school, the
Eileen Kane recently retired with a farewell breakfast from McMa- stairs, getting to class on time, dealing with so many people. They
also discussed their classes, what subjects they were taking, and how
hon School after 19 years with the Holyoke Public Schools.
the work was going . Some were struggling with making new friends,
Lynch Middle
yet some students found this easy. There was appreciation for the
organizational skills and test taking skills they practiced in Grade 8, as
Five College Collaboration: Lynch is working with three different Five
th
College programs to host approximately 25 undergraduate students well as the reading and math. They encouraged this year’s 8 grade
to work hard, try their best, choose their friends carefully. Skypeck
for a variety of learning activities. Some of the students are prepracticum interns working toward their teaching certificates through also asked questions that focused on getting to know their guidance
counselor, getting involved in extracurricular activities, taking advanthe Five College Teacher Licensure Program; others are volunteer
tutors from the UMass Student Bridges Program; and still others are tage of office hours, lunch and who they eat with and the amount of
time spent on homework. The Sullivan staff and the former Sullivan
leading a series of workshops on critical media literacy as part of
students all agreed this was a worthwhile and important discussion
UMass Professor Leda Cook’s Communication classes.
and there is a plan to do a follow-up visit in December.
CHOICES After-School Program: Lynch is lucky to be hosting a new,
- “Interstate Ears” is the brainchild of Music Director Steve Damon
comprehensive after-school program serving 50-60 students
(including some students from EN White School) daily. CHOICES is which has students’ music listened to and critiqued by established
a result of a collaborative grant application led by Holyoke Commu- musicians from around the country. After garnering 26 states and the
District of Columbia last year, Damon has already received comnity College and including the Holyoke Public Schools and Girls’ Inments for his students from six states.
corporated.
E.N. White School
Connections After School Program
Staff and administration celebrated the successful 2007
MCAS results. The school
made Adequate Yearly Progress in Math and ELA in both
aggregate and in all subgroups.
The school will no longer carry the underperforming label if they
make AYP this year, the fifth year of the AYP cycle.
The CONNECTIONS After School Program began its sixth year of programming on October 1st. The mission of the CONNECTIONS Program is to enhance the knowledge, skills, and interests of participating
students, to support positive youth development, and to strengthen connections to peers, teachers, the community and the natural environment
through a balance of academic, enrichment and health and wellness programming. Currently, registration at Donahue has been closed due to
high enrollment. However, there is still space at Sullivan, Kelly and Holyoke High School.
Winners of the recent Student Council elections are:
Tyler Brunelle - President; Natasha Pirela - Vice President; Kiana
Clemente - Treasurer; Desiree Laboy - Secretary. Homeroom
representatives are Julissa Colon, Naiomi Robles, Jomayra
Aquino, Kiara Calderon, Ian Brunelle and Xavier Marciall. Alternate members are Samantha Owsiak, Lisette Rojas, Emanuel Lopez and Chelsey Potter.
As a result of a successful grant application, the programs at Sullivan and
Donahue Schools have received funding for an additional three years
from the Mass. Department of Education. The CONNECTIONS Program
has a new director. Eileen Cavanaugh, formerly the program’s assistant
director for five years and a certified K-8 teacher, brings extensive experience in administering after school and out of school time grants to
her new role. For information call 534-2168 or email her at
[email protected]
Page 8
Connections
Girls’ Soccer
The Holyoke High School Girls’ Soccer Team is off to
one of its best starts in school history with a record of
11-1-2. The Knights have outscored their opponents 29
to 8 during that stretch and they have posted 7 shut outs
in their first 14 games. The Knights started out the season with a 10 game unbeaten streak which unfortunately
was snapped at the hands of Palmer when they lost 2 to
1. Despite losing to Palmer, the Knights bounced back
with an impressive 2-1 win on the road against Chicopee
Comp and impressive home wins against Central High
School and Chicopee High School. The win against Comp
put the Purple Knights in first place in the Central Division bumping Chicopee Comp from that spot.
Much of Holyoke’s success can be attributed to the balanced attack of their offense, midfield, defense, and goalkeeping. Bevin Callahan was named Channel 22 News
Athlete of the Week in October.
Log onto
www.highschoolsports.net for
a full schedule of HHS &
Dean sports
After a record breaking season and a trip to the Division III Super
Bowl, the initial thought was that the Dean Technical football team
would have to rebuild this year after losing their starting quarterback, running back, receiver, and key linesmen. Instead of rebuilding, the Dean Technical Hawks have reloaded. Off to one of its
best starts in school history, the Hawks are undefeated in their
league and most likely on their way to a trip to post-season play
for the third straight season. Hawks Head Football Coach Joe
Dutsar did not know what to expect this year after losing most of
his starters from last year’s team, but they do as they always do;
they conditioned, prepared, drilled the fundamentals of the game,
and took one day and one opponent at a time. The result has been
a 5-1 start.
HHS Football Teambuilding
Congratulations to both HHS and Dean Tech volleyball teams
who teamed up with the Volleyball Hall of Fame and Spaulding
to host the first Showcase of Champions High School Volleyball
Tournament at Holyoke Community College October 12-14.
Last year Aaron Patterson, Director of Athletics, challenged the
coaches at his fall coaches’ meeting to find a community service
project that their teams could embrace and get behind. HHS Purple
Knights Coach Bob Lastowski did not know how he, his coaches,
and players could meet this challenge with over 100 people involved
in his program. “I though about bringing the team to a soup kitchen
or nursing home for a visit, but could you imagine a football team in
a soup kitchen or nursing home?” He kept asking himself, “What can
our football team do to give back to the community”. It took a
blockbuster movie “We Are Marshall” for him to find the answer. On
Saturday, September 22nd, instead of watching their game film from
their previous night’s game, Lastowski and the players watched the
“We Are Marshall” movie and then took to the streets with trash
bags in hand to pick up trash around the city. They discovered that
by giving back, they drew closer together as a team.
Estos son los puntos mas
sobresalientes del Boletin
Holyoke Public Schools
Volume 6, Issue 1
Otono 2007
La Escuela HHS recibe la acreditación
Las escuelas hacen gran progreso en las pruebas del MCAS
Por
Dr. Eduardo B. Carballo
Superintendente de Escuelos
Bienvenidos.
En primer lugar, debo felicitar a
nuestra redactora del Programa
Connections (Uniones), Kelly
Doktor, ya que hemos recibido
el Premio de Ápice 2007 por la
Excelencia de Publicación. Nuestro boletín de noticias trimestral
se ha honrado con este premio
desde 2003.
Hemos tenido más de mil cien
niños que asistieron al curso de
verano de Kamp Knder a escuela
secundaria. Tuvimos una ceremonia tardía el 6 de septiembre
para los (seniors) de la Escuela
Superior de Holyoke y la Escuela
Dean Técnica que lograron los
créditos de la graduación por
atender el curso de verano. Ya
que comenzamos la graduación
de escuela secundaria adicional,
hemos tenido más de ciento
doce estudiantes pasar por esta
ceremonia. Felicitaciones a estos
jóvenes.
El verano estuvo muy ocupado
para los empleados y también
para los administradores cuando
ellos asistieron a oportunidades
de desarrollo profesionales. Los
mapas de plan de estudios fueron
revisados y preparados para los
maestros. Los entrenadores
trabajaron mucho a lo largo del
verano para conseguir todo en el
lugar para la apertura de la escuela. Tenemos un buen equipo
dedicado de profesionales a pesar de cortes que tuvimos que
hacer debido a déficit presupuestarios. La educación de los niños
de Holyoke es la prioridad superior del Comité Escolar, las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke y la
Ciudad de Holyoke.
Estoy muy contento con la última ronda de resultados de
MCAS. La interpretación de los
puntajes compuestos de nuestras
escuelas (CPI) para Artes de
Lenguaje en Inglés y Matemáticas
se elevaron para ocho de nuestras escuelas. El progreso en
Artes de Lenguaje en Inglés y
Matemáticas fueron de dos a más
de ocho puntos por escuela.
Mientras dos de nuestras escuelas, McMahon y E.N. White hicieron Progreso Anual Adecuado AYP, es importante notar el
progreso de varias de nuestras
otras escuelas. La Escuela Sullivan
hizo Progreso Anual Adecuado AYP, tanto en Artes de Lenguaje
en Inglés como en Matemáticas y
en todos los subgrupos a excepción del subgrupo con Habilidad
en Inglés limitada - LEP en Matemáticas. Además, la Escuela Primaria Sullivan fue identificada
como una de las escuelas superiores que han mejorado a través
del Estado en el porcentaje de
estudiantes que hacen un puntaje
muy Competente o Avanzado
desde el 2006. La Escuela Dean y
la Escuela Holyoke High también
hicieron un progreso significativo.
Más buenas noticias para compartir son que a la Escuela Superior de Holyoke – HHS le concedieron la acreditación. La Escuela
Dean trabajará para conseguir su
acreditación este año escolar.
Le invito a involucrarse con
nuestras escuelas sea ofreciéndo-
Dr. Eduardo Carballo habla de los
10,000 Actos de Bondad en la asamblea de la Escuela Lawrence mientras los estudiantes escuchan atentamente a su mensaje.
año escolar muy acertado. Por
favor siga visitando nuestro sitio
Web en www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
para información respecto a
nuestras escuelas y el distrito.
se, estando involucrado con el
Consejo de Organización de
Padres/Maestros de su escuela o
el Consejos de Mejoras Escolares según en que organización
está la escuela de su niño. Nuestro centro de consejo de padres,
programas y muchos acontecimientos durante el año escolar
en cada una de nuestras escuelas
en las cuales usted puede participar.
Además, nuestro Canal 12 de
programación educativa seguirá
ofreciendo desarrollo profesional
de alta calidad para el personal
en la serie de NASA y Annenberg. El enfoque y lista de acontecimientos alrededor de nuestras escuelas, seguirá manteniéndole informado sobre los acontecimientos de nuestro distrito.
Todo está en su lugar para un
Connections
Page 10
El programa consultivo de la escuela Lynch ayuda a mejorar la asistencia
Desde 8:15 a 8:30 se ha hecho un tiempo
atesorado en la Escuela Secundaria Lynch.
Este es el tiempo Consultivo; cuando los
maestros se reúnen con un pequeño grupo
de estudiantes para hablar, para lo que se
necesita hablar. El personal de la Escuela
Lynch está de acuerdo en tratar un programa
Consejero/Asesor este año escolar para una
variedad de motivos. Escuelas con la experiencia de programas consultivos aumentaron la asistencia, tienen menos clasificación
de abandono escolar, tienen menos problemas de comportamiento, y tienen un ambiente escolar positivo. Además el programa
asegura que cada estudiante es conocido por
al menos un adulto que puede abogar para el
estudiante, garantiza que cada estudiante
pertenece a un grupo de compañeros, y le
ayuda a los estudiantes a desarrollar habilidades en comunicación, trabajo de equipo, y
responsabilidad.
En septiembre, cada grupo consultivo fue
informado del objetivo del programa, ideó un
juego de reglamentos, examinó la guía escolar
y la declaración de misión, nombraron el
grupo, y usaron varias técnicas en quebrar el
hielo para conocerse el uno al otro. El mes
de octubre es dedicado para estudiar habilidades, hábitos y evaluación personal. El con-
sejero y asesor igualmente
mantienen el tiempo durante
una semana, y los examinan
como un grupo. Ellos van a
hablar de como ellos usan
sus libros de la agenda del
día, lo que hace un estudiante exitoso, y lo que hace una
escuela exitosa. ¡Ellos pondrán algunos objetivos personales para el año escolar, y
en una nota de diversión
para terminar el mes, escribirán cartas de consejo de si Miembros de Grupo Consultivos de la Ciudad de Papel. Izquierda
a Derecha: Nashary Velazquez, Kerline Ducasse, Hector Colon,
mismos "algún día" niños!
Hector Luis, Guy Barker-Caballero, Jose Arroyo, Derek
Además del plan de estudios
Calderon, Hector Cabrera and Ben Dupont.
escrito, los grupos consultivos pasan tiempo adicional
juntos durante el día escolar en una variedad lema escolar.
de maneras, incluso almorzando juntos, pasar El maestro de Estudios Social de 6xto.Grado,
el tiempo de recreo juntos, retándose el uno Ronnie McCoy trabaja con un grupo consultial otro a cuatro torneos, y fabricación de
vo que se llamó la Ciudad del Papel - (City
camisetas durante semana de paz, entre otras Knights) porque “vivimos en Holyoke y la
actividades. Los Asesores también han cociudad del papel es la mascota de la escuela
menzado a abogar para mejoras en la escuela, secundaria.” Los estudiantes están de acuerincluso políticas de recreo y servicio de alido que les gusta el nuevo programa porque
mento, y han organizado sus propios proyec- es “el único tiempo en el día que realmente
tos de organización como hacer un baile
podemos hablar de cosas que nos gustan o se
escolar y llevar a cabo una competición de
pueden hacer preguntas privadas.”
Temas de Conversación de la Lynch
Colaboración de Cinco Colegios: La
Escuela Lynch está trabajando con
tres diferentes Cinco programas de
Colegio para recibir a aproximadamente 25 estudiantes no licenciados
para una variedad de actividades de
aprendizaje. Algunos de los estudiantes son internos de
pre-practicum que trabajan hacia sus certificados de enseñanza a través de Cinco Programas de Colegio para la licencia; los otros son tutores voluntarios del Programa de
Puentes de Estudiante de UMass; y los otros llevan a cabo
una serie de talleres en el alfabetismo de medios crítico
como parte de las clases de Comunicación del Maestro de
UMass Leda Cooks.
OPCIONES del Programa Después de Horas Escolares: La Escuela Lynch tiene suerte en tener un nuevo programa escolar después de hora escolar - que sirve de 50-60 estudiantes
(incluso algunos estudiantes de la Escuela EN White) diariamente. Las OPCIONES son el resultado de una aplicación
de subvención de colaboración conducida por el Centro
Universitario de Holyoke – Holyoke Community College e
incluso las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke y Girls’ Incorporated.
E.N. White celebra el Progreso Anual Adecuado
El personal y administración de la escuela E. N. White
recientemente celebraron el gran logro
alcanzado por los
estudiantes y el personal en los resultados de la ronda 2007
de la prueba MCAS.
EL Progreso Adecuado Para El Año ó
AYP (por sus siglas en ingles) fue alcanzado tanto en Matemáticas como en
ELA, tanto en los grupos completos como en los sub-grupos.
A la celabración se unió el Dr. Carballo quien felicitó al personal en su esfuerzo continuo en incansable en los años recientes. Anunció una gratificación en efectivo para la escuela. Se anunció también la participación de los
maestros en la planificación de la utilización de los fondos adquiridos.
Nos escontramos en el quinto año del ciclo del AYP. Alcanzar el AYP un
año mas sacaría a la escuela de las categorias de acción correctiva y restructuración , y ya no seriamos catalogados con el sello de ejecución por debajo
del nivel.
Volume 6, Issue 1
Page 11
Dedicación, pinturas con mucho trabajo un cuadro vistoso para las HPS
Para todos los involucrados, esto seguramente ha sido un período de noticias buenas
para las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke en
semanas recientes. En este caso, cuando digo
las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke, quiero
decir a cada uno; los maestros, los estudiantes, personal de apoyo, la administración,
padres, de arriba a abajo, sus esfuerzos han
sido confirmados.
Felicitaciones a la Escuela Secundaria Holyoke High por un proceso de acreditación
positivo. El examen era cuidadoso. Al final de
la evaluación, la Asociación Escolar de Nueva
de Inglaterra – New England y Colegios
dijeron que no había ninguna duda que el
plan de estudios y el personal profesional
son iguales en todas partes. En un sistema
que tiene muchos más retos y algunos considerablemente menos que en lugares modernos (cono lo indica el informe), usted se
elevó al reto y fue reconocido por su compromiso a la Escuela Secundaria de Holyoke
– Holyoke High.
Me doy cuenta que hay (algunos hasta entre
sus categorías) que hablarán extensamente
de las críticas de la Escuela Holyoke High
(esto existe en cada escuela también), pero
imploro que usted no permita que las mantas
mojadas robaran su momento en el sol. Deléitese en la gloria, acaríciese en la espalda, y
felicite a sus colegas por su éxito. Cuando
usted ve a Linda Rex, Mary Ellen O’Connor,
u otros del equipo de acreditación, déles dos
– manos hacia arriba por crear una
versión de Resumen de Lectores de la
historia más grande que pasa en la
Escuela Secundaria de Holyoke.
Los puntajes del MCAS también fueron otra confirmación que las Escuelas
Públicas de Holyoke tienen a los educadores y profesionales más dedicados
en la Comunidad Británica de las Naciones de Massachusetts. Uno no
puede nombrar otro distrito en el
estado que tiene tales retos educativos socialmente basados. Pero con su El alcalde Michael Sullivan lee un libro a una clase durante el Lanzamiento de Alfabetismo de la Escuela
dedicación nos elevamos, con su exDonahue para celebrar el programa de Campana del
periencia las vidas son cambiadas y la
Libro 25.
gente de Boston a Washington D.C
comienzan a notar su éxito.
Públicas de Holyoke siempre estarán bajo la
Me han preguntado por qué los medios no
obra de arte educativa apreciada. Ya tenehan estado tan interesados en el éxito como mos una carpeta increíble. El problema es
en fracasos. Sólo puedo sugerir que la necro- que es difícil reconocer la belleza cuando el
logía sea reportada y leída más fácilmente
telón de fondo es a veces tan feo. Por favor
que los avisos de nacimiento. Yo sugeriría
nunca olvide lo que usted es … la mejor
que su recompensa sea el estudiante que ve facultad y personal que trabaja en la educacomo hacer una diferencia en sus vidas.
ción hoy; sinceramente creo esto. Ningún
Esos agradecimientos, una sonrisa, u otro
distrito ha sido dado una lona más retante,
gesto de apreciación (no importa como sea aún tu has recogido el cepillo y te has puesto
de pequeño), te sostendrán a través de la
a trabajar. Su arte es inestimable y será recotormenta negativa de comentarios o la falta nocida, pero como la mayor parte de artista,
de viento cuando vas en barco al éxito pro- tú no puedes ser reconocido en su propia
región. Sólo quiero dejarle saber, soy un
fesional.
aficionado enorme y gracias por su trabajo,
Debemos enfrentar el hecho que tenemos
un poco de trabajo para hacer y las Escuelas esto es un gran genio.
Programas uniones después de horas escolares
El Programa UNIONES Después de Horas
Escolares empezó su sexto año de programación el 1ero. de octubre La misión del
Programa UNIONES es realzar el conocimiento, destrezas e intereses de estudiantes participantes, apoyar desarrollo juvenil
positivo, y fortalecer las uniones a compañeros, maestros, la comunidad y el ambiente natural a través de una programación de
equilibrio académico, and enriquecimiento.
El programa de nivel secundario se lleva a
cabo en las Escuelas Sullivan, Donahue y
Kelly. Los estudiantes de las Escuelas
McMahon, Peck y Morgan son transportados al programa al final del día escolar. Los
estudiantes de las Escuelas Dean y Holyoke
High toman parte en la programación en la
Escuela Holyoke High. Los cuatro programas funcionan de 2:50 p.m. a 5:50 p.m., de
lunes a jueves, hasta el 30 de mayo. El programa es gratis y el transporte es proporcionado a estudiantes elegibles. Actualmente, la matrícula para la escuela Donahue se
ha cerrado debido a una inscripción alta.
Sin embargo, hay espacio todavía en las
Escuelas Sullivan, Kelly y Holyoke High.
Como resultado de una aplicación de beca
exitosa, los programas en las Escuelas Sullivan y Donahue han recibido financiación
por tres años adicionales del Departamento de Educación de Massachussets. En el
año próximo, se harán esfuerzos para obte-
ner financiación para continuar los programas en la Escuela Kelly y la Escuela Secundaria Holyoke High. El Centro Universitario de Holyoke – Holyoke Community
College también fue exitoso en obtener
fondos del Programa del Centro de Aprendizaje de la Comunidad del siglo veintiuno y
ha establecido OPCIONES, un programa
después de horas escolares, en la Escuela
Lynch. Para información sobre el Programa
OPCIONES, comunicarse con Melaney
Mendoza, Coordinadora del Programa, al
tel.: 552-2471 o [email protected]
Connections
Page 12
El equipo de Fútbol de la HHS dá a la comunidad
El año pasado el Director del Atletismo,
Aaron Patterson desafió a los entrenadores en su reunión para encontrar un proyecto de servicio comunitario que sus
equipos podrían abrazarse y atrasarse. El
entrenador Bob Lastowski, el entrenador
director de fútbol de los Purple Knights,
no sabe como sus entrenadores y jugadores podrían tener este desafío con más de
100 personas involucradas en su programa. ¿“Yo pensé en llevar el equipo a una
cocina de sopa o clínica de ancianos para
una visita, pero pudiera usted imaginar un
equipo de fútbol en una cocina de sopa o
clínica de ancianos?” Él siguió preguntándose, “Que puede hacer nuestro equipo
de fútbol para darle a la comunidad”. Esto
tomó una película de éxito de ventas
“Somos Marshall” - El sábado, 22 de septiembre, en vez de ver su película del
juego de la noche anterior, el Entrenador
Lastowski y los jugadores en su equipo
vieron la película “We Are Marshall” y
luego nos fuimos para las calles con bolsas de basura en la mano para recoger la
basura alrededor de la ciudad. Ellos descubrieron que devolviendo ellos se unieron más como equipo.
Este proyecto de servicio comunitario es
sólo una parte de la misión total del equipo de fútbol 2007. El Equipo de Fútbol
2007 tiene un lema que ellos han abrazado lo que se llama “Coger la Cuerda”.
“Coger la Cuerda” consiste en donde los
jugadores imaginan un compañero de
equipo que cuelga de un acantilado de
veinte mil pies abajo y la única cosa entre
su compañero de equipo y ellos es una
cuerda. Ellos tienen que hacer lo que esto
toma para agarrarse de esa cuerda para
que su compañero de equipo no se caiga
a su muerte. Este lema ha propulsado a
los Knights para vencer probabilidades
resistentes y no rendirse nunca.
Connections
Holyoke Public Schools
Media Center
c/o Kelly Doktor
500 Beech Street
Holyoke, MA 01040
Para una programacion completa de los juegos visite
www.highschoolsports.net
Más deportes en la página 8.