Fall 2014 - Holyoke Public Schools

Transcripción

Connections
Holyoke Publ ic School s
Holyoke Public Schools
Volume 13, Issue 1
A
ACommunity
CommunityWorking
WorkingTogether
Together
Fall 2014
An Open Letter to the Holyoke School Community
An Exciting New School Year
By Dr. Sergio Páez, Superintendent of Schools
Welcome new and returning staff, students, and families to the Holyoke Public Schools.
We are in the beginning of a new school year and
have exciting news to share.
We experienced tremendous success
with the performance of our students in the Advanced Placement (AP) exams at Holyoke High
School. This performance was, in fact, better than
many, if not all, of the high schools in the surrounding cities. Holyoke High School saw an 86%
increase in qualifying scores over prior year and in
two years the school’s AP enrollment has risen
54%. We are very pleased to have 161 AP students this year. See page 10 for more information.
In preparing our students for the 21st
Century we began offering an English/Spanish Dual
Language Program at Metcalf School. This program, known as the Two-Way Immersion Program, provides young students with the potential
to become fully bilingual within the next few
years. The program began last year with an exploratory Pre-kindergarten class, and now we are
opening our first two Kindergarten classrooms.
The goal is to continue opening a grade every
year. This program is for students who are able to
handle the literacy development in two languages.
Families who would like their children to be bilingual are encouraged to apply for this remarkable
program. See page 6 for additional information.
WELCOMEBACK!
Numerous opportunities are in the process of being developed during out of school time.
The intramural sports program has been expanded and the middle school students are holding
practices at their schools and then participating in
very exciting volleyball and basketball games which
are held at Peck School. To read more about our
new intramural athletics program, visit page 11.
After school opportunities in performing
arts and music are also being developed. We
believe that our students need multiple opportunities to nurture their talents and to explore new
ways of developing their undiscovered skills. This
year, we will be introducing an All-City MiddleSchool Chorus that offers a choral experience for
three district schools. Additionally, both E.N.
White and Sullivan School’s fourth and fifth grade
students will be auditioning for the All-State Treble Chorus, while middle school students will
audition for Junior Western Districts. The drama
group, which is part of the Connections After
School Program at Donahue, will be performing
an adapted version of Romeo and Juliet in late May/
early June. Holyoke High School's spring musical
(The Wizard of Oz) will once again feature multiple
elementary age students. Mark your calendars as
the musical will take place March 12th-15th.
We are also working diligently with all
district staff to ensure the climate and culture of
our schools is welcoming and nurturing to all our
students and families. We believe that our
schools are our students' second home and must
provide an inviting atmosphere where rigorous
studies can occur and students are afforded the
opportunities to reach their full potential. It is
extremely important that the Holyoke Public
Schools has a strong partnership with our parents
and community members to continue the transformation of our school system. I appreciate and
look forward to the continued involvement of so
many of you and welcome others to become involved.
Please visit our website and learn more
about all the wonderful programs, initiatives, and
events occurring in the Holyoke Public Schools.
Student Artist:
Rebecca Plasse, Holyoke High
Inside this issue:
Announcements
School News
2
3-11
Athletics
11
Adult Learning
and Connections
After School
Programs
12
Spanish
13-16
Edition Highlights:
● New Dual Language
Program
● McMahon Math Contest
Superstars—First Place
● Intervention & Enrichment
Tutoring Program
● Advanced Placement
Qualifying Scores Surge
● New Middle School
Intramural Athletics Program
● Mural for Fallen Knights
Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
Page 2
Connections
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.
Holyoke School
Committee
Mayor Alex Morse
Dennis Birks
Erin Brunelle
John Brunelle
William Collamore
Irene Feliciano-Sims
Mildred Lefebvre
Devin Sheehan
John G. Whelihan
Rosalee Tensley
Williams
Welcome new
School Commi ee
member Irene Feliciano-Sims
Visit the
School
Committee
page on our
website to
view the
meeting
schedule.
Holyoke Early Literacy Initiative Wins
Gateway Cities Innovation Award
For their efforts to improve early literacy rates in the city, organizers with the
Holyoke Early Literacy Initiative (HELI) were one of five organizations named 2014
Gateway Cities Innovation award winners this year by MassINC. HELI is an initiative by the Holyoke Public Schools to increase early literacy rates in the city. The
award is for organizations and individuals that develop innovative models to grow
the economies of gateway cities in the Commonwealth.
BOKS Programming
BOKS, Build Our Kids Success, is an initiative of Reebok.
Four of our schools have been awarded $2,500 each for BOKS programming,
which supports student activity, fitness, and wellness in funded schools—Kelly,
Sullivan, McMahon, and Peck. We are grateful for this generous $10,000
donation from Blue Cross Blue Shield, via a program through the Reebok
Foundation. Thank you Jennifer Gilburg and the Greater Holyoke YMCA for
having been great partners with us for several years in relation to the BOKS
program (as well as in many other ways).
SEPACMEETINGS
Please join other concerned parents at our upcoming Special Education Advisory Council
(SEPAC) meetings for the 2014-2015 school year. There is strength in numbers and support
from others who are sharing similar experiences. Our combined efforts can influence the
success of our children, as well as shape their futures.
UPCOMING MEETINGS—Dec. 1, 2014 | Feb. 2, 2015 | April 6, 2015 | June 1, 2015
Visit the district website for meeting locations and topics.
Questions?—Contact: Kelly- [email protected] or Dawn- [email protected]
Connections Newsletter
Edited by: Judy Taylor [email protected]
Translated by: Luz Aguilar
“Learning is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily.” ~ Chinese Proverb
Page 3
Intervention and Enrichment
Tutoring Program
What’s Happening at Donahue School
By Karyn McDermott
New Administration- This year we have a new Administration Team at Donahue
School that is very excited to join the Dolphin Community. Salvatore Frieri is
the new principal. He came to Donahue School from the Pittsfield Public
School System and brings many exciting ideas, leadership experience, and much
enthusiasm to the school. Lawrence Duprey and Karyn McDermott are the
Assistant Principals, both of whom have worked as teachers and leaders in
various capacities within the Holyoke Public Schools for many years. They are
all looking forward to a fantastic year with their Donahue Dolphins!
Pumpkin Patch Party- Our students were treated to a wonderful fall festival at
Donahue School sponsored by the Dolphin Pride Community Organization
(DPCO). This is one of our many annual events where the students and families always have a great time. We are very thankful to have such an amazing
group of parents on the DPCO who help to make the Donahue Community
so wonderful.
25 Book Campaign- We are in the 10th year of celebrating students who read 25
or more books in the school year. Our celebration this year will occur in
February. We have had over 600 different readers come in to read to our
students over the years for these celebrations. It is an awesome event.
By Cathy Hebert
This year, the Holyoke Public Schools has initiated a
new approach to delivering interventions and enrichment with
the assistance of highly skilled tutors. At the moment, Donahue School has seven tutors, three of whom, (Mrs. Fontaine,
Mrs. Redfern, and Ms. Wheatley), are retired Donahue School
teachers, The students are very excited about the return of
these former teachers.
The tutors provide interventions in all grades, K-8.
The focus has been in Math and Literacy, with some enrichment groups. Each school has a designated Tiered Support
Specialist teacher who instructs, organizes materials, and provides assistance to the tutors when needed. Teachers and
students have been very receptive to the tutors and are very
eager to attend the intervention/enrichment block.
PBIS at Donahue School
This is our second year using PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions
& Supports) at Donahue School, as a framework to identify and recognize positive behaviors in the school while, simultaneously, minimizing negative behaviors. Through PBIS we identify the expected behaviors. We then teach, model
and practice what those behaviors look like, sound like, and feel like. Praise is
given across the school for appropriate behavior.
At Donahue, our Dolphins all know the expectations are for Respectful, Responsible, Safe, and Productive behaviors. Students are rewarded with
Dolphin Tickets when they demonstrate any of these expected behaviors. The
Dolphin Tickets are used in the classrooms in various ways. School-wide, the
Dolphin Tickets are used weekly to select a Student of the Week from each
grade and two Awesome Announcers each day who say our Morning Message
over the intercom.
Retired Donahue School teachers Mrs. Redfern and Ms.
Wheatley return as tutors.
Students have loved these initiatives:
Yeisha R. Grade 8: “When some of the class was not paying attention, I was
responsible by sitting down, taking out my things, and getting to work without
being asked. I am happy because I finally earned something good, instead of
something bad. My mom is going to be really happy, too.”
Jaila G. Grade 1: “I was sitting on the carpet, listening to the teacher and raising
my hand so I was respectful. I feel SUPER good and my mom is going to be
proud of me.”
Students are working hard with their tutor in the
library.
Students of the Week
Connections
Connections
Page 4
More and More Mentoring!
By Rebecca Masters
Kelly Full Service Community School was honored to take
part in First Niagara Bank’s announcement of a $50,000 award to Mass
Mentoring to support mentoring activities in Western Massachusetts.
First Niagara Bank and Mass Mentoring have been critical partners in the creation and success of Kelly School’s mentoring program
“iLead iRead”, where 2nd and 8th grade students are paired as mentees
and mentors to increase their literacy skills. Some of the activities for the
pairs included guided reading, writing workshops, acrostic poetry, nature
walks, journaling, observational journal entries, cooperative problem
solving, and book summaries. The program culminated with a trip to the
New England Aquarium where the mentors and mentees could explore
new sights and sounds together.
Significant reading growth was made by 2nd grade participants
in iLead iRead, with an average growth of 6.5 reading levels. Further, 8th
grade students developed a deep appreciation for the challenges teachers
face daily by keeping their young partners engaged and on task. Best of
all, these hardworking mentors and mentees read 20-25 books during
the school year!
Thank you, First Niagara and Mass Mentoring, for supporting
mentoring efforts at Kelly School. We look forward to another great
year of partnering, mentoring, and learning together!
Above, left to right: Marlene Piche, First Niagara’s New England Retail
Banking Director; Hector Suarez, First Niagara’s Holyoke Branch Manager; Will Carlino, Eighth Grade Teacher at Kelly Full Service Community School; Rebecca Masters, Project Manager at Kelly Full Service
Community School; Jacqueline Glasheen, Principal at Kelly Full Service
Community School and Marty Martinez, President and CEO of Mass
Mentoring Partnership.
Celebrating International Walk to School Day
On October 9th, Kelly Full Service Community School (FSCS)
students, parents, staff, and city leaders walked from South Holyoke to
Kelly Full Service Community School to celebrate International Walk to
School Day. International Walk to School Day gives children, parents,
teachers, and community leaders an opportunity to be part of a global
event as they celebrate the many benefits of walking to school.
Joining the thirty-seven Walking School Bus students were
State Representative Aaron Vega, Mayor Alex Morse, City Councilor
Anthony Soto, as well as Kelly community partners, parents, and staff.
The group was also celebrating the success of the Kelly School Walking
School Bus program. Kelly School created Walking School Buses in South
Holyoke and in the Flats where, every day, Kelly staff meet students at
designated stops and walk to school together. Participating students have
decreased their rates of tardiness and absenteeism by 70% prior to the
Walking School Bus implementation. From the global to the local, Kelly
FSCS celebrates walking to school EVERY DAY!
E.N. White
Fall 2014 Open House
By Tammy Lawrence
E.N. White School was excited to teer opportunities E.N. White has in place.
open its doors on September 23rd and welcome
Next, families and students gathered
nearly 400 students and their families.
in the cafeteria where the chorus instructor, Mr.
Upon entering the school, families Dan Rose and string teacher, Mr. Andrew
were happily greeted by many organizations such Verrocchi led the students in song proving music
as:: The Tiger Pride Community Organization instruction is not only a focus at the school but
(TPCO), Peoples Bank, Stop & Shop, and the another way to allow students to succeed. PrinHELI (Holyoke Early Literacy Initiative) parent cipal Hilary Russell then addressed the families
representative, Ileana Vazquez. Families were about the attendance initiative, the HELI initiagiven informational packets, educational tools tive, and the PBIS Initiative, Tiger PRIDE. Afterand information to contribute to the success of wards, families visited classrooms as well as met
their children's academic performance. Three the entire E.N. White Staff.
E.N. White Alma maters, currently at Holyoke
High School volunteered their time to
speak with families and discuss the many volun-
Anna Price and T. J.
Anderson, E. N. White
8th graders help collect
signatures for the annual
fundraiser.
E.N. White continued on page 5.
Connections
Page 5
Page 5
McMahon
Math Contest Super Stars!
By Kathy Dunn
Ms. Kathy Dunn, McMahon School Instructional Technology Specialist, has challenged students in grades 3-8 to improve their math skills through a national math contest sponsored by the interactive website Sumdog.com. The students will
often come in early to work with Ms. Dunn, and have been
known to compete on weekends and even during vacations!
During the latest competition from September 122h
through September 18th, there were 1,677 classes that qualified
nationwide with 39,248 students participating. The students
played math games and were ranked by the number of correct
answers given. Each class was ranked by the average number of
correct answers. The sixth grade students in Mrs.
Donah’s homeroom placed 50th in the nation
and 1st in Massachusetts. Principal Myriam Ulloa-
Skolnick treated the students to a pizza luncheon in appreciation
of their efforts. Kudos to all the students that participated and
to Ms. Dunn for their stellar showing.
Literacy Tops Our List— By Myriam Y. Ulloa-Skolnick
On September 5th, The United Way of Pioneer Valley sent
nine volunteers to McMahon School to organize the library. The
group of volunteers was led by Mary Jo Moore, retired HPS teacher,
who volunteers on a continuous basis in the school. They were unrelenting as they went through box after box of books and placed them
on the shelves for the children and staff to enjoy! This is the start of
what we hope will be a vibrant library that supports the district focus
on literacy.
Literacy is top on the list of priorities at McMahon School.
Local organizations provide us with support, exemplifying that it takes
a community working together to positively impact the future of our
young people. Thank You Links for Libraries: for giving our students
wonderful books that they thoroughly enjoy; Dinn Brothers Trophy
for partnering with McMahon to improve literacy through Links for
Libraries; Dollar General for the generous, unsolicited contribution on
October 4th in support of literacy; and United Way for sending volunteers to improve our library.
SEE,HEAR,FEEL By Jessica Giroux On September 30th Mrs. Giroux's class and Mrs.
DiCarlo's class attended the See. Hear. Feel Film field trip at
Amherst Cinema. This program focuses on visual literacy
and emphasizes the power of story. The program teaches
children active viewing skills while teaching reading, writing,
speaking, listening, cooperative learning and finally presenting. A wonderful day was had by all.
E.N. White Annual Bake Sale
The Tiger Pride Community Organization's September 9th
Bake Sale was very successful raising over $800 for E.N. White
School. Many E.N. White families and staff baked sweet treats in
order to contribute to the Bake Sale's earnings' success. As
many Ward 6 residents entered the school to vote, they took the
opportunity to support of this Bake Sale by purchasing food items,
taking a chance at the 50/50 raffle or choosing to show their generosity by giving a cash donation.
Middle school students, dressed in aprons and name badges,
provided great service to all who arrived! These students
stayed consistently busy from the time of opening until the close of
the school day. Students not only packed orders while providing
friendly service, they answered questions and spoke positively of their
school. One Ward 6 voter was so impressed he wrote a thank you
note to administration stating, "These children made my day and
reassured me in this tired old world that the future has hope. These
student role models of E.N. White School were deeply appreciated."
Strings as a Vehicle to Teach
Music
E.N. White Music Teacher
Andrew Verrocchi uses strings as a
vehicle to teach music to his students.
During the school day all students in
grades 2-5 receive violin classes. Viola
and cello are offered to students in
grades 5-6. Grade 6 is a group who
elects to learn violin, viola, or cello.
There is also a string orchestra for 7th-8th grade experienced
players, which includes violin, violas,
and cellos. This group performs at the
Barnes & Noble Bookstore on December 4th, and Holyoke High School on
December 17th. Visit our website in
December for more information.
Right: Harrison Rodriguez, mans the Primary Day Bake Sale.
Connections
Connections
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New Dual Language Program
By Amy Wetzel Burke
The school year is well underway here at Metcalf. We have busy preschool classrooms and a brand new Kindergarten classroom. Below is a
brief description of what encompasses our new exciting Kindergarten Program.
What is Dual Language? - Dual language refers to any program that provides literacy and content instruction to all students through two languages and that promotes bilingualism and biliteracy, grade-level academic achievement, and multicultural competence for all students.
At Metcalf, we are developing a Two-way immersion program, starting in Kindergarten, where approximately half of the students are native
speakers of the partner language (Spanish) and approximately half of the students are native speakers of English.
Important Characteristics




Second language is best acquired through immersion in second language.
Knowledge learned through one language facilitates acquisition of second language knowledge.
Students will benefit from cognitive advantages with development of bilingualism and biliteracy.
The optimal window for language acquisition is the elementary years.
Discover Puerto Rico Night!
By Amy Wetzel Burke
On November 19th, 1493 Puerto Rico was discovered by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to claim lands for the rulers of Spain,
King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Puerto Rico belonged to Spain for four centuries until the Spanish-American War of 1893 where Spain ceded
Puerto Rico to the United States. Puerto Rico possesses the only tropical rain forest in the U.S., the largest observatory and the third largest underwater river in the world. It is one of two places in the world where one can experience the Bioluminiscense Bay. Puerto Rico is full of history, tradition
and folklore. These are just a few of its many wonders.
An important aspect of the Dual Language Classroom is for children to learn about and value other cultures. For this reason we held Discover Puerto Rico Night on November 19th. To celebrate the culture of Puerto Rico, the students performed songs from Puerto Rico and families enjoyed
a delicious Puerto Rican dinner. What a fantastic way to discover Puerto Rico - with your kindergartener!
Morgan School Opens as a GRAD Academy
On September 3rd, the Morgan School
opened its doors for 380 K-8 students as a
GRAD Academy, under the management of Project GRAD USA (GRAD).
Since the beginning of 2014, GRAD has
been working closely with the Massachusetts
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to create and execute a compelling turnaround plan for Morgan, which was placed under
state receivership in January. The turnaround
plan focused on providing students with the high-
By Fran Hallstrom
Commenting on the successful event,
Principal Alyson Lingsch shared, “The Open
House was well received by students, parents,
and staff members. It helped with the first day
jitters and transitioning to a new grade. The positive momentum continued through the first day
“We are really proud of the turna- of school, as we welcomed many smiling faces.”
round plan that has been created to shape the
Also participating were several key
experience of Morgan students over the next
several years,” observed GRAD CEO, Dr. Daryl community partners, including the Holyoke Public
Ogden. “Our leadership team has done an out- Library, Enchanted Circle Theater, and Holyoke
standing job of recruiting and preparing the staff Community College, all of which provide imto provide a quality education for every Morgan portant services and opportunities to the Morgan
community. This event was a great success for
student.”
increasing awareness of Morgan, as well as proThe family and moting community connections.
community engagement eleBuilding on the momentum created by
ment of the turnaround plan
is based on a core GRAD the Open House, school opening, and the addibelief that students must have tion of Pre-K (Sept. 16th), Morgan’s Walk for
a strong network at school, Success, a signature GRAD program that has
at home, and across their been implemented across the nation in GRAD
community. That emphasis communities for over two decades, was schedon family came alive on Au- uled to be held Saturday, September 20th. Faculty
gust 30th at the Morgan Open and community volunteers will travel around the
House. Nearly 150 Morgan Holyoke community, visiting the homes of every
students and parents, repre- Morgan family to engage in a conversation about
senting one-third of the Morgan’s family services, the school’s curriculum
school’s families participated, and offerings, and to learn how best to support
and took advantage of an each individual Morgan student. The Walk for
opportunity to meet the Success is one of GRAD’s oldest traditions, and
school’s leadership team and has consistently proven to be a positive experience for all who participate.
their children’s teachers.
est quality teachers, a literacy and STEM-focused
curriculum to prepare students for the 21st century economy, innovative learning resources, and
a strong sense of family and community engagement.
Page 7
Learning Beyond the Classroom ~
Agricultural Field Trip
By Kelly Doktor
Nearly 75 second-grade students from Sullivan Elementary
School took an educational agricultural field trip to The Eastern States
Exposition (The Big E) on Monday, September 22nd to see academics in
action. The trip, which is taken annually, allows all students and staff to
enter without charge courtesy of The Big E.
As a culminating event to the Grade 2 Economics Unit, focusing on consumer, producer, buyer and seller along with goods and services bought and sold in the community, students were able to see the
concepts in books come to life. In the Mallory Building, students saw a
six-month old black sheep being sheared; women spinning wool on spinning wheels; as well as cows being milked. Moving onto the Farm-ARama, the students were able to try their hands, literally, at milking a
fake cow,
seeing awardwinning
pumpkins, and
the highlight
of the day…
watching the
baby chicks
hatching and
moving in the
Chick Hatchery. From
Thank You Mrs. Cochran
there, the classes visited Storrowton Village to see men dressed in period clothes make brooms and craft wood chairs .
An especially eye-opening experience was the one-room
schoolhouse. Right upon entering the building, the teacher separated the
girls and boys to either side of the room and the students intently listened to the teacher. Students were surprised to see blackboards and
chalk, quill pens and ink wells, as well as an outhouse for a bathroom.
Most shocking to them was if a boy or girl was misbehaving he or she
would have to sit on the opposite side of the room as a consequence.
The last agricultural experience was visiting the Massachusetts Building
where students saw products produced from maple syrup and the honeybees and various honey products.
In the week that followed the field trip, students wrote a
narrative recount of their favorite building which included a rubric
for sentences and
author’s
message
while incorporating
the senses,
and a corresponding
illustration.
Above: Students practice milking an artificial cow in the Farm-ARama. Left: Conner Weston listens to the hum of the bees buzzing in the hive inside the Massachusetts Building.
By Ryan Perry, Ian Beauregard, and Sydney Cyr
What does a teacher do after retirement? Any ideas? Take vacations and sit in a lounge chair? Not our Mrs. Cochran. She saved up and
donated a monstrous 28,000 Scholastic points to our school library! This will enable all Sullivan students to read new books for days and days to come.
We remember two years ago when we first walked through the doors of our 6th grade ELA classroom. We met our helpful, enthusiastic,
and kind teacher. When she wasn’t a teacher, she was a friend. Whether she was supporting us in ELA or in a personal situation, she was always there
for us! Mrs. Cochran is still supporting us by volunteering at the book fair twice a year. We feel as lucky as an Irishman on Saint Patrick’s Day and the
Red Sox in 2004, to still have the benefit of her in our lives. The students and staff of Sullivan can never thank her enough and will never forget her.
Food Services
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in the Holyoke Public Schools
In 2012 Sodexo requested Fresh Fruit
and Vegetables Grants (FFV) from the USDA
and Massachusetts Department of Education for
all K-8 schools in our district. Grants were
awarded to four schools: Peck, Kelly, Sullivan
and Morgan. With input from school principals it
was decided the snacks would be served on
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, providing a
quick light snack to help students get thru the
rest of day, while having little distraction from
the learning environment.
In the 2013-2014 school year the
district was reimbursed for the cost of providing
fresh fruit and vegetables to students in the four
schools totaling $75,700. Included in this reimbursement was more than 126,000 servings of
fruits and vegetables with a volume weight of
more the 25,000 pounds. It is estimated that at
least 15% of the product was from “local
farms” (located within 200 miles of Holyoke).
Total dollar volume of produce was more than
$59,000. The grant also provided an additional
$5,000 to salaries of kitchen cooks in the four
schools, the majority of which is assumed to
have been spent in the local community. The
remaining funds were used to cover administrative and supply costs.
In 2013 Sodexo again requested FFV
Grants on behalf of the Holyoke Public Schools
for all K-8 schools and was able to secure funds
for an additional school (E.N. White). The five
schools in the 2013-2014 school year were reimbursed over $110,000 providing 168,291 servings of fruits & vegetables 36,000 pounds costing
By Richard Leso
more than $91,000, again “local farms” account
for at least 15% of the produce. Kitchen staff
received more than $8,000 in additional salary
with the rest of the grant reimbursement going
to equipment, administrative costs and supplies.
Some of the fresh foods that our
students have tasted in the first two years include: star fruit, blood oranges, kiwi, clementines, kumquats, sugar snap peas, pea pods,
grapefruit, jicama, avocado, peppers and melons..
The 2014-2015 school year grants
have been awarded. We are very happy to announce that two more schools have been added—Lawrence and Donahue. Next year the
Holyoke Public Schools will receive a total of
$135,000 for the seven K-8 schools.
Connections
Connections
Page 8
Peck-Lawrence
Peck Pride
Sensational Students
By Cathy Foley
6th Grade: Student of the Month (SOTM):
Nesmarie Ramirez – “I received SOTM because I do all my homework and I am ready to
learn every day in every class.”
By Ron McCoy and Cathy Foley
The Peck Pride Dollar(s) system is a new student incentive program wherein students earn Peck Pride Dollars by demonstrating the philosophy of the three R’s: Respectful, Responsible
and Ready to learn. Peck School utilizes this program as a way to
encourage positive student behavior and adherence to school rules
and expectations. “The objective is to catch kids in the act,” explained Assistant Principal Ron McCoy. “All adults in the building,
from therapists to substitutes to teachers, have Peck dollars and as
they go through their day they are expected to notice and
acknowledge students who are displaying the three philosophies.”
Through distribution of Peck Pride Dollars, all staff have the opportunity to interact with students whom exemplify the model
behaviors. Fourth grade student Shyanne Hall reports, “I earn a lot
of Peck dollars in Science from Mrs. Leary for being respectful.”
She is saving up her money to surprise her friends by “buying a
table” – an incentive wherein students can sit with their friends
during lunch. Another fourth grader, Zackary Soto states, “I am
saving my dollars to buy a football.” Mr. McCoy reports that, “The
program creates an environment at Peck that promotes an affirmative climate and culture.”
7th Grade: Champion Tracker: Yanira Alfaro –
“In my classes it is easier to understand what the
teacher is saying because the kids are tracking the
speaker and paying attention.”
8th Grade: Champion Vocabulary Acquisition:
Angelina Collazo – “The way we SWIRL in ELA
helps me learn new words. I even surprised Mr.
Cotton when I used the word derision in a sentence correctly! I earned three Peck dollars for
knowing that word.”
8th Grade TIP: Champion Ready to Learn:
Kendrick Rosaro –– “The Peck dollars are awesome and I bought a soccer ball. They help motivate me to do all my work this year.”
8th Grade Functional Class: Champion at being
Responsible: Marc Hernandez – “I am doing all
my work this year in class because I like getting
the Peck dollars and all the kids are quiet and
listening to the teacher.”
The store is open during all lunches for students to buy merchandise using their Peck Pride Dollars.
A Sweet Social
Students Zackary Soto and Shyanne Hall talk with Ms. Lindsay and Mr. McCoy about their purchases.
Peck eighth graders enjoyed a
reprieve from their academics on
Friday, September 26th during the
N a ti o na l G EA R U P we ek
celebration. The students had a
fun time enjoying a variety of
several flavors of ice-cream and
toppings.
The students were
served by Ms. Foley eighth grade
ELA teacher, Mr. Shea eighth grade
social studies teacher and Ms.
Lindsay Peck GEAR UP Advisor.
Students Zackary Soto and Shyanne Hall talk with Ms. Lindsay and Mr. McCoy about their purchases.
By Carmen Lindsay
Page 9
PBIS Rally
By Cathy Hourihan
The Lawrence K-3 campus
had a rousing pep rally to kick off
their new Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) initiative. The rally was led by the central
team of Jose Ortiz, Maureen
Dupont, Lisa Wykowski, Pat Eagan,
Karen Malley and Cathy Hourihan.
The core value of commitment was
introduced and demonstrated by a
group of students that have been
practicing a musical cup routine
every day at recess under the direction of the music teacher, Mrs.
Amanda Metcalfe. The audience was
truly amazed and silenced by the
group of musicians. Following the
musical performance, there was a
focus on Hispanic Heritage. Famous
Hispanics were recognized for their
contributions and a popular song
“Vivir Mi Vida” by Mark Anthony
was sung in Spanish by all the students. Students were encouraged to
visit a school bulletin board created
by the Lawrence K-3 parent volunteers to identify local Hispanics that
have contributed to the Holyoke
community.
The assembly ended with
whole classes and individual students
being recognized for their positive
commitment to the culture and
climate of the school. A “shout out”
goes to Mrs. Higgins’ second grade
class for earning the most stars in
September.
Future monthly pep rallies
will be presented by each grade
level. Students will focus on a core
value of the school and show how it
is incorporated in the school day.
Students will then “show what they
know” by demonstrating something
they have been learning about in
class. Lastly, classes and individual
students will be recognized for the
contributions they are making to the
culture and climate of the Lawrence
K-3 campus.
We are looking forward
to many more student accomplishments at the Lawrence K-3 campus
this year!
Students participate in a discussion about Hispanic
Heritage.
Lawrence School student enjoys listening and singing along
with the song “Vivir mi vida” (Live my life) by Hispanic
artist Marc Anthony.
Food Play
Fire Safety
Food Play, a production company from Hatfield Massachusetts, came
and treated the Lawrence K-3 Campus students to a dress rehearsal of their
theatrical performance on eating healthy and exercising. Students watched and
participated in the engaging performances of two actors. Students were both
entertained and taught the importance of eating healthy and exercising. Students learned how to read and understand food labels and how much sugar is
in some prepackage food items. Students left with an understanding that it is
more important to eat fruits, vegetables, and protein. This performance was a
great way to engage students in a very serious topic.
The Holyoke Fire Department brought their Fire
Rescue Squad truck to the Lawrence K-3 campus for fire safety
week. Students in Pre-k, Kindergarten, and First Grade were
treated to an exploration of the truck. Students were able to
ring the bell, pretend to drive the truck, and sit in the back
where firefighters sit when going to a fire. Maria Pelchar, from
the Holyoke Fire Department, also visited the students in the
middle of October to talk more about fire safety and prevention.
Above: Kindergarten students Aileen Cortes and Angel Colon, from Ms. Rojas' and
Mrs. Prukalski's classes take a turn in the driver’s seat.
Connections
Connections
Page 10
Save the Date—The HHS Musical, The Wizard of Oz: March 12th-15th.
Mural for Fallen Knights
By Jill Reardon
The Holyoke High School
Sports Management II class hosted a
dodgeball tournament to raise money for
a mural to be painted in honor of our
fallen Knights— past students who have
left us too soon. The "Dodge for the
Fallen Knights" dodgeball tournament
raised over $1,000. Bruce Socha, a very
talented artist, who owns Socha Signs in
Chicopee was hired to paint the mural.
In order to put on an event of
this magnitude, students must apply the
skills and knowledge they have learned in
the first level of the course which includes decision making, marketing, sport
law, finance and sponsorships. This
course provides an opportunity to gain
hands on learning experience. I am extremely proud of what the students have
accomplished.
Thank you to our Holyoke business sponsors and their patrons, HHS
teachers, administrators and custodial
staff. Without your generous contribu-
Advanced Placement Qualifying Scores
Surge 86%
tions, our class could not have meet its
goal.
Stop by the third floor hallway
that leads to the gymnasium entrance to
view this incredible mural.
Students on the Move
By April Duguay
The number of qualifying scores earned by students
taking the College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) exams has
increased by 86% over prior year. Additionally, in two years,
Holyoke High School’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program
enrollment has risen 54%. “We are excited about the increase
in AP enrollment and the improvement we have experienced in
qualifying scores. AP courses are rigorous for both students and
teachers, but the benefits of possibly earning college credit and
savings in terms of tuition are well worth it. Our goal is to see
continued increases in enrollment and qualifying scores for all
AP courses at Holyoke High School,” said Stephen Sullivan,
Acting Principal. All students are required to take the standardized AP exam for the course or courses they take each year in
order to receive AP credit.
“Advanced Placement courses expose students to
challenging and rigorous coursework at a college-level which in
turn helps prepare students
for college,” said April
Duguay, Academic Coordinator. Currently, Holyoke
High School offers AP
courses in English, Math,
Science, History, and
World Language.
Holyoke High student Deyaneira Alvarado Cruz
(above) states, “I have the urge and curiosity to take the risk
to push myself along with the desire to learn at a college level
to further my knowledge in AP English Literature and Composition.” She received a qualifying score in AP Spanish Language
last year. Students who earn qualifying scores of three, four or
five on AP subject exams may be exempt from taking those
introductory classes in college, and frequently these scores
equate into college credit which reduces the cost of college
for students.
Congratulations Grace C. Hamel,
Commended Student in the 2015
National Merit Scholarship Program.
Congratulations Corey Edwards, Outstanding Participant
in the 2015 National Achievement Scholarship Program.
Javier Vargas, Holyoke High
School Sophomore, boards
the bus to join his fellow
classmates, representing HHS
at the Big E.
Attention:
For more about these HHS
good news stories, visit:
http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/goodnews.htm
Page 11
New Middle School Intramural Athletics Program
The Holyoke Public Schools is offering
a new Middle School Intramural Sports Program.
Middle school students at Peck, Kelly, McMahon,
Sullivan, E.N. White, and Donahue schools may
participate in this FREE after school program.
Sports offerings this fall consist of volleyball and
basketball. The plan is to expand offerings to
include swimming, indoor soccer, and tennis in
the near future.
The goals of the program are to provide our students with social, emotional, and
physical benefits. Additionally, we want our
students to have an opportunity to have fun
after school, forge new friendships, develop new
skills, cooperate, and practice good sportsmanship in a safe environment. This program should
Nathan Bowie, grade 6
By Judy Taylor
also create a strong feeder system for our high really good about myself. Also, we are able to
schools, according to Superintendent of Schools get our homework done before games and make
new friends.”
Dr. Sergio Páez.
Practices generally take place at each
The Middle School Program provides
our students with opportunities to further con- of the schools, hour-long games are located at
nect with their school and be actively involved. the Peck School gymnasium at 1916 NorthampResearch indicates that students who feel con- ton Street in Holyoke. Volleyball games are
nected to their schools tend to have stronger Thursdays and basketball games are on Fridays.
academic performance, better attendance, and “It is very exciting to see our students, staff, and
increased graduation rates. “I look forward to families come to Peck every week to support
it. It’s a lot of fun”, explains Alize Rivera, E.N. healthy competition, good sportsmanship, and
White grade eight student and member of the collegiality with the other schools in our disVisit http://
volleyball team. “I don’t like running, so volley- trict,” remarks Páez.
ball is perfect for me. I am trying something new www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/athletics.html for the
that is out of my comfort zone. Once I get the schedule. Come and cheer on our students!
hang of it, my confidence improves and I feel
Alice Rivera, grade 8
Alicia Gonzalez grade 8 and
Yariely Rodriguez, grade 7
JV Girls Soccer— HHS Lady Knights vs. Hampshire Regional Raiders
For videos of HPS athletics, visit the district Athletics webpage and click: More HPS Media Center Sports
Videos.
Connections
Connections
Page 12
By Danielle Razon
Holyoke Adult Learning Opportunities
Holyoke Adult Learning Opportunities (HALO) is always looking for ways to help our students finance the High School Equivalency Test
(HiSET) and defray the costs of class events and programs. This year the
teachers collaborated with the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative (LPVEC) to run a small business— a school store, that is. Students
in the LPVEC class are learning how to operate, supply, and manage a
small business while providing our students with healthy snacks. If you are
From Left-Right:
Martha Owen,
HALO's
Director, and students Tyler Garcia,
and
Matthew Rondeau
enjoy working at their
store.
ever at the Picknelly Adult and Family Education Center (PAFEC) located
at 206 Maple Street in Holyoke on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from
10:00 AM—10:30 AM, please feel free to stop in and see our friends at
work and help support our students.
CONNECTIONS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Team Inspire Mentors Dean
Students to be
College and Career Focused
Holyoke Community College’s mentors, Team Inspire, visit Connections students
at Dean Technical High School every Wednesday and Thursday during the academic hour of
the after school program. Team Inspire works
with any students who are interested in determining their options after high school, including
exploring their goals and career options, learning about college programs and financial aid,
and how to apply for jobs. The first week
students created vision boards to show what
motivates them and what their goals are for the
future. The first college trip we took was to
Springfield College on October 29th after
school. Please encourage your student to sign
up for CONNECTIONS at Dean to be a part
of this program! For more information on how
to join CONNECTIONS, speak to Gwen Martin, Site Coordinator at Dean Technical High
School (413) 534 2071.
Also, you are invited to come with
your students to Avanza-2-college nights here
in Holyoke. Even if you or your student(s) are
not sure about college, this is a great way to
find out more about the college process. Students will be receiving Avanza flyers with dates
and locations. Avanza information is also available at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/hhs/pdf/
guidance/avanza%20college%20fair.pdf In December, students will have an opportunity to
explore careers in the Career Center at HCC.
Stay tuned for more exciting opportunities!
Community Design Projects
Students in the CONNECTIONS/
Dean Tech 8th-9th Grade Transition Program at
Holyoke Community College were able to participate in a special Service Learning Club. These
students looked at challenges that were effecting
their community and thought critically about
how they can make a difference. Students decided that because the city of Holyoke has a lot of
abandoned buildings, they wanted to make their
community brighter and use these abandoned
spaces to share a positive message. After researching and learning about the positive effects
of urban art in other cities, they decided to design a mural that would hopefully bring about
these effects in Holyoke. The final project they
decided on was to paint the word “LOVE” on
four panels, each letter created by projected
images of their hands. On a fifth panel, their hand
prints surround words that describe the positive
By Jennifer Scott
aspects of their community, such as education,
optimism, cultura, and amistad.
The project was largely supported by
community partners. Students reached out to
people in the community through pamphlets,
phone calls, emails, and they received material
donations from local stores. Almost all materials
for the murals were donated by SherwinWilliams Paint Store of Amherst and Lowes of
Hadley. With the help of the Departments of
Public Works and Parks and Recreation, the
students were able to pick the best location to
install their murals. The murals are now on an
approved abandoned building on the corner of
Main Street and Berkshire Street, near the underpass for Interstate 391.
As an additional beautification project,
students planted a new garden at the Children’s
Museum with entirely donated plants from
Lowes. By participating in this project, students
built leadership skills, learned to work as a team,
and were empowered to be
engaged
in
their community. They hope
that the murals
and the garden
they
created
will bring happiness to people who see
them and encourage others
to be positive
forces in Holyoke.
For Program Information, contact:
Jorge L. Castellano, (413) 313-7710
[email protected]
Estos son los puntos mas
sobresalientes del Boletin
Volume 13,
13, Issue
Issue 11
Volume
Otono 2014
Fall 2014
Una Carta Abierta a la Comunidad de la Escuela Holyoke
An Exciting New School Year
By Dr. Sergio Páez, Superintendent of Schools
Student Artist:
Rebecca Plasse, Holyoke High School
También se están desarrollando oportunidades después de
Bienvenidos al personal, estudiantes familias nuevos y antiguos a las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke. Estamos en el comienzo de horas escolares en artes y en música. Creemos que nuestros estuun nuevo año escolar y tener una excelente noticia para compartir. diantes necesitan varias oportunidades para nutrir sus talentos y
Hemos experimentado un gran éxito con el rendimiento explorar nuevas formas de desarrollar sus talentos individuales y
de nuestros estudiantes en los exámenes de colocación avanzada habilidades no descubiertas. Este año, estaremos presentando un
(AP) en la Escuela Superior de Holyoke. Este rendimiento fue, de Coro a Toda la Ciudad de la escuela intermedia que ofrece una
hecho, mejor que muchos, si no todos, de las escuelas secundarias experiencia de coro de tres escuelas del distrito que no han tenido
de las ciudades de los alrededores. La Escuela Superior de Holyoke uno. Los estudiantes de cuarto y quinto grado en la Escuela E.N.
vio un incremento del 86% en las puntuaciones de clasificación con White y Sullivan tendrán audiciones de Coros Tripletes para Todo
respecto al año anterior y en dos años AP la inscripción de la escue- el Estado, mientras que los estudiantes de secundaria tendrán una
la ha aumentado un 54%. Estamos muy contentos de tener 161 estu- audición para Distritos Júnior Western - Occidentales. El grupo de
teatro, que es parte del Programa Escolar Conexiones después de
diantes de AP este año. Vea la página 10 para más información.
horas escolares en la Donahue, estarán presentando una versión
En preparar a nuestros estudiantes para el siglo 21 empeadaptada de Romeo y Julieta a finales de mayo / principios de junio.
zamos a ofrecer un Programa de Lenguaje Dual Inglés / Español en la
Además, primavera musical de la Escuela Superior de Holyoke volEscuela Metcalf. Este programa, conocido como el programa de
inmersión de Dos vías, ofrece a los jóvenes estudiantes con el po- verá a contar con varios estudiantes de primaria.
También estamos trabajando diligentemente con el persotencial de ser completamente bilingües en los próximos años. El
programa se inició el año pasado con una clase exploratoria de Pre- nal de todas las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke para garantizar el clima
Kínder (PK), y ahora estamos abriendo nuestras dos primeras clases y la cultura de nuestras escuelas es acogedor y enriquecedor para
de Kínder (K). El objetivo es continuar con la apertura de un grado todos nuestros estudiantes y familias. Creemos que nuestras escuecada año. Este programa es para los estudiantes que son capaces de las son un segundo hogar de nuestros alumnos y deben proporciomanejar el desarrollo de la alfabetización en dos idiomas. Animamos nar un ambiente acogedor, donde pueden proveer estudios riguroa las familias a quienes les gustaría que sus hijos sean bilingües para sos y los estudiantes tienen la oportunidad de alcanzar su pleno
solicitar este extraordinario programa. Consulte la página 6 para potencial. Es extremadamente importante que las Escuelas Públicas
de Holyoke tiene una fuerte asociación con los padres y miembros
obtener información adicional sobre este programa.
de la comunidad para continuar con la transformación de nuestro
Además, estamos procesando varias oportunidades para
sistema escolar. Le agradezco y espero la participación continua de
ser desarrolladas durante el tiempo escolar. El programa de depormuchos de ustedes y le damos la bienvenida a otras personas a
tes intramuros se ha ampliado y los estudiantes de secundaria están
teniendo prácticas involucrarse.
Favor visite nuestro sitio web y aprenda más acerca de
en sus escuelas y
luego participan en todos los maravillosos programas, iniciativas y eventos que están
emocionantes juegos ocurriendo en las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke.
de voleibol y baloncesto que se
llevan a cabo
en la Escuela
Peck.
Para
leer más acerca de nuestro
nuevo programa de atletisVisite www.Facebook.com/HolyokePublicSchools y dale “me gusmo intramuros, visite la
ta” para recibir noticias, videos y fotos actualizadas del distrito.
página
11.
¡BIENVENIDODENUEVO!
Dale me gusta Hoy! Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
Connections
Connections
Page 14
Iniciativa de Alfabetización Temprana de Holyoke Gana
Gateway Cities Premio a la Innovación
Por sus esfuerzos para mejorar las tasas de alfabetización temprana en la ciudad,
los organizadores con la Iniciativa de Alfabetización Temprana de Holyoke (HELI)
fueron una de las cinco organizaciones nombradas ganadores del premio 2014
Gateway de las Ciudades de Innovación este año por MassINC. HELI es una iniciativa de las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke para aumentar las tasas de alfabetización temprana en la ciudad. El premio es para las organizaciones y los individuos
que desarrollan modelos innovadores para hacer crecer las economías de las ciudades de Commonwealth.
Programación BOKS
Construir Éxito a Nuestros Niños es una Iniciativa
Felicitaciones a Grace C. Hamel,
senior de la HHS Estudiante Elogiada
en el Programa de Becas de Mérito
Nacional 2015.
A cuatro de nuestras escuelas se le han otorgado $2,500 cada
una para la programación BOKS, que apoya la actividad de los
estudiantes, aptitud y bienestar en las escuelas financiadas Kelly, Sullivan, McMahon, y Peck. Estamos muy agradecidos
por esta generosa donación de $ 10,000 de Blue Cross Blue
Shield, a través de un programa de la Fundación Reebok. Gracias Jennifer Gilburg y el Gran Holyoke YMCA por haber sido
grandes socios para nosotros desde hace varios años en relación con el programa BOKS (así como de muchas otras maneras).
SEPACMEETINGS
Reuniones de SEPAC – Consejo Asesor de padres de Educación Especial
Favor únase a otros padres preocupados en nuestras próximas reuniones del Consejo Asesor
de Educación Especial (SEPAC) para el año escolar 2014-2015. Hay fuerza en los números y el
apoyo de otras personas que comparten experiencias similares. Nuestros esfuerzos
combinados pueden influir en el éxito de nuestros hijos, así como formar su futuro.
Felicitaciones a Corey
Edwards, senior de la HHS
Participante Destacado en el
Programa Nacional de Becas y
Aprovechamiento 2015.
PRÓXIMAS REUNIONES —
1 de diciembre de 2014 | 2 de febrero de 2015 |
6 de abril de 2015 | 1 de junio de 2015
Visite el sitio web de las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke para lugares y temas.
¿Preguntas? Contacto: Kelly- [email protected] o Dawn- [email protected]
Page 15
Programa de Lenguaje Dual Nuevo
El año escolar está en un buen ritmo en la Escuela Metcalf. Tenemos salones de clase preescolar ocupados y un nuevo salón de clases de
Kínder. A continuación hay una breve descripción de lo que abarca nuestro nuevo y emocionante Programa de Kínder.
¿Qué es el Lenguaje Dual? - Lenguaje dual se refiere a cualquier
programa que ofrece la alfabetización y la instrucción de contenido a todos
los estudiantes a través de dos lenguas y que promueve el bilingüismo y la
lectoescritura bilingüe, el rendimiento académico a nivel de grado y la
competencia multicultural para todos los estudiantes.
En la Escuela Metcalf, estamos desarrollando un programa de
inmersión de dos vías, comenzando de Kínder, donde aproximadamente la
mitad de los estudiantes son hablantes nativos del idioma (español) y apro-
Por Amy Wetzel Burke
ximadamente la mitad de los estudiantes son hablantes nativos de Inglés.
Características importantes:
 El segundo idioma se adquiere mejor a través de la inmersión en el
segundo idioma.
El conocimiento aprendido a través de una lengua facilita la adquisición
de conocimientos de segundo lenguaje.
 Los estudiantes se beneficiarán de ventajas cognitivas con el desarrollo
del bilingüismo y la alfabetización bilingüe.
 La ventana óptima para la adquisición del lenguaje son los años de
primaria.
Por April Duguay
Clasificación de Colocación en Puntuación Avanzada de 86
El número de calificaciones han sido obtenidos por los estudiantes que toman cursos de nivel avanzado (AP) exámenes de la Junta Universitaria se ha incrementado en un 86% respecto al año anterior. Además, en
dos años, la inscripción en Colocación Avanzada (AP) en el Programa de
Escuela Superior de Holyoke ha aumentado un 54%. "Estamos muy entusiasmados con el aumento de inscripción AP y la mejora que hemos experimentado en los puntajes de calificación. Los cursos AP son rigurosos
para los estudiantes y maestros, pero los beneficios de posiblemente obtener créditos universitarios y ahorro en términos de matrícula valen la
pena. Nuestro objetivo es ver los continuos aumentos en la matrícula y
calificaciones de todos los cursos de AP en la Escuela Secundaria Holyoke
High ", dijo Stephen Sullivan, Principal Interino. Se requiere que todos los
estudiantes cojan el examen AP estandarizado para el curso o cursos que
cogen cada año con el fin de recibir el crédito AP.
"Los cursos de Colocación Avanzada exponen a los estudiantes
a cursos desafiantes y rigurosos en un nivel universitario que a su vez ayuda a preparar a los estudiantes para la universidad", dijo April Duguay,
Coordinadora Académica. Actualmente, la Escuela Holyoke High ofrece
cursos de AP en Inglés, Matemáticas, Ciencias, Historia, y Lenguaje Mundial.
Deyaneira Alvarado Cruz (a
la derecha) estudiante de la Escuela
Holyoke High afirma: "Tengo las ganas
y la curiosidad de asumir el riesgo de
empujarme a mí misma junto con el
deseo de aprender a un nivel universitario para avanzar mi conocimiento AP
en Literatura Inglés y Composición."
Ella recibió un puntaje de calificación
en Español AP el año pasado. Los
estudiantes que obtienen puntajes de
calificación de tres, cuatro o cinco en
los exámenes AP pueden estar exentos de coger esas clases de iniciación
en la universidad, y frecuentemente estas puntuaciones equivalen en créditos universitarios que reduce el costo de la universidad para los estudiantes.
Nuevo Programa de Atletismo Intramural de Escuela Secundaria
Las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke están ofreciendo un nuevo
programa de escuela intermedia de Deporte Intramural. Los estudiantes de
las escuelas secundarias Peck, Kelly, McMahon, Sullivan, E.N. White y Donahue pueden participar en este programa GRATIS después de clases.
Ofertas deportivas este otoño constan de voleibol y baloncesto. El plan es
ampliar la oferta para incluir la natación, fútbol y tenis en un futuro próximo.
Los objetivos del programa son proporcionar a nuestros estudiantes con beneficios sociales, emocionales y físicos. Además, queremos
que nuestros estudiantes tengan la oportunidad de divertirse después de la
escuela, formar nuevas amistades, desarrollar nuevas habilidades, cooperar,
y practicar buen espíritu deportivo en
un ambiente seguro. Este programa
también debe crear un sistema de
alimentación fuerte para nuestras escuelas secundarias, de acuerdo con el
Superintendente de Escuelas Dr. Sergio Páez.
El Programa de la Escuela Intermedia
brinda a nuestros estudiantes oportunidades para conectarse más con su
escuela y participar activamente. Las
investigaciones indican que los estudiantes que se sienten conectados con
sus escuelas tienden a tener mejor
desempeño académico, mejor asisten-
Por Judy Taylor
cia, y el aumento de las tasas de graduación.
"Espero con interés a la misma. Es muy
divertido ", explica Alize Rivera, estudiante
de octavo grado de la escuela E.N. White y
miembro del equipo de voleibol. "No me
gusta correr, por lo que tanto el voleibol es
perfecto para mí. Estoy intentando algo
nuevo que está fuera de mi zona de comodidad. Una vez que le coja el truco, mi confianza mejorará y me sentiré muy bien conmigo misma. Además, podemos terminar
nuestros trabajos antes de los juegos y hacer nuevas amistades".
Las prácticas generalmente se
llevan a cabo en cada una de las escuelas, los
juegos de una hora se llevan a cabo en el
gimnasio de la Escuela Peck, 1916 Northampton Street en Holyoke. Los juegos de voleibol son los jueves y los juegos de baloncesto
son los viernes. "Es muy emocionante ver a
nuestros estudiantes, el personal y las familias venir a la Escuela Peck cada semana para
apoyar la competencia sana, el espíritu deportivo y la colegialidad con las
otras escuelas de nuestro distrito", comenta Páez. Visite el sitio web en”
http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/athletics.html para la programación. ¡Ven a
animar a nuestros estudiantes!
Connections
Connections
Page 16
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Fall 2014 - Holyoke Public Schools

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