Raising Spring 2016 the State champions!

Photo by David Heuschkel Players on the High School girls basketball team celebrate after winning the first state championship in program history. The Warriors defeated two-year reigning champion Thomaston 64-51 Saturday, March 19, in the Class S final at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville. Our Vision As a leader among schools and a source of pride in our community, the Canton Public Schools enrich the present and shape the future of its students by opening minds and transforming lives. Our Mission Our mission is to prepare independent, productive, respectful and responsible citizens who contribute to an ever-changing world. We pursue continuous improvement while honoring our strong educational legacy and traditions. We unite with families and the community to provide challenging educational experiences that promote the intellectual, physical, social and emotional potential of our students. from the superintendent from the board chair As you will read in this latest edition of our Raising The Canton Board of Education is once again partnering the Bar District Newsletter, the Canton Public Schools with the Valley Press to bring you our Spring 2016 newsletter, continue to be a Lighthouse District, where our students Raising the Bar. The Board has been busy this year with the and staff shine brightly and a District to which other first year of implementation of the new strategic coherence School Systems throughout Connecticut look to in plan, adopted last year. Specifically, one area of focus by to replicate our success. Our District continues to be our communications committee has been to develop a new recognized for outstanding achievements in all areas of our district-­wide communication plan. We have held many focus academic, athletic, and arts programs. Our students have groups to hear your thoughts and concerns around commu- demonstrated accomplishments in all of these areas. For nication. Once the Board of Education adopts this new plan, the sixth consecutive year, our District was named as a Best we look forward to bringing ideas and actions to enhance and Community for Music Education 2016. For the second improve our communication with the community as a whole. time in two years, both Cherry Brook Primary School and I am pleased to share with you many of the achievements of Kevin D. Case Julie Auseré Canton High School were named Schools of Distinction by the our students as well as initiatives of the district such as STEM, Superintendent Board Chair Connecticut State Department of Education. I am very proud of literacy curriculum at Canton Middle School and athletic and these accomplishments and thank you, our community, for supporting our School District. musical accomplishments. The proposed Board of Education budget of $25,166,699 As you will read in this publication, our outstanding staff continues to work representing a 1.1% increase will allow our district to continue the high standards tirelessly to create a learning environment where each of our students is engaged and of learning as well as provide support for the social and emotional well-being­ of our challenged in various educational experiences that in alignment with our mission, students and families. We appreciate your continued support of the Canton Public promoting each student’s intellectual, physical, social, and emotional potential. Schools and encourage you to attend the Town Hall meeting at Canton High School on As a School District, we believe that: May 2 to vote on the proposed budget. As always, I welcome any questions comments. • All students will successfully master Canton’s Community Expectations for Learning • All students benefit from high quality resources and experiences that foster intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth • All students flourish in a safe and healthy learning environment that values differences while respecting cultures, abilities and perspectives • All children are entitled to a childhood As we look ahead to the next few years and continuously improve on the educational environment we provide for our students, we will be focusing on the following goals identified in the Board of Education’s adopted 2015-2020 Strategic Coherence Plan: • Enhance Canton’s Community Expectations for Learning to ensure they are reflective of our values and educational priorities and are aligned, Pre-K – Grade 12. • Implement a comprehensive plan to complete the transition to a digital Photo Credit Gerry DeSimas learning environment that promotes a culture of proficient, responsible, and innovative utilization for students, staff, and families. Wall of Fame inductees from the • Refine the assessment system to capture and share meaningful performance data that informs the continuous improvement of teaching, learning, October 2015 Alumni Weekend and student performance. Noah O’Leary - CHS Junior who inducted (posthumously) Michael • Enhance the capacity of District Staff to support every child’s Dickert, class of 1962 of the Community Expectations for Learning. James Martin, class of 1981, (standing in back) inducted by Noelia • Develop and refine strategies for community engagement and communication to support student success. Powell - CHS Sophomore The staff and I look forward to our continued work on these important goals Angel Prince, class of 1995, inducted by Maggie Treacy - CHS Senior which will serve as the roadmap for our future work. Please let your child’s teacher, Ronald Morris, class of 1950, inducted by Jacob principal, or me know if there is anything we can do to improve your child’s learning experience. Your feedback is important to us. Benedetti - CHS Sophomore Daniel LeGeyt, class of 1970, inducted by Jaela Davidson - CHS Junior Canton High School’s Take on Change by Jessica Lyons, Canton High School Class of 2016 or the Class of 2016, it was just great to grow up in. You get the chance matter what experience a student has and impressive. four years ago that we entered to make great friends and get to know at Canton High School, whether it be athlet- These are just Canton High School, but the everyone in your class… It’s like a family ic-based or scholar-based, students feel con- a few examples of past four years have ushered in [here in] Canton. Personally, after living fident that they are prepared for the future. the school’s nu- major changes. Of course, there [here] for 8 years, it makes me extremely Playwright and critic George Bernard merous curricular were the changes to the school’s excited to embark on new adventures. In Shaw once said, “Progress is impossible changes that have parking lot, the redesign of the school’s web- that sense, Canton has definitely prepared without change, and those who cannot been put into play Fpage, and the addition of the track and . me and has made me confident to tackle change their minds cannot change any- in order to help However, the most important changes were something so daunting, like college,” shared thing.” I feel as though this quote applies the students de- those that involved the school’s internal, senior Maren Parchen. to the transformation of the Class of 2016 velop and learn. curricular revisions. No matter what path students take at very well. Without a doubt, we were all In middle school Students that wandered through the Canton High School, whether it is the path different in middle school and have become we were without middle school five years ago as novices now of an artist, musician, athlete, or scientist, more progressive and more open-minded plans for the fu- are preparing to leave the high school as the school has taken an initiative to assist since then. ture. Fortunately, Jessica Lyons artists, musicians, athletes, scientists, and them on their way to success. The flexibil- Also within the last four years, Canton a school that was Senior, Canton High more. How did this impressive change occur ity demonstrated by the school is a good High has made some impressive changes willing to change with us and for us in order in such a seemingly short amount of time? reflection of students’ own perspectives for to the school’s curriculum, including the to get us where we want to go supported us. While we certainly can, and should, their lives after graduation. Senior student introduction of the “Warrior Way” policy, As a grade full of innovative, opened thank the faculty that have supported us Samantha Anderson shared her excitement which prompts students to “be respectful, minds, we recognize the changes made by along the way, this change also had a lot to to go explore the world and tackle college by be responsible, and be role models” through the school with appreciation and gratitude do with Canton High School’s willingness saying, “Canton High School has prepared a system that hopes to acknowledge and as we say goodbye. to adapt and follow through with fulfilling me for what is to come in life, while also recognize positive behaviors regularly As it comes time to graduate, Canton the needs of its students. As a small class of providing me with this community of people among students. There was also the school’s seniors will be looking back on their time roughly 100 students, in a small community, that I’ve formed awesome relationships inclination to allow new student clubs, such spent here in the high school and certainly Canton High School has been able to move with that I can always fall back on. ” as the Social Justice League and the Inter- reflecting on the many wonderful changes all of us along on our journey from children While the school has undergone many national Club. Another new addition is the that have occurred during their time here. to young adults. With special focus and changes in these past years, it is still the school’s establishment of a trip to Costa The Class of 2016 may be saying goodbye to attention on each student, “A small school same school that the Class of 2016 walked Rica for students studying Spanish, which the high school, but they are saying hello to like CHS creates a certain atmosphere that is into all those years ago and bonded over. No speaking from experience was eye opening a new world with a new outlook on change. 2 | RAISING THE BAR Spring 2016 Literacy is focus for Columbia workshops hildren’s author Lauri Fortino change their performance. They really should had this to say: “Literacy is the get daily feedback because of the structure it jump-off point from which all c an g i v e .” of life’s successes take flight.” Ms. Cimini continued, “Every day you are To ensure that students doing some reading, every day you are doing in Canton have the best some writing.” opportunity to be successful, the district has Staff also benefit because they have access Cadopted the Columbia University Reading to professional development opportunities. and Writing Project. “With staff development it gives us the best The program was developed by the practices,” Dr. Grossman said. “I can’t remem- Teachers College at Columbia University. ber the last time a staff developer came and “The big focus is giving kids instruction worked with Canton Middle School teachers.” on what it means to be a reader,” language In the lower grades, the program allows arts consultant at Canton Intermediate School for teachers to have seven units a year that Kristy Johnson said. “The big push is for run for four to six weeks. students to have eyes on authentic texts, Mary Pat Leger, reading consultant at authentic instruction.” Cherry Brook Primary School, explained that The program has been part of the curric- students are introduced to fiction and nonfic- ulum for more than 15 years, at least in the tion genres, and a variety of writing types such elementary grades K-6, according to Assistant as informative, narrative and opinion writing. Superintendent Dr. Jordan Grossman. The Students in the third grade will begin to have program was rolled into the middle school integrative study on a subject – topics will be at the start of the current school year. covered in multiple disciplines. Ms. Leger used A staff developer from Columbia hosted the example of the study of Japan, third graders three seminars for educators in the upper grades will read and write about the country and will to introduce the techniques and concepts. Ruth learn more in their social studies classes. Kidwell, Chair of the English Department at “They are teaching the topic throughout Fifth grade teacher Kama Cawley works with students on their literacy skills, using the Columbia Canton High School, explained how the pro- the day,” Ms. Leger said. “It’s really interesting University Reading and Writing Project. gram was begun in the upper grades. to see that all play together.” “The first half of the year we were getting a When it comes to reading and writing Ms. will back off, allowing students to direct their seven years. The field trip enabled them to see feel for what Columbia is, what are the strategies Leger, explained that each unit, which is linked learning more. how the program works for seventh and eighth and how that would differ,” Ms. Kidwell said. to the Common Core standards, is broken “The way the units are written it’s pushing graders. “Columbia offers full lessons. This last round we down into what are called bends, or sections. the students towards learning,” Ms. Johnson “We got into the classrooms,” Ms. Kidwell started analyzing and planning a nonfiction unit The first in a reading unit would be to in- said. “Each bend gets more complex.” said. “We had conversations in logistics, and are slowly implementing it.” troduce the genre, the second would be to look As the unit progresses, more partner and which are the scary parts; we took ideas away Kristina Cimini, Canton Middle School at the structure or mechanical components of group work is incorporated, allowing for stu- f rom t h at .” reading and language arts consultant, said the reading such as phonics and grammar, and the dents to “not go it alone,” Ms. Johnson said. Ms. Kidwell said her Ellington colleagues benefits are many. last sections “you go back to the global picture As the program was being introduced in informed her that it was a bit scary when the “It’s a laser light focus to your instruction,” of reading,” Ms. Leger said. the middle school grades, teachers had the program was first put into place, but quickly she said. “It’s not painting with a broad swath. This type of instruction allows the first part opportunity to visit schools in Ellington, which became easier for teachers and students with You can give [students] very quick feedback to to be very focused and gradually the teacher have been using Columbia techniques for about other disciplines soon joining in.

Want to know? District puts forth a new communications plan nformation can come from email or The committee compromised of adminis- Ms. Auseré said. whatever platform is used that students and be posted on the website, and now the trators, board of education members, commu- “Families are trying to get the big picture,” any information relating to them is kept safe. school district is looking to streamline nity members, teachers and student representa- she said. “It’s really looking at technology options the process and find ways to get the tives — took a close look at the way the district Dr. Grossman said, too, that there are we have and determining what technology word out to the community. It wants distributes information and what would be groups in the community that have expressed makes sense for the communication you want to reach out to not only those with necessary to make improvements. The commit- interest in learning more about local schools to have,” Ms. Auseré said of the plan. children in the schools, but to those who may tee of more than a dozen individuals created a even if they do not have children attending Last year the district updated its website, Ihave an interest in events open to the public. number of focus groups comprised of families, them. a first step in opening the lines of communica- To that end, the Board of Education has students and teachers from each of the schools, “People just want to know more,” tion. The new site enables an individual at each been creating a new communications plan. senior residents, members of the Canton Dr. Grossman said. school to post information, rather than send “The communication plan is basically a Chamber of Commerce, town boards, volun- Ms. Auseré is hopeful that by embracing the details to a person at central office to post way for us to establish effective communication teers and school organizations. Each group was a broad way of communicating, the district on the website, enabling content to be posted among the district, internally and externally,” asked the same series of questions. can foster better relationships with schools more quickly. Board of Education Chair Julie Auseré said. “The goal was to come up with three major and families. The program that was used to build the “The goal is to provide regular information on goal areas with strategies,” Assistant Superin- Another component will be to take a new website, QScend, has options that enable district happenings to senior citizens, school tendent of Schools Dr. Jordan Grossman said. look at how the district could use social media the district to keep track of how people use the organizations and other community groups.” Among the ideas being proposed are week- outlets to reach their communication goals, website and allow the district to personalize “We also want to create a positive home ly e-blasts to help get information out possibly incorporating applications such as content to meet users needs. to school partnership that is consistent,” to the community. Twitter and Facebook. Ms. Auseré said she is hopeful that she continued. Families currently get weekly e-newsletters Dr. Grossman was excited to have recently the website will serve as a “warehouse for The board adopted a strategic coherence and letters from their child’s schools. used Periscope, a video-streaming app, to communications.” plan, which outlines goals for students in and out Residents said they would be interested broadcast a basketball game this past season. The communications plan will have to of the classroom, Ms. Auseré explained, and one in hearing news from other schools in the However this type of technology is used be approved by the Board of Education, of these goals was to address communication. district, not just those their children attend, in the future, the priority is to assure that which will likely vote on it this spring. Bridging 1+1: District adopts new way to teach math ore than three years “Last year we started a math committee, mathematics curriculum, benefit. In addition, the Bridges program ago the Canton School really looking at best mathematical practices,” • Teachers support it and are excited aligns with the vision for the district’s District began a search to he said, adding that the district reviewed a to learn to use it, math curriculum as developed by the find a new way to teach variety of programs and visited other school • It’s adaptable for a wide range of math committee. math that would align districts throughout the state to find a good fit learners, and “Our focus is on the following math with the state Common for Canton. • Network of professional development practices: Implement Tasks that Promote Core State Standards. After a prolonged “There is a family component to this,” supports the program’s implementation. Reasoning and Problem Solving, Use and Msearch, the district decided to use Bridges Dr. Grossman said of Bridges in Mathematics. “The Bridges program was written to Connect Mathematical Representations, in Mathematics. “[It] really guides families on support and align with the Common Core State Standards Facilitate Meaningful Mathematical Dis- Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. resources they can use with their children. from the ground up,” Ms. Deltano said. “It is course, Pose Purposeful Questions, Build Jordan Grossman explained that the district, We really haven’t had that and we are excited very thought out and thorough. The program Procedural Fluency from Conceptual with input from Lisa Deltano, K-6 math and about that piece.” will help us to align our teaching from grade Understanding, Support Productive Struggle science coordinator, reviewed the way this “It will be a lot of work for teachers,” he level to grade level. There are very strong in Learning Mathematics, Elicit and Use program taught mathematics and the materials said. “We appreciate the willingness of teachers vocabulary and mathematical representations. Evidence of Student Thinking. There is a it used. The district also sought ways to develop to really learn and move our district forward.” Students will be taught visual representations Bridges Users Group for districts in Connecti- its own curriculum to transition from state In a presentation to the community, Dr. to help them understand the concepts taught cut to support teachers and students. They standards to Common Core State Standards. Grossman highlighted the reasons Bridges at each grade level. There will be consistency provide training for us so that we can get the Dr. Grossman said the district had been in Mathematics is the best fit for the district over time for all students.” best start possible,” Ms. Deltano said. using an assortment of materials and there including: Ms. Deltano said that teachers wrote the To learn more about Bridges in Math, was no consistency across grade levels. • Strong resource to support the schools program, for teachers and that was an added visit www.cantonschools.org Spring 2016 RAISING THE BAR | 3 Learning technology skills as you go he goal this year for the about eight months developing what Technology Committee it determined the technological skills was charged with develop- students need and the grade level to ing a plan to help students introduce each specific concept. master technological Assistant Superintendent of Schools skills as they advance Dr. Jordan Grossman explained that from one grade to another. The focus the 21st century technological skills Ton technology was one of many to will be taught as they move from one come out of the Strategic Coherence grade level to the next. Plan, approved by the Board of Skills students will acquire as they Education last year. move up through the grades include Andy Buckle, 7-12 technology basic operations of the systems, word integration specialist, said the driving processing, spreadsheets, mathematics, force for the committee’s latest work research and communications. was the question, “what do we want Mr. Buckle developed an Excel them to know.” spreadsheet that will track the skills The strategic plan states the district students will learn and when. It serves will “implement a comprehensive plan as a checklist of sorts, where students to complete the transition to a digital and their teachers will be able to clearly learning environment that promotes a see what skills have been mastered and culture of proficient, responsible and which need additional work. innovative utilization for students, The district’s youngest students staff and families.” spend time learning how to turn their Among the indicators of success computers on and off and to log in, added. Older students would learn how will have a portfolio containing their listed in the plan is for students to “ac- along with skills relating to using the to conduct research and collaborate. best work. quire and demonstrate age-appropriate mouse, saving documents and key- Each website has a tab for each area “The digital portfolio should be digital learning and citizenship skills boarding skills. As students progress of study from English to history to phys- exemplary showcase,” Mr. Buckle said. as part of the Pre-K-12 instructional through the grades additional skills, ical education and art. It is possible a tab He is hoping to pilot the new tech- program.” such as word processing, spreadsheets, for technology would also be included nology checklist in the spring, starting The technology committee spent using multi-media presentation tools are on their personal webpages, students with seventh grade. Learning near and far: students have online options or several years now students throughout the courses.” at Canton Middle School and Canton High School senior Megan Canton High School have taken Hall had studied Spanish throughout high classes through the Virtual High school and this year decided to try the School, (VHS), a non-profit Chinese course. organization offering a myriad “I really thought it was interesting,” of classes online since 1996. Megan said, adding that she has been FAssistant Superintendent of Schools Jordan trying to get into a Chinese class at her Grossman said Canton students have been school since her freshman year, however, taking online courses for at least seven years. there were not enough students registered “What it does is provides an opportunity and the class was never offered. for students to take courses that we may not “I thought it was a pretty and unique offer here at Canton High School or Canton language,” she said as to what inspired her Middle School,” he said. “We are pretty to want to learn Chinese. excited about that.” Learning online was another new Among the classes students can select way to study for Megan. from are AP Psychology, Criminology, The class meets twice a week. After Number Theory, Advanced Web Design, students log on, they work with a teacher Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Oceanography who is based in Michigan. and Marketing and the Internet, according The online option enables students to to Deborah Schwager, Canton High School spend more time on their assignments and Director of Counseling. during each class period students have a “These courses are teacher-led and are workbook to use and practice their listening administered and graded independently of and speaking skills. CHS; our role is to approve the student’s This spring students in the class were choice in advance, and to facilitate and learning how to say and write colors. manage the sign up process for students,” “She shows us the words and characters Ms. Schwager said. “Students must seek and goes over the pronunciation and reviews approval from their school counselor how to write the word,” Megan said, adding that before signing up.” once students have a good grasp of these the There are more than 150 courses teacher adds sentence structure to the lesson. that students can register to take. Megan’s background in Spanish has been A new online offering this year was the helpful. Although Chinese is a very different study of Mandarin Chinese, which is avail- language and has an entirely new set of char- able to students through another accredited acters to learn, Megan said that her Spanish online learning center, Proximity Learning. is important helping her to learn how foreign According to its website, www.prox- words are pronounced. learn.com, “students meet with live certified “It’s easy to remember words when teachers twice a week online. The courses you’ve had training in another language,” include online live classes, self-study, live she said. language labs, office hours, assignments, Megan also enjoys writing words in weekly quizzes and exams. Chinese reading, the Chinese characters, another skill that writing, culture and history are emphasized is entirely new for her. 4 | RAISING THE BAR Spring 2016 Lending a hand ometimes learning takes place This past fall, Circle of Friends, another outside of the classroom. Students Canton Intermediate School group whose in Canton have had several lessons purpose is to do community service projects, that will last a lifetime thanks to the collected items for pets, including food and broad range of community service toys and made a donation to an animal shelter. projects they engage in throughout Many residents may have noticed the the year. glass window inspired art around town – in SEach year at Cherry Brook Primary town buildings. Fifth grade students did the School students celebrate the 100th day of project as a way to brighten up the community. school with an annual food drive. Each class Mr. Hanlon said this project is likely to become is encouraged to bring in 100 non-perishable an annual event. food items. Everything that is collected is then The school’s PTO also adopted a commu- distributed to Gifts of Love or the Canton nity service project this year. The parent-run Food Bank. organization wanted to ensure that people in “We were told it will be gone in four days the community had an opportunity to attend when we brought it to the Canton Food Bank,” school events and so has helped to cover Canton High School Toy drive Principal Andrew Robbin said. related expenses. During the winter’s annual During the winter months students and student-staff basketball game, the PTO opted initative supported by Superintendent have an impact on other people,” Ms. Hamad staff collect hats and mittens for those in need. to an admission of a nonperishable food of Schools Kevin Case who developed the said. “It gives them a sense of purpose.” As the year progresses, students get their item; it collected more than 600 items for the Kindness in Motion Project. One of the tenets for students at Canton hearts pumping with an annual fundraiser, Canton Food Bank. When Mr. Case shared the analogy of the High School is personal responsibility Princi- Jump Rope for the Heart, raising money for “When students are vested in it, it does butterfly flapping its wings in one part of the pal Andrew DiPippo said. cardiovascular research by jumping rope. make it more meaningful,” Mr. Hanlon said world and causing a hurricane in another, Community service falls under this tenet. “One of the things we try to teach at Cher- of the student-inspired projects that they illustrating how something small can have “[It’s] a natural outgrowth to that level of ry Brook is kindness, looking out for your com- make happen. a huge impact, he encouraged students to personal responsibility, when we think outside munity, knowing you are part of a group who “We are proud of our student community engage in such acts and the opportunity to of our school walls, to be a part of the broader goes beyond who you are,” Mr. Robbin said. for all the successes we see for our students win a mini grant from him. community,” Mr. DiPippo said. Many students willingly sacrifice extra here,” Mr. Hanlon said. “We know that they get “We had students take up that challenge High school students, like their younger Halloween candy so it can be sent to service involved in the community when it helps make and wrote grant proposals,” Ms. Hamad said, peers, have taken an active role in both their members overseas. us a strong school community.” adding that students worked on their ideas and school community and that of Canton. “We love it,” Mr. Robbin said of his school’s Before new seventh graders even came the school will hold a celebration in May for The Canton Adolescents Taking Action many community service activities. “We are to the Canton Middle School in the fall, the students who completed their projects. group, or CATA, has been around for 15 years teaching kids even more about how to be a and currently has about 30 members. good citizen.” Among its endeavors are Pennies for He noted that the school is in the process Patients, adopting a family at the holidays, vol- of rewriting its mission statement and the new unteering with Special Olympics and helping to one will include the goal of extending student run the bounce house for Sam Collins Day. learning beyond the classroom. “Community service is something that you The lessons learned in the primary grades can be involved with at any age,” said Gabrielle continue when students arrive at Canton Inter- Aitchison, CATA advisor. “Students learning mediate School. the joy of giving back at a young age means The Student Advisory Council, known as they are more likely to continue giving of their SAC, has several projects such as a fall food time as an adult.” drive at Thanksgiving. This spring students This spring students will host a Senior were working on creating cards to send to Citizen Cabaret along with lending a hand at children in the hospital. the Cherry Brook Primary School Fair, holding Principal Kevin Hanlon said, too, that campus clean-ups and hosting a toy drive for the Kids Care Club at his school is active in the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. community service projects, many involving The high school also has a Leo group, a the nearby senior center. Before Christmas they youth organization affiliated with the Lions built gingerbread houses with seniors and later Club, which assists with projects. brought them handmade Valentine’s Day cards. They raised money for dugouts at local This spring, the club hopes to host a second Canton Intermediate School book donations playing fields, volunteered at the Lions Club Mud Run to raise money for Vested Interest in pancake breakfast, assisted at the Jump for K9s, Inc., an organization that provides protec- Canton for Gifts for Canton at the holidays and tive vests for police dogs. concept of community and serving it in one Ms. Hamad was also working with the collected books to be given out by Santa during The Spanish Club at Canton Intermediate way or another had been planted in their minds Quality Council to create a Day of Service, Christmas in Collinsville. School this year collected diapers, books and through a community read project. Principal in which students would volunteer to work The high school Athletic Council has also other items that Spanish teacher Michelle Pamela Hamad said each incoming student was on area community service projects. helped to raise money for difference causes, Traub helped to deliver personally to an or- required to read a book, “Pay it Forward,” a sto- In March, the school hosted Pennies for including The Cure for Breast Cancer and phanage in Guyana. ry about a teacher who challenges his students Patients project in which both the middle Building Homes for America’s Bravest. to do three good deeds for someone else. and high school raised money for the leukemia Mr. DiPippo said that other groups One of the students ends up making a local and lymphoma society. within the high school, such as the National and global impact. “I think it’s so valuable for students at this Honor Society have also done service projects, “We looked at them paying it forward,” age to be involved in these kinds of activities. It including tutoring students at Cherry Brook she said. “How can we have that be something allows them to see as individuals how they can Primary School. that is part of our school community?” Some of the school’s events such as the food drive and the pajama drive were tied into the pay it forward theme. The school’s Quality Council, consisting of the principal, teachers, parents and students, each year looks for one area they can improve. “Last year the Quality Council looked at is- sues related to school culture. This year we saw an opportunity to focus on the pay it forward idea,” Ms. Hamad said. After students took a look at anti-bullying and ways to improve the school culture, they began to work on team-building exercises. “When students are involved in projects that have a positive impact on the world, they naturally have a stronger bond with the com- munity and will treat each other with respect,” Ms. Hamad said. In December a campaign at the middle Canton Middle School food drive school focused on small acts of kindness, an Cherry Brook Primary School food drive Spring 2016 RAISING THE BAR | 5 The 2016-2017 Board of Education Budget Annual Budget Meeting, Monday, May 2 at Canton High School Auditorium

Canton Public Schools 2016 - 2017 Capital Improvement Projects

CantonLocation Public Schools 2016 - Description2017 Capital Improvement ProjectsAmount CIP-CHS/CMS ADA Compliance Project - (Urinals, Showers, Locker Area) $30,930 CIP-CHS/CMS Installation of Handrail and Landings for Ramp $40,000 CIP-CHS/CMS Asbestos Containing Materials (Removal) $35,914 CIP-CHS/CMS Storage, Alarms Seating & Tables, Library/Assembly Areas, Café/Auditorium $11,167 CIP-CHS/CMS Track & Field Long Term Maintenance $74,000 CIP-CIS ADA Compliance Issues (Doors, Drinking Fountains, Bathrooms, Signage & Telephones) $12,500 CIP-CIS ADA Compliance - Seating Areas $33,763 CIP-CIS Electrical - Replace/Repair all non-functional units $6,000 CIP-CIS Hazardous Materials: Lead Paint $15,000 CIP-CIS Hazardous Material Removal: of Asbestos Containing Materials $18,236 CIP-CBPS Toilet Room Renovations $17,500 CIP-CBPS Environmental Remediation $15,000 CIP-CBPS Architectural Interior: Upgrade original building Classrooms and Support Rooms $20,000 Hazardous Material Removal: Asbestos Containing Materials (Floor Tiles, Pipe Insulation, CIP-CBPS Plaster) $20,490 6-Apr-17 Board of Finance Reduction - Lines TBD -$80,000

TOTAL CIP $270,500

6 | RAISING THE BAR Spring 2016 Student Achievement What is AP... ConnecticutConnecticut PublicPublic Schools Schools AP® Success by District: Class of 2015 or “Advanced AP® Success by District: Class of 2014 Regional 7 Hartland Somers Suffield Stafford Union Thompson Regional Granby Woodstock Placement”? Hartland East Somers 7 Granby WindsorSuffield Stafford Union EnfieldEllington Thompson Winchester Regional 07 Granby Locks East PutnamWoodstock The College Board’s Advanced East Windsor Eastford Regional 01 Simsbury GranbyWindsorWindsor Tolland Locks East Pomfret Winchester Regional Canton7 Ellington Regional 19 Placement Program (AP) is an Bloomfield South Eastford Putnam Torrington WindsorVernon Killingly extensive program that offers high Regional 1 Regional Simsbury WindsorWindsor Tolland Regional 06 Hartford Coventry Regional 19 Pomfret CantonAvon West East ManchesterSouth Regional 11 Brooklyn 6 Bloomfield Bolton school students the chance to partic- Regional Torrington Regional 10 Hartford Hartford Vernon Killingly Litchfield Windsor ipate in college level classes, thereby 06 Farmington West WethersfieldHartford ColumbiaCoventryWindham Regional Avon East RegionalPlainfield 11 Brooklyn New GlastonburyManchester broadening their intellectual hori- 6 Thomaston Bristol Plainville HartfordNewington Hartford Bolton Regional Regional 10 Britain Regional 08 Canterbury Sterling Litchfield Plymouth Rocky Hill zons and preparing them for college 6 Farmington Lebanon Sprague Voluntown New CromwellWethersfield Columbia Watertown Wolcott Southington Berlin Windham Milford Regional Glastonbury Franklin Lisbon Griswold Plainfield work. It also plays a large part in the 6 Regional Plainville Portland East Thomaston Bristol New Colchester 14 Newington Regional 8 Sterling Sherman Waterbury Britain Hampton Bozrah Canterbury college admissions process, show- Plymouth Meriden MiddletownRockyHill Norwich Preston Regional 12 Cheshire Lebanon Sprague Voluntown ing both a student’s intellectual New New Watertown Regional Cromwell East NaugatuckWolcott16 Southington Berlin Franklin MilfordFairfield Regional Regional Haddam Salem NorthLisbon Griswold capacity and his or her genuine Brookfield Regional 15 Wallingford RegionalPortland 17 East Montville Stonington 14 Regional 13 Colchester Ledyard Sherman OxfordWaterbury16 Hampton Bozrah interest in learning. The program RegionalCheshire Meriden Middletown Preston DanburyRegional 12 Newtown North Regional 18 Waterford Norwich 05 also allows students to earn col- New Regional Haven Regional 04 East Stonington Bethel Seymour North East New Groton Fairfield NaugatuckAnsonia 16 Hamden Regional Lyme Salem North Brookfield Monroe Branford Haddam London lege credit for high performance; Regional 15 Derby New Haven Wallingford RegionalWestbrook 17Old Montville Stonington Regional Guilford13 Saybrook Ridgefield Regional 09 Shelton Hamden Clinton Ledyard many colleges award 3 credits Oxford 16 West East Branford Madison Regional Haven Danbury Newtown Trumbull HavenNorth Regional 18 Waterford for scores of 3 or above on Weston 5 Bethel SeymourMilford Haven Regional 4 East Stonington Wilton Bridgeport North various AP exams. Overall Ansonia New MonroeFairfield Stratford Branford Lyme Groton New Derby New Canton students perform Old London Canaan Westport Shelton Guilford Westbrook RidgefieldStamford Haven DistrictsClinton with publicSaybrook school students attending private high schools: exceptionally well and are RegionalNorwalk 9 West Branford MadisonWinchester – The Gilbert School, 92% public students Haven East Darien Trumbull Norwich – Norwich Free Academy, 100% public students one of the highest in the Greenwich Percentage of 12th–gradersHaven who scored 3 or Weston Milford Wilton higher on an AP Exam during high school. Farmington Valley and Bridgeport Sources: 2013–14 NCES 12th–grade district enrollment, 2015 College the state. New Fairfield Canaan StratfordLess than 1% Board AP Cohort Data, and 2013–14 Proximity School District Boundary Files. Stamford Districts with public school students attending private high schools: 1%–9% Norwalk Westport Notes:Winchester – The Gilbert School, 100% public students 10%–19% The mostNorwich recent enrollment – Norwich data Free available Academy, were for 97.7% the 2013–14 public students Darien Percentage of 12th–graders who scored 3 or school year. A degree of caution should be exercised when Greenwich 20%–29% reviewing performance estimates, as data may not reflect district enrollments for the 2014–15 school year. AP cohort data higher on30% an or AP greater Exam during high school. Sources: represent2012–13 public school NCES students 12th–grade from a givendistrict graduating enrollment, class 2014 College who scored 3 or higher on an AP Exam during high school. Less Nothan 12th–grade 1% enrollment data Board AP Cohort Data, and 2011–12 Proximity School District Boundary Files. 1%–9% Notes: Canton’s Results vs. Global Results10%–19% The most recent enrollment data available were for the 2012–13 school year. A degree of caution should be exercised when 20%–29% reviewing performance estimates, as data may not reflect district enrollments for the 2013–14 school year. AP cohort data 30% or greater represent public school students from a given graduating class No 12th–grade enrollment data who scored 3 or higher on an AP Exam during high school.

SAT Trend Data

Spring 2016 RAISING THE BAR | 7 21st century learning: STEM Academy here is nothing like a car- to need to do is create pseudo code,” to get away from their computers and toonish with a Mr. Bishop told students one March step outside to take a closer look at the rainbow mane bumping afternoon. “Think what you need to natural world. into a wall to cause gig- happen for a maze.” “The concept is to have students be gles to break out amongst After lecturing students on up- scientists doing real work and using real a group of students. This and-down movement, start and end data to gather information, use real fo- colorful sprite was having a difficult time points and determining how a game cus to make sense of their environment,” Tmaneuvering through a maze and was player would win or lose, he let students Mr. Bishop said. not getting much sympathy from the begin to create their own maze games. He described STEM saying, eighth and ninth graders watching its “I wanted to get into the program,” “To a great extent it’s a way of thinking.” impaired progress. eighth grader Jared Barter said. “I want “It’s an integrated mindset of dealing The character and its antics was a to get more focused on my dream career with issues and learning over all in demonstration by K-12 STEM Coor- - being an aerospace engineer,” he added. the world.” dinator Jon Bishop, as he talked to the “I really like technology,” eighth In letters inviting students to join the group about creating their own comput- grader Amelia Comen said. “It seems Academy, the district noted, “Our pro- er game that would include a maze and like this is going to be the future. gram will engage students in authentic, a character they code. I’m looking forward to programming project-based STEM learning opportu- Students were attending the after an app.” nities and will incorporate cutting-edge school Canton Public Schools STEM Freshman James Vetro has some technology and 21st century skills.” Academy established this spring. The experience coding and said he thought Ultimately Mr. Bishop hopes to academy had two cohorts, STEM 89, the course would be fun. On this provide an introduction into the possi- which took place in March, focused on particular day he was working with a bilities of STEM and what it can offer to Game and App Design and was devel- coding program called Scratch, one he all students. oped for students in eighth and ninth had used before at home. Today he was “What we want to do is provide grades. STEM 67 Citizen Scientists, manipulating letters from the alphabet excellent opportunities for students of which began in April, focused on envi- causing them to move around his all ages,” he said, adding that exposure to ronmental education and was designed computer screen. these concepts will only benefit students for students in sixth and seventh grades. Both of the twice-weekly courses in the future. Both programs are part of the district’s filled up quickly and each had more “It’s an opportunity to develop a strategic vision for STEM, or Science, than 20 students register. STEM mindset through coding, but use Technology, Engineering and Math While the STEM 89 students spent different media - robotics and sports - so education. much of their time in a computer lab, that they see these enduring concepts and Students in the STEM 89 Game and App Design program “As programmers, what we are going those in STEM 67 had the opportunity become familiar with it,” Mr. Bishop said. work on creating a maze game. College admissions does not have to be stressful hile college preparedness ticipating in group events such as the Junior appropriately rigorous with a focus on the five ranked schools in the country, she wants and the application process Planning Night. core areas of math, English, science, social stud- students to recognize that with so many can be stressful for parents Assistance includes preparing for the ap- ies and world language,” Ms. Schwager said. options, there are excellent colleges and and students, Canton High plication process, such as developing a resume Students should prepare for those tests, she universities that offer incredible programs School Director of Coun- and conducting college searches, college visits said, noting that the College Board partnership that also should be considered and not simply seling Deborah Schwager said there are many re- and follow-up meetings with their counselor. with Khan Academy provides free resources. dismissed because they are not as prestigious Wsources available to ease the process and ensure “Don’t become a professional in high “Student’s test score will not determine as those in the Ivy League. everyone is comfortable with the end result. school,” Ms. Schwager said. “Be a strong, their future. I promise,” she said. “Students should move away from the old A counselor’s job will start when students passionate, involved high school student.” Ms. Schwager assured both parents and “reach-likely-safety” model and concentrate on move from middle school to high school. “While we have a strong breadth of students that there are so many possibilities finding five best-fit schools, places they have “We want students to transition well and elective offerings that I encourage our students for students for finding a good fit at a college actually visited, fit within the top 25 percent of have a clear understanding of high school to consider, they should not try to ‘major’ in or university. She urged them not to read too the students typically admitted and where they expectations - strong attendance, work comple- a content area in high school,” Ms. Schwager much into the media hype that “an admission feel comfortable,” Ms. Schwager said. tion and getting involved,” Ms. Schwager, who said. “So, for example, while we offer strong arms race is underway.” Her job, in part, is to help students create is in her first year at the high school, said. math and science, what we know from recruit- “The truth is, there are over 5,000 two-year a list of possibilities and send the student to Through the freshman and sophomore ers when they eventually hire is that they need and four-year colleges and universities in the research them on his or her own, both online years, counselors help students identify areas students who write well, who can think on United States. No one should focus too heavily and in person. of interest for possible career choices. Junior their feet, sort through vast amounts of data on the single-digit percentage acceptance rates “Interested in health care? For every Johns year is the time when counselors begin to work and who can ask the right questions - all while of a group of 10, 25 or 50 of those.” Hopkins, there is Ursinus, Muhlenberg, Bing- with them on college planning, meeting with working well with varying personalities and Ms. Schwager continued, “Canton High hamton and Holy Cross, all offering esteemed individual students, their parents and par- remaining adaptable.” School students successfully apply to a range of pre-med programs and where most students Courses in advanced English schools, including some of those whose names will be bigger fish in a smaller pond,” she said. or social studies are important, you see on the top of subjective rating lists.” “For every Northwestern, there’s a University as are world languages. What becomes important, the counselor of Minnesota journalism program, or Syracuse, Colleges, Ms. Schwager, said said, is to remember, “It’s not where you go, it’s or Susquehanna in Pennsylvania. Ohio and are more interested in students who what you do where you are, that will determine Indiana are state universities with tremendous have strong interests in a few areas success over time.” business programs, and a big bang for the buck, rather than students who are over Increasingly more data is becoming avail- even for out-of-staters. The bottom - [there extended. able and it is being discussed about a particular is a] tremendous range of options everywhere “It’s OK to try different things, school’s return on investment. It’s an area she you look, if you only look.” that’s what high school is about,” likes students and parents to consider during Canton High School students have she said. “But colleges are looking the admissions process. expressed interest in STEM fields as well as for passion and depth. Students Resources such as Kiplinger’s, PayScale healthcare and the fine arts, and there is no end can easily demonstrate that by and Forbes can provide this information. to possible schools for these areas of study. their dedication and increasing “The college search shouldn’t be about As overwhelming as all of this can be for responsibilities in one or two where a student can ‘get in,’” Ms. Schwager said. students, parents have their own set of stress- groups or activities.” “It should be focused on questions like: where ors, too. School counselors can help families Additionally, colleges will look do I want to be? What’s the best learning envi- negotiate this transition as well. at what students have done outside ronment for me? What majors am I interested “It’s important we have open conversations of school as well, such as part-time in? Where are students after graduation?” with them surrounding the college process, be- jobs or volunteer activities. The counselor encourages students to ask, ginning with a financial discussion,” suggested This in no way dismisses the “How many [graduates] are actually employed? Ms. Schwager. “What can we truly afford?” importance of a student’s high In what fields, and what salary range? Have Her biggest piece of advice she gives school transcript, however. Colleges students been accepted into their first choice parents is to let their child do all of the will also be looking to see if a graduate program?” legwork, including filling out applications student challenged him or herself; “Every university will tell students two and scheduling regular meetings with their GPAs and in some instances SAT things: that they have an amazing study abroad school counselor. scores will have more weight at program, and that 99 percent of their students “And when the going gets rough, as it Deborah Schwager, the new director of counseling some schools than at others. are employed or in graduate school within six sometimes will, please don’t hesitate to give the at Canton High School is available to help students “Colleges remain most focused months of graduation,” Ms. Schwager said. counselor a call. We can help you navigate,” prepare for their future. on a strong high school transcript While it’s admirable to aspire to the top- Ms. Schwager said. 8 | RAISING THE BAR Spring 2016 Scores: athletic and musical anton High School Athletic musicians, including seven freshman, yet their three men will present “Building and director at a music educators conference Director Craig DeAngelis has youth did not get in the way of earning a top Maintaining a Successful Music Program and it is a testament to our working relation- much to be excited about this rating at the 25th Annual Jazz Festival held at in a Small School District.” ship with the music and athletic programs,” year. For starters the athletic Enrico Fermi High School in Enfield. “It will be very unique to have an athletic Mr. Gottheimer said. department was awarded the In April the music department held an Micheals Achievement Cup, instrumental jazz night, a chorus evening and which he said was the equivalent of winning a band concert as well. Ca state championship. The honor recognizes Last year Mr. Mastroianni introduced a top athletic programs in the state. town wide jazz concert. The jazz bands from “The fact that we received one was huge,” Canton Intermediate School and Canton Mr. DeAngelis said. “It says we are going in Middle School joined the Canton High School the right direction.” Jazz Band for an evening of music. He invited One of the many goals Mr. DeAngelis guest musicians to perform by the band direc- had when he came to Canton last year was tor and plans to do it next year. to improve the athletic facilities. To that end, This year a new community concert series new padding has been put up in the gym this was also introduced. Sponsored by Canton year that includes the school’s name and logo. Parents, The Funky Dawgz, a New - Working with the booster club, Mr. DeAngelis ans-style brass band from the University of said his department was also able to have Connecticut, which included several Canton new banners added to the gym as well. High School alums, performed in January. He is also working with the Athletic “It was completely awesome; we Council on implementing new awards, such had people dancing in the aisles,” Mr. as record holders, for student athletes that will Mastroianni said. be displayed in the trophy case. The athletic The second concert in the series was director is hoping to have All- athletes held on April 24 and featured the Jeff Holmes included in the display too. Big Band. Last year a new tradition was started when “The idea is we bring in different kinds the community was invited for an all-sports of music for the kids to hear and the town award evening. While various individual to experience,” Mr. Mastroianni said, adding sports still hosted their own acknowledging that proceeds from the concert series goes to events, one night was put aside to celebrate all Canton Parents for Music and helps support The Canton High School Choral performed earlier this year. athletes and their accomplishments. It’s some- music programs in the schools. thing Mr. DeAngelis is hoping to continue Last summer Mr. Mastroianni held the through the years. first summer jazz workshop, a weeklong inten- “It’s a really valuable night for parents and sive program, that had more than 30 students student athletes,” he said. participate. The bandleader invited several of “We wanted to come together and really his jazz musician friends to come work with celebrate not just teams but some really students. He also intends to make this an important accomplishments on a global level,” annual event. Mr. DeAngelis said. “We celebrated state Choral Director Brett Gottheimer has runners up in track and basketball, All-State witnessed an increase in success as well. The and conference athletes. We were able to 7-12 Choral program has had more students touch base with each individual team but also accepted into the Northern Regional and acknowledge accomplishments across All-State Choirs than ever before. t h e b o ard .” “We instituted a thematic concert several This year Mr. DeAngelis is hoping to years ago for our mid-year winter concert,” host the event in early June. Mr. Gottheimer said. “The themes have Mr. DeAngelis came to Canton in the ranged from American music to Music from summer of 2014 and from the start has been the Stage, Theater and Video Games, Gospel impressed with the community support the and Comedies and have integrated artists and athletic department receives. This comes from multimedia. These themed concerts allow a his staff, including assistant athletic direc- chance for students to focus on unique and tor Kim Church, and the community that distinctive repertoire in greater depth.” supports the policy and procedures that have This year marked the third year for an been put in place. He regularly works with an inter-district Chamber Singers Concert in- outreach director, Matt Brintle, who assists cluding choirs from the intermediate, middle with special initiatives such as the Pink Week and high schools. in support of breast cancer research held in All the choirs maintain a busy schedule the fall, athletes helping to build homes for the throughout the year. The High School Cham- needy and the spring Dodge ball fundraiser ber Singers performed on WTIC at Christ- that raises money for the Canton Food Bank. mas time, the High School Chamber Singers “We’ve seen some success in the field of performed at the Central Connecticut State competition but it’s really the stuff we are University Chamber Choir Festival as well doing outside of competition that makes our as the Glastonbury Choral Festival. athletic department,” Mr. DeAngelis said. “We had a visiting workshop with Dr. The athletic department is also celebrating Jamie Spillane and the University of Connecti- the girl’s basketball team’s first state champi- cut Chamber Choir with both the 10-12 and onship, won in March, defeating Thomaston High School Chambers Choir,” Mr. Got- 64-51, in the Class S final. theimer said. In April Mr. Gottheimer will be joined by Musically speaking Mr. Mastroianni and Mr. DeAngelis when the In his first year as band director John Mastroi- three make a presentation at the Connecticut The Canton High School Athletic Department was the recipient of the Michaels Achievement Cup, anni has seen the number of students increase Music Educators In-Service Conference. The recognizing the top athletic programs in the state. in his department, a phenomenon he said was very encouraging. “We are always happy students are pursuing their musical study. We welcome anyone and everyone who plays an instrument and sings, that has been a tremendous asset,” he said. To that end Mr. Mastroianni has seen growth in the band, not only in the number of musicians, but also in their repertoire. Students have risen to whatever challenge the band director has given them, including learn- ing a difficult piece of music, “With Heart and Voice” by David Gillingham. Mr. Mastroianni first had the band listen to the piece. “Their eyes lit up like Christmas trees,” he said, adding that students decided they had to learn the piece - and did -performing it at one of their concerts. One clarinet player told him it was the hardest piece she had ever played. “We are having a lot of fun pushing the envelope,” Mr. Mastroianni said, adding that a second challenging piece was learned for the band’s performance at the Tri-Town Concert at the Warner Theatre in Torrington. The jazz band this year is full of young The jazz band has grown in the years since music director John Mastroianni joined the district in 2014. Spring 2016 RAISING THE BAR | 9 New faces at the helm he community welcomed two “As a citizen, I wanted to learn a little bit bachelor’s of science in business administration politics but looking to do what’s right.” new members to the Canton more about the process on how the schools and previously worked as a physical therapist. Mr. Scheideler will serve on the board’s Board of Education this past are run and decisions are made,” she said. She and her husband Bob have been married curriculum and policy committees. November who bring with Ms. Bradley will be completing a two- 14 years and are raising fifth-grader Sam and For more on the Canton Board of them unique perspectives year term left vacant by board chair Leslee Hill, seventh-grader Francesca. Education visit www.cantonschools.org. on local schools. who was elected to serve as the town’s Also new to the board is former middle Maria Bradley had a look at education first selectman. school Principal Joseph Scheideler; he was Tin town from a parent’s perspective as the It was not long after being sworn in elected to serve a four-year term. “So far I’ve enjoyed being mother of two children. She volunteered as a to office that the board began its budget Mr. Scheideler has a total of 42 years on the board,” he said. room parent and later with the PTO. Last year discussions, an interesting and new element in education, and 37 years as a teacher and she decided to offer her talents on a broader of education Ms. Bradley was not familiar adminstrator in Canton. He came to Canton “It’s a good group of folks level and ran for the Board of Education. with until now. schools in 1977 and retired in 2014. who aren’t political, they “I find it very interesting,” she said. “I would like to think those many years Ms. Bradley is also serving as the chair of experience will help me participate in are looking to do what’s of the communications committee and will discussions in a more thoughtful manner,” best for Canton students. be assisting with updates on the board’s new he said. website launched last year. She will also sit on During his tenure here Mr. Scheideler saw It’s really a motivated the policy committee. the change in the district of creating a middle group, from my personal An area of interest for her, which goes school in 2004 for seventh and eighth graders back to her relationship with the schools as a and he served as the new school’s principal. experience as an adminis- parent, is communications from the schools to “The budget is sort of the most significant trator, and is not looking parents. It is something she hears a lot about issue, it determines what resources are from other families. available,” he said. “The town has been very to play politics but look- “Just keeping parents updated through supportive and generous. It’s a small school ing to do what’s right.” newsletters or websites, and [seeing] that system, everybody knows everybody and there parents have a way to communicate back with is no place to hide.” teachers and principals,” she said. In addition to the budget, Mr. Scheideler Other areas that parents are interested in said another important issue is the direction learning more relate to Common Core and the the school system will take regarding testing related to these standards, Ms. Bradley curriculum — “what are the priorities for said, noting parents are interested in learning being successful in the 21st century, how much Maria Bradley more about what assessments are being done technology, how much stress students are and why. under – the anxiety is often running high. Finally, while running for office, she heard There is so much responsibility on them in from many parents who want the best available terms of course selection.” learning possibilities for all students with Mr. Scheideler and his wife Barbara have “As a citizen, I wanted enrichment programs for those who may need three adult children and two grandchildren. them and after school activities for all students. Following his retirement the former principal to learn a little bit more “I’ve been involved in the community traveled, worked around his house and enjoyed about the process on how and I just look forward to getting more spending time with his two grandchildren. involved through the Board of Education. I’m “So far I’ve enjoyed being on the board,” the schools are run and excited to work with the board . . . and the he said. “It’s a good group of folks who aren’t administrators, I’m impressed with the level political, they are looking to do what’s best decisions are made.” of professionalism.” for Canton students. It’s really a motivated Ms. Bradley who has lived 15 years in group, from my personal experience as an Joseph Scheideler Canton, moved here from Boston. She has a administrator, and is not looking to play

Google all the way Looking ahead: PSAT & SAT his year was the first in feedback from their teachers are one of or any student looking to ninth graders taking the PSAT 8/9, which the Canton Public the many advantages of the new technology. attend college, the SAT looms consisting of a reading test, writing and Schools transformed to a “We are a Google Apps for Educa- on the horizon. The once language assessment and math. A similar Google district, adopting a tion District,” Robin Nardini, Technology feared assessment has under- configuration exists for the PSAT 10, complete Google platform. Integration Specialist for K-6, said. “Google gone a major overhaul for which students will take in their With this new system Apps for Education is a core suite of the benefit of students. sophomore year. in place, teachers and students are applications that are offered by Google to “They changed the SAT to be more According to the college readiness Tconnected online and staff has a new educational institutions for free. Google Fpractical,” Assistant Superintendent of board website, www.collegereadiness. way of communicating with one another Apps for Education allows administrators, Schools Dr. Jordan Grossman said, add- collegeboard.org, “the redesigned exams through apps such as Google Classroom secretaries, teachers, students and other ing that this new generation of the test will engage students in close reading and and Google Docs. district staff to communicate and share is vastly different from the one he took. honor the best work of the classroom.” In preparation for the change, a team information daily.” “It is relative. What they are going The test assesses context, analysis of more than 15 teachers attended Google In addition to teachers and students to do is align it more with Common and two areas in math - problem solving summits and more than 21 staff attended interacting on this platform, teachers can Core standards,” he said. and data analysis as well as algebra. a workshop to learn more also reach out to parents and The differences between the SAT According to the website, the PSAT about the program and how vice versa, Ms. Nardini said, taken prior to March 2016 and the 10 measures “what you learn in high to integrate it into adding users can share doc- new generation are many. The new school” and “what you need to succeed the district. uments and make comments test will not take as much time to get in college.” “It goes along with our immediately. through. The former test covered critical “We are trying to build fundamental initiative to being as close “Many teachers also use reading, writing, mathematics and skills that align with our curriculum, but as we can in integrating Google Classroom to post an essay, while the new one measures also prepare them for college, really start technology into the class- assignments for students and evidence-based reading and writing to build those foundational skills for room,” Dr. Jordan Grossman, provide feedback in real time consisting of a reading test and a writing them to show instrumental growth over assistant superintendent said as well,” she said. and language test and math. An optional the years,” Dr. Grossman said. of becoming a Google district. “Teachers all The benefits to students include being essay will be administered at the end of By having students take these earlier over the district communicate with students able to keep on top of assignments at any the exam rather than at the beginning assessments the district will receive [and] families, teachers can post work, time of day whether they are in school or as it had been. reports on each student’s achievement, communicate online with students in chats not. The only thing they need is an Internet The way the tests are scored has indicating individual strengths and online relative to classroom conversations. connection. Ms. Nardini noted this is espe- also changed. Students will no longer be weaknesses. We are moving from a paper environment cially helpful when a student is absent from penalized for a wrong guess and more “It will help them not only from a to an online management system.” school; they can still access material and emphasis will be on knowledge and testing standpoint but within our own A professional development day last assignments. They can share their work understanding of material. Scores were curriculum,” Dr. Grossman said. “It’s November introduced teachers to the more easily too. once given in a range from 600 to 2400, another measure to see the success of technology and allowed them to gain “The work becomes more student and will now range from 400 to 1600. where a student is.” some practical experience using the centered and offers opportunities for The Canton School District has Also changing is the timing. Once many Google outlets as well as Twitter. collaboration both in the classroom opted to have students take the PSAT, taken in their senior year, now the state Students being able to receive instant setting and beyond,” Ms. Nardini said. or Preliminary SAT, with eighth and mandates the SAT be taken junior year.

10 | RAISING THE BAR Spring 2016 Cherry Brook Primary School

Canton Intermediate School

Canton Middle School

Canton High School Photo by Anne Hunter Photo by David Heuschkel Photo by David Photo by David Heuschkel Photo by David

Spring 2016 RAISING THE BAR | 11 Spotlight on Education

Unified Sports program

nified Sports is a program Twenty-four Canton Middle are interested in pursuing additional opportunities that combines regular edu- Respect campaign School students were chosen like this, the Model UN club is a wonderful way to cation students and students by audition to participate in continue to be involved in this experience. with special needs together the Northern Region Music The Canton High School’s Model UN Club in a non-competitive athletic Festival the weekend of February continues to grow in membership since its begin- environment to develop 19th and 20th. The band students nings in 2007 with only 12 students. Most recently friendship, fun, respect and cooperation in the were under the direction of Dr. 43 students spent three days on the campus to true spirit of sports and athletic competition. Brian Messier, director of bands, debate global issues with other public and private UCherry Brook Primary School currently has 32 Belchertown MA. Included in the school students in New England, as well as with students in our program, grade levels Kinder- concert program was an Ensemble students from over forty different countries. Issues garten through third grade. Students work on Composition. This piece was cre- debated included human trafficking, extrajudicial a variety of team and individual sport skills ated at the festival by the students. killings and counterterrorism operations, improv- while appreciating and respecting differences Following parameters set by the ing women’s health and education on a global in physical and intellectual abilities. All of the conductor, each section of the scale, private military companies and human practices are held on Friday afternoons in the band created its own, unique part. rights standards, to name a few. gym beginning in January and run through the The conductor end of April. staff, parents and community members can then pulled the Model UN In May, the Cherry Brook Unified Sports truly be proud. parts together by conducting team will participate in a culminating event to In January, Canton Intermediate School when each section would play be held at Conard High School in West Hartford. embarked on a Respect campaign. The and for how long they would The event is sponsored in partnership with the campaign was designed by the school’s Positive play. As several of the students C.I.A.C and Special Olympics. Cherry Brook Behavioral Interventions and Supports commit- said “the piece we created was Primary School has been a proud member and tee as well as the PBIS Student Advisory Council amazing but it was the conductor one of the leading teams in the state regarding group, consisting of students. Each student and that made it all happen, we can’t student participation and team enthusiasm for staff member in the Canton Intermediate School wait for next year.” the last seven years. Unified Sports continues to community created a RESPECT flag. The flags The choral students took grow on the state and national level due to the were modeled after Tibetan Prayer Flags. Each part in two different ensembles, a tremendous efforts from many dedicated profes- member of the Canton Intermediate School treble group of soprano and alto sionals with a vision of fostering a tolerant and community was asked to create a flag with a voices, and a mixed group of so- respectful learning environment for all students symbol and word that could act as a constant prano, alto, tenor, and bass voices. in our schools. reminder of the importance of showing respect Both ensembles sang a wide variety of repertoire The overnight trip was one of typically three The Cherry Brook Unified Sports team each and every day. On January 29th, there was a including works in English, French, Latin and trips a year to different universities, and each time, is run by an outstanding group of volunteers school-wide assembly, led by the PBIS SAC Team Swahili. Students greatly enjoyed the diversity students have to research a country, a global issue, comprised of classroom teachers and support to honor and raise the flags. The RESPECT flags and challenge of the music. and take and defend a position on that issue from staff. Cherry Brook Unified Sports is a shining now hang around the building and within every The entire sophomore class recently enjoyed their country’s perspective. The defense is often example of what really makes Cherry Brook classroom symbolizing everyone’s efforts to live a a Model UN Simulation run by Social Studies made in front of as many as 100 other students Primary School a school that all of our students, life full of respect. teachers Kerry Hartley and Erin Kellogg. The who role-play other countries. Negotiation and program provided students in the Modern Global public speaking skills are at the heart of this expe- Studies course to research and debate important rience, as are lessons on Parliamentary Procedure. current event topics that have been debated at the While Canton High School students receive international level including the Syrian Refugee awards annually, or are selected to run commit- Crisis. The event, which was held at the Canton tees, this year, special recognition goes out to Public Library and done in partnership with college sophomore Clark Walburger as Yale awarded students from UCONN’s Model UN Club, utilized him the “Best Delegate” Award for his participa- oratory skills to debate issues as they followed the tion on a specialized committee entitled, “1953 formal UN debate process and attempted to come USSR” where he role-played Georgy Malenkov. up with conclusions. This opportunity enriches The Model UN Club also participated at the social studies program as it gives students the University of Hartford this year. Junior Santi the opportunity to grow with relevant real world Noriega was selected to co-chair a committee on experiences. This spring, we hope to expand this economic issues. He governed a room of over simulation experience by bringing all 7th graders 100 delegates through two days of debate. to the Community Center to debate global issues We are extremely proud of all of our students involving access to clean water. This sophomore who have participated in this challenging and Music Festival experience is just one opportunity for the students rewarding process and look to continue to grow to enjoy the Model UN simulation. Students who this wonderful program at Canton High School. Stories by Alicia B. Smith, Valley Press Staff Writer

Board of Education www.cantonschools.org Board of Education Summer Extravaganza Members A summer program offering fun and educational enrichment is our district website with links at Meeting Dates Julie Auseré, Chair the top of each page to each or our courses for students. There will be favorite courses from last year Dana Kosior, Vice Chair May 3, 2016 schools – there is school contact info as well as new offerings for this year. The Summer Extravaganza is Peg Berry, Secretary May 10, 2016 open to both Canton school children and those from other districts Maria Bradley, David Briggs (phone numbers, etc.) on each as well. To read more about courses offered and to register your Ana Cavanaugh, Jack Powell of those pages. May 24, 2016 child, please visit www.cantonschools.org Joseph Scheideler, Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. June 14, 2016 Helen Treacy

12 | RAISING THE BAR Spring 2016