Holy oke P ublic Sc ho ols Connections Volume 12, Issue 1 A Community Working Together Fall 2013

An Open Letter to the Holyoke School Community A New Day By Dr. Sergio Páez, Superintendent of Schools Artist: Kaitlyn Zimowski, Morgan The work ahead of us is the beginning of a Remember, when it gets tough, don't blame new chapter in the history of Holyoke. We the students. Our responsibility is to figure Inside this issue: are facing a challenge that requires the best out which strategy will work with each stu- that we can offer to transform our system. dent, because everyone comes with a differ- As in any transformation, we need to stay ent, compelling story. We are trying to Announcements 2 focused on our purpose, and nothing could change history, and although it won't be be more meaningful than being the force easy, it will be rewarding. When it gets really behind fundamentally changing the lives of tough, try to envision the students they are School News 3-10 thousands of students. becoming, not the students they are at that moment. We are striving to revise every aspect of our Family Literacy 11 work to ensure that we do the best every Also, we work to make a difference in the day to help our students. We are putting in life of every student we meet; however, not place every support system necessary to every student will succeed in the short time Health News 12 ensure our staff has available options to sup- we have with them. This doesn't mean we port our students. It will take time to devel- can give up on students; it reminds us not to op all new structures: scope and sequence, blame ourselves when we can't reach a stu- lesson plan development, strong connections dent. Often, the life lessons we teach are Spanish 13-16 with students with learning disabilities and not realized until the students are ready to English language learners. Using our inquiry learn them -- years after they have left our cycle to assess our progress in our class- schools. rooms and in our programs and services is Edition Highlights: essential. We are going to continue to im- We face the challenge of how to uncover plement and improve what works and reas- ● Metcalf Spanish Program the talents and gifts our students possess. ● PBIS at Donahue sess and revise what does not work. We must discover how our students learn, and then, with that understanding, we need ● Dean Project Grad to show them how to make sense of ● Kelly Walking School the world. Over the years, many of Bus you have developed the knowledge of our students and their families, and I welcome your thoughts on how we may continue improving our teaching and interventions to inspire our stu- dents every day.

This is in fact a new day and we are going to make sure all our students reach their potential. We are going to transform our system. Have a wonder- ful year!

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

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Parents— Mission Statement Are you interested in The mission of the becoming more involved in Holyoke Public Schools is to provide Free Fun for the your children’s educational opportunities for all Whole Family— education? See page 11. students to reach their full potential in a safe, secure, healthy See Title One learning environment Events Listing on while valuing diversity Page 12. and promoting responsible citizenship.

Holyoke School School Committee Meetings Committee Visit the Holyoke Public Schools website to view meeting schedule: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/schoolcommittee.htm Mayor Alex Morse Dennis Birks Margaret Boulais Special Education Advisory Council (SEPAC) Meetings William Collamore Please join other concerned parents at our upcoming meetings for the 2013-2014 Joshua Garcia school year. There is strength in numbers and support from others who are sharing similar experiences. Our combined efforts can influence the success of our children, Yvonne Garcia as well as shape their futures. Howard Greaney

Cesar Lopez UPCOMING MEETINGS—6:00 PM at Lawrence School Michael Moriarty January 6, 2014: Literacy Links Devin Sheehan March 3, 2014: OT/PT/Speech “Make and Take Activities” May 5, 2014: Overview of Summer Program Offerings

Read More at http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/pdf/announcements/SEPAC.pdf Contact: [email protected] or Dawn- [email protected] Deadline for article submis- sions to be in- cluded in the Connections Connections Newsletter

Newsletter Edited by Judy Taylor [email protected] Winter Edition: Editors Emeritus: Kelly Doktor and Laura DuPont January 10, Translated by: Luz Aguillar 2014.

“What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.” ‒Ralph Marston

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

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The Yunque at Peck Campus

By Antonia Santiago

A New Community In room 232S, Mr. Munoz has created an By Catherine Hourihan oasis with tropical plants, garden statues, and fountains. When you enter the room you will feel as if you have stepped The Peck/Lawrence Full Service Community School K-3 campus opened right into the Yunque rain forest in Puer- on August 28th for the first time. We are so excited to be at our new to Rico! Students and teachers have campus in the neighborhood of our students. It seemed like a homecom- used this room for various reasons and it ing for some and a new experience for others, however for our entire has quickly become a popular area in the faculty, students and families it is an exciting new adventure in learning. school. The “Yunque Room” is a must Our Full Service Community School (FSCS) is continuing on with all of the see for all! same programs and services that were available at the Peck campus last year. This year however, we are offering an adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class during the day for our students’ parents. This class is held in the Family Resource Room on the Lawrence K-3 cam- Reading Tastes Good pus. (For more information about this exciting class, see page 11). Our school’s focus is on early literacy and we are putting systems in place to By Pamela Novinsky & Amy Piedra improve reading levels at all grades. We are looking forward to a success- ful year of rigorous work, improved scores, and enthusiastic, motivated On October 1st, the fourth graders at students. Peck had “Milk & Cookies: Reading in the Afternoon”. This was an oppor- tunity for families to get together, News from the Shelves enjoy refreshments and read togeth- er. There were many guests at the By Ms. Gartsu afternoon gathering. Jason Lefebvre from the Holyoke Public Library was on hand so students and their families Wow! Our first few months of school have come and gone! During the could sign up for library cards. The past couple of weeks, we have enjoyed books, and other multimedia for- Holyoke Fire Department came to mats such as music and videos, in celebration of National Hispanic Herit- share the importance of reading and age Month. Most students should now have their own individual library distribute books to all who attended. cards, which they need to bring with them when they come to check out Our special guest, Dr. Paul Hyry- books. In the coming weeks, Ms. Gartsu will be working with students to Dermith, read-aloud and was able to establish their own Destiny Library accounts, where students can manage visit with families. It was a joyous reading event that brought together many of their own library needs. teachers, families, and the community.

Students Speak Out

By Cathy Foley

Students shared some of their thoughts about the beginning of the school year:

Zack Valentin, grade eight, “I think that it is exciting to begin a new year because you can be with your old friends and you can look forward to meeting new friends.”

STUDENTS SPEAKING OUT INCLUDE: K. Angelina Collazo, “As I start my seventh grade year, I am determined to be successful and pass all my classes. This will mean I have to do my work and my ANDUALUZ, A. ASCIOTI AND Z. VALENTIN. homework and try my best by studying for tests and not giving up on hard projects.”

Angelique Ascioti, grade eight, “This year I want to learn more about math and pass all my classes so that I can move on to high school.”

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

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Learning Beyond the Classroom—Big E Field Trip By Kelly Doktor

Nearly sixty second-grade students from Sullivan Elementary School took an educational agricultural field trip to The Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) on Monday, September 23rd to see academics in action. The trip, which is taken each year, allows all students and staff to enter without charge courtesy of The Big E.

As a culminating event to the Economics Unit, focusing on consumer, producer, buyer and seller along with goods and services bought and sold in the community, students were able to see books come to life. In the Mallary Building, students saw a sheep-shearer shearing the sheep; wom- en spinning wool on spinning wheels and creating products on looms; as well as cows being milked. Moving on to the Farm-A-Rama, the students were able to try their hands, literally, at milking a fake cow; seeing award- winning pumpkins, and the highlight of the day…watching the baby chicks in the Chick Hatchery. From there, the classes visited Storrowton Village to see Bob the broom-maker and the craft of creating wood chairs.

An especially eye-opening experience was the one-room schoolhouse. Right upon entering the building, the teacher separated the girls and boys to either side of the room and the students intently listened to the teach- er. Students were surprised to see blackboards and chalk, quill pens and ink wells, as well as an outhouse for a bathroom. Most shocking to them was if a boy or girl was misbehaving he or she would have to sit on the opposite side of the room as a consequence. While in the schoolhouse, two students, Maisie Bowler and Justin Perez were interviewed by Chan- nel 40 for a news story on why students visit the Big E. Prior to leaving, everyone visited the Building to see products including honey from the honeybees.

In the week that followed the field trip, students wrote a narrative re- count of their favorite building which included a rubric for sentences, message while incorporating the senses, and a corresponding illustration.

By Amy Burke

What an amazing beginning of the year we have had here at Metcalf. There are so many exciting things going on, but one of the most exciting is our new Spanish program. We have three classes of students participating (thirty-three students) in the program. The students are beginning to learn Spanish naturally each day for a half hour through routines and developmentally appropriate activities when working consistently with fully bilingual staff. The class is providing a rich experience for the students so that their language skills in Spanish are being developed. Every day the students are eager to “show off” what they have learned.

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

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Open House at E.N.White

E.N.White School was excited to open its doors and host an Open By Tammy Lawrence House on Tuesday, September 24th from 6:00PM—7:30PM. The night is always an excellent opportunity for kindergarten through eighth grade Electing Our Student Council students along with their families to tour the school, visit classrooms and meet the entire staff. The excitement of Holyoke's Mayoral Race has been the focus for many Holyoke families, however several E.N. White stu- dents had a race of their own to run and a campaign to begin. As the families first entered into the school they were immediately greet- For two weeks, they spoke to their peers, sought approval ed by many helpful community groups including the Tiger Pride Commu- from their teachers, hung posters and wore buttons and t- nity Organization (TPCO), Title I, People's Savings Bank and Stop & Shop. shirts asking for votes. On Friday October 27th, the group of The TPCO was able to welcome several new families into the group with hopeful middle school students, with speeches in-hand, arrived the promise of keeping them informed of any parent/guardian volunteer in the school cafeteria ready to convince their peers one last opportunities, community events and all the fundraisers the group organ- time, to elect them into their desired office. Approximately izes. twenty-five students had earned the opportunity to seek elec- tion. Each one stood tall at the podium and presented their opinions and ideas to all of their middle school peers. Some Next, the families gathered in the cafeteria and were addressed with a were nervous, most were confident, but once the applause warm welcome by Principal Russell and Mrs. Ruth Silva, a middle school began after reading their speech, all looked proud to have teacher. Before the families began their tour of the school, the Middle completed and succeeded in their presentation. School Chorus, accompanied by music teacher Mr. Daniel Rose on key- board, sang a beautiful traditional Latin round entitled 'Dona Nobis The middle school audience of voters were focused and en- Pacem'. It is the women's audition song for the Massachusetts Music gaged as they decided which of their peers to vote for. In the Educators Association's District Chorus. The piece is just one of several end, there were four class officers and thirteen classroom the E.N. White Chorus has begun practicing for the Junior MMEA Chorus representatives elected. The class officers will meet bi-weekly auditions. The TPCO will be funding a bus to the MMEA Festival in De- with Assistant Principal Tom Drohan and discuss positive ways cember for students interested in auditioning for the Junior MMEA Dis- they will impact E.N. White School. The classroom represent- trict Chorus. atives will communicate ideas of the students within their homerooms to the officers. They will also provide the feed- Kirk Donahoe, from the Holyoke Public Schools, was in the computer lab back from the meetings once the officers relay the information helping parents access Edline, a new technology tool at E.N. White that discussed. All will work closely with the TPCO (Tiger Pride allows parents and students online access to view grades, important Community Organization). events, teacher emails, and educational resources. Currently the group is selling healthy school snacks during lunchtime, planning a middle school dance and adding special school spirit and college awareness days to the school's Friday Thank you to all involved who helped make this evening a success. schedule.

People's Bank and E.N. White School have partnered together to help parents and guardians help their students learn to save!

During the second Friday of every month throughout the school year, there will be a People's Bank Representative collecting deposits from any student who was able to establish a new account during E.N. White's Open House. They will also collect deposits from any student who has a current account at the bank.

For parents/guardians wishing to open a new account for their student(s), they may do so providing the appropriate material is presented to the banking representative. If a new account is successfully established, $10.00 will be deposited into the student's Student Council members (left to right): Jack Shea, Lizeida account as a 'Thank You' from People's Bank! Reyes, Marie Brazeau, Shaneika Ruiz, Rosie Lopez, Dannysha Medina Mendez, Paola Arce, Feroze Sibdhanny, Koron Bol- den, Stephany Perez Santiago and Anna Price. Displayed above, is third grade student Davonte Westbrook who deposited money at E.N. White School into his new savings account.

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

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Student Interview

Ms. Erika Hanson is new to the Donahue School community. Previously, she taught math at the Peck Full Service Community School. Currently, she teaches 6th grade math and is a math interventionist. Eighth grader Mary Jane Colon interviewed Ms. Hanson about her thoughts on teaching. Mr. Willenbrock leads By Mary Jane Colon, Grade Eight Student a Constitution Day

celebration. MJC: Why do you like working with the students at Donahue School?

EH: The students are very kind. They’re very helpful to each other and are hard workers.

MJC: What have you done as an interventionist?

EH: I’ve been helping students that are not performing at grade level. I have been using the program called ALEKS to help the kids. I use the data from the students to support teachers as they help struggling students.

MJC: How long have you been teaching? What do you like best about teach- ing?

EH: I’ve been teaching for five years. I love watching the progress of the students outside and inside of school. Also I love seeing the kids grow up Student Adam Nadeau and his parents were one of many every year. Donahue families who attended the Success in Middle School Night at Donahue School. These parents were very pleased with the outcome of the event for both Adam MJC: Why did you choose to teach math? and the valuable information they received. They are appre- ciative of the informative program. EH: Math was not easy for me in middle school. When I hit high school, I could connect to it. I can relate to middle school students who struggle with math, and I have ways to help the students understand math concepts.

MJC: What is one piece of advice you have for your students?

Student EH: Persevere. The students that work their best and never give up make it Article in life.

PBIS News Report On Donahue School By: Ibeliz Velez, Grade Eight Student PBIS, a Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports program, is being piloted by Maurice A. Donahue School. This program will help the school succeed and stay positive, helping to improve the students’ academic scores. However, what do the teachers think of this new program? Select- ed teachers have been chosen to tell us about what they think of PBIS. One of them was Mr. Wyse, a sixth and eighth grade math teacher at Donahue School. “I believe too much attention is given to the negative behavior, and that those who are displaying good characteristics should be acknowledged.” He says. “PBIS recognizes the positive behavior of students.” Further expectation with PBIS will be met as the program has made the students more accountable in learning and progressing in their studies.

Yet, we still have a question that is more important than what we had asked before. What do the students think of this new PBIS program? We have asked, and they have responded! Alexis Maldonado, an eighth grader who attends Donahue School has provided some good insight on what he thinks about PBIS. “We have taken it seriously,” he says. “If we have this program for more years, it will be very helpful to students.” Clearly, we see that our students think it is a great program to help them progress and succeed.

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

Page 7

Black and Gold Night A New Vision Starting this year, DTHS is a part of the Project GRAD On October 8th, Dean Tech High School celebrated its first Black and Gold USA national network. As a GRAD Academy, DTHS will Night. We hosted over 300 students, parents, family members, alumni and provide all students with an outstanding 21st century community members for a great evening of food, fun, and learning. Starting education and prepare them for college and career suc- this year, DTHS reimagined the concept of “open house.” Forget the idea of cess. Beginning with full implementation of the model for a handful of families moving from class to class and think of a community the 2014-15 school year, curriculum will have a focus on event and a celebration of 100 years of Dean Tech! Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and implement the New Tech Network (NTN) high school model. DTHS will draw on NTN’s design, curriculum development, coaching and professional development for faculty.

DTHS is pleased to announce that Barry Bacom now serves as the Princi- pal. Mr. Bacom was formerly the Director of Akins New Tech High School in Austin, Texas. He assumed his new duties as principal on July 1st. Mr. Bacom believes that GRAD Academy and Dean Tech are both perfect fits for his goals and interests: “I am excited to join the Dean stu- dents, faculty, staff and parents as well as the broader Holyoke community to serve as lead learner as we transform Dean into a world-class school that truly prepares all students for the challenges of the 21st century.”

Walk for Success On Saturday July 13th, members of the Dean Technical High School Com- munity joined together with local leadership and state officials to bring the Walk for Success to neighborhoods in Holyoke. This first Walk for Suc- cess held special significance, as 2013 marks the 100th anniversary of Dean Tech. The Walk for Success is Project GRAD’s most longstanding tradi- tion. It is a door-to-door campaign during which school communities come together to visit the homes of every rising ninth grade student’s The Dean Tech football team, while very inexperienced and youth- family in GRAD-partnering schools. In this case, volunteers also visited the ful, continues to be hard working and possesses a good attitude. homes of every rising twelfth grader, to ensure that those families knew This year’s leaders include (Left to right): Luis Robles, Joe Houle, they were a valued part of their student’s graduation plan. Volunteers Edward Hernandez and Hector Cabrera. were split into teams and given the names, addresses, and neighborhood maps of the eight-to-ten families they would be visiting. They visited homes in groups, with at least one group member familiar with Dean Tech and Project GRAD. Nearly one hundred volunteers from the Dean Tech commu- nity met at the CVS at 400 Beech Street, the site of On August 28th, students walked back onto a campus that they hardly recognized. After the original Dean Vocational School building 100 years construction, the reimagined school took most students by surprise. The $7.5 million reno- ago. There, volunteers received their Walk for Suc- vation is the most visible change that Dean underwent this summer. Apart from the much- cess t-shirt while Principal Barry Bacom spoke to all needed tune-ups – a new paint job, new cafeteria furniture – Dean students now have six volunteers, provided instructions on the day’s events, state of the art science labs (which will ultimately be Science Technology Engineering and and invited everyone to a barbeque celebration after Math—STEM labs) and three brand new computer labs. These new labs illustrate the New the Walk at Springdale Park. After everyone de- Tech Network influence on GRAD Academies; the labs will provide students an improved ployed, the house visits began. Volunteers informed space in which to learn, and the potential to learn in new and innovative ways. students and families about college access opportuni- ties, ways for parents to stay engaged with their stu- dent’s education, and answered any questions families Across the hall from these computer labs lies the College and Career Access Center that had about Project GRAD and changes in leadership has become a staple in Project GRAD schools across the country. Here, students receive and strategy. Families were also encouraged to attend help completing the FAFSA, applying for scholarships, writing their college admission essays, the celebration at Springdale Park. and searching for jobs and internships. The resources provided by the Center are essential in promoting a college-going culture at Dean. Apart from the dedicated Dean Tech staff, faculty and GRAD team, volunteers included Holyoke Mayor The rest of the changes to Dean were less visible, but perhaps even more important to Alex Morse, Holyoke Public Schools Superintendent student success. One of the influences GRAD hopes to have on Dean is to shift away from Dr. Sergio Páez, and MA Department of Elementary the traditional idea of a “vocational” school, and more towards the idea of a “career and and Secondary Education Representative Joan Tuttle. technology” school. This shift in culture begins with a complete remodeling of Dean’s mas- ter schedule – including the addition of seventy-four minutes to each school day.

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

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By Jenna Kaeppel

Thank You Links with Libraries and Dinn Brothers

The third grade students in Ms. Dicarlo's and Ms. Cavanaugh's classes were lucky enough to receive free books for their home libraries. The books were generous- ly donated by Dinn Brothers, who has become the school's sponsor through the Links to Libraries organization. The company's commitment for change is incredi- bly helpful to the McMahon School community and will help to reach our goal of improving literacy in our community! From Left to Right: Isaias Rodriguez, Isabella Murphy, Samantha Bren- nan, Jose Rivera, and Yamilet Bermudez show off their new books.

On September 26th, students from the eighth grade class at McMahon volunteered at The Elks Spaghetti Supper. The students performed various tasks that helped serve the Holyoke community. In addition to serving spaghetti, the students served veterans their meals and ran the dish washing station. The students also helped with the clean up and trash removal.

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

Page 9

By Jillianne Jacques

Early in the morning, as the sun rises over the skyline, you can see a line infrastructure changes in the community. of children walking together towards school with teachers, parents, and With the assistance of Healthy Holyoke/Mass in Motion, Kelly Full Ser- even a police officer. This is the Kelly Full Service Community School vice Community School will be receiving a Safe Routes to School Infra- Walking School Bus. The first day was October 1st, and it will be occur- structure assessment through MassDOT’s SRTS program. This assess- ring every school day, rain, shine, or snow, as long as Kelly School is ment could lead to extensive infrastructure improvements to ensure open. safe transport to and from Kelly School.

The Walking School Bus is an idea originally designed by an Australian man by the name of David Engwicht in 1992. Ever since it started in the Kelly Walking School Bus United Kingdom, it has spread through many countries, including our will improve attendance, own. But it has finally made its way to Holyoke, first at Peck school and help combat childhood now at Kelly! obesity, create a sense of safety, and also help provide As part of the first step in the process, Kelly organizers went on a walk- a sense of community be- ing audit of the route—from South Holyoke to the Flats--in the middle tween the parents and of August before school began. The group recorded several issues along community officials. This the proposed walking route. Broken sidewalks, no handicap-accessible ramps, no signs designating school zones, and missing crosswalks were will help make Holyoke a some of safety issues that the group encountered. The teachers and better place to live, step-by- professionals on the route submitted this report to the Holyoke Depart- step. ment of Public Works and were amazed to see these issues fixed within two weeks! Already, the Kelly Walking School Bus created positive

Read about the Family Literacy Classes being offered at Kelly, E.N. White, Peck-Lawrence, and Morgan schools on p. 11.

By Mary Jo Mazzu Morgan students are against bullies. Students and staff created anti-bullying messages to spread the word that we will not tolerate bullies at Morgan.

Morgan School students in Kindergarten and first grade enjoyed this performance by FoodPlay, an Emmy Award- winning nutrition media company which tours the nation’s schools and provides special events using the power of live theater and interactive resources to turn kids on to healthy eating and active lifestyles.

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

Page 10 Connections

Attention

The Business Club will be selling their Congratulations to Alex Glanville (sophomore) and Devan Kane Month of January Lottery Calendars (freshman). They represented Holyoke until December 13th. High School at the Interscholastic Athletic Conference Lots of great gift certificates & cash (PVIAC). Alex Glanville is one of the top golfers in Western Massachusetts and has prizes to be won also participated in the Western Mass tournament. The cost is $10 and can be purchased by Great job golfers! any Business Club member from Holyoke High.

Teen Pregnancy The Holyoke Public Schools Media Center produced a video hosted by Kiari Martinez and Raul Devers who are teenage par- ents attending . The show helps highlight the issue of teenage pregnancy. This video documents what students at Holyoke High School think about this issue, how it is included in the curriculum, as well as the work performed within the community to help decrease the teen pregnancy rate. Additionally, student prepared public service announce- ments are included. Visit the district website to view this informational video: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us

Two Holyoke High School teenage parents, Kiari Martinez and Raul Devers are pictured here with their baby boy, Kaiden.

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

Page 11

PARENTS LEARNING ENGLISH

At Kelly and E.N. White Schools By Katie Moonan

As part of the literacy initiative for the Holyoke Public Schools, Kelly and E.N. White schools are again offering English classes for parents together with program partner Reader to Reader. This year we have Katheleen Sanchez shakes hands with twenty-five parents with us every day at Kelly and twenty-nine at E.N. White eagerly learning and sup- Kelly FSCS Project Manager Rebecca porting each other! It is an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) class for parents who need to learn more English, which focuses on family literacy and school engagement. The program allows Masters during the class scavenger hunt. parents to learn more English as well as familiarize themselves with the school and get to know their children’s teachers. Parents in the program are becoming more aware of the expectations the school has for students and parents alike, and how to help with homework and be involved in other ways with the school and their children’s education.

One highlight so far was a scavenger hunt the parents had to undertake in the school building. Parents were tasked with identifying all of the specific members of the school personnel—from the principal to the occupational therapist to all seven cafeteria workers—and introducing themselves in English. The conversation went something like this: “Hi, my name is Jessica, I am Carlos’ mom, nice to meet you!” E.N. White parents Maria Bonilla, Lourdes More often than not, staff members would identify parents’ children right away and exchange further Santiago and Juanita Carrero meet comments with the parents about them. Other times staff would respond with a few extra questions for Vice Principal Tom Drohan in his office. parents about what grade their children were in, and parents were able to proudly respond in English. The E.N. White parent class also attended the Title I Homework Clinic where they decorated homework boxes and filled them with homework supplies, (see photo on page 11). These opportunities left every- one feeling great and affirmed the mission of the program, that all parents recognize and explore the important role they play in their children’s education.

To register or obtain more information, contact Katy Moonan at 413-588-2013; Jeannette Alicea at Kelly FSCS 413-534-2078 or Jahaira Ramos (Parent Liaison) 413-534-2057 at E. N. White.

To watch a video on the web about the Kelly School Family Literacy Class, go to: Maria Aponte shakes hands with Kelly Principal Enroll in a Family Literacy Class today! Jacqueline Glasheen. during the class scavenger hunt.

By Joanne Gold and Jody Spitz

Anna Jaramillo from the Holyoke Food and Fitness Policy A lively group of parents dedicated to improving their English skills and learning Council came to visit our classes at E.N. White and Kelly to strategies to improve their children’s literacy have enrolled in Family Literacy provide a healthy eating presentation and demonstration. ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes at Morgan and Peck- Lawrence schools. Activities include preparation for Parent-Teacher Confer- ences, developing reading strategies to use at home with their children, learning about health and nutrition, career exploration and goal setting. All parents have expressed a desire to be more involved in their children’s’ education. Parents will have the opportunity to observe in their children’s classrooms and will re- ceive books to build a home library.

To register, please contact Glenda Morales, Morgan School 413-552-0806 or Jessenia Ramos, Peck-Lawrence FSCS 413-534-2075. E.N. White parent Stephanie Santiago shakes hands with school custodian Jim Manijak.

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

Page 12 Connections

Fun for the Whole Family

All events start at 6:30 December 3 Bingo for Books Morgan School December 4 Bingo for Books Kelly School December 11 Holiday Bingo for Books White School January 8 Bingo for Books Morgan School January 9 Bingo for Books Sullivan School January 23 Math In A Bag White School February 4 Family Game Night Kelly School February 12 Career Night/Trans.to HS McMahon School February 12 Dinosaur Night Morgan School E.N. White parents Maria Bonilla, Rose Marie February 13 Dinosaur Night Lawrence School Torres and Neidy Santiago decorate homework boxes for their children at the EN White Title I

Homework Clinic. Title 1 Family Nights TitleFamily 1

HFFPC Asks: Got Food?

By Brya Brazil and Alexandra Shumway Health News in Our On September 20th, the Holyoke Food and Fitness Policy Council (HFFPC) Schools held a special event as part of a national campaign to address the connections By Dr. Helen Gibson between health, hunger, obesity and poverty. The event was held at the Ho- lyoke High School auditorium and included a screening of the film A Place at the Table (2012), a community dinner and discussion and a panel presentation. The Education outcomes are a top priority for documentary, directed by Kristi Jacobson and Lori Silverbush, discusses the communities. This has been at the core of the growing challenges of obesity, food insecurity and hunger in America. More education and policy changes instituted over than one in every six people suffer from hunger and food insecurity. the past few years to reduce the risk of teen pregnancy and sexuality transmitted infections In attendance were members of the community, organizations committed to addressing food insecurity in Holyoke, and esteemed guests Mayor Alex Morse, among adolescents attending the Holyoke Pub- State Representative Aaron Vega, and Congressman Jim McGovern, (a major lic Schools. The district has taken several stra- champion to end childhood hunger through national policies and advocacy). tegic steps to improve adolescent sexual health One community member commented, “I am surprised at the relative cost of so that all students can reach their academic healthy food compared to junk food.” goals. Over the past three years Holyoke Pub- lic Schools have implemented an evidence After a delicious dinner of local produce prepared by the Urban Green Pantry based sexuality education program in eighth and youth from Gardening the Community in Springfield, Congressmen Jim McGovern was able to express his outrage at the recent decision in the House and ninth grades. In addition, there has been of Representatives to cut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program strategic alignment between the Health educa- (SNAP) benefits by $39 billion. This decision would affect millions of adults and tors, nurses and School-based Health Center children should it be passed by the Senate as well. As one audience member to improve access to sexuality education and remarked, “Politicians are motivated by those who fund their elections to make services. In addition, the district’s leaders have sure they are reelected.” McGovern challenged the group to keep politicians also been key partners in the Mayor’s task accountable for their decisions, and to make public the voting record of elected force working to improve the sexual health of officials on critical issues such as this one. all youth in Holyoke. New leadership by Dr. McGovern also discussed his experience with the SNAP Challenge, an advocacy Páez signals that Holyoke can expand its strate- and awareness raising tool that encourages non-receiving SNAP individuals to gies to reduce teen births and put Holyoke pledge to subsist on the average SNAP benefit of $4.50/day for at least one students on a trajectory to a brighter future. week. The goal of this program is to give individuals direct experience and an increased understanding of the limits and difficulties of the SNAP program.

For more information, please contact Laura Christoph at Holyoke Community College, [email protected].

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

Holyoke Public Schools Estos son los puntos mas Holyoke Public Schools

sobresalientes del Boletin Volume 12 Issue 1 Otono 2013

Una Carta Abierta a la Comunidad de la Escuela Holyoke Un Nuevo día!

By Dr. Sergio Páez, Superintendent of Schools Artista: Kaitlyn Zimowski, Morgan

El trabajo ante nosotros es el comienzo de un nuevo capítulo nuestro personal cuenta con las opciones disponibles para apo- en la historia de Holyoke. Enfrentamos un reto que requiere lo yar a nuestros estudiantes. Se tomará tiempo para desarro- mejor que podemos ofrecer para trasformar nuestro sistema. llar las nuevas estructuras: de secuenciación de contenidos, Al igual que en cualquier transformación, necesitamos perma- desarrollo de plan de lección, fuertes conexiones con los necer enfocados en nuestro objetivo, y nada podría ser más estudiantes con dificultades de aprendizaje y los aprendices significativo que ser la fuerza fundamental detrás para cambiar de lenguaje inglés. Utilizando el ciclo de investigación para la vida de miles de estudiantes. evaluar nuestro progreso en nuestros salones de clase y en nuestros programas y servicios es esencial. Vamos a seguir Nos estamos esforzando para revisar todos los aspectos de implementando y mejorando lo que funciona y evaluar y revisar nuestro trabajo para asegurar de que hacemos lo mejor posible lo que no funciona. cada día para ayudar a nuestros estudiantes. Estamos poniendo Recuerde, cuando se pone difícil, no culpar a los estudiantes. en marcha todos los sistemas necesarios para asegurar que Nuestra responsabilidad consiste en averiguar qué estrategia va a trabajar con cada estudiante, porque cada uno viene con una historia convincente diferente. Estamos tratando de cambiar la historia, y aunque no será fácil, será gratificante. Cuando se pone muy difícil, trate de imaginar a los estudiantes que se es- tán convirtiendo, no los estudiantes que son en ese momento.

Además, trabajamos para hacer una diferencia en la vida de todos los estudiantes que conocemos, sin embargo no todos los estudiantes tendrán éxito en el poco tiempo que tenemos con ellos. Esto no significa que podemos renunciar a los estu- diantes, nos recuerda no culparnos cuando no podemos llegar a un estudiante. A menudo, las lecciones de la vida que ense- ñamos no son realizadas hasta que los estudiantes están listos para aprenderlos -- años después de haber dejado nuestras escuelas.

Nos enfrentamos al desafío de cómo descubrir los talentos y dones que nuestros estudiantes poseen. Debemos descubrir cómo nuestros estudiantes aprenden y, entonces, con ese en- tendimiento, tenemos que enseñarles a hacer sentido del mun- do. Con los años, muchos de ustedes han desarrollado el cono- cimiento de nuestros estudiantes y sus familias, y doy la bienve- nida a sus pensamientos sobre cómo podemos seguir mejoran- do nuestra enseñanza y las intervenciones para inspirar a nues- tros estudiantes todos los días.

Esto es de hecho un nuevo día y vamos a hacer que todos nuestros estudiantes alcancen su potencial. Vamos a trans- formar nuestro sistema. Tener un año maravilloso!

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

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Parents—

¿Está interesado en invo- lucrarse más en la educa- Reuniones del Comité Escolar ción de sus hijos? Consulte la página 15. Visite el sitio web de las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke para ver calendario de reuniones: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/schoolcommittee.htm

Reuniones del Consejo Asesor de Educación Especial (SEPAC)

Por favor únase a otros padres interesados en nuestras próximas reuniones durante el año 2013- 2014. Hay una fuerza en números y el apoyo de otras personas que comparten experiencias simila- res. Nuestros esfuerzos combinados pueden influir en el éxito de nuestros hijos, así como dar forma a su futuro. Próximas fechas de reuniones y temas de discusión: 6 de enero: Enlaces de alfabetización3 3 de marzo: Terapia Ocupacional / Terapia Física/ Terapia del Habla “ Hacer y Recibir Actividades" 5 de mayo: Descripción general de lo que ofrece el Programa de Verano Las reuniones se llevan a cabo en la Escuela Lawrence a las 6:00 PM Visite el sitio web del distrito para más información: Oportunidadeshttp://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/pdf/announcements/SEPAC.pdf de Preguntas: contacto Kelly- [email protected] o Dawn - [email protected] Aprendizaje

durante el Verano

Ofrecido a los Estudiantes de las Para grados Kínder hasta 12 EscuelasDiversión Públicas de paraHolyoke Toda la Familia

ComenzandoTodos el los8 de eventos julio comienzan a las 6:30 hasta3 de diciembre el 8 de agostoBingo para Libros Escuela Morgan de4 de8:00 diciembre AM a 1:00Bingo paraPM Libros Escuela Kelly 11 de diciembre Bingo festivo para libros Escuela White Para 8obtener de enero más información,Bingo para Libros Escuela Morgan 9 devisite enero el sitio Bingoweb: para Libros Escuela Sullivan http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us23 de enero Matemáticas en Bolsa Escuela White 4 de febrero Noche de Juego en Familia Escuela Kelly 12 de febrero Noche de Carrera/ Transición Escuela McMahon

a las Escuelas Superiores Padres de la Escuela E.N. White María Bonilla, Rosa 12 de febrero Noche de Dinosaurios Escuela Morgan María Torres y Neidy Santiago decoran cajas de tareas para sus hijos en la clínica de Tareas del 13 de febrero Noche de Dinosaurios Escuela Lawrence

Titulo I Noches de Familia de Titulo I Noches Título I en la escuela E.N. White.

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

Page 15

PADRES APRENDIENDO INGLÉS En las Escuelas Kelly y E.N. White Por Katie Moonan

Como parte de la iniciativa de alfabetización para las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke, las escuelas Kelly y E.N. White están ofreciendo nuevamente clases de inglés para los padres, junto con el programa de Kelly - Katheleen Sanchez estrechando ma- Reader. Este año tenemos 25 padres con nosotros todos los días en la escuela Kelly y 29 en la escuela nos con la Administradora Rebecca Masters E.N. White, aprendiendo ansiosamente y apoyándonos mutuamente! Es una clase de Inglés para Ha- del Proyecto FSCS durante la búsqueda del blantes de Otros Idiomas (ESOL) para los padres que necesitan aprender más Inglés, en la cual se enfo- tesoro en la clase. ca en la educación familiar y la participación de la escuela. El programa permite a los padres a aprender más inglés, así como familiarizarse con la escuela y conocer a los maestros de sus hijos.

Un punto culminante hasta ahora era una búsqueda del tesoro que los padres tuvieron que llevar a cabo en el edificio escolar. Los padres se encargaron de identificar a todos los miembros específicos del personal escolar, de la Directora a la terapeuta ocupacional a los siete trabajadores de la cafetería, y presentándose en inglés. La conversación fue algo como esto: "Hola, mi nombre es Jessica, soy la madre de Carlos, mucho gusto en conocerle!" A menudo, los miembros del personal identificarán a los padres de los "niños de inmediato y seguirán intercambiando comentarios con los padres acerca E.N. White padres Maria Bonilla, Lourdes de ellos. Otras veces, el personal respondía con algunas preguntas adicionales para los padres sobre Santiago y Juanita Carrero conocen al Subdi- qué grado sus hijos se encontraban, y los padres fueron capaces de responder con orgullo en inglés. rector Tom Drohan en su oficina. Esta actividad dejó sentir a todos muy bien y afirmaron la misión del programa, que todos los padres reconocen y exploran el importante papel que desempeñan en la educación de sus hijos.

Para ver un vídeo en la web acerca de la Clase de Alfabetización Familiar de la Escuela Kelly, visite a: http://vimeopro.com/user16098581/adult-english-classes-kelly-school.

Inscríbase hoy en una clase de Educación E.N. White madre Stephanie Santiago estrechando manos con el custodio de la escuela Jim Manijak.

¡Encamínate! Educación Familiar / ESOL Clase para Padres en las Escuelas Morgan y Peck-Lawrence

Por Joanne Gold, y Jody Spitz

Un grupo animado de padres dedicados a mejorar sus conocimientos de inglés y aprender estrategias para mejorar la alfabetización de sus hijos se han inscrito en las clases de ESOL de Alfabetización Familiar en las escuelas Morgan y Peck - Lawrence. Las actividades incluyen la pre- paración de las conferencias de padres y maestros, el desarrollo de Anna Jaramillo del Concilio de Alimentación y Actividad Física estrategias de lectura para usar en casa con sus hijos, aprendiendo de Holyoke vino a visitar nuestras clases en las escuelas E.N. acerca de la salud y la nutrición, la exploración de carreras y estableci- White y Kelly para ofrecer una presentación y demostración- miento de metas. Todos los padres han expresado su deseo de partici- de alimentación saludable. par más en la educación de sus hijos. Los padres tendrán la oportuni- dad de observar en los salones de clase de sus hijos y recibirán libros para construir una biblioteca en el hogar.

Para registrarse, por favor póngase en contacto con Glenda Morales, escuela Morgan al 413-552-0806 o Jessenia Ramos, Peck-Lawrence FSCS al 413-534-2075. Maria Aponte estrechando manos con la Directora Jacqueline Glasheen durante la búsqueda del tesoro en la clase.

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

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Holyoke Public Schools

A community working together/ Una Communidad trabanjando juntos

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