Connections Holyoke Public Schools A Community Working Together Our Web site: www.hps.holyoke.ma.us Volume 8, Issue 3 Spring 2010

Holyoke Public Schools Blooming with positive news

By Dr. Eduardo B. Carballo awarded. Those re- ceiving this recogni- Inside this issue: Superintendent of Schools tion for 2010 are: Susan Cohen, Center for Excellence; Nor- How nice to see signs of spring! • Meet Peck School’s mand LeBlanc, Dean Students have been working very Family Coordinator 2 Technical High School; hard over the winter months, and Josiah Friedberg, many have been preparing for Donahue School; Ana • Family Notices various MCAS and MEPA tests in Malave, Morgan • Bullying Essay Winner 4 addition to performing their regu- School; Justin Cotton, lar school work. The students are Peck School; Elaine looking forward to spring vacation Furtak, Sullivan School; and will have an opportunity to 5 and Carole Gamache, • Grinspoon Photo refresh themselves before the next E.N. White School. Essay round of testing begins for many of Our congratulations them. They have been well pre- go to each of them, pared, and I am confident with and our thanks go to • Helping Haiti 6 their effort and our continued all of the dedicated encouragement and support, they Superintendent of Schools Dr. Eduardo B. Carballo teachers in the Holy- will be very successful. It is impor- presents Josiah Friedberg of Donahue School his oke Public Schools. tant for them to get plenty of sleep certificate on achieving The Harold Grinspoon The winners are 7 and be well-rested, and the role of • Talking Points featured on page 5 of Excellence in Teaching Award. their parents in ensuring this is this issue of the sincerely appreciated. Connections newsletter. As many of you know, Holyoke We were pleased to see that the High School Principal, David Du- • Science 8 Celebrate Holyoke Public Schools Drop-Out Rate has decreased by pont, will be our next Superinten- week is April 26 through April 30. almost two full points. This is very dent of Schools. After the April Our Rising Stars recognition will positive news, and is the result of vacation, the “Superintendent-in - take place this year on April 29, ongoing efforts in the district to Transition” will be coming on- • Sports 10 beginning with the Merry-Go- perform better transitioning from board at the Central Office, and I Round Reception (in which every- the middle schools to high schools. am looking forward to working one is welcome) and ending with This could not be achieved without side-by-side with Mr. Dupont until the banquet at Dean Technical. the commitment of the counselors the end of the school year as we • Spanish Highlights 13-16 Each year students in grades six and staff at the high schools as well deal with the many challenging through 12 are recognized for as the Gateway Program with issues he will face in July. The excelling in scholarship, leadership, Holyoke Community College and school district is very fortunate to and citizenship. A complete list of the ENLACE efforts under the have someone such as Mr. Dupont, the Rising Stars is on page 15. leadership of Jaime Cotto. This who has dedicated his entire life to Congratulations to all of our Rising downward trend is encouraging, work on behalf of Holyoke School however, we will work diligently to Stars! children. As I end my 8 ½ years as continue improvement in this im- Again this year, the Holyoke High Superintendent of Schools, I cannot portant area. School Music Department pre- think of a better person to replace sented another spectacular musical It was my pleasure again this year me in this role. production which received very to notify the teachers who were positive reviews! This year, FAME, selected as recipients of the Harold Grinspoon Winners won the praise of the audiences. Grinspoon Excellence in Teaching Our congratulations go to Direc- Award. This is one of many re- Page 5 tor Mark Todd, and to all the stu- warding roles of being a Superin- dents, staff, and others who tendent. Holyoke Public Schools is worked to support this major very fortunate to have so many effort. The City of Holyoke is very Rising Stars outstanding teachers, and as a proud of our students’ perform- result, it is not an easy task to Page 15 select the final seven to be ances! Page 2 Connections

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

Nora Burke Patton Aaron Morris

Mission Statement Pauline Carriere Cheryl Parzich The mission of the Holyoke Public Schools is Amy Fitzgerald Terri Pudlo SPECIAL THANKS TO: to provide educational Josiah Friedberg Virginia Roche Luz Aguilar opportunities for all Carmen Sikand students to reach their full Helen Gibson Hilary Russell potential in a safe, secure, Mike Hines Yvonne Hilyard Miranda Smith healthy learning Aaron Patterson environment while valuing Ellen Jackson Jody Spitz Jeannie Stone diversity and promoting Judy Taylor responsible citizenship. Lois Keefe Sue Werenski

Renee LaRue Mary Wright

Alison L’Heureux

Maria Luisa Arroyo Meet Peck’s Family Access and Engagement Coordinator

One of the highest priorities of Child-care is provided at all meet- sive Case the Peck Full Service Community ings. Through P-PUA, families Manage- School is family engagement, and learn about services, supports, ment as a result, María Luisa Arroyo and programming located within program has been hired as Peck’s Family Peck and its attendance zone, as is offered Access and Engagement Coordi- well as to find out about upcom- for fami- nator. Arroyo brings a multilin- ing volunteer opportunities in the lies in gual background of teaching at the school and in the classroom. P- crisis. high school, GED, and college PUA oversees Peck’s Parent Am- Holyoke School “Being a levels, as well as having rich ex- bassador Program, which matches part of Committee the skills and talents of family perience as a local published poet. the Peck members with classroom curricu- “I welcome and engage families as commu- Maria Luisa Arroyo lar foci and other school-wide Mayor Elaine Pluta their children’s first educators and nity has as true partners at Peck,” said needs. been a joy for me as we – faculty, William Collamore Arroyo. Some of the projects Arroyo is also at Peck to connect staff, community partners, and Yvonne Garcia Arroyo is currently working on families with services to address families - work together and, as a include organizing a Summer Op- basic and immediate needs. As a result, have redefined what Margaret Boulais portunities Learning Fair for fami- Full Service Community School, ‘community’ is,” said Arroyo. Gladys Lebron-Martinez lies, coordinating a Monthly Fam- Peck offers sign-ups and support “The excitement and spirit of ily Conversations/Charlas Series through the Virtual Gateway’s collaboration I experienced at the Howard Greaney for parents about Supporting Common Intake for families need- 2010 FSCS Full Partnership Meet- Dennis Birks Learning at Home, coordinating ing to sign up for (among others) ing with over 60 community part- Peck’s Parents-in-the-Classroom MassHealth, Women, Infants and ners, faculty, staff, and parents, Michael Moriarty Project, and overseeing the design Children (WIC), subsidized child affirmed that we as a collective Cesar Lopez and development of Peck’s Family care, and Supplemental Nutrition group are moving together in the Assistance Program (SNAP) bene- right direction in the best interest Devin Sheehan Resource Room. fits. Families can also be referred of all our students and their fami- Another key component of the to in-house medical and mental Family Engagement work at Peck lies.” health services through Peck’s is the establishment of Peck Par- For more information, contact partnership with River Valley ents United in Action (P-PUA), a Maria Luisa Arroyo at (413) 534- Counseling Center’s school-based FSCS parent-driven work group 2040 or email her at: health center, and a comprehen- that meets three times a month. [email protected].

Volume 8, Issue 3 Page 3

Dr. Seuss! http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us ______In celebration of Dr. What’s New on the Web Seuss’ birthday on March 2nd, the Title I team was By Judy Taylor busy with a Dr. Seuss Family Night at McMa- Holyoke Herald wins hon School. At right, the District Homepage The staff of the student Cat in the Hat (Ronnie http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us Authier) is flanked by newspaper, The Herald, received seven awards first graders Davis at the 39th Annual Scholastic Press Forum held NEW O’Connell (l) and Saman- at American International College in March. The tha Authier. Below, Herald took first place as best newspaper and • Take a look at the Antonio Correa reads a also first place in photography, profiles, editori- Announcements section Dr. Seuss book with his als, and cartoons. The team also placed fourth for information daughter Chantel. place for news feature story. regarding the district Grinspoon winners for Excellence in Teach- ing. Photo highlights Green Eggs and Ham and teacher profiles are included. The William R. Peck School music teacher Peg • Click on the Kinder- Boulanger celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday with garten Registration the kindergarten and first-grade students set- link within the An- ting Dr. Seuss’ book Green Eggs and Ham to nouncements section music. The students read the book along with for contact informa- Boulanger and set it to song and used rhythm tion regarding the ap- sticks. plication process for children who will be 5 years old on or before Kelly School annual St. Patty’s Day luncheon September 1, 2010. th The luck of the Irish was with Kelly School on March 17 . Kelly School once • Teacher professional again hosted its annual Irish Luncheon. Members of the Kelly School community development informa- feasted on traditional Irish fare, such as corned beef, potatoes, cabbage, and tion is now listed at: shepherd’s pie. Lavish decorations and upbeat Irish music made the atmosphere http://www.hps.holyoke. festive. Organized by paraprofessionals Noranne Duquette and Diane Baez, the ma.us/teachers.htm luncheon is one of the highlights of the year at Kelly School. Vice-Principal, Jackie Glasheen, summed up the festive feeling by saying, “It was a fantastic Irish • Updated Annual Meas- urable Achievement Luncheon, such a great day! I am lucky to work with such terrific people.” Objectives documents are available at: http://www.hps.holyoke. Morgan Mathematicians Celebrate “Pi” ma.us/ell.htm

On March 15th, students in Suzanne Marx’s sixth-grade math classes at Mor- gan School enjoyed a day-long celebration of Pi, the mathematical explanation HHS Web site of the relationship between the circumference and diameter of a circle. Stu- http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/ dents explored the age of philosophy, the history of mathematics, irrational hhs/index.html numbers, and different mathematical relationships. The day began with the discovery of Pi. Each student was given a circle of a different size. Using rulers • The Guidance/Career and calculation skills, students measured the circumference of their individual Center link provides circles. After measuring the circumference and the diameter of their circles, weekly announce- students were asked to calculate the circumference ÷ diameter. Most stu- ments, college visits, dents found a number close to 3.1415…Students enjoyed a short read-aloud of Sir Cumference and the testing information, Dragon of Pi by Cindy Neuschwander. Classes also explored The Joy of Pi, by David Blatner. Some career options, sup- students created a “Pi chain” using different colors of paper to represent the digits of Pi. Several stu- port, scholarships, and dents from each class also participated in a memory contest, with one student memorizing the digits of college acceptances. Pi to the 14th digit! In addition to discovering, reading, and reciting Pi, many students created “Pi Post- ers” for display in the classroom. As a final activity to remember Pi Day 2010, each student was given a Pi pencil with the message “Everyone Loves Pi, It’s Irrational!”. Most importantly, students connected important higher-level mathematical thinking to their own everyday lives and had fun at the same time! Page 4 Connections

HPS Summer School

Parents and Guardians of Current 6th Graders: In order to enter 7th grade in September 2010, documentation of the following requirements will need to be submitted to the Tentative Dates School Nurse: Physical Exam (done within 1 year or copy of appointment date); July 6 - August 5 2 doses of Measles vaccine (MMR); 3 doses of Hepatitis B Series vaccine; Tetanus Booster (within last 5 years); and the Varicella vaccine (or physician documented case). Student signups **Beginning in September 2011, the Department of Public Health begin in May. is implementing new requirements for 7th grade entry. Those Applications will be changes will be announced in the Spring 2011 newsletter. available at all schools.

Congratulations Kayla Michon A positive result from Holyoke Public Schools being bullied Eduardo B. Carballo, Superintendent The Maurice A. Donahue commu- nity is pleased to announce one of its seventh-grade students, Kayla Michon, recently placed 2nd in the NIE (Newspapers in Education) “Kids Now Enrolling for School Year in Print” annual arts ELA teacher Tracy Russell and published 2010-2011 and writing contest. author Kayla Michon. Her essay and pro- file were printed in The Republican’s March 9, 2010 edition. Children must be 5 years old on or Due to recent news of student suicides related to bullying, this before September 1, 2010. year’s theme addressed what could be done to help put a stop to this consequential and cruel behavior. Applications available at the Tracy Russell, seventh- grade ELA teacher, received a copy of Student Assignment Office the contest that she shared with the class. Since the students were working on a research unit, Michon was able to incorpo- rate her essay into the class curriculum. Both Michon and 57 Suffolk Street, 1st floor Russell worked on the essay together before the start of school and during MCAS prep periods. In Russell’s words, “I Registration by appointment only am happy for Kayla because she struggled with being bullied at by calling 534-2007 the beginning of the year. She stood up for herself and re- ported the problems to us. The issues were resolved and she Continued on page 12

Volume 8, Issue 3 Page 5

Normand LeBlanc, Jr. - Dean Josiah Friedberg - Donahue Letter from Superintendent Dr. Carballo: It is with pride and pleasure that I announce the dis- trict’s 2010 Grinspoon Foundation – Excellence in Teaching Award winners from Holyoke Public Schools. The Grinspoon Foundation alloted seven spots to our district this year to recognize and honor teachers for their tremendous impact on chil- dren and their community. This is a prestigious award and honorable recognition to an educator. Every year, I am presented with the difficulty of choosing a limited number of winners in a system with so many deserving teachers. Funding for the awards program is provided again this year from the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Founda- tion, MassMutual Financial Group, Myers Bros. & Kalicka, P.C., The Reminder, Southworth Paper Com- pany, The Springfield Republican, STCU Credit Union, Westfield State College Foundation, WGBY Channel 57, Channels 40 & 22, Big Y, The Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, and the local YMCAs. The celebration honoring teachers from Holyoke and surrounding com- Ana Malave - Morgan munities will take place on May 13, 2010 at the Log Carol Gamache - Cabin in Holyoke. If you have any questions regarding this ceremony or award, you can contact: Carmen E. E.N. White Sikand, Assistant Director of Human Resources at 413- 534-2000 Extension 219 or contact her via email at: [email protected].

Susan Cohen - Center Elaine Furtak - Sullivan Justin Cotton - Peck for Excellence Page 6 Connections Holyoke Helps Haiti

Students and staff at Sullivan School raised over $900 for Haitian relief.

The classes of Kiely Rigali and Andrew Leveton, from the Center for Excellence, led the humanitarian effort to raise money for Haitian relief. Over $278 was raised, one penny at a time, in an effort to help the Haitian people after the deadly earthquake that struck the Car- ibbean Island. The students from the two classes collected money daily from students and staff. Pictured left to right: Joshua Suriel, Jefforey Johnson, Rick Lee from the Red Cross, Jessie Caisse, Joseph Cintron, and Kiely Rigali, teacher.

E.N. White School fourth-grader, Mary-Catherine Whalen, was upset by the devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti so she decided to be proactive in do- ing something to help the victims of this disaster. She wrote a letter to Principal Ellen Jackson suggesting a fund- raiser. With help from her classmates, the fourth grade decided on a “Hats for Haiti” day. The students made posters and encouraged their friends to wear their favor- ite hat to school for $1.00. With great pride, the students of E.N. White School presented a check to the Red Cross for $500.00.

Maurice A. Donahue students recently raised money to help the victims of Haiti’s earthquake. This civic effort was named “Helping Hands for Haiti.” The project was a resound- ing success, and exceeded all expectations. Connections is pleased to present the following inter- view with one of the organizers behind the fundraising effort, Iwona Langlois, 6th grade ELA teacher. Connections: How did you come up with the idea for “Helping Hands for Haiti?” Langlois: Mrs. Leenders (6th grade math) and I were talking about what we could do after we heard the devastating news. We have always made an effort to familiarize our students with events happening in the world. Events like this help students learn compassion and visualize the world beyond their neighborhoods. It is amazing how generous and caring our students are when given the opportunity. Connections: How did you go about organizing this effort? Langlois: After doing some research, we talked about the best way to connect our community to it. We came up with “Helping Hands for Haiti” and had every sixth grader work on posters. We traced the hands of students from kindergarten all the way through the eighth grade. The hands were colored in as we reached our fund-raising goals. We chose to donate to the Red Cross because they are a reputable organization. They were engaged with our effort, sending a representative to the school and mailing certificates to applaud our effort. Connections: What were fundraising goals? Langlois: We thought maybe we could raise about $500. Students were very generous and we raised the bar to $750 but donations eventually exceeded $1000. Lots of pennies! Kids were donating their snack money, allowances and even collected cans. We really worked on letting kids know what it meant to contribute from the heart. What really mattered was not how much they gave, but what was behind it.

Volume 8, Issue 3 Page 7

Peck School News...

• Thanks to a successful grant written by librarian Renee LaRue, the Peck School library collection will soon be expanding. The National Education Associa- tion (NEA) Foundation has awarded Peck School one E.N. White parent volunteer Janet Langevin creates a special welcoming touch to the school entrance each month. The staff at E.N. White send her of only 43 Books Across America $1,000 School Li- this Irish blessing: “May your smile be as bright as a shamrock and your heart brary Grants for 2010. LaRue’s application was one of be as light as a song, may each day bring you happiness and stay with you all more than 650 submitted for the grant. year long.” • Robin Marion, one of Peck’s Full Service Community McMahon fifth-graders took to the ice at the School partners (through Peck’s ACCESS committee), MassMutual Center in Springfield, where they organized “A Day at Hampshire College” for approxi- opened a Springfield Falcons hockey game by sing- mately 30 eighth-grade students. Students visited the ing the national anthem. “There were 16 students Hampshire College campus on April 7 to get a tour of who sang, and about 90 supporters from McMahon the school and receive further college/career guid- in the stands,” said music teacher Russell Scott. “They did a great job.” Student Tamara Rivera ance. said, “It was really great to be out there to sing in front of all those people!” • Thirty eighth-grade students will attend the Westfield State College Early College Awareness Day on May 7. This event takes place every year in an effort to educate middle school students about the possibilities awaiting them in higher educa- Andrew Crowley (l) and Brouche Dominguez tion. Coordinated by Katelyn Shea, Assistant Director from Donahue School are of Admission at the college, the half-day program the Holyoke Gas and Elec- includes a campus tour, a college information game/ tric winners of the recent activity portion, and lunch in the Dining Commons. safety poster contest. • Peck held a Full Service Community School Full Partnership meeting this spring with more than 60 community partners, faculty, administration and par- ents. The meeting was a time to share and to cele- brate progress of the continued efforts to transform

Peck into a Full Service Community School. Christopher Perez from Nicole Fisher’s kindergarten class at E.N. • Peck is in the midst of making a school video to wel- White School gets all wrapped up in come families into the programs, services, and oppor- Eric Carle’s The Very Busy Spider’s web during a performance to culmi- tunities available as a Full Service Community nate the Eric Carle Author Study School. A screening party will be held in June. unit. Fisher’s student teacher, Miss Blais, assisted the students in devel- • Peck will hold a Family Health and Resource Fair oping their roles in the play and cre- on Friday, May 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. More than 20 ating their own costumes and props. community organizations will share resources and prevention education with students and families.

Page 8 Connections

“Get Out!” Inquiry Science

Art and science came together when educators from the Hitchcock Cen- ter for the Environment in Amherst and the Enchanted Circle Theater in Holyoke recently visited fifth-grade classes at William R. Peck School for six days. Ted Watt from the Hitchcock Center and Aaron “Brando” Brandes from Enchanted Circle Theater helped students to “This Valley Rocks!” see the connections between their respective disciplines through activi- ties that incorporated elements of both. Students made observations of plants and animals on school grounds, shared their experiences Ted Watt assists Lissette Almonte with through interviews with classmates, her poem. and then communicated what they learned to the whole class. They also prac- ticed presentation skills through theater games, designed and conducted an experiment to see which foods mice preferred, and wrote and illustrated poems using sensory details from their outdoor observations. Entitled “Get Out! Inquiry Science Through the Arts on the School Grounds,” the project was funded by the Cultural Council Creative Schools Program.

Department of Conservation and Recreation

Gini Traub, from the Massachusetts Department of Con- servation and Recreation, visited the fourth-grade classes at Animal Adaptations William R. Peck School to present “This Valley Rocks,” a hands-on geological history demonstration. Students Gini Traub, scientist from the Department of studied different rocks from the Connecticut River Valley, Conservation and Recreation (DCR), recently created a mock landslide, observed the effects of erosion, visited the fifth and sixth grade science students and identified properties of rocks. The students benefited at Maurice A. Donahue School. She brought Gini Traub and sixth-graders from the interactive activities that supported what they dioramas of three environments and animals Angel Guzman, Adrian Ortiz, have been learning in their fourth-grade Rocks and Minerals commonly found in the Pioneer Valley. Using Hector Cabrera and Abdul unit. In the photograph above, L to R: Genesis Cruz, clues about their animal’s needs and adaptations, Mendoza work on a diorama. teacher Mary Beth DeLisi, Emelymary Almonte and Juan students were challenged to match their animal Rosado examine samples of earth materials. with the best environment. Animal survival and success is based on how well animals can get food, water and shelter. "The collaboration with the DCR is about letting students see and explore the environments and the animals around them in the Pioneer Valley," said Caleb Snow, science teacher at Dona- McMahon School hue. "Students become excited when they realize that there are animals like bobcats, beavers and otters living in the areas very close to their houses," said New England Aquarium trip Snow. Jailene Delgado, a sixth-grade student, commented on her experience. "My animal was a muskrat and I learned that they live in a lodge in the water. So they need an environment that has plenty of ponds and rivers.” McMahon School’s seventh and eighth-grade students recently boarded buses for the long trip from Holyoke to the Boston Harbor, where students spent the day exploring the wonders at the New England Aquarium. The students School Chemical Cleanout Campaign received a grant from the aquarium which covered the cost of admission, and students held fundraisers to help pay for This summer, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be helping the buses. Seventh-grader Anthony Skuse said, “There was the Holyoke Public School district implement a chemical management an ecosystem from the Caribbean Sea with a fake reef and system which will ensure the schools are free from chemical hazards. In addi- sharks, turtles and a fish that looked like a tuna along with a tion, the EPA staff will provide teachers with training in safe chemical man- fish that sparkled like a diamond.” Science teacher Rachael agement, pollution prevention and Green Chemistry in the upcoming year. Gazzillo, one of the trip organizers, said “I was so happy By implementing an integrated program, it will provide a healthier environ- they got to have this rich learning experience.” ment for students, teachers and support staff.

Volume 8, Issue 3 Page 9

The World is Our Classroom Science in a bottle No, they weren’t out at sea! Instead, Kris Machnik’s seventh-grade science class created their own Bottle Biology for a closed ecosystem demonstrat- ing the water cycle to see how all the components of the ecosystems work together ~ soil, water and plants. Two 2-liter plastic bottles were cut and reconfigured to make a giant water bottle for each group. They were able to observe the water cycle with an aquatic plant in the bottom with a wick system. Pebbles and aquatic life could be observed; a tiny guppy in one, a tiny snail in another. The soil provided grass to grow. The ecosystems were periodically moved from sun to shade to provide proof of the effect

of the sun on plant growth.

Morgan students visit MIT

Fifth-grade students from Sullivan School and Michael E. Students in grades 6-8 from Morgan School Jackowski, lead teacher for World Is Our Classroom, Inc., had the amazing opportunity to go to MIT in participated in a “design challenge” during a visit to the Hazen Boston in March to attend the Science Ex- Paper Company. The Holyoke Manufacturing Education Initia- travaganza. Eighth-grade science teacher tive provides students with hands-on, “real world” applica- Yvonne Hilyard and 50 students from the tions of science and technology that are linked both to their school had the opportunity to tour the campus school curriculum and to the local manufacturing industry. In and talk with other minority students who its sixth year at Hazen Paper, more than 2,400 Holyoke Public attend MIT and are going into science-related School students have participated in the program which is careers including engineering and technology. Students got to go into a real offered to all fifth-graders in the city. World Is Our Class- lab and look at projects that students are working on and participate in room, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) corporation that seeks to making their own mousetrap car, Oobleck, ice-cream, and many other provide the region’s educational community with innovative projects. Students learned that anything is possible and science is a great programs that emphasize real-world experiences that are way to discover and develop things in the world including new technology focused in the areas of science, technology, engineering, such as with the iPhone and Microsoft products. Eighth-grader Ricardo mathematics, and manufacturing. Vazquez commented, "My favorite part of the trip was when the governor, Deval Patrick, was giving his speech because it was interesting hearing about his life growing up.” Through this trip, students realized anything is Summer Connections Newsletter possible. If you have an idea for a project, test it out! You could be the next Bill Gates or someday go to the moon. If you have enough determina- Deadline ~ May 14, 2010 tion and motivation you can achieve your goals. Yes you can! ¡Sí se Puede!"

Robotics at McMahon By Noreen Ewick You are probably familiar with robotics in ties; robotics provides an opportunity for the students to show movies, television shows and science-fiction cooperative learning and perseverance. In addition, students are writing. They are able to talk, think, move and required to write reflection responses after completing a task, and feel. But in reality, a robot is just a system of to engage in extension activities that integrate concepts from other parts. These parts include a movable physical curriculum areas. Using LEGO Mindstorms education kits and a structure, a motor, a sensor system, a power curriculum developed in conjunction with UMASS and the Learning supply and a computer “brain” that controls Physics with Robotics Curriculum Working Group, students are all of the parts. The computer is programmed challenged to identify LEGO building pieces, build a basic robot, or instructed to do specific tasks. Sixth-grade program the robot to move forward and backward and respond to students in Noreen Ewick’s class at McMahon different types of sensors. After these basic skills have been mas- Eduardo Ramirez School are learning that and much more! As tered, students will move on to challenges such as, Light and Dark assembles his robot. part of their “Specials” schedule, groups of Scavenger Hunt and Cave Explorer. Student Cameron Hartling said, students participate in a robotics program “It is fun learning to build robots and program them. You have to twice a week. Working in teams of two, students practice problem try and try again.” Deziray DeJesus said, “Robotics is cool, but it solving strategies and communication skills to complete a series of frustrated me sometimes, because you have to keep on trying and tasks. Incorporating mathematics and science standards, the engi- not give up”. neering design process, inquiry-based thinking and hands-on activi- Page 10 Connections

HOLYOKE HIGH SCHOOL: • The varsity girls’ basketball team finished its season with impressive victories against East Longmeadow, Central and Minnechaug finish- ing with a regular season record of 18-2. They won the league title for the second time in school history and they qualified for the MIAA Playoffs as the #2 seed. They made it to the semi-finals against East Longmeadow where they unfortunately lost by one point after battling back from a 26-point deficit. • The varsity boys’ basketball team finished its season with a record of 11-9 which qualified them for the MIAA Playoffs for the first time in 3 years (2007 was the last time they qualified – the same year they were Western Massachusetts Champions). They received the 7th seed in the playoffs. They lost to Chicopee in the first round of the playoffs. • The indoor track team had three athletes qualify for the State Championships. Erin Corrigan (300 meters), Cody Hodgins (2-mile), and Kris Tardy (300 meters) each participated in the meet at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston. • Two school records were broken in indoor track. Erin Corrigan has a new record in the 300 meter race and Rachel Brochu broke the old shot put record held by Carla Stauber with a throw of 28-00.50. • Indoor Track Highlights from the Western Mass Indoor Track Championships include: • Cody Hodgins placed 2nd in the mile with a time of 4:43. • Boys 4x800 placed 6th with a time of 9:22 with members Cody Hodgins, Rhys Duquette, Jason Arble, and Captain Evan Bibeau • Freshman Rhys Duquette ran a 10:38 in the two mile. • Jonathan Gray places 7th in the shot put with a personal record throw of 40-8.5 • The ice hockey team finished the regular season with a record of 18-1-1 and an overall record of 21-2-1. The Knights won the league title for the 3rd straight season. The team won the Western Mass Championship for the 2nd consecutive season beating Agawam 3-2 in the finals. They lost to Oakmont in the State Finals 4-2. • The swim team won the MIAA and the Referee’s Association Team Sportsmanship Award for both the boys and girls team. Molly Burns qualified for the W. Mass Championships for the second consecutive year in swimming. • Hannah Harazmus qualified for the State Championships in Alpine Skiing DEAN TECH HIGHLIGHTS: • The Dean boys’ basketball team finished the regular season with a record of 17-3 and they won the Tri-County League Title. The boys’ basketball team qualified for both the State Vocational Tournament and the MIAA Tournament. In the State Vocational semi-finals, they won by 40 points against Cape Cod Technical HS advancing them to the State Vocational Finals. They lost in the finals to North Shore Technical HS finishing runner-up in the State Vocational Championship for the Small Division. The team was seeded 8th in the MIAA Play- offs. In the first tournament game, the Golden Hawks beat in the preliminary round of the playoffs. They traveled to the #1 seed New Leadership Charter School in Springfield and unfortunately lost which ended the season. They finished with an overall record of 19-5, League Champions, and Vocational State Runner-Up. Josue Figueroa scored his 1000th point at the State Vocational Semi- Finals at Assabet Regional Technical High School against Cape Cod Technical HS. This was the second consecutive season the team quali- fied for the State Vocational and the MIAA Tournament. • The Dean girls’ basketball team finished the season with a record of 8-8 which qualified them for the MIAA Playoffs for the first time in over 10 years. The girls’ basketball team lost to in the first round of the MIAA Division 3 Championship. The wrestling team finished the season with great success. At the Western Massachusetts Championships 5 wresters placed and two quali- fied for the State Championships. David Brazeau and Raul Torres both advanced to the State Championship meet and Travis Wells, Jose Gomez and Gary Charlton placed at the Western Mass Championships.

Visit the Holyoke High School Sports Web Site at: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/athletics.htm Volume 8, Issue 3 Page 11

Photos by www.sweetdogphotos.com

Athletes pictured clockwise: The Holyoke High School bas- ketball team; Juan Lopez receiv- ing the Most Outstanding Player Award at the 2010 Hoophall Classic; Sean O’Donnell, HHS hockey; Zeila Quinones, Dean basketball; Monique Heard; HHS basketball; Foster Alston; Dean basketball; David Brazeau, Dean wrestling; and the HHS Swim Team. Page 12 Connections

The spirit of greatness is alive and well at E.N. White School! There were cheers, hoorays and “thumbs ups” her- alding in the gymnasium as Principal Ellen Jackson presented E.N. White students with Certificates of Achievement recognizing MCAS proficiency. Every year, Principal Jackson invites parents and students to join together to acknowledge the hard work of all E.N. White students during the busy MCAS testing season. The embossed certificates serve as a positive incentive for students to strive for their personal best as they participate in the rigorous Mas- sachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System. On Thursday, March 18, 2010, Maurice A. Donahue held its first MCAS Pep Rally and Ice Cream Social for students and parents. Over 200 people were in atten- dance at the event, and teacher volunteers diligently created sundaes for each and every individual. High- lights of the night included a motivational speech by Principal Amy Fitzgerald, a performance from the sixth grade, and a slideshow showing staff and students readying themselves for the test. Also included in the evening, was the world premiere of the music video for “Beat it (the MCAS).” This video included lyrics writ- ten by sixth-graders under the direction of Iwona Lan- glois; choral singing directed by our music teacher, Ray Crooks; and video-editing by Donahue’s award-winning Library Media Specialist, Josiah Friedberg. Above, Cathy Desrosiers enjoys ice cream with the children. The Above, Hector Abreu and Belkis Santiago were crowned energy at this event was palpable, and if enthusiasm is King and Queen on this particular day by fourth-grade math any indication of test results, this year will be Dona- teacher Julie Griffin-Pluta. Students are chosen daily as a hue’s best yet. If other schools are interested in view- math motivator to recognize hard work and good math ing the video, please contact Principal Amy Fitzgerald energy. for a DVD.

• The Latency/Adolescent Program at Morgan School has been participating in a program spon- Morgan School sored by the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society titled Character Education Program. Lori Swanson, the Education and Outreach Manager for Dakin brings shelter animals that have been Latency Program abused, neglected, and/or mistreated. As the students work with these animals they naturally develop empathy and understanding for By Alison L’Heureux, LICSW them. The students also begin to have a better understanding of themselves and others, build social skills, and increased feelings of competence. It has long been known that children who experience difficulty in social relationships benefit from engaging responsibility with animals. In addition, the program assists in averting animal cruelty and in turn improves our relationships with each other by teaching acceptance, compassion, and integrity. • Maria Pelcher from the Holyoke Fire Department has been visiting the Latency/Adolescent Program at Morgan School talking with students about fire safety. Pelcher has brought different guest speakers in- Trying on fire equipment cluding a firefighter from the Springfield Fire Department as well as an arson investigator. The students have learned about the dangers of playing with fire, ways to remain safe in the event of a fire, as well as potential fire hazards in the home.

Continued from page 4 …is much happier coming to school. She found a way to turn a trying experience into an opportunity to help all the young people of Holyoke.” Here is an interview with Kayla Michon: Connections: What inspired you to write this essay? Kayla: I’ve been bullied before and I wanted to help put a stop to it. Connections: Do you have any advice for anyone experiencing being bullied? Kayla: Just ignore them and walk away. If you argue or fight with them, sometimes people will think that you are the one who started the fight, and you will get in trouble. Connections: Do you have anyone you’d like to thank for helping you with this achievement? Kayla: Mrs. Russell helped me by telling me about the contest and helping with some of the words. I also want to thank my older sister, Jennifer (at Holyoke High), for helping me. Holyoke Public Schools Estos son los puntos mas sobresalientes del Boletin Volume 8, Issue 3 Primavera 2010

Escuelas Publicas de Holyoke Floreciendo con noticias positivas

Por Dr. Eduardo B. Carballo este reconocimiento para el 2010 son: Susan Cohen, CFE - Centro Superintendente de Escuelas para la Excelencia; Normand Le- Blanc, Escuela Secundaria Dean Es tan agradable ver señales de la primave- Técnica; Josiah Friedberg, Escuela ra! Los estudiantes han estado trabajando Donahue; Ana Malavé, Escuela muy fuerte durante los meses de invierno, y Morgan; Justin Cotton, Escuela muchos han estado preparándose para va- Peck; Elaine Furtak, Escuela Sulli- rias pruebas de MCAS y MEPA además de van; y Carole Gamache, Escuela hacer su trabajo escolar regular. Los estu- E.N. White. Nuestras felicitacio- diantes esperan con mucha ilusión las vaca- nes van a cada uno de ellos, y ciones de primavera y tendrán una oportu- nuestros agradecimientos van a nidad de refrescarse antes de que la siguien- todos los maestros dedicados en te ronda de pruebas comience para muchos las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke. de ellos. Ellos han estado bien preparados, y Celebre la semana de las Escuelas yo confío que con su esfuerzo y nuestro Públicas de Holyoke el 26 de abril estímulo y apoyo continuo, ellos serán muy hasta el 30 de abril. Nuestro reco- Dr. Eduardo Carballo felicita a Ana Malave en su Premio de exitosos. Es importante para ellos dormir y nocimiento de las Estrellas Crecien- Grinspoon. descansar, y el papel de sus padres es ase- tes – Rising Stars ocurrirá este año gurar que esto es sinceramente apreciado. el 29 de abril, comenzando con la Estábamos muy complacidos ver que ha Recepción de Merry-Go-Round (en la cual hasta el final de año escolar mientras trata- disminuido el abandonar la escuela por casi cada uno es bienvenido) y terminando con mos con muchas cuestiones desafiantes que dos puntos completos. Estas son noticias el Banquete en la Escuela Dean Técnica. él tendrá en julio. El Distrito Escolar es muy muy positivas, y es el resultado de esfuerzos Cada año los estudiantes en los grados seis afortunado en tener a alguien como el Sr. en el Distrito para trabajar mejoren la tran- a doce son reconocidos por sobresalir en Dupont, que ha dedicado su vida entera sición de las escuelas intermedias a escuelas beca, liderazgo y ciudadanía. Usted leerá para trabajar con los Alumnos en Holyoke. secundarias. Esto no se podía lograr sin el más sobre esto más adelante. ¡Felicitaciones Ya que termino mis 8 ½ años como Super- compromiso de los consejeros y personal a todas nuestras Estrellas Crecientes! intendente de Escuelas, no puedo pensar en una mejor persona para sustituirme en este en las escuelas secundarias así como el ¡Otra vez este año, el Departamento de Programa Gateway con el Centro Universi- Música de la Escuela Secundaria de Holyoke papel. tario de Holyoke y los esfuerzos de ENLA- presentó otra producción musical especta-

CE bajo el mando de Jaime Cotto. Esta cular que recibió revisiones muy positivas! tendencia hacia abajo es alentadora, sin Este año, FAME, ganó el elogio de la audien- embargo, trabajaremos diligentemente para cia. Nuestras felicitaciones van al Director, seguir la mejora de esta área importante. Mark Todd, y a todos los estudiantes, per- Fue un gran placer de nuevo este año en sonal, y otros que trabajaron para apoyar notificar a los maestros que fueron selec- este esfuerzo principal. ¡La Ciudad de Hol- cionados como recipientes de la Excelencia yoke está muy orgullosa con las interpreta- de Harold Grinspoon en el Premio de la ciones de nuestros estudiantes! Enseñanza. Este es uno de los muchos pape- Como mucho de ustedes saben, nuestro les provechosos de ser un Superintendente. Principal de la Escuela Secundaria, David Las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke son muy Dupont, será nuestro próximo Superinten- afortunadas tener a tantos maestros excep- dente de las Escuelas. Después de las vaca- cionales, y como resultado, esta no es una ciones de abril, 'el Superintendente en tarea fácil de seleccionar los siete finalistas Transición' vendrá a La Oficina Central, y para ser premiados. Aquellos recibiendo deseo trabajar al lado con el Sr. Dupont Page 14 Connections

María Luisa Arroyo: Coordinadora de Compromiso y Acceso de Familia de la Escuela

Hogar, Coordinando a los Padres de la Peck en necesidades básicas e inmediatas. Una de las prioridades más altas de la Escuela de Proyectos del Salón de Clase, y supervisión del Como una Escuela de Comuni- la Comunidad de Servicio Completo de la Escuela diseño y el desarrollo del Salón de Recurso de dad de Servicio Completo, la Peck es el compromiso de familia, y como resul- Familia de la Peck.Otro componente clave del Peck ofrece registros y el apoyo tado, María Luisa Arroyo ha sido contratada trabajo de Compromiso de Familia en la Peck es de Entrada Virtual para familias como la Coordinadora de Compromiso y Acceso el establecimiento de Padres Unidos en Acción (P que necesitan registrarse (entre de Familia de la Escuela Peck. Arroyo tiene ante- -PUA), FSCS un grupo de trabajo conducido por otros) MassHealth, Mujeres, Maria Arroyo cedente de enseñanza multilingüe de la escuela padres que ese reúnen tres veces por mes. El Niños y Niños (WIC), cuidado secundaria, GED, y niveles de colegio, así como cuidado de los niños es proporcionado en todas de niños subvencionado, y Programa de Ayuda de experiencia como un poeta publicado local.“Doy las reuniones. Por P-PUA, las familias aprenden Nutrición Suplementa (SNAP). Las familias tam- la bienvenida a familias como sus primeros educa- sobre servicios, apoyos, y programación localizada bién pueden ser referidas a servicios de salud dores de niños y como compañeros verdaderos dentro de la Peck y su zona de asistencia, así mental y médico interior por la sociedad de la en la Peck,” dijo Arroyo. Algunos proyectos en como oportunidades de voluntario próximas en la Peck con el centro médico a través del Centro de los que Arroyo está trabajando actualmente in- escuela y en el salón. El P-PUA supervisa el Pro- Consejería de River Valley, y un programa de cluyen la organización de Oportunidades para grama de Embajador Paternal de la Peck, en la Consejería de Caso completo es ofrecido para Familias de una Feria de Aprendizaje en Verano el cual iguala las habilidades y talentos de miembros familias en crisis. Para más información, póngase viernes, 16 de abril, coordinando una Serie de de familia con enfoque curricular y otras necesi- en contacto con María Luisa Arroyo al (413) 534- Conversaciones/Charlas Familiares Mensuales dades de toda la escuela. Arroyo está también en 2040 o para padres en como Apoyar el Aprendizaje en el la Peck para unir familias con servicios para dirigir [email protected].

El Rey 2010-2011 y La Escuelas Publicas de Holyoke La Reina Eduardo B. Carballo, Superintendente

Virginia Rivera and Michael Polanco son el rey y la reina del día en clase de matemáticas de Julie Griffin-Pluta grado cuatro en la escuela E.N. White. Un nuevo rey y una reina son elegidos cada día como un factor de motivación de matemáticas en el fin de re- conocer el trabajo duro y una energía de matemáticas buena!

EMPEZANDO EL 5o DE ABRIL 2010 Animales ayudando a los niños Los niños tienen que cumplir los 5 años en o El programa de latencia/adolescente en la escuela o de Morgan han estado participando en un pro- antes del 1 de septiembre, 2010. grama patrocinado por la Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society titulado programa de carácter educativo. Lori Swanson, la educación y el Man- Solicitudes disponibles en ager de extensión para Dakin trae consigo sus animales de refugio que han sido objeto de abu- LA OFICINA DE ASIGNACIÓN sos, descuidados y maltratados. Los estudiantes también comienzan a 57 Suffolk Street Primer Piso tener un mejor entendimiento de sí mismos y a otros, construir ha- bilidades sociales y el aumento de los sentimientos de la competencia. Matricula por cita solamente Durante mucho tiempo ha sido conocido que benefician a los niños que experimentan dificultades en las relaciones sociales de incurrir en Llame: 534-2007 responsabilidad con animales. Además, el programa ayuda a evitar la crueldad animal y a su vez mejora nuestras relaciones unos con otros mediante la enseñanza de la aceptación, compasión e integridad. Volume 8, Issue 3 Page 15

Un resultado positive de acoso escolar

La comunidad de la Escuela Maurice A. Donahue está contenta de Kayla: Se anunciar que uno de nuestros estudiantes de 7timo. grado, Kayla impre- Michon, recientemente estaba en el 2ndo. Lugar en el NIE sionante.

(Periódicos en la Educación) “Niños en la competencia anual de Voy a salir “Lectura y Escritura”. Su composición y perfil fueron escritos en el a comer periódico The Republican en la edición del 9 de marzo de 2010. mañana Debido a noticias recientes de suicidios de estudiante relacionados para cele- con la intimidación, el tema de este año se dirigió lo que se podría brar. No sé hacer para ayudar a poner un pare a este comportamiento con- cuantas siguiente y cruel. copias del periódico La Sra Tracy Russell, maestra de ELA - Artes de Lenguaje Inglés de tiene mi 7imo. Grado de la Escuela Maurice A. Donahue, recibió una copia familia, de la competición que ella compartió con la clase. Ella notó el in- pero terés de Kayla, que trajo un borrador el lunes siguiente. Ya que La Sra. Tracy Russell y Kayla Michon tenemos ellos están trabajando en una unidad de investigación, Kayla pudo incorporar su composición en el plan de estudios de la clase. Kayla muchas. y la Sra. Russell trabajaron juntas en la composición antes del prin- Uniones: Escuché que hay un premio. ¿Qué es, y qué planea hacer cipio de escuela y durante períodos preparatorios de MCAS. En las con el premio? palabras de la Sra. Russell, “estoy feliz por Kayla porque ella luchó Kayla: gané setenta y cinco dólares. Estoy ahorrando para un viaje con ser intimidada a principios del año. Ella se defendió y nos re- lató los problemas. Las cuestiones fueron resueltas y ella es mucho a Florida en mayo. más feliz de llegar a la escuela. Estoy también contenta que la ex- Uniones: ¿tiene usted algún consejo para alguien experimentando periencia demostró fructuosa para ella. Ella encontró un modo de ser intimidada/o? convertir una experiencia de tentativa en una oportunidad de ayu- Kayla: Sólo ignorar y no hacer caso y alejarse. Si usted discute o dar a toda la gente joven de Holyoke.” pelea con ellos, a veces la gente pensará que usted es el que Este reportero de Uniones estuvo muy contento de tener la opor- comenzó la pelea, y usted se meterá en problema. tunidad de entrevistar a Kayla. Uniones: ¿tiene usted a alguien que le gustaría agradecer por ayu- darle con este logro? Uniones: ¿Qué le inspiró a escribir esta composición? Kayla: La Sra. Russell me ayudó diciéndome sobre la competencia y ayudándome con algunas palabras. Ella me ayudó con tres bosque- Kayla: he sido intimidada antes y quise ayudar a ponerle un pare. jos antes de entregarlos finalmente. También quiero agradecer a mi Uniones: ¿Cómo se siente ser una autora publicada? hermana mayor, Jennifer (de Holyoke High), por ayudarme.

Sullivan Holyoke High Superintendent’s Picks: Ryan Beauregard Evan Bibeau Caitlin Anable (HHS) and Stephanie Jusino (Dean) Lauren D’Addario Kiara Calderon Dean Tech Wilmarie Guzman Rhiannon Goebel Donahue Peck Emilys Barbosa Victoria Hepworth David Douglas Kody Guedes Gary Charlton Kelly Jailah Hernandez Cristian Luis Pedraza Angel Ortiz Xaviel Colon Anfernee Hernandez Elizabeth Hurley Imalay Vargas Naudia Sanchez Angelica Pacheco Shaline Serrano Britney Lopez Ashlie Roche Cyd Marie Troche Timothy Moskal Morgan E.N. White Center for McMahon Timothy Paradis Jermith Alvarez Emmanuel Lopez Kaitlin Laflamme Miguel Torres-DeLeon Excellence Vicdaly Ortiz Margaret Walsh Maura McAndrew Joseph Houle Kristian Munoz, Jr. Jonathon Yee Neysh M. Rodriguez Emma Price Joshua S. Montero Angel Sanchez Page 16 Connections

Título I - Noches de Familia Title I - Family Nights

April Wed., April 28 ~ White ~ Bingo for Books May Wed., May 5 ~ McMahon ~ Career Night Mon., May 10 ~ Kelly ~ Bingo for Books Wed., May 12 ~ White ~ Bingo for Books Thurs., May 20 ~ Dean Tech ~ Celebrating Successes Mon., May 24 ~ Donahue ~ Bingo for Books La geometría es divertida Wed., May 26 ~ Morgan ~ Eric Carle Literacy Night Varios padres pre-GED en los Caminos al

June programa de alfabetismo de familia de Tues., June 1 ~ McMahon ~ Aloha Bingo Éxito están cortando y pegando formas Mon., June 7 ~ Kelly ~ Aloha Bingo tridimensionales - octaedros y dodecahe- Thurs., June 10 ~ White~ Aloha Bingo drons y formas geométricas con 12 lados para compartir con sus niños. Si usted Mon., June 14 ~ Morgan ~ Aloha Bingo dodecahedron está interesado en nuestro programa por Los acontecimientos comienzan a las 6:30 menos que se indique. favor llame a Marisol al 538-5770 o Jody al 534-2026. Events start at 6:30 unless noted. Crédito de foto Manuel Frau /El Sol Latino

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