Knightnews 720 Pleasant St Southington, CT 06489 DECEMBER 2010/JANUARY 2011 860.628.3229

Southington High School

KnightNews 720 Pleasant St Southington, CT 06489 DECEMBER 2010/JANUARY 2011 www.southingtonschools.org 860.628.3229

Our Mission- CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC Engagement SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS’

The mission of the Southington 2010-2011 SUPERINTENDENT/STUDENT AWARD Public Schools is to engage students in a range of educa- Katherine Lainas, a senior, has been selected as one tional experiences to become of this year’s recipients of the Connecticut Association of informed, adaptive problem Public School Superintendents’ (CAPSS) Superintendent/ solvers who effectively com- Student Recognition award for leadership service to the municate, rise to challenges, school, academic prowess relative to ability, and service to and are committed to improve others in the community. A special luncheon was held at themselves and their communi- the Farmington Country Club on November 5th. ties. This program was designed by school administrators to When we ask administrators, teachers and students what they recognize students who have served their schools and think is the most important word in the mission the overwhelm- communities while maintaining exceptional progress. ing response is “engage”. Numerous research studies point to engagement as the key to effective teaching and learning. Katherine is an intelligent, hard-working, and enthusiastic Instructional design needs to engage students and grant them young lady. She has surpassed all academic, extracurricu- ownership over their learning. Inquiry based science lessons, lar and social expectations at Southington High School. math applications and problem solving, student choice in read- What distinguishes Katherine from other successful and ing and writing, student designed projects in unified arts and accomplished students is that she has consistently main- many other instructional strategies are implemented across the tained academic excellence while participating in numerous district to engage students in daily learning. The job of better extracurricular, enrichment and civic oriented activities. She engaging students is one that requires the school district to be is a member of National Honor Society, Future Business committed to constant improvement, creativity and commitment Leaders of America (FBLA), French Club, Environmental to better instructional practices that capture students interest, Club, STEPS, Track, and Soccer. Future Business Leaders passion and engagement. This year every administrator in the of America (FBLA) is one of many areas in which she has district will shadow a student for one half of a school day three demonstrated tremendous leadership and talent. She is times during the year. Engagement will be one of the mission Southington High School’s FBLA President and is Vice goals that the administrators will be watching for. Tonight at the President of the State of Connecticut chapter. Katherine dinner table ask your child the following questions: has helped her FBLA teammates win numerous team awards at the state and national levels as well as earning What do you find engaging about school? Is there a subject, a individual awards at state competitions: 1st place in Intro to nd unit, a lesson, a teacher? What makes that engaging? Business Communications; 2 place in a Public Speaking II and received a Leadership and Commitment award for We all need to better understand these answers to achieve FBLA . Katherine has actively participated in community mission success for every child. service and has accumulated several hundred hours of service. Katherine’s parents are Gregory and Mary Ann Lainas. Howard Thiery Assistant Superintendent of Schools The Board of Education will be recognizing Katherine at the December 9th Board of Education meeting to be held at CONCERTS CHANGED Thalberg Elementary School at 7:00pm.

Congratulations Katie! The ORCHESTRA/JAZZ and BAND CONCERTS will be performed on Wednesday, December 22, Find out what’s happening at SHS everyday by 2010 at 7:00pm in the SHS Auditorium. reading the morning announcements which are posted on our home page ... (The individual concerts originally scheduled for Dec 16 & 21 have been changed.) www.southingtonschools.org Volume 9, Issue 2 Page 2 The Industrial Careers (steel framing, carpentry, masonry, HVAC, electrical, plumbing). Other topics include Preparation Program soil and site work concerns, floor and wall systems, estimating, print read- The School to Career Committee would ing, structural walls, rigging, manage- like to inform you of the Industrial Careers ment and OSHA. Students will also have Preparation Program offered by the Tech- KNIGHTVERTISING the opportunities to work with human re- nology Education Department! This com- by Lindsay Clavette sources professional at semester's end and mittee consists of community members, Attention: Parents of practice important interview and resume' business partners, teachers, and adminis- SHS Athletes skills. trators and has been at the forefront of pio- Knightvertising is a student-run busi- neering the vision for education in Connect- ness that offers advertising opportuni- For more information, please contact: icut. On December 7th, several committee ties for businesses. Business owners Justin Mirante, Technology Education De- members presented to the State Depart- have the option of purchasing banners partment Chair. that will be hung on our athletic fields ment of Education its successes and future over a period of time. endeavors. Southington Public Schools Booster clubs of our different sports This program is designed to identify and teams are also allowed to participate. support students interested in pursuing a Companies with supporters of a certain career in a trade oriented career. The pro- Bus Safety athletic team can purchase a sign. This gram is intended for students that would purchase gives the booster club of that Initiative team 25% of the sale based on which not traditionally have the desire or means type of sign is purchased. The applica- to enroll in a two or four year college direct- tion process to purchase a sign will be ly after graduating high school. Upon suc- November Tips For Children distributed twice a year. cessful completion of core focus courses and graduation from high school, the stu- Get to the bus stop at least five minutes Contact Information is as follows for dent will have an increased opportunity to before the bus is scheduled to arrive. any questions about this offer: be employed by the career industry and When the bus approaches, stand at least Aurora Pedrolini, SHS, (860) 628- placed into an internship/training program 3229 Extension 247 or E-mail: three giant steps (6 feet) away from the that can lead to full employment in that [email protected] curb, and line up away from the street. specific trade career. Students are encouraged to enroll in post-secondary schools Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and take classes to further their under- and the driver says that it’s okay before standing of their career choice as desired stepping onto the bus. UNIFIED THEATER... or required. is an organization that strives to If you have to cross the street in front of make a theatre experience available To date, the School to Career Commit- the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along to all students. Founded at Conard tee has helped make a student’s education the side of the road to a point at least five more meaningful by providing authentic giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus High School, this program was the before you cross. Be sure that the bus brain-child of Micaela Connery. learning opportunities. These opportunities driver can see you, and you can see the Through personal experience, include job shadows, in-depth career explo- bus driver. ration, and courses that introduce students Micaela saw friendship, feelings of to the many facets of the trades industry. Never walk behind the bus. accomplishment and success Come check out the Industrial Careers Ex- fostered by this inclusive theatre po on April 28th at 6:30pm in the high Walk at least three giant steps away from activity. school cafeteria! Also, talk to your school the side of the bus. Southington High School has counselor about our revised Commercial joined the Unified Theater family. Construction class! This course is de- If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up be- Four students and three advisors signed to develop an understanding of what cause the driver may not be able to see attended the training workshop. Our commercial construction structures are and you. first unified performance to include what types of processes and materials are a series of skits will be on March 4, used to construct them. Students will have hands on laboratory experience building a 2011. The advisors and the seventy commercial structure using various tools, (70) participating students are very methods, and materials discussed in class excited about this coming event. ...continues in next column Volume 9, Issue 2 Page 3

GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT NEWS HIGH SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM EXPANDS VARIETY SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION - Did you miss “Financial Aid Night, Paying for College …What Every Parent Needs to The school lunch program at Southington Know?” This program will be aired continuously on Public High School will be diversifying its offerings Access TV (channel 16) every Wednesday (7pm) and Friday to students and staff come January. Students (5pm) throughout December. FAFSA forms should be ad- can look forward to Chef Tony's January dressed in January. Specials:

PSAT SCORE REPORTS - Score reports for the test taken in ♥ Swedish Meatballs or Chicken Alfredo over October will be available the week before the holiday break. penne pasta Students will be asked to report to the computer labs via a pass ♥ BBQ Cheeseburgers with Hot & Spicy Fries given to them from their school counselor to view their scores ♥ Taco Salads and to register for “MY COLLEGE QUICKSTART” at ♥ BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich with Sweet Potato Puffs www.collegeboard.com , a free College Board tool to assist ♥ Fried Dough with toppings them in understanding how to improve their test taking skills ♥ Psychedelic Cake for the SAT test taken in the spring of the junior year. ♥ Apple Crisp ♥ Homemade Macaroni & Cheese Mark Your Calendars (and remind your student): ♥ Crispy Baked Chicken with homestyle Coleslaw

Thursday, January 6, 2011 Other food selection offered to students and staff include College Basics 101-8:35-10:09 am the following options: SHS alumni return to talk to SHS juniors and seniors about college. Students are to sign up in the guidance office. ♥ Fresh Salad Bar daily with seasonal variations Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 7 pm ♥ Fancy Bagels delivered fresh daily Navigate the College & Career Planning Process ♥ People's Choice Hot Pizza Slices on Tuesdays and School Counselors assist interested parents (students too!) in an Fridays overview of the post-secondary planning process and information about NAVIANCE. Parents are encouraged to call their Keep an eye out for the new Crullers Cafe coming soon!! student’s school counselor for an appointment to discuss post- Hot Breakfast items and much more will be available. secondary planning. Details are to be released soon from Chef Tony. Additional Notable Events: ► Dec 14 Chorus Concert @ 7pm SCHOOL PHYSICALS ► Dec 22 Orchestra-Jazz-Band Concert @ 7pm ► Dec 23 Shortened Day for Students Students will need a physical during ► Dec 24—Jan 2 Holiday Recess (no classes) grade 9 for entry into grade 10. ► Jan 6 College Basics 101-during school day (snow date Jan 7) All students entering grade 10 next year will need a ► Jan 11 Knight Kourt sponsored Pasta Dinner 5-7pm physical examination completed by their physician. ► Jan 12 National German Exam ► Jan 13 Southington Board of Education Meeting The blue State of Connecticut Health Assessment Rec- ► Jan 17 Holiday—Martin Luther King Jr Day ord for students entering grade 10 must have the front ► Jan 20-21-24-25 Mid-Term Exams completed and signed by the student's parent or legal ► Jan 26 Quarter 3 Begins guardian and the back completed by the examining ► Jan 27 Southington Board of Education Meeting physician. ► Jan 29 Bandbackers sponsored Computer Show ► Feb 5 CCC Cheerleading Competition … (snow date Feb Physicals must be completed within one year prior to 12) the first day of grade 10. ► Feb 6 Super Bowl Sub Sale (Bandbackers) ► Feb 10 Southington Board of Education Meeting No students entering grade 10 may start school with- ► Feb 11 Valentine Dance out a complete examination, appropriate immuniza- ► Feb 12 Swim & Dive Bottle Drive from 9am-2pm tions, and documentation. ► Feb 17 Career & College Planning Process Seminar @ 7pm It is advised to make your doctor's appointment early to ► Feb 21-25 Winter Recess (no classes) insure that requirements are completed by the first day of school. Volume 9, Issue 2 Page 4

PTO Meetings Tue, January 11, 2011 Tue, March 8, 2011 Tue, May 24, 2011 Meetings will start at 7:00pm in the SHS Library Media Center GET HELP WITH HOMEWORK! unless noted. Big Y Homework Helpline® 1-800-866-BIGY or via the web at www.bigy.com/ homework All-Night Graduation Par- Call Big Y’s FREE one-on-one homework assistance service for ty Meetings students. A staff of certified teachers will help you through January 10, 2011 your toughest homework assignments. February 7, 2011 March 14, 2011 PARENT INFORMATION SERIES of Southington Youth Services April 11, 2011 May 9, 2011 th Thursday, January 20 , 2011 June 6, 2011 “Love and Logic: How to Talk to Your School aged Child” All meetings will start at 7:00pm in the This presentation offers a range of options to help you talk to your child in a positive, SHS Library Media Center constructive way. It includes topics such as handling melt-downs and getting along with others.

Thursday, February 17th, 2011 “The Importance of Self-Esteem and Your Child” Finding happiness starts with getting to know your own special strengths and learning how to develop them. How do you bring out what’s inside your child to the rest of the world? This informal workshop will address the importance of your child’s self-esteem and how you can encourage their individuality.

All programs are only for Southington residents and are free of charge! They run from 7:00pm - 8:30pm unless otherwise noted, and are held at the offices of Southington Youth Services, 93 Main Street, Southington. Registration is required. Space is limited. Please RSVP to Southington Youth Services at 860-276-6281.

INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTIFICATIONS

Every effort is made to cancel school or A Simple Way to Give announce a late opening as early as possible on days of severe inclement weather. In most instances, the decision is made and broadcast by 6:00AM. Register your card for A+ School Re- Southington Public School wards today & through March 24, System is participating with the Connecticut Weather Center in Danbury to list 2011. Southington High School (or the school cancellations. All you have to do is go to www.ctweather.com then click school or your choice) will earn CASH each time you shop at Stop & Shop. on the school cancellation page. A list will appear, in alphabetical order. Cancellations and late openings will also air on the follow- Log on to ing radio and television stations: www.stopandshop.com/aplus OR WHCN 106 FM WDRC 1360 AM Dial 1-877-275-2758 WDRC 103 FM WKSS 96 FM to register over the phone WNTY 990 AM WTIC 1080 AM/FM WRCH 910 AM WRCH 100.5 FM WVIT-TV Channel 30 Volume 9, Issue 2 Page 5

SHS ARTIST OF THE MONTH “Art students of the month” are indi- major, but is contemplating explor- viduals who have shown a passion in ing studies in the art field. the visual arts. They are given the opportunity to display their creative ● December - Rhiannon Ouellette, works at TDBank on 121 Main Street also a senior, is planning to further downtown Southington. The staff of her art studies at the Greater Hart- the SHS Art Department is grateful to ford School of Art, with someday TDBank for allowing us to display the aspiring to be an Art teacher Rhian- paintings, drawings and photographs non describes he work as being real- of our aspiring artists. istic with abstract surrealism blended in. Her favorite medium to work in The Southington High School Art De- is oil paints. When asked what artists partment is proud to announce the have insfluenced her she responded participants for “SHS Student of the “Ms Levinthal, she inspired me to Month” art program for: explore my love for art and help show me how good an artist I could ● November - Victoria Munson, a become.” senior who enjoys painting in the traditional style. Tori has taken numerous art courses and is currently working on her portfolio in the Art Featured artwork (top right) by Seminar class. She is also enrolled in Victoria Munson and (right) the AP class meeting the rigorous Rhiannon Ouellette. challenge with excellent results. Tor i is planning on attending Bowdoin college and is undecided about her

The Scheduling Process It is hard to believe but the high school is beginning the process of developing student schedules for the 2011-2012 school year. Developing a quality master schedule that takes into account all student requests is complicated and unanticipated changes in student schedules after the start of the school year has an adverse effect on class sizes. We have so much to offer at Southington High School that it can be difficult for students to decide between one course and another. We encourage students and parents to take advantage of our staff to ensure that the courses that a student selects are appropriate. It is our goal this year to provide students with their completed schedules before students leave for the summer. In fact, we have targeted the end of May for schedule distribution.

We believe that by distributing schedules this early, parents and students can review the schedule for any errors or omissions and still have plenty of time before the end of the school year to meet with our guidance staff to make acceptable schedule changes. There will also be opportunities for students to make changes during a portion of the summer. However, after August 15, no changes will be made to student schedules unless they fall under one of the categories below. By the time we arrive back to school in the fall we want all students to be able to start their courses and have a wonderful experience. Since we will not be allowing any changes after August 15, students will be free to immediately engage in their coursework without regrets.

Even though a great deal of time and energy goes into develop each student’s schedule there may be circumstances that require a schedule change. These circumstances range from failing grades to significantly different grades compared to scheduling time. After August 15, 2011, changes will be allowed for the following reasons only: 1. Lacking a prerequisite 2. Printout containing a scheduling error 3. Lacking graduation requirements 4. Academic misplacement

Requests for schedule changes other than for the reasons stated above will be allowed only for extraordinary situations. These changes will require the approval of an administrator based upon input from the student’s parent/guardian, the student’s school counselor, and the teachers affected by the changes. Dr Martin Semmel, Principal Volume 9, Issue 2 Page 6 SHS MUSIC STUDENTS MAKE REGIONAL FESTIVAL

Southington High School will be well represented in the CMEA Southern Region Music festival to be held January 14-15, 2011 at Maloney HS in Meriden. Students were selected for Chorus, Band, Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble. Students were selected based on his/her audition results from November. Chorus: Emily Gardella, Alejandra Gimenez, Julia Premus, and Rachel Proffitt Band: Chris Devona (bass clarinet), Alicia LaRose (alto sax), Steven Perretta (trombone), Nate Shurack (trumpet), Will Simms (tuba), and Kevin Thomp- son (alto sax) Orchestra: Nicole Chubet (viola) and Hannah Traver (violin) Jazz Ensemble: Evan Gray (trombone) and Mike Schmidt (tenor sax)

Southington High School’s MID-TERM EXAM SCHEDULE

Thursday, January 20, 2011 1-HR Delay 90 Min Delay Period 1 7:45a – 9:55a 8:40a-10:50a 9:10a-11:20a Period 4 10:05a – 12:15a 11:00a - 1:10p 11:30a- 1:40p Assessment 1:00p – 2:37p

Friday, January 21, 2011 1-HR Delay 90 Min Delay Period 2 7:45a – 9:55a 8:40a-10:50a 9:10a-11:20a Period 5 10:05a – 12:15a 11:00a - 1:10p 11:30a- 1:40p Assessment 1:00p – 2:37p

Monday, January 24, 2011 1-HR Delay 90 Min Delay Period 3 7:45a – 9:55a 8:40a-10:50a 9:10a-11:20a Period 6 10:05a – 12:15a 11:00a - 1:10p 11:30a- 1:40p Assessment 1:00p – 2:37p

Tuesday, January 25, 2011 1-HR Delay 90 Min Delay Period 7 7:45a – 9:55a 8:40a-10:50a 9:10a-11:20a Period 8 10:05a – 12:15a 11:00a - 1:10p 11:30a- 1:40p Assessment 1:00p – 2:37p

If there is a snow day during the exam period, the exam schedule for that day will take place the next day that school is in session. Should there be any delayed openings and students miss an exam, they can take the make-up the following day. If there is a delayed opening on the last day of exams, students should meet with their teachers to schedule a make-up time. Volume 9, Issue 2 Page 7

College & Career Planning

Naviance Family Connection Southington High School students now have access to NAVIANCE. It is a web based program divided into three major areas: About Me, Colleges and Careers. Every student will use NAVIANCE for the college application process. Each student will meet with his/her counselor to receive his/her unique registration code. (Students were provided this code in the Spring of 2010 at their course registration meeting with their High School Counselor). The student will then visit the Family Connections page to register. Students will complete college searches, career interest inventories, personality type inventories, resume, scholarships, and much more!

For Parents to register for the Family Connection page and create a username and password, they must enter their unique registration code which will be provided. Please contact your child’s School Counselor for your registration code.

We invite you to explore Family Connection by Naviance, our website that allows students and families to investigate, research, track, and plan for the college admission process. To begin using Family Connection, go to http://connection.naviance.com/southington and follow these steps:

• On the home page, enter the code that was provided to you in the “New User” box and click “Register.”

• Fill out the registration page including your e-mail address and a private password. At the bottom of the page, check the box that you agree to the terms of use and click “Complete Registration.”

• NOTE: When you log-in in the future, your user name is your e-mail address and your password is the one you established when registering. If you change your e-mail address at any point, remember to update it in Family Connection.

The Welcome page will appear when your registration is accepted. Announcements and other important information are posted on the Welcome page. Check it often!

There are a few sections of the Southington High School Family Connection with which we urge you to become familiar: “About Me” and “About College”.

Please visit the Southington High School Guidance Department Website for more information. Southington High School PTO Membership

PTO Officers for 2010-2011

Co-Presidents: John Moise 860-628-5083, [email protected] Dina Degumbia 860-793-8286, [email protected] Vice President: Lynne Romano 860-620-9876, [email protected] Treasurer: David DeCroce 860-621-6143, [email protected] Secretary: Karen Dalia 860-628-5580, [email protected]

We invite all parents to become members of the Southington High School PTO. Take advantage of this opportunity to make a difference at SHS. Membership is our one major fundraiser with dues of $10 per family. There is also a PTO-Plus option through which an additional contribution in any amount would be greatly appreciated. Important ways we allocate membership funds include:

● Programs: PTO sponsors/co-sponsors in-house programs for SHS students. In the past this has included Alcohol Aware- ness/DUI presentations for seniors and cultural arts programs for all. Please let us know if you have any suggestions.

● Teacher Appreciation: PTO provides teachers and staff with a luncheon in appreciation for all their work educating our students.

● Sponsor for the All-Night Graduation Party for SHS Class of 2011: Volunteers are also needed to plan and run this extraordinary annual event. Contributions are always welcome.

● Career Resource Center: The Career Resource Center is staffed and funded by the PTO and provides information regard- ing college selection and other options after graduation. Students in all grades are encouraged to explore the materials that the CRC offers. Parent volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis.

● PTO Volunteer Service Award: A committee, formed annually in the spring, awards a scholarship to an SHS senior who has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service and is pursuing post secondary education.

PTO Meeting dates will be announced in the SHS Newsletter and on the School website at www.southingtonschools.org

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Please make checks payable to SHS PTO. Thanks for your support! Please return this portion with dues to: SHS PTO c/o David DeCroce, Treasurer, 720 Pleasant Street, Southington, CT 06489.

Please check your choice of membership: Amount enclosed: $______o PTO Family Membership ($10.00) o PTO-Plus (Membership dues plus an additional contribution)

Name: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Student Name(s):______Grade(s):______Email address: ______

Please contact me to help with: (circle your choice) Open House/Hospitality Staff Appreciation Cultural Arts/Programs Career Resource Center SHS Cares (details on separate flyer) Scholarship Committee All-Night Graduation Party Summer Reading Book Sale Library Committee 400053009 knights

January 31, 2011 SHS Cares Helping to meet the extraordinary needs of students and families in our own high school community

SHS Cares is a Southington High School PTO program in which families help other families in need. Many families and individual students have been recipients of past generosity. The needs of students at SHS are often different and greater than most of us can imagine.

The resource volunteer form below lists areas of need in which SHS Cares helps other families. These some- times will include: clothing, food, household/domestic items, sports or recreational expenses, senior class expenses, and holiday gift donations. Monetary donations will be directed toward these and other needs, especially food purchases for students and families. Every cent of your donation benefits students and families of the Southington High School community.

Questions? Contact School Social Worker: Sharon DePucchio (628-3229, ext 426) SHS Cares PTO Coordinator: Patricia Queen (860-426-0328)

The form below will be kept on file for this school year only. If a family has a specific need, a school social worker will contact the SHS Cares Coordinator, who will then contact you to help in the area(s) you have checked. The confidentiality of both the provider and family receiving assistance will be maintained at all times.

If there are areas in which you wish to help, please return the form below to the school office or mail to: Sharon DePucchio, Social Worker, Southington High School, 720 Pleasant Street, Southington, CT 06489.

Become a SHS Cares Resource Volunteer

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Name: ______Address: ______Phone: ______Email: ______

Monetary Donation (Please make checks payable to SHS PTO.) ___ One-time monetary contribution now (Enclosed $______). ___ Please call me when funds are needed.

Should a need arise, I am willing to donate to the SHS Cares program in the following way(s): ___ Clothing (new, used, or gift cards) ___ Household/Domestic Items ___ Sports/Recreational Needs ___ Funds for Senior Expenses ___ Holiday Gift Donations Thank you for your generosity and support! Revised 10/2010