WHSPO Jan:Feb 2018
WAYLAND HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER WHSPO JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018
Principal’s Corner As 2018 gets underway at WHS, the new year also marks the end of second quarter; and both occasions invite renewed energy and focus among our students and staff as we strive for strong beginnings and endings. We recognize that it is a busy time for our students as they manage the challenge of reviewing and preparing for upcoming midyear exams. The prospect of taking these longer, cumulative assessments can be uniquely stressful for some students -- particularly our 9th graders -- and so we try to emphasize both the purpose of midyear exams and the many kinds of support available. We view midyear exams as an important exercise where students come to better understand and expand themselves as learners, and as a vital opportunity for them to show what they know about a range of content areas. It is both process-oriented (the process of studying for and taking each exam is a learning experience in and of itself) and results-oriented. From the perspective of our teachers, they will know how well their students have mastered their skills and can adjust supports accordingly. Further, our students will know what they do and don’t understand at this juncture in the year. Last week in Advisory, students reflected on their own experiences taking midyear exams. During the discussion in my own 9th grade Advisory, we talked about the need for a detailed study plan and the importance of good health and a positive attitude. We also talked about the supports around them: the Academic Center, where they might obtain direct content support as well as calendar templates to help them organize their time; their own classroom teachers; and their guidance counselors and peer mentors. As talk of midyear exams no doubt infiltrates your own household, once again I share with you below some valuable advice our upperclass students have given our 9th graders over the years so you’ll have it on hand as well. More than anything, please encourage your students to embrace the opportunity for growth that exams offer, and to reach out for support should they need it. It’s time to show what they know!
• Create a daily study plan during the week prior to exams and exam week regarding what subjects you’ll review each day. Stick to the plan! • Study efficiently alone and with classmates by freeing yourself from distractions and remaining on task; quality over quantity. • Ask teachers questions that you may have two to three days (minimum) prior to the exam day. • Don’t try to study every single thing if you are pressed for time. Focus on the last topic you struggled with. • Utilize quizlet, study guides, and teacher review sessions. Principal’s Corner .....Continued
• It’s okay to trust that you know the topic, and focus more on material from the beginning of the year that maybe you have forgotten. • Make sure your materials and papers are organized. Focus on directed readings, re-read class notes, and review any tests and quizzes that have been returned to you. • Remember that exams get out at noon -- you have most of your day to get some studying in if you need it! • Keep calm the night before. Get a good night’s sleep. Your exam could backfire if you stay up cramming and don’t get sleep! • Bring water to the exam and dress in comfy layers. • Take time for yourself during exam week to maintain life balance: exercise, music, yoga, etc. • Don’t stress: it’s just a test, and you are much more than the score on a test.
Alyson Mizoguchi Principal
Midyear Exam Schedule: Day 1 - Tues. Day 2 - Wed. Day 3 - Thurs. Day 4 - Fri. 1/23 1/24 1/25 1/26
Session 1 Biology (9) Social Studies (9) English (9) Math (9) 7:45 a.m. - Math (12) Math (10/11) English (12) Physics (11/12/AP) 9:45 a.m. AP Comp Sci French 4 AP Bio (10/11) Statistics (AP/C/ Latin 3/4 AP Music Theory Intro) Mandarin 4 Spanish 4 Spanish Intro 2
Session 2 AP Comp Sci English (10/11) Environmental Sci Chemistry (10/AP) 10:00 a.m. (12) French 5/AP Anatomy AP Euro (12) -12:00p.m. Social Studies Spanish 5/AP Business Law AP Gov’t (12) (10/11) Latin AP French 2/3 Mandarin 5 Latin 2 Spanish 1/2/3 Mandarin 2/3 Spanish Intro 1 WHSPO News
Happy New Year Everyone! BROUGHT TO YOU BY... I hope you all had a relaxing holiday break, stayed warm and healthy amid some extreme This newsletter is brought to you by weather brought by the polar vortex, and WHSPO, the Wayland High School enjoyed fun snow-playing time with your Parents Organization. WHSPO is a kids! The Wayland High School is back in full not-for-profit organization dedicated to the support of Wayland High swing, with students busy in classes as well as School students, teachers, parents, their prep work for the coming midyear and administrative staff and to the exams. WHSPO is also actively moving promotion of Wayland High School activities. forward as highlighted below:
• The annual Mini Grants have been completed and awarded for the first time in the first half of school year, as compared to previous spring processes. This year not only did we receive lots of great proposals, but we also increased mini grants amount by 31% ($1100) to fund many interesting new projects and initiatives. Please look for the formal announcement (December 2017) in this newsletter. Many thanks to Sarah Orlov and the entire Mini Grants committee for their hard work and success! • A new high school Outdoor Greenspace project is being sponsored by WHSPO this school year. Leadership committee has been formed and held its kicked-off meeting on Jan 11, 2018. Parents, teachers, as well as students from the CONNECT program will work together in this exciting endeavor to make our campus even more beautiful and our environment even more enjoyable. The committee plans to survey grounds later this week and finalize their project idea, scope and execution in the coming months. Please stay tuned for progress report in future WHSPO newsletters. • Our Thursday Breakfast Club is calling for more volunteers! This is a long standing tradition truly loved and appreciated by faculty and staff. We need your help to keep the tradition going. Any breakfast snack items are welcome! No fancy food necessary, but some tasty treats simple and easy to be delivered/set up. If you would like to volunteer, please follow this link (http:// signup.com/go/isSGWOC) to sign up. Thank you to all those parents who have provided breakfast treats so far this school year. • With the start of 2018, it’s time to start thinking about Late Night after the Junior Prom! Several parents have stepped up and organized their leadership circle. We will keep you informed in the coming months for information on how to help with and volunteer for this important event! • As always, I want to extend a huge Thank You to the many families who have contributed to WHSPO’s Gift Your Child Funds this school year. Your generous financial support help make all WHSPO activities possible. If you haven’t already contributed, it’s not too late. Just go to www.waylandpto.org… or use the donation form in this newsletter to mail a check - it’s quick, easy, and much appreciated. • On March 1, 2018 at 7pm, please join us for the next Parent Information Exchange (PIE) meeting with Allyson Mizoguchi and Marybeth Sacramone – it is a great way to find out what is going on at the High School. Hope to see you then.
Any questions? Suggestions? Concerns? Please feel free to contact me at any time! Ying Chen WHSPO President [email protected] or [email protected] WHSPO News...Continued
WHSPO Board & Advisory Team 2017–2018
President Ying Chen Newsletter [email protected] or Tracy Scheidemantel [email protected] [email protected]
Vice President & Faculty Appreciation Student Activities Cindi Jacobs & Pauline Stephanie Leong Ahearne [email protected] [email protected] ley.edu [email protected]
Secretary Mini Grants Sarah Orlov Sarah Orlov [email protected] [email protected]
Asst. Secretary Beautification Elisa Scola Missy Davis [email protected] [email protected] On-Line Directory Treasurer Administrator Deborah Stubeda Catherine Scholz [email protected] [email protected]
Gift Your Child!
In order to maintain the programs that make such a positive impact on our teachers and students, we ask that you contribute as you are able. Suggested contribution amount per student is $100. Name ______Address: ______Amount*: ____ $100 _____ Other
You may donate online (waylandpto.org) or make your checks payable to Wayland PTO. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Matching gifts by employers can double your donation. Please return checks and this form to: Deborah Stubeda, Treasurer – 17 White Road – Wayland Thank You!! Contributions of $25 or more include an All Schools Directory which will be delivered to your mail box. Please note: this year’s edition will be our LAST printed copy as the whole WPS district is upgrading to paperless online directories. Please sign your family up following the “MySchoolAnywhere Directory” link at http://waylandpto.org/ myschoolanywhere-online-districtwide-family-directory/.
If you do not want/need a Directory, please check here _____ WHSPO News ...Continued
...Continued
PIE TIME WHSPO BOARD COMM. MTG TIME W Thursday, March 1, 2018 7:00 PM Friday, March 2, 2018 9 AM H Principal’s PIE Friday, April 13, 2018 7:45 AM Immediately following PIE S (Parent P Friday, May 4, 2018 7:45 AM Immediately following PIE Information O Friday, June 8, 2018 7:45 AM Friday, June 1, 2018 Exchange) 9 AM M meeting T schedule G
Thursday BREAKFAST CLUB Needs YOU! Please consider joining a cherished tradition @ WHS. Pick a date to Donate & Deliver breakfast treats for a single Thursday date that works for you. Sign Up is Easy-click here: http:// signup.com/go/isSGWOC The staff is so appreciative but we need your help to keep it going!
Thank you! Cindi and Pauline It’s Staff Appreciation-*Co-Chairs Easy!!!! Any questions, please contact Staff Appreciation co-chair: Cindi Jacobs 617.962.8460 Please Help!
THANK YOU!
WHSPO Newsletter Submission Deadline (9pm) Dates 2018 March Newsletter deadline- 3/3 (for post on 3/5) April Newsletter deadline- 3/31 (for post on 4/2) May Newsletter deadline- 4/28 (for post on 4/30) June Newsletter deadline- 6/2 (for post on 6/4) Submissions to Tracy Scheidemantel at [email protected]
WHS Car Magnets Available Interested in showing your WHS pride with an orange WHS car magnet??? $5.00 per magnet Magnets are available for sale at: Wayland Depot AND Orange and Black Shack- WHS Store or contact: Ying Chen at [email protected] or [email protected] Class News
Class of 2018 Advisors: Chris Dumais & Amanda Cosenza
The Christmas lights and menorahs have found their ways back into the storage, and the volatile winter weather has already brought us two snowdays. Indeed, January is upon as at Wayland High School. The month January is actually named after the Roman God Janus, who was thought to represent beginnings. For the Class of 2018, the beginning of the year also marks the approach of an end. When we first walked through the doors of WHS in the autumn of 2014, the “2018” in the name “Class of 2018” didn’t mean much to us. 2018 was a foreign concept belonging to a place and time far off in some distant future. Now that January is upon us, 2018 is a reality. Many students are already aware of their post-high school plans, and many more still eagerly await clarity at the end of March. Midterms, our seventh and final set of WHS exams, are also on the horizon. At the beginning of the month, we executed our last major fundraiser: the christmas tree pick-up. This year we picked up over 120 trees, generating several thousands of dollars for class profit. Due to the weather on that Saturday morning, we rescheduled to Sunday. We want to sincerely thank all of the parents and families who stuck with us and supported us in spite of this delay. Additionally, a huge thank you is due to Peter Wolff and Haydn Davies, who stuck with us late into the afternoon, picking up trees for six straight hours. Also, we want to send a thank you to Zach Blumberg, Peter Moore, Sam Wolff, Maria Yakhkind, Ben Travis, and Ian Reilly for taking care of valuable routes. Furthermore, we’d like to thank Evan Curtin, Alex Beer, Isabel Steneri, Megan Vocatura, and Spencer Wong for braving the below zero temperatures to send us off during the morning. Of course, the rescheduling to Sunday also meant that the dump was closed. As a result, we dropped the trees of at WHS, and had to transfer them to the dump this Thursday. This was completed over the course of five hours by our class advisors Christopher Dumais and Amanda Cosenza, as well as by our custodian Giraldi and a DPW worker named John. We are extremely grateful for their contributions to the fundraiser, and their sustained effort was paramount to our success. There is nothing exciting about driving through Wayland transferring trees for five hours, so for them to do that was amazing. We would also like to deliver another sincere thank you to Jen Murray and the entire PTO team that helped fundraise for our late night. The leftover funds are going to go directly towards subsidizing our graduation activities. Truly, we are lucky to have such great support as a class. We have several exciting senior activities coming throughout the rest of the year. We are still working with parents to plan the senior “progressive dinner”, where one course is served at one of three houses throughout town. This will likely come sometime in February, though that is still pending. Our senior show is coming on March 16th and 17th, and our team of directors is hard at work on its production. On May 29th we will have our senior night celebration at Lombardo’s in Randolph, and on May 31st we will have our senior cruise on the M/V Freedom with Mass Bay Lines. For any questions, comments, concerns, or otherwise, feel free to contact me at [email protected], or one of our class advisors at [email protected] or [email protected]. Class News ...Continued
The Sale Portal for the 2018 Reflector will remain open until February 5, 2018. Books are ONLY available through pre-order. We do not sell books in the spring. Our large scale, full color books are still offered to all students (not just seniors!!!) for $85 per book. Go to waylandyearbooklounge.com to order, or send in a check to the High School with attn: Kristin Cowell for $85 made out to Wayland High School Reflector.
PARENT ADVERTISEMENTS: Deadline Extended!! The absolute last day to send in payment and pictures for your parent ad is February 10, 2018. Looking for a great way to honor your 2018 graduate? A recognition ad in the yearbook is a simple way to show how much you love them and how proud you are of them. This timeless way of honoring them and showing them how much you care will bring a smile to their face every time they reflect back on their high school years. To get additional information about ads and how to place an order, just click on the "Parent Ad" tab on the yearbook website: waylandyearbooklounge.com. There will be ordering information and sample layouts for you to choose from.
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]
Class of 2019 Advisors: Ms. Schmidt & Mr. Schmirer
News from the Class of 2019
The 2019 E-Board is busy planning fundraisers and finalizing prom plans. The two are linked. The E- Board would like to keep ticket prices as low as possible, so they are trying to raise money to defray out-of-pocket costs for each student.
The juniors will hold their traditional Valentine’s Day fundraiser, selling hearts and flowers during lunch blocks in the days leading up to the holiday.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts will be sold at a home basketball game. Krispy Kreme has always been a profitable fundraiser for the class and we hope the new location works!
Two new ventures for the class are: 1. a movie night at Happy Hollow. The goal is to offer the event on a Saturday night in January. 2. The Ultimate Wayland Warrior Contest. Events will include a pie eating contest, lip sync, quiz bowl, dance battle, and an interview. Stay tuned for details!
Prom: Just a reminder that the WHS Prom will be Date: Saturday, May 12th, 2018 Time: 7:00 - 11:00 pm Location: Westin Copley Place in Boston Tickets on sale in the Commons during the week of April 9.
As always, if you have any questions, the class advisors are: Mr. Schmirer and Ms. Schmidt [email protected] [email protected] Class News ...Continued Class of 2020 Advisor: Mr. Lee Krasnoo !On behalf of the Class of 2020, I would like to thank all of the families who supported our Class through our Pie Sale Fundraiser. We sold over fifty pies and brought in over $350 in profit. We hope to do this fundraiser next year and increase our sales! We would also like to extend a big thank you to to Mrs. Urato who went to Wilson Farms to pick up the pies for us!
!This month the Class will begin to plan its Junior Prom for he spring of 2019. Students who are interested in helping in the organization of!this exciting event should contact one of the Class officers or me. We are hoping to include as many class members as possible both at the Prom and in its planning!
!In order to keep the price of Prom tickets as low as possible, the Class will continue to do some fundraising this semester. We are working with Bertucci’s in !Wayland to set up a fundraiser where the Class will receive a percentage of the sales for an evening. We will also be selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts at two different points in the Spring. Please support the Class in these ventures!
!The Class will be selling “Class of 2020” sweatpants in the next couple of weeks. We will be ordering them from the Graphic Edge, the company who supplied our !popular sweatshirts. Orders will be made online and Students and their families should keep an eye out for announcements about the ordering process and deadlines.
!As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns regarding Class events or business. In addition, please encourage your student to take part in Class of 2020 activities and the many opportunities available at the High School. ! !Mr. Krasnoo
Class of Advisors: 2021 Mrs. Mary Barber, Mrs. Jessica Imbornone & Dr. Heidi Friedlander
Class of 2021 Thank you to everyone who participated in our fundraiser by purchasing a Class of 2021 sweatshirt. They look great on the students! And, we would also like to extend a special thank you those of you who made an additional donation to the class.
The Eboard is working on ideas for future fundraising & class activities for the year. Keep your eyes and ears open for information concerning our next fundraising effort. Department and Faculty News Guidance Department
Marybeth Sacramone, Department Head • • •
THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT HOPES THAT YOU HAD A HEALTHY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. AS ALWAYS, WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. PLEASE CALL YOUR SON/DAUGHTER’S GUIDANCE COUNSELOR IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ANY OF THIS INFORMATION OR WOULD LIKE TO TALK WITH US ABOUT YOUR SON/DAUGHTER. WE HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL WINTER! THE EDUCATION COOPERATIVE -- A GREAT RESOURCE • The Educa on Coopera ve (TEC) offers lots of great resources and programs for our students. TEC offers online courses, college fairs, summer programs and internship programs. For more informa on, please a end one of their open houses, or visit their website at tec-coop.org. There are open houses scheduled for January 25, February 6 and February 13 at Morse’s Public Library in Na ck from 7PM to 8PM. Please a end and learn more.
• Academic Year Internships Through the Educa on Coopera ve (TEC): An internship is a valuable experience where a student can apply their academic knowledge, develop marketable skills and enhance their resume for college and beyond. TEC is currently accep ng applica ons for the 2018-19 academic year internships. We invite students in grades 11 and 12 to learn more about internships currently offered for a er school or perhaps during the school day. Visit the TEC Internships website to download the applica on and review frequently asked ques ons about the program and placement process.
• TEC Online Academy and TEC Connec ons Academy: Registra on for the spring online courses is open now. See your Guidance Counselor to register.
FUTURE PLANNING NIGHT IS ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, FROM 6:30-8:30PM in the Main Stage Theater. Junior seminars and this evening program officially kick off the future planning process for our juniors and their families. The evening program will include a panel of College Admissions Representa ves who will be available for two full hours of Q&A. WHS Counselors will also discuss approaching the future planning process in a healthy way. Feedback on this program is always posi ve as there are years of exper se and experience represented by the panel. Parents’ of juniors and sophomores are welcome to a end any of our future planning nights VISITING NEW ENGLAND PUBLIC COLLEGES THIS SPRING/SUMMER? If so, take note of this cost savings program. The New England Regional Tui on Break Program allows students from Massachuse s to a end other New England colleges for state tui on rates for certain majors that are not offered at any of our public colleges or universi es in Massachuse s. So if your senior is interested in a unique major, check out the resources at the following links: Guidance Dept. ...Continued • The 2018-19Tui on Break Informa on for MA Residents - lists the bachelor's degree programs offered by public colleges and universi es in the five other New England states.
• The 2018-19 Tui on Break Lis ng for MA Residents - lists approved associate and bachelor's programs by area of study and by ins tu on, as well as campus contact informa on.
MID YEAR EXAM INFO FOR ALL (ESPECIALLY FOR 9TH GRADERS AND THEIR PARENTS/ GUARDIANS): Most ninth graders have never taken an exam that covers a semester’s worth of material. Through advisory, classes, and individual conversa ons, students will be reminded of the following informa on. We would also ask for your partnership in discussing this with your ninth graders. As always, please call your student’s Guidance Counselor if you have ques ons. Exams for all will be January 23 through January 26. Details to follow in the ENews pos ngs. • Mid year exams are designed to be 1-1/12 hours long, but every student gets two hours to complete their exam • Mid year exams are tenta vely scheduled this year for January 23, 24, 25, 26 • Students come to school during exam week to just take exams; there are no classes that week. • The first exam begins 7:45 to 9:45 a.m. The second exam session is from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. • Most students have one exam per day on three of the days and one day with two exams. If your student takes six classes, there may be two exam days on which they have two exams. • Most teachers handle their own review sessions in the classroom 2-5 days in advance of exam week, but some departments hold their review sessions a er school, or have addi onal review sessions a er school, or in between exam days. The classroom teacher will share this informa on with students shortly a er the holiday break. • Even though there is some review in the classroom prior to exams, students should be organizing and reviewing well before this me on their own. • Teachers are available for extra help a lot prior to exams, but students must schedule mes with them to be sure they are available. • There are two bus runs on each exam day, one following the first exam, and the second run a er the second exam. • There is no lunch served on exam days. There are snacks available before exams and in between exam periods
NEW EVENING PROGRAM FOR PARENTS JUNIORS (SOPHOMORE PARENTS WELCOME TOO): Mark your calendars for the evening of March 7, 2018, 7:00 PM. Our department is consistently looking to stay on top of trends and improve our programming, and as a result we will be offering an addi onal evening program this year to support our students and families through the future planning process instead of wai ng un l the early fall of senior year. This is also in direct response to the increase in the number of our students who are applying to schools through early plans, (early decision, early ac on, rolling, etc.), and we want them and you to be well prepared with the informa on you both need. We are calling this program Future Planning Night Part 2. Part 1 is in January when we bring in a panel of admission representa ves to speak about the college admissions process as a whole (see above date and descrip on). For our “Part 2” program we hope to get much more specific with helping our families understand how we work with our juniors and what we cover with them through our Junior Seminars and individual mee ngs. This evening will Guidance Dept. ...Continued include mini-demonstra ons of programs our students u lize throughout the future planning process such as Naviance, Big Future, and Common App. Addi onal topics will include admissions tes ng (SAT and ACT), as well as discussions around building a college list, early applica ons, deadlines and keeping the process healthy. We hope you will join us for this very informa ve night.
NEW FORMAT FOR SENIOR PARENT PROGRAM IN THE FALL OF 2018 Although this is nearly a year away, our department wants to let you know that we will be changing our format for our senior parents’ program next fall. As noted above, more and more of our students begin their future planning process earlier now, so we are adap ng our future planning programming. We will have two evening programs (January and March), which will cover the bulk of informa on you and your students need to know to begin the future planning process. So then in the fall, instead of one large evening mee ng for parents of seniors, we will be offering morning Q&A sessions for parents who want/need more informa on and support on the process. These sessions will be co-led by at least two counselors and our hope is to offer one per week between September 17 and October 31. More informa on will be coming to you later in the spring and over the summer. As always, if you have ques ons about any of this process, please call your son/daughter’s guidance counselor. SENIORS: • Some seniors are just beginning the future planning process. Please know this is completely fine! Counselors are ready and willing to meet with any senior or parent to help them get started on thinking about the future.
• Seniors who have already applied - Please do not forget to write a hear elt thank you note to the teacher(s) for the hard work they do for you inside and outside the classroom and throughout the future planning process.
• Seniors who have already applied - Please be sure to update your counselor with your decisions and update your decisions in Naviance too. Counselors want to know what you are hearing and how we can con nue to help.
• Please be sure to pay your transcript fees. Your first request was free, and each request a er that is $5.00. You can check in Naviance to determine how much you owe. Please see Mrs. Fra o or your Guidance Counselor with ques ons or to make payments.
• Guidance will be sending mid year transcripts a er mid year exam/quarter grades are complete. It is our hope to get those out just before the winter break. So when colleges call or email your students asking for these grades, please let them know to expect them in mid to late February.
• Financial Aid Informa on In order to receive financial aid from a college or from the Wayland High School Scholarship Commi ee, students and parents must submit the Free Applica on for Federal Student Aid Form (FAFSA). If you have not already, you can begin your FAFSA by going online to www.fafsa.ed.gov/ .
• FAFSA Days Massachuse s, 2018: Free assistance to students and families seeking to complete the FAFSA. Financial aid administrators and high school counselors will be on hand to help college-bound high school seniors complete the Free Applica on for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) free of charge. To read more about FAFSA Days Massachuse s click here: h p://www.fafsaday.org/ To find a loca on near you, click this link: h ps://www.masfaa.org/fafsa-day/ Further contact informa on is here too. Email: [email protected], Phone: 877-424-7627. Guidance Dept. ...Continued • Wayland Scholarship Reminders: ✴The Wayland Scholarship applica ons will be available in Guidance and on the high school and guidance website soon. ✴To be eligible for the Wayland Scholarships, you must submit a FAFSA. ✴Once the FAFSA is filed, you will receive via email a “Student Aid Report” (SAR) that will include your “Es mated Family Contribu on” (the EFC). This informa on is required to complete your Wayland Scholarship applica on. ✴The deadline to apply for the Wayland Scholarship will be March 31, and applica ons cannot be accepted or processed without the EFC or if you miss the March 31 deadline. ✴For more detailed informa on on the Wayland Scholarship Commi ee process and applica ons, please visit the Wayland High Scholarship link.
• State college and university scholarships to be aware of: ✴Please visit the guidance website and click on the link named Koplik and Adams Award Programs in order to review the eligibility guidelines for each scholarship. ✴If you are a senior and have ques ons about your eligibility and/or applica on process for these awards, please call or email our Koplik/Adams coordinator, Ben Buffa at 508-358-3706. ✴Mr. Buffa will be sending applica ons for seniors on April 15, so please provide him with the appropriate informa on before that me. ✴For current juniors, if you qualify (based on your grade 10 MCAS scores), you will be no fied some me during the month of March.
• Upcoming Gap Year Programs: Have a junior or senior that might be interested in taking a year off to do a Gap Year? If so, there are three Gap Year fairs coming up this winter that might be of interest to you, so we thought it would be helpful to you to mark your calendars early. See “Dates for our Calendar” below. And visit the USA Gap Year Fair site for more informa on. JUNIORS: • Junior Parents Night is on Thursday, January 18, at 6:30-8:30 PM in the Main Stage Theater. A panel of college admissions representa ves will be available for two hours of Q&A. • Junior Seminars began on January 9 and will run for four cycles through March 7. • Free online SAT and ACT tutoring on line is available to juniors through their Naviance account. Its name is Method Test Prep. Sophomores will receive access in March when sophomore seminars begin. • The 9th annual Career Colloquium is coming on March 14, 2018. Juniors will be discussing their career interests in seminars this month, and will make their selec ons there as well, for their top choices of career workshops to a end. Guidance Dept. ...Continued NINTH AND TENTH GRADERS: • 9th graders are just comple ng their seminar sessions. We are asking that students now schedule appointments with their individual Guidance Counselor to get to know each other be er if they haven’t already. Please encourage your 9th graders to schedule those appointments. • Sophomore Seminars will begin second semester on March 12 and run for three cycles through April 13. • 9th and 10th graders are encouraged to check in with their Guidance Counselor to begin to discuss their course selec on plans for next year. • As per last month’s WHSPO News, all sophomores will be undergoing the SBIRT screening in the middle of April. Please see SBIRT informa on below under the Guidance Corner.
COURSE SELECTION INFORMATION FOR ALL PARENTS • The course recommenda on/selec on process at the high school will kick off during second semester. • In prepara on, students and parents can review the course descrip ons in our Program of Studies online. A revised Program of Studies will be available on the high school’s website in the near future. • Please confer with your son/daughter to discuss course selec ons. • Students are also strongly encouraged to schedule me with their guidance counselor to review course selec ons for next year. • If you, as a parent/guardian have any ques ons or concerns about your son/daughter's program for next year, or the course selec on process, please contact your child’s guidance counselor. It is very important that students, teachers, parents and counselors coordinate their efforts to ensure the most suitable and balanced program for every student. • If there is disagreement with the teacher recommenda on and what the student/family would like to pursue, please visit the link below that explains the override procedure and eligibility guidelines: **Override Guidelines. • **Dates of the course selec on process and overrides are subject to change this year due to our new student informa on system. Stay tuned for further updates. Guidance Dept. ...Continued
Guidance Department Dates to Remember:
Upcoming SAT Registration Deadlines**: February 9 is the deadline to register for the March 10 SAT (no subject tests offered on this date) April 6 is the deadline to register for the May 5 SAT May 3 is the deadline to register for the June 2 SAT Upcoming SAT Registration Deadlines**: January 12 is the deadline to register for the February 10 ACT (late registration deadline is January 19) March 9 is the deadline to register for the April 14 ACT May 4 is the deadline to register for the June 9 ACT
**Please visit collegeboard.org or actstudent.org for more details and to register for upcoming tests.
January 18 – Future Planning Night for Parents of Juniors, 7PM in the Main Stage Theater January 18: Brookline High School Gap Year Fair, 6 – 8:30 PM January 20 –Noble & Greenough School (Dedham) Gap Year Fair, 1- 4PM January 21 –Philips Academy Andover Gap Year Fair, 12 - 3PM For more information visit the USA Gap Year Fair site March 1 – PIE meeting at 7:00 PM in the lecture hall. March 17 – SERF College and Gap Year Fair at LSRHS, 1-4 PM. For more information visit this link March 28 – The Education Cooperative Higher Education Night (College Fair), 6:30 - 8:30 PM at Westwood High School. h p://www.tec-coop.org/student-programs/college-fairs/spring-college-fair-westwood- high-school April 12 & April 13 – Boston National College Fair, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center h ps://www.nacacfairs.org/a end/na onal-college-fairs/boston/ Guidance Dept. ...Continued The Guidance Corner
Reminder from last month’s ENews about an important screening for your sons/daughters –
SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment):
What is SBIRT? • Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment • It is a universal screening, evidence-based, screening tool • Its primary intent is prevention and helping students to make healthy decisions • It is not a drug testing or treatment program, and it is not a targeted screening of specific students either because ALL students are screened just like a hearing or vision screening • It is not a way to “catch kids” who are using -- it’s a preventative measure, and we will offer support and referrals as needed, not consequences
How will we get the word out? • Principal ENews • Opt out e-letter to parents through email • Student informed through Sophomore Seminars • ENews reminders to parents and students • TV postings for students • Faculty communication about students missing class time
Why do we have to do it? • There has been an increase in substance abuse especially including the increase of opioids around the state of Massachusetts. • At the end of September last year, an opioid abuse prevention bill was passed. • This bill now requires districts to perform mandatory addiction screening interviews with all students in two grades. • The idea is to treat addiction as a medical issue, so just like we screen for vision, hearing, BMI, we’re going to screen for substance abuse.
Ways SBIRT Can Help • Helps teens/adults to understand the impact/risk of alcohol and drugs • Opens a dialogue that can improve overall health and safety • Reinforces and supports continuation of safe choices • Helps identify at risk students for substance related problems and provides resources for these students
Logistics of our plan • All Counselors, Nurse Amy Schoeff and administrators were sent to trainings last year to prepare, thanks to a grant for early adopters, of which Wayland was one • Our SBIRT planning team includes members of our Health Department (Amy Schoeff and Ruth Mori), the whole Counseling Department, Administrators and Wayland Cares staff • We are screening sophomores because we see from data collected by the Metro West Health Adolescent Survey that there is an increase in use between grades 10 and 11. • Next step of the plan will involve the middle school to screen all of our 8th graders. • We are in the planning stages and are aiming to do all of the screenings during the week prior to April break -- we hope to screen all 200 sophomores in a 5-7 day period, mostly before April break (at the start of the new term and then “stragglers” after the break). Guidance Dept. ...Continued
• Students will be scheduled for a specific appointment time and will be taken out of class for 10-15 minutes to be screened. • There will be an Opt Out Form sent to parents in case for any reason you do not want your son or daughter screened.
What’s involved in an SBIRT screening will include: • Brief “what do you know” survey about substance issues (pre-test) • Brief CRAFFT Tool assessment (brief written survey): asks questions about their own usage over the past 12 months. Ex: Have you had any alcohol (more than a few sips) over the past 12 months? Have you ever ridden in a car with someone who is high or under the influence of alcohol? • An individual interview with each sophomore by a member of the SBIRT relating to the CRAFFT survey • If screening with CRAFFT necessitates further information, there is a longer discussion utilizing BNI counseling principles (Brief Negotiating Interviewing (BNI) includes: open-ended questions, affirming and reflecting their responses, and summarizing their responses for clarification and confirmation). • Resources and referrals for treatment will be discussed and parents will be informed. • We are required by the state to document the number of positive and negative screens, but they are all anonymous -- no names or identifying information is shared with the state. • Negative screens have no follow up at all. • Brief exit survey about what they learned (post test). Social Studies & Business
Kevin Delaney, Department Head JUNIOR US HISTORY CLASSES RESEARCH METCO ON ITS 50TH Fifty-plus years ago, African-American activists in Boston began a program that would go on to impact the lives of countless citizens young and old. Embracing the Civil Rights Movement spirit and demanding fulfillment of the American promise, a fledgling grassroots movement in 1965 evolved into the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity, now the most enduring voluntary school desegregation program in the nation, in 1966. One year later and following numerous public hearings and community debate, the town of Wayland's School Committee voted to join. In the subsequent fall, nine students from Dorchester and Roxbury became our community’s ground-breakers, including eight freshmen and one sophomore, Elliott Francis, who would go on to become Wayland's first METCO graduate in 1971.
Fifty years and thousands of students later, the METCO mission remains largely true to its origins: “[T]o provide students with educational opportunities designed to enrich their academic, personal and interpersonal experiences . . . the METCO experience should provide a strong academic foundation, as well as an environment rich in cultural, educational, ethnic and racial diversity.” (metcoinc.org)
To recognize this important community milestone, the Wayland High School social studies department, largely through our junior US history classes, set out to discover and tell some of the stories. As of this writing, students have interviewed 18 alums, former teachers, and administrators, examined the public library’s Town Crier collection, dove into yearbooks, school newspapers, and more. Forthcoming are the results of our efforts in multiple forms.
Kevin Delaney’s classes are creating a series of short documentary films called “METCO by the Decades”, as well as an extensive webpage with interview podcasts, documents, and pictures. In addition to Elliot Francis, our interviewees have included Boston-resident alums from every decade, as well as former superintendent Dr. Bill Zimmerman, history teacher Mr. Dan Frio, and English teacher Ms. Kathy Lampert, all of whom provided fascinating stories and deep insights as longtime educators. Elsewhere, Delaney’s Attic Archaeology elective recently completed phase-one of a “timeline tunnel” in the history wing, focusing on the pre-METCO Black history of town. While sparse in numbers, these students discovered some riveting stories that until now have been largely unknown. Meanwhile, Eva Urban’s and Erin Lehmann’s US history classes are researching and building the METCO decades timeline tunnel, which, upon completion, will provide an immersive graphic telling of the general story of our community’s experiences. At the same time, Kay Bassen’s USH class is creating a virtual black history museum, drawing largely from the Smithsonian’s new National Museum of African-American History and Culture. Speaking personally, the learning experience has been profound, and I am quite certain it has been equally meaningful for my students.
Our work will soon be available to the public, which will happen both virtually (in the coming weeks) as well as during the Wayland High School METCO 50th open house/reunion celebration on Sunday, April 29th. Please mark your calendars and join us come spring!
~Kevin Delaney World Languages & Classical Studies Department
Melissa Bryant, Department Head
WORLD LANGUAGE NEWS - JANUARY/FEBRUARY
I would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a happy and healthy 2018 and to provide students and families with some information as we approach the end of the 2nd quarter and Mid Year Exams:
ANNOUNCEMENT - The department is pleased to welcome back Laura Marie on January 29th. Laura has been on leave since the birth of her second son last February and she is very excited to be in the classroom anew with French IV and French V students.
MIDYEAR EXAMS - World Language teachers are in the process of providing students with detailed information on exam expectations, format and grading. Each teacher will make time for review in class and will schedule supplemental support sessions, as needed, outside of class. Please encourage your student to prepare independently by organizing notes, by creating review outlines and by assembling their own study groups with peers. The exam week may seem overwhelming to students, however our goal is to help them feel confident and prepared for the upcoming assessments. Thank you for reminding your student to review teacher handouts, to speak to teachers personally for a specific concern, and to access course resources via the appropriate platform; It’s Learning or Google Classroom.
TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP - Each year our French, Latin and Spanish teachers sponsor international trips that help to positively affect the way students think about the world. Travel abroad provides an opportunity to further develop cultural sensitivity, to use language skills in real-life settings and to broaden students’ global perspectives.
The Helene Lerner Travel Fund was established to offer assistance to students, for whom the cost of these trips may prove financially burdensome. Ms. Lerner was a former Department Head at WHS, a revered teacher of Classics, and led several trips to Italy and Greece during her tenure. The Fund has helped many students over the past years and is currently in need of replenishment. Please consider donating to this vital and educationally beneficial Fund:
Checks may be made out to: The WHS Helene Lerner Travel Fund ℅ Sara Langelier WHS 264 Old Connecticut Path Wayland, MA 01824 Community News
News from the Creative Arts Parent Association (CAPA) Please join us to help support all the arts at Wayland High School!
Our next meeting this Year is: Wednesday, January 17, at 7:30 PM -- WHS Media Center • Learn about up-coming arts concerts, shows, events and other happenings at WHS. • Discuss plans for the year, including future grants, varsity jackets, and Fine Arts Night.
Interested in leading the Bottle and Can Drive? We are seeking someone to take over and run the semi-annual bottle and can drive beginning in spring 2018. After a great 10 years as co-leads, Tom Donaldson and Sean Boyle are ready to show the ropes to someone new (and share what they know so it’s easy to continue). Just a little PR and then one day in fall and spring to collect recyclables and raise money for the arts. If interested, please contact Cindy or Kathryn at [email protected] to learn more.
Upcoming Arts Events at WHS Winter Week – January 29 to February 2, 2018, at WHS • CAPA is sponsoring two performances of the improvisatory troupe, Large Mouth Bass for WHS students. Large Mouth Bass is a musical team from the Providence Improv Guild. Headed by the musical expertise of Keith Munslow on keyboard, Large Mouth Bass performs a pop-opera format where every story is told through song and is based on audience suggestions.
College A Cappella Concert -- Save the Date! Saturday, April 7 -- 7:30pm, WHS Main Stage Following an amazing concert in December featuring Northeastern Nor’easters, Hamilton Buffers, UMass Amerst S#arp Attitude, and Wayland’s own Madrigal’s, Muses and T-Tones, planning is already underway for the Spring College A Cappella Concert in April – more details coming soon!
The 2017-18 CAPA Board: Kathryn Welter, Cindy Lewis, Kirsten Robinson, Kim Reichelt, Andrea Case, Barb Renterghem, and Vicky Sin
Please feel free to contact us at: [email protected] Community News ...Continued
Mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Wayland-Weston Hockey Night at Rivers in Weston on Saturday, February 10 at 6:30pm
You don’t have to travel far for a great night of hockey featuring the middle school boys and girls’ teams, the Wayland/Weston Girls’ Varsity team taking on Boston Latin School with the Wayland Boys’ Varsity team facing off vs. Weston to defend their title as last year’s Steve Henley Memorial Post Road Cup Champs!
The schedule of games include: 6:30PM -- Wayland MS boys and girls vs. Weston MS boys and girls 7:00 PM – Wayland/Weston Girls Varsity vs. Boston Latin School
8:30 PM – Wayland Boys Varisty vs Weston Boys Varsity 10:00PM – Post Road Hockey Night Cup Presentation
The event will feature: A food truck with food and beverages available all night with 50% of the proceeds donated to the Wayland Hockey Association to keep our hockey players on the ice 50/50 Raffle over the course of the entire night with the drawing between the 2nd and 3rd period of the boys’ game A cappella singers from WHS singing our National Anthem An opportunity to wear your orange and black and cheer for our hockey teams
More details will be announced, but save the date and don’t miss out on a evening of fun, rivalry and the exciting sport of hockey! Community News ...Continued
What does your future hold?
Internships are the best way for students to explore a career before heading off to college & beyond. They gain beneficial real-world experience and knowledge, clarify an interest, increase confidence and make connections.
Each student receives one-on-one resume development, interview coaching, internship placement, supervision and evaluation with access to career/college workshops. Internships available in a wide variety of career interests.
The Education Cooperative has provided invaluable internships to more than 3,000 students in the Greater Boston and MetroWest area for over 15 years. We have developed strong relationships with highly respected businesses, organizations and public sector employers in a diverse array of industries.
March 28, 2018 | 6:30-8:30 PM WESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL ng pri S
200 Nahatan St. Westwood, MA 02090
FREE to attend! For full list of participating schools, visit tec-coop.org
Emily Manz, email: [email protected] Career Exploration Internships Program Coordinator http://www.tec-coop.org/student-programs/ internships/student-internships The Education Cooperative (TEC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational ~ Celebrating 50 years of creating more possibilities together ~ Address: 141 Mansion Drive - Suite 200 | E. Walpole, MA 02032 Community News ...Continued
WaylandCares Drug-Free Communities Support Program
Wayland Public Schools Health & Wellness and WaylandCares Present
Digging In WHS, South Building, Lecture Hall Tuesday, January 23rd, 7:00 - 8:30 PM All Parents Welcome
Join us to learn about Wayland student health issues and share your ideas to improve youth health in our community. A Community Conversation about Wayland Youth: Substance Use, Mental Health, Stress & Anxiety, Conductivity, Physical and Sexual Health, Violence and Safety, Gender Related Issues and Student Protective Factors. Key WHS & WMS data from the 2016 Metrowest Adolescent Health Survey will be presented. This is a discussion for parents only. Community News ...Continued
Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner and Program
The Boston Parent Council presents the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner and Program. All are invited to attend and participate. Please participate: • volunteer during the dinner • volunteer to bring a dessert • donate an item for the special SILENT AUCTION to celebrate Wayland’s 50 years as a METCO town! The program includes performances by school choruses, a jazz band and a fashion show. There will be crafts for kids, historical displays and a silent auction.
Menu: Caribbean meal with choice of jerk or fried chicken, rice and peas, mac and cheese, beverage and dessert
Location: Wayland Middle School 201 Main Street Date: January 19, 2018 (Friday) Time: 6:00 - 9:30 PM Dinner at 6:00 / Program starts at 7:15 Please pay at the door: Adults $12, Kids $7, Vegetarian $10
VOLUNTEER We are looking for Wayland and Boston parents to volunteer that night to set up, donate desserts, prepare salads on site, serve food, and clean up. For questions, contact Michelle Mathis at [email protected]. Please sign up here: http://signup.com/go/caTURCA
SILENT AUCTION DONATIONS We are in need of silent auction donations from both communities. Suggestions for donations include gift cards, sports tickets, baskets with themes (movie night, reading, kitchen, bath and beauty, sports, gourmet food). If you are a business, we will showcase your business card and/or information. For questions, contact Jen Pearlman at [email protected].
MLK Silent Auction Donation Form Thank you for your participation and support!
All proceeds will benefit the Boston Parent Council to support the Wayland Metco Program. Sponsored by the Boston Parent Council with support from Wayland PTO