Connections - Holyoke Public Schools
Transcripción
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.
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