Connections Holyoke Public Schools a Community Working Together Our Web Site: Volume 6, Issue 3 Spring 2008

Holyoke Public Schools Connections Holyoke Public Schools A Community Working Together Our Web site: www.hps.holyoke.ma.us Volume 6, Issue 3 Spring 2008

Spring has sprung for Holyoke Public Schools By Eduardo B. Carballo tion will take place May 1 with Superintendent of Schools the Merry-Go- Inside this issue: Round Reception and Banquet. Let me tell you about what is Each year we coming up over the next few recognize stu- weeks and what has been going dents in grades six Look Back at Lynch Middle 2 on. through twelve First, I hope that many of you who have been were able to experience Holy- selected on the • Mayor Sullivan oke High School’s production of basis of scholar- • HPS Web site news 3 Anything Goes. The students and ship, leadership staff worked very hard to stage and citizenship. an outstanding show and gave You will read Parent Information 4 excellent performances. more about this in the newspaper We also had the opportunity to next month as Patricia Redfern, Donahue grade 4 teacher, receives select some outstanding teachers • Celebrating Dr. Seuss the Republican her Harold Grinspoon Award for Excellence in Teach- for the Harold Grinspoon Excel- newspaper ing from Supt. Dr. Eduardo Carballo. Full photo gallery • Title I Event Listing 5 lence in Teaching Award. Seven usually has an of all Grinspoon winners is on page 8. of our teachers were notified on insert all about March 12th that they were re- the Rising Stars. from Lawrence and Lynch to cipients for this year. They are Grinspoon Award Winners 8 Debra Sherburne, E.N. White As many of you know by now, Peck. Later in the fall, the main School; Eileen Farrington, Kelly the outlook for next year’s office will begin to make prepa- rations to move to Lawrence School; Patricia Redfern, Dona- school funding is of great con- hue School, Christopher van cern to the community. Our School. It is anticipated it will Leeuwen, Sullivan School; Mi- budget forecasting predicts we take some time to prepare the Letter to the Editor 10 chael McKenna, Holyoke High will fall shy of the amount of building to properly receive the administrative offices. School; Lyle Clark, Dean Techni- dollars needed to continue the • Pi Day cal High School; and Evelyn current level of services for all of Over the next few weeks I will • Wistariahurst Tickets 12 Melendez, Lynch Middle School. our students. It seems we are complete my work as a member Congratulations to all of them! always weathering some type of of Governor Deval Patrick’s storm. I ask families and friends As you know beginning this Readiness Team. After many Spanish Highlights 13- of the school district to stay month the State Assessment weeks and months of working strong during these difficult 16 System, MCAS, is launched. We with some outstanding people times and, whenever possible, look forward to our students from across the Commonwealth join our efforts to communicate doing very well again and are to put together our visions of to state officials and politicians asking you to continue to help what education could be here in the need to support our com- them. We believe our students the State of Massachusetts, I’m are ready and they have been munity. somewhat saddened at the pros- working very hard. It is impor- During the month of February, pect that these plans will have to tant for them to get support at our School Committee took the wait longer as the state looks home, plenty of rest and sleep unprecedented step, in an effort towards finding more than $1.5 and to start out the day with a to save as many teachers as billion to balance the budget. good breakfast. If you would like possible, to close three schools I’m encouraged by our legislative to know more ways in which and to reopen one housing the support to at least increase you can help your child during central office and the Alternative Chapter 70 funding and I hope in the testing period, please contact Program. We want you to un- future years some of our pro- the principal and your child’s derstand that neither the School posed programs can come to teacher. Committee nor I wanted to do pass. that, but given the economic Celebrate Holyoke Public I hope you all enjoy the Spring outlook of the state, it left us no Schools week is April 28 through weather that is to come. choice. As soon as school closes May 2. Our Rising Stars recogni- in June we will begin the move Page 2 Connections

Edited by - Kelly Doktor - [email protected] Special Thanks to: Luz Aguilar, Cris Brown, Kim Counter, Laura DuPont, Mike Hines, Aaron Patterson, Judy Taylor and Judy Williams

Mission Statement Contributing to this issue: The mission of the Carol Babkiewicz Eileen Driscoll Debbie Menard Holyoke Public Schools Pam Berwald Kathy Dunn Winnie Moynihan is to provide educational Pauline Carriere Helen Gibson Laura Pravitz opportunities for all students to reach their Eileen Cavanaugh Karen Guillette Hava Preye full potential in a safe, John Cavanaugh Lois Keefe Linda Prystupa secure, healthy learning Karen Chouinard Wendy Kelleher Hilary Russell environment while Mary Curro Joanne Marcotte Efrain Santos valuing diversity and promoting responsible Steve Damon Rebecca Masters Nancy Stenberg citizenship. Jessica Dennis Lee McGarrigle Karen Turcotte

Closing after 55 years A look at the early years at Lynch Middle School

Looking through the school archives and remi- The educational model the school was follow- niscing over the school’s dedication booklet, ing at this time was a junior high school model. it’s quite clear the school building located at Some of the classes offered were Household 1575 Northampton Street has stood the test of Arts or Industrial Arts, Hygiene and Assembly time as an important part of public school his- or Activity. The school activities included: tory and the history of Holyoke. John J. Lynch Student Council, School Publications & Guides, Junior High School was dedicated on February Band, Honor Society, Choir, Safety Patrol, Ath- 6, 1953 with a series of public events and tours letics, Assemblies, Drama, Clubs, Dancing, Ba- Holyoke School to showcase the ton, Swimming and School Committee “modern” junior high Dances. school. The school was An entire page of the dedi- named after John J. Lynch; cation book is devoted to a principal in the Holyoke Mayor Michael Sullivan “The Junior High School Public Schools from 1894- Idea”. Mr. Lynch may have William Collamore 1941. The front page of introduced the idea of a the dedication booklet Mary Signet college preparatory cur- honors Mr. Lynch as a riculum as early as 1903 in Yvonne Garcia man “whose name and the West Street School and distinguished achieve- Barry Conway soon interest grew in the ments will be perpetuated notion of housing grades 6- Mollie Plant in the minds and hearts of young boys and girls 9 in a different building to accommodate the who seek learning within the walls of this Margaret Boulais changing needs of students in this age group. school.” Carol Murphy, current math coach at Lynch, Gladys Lebron-Martinez The dedication booklet goes on to highlight and former 6th grade student in 1953 remem- “special features you will want to see” on a tour Howard Greaney bers the building this way “Everything was pris- of the school. The first desks in the school tine, shiny and perfect. We had to make sure were touted as “special eyesight saving desks” our chairs were 1 inch from the table when we with large one piece tops that could tilt or lay pushed them in so we wouldn’t knick the tables flat at “scientifically determined positions”! The lobby (which we call the Rotunda) originally in the library”! contained a ticket booth, and the science room As the current students and staff of Lynch Mid- and music room were mentioned for their dle School prepare to close this building after tablet-arm seats, on tiers in the science room 55 years of educating Holyoke’s youth, we and in an auditorium setting in the music room. invite former staff and students to join us in It is interesting to note on the floor plans that special events. More details will be available the courtyard classrooms were not part of the soon. original building.

Volume 6, Issue 3 Page 3

School consolidation will benefit students http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us ______What’s New on the Web By Judy Taylor By Michael Sullivan the downtown landscape. We will be dismayed at the absence Mayor of Holyoke of these sounds being robbed Visit the district web site to take from the city center. full advantage of the exciting new It has truly been a difficult time I can only hope and pray that information that is available. for the Holyoke Public Schools everyone knows that it was a and especially for many of the difficult decision. To distill that members of the School Commit- decision down to its simplest NEW: tee. Making the recent decision form, it was “faculty versus facil- Grinspoon Award Winners to close three schools was heart Mayor Michael Sullivan chats about ity”. When it is possible, al- www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/ wrenching. We heard both rea- though not inviting, to reduce soccer with Sullivan School 4th sonable and responsible argu- your costs by operating fewer grader Lauren D’Addario. grinspoon.html ments about the value of retain- schools, are you obligated for the ing all facilities. When the 2008 best interest of the students to our students. Safe and Drug Free Schools autumn school bell rings on the make that tough decision? I say I thank everyone for all their first day of school, John J. Lynch yes, empathically! input and patience and I look will only be haunted by memories There were many discussions forward to the day when educa- www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/safeand of former students. The internal about this option versus other tion is properly funded. With clamor of feet and the excite- drugfree.htm options, but now we should put your advocacy that day may ment of the first day of class will that behind us and focus on mak- come sooner than later. I also And is accessible via the Pro- be replaced by external discus- grams Menu. You may also view ing this plan work best for the ask that everyone understands sions about what to do with the the information in this edition of students. There will be snags and the changes were necessary and property. H.B. Lawrence School, challenges as we proceed, yet done for the right reasons; to the newsletter on page 11. which will begin to host the ad- through cooperation, we will preserve our best tool, faculty ministration, would have been maximize our benefits for educa- and staff. witness to the sound of giggling Kindergarten/KinderKamp tion sake and for the benefit of children mixed with the noise of www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/pdf/ kindergarten_registration.pdf Extreme Makeover: The Ultimate Backpack You may also view this information in this newsletter on page 4. How would Massachusetts Cultural Council. style. On the final day of the you design By combining theater arts activi- workshop student groups pre- your dream ties with the carefully prescribed sent their finished designs to backpack? steps of the Engineering Design their classmates, explaining how How many process students are tapping they have met the specific design pockets their creative energies and learn- criteria. Groups choose brand would it ing to harness it for constructive names and slogans for their have? What purposes! Carefully chosen products and present these colors and theater activities focus on build- along with their designs. The designs ing the skills needed to succeed Massachusetts Science and Tech- would there in the group design challenge. nology/Engineering Framework Summer be on it? What materials would Creative brainstorming, time documents the required science Connections it be made of? Fifth graders have management, group cooperation, content and skills to be taught at been answering these questions and oral presentation skills are each grade level. Understanding Newsletter and many others in 4-day work- emphasized. These fun, partici- the engineering design process Submission shops held this winter and spring patory activities build student and designing something to meet across the district. The En- motivation and interest in the a specific need or solve a prob- Deadline chanted Circle Theater and the whole process! Students gain an lem is a significant focus of the Hitchcock Center for the Envi- in-depth understanding of the Framework. Student grasp of this ronment are joining forces again steps in the process and apply process and how it can be ap- to support the district’s fifth that understanding to a group plied to various problems is an grade curriculum. This year the design challenge – their ULTI- increasingly important aspect of focus is on the Engineering De- MATE BACKPACK. Their de- the science MCAS tests. sign process. This program is signs are required to address supported by funding from the specific design criteria, such as Creative Schools program of the capacity, security, comfort, and Page 4 Connections

HPS Summer School July 7 - August 7

Parents and Guardians of Current 6th Graders: In order to enter 7th grade in September 2008, documentation of the following requirements will Student signups begin need to be submitted to the School Nurse: Physical Exam (done within 1 year or copy of appointment date); in May. Applications 2 doses of Measles vaccine (MMR); 3 doses of Hepatitis B Series will be available in all vaccine; Tetanus Booster (within last 5 years); and the Varicella schools. vaccine (or physican documented case).

HOLYOKE PUBLIC

SCHOOLS Eduardo B. Carballo, Superintendent Get Ready for Kindergarten!! NOW OPEN! HOLYOKE PUBLIC SCHOOLS Applicants must be five years old Free Summer Program on or before For 4 & 5 year olds entering September 1, 2008 Kindergarten in Fall 2008

Kindergarten applications available at July-August; Monday-Thurs., 9-1 all elementary schools and at the

Student Assignment Center Families must register at: 1st Floor - 57 Suffolk Street Student Assignment Center Tel: 534-2007 1st Floor - 57 Suffolk Street Hours of Registration: 8-3 M-F Tel: 534-2055 **Register early and your child may be **Breakfast and lunch provided; transporta- eligible to attend the free KinderKamp tion provided if necessary. program this summer!! Volume 6, Issue 3 Page 5

E.N. White School Sullivan School

Kelly School

Title I Activities ~ Events start at 6:30 p.m. 5/1/08 E.N. White School 5/19/08 Morgan School Mystery Night Bingo for Books Boredom Busters Summer Packet 5/5/08 Donahue School 6/3/08 Kelly School Bingo for Books Bingo for Books Holyoke Public School students in grades K-2 are wel- 5/7/08 McMahon School 6/5/08 E.N. White School come to request a Boredom Busters Summer Packet Reading Cafe Bingo for Books which contains grade appropriate worksheets in reading, 5/13/08 Kelly School 6/9/08 Morgan School language arts and math. Request forms will go home Eric Carle Night Bingo for Books with students at the end of April. The packets will be 5/14/08 Sullivan School 6/10/08 Lawrence School sent home with students during the last week of school. Eric Carle Night Bingo for Books If you do not receive a form and would like to partici- 5/15/08 Lawrence School 6/12/08 McMahon School pate, call Pauline Carriere, Title I Parent Coordinator at Eric Carle Night Bingo for Books 540-2434. Page 6 Connections

The Dangerous Dolphins, Donahue’s basketball team, recently played the team at Kelly School and lost 61-47. The Dolphins made up for the loss with a 42-38 with the team at Peck in Donahue’s Perfect Attendance and Student of the Month winners early March.

Holyoke Hospital High Achievers

Math students in the eighth grade completed Computer teachers Mrs. McCloud and Mrs. Distefano Kayla Benitez an extensive project on the stock market. Each are working with classroom teachers and students on student chose stock in a company and fol- creating PowerPoint Presentations. Students are learning Taylor Cason lowed its progress for one month. They how to design PowerPoint including graphics and sound. learned how to read the stock market, deter- The eighth grade is working on PowerPoints about Elizabeth Hurley mine the increasing or decreasing value of the mean, median and mode. Seventh graders are designing stock and graphed those results weekly using a theirs on ancient Rome. The sixth graders are creating a variety of graphs. Student Eugenio Delarosa science PowerPoint on glaciers. said, “I learned how stocks gain or lose money.” Alexis Newsome added, “Electronics Martha Mulcahy was awarded a grant from the Emerging companies had the most growth compared to America - Teaching American History. The program sup- food and gas companies.” Finally, Michael ports the creation of a local web-based project. She also Poreda said, “This will help in real life knowing received a field trip grant from Target. The grant will be what to buy in the stock market.” used to tour the city of Holyoke to visit Heritage State Park and Wistaria- hurst Museum. Students will photograph the architecture of historic Holyoke and learn how the industrialization of the city attracted immigrants to settle here. Volume 6, Issue 3 Page 7

• Louise Cavanaugh’s second Sports Notes... McMahon News... grade class collected 170 cans of food in 100 days. The food

• Dean Technical High School has been awarded the • Several third and fourth graders sang was donated to the Provi- 2007 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Associa- the National Anthem at the March dence Ministries for the tion’s Sportsmanship Honor Roll. The award recog- 19th Springfield Falcons Game. Needy. The children received nizes schools that did not have any coaches or stu- a letter of thanks • K-6 students that read for 6 hours and support from dent-athletes disqualified from a contest for an entire total between October and February academic year. Dean Tech received a school banner to Development Di- will receive one complimentary one- rector Dorrie be hung in the gym. day admission ticket to Six Flags New Durand. • 100 students from Peck Middle School attended a England. UMass women’s basketball game at the Mullins Center in Amherst. Students were awarded the trip by meet- ing or exceeding targeted growth on the Math or Reading MAP test. The UMass women scored a victory Lawrence School & parent connection over Fordham University. GEAR UP provided the buses for the trip and is involved in preparing students for college by providing awareness, workshops, and information sessions on the importance of getting a college education.

Peck Middle School

• Nine 8th grade students from the National Junior Honor Society read to kindergarten students at Morn- gan School, Peck’s sister school. Lawrence Elementary School and Enlace de Familias team up to engage parents in • The NJHS also organized a food drive to benefit Kate’s training opportunities. Parents have been attending twice-weekly training sessions Kitchen and collected 12 cartons of food. This was a that have been taught in English and Spanish. The Managing and Parenting Program part of the “SouperBowl” sponsored by the New Eng- is a 13-week curriculum designed to support parents learning about themselves, land Patriot’s Charitable Fund. their relationships, strengths and available resources and skills they need to effec- tively parent their children. The program emphasizes the experience of the parent • Channel 3 Meteorologist Brandon Butcher came back as a person, as opposed to the parent in a disciplinary role with their children. for a second year to read to several classes. He also shared his knowledge of weather and spoke about what it is like being a weatherman. McHugh Alternative Program • Honda Finance, a business partner with Peck, contin- ues to visit once a month to meet with students for

conversation and dessert. The last visit of the year will have Peck students go to a local Honda dealership for Several students from the McHugh Alter- native Program have been volunteering a tour and barbeque. their time as a community service pro- • The Family Dinner and Career Fair will be April 16th ject at the Wistariahurst Museum under sponsored by Honda Finance with representatives the guidance of McHugh administrator from MCDI and other adult education centers. Stu- John Cavanaugh. The students have been dents who have read 18 books for the 25 Book Cam- helping with the cleaning and organizing paign will be the guests of honor. of items at the museum. They have been assisting in getting things ready for the Chinese Teahouse, a special presentation at Wistariahurst in the month of April. Dean Cosmetology Sujaiely Cruz says, “I like what we are The Cosmetology Department at the William J. Dean Tech- doing and I know that volunteering is a nical High School recently held a fundraiser to assist cosme- positive way for me to be a part of the tology students in attending a spring beauty show in May. community.” Both Gilbert Ramos and The students raffled off a Spa basket and a $75 gift certificate Zorimar Heredia enjoy “the old furni- to Lynn Wiles & Co. One lucky winner, Jose Vega, was ture and the life-sized portraits of the named Client of the Year. Vega is now entitled to receive Skinner family.” Now that other students one free service per month for an entire year. The students are interested in participating, a second HAP students L to R: Sujaiely Cruz, raised $1300 for the field trip. group is being formed. Gilbert Ramos and Zorimar Heredia take a break from their hard work at the Wistariahurst Museum. Page 8 Connections

Debra Sherburne (center), E.N. Patricia Redfern, Donahue School White Grade 4 Mainstream Teacher Christopher Van Leeuwen, Sullivan Grade 4 Mainstream Teacher School Computer Resource Teacher, accepts award from Supt. Eduardo Carballo.

Michael McKenna, Holyoke High School Eileen Farrington, Kelly School, Evelyn Melendez, Lynch Middle School ELD/ELL Teacher, with Principal Paul English Teacher Special Education Teacher Hyry and Supt. Eduardo Carballo

Seven teachers received the Harold Grin- spoon Award for Excellence in Teaching on Wednesday, March 12, 2008. Nominated by building principals, Grinspoon Award criteria are: professionalism, great attendance, col-

laborations, performs above and beyond, links community to the classroom, respected by peers and demonstrates enthusiasm. The teachers will be honored with other Grin- spoon winners from around Western Massa- chusetts on May 8th at the Log Cabin. Lyle Clark (far left), Dean Vocational School Automotive Repair Instructor Volume 6, Issue 3 Page 9

Sullivan School MCAS Club members: bottom row L to R: Messiah Rosario, Jaime Rivera-Torres, Steven Velasquez, and Ivany Cruz. Back row L to R: Raekwon Acevado, Matthew Cayer, Kim Casiano and Lindsay Cournoyer. Mayor Michael Sullivan (L) presents Marge and Dave D’Addario Sullivan School fourth grade ELA teachers, Eileen Driscoll and Joyce Le- with the Jeanne C. Roberts Civic Pride Award for their efforts in febvre, organized the school’s MCAS Club. The 25 fourth graders met the planning of the reconfiguration of the Sullivan School parking afterschool in three different clubs to receive extra preparation in test- lot, making the drop-off and pick-up of students flow smoother. taking strategies. Club members were introduced to a wide variety of They also were instrumental in getting a grant for the school’s genres that often times appear on the MCAS English Language Arts exam. Playscape for the enjoyment of the kids in the school and commu- Members worked collaboratively to analyze MCAS selections and ques- nity. tions to further enhance their strategies.

While wearing bunny Sullivan School band members John Fontaine (vocal), Tyler Leclerc ears, the fifth grade (guitar) and Nathan Schreffler (trumpet) performed as a part of the READ 180 class read Modern Music Mastery program which is a part of the Tri-M Music aloud Beatrix Potter’s Honor Society. The group was led by Band Director Steve Damon. The Tale of Peter Rabbit in the library to the first grade students. After, READ 180 teacher Linda Zwirko read The Tale of Amy Dubilo (far right) Benjamin Bunny and led hands Sullivan School all students in a discus- Percussion teacher Jose sion about the books. First graders received coloring papers, book- Gonzalez and Band marks and pencils as gifts from the READ 180 class. Director Steven Damon checks totaling $750 that she received as a result of a community service project for her bat mitzvah. Dubilo is the goddaughter of Lynne Skypeck (left), recently retired guidance counselor at Sulli- van. Skypeck gave Dubilo the idea of doing something for the school’s music program. Not only did Dubilo raise money, but also received instruments from people who no longer played. She herself donated the clarinet she once played, but now takes piano lessons. The monetary donations will be used for the repair of instruments and to purchase much needed guitar strings, wood- wind reeds and drum sticks. Page 10 Connections

By Miguel Perez Open Letter to the Editor outlining the positive at Dean Tech

Dear Editor: Hi my name is Miguel Perez. I’m currently attending school at William J. Dean Technical High school. I’m 17 years old and I’m a sophomore. I am really disappointed that recent events have brought down the morale at Dean Tech. I understand we were in the media and news because of the recent issues we’ve had, but this doesn’t mean we don’t have great things happening at Dean Tech. For example, we have the Junior ROTC which is great. It helps us with leadership skills, as well as, community service. We come up with ideas for school dances, after school activities and community service to keep teens entertained and off the streets. We also have the Teen Clinic that offers health and mental health services to students and other opportunities. There is also the SCORE program that has eight trained peer mediators where students can drop in and talk. Also, Dean Tech had a “Family Arts Night” on April 18th to show the talent and unity of Dean Tech students and their families. There are shops that give back to the community, too. It’s just too bad that Dean Tech gets put down because of a few negative events. Remem- Pictured with Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick are Jackie ber, we are a school of over 750 teens. These few problems Torres from Peck Middle School and Anthony Colon from should not define who we are. Dean Technical High School. Rebecca Masters, coordinator for There are students at Dean Tech doing a lot of good stuff in the the Holyoke Youth Commission and Task Force, organized the community in other programs, too. Yailin Cartagena, Anthony trip to Dorchester. Colon, and I are all on the Holyoke Youth Commission. We do projects that help Holyoke and give a voice to other youth. We work on underage drinking prevention projects, we held a forum should be on those things, not always the negative. How do you for youth to talk to the City Council and the School Committee, think the parents of Dean Tech students feel about all this nega- and we have even represented Holyoke state-wide. We met Governor Deval Patrick when we went to Dorchester to help tive talk about their children’s school? plan a state-wide youth council. Lastly, Anthony Colon, myself, Sincerely, and three other Youth Commissioners are going to Tucson,

Arizona to represent Holyoke and learn about food and fitness with the Holyoke Food and Fitness Policy Council and we are Miguel Perez bringing back what we learn to Holyoke. William J. Dean Technical High School student In closing, there are a lot of positive things going on at Dean Holyoke Youth Commissioner Technical High School and in Holyoke in general. More focus

E.N. White Writer’s Workshop featured in the Springfield Republican Sometimes, we just need the right topic to find ing one another about an influential person in each student’s life, joy in writing. A selection of autobiographical and then write a sketch of their partner’s important person. Next, pieces written by seventh graders at E. N. White students write a list of memories and ask a partner which sounds School demonstrates the array of expression most interesting. Finally, students write about learning a lesson students can achieve when writing about some- from a mistake they’ve made. Using peer and teacher feedback, thing personal and familiar. In March, student students rewrite their favorite piece of the unit, and then read it to authors in Astrid Lindstrom’s classes were fea- the class. The seventh grade students featured in the Republican tured in the Springfield Republican’s “Newspaper in Education” series include Austin J. Theriault, Natasha Pirela, Lissette Rojas, Omara L. which features teachers and their students’ efforts to improve as Hall, Alexs S. Vazquez, Timmothy J. Ortiz, Natalie M. Rivera, Sarah writers. The teachers are all fellows in the Western Massachusetts Theroux, and Zane E. Patrie. To read their pieces and to see pho- Writing Project at UMass. Lindstrom designed a unit of autobio- tos of the student authors, go online to: graphical writing which works well, even with reluctant writers. http://blog.masslive.com/nie/2008/03/walking_tall_a_unit_of_autobio Students write four pieces. First, they illustrate a favorite place, and .html then write a description of it. Second, they work in pairs interview- Volume 6, Issue 3 Page 11

CONNECTIONS news & notes...

The fourth and final eight week session of the CONNECTIONS After School Programs at Kelly, Sullivan, Donahue and Holyoke High Schools will continue through May 29th. There may still be Since the early spaces in the programs at all four sites so pick up a registration for 1980’s, the Holyoke Public School District has been your child at any of these four schools or call the Director, Eileen the recipient of the Federal Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities grant. The purpose of this grant is to support Cavanaugh, at 534-2168. programs that prevent violence in and • This year we have improved our Homework Help and MCAS around schools, prevent the illegal use of Prep services. Each site has a lead teacher who shares test alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, and involve scores, report cards and other student data with HPS certified parents and community organizations to teachers who provide their academic support to our partici- help foster a safe and drug-free learning pants in an effort to meet individual student needs. High environment that supports student achieve- School and college tutors have also been instrumental in help- ment. This year the grant is focusing on ing students with their school work. implementing programs to address violence and substance abuse prevention issues across the District. These new pro- • CONNECTIONS Program staff and district grams and related trainings include: academic coordinators are currently developing a summer program at the middle school and high school level that will focus on the theme of ‘Going Al’s Pals: A program for all kindergartens with the goal of Green’. More information about the summer pro- helping to promote positive choice making in young children. gram will be available in April. This program has been implemented in all kindergartens. The CONNECTIONS Program is fortunate to have a number of Aggressors, Victims, and Bystanders: This curriculum is wonderful community based partnerships that help to make the designed for use with youths in grades six to nine and aims to program an enriching experience for Holyoke students. In addition prevent or reduce violence by altering patterns of thought and to our expanding partnerships with area colleges that are providing actions that will help to avoid violent situations. This is in the tutors for our program, the following organizations have been with planning stages and will be implemented at designated schools us from the beginning of the program six years ago: in 2008. Holyoke Community College’s Skills, Training, and Enrichment Class Action Program: This program will be used at Holyoke Program (STEP) is offered at both Sullivan and Donahue CON- High and Dean to address the data around alcohol and drug NECTIONS Programs. They provide participants with comprehen- prevention. Currently implementation of this program is in the sive academic and youth development programming. STEP also planning process and will be “rolled out” in the 2008-2009 brings $85,000 in additional resources, providing 39 weeks of afterschool year. school academic and personal support services, and 12 days of summer academic enrichment activities to seventh and eighth grad- Second Step Program and Parent Component: This program teaches children to change attitudes and behaviors that ers in CONNECTIONS. contribute to violence. This program has been implemented at The Holyoke Boys & Girls Club has been a valued partner of The Kelly, Morgan, Lawrence, Lynch, and Peck schools. A parent CONNECTIONS Program for the past seven years, providing a component will be implemented to increase awareness and popular club that gets participants moving, playing ball and learning new skills. They have also written grants that help support the communications around these issues. CONNECTIONS Program. Strengthening Families Program: This program will seek to The Greater Holyoke YMCA has been a major partner with the improve parental involvement to families of CONNECTIONS Program, providing FitMath clubs at the middle students from Donahue and Sullivan schools. school level that embed math into fitness activities. They also pro- Think Time Program: This program will be vide a well attended fitness club for students in the CONNEC- purchased for each elementary, K-8, and mid- TIONS Program at Holyoke High. dle school and Doris Ransford of the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce has been will be used as a reflective piece for children who have been arranging for business members to come to the CONNECTIONS placed in the In-house room. Program and share stories about their careers to inspire and moti- vate participants about their future possibilities. School Sprouts, Inc. is providing gardening clubs at all three middle This extensive district initiative ties into the data collected and school programs and teaching participants about growing and eat- if implemented properly will serve to reduce episodes of vio- ing healthy foods. lence and substance abuse in our schools. Next Level Adventures is providing the very popular outdoor ad- venture clubs at each of the middle school programs. Participants have gone snow shoeing, cross country skiing and will soon be doing mountain biking and other spring activities. Page 12 Connections

Pi Day at E.N. White may merit entry into Guinness World Book

Sixth graders at E.N. White School celebrated March 14th in a special way. March 14 or 3.14 is Pi Day. For many of us, Pi is a number that we were told to use to calculate the circumference and area of a circle, but for students at E.N. White, it is a never-ending number that was discovered by Archimedes that represents a relationship between the diameter and circumference. The students were treated to a day-long cele- bration of Pi organized by math teacher Lori Mathurin. At right, winners of the individual special events are: Anferne Morales, Issac Duval, Crystal Vazquez, Pedro DeJesus, Keanu Conde, Michael McAndrew and Victoria Sabater. Below left are Kiana Clemente and Yamarie Gutierrez showing the Pi Day door decorations. Below right, is an aerial view of the school with the Pi symbol in the courtyard. The photo has been submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records to be considered as the largest made Pi with a view from the sky.

“On Silken Threads”

The performance with Laura Pravitz and The Isadora Duncan International Institute Dancers will be on Saturday, May 3rd at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 4th at 2 p.m. There will be an accompanying gallery exhibit on “The Life and Times of Isadora Duncan.” A number of free tickets are being made available to Holy- oke Public School children. Advance reservations recommended. Please call the museum at 322-5660 and specify if your child is a student in the Holyoke Public Schools. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Holyoke Cultural Council. Holyoke Public Schools Estos son los puntos mas sobresalientes del Boletin Volume 6, Issue 2 Primavera 2008

Ha llegado la Primavera a las Escuelas de Holyoke

cuando el periódico Republicano por lo general tiene un periódico pequeño sobre los Estudian- Por Eduardo Carballo tes Estrellas. Superintendente de Escuelos Como muchos de ustedes ya saben, la perspectiva para la financiación escolar del próximo año es de gran preocupación a la comunidad. Nues- Déjeme decirle sobre lo que viene durante las tro pronóstico de presupuesto predice que próximas semanas y lo que ha estado pasando. caeremos de la cantidad de dólares necesarios Primero espero que muchos de ustedes puedan para continuar con el nivel de servicios para experimentar la producción de la Escuela Secun- todos nuestros estudiantes. Parece que somos daria de Holyoke - HHS de Algo Va.- Anything siempre la intemperie de algún tipo de tormen- Goes Los estudiantes y el personal trabajaron ta. Pido a familias y amigos del Distrito Escolar muy fuerte para organizar un espectáculo ex- de permanecer fuertes durante estos tiempos cepcional y dieron interpretaciones excelentes. difíciles y, cuando sea posible, únase a nuestros esfuerzos para comunicar a los funcionarios También tuvimos la oportunidad de seleccionar Estatales y políticos la necesidad de apoyar a algunos maestros excepcionales por la Exce- lencia de Harold Grinspoon en la Enseñanza del nuestra comunidad. Premio. Siete de nuestros maestros fueron Durante el mes de febrero, nuestro Comité notificados el 12 de marzo que ellos eran reci- Escolar tomó el paso sin precedentes, en un Evelyn Melendez de la Escuela Secundaria Lynch pientes para este año. Ellos son Debra Sherbur- esfuerzo para salvar a varios maestros como sea recibe el Premio de Grinspoon por la Excelencia ne, Escuela E.N. White; Eileen Farrington, Es- posible, cerrar tres escuelas y volver a abrir un de Ensenanza por el Superintendente Dr. Edu- cuela Kelly; Patricia Redfern, Escuela Donahue, alojamiento para la oficina central y el Programa ardo Carballo y el Principal Paul Hyry. Christopher van Leeuwen, Escuela Sullivan; Alternativo. Queremos que usted entienda que Michael McKenna, Escuela Secundaria de Holyo- ni el Comité Escolar ni yo quisimos hacer esto, ke - HHS; Lyle Clark, Escuela Secundaria Dean pero dada la perspectiva económica del Estado, Técnica; y Evelyn Melendez, Escuela Secundaria no nos dio ninguna opción. Tan pronto se cierre Lynch. ¡Felicitaciones a todos ellos! la escuela en junio comenzaremos la mudanza puedan llegar a pasar. de las Escuelas Lawrence y Lynch para la Escuela Como usted sabe al principio este mes el Siste- Espero que todos ustedes disfruten del tiempo Peck. Más tarde en el otoño, la oficina central ma de Evaluación Estatal, MCAS, es lanzado. de Primavera que viene pronto. comenzará a hacer preparaciones para la mu- Deseamos con mucha ilusión que nuestros danza a la Escuela Lawrence. Se anticipa que estudiantes trabajen muy bien otra vez y les esto tomará algún tiempo para preparar el edifi- pedimos que sigan ayudándoles. Creemos que cio para recibir correctamente las oficinas admi- nuestros estudiantes están preparados y ellos han estado trabajando fuertemente. Es impor- nistrativas. tante para ellos tener apoyo en su hogar, mu- Durante las próximas pocas semanas completa- cho descanso y dormir mucho y comenzar el día ré mi trabajo como un miembro del Equipo de con un buen desayuno. Si desea saber más ma- Preparación del Gobernador Deval Patrick. neras de los cuales usted podría ayudar a su Después de muchas semanas y meses trabajan- niño durante el período de pruebas, por favor do con algunas personas excepcionales de la póngase en contacto con el principal y el maes- Comunidad Británica de las Naciones para reu- tro de su niño. nir nuestras visiones de lo que la educación podría estar aquí en el estado de Massachusetts, Celebrar la semana de las Escuelas Públicas de estoy algo entristecido en la perspectiva que Holyoke es el 28 de abril hasta el 2 de mayo. estos proyectos tendrán que esperar más tiem- Nuestro reconocimiento de Estrellas Crecientes po ya que el Estado desea encontrar más de 1.5 se llevará a cabo el 1ero. de mayo con la Recep- mil millones de dólares para balancear el presu- ción en Merry-Go-Round y el Banquete. Cada puesto. Estoy animado por nuestro apoyo legis- año reconocemos a estudiantes en grados seis a lativo a por lo menos aumentar la financiación doce quiénes han sido seleccionados en base de del Capítulo 70 y espero que en futuros años beca, liderazgo y ciudadanía. Usted leerá más algunos de nuestros programas propuestos sobre esto en el periódico el próximo mes Page 14 Connections

Una Corta Historia de la Escuela Secundaria John J. Lynch

El edificio escolar localizado en la Calle 1575 Northampton ha resistido nos que los salones de patio no eran la parte original del edificio. el paso del tiempo como una parte importante de la historia escolar El modelo educativo de la escuela fue seguido en ese tiempo era un mo- pública y la historia de Holyoke. La Escuela John J. Lynch, Instituto de delo de instituto de enseñanza secundaria. Algunas clases ofrecidas eran Enseñanza Secundaria fue dedicado el 6 de febrero de 1953 con una serie de acontecimientos públicos y Artes de Hogar o Artes Industriales, Actividades de Higiene y Asamblea. viajes al Instituto de enseñanza Una página entera del libro secundaria "moderno". La escuela de dedicación es dedicada fue nombrada por John J. Lynch; "al Instituto de Enseñanza un principal en las Escuelas Públi- Idea". El Sr. Lynch pudo cas de Holyoke de 1894-1941. La haber introducido la idea primera página del folleto de de un colegio plan de dedicación honra al Sr. Lynch estudios preparatorio como un hombre "cuyo nombre como en 1903 en la Escue- y los logros distinguidos serán la – Street School y pronto perpetuados en las mentes y los el interés creció en la corazones de los muchachos y noción de alojar grados 6- muchachas jóvenes que buscan el 9 en un edificio diferente aprendizaje dentro de las paredes para acomodar las necesi- de esta escuela." dades de estudiantes en El folleto de dedicación continúa esta categoría de edad. destacando "rasgos especiales que Carol Murphy, el entrena- usted querrá ver" de un viaje por dor actual de matemáticas la escuela. ¡Los primeros escrito- en la Escuela Lynch, y el rios en la escuela fueron ofreci- antiguo estudiante de 6xto. dos como "vista especial de salvar grado en 1953 recuerda el escritorios" con grandes cumbres edificio de está manera de pedazos que podrían inclinar- "Todo era prístino, brillan- se o ponerse en "posiciones cientí- te y perfecto. ¡Tuvimos ficamente determinadas"! El vestíbulo (que llamamos la Rotonda) contenía que asegurarnos que nuestras sillas fueran 1 pulgada de la mesa cuándo una cabina de boleto, y el salón de ciencia y el salón de música fueron las empujamos para no patear las mesas en la biblioteca"! mencionados para sus asientos de brazo, en gradas en el salón de ciencia y en un auditorio en el salón de música. Es interesante notar en los pla- La consolidacion escolar beneficiara a estudiantes

Por Michael Sullivan consternados con la ausencia de estos soni- dos robados del centro de la ciudad. Alcalde de Holyoke Yo sólo puedo esperar y rezar que cada uno sepa que esto fue una decisión difícil. Para Este ha sido realmente un tiempo difícil para destilar esa decisión en la forma más simple, las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke y sobre fue la "facultad contra la escuela". ¿Cuándo todo para muchos de los miembros del Co- sea posible, sin invitar, reducir los gastos mité Escolar. Tomar la decisión reciente de haciendo funcionar menos escuelas, les obliga cerrar tres escuelas fue muy duro. Escucha- para el mejor interés de los estudiantes a mos tantos argumentos razonables como tomar esa decisión resistente? ¡Digo sí, enfá- responsables sobre el valor de retener todas ticamente! las escuelas. Cuando la campana escolar sue- Había varias discusiones sobre esta opción ne en el otoño de 2008 durante el primer contra otras opciones, pero ahora debería- El alcalde Michael Sullivan charla sobre fut- día de ka escuela, John J. Lynch sólo será mos poner esto detrás de nosotros y enfo- bol con el alumno Lauren D’Addario de frecuentado por memorias de antiguos estu- carnos en que este plan de trabajo sea mejor cuarto grado de la Escuela Sullivan. diantes. para los estudiantes. Habrá retos cuando El clamor interno de pies y el entusiasmo del procedemos, aún con la cooperación, maxi- primer día de la clase será sustituido por mizaremos nuestras ventajas para el bien de Con su apoyo ese día llevar más pronto que discusiones externas de que hacer con la la educación y beneficio de nuestros estu- más tarde. También le pido a cada uno que entienda que los cambios eran necesarios y propiedad de la Escuela H.B. Lawrence, que diantes. comenzará a recibir la administración, habría hechos por los mejores motivos; conservar Agradezco a cada uno por toda su paciencia sido el testigo del sonido de niños que se nuestro mejor instrumento, facultad y perso- y pienso con mucha ilusión en el día cuando ríen tontamente mezclados con el ruido del nal. la educación sea correctamente financiada. paisaje del centro de la cuidad. Estaremos Volume 6, Issue 3 Page 15

Carta Abierta al Redactor describiendo el aspecto positive en la Escuela Dean Tecnica

Estimado Editor: Yailin Cartagena, Anthony Colon, y yo estamos todos en la Co- misión Juvenil de Holyoke. Hacemos proyectos que ayudan a Hola mi nombre es Miguel Perez. Actualmente asisto a la escuela Holyoke y pasamos la voz a otra juventud. Trabajamos en William J. Dean Técnica. Tengo 17 años proyectos de prevención de be- de edad y soy un estudiante de segundo bida a menores de edad, tuvimos año. Realmente estoy decepcionado que un foro para la juventud para hab- los acontecimientos recientes han reba- lar al Concilio de Holyoke y el jado la moral en la Escuela Dean Comité Escolar, y hemos repre- Técnica. Entiendo que estábamos en las sentado a Holyoke por todo el noticias debido a las cuestiones recientes que tuvimos, pero esto no sig- estado. nifica que no tenemos grandes cosas El retrato que usted ve es An- que pasan en la Escuela Dean Técnica. thony Colon (de la Escuela Dean Por ejemplo, tenemos ROTC menor Técnica), Jackie Torres (de Es- que es maravilloso. cuela Secundaria Peck) y el Gobernador Deval Patrick. Lo Esto nos ayuda con las habilidades de conocimos cuando fuimos a Dor- mando como también servicio comuni- chester para ayudar a planear un tario. Salimos con ideas para bailes consejo por todo el estado juvenil. después de horas escolares, actividades Finalmente, Anthony Colon, yo, y después de horas escolares y servicio otros tres Comisarios Juveniles comunitario para mantener a la adoles- Retratados con el Gobernador de Massachusetts Deval Patrik son Jackie Torres de la Escuela Peck y Anthony vamos a Tucson, Arizona a finales cencia entretenida y fuera de la calle. Colon de la Escuela Dean. Rebecca Masters, coordi- de este mes para representar a También tenemos la Clínica de Adoles- nadora para la Comision Juvenil de Holyoke y Task Force, Holyoke y aprender sobre el ali- cente que ofrece servicios de salud y mento y la buena forma física con servicios de salud mental a estudiantes y organize el viaje a Dorchester. el Consejo de Política y vamos a otras oportunidades. Hay también el programa SCORE que tiene ocho mediadores entrenados a los traer lo que aprendemos a Holyoke. cuales los estudiantes pueden pasar y hablar. También, la Escuela Hay muchas cosas positivas que continúan en la Escuela Dean Dean Técnica va a tener "una Noche de Artes de Familia" el 18 Técnica y en Holyoke en general y más enfoque en aquellas cosas, de abril para mostrar el talento y la unidad de estudiantes de la no siempre lo negativo. ¿Cómo cree que los padres de los Escuela Dean Técnica y sus familias. Hay también tiendas que le estudiantes de la Escuela Dean Técnica sienten acerca de toda dan a la comunidad. Es demasiado malo que la Escuela Dean esta conversación negativa hacia la escuela de su hijo/a? Técnica sea rebajada debido a unos cuantos acontecimientos Miguel Perez negativos. Recuerde, somos una escuela de más de 750 adoles- centes. Estos pocos problemas no deberían definir en quién so- William J. Dean Technical High School student mos. Holyoke Youth Commissioner Hay estudiantes en la Escuela Dean Técnica haciendo muchas cosas buenas en la comunidad y en otros programas, también.

Productos de Taller de Escritores Presentado en Prensa

A veces, sólo necesitamos el tema apropiado para encontrar la alegría de escribir. Una selección de pedazos autobiográficos escritos por estudiantes de séptimo grado en la Escuela E. N. White demuestra la expresión de los estudiantes lo que pueden lograr cuando están escribiendo sobre algo personal y familiar. El 5 de marzo, los autores de estudiante en las clases de la Sra. Astrid Lindstrom fueron presentados en "el Periódico Republicano de Springfield en la serie de la “Educación" que presenta a los maestros y los esfuerzos de sus estudiantes para mejo- rar como escritores. Los maestros son todos compañeros en el Proyecto de Escritura en la Universidad de Mas- sachusetts. .Los estudiantes de séptimo grado presentados en el Periódico Republicano incluyen a Austin J. The- riault, Natasha Pirela, Lissette Rojas, Omara L. Pasillo, Alexs S. Vazquez, Timmothy J. Ortiz, Natalie M. Rivera, Sarah Theroux, y Zane E. Patrie. Para leer y ver fotos de los estudiantes autores, vaya en línea a: http://blog.masslive.com/nie/2008/03/walking_tall_a_unit_of_autobio.html Page 16 Connections

Escuelas Publicas de Holyoke Eduardo B. Carballo, Superintendente

Comienza El 1º de Abril ¡ Preparacion para Kindergarten! Los niños tienen que cumplir Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke los cinco años en o antes del Programa de Verano 1º de septiembre del 2008 Para niños/as de 4 y 5 años Los solicitudes están dispon- de edad entrando a Kindergarten en el ibles en las escuelas elemen- otoño 2008 tales y: Julio - augusto La Oficina de Asignación de Estudiantes Lunes a jueves; 9-1 Localizada en Familias deben registrarse en: El Primer Piso - Calle Suffolk #57 La Oficina de Asignación de Estudiantes Tel: 534-2007 Tel: 534-2055 Horas: 8:30 hasta 3; lunes a viernes **Daremos prioridad a estudiantes que no han tenido experi- encia pre-escolar.

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