------1. Class Sections and Information for Seniors ------2. Fall Sports Wrap-Up ------

3. Chef Article

5. New American Sign Language Class

The Devils 6. Diversity Club ​

6. School Rules

Pitch 7. Powder Puff

------​ ------8. New Graduation Date Rule ------9. New Teachers ------​Plainville, Connecticut — Fall Edition

10. Class Competition Plainville High School may seem like an ordinary place, however our school 10. School Lunch Editorial

is anything but plain. We have a lot going 11. Crazy Kids with Crazy Cars on, with new classes, teachers, and clubs.

Rules and regulations are constantly being 12. The Life of a Plainville High School Senior adjusted to make this school a better place. 13. Message from the Graduating Class of 2020 We want you to know what is going on because this is your home! Here is a guide

to the newspaper articles page by page:

(By Michael Melninkaitis, Edited by Phoebe

Gediman)

1

★ Class Advisors: Mrs. Witkowski and Important Information for Mrs. Wasley

Each Class Sophomores

★ Class officers meet once a week for

homecoming and class comp prep, By Phoebe Gediman the rest of the year they meet once There is always a lot going on during the a month, all are welcome school year, and it is important for the ★ A message from one of your class student body to be informed on what is advisors, Ms. Hickey: “We are happening for their individual class. Here ​ always accepting new students to are some dates and other information that join and help out with planning you should know. events, fundraising, etc. We are Seniors hoping to have a variety of students ★ Class officers meet when needed, volunteer for class competition, not all are welcome to help. just the same people in every ★ Powder Puff game - November event.” 26th ★ Class Advisors: Ms. Hickey and Mr. ★ Senior Class Picture - November Levesque 27th in the Wood Gym (after Freshman homeroom) ★ Class officers meet Wednesday ★ Class of 2020 & 2021 Prom - May mornings at 7am in room 227 and 30th at the Farmington Club all are welcome ★ Super Senior Banquet - May 28th ★ at the Aqua Turf Club Class Advisors: Mrs. Jambard and

★ Senior Athletes Awards Banquet - Ms. Wells

June 3rd at the Aqua Turf Club Information for All the Classes: Make sure ​ ★ Class of 2020 Graduation that you pay your class dues! If you do not

Ceremony - June 12th (location tbd know what these are, they are $25 that

by weather) outside: Tinty Field, each student must pay to their class

inside: Wood Gym advisors (NOT CLASS OFFICERS) for

★ Class Advisors: Mr. Michaud and each year, totaling up to $100. This money

Mr. Andros will go to your individual grades, and goes

Juniors towards events such as Junior/ Senior

★ Class officers meet weekly, all are Prom, and Senior Class Picnic. If you do

welcome. not pay your class dues, you cannot attend

★ Powder Puff game - November these events. You must have at least $75

26th paid by your junior year (the first 3 years)

★ Participate in a town wide to attend Junior Prom. So, Freshman and

scavenger hunt in Spring! Sophomores you do not need to worry

2

about these yet, but now you know what finished the season 9-6-1. One of the they are. highlights was the 0-0 tie against

undefeated defending Class LL state

champion Glastonbury. Going into the Plainville High School Fall tournament, the boys beat Aerospace 3-0

Sports in the first and then Nonnewaug 6-1 in the

By Jens Wadehn second round. On Friday, the boys beat

Granby 1-0 in the Quarterfinals with a

The Plainville High School goal scored by Luis Fernando Arango. On

Football team has had their best season in Tuesday, November 19th in the semi final, many years, starting off with three wins they lost against Stonington High School against East Catholic, Northwest Catholic with a score of 4-0.

and Jonathan Law. The girls swimming team led by

The first loss, co-captains Phoebe Gediman and

against 8 time state Elizabeth Susco, finished their season with

champion a record of 6-6. This seasons captain

Bloomfield, was Phoebe Gediman, “wanted to focus on

according to being a good

sophomore wide captain this

receiver year and make

Justin Emeri, sure I was there

“a rough for all my

one”. He also teammates mentioned, “But we lose to them like because I knew every year so it was just like a bitter sting it was my last there.” Following the loss, the football year swimming team has had four wins against Tolland, and I wanted to

Rocky Hill, Avon and Lewis Mills and only give my all into one loss against Berlin. Plainville has the # my last

8 seed with one game remaining against season.”

Farmington on Thursday the 28th and a Last chance to make to the quarterfinals for the Friday the girls participated in CCC’s and first time since 2010. Isabella Samperi, Natalie Basile and Olivia

The Boys Soccer Sleszynski even made all-conference.

team had a The girls volleyball team led by

disappointing start Katie Tanguay, Maggie Cronkhite and

to their season with Olivia Gajor finished their season with 4

four losses but wins and 16 losses. Although their record

recovered and could be better, it was an exciting season

3

(continued on page 3) Thank you Chef (continued from page 2) because the ​ By Andrew Michalek team improved from their 2-18 record last Edited by Kevin Hormoz year. According to Senior Vanessa Xiques:

“The season was fun! I loved the majority Chef Lesage is one of the best of the seniors and we all bonded pretty teachers to ever walk the halls at Plainville well.” High. His attitude towards teaching kids The girls soccer team had expected culinary is very positive and passionate. a disappointing season. The Lesage had many big accomplishments team lost the majority of throughout his teaching career. The first their players from last year accomplishment Lesage said he had was and had to, essentially, becoming a teacher, which he never rebuilt their entire team. thought he would. Lesage said it was after Led by captains Delaney he became an executive chef that he Beausoleil, Jordan decided that he wanted to teach kids the Tompkins and Lyndsey art of culinary. Luckily for Chef, DiTolla the team his high school culinary teacher struggled to come up and him were friends until with enough players to Lesage was 55 years old. participate and finished the season 2-14, Lesage believes that everyone only beating Platt and Hartford Public. should learn to cook because it is part of The boys and girls cross country life and he said “if I can teach the basics season this year was in than that will make me happy.” Lesage Matthew Andersen’s loves being in the kitchen, however the words, “Better than main reason he became a teacher rather expected.” Both the boys than an executive chef is because Lesage and girls lost a number never saw his kids. In fact, he said that “the of very well performing 1st 8 christmases after his kids were born seniors from last season his wife recorded everything that but still made happened on that day because Chef was so the best out of busy on the job and was not there.” the talent When asked how he felt when he they had. A first started helping kids with culinary, big improvement to last year was that the Lesage stated that “he felt rewarded boys had more depth on the team than because students have a thirst for before. knowledge when they are interested and

when they are doing something they like

(continued on page 4) 4

(continued from page 3) Lesage clearly is dedicated to working that makes me happy.” Lesage struggled with kids in the kitchen so much that he his first two years to come up with a does not want to leave but knows that teaching style because kids were much unfortunately it is time for him to go. slower in the kitchen than he would have With the sense of humor that Lesage liked, Lesage used to pay people based on possesses he said that “the biggest factor how fast they worked in the kitchen. for him retiring is that he is too old and

When Lesage decided that he wanted to doesn’t want to be that old teacher that be a teacher he went home and told his students say why doesn’t he retire wife that he was quitting his job and going already.” Also Lesage said that “he had back to school, then two days later Lesage enough years to retire.” Lesage stated that was back at school where he attended he plans to stay busy and work on other

Central. He was in classes for 2 years at things but he just won’t be at PHS night at the age of 40. The anymore. Thank you Chef for everything accomplishments that Lesage has had you have done for the students, faculty throughout his teaching and kitchen and school in general. You will be missed! career made him who he was today, it all started when he got chef of the year in

1999 at that awards dinner. A culinary teacher asked Lesage to be a culinary teacher and Lesage taught one day at

Farmington and that changed his career and his life.

When Lesage first started teaching he struggled with slowing down his pace and learning classroom skills but he has definitely overcome those struggles and became a fantastic teacher. After a few years of teaching Lesage learned that if you respect students they will respect you back. Students are young and they make mistakes, that’s ok because you are going to make mistakes and you have to learn to let them do that. When asked how difficult it was to retire he told me a true story and said, “I went to bring my papers to retire and went back home because I didn’t want to do it.” Lesage loves what he does and says he has the best job in the school.

5

Posner describes her teaching method as a New American Sign sandwich, with the first part introducing

Language Class at PHS the material, the middle learning more

Written by: Elizabeth Lahoud about the topic, and the bottom is review

Edited by: Phoebe Gediman and being able to connect it to real-life

situations. She admits it is challenging

Plainville High School's new class, trying to keep students constantly engaged

American Sign Language (ASL), teaches with new material and says it requires students how to communicate with the strategic thinking to help every student

Deaf Community and also spreads master the awareness about Deaf Culture. The class is skills they taught by Mrs. Rachel Posner this school need to move year, who expressed her excitement at the on with the opportunity of being able to teach lesson. It can students ASL, "When the opportunity rose be for me to teach within the school system, I embarrassing did not hesitate. Although it is out of my getting comfort zone, way out as I taught at the

American School for the Deaf, which was within my element. Signing. However, no something wrong in front of the class, room for growth. Too comfortable and which is the reason Posner requires stationary." Posner moved to Plainville students to make mistakes and have fun fifteen years ago and was shocked at the while learning to properly communicate in support she received from the town. She ASL, "Facial expressions, body language, describes teaching as being her passion and hand movements. It's complex, but also describes some of the struggles of exciting all at the same time." having to teach at a new school, "Being in The ASL class is a half-year course the mainstream setting has challenged me that anyone can take by speaking to their in many ways that I couldn't imagine. It guidance counselor. The class can be has required me to think outside the box, considered as a fresh breath of air, as it is trial, and errors and, most importantly, different from any other class that how to have fun! To ensure my students Plainville High School has to offer. ASL is are learning and having fun alongside me, about building bridges and having the despite whatever communication or opportunity to connect to more people, cultural barriers there may be." and Posner's class provides that.

The class has students actively participate, through activities and class discussions on how the world is accessible, or not accessible to the Deaf Community.

6

from each other, by learning about one

another Garrity says, “In sharing or Inside the ​ learning these things, we can be more

understanding and compassionate towards

Diversity Club one another.” In life Garrity believes that

By Kevin Hormoz we are all searching for the same things.

Edited By Phoebe Gediman To be happy, loved, secure, and successful.

What makes the club for Garrity is when,

When Ms. Teresa Garrity came to “students in the club feel like they have a

PHS she was approached by two senior space to be honest and open. I want each students that had wanted to start a new student to feel heard and validated.” As of club. Maria Photoraj and Evangeli Collado now there are 12 students currently were the ones to approach her and they attending the meetings of the club shared an idea. An idea for a new club at however Garrity is always looking for the school. The type of club that would more and more students to come in and bring students of not just race but gender, join. age, sexual orientation, religion, and ethnicity together. School Rules ​ With over 400 students attending By Jillian Arens the school there is a very diverse crowd of Edited by Phoebe Gediman people. Garrity saw the club as an opportunity to bring us all together in an Most students in Plainville High interview Garrity stated “I see this wide School are not big fans of the new range of diversity amongst the students, bathroom rule that has been enforced. The however, I don’t see as much unity.” And bathrooms remain locked between the that is what this club is all about, it is times of 11:43 to 1:08. During this time, about bringing the students together. High which is the school’s lunch blocks, the schoolers can at times be very rude to bathrooms in all four hallways are locked. others, this is not something that is new The only bathroom that stays open is the students have been bullied for being a one right next to the security office. Many different race, religion, or their sexual students are annoyed that this rule has orientation. been established. They feel that this rule

Garrity’s hopes for the club are for affects their day in a negative way rather students to appreciate others for who they than a positive way. Alex Frigugliett says, are and where they come from, she hopes “Sometimes I have to pee during fifth the club will allow students to open up to block, and it's an inconvenience because I each other about themselves or their have to walk further and miss a larger culture. Students who are in the club to chunk of class.” She has expressed that this learn about each other and how they differ rule takes away more time from her

7

Continued from page 6 reason is we were also noticing that

learning when she has to use the students were eating lunch in the bathroom, instead of walking 30 seconds bathrooms and for sanitary reasons we down the hall. need to give students another place to eat

Jada Wilson thinks different. “I felt so by locking them down it kind of forced like it was a good idea because it got me them into guidance or the main office out of class for about 10 minutes. I have to instead of having their lunch in the walk all the way down to the office to use bathrooms which is something we didn’t the bathroom. Although it was a little bit want to continue. ” Says the Plainville ridiculous that some people needed to High Schools Assistant Principal, Jen utilize the bathrooms at this time, I feel DeLoreno. DeLoreno also emphasizes that like vaping was a huge factor as to why vaping was a huge factor as to why this this privilege was taken from the high rule took initiative. Although many find school students.” Jada says that she likes this rule disrupting their learning, it has this rule because students were abusing been placed to make our school a better the bathrooms, specifically during this place, to stop violations from occurring, time, and would vape. This rule was and for our bathrooms to stay clean. invented because of vaping during lunch waves. But people who are innocent when it comes to vaping and using the bathroom for other reasons than simply using it for Plainville High School its purpose are suffering and missing class ​ time from having to walk farther than they Powder-Puff 2019 should. By: Makaih Fraser-Worrell

“Last year, when we were tracking Edited by Kevin Hormoz student data on stuff that was happening

Tuesday, November 12, 2019 was the in the bathrooms, the majority of the first meeting for the Senior classes incidents were during block five when Powder-puff team. Mr. John Andros and Mr. people were in Steven Michaud are the class advisors who led the cafeterias. We the meeting. They gave the team important did track data information such as when the practices were afterwards, and setting some ground rules. They have a instances with mandatory practice on Tuesday, November 19, violations during 2019 because a referee will be there to go over that period have the rules of the game. If you do not attend this gone down, so we practice, will not be able to play the day of the feel like it has game unless you have a legitimate reason why been a success. you did not attend. (continued on page 8) ​ The second

8

(continued from page 7) Andros was cancellation days we have. The ​ interviewed the next day to discuss what underclassmen would have to come to

Powder-puff meant to him. He said that, school still, after June 12. LePage says,

“Powder-puff is a way to have any Juniors and “Previously all students, including seniors, ​ ​ ​ had to complete Seniors to get 180 or more involved with a school days. New sport without legislation, Public having to try out. Act 19-195, This also starts the effective July 1, countdown for the 2019, allows seniors and lets school boards to them know that approve a their year as graduation date

seniors is almost for seniors

over. They only once the 180

have a little bit of originally

time to cherish the scheduled

moments they'll school days

have because once have passed (by statute, we must hold at

graduation comes by least 180 school days each year).” Families you'll most likely never see those people again of the senior class can now mark on their

̈. He said, “Powder-puff is held the day before calendars that the graduation date is set to class competition because its an extremely June 12 and will not be changed.

Regarding students in Pre-K through 11th special week for Plainville High.” grade, they must make up any cancellation

days that happen during the year. A

concern with this new set date is that

seniors that may be a little behind, will Graduation Date is not have time to get their grades up before

the graduation date. LePage states, “I Set and Stone ​ understand that there are some issues and

factors to deal with in ensuring that all

students meet requirements within the By: Jada Wilson perhaps shortened time frame; however,

since snow days are typically not a threat Exciting news has been brought to after mid-March, I am hoping that the the Senior Class of 2020. Mr. Steven time remaining during the last quarter will LePage, Superintendent of Plainville provide sufficient time to plan accordingly schools explained on Tuesday, November to meet district requirements.” Many 12 that Plainville High School senior class students are thrilled about this new of 2020 will be graduating on June 12. A change. It is the first year this rule is being proposal was brought to the Board of put into place and will determine the use Education that seniors would graduate on of it for future years. that date, no matter how many

9

fourth school that she has worked at out

of the eight years that she has been

Warm Welcome to teaching.

Growing up in a household of

New Teachers Spanish speakers, she has always loved the

By Makenzie Car on language. She also loves traveling and

Edited by Kevin Hormoz Spanish has helped her throughout her

travels. The hope that Ms. Garrity has is

There are new people entering that Spanish will help others like it has

Plainville High School every year. Not helped her. only freshman and new students, but teachers too.

Mr. Ryan O’Connell is the new social studies teacher at PHS, he teaches

World History and American

Government along with Regions. It is difficult to find a teaching job, especially if you have no other experience with teaching. Aside from applying to PHS,

Mr. O’Connell applied to forty other schools.

Before becoming a social studies teacher, Mr.

O’Connell wanted to be a physical education teacher.

He then went on to explain how one of his good friends was a social studies teacher and that is what influenced him to change what he wanted to teach.

Mr. O’Connell says that his experience at PHS has been overwhelmingly positive. That PHS is a “good school and great community.”

Ms. Teresa Garrity is the new

Spanish one and three teacher. PHS is the

10

2019 Class School Lunch By: Joe Raimondi

School lunches at the Competition plainville high school are By Makenzie Caron condemned with whole Edited by Kevin Hormoz grains and whole wheat, if

the school could Class Competition has been just have regular PHS tradition for at least twenty years. ingredients and The tradition continues with the fresh ones the students wouldn't complain upcoming class competition that's taking as much and the school would waist less place November 26th. overall. The kids wouldn't be sluggish Student council has been preparing towards the end of the day and would one for class comp since the day after day appreciate it. The food would look homecoming. Mr. John Czerwinski has better and more vibrant, pleasing to the been in charge of eye high school kids wouldn't mind eating student council for the school lunches at all. While school lunches past two months, his are mainly for the people who cant bring first year being in food during the school day. This brings charge of class comp. food to the student who can't afford it. Surveys were sent Commonly thrown away and just out to see looked at, school lunches are atrocious what now days. This is due to the hunger games free-kids act put in place by ex first lady would Michelle Obama. School lunch may never make the cut, and what games would not. be good unless full organic and energizing Student council looked at all the games meals come in place of these poor though, from the last two years and ended up bland and indigestible food these schools getting rid of three games. They also call “lunch”. Made with ingredients that researched games that other schools were have very little to no nutritional value. doing and incorporated them into our Continuously making a cycle of the class competition. same lunches over the whole school year it Student council is a good way to would be nice just to see a different variety share your ideas for the school. Mr. of lunch instead the one or 2 choices you Czerwinski “encourages anyone with have everyday. More people would opinions to come by and work with appreciate it a whole lot more if everyday student council to make PHS an even a fresh lunch was made for them and not better school.” made from frozen or canned ingredients.

11

Jens Wadehn

Crazy Kids With understands the

struggles Isaac

Crazy Cars goes through,

By: Michael Melninkaiti s since his truck

Edited by Kevin Hormoz does not start in

the winter

Some people think what car you weather. own displays one’s personality. In that Jens has a case, let’s take a look at 1998 Chevrolet S10, one of three S10s in some cars owned by the school. He purchased it from a private students in the school. seller off of craigslist who installed a

Kevin Hormoz’s car lowering kit, gave it shiny chrome rims, is known to smell great. It and for some reason engine swapped it is a black 2016 Toyota from a V6 to an I4. Although Jens has to

Camry. It currently has low put the pedal to the metal every time he tire pressure in the accelerates due to its lack of power, his front left wheel, truck makes up for it with a whopping but Kevin ensures 26 miles per gallon. #coldstart it is a very reliable car to own. It was Phoebe Gediman owns a black bought new at Steven’s Toyota in Bristol, 2005 Nissan Sentra. Although it has had

CT. #classy some problems, it still manages to get her

Isaac Cater’s car is not running to school. She has needed brakes, belts, great right now, but at least it’s running. and wheel bearings throughout her time

His car is a 1991 Nissan 300ZX, purchased with her car. It was bought through her

from a private owner off of dad’s friend last year. She states, “it’s a

facebook marketplace. He is good car and gets me places.”

currently working on getting #goodenough

his license so that he could Tomasso Ettorre loves his rusty

register it in his own name silver 2006 Dodge Dakota, sporting a 4.7

and not have to walk to liter Magnum V8. The check engine light

school and back home is always on, but that does not stop him

everyday. Although he from cruisin’ around town. He bought it

came close to selling it off of facebook marketplace from a private

a one point, he states seller and takes pride in each ding and

“I love this car more than I love women.” dent. He gets 10 miles per gallon highway

His final plan is to turn it into a full blown and 5 city. #rustbucket #onewheelsqueal drift car. Give his car instagram a follow

@kidwithaz32. #zociety

12

The Life of A Plainville

High School Senior

Tyler Mandeville enjoys shifting By: Isaac Cater his silver 5-speed 2014 Honda Civic Edited by Phoebe Gediman everywhere. It was bought new from Seniors during High School have a

Hoffman Honda in Simsbury, CT. He gets very different experience than that of the

30 miles per gallon, but turns the economy classes below them. They often have less mode off to maximize his “smiles per classes and are focusing on finding a path

gallon.” He states it is “not after High School. Many of them like the

the fastest, but is loads of freedom that comes with it, and are sad

fun.” that it is coming to an end. There are a lot

#bwaapoosh #ripcivic of factors can play into this, and all seniors

If you like trucks, but want do not share the same experience as

something that is “smooth, everyone else. However, there are a few

fast, and comfortable,” then things that all seniors have in common

you will like and this article will discuss them.

Matthew There are privileges and rewards

Cianchetti’s given to seniors who work hard and prove

white 2018 to the administration that they are worthy

Ford F-150 xlt. It features a white ski-doo of them. One of these privileges is the sticker and a 3.3 liter ecoboost V6. He outdoor patio that seniors can use during purchased it from Universal Auto right lunch. Any student that is not a senior is here in Plainville, CT. #ECOBOOST technically not

allowed to eat

lunch on the patio

(despite

constantly

breaking the

rules). Any

student is allowed to

use the patio, so long

as they are a senior. Kevin Hormoz states,

“It is a great place to eat lunch during the

spring. Any other time of the year is not

good.” Early dismissal and Late Arrival is

also granted to seniors. These privileges

are not granted to every senior and there

(continued on page 13) 13

Plainville High School and the faculty

(continued from page 12) recognize all the hard work and effort they are requirements necessary. A form needs put in to make it this far. to be filled out and consent from a legal guardian is needed. Seniors must have A Letter from the made at least bronze honor roll for the previous quarter, maintain a reasonable Editor level of behavior, and to provide blocks Jamison Smith that show they can leave early or arrive Edited by Phoebe Gediman late. Michael Melninkaitis states, “I enjoy it because I have more time to get things As the year comes to a close, we the done.” Seniors are going through their last class of 2020 want to share some of our year in high school and have to find out knowledge about what lies ahead for you. what lies ahead of them. Many of them As the senior body we want to keep the have find a college they would like to PHS culture alive. People come and go, attend, or a job field they’re interested in. grades rise and fall. In the grand scheme of

Plainville has a wide variety of students things everything and nothing matters all who pursue different job options and at once. While grades are important, education opportunities. Luckily for them, friends are too. We would like to share

Plainville High School teachers and some advice that helped us succeed, to counselors are extremely helpful in getting better prepare you for your future. students to where they want to go after When asked, many of the seniors high school. Recruiters are often present made it abundantly clear that getting your in the high school and if they are not, work done ahead of schedule is very name cards and numbers are readily important. It’s better to apply yourself available. Counselors help seniors find during your first two years said another. colleges of their choice and career Another important topic that came up opportunities they would be interested in. frequently was to not goof around and to

Teachers help write recommendation cherish the memories you make with letters and all of the faculty supports the friends. One senior said “Make memories students. and don’t be an idiot.”

Seniors come from different Many seniors stressed that your backgrounds and live in different time at PHS goes by quickly and that you situations. They have their own interests should make the most of it. For the people and priorities that make each one of them who are looking at college, your junior different. The topics discussed in this year is almost paramount for some article are things that all seniors have in colleges. “Teachers are here to help you, common and can bring them together. don’t be afraid to ask,” said another senior.

This is their last year of being a part of the Some of the most important advice we

14

(continued on page 14) Credits

(continued from page 13) seniors can Head Editors: Jamison ​ ​ give to the freshman is to not let your Smith and Isaac Cater grades control you. Grades are very important but it is vital to find a good balance between school and outside Layout Editors: Kevin relationships. The lack of a good balance ​ will negatively affect one or the other. Hormoz and Phoebe

In conclusion, to all freshmen, stay Gediman on task and get a foot in the door. In doing this, it will open many doors down the road. For the sophomores, use the three Photographers: Jada Wilson, Ps: Plan, Prepare, and Practice. Be it for a ​ job interview or preparing for college. Jillian Arens, and Makaih

Lastly the juniors and upcoming seniors. Fraser-Worrell Get out there, make a name for yourself and finalize your future. It may be scary but human nature is built on the fear of Section Editors: Jens the unknown. ​ Wadehn (sports), Elizabeth

Lahoud (news)

Reporters: Makenzie Caron, ​ Michael Melninkaitis,

Andrew Michalek, Joseph

Ramondi