Fall 2012

Transcripción

Fall 2012

Holyoke Publ ic School s
Connections
Holyoke Public Schools
Volume 11, Issue 1
A Community Working Together
Fall 2012
An Open Letter to the Holyoke School Community
District Restructuring
By David Dupont, Superintendent of Schools
The Holyoke School Committee has initiated the formation of a District Restructuring Committee to look into a proposal, based on a New
England School Development Council (NESDEC)
study, to possibly change the current K-8 school
organization. The proposal involves changing to a K
-6 structure, including the Lawrence School (Center
for Excellence) becoming a K-6 school, with the
Peck School being converted to a 7/8 pre-high
school. (Most of the CFE programs would eventually be dispersed to the other schools.) Input will be
sought from all school staff based on a district-wide
survey. In addition, there will be three informational nights held at different locations (TBA) for parents to attend. Our target time for making a determination or recommendation is by very early December. The final decision will be made by the
School Committee. This newsletter space does not
allow room to do justice to cover the several points
of both sides of the restructuring issue. It is hoped
that people will carefully review the NESDEC study
and the proposal. The Restructuring Committee is
encouraging feedback from everyone. If approved,
district reorganization is a major endeavor that will
Artist: Anton Davila, Sullivan School
affect the entire school community. Therefore, we
are committed to working very seriously, with as
much feedback as we can garner, in order to make
the best possible decision for the school district.
The committee members include:
Amy Fitzgerald-Principal
Diane Bauer-Principal
Paul Hyry-Dermith-Principal
Jonathan Roche-Teacher
Kim Izquierdo-Guidance Counselor
Mary Beth Delisi-Teacher
Mildred Lefebvre-Parent
Hazel Rosario-Parent
Doug Arnold-Student Services
Leonard Gibbons-Technology/Operations
John Foley-Community Representative
William Collamore‐School Committee
Cesar Lopez-School Committee
Kim Wells-Assistant Superintendent
David Dupont-Superintendent
Inside this issue:
Announcements
2-3
School News
4-12
After School
10
Athletics
11
Spanish
13-16
Edition Highlights:
“H” Council
Mission of "H" Council - Holyoke parents, guardians, community members and school
staff, working together with the Superintendent's office, to achieve greater student success
and to build a strong community
Our vision is to create an environment where every parent is involved, has a voice, and can
develop solutions to issues. Each school will have a group of ambassadors that speaks for
the parents and the children.
“H” Counsel Meetings
January 9th
March 6th
May 1st
Held in the Holyoke High
School Cafeteria at 6:00 PM
● Local Foods
● Parent English Classes
● Metcalf 100 Years
● Walk to School Day
“H" Ambassadors” are volunteers selected from each
of the Holyoke Public Schools as a representative between parents, guardians, and the Superintendent's office
to advocate for all children, parents and guardians.
Ambassadors will have a seat on their School Improvement Council. Ambassadors will attend and promote the
bimonthly "H" Council meetings and its annual goals.
Additionally, Ambassadors will help create a positive image for the Holyoke Public schools through media. Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
Connections
Page 2
“For Children to Learn, Parents too Must be Learners”,
Mission
Statement
National Center for Family Literacy
By Jody Spitz
Fall is in the air and with the change of
seasons – is the new school year! This year the
excitement is not just for HPS children. Parents are
getting in on the fun, too! Starting in October,
moms and dads at E.N. White, Kelly, Morgan, and
Sullivan Schools started English classes right in the
schools! In addition to improving their own skills in
speaking, reading, and writing English, parents also
have opportunities to get involved in the school
community,
such as visiting
their children’s
classrooms,
getting
to
know teachers, and (most
i m p o r ta n t ly )
learning right
alongside their
children.
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
Margaret Boulais
William Collamore
Joshua Garcia
Yvonne Garcia
Howard Greaney
If you are a parent or guardian of an HPS student and are interested in learning English, please refer to the contact information for
classes below. Beginners are welcome!
Cesar Lopez
Michael Moriarty
Devin Sheehan
E.N. White:
Kelly:
Sullivan:
Morgan:
Deadline for
article
submissions
for inclusion
in the Winter
edition of the
Connections
Newsletter is
January 11,
2013
Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00AM-11:30AM
Contact Katy at 588-2013 or Oneida at 534-2058
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30AM-11:00 AM
Contact Katy at 588-2013 or Taisha at 534-2078
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30-3:00 PM
Contact Maria Correa at 552-2937 or Aida Gomez at 534-2321
Tuesdays-Wednesdays-Thursdays from 9:00-12:00.noon
Contact Glenda Morales at 534-2083.
Connections Newsletter
Edited by Judy Taylor [email protected]
Editors Emeritus: Kelly Doktor and Laura DuPont
Translated by: Luz Aguillar
“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest. ”
Author unknown, commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin
Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
Volume 11, Issue 1
Page 3
Local Food Comes to Holyoke Schools
By Richard Leso
Thursday, September 20th, marked Local Day at the
Holyoke Public Schools. The menu of the day featured Massachusetts produced foods. There were calzones from Carando Gourmet, right next door in Chicopee, hot dogs from Old Neighborhood in Boston, chili from Kettle Cuisine in Chelsea, tortellini
alfredo from Josephs Pasta Company in Ayer, roasted harvest
vegetables from Czajkowski Farms in Hadley, milk from Garelick
Farms in Lynn and visiting us from the next state over fresh apples
from Hudson River Farms in Milton, NY. Students were enthused
with these new fresh foods as was Mayor Alex Morse, who visited
Holyoke High School to sample the menu and chat with students.
Students may notice something different in the school
cafeterias this year. The Federal government recently mandated
the implementation of the new School Food Nutrition Standards.
Fresher, more colorful foods will be making an appearance in the
cafeterias as well as whole grain rich breads, pastas and baked
goods. In order to become acquainted with these new foods, Sodexo in collaboration with the Holyoke School Food Taskforce will be
hosting taste testing opportunities for students in each school. To learn
more about school food please visit: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/
cafe_menus.html or contact Director of Dining Services, Richard Leso at
413-543-2000 x233.
Mayor Morse chats with Minerva Aponte and Angela Lempke during a visit to the Holyoke High School cafeteria. New District Literacy Coaches off to a Busy Start!
By Mary Wright
The District Literacy Coaches
have begun the year visiting schools to
check in and meet with teachers. Going
around school to school has substantially
helped them get to know the different
dynamics in each of the unique schools.
Lynn Lajoie is the District Literacy Intervention Coach for grades 1-8.
Mary Wright is the District Literacy
Coach for grades 6-8, and Kathy Alderman is the District Literacy Coach for
grades 3-5. The K-2 Literacy Coach position is currently unfilled.
The coaches hope to assist the
teachers through training and follow up
support in classrooms. Looking at student
work, supporting best teacher practices,
analyzing data and managing the Common
Core Curriculum Standards are just some
of the new focus areas for the Literacy
Coaches.
Lynn has been busy coordinating November Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) training for new LLI teachers.
Read 180 and Systems 44 are already up
and running. Lynn will be concentrating
this year on the importance of two-way
communication between the classroom
teacher and the interventionist.
Although supporting all grade 3
-5 teachers, Kathy Alderman will turn the
greatest attention to third grade teachers.
The district will be piloting the grade 3
Literacy Curriculum Maps through the
Massachusetts DESE. Kathy will also be
busy training and supporting grade 3
teachers in this endeavor.
Mary Wright is focusing the
school year on implementing Laying the
Foundation, a Race to the Top endorsed,
comprehensive program of Pre-AP teacher training, support, lessons, and classroom materials geared toward improving
student performance and creating a college-ready culture for our students. The
middle school teachers in Holyoke are
both eager and enthusiastic about this
new training program.
Special Education Advisory
Council (SEPAC) Meetings
Please join other concerned parents at our
upcoming meetings for the 2012-2013 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
January 7, 2013: OT/PT
March 4, 2013: Summer School Programs
May 6, 2013: Bullying
Meetings are held at Donahue School at
6:00 PM
Visit the district website for more information:
http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/pdf/announcements/
SEPAC.pdf
Questions: Contact: Kelly- [email protected]
or Dawn- [email protected]
Connections
Page 4
the entire City Hall. Students were able to visit each department including Room 11, used by The City Council. They were taught several aspects of the operations of each department and were able to ask questions at each stop. Among many teachings, they learned the importance
Parent Center Opens at E.N. White School
of keeping their city parks clean, paying property and car taxes, registering their pet dogs as well as the importance of voting.
By Hilary Russell
Not only did the students leave the field trip with an education
The 2012-2013 school year brings an opportunity for parents on how their great City runs, they left with library books, the Mayor's
to engage at the school throughout the day. In October, more than autograph and a pin that states: I am Holyoke. Most students proudly
twenty parents have registered and will begin adult English classes two pinned it to their shirts immediately.
days a week. These classes will be taught by Katy Moonan who was
trained in adult ESL instruction through the International Language Institute in Northampton. This program is a continuation of the summer
Family Literacy Grant overseen by Jody Spitz. During these workshops, Sixth Graders Spend a Day on the Connecticut River!
parents will also have workshops in helping support their children’s literaBy Laura Maspo
cy. This will include spending time on a regular basis in their children’s
classrooms to observe and use literacy strategies that can carry over to
the home. The Parent Center is designed so that parents can access the
Ms. Lori Thayer, the sixth grade Science/Social Studies Teacher
Internet, use the library resources, and have access to workshops related chose to plan a field trip for every sixth grade student to Holyoke
to their needs and interests. The center will be overseen by our Family Rows. Holyoke Rows is a non-profit community organization located at
Jones Ferry River Access Center along the Connecticut River in HoLiaison, Oneida Montanez, and is open from 7:30 AM. to 4:00 PM daily.
lyoke. They offer many programs to the public such as kayaking safety,
rowing fitness, and adaptive rowing programs for people with disabiliE.N. White Students Visit Holyoke Public Library
ties. They also develop skills in youth for high school crew programs.
By Laura Maspo
On June 12th, each 6th-grade student in attendance had the
E. N. White
The Tiger Pride Community Organization funded a field trip to
City Hall and the Holyoke Public Library's temporary location on June
20th and it was incredible! The top two readers in grades three through
seven along with the students that volunteered their time on May 12th to
wash cars in order to benefit the Holyoke Public Library, earned the
invitation for this special
trip.
Holyoke Library
Director, Maria Pagan created an atmosphere
in the library which made
the students feel welcome
and comfortable.
She
also managed to get new
library cards into the
hands of over twenty students! Many of the students "checked out" liLuis Gonazalez and Becca Willis
brary books and most felt
enjoy a library book about trucks.
certain they will return to
"check-out" more and
utilize the computers
throughout the summer. Other students had an opportunity to read to a
classroom of preschoolers during their time in the library.
Next, Mayor Alex Morse invited the students to visit his office,
ask questions and share
stories. He thanked each
of them for being star
readers and volunteering
their time at the car wash
to earn funding for the
City Library's 14.5-million
dollar renovation.
At
that time, Samuel TexiSamuel Texidor shakes hands with
dor presented Maria
Library Director, Maria Pagan. Mayor
Pagan with an earnings'
Morse looks on in the background.
check from the May car
wash for $250.00 to help
with the renovation.
Mayor Morse then gave a very informative, educational tour of
opportunity to practice rowing fitness, row with their team of students
and kayak on their own or
with a friend. Each student was also able to
learn of the migration of
several fish species, and
enjoy the surrounding
wildlife and scenery.
The students
gained confidence, practiced healthy sporting
activities, had 'tons of fun'
within their community
and so much more from
working together. Stated
best on the
Eliezer Vazquez practices his paddling technique.
Holyoke
Row
website, "Sporting activities help young people maintain interest in school
and keep them connected to their community. Sports help youth learn
about their own strengths and limits. Rowing is a sport that fosters leadership skills within each individual."
Every student enjoyed their time on the river with each other
and the Holyoke Row staff.
Marc Gomez and Juan Cruz paddle across the
river in a double kayak.
Volume 11, Issue 1
Dean Technical
New Afterschool Program Begins at Dean
Page 5
that, “This evidence-based program has shown results such as a higher
incidence of students staying in school, a higher percentage of school
success, and a 53% lower risk of teen pregnancy. The program has a
track record of 60% lower risk of school drop out.”
By Cynthia Carbone
Starting in October a new afterschool program has begun at
Dean Technical High School. The program, “Hawks Taking Flight”, is a
community service learning based program especially designed for high
school students.
Hawks Taking Flight is based on the Wyman Teen Outreach
Program (TOP) philosophy. The program enables teens to lead successful lives and build strong communities. The TOP program is an evidence
-based, highly effective youth development program that influences
teens in a positive way.
Program facilitator, Cynthia Carbone, RN, MSN, MEd, participated in TOP’s extensive training earlier this year. This program is
based upon the principles of youth development, and the socioemotional well- being and health of teens. The approach provides
teens with the necessary supports and opportunities to prepare for
successful adulthood and avoid problem behavior. Carbone explains
Six Students Receive Scholarships for High
Academic Performance
By Kathy Levesque
William J. Dean Technical High School is proud to recognize
six seniors who have qualified this fall for John and Abigail Adams Scholarships through the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education. The award winners are:: Joel Brito, Xaviel Colon, Liliana
Rodriguez, Carla Sanchez, Christine Thompson, and Zachary Tobin.
To qualify for the scholarship, students must score in the
advanced category in either the English or Mathematics MCAS test, and
attain a proficient or advanced score in the second subject (English or
math). All award winners have combined scores ranking in the top 25%
of their school district.
Congratulations Students!
Three JROTC Cadets recently attended and graduated
from the State Trooper Academy. Congratulations to
the following cadets: Jacob Colon, Daisha Serrano, and
Luis Diaz.
STUDENTS FROM DENMARK
VISIT DEAN TECH
Thirty students from a high school in Denmark visited Dean Technical
on Tuesday, October 9th to tour the school. The visit provided a great
opportunity for a cultural exchange between the visiting students and
the Dean community, generating lively discussions about similarities
and differences between countries within educational, healthcare and
political systems (including the upcoming presidential election). The
students made connections that will last beyond the visit, and we
expect that their dialogue will likely continue.
Dean Talking Points

Welcome Back Dance—On September
28th, Dean hosted it’s first dance of the year.
The turnout was impressive and a good time
was had by all.

Pep Rally Cheers— A great time was had
by all at the first pep rally of the year. The
entire school body attended and a volleyball
game between the teachers and students was
a resounding success with the teachers beating the students three out of four games.
The 11th graders were the only class to beat
the teachers.

Student Voter Registration—Kudos to
the Social Studies Department who managed
to make sure that all Dean students who are
18 years of age or older were registered to
vote. Now all these students will be able to
vote in the upcoming election!

Cheerleading is Back— Karolin Herrera, a
Holyoke High School graduate, has been
hired is the new cheerleading coach. Student
interest has been immediate. Twenty-six
students have already signed up for the program.
(Dean Technical News Continued on Page 11)
Connections
Page 6
College worked to develop an awareness around Peck’s core value of
unconditional positive regard. As part of the ongoing initiative to create
awareness around UPR students designed two tee shirts displaying UPR
and the slogan – Stop and Think is it right. Hampshire College paid for
Strengthening Climate and Culture at Peck School
the production of the tee shirts so that every middle school student,
By Cathy Foley
teacher and key staff member in the building received a free tee shirt that
would become part of the student uniform. Limaris Soltren, a member of
the UPR group stated, “The tee shirts send out a good message that
th
On September 13 a school wide assembly was held to kick off
students should think before they act, and they are something we knew
the adoption of the new Peck pledge:
the kids would like to wear.”
Daily Community Meetings are held at the elementary levels at
Peck School. These 15 minute meetings allow the students a time to
come together in order to promote classroom community. During this
We are Peck – Somos Peck
time teachers and students engage in activities that will help to build
We are Excellent
classroom community by taking the time to acknowledge and appreciate
each student’s presence. Also they work to build a shared sense among
We are committed
students that they are part of a community and responsible for their
We are Kind
actions.
Peck = R3
Middle school faculty and students are participating in Advisory
We are respectful, Responsible, Ready to
Groups. Advisory Groups promote small, caring communities of learners.
These weekly small group meetings allow students and faculty time to
Learn
build relationships and focus on establishing and strengthening school
All, every day – Todo el dia, todos los dias!
culture. The Advisory program ensures that every student is well known
and supported by at least one adult, and that every student belongs to a
peer group. Advisory also promotes increased attendance rates and
decreased behavioral problems.
Peck School has adopted the pledge which is recited over the
intercom every morning at 9:00AM by selected students and faculty. The
International Walk to School Day
pledge was developed by the Unconditional Positive Regard Working
Group over the summer and focuses on Peck’s commitment to pride,
By Maria Luisa Arroyo
responsibility and respect. Mark Diaz, an 8th grade student developed a
rap of the pledge with Mr. Cotton’s Advisory Group. “I think the pledge
October 6th marked International Walk to School Day, a Peck
is good because it helps the students know who we are as a school.”
FSCS tradition, co-led by Mari Santiago, P-PUA leader and Peck volunteer, and Maria Luisa Arroyo, Peck Family Access & Engagement CoordiDuring the 2011-2012 academic year Tina Siniscalchi, 7th and nator. Despite the overcast skies, the small yet excited group of Peck
8th grade Science teacher, along with Kristen Luschen from our FSCS students and parents walked from Homework House to Peck by way of
partner, Hampshire College, developed a program for 7th grade students Beech and up the Dingle. Holyoke Fire Inspector Maria Pelchar accompaentitled Unconditional Positive Regard Group. Students with strong nied the group to the surprise at school: friendly firefighters with a shiny
leadership abilities were selected for this new group and they met on a red fire engine into which the students could climb! Additional incentives
daily basis. The students and adult facilitators from Peck and Hampshire were provided by Safe Routes to School. This day also marked the first
day of the Peck Walk-to-School-Bus, also coordinated by Mari, which will
occur every school day morning at 8:00 AM from Homework House to
Peck through Tuesday, November 20th.
Peck
PECKTALKINGPOINTS

In June, the now 8th grade students had the pleasure of
meeting with Congressman Richard Neal to discuss the
high school dropout age and other political issues.

Parent Volunteer Mari Santiago raised over $100.00 in
a 50/50 raffle to benefit the 8th grade end of the year
field trip.
, Jose Sandoval
r-le-Clair, Haley Rivera
Students Jaden Steige
model their
d
era, Jr., Justin Armstea
(back), Alexander Riv
shirts.
tee
d
gar
Re
nal Positive
Team Peck Unconditio
Volume 11, Issue 1
Page 7
Kelly
Hitchcock Center Field Trip
Students in Ms.
Descoteau’s Art Class took
to the trails of the Larch Hill
Conservation area in Amherst to observe and interact
with the natural environment. Treetop nests, flying
birds, native vegetation, and
landscape color provided
authentic connections to the
John James Audubon paintings they had studied in class.
Students began
their visit in the Hitchcock Center with an informational session led by
staff members. Live animals and taxidermy models were observed to
initiate a discussion related to habitat and animal adaptation. After the
viewing, students hiked outside to investigate four different habitat locations. They collected water samples from the pond, looked for insects
in the field, listened for birds and natural sounds in the forest, carefully
maneuvered their way on the boardwalk over the wetlands and felt the
fresh air of a cool day.
By Ms. Descoteau
A follow up lesson to the field trip was created by Brittany
Gyllenhammer, a student art teacher from UMASS/Amherst, to capitalize
on the field trip excursion. Students constructed pop-up dimensional
models of the boardwalk areas of the hike. They interpreted the natural
environment and developed representational dimensional landscapes that
reinforced their learning experience.
Kelly Opens as a Full Service Community School
By Jacqueline Glasheen
Kelly School has opened the 2012-2013 school year as a Full students report it is much easier to get ready in the morning with the
Service Community School. This opening was over a year in the making new uniforms.
with the school administration, teachers, and parents working with consultant Julie Rappoport, to identify the needs of the families at Kelly
School.
Project Manager, Rebecca Masters and Parent Access and Engagement Coordinator Jeannette Alicea, have been hired to spearhead the
full service initiative along with Principal Jackie Glasheen.
The school’s first open partnership meeting was held on August
17th in the school cafeteria. Over 50 community partners were in attendance. The school is currently working to align the services provided
by the community partners with the school’s identified areas of need.
The PTO also advocated for school uniforms to coincide with the
opening of Kelly School as a Full Service Community School. The school
has had 100% participation regarding the uniform policy. Parents and
KellyArtworkonDisplay
By Denise Descoteau
Kelly School students from Ms. Descoteau’s 3rd and 4th grade art
classes displayed two dimensional work at the “Envision Depot Square”
community event held October 13th at the intersection of Dwight and Main
Streets. The drawings illustrated stylistic elements common to the architecture of Holyoke as well as interpretive drawings based on the resident and
anadromous fish of the Connecticut River. (See photo).
Also included were students from Mr. Christofori’s Grade 8 art
class. Students studied photographs of trains and constructed train models
using wood, metal, paper, plastic, and wire to contribute dimensional work
made from recycled materials.
Connections
Page 8
Donahue
By Ricky Cates
District Attorney Has Our Backs
Maurice A. Donahue School is off to a very busy
start to the school year! Hampden County District Attorney
Mark G. Mastroianni visited with eighth grade classes at the
Maurice A. Donahue School on Thursday, August 30th. During
his visit, he spoke to the students about his role as District
Attorney and provided them with a general overview of day-today court operations. Students received backpacks and school
supplies, which were donated by his office.
District Attorney Mastroianni will continue this dialogue with the class later this school year when plans are made
to involve the students in a mock trial where students will have
the chance to act in the roles of lawyers, judge and jury; litigating a case from opening statement through verdict. Later this
year, it is anticipated that this class will visit the Hampden
International Walk to School Day
County Courthouse on State Street in Springfield to observe
On Wednesday, October 3rd, Donahue School along with more than
firsthand how the Court system functions.
3,300 schools across the United States participated in the International Walk to
These events are part of District Attorney Mastro- School Day. This one day event is part of an international effort to motivate famiianni’s continuing effort to engage middle school and high lies to get out and enjoy the many benefits of walking safely to school. Students
school students and explore ways his office can interact with and their families met on Tokeneke Road and were escorted to school by teachthem to positively impact their own lives and encourage, pro- ers, 8th grade students, and representatives of the Holyoke Police Department,
District Attorney’s Office and the Hampden County Sherriff’s Department. We all
mote and recognize their positive achievements.
marched to the sounds of the Donahue Drummers!
Open House and Middle School Night
Our Open House was held on September 13th, and we
had 397 families and friends attend! It was a wonderful evening
filled with conversations, music, cookies and lemonade.
Then on September 20th, our Middle School night was
held. Over 100 students and their families attended! Mr. Douglas
Arnold, Director of Student Services, spoke about students preparing for the future, and the Hampden County Sherriff’s Department
explained the Text-A-Tip messaging system. Texting was actually
allowed in school that evening!
as
ss, and Corey Thom
Jalen Olivero, Demi Ru
l Night.
enjoyed Middle Schoo
s,
Vargus, Tatianna Olive
Johanna Diaz. Zavier
re conversations.
and Kiara Falcon sha
WANTED
Redeemable Soda
Cans and Bottles
Ching , ching! Once again the sounds of
nickels are rolling in. The Donahue
Dolphins and the Green Team are once
again collecting redeemable soda cans and
bottles. So far we have collected and
recycled over 1,800 cans and bottles.
Proceeds are for the Student Activities
Fund.
Volume 11, Issue 1
Page 9
Metcalf
McMahon
Congratulations Metcalf—100 Years of Service
Mineral Club Visits McMahon Students
By Gina Roy
By Gina Roy
Mr. Fred Wilda and Mr. Chris Wyse from the Connecticut
Valley Mineral Club based at the Springfield Museum complex in
Springfield, MA visited McMahon School on October 12th. They presented our 6th graders with a glass cased collection containing official
Massachusetts State rocks, minerals and fossils from various locations
in Massachusetts. They also provided a forty minute presentation to
students to broaden their knowledge base on this topic.
On September 27th Metcalf celebrated 100 years of service
to the community of Holyoke. Ellen Jackson was the chair of the
"100 Year Celebration Committee" responsible for organizing this
well attended event. The Holyoke High School Bell Choir, Band and
the Madrigal Chorus provided musical presentations under the supervision of Mark Todd and Joan Cavanaugh to add to the celebratory
ambience of the evening. Various guest speakers provided historical
and sentimental stories about Metcalf. Some of the presenters included Mayor Alex Morse, Superintendent David Dupont, and Lou Ann
Daly. The alumni chorus consisting of Ed Daly, Ed Bieber, Betty
Griess, Jane Squire, Jean Armitage, and Carol Rogers sang the old
Metcalf song. Display boards adorned the gymnasium enabling people
to relive memories of their times in this historic building.
Center for Excellen
ce
Music Program Thriving at CFE
By Larry Duprey
The Center for Excellence began its first music program last year upon the hiring of music teacher, Otis Rogers. Otis teaches
vocal and instrumental music to all students, K-12. The large music room is filled with guitars, percussion instruments, drums and
keyboard. The space allows for student musicians to engage in instrumental practice as well as accompany singers at the microphones.
Last year Otis had students of all ages along with some staff members perform bi-monthly, including a talent contest, for the whole school.
This year’s first performance was during the final half hour of Open House on October 2nd when 15 students performed three
songs accompanied by students and staff members—Otis, art teacher Bob Bard and counselor Eric Franco on guitars, paraprofessional
Antonio Robles on keyboard and custodian Jack Morneau on drums. The performance was a great beginning for this year’s group of
talented musicians and singers.
Connections
Page 10
Holyoke High
This October, a record number of 117 PSATs were given to
sophomores and juniors at Holyoke High School.
ATTENTION
SENIORS
Holyoke High School was the host for the Pioneer Valley College Fair on September 27th. HCC and
Avanza-2-College sponsored the event to which 40 colleges and hundreds of students attended. To
learn more about preparing for college, view video at http://vod.hps.holyoke.ma.us:81/TRMSVOD/2301-Perspectives-HolyokeHighSchoolGuidanceDepartment.wmv
CONNECTIONS
A College Financing
Seminar for senior
students and parents
will be held at Holyoke
High School, Monday,
December 10, 2012 from
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Presentations will be
offered in English and
Spanish on applying for
financial aid,
scholarships, loans,
completing the FAFSA,
and other topics of
interest to students
applying for college.
CONNECTIONS After-School Kicks Off- New Clubs and Adventures!
This fall, CONNECTIONS After-School Program at Kelly, Peck,
E.N. White, and Morgan School is back with new and improved clubs!
These exciting new clubs include Digital Music Making, Art-U-Luv, SWAG
(Students Working towards Achievement and Growth), Teen Power,
Nature/Art Club, Fitness and Nutrition Club, and Destination ImagiNation, and appeal to students with a wide variety of interests and skills.
The Digital Music Making Club allows students the opportunity to create musical and literary works in their own unique way by
providing them with access to digital music software. This club allows
students to express themselves through media and will involve a collaborative project in which students will produce podcasts. Students will learn
a variety of skills necessary to create a musical piece including writing,
songwriting, sound production, and voice acting.
The Art-U-Luv Club is a new club encouraging students to
use self-expression and to explore their artistic and creative abilities. The
students are given the power to express themselves artistically through
mixed media.
The Students Working towards Achievement and
Growth Club, or SWAG, focuses on future college and career aspirations for middle school students. Students will have the opportunity to
take a field trip to a local college, where they will experience a day in the
life of college students. A large part of the club will be focused on creating a mural using students’ own designs and future goals.
The Teen Power Club is a unique new club that offers students an outlet to discuss issues that they may face on a daily basis, including self-esteem, social life and home life. Students are encouraged to “free
talk” with no topic being off limits as long as they remain respectful of
each other and the program. The students create a journal so that they
can record their thoughts and ideas on different topics. Students will
participate in group exercises where they try to come up with possible
peaceful solutions to fictional problems. The goal of the club is to teach
students to see situations from another person’s point of view and accept
that others may handle things differently than themselves.
By Kayla Morrison
The Nature Club offers students the chance to learn about all
aspects of nature through hands-on activities and arts and crafts. The club
focuses on topics such as trees, animal habitats, water, food webs, birds
and more. Students will learn how people can positively and negatively
affect the environment and how important the environment can be in
their daily lives.
Students in the Fitness and Nutrition Club will be introduced to some healthy food choices and learn how their bodies are affected by these choices. Students will participate in warm-up exercises,
stretches and individual and group games designed to keep the students
active and involved. At the end of each class, students will be allowed
“cool down” time where they can relax to music and wind down before
they return home.
The Destination ImagiNation club focuses on students
developing three important skills: creativity, team building, and problem
solving. Students will break into teams and participate in open-ended and
challenging questions. Students are then given the chance to think, imagine, and solve problems on their own. Students in this club will remain
active both mentally and physically.
These new clubs, as well as the many other exciting and engaging clubs currently running in CONNECTIONS, give students the opportunity to try new things and explore hidden talents. The clubs allow students to explore new interests and develop skills that will help them to
become successful adults. Students and staff are looking forward to another great year at the CONNECTIONS program!
For more information about the program, contact:
Jorge L. Castellano, (413) 313-7710
Jennifer Scott, (413) 478-6132
Volume 11, Issue 1
Athletics
The Boys Cross Country team is having another outstanding season with a current record of 7-1.
Page 11
The Girls Cross Country team has turned things around
and they are now one of the top teams in the league
with a record of 5-3.
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Holyoke High
School Field Hockey team sponsored their annual PLAY 4 THE CURE
Field Hockey game to raise money and awareness to benefit the Susan G.
Komen Foundation. On Monday October 15th, the Holyoke Knights
Girls’ Field Hockey team hosted a game with the Agawam Brownie's Field
Hockey team at the Robert's Sports Complex at Holyoke High School
dedicated to raising awareness and money for cancer. Both teams wore
custom pink uniform jerseys to show their support for the many families
affected by cancer, to remember those friends and family members who
have lost their fight with cancer, to show their support for those who are
dealing with it now, and to celebrate all Survivors of Cancer. The team
also collected donations to support cancer research and support. All
proceeds/donations from the game were donated directly to the Susan G.
Komen Foundation to help them in their efforts to put an end to Cancer.
(Dean Technical High School News Continued from page 5)
Dean Tech Partnership with HCC
Awarded $200,000 Grant for
Technology Career Program
Waking Up Courage
By Kathy Levesque
On September 14th the Dean Tech
HS student body attended a powerful assembly,
“Waking Up Courage,” presented by Community
Matters, the organization that brought the Safe
School Ambassadors Program to Dean Tech
three years ago. This student-centered experience enlists, unites, and empowers students to
take a stand and speak up when they see bullying
and violence among their peers. It was a highenergy event that delivered a compelling and
consistent message to all students that bullying is
not OK and silence isn’t either.
Dean Tech students rose to the occasion! At the end of the assembly, when students
were asked to stand up, speak up, and build a
positive school climate, they posted their commitments on a large poster entitled, “Be The
Change.” Congratulations to Dean Tech students; committed to a positive learning environment.
By Patti Mertes
The Holyoke Community College
Foundation has been awarded a $200,000
grant from Urban Research Park CDE to
launch a technology career pathways program
in partnership with Dean Technical High
School and the Massachusetts Green High
Performance Computing Center.
The collaborative project, called
Career Pathways in Technology for Holyoke,
is designed to enhance technology education for
Holyoke and area residents by establishing a
CISCO Academy at Holyoke Community and
Dean, while leveraging educational opportunities
Dean Tech’s JROTC program participated in the through the new computing center.
Opening Day Ceremonies at the Big E in
Classes are expected to begin in JanuSeptember. The cadets participate every year
ary, with the program in full operation at both
Dean and HCC by next September. One of the
and always shine for Dean Tech!
goals of the program is to create an educational
pathway from Dean Tech to both the credit and
The students will meet weekly
non-credit opportunities available at HCC and
ultimately into the workforce or toward further throughout the year and will participate in a
educational opportunities.
minimum of 20 hours of community service per
year. “Taking action, reflecting on successes, and
celebrating accomplishments is what Hawks
Taking Flight is all about”, explains health teacher, Cynthia Carbone.
JROTCATTHEBIGE
Connections
Title 1 Family Nights
Page 12
All events start at 6:30 except Donahue School
events begin at 6:00.
Fun for the Whole Family
-12
For grades K
DECEMBER
Mon., Dec. 3
Wed., Dec. 12
Thurs., Dec.13
Wed., Dec. 19
Donahue
McMahon
E.N. White
Kelly
Bingo for Books
Bingo for Books
Bingo for Books
Family Game Night
JANUARY
Wed., Jan. 9
Thurs., Jan. 10
Mon., Jan. 14
Wed., Jan. 16
Wed., Jan. 23
Mon., Jan. 28
McMahon
Morgan
Donahuel
E.N. White
Kelly School
Donahue School
Math In A Bag
Math In A Bag
Bingo for Books
Math In A Bag
Math In A Bag
Family Math Night
Donahue Sullivan White Kelly Bingo for Books Family Game Night Mardi Gras Bingo for Books Valen ne’s Bingo for Books
FEBRUARY
Mon., Feb. 4 Thurs., Feb. 7 Tues., Feb. 12 Wed., Feb. 13 A Teacher’s Reflection on Creative Learning with Enchanted Circle Theater
by Patrick Britton
As the school year picks up steam,
the days of summer turn into nostalgic thoughts
in the back of our memories yet again. Students
and teachers alike will use their unique and
interesting experiences from the summer to
enhance the learning within their classrooms. An
experience of mine that I would like to share
with a feeling of great satisfaction is that of my
time working in Enchanted Circle Theater’s
Acting Shakespeare summer program at Peck
School.
The nine week program began with a
group of twenty-three eager, somewhat apprehensive middle school students, all of whom
would be challenged with the difficult task of
pulling off a theatrical production in such a short
amount of time. The students were led by a
team of teachers that included Enchanted Circle
Theater teaching artist Aaron Brando and associate artist Lizzie Boliver, Brad Willenbrock,
ELA teacher from Donahue School, and myself.
We were assisted by interns Patrick Wells, a
2011 graduate of Holyoke High School, and
Meagan Rothe from Amherst College.
The students wasted no time in getting down to business. One of the first tasks at
hand was to read and comprehend the play that
we would be producing, Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
I was impressed with how quickly and enthusiastically the students began to grasp such a complicated play. Through an array of reading, writing, and theatrical strategies, they were able to
reach a high level of understanding of Macbeth and apply it when it came time to take on
their roles in front of a live audience.
The first performance was at the
Renaissance Center on the campus of UMASS
Amherst. All the time we spent practicing hitting our cues, nailing the delivery of our lines,
and setting the tone of the play paid dividends
on the outcome of our performance. We would
follow up with our second performance at, Peck
School’s auditorium, where we were met with a
packed house. Once again, we gave the audience
a show they could write home about.
What I enjoyed most about this experience was the amount of fun we all had. For
many of us, including myself, this was a first in
terms of being a part of a theatrical production.
We learned to take risks and to trust not only
ourselves, but others. I believe it is important
for any person to step out of their comfort
zone in order to experience growth. This tremendous opportunity gave me an understanding
of the boundless benefits of such a program. I
was able to witness the significant academic and
social growth that occurred within each of the
twenty-three students who participated in the
program. I saw students with positive attitudes
working towards success. I saw students take
responsibility and ownership of their roles as
learners in the educational process. I saw students gain confidence that will prove to be invaluable as they continue on their paths of education. Above all, I saw students take part in
meaningful and authentic learning that I strongly
feel will be a major, positive influence for their
futures.
Connections Newsletter
Edited by Judy Taylor [email protected]
Editors Emeritus: Kelly Doktor and Laura DuPont
Translated by: Luz Aguillar
Macbeth performers wore costumes that were on loan from The Hampshire
Shakespeare Company,.
Estos son los puntos mas
sobresalientes del Boletin
Volume 11 Issue 1
Otono 2012
Una Carta Abierta a la Comunidad de la Escuela Holyoke
Reestructuración del Distrito
Por David Dupont, Superintendente de Escuelas
Artist: Anton Davila, Sullivan School
El Comité Escolar de Holyoke ha iniciado la formación de un
Comité de Reestructuración del Distrito para examinar una propuesta, basada en un Concilio de estudio en Desarrollo Escolar de Nueva
Inglaterra (New England) (NESDEC), que posiblemente cambia la organización actual escolar de K-8. La propuesta consiste en cambiar a
una estructura K-6, incluyendo la Escuela Lawrence (Centro para la
Excelencia) para convertirla en una escuela K-6, con la Escuela Peck
que se está convirtiendo en una escuela pre-superior 7/8. (La mayoría
de los programas de la CFE finalmente se dispersaron a otras escuelas.) Se solicitará información de todo el personal de la escuela basada
de una encuesta en todo el distrito. Además, habrá tres noches informativas que se llevarán a cabo en lugares diferentes (TBA) para que
los padres puedan asistir. Nuestro objetivo de tiempo para tomar una
determinación o recomendación es a principios de diciembre. La decisión final será tomada por el Comité Escolar. Este espacio en el boletín no permite espacio para hacer justicia para cubrir los diversos
puntos de ambos lados de la cuestión de reestructuración. Se espera
que las personas revisen cuidadosamente el estudio NESDEC y la
propuesta. El Comité de Reestructuración está animando la opinión
de todos. Si se aprueba, la reorganización del distrito es un esfuerzo
importante que afectará a toda la comunidad escolar. Por lo tanto,
estamos comprometidos a trabajar con mucha seriedad, con varios
comentarios que podamos reunir, con el fin de tomar la mejor decisión posible para el distrito escolar.
Los miembros del comité
son los siguientes:
Amy Fitzgerald-Principal
Diane Bauer-Principal
Paul Hyry-Dermith-Principal
Jonathan Roche-Maestro
Kim Izquierdo-Consejero
Mary Beth Delisi-Maestra
Mildred Lefebvre-Madre
Hazel Rosario-Madre
Doug Arnold-Servicios-Estudiantiles
Leonard Gibbons-Tecnología/Operaciones
John Foley-Representante de la Comunidad
William Collamore-Comité Escolar
Cesar Lopez-Comité Escolar
Kim Wells-Asistente del Superintendente
David Dupont-Superintendente
“H” Consejo
Misión "H" Consejo—Padres, guardianes, miembros de la
comunidad de Holyoke y personal de la escuela, trabajando junto con la
Oficina del Superintendencia,para lograr un mayor éxito de los estudiantes
y para construir una comunidad fuerte.
Nuestra visión es crear un ambiente en el que cada padre está
involucrado, tiene una voz, y puede desarrollar soluciones a los problemas. Cada escuela tiene un grupo de embajadores que hablan por los
padres y los niños.
Embajadores “H” - Los voluntarios seleccionados de cada
una de las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke como un representante entre los
padres, guardianes, y la oficina del Superintendente de abogar por todos
los niños, padres y guardianes. Los embajadores tendrán una silla en el
Consejo de Mejoramiento Escolar. Los embajadores asistirán y promoverán las reuniones dos veces al mes “H”
Las reuniones del Consejo y sus objetivos anuales. Además,
los embajadores ayudarán a crear una imagen positiva de las
Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke a través de los medios de comunicación. Reuniones del Consejo “H”
Miércoles, 9 de enero de 2013
Miércoles, 6 de marzo de 2013
Miércoles, 1 de mayo de 2013
Se llevó a cabo en la Cafetería de la Escuela
Superior de Holyoke a las 6:00 PM
Connections
Page 14
Comida Local vino a las Escuelas de Holyoke
Por Richard Leso
Jueves, 20 de septiembre, Día Local marcado en las
Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke. El menú del día incluyó alimentos
producidos en Massachusetts. Había calzones de Carando Gourmet, justo al lado, en Chicopee, hot dogs de un Barrio Antiguo en
Boston, chili de Kettle Cuisine en Chelsea, tortellini pasta alfredo
de Josephs Pasta Co en Ayer, Verduras Asadas de Czajkowski
Farms en Hadley, leche de las granjas Garelick en Lynn y visitarnos desde el siguiente estado sobre manzanas frescas de Hudson
River Farms en Milton, NY. Los estudiantes estaban entusiasmados con estos nuevos alimentos frescos al igual que el alcalde
Alex Morse, quien visitó la Escuela Holyoke High para degustar el
menú y charlar con los estudiantes.
Los estudiantes pueden notar algo distinto en las cafeterías de las escuelas este año. El gobierno federal recientemente
mandó la implementación de las nuevas normas escolares en la
Nutrición de Alimentos. Alimentos frescos, más coloridos harán
acto de presencia en las cafeterías, así como panes integrales,
pastas y productos horneados. Con el fin de familiarizarse con
estos nuevos alimentos, Sodexo en colaboración con el Grupo de Trabajo de Alimentación Escolar de Holyoke será la sede de oportunidades de
los estudiantes de cada escuela para saborear. Para obtener más información acerca de la comida escolar por favor visite: http://
www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/cafe_menus.html o comunicarse con el Director
de Servicios Alimenticios Richard Leso al 413-543-2000 ext. 233.
Mayor Morse charla con Minerva Aponte y Angela Lempke
durante una visita a la cafetería de la Escuela Superior de Holyoke. “Para que los niños aprendan, los padres también deben ser estudiantes ",
Centro Nacional para la Educación Familiar
Por Jody Spitz
El otoño está en el aire y con el cambio de estación - es el nuevo año escolar! Este año, la emoción no es sólo para niños de las Escuelas
Públicas de Holyoke. Los padres también se están sumando a la diversión!
A partir de octubre, las mamás y los papás en la Escuelas E.N. White,
Kelly, Morgan, y Sullivan comenzaron clases de inglés en las escuelas! Además de mejorar sus propias habilidades para hablar, leer y escribir Inglés,
los padres también tienen la oportunidad de involucrarse en la comunidad
escolar, como visitar los salones de sus hijos, conocer a los maestros, y (lo
más importante) aprendiendo al lado de sus hijos .
Si usted es un padre o guardián de un estudiante de las Escuelas Públicas
de Holyoke y está interesado en aprender Inglés, por favor consulte la información de contacto para las clases abajo mencionadas. Los principiantes son bienvenidos!
E.N. White: lunes y miércoles de 9-11:30 AM. Comunicarse con Katy al 588-2013 o con Oneida al 534-2058.
Kelly: martes y jueves de 8:30-11 AM. Comunicarse con Katy al 588-2013 o con Taisha al 534-2078.
Sullivan: martes y jueves de 12:30-3 PM. Comunicarse con María Correa al 552-2937 o con Aida Gómez al 534-2321.
Morgan: martes-miércoles-jueves de 9:00-12:00 del mediodía, comunicarse con Glenda Morales al 534-2083..
Volume 11, Issue 1
Page 15
¡Reserve estas fechas!
Titulo 1 Noches de Familia
Para grados Kínder hasta 12
DICIEMBRE
Lunes, 3 de diciembre
Miércoles, 12 de diciembre
Jueves, 13 de diciembre
Miércoles, 19 de diciembre
Diversión
para Toda
la Familia
Escuela Donahue
Bingo para Libros a las 6:00 PM
Escuela McMahon Bingo para Libros a las 6:30 PM
Escuela E.N. White -Bingo para Libros a las 6:30 PM
Escuela Kelly
Noche de Juego en Familia a las 6:30 PM
ENERO
Miércoles, 9 de enero
Jueves, 10 de enero
Lunes, 14 de enero
Lunes, 28 de enero
Escuela McMahon
Escuela Morgan
Escuela Donahue
Escuela E.N. White
Escuela Kelly
Escuela Donahue
Matemáticas en Bolsa a las 6:30 PM
Noche de Matemáticas en Familia a las 6:00 PM
Escuela Donahue
Escuela Sullivan
Escuela E.N. White
Escuela Kelly
Escuela McMahon
Noche de Juego en Familia a las 6:00 PM
Bingo Mardi Gras para Libros 6:30 PM
Bingo San Valentín para Libros 6:30 PM
FEBRERO
Lunes, 4 de febrero
Jueves, 7 de febrero
Martes, 12 de febrero
Miércoles, 13 de febrero
Miércoles, 27 de febrero
Reuniones del Consejo Asesor de
Educación Especial (SEPAC)
Por favor únase a otros padres interesados en nuestras próximas
reuniones durante el año escolar 2012-2013. Hay una fuerza en números
y el apoyo de otras personas que comparten experiencias similares.
Nuestros esfuerzos combinados pueden influir en el éxito de nuestros
hijos, así como dar forma a su futuro.
Próximas fechas de reuniones y
Temas de discusión:
7 de enero de 2013: Terapia Ocupacional / Terapia Física
4 de marzo de 2013: Programas de Escuela de Verano
6 de mayo de 2013: Intimidación
Las reuniones se llevan a cabo en la Escuela Donahue
a las 6:00 PM
Visite el sitio web del distrito para más información:
http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/pdf/announcements/SEPAC.pdf
Preguntas: contacto Kelly- [email protected] o
Dawn - [email protected]
Atención
estudiantes
de grado 12
Se llevará a cabo un Seminario de
Financiamiento para Colegio para
estudiantes mayores y padres en la
Escuela Superior de Holyoke Holyoke High School, el lunes, 10
de diciembre de 2012 de 6:00-8:00
PM. Se ofrecerán presentaciones en
Inglés y Español para la solicitud
de ayuda financiera, becas,
préstamos, para llenar la FAFSA y
otros temas de interés para los
estudiantes que soliciten ingreso
a la universidad.
Connections
A community working together/
Una Communidad trabanjando juntos
Holyoke, MA 01040
500 Beech Street
c/o Judy Taylor
Media Center
Connections
Page 16

Fall 2012

Transcripción

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