Connections Holyoke Public Schools A Community Working Together Our Web site: www.hps.holyoke.ma.us Volume 9, Issue 4 Summer 2011

Reflections on a positive school year

By David Dupont service, and participating Superintendent of Schools in numer- Inside this issue: ous activi- Veteran staff members will tell ties, can almost al- you how fast the school year • Mission to Mars 2 passes and how the summer ways be passes even faster. Looking back traced back to the work over this school year which 3 opened with our barbecue at of teachers • A Visit from Space Dean Tech (which will be re- and the peated for the start of 2011- other adults who work 2012), we can count 2010-2011 • Green & Clean 4 as another year of challenges and with and provide achievements. Mother Nature McMahon School sixth-graders Seth LaPorte and Jailene support for reminded us that even with all of Stapleton work at Mission Command at the Christa them. An- the talk about global warming McAuliffe Challenger Center during a recent field trip. • Food & Fitness 5 other her ability to make snow has not See complete story on page 2. been diminished one bit. We school year appreciate the hard work and passes that began with wide-eyed and some dedication of all staff in educating your work is performed, look • Mathematics 7 teary-eyed preschoolers entering and caring for our students. back and feel proud of what you Metcalf and closed with smiling Their successes and achieve- have done for our 6,000 children and some teary-eyed seniors at ments in the classroom, on the whose lives you have helped both Dean Tech and Holyoke playing field, in art exhibitions change for the better. Let me • Sports 9 and music concerts, marching in High Schools. In whatever ca- pacity you work and wherever thank all of you for them. parades, performing community • Connections 10

Holyoke offers summer learning programs • Preventing Teen 11 By Elaine Pluta offering students in grades 6 to 8 a ers, staff and administration of the Pregnancy chance to try their acting skills Holyoke Public Schools who have Mayor of Holyoke with the Acting Shakespeare Con- dedicated many hours for the Another school year is drawing to nections Summer program which educational benefit of our stu- a close, and although it signals runs for five weeks. dents. another summer vacation, it Other sources for fun learning shouldn’t signal a close to learning. include the Holyoke Public Library, The Holyoke High There are many opportunities to Holyoke Children’s Museum, the School Boys Track keep learning all summer long, Holyoke Parks and Recreation Team right here in our City of Holyoke. Department and the won the The Holyoke Public Schools offers Museum. All of these organiza- Summer Learning Programs begin- tions help keep students busy Division I ning in July for students from pre- during the summer while having Western kindergarten to the high school fun and, most importantly continu- Massachu- level. Pre-school children aged 5 ing to acquire additional knowl- years and entering kindergarten in edge. setts the fall can attend KinderKamp in I want to thank the parents who Championship for the July to help them get acclimated to have been involved with their first time in 36 years! a school environment. children’s educational efforts this Congrats! The Enchanted Circle Theater is school year, as well as the teach- Page 2 Connections

Edited by - Kelly Doktor - [email protected] Editor Emeritus: Laura DuPont Contributing to this issue:

John Breish Lori McKenna Julie Winberg

Cynthia Carbone Aaron Morris Special thanks to:

Cathleen Foley Laura Porter Luz Aguilar Mission Statement Josiah Friedberg Bonnie Randall Mike Hines The mission of the Helen Gibson Gina Roy Mitch Moskal Holyoke Public Schools is to provide educational Yvonne Hilyard Hilary Russell Cheryl Parzich opportunities for all Ellen Jackson Miranda Smith Aaron Patterson students to reach their full Kris Kirton Sarah Spence Judy Taylor potential in a safe, secure, healthy learning environment while valuing

diversity and promoting responsible citizenship. Mission to Mars a complete success

Students in Noreen Ewick’s sixth- grade science class from McMahon School visited the Christa McAuliffe / Challenger Center at Framingham State University (FSU) on Monday, May 16 to participate in a “Mission to Mars.” The Chal- lenger Center, which houses a full- size mock-up of both Houston’s Mission Control and a space sta- tion interior, provides the students a physical space to apply the princi- ples of both physical science and Holyoke School earth and space science to the real Committee -time challenges of a simulated space flight. Working together in teams to Mayor Elaine Pluta problem solve, make responsible William Collamore decisions and communicate effec- Sixth-graders Isaiah Cardenales and Emily Perez work hard at one of tively, the students “landed” the Beta the control panels at the Challenger Center. Yvonne Garcia Crew on Mars and “returned” the Margaret Boulais Alpha Crew to Earth. During the dents remember from year to year. It’s a fun way to mission the students had to conduct geologic studies Gladys Lebron-Martinez apply the knowledge learned in the classroom while of the Martian surface, deploy the ARES plane into empowering them with a sense of real accomplish- Howard Greaney the Martian atmosphere, use topographic maps to ment. All the students work hard to make our mis- study the surface, launch the probe to Phobos and Dennis Birks Deimos and maintain the health and safety of the sion a success!” Michael Moriarty crew. Students also had to study current sun spot In addition to the mission, the students visited the Cesar Lopez patterns and track coronal mass ejections that could FSU planetarium to view a multimedia exploration of endanger the crew, orbiting satellites, earth-based the reason behind Earth’s annual cycle of changing Devin Sheehan power grids, and citizens of Earth. Monitoring the seasons. The program, titled “The Tilt,” examined quality of the artificial atmosphere, including tem- the effect of changing angles of solar illumination as perature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure was the Earth orbits the Sun with its axis tilted at 23.5 the job of the life support team, while the isolation degrees. “The Tilt” also highlights visits to astro- team used robotic arms to monitor micrometeoroid nomically aligned structures from antiquity and mod- impact panels, and “potentially hazardous” chemicals ern times, all designed to track the seasons, and star- stored on board the Mars Lander. filled views of sunrise and sunset at various times of According to Ewick, “This trip has proven to be a the year. minds-on, hands-on learning experience that stu-

Volume 9, Issue 4 Page 3

What’s New on the A video visit from the Int’l Space Station Web By Judy Taylor Thirty middle school students from McMahon Coleman, a NASA and Kelly Schools recently had the opportunity flight engineer, an- District Homepage of a lifetime that was out of this world! Stu- swered questions for http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us dents from Andrea Hickson’s social studies about 20 minutes as class and Noreen Ewick’s science class traveled she floated from side NEW Links Added to the Springfield Technical Community Col- to side leaving her hair • 2011-2012 District lege campus to participate in a video downlink loose so students could Calendar ~ schools open with NASA astronaut Catherine “Cady” Cole- see the effects of no August 31 for grades 1-12 man. gravity. Students asked and September 7th for pre- questions about the school and kindergarten. Organized by representatives from STCC, effects of space travel • Kindergarten UMASS and NASA, along with Ewick and Hick- on the human body, Astronaut Cady Coleman Registration ~ read about son, the students were able to talk “live” with the application process for the possibility of a dog speaks from space Coleman from her “home away from home” children who will be age 5 on living on the ISS, how aboard the International Space Station traveling or before September 1, 2011 the impacts of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami at 17,500 miles per hour in orbit 220 miles • Summer Learning ~ are being monitored from space and when she above the Earth’s surface. This type of activity contains information regard- realized she wanted to be an astronaut. Stu- is designed by NASA to encourage students to ing HPS summer learning dents asked about her missing her family and opportunities, suggested study and pursue careers in science, technol- life on Earth and Coleman admitted she misses summer activity guide and ogy, engineering and mathematics (STEM). her family but calls home every day and video community literacy programs conferences (including the Barnes and Noble summer reading pro- with her gram read eight books, get husband and one free!) son every • Opening Week Info ~ On week. the website in late summer, Coleman be sure to check back for information related to ath- ended by letic tryouts, opening day, telling the busing, cafeteria menus and students to curriculum updates. work hard to achieve their http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/hhs/ dreams, and index.html Click on the Guidance/Career to never Center link to view weekly an- stop asking nouncements, updated scholarship questions no information, college representative matter how visits, testing information, support silly they services and transcript request think they forms.

With the world map as a backdrop, students from McMahon and Kelly Schools “visit” space. are!

Experiencing science first hand at MIT

At Morgan School, Yvonne Hilyard’s and Maridia Hobert’s 7th and 8th- grade science students took part in an amazing opportunity to recently attend the Cambridge Science Festival at MIT ( Institute of Technology). Students had an opportunity to tour the campus, talk to current students and professors, and attend outdoor concerts by various student groups such as an African drum band and a Japanese student choir. Students also got to see student projects such as a solar powered car, satellites that could detect how much moisture there is in the soil, and a car which could turn into an airplane. Eighth-grader Miguel Colon said, “Now I want to become an engineer so I can create and build cool things too.” Eighth-grader Oscar Santiago reflected upon the trip, “I loved the interactive activities. We got to go around and talk to MIT students and see the projects they were working on and ask them questions. One guy’s project was creating a motorcycle that would run on only electricity by charging a HUGE battery, but he was also trying to make sure that the bike would still ride really fast. After we asked him some questions he even let me get on top of his electric motorcycle; it was awesome!” Page 4 Connections

Green Team and Plant Sale

The Garden Club at Donahue School teamed up with ELA teacher Brad Willenbrock to raise money for a field trip to The Mystic Aquarium by selling plants dur- ing the primary fund-raiser, a car wash. The plant varie- The City of Holyoke "City-Wide Clean Up Day" was held on Saturday, ties, aloe vera, spider, cactus, philodendron, peace lilies May 7. Five Ward 7 neighbors took action and joined forces with volun- and jade sold for between $2 and $5. Under the direc- teers from the E.N. White School in order to help Holyoke have a tion of science teacher Caleb Snow, students in the successful event. Eighth-grade teacher John Roche, middle school student Garden Club collected, propagated and tended to the council members, as well as other students from the school, volunteered plants all year long in preparation for the sale. their time in order to give back to the community in the neighborhood where the school resides. The volunteers spent the entire morning pick- ing up trash, raking leaves, shoveling dirt and sweeping debris in order to A group of Donahue School clear a cement pathway behind the school where many neighborhood seventh-graders began “The residents walk their dogs. The students met a handful of neighbors as well Green Team,” an organization as Councilor-at Large, Rebecca Lisi. Together, the volunteers (pictured dedicated to making the above) created a positive difference for the City of Holyoke. At the con- school a more environmen- clusion of the event, the city provided pizza and refreshments at Heritage tally friendly place. Luis State Park. Otero, Ian Acosta, Adrian Ortiz, Roberto Santiago and Jose Cruz (pictured above), recently wrote a letter to Principal Paula Fitzgerald asking for permission to start this group. From their letter: “We are the Green Team. Our goal is to make the school more environmentally friendly. We are helping by recycling pa- per, and we noticed that we couldn’t recycle plastic, which really got our attention…. We notice that teachers bring a lot of bottled water in each year which can be recycled instead of thrown out in the trash.” These positive changes have made the Donahue world and the world in general a better place.

Arbor Day planting

Morgan School students in grades K-2 visited the Holy- Members of the greater Sullivan School community participated in the oke World War II Park to plant trees in honor of Arbor City of Holyoke “City-Wide Clean Up Day” on May 7. Among those con- Day. Kindergarten students from the classes of Jami tributing to the volunteer beautification effort were parents, teachers and Witherall and Maria Roldan sang a patriotic song. A students from the Sullivan School Family Literacy group, students and student from each classroom planted a tree, assisted by teachers from third, fifth and sixth grade Saturday Academy, members Holyoke Mayor Elaine Pluta. A from the Holyoke Food and Fitness Council, as well as various parents, mural will be painted on the nearby students, and teachers. “I felt good about cleaning the grounds of Sullivan basketball court and a garden will School and it looks way better than it did before,” said sixth-grade student be planted with fruits that the com- Alysharee Arroyo. Student Karina Millayes added, “It felt special to help munity will be able to enjoy. Stu- clean the environment.” In all, participants weeded the flower beds, dents were given packets of sun- planted over a dozen new plants and filled over 40 bags of trash and leaves flower seeds, and maple and dog- in just over two hours. Most importantly, members from all across the wood tree saplings were given to Sullivan community worked together to improve the school. the staff to take home.

Volume 9, Issue 4 Page 5

CONNECTIONS students participate in City-Wide Clean Up Nine middle school students in the Connections After-School Program at Dr. Marcella R. Kelly School learned first-hand the power of collaboration to make a difference in their community. Armed with gloves and plastic bags provided by the City of Holyoke as part of the Annual City-Wide Clean-Up, along with other trash collecting equipment provided by Kelly School, Connections students spread out across nearby fields, play- grounds, and streets like mine sweepers, collecting every candy wrapper, soda can, and discarded detention slip they could find. At first some students were skeptical of the impact of their efforts. “Even if we pick up the trash today, it’s just going to be dirty again tomorrow because people are still going to litter,” Tamisha Rios, 8th grade, wor- José Torres, Kimberly Sanchez, Luz Vazquez, ried. But as they got to work, the clean-up crew received popsicles from local commu- and Victor Pimpare keeping the neighborhood nity members grateful for their efforts, suggesting that residents appreciate their efforts safe and clean. and will do their part to keep the neighborhood clean. Students took pride in cleaning up the area around Kelly School not only because their work left the grounds more beautiful, but also because the removal of bro- ken glass and other dangerous objects made the playground area safer for children and families who visited it. All counted, Connections students packed a total of ten bags full of debris, leaving the Kelly School community with a safer and more beautiful place to gather. Before After

Holyoke Food and Fitness Policy Council Notes

• The District Wellness Council Planning meeting on April 6 was well attended, including Mayor Elaine Pluta, several school principals, staff members and parents. HFFPC is currently working to produce a one-to two-page condensed summary of the district wellness policy, and to help to establish wellness council groups in each school. If you are interested in being part of your school wellness coun- cil, please contact Ana Jaramillo at 413-420-2860 or [email protected] • The Holyoke Food and Fitness Policy Council not only donated gardening tools and gloves to the volunteers at Sullivan School during the city-wide Clean Up Day on Saturday May 7, HFFPC members participated in the cleaning as well. • HFFPC is hoping to pilot a new before-school Reebok BOKS (Build Our Kids Success) exercise program at one or two schools for the upcoming 2011-2012 school year. • The free Earn-A-Bike - Bike Shop program is available at the Holyoke YMCA every Thursday afternoon from 4-6 pm for 11-18 year olds. Children and youth can learn how to build and maintain their own bikes. For more information, contact Liz Budd at 413-534- 5631 x 114 or [email protected]. If you have questions or would like to learn more about the Holyoke Food and Fitness Policy Council, contact Laura Porter at 413-420-2861 or email [email protected].

Page 6 Connections

Beating the drum at Peck

The drums beat loudly Studying art at Smith College and the sound Fourth-grade art students was like at Kelly School recently that of visited the Smith College thunder Dragons performing from the Ranbyoshi Folk Group Museum of Art in North- this ampton to study two- spring at dimensional portraits and the Peck Full-Service Community School. An awe-inspiring figurative sculptures lo- performance by the Ranbyoshi Folk Art Performance Group cated in the permanent was presented to the whole school. Seventh-grader Sherlie collection galleries. The Figueroa explained, “It was great to see the different colors tour began with a 30- and the way they played the drums.” Ranbyoshi not only minute hands-on art pro- tries to maintain the tradition of folk art, but also creates a ject to allow students to new tradition of rhythm and sound. The presentation was an become familiar with how exciting mixture of drums, dancing and props – mainly dragons a portrait is created. Stu- Students listen to the Smith College docent – which thrilled the audience. Anne Prescott, Ph.D., Director explain the art of portraits. dents chose from a variety of the Five College Center for Asian Studies, and Professor of art media to produce Reiko Kato at Smith College, both Peck Full Service Commu- their own mixed media self portraits. After the art activity, docents intro- nity School Partners, were responsible for bringing the Taiko duced students to artwork from different historical time periods, led dis- Group from Sapporo to Peck and the FCCAS contributed to cussions about thematic content and asked students to consider the visual the cost. “The performance was both scary and fun when impact of each piece. Students learned about the relationship between they came out dressed as the dragons,” observed seventh- history and art and how artists documented events in the , grader Selena Witherspoon. Europe, and Africa from the 18th century to the present. Students also observed the work of contemporary African-American artist Whitfield The drum is alive with rhythm at E.N. White School! The fifth The Drum Code Lovell in his exhibit titled “More Than You Know.” Lovell’s work con- graders performed a Drum Code “Our music comes from Ghana sisted of charcoal drawings on paper and large scale installations of rooms in June under the direction of mu- On the west coast of Africa. that had life-size drawings of African Americans on the walls with dimen- sic teacher Doreen Veazie. Stu- We sing in several languages sional artifacts such as vases, chairs, tables and beds to add authenticity to dents prepared throughout the With a universal beat.” the arrangements. Students had many favorable comments about the mu- school year by attending Drum Circle and learning to sing and dance African style. The rhythms of seum visit but were very impressed with the tiles and porcelain in the Africa were played on the Djembe and Ashiko drums as well as the “artist designed” rest rooms. The field trip was made possible by grant Axatse (a gourd rattle) and the Gankogui (a double bell). The students subsidies from the Smith College Museum of Art. sang and danced the Gahu, which is the recreational piece of the Ewe people who live in Ghana.

Music Drives E.N. White String Program

The E.N. White School is the proud recipient of an $8,540 grant from the Music Drives Us Organization. The money was used to purchase new violins in order to enhance the String Program at the school. The beginner String Students demon- strated their new skills in front of an audience for the first time followed by the ex- perienced String Orchestra playing a handful of selections. The 4th and 5th grade students, faculty, as well as many families listened with delight. Also in the audience, showing their support were Mayor Elaine Pluta, Superintendent Dave Dupont, School Committee Members Michael Moriarty and William Collamore. Immediately follow- ing the string performances, the guests of honor, Maestro Kevin Rhodes and Principal String Students perform with new violins Trumpet Player Tim Bergeron of the Springfield Symphony, spoke about the importance of music education within the schools and the opportunities it will provide to any student seeking to continue music in the future. The entire event is being shown on Holyoke’s TV Channel 12 .

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E.N.White School has a tradition of creating Artist-inspired mural a themed mural for a hallway within the school each year. The endeavor is performed with the hopes of teaching students about artwork, artists and the messages they represent. Each year Sheila Lamour and her middle school's Advanced Art Class work together and decide on a topic which will inspire students in their everyday life while contributing to a new found love of art. Artist Keith Haring (May 4, 1958 - February 16, 1990) was the inspiration for the mural in the middle school hallway this year. Haring's bold lines and active figures portrayed in his artwork are meant to carry a poignant message of vitality, unity and peace. His vision comes at a perfect time as bullying is a topic which a lot of students have had discussions on Art students create a new mural at E.N. White how to prevent, resolve and overcome. LaMour and her students bonded as they followed Haring's message while they created the mural. Students hope their mural reminds and inspires every student who walks the middle school hallway the importance of treating each other with kindness and respect.

One scoop? Or Two?

A Math MCAS Ice Cream Social was held in May at Morgan School to encourage students to do their best on the MCAS tests. Organ- ized by teachers and academic coaches, there were various stations for making ice cream sundaes. During the event, there were inspir- ing speeches from the staff to motivate the students to come to Math Kings and Queens school well-rested and ready to work. Entertainment was provided by the Morgan School Chorus, with Emily Temple and Yvonne

Hilyard coordinating, while Adrienne Wade and Jenifer Gelineau directed the string and cello players. With over 100 attendees, the event was a positive evening for families.

Career Day for Dean Tech carpentry Fourth-grade students became majestic for the math MCAS students All fourth-grade students at E.N. White School were crowned Kings and Queens of Math the day before the Math MCAS testing. Fourth- grade math teacher Julie Griffin said the purpose of the crowning Students from the Carpentry Program at Dean Technical High School was to build the students’ confidence and to remind the students attended the Massachusetts Construction Career Day at New England that they made great progress in math all year long. In addition to Laborers' Training Academy in Hopkinton with their instructor Nelson the crowns, the students made “good luck” t-shirts and motivational Garcia. Students learned information about apprenticeships and continu- banners to put on display. Students also signed a contract that they ing education programs. They were able to work with a range of con- would try their best on the Math MCAS and be proud of their work. struction equipment and tools used on the job. Above, students met Gov. Deval Patrick (in yellow vest) during the career day.

Also in May, Donahue School ran an ice cream social for the families MCAS Kickoff Events at Donahue of students to get MCAS testing off to the right start. Teachers, parents and students enjoyed delicious sundaes and discussed the upcoming math and science portions of the MCAS. In addition to the treats, parents and students alike viewed Donahue’s new music video “Math-A-Gaina.” Sixth-grade teacher Iwona Langlois worked diligently with students crafting the concept and lyrics. Every classroom in the school, from kindergarten to RISE, to the eighth-grade took part in the production, which culminated in an outdoor school-wide assembly. This year’s video, along with last year’s “Beat It (the MCAS)” have been posted to www.teachertube.com. Page 8 Connections

Donahue School McMahon School

Maurice A. Donahue’s new community partner, Nuestras This school year Diane Houston, and Raices, is teaming up with the school to create the first-ever her canine companion Tristan, volun- Farmer’s Market held on Holyoke Public School property. The teered from Bright Spot Therapy market will begin on the first Saturday in July from 9 a.m. - Dogs in Northampton at McMahon 3 p.m. and will run every weekend through the end of October. School. Houston and Tristan met The partnership will help provide our families with access to with the students in Julie Levesque’s fresh, locally grown produce. Food stamps and EBT will also be class. The children were able to in- accepted. teract with Tristan in whatever way made them most comfort- Student Nicholas Larson with able. Some children enjoyed having Tristan do “tricks”, others fed him therapy dog Tristan biscuits (which he was very fond of!) and other children took comfort in petting, hugging, or simply sitting by him. One of the great impacts Tristan's visits have had is in lessening/ decreasing the fear one child had of dogs. On Tristan's first visit this young boy would not come anywhere near him and refused to be in the same room. By the end of school, the boy said, "Hello, Tristan" when he saw him and is comfortable being near him. The classroom teacher and Donahue sixth-grade students (above) under the direction of staff report that many of the children are more verbal when Tristan was ELA teacher Iwona Langlois, helped those in need in Japan who were affected by March’s devastating earthquake, tsunami and in the classroom. When Tristan turned 12, the children made him birth- nuclear accident. Students collected cans and bottles, as well day cards and had a party for him! as cash donations, and at press time, a total of $307 had been raised. The project has blossomed into another good deed - as students removed the soda can tabs to donate to the Shriners Hospital, helping to raise money for medical equipment. Autism Awareness The McMahon A sixth-grade class at Donahue School was energized by the staff was at it idea of a field trip and wrote an authentic proposal letter to again! In honor of their principal, Paula Fitzgerald. Preparation for writing the April being Au- tism Awareness letter included an inter- month the school view and online research. community came Students asked their prin- together to raise cipal to meet with them money and spread to discuss the steps for Autism aware- planning a field trip. Dur- ness. Julie Levesque’s Autism ing that discussion, Fitz- Rise paraprofes- gerald recommended sionals Caitlin Mystic Aquarium as a Working hard for Autism Awareness are: front row L to R: O’Hare, Sarah Debbie Cruz, Evelyn Tosses, and Caitlin O’Hare. Back row: place to visit. The class Greaney, Ilka L to R: Lydia Lorenzi, Sarah Greaney, Omar Almovodar, agreed with Fitzgerald Pagan, Sarah Ilka Pagan and Joe Hudson. after they researched the Hunter, Evelyn educational opportunities on the Mystic Aquarium website. In a Tosses, Lydia Lorenzi and Ramona Cordero worked diligently cutting out puzzle democratic way, the class voted on visiting the aquarium. As pieces, creating pins, ribbons and making baked goods. The sale of these they wrote in their proposal letter, the class determined that items generated $541 and was donated to the Autism Walk “Making a “the aquarium holds gallons of learning opportunities with a big Difference ~ One Step at a Time” which will be held this September, and tank of wonder and joy.” The group coordinated various fund- all proceeds will be donated to Holyoke Public Schools Autism pro- raisers, including a car wash and a read-a-thon, to offset the grams. The school community also wore blue on April 1 to support the costs of this trip. Student Destiny Arena said, “Once we got to "Light It Up Blue Campaign." Every year, autism organizations around the the aquarium, we took notes on what we learned about the world celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events. Joe Hudson (BCBA) says, " It is great to see the school commu- questions we asked. We did this by listening to the guides and nity come together to raise awareness and support for so many students reading information about exhibits.” that we have in our district."

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New Coach, New Image, New Results

For those who followed the Dean Baseball team this season you have probably noticed a team that has been re-born. With a new coach, Juan Rodriguez, heading up the team, new uniforms, and a new attitude, the team has shown success on the field, in the classroom, and around the commu- nity. At press time, the Dean Baseball team has an overall record of 11-3 and they are undefeated and in first place in their league with a record of 9- 0. The success they have shown on the field is reflective of the demands that have been placed on the players off the field and in the classroom. From the first time Coach Rodriguez met the players he brought accountability, disci- pline, and respect to the program. From day one, Coach Rodriguez has been in the cafeteria during lunch making the players pick up after themselves. On Mentoring the “dig” a daily basis Coach Rodriguez is at the school meeting with the vice- principals and resource officer to check on the behavior of his players. He The Holyoke High School Boys Volleyball team walks the halls making sure his players are in class on time and getting their traveled to Morgan School to perform a volleyball assignments done. He regularly checks on the players’ grades and when they clinic with gym teacher Lori Maliga’s intramural team. show signs of struggle he demands that they stay afterschool with their teachers to get extra help. Many people are extremely proud of the accom- The volleyball team worked with elementary and middle plishments of the Dean Baseball team this year, but no one should be sur- school students on perfecting their passing and hitting prised at the success the team is experiencing. The steps that Coach Rodri- skills. After the clinic, students watched Varsity and JV guez has taken to build the baseball program at Dean Technical High School play against each other; then the Morgan intramural team are things that we can all learn from in our daily lives. He believes in the played against the Holyoke High Volleyball Team. Work- players and cares for them while at the same setting high expectations in ing together and playing at the end of the clinic was a terms of behavior, academic achievement, and discipline. The lessons he teaches are the same lessons he has learned from his many years of serving great team-building activity. Tobey Rodriguez from the in the Army. After spending two tours of duty, one in Afghanistan and one HHS boys volleyball team said, “It was nice to come in Iraq, there is no place Coach Rodriguez would rather be than on the down to Morgan and work with the kids and show them baseball field teaching kids how to play a game he loves and there is no one how we play the game.” Seventh-grader Samantha Mon- the players would rather have as their coach than Juan Rodriguez. tanez reflected, “It was great to have the team help us with our skills and it was really fun to play them after- wards. I feel like we learned a lot.”

The Peck Full Service Community School eighth-graders sponsored the Faculty vs. Students! fourth annual Faculty/Student Basketball Game benefiting Horizons for Homeless Children. Approximately $300 was raised for the charity through admission tickets and a bake sale. Elementary Guidance Counselor Jose Ortiz plays every year and commented, “It’s nice to be part of an event that gives back to the community.” New this year at the event was the invitation to Peck Alumni from Holyoke High School and Dean Technical High School to return and play in the game. High school students Omar Echevarria, Justin White, Nathaniel Rodriguez and Guillermo Godreau came back to play. Eighth-grader Joseph Jose said, “I like playing basketball. It was rewarding to play for charity and fun to see our teachers out on the court. Next year, when I come back as alumni of Peck, I know that we will beat the teachers.”

• On Friday, May 6, in honor of Mother's Day and all the strong women who support Morgan Morgan School School students, kindergarten teachers Jami Witherell and Maria Roldan along with their kinder- garten classes, hosted a "Strong Women” luncheon. It was an opportunity for the strong women who support the students every day, including moms and grandmas, aunts, and sisters (and even a few dads!) to come and spend some time relaxing with their children. The week before the luncheon was spent getting ready. Children performed, "I'm a little seedling!" and created handprint forget-me-nots. They also painted terracotta pots and planted marigold seeds to present as gifts. The librarian secured books to present to the families and the students designed and created bookmarks for their strong women. • This spring Morgan School eighth-graders spent time at Holyoke High School where they toured the school and were given informa- tion about what to expect next year. Morgan students were assigned to the high school students in order to “shadow” them and follow a specific schedule. • The first grade classes of Amy Drohan and Militza Semidei at Morgan School recently visited Lupa Zoo in Ludlow. The trip prepared the students to write non-fiction reports on animals. Upon returning to class, students wrote letters to Principal Paula Fitzgerald de- scribing their adventure and thanking her for the field trip. Many photographs were taken of the animals to be used in the student reports to promote language acquisition. Page 10 Connections Abracadabra! The CONNECTIONS After-School Program has created a new club for students to develop their presentation skills through the art of performance. Jeff Pyzocha and Jonas Cain are two new instructors who are teaching students a lost talent: magic. Students have learned how to perform a diversity of tricks in the Magic Club. They have worked with linking rings, magic wands, lights, fake Getting the acting bug thumbs and cards to create different illu- sions for their audiences. One of their favor- By James Reynolds, Enrichment Club Instructor ite activities involves making objects levitate and disap- pear. Cain and Pyzocha aim to pass their own passion for This spring, eight middle-school magic onto students. They have succeeded with a re- students in the Connections cord-breaking, 80 students in their clubs. The Magic Club After-School Program at Dr. provides students with an opportunity to learn a skill Marcella R. Kelly School piled that most students would never be exposed to. Both onto a bus and headed for the instructors consider magic a dying art, and they believe University of Massachusetts at its revival lies in teaching others. Amherst. They were greeted on -campus by UMass students and staff who led them in a series of fun and interactive activities in the Theater Department and Creating “mad scientists”! the Everywoman’s Center. Students visit the prop workshop in the UMass The CONNECTIONS After- The activities were designed to School Program continues to complement students’ eight- Theater Department incorporate fun into a scho- week enrichment clubs in Con- lastic environment with its nections in order to demonstrate how they can pursue those interests while new instructor, Scott Clark. achieving a college education. For example, since all of the students attending Clark leads the Mad Science the field trip had participated in theater-based enrichment clubs, UMass thea- Club at Peck Middle School. ter students took them on a backstage tour of their upcoming production of He loves to ‘trick’ his stu- Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night where they were introduced to all aspects of thea- dents into learning with fun Students simulating a ter production, from costume design to prop and set building to acting on science experiments. Students closed electrical circuit stage. have participated in a variety Kelly students also visited the Everywoman’s Center to view a live perform- of experiments that develop their skills of inquiry and ance of age-appropriate excerpts from the Women of Color Leadership Net- their knowledge of cause and effect. Throughout the work’s Body Politics. UMass students from ethnic backgrounds similar to those eight-week session, students have created kaleidoscopes, of the Connections students in the audience presented powerful spoken-word volcanoes, slime, tornadoes, helicopters and lava lamps. performance pieces. These performances illustrated how ideas of race and They have learned essential concepts about chemical gender continue to shape our social identities today, but also showed how reactions, gravity, motion, and electricity. Clark and the dominant cultural attitudes toward certain racial and gender identities can be Mad Science Club are a small part of what the challenged in positive, self-affirming ways. The Body Politics excerpts comple- CONNECTIONS After-School Program has to offer. mented students’ experiences in the Explore Your Future enrichment club at The program continues to provide students with an op- Kelly, which focuses on social/emotional development, positive self-image, and portunity to work with dedicated individuals from the college/career awareness. community in a supportive and academic environment.

This spring, the Cat in the Hat visited the Metcalf Preschool at their Dr. Seuss Title I Event. Children worked on various activities with their par- ents and were read a Dr. Seuss story in the school library. In May, stu- dents from Joan Daly’s class put on a performance of Lynne Cherry’s The Great Kapok Tree. Students read the book prior to the play and made all their own costumes. Volume 9, Issue 4 Page 11

“You have choices”

At Dean: National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

Dean Technical High School was one of 14 grade health classes, were Ashley Frazier, community groups that participated in the Anthony King, Christopher Nepus and 10th annual National Day to Prevent Teen Evelyn Reyes. Invited by Mayor Pluta to

Pregnancy on May 4, 2011. The purpose of the City Hall, Superintendent Dupont pre- the National Day is to focus the attention of sented each winner with an award and a teens on the importance of avoiding too- Holyoke Mall gift certificate donated in part early pregnancy and parenthood. On the by State Senator Michael Knapik, State National Day, and throughout the month, Representative Michael Kane, and the Holy- teens at Dean and nationwide were asked to oke Mall. go to www.StayTeen.org to participate in Dean Health Teacher Cynthia Carbone,

several online activities that challenge them R.N., expressed her admiration for how to think carefully about what they might do hard all her students worked on their mes- “in the moment.” More than a half-million sages for teen pregnancy aware- teens participated in National Day activities ness. Carbone explains that in class her in 2010 and nearly 4.2 million individuals students had learned that Holyoke has the Award winning Dean Tech Health students have taken the National Day Quiz since highest teen birth rate in the state. In 2002. 2008, Holyoke’s teen pregnancy rate was (L to R) Christopher Nepus, Anthony King, and

As part of the National Day, ninth-grade about six times higher than the Massachu- Ashley Frazier (Evelyn Reyes not pictured) with health students were invited to participate in setts average, and there were 115.6 births Mayor Elaine Pluta. a Teen Pregnancy Awareness poster contest per 1000 teens ages 15-19. She said, “My sponsored by the Holyoke Adolescent Sex- students really got behind this initiative. that may very well help to contribute to ual Health and Pregnancy Prevention Task They were participating in something mean- reducing teen pregnancy among our young Force. The four winning entries, all students ingful and, through their posters, increased adults here in our community.” from Dean Technical High School ninth- awareness about behaviors and attitudes

Students in the Culinary Arts Department at Dean Tech- nical High School presented their Senior Projects on May 10th. Students shared their research, per- formed demonstra- ROTC wins tions, and provided their audience with Unit MA-20022 at William J. samples. The students Dean Technical High School has and their topics were: been selected as one of the units Angela Delvalle to receive the 2010-2011 Air Force Junior ROTC Distin- (Cakes), Carmen guished Unit Award. This award Acosta (Mexican Cui- sine), Myrna Gonzalez recognizes Air Force Junior L to R: SMSgt. Michael J. Cross, Major William ROTC units that have per- (Hawaiian Cuisine), E. Kieda, Jr. and Mayor Elaine Pluta. formed above and beyond nor- Dwayne Smith (French Cuisine), Jason Wright (Pasta), mal expectations and that have distinguished themselves through outstanding Kayla Delaney (Delicacies around the World), Eric Vega service to their school and community while meeting the Air Force Junior (Egyptian Cuisine), and Jessica White (Sushi). ROTC mission of producing better citizens for America.

Mayor Pluta visited Dean Technical High School for a school tour and also to pre- Rewarding “H” Students sent two students with H Awards. Wesley Cappa-Velez and Josh Suriel Montero were the recipients of H Awards. Both stu- dents are in the Culinary Arts Program. At right, Principal Linda Rex, “H” student Josh Suriel Mon- tero and Ralph Webb of the Culinary Arts program. Page 12 Connections

Young Latino Heroes

Eighth-grader Aidaliz Sandoval and sixth-grader Giovanni Ortiz were selected by the Massachusetts Latino Remembering the Holocaust Chamber of Commerce as Young Latino Heroes. The As part of the historical fiction unit, eighth-graders at the Peck Full- mission of the Massachusetts Service Community School read “The Diary of Anne Frank” and Latino Chamber of Com- studied the Holocaust. Each year the students voluntarily attend the merce is to develop, promote Holocaust commemoration sponsored by the Council for Human and protect Latino businesses Young Latino Heroes Understanding, Holyoke Community College and Holyoke Public and communities in Massa- chusetts and also to support Schools. This year the guest speaker was Eva Metzger Brown, Ph. Giovanni Ortiz and Aidaliz Sandoval the advancement of educa- D., a child survivor of the Holocaust and well-known author and tion. The two Peck students were selected from Western Mas- clinical psychologist who resides in Amherst. Eighth-grader Idalis sachusetts middle schools in recognition of their outstanding Salgado commented, “It was interesting to hear about things we academic accomplishments and leadership skills. They attended learned in class that she experienced in her life and to hear them Latino Recognition Day at Fenway Park and the students were told from her point of view.” Student Emanuel Correa said, “I allowed to take one adult. The students and parents met David never thought I would ever get to meet a survivor of the Holocaust. “Big Papi” Ortiz and got to be on the cherished Fenway Park It seems like it happened a long time ago but really it is still with us field. today.”

• Eighth-grade Safe School Ambassadors and other students took part in

the City of Holyoke City-wide Clean Up Day held on Saturday, May 7th. Participating in the event were Nilsa Gonzalez, Allizea Meadows, Aidaliz Sandoval, Idalis Salgado, Jose Santiago, Taylor Lasante, Phoenix Rivera, Ve- ronica Alvarez, Faevea Benton and Joanna Fernandez. • Karen McDermott and her third-grade colleagues took students back in time to visit the year 1627 when they went on a field trip to Plimoth Plantation. Plimoth Plantation recreates what life was like in the time of the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians. The students also took a tour of The Mayflower II, a replica of the original May- flower. • Fourth-grade teacher Becky Malin and her students participated in Learning By Design working with local architects to build a Box City. They took a walking tour of Holyoke to notice what makes a community/architecture and completed activities to learn about scale,geometry and 3-D objects. Student work was on display at the Honoring Families Celebration in early June. • Over 20 Peck families enjoyed themselves during the Spring Family Fun Day at the Smith College Museum of Art. This event hap- pens twice a year with students from art teacher Darcy Dumont’s classes. • The 2nd Annual 2011 Peck Appreciation Luncheon for Peck educators and staff was held on this spring. The event was organized by Yaldira Felix-Brown and Maria Luisa Arroyo. Food and services were donated by Peck parents, including most of the P-PUA leaders: Mari Santiago, Rafael Torres, Maria Rodriguez, Juan Perez, and Luz Roman. • Congratulations to Peck Rising Stars – Rachael Dearman, Jose Cordova, and Nysha Sanchez. Peck’s Holyoke Hospital Award win- ners were Taylor Lasante, Emanuel Correa and Mariangie Fernandez. • Peck Librarian Fiona Creed set a goal for this year’s book fair to have 100 families visit during parent teacher conferences and that goal was met. The prize was for Principal Paul Hyry-Dermith, teachers Justin Cotton and Jose Ortiz, custodian Rick Moynihan and Librarian Fiona Creed to dress up like characters from “The Cat in the Hat” for one day. Classrooms were visited by the Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2 for stirring renditions of The Cat in the Hat.

Preschool Registration Happening Now!

The Joseph Metcalf Preschool is currently accepting applications for preschoolers. You can regis- ter at the Student Assignment Center located on the first floor of 57 Suffolk Street. Holyoke Public Schools Estos son los puntos mas

sobresalientes del Boletin Volume 9 Issue 4 Verano 2011

2010-2011~ Llegando a su final

Por David Dupont casi siempre puede rastrear el trabajo de los maestros y Superintendente de Escuelas otros adultos que trabajan con y ofrecen apoyo para Miembros veteranos del personal le dirá ellos. Otro año escolar pasa como pasan de rápido los años escolares y que comenzó con los ojos como los veranos pasan aún más rápido. muy abiertos y algunos con Mirando hacia atrás en este año escolar lágrimas en los ojos de niños que se inauguró con nuestra barbacoa en en edad preescolar entrando la escuela Dean (que se repetirá para el a la escuela Metcalf y cerrar inicio del año escolar 2011-2012), pode- con una sonrisa y algunos mos contar con otro año 2010-2011, de adultos mayores con los ojos retos y logros. La madre naturaleza nos ha llorosos, tanto en la escuela recordado que, incluso con todas las char- Dean y Holyoke High. En las sobre el calentamiento global su capa- cualquier capacidad de traba- cidad de hacer nieve no ha disminuido ni jar y donde su trabajo se lleva un poco. Apreciamos el trabajo y dedica- a cabo, mirar atrás y sentir- ción de todo el personal en la educación y nos orgullosos de lo que has el cuidado de nuestros estudiantes. Sus hecho por nuestros 6.000 éxitos y logros en el salón, en el campo niños a los que se ha ayuda- La escuela McMahon alumnos de sexto grado Jack de juego, en exposiciones de arte y con- do a cambiar sus vidas para Adamczyk y el trabajo Cameron Wilson en mando de la ciertos de música, marchando en desfiles, mejor. Quiero dar las gracias misión en el centro de Christa McAuliffe rival durante un trabajando con servicio comunitario y a todos ustedes por ellos. viaje de estudios recientes. ver la historia completa en la participando en numerosas actividades, página 2.

Sigue aprendiendo todo el Verano

Por Elaine Pluta ción con sus funciones de Shakespeare en cursos de verano por cinco semanas. Alcalde de Holyoke Otras fuentes para la diversión de aprendizaje incluyen la Biblioteca Pública de Holyoke, el Museo de Holyoke para niños, los parques de Otro año escolar está llegando a su fin y, Holyoke y el Departamento de Recreación y aunque señale otras vacaciones de verano, no el Museo Wistariahurst. Todas estas organi- debe señalar un cierre al aprendizaje. zaciones ayudan a mantener a los estudiantes Hay muchas oportunidades para seguir apren- ocupados durante el verano mientras se di- diendo durante todo el verano, aquí en nues- vierten y lo más importante sigue adquiriendo tra ciudad. Las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke nuevos conocimientos. ofrecen Programas de Aprendizaje en julio Quiero agradecer a los padres que han parti- para los estudiantes de Kínder hasta el nivel cipado en los esfuerzos educativos de sus de escuela superior. Los niños en edad prees- hijos este año escolar, así como el personal, colar de 5 años y que entrarán a Kínder en el maestros, y la administración de las Escuelas Joseph Metcalf el preescolar está aceptando otoño pueden asistir a Kínder camp en julio Públicas de Holyoke que han dedicado mu- solicitudes para los niños preescolares. para ayudarles a aclimatarse a un ambiente chas horas a los beneficios educacionales de puede registrarse en el centro de la escolar. nuestros estudiantes. asignación de estudiantes ubicados en el El Teatro Enchanted Circle está ofreciendo a Tenga un Verano Maravilloso .... y sigue los estudiantes de los grados 6 a 8, la opor- primer piso de la calle Suffolk 57. tunidad de probar sus habilidades de actua- aprendiendo! Page 14 Connections

Béisbol Dean ~ Nuevo Entrenador, Nueva Imagen, Nuevos Resultados

Para aquellos que han estado siguiendo al equipo de béisbol de la posición con el mismo tipo de dedicación, el deber, el honor y la Escuela Dean este año es probable que haya notado un equipo que experiencia. Él es un residente permanente de Holyoke, que se ha ha re-nacido en esta temporada. Con un nuevo entrenador, Juan conectado bien con todos los estudiantes y sirve como un modelo Rodríguez, encabeza el equipo, nuevos uniformes, y una nueva positivo. Sus expectativas para nuestros jugadores en el salón de actitud, el equipo ha demostrado éxito en el campo, en el salón de clase es lo más elevado y riguroso como sus expectativas de ellos clases, y cerca de la comunidad.Actualmente el equipo de béisbol en el campo de pelota. Él infunde un sentido de responsabilidad, no de la Escuela Dean tiene un récord total de 11 y 3 y que están sólo para desarrollar sus talentos deportivos, sino por su compor- invictos y en primer lugar en su liga con un récord de 9 y 0. El tamiento positivo y académicos. Los estudiantes han llegado a sa- éxito que han demostrado en el campo es un reflejo de las deman- ber que no sólo se representan a sí mismos, pero su escuela, el das que se hayan colocado en los jugadores fuera de la cancha y en distrito, la ciudad de Holyoke y sus familias dentro y fuera del cam- el salón de clase. Desde la primera vez que el entrenador Rodrí- po de juego. " guez se reunió con los jugado- -Wayne St. Peter - Maestro res él trajo responsabilidad, – de la Escuela Superior Dean disciplina y respeto al progra- Técnica ma. Desde el primer día el en- "El entrenador Rodríguez ha trenador Rodríguez ha estado traído una presencia muy posi- en la cafetería durante el al- tiva para el equipo de Béisbol muerzo para asegurar que los de la Escuela Dean Técnica, jugadores recojan después de tanto dentro como fuera del almorzar. Diariamente el entre- campo. Su presencia frecuente nador Rodríguez está en la en la escuela refuerza el mensa- reunión de la escuela con el je de conectando el salón de Vice-Director y oficial de re- clase y el diamante. Los mucha- cursos para verificar el compor- chos muestran su orgullo cuan- tamiento de sus jugadores. Él do se ponen su camiseta en los camina por los pasillos ase- días de partido y trabajan duro gurándose que sus jugadores en sus estudios. GO HAWKS! " están en clase a tiempo y -John Cavanaugh - Vice- haciendo sus tareas. Él regular- Director - de la Escuela Supe- mente mira las calificaciones de rior Dean Técnica los jugadores y cuando muestran Juan Rodríguez ha desarrollado signos de lucha él exige que per- Juan Rodriguez el entrenador da instrucciones a sus altas expectativas para sus jugado- manezcan después de la escuela res tanto dentro como fuera del con sus maestros para obtener jugadores de béisbol Dean Technical High School.. campo de pelota. Él observa cómo ayuda adicional. interactúan con sus compañeros y Muchas personas están muy orgullosos de los logros del equipo de el personal de la escuela y durante su almuerzo. Se espera que béisbol de la escuela Dean este año, pero nadie debería sorpren- sean ejemplos para otros estudiantes. Él demanda tutoría de atle- derse por el éxito que el equipo está experimentando. Los pasos tismo para los estudiantes que necesitan la ayuda extra .” que el entrenador Rodríguez ha tomado para crear el programa de béisbol en la Escuela Secundaria Dean Técnica son cosas que todos Linda Rex – Directora de la Escuela Superior Dean Técnica podemos aprender en nuestra vida cotidiana. Él cree en los jugado- "Somos muy afortunados de tener al entrenador Rodríguez como res y se preocupa por ellos y al mismo tiempo establecer altas nuestro entrenador de béisbol en la Escuela Superior Dean Técni- expectativas en términos de comportamiento, logro académico y ca. No sólo traer una gran experiencia en el campo de béisbol, disciplina. Las lecciones que enseña son las mismas lecciones que sino que también trae la experiencia de vida al equipo. Con conoci- ha aprendido de sus muchos años de servir en el Ejército. Después mientos en el Ejército, él ha establecido estrategias de trabajo en de pasar dos turnos de servicio, una en Afganistán y otro en Irak, equipo, expectativas altas, una exigencia de trabajar duro, y respe- no hay lugar donde el entrenador Rodríguez prefiere estar que en to dentro y fuera de la escuela. Se hace sentir su presencia tanto el campo de béisbol enseñándole a los muchachos como jugar un en el campo y en la escuela y los jugadores saben que él se preocu- juego que él ama y no hay nadie que los jugadores prefieren tener pa por ellos y su éxito. Los jugadores deberán recordar las leccio- como su entrenador Juan Rodríguez. nes que les ha enseñado en el béisbol desde hace muchos años. No LO QUE OTROS DICEN SOBRE EL ENTRENADOR hay duda de que él los ha hecho mejores jugadores y mejores per- JUAN RODRIGUEZ - ENTRENADOR DE BÉISBOL DE sonas. " LA ESCUELA DEAN TÉCNICA: - Aaron Patterson - Director de Atletismo - Escuelas Públicas "He asistido a varios juegos y conozco personalmente el entrena- de Holyoke dor Rodríguez. Él sirve a su país en el ejército y trae al campo y la

Volume 9, Issue 4 Page 15

Los niños tienen que cumplir

los cinco años en o antes

del 1° de septiembre del 2011.

¡Registraciones Solamente por cita!

La oficina de Asignacion de estudiantes

Lunes a Viernes ~ Horas 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

El Primer Piso ~ 57 Suffolk Street ~ Tel: 534-2007

Llame o visite para hacer una cita.

Horas de Registración 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Mercado de Agricultores para comenzar Diversión en el sol!

en la escuela Maurice A. Donahue Durante las vacaciones de verano, los niños pueden perder dos meses de lo que han trabajado para Es con gran placer que anuncia- aprender durante el año escolar. Hay algunas cosas mos el inicio de Farmer's Mar- simples que usted puede hacer en casa para disminuir ket en nuestra escuela. Nuestro la cantidad de la pérdida de aprendizaje que su hijo va nuevo socio de la comunidad, a experimentar. Nuestras Raíces, se ha unido a nuestra escuela para crear el Mantenga un diario - Anime a su hijo/a a escribir en primer mercado de los agricul- un diario para registrar las cosas divertidas que él o ella hace durante el verano. tores en las tierras de las Escue- Lectura Diaria - Mantener al día la lectura como las Públicas de Holyoke. El mer- parte de una rutina que no termina cuando la escuela cado se iniciará el primer sába- si. Para los niños más pequeños, leer en voz alta cada do de julio de 09:00 AM a 3:00 día. Deje que su hijo/a lo vea disfrutar de un buen PM y se llevará a cabo cada fin libro. de semana hasta finales de octu- Noche de juegos familiares - Hay tantos grandes bre. Esperamos ayudar a pro- Amy Calandrella de Nuestras Raíces, socio Donahue juegos de familia. Hay tantas habilidades matemáticas porcionar a nuestras familias nueva comunidad. que se pueden practicar con una baraja de cartas. con acceso a productos frescos Visitas a las Bibliotecas - Disfruta de las grandes acti- y cultivados localmente. Los vidades que tienen lugar en la Biblioteca Pública de cupones de alimentos y EBT también serán aceptados. Nuestras Raíces ya ha de- Holyoke. mostrado ser un socio de la comunidad de primera categoría. Además del Farmer's Lleve su aprendizaje en las vacaciones con usted: Market, los estudiantes de la escuela Donahue podrán realizar excursiones a la Ir a la playa? Recoger conchas en la playa y buscar granja, para tener un entendimiento más profundo de la agricultura y para partici- similitudes y diferencias. par en el diseño de actividades para mejorar nuestro plan de estudios. Hay un gran Tener un concurso para ver que se puede construir potencial aquí. Nos gustaría tomar un momento para dar las gracias a Amy Calan- un castillo de arena más grande, más alto, más largo. drella, el Coordinador de Programas Nuestras Raíces, y al director Jesús Espinoza Escribir y enviar tarjetas postales. nuestro administrador de Farmer’s Market. Ambos han trabajado diligentemente Tome fotografías para poner en un libro de recuer- para ayudarnos a tener esta oportunidad educativa y nutritiva de la tierra. Además, dos. Escriba un párrafo para el bloc de notas para nos quitamos nuestro sombrero ante el Superintendente Dupont por la aproba- cada foto. ción de este proyecto y por ofrecernos su apoyo. Nos vemos en el Farmer's Mar- Lo más importante es pasar tiempo juntos y hablar ket! como familia. Su niño aprende tanto de interactuar con usted! Page 16 Connections

Holyoke Public Schools Rising Stars for 2011

Holyoke High School William J. Dean Technical High School Dae’quan Arrington, Carolina Gonzalez, Ashley Ruiz, Saul Caban, Naisha Tiana Arroyo, Barbara Rosario, Dayanaira Velazquez, Nicholas Hamel, Berline Vargas Andujar, Carlos Colon, Erin Hebert, Vanessa Rivera, Christine Thompson, and Stephanie Welch. Gabby Villa, Kathleen Fitzgerald, Jennifer Hernandez and Megan Wise.

Superintendent’s Picks Peck School Caitlin Anable (Holyoke High) and Rachel Houle (Dean Tech) Jose Cordova, Rachael Dearman and Nysha Sanchez

Donahue School E.N. White School Jordan Kennedy, Carolina Ocampo and Shane M. Taylor Nickolas Alger, Kiara Rivera and Ashley Westry

Kelly School McMahon School Karina Maldonado, Carlos Medina, and Jaddiel Torres Destiny Champagne, Robert B. Proulx, and Tamara Rivera

Morgan School Sullivan School Mercedes Cabrera, Alondra Jimenez and Alyssa Velasquez Maya Birks, Aiden Moriarty and Alexandra Roesslin

The Holyoke Public Schools and the Celebrate Holyoke Public Schools/Rising Star Committee extend a heartfelt thank you to the following generous benefactors: Peoples Bank, The Holyoke Credit Union, Holyoke Community College, The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, The Republican, Dean Distributive Education Program, Mark Balfour ~ Director of Food Services, Mark Todd and the Student Services Department.

Connections

Holyoke Public Schools Media Center c/o Kelly Doktor

500 Beech Street Holyoke, MA 01040