Spring 2012 - Holyoke Public Schools

Holyoke Publ ic School s
Connections
Holyoke Public Schools
Volume 10, Issue 3
A Community Working Together
Spring 2012
An Open Letter to the Holyoke School Community
A Long Way from the Old Schoolhouse
By David Dupont, Superintendent of Schools
The first school board meeting in the nation’s history
took place in Dorchester, Massachusetts in 1645. The
school board members were elected for life terms with
the board having the following five duties:
that would eventually be known as “Education Reform”. Along with the ongoing responses to the
achievement crisis, came the No Child Left Behind
legislation in 2001. Notwithstanding its inherent weaknesses and its unrealistic ultimate
• find an able schoolmaster
goal, the moral side to NCLB cannot
be argued: Too many students,
• ensure that the schoolmasespecially those of low income and
ter performed his duties
those with special needs and/or
faithfully
language issues, were left behind
• arbitrate parent complaints
creating an unacceptable and unfair
• maintain the schoolhouse
gap in achievement between them
• order enough wood for the
and the rest of their classmates. And
winter
so, we have found ourselves in a fastpaced, pressure filled, achieve,
Although 367 years ago was a
achieve, achieve working atmosphere
much less complicated time, this
-an atmosphere that also presents to
school board existed in a very
our educators in Holyoke the many
strict theocracy controlled by
problems associated with urban
the Puritans, who certainly valschool districts. We respond, we
ued education, which included
train, we make adjustments, and we
their establishment of Harvard College just nine years keep trying. We want our students-all of them-to have
earlier. Considering the duties of school boards and
a legitimate chance at having decent careers and for
educators today, in our relentless, high-pressure atthem to understand and appreciate their right to parmosphere of testing, data, benchmark assessments, and ticipate in a democratic society. What may sound like
so, one might wonder if this period of time would be
mission statement rhetoric in reality is the ultimate
more desirable to teach and administrate in, even if it
reason why we do what we do every day, including
were under the auspices of Puritanical rule. Obviously, work before school, after school and during part of
there is little logic in comparing our present day educa- every summer. Those first school board members
tion with that of the 17th Century-a time when student would naturally be astounded to see what the business
achievement was mostly for the sake of the individual’s of education looks like today. They would also be
moral growth. Comparing the test results of states
astounded by how we heat our schools without having
and nations would take another three centuries. The
to worry about having enough wood for the winter.
severe intensity in today’s competition to perform and However, they wouldn’t be surprised at all that we are
produce was ignited by the 1983 government report, A still working on arbitrating parent complaints.
Nation At Risk, which resulted in a widespread reaction
Award recipient Joan Holloway
receives notification of her award
from Superintendent Dupont.
Inside this issue:
Announcements
2
School News
3-12
After School
7
Athletics
8
Family Nights
Spanish
12
13-15
Edition Highlights:
● Excellence in Teaching
Awards
● Read Across America
● Family Literacy
● 100th Day
● ESOL Classes
Excellence in Teaching The Pioneer Valley Excellence
in Teaching Awards were presented on March 5th to the following Holyoke Public School teachers:
Lorenda Lewis-Carmen (Holyoke High), Kimberly Beauregard (Sullivan
School), Joan Holloway (Peck Full Service Community School), Sandra
Rigali (McMahon School), Johnathan Roche (E.N. White School), Mary
Doyle (Kelly School), Sarah Pacheco (Dean Technical). The purpose of
the award is to honor outstanding education professionals in the Pioneer
Valley for their exceptional dedication to the students and families they
serve. Teachers were surprised with balloons, flowers, and an award
certificate. They will also be honored at the Log Cabin Restaurant on
May 10, 2012. Congratulations teachers! (Continued on page 2).
Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
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.
(Continued from Page 1).
Mary Doyle
Kimberly Beauregard
Congratulations to the 2012
Pioneer Valley Excellence in
Teaching Awardees!
Sarah Pacheco
Sandra Rigali
View video at http://vimeo.com/38107627
Holyoke School
Committee
Mayor Alex Morse
Dennis Birks
Margaret Boulais
William Collamore
Joshua Garcia
Yvonne Garcia
Howard Greaney
Cesar Lopez
Michael Moriarty
Joan Holloway
For Parents/Guardians of
Current Sixth Graders
!
n
o
i
t
n
e
t
At
In order for a student to enter 7th grade in
September 2012, documentation of the
following requirements will need to be
submitted to the school nurse:
1. Physical exam (copy of exam or appointment date
2. Two doses of Measles, Mumps, Rubella
vaccine (MMR)
Devin Sheehan
Kindergarten
Registration
3.
4.
Register Now!
For FREE
FAMILY
FUN, see
schedule
of Title
One Family
Nights on
page 12.
Lorenda Lewis-Carmen
Johnathan Roche
Children must be 5 years old
on or before September 1, 2012.
Registration by
Appointment Only
Applications available at the:
STUDENT ASSIGNMENTOFFICE
57 Suffolk Street 413 534-2007
5.
Three doses of Hepatitis B Vaccine
One dose of Tetanus (Tdap) Booster
Vaccine (unless last tetanus booster
was within the last 5 years)
Two doses of Varicella Vaccine (or
physician documented case)
Any student not providing proof of the
listed requirements to the school nurse will
be excluded from entering/attending 7th
grade in September 2012, until requirements are met.
“Education is learning what you didn't even know you didn't know”.
By Daniel J. Boorstin
Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
Volume 10, Issue 3
Page 3
McMahon
Biography Researching, Reporting, and Fair
By Katie Richie
The fourth graders at McMahon have been very busy working on the report unit. They focused on biography reports and had a great time researching their person and discovering all the amazing facts for each and
every famous
person. At
the conclusion of the
unit, Mrs.
Kate Ritchie,
the 4th grade
ELA teacher,
along with
Mrs. Sandy
Rigali, Mrs.
Barbara
Dean, and
Mrs. Jill Tellier held a
"biography
Nyari Garrett and Odalys Colon display their Ben
fair" where
Franklin project at the Biography Fair.
the students
displayed
artifacts representing their research and answered questions as students
from other grade levels toured the reports. A good time was had by all
and a great deal of learning was evident when the fourth graders were
asked about the person they chose to research and report on.
Grade 5 Catapult Challenge
Students in Dan Pfefferle’s grade 5 class recently completed a
Science unit on Simple Machines. Students were introduced to
simple machines, their functions and how they are used in everyday life. For the grand finale of the unit, students were challenged
to create their own lever catapults in order to shoot jelly beans as
far as possible. The winners of the contest, Aidan Sullivan and
Reilly Justice, proudly display their catapults in the photo below.
Dr. Seuss’s Birthday and
Read Across America
By Dan Pfefferle
On Friday March 2nd, McMahon celebrated Read Across America and Dr.
Seuss’s birthday. In order to recognize the day, Kathy Alderman, McMahon
School’s Literacy Coach, scheduled guest readers to entertain students in
all of the classrooms. Teachers and students also celebrated by wearing
red, white, and blue on this day. During the last 20 minutes of the day,
every classroom participated in a Drop Everything and Read session. The
Cat in The Hat made appearances during this time and explained the importance of reading to the students. All of the students enjoyed hearing
their guest readers and listening to their favorite books and meeting The
Cat in The Hat.
McMahon
School
celebrates the
MCAS ELA
kickoff with a
pep rally.
Pennies for Patients
McMahon School recently participated in the Pennies for Patients fund-raising event. The fundraiser was introduced to help
the fight against blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. Students were given boxes to collect spare change. The
students collected very close to $1,000 from their friends and families. Way to go McMahon!
Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
Connections
Page 4
Recognizing Dedicated Readers
Sullivan
Journey Around the World
By Kelly Doktor
The students in Jennifer Boyer, Kelly Doktor, and Caitlin Granahan’s
second-grade
classrooms at
Sullivan School
have embarked
on a journey
around the
world! Although
no passports
have been
needed, students
have seen special
landmarks and
sites from the
United States and
around the world
from postcards
they have received from family, friends and
unknown senders
via word-ofmouth. Teachers
requested postcards via an email blast to friends and family and a student
letter sent home to families. Each classroom has a special mailbox for the
incoming postcards. The student leader for the day has the honor of
removing the postcards from the mailbox. The postmark is discussed,
the sender’s message is read, and the class logs overseas postcards on a
giant world map in the grade two hallway. Additionally, each class has its
own map of the United States that is used to log incoming postcards with
corresponding stickers (see photo above). To date, the three classrooms
have collectively obtained postcards from 36 states and 27 countries
(including several Caribbean island nations). One of the most exciting
postcards is from a woman serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan!
Family Literacy Program—
Take 20 Minutes and Read!
By Jody Spitz
Twenty minutes of daily reading is what experts recommend to help
children learn to read and build their vocabulary. The parents and children in the Sullivan School Family Literacy Program do this each Wednesday and Thursday in the library. Each family sits in comfortable chairs or
around a table and reads together. Children choose books that interest
them and sometimes the parent reads and other times the children read
– depending on who needs the practice! But everyone ends up having a
good time in this shared learning experience. When reading time ends,
the children return to their classroom for homework help and parents go
to their English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class to improve
their English speaking, reading, and writing.
A new program session begins in April! If you are a parent or guardian
and are interested in learning English, please contact Aida Gomez at 5342321 or Maria Correa at 552-2937. Beginning English speakers are welcome!
By Mary McAndrew
Over 200 students from Lt. Clayre Sullivan School cheered on at the
MAAC Women’s Basketball Semi-Finals at the Mass Mutual Center in
Springfield. They were celebrating all of the great reading they have been
doing since September as part of the 25 Books Campaign. Students who
read at least 15 books so far (March 1), were able be part of the crowd
cheering on the Marist Red Foxes and the Fairfield Stags. Four buses
carried the students to the MAAC event which included a fan fest with
lots of fun athletic games to take part in before the big game. Also,
WWE star David Otanga spoke to the students about bullying. The entire event was funded by some very generous donors. From start to
finish the students were an excellent audience! What a great reward for
being such dedicated readers.
Flat Stanley Letter-Writing Project
By Kelly Doktor
Students in Kelly Doktor’s second-grade classroom at Sullivan School
have been involved in a Flat Stanley friendly letter-writing project with a
second-grade class at Benefield Elementary School in Lawrenceville,
Georgia. The Flat Stanley series of books showcases a boy, Stanley, who
is flat and can travel on neat adventures, often in an envelope. Both Doktor, and Georgia teacher Magalie Lopez-Cruz, read the original Flat
Stanley book to their classrooms followed by a brainstorming session to
see where Flat Stanley could visit in their respective buildings and what
would be included in those letters. Students thought of Flat Stanley visiting such locations as the music room, computer lab, gym and the cafeteria
to name a few. Students from each school were paired up to write about
the same place in the Georgia school. Letters have been going back and
forth explaining each of those locations as well as pictures including Flat
Stanley and the student-author accompanying those letters to add visuals.
Each teacher had fun with Stanley too. Doktor brought a Flat Stanley to a
Bruins game and Cruz brought a Flat Stanley to the Georgia Aquarium!
“To catch the reader's attention, place an
interesting sentence or quote from the story here.”
Brighid Mary Kirton stands with a Flat Stanley that arrived from Georgia. A map of the United States behind
her shows how far Georgia is from Massachusetts.
Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
Volume 10, Issue 3
Page 5
Kelly
Bullying
By Nancy Blanchard and
Springfield College student teacher Jenny Amato
Bullying in schools and on the Internet has become a widespread epidemic. To spread more bullying awareness throughout the Kelly School
community, Kelly School’s physical education teacher Nancy Blanchard
and Springfield College student teacher Jenny Amato created the “Stand
Against Bullying” bulletin board. Students and staff were asked to have
their picture taken and have it displayed on the bulletin board, to show
others how they were taking a stand to rid bullying in their
school. Students from all grades K-8, and staff members were asked to
participate and get involved.
Read Across America Day
By Claire Folini
Kelly School received a special visitor for Dr. Seuss’ birthday when the
Cat in the Hat came to visit at the monthly student of the month assembly. Aside from all the grade level students that were recognized as
being a student of the month, the entire Kelly School from Kindergarten
to eighth, and Kelly staff all donned Dr. Seuss’ hats. It was a sea of
striped red and white hats in honor of Dr. Seuss who was born in
Springfield on March 2, 1904. It also happened to be Read Across
America Day. In conjunction with the National Education Association,
Kelly staff and teachers across the country read the book, The Lorax.
Look Who’s Reading
By Claire Folini
Mayor Alex Morse visited the Kelly School, where he read to students
as part of the city’s literacy initiative. This program is designed to boost
reading skills, something that principal Jackie Glasheen says is vital. “It's
essential to all the learning that we do here at the Kelly School. Without
basic literacy skills, our proficiency in other subject areas struggles,”
Glasheen said. During his visit, Morse also answered questions for the
kids about what a mayor does.
Theater-Arts and Science: A Dynamic
Learning Environment.
By Priscilla Kane Hellweg
During the winter, the creative education partnership between Holyoke Public Schools, Enchanted Circle Theater (ECT) of Holyoke, and
the Hitchcock Center for the Environment (HCE), of Amherst, continued to collaborate to deepen student understanding of standardsbased science concepts. The program, Amazing Animal Adaptations,
explored science concepts and creative thinking skills through performing arts integration strategies to enhance academic achievement
in 5th grade science classrooms at McMahon and Peck schools. The
literacy-based residency included both hands-on science lessons and
theater arts integration activities that related to the life sciences.
Over the course of 10 days, students learned to classify animals by
their shared characteristics and explored how animals adapted to
their environments in order to survive. They experienced physical
and behavioral animal adaptation concepts and vocabulary through
physical embodiment, and wrote poetry and personal narrative state-
ments to synthesize the science concepts they had studied using metaphor and simile. Students practiced self-presentation and collaboration
skills, and for the final project, students invented an imaginary animal
that could survive in an extreme habitat (Inside a volcano, on the top
of the Himalayas, or at the bottom of the sea floor!) Student’s created live performances, with innovative costume designs, to illustrate
their invented animal and demonstrate creatively how the
animal has adapted to survive in
the extreme environment.
A student in Dan Pfefferly’s 5th grade class at McMahon
displays Himalayan Mountain Fury.
Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
Connections
Page 6
By Julie Winberg
Morgan
Teachers in the St. Patrick’s Day Road Race
New ESOL Classes
By Yaritza Baez Torres, Parent and
Linda Amaral, District ELL Coach
Morgan School launched ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages classes) for parents in March. Twelve parents of Morgan
School students registered for classes in English. Our classes are
on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:45 until 10:00. Our
classes begin with breakfast together with students and a story time
with Morgan teacher, Militza Semidei. After students leave for class,
we begin the ESOL part of the program with Ms. Joanne Gold, an
Adult Basic Education ESOL Teacher. We have already had so
much fun learning and practicing. Our goal is to improve our English so that we can help our children with their studies, converse
with the teachers and help at school and in the community. Pictured below parents Yaritza Baez and Shirley Colon listen attentively along with students Robert Rosario, Richeily Moreno, Janielys
Moreno and Argenis Alvarado.
Once again, Morgan teachers had a great showing in the annual road
race. Among the participants representing Morgan were Aliza Pluta,
Stephanie Roszko, Ann Lastowski, Jim Sharpe, Amy Drohan, Yvonne
Hilyard and Bill Drohan.
Holyoke Firefighter Teaches Fire Safety
The Holyoke Fire Department sent firefighter Maria Pelchar to Kindergarten and First Grade classes to learn what to do in case of a fire. Ms.
Pelchar brought full regalia, including a fire extinguisher, to show the
children what a firefighter would look like dressed in full firefighting gear,
so they wouldn’t be frightened in case of a real fire. For more fire safety
information, view Kitchen Fire Safety video prepared by Michael Hines at
http://vimeo.com/38232430.
Enchanted Circle Theater Visits
On February 16, the Enchanted Circle visited Ann Scagel and Adair
Rivest’s kindergarten classrooms for an interactive reading of The Tiny
Seed by Eric Carle. There was an open class demonstration of how we
use the arts in education and engage students on multiple learning levels.
It is part of an artist-in-residence program, with Enchanted Circle Artist
Brando (Aaron Brandes).
Dr. Seuss Night Celebrates the Lorax
Eighth grader Christian Alvarado kept the secret that he was the “Cat in
the Hat” who appeared at Dr. Seuss Night when it was celebrated at
Morgan. K-2 students enjoyed the Title 1 evening event in March by
playing board games with the Cat in the Hat, and activities involving The
Lorax. Snacks, mask-making activities and prizes concluded the events as
parents and students enjoyed a fun evening together.
Peck
Highlights
By Cathy Foley
• The 8th grade participated in a High School to College Simulation activity sponsored by the STEP program held at Holyoke Community College on
Friday, March 16th. There were about 80 people participating in the event. Students were able to learn more about the connections between the
choices they make in high school and the outcomes later in life.
• Ms. Silvia and Sev Kolysko along with several 7th grade students have begun a Student Leadership Team. The program will expand to the entire middle
school next year. The purpose of the club is to address school climate and relationship building. Students are currently planning for an event at the
end of the school year.
• The 4th graders have been working with Enchanted Circle Theater learning about U.S. history and dramatization. They will be producing a play entitled Make A New Life.
• Congratulations to Peck H Award winners: Aliah Cosme, Idalis Hernandez , Darlisha Rosado, Naressa Kempadoo, Norangely Andaluz, Nashali
Soto , Abner Aldorando, Gerald Colon and Paula Estrada
• Mr. Clark’s 1st grade class worked with Enchanted Circle Theater on a unit on motion and the students wrote a play on motion and then acted it out.
• P-PUA (Peck Parents United in Action) leaders, Peck families, faculty and staff would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to School Committee members and administrators in the Holyoke Public School department for activating short-term AM winter bus transportation for all K-8 students from
January 3 through March 7, 2012!
• Peck hosted an 8th to 9th Grade Transition Night on Wednesday, March 7th from 6-7:30PM. This event was for 8th grade Peck students and their families to learn important information about the transition to high school. Food from Fernandez Restaurant was followed by a program that included
presentations from the Guidance Department of both Dean Technical High School and Holyoke High School. The program also included a question
and answer portion with current high school students who spoke about the challenges and opportunities of high school. HHS and DTHS sweatshirts
were raffled off and transportation was provided to families in need. Attendee Sherlie Figueroa commented, “The food was good and my aunt and
mother learned about what was going on at the high schools.” Zaisha Colon stated, “It was interesting to hear the information from students that
were already in high school.”
Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
Volume 10, Issue 3
Metcalf
From Page to Stage with
Enchanted Circle Theater
By Celine Hamilton Quill
This past January, February and March teaching artists
from Enchanted Circle Theater visited all classrooms at
Metcalf School for eight days each. Using theater as a
dynamic teaching tool, they played theater games that
explored vocabulary, physical expression, and creative
thinking as a way to build students’ literacy and language
skills. Each preschool classroom through an interactive
reading of a favorite storybook, demonstrated how the
arts engaged and inspired them!
The children had so much fun learning through theater,
here’s an activity for you to try at home, so you can play and learn! View
video at http://vimeo.com/39350944 for more information.
BRAINSTORMING with Vocabulary Words:
Brainstorming is a really fun creative thinking activity that is useful for
Holyoke Food and Fitness Policy Council
School Projects
By Laura Porter
The Holyoke Food and Fitness Policy Council is excited to be collaborating with the Holyoke Public Schools in new projects for the 2012-13
school year. Project AIR (Asthma in Retreat) is a community asthma
prevention and management education project, with a focus on strengthening the communication between pediatric providers and school nurses
so everyone is working together to help Holyoke kids manage asthma
more effectively. School classroom staff will also be trained in prevention
of asthma triggers in the classroom and how to support participation in
physical activity with effective management strategies. Two schools will
be part of an intensive Indoor Environment Quality Assessment process
with the support of the Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition, and custodial
staff and facilities managers will have the opportunity to learn more about
how to minimize asthma triggers in the schools.
Also in the fall of 2012, the Holyoke Kindergarten Initiative will begin.
This is an innovative farm-to-school nutrition education program that
teaches children and their families where food comes from through taste
testing in the classroom, interactive food-focused experiences, and field
trips to local farms. Connected to this program, Holyoke food service
provider Sodexo will be working with the district schools to apply for
USDA Fresh Fruits and Vegetables snack funding to provide supplemental
healthy fruit and vegetable snacks for all K-5 students. We look forward
to increasing the opportunity for kids to eat healthy fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day!
Finally, the BOKS (Building Our Kids Success) before-school exercise
program, which was piloted in Sullivan and Kelly schools in the fall, will be
expanding to Donahue and E.N. White schools this spring, and integrated
into the YMCA afterschool programming as well as Connections Afterschool offerings. For more information contact HFFPC’s Built Environment Coordinator Liz Budd at the Holyoke YMCA.
Page 7
coming up with as many ideas as possible to
solve a specific task. It’s also a really important
life skill, and a valuable tool for learning.
In this Enchanted Circle Theater brainstorming
activity, students added physical expression to
the creative thinking process as a way to further
develop their gross motor skills and hand-eye
coordination. Begin by asking your child to
show you how many ways she or he can make a
circle with their body. Then, together, generate
as many ideas as you can!
How many ways can you…
1. Make a circle with your body?
2. Make a straight line with your body?
3. Walk across the room?
4. Lean on a chair?
BRAINSTORMING IDEAS WITH A PROP
1. Come up with as many ideas you can think of for using a CUP, other
than for drinking?
2. How many uses can you think of for a STICK?
Getting Fresh in the Cafeteria with the
School Food Taskforce
By Arielle Aronoff
On March 8th, The Holyoke Food and Fitness Policy Council in collaboration with Sodexo and the School Food Taskforce celebrated Carnaval de
Ponce by decorating the lunch lines at Holyoke High with Vejigante Masks
made by the students, and at Dean Technical High School with posters
advertising the lunch special. Sodexo served Chicken Fricassee, a traditional entrée of chicken served in a sofrito sauce. The event was a great
success. We received feedback from students who likened the food to
that of their moms and grandmas. The vast majority of students interviewed want to see more cultural dishes and variety in the lunch menus.
Connections After School—
Putting the Self in Self-Defense
By Sarah Spence
Students and administrators alike are excited to welcome Martial Arts
as a new club in the CONNECTIONS After-School Program. Mandy
Doyle, a special education teacher at Sullivan School is currently teaching the club at Morgan and E.N. White.
She is assisted by her sister Heather
Doyle, a volunteer college student from
Springfield Technical Community College. The curriculum is not only about
the artistic form of self-defense but also
about kindness, cooperation, self-control,
integrity, and perseverance. Each week
the club focuses on one of these five
qualities to highlight the importance of
living by them every day. For more
about this program, contact Jorge L.
Castellano,(413) 313-7710 or Sarah
Spence, (413) 478E.N. White students Zulier Marquez and
6132
Nathaniel Oliveras practice aiming and punching.
Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
Connections
Page 8
Dean Technical
seling at (800) 286-8221 or www.rvcc-inc.org .
Girls, Inc of Holyoke Announces New Program for
Girls Ages 12-18
By Cynthia Carbone
River Valley Counseling
Brings SOS Program
Uroza at (413) 533-0796 ext. 106 today as
space is limited and interest high. Let’s begin
the fun!
Dean Stands Up and Speaks
Out Against Bullying
As part of Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick’s anti bullying legislation signed in the Spring
River Valley Counseling Center social worker,
of 2010, “No Name Calling Day” is about the
Tricia Caron, LICSW has been visiting with 9th
idea that EACH of us has the power to stand up
grade Health classes during February. Their
and speak out against bullying . The Dean commission is to raise awareness about teenage
munity joined schools across the Commondepression and suicide prevention and to teach
wealth in this state-wide effort. Dean Principal
“Will Power/Won’t Power” is an amazing and
students how to effectively deal with depression
free 10 session program for teen girls that helps Jonathan Carter explains that “this day gives the
and suicide. Symptoms, warning signs, risk facentire Dean community a chance to come togirls develop communication skills, assertive
tors and myths of suicide were discussed. “This
gether and focus on this important issue.” Prinskills, their values and the role they take when
program is in its second year at Dean Tech.”
cipal Carter explains that “this is part of mainmaking decisions. It allows girls to recognize
explains health teacher and nurse Cynthia Cartaining a safe school environment, not just for
healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, recognize
bone, “We feel fortunate to have this meaningone day, but as part of our culture here at
and resist gender stereotypes and pressures
Dean”. Dean students, staff, faculty, and adminiful partnership with River Valley.”
from the media and peers, and understand
stration were invited to wear black as a sign of
themselves and their behaviors better. It combines learning with fun and bonding experiences commitment to “Black Out Bullying”. Graphic
Caron explains “The program involves teaching
Arts student, Kevin Reyes, lettered a 25 foot
for a whole girl approach to learning about
the students a technique called ACT, which inlong banner which he and fellow Graphic Arts
themselves and the consequences of their acvolves Acknowledging the problem, Caring
students hung outside of the cafeteria and all
behavior, and Telling a responsible adult”. Stu- tions!
members of the Dean community were invited
dents viewed vignettes of middle school and
to sign. This banner raised awareness and inhigh school situations in which teens may be
Students in Health classes had an overwhelmspired the teachers to talk about bullying. Mrs.
considering suicide. Then, students were given ingly enthusiastic response to this new program. Carbone’s 9th grade health classes created postthe opportunity to talk about each scenario and “This is the kind of positive program that we
ers, hung them around the school to bring
how to effectively and safely deal with each
would love to see our young women from Dean awareness, and supplied PSAs for the Dean
situation. Ms. Caron had counselors standing by Tech take part in. We are so fortunate that
student body. The day’s efforts helped to reinif students wanted to talk further about any
Girls, Inc. is offering this amazing free program
force a safe learning environment for all.
in our community.” says Carbone, a nurse and
questions or concerns.
health teacher at Dean Tech.
Geisha Uroza, Youth Program Director of Holyoke’s Girls, Inc. has been speaking with students
at Dean Technical High School this month about
their new program “Will Power/Won’t Power”.
Nationally, approximately 9% of teens are depressed. Caron teaches that there is hope and
depression is treatable. This program is part of
an ongoing effort to build a bridge between local
services and our Dean High School Students.
The program will run after school every Tuesday and Thursday through April. The girls that
finish the program with consistent attendance
will be entered into a raffle for a $25 gift card.
Youth Program Director Uroza asks, “Can you
think of at least one teen girl between the ages
of 12 and 18 that could benefit from this amazFor more information about this program or for
ing and free opportunity?” If so, contact Ms.
counseling services, contact River Valley Coun-
Athletics
Congratulations to Holyoke High’s
Matt Girard - Archie Roberts Award winner top Western Mass football student-athlete.
Holyoke High School Girls Basketball
•
Won their first Western Mass Championship beating Longmeadow (67-58)
•
Qualified for the State Championships for the first time ever beating Wachusett Regional HS (45-43)
•
Lost in the State Championships to Andover (45-61) – Andover won their 3rd straight State Title
•
Congratulations to Monique Heard—
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Western Mass Player of the Year for the Second Consecutive Season!
View video at http://vimeo.com/38317244
Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
Volume 10, Issue 3
Holyoke High
Dodge for Gray
By Jill Reardon
The Sport Management II class at Holyoke High School is a course that
lets students apply the theoretical foundations they learned in Sport
Management I such as decision making, marketing, sport law, finance
and sponsorships and apply them to running an actual sport oriented
event. This year they hosted a dodge ball tournament to apply what
they have learned in the classroom.
Page 9
It was an excellent day and all who attended had a great experience.
Thank you to all the volunteers for such a fabulous job.
For more
about this phenomenal program a video that was created by Michael
Hines can be viewed at http://vimeo.com/38807918 .
The "Dodge for Gray" Dodge Ball Tournament was held on April 7th
at the Holyoke High School gymnasium. The proceeds from the event
were donated to the Jonno Gray Scholarship Fund. Jon Gray was a
2011 graduate, who suddenly lost his life on January 15th. The students
gained invaluable experience from creating and running this event and
supporting a worthy cause in the process.
Chris Herren Visits
By Jill Reardon
The Business Club at HHS hosted a speaker this year instead of having
its usual Career Day. The speaker was Chris Herren of Fall River,
Mass., who was a high school basketball standout. He battled the pressures of making it big from an early age. In college he played for Boston
College & Fresno State University. Chris failed drug tests at these colleges, but was so talented that he was drafted into the NBA anyway,
ending up with the Boston Celtics and realizing his childhood dream of
becoming a star for the home team, Chris fell into a 10-year-long spiral
of addiction with drugs and alcohol. Finally clean and sober for almost
3 years, Chris shared his experiences and valuable advice on April 13th
in our gym in front of the entire school.
Skating Program Brings Smiles
By Mark Fournier
The ninth year of Holyoke High School’s Special Education Skating
Program began on March 8th at the Fitzpatrick Ice Skating Rink. The
rink was filled with smiling students using skate sleds and walkers, as
they skated alongside their fellow mainstream student volunteers.
The main focus of the program is to develop relationships amongst all
students while providing a social opportunity to interact and have fun.
In education this is called an inclusion experience. It is an essential
component of education - teaching the entire student body about empathy and the importance of how to socialize appropriately.
Community members were invited to attend and meet the student
participants. This year Carol Hepworth, Special Education Director for
the Holyoke Public Schools, and Mayor Morse skated with the students. This fun-filled experience was amazing for all students, staff, and
community members.
Priceless Memories
Darlene Henshaw, Holyoke High Art teacher, nominated students
Cuiee and Aveour Masters to participate in the Memory Project. “The
Memory Project (http://www.memoryproject.org) is a unique initiative
in which art students create portraits (drawings, paintings, digital art,
etc.) for children and teens around the world who have been orphaned, neglected, or disadvantaged.” Cui and Aveour received photos of two special needs female orphans in Ecuador and created wonderful portraits of the girls. These portraits have been delivered as a
gift to the children. View video coverage of this exciting delivery event
at: http://www.memoryproject.org/Ecuador2012.mp4 . Both Cuiee and
A big thank you to all the volunteers and donors
from within the Holyoke Public Schools and many
local agencies who helped to make this such a
wonderful success!
Aveour were definitely the right duo for the job. Their portraits are
displayed below along with the proud recipients.
Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
Connections
Page 10
E.N. White
Bag2School Clothing Drive
By Kelly Halpin
The idea was simple: "Students, staff and families can work together and
contribute previously
enjoyed clothing and
textiles which then
will be weighed and
exchanged for cash in
order to enhance
music, art and physical
education programs
at E.N.White School
AND at the same
time create affordable
clothing markets in
less fortunate countries as well as help
the environment!"
The Middle School Student Council introduced the clothing drive to the
entire student body by hanging informational posters throughout the
school. Donations were accepted throughout most of January. Eventually, just about 100-bags of gently used clothing, textiles, soft toys, shoes,
drapes, belts and purses were collected! On January 27th, the Bag2School
Company arrived and with the help of the student council loaded the
truck with every donated bag. Although the weather was rainy, the students enjoyed their involvement with the collection and took the time to
pose for pictures. View HPS video coverage http://vimeo.com/39280090 .
The Bag2School Clothing drive truly was a fantastic environmental initiative, a great way to help those in need as well as a positive way to empower our students to help others and E.N.White School.
Textile Recycling Facts:
•
•
•
In North America over 50-pounds of textiles are discarded per
person each year.
Close to 6-million tons of post consumer textile waste are
dumped in our landfills each year.
89% of discarded textiles still have 75% wear left.
100th Day Celebration
Monday, February 13th was the 100th day of school. Mrs. Halpin’s first
grade spent the day celebrating. They got their energy for the day from a
special “100” brunch which included a whole wheat pretzel stick and two
small bagels arranged to make the number 100. After graphing their favorite bagel topping, students began counting and organizing 100 fruit
loops in ten groups of ten. Once organized, the students strung the loops
together to make a necklace. Next students brainstormed how to divide
100 stickers into 5 equal groups to decorate a five point crown. Students
determined they would need 5 groups of twenty to complete their
crowns.
In the afternoon, students pondered the quantity of 100 by journaling
about things they would like to have 100 of, cupcakes and dollars were
popular choices. When thinking of things they would never want to have
a group of 100, bumble bees topped the list. After singing their special
100th day song and reading 100 Hungry Ants, students wrapped up the day
enjoying a special 100th day trail mix. Each child brought in 100 pieces of a
small snack that was blended together to make a sweet trail mix type
snack.
Jovanny DeJesus and Heyzol Vega work diligently on their 100th Day
projects.
5,4,3,2,1…. BLASTOFF!
By Nicole Fisher
Kindergarten children in Mrs. Fisher’s class boarded a spaceship and began
a trip through the solar system last week. They participated in multiple
cross- curricular activities involving the solar system they live in as well as
what it is like to be an astronaut. Tasting astronaut ice cream was a big
hit for the mini astronauts! They are looking forward to heading back to
planet Earth at the end of this week.
Let Your Light Shine
By Tammy Lawrence, PTO President
Jo Sallins, a Springfield native and very successful master musician
and educator, visited E.N.White School on March 12th and shared
"drummed-up" excitement for the entire middle school student
body in order for them to find their passion, get educated
and "BE BRAVE AND BE STRONG!" while working towards all
eventual successes within their lives.
The one hour motivational music event began with two E.N.White
students, Rahneisha Morales and Freddie Oliveras addressing their
audience with a speech by Nelson Mandela. "As we let our own
Light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the
same" was a powerful statement from the speech and an important message heard by every audience member.
Next, Jo Sallins and partner musician, Jesse Casinghino, demonstrated some of their musical talents in a friendly drum beat competition. One by one they performed vigorous drum solos. Their
beats thundered throughout the gym as did the excitement and
applause. Jo invited the middle school staff to partake in the drum
playing. Many students were also asked to participate and within
minutes approximately thirty middle school students were demonstrating their new found talents in a REGGAETON drum
beat. The boom of their drumming and success was felt by everyone in the audience.
Lastly, Jo Sallins spoke about the next immediate goal and very big
challenge for them— the MCAS tests. He encouraged them to
eat a good, healthy breakfast. He told them to get some exercise. He also stated "most importantly, BE BRAVE AND BE
STRONG" and then he instructed them to do their very best. He
graciously answered many questions from the inspired students.
At the conclusion of the event, he gave everyone who participated
one of his Jazz CDs and he gladly autographed every one!
For more information, view video at:: http://vimeo.com/39219855..
(E.N. White news continued on page 12).
Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
Volume 10, Issue 3
Donahue
ful event possible.
vimeo.com/38049103 .
Youth Field Day
On January 19th, students from Maurice A.
Donahue attended the UMASS Youth Field Day.
During the course of the visit students had an
opportunity to interact in small groups with
students athletes, see the beautiful campus, and
attend a women’s basketball game. UMASS
athletes later attended the school’s 25 Books
Campaign and are encouraging the Donahue
students to work on writing skills by sponsoring
a career essay competition.
Students display their sign while enjoying the game—Jenaira Pazo-Muniz,
Sarai Marte, Jose Cruz.
25 Books Campaign
On February 16th, Maurice A. Donahue School
held its 7th annual 25 Books Campaign Celebration. This is a school-wide effort to promote
literacy and the enjoyment of reading. In what
has become a tradition here, dozens of guests
including authors, politicians and community
members came to the school to be guest readers. Some notable guests included Holyoke
Mayor Alex Morse; Massachusetts Secretary of
Energy Richard K. Sullivan; Superintendent
David Dupont, Massachusetts State Representative, Michael Kane; State Senator Michael
Knapik; 22 News Meteorologist, Ashley Baylor;
The Republican reporter, Mike Plaissance; authors Kevin Markey and Tzivia Gover. Author
Kenyan Smith also joined the 25 Books Campaign via Skype from New Orleans to read and
discuss her book series Growing Pains: Kendra’s
Diaries.
Page 11
See video at http:// the art in the galleries then spent time with
Kadir Nelson, one of the illustrators brought in
Picture This!
By Margaret Bartley
The second grade students and teachers at
Donahue School have been working with the
Eric Carle Picture Book Museum throughout
this school year thanks to a National Endowment of the Arts grant. The Carle Museum’s
goals are to: 1) Increase the capacity and confidence of educators to engage children with
visual arts through the art and design of the
picture book. 2) Increase the capacity and confidence of educators to integrate arts learning
with learning in other subjects. 3) Provide opportunities for artists to share their work, process, and expertise interactively with young audiences and their teachers. 4) Engage secondgrade students and their families in understanding, appreciating, and creating picture-book art
through visual arts education and experiences.
For more information, see video at http://
vimeo.com/39119517.
The staff at the Carle has been providing ongoing professional development in an introduction
to the Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Education, Visual Thinking Strategies and the Whole
Book Approach for the second grade teaching
team at Donahue. Trainings focus on The Carle
Approach, the Museum’s pedagogy which engages students in the process of learning to look
and looking to learn, using the art and design of
the picture book. Visual Thinking Strategies are
being taught in the classroom during writers’
workshop and students are practicing these
strategies in the work board during readers’
workshop. The teachers have noted that students are eager to share their ideas and write
about the visual images. Their writing has become more focused and includes much more
detail using this process. The grant also brings
three professional teaching artists —Melanie
Hope Greenberg, Raúl Colón, and Jerry Pinkney— to visit each of the Donahue School’s
three second-grade classes and spend two days
working with the children in the Donahue
School art studio with Mrs. Mulcahy, creating art
to add visual expression to their writing curriculum genre studies.
Students are enjoying their museum visit.
through the grant whose work was being exhibited at the time. Kadir spoke about his art, how
he became an illustrator, and how he grew to
love reading. The children had an opportunity to
ask Kadir questions that they had prepared. The
final visit to the Museum will be an exhibit of the
second graders’ writing and art created with the
visiting illustrators, Melanie Hope Greenberg,
Raul Colon, and Jerry Pinkney. The children and
their parents will go to the museum for the
opening exhibit celebration on May 30th. The
students’ work will remain on display at the
Carle after the opening celebration. The Carle
has graciously donated two museum passes to
Donahue School so parents and children can
continue to visit the exhibits and continue to
celebrate their work that is on display. Check
out the video on this program by Mass Live at:
http://videos.masslive.com/republican/2012/02/
holyoke_2nd_graders_visit_the.html
The Carle, located in Amherst, MA, is a visionary institution committed to opening artistic
eyes, feeding imaginations, and honing our ability
to make meaning of what we see. Picture This! is
an innovative museum-school partnership designed to build bridges between the arts and
literacy for young learners, and picture book
art—the art we are first exposed to as children—is the perfect vehicle to spark their imaginations. Fostering these connections at a young
age builds confidence in one’s ability to appreciate and enjoy art of every kind, encourages
creative expression, and develops critical and
creative thinking skills.
Through the grant, grade two students have
visited the Picture Book Museum
twice. During the initial visit, students
were introduced to the Museum,
learned how to examine art in the
galleries and had the opportunity to
make art in the art studio. Students
wrote about and shared their museum experience. Each student was
given a sketchbook journal for the
second visit to the museum. Students used the sketch
nd
Thank you to everyone who made this wonder- books to write about Illustrator Raul Colon assists 2 Grader Deven Real with his artwork.
Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
Connections
Page 12
Title 1 Family Nights
For grades K-12 begins at 6:30 PM
MAY
Wed., May 2
White
Bingo for Books
Mon., May 7
Donahue
Bingo for Books
Wed., May 9
McMahon
Bingo for Books
Mon., May 21
Donahue
Teddy Bear Picnic
Mon., June 4
Donahue
ALOHA Bingo for Books
Tues., June 5
White
ALOHA Bingo for Books
Wed., June 6
Morgan
ALOHA Bingo for Books
Thurs., June 7
McMahon
ALOHA Bingo for Books
Tues., June 12
Kelly
ALOHA Bingo for Books
JUNE
arriere,
auline M. C tor,
P
:
t:
c
ta
n
o
a
C
nt Coordin
Title 1 Pare
34
413-540-24
(E.N. White continued from page 10).
Spring into Gardening
By Kendra VanderGheynst
A new school garden at E.N.White is being constructed to make connections to both the math and science curricula, as well as to the
neighborhood and community.
A group of middle school students is working with biology teacher
Kendra VanderGheynst to raise seedlings indoors while the raised beds
are prepared. They are growing many extra seedlings to host a plant
sale with the school’s very active PTO. Activities have already included
measuring the school courtyard and mapping the area to scale to determine spacing of and placement of raised beds. Students at various grade
levels will have opportunities to use the garden for various math skills
implementation, including collecting data on plant growth based on
methods used in the garden and successive harvests each season. Using
the square foot gardening method of intensive planting, students will also
work with exponential plant spacing within defined areas of each raised
bed.
Students and community participants will learn about the health, environmental, and economic benefits of eating from a sustainable, chemicalfree, local food system. VanderGheynst will teach gardening techniques
to be practiced throughout the growing seasons, including starting from
seeds, planning for seasonal crops, companion planting, manual and organic pest control, crop rotation and garden sanitation, intensive gardening (the square foot method) to maximize harvest yields in small spaces,
vertical growing, pollination assistance, composting, harvesting, saving
the harvest, and collecting seed for next year’s crops.
ily
m
a
F
e
l
o
h
W
Fun for the
Connections Newsletter
Edited by - Judy Taylor - [email protected]
Editors Emeritus: Kelly Doktor and Laura DuPont
Translated by: Lisa Monzon and Jacqueline Escalera
Save the Date—
Deadline for Summer
Connections
Newsletter Article
Submissions is
Tuesday,
May 15, 2012
Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
Estos son los puntos mas
sobresalientes del Boletin
Holyoke Public Schools
Volume 10 Issue 3
Spring 2012
Una Carta Abierta a la Comunidad de la Escuela Holyoke
Un Largo Camino Desde La Vieja Escuela
Por David Dupont
Superintendente de Escuelas
La reunión del consejo escolar por primera vez
en la historia del país se llevo a cabo en Dorchester, Massachusetts en 1645. Los miembros
del consejo escolar fueron elegidos por términos de vida con el consejo que tiene las siguientes cinco funciones:
-consigue un maestro de escuela capaz
-asegúrese que el maestro de escuela realizo
sus funciones de manera fiel
-arbitrar las quejas de los padres
-mantener la escuela
-ordenar suficiente madera para el invierno
estudiante era sobre todo por el bien del crecimiento moral del individuo. La comparación de
los resultados de pruebas de los estados unidos
y las naciones tomaría otros tres siglos. La
intensidad severa en la competencia de hoy en
día para realizar y producir fue encendida por el
informe gubernamental del 1983, Una Nación
en Riesgo, que resulto en una reacción generalizada que con tiempo seria conocida como
“Reforma Educativa”. Junto a la repuesta continuamente a la crisis de logro, vino la legislación
de Ningún Niño Dejado Atrás en el 2001. A
pesar de su debilidad inherente y su objetivo
final irreal, el lado moral de NCLB no se puede
Aunque 367 años atrás el tiempo era menos
complicado, este consejo escolar existía en una
teocracia muy estricta controlada por los puritanos, que sin duda valoraban la educación, que
incluye la creación de la Universidad de Harvard apenas nueve años antes. Teniendo en
cuenta las funciones de los consejos escolares y
los educadores de hoy, en nuestro ambiente
implacable y de alta presión de pruebas, datos,
evaluaciones de referencia, y por lo tanto, uno
podría preguntarse si este periodo de tiempo
seria más deseable para enseñar y administrar,
aunque fuera bajo los auspicios del gobierno
puritano. Obviamente, hay poco de lógica en la
comparación de nuestra educación actual con la
del siglo 17-un momento en que el logro del
argumentar: Demasiados estudiantes, especialmente esos de bajo ingreso y aquellos con necesidades especiales y/o problemas de lenguaje,
se quedaron atrás creando una brecha inaceptable e injusta en logros entre ellos y el resto
de sus compañeros de clase. Y así, nos hemos
encontrado en un ambiente de trabajo de lograr, lograr, lograr, ritmo rápido, llenado de
presión-que también les presenta a nuestros
educadores en Holyoke los muchos problemas
asociados con un distrito escolar urbano. Nosotros respondemos, nos entrenamos, hacemos
los ajustes y seguimos tratando. Queremos que
nuestros niños-todos ellos-tengan una oportunidad legitima de tener carreras decentes y para
que puedan entender y apreciar sus derechos
para participar en una sociedad democrática.
Lo que puede sonar como una retorica declaración de la misión, en realidad, es la razón última
de por qué hacemos lo que hacemos todos los
días, incluyendo el trabajo antes de la escuela,
después de la escuela y durante parte de cada
verano. Los primeros miembros del consejo
escolar naturalmente estuvieran sorprendidos
al ver lo que el negocio de educación se parece
al día de hoy. También estuvieran sorprendidos
en la forma que calentamos nuestras escuelas
sin tener que preocuparse de tener bastante
madera para el invierno. Sin embargo, ellos no
estarían sorprendidos para nada de que todavía
estamos trabajando en arbitrar las quejas de los
padres.
Felicidades a los Premiados De Excelencia en Enseñanza del Pioneer Valley 2012! Los Premios de Excelencia en Enseñanza del Pioneer Valley (antes conocido como el Premio Harold Grinspoon) fueron presentados el 5 de marzo a los siguientes profesores de
Las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke: Lorenda Lewis-Carmen (Escuela Secundaria de Holyoke), Kimberly Beauregard (Escuela Sullivan), Joan Holloway ( La Escuela Peck Servicio
Completo a la Comunidad), Sandra Rigali (Escuela McMahon), Jonathan Roche (Escuela
E.N. White), Mary Doyle (Escuela Kelly), Sarah Pacheco (Escuela Secundaria Dean Técnica). El propósito del premio es en honor a los profesionales destacados de la educación
en el Pioneer Valley por su dedicación excepcional a los estudiantes y sus familias a las que
sirven. Sorprendieron a los maestros con globos, flores, y un certificado de premio. También serán honrados en el Restaurante Log Cabin en el cual recibirán $500. Felicidades
maestros!
Ver el video en http://vimeo.com/38107627 .
El ganador del “Pioneer Valley Excellence in
Teaching Award” Joan Hollowayde la Escuela Peck
demuestra con Superintendente Dupont.
Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
Connections
Page 14
Around the Schools
Programa de Patinaje Trae Sonrisas
estudiantes participantes.
Este año Carol Hepworth,
Directora de Educación
Especial de las Escuelas
Públicas de Holyoke y el
Alcalde Morse patinaron
con los estudiantes. Esta
experiencia llena de diversión fue una increíble para
todos los estudiantes,
personal, y miembros de la
comunidad.
Por Mark Fournier
El noveno año del Programa de Patinaje para Educación Especial de la
Escuela Superior de Holyoke comenzó el 8 de Marzo en la Pista de Patinaje sobre hielo Fitzpatrick. La pista estaba llena de estudiantes sonrientes usando los trineos de patines y andadores, mientras ellos patinaban
juntos a sus compañeros voluntarios de corriente principal.
El objetivo principal del programa es desarrollar las relaciones entre todo
los estudiantes mientras proporciona una oportunidad social para interactuar y divertirse. En la educación esto se llama una experiencia de
Fue un día excelente y
inclusión. Esto es un componente esencial de educación – ensenándoles
a todos los estudiantes sobre empatía y la importancia de cómo sociali- todos que asistieron tuvieron una gran experiencia. Gracias a todos los
voluntarios por un trabajo fabuloso. Para mas sobre este programa fenozarse adecuadamente.
menal un video que fue creado por Michael Hines se puede ver en
Miembros de la comunidad fueron invitados para asistir y conocer a los http://vimeo.com/38807918. Celebración del día 100
La Clase Nueva de ESOL
Por Kelly Halpin
Por Yaritza Baez-Torres, Padre y Linda Amaral, Entrenador
ELL del Distrito
Lunes, 13 de febrero fue el día 100 de escuela. El primer grado de la Sra.
Halpin paso el día de fiesta. Obtuvieron su energía para el día a partir de
un almuerzo/desayuno “100” especial que incluyo un palo pretzel de
trigo entero y dos panecillos pequeños arreglados para formar el numero 100. Después de graficar su relleno favorito de pancillo, los estudiantes comenzaron a contar y a organizar 100 fruit loops en diez grupos de
diez. Una vez organizados, los estudiantes los colgaron los loops juntos
para ser un collar. A continuación los estudiantes tenían que tener ideas
de cómo podía dividir 100 pegatinas en 5 grupos iguales para decorar
una corona de 5 puntos. Los estudiantes determinaron que necesitarían
5 grupos de vente para completar sus coronas.
En la tarde, los estudiantes reflexionaban sobre la cantidad de 100 en un
diario sobre las cosas que les gustaría tener 100 de, bizcochos y dólares
eran opciones populares. Cuando pensaban de otras cosas que no querían tener un grupo de 100, los abejorros supero la lista. Después de
cantar su canción especial del día 100 y leer 100 Hormigas Hambrientas,
los estudiantes acabaron el día disfrutando de una merienda especial
hecha de una mescla de frutas secas para el día 100. Cada niño trajo 100
piezas de una merienda pequeña que fueron mezcladas juntas para ser
una merienda dulce de frutas secas.
Programa Familiar de Alfabetismo
Por Jody Spitz
Vente minutos de lectura diaria es los que los expertos recomiendan
para ayudar a los niños aprender a leer y construir su vocabulario. Los
padres y los niños en el Programa Familiar de Alfabetismo en la Escuela
Sullivan hacen esto cada miércoles y jueves en la biblioteca. Cada familia
se sienta en asientos cómodos o alrededor de una mesa y leen juntos.
Los niños escogen libros que les interesan y, a veces los padres leen y
otras veces los niños leen-depende de quién necesita la practica!! Pero
todo el mudo llega a tener un buen tiempo en esta experiencia de aprendizaje compartido. Cuando termina el tiempo de leer, los niños regresan
a su salón para ayuda con las tareas y los padres van a su clase de ingles
para Hablantes de Otros Idiomas (ESOL) para mejorar su lectura, habla y
escritura en ingles.
La Escuela Morgan lanzo las clases de Ingles para Hablantes de Otros
Idiomas para los padres en marzo. Doce padres de los estudiantes de
Morgan se registraron para la clase en Ingles. Nuestras clases son los
lunes, martes y jueves desde las 7:45 hasta las 10:00. Nuestra clase empieza con un desayuno
junto a los estudiantes y
tiempo de cuento con la
maestra de la Morgan,
Militza Semidei. Después
de que los estudiantes
salen para su salón, comenzamos la parte del programa ESOL con la Sra. Joanne Gold, una Maestra de
ESOL Educación Básica
Para Adultos. Ya hemos
tenido tanta diversión aprendiendo y practicando. Nuestra meta es
mejorar nuestro ingles para que podamos ayudar a nuestros hijos con
sus estudios, y conversar con los maestros, ayudar en la escuela y la
comunidad.
El Dia de Leer a través de America
Por Clair Folini
La escuela Kelly recibió un visita especial para el cumpleaños del Dr.
Seuss cuando el Gato en el Sombrero (The Cat in the Hat) fue a visitar a
la asamblea mensual para el estudiante del mes. Aparte de los estudiantes del nivel de grado que fueron reconocidos como un estudiante del
mes, toda la Escuela Kelly desde Kindergarten hasta el octavo, y el personal de Kelly se pusieron todos sombreros del Dr. Seuss. Era un mar
de sombreros de rayas rojas y blancas en honor del Dr. Seuss, que nació
en Springfield el 2 de Marzo de 1904. También paso que era El Día de
Leer a través de America. En conjunto con la Asociación Nacional de
Educación, el personal de Kelly y profesores de todo el país leyó el libro,
El Lorax (The Lorax).
Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
Volume 10, Issue 3
Page 15
Cualquier estudiante que no pre-
Atletismo – Alcance para el sente
Cancer
prueba a la enfermera de la
Atención
PADRES/GUARDIANES DE LOS ACTUALES
ESTUDIANTES DE 6TO GRADO
escuela de los requisitos arriba mencionados sera excluido de
entrar al 7mo grado en septiembre
del 2011, hasta que estos
En orden de que un estudiante entre a 7mo grado en septiembre del
requisitos no sean cumplidos.
2012, tiene que haber enviado a la enfermera de la escuela la
documentacion de los siguientes requisitos:
1.
EXAMEN FISICO (COPIA DEL EXAMEN O CITA)
2.
2 DOSIS DE LA VACUNA DEL SARAMPION, PAPERAS, RUBEOLA (MMR)
3.
3 DOSIS DE LA VACUNA HEPATITIS B
4.
LA VACUNA DEL TETANO (Tdap) (ENTRE LOS ULTIMOS 5 ANOS)
5.
2 DOSIS DE LA VACUNA DE LA VARICELA (O CASO DE VARICELA DOCUMENTADO)
MATRÍCULA DE KINDERGARTEN
EMPEZANDO EL 9o DE ABRIL 2012
Los niños tienen que cumplir los 5 años
en o antes del 1o de septiembre, 2012.
Solicitudes disponibles en
LA OFICINA DE ASIGNACIÓN
57 Suffolk Street Primer Piso
Matricula por cita solamente
Llame o visite: 534-2007
Título 1 Noches de Familia
MAYO
2 de mayo
7 de mayo
9 de mayo
21 de mayo
White
Donahue
McMahon
Donahue
Bingo para Libros
Bingo para Libros
Bingo para Libros
Merienda de Ositos
Donahue
White
Morgan
McMahon
Kelly
ALOHA Bingo Para Libros
ALOHA Bingo Para Libros
ALOHA Bingo Para Libros
ALOHA Bingo Para Libros
ALOHA Bingo Para Libros
Junio
4 de junio
5 de junio
6 de junio
7 de junio
12 de junio
Para grados Kínder hasta 12 empieza a las 6:30 PM
Diversión para Toda
la Familia
Pauline M. Carriere,
Coordinadora de Padres de Titulo 1
Teléfono: 413-540-2434
Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us
Connections
Page 16
A community working together
Connections
Holyoke Public Schools
Media Center
c/o Judy Taylor
500 Beech Street
Holyoke, MA 01040
Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us