Holy oke P ublic Sc ho ols Connections Volume 14, Issue 3 Spring 2016 Artist: Destiny Franco A Community Working Together

An Open Letter to the Holyoke School Community Celebrating Teaching and Learning By Dr. Stephen Zrike, Receiver

Holyoke Families and Community Members,

Donahue Student Artist: Siannah Santos It has been a privilege celebrating the talented students and staff in the Holyoke Public Schools over the last few months. In March we were able to recognize seven staff members who were awarded the Howard Grinspoon Award for Excellence in the . As we celebrated and honored these Inside this issue: teachers, I couldn’t help but think that these awards could have been given to countless teachers across HPS. All year I have watched our teachers go to great lengths to connect with families, exten- sively plan lessons to reach all students, provide an embrace or words of encouragement to a reluctant Announcements 2-4 learner and remain open-minded about our turnaround work. Our most critical asset is our staff and we are committed to continuing to develop, support and advocate for their success with our city’s School News 4-11 children. Athletics and 12 At the same time, we must also highlight the extraordinary talents of our young people. In the last few After School months, our students have been celebrated for: their induction to the National Honor Society, their performance on last year’s MCAS assessment, excellence in athletics, a critically acclaimed perfor- Spanish 13-16 mance of Shrek, their art work at the annual Heritage Park show and outstanding achievement in the career technical fields. These are just some of the many examples of students sharing their brilliance across the Holyoke Public Schools.

There is much to build and grow on as we begin planning for the 2016-17 school year. We have com- Edition Highlights: pleted a series of important and exhaustive reviews of our special education programming, our services for English Language Learners, and our central office design. These reviews have revealed opportuni- ● Excellence in Teaching Awards ties for us to better serve our students. Specifically, we have committed resources to: providing ● Register for Pre-K and schools with additional discretionary funds to support their full school day plans, launching an aggres- Kindergarten Today! sive campaign to retain our best educators and recruit talent to Holyoke, and improving technology access for students and staff. We continue to invest in the early childhood experience through the ● Join the HPS Team of Educators! expansion of preschool seats, introduction of project-based curriculum and a stronger orientation to our schools. Our secondary redesign efforts are focused on establishing a personalized 9th grade acad- ● HHS National Honor emy at Holyoke High, increasing early college options for students and designing multiple pathways for Society Inductees student success across both high school campuses. Finally, we value providing our families with multi- ● Dean’s Destination ple choices for their child’s education. We continue to expand the dual language program at Metcalf Graduation by growing to second grade and adding a preschool option for interested families. Additionally, we ● Autism Awareness have launched an exciting personalized pathway program (P3) at Peck that is open to all 6th and 7th grad- ers from across the District. This approach uses the power of one-to-one technology to provide stu- dents with an individualized learning experience that includes project-based time, mentoring, interven- tion/acceleration and enrichment.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we take bold and innovative steps to trans- form the teaching experience for our educators and the learning experience for our students. We are committed to ensuring that the Holyoke Schools are the first choice for our city’s families.

Receive updates on district news, view videos and photos! Like us www.Facebook.com/HolyokePublicSchoolsLike us www.Facebook.com/HolyokePublicSchools Follow us https://twitter.com/HPSHOLYOKEFollow us https://twitter.com/HPSHOLYOKE

Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us

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Mission Statement

The mission of the Apply today to join the Holyoke Public Schools team of educators! Holyoke Public Schools is to provide Learn more at www.teachwesternmass.com educational opportunities for all students to reach their full potential in a safe, secure, healthy 9th Grade Academy Open House learning environment while valuing diversity May 11, 2016 at 5:45 PM in the Auditorium and promoting (For 8th graders who are starting as high school freshmen in 2016) responsible citizenship. Receive a tour of the school, meet members of clubs and athletic teams

Pre-K and Kindergarten—Register Today! Holyoke School Committee Pre-K children must be 4 years old and

Kindergarten children must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2016 Mayor Dennis Birks SEE PAGE 4 Erin Brunelle FOR MORE DETAILS, INCLUDING SCHEDULE OF John Brunelle INFORMATION SESSIONS William Collamore Nyles Courchesne ANNE CULLEN PRIZE RECIPIENTS Irene Feliciano-Sims Anne Cullen was a dedicated teacher of Holyoke Public School (HPS) students for thirty years. Throughout her Mildred Lefebvre career as an educator, she exhibited a consistent commitment to strive to give the best to all of her students. Devin Sheehan In honor of her example, the Anne Cullen Prize for Teaching Excellence recognizes outstanding teachers in Rosalee Tensley Mathematics and other disciplines. Award recipients exemplify and embody the belief that all students can achieve success. The HPS teachers that were selected as recipients include: Roseanne Caracciolo, David Cayer, Williams Kari Courchesne, Lindsay Hall, Erin Hanley, Karen Kent, Katherine King, Ashley Kulik, Tamara Lindskog, Michelle Longey, Amy Piedra, Manes Pierre, Kathleen Plasse, Yajaira Rodriguez, Julie Rohan and Dustin Rose. These educators taught at the HPS April Acceleration Academy.

Connections Newsletter

Edited by: Judy Taylor [email protected] Translated by: Luz Aguilar and Jacqueline Escalera

“What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven't even happened yet.” - Anne Frank

Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us

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Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award

The prestigious 2016 Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award (PVEIT) was presented to the following seven Holyoke Public Schools educators on Thursday, March 5th:

Destinee Meeker (McMahon School) Annemarie Khalil (Morgan School) Erin Hanley (Kelly School)

Korri Flynn (Lawrence School) Margaret Miller (Sullivan School) Mary Wright (Donahue School)

Nicole Horton (Holyoke High School)

Excited family members and district administrators surprised the educators with balloons, flowers, and award certificates. To learn more about this year’s recipients and view video coverage of this exciting event, visit: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/grinspoon.htm.

Left to right

Top row:

Korri Flynn, Nicole Horton;

Annemarie Khalil

Middle row:

Mary Wright, Erin Hanley;

Bottom row:

Destinee Meeker ,

Margaret Miller

The PVEIT Award provides recipients with $500 cash, an engraved plaque, a three month YMCA and Springfield JCC membership, two tickets to a celebratory dinner at the Log Cabin, an invitation from WGBY to take an online course, and $100 scholarships from local universities towards graduate courses.

Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us

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Sullivan Educator Honored for Teaching Excellence

Kelly Doktor, second-grade teacher at Sullivan Elementary School, was honored for the Teaching Excellence for Americanism and Patriotism Award by the Hampden County District 7 Veterans of Foreign Wars in a ceremony in Ludlow on March 8th. Doktor was one of five teachers, and the only one from Holyoke, to receive this award representing the 23 cities and towns in Hampden County. Her work in the classroom promoting civics and government by recognizing patriotic holidays through read-alouds and activities, as well as her volunteer work for the VFW organiza- tion in the community, had earned this nomination. Along with certificates from the Left to right: Eric Segundo, Massachusetts VFW Statehouse and the VFW and a cash award, she is now eligible for the Massachusetts Teaching Vice Commander; Kelly Doktor, Brian Willette, Excellence for Americanism and Patriotism Award which will be announced at the VFW State Purple Heart Recipient and Commander of the Convention on June 10th. Congratulations Ms. Doktor! Holyoke VFW and Julie Mason, Ladies Auxiliary. Students Perform at Western Massachusetts Junior District Festival By Amanda Metcalfe Music In Our Schools Month was alive and well in the performance hall at Minnechaug Regional High School on Saturday, March 19th. Three middle school students from Lt. Clayre P. Sullivan School proudly represented Holyoke as they performed amidst hundreds of peers from Longmeadow, Amherst, and other surrounding communities at the Western Massachusetts Junior District Festival! Students Jalen Cortes (grade 8) and Sixto Morera (grade 6) performed in the Young Men’s festival chorus, while student Bridie Bowler (grade 6) performed in the Young Women’s treble festival chorus. Students delivered a Student performers (left-to-right) include: Sixto powerful performance to a packed auditorium. Morera, Bridie Bowler and Jalen Cortes

The Western District Junior Festival Concert is the culmination of a highly competitive performance opportunity for students from the surrounding cities of Western Massachusetts. Students spend two entire Saturdays from 9 am till 3 pm rehearsing with other students from around the state and finish the event by giving a performance on the second Saturday. Students are selected by audition and expected to practice their music prior to the Saturday rehearsals with their teachers. Sullivan music teacher Amanda Metcalfe said of her students, “They are hard-working kids and I hope that this experience will inspire them to continue making music for the rest of their lives.”

This is Jalen's 2nd time qualifying, and Sixto and Bridie's first time (and the first time they have been eligible for participation too, so it's quite a feat!). They had a blast and their concert was spectacular. Congratulations to our hardworking musical students!

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN for School Year 2016-17

Pre-K children must be 4 years old and Kindergarten children must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2016.

ATTEND A PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION DAY AT THE SCHOOLS to meet staff, complete enrollment and ex- plore the programs (including Head Start and VOC Pre-K programs):

Sullivan School Friday, May 6th 8:30 am – 2:45 pm (Call Aida to schedule a tour at 534-2100)

Lawrence School Friday, May 20th 8:30 am – 2:45pm

Kelly School Monday, May 23rd 5 pm – 7 pm

EN White School Wednesday, May 25th 8:30 am – 2:45 pm (Tours available 9-11am or 1:00-2:45 pm) McMahon School Thursday, May 26th 6:00 pm – 7 pm

Donahue School Friday, May 27th 8:30 am – 2:45 pm

Morgan School Tuesday, May 31st 8:30 am – 2:45 pm

EXPLORE THE DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM AT METCALF SCHOOL - The Metcalf School offers a unique Dual Language Program for Pre-K to 2nd grade students. This innovative program offers language acquisition opportunities in English and Spanish. Call Amy Burke, Princi- pal at 413-534-2104 or visit 2019 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA for an application and more information.

FOR REGISTRATION APPOINTMENTS AT OTHER TIMES, APPLICATIONS AND INFORMATION, CALL OR VISIT THE: STUDENT ASSIGNMENT OFFICE - 57 Suffolk Street, 1st Floor in Holyoke - (413) 534-2007 / (413) 534-2055 Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays: 8:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m. | Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 8:00 -6:00 p.m.

Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us

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Girls on the Run at Kelly By Melanie Wise

Girls on the Run is enjoying great success so far at Kelly School. This social-emotional curriculum treats students holistically, teaching skills for positive relationships, healthy choices for emotional and physical wellness, and increased confidence. The 10 week program culminates with a Western Massa- chusetts 5K race for all the participating schools. The students are training with great anticipation for this exciting event which will take place at the end of the season, on Sunday, June 5th at 9:30 AM at Holyoke Community College. Any community member can register online to run in this race.

There are two teams: one Elementary team for grades 3-5 and a Middle School team for grades 6-8. The lessons vary to address the different maturity levels of the respective groups. At their last prac- tice, while the Elementary team sat in a circle stretching, each girl went around to share a reflection about that day. One runner shared the following: “I just want to say thank you for being a part of this team, I’m happy everyone was positive and gave their best effort today. I hope to see you all next week.” It is clear that this program is helping students make positive connections with one another, and work on important life skills that aren’t necessarily addressed within a traditional academic curriculum.

Learn more about this innovative program at http://www.girlsontherunwesternma.org/

Autism Awareness

April is Autism Awareness month and presents an opportunity to celebrate and support our autistic students, their teachers and families. Some of the activities associated with autism awareness that have been held at Metcalf include:  Craft, Bake Sale and Raffle event that took place during parent/teacher conferences.  Sale of puzzle pieces for students and families to decorate or write a message in honor of a student, family member, or friend with autism. We will have a collage of our puzzle pieces on display outside of the cafeteria.

All of the proceeds from these events benefit students in Metcalf's Autism Programs. Thank you to our staff, students families for your support!

Celebrating Spring By Marianne Currier

On March 29th, McMahon School Kindergarten students and their families celebrated the many ways the students have grown this year with a Spring Fling! Kindergarten families were invited to join their children for Literacy and Spring Craft activities to highlight what the students have been learning in their classrooms. The Kindergarten teachers did an amazing job creating lots of fun, learning about activities for the students and their families. Students wrote letters, popcorn words, numbers, and shapes as well as their names in shaving cream—an excellent hands on learning activity that many par- ents, especially dads, were excited to see and try at home. The children planted seeds and created a bird’s nest with clay, while sharing information they’ve learned about springtime with their families. The children were so excited to show off their knowledge and it was wonderful to see the families interacting with each other. Thank you to all the McMahon School Kindergarten staff, students, and families for making this event a great success.

McMahon Lights it Up Blue for the Kick-off to Autism Awareness Month

Students and staff wore blue to show support for our students with Autism. The school will celebrate all month with activities for students and families, fundraising, prizes, and will culminate with Autism Resource Night on Thursday April 28th.

Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us

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Preschool Alphabet Egg Hunt By Hilary Russell Preschool students at E.N. White Elementary took part in a special Alphabet Egg Hunt on Thursday, March 24th. Students searched the school's courtyard looking for eggs labeled with letters from their names. Students then placed their eggs in special spring bunny bas- kets they had made in the classroom art center. The Pre- school Alphabet Egg Hunt was very successful.

Visiting the Boston Science Museum By Hilary Russell From left to right: Donahue staff members with smiles include Jennifer Thanks to our wonderful, hard-working PTO (the E.N. White Tiger Pride Community Organization), in March, 7th and 8th grade E.N. White students Gonzalez (Family Access and Engagement Coordinator), Karyn McDer- spent the day at Boston’s Science Museum exploring the interactive stations and visiting the Planetarium. They were able to test out many of the con- mott (Assistant )Principal), and Erica Hernandez (Family Liaison). cepts they have been exploring in their classrooms and had rave reviews of the Planetarium show. For some students, it was their first experience at a planetarium. A great time was had by all and students were buzzing with energy from the experience.

Left: Eddie Kennedy and Stephany Perez help support the earth. Center: Students test out the light show. Right: Eighth grader Jacob Whitlock explores one of the exhibits.

Poetry Reading By Julie Griffin-Pluta The fourth graders recently held a poetry reading for family and friends. The students created and shared original poems inspired by Valerie Worth, Walter Dean Meyers and Robert Frost. The students read their poems, shared how the poets inspired them, and described characteristics of their work. Despite some nerves, all students did an amazing job sharing their work with such a large crowd!

Congratulations to Morgan School, recipient of the Healthy Start Award, for its high rates of school breakfast participation. The award will be presented at a ceremony on May 5th at the State House in Boston. Enchanted Circle Theater Rules to Live By Project By Dr. Chiaravalloti and Mrs. Dimitroglou Students in grades 4-6, presenting to the school committee. Recently, the 6/7 grade team participated in an artist-in-residence pro- gram with Enchanted Circle Theater, a project integrating theater arts were reading, Bud, Not Buddy, by Christopher Paul Curtis, to launch a with their English Language Arts core curriculum. Enchanted Circle teach- creative investigation in which they explored their own rules to live by. ing artist, Sarah Marcus, worked in partnership with Morgan teachers Dr. Chiaravalloti and Ms. Bovat, to implement an arts integration project Morgan School news continued on page 7. called Creative Classrooms. Students on the team used the book they

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Embarking on a Writing Adventure By Brigetann Reilly

For the first time in 10 years, the Western Massachusetts Writing ment. “We’re learning things we have never learned before,” she said. Project had enough money for a one-day workshop this week that Grade 8 student, Hailee Enriquez was among the 4 Donahue students engaged 144 students in workshops ranging from songwriting to writ- who read their pieces on stage at the culminating event. Her piece ing for social change. Thirty students from the Maurice A. Donahue especially, brought tears to several eyes in the room. Her classmate, School were lucky enough to engage in this opportunity. Selected by Elizabeth Keitt said, “ When Hailee read that to us, I learned something their teachers for their good behavior and writing skills, 10 students new about her. I see her differently now, in a good way.” each from Grades 6, 7, and 8 traveled to UMass Amherst on March 15, 2016 for a day of intense workshops. Chaperoned by ELL teacher Janet Each student was given the opportunity to submit their work to their Morales, Grade 6 ELA teacher Mary Hamel and Grade 7 and 8 ELA teacher who will then send their work to UMass for publication. All teacher Briget Reilly, the curious writers spent their day totally im- pieces will be published in a book. We look forward to reading the mersed in the world of creative writing. pieces all our aspiring authors have created.

Students in Grades 4 through 10 came from all over Western Massachusetts to Bartlett Hall at the University of Massachusetts.

Titled the “Youth Writing Adventure,” the event featured six workshops: songwriting, scriptwriting, writing for social change, short story-writing, writing with action, and social justice poet- ry. Each workshop was held twice during the day – once for stu- dents in Grades 8-10, and the second for younger students. Each student attended two workshops and was treated to a “real-life” college cafeteria lunch.

For the students from Donahue in the workshop, this was a won- derful opportunity. All the students in grades 6,7, and 8 wanted to The Donahue School CHAMPIONSHIP Intramural Basketball Team cele- come. There was so much interest in attending Tuesday’s writing brated their exciting season on Friday, 2/26 with a Basketball Banquet held workshop that administrators had to pull names from a hat in in the Donahue School Cafeteria. Coaches Harold Casey and Dylan Casey order to choose. “Coming to something like this is eye-opening hosted this magnificent event, catered by Harold's gracious wife, Jeanna. for my kids,” said Mary Hamel, 6th grade ELA teacher. “We don’t Families were treated to a wonderful meal and each basketball player re- get to do outside-of-the-box stuff like this. It blew their minds ceived a Championship trophy, a team sweatshirt, and a watch. The coach- that there are social justice teachers at other schools.” Alysha es really out did themselves with this event. It was a great way to celebrate Izquierdo, 12, is a Donahue student who echoed that senti- a great season.

Morgan School news continued from page 6. On March 22nd, 4th grade students presented Real Pirates: Exploring the Throughout this six week unit, students read Bud, Not Buddy and ex- History of Pirating through Song. This live theater presentation was the plored the concept of having rules to live by (as modeled by the main culmination of an 8 day artist-in-residence program with Enchanted Cir- character and protagonist in the book, Bud Caldwell) while also develop- cle Theater. Through this dynamic program, teaching artist Emma Ayres ing self-confidence and performance skills through a series of theater collaborated with ELA teacher Dean Nash, ELD teacher Kelly Dimi- games. As Bud taught students the value of living by rules such as “Family troglou, and the talented 4th grade students of Morgan School to re- is the most important thing” and “When one door closes, another one search, write, rehearse, and perform a dramatic musical presentation opens,” Morgan 6th and 7th graders brainstormed and collected their own rules to live by. Toward the end of the project, students began to work related to the current topic and school's standards-based curriculum. cooperatively in small groups to create dramatic elements they could use to “perform” their own rules. Finally, with Sarah Marcus’ guidance, each Fourth grade students had examined the life of pirates through a variety homeroom worked together to create a final performance montage with of disciplines. In English Language Arts, students read informational text each student having a speaking role with visual and audio accompani- on famous pirates and their adventures, dove into classic literature in- ments to perform their celebrated Rules to Live By. cluding Treasure Island and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and engaged in academic discussions regarding philosophical questions such as "Why do we seek treasure?”. As geographers, students explored the Gulf Stream Given the opportunity for reflection, many students observed how much and other currents that carried the pirate ships, and as social scientists they had grown in their own ability to stand up in front of an audience to they considered the impact of the “Triangular Trade” on the economy deliver a speech or performance. More importantly, students and staff and history of the . Enchanted Circle Theater’s artist-in- alike reflected on the teamwork and cooperation skills displayed by the residence program integrated these topics, the ELA Common Core State students to make the group performance a success. This integrated Standards, and the Massachusetts History and Social Science Curriculum project not only allowed students to internalize the life lessons offered by Framework with the theater arts into one cohesive unit. Through the the novel Bud, Not Buddy, but it also allowed students to develop new self process of creating Real Pirates, students developed their critical thinking -confidence and cooperation skills, as displayed proudly during the final and creative interpretation abilities, as well as enhanced their communi- performances. Working in collaboration with an Enchanted Circle teach- cation and collaborative learning skills. Fourth grade student Aliesh Cot- ing artist on an integrated project was truly an excellent experience for to Torres summed up the artist-in-residence experience by saying, “It students and staff alike. was wonderful, fun, and just plain awesome!”

Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us

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Peck-Lawrence Peck Campus

Student Voices On March 10th Peck School held Student Council elections. Thirty-two students from the elementary and middle school elected to run for office this year. They wanted to have a chance to make their school better. “Students wanted to have more voice and we listened to them, so now we’re creating the opportunity for students to have more impact and more buy-in” said Delinda Dykes, Director of Climate and Culture. All students cast their votes after having had the opportunity to hear speeches from all the candidates. Middle School (MS) President Destiny Calderon re- marked, “I was very excited when I learned I had won the presidency. I plan to work hard to make sure that students have a voice in the school and to help make changes to make our school better.” Elementary School (Elem) President Amaya Rodriguez stated, “It felt amazing to win because there were so many other kids running for the office. I plan to work hard as president.” Other elected members include: Amanda Concepcion – MS Vice President Jose Serrano – MS Secretary Desmond Figueroa – MS Historian Joanys Marcano – MS Treasurer Graciliana Laureano – MS Parliamentarian Ariadnna Ramos – Elem Vice President Amarilee Gonzales – Elem Secretary Miranda Rivera – Elem Treasurer Alexandra Osorio – Elem Historian Middle School President Elementary President Etiam Soto – Elem Parliamentarian Destiny Calderon Amaya Rodriguez

TIP Classrooms on the Go On March 18th five middle school TIP classrooms accompanied by their teachers and support staff travelled to Amherst for an exceptionally fun and educational field trip. They visited the Amherst Planetarium, the Natural History Museum, and were able to enjoy a nature walk. TIP Science teacher Mr. Chris Allen observed, “We wanted to show the kids authentic applications of what they have been learning in the classroom.” He went on to explain, “The planetarium correlates to the Middle School (MS) science curriculum for outer space and the Natural History Museum ties in directly with the MS biology and evolution curriculum.” Mr. Larry Ross, TIP History teacher, secured grant funding for the trip and observed further, “The planetarium brought to life our study of Greek Mythology.” John Santiago, a student in Mr. Ross’s classroom stated, “I liked the constellations of the Greek Gods and the animal structures in the museum.” All MS students exhibiting safe behavior leading up to the day of the trip were eligible to attend. Natural History Museum

BINGO

Isela Rivera, Family Engagement Coordinator and her many awesome volunteers hosted the first BINGO night at Peck on March 10th from 5:00PM – 7:00PM. It was a night full of fun and prizes for the entire Peck communi- ty. Cookies and other refreshments were served and many prizes were given out including gift cards and books. The big prize was a brand new bike won by 6th grader Zulier Marquez (right), who said, “I was shocked that I won! I am proud of winning the bike because not everyone has one. I like riding it around my neighborhood.” The next Bingo night will be on April 29th at 6 PM in the School gym.

Welcome To Peck Ms. Salvador!

Peck Full Service Community School is proud to welcome Ms. Kendra Salvador as our new principal starting this July. Ms. Salvador comes to Holyoke Public Schools with a mission to build on great programs that already exist at Peck and create new educational opportunities that meet the needs of all students across the school. She brings a deep knowledge and expertise on standards-based instruction and a high expectations culture for all students. The Peck Full Service Community welcomes Ms. Salvador and we look forward to working with her as we continue to strive towards achieving our potential and reaching our goals.

Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us

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Lawrence Campus

Blue Star Winners By Cathy Hourihan

As part of our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative, we have a weekly art and craft activity in the cafeteria on Thursday after- noons. At 2:00 PM an announcement is made to select one lucky student from each classroom’s basket of stars. That student is celebrated in the class and comes to the cafeteria for a surprise art and craft project. The more stars a student earns, the more chances that his/her name will be selected.

Enchanted Circle Theater - Reading Alive! Lawrence Parent Volunteers Tour At Lawrence School Gallery Kindergarten students and parents were invited to be part In celebration of Women’s History Month, of a spectacular art integration project, Reading Alive! This Wistariahurst presented an exhibition on Our program encouraged students to read with expression, to Grandmothers: Empowerment and Legacy. On March explore interpretation and comprehension, and experience 16th, four parent volunteers toured the exhibit to some of the many joys of reading in a fun and creative look at photographs and texts that promoted a format. dialogue on real historical witnesses and personal experiences.

Adult ESL Class at the Lawrence PreK-3 Campus by Lisa Hraba Since March 1, a bi-weekly adult ESL class has been taking place at Lawrence School. Half of the ten adult students attending the class are the parents of six Lawrence students. These adult learners are com- mitted to improving their English skills. Our focus is on increasing English vocabulary and oral-language skills. So far, we’ve worked on plural nouns, emotions, days of the week, months of the year, and verbs. We’ve just started the following new vocabulary topics: weath- er, seasons, and articles of clothing. Keep up the good work, life-long learners!

Family Fun Night

Students and their families were invited to a birthday party to celebrate renown children’s author, Dr. Seuss. Lawrence staff (Maureen Dupont, Jessica O’Malley, Nancy Catir, Elise Mitchell, and Sue Leary) created a birthday party atmosphere with pin the hat on the cat and other birthday games. A delicious Cat in the Hat cake was served. Yum!

Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us

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Business Club Raises Funds for Awareness of Addiction Through fundraising efforts, the Business Club has hired Chris Herren to come to speak to the students on May 20th at 1:15 PM. This is the second time the Club has funded a visit from Mr. Herron to talk to students about the danger of addiction.

Dodge for the Blue Knight Raises $2,700 By Jill Reardon

The Sport Management II class presented a $2,700 check to a representative of St. Jude's Children's Hospital on Friday, April 8th. The students hosted a dodgeball tournament fundraiser called "Dodge for The Blue Knight" and the funds raised are donated in memory of Erick Matos who passed away last year after a valiant fight against cancer. The tournament- was held Wednesday, March 16th in Holyoke High School's large gym. See video of the check presentation on our Facebook page.

New Inductions to the National Honor Society By Nicole Horton

Recently, Holyoke High inducted 23 new juniors into the National Honor Society (NHS). They join 25 seniors already in the group. To be considered, students must show evidence of excellence in the four pillars of NHS: scholarship, character, leadership and service. At the induction ceremony, the group col- lected more that 50 pounds of food which was donated to Margaret's Pantry. Congratulations to the following new inductees: Lauren Beaulieu, Matthew Bevan, Jacques Courchesne, Jackeline Curet, Kiara DeJesus, Maeghan Desmarais, Shannon Dion, Justin Godbout, Darian Gonzalez, Sarah Healy, Amber Lempke, Anaili Lopez, Alix Lopez, Nicole Lussier, Yarijel Melendez, Josephine Moriarty, Sara Morin, Manon Nadeau, Brianne Ramirez, Kiara Rivera, Tamara Rivera, Nysha Sanchez, and Ryan Walsh.

Last week, the NHS welcomed the American Red Cross to HHS for our second blood drive of this school year. A record 53 pints of blood were collected from HHS students and staff. Since April 2015, the NHS has sponsored 3 blood drives and have collected a total of 133 pints of blood. NHS students volunteered throughout the day in a variety of capacities including assisting with registration and supporting their fellow classmates, both during and after donating. Several members also donated blood. It was a fantastic day of giving!

Dual Enrollment Participation Increases

Thanks to our partnership with Holyoke Community College (HCC), early college opportunities are growing in the Holyoke Public Schools (HPS) and will continue to grow in the coming years. Twenty students participate in dual enrollment offerings at Holyoke Community College - an increase of eighteen students since the fall semester- due in part to a scheduling change and the guidance department’s collaboration with the college. The dual enrollment program affords our high school students with the unique opportunity to take college classes at Holyoke Community College.

Only certain college classes can be taken for dual enrollment credit. These courses expose qualifying juniors and seniors to challenging and rigorous coursework at a college-level which in turn helps prepare them for college. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to challenge themselves aca- demically and begin to acquaint themselves with the culture of higher education. One of our goals is to ensure that students are college and career ready when they graduate from Holyoke High School, and dual enrollment is one resource we have, and plan to rely on heavily, in achieving that goal.

Visit Holyoke High School on Facebook and Twitter Like and Follow us Today!

Facebook.com/holyokehighknights twitter.com/Holyoke_high

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Blood Drive DTHS's third and final blood drive of the year will Destination Graduation By Cynthia Carbone be held on May 12 in the DTHS gymnasium from 9 AM—2 PM and is open to the public. For more

information or to make an appointment, call The 3rd annual, "Destination Graduation" wellness, education, and career Cynthia Carbone, Wellness Coordinator at resource fair was held April 7th in Dean Technical High School’s gymnasi- um. Nearly 50 community partners shared information about their agency, 413-534-2071. school, or business at this event.

Free Mobile Dental Program for Dean Students "Destination Graduation was held during National Public Health Week, as part of Dean's celebration “Wellness Works.” The American Public Health Holyoke Health Center offered a fully equipped FREE mobile Association encourages becoming part of a movement for change during dental program for Dean Tech students. Dental caries is the #1 Public Health Week and to help all young people to graduate from high chronic disease in children and toothaches and mouth pain are school. Co-chair Cynthia Carbone explains that DTHS views this resource often reasons why students miss school. Dean students had fair as an important part of their comprehensive focus on their students’ access to restorative and preventative care including cleanings, overall wellness, education, and careers--with the intent to improve high exams, x-rays, fillings, sealants, fluoride treatments and oral hy- school graduation and provide their students with the skills they need to help giene instruction at school on April 12th. Dental professionals them be healthy and successful adults. UMass Amherst's Nancy Gilbert, co- included board certified pediatric dental specialists trained and chair, and her senior Community Health nursing students were active in dedicated to providing caring and compassionate oral health care every aspect of the fair planning. Dean Student Ambassadors welcomed and for teens. The university-based-faculty, staff dentists and resi- assisted exhibitors and visitors to the event. Students, family, and community dents offered comprehensive care and a free dental care kit was provided to each student. The Mobile Dental Team accepts members enjoyed free food, information, raffles and fun! MassHealth, Children’s Medical Security Plan, Health Safety Net and most private insurances. If you are interested in finding out more information about their next scheduled visit, contact Dean Wellness Coordinator Cynthia Carbone, RN, MSN, MEd at 413-534-2071 or Maureen Vosburgh, Pediatric Dental Outreach Coordinator at 413-420-2191.

A very special Poetry and Portrait Art Exhibit by 9th grade ELL students from Dean Technical High School was held at The Riverview Restaurant at Dean Tech.

This is one of several culminating events of a year-long arts inte- gration program with ENCHANTED CIRCLE, emphasizing crea- tive and critical thinking, and self-presentation on culturally rele- vant themes.

Dean students traveled to Boston, Massachusetts on February 25th to join Governor Baker and members of the Massachusetts Workforce Skills Cabinet at an event where it was announced that DTHS was awarded a $393,156 Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant to purchase and install voca- tional technical equipment.

Educators have identified that the Machine Technology Shop needed im- Athletics continued provements, which will now be made possible with the Skills Capital Grant. The grant will enable the high school toon transformpage 11. the existing Machine Technology Shop into an Advanced Manufacturing Program that is more closely aligned with current industry standards, in terms of prac- tices and equipment.

DTHS students Eric Torres, Hector Cabrera, Luis Breton, Edeni Colon and Daniel Torres attended the ceremony and were treated to a private tour of the Senate Chamber led by Senator Donald Humason.

Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us

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Athletics UPDATE By Melanie Martin Middle School intramural Soccer begins on Thursday, April 28th. Games will be played at Donahue School, with three games per day at 4:00, 5:00 and 6:00 PM. The play-offs will be held in June at Holyoke High School turf.

High School sports schedules are available online at the HPS website’s Athletics page - http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/athletics.htm

HOLYOKE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR MELANIE MARTIN WINS DAMKO AWARD

Holyoke Public Schools Director of Athletics Melanie Martin was selected to receive the Theodore "Ted" Damko District F Award. “This award is presented annually to an Athletic administrator with 3-5 years of experience in each district who has exemplified the highest standards of their profes- sion and has made significant contributions to their school and community,” said Dick Baker, Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Asso- ciation (MSSADA) Public Relations Director, in an award notification to Ms. Martin.

Holyoke High School Principal Stephen Sullivan stated, “I cannot think of anyone who would be more deserving of an award that exemplifies high stand- ards of professionalism and service to school and community. I do not know of anyone who is more dedicated to the youth of Holyoke than Melanie Martin. It is an absolute privilege to work with her and I cannot thank her enough for all she does for our city.”

Ms. Martin is one of eight athletic administrators selected to receive this prestigious statewide award. She began working in the Holyoke Public Schools as Athletic Trainer in 1994 and was promoted to the role of Athletic Director in 2012. Ms. Martin received the award at the Massachusetts Secondary School Athletics Directors Association (MSSADA) Conference in March. Congratulations Mel!

Visit our Athletic Department webpage http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/athletics.htm For Program Information, contact: The Athletic Office, (413) 493-1683 [email protected]

CONNECTIONS Family Event “Grows” Success at E.N. White School By Stacey Funston On Tuesday evening, February 23rd, the CONNECTIONS program at E.N. White Elementary School welcomed 47 people for a Family Fun Night. Families toured the program and learned about the different enrichment offerings. They then participated in a discussion about why they have their students in the program and gave some great feedback. Some of the parent quotes from surveys were: “I feel it is important for a child to engage in some sort of extracurricular activity,” “I work later hours and feel good knowing he is safe at school with familiar staff and Families decorating pots for planting students,” and “Everything you guys do is really good and it has helped my child improve how he interacts with friends and adults.” Students then joined their family to plant cooking herbs in a pot that they decorated. After the activity, the families were treated to a compli- mentary pasta dinner and a raffle where fun and educational board games were given as prizes. CONNECTIONS is looking to learn how to best support families and their students with our programs, and will be holding a Family Night such as this at other after-school sites this year. For more information about this program, please call the Hope Guardenier from School Sprouts gives families instructions on how CONNECTIONS office at 413-534-2168. to plant cooking herbs.

Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us

Connections Holyoke Public Schools Volumen 14, Edición 3 Primavera 2016 Artist: Destiny Franco

Una Carta Abierta a la Comunidad de la Escuela Holyoke

Celebrando la Enseñanza y el Aprendizaje

Por Dr. Stephen Zrike, Receptor de las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke

Artista Siannah Santos, Donahue

Familias de Holyoke y Miembros de la Comunidad,

Ha sido un privilegio celebrar los estudiantes con talento y el personal de las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke en los últimos meses. En marzo pudimos reconocer a siete miembros del personal que fueron galardonados con el premio Howard Grinspoon a la Excelencia en Pioneer Valley. Al celebrar y honrar a estos maestros, no podía evitar pensar que estos premios se podrían haber dado a innumerables maestros en todas las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke. Todo el año he visto a nuestros maestros hacer todo lo posible para conectarse con las familias, ampliamente planear lecciones para todos los estudiantes, dar un abrazo o palabras de aliento a un estudiante renuente y mantener una actitud abierta sobre nuestro trabajo de reestructuración. Lo más esencial e importante es nuestro personal, y estamos comprometidos a continuar el desarrollo, apoyo y abogar por su éxito con los niños de nuestra ciudad.

Al mismo tiempo, también hay que destacar el extraordinario talento de nuestros jóvenes. En los últimos meses, nuestros estudiantes se han celebrado para: su inducción a la Sociedad Nacional de Honor, su rendimiento en la evaluación del MCAS del año pasado, la excelencia en el atletismo, una aclamada actuación de Shrek, sus obras de arte anual en la demostración de Heritage Park y logros sobresalientes en los cam- pos de carreras técnicas. Estos son sólo algunos de los muchos ejemplos de estudiantes que comparten su brillo a través de las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke.

Hay mucho para construir y crecer al comenzar la planificación para el año escolar 2016-17. Hemos completado una serie de revisiones importantes y exhaustivas de nuestra programación de educación especial, nuestros servicios para estudiantes Aprendices del Lenguaje In- glés, y nuestro diseño de la oficina central. Estas revisiones han revelado oportunidades para servir mejor a nuestros estudiantes. En concre- to, hemos comprometido recursos para: proporcionarles a las escuelas con fondos discrecionales adicionales para apoyar sus planes de jor- nada escolar completa, lanzamiento de una campaña agresiva para retener a nuestros mejores educadores y reclutar talento para Holyoke, y mejorar el acceso de tecnología para estudiantes y personal. Seguimos invirtiendo en la experiencia de la primera infancia a través de la ex- pansión de asientos en edad preescolar, la introducción del plan de estudios basado en proyectos y una mayor orientación a nuestras escue- las. Nuestros esfuerzos de rediseño secundarias están enfocados en establecer una academia personalizada de 9º grado en la Escuela Secun- daria de Holyoke - HHS, lo que aumenta las opciones universitarias tempranas para los estudiantes y el diseño de múltiples vías para el éxito de los estudiantes a través de los dos campos de la escuela secundaria. Por último, valoramos proporcionar a nuestras familias con múltiples opciones para la educación de sus hijos. Seguimos ampliando el programa de lenguaje dual en la Escuela Metcalf por el crecimiento de segun- do grado y añadiendo una opción de pre-escolar para las familias interesadas. Además, hemos puesto en marcha un emocionante programa de vía personalizada (P3) en la Escuela Peck que está abierto a todos los estudiantes de 6º y 7º grado de todo el Distrito. Este enfoque utiliza el poder de la tecnología de uno-a-uno para proporcionar a los estudiantes una experiencia de aprendizaje individualizado que incluye el tiempo basado en proyectos, asesoramiento, intervención / aceleración y enriquecimiento.

Gracias por su continuo apoyo y asociación a medida que tomamos medidas audaces e innovadoras para transformar la experiencia en la enseñanza de nuestros educadores y la experiencia de aprendizaje para nuestros estudiantes. Estamos comprometidos a asegurar que las escuelas Holyoke son la primera opción para las familias de nuestra ciudad.

Visite www.Facebook.com/HolyokePublicSchools y dale “me gusta” para recibir noticias, videos y fotos actualizadas del distrito.

Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us

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Aplique hoy para unirse al equipo de educadores de

las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke! Visita www.teachwesternmass.com.

ACADEMIA DE 9VENO. GRADO CASA ABIERTA 11 de mayo de 2016 – 5:45 PM—Auditori de la Escuela Secundaria de Holyoke - HHS Para Estudiantes de 8tavo. grado que van a comenzar el 9veno. grado en la Escuela Secundaria de Holyoke – HHS en el 2016 ¡Reciba un recorrido de la escuela! ¡Conozca los miembros de los clubs & equipos deportivos! ¡Esperamos verte ahi!

Pre-Kínder y Kindergarten—Inscribirse Hoy

Los niños de Pre-K deben tener 4 años de edad y los niños de Kínder deben tener 5 años de edad en o antes de septiembre 1, del año 2016.

Véase la página 15 para más detalles, incluyendo el horario - INFORMACIÓN DE SESIONES

GANADORES DEL PREMIO ANNE CULLEN

Anne Cullen era una maestra dedicada a los estudiantes de las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke (HPS) durante treinta años. A lo largo de su carrera como educadora, ella exhibió un compromiso constante esforzándose por dar lo mejor a todos sus estudiantes. En honor a su ejemplo, el Premio Anne Cullen para la Excelencia en la Enseñanza reconoce maestros sobresalientes en matemáticas y otras disciplinas, Los ganadores ejemplifican y encarnan la creencia de que todos los estudiantes pueden alcanzar el éxito. Los maestros de las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke seleccionados influyen:Roseanne Caracciolo, David Cayer, Kari Courchesne, Lindsay Hall, Erin Hanley, Karen Kent, Katherine King, Ashley Kulik, Tamara Lindskog, Michelle Longey, Amy Piedra, Manes Pierre, Kathleen Plasse, Yajaira Rodriguez, Julie Rohan and Dustin Rose.

Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us

Page 15

LAS MATRICULAS PARA PRE-K Y KINDER ESTAN ABIERTAS PARA EL AÑO ESCOLAR 2016-17 Los niños de Pre-K deben tener 4 años de edad y los niños de Kínder deben tener 5 años de edad para el 1 de septiembre 2016.

ASISTA A UN DIA DE MATRICULAS EN LAS ESCUELAS para que conozca el personal, complete la inscripción y explorar los programas (incluidos los programas de Head Start y VOC y Pre-K):

Escuela Sullivan Viernes, Mayo 6 8:30 am – 2:45 pm (Llame a Aida para programar una visita al 534-2100)

Escuela Lawrence Viernes, Mayo 20 8:30 am – 2:45 pm Escuela Kelly Lunes, Mayo 23 5 pm – 7 pm

Escuela EN White Miércoles, Mayo 25 8:30 am – 2:45 pm (Recorridos disponibles 9-11 am o 1:00-2:45 pm) Escuela McMahon Jueves, Mayo 26rd 6pm – 7 pm

Escuela Donahue Viernes, Mayo 27 8:30 am – 2:45 pm

Escuela Morgan Martes, Mayo 31 8:30 am – 2:45 pm

EXPLORE EL PROGRAMA DE LENGUAJE DUAL EN LA ESCUELA METCALF. La Escuela Metcalf ofrece un Programa de Lenguaje Dual único para estudiantes de Pre-K al segundo grado. Este innovador programa ofrece oportunidades de adquisición del lenguaje en Inglés y Espa- ñol. Llame a Amy Burke, Directora al 413-534-2104 o visita el 2019 Northampton St. En Holyoke. MA para una aplicación y obtener más informa- ción. PARA CITAS DE MATRICULAS EN OTROS MOMENTOS, APLICACIONES E INFORMACION, LLAMAR O VISITAR LA: OFICINA DE MATRICULA DE ESTUDIANTES – 57 de la Calle Suffolk, 1er. piso en Holyoke – (413) 534-2007 / (413) 534-2055

Lunes, Jueves y Viernes 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Martes y Miércoles: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Premio Excelencia en la Enseñanza de Pioneer Valley El prestigioso Premio a la Excelencia en la Enseñanza de Pioneer Valley 2016 (PVEIT) fue presentado a los siguien- tes siete educadores de las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke el jueves, 5 de marzo:

De izquierda a derecha Fila superior: Korri Flynn, Nicole Horton; Fila del medio: Mary Wright, Annemarie Khalil, Fila inferior: Destinee Meeker, Margaret Miller y Erin Hanley

Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us

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Holyoke Public Schools—Visit us on the web at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us