CONNECTIONS After School Program

Holyoke Public Schools Connections Holyoke Public Schools Volume 10, Issue 2 A Community Working Together Winter 2012

An Open Letter to the Holyoke School Community Educator Evaluation

By David Dupont, Superintendent of Schools

The state plan to overhaul educator evaluation is an (MTA), which is one of the DESE approved vendors ongoing process which is scheduled to be put into assisting districts in their work to implement the Inside this issue: effect for all school districts in Massachusetts for the evaluation model. Teachers, nurses, district adminis- 2012-2013 school year. There are, however, some trators, and all other DESE licensed personnel will all districts-those which have Level 4 schools and those be subject to the new system. We obviously intend School News 2-8 which volunteered to implement a year earlier-that to be in full compliance with this state-wide initiative, have been working on implementation for the 2011- however I feel very strongly that all of this will be 2012 school year. (The new system is for the indi- much more effective and meaningful if we can move vidual Level 4 schools and not the entire district this across the boundary that many times stands between School Briefs 9 school year.) The evaluation overhaul is a major compliance and ownership. change in how evaluations have been traditionally performed in the past. There is a great amount of Athletics 10 related information on the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) website http://www.doe.mass.edu/, and we will be providing the principals any updates that we receive from the department. Some of the major changes After School 11 involving evaluation include educator self-reflection, goal setting, and rubrics to be used to guide instruc- tional expectations. This effort by DESE is truly a work in progress. Even though all of the elements of Family Nights 12 the new system will not be in place by this coming September, the intent of the state is to get this off of the ground as soon as possible. What I believe will be of great help to our school district is our partner- Spanish 13-15 ship with the Massachusetts Teachers Association

Master Teacher Awards Edition Highlights: ● Metcalf School’s 100 Year Congratulations to the following Holyoke Public Anniversary Schools math and science teachers for being selected as Master Teacher Fellows: Tom Wyse ● Three Kings Day Celebration (Donahue School), Yvonne Hilyard (Morgan ● Students Participate in the School), Phillip Cooper (Dean Technical High Inauguration School), Jeremiah Barrett (Peck School), and Lorie Banks (Morgan School). These teachers all have ● Cross-Generational Memoir master’s degrees and have demonstrated excel- Sharing lence in teaching. The School of Education at the ● Solar Learning Lab is Coming University of Massachusetts Amherst has received a six-year, $4.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to create a network that helps train and retain science and mathematics teachers for middle and high schools in Western Massachu- setts. Twenty teachers from the following school districts: Holyoke, Springfield, Greenfield and Donahue Master Teacher Fellow, Tom Mahar were selected to become Master Teacher Wyse demonstrates with students Luis Fellows. Otero and Keishantelle Burgos.

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Page 2 Connections

Sullivan SullivanAfter School Parents in the Pathways for Family Success Literacy program at Sulli‐ Build Our Kids Success—BOKS van are learning English during after‐school hours. They are also working with ENCHANTED CIRCLE THEATER and come eager for fresh tools and crea‐ By 8th grade reporters: Maggie Brady and Katelyn Leclerc tive ideas for building literacy at home. The parents in the program have children from age two to thirteen, and a few are active grandparents. We At Sullivan School kids shake off their morning slump by kick-starting teach and practice theater arts curriculum using children's poetry, early the day with the BOKS program sponsored by Reebok. The “Build Our education storybooks, and even upper elementary chapter books that span Kids Success” (BOKS) program is a free opportunity that promotes the developmental range of their children. healthy choices and exercise. At 7:30 am the students in grades K-5 arrive at the school and begin the warm-up with a dance and lunges. We are putting extra focus in modeling reading for young people, and They then move onto an obstacle course that involves running, which is parents are sent home with bright and colorful parenting magazines, chap‐ a big part of their morning routines. When asked by school reporters ter books, and magazines filled with positive stories of successful women, about the success rate, the head instructor, parent Martha Leamy re- including many women of color. veals, “We have 58 kids and we are still continuing to hear that more kids would love to join!” BOKS brings kids together and helps them One new aspect of our program is the build a bond. emphasis on visual arts with children in building literacy. As children are asked to Fourth grader Andrew Torres says, “It is a great program for kids visualize and infer meaning in a story‐ because it helps you exercise and become healthier.” Spreading the book, we take that literacy building to the word about BOKS is encouraged because it is beneficial to everyone. next level by engaging them in arts activi‐ Jennifer Lawrence, a Reebok representative who runs the program, ties including Artist Trading Cards with encourages the use of positive reinforcement on the kids. She said, “People in your school are doing great work. It’s one of the best Haiku, colorful collages with pictures and schools I’ve visited and I’ve seen a lot!” It’s clear that BOKS helps kids words, and origami. This isn't your typical get moving, which is important to their coloring book activity, but extensions of health and well-being. It gets their the literacy curriculum that connect text brains ready to work that day at school. to text, text to self, and text to creative Sullivan parent participating in a literacy sketch‐ Everyone agrees that BOKS rocks! expression! ing/storytelling and tableau activity while work‐ ing with the story Harold & the Purple Crayon

Winter Carnival

Students at Sullivan School enthusiastically answered the city’s call to participate in the Holyoke High “Elizur-the-Snowman” public Broadway in Holyoke art exhibition as part of the citywide Winter Carnival. Come and see Broadway in Holyoke as the Holyoke High Businesses, community organi- School Music Department stages its 13th annual musical – Le- zations, and residents were gally Blonde – from Thursday, March 22nd through Sunday, asked to design snowmen to be painted and put on display March 25th in the John Sears Auditorium at Holyoke High throughout the city. Sullivan’s School. Legally Blonde takes you from the sorority house to fourth graders created two the halls of justice with the blondest new student, that dare- original snowmen that will join devil in high heels Elle Woods who has the cutest sidekick in the other snowmen through- the world, her Chihuahua Bruiser. Along the way, the heroine out the city at Heritage State proves that being yourself and going after what you want never Park on February 4th. Lots of hard work went into this largeSnowman painted by goes out of style. Tickets for the production go on sale Mon- undertaking – students wereKim Beauregard's 4th day, March 5th and may be purchased at Holyoke High School fueled by the exciting opportu-grade homeroom, and at The Cottage at 1615 Northampton Street. Perform- nity to be part of a larger com-Sullivan School ances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights are at 7:30 p.m., munity project! and the performance on Sunday afternoon is at 2:00 p.m. All seating is reserved. Golden Circle tickets for seats in the front three rows are $15. All other tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Tickets for senior citizens and children under 12 are $6. So mark your calendars and come and enjoy this Snowmen painted by Kim Beauregard's high energy production. 4th grade homeroom

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

Volume 10, Issue 2 Page 3

Donahue

Breakfast with Santa

On December 10th, over 350 members of our learning community turned out for one of the largest events the school has ever hosted. The cafeteria was packed as parents and students helped themselves to french toast, sausages and assorted pastries. Mr. Scott, our music teacher, worked diligently to direct a fantastic musical performance by students of every grade level who sang holiday songs and spread cheer to all. Also, a special appearance was made by Mr. Claus, who graciously allowed many of our students to be photographed with him. Despite how hard things can be there are certain times where it is easy to feel the deep sense of family and common purpose in Holy- oke. Our Breakfast with Santa was one of those moments of con- nectedness. We here at Donahue would like to thank all the dedi- cated staff and volunteers who made this event a reality and the Santa Claus is posing with Denice Ortiz, Donahue’s Resident Office Elf. parents who took the time to bring their kids into our school that Far right: North Pole Production Coordinator, Principal Amy Fitzgerald Saturday. Go Dolphins!

New Guidance Program with the Solar Learning Lab is Coming Help of UMASS Maurice A. Donahue is pleased to announce a partnership with UMASS and Hyperion Systems to bring a solar learning lab to Dona- After discussing the District’s Comprehensive School Counseling hue. The main purpose of such a lab is to teach students about en- Program Model, Donahue School administration contacted Dr. Rich ergy consumption as well as alternative energy sources. UMASS Lapan, Ph.D., Chair of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst De- faculty has created an entire accompanying curriculum. Students will: partment of Student Development. Dr. Lapan was recently selected by the Massachusetts DESE to be part of the statewide career readi- • Adjust the tilt of panels with the season on short ladders ness task force. Lapan is working with the school to determine how Donahue could best implement the district’s new counseling program. • Do plant growth experiments On January 5, 2012, Dr. Lapan detailed UMASS’s online assessment • Study the physics of the structure tools for students to staff. These tools include interest inventories, including a career cluster interest inventory, an occupational index, and • Perform soil studies a “reality check”. These tools help students to identify who they are, where they are going, and how to get there. Donahue leadership has • Gain hands on experience of “green” technology linked this initiative to the Common Core Curriculum, as students will • Supplement the school’s electricity supply be required to use these inventories to complete a written research These pole mounted panels, connected to our school will produce project. up to 11 Kilowatts a day. We here at Donahue would like to give a Currently, we are awaiting the final approval for a guidance practi- big round of thanks to Travis Minnick (middle school science) for cum graduate student from Westfield State University. This student- heading up this project and presenting it to the school committee counselor will work directly with classroom teachers and administra- (who likewise deserve a thank you as well). Donahue School is com- tion in implementing our new guidance program. We at Donahue mitted to bringing the best of technology, science and exploratory would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Dr. Lapan and his interest learning to our students. Expect an update once the panels are in- in our program. stalled.

For more information about this project, you may contact the illustrious Dr. Gary W. Tirrell, Vice Principal of Donahue School. Photo of the soon to be erected solar panel

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Page 4 Connections

Mission Peck Testimonios (testimonials) Statement The mission of the about Latinas in College for Holyoke Public Carnival of Learning Peck Families Schools is to provide On November 11th the 8th graders at Peck School took educational On Monday, December 12th, Spanish-speaking Mount part in a Carnival of Learning. The event was sponsored opportunities for all Holyoke students joined Spanish-dominant Peck families by GEAR UP of Massachusetts under the leadership of students to reach for a night of pizza and candid, animated conversations Robert E. Dais. Mr. Dais, the Director of GEAR UP about the college experience including academics, safety, their full potential in a Massachusetts stated, “The purpose is to give students dorm living, and costs. All families who came had at- safe, secure, healthy exposure to higher learning and to help future academics tended the November Hip Hop Evolution event, part of learning environment make sense.” Students traveled in groups to learning which hosted an informative and successful bilingual in- stations focused on different aspects of higher education while valuing diversity formation fair. At that fair, families were proactive in – including areas of study, scholarships, health issues and and promoting seeking answers to questions on Bingo cards, which were the creative arts. These interactive learning areas were tailored to parents, middle school and elementary school responsible sponsored by Holyoke Community College, Mount Holy- citizenship. oke College, Massachusetts Association of Student Finan- students. cial Aid Administrators, Babson College, Fisher College of Arts and Westfield State University. Eighth grader Ready for Peck Devonny Castellano observed, “It’s awesome! We are Holyoke School learning a lot about how to get money for college.” The Ready for Peck (RFP) program is a school initiative intended to provide individual and group support for Committee parents of future kindergarten students who live in the Science Experiments school zone. The ultimate goal is to maximize the pro- spective student’s capability to be ready for kindergarten Mayor Alex Morse in the Kitchen and success in school with parental involvement, and William Collamore partnership. Parents, as the child’s first teachers, will Joshua Garcia The Peck Family Engagement and Education Work- enhance their own skills to prepare their children to be group sponsored a bilingual whole-family Charla (Family ready for school. Children will start school ready to Yvonne Garcia Conversation) which focused on science experiments in learn and to triumph during their education. Program Margaret Boulais the kitchen. Facilitated by Maria Luisa Arroyo, families coordinator Susana Morales states, “The program will were encouraged to flip buttered bread off edges of hold monthly workshops and home visits, providing the Howard Greaney tables and chart the results; make raisins dance; and parents with activities and the tools needed to help their make graham cracker earthquakes before buttering them Dennis Birks children be ready for kindergarten.” up with peanut butter. Grades of participants ranged Michael Moriarty from Kindergarten to 8th and Peck families are already looking forward to the next Charla: Tell Me the Story of Cesar Lopez Your Name (Reading, Drawing, and Writing). Devin Sheehan

Sodexo Raffle Winners

Sodexo has completed its free/reduced meals appli- cation raffles and lucky students were presented their awards - an iPad in each high school and $100 Target For FREE gift certificates in each elementary School. FAMILY Pictured in the adjacent photo left to right are Ellen FUN, see Sullivan, Holyoke High School (HHS) Assistant Princi- pal, student iPad winners Zhiyang Lin and Yu-Je Lin schedule and Richard Leso, Director of Dining Services. of Title Thank you Sodexo for your generosity and con- One Family gratulations students! Nights on page 12. “Learning is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily.” ~ Chinese Proverb

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

Volume 10, Issue 2 Page 5

Cap", written by E.N. White local authors Al Petitpas and Judy Van Raalte, was read Celebration at Barnes & Noble! aloud. The book By, Laurie Maspo (Parent) and was meant to inspire Tammy Lawrence (Parent and PTO President) students to "Stay Cool", "Ask for The attendance at the Barnes & Noble Celebration was Help" and "Stay huge! Many E.N.White families, staff and Barnes & Noble customers were Positive" with any- Mary Curro and E.N. White 8th Graders celebrate able to enjoy a night of student art, musical performances and at the same thing they choose to time help the school earn over $300.00! The evening began with Ms. Mar- books and their favorite characters do. cotte, the school librarian, reading the "Polar Express"; a story written by Chris Van Allsburg. She immediately stirred-up feelings of holiday magic Next, each student was given a goal of 25 books to read by the end of which carried with everyone throughout the entire night. the school year. At the conclusion, Coach Brock gave each middle school student a T-Shirt with the statement "Ticket To Reading REWARDS" as a Next, the Kindergarten students accompanied by their teachers, Mrs. reminder of all the benefits reading will bring throughout their life. They Fisher, Mrs. Kent and Ms. Dempsey, joyfully sang a variety of holiday were also given silicone bracelets with the TTRR logo and an invite to a songs. They delighted the audience with their enthusiasm and adorable future Springfield basketball game. singing voices. At the end of the performance, Ian, the School's Tiger Mascot, "high-fived" each child and gave them all a "thumbs-up" for a per- Delighted were students and staff as many formance well done! The violins, cellos and other instrumental perform- parents and guardians visited E.N.White ances followed and the orchestra of string students played remarka- throughout the day to read to their child's class- bly. Solos performed by a handful of students sounded beautiful. Mr. room. Verrocchi, Mr. Baker and Mr. Rose, the team of music teachers have gra- At the end of the day all elementary students ciously taught the gift of music to so many students and have allowed all in their character costumes were called to the involved to blossom. Lastly, the school choir brought their voices and cafeteria. They enjoyed apple cider and cookies sang a handful of festive holiday songs. Mr. Rose played the guitar while as they discussed each other's cos- students and audience members clapped and sang along. The night ended tumes. Librarian Ms. Marcotte and Physical with the song "Feliz Navidad" which was sung vibrantly by all! Education teacher Ms. Schmidt held a contest Throughout the evening, Ms. Lamour, the art teacher, proudly displayed for favorite costumes. The excitement was many pieces of student art work and their respective curriculum guide- obvious as each student clapped and cheered lines. Each piece drew a lot of attention from the students, Barnes & No- for each other. They too were given a reading ble staff and customers. Other students had the opportunity to display goal and responded with a promise to accom- their artistic abilities that evening by creating book marks at the art tables. plish that goal! The middle school student volunteers were a huge reason why the night ran smoothly and efficiently. A free raffle, provided by the Tiger Pride Joan Cameron, 5th grade teacher/ Oompa Community Organization, invited anyone supporting the event to take a Loompa from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory chance at winning a 2012 calendar, three boxes of chocolate candies and an E.N. White T-Shirt. Mt. Holyoke College Art Museum Visit 25 Books Campaign Kick Off! This year the E.N. White art teacher, Mrs. Lamour began her Ancient The excitement at E.N.White School was evident as the school kicked Art Unit with a field trip visit to the Mt. Holyoke College Art Museum to off the beginning of a year of reading. Many students and staff members explore the collections of ancient artifacts containing Egyptian, Greek, and were dressed in costume representing a character from their favorite Roman relics. From the Canopic jars to decorative mosaic tiles, the stu- story. Students would see each other and ask dents learned about history, world cultures, art and archaeology. The visit "Who are you?". Although the answer dif- followed the art and history standards written in the Massachusetts Cur- fered in explanation, it always included the riculum Frameworks. “It was a great learning experience that related to th reponse "I want to read that!" our studies in history,” said Emma Price, an 8 grade student of E.N. White. The message was clear "Reading is fun and essential!" The major highlight of the visit was looking at ancient artifacts that illustrate the lives of ancient civilizations and learning about the different Both Principal Russell and librarian Ms. Mar- religions that transitioned from one civilization to another and the stylistic cotte introduced the Head Basketball Coach changes of their art work. “It was very educational and historical," said Charlie Brock from Springfield College and Melvin Cruz. three of his players. He is part of the "Ticket To Reading REWARDS" Program, which is The students enjoyed listening to the descriptions of the artifacts and designed to use college basketball programs as the stories behind them. “It was an educational experience,” stated Hanna a tool to motivate students to read. They Smith. At the end of the tour, students participated in a scavenger hunt, Dumbledore (7th/8th addressed the entire middle school body with filled in a worksheet and were able to identify the stylistic and characteris- grade science teacher the same message - "Reading is fun and essen- tic features of ancient works. “ I liked this activity and I saw some pretty Kendra VanderGheynst) tial!". They spoke about how reading was cool vases and bowls,” said Joey Candelario. In the end, the students were and Harry Potter important for them when they were young able to take with them the knowledge and understanding of the roles, (Principal Russell) get and how it was essential to be a good reader purposes and contributions of ancient civilization. into the spirit of to realize their goals of attending college. E.N. White News—Continued on page 8. reading. Additionally, the book, "Rudy's Secret

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Page 6 Connections

Morgan School

Everybody Knows Pigs Might Fly

At least that’s what students learned when reading Pigs Might Fly by Dick King-Smith in Laura Boucher’s fourth grade classroom. They loved the story so much (although you’ll have to read it yourself to find out whether pigs really might fly) that they decided to turn it into a play. Ambitious students Shakira Rivera, Alysson Mazzu, Luis Brito, Ryan Rod- riguez, Jderick Rivera, Jayree Santiago and Matthew Santiago turned into scriptwriters, working hard to develop the story into a play. They then created props and rehearsed, with the first performance on January 18th. Invited guests included interim principal Aliza Pluta.

Choir Performs at Innauguration Amazing Triple-decker Concert Mayor-elect Alex Morse, former Morgan School scholar, must have The weeks leading up to the holidays are always filled with mystery been feeling a bit of nostalgia when he attended an evening middle and excitement, and never more so than here at Morgan School, as school open house in November. He enjoyed a performance by the students from grades three through eight practiced for the annual holi- Morgan School Choir under the direction of counselor Emily Temple. day concert. From the sounds of the violins practicing Jingle Bells with Some time later, she received an invitation for the choir to perform violin teacher Jenifer Gelineau, to the middle school student choir prac- God Bless America at the Mayor-elect’s Inaugural Ceremony on January tice led by counselor Emily Temple, to the excitement of music teacher 3rd at Holyoke High School, an honor that delighted both the school Doreen Veazie’s drum class, the school has been ringing with the and the Choir, thus giving Morgan School double reasons to be proud. sounds of holiday music. On Thursday, December 22nd, the hard work culminated in two concerts, one in the morning for middle school, the second in the afternoon for the elementary grades, and the result was electrifying. The concert began with several songs sung by the middle school choir, including Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus and Jingle Bell Rock. The violin concert followed, with students from third through eighth grade, and finally, a resounding finish with a fourth grade chorus directed by Doreen Veazie, with drum accompani- ment. The reaction of the student audience to the drum performance was especially enthusiastic, to say the least, as the performance finished with the rousing rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas/Feliz Navi- dad with the audience invited to sing along. It was a wonderful end to four months of hard work, and a great beginning to the upcoming vacation. Parents Become Students in Lorie Banks’ 8th Grade Math Class

Grade eight math students and their parents were treated to a holiday party while utilizing real life math skills. Students worked with their parents to do some last minute holiday shopping while developing strategies for calculating discounts and sales tax. It was wonderful to watch parents explain the strategies they use to calculate discounts. As

All Morgan Tots Receive Toys one mom put it, “If it’s one thing moms know how to do, it is how to figure out a discount!” Thanks to the efforts of Mary Jo Mazzu, paraprofessional at Morgan School, the Toys for Tots program once again donated toys to the elementary students at Morgan School. This year every student in kinder- Morgan News—Continued on page 8. garten through fifth grade received a wrapped new toy on December 22nd, just in time to enjoy for the holiday break. The daunting wrapping job was completed by members of the 8th grade student council.

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

Volume 10, Issue 2 Page 7

ce Center for Excellen

Pastries with Parents CFE’s Got Talent! K-12 students at the Center for Excellence took to the stage to K-5 parents and students at the Center for Excellence celebrated show off their musical talents! They have been studying music under going to school with a morning the direction of CFE’s first ever music teacher, Mr. Otis Rogers. The treat called, “Pastries with Par- students sang songs including acting out The Twelve Days of Christ- ents.” Parents were invited to mas. Parents and families came to watch and cheer on their young- bring their children to school and sters. Both students and audience sang and enjoyed the day! stop in for coffee, juice and pastries with their children. Parents had a chance to interact with Mary Wright (Literacy Coach), Celebrating Lisa Prechtl (Math Coach), Lynn Lajoie (District Read 180 Coach), Writers and Kathleen Knowles (LLI inter- Students in Laura Skwira’s 7/8 ventionist). The children made grade and students in Alissa candy cane reindeer, chose a Fontaine’s K-2 classroom took to book to bring home, sang some the podium to share their narra- holiday songs, and spent some Kathleen Knowles, LLI Interven- tive writing pieces with each extra quality time with their tionist and Destiny Ruiz, grade other! The students were able to family. The CFE looks forward to five share breakfast with a smile. respond to others’ writing by hosting several more parent asking questions or giving com- events this year in order to build ments about characters, setting, Uriel Izquierdo Grade 2 proudly community with families and strengthen the home-school bond. and problem/solution. The next step for these classrooms will be shares his story along with to host an open mic night at the teacher Alissa Fontaine. Center for Excellence.

Works, Superintendent McSherry, Principal Greaney and the entire Metcalf school board. Also in attendance were special guests, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Metcalf, Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Metcalf and Mrs. H. B. Lawrence. Principal Greaney opened the program by thanking all of the people Joseph Metcalf School -100 years Old! who had contributed to the development and the construction of the 100 years have passed since the special grand opening dedication of school and told the community that, “In this beautiful new school build- the new Metcalf School situated in the Elmwood section of the City of ing will be spent the most impressionable years of the lives of boys and Holyoke. In honor of its 100 Year Anniversary, many former teachers girls in Elmwood.” In addition, he asked the residents of Elmwood “to of Metcalf School and current teachers at Metcalf School will join to- cooperate with the school and influence their children to a high stan- gether to plan a special anniversary celebration in honor of this great dard of discipline and excellence.” school, which stood tall for 100 years as one of the sites, which con- During Chairman O’Donnell’s speech, he gave special recognition to tributed to the education and recreation of thousands of citizens of School Committeeman Bausch, who was responsible for the relentless Holyoke, Massachusetts. work that went into the construction of the building for his Ward 3 If you are interested in joining the committee, please email Ellen Elmwood citizens. He was also the speaker who introduced the special Jackson, the Principal of Metcalf at [email protected]. guest, Joseph Metcalf, whose name would be embossed on the front of the building in dedication of his life. Chairman O’Donnell described According to the article, Dedication of Joseph Metcalf in the Holyoke Joseph Metcalf as a “leading citizen, who possessed the intellectual and Daily Transcript dating back to 1912, which was resurrected from virtuous qualities that we would want our boys and girls to acquire.” the archives of the Holyoke Public Library, the formal dedication of the Joseph Metcalf School on Sep- tember 30, 1912 drew an attendance of parents, teachers, city officials and invited guests that filled the new school hall to capacity. More than 600 people attended this exciting grand opening celebration. Among the throngs of people pre- sent were many city officials seated on a platform at the front of the crowd. The group included Mayor White, Chairman Walsh of the Board of Public Works, Commissioner Allen of the Board of Public

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Page 8 Connections Kelly E.N. White News Continued from p.5 See Hear Feel Students Attend the Inauguration Grade 3 Kelly School students recently By Faizul Sibdhanny, Student Council President attended “See Hear Feel” at the Am-

herst Cinemas. Facilitated by Jake Me- ginsky and Samm Smith, as well as a It was a great start to the new year as our large group of volunteers, students new mayor Alex B. Morse was inaugurated learned to watch short films with the Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. People “eye” of a film maker. They also learned from many parts of Massachusetts came to see to listen to films with the “ears” of a one of the youngest mayors in the United filmmaker. The students created poems States take office. It was a very historic event and in groups wrote a collaborative in the city of Holyoke. This is the youngest story complete with storyboards. “See mayor the city has ever had. Morse was born Hear Film” focuses on writing with details to bring the story alive. A in Holyoke and attended Holyoke schools such as Morgan, Peck, and Holy- great time was had by all students and staff. The students are looking oke High School (HHS). At the ceremony, HHS students and Morgan Ele- mentary students sang songs in the auditorium. Morgan students sang “God forward to Session II of “See Hear Feel” Film in February. Bless America”. HHS students sang “Imagine” and “The National Anthem”. Alex Morse also made an Inaugural Address. He stated that he is “a proud product of Holyoke schools.” The ceremony was one hour long and ended at 11:00 a.m. A reception followed afterwards at Holyoke City Hall. Faizul Sibdhanny stated, “It was nice to get out and see an event like this. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.” Emma Price added, “I had a great time. I Morgan News Continued from p. 6 think having kids from Morgan and the high school was a great way to rep- Batman Visits First Grade resent our schools at a community event, and I wish Mayor Morse well.” Samuel Texidor remarked, “It was a pleasure to be at the inauguration of Vowel Vultures our new leader, and I hope to see a lot of great changes in the future.” Cross-Generational Memoir Sharing The first grade class of Militza Semidei and Kara O’Connor didn’t know how exciting learning vow- Seventh graders in two of Ms. Lindstrom’s English Language Arts classes els could be. As their lessons had the opportunity the day after Thanksgiving break to share their final progressed, they learned a song memoirs with three writers from the Holyoke Council on Aging: Jeanne called “Vowel Bat” Bartley, Norma Bagnall, and Sandy Ward. Since a fourth writer was unable to come and our students were divided into four small groups, Activities using the interactive Smartboard. Director Navae Rodriguez from the Council on Aging also worked with a To their surprise, one day Batman group. She and ELA teacher Astrid Lindstrom had arranged for this coop- actually appeared in class. The children enjoyed the visit, demon- erative activity among writers. strated their knowledge of vowels, and honored Batman with a rendition In each small group, students discovered that (despite the 55 to 83-year of “Vowel Bat.” They will always remember their vowels, the day Bat- difference in age between student and senior writers) they had plenty in man came to class, and the chance they had to practice their vowels with common with the older writers, who shared their own memoirs. For ex- him! ample, Ricky Ramsahai had written about friends taunting boys who were afraid of a scary ride at Six Flags, and Sandy Ward had written about being MA Model of Comprehensive School called a sissy by friends who wanted her to ride down an icy slope on a saucer. While Ricky ended up with a sense of accomplishment, Sandy ended Counseling Programs up with a concussion! Because students As well as reading their memoirs to one another, our young and no develop emotionally, longer so young writers shared thoughts and feelings about the writing socially and educa- process and even found time to enjoy an exercise practiced by those at the tionally, the guidance Council on Aging in their own writing group. program at Morgan School will address Everyone involved the issue of total agreed we should ar- growth and develop- range more opportuni- ment. Growth and ties for such valuable learning are develop- cross-generational mental; therefore guidance curriculum must be developmental and se- sharing. Even though quential. The need for guidance begins with pre-school entrance and Thanksgiving is behind continues throughout life. At Morgan School, counselors Lauren Paret us, we discovered we and Emily Temple will implement classroom lessons, addressing Aca- had something new for demic and Technical Skills Development, as well as Personal and Social which to be grateful. Development, which are necessary skills for Workplace Readiness. Ms. Paret and Mrs. Temple created this bulletin board to engage parents and Council on Aging writer Norma Bagnall shares students in this endeavor. with E.N. White student Robert Anderson.

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

Volume 10, Issue 2 Page 9

School Briefs l Schoo ool van eck Sch Sulli P Check Mate! • With Ms. Jessica Roy’s leadership, students from the RISE Pro- Sullivan School has begun a Chess Club. The club meets in the gram and their parents enjoyed sharing recipes in a family cook- school library on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month, book collaboration, and classroom time with each other and the from 3:00-3:45. The best part is, you don’t even have to know HOW paraprofessionals while enjoying a few tasty treats on December to play chess to join!! Several 6th and 7th grade students have gra- 21st. ciously agreed to teach students in grades 4– 8. Our first meeting was so successful that already the students are asking about tournaments! • In Ms. Criscitelli’s 5th grade classes they have been having great Any takers, fellow Holyoke Schools?? Please contact Karla Gartsu, success in answering open response questions using a new innova- Sullivan School librarian at [email protected] tive strategy to gather evidence from the text. Family Literacy • 8th grader Angel Ortiz was selected as a Project 351 participant English classes are now for beginners and more advanced speakers. So th come learn English and have your children enrolled in our after-school and spent Saturday, January 14 with the governor of Massachu- homework help and enrichment program (Schedule: Wednesdays and setts and other students from around the state engaged in com- Thursdays from 3:00-5:30). Our second cycle is January 4th - March munity service and other projects. 29th and there is still room in the class for YOU! Parents with a beginning knowledge of English are invited to join this class to improve their • 7th grade students wrote letters petitioning for new, hardcover speaking skills. Parents with a more advanced experience of English will books of Rick Riordan's The Lightning Thief. Their request was work on reading and writing skills. Ask us about bringing siblings of posted to DonorsChoose.org, an online charity connecting do- Sullivan students who are three and four years old. Enrollment is ongo- nors to classrooms in need. In less than 12 hours their project ing. Please contact Aida Gomez at 413-534-2321 or Maria Correa at was funded! New books are on their way! 413-552-2937 for more information..

the holiday in Puerto Rico, Spain, the Philippines, Mexico, Austria and other

Three Kings European countries. In the cafeteria, the ROTC Honor Every year we look forward to the arrival of the Three Kings Day Guard, under the direction of Major celebration. The eighth annual celebration was held at Holyoke High Kieda presented the National Colors School on Friday, January 6th. The multi cultural educational focus of the and led guests to their tables and to three Kings Day celebration this year reminds us that though we may the serving lines. They are always so celebrate in different locations and in different languages, family, music, helpful at this event. food and traditions Food and music have al- are universal compo- ways been an integral part of nents of a good party the celebration. Salsarengue – and it was a great served tasty Hispanic food party! and Luis Martinez, an HPS This year the teacher, provided excellent Three Kings were music throughout the night. joined by Alice the This year we had the pleas- camel. She was a ure of the dancers from Kelly great hit at the party. School, under the direction Children and parents of teacher Norma Rodriguez. lined up to greet the Their colorful costumes and Three Kings and have traditional dances had every- their picture taken one clapping and moving to the music. What a wonderful with them and Alice. addition to our entertainment for the event! In the foyer and the hallway, families enjoyed a bilingual Story Walk. In addition, huge multi cultural story posters which high- A big thank you to all the volunteers and donors lighted the customs of many of the countries that celebrate Three from within the Holyoke Public Schools and many Kings Day lined the corridor to the cafeteria. While they were waiting to enter the cafeteria, families could read about how families celebrate local agencies who helped to make this such a wonderful success!

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

Page 10 Connections

thletics A High School Winter Highlights • Boys Indoor Track 4 x 800 meter Hoop Teams Take the Champi- relay team captured 2nd place (out of 35 schools) at the State Relays in Boston, onship at CT River Classic breaking a 10 year old school record by over 20 seconds. The team members On December were RJ Landry, Eugene De La Rosa, 30th both the girls Cody Hodgins and Tyler Brunelle. This and boys basketball same relay team broke the 4 x 400 meter relay record a few days later at teams beat Long- the PVIAC meet at Smith College in Northampton. meadow High • Cross Country Coach Dave Reinhart was named the Republican School in the Cham- Newspaper’s Coach of the Year. The Cross Country team has a 25 meet pionship Game at win streak dating back to 2009. This year Coach Reinhart lead the Purple the first ever Con- Knights to another 11-0 undefeated season and their second consecutive necticut River Clas- league championship. They finished 2nd out of sic Tournament to 35 teams at the PVIAC Championships. take home a dual title. This was the inaugural • Congratulations to Knight Swimmers season of Molly Burns, Connor Baush, and Sharon Dec the Connecticut River who have all qualified for the Western Mas- Classic Tournament sachusetts Swim Meet. which was hosted over two days at • The Dean Technical wrestling team Chicopee High finished the season by beating Athol High School 51-12 to stay unde- School. The tourna- feated in the league helping them secure their first league title since 2007. ment consists of Coach Griffin has lead the Golden Hawks to an outstanding team record Chicopee Comp High of 16-4. They also have many individuals who have had successful seasons School, Chicopee High School, Longmeadow High School, and Holy- including Gary Charlton (Dean Tech), Patrick Keane (Holyoke HS), Vic- oke High School. This year Chicopee hosted the event and in 2012- tor Devila (Dean Tech), and David Brazeau (Holyoke HS), Chris Vega 13 the event will move to Holyoke for the second year. The tourna- (Dean Tech), Wesley Kulig (Holyoke HS). ment was named the Connecticut River Classic because Holyoke, • This year the wrestling team hosted the Second Annual Knight Chicopee, and Longmeadow are towns along the Connecticut River. Hawk Classic Wrestling Tournament during Christmas Vacation. This The Holyoke boys and girls teams beat Chicopee Comp on De- was the largest high school wrestling tournament ever in Western Mass. cember 29th to advance to the championship game. The girls started with 16 teams participating from across Massachusetts and New Jersey. slow against the Colts before hitting their stride. When the Lady The coaches from the school who participated in this event said it was Knights got going there was nothing stopping them as they went on the best run tournament they have been to in many years. The tourna- to a 70-29 victory. The boys team also started out flat against ment was made possible from the hard work of Head Coach Joe Griffin Chicopee Comp and they faced a 14 point deficit in the first half. and Assistant Coaches Stephen Konstantinidis and Gennady Velyshev and They cut into the lead and trailed by only 6 at halftime. In the sec- the outstanding work of the Wrestling parent group. Coach Konstantini- ond half the play went back and forth before the Knights pulled dis was the tournament administrator and he did a super job bringing the away capturing a 66-61 victory. In the other preliminary games both latest technology to the event the Longmeadow teams beat Chicopee High School advancing Holyoke High has been selected again to host the MSSAA Cheer- them to face Holyoke in the finals. • leading Regional because of its outstanding facilities and organization from In the Championship games both the boys and girls teams played the Holyoke Cheerleading Coaching Staff and Parent Organization! outstanding games. The boys had many contributors to their 87-68 championship victory. Leading the way for the Knights were Taylor • Congratulations to Holyoke High’s Lady Knight, Monique Heard, - Cason and Austin Keeler who had 29 and 31 points respectively. In The Republican’s 2011 Vi Goodnow Award winner for being the top fe- the girls game the Lady Knights cruised to a 58-41 victory. Leading male basketball player in Western Mass and the 1st Holyoke High recipi- the way for the Knights were Selena Yates, Monique Heard and ent of this prestigious award. Alison Littles. th Yates finished • On December 15 the Holyoke High and Dean Technical with 18 points, basketball teams competed against one another for the first time— Heard with “The Paper City Rival Game”. Over 1000 people attended, bringing 16, and Littles people across the city together to celebrate the great history of had 12 points basketball in the city of Holyoke. Prior to the game basketball alumni and 16 re- were recognized including 1000 Point Scorer and Lahovich Award Winner Ramon Cosme, 1000 Point Scorer Tim Dunn, and Elms bounds. College standout player Juan Galdon. Mayor Elect Alex Morse tossed up the ceremonial first tip. Reynaldo Espada from Dean Tech and Austin Keeler from Holyoke High were named most outstanding players for the game.

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

Volume 10, Issue 2 Page 11

r School Program CONNECTIONS Afte

CONNECTIONS Families Learn Together The water tanks containing a variety of at the Connecticut Science Center creatures were among By Emily Follo, MHC Student and Sarah Spence, the most popular exhibits. Teresa CONNECTIONS Assistant Director Young and William Clark, family members On Saturday, December 10th a group of 165, including students in the of an E.N. White student, said, “We liked the CT River exhibits with Holyoke Public Schools and their family members, spent the day learn- the crabs and other things that we could pick up and examine. The ing together and discovering the wonders of science at the Connecti- attendant was very knowledgeable.” Several other exhibits received cut Science Center in Hartford, CT. The trip was hosted by CON- glowing reviews as well. About the television reporter activity, Eliza- NECTIONS After-School Program thanks to funding primarily from beth Breault (family member of E.N. White student) said, “Kids loved the After-School and Out-of-School Time Quality (ASOST) grant, with getting their picturess taken and seeing it on the screens.” st help from Holyoke Public Schools and the 21 Century Learning Grant The animation exhibit revealed the science and creative process Program. Transportation to the museum was provided; families were involved in the making of cartoons. In this context, it taught about picked up from several locations around Holyoke. The science mu- concepts such as illusion, geometry, and perception. Ms. Perez (parent seum was a first-time experience for the vast majority of family mem- of two Peck students), pictured above with her sons, said, “My sons bers. loved all the exhibits. They especially liked the Forces in Motion. I liked Aside from simply taking families to the museum, the purpose of the that it’s hands-on and very entertaining for them. I find myself playing too.” Her younger son, Angel, also said, “I love the animation.” At the end of the day, several students also verbalized their enthusiasm about the solar system exhibit, which offered a virtual trip through the galaxy to observe the moon and even a black hole. Ivan Colon, a student at Kelly, said, “We learned how craters formed and we made one. And we learned how the galaxy formed and that scien- tists think there’s a black hole in the Milky Way Galaxy.” While spending the day with their families, most adults found that they learned new information also, and had fun in the process. “The day was a very positive experience for all the families. It’s important for students to know they have to read the instructions before interacting with an exhibit,” remarked Carol Pontz, Axel Cruz (grade 8, Kelly) and Erik Torres (grade 8, Morgan) a family member of a Morgan student. Lisette Perez, a parent of a Kelly holding a crab at the hands-on water tank. student, also reported that she “learned a lot and had fun with my kids.” trip was to provide families with an opportunity to learn together and The group returned to Holyoke Saturday afternoon after an exciting to demonstrate that valuable education can take place outside the day of hands-on learning together. The experience was overwhelmingly classroom and that parents can play a role in inspiring their students to positive, however, there was one resounding suggestion for improve- want to learn. According to feedback at the end of the day, the trip ment on the field-trip: “make the day longer!” accomplished its goals. The museum offered new experiences for all ages. “You never stop learning,” said Gabriela, a family member of a Kelly student. Among the largely interactive exhibits families explored a hands-on For more information about the water tank with living aquatic creatures, a mock TV station allowing CONNECTIONS After School Program, please participants to “become” reporters, a solar system exhibit, and a 3-D contact: movie about the underwater world, titled “Wild Ocean.” Students and family members alike loved the interactive and collaborative nature of Jorge L. Castellano, Director Connections After School Programs the museum. As Luis Rivera (grade 6, Kelly) said, “I learned that it’s [email protected] (413) 313-7710 good to go on a field trip with your family because you can have a Sarah Spence, Assistant Director Connections After School playful day with your family members and school members and chaper- Programs [email protected] (413) 478-6132 ones.”

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

Page 12 Connections

Photos below are from the McMahon School - Title 1 Workshop th Title 1 Family Nights "Exploring the Ocean" on Wednesday, January 18 Carriere, auline M. ontact:: P inator C nt Coord itle 1 Pare T 434 For grades K-12 begins at 6:30 PM 413-540-2

MARCH Mon., Mar. 5 Morgan Dr. Seuss Night Tues., Mar. 6 E.N. White Dr. Seuss Night Mon., Mar. 12 Donahue Dr. Seuss/ Bingo Tues., Mar. 13 Kelly Dr. Seuss Night Thurs., Mar. 15 Sullivan Dr. Seuss Bingo APRIL Wed., Apr. 4 McMahon Dinosaur Night Mon., Apr. 9 Donahue Bingo for Books Tues., Apr. 10 Kelly Bingo for Books Wed., Apr. 11 White Dinosaur Night Tues., Apr. 24 Morgan Family Math Night Fun for the Whole Family Thurs., Apr. 26 Sullivan Bingo for Books MAY Wed., May 2 White Bingo for Books Mon., May 7 Donahue Bingo for Books Wed., May 9 McMahon Bingo for Books Mon., May 21 Donahue Teddy Bear Picnic

Connections Newsletter

Edited by - Judy Taylor - [email protected] Editors Emeritus: Kelly Doktor and Laura DuPont

Contributing to this issue —

Linda Amaral Helen Gibson Aliza Pluta Debra Basili Jacqueline Glasheen Celine Hamilton-Quill John Breish Michael Hines Gina Roy Cynthia Carbone Paul Hyry Hilary Russell Save the Date— Pauline Carriere Ellen Jackson Myriam Ulloa-Skolnick Deadline for Spring Jessica Daly Sheila Lamour Miranda Smith Connections Kelly Doktor Astrid Lindstrom Sarah Spence Newsletter Article Jacqueline Escalera Joanne Marcotte Jody Spitz Submissions is Amy Fitzgerald Lisa Monzon Paula Strobel Thursday, Cathleen Foley Mary E. O’Connor Julie Winberg March 8, 2012 Claire Folini Caitlin O’Neill Mary Wright Josiah Friedberg Aaron Patterson

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

Holyoke Public Schools Estos son los puntos mas sobresalientes del Boletin Volume 10 Issue 2 Winter 2012

Una Carta Abierta a la Comunidad de la Escuela Holyoke

Evaluaciones de Educadores

Por David Dupont Este esfuerzo del DESE es verdaderamente todo esto será mucho más efectivo y signifi- un trabajo en progreso. Aun cuando todos cativo si se puede mover a través de los Superintendente de Escuelas los elementos de este nuevo sistema no límites (o las fronteras) que muchas veces se El plan del estado para revisar las evalua- estarán en lugar el próximo septiembre, la interponen entre el cumplimento y lo que ciones de los educadores, en un proceso en intención del estado es implementarlo lo debemos hacer en propiedad. antes posible. Lo que yo creo que sería de curso el cual está programado para entrar en Tu interés y apoyo son siempre importan- efecto para todas las escuelas del distrito en gran ayuda para nuestro distrito escolar es Massachusetts para el año escolar 2012-2013. nuestra relación con la tes y apreciados. Hay, sin embargo, algunos distritos –aquellos Asociación de Maestros que tienen escuela del Nivel 4 y aquellos que de Massachusetts (MTA), se ofrecieron de voluntarios para su imple- el cual es uno de los mentación un año antes, esos han estado proveedores aprobadas trabajando en su implementación para el año por el DESE en asistir a escolar 2011-2012. (El nuevo sistema es para los distritos en su traba- las escuelas del Nivel 4 por individual y no jo de implementar el para el distrito completo este año escolar.) modelo de evaluación. La revisión en general es un cambio conside- Maestros, enfermeras, rable en como las evaluaciones se han tradi- administradores del cionalmente realizado en el pasado. Hay una distrito y todo el perso- gran cantidad de información relacionada en nal con licencia del DES- la página electrónica (website) de DESE, y E, todos serán sujeto del nosotros estaremos proporcionando a los nuevo sistema. Noso- principales cualquier actualización que se tros intentamos obvia- reciba del departamento. Uno de los mayo- mente estar completa- res cambios que envuelve las evaluaciones mente de acuerdo con incluye auto-reflexión del educador, los esta- esta amplia iniciativa del blecimientos de metas y rúbricas a utilizarse estado, sin embargo para guiar las expectativas institucionales. creo firmemente que

Premios al Máster de los Maestros (Master Teacher Awards)

Felicitaciones a los siguientes maestros de matemáticas y ciencia de Holyoke por ser seleccionados como Master Teacher Fellows: Tom Wyse, Yvonne Hilyard, Phillip Cooper, Jeremiah Barrett y Lorie Banks. Todos estos maestros poseen una Maestría y han demostra- do excelencia en la enseñanza. La escuela de Educación de la Uni- versidad de Massachusetts Amherst ha recibido un presupuesto de seis años de 4.5 millones de la Fundación Nacional de Ciencia, para crear una red que ayude a capacitar y conservar maestros de ma- temáticas y ciencias para las escuelas de intermedias y superiores en Western Massachusetts. Veinte maestros de los siguientes distritos El ganador del “Master Teacher Award” Tom escolares: Holyoke, Springfield, Greenfield and Mahar fueron selec- Wyse de la Escuela Donahue demuestra con los cionados para convertirse en Master Teacher Fellows. estudiantes Luis Otero y Keishantelle Burgos.

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

Page 14 Connections Metcalf do Allen del consejo para el La Escuela Joseph Metcalf- Departamento de Obras Cumple 100 años Publicas. Superintendente McSherry, Principal Greany 100 años han pasado desde la gran apertura y especial dedicación de la y el consejo escolar entero. nueva Escuela Metcalf, situada en la sección Elmwood de la ciudad de También entre los asistentes estuvieron los siguientes invitados especia- Holyoke. En honor de su Aniversario de 100 años, varios maestros del les, El Sr. & La Sra. Joseph Metcalf, El Sr. y La Sra. F.H. Metcalf y La Sra. pasado de la Escuela Metcalf y maestros actuales de la Escuela Metcalf se H.B. Lawrence. unirán para planificar la celebración especial del aniversario en honor de El principal Greany empezó el programa dándole las gracias a todos los esta magnífica escuela, que se ha mantenido firme por 100 años como que han contribuido al desarrollo y construcción de la escuela y le dijo a uno de los lugares, que ha contribuido a la educación y recreación de la comunidad que “En este bello edificio escolar, los niños y niñas de miles de ciudadanos de Holyoke, Massachusetts. Si usted está interesado Elmwood van a pasar los años más impresionantes de su vida.” En adi- en ser parte del comité, favor de mandarle un mensaje electrónico a la ción él le pidió a los residentes de Elmwood, “Que cooperen con la es- principal de Metcalf a [email protected]. cuela en influir a sus niños a normas de disciplinas altas y de excelencia, y Según el artículo, Dedicación a Joseph Metcalf en la Transcripción de esta manera formar una escuela de alta categoría.” Diaria de Holyoke remontado en 1912, que fueron resucitados de los Durante el discurso del Presidente O’Donnell, este le dio un reconoci- archivos de la Librería Publica de Holyoke, la dedicación formal de la miento especial al Miembro Escolar Baush, quien fue responsable por el Escuela Joseph Metcalf, el 30 de Septiembre del 1912 atrajo una asisten- trabajo incesante que se dedico a la construcción del edificio para sus cia de padres, maestros, oficiales de la ciudad e invitados que llenaron los ciudadanos en Elmwood del Distrito 3. El también fue el orador que pasillos de la nueva escuela a capacidad. Más de 600 personas asistieron introdujo al invitado especial, Joseph Metcalf, del cual cuyo nombre iba a a está excitante celebración de la gran apertura. Entre el gentío presen- ser estampado en la parte delantera del edificio en dedicación a su vida, te, estuvieron varios oficiales de la cuidad sentados en una plataforma al el Presidente O’Donnell describió a Joseph Metcalf como un “ciudadano frente de la multitud. El grupo incluía a el Alcalde White, El Presidente destacado que posee cualidades intelectuales y virtuosas que quisiéramos Walsh, del consejo para el Departamento de Obras Publicas. Comisiona- que nuestros niños y niñas adquieran.

Tres Reyes Magos

En la cafetería, la guardia de Honor ROTC bajo la dirección del Ma- Todos los años esperamos la llegada de la celebración del día de los yor Kieda presentaban los colores Nacionales y dirigían los invitados a Tres Reyes Magos. La celebración Anual #8 se llevo a cabo en la es- sus mesas y a las filas de servicios. Ellos siempre son de gran ayuda en cuela superior de Holyoke el viernes 6 de enero. La múlti- cultura este evento. La comida y la música han sido siempre una parte integral educacional de la celebración del día de Reyes se enfoco este año en de esta celebración. Salsarengue sirvió una sabrosa comida hispana y recordarnos que Luis Martínez, un maestro de las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke, propor- aunque celebramos ciono excelente música durante toda la noche. Este año tuvimos el en diferentes lugares placer de contar con los bailarines de la escuela Kelly, bajo la dirección y diferentes idiomas de Norma Rodríguez. Sus coloridos vestuarios y tradicionales bailes las familias, música, tuvieron a todo el mundo aplaudiendo y moviéndose por la música. comida y tradiciones Que maravillosa adicción para nuestro entretenimiento en este evento! son componentes Después de comer y disfrutar de la música, cada niño recibió un universales de una juguete o un juego y varios libros. Ellos también recibieron un paquete buena fiesta – y esta dental higiénico de fue una gran fiesta! Small Smiles. A su Este año los Tres salida, todos reci- Reyes fueron acom- bieron galletitas y pañados por Alice el un apretón de camello. Ella fue un manos de los Tres gran éxito en la fies- Reyes Magos y una ta. Los niños y sus última oportunidad padres hicieron fila de tomarse una para saludar a los foto para recordar Tres Reyes Magos y este agradable para tomarse fotos con ellos y Alice. En el vestíbulo y los pasillos las evento. familias disfrutaron de una Story Walk (cuento caminado) bilingüe. En adición unos inmensos póster multi-culturales que resaltaban las cos- tumbres de muchos países que celebran el Día de los Reyes Magos estuvieron alineados en el corredor de la cafetería. Mientras ellos Mil gracias a todos los voluntarios y donantes, tanto dentro de las esperaban para entrar en la cafetería las familias podían leer como las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke y agencias locales quienes ayudaron a familias celebran el día feriado en Puerto Rico, España, Las Pilipinas, hacer de esto un maravilloso suceso! Méjico, Austria y otros continentes Europeos.

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

Volume 10, Issue 2 Page 15

La Mejor Parte de Atletismo Atletismo – Alcance para el Cancer • El equipo de relevos en pista Massachusetts con 16 equipos participando. Los entrenadores de interior de niños 4x800 metros, las escuelas que participaron en este evento dicen que fue la me- obtuvo 2ndo lugar (de 35 escue- jor ejecución de un torneo que han ido en muchos años. El tor-

las) en las competencias de Rele- neo se hiso posible por el fuerte trabajo de el Entrenador de vo del Estado en Boston, rom- Cabeza Joe Griffin y los Ayudantes a los Entrenadores Stephen piendo un récord escolar de diez Konstantinidis y Gennady Velyshev y también el trabajo excepcio- años por más de 20 segundos. nal del grupo de padres de la lucha. El Entrenador Konstantinidis Los miembros del equipo eran RJ Landry, Eugene De La Rosa, fue el administrador del tornamiento y hiso un trabajo estupendo Cody Hodgins y Tyler Brunelle. Este mismo equipo de relevos trayendo lo último en tecnología al evento. rompió el récord de 4x400 metros unos cuantos días después en • La Escuela Superior de Holyoke ha sido seleccionada nuevamente el encuentro de atletismo PVIAC en el colegio Smith de Nort- para presentar el evento MMSAA de Porristas Regional por sus hampton. facilidades excepcionales y la organización de parte de los Entre- • El Entrenador de Carrera a Campo Traviesa, Dave Reinhart fue nadores de Las Porristas de Holyoke y la Organización de Padres! nombrado El Entrenador Del Año Del Periodico El Republican. El • Felicitaciones a Monique Heard-La Ganadora del Premio Vi Good- Equipo de Carrera a Campo Traviesa tiene una racha de 25 victo- now 2011 por ser la jugadora de baloncesto femenina superior rias que se remontan al 2009. Este año el Entrenador Reinhart en todo el Oeste de Massachusetts. dirigió los Purple Knights a otra temporada invicta de 11-0 y su • El 15 de Diciembre, por primera vez, los equipos de la Escuela segundo campeonato consecutivo de la liga. Ellos terminaron Superior de Holyoke y la Escuela Técnica de Dean, compitieron 2ndo de 35 equipos en los campeonatos de PVIAC. uno contra el otro en –“El Juego Rival De La Cuidad del Papel • Los Nadadores Knights Molly Burns, Connor Bush, y Sharon Dec (Paper City).” Más de 1000 asistieron, trayendo gente a través de han cualificado para El Encuentro de Atletismo en Natación del la ciudad para juntos celebrar la gran historia de baloncesto en la Oeste de Massachusetts. ciudad de Holyoke. Antes del juego, los alumnos del baloncesto • El equipo de Lucha Libre en la Escuela Técnica Dean termino la fueron reconocidos, incluidos fueron, el Jugador que Marco 1000 temporada invicta en su liga para asegurar su primer título de su Puntos y gano el Premio de Lahovich, Ramon Cosme, El jugador liga desde 2007. El Entrenador Griffin a dirigido los Golden que Marco 1000 Puntos Tim Dunn y el Jugador Sobresaliente de Hawks a un récord excepcional. el Colegio Elms Juan Galdon. El Alcalde Electo Alex Morse lanzo al aire la primera punta (first tip) ceremonial. Reynaldo Espada de • Este año el equipo de lucha libre presento El Segundo Knight La Escuela Técnica Dean y Austin Keeler de la Escuela Superior Hawk Torneo Anual de Lucha Libre Clásica durante las vacaciones de Holyoke fueron nombrados los jugadores más destacados del de navidad. Este fue el torneo más grande en todo el Oeste de juego.

MARZO 5 de marzo Morgan Noche de Dr. Seuss 6 de marzo White Noche de Dr. Seuss Título 1 Noches de Familia 12 de marzo Donahue Bingo de Dr. Seuss para libros 13 de marzo Kelly Noche de Dr. Seuss 15 de marzo Sullivan Bingo de Dr. Seuss para libros

ABRIL 4 de abril McMahon Noche de Dinosaurio 9 de abril Donahue Bingo para Libros 10 de abril Kelly Bingo para Libros 11 de abril White Noche de Dinosaurio 24 de abril Morgan Noche de Matemáticas Familiar 26 de abril Sullivan Bingo para Libros

MAYO 2 de mayo White Bingo para Libros 7 de mayo Donahue Bingo para Libros Para grados Kínder hasta 12 empieza a las 6:30 PM 9 de mayo McMahon Bingo para Libros 21 de mayo Donahue Merienda de Ositos Diver sión para Toda Pauline M. Carriere, la Familia Coordinadora de Padres de Titulo 1 Teléfono: 413-540-2434

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Page 16 Connections

A c ommunity working t ogether

Connections

Holyoke Public Schools Media Center c/o Judy Taylor

500 Beech Street Holyoke, MA 01040

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