Holyoke Public Schools Connections Holyoke Public Schools A Community Working Together Our Web site: www.hps.holyoke.ma.us Volume 7, Issue 3 Spring 2009

Holyoke Public Schools Blooming with positive news Inside this issue:

By Dr. Eduardo Carballo Celebrate Holyoke Pub- Superintendent of Schools lic Schools week is April • Dr. Seuss 2 Signs of spring are everywhere, 27 through and after the long winter we had, May 1. Our Rising Stars I think we are all ready for better 4 weather. Many positive activities recognition • Parent Information have been taking place in the will take place Holyoke Public Schools over the this year on last months, and there are more April 30 be- • Grinspoon Awards 5 positive activities arriving along ginning with the Merry- with spring! Go-Round I hope that many of you had the Reception • Governor visits Peck 7 opportunity to read about, or to (everyone watch, as the Holyoke High welcome) and School hockey team, the Purple ending with Knights, won the Division IIIA Superintendent Dr. Eduardo Carballo presents Catherine the Banquet at • Hockey Champions 8 State Championship when they the Dean Hourihan of Peck School her certificate on achieving The defeated Oakmont 4-2 at the Technical. Harold Grinspoon Excellence in Teaching Award. MassMutual Center in Springfield Each year on March 12. This was a trium- students in grades six through Faculty Exhibit” was held at the • Sullivan Quillers 10 phant time for the team and a twelve are recognized for excel- Grynn & Barrett Studios. Those proud moment for the Holyoke exhibiting their art were: Bob ling in scholarship, leadership, School system. and citizenship. Bard, Phil Christofori, Denise Descoteau, Diane Godek, Bill • CONNECTIONS Art 12 Another event that is always a Our students are not the only Greaney, Sheila L’Amour, Ste- “crowd pleaser” is the Holyoke ones who exhibit these qualities, fania Lech, Eduardo Melendez, High School’s musical produc- and I am pleased to let you know nd Mary Lou Mislak-Casson, and 13- tion. This year, 42 Street was that we also had the opportunity Martha Roe Mulcahy. The ex- • Spanish Highlights 16 performed, and the cast and to select several outstanding hibit was well attended and al- crew did an outstanding job de- teachers to be the recipients of lowed the public the opportunity lighting the audience with their the Harold Grinspoon Excellence to view a wide array of works presentation. Attention was paid in Teaching Award. On February from our multi-talented faculty. to every detail, and those attend- 27th, seven of our teachers were Our congratulations go to each ing would have thought they notified they were recipients for were at the actual “Broadway” this year. They are: Lori of them. performance! McKenna, Dean Technical High I continue to visit the schools Both of the above accomplish- School; Kathleen O’Neil, Holy- and continue to be impressed by ments are the result of dedication, oke High School; Luis D. Marti- the progress made in our class- commitment, and teamwork. Al- nez, Kelly School; Christine Sulli- rooms across the city. As an- though I have highlighted two of van, McMahon School; Susan E. other round of MCAS testing the more “well-known events,” Tawrel, Morgan School; Cath- begins, I want to encourage our students throughout the Holyoke erine M. Hourihan, Peck School; students to make their best ef- Public Schools exhibit these char- Mary L. McAndrew, Sullivan forts, and I encourage their fami- acteristics throughout the school School. Our congratulations go lies to support them in this proc- to each of them. In addition, ess. I wish the students every year. You will read about these th and other achievements in the from March 13 – 27, “The 10 success and feel they are pre- Annual Holyoke Public Schools Art pages to follow. pared and will do well. Page 2 Connections

Edited by - Kelly Doktor - [email protected] Special Thanks to: Luz Aguilar, Cris Brown, Mike Hines, Aaron Patterson, Jeannie Stone, and Judy Taylor Editor Emeritus: Laura DuPont Contributing to this issue: Mission Statement Stephanie Murchison-Brown Ellen Jackson Miranda Smith The mission of the Holyoke Public Schools Pauline Carriere Karen Kent Jody Spitz is to provide educational John Cavanaugh Lee McGarrigle Nancy Stenberg opportunities for all Lisa Curtin Margaret Morin Karen Turcotte students to reach their Dan Dorozynski Aaron Morris Vionette Escudero-Turner full potential in a safe, secure, healthy learning Josiah Friedberg Sarah Platanitis Peggy Vershon environment while Joe Gannon Linda Prystupa Sue Werenski valuing diversity and Karen Guillette Anne Schmidt Kevin Willard promoting responsible citizenship.

Holyoke School

Committee

Mayor Michael Sullivan The walls around the Morgan School Library are very bright and colorful these days, due to the William Collamore efforts of art teacher Eduardo Melendez and his students. Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2nd, students created a wonderful gallery of many familiar Dr. Seuss characters throughout Yvonne Garcia the month-long celebration. Barry Conway Mollie Plant Margaret Boulais Title I Events ~ 6:30 p.m.

Gladys Lebron-Martinez May 6 McMahon School Dinosaur Night Howard Greaney May 7 Kelly School Make & Take Game Dennis Birks May 11 Morgan School Rhyme Time Michael Moriarty May 13 E.N. White Bingo for Books June 1 Donahue School Bingo for Books June 4 McMahon School Discovering Oceans June 9 E.N. White Bingo for Books Families attending the Title I June 10 Morgan School Bingo for Books Dr. Seuss Night at McMahon School June 11 Kelly School Bingo for Books enjoyed making Grinch masks!

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http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us ______What’s New on the Web At left, Jerickson Rivera is using Aleks, a web-based By Judy Taylor math enrichment program, in McMahon’s computer lab. NEW: Several students in grades 4-8 are participating in this Take a look at the Good News program before or after school four days a week. Com- link in the Announcements puter teacher Kathy Dunn says not only are students section for information regarding enjoying the extra time on the computer, but they are Chloe Mann, Sullivan School achieving the goal of enhancing their understanding of student and Boston Globe essay math concepts that may be seen on the MCAS. winner; and the HHS Division IIIA State Champions. Good News will be used as a vehicle to highlight positive news from schools in the district. Congratu- Eighth grade teacher Brett Latham has organized a twice-weekly af- lations to the district Grinspoon ter-school algebra club intended to prepare high-achieving eighth winners for Excellence in Teach- grade math students for entry into advanced high school mathematics ing. Highlights of this, including classes in the fall at Holyoke High School. Students work on algebra photos and teacher profiles, are skills on Tuesdays, and then play related math games on Thursdays. included in the Announce- “We play the games just to keep them excited about algebra,” said Latham at right shown working with student Kelsi Giguere. This ments section. spring the club members will build bottle rockets that are expected Click on the Kindergarten to reach 300 feet in the air. Launch date to be announced! Registration link for contact information regarding the appli- cation process for children that will be 5 years old on or before Noreen Ewick’s 6th grade social studies students have been using map projections and web sites to study the density, distribution and September 1, 2009. migration of our constantly changing world population. Students also Holyoke High School site investigated population statistics at McMahon by collecting data from the classrooms then graphed and interpreted the data creating a http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/ variety of final products including bar graphs and pictographs. At left hhs/index.html Luz Quinones and Robert Proulx stand before their completed Click on the Guidance/Career graphs which are on display at the school Center link to view weekly announcements, scholarships, and college acceptances. Fourth graders have been working on biography reports as a part of their non-fiction writing unit. Subjects varied from historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Helen Keller to contemporary celebri- ties like Miley Cyrus and LeBron James. Student Hailey Butler said, “I Kelly students loved learning all the fun facts about Milton Hershey (display at right).” At the end of the unit, the fourth graders took part in a Biography Fair lend support when administrators, teachers and other students toured the class- rooms and asked the researchers questions about their person. Kelly School 6th and 7th graders recently lent their enthusiasm and support to a basketball Second grade teachers Jennifer Hartbarger and Stephanie Hills th th team in need. The 6 and 7 connected lessons on repeating patterns within the Math grades had the opportunity to Investigations unit to create spider webs. Students studied attend a NCAA Division 2 Elite how spiders weave their webs and saw the patterns that are Eight Basketball game at the created in the webs. The class read The Very Busy Spider by Mass Mutual Center in Spring- Eric Carle followed by students making their own repeating th spider web pattern using paper, yarn and glue. At left, the field on March 25 . The catch was, they had to support a class stands underneath those spider webs. team. As part of a program to drum up fans for teams visiting from out of state, the students Louise Cavanaugh’s 3rd grade students celebrated the 100th day of school by holding a food drive for were given a team to adopt and Kate’s Kitchen. The third grade class had a goal of collecting 100 items of food, one item for each day of support in exchange for tickets school, but they surpassed their goal. Kate’s Kitchen is a community kitchen that serves a noontime to the game. Organized by meal to anyone in need. Continued on page 11 Page 4 Connections

HPS Summer

School Parents and Guardians of Current 6th Graders: Tentative In order to enter 7th grade in September 2009, documentation of Dates the following requirements will need to be submitted to the School Nurse: July 6 - August 6 Physical Exam (done within 1 year or copy of appointment date); 2 doses of Measles vaccine (MMR); 3 doses of Hepatitis B Series vaccine; Tetanus Booster (within last 5 years); and the Varicella Student signups vaccine (or physician documented case). begin in May. Ap- **Currently the Massachusetts Department of Health is reviewing plications will be the above requirements and there may be changes. Please look in available at all the next edition of the Connections for any updates. schools.

Donahue HOLYOKE PUBLIC School: Carlos Dominicci, Shawn Gon- SCHOOLS zalez and Selena Ortega E.N. White School: Omara Hall, Madysen Eduardo B. Carballo, Superintendent Lawrence and Samantha Poutre Kelly School: Anissa Arena, Xaviel Colon and Britney Velez McMahon School: Ashley Hartling, Jessica Lamagdeleine and Natalie Mayko Morgan School: Alejandro Martinez, Randolf Nazario, and Aliah Santos-Casado Peck School: Brian Almonte, Bianca Lopez and Amanda Rock Sullivan School: Anne Cavanaugh, Grace Lavelle and Tyler Now Enrolling!! LeClerc SY 2009-2010 Center for Excellence: Leeanne Barry Dean Technical: Jessenia DeJesus, Stephanie Jusino, Naishly Applicants must be five years old Ortiz, Carmen Robles Ruiz, Margarita Torres, and Deyanira Trujillo on or before September 1, 2009 Holyoke High: Nicholas Allende, Odalis Amparo, Nick Beaulieu, Kayla Benitez, Patrick Bryant, Christopher Konstantinidis, Desean Martinez, Courtney Neil, Danielle Plasse, Michael Trudel and Emma Lynn Zwirko Kindergarten applications available at Superintendent’s Picks: Jameson Kebba and Patrick Leni- the Student Assignment Center han Registration by appt. only by calling 534-2007

Volume 7, Issue 3 Page 5

Christine Sullivan - McMahon

Catherine Hourihan - Peck Kathleen O’Neill - HHS

Letter from Superintendent Dr. Carballo:

It is with pride and pleasure that I announce to every- one in the district the Grinspoon Foundation – Pio- neer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award Winners - from Holyoke Public Schools. The Grinspoon Foun- dation gave seven spots to our District this year to recognize and honor teachers for their tremendous impact on children and their community. This is a prestigious and honorable recognition to an educa- tor. Every year, I am presented with the difficulty of choosing a limited number of winners in a system with so many deserving teachers. Funding for the awards program is provided again this Lori McKenna - Dean year from the Irene E. & George A. Davis Founda- Luis Martinez - Kelly tion, the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation, MassMutual Financial Group, Myers Bros & Kalicka, P.C., The Reminder, Southworth Paper Company, The Springfield Republican, STCU Credit Union, Westfield State College Foundation, WGBY Channel 57, Channels 40 & 22, Big Y, The Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, and local YMCAs. It is the spon- sors’ belief that teachers are very important in shap- ing the lives of children in our society and in the community in which they live. The celebration honor- ing teachers from Holyoke and surrounding commu- nities will take place on May 7, 2009 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. If you have any questions regarding this ceremony or award, you can contact: Carmen E. Sikand, Assistant Director of Human Resources at 413-534-2000 Extension 219 or contact her via E- mail at [email protected]. Please join me in congratulating these teachers and acknowledging the Mary McAndrew - Susan Tawrel - Morgan positive impact they have made and continue to make in our District. Sullivan Page 6 Connections

“Best effort can lead to success…”

Principal Ellen Jackson repeated this phrase during E.N. White’s Achievement Award Ceremony when students in The students at E.N. White grades 4-8 were awarded certificates for advanced and profi- School cannot wait for Field cient performance on the Spring 2008 MCAS. Her words of Day 2009! In order to ensure wisdom for Spring 2009 MCAS? “High achievement is possi- they have the best field day ble for those who come to school yet, all students are digging everyday, pay attention in class, ask for deep down into their pockets help when needed and never give up!” for spare pennies to meet our school goal of raising $1500 by June 15. At presstime, stu- dents have collected $500. Got Game? The change drive will continue throughout the months of April, May and June. Each grade is compet- By Alecia Pettengill ing to meet a grade level goal of $166. All classes that reach their Sixth grade students at E.N. White have game! They have been goal will participate in an Ice Cream Sundae Social on Field Day. In playing the MCAS game for the last few weeks in preparation addition, the grade that collects the most money will win a cash grand for the MCAS tests at the beginning of April. The sixth graders prize! have realized that scoring well on the MCAS is an obtainable goal especially when they are equipped with a game plan and strategies. The students use an MCAS game board that re- E.N. White students quires them to move ahead, high five each other, lose a turn or participated in the On go back unless they preview the test, read the text, develop a the March for Food Drive web, and “chunk ‘n go”. When students reach the end of the hosted by the Mayor’s game board, they are rewarded with the chance to read their Peace Initiative Group. response to the class to earn a link for the class chain. When The middle school stu- the class earns enough links, they will celebrate together. Out- dents donated non- fitted with a highlighter, pencil and the test, the students play perishable items for the the game in teams and practice the game plan which includes local food pantries. The previewing the italicized print for the main idea of the text, students donated 626 items of food which equaled 11 boxes. The preparing a web to answer the ORQ, and chunking the text for homeroom that donated the most items was room 208. Mrs. Van- key ideas. “Most of the MCAS preparation that we do in class dergheynst’s 6th grade students had a record number of 126 items is to take away the mystery and anxiety associated with the and will be treated to a pizza party for their good will and commu- test,” explained Mrs. Tierney. “We break it down into manage- able chunks and have the students explore questions on their nity spirit. own to reveal the secrets to success. The game helps to build confidence and gives those students who are reluctant some- Grinning widely, many E.N. White students recently received their thing to focus on and a plan to follow. The students have devel- much anticipated bound and published copies of their memoirs that oped a list of strategies to use for multiple choice questions. were written in their respective ELA classes. For several months, For example they are implementing multiple choice strategies students worked in Mrs. Lamour’s art classes and Ms. Marcotte’s like trying to answer the question before they look at the op- library classes, as well as in their ELA classes to create beautiful tions so they won’t be distracted by “possible” correct an- bound books which included not only the text of each student’s swers. They use the text to support all of their responses by memoir, but also hand-drawn illustrations to match their text. Na- developing a web to help organize their open response an- tionwide Learning in Topeka, Kansas, through its Student Treasures swers. Their web is different than the traditional web because they use a solid line to signify the response and a dotted line to Program, makes this publishing opportunity available annually to indicate the support for that response. They have also analyzed teachers and librarians. actual responses and color coded them to visually represent the same things. The ideas underlined in pink represent the qualities; reasons etc. and the ideas underlined in green indicate the support. These visual representations help to clarify what should be included in a well-written response. “It’s really a formula,” said 6th grade teacher, Alecia Pettengill. “Once you have a basic formula to work with, then the task is not so in- timidating.” The response to this game from the students has been positive. They are competitive and want to build their class chain for success. They believe that the biggest secret to their success has been chunking the text as they go and utilizing a web to organize their written responses. So they say “bring it on, we’re ready!” Kindergartners visit Eric Carle Museum!

Volume 7, Issue 3 Page 7

Governor visits Peck; converses with students

Peck School students had some special visitors on hand to say dent, Sarah Vasquez, a former Holyoke school student, remarked goodbye to them as they left for February vacation. Massachusetts on how meaningful it was for her to give back to her own commu- Governor Deval nity; “I hope I can be as inspiring to them as they are Patrick, Repre- to me.” sentative Mi- The Commonwealth Corps was developed by Gover- chael Kane (a nor Patrick with a mission of engaging Massachusetts Peck alumnus) residents of all ages and backgrounds in direct service and Superinten- to rebuild communities and address unmet community dent Dr. Edu- needs. The mission of the Holyoke Corps is to join ardo Carballo college students from the three area institutions to visited with students, teach- advance education in Holyoke four ways including: ers and college • Improve educational achievement among Holyoke student volun- Public School students teers involved • Improve college awareness among Holyoke Public with the Gover- nor’s Common- School student and their families; wealth Corps • Engage in the Holyoke community; and Initiative. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick (far left) meets with students • Recruit additional college/university students to The Governor and staff at Peck School. support these aims visited the 6th grade Holyoke Corps members advance these goals by: Reader’s/Writers Workshop classroom of Vionette Escudero • Serving as tutors/mentors to students, in classrooms and Turner where members of the Holyoke Corps, a group sponsored in the CHOICES after school program at Peck school by the Commonwealth Corps have been working with ELL stu- dents since the beginning of the school year. The Holyoke Corps • Supporting college awareness programs, workshops, and project is directed by Alan Bloomgarden through the Weissman events raising college awareness among students and Center for Leadership at Mount Holyoke College and includes families students from Mount Holyoke, UMASS Amherst and Holyoke • Participating in community-based events Community College. Other partners in this effort are ENLACE (Engaging Latino Communities in Education) and The William R. • Bringing other campus resources to Holyoke, including students, staff, faculty, administrators, offices and organi- Peck School. zations of area higher education institutions, in service of The Governor first spoke privately with Escudero-Turner and her project aims. students. Nilsa Gonzalez, age 12, remarked that she and her class- mates told the Governor about the projects they were working Peck School was chosen as a partner for this initiative because on: letters to the Governor and the Mayor of Holyoke with policy they had a pre-existing relationship with Holyoke Community proposals about problems challenging Holyoke such as homeless- College and UMASS through “Student Bridges”; a similar tu- ness and lack of jobs. Gonzalez enjoys working with Common- tor/mentor program that was in place at Lynch Middle School. wealth Corps member Emma Melendez, a Mount Holyoke student Peck is in the process of planning and developing a full-service majoring in Critical Thought. “She does good work,” Nilsa said. community school model, and involvement with the Common- “We have to read paragraphs and if I don’t understand it, she helps wealth Corps is part of this project. me.” Escudero-Turner remarked that she was impressed with the time that the Governor took with the students even though he was PECK’S TALKING POINTS scheduled to be somewhere else (a legislative luncheon!). “He sat Congratulations to Holyoke Hospital’s Rising Star Award Winners: down and asked the students their names and spent time with Brian Almonte, Rhys Duquette, Kyomara Reynoso, Kristen Renta them. He also asked me about my background and thanked me for and Yajaira Roman. working with the English Language Learners,” she said. The Peck family is proud to acknowledge Maria Barreto who gives The Governor invited the press and the Commonwealth Corps her time as a hospice volunteer through the Hospice Life Care college students to speak with him. He asked the college students Program which is run by the Holyoke Visiting Nurse Association. what they enjoyed about their work at Peck and what could be Maria was featured in the Chicopee Register as a “Hero on the done to improve the Commonwealth Corps program. Several Homefront.” comments were made to keep the program funded and one stu- Page 8 Connections

Holyoke High Hockey Wins Division IIIA State Championship

By Jill Hoey ‘09 The Holyoke High School hockey team has made history. Holyoke defeated Oakmont Regional High School, 4-2, to bring home the title of Division IIIA State Champions, a first not only for our school, but for any hockey team in Western Massachusetts. This was the first year that teams in Division IIIA bat- tled for state supremacy. Senior Captain, Pat Lenihan, admits that being a state champion is "a once in a life time experience". Entering into the playoffs, Holy- oke was seeded 6th before defeating Chicopee and Agawam. Holyoke went on to beat top-seeded Taconic and the tough competitors at Oakmont Regional to arrive at the state title. Although the hockey team wears purple and white, not all the players are from Holyoke High School. Holyoke's squad is a coop- erative effort with players also from South Hadley and Granby. Out of 23 play- ers, four are from Holyoke, three are from Granby, and sixteen are from South Hadley. The four from Holyoke are seniors Pat Lenihan, Nick Blais, Angelo Maymi, and Brendan Aluxek. Pat Lenihan and Nick Blais are also tournament MVPs. Nick is also an associate captain of the team.

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Holyoke High School Happenings...

Grinspoon Award Winner Kathleen O’Neill lar assignment or concept come to an understanding or realization Every year since 2002, communities in the Pioneer Valley have that, ‘Yes, I can do it, I understand it!’” She explains, “The look on been awarding Grinspoon Awards for Excellence in Teaching to his or her face is worth a million dollars – it’s all about that look.” teachers in the schools. These awards honor outstanding teachers However, difficulties and challenges usually come before rewards. and appreciate the major When asked about the hardest part of teaching, O’Neill answered, role that teachers play in for her, it is “to try and show students how important education is preparing students for the to them now and in the future.” She explained, “Many students future. have trouble believing that education is the key to their future.” This year, on February 26, O’Neill does know what it takes to help them finally pull through. seven Holyoke Public “I feel the key to helping students understand the various subjects Schools teachers were include a structured classroom where anyone can feel comfortable presented with this award. learning, and mutual respect: students to teacher and teacher to One of the honored is Ms. students.” O’Neill feels that it a teachers’ responsibility to make Kathleen O’Neill, a Moder- learning accessible to all students, although not all students will ate Special Needs teacher learn at the same level. “At the same time students have the re- at Holyoke High School. sponsibility to be respectful to others, work hard and do the best O’Neill received the high- they can,” concluded O’Neill. est recommendation for Debate Team this award. Congratulations to the Debate Team who finished the 2009 season “I have been fortunate to Kathleen O’Neill works with one of her in a Connecticut Valley Debate League Tournament at East Long- spend my entire teaching students. meadow High School. Patrick O’Neil received an individual first career here at Holyoke place award for best varsity speaker. The CVDL 2009 Team High School, and it has been great,” says O’Neill. She has been Award was presented to Miguel Vasquez and Jovani Villegas for teaching for thirty-three years, and claims “There is no better their first place debate in the League’s Novice Division. place.” Throughout her career as a student, from elementary to The Herald high school, O’Neill knew she would like to be a teacher. “That’s a Holyoke High School’s student newspaper, The Herald, recently direct result of the wonderful teachers I experienced many, many won awards at the AIC Scholastic Press Forum. Lorena Avendano years ago as a student in the Holyoke Public Schools.” received first place for Best Sports Feature with her article inter- O’Neill believes that “teaching is one of the most rewarding pro- viewing the USA Men’s Olympic Volleyball Coach. Tiffany Webb fessions.” She explained that the most rewarding part of her job is received third place for Best Photograph. Finally, The Herald “watching a student who has been working very hard on a particu- placed fourth for Best Overall Newspaper.

Dean Tech’s Debate Team debates MySpace/Facebook vs. colleges

This spring Dean Technical High School entered a tournament in The students selected to represent Dean Tech were senior stand- which they had never competed. The scheduled event: A debate out Nathalie Ortiz, and seniors Brian Pamayleon and James Kelly. that was to be judged by a senior judge from Springfield District Ortiz nearly won the tournament herself as she was the lead Court, a prominent lawyer and the Superintendant of Police from speaker and used all her allotted time to near perfection. The sec- the Springfield State Police barracks. ond speaker was Pamayleon who followed up The topic for this war of words was in honor of the Lincoln- Ortiz’s performance with a very solid effort. Douglas debates of 150 years ago. The debate topic was one that The last speaker was Kelly, who had the very the judges wanted the students to be passionate about and that they difficult task of providing a rebuttal to the argu- could debate using their own voice, as well as their own investiga- ments from Putnam High School. James tried tive research. The topic was: Should colleges and universities be al- his best at this challenge and did well, but in lowed to use an applicant’s MySpace or Facebook page as criteria for competition there has to be a winner and a loser and, on this day acceptance into a college or university? Dean, came up a little short. The students participated in lessons geared toward the topic in No matter whether the students won or lost, they gained valuable Kevin Willard’s journalism class and also participated in brief de- experience in public speaking and met some very influential commu- bates as practice for the tournament. Nearly all students were nity leaders. The judges stated repeatedly how close the debate opposed to the idea that colleges may use MySpace for acceptance, was and expressed that Dean was given the tougher argument to but many opinions changed after discussing the amendments of the prove. Constitution and ideas like personal and private life were discussed. All in all, the day was a success for all those involved and has left a The team from Dean was given the stance that colleges cannot few of Dean’s students knowing that sometimes “The pen (or the use MySpace as a criteria for acceptance. words it writes) is mightier than the sword.” Page 10 Connections

Stop the Presses! Passing The Dream By Chloe Mann

For Sullivan The second the snow melts he is out in the yard with a bat in School writ- one hand and a ball in the other. He stands facing the fence and I can tell ers March has that in his mind’s eye, it’s the bottom of the 9th, runners on second and come in like a third. His team is down by two, lion, as stu- there are two outs and he is at dents have the plate: it’s all up to him. The been racking crowd cheers, “Don-nie”, “Don- up the laurels nie!” lately. Sev- With one motion he tosses enth graders the ball in the air and executes a Erin K. beautiful swing. I hear the crack Hebert and of the bat. Going, going, GONE!! Marissa A. The crowd goes wild! In his Bernard Erin Hebert (L) and Marissa Bernard hold mind’s eye he’s once again lived took 1st and up their winning entries in The Springfield his greatest dream. But then he 3rd prizes, Chloe Mann stands between Sean Republican’s Kids in Print Contest. sighs. I can tell that in his heart respectively, he is disappointed that this dream McDonough (voice of the Red Sox) and for their es- his sister Erin McDonough. says published in the Springfield Republican’s “Kids in will never become a reality. Print” writing contest. Even though this man is not a famous sports star, he is and always Hebert and Bernard’s pieces about sacrifice were writ- will be an athlete that I most admire. ten in response to a memoir chosen by the Republican. As a kid, my father, Donald James Mann played baseball and football. They were well prepared for the contest after complet- In little league, he was always chosen first because he was an unbelievable ing Sullivan’s memoir unit led by their teacher, Margaret catcher. In football he was the star halfback due to his speed. “I love Miller. Hebert and Bernard were awarded a $100 prize, football”, he said, “but baseball is my life”. His dream was to be a catcher attended an awards ceremony and were proud to see in the major leagues. their writing and pictures printed in the Republican. He worked incredibly hard to pursue that dream. His first goal was Following that, eighth grader Chloe Mann took 1st prize to be a catcher for the high school team. He fulfilled it as the starting in the Boston Globe’s Sports Writing contest, besting catcher for the next three years. His junior year he and his teammates 2000 other entrants from all over Massachusetts. (Her won the state championship. essay is printed on the right side of this page.) His senior year in high school he decided he would play baseball for Mann’s essay was about “sports heroes” and she chose Springfield College. After that, who knew? But sometimes life changes the to write about her father and coach, Donald, who was a course we plan. In his freshmen year, he hurt his knee so badly that it high school and college athlete before injuries forestalled ended his baseball career as well as his dream, but not his love of athlet- further play. Mann was also primed for her challenge ics. He took his love of sports and instead of playing he coached. Now from finishing Sullivan’s memoir unit led by eighth grade you can find him inspiring kids to play football and baseball in the same teacher Joe Gannon. city he grew up in. He coordinates the Holyoke Youth Football League as Mann won a $100 prize from the Boston Globe, was hon- well as coaching my softball team. ored before a Boston Celtics game March 23rd, to which His softball team benefits from his passion for the game as well as his she also received tickets for her and her family. She will knowledge. He dedicates so much time looking up drills and ideas on how also have her essay published in the Boston Globe. to help my team excel. He also takes us to batting and pitching clinics, and For more information on instills in us the same passion he had in his earlier years when he played. the contest from the Boston The second the snow melts we are out in the yard. He squats behind Globe please visit the Holy- the plate warming me up at second base. Only now it is my dream: bot- oke Public Schools web site tom of the 9th, runners on first and third, I lead by one run. It’s a double at www.hps.holyoke.ma.us steal, the throw is off a bit but I make the tag and save the game. The and click on the Good crowd cheers “Chl-oe! Chl-oe!!’ News section on the home My dad might be throwing me the ball but he is passing me the page. dream.

Volume 7, Issue 3 Page 11

One of Donahue School’s former staff members, Chastelyn Rodriguez (pictured at left), is representing Holyoke on Univision’s Nuestra Belleza Latina. Rodriguez served as the family liaison for the 2006-07 school year. Many students who remember her beauty and kindness are tuning in each Sunday at 8 p.m. to cheer her on. The 12 finalists of the show will be flown to Miami and stay in a mansion while competing for a $200,000 prize. Viewers can go online and vote for Rodriguez.

Holyoke Hospital High Achievers Donahue Rising Stars Alyssa Hurley, Faith McAuliffe and Luis Robles Carlos Dominicci - 6th grade; Shaun Gonzalez - 7th grade Selena Ortega - 8th grade President Alvarado!! Letters to After a fierce three-way campaign battle, Ja- haira Alvarado is announced winner of the 2008-2009 8th grade presidency President Obama Three contestants, three powerful Under the guidance of Iwona Langlois, speeches, one election. Connections is fortu- Donahue’s 6th grade ELA teacher, nate enough to have an exclusive interview students carefully researched issues to with Jahaira, just days into her new presi- help advise the country’s new admini- dency. stration. Topics reviewed ranged from Jahaira Alvarado climate change to protecting endan- Connections: What made you decide to run Eighth-grade President gered species, from increasing the Erick Santos proudly for the president of the 8th grade? police force to changing our energy shows his letter written Jahaira: I’ve seen everyone misbehaving for consumption habits. After weeks of to President Obama a long time... I thought I could help change that. both print and internet based and Connections: So far, are there any accomplishments as president you research, letters went through multiple drafts before being could share with our readers? printed on the Donahue School official letterhead and sent off Jahaira: The eight grade class will be having a 30 minute recess on to Washington. April 3rd. One student, Erick Santos, age 11, wrote to Obama in favor of Connections: How did you make that happen? a four day school week. When asked why, Erick responded, Jahaira: I made a deal with Mrs. Perez (Donahue’s Principal) that “In the news I’ve seen people, like teachers, losing their jobs. students who behave and get their work done should be allowed to If we had a four day school week we could save money. Mrs. have this time. Langlois also told me there is sometimes not enough school Connections: What’s it like being the president of the 8th grade? supplies. We could use the money we saved to buy more Jahaira: It’s great being president, but also hard. Everybody puts a supplies for next year.” Erick reported that he felt happy to lot of pressure of you. be able to write a letter to the President. It is the hope of the 6th grade class that the White House’s Ms. Alvarado has the support and appreciation of the staff and stu- reply will be in time for the next issue of Connections. Hope- dents of the Maurice A. Donahue school. All have expressed the fully by then we will have a three day weekend to mull over hope that this is just one stepping stone in Jahaira’s stellar political President Obama’s responses. career.

Kelly School students support to Augusta State Jaguars...continued from page 3 seventh grade math teacher Katie Ross, this trip gave the students the opportunity to enjoy an Elite Eight basketball game, as well as show how supportive and excited they can be. Says Ross, “I’ve been organizing this trip for some time now, and every year it’s a great experience. It’s great to be able to offer a fun experience to the students, as well as provide fans for teams that may not have many here in the area.” In preparation for the game, students researched their adopted team, the Augusta State Jaguars. Many students studied the players, even adopt- ing a player to make signs for and support. The students spent time making posters and banners for the big game. On the day of the game, faces were painted, ribbons tied in hair, and energy was high. After the first half of the game, it wasn’t looking good for the Jaguars. How- ever, after much cheering and support, the Jaguars came back to win the game. Page 12 Connections

CONNECTIONS art-based College for a Day programs very popular Many Holyoke Public School parents want to go to college to help gain skills for the chang- From drumming, drama ing workforce. Two parents from the Pathways to Family Suc- and dancing to drawing cess program got to do just that. Holyoke Community College and SABES sponsored College for a Day which targeted adult and everything in between, participants at every learners offering a wide choice of college classes. CONNECTIONS Pro- Pathways to Family Success students Lacecia Davis and Haydee gram site can develop Gonzalez went to HCC with their pre-GED teacher Alice their artistic interests and Barrett. Davis attended, “Blood, Guts and Stuff” (biology) and talents in a variety of art- Gonzalez grooved to “Be Your Own Band” (electronic media). based enrichment activi- Both also attended a writing workshop. They got to experi- ence the campus, professors, and the cafeteria to get a real ties. sense of what it will be like to be a college student. They made At the Sullivan School excellent presentations to their pre-GED class later that eve- CONNECTIONS Pro- ning. If you, or someone you know, is interested in attending gram, participants in the an evening pre-GED class in a family literacy setting (candidate “Experience the Arts” must be a parent and Holyoke resident), please call Marisol at Club learned to make 538-5770. creative connections be- The mural at Donahue School tween their lives and great art. They began by making sock puppet characters with glitter, buttons and pipe cleaners. Some stu- dents made their puppets very similar to themselves and others created new identities expressing dreams and ambitions that they hope to one day accomplish, transferring these qualities to their puppets. They then pre- sented their puppet ‘characters’ to their club mates. Next, utilizing a series of Shakespeare books that were in cartoon format, club facilitators Caitlin Dunn and Nina Brigante helped students connect some of the universal themes in Shakespeare’s work to their own lives. Students first selected excerpts from the plays and performed them with their puppets. They then put the puppets aside and worked on theatrical terms and skills and proc- esses such as choreography, voice projecting, staging, emotional output and pronunciation. Finally, students were given well known Shakespearean The Center for Excellence Basketball Team themes (tragedy, comedy and a love story) and they created their own very The Center for Excellence basketball team was inspired by the impressive characters, plots and set design. This activity gave students a high-powered NCAA March Madness tournament play ~ so sense that they too can create similar stories and Shakespearean situations. much so that at press time, the CFE team was 3-0 against other alternative school teams. As a part of the incentive plan for stu- The Kelly CONNECTIONS Program has been fortunate to have a year long dents, all team members, comprised of boys in grades 3-11, had Experiential Arts Program provided by The Enchanted Circle Theater to meet certain criteria as outlined by counselors and teachers. through a grant from United Bank Foundation. The program brings in pro- Head Coach Mike Bombardier described this year’s squad with fessional artists from a variety of areas to work with students and takes “a solid perimeter game...with a strong low-post presence.” He students on field trips to experience art on stage. During the first session in adds, “I like the balance we have with the big range of ages and the fall, the club focused on theater and students went to see a production experience. I am looking forward to a strong showing for many of “The Elephant Man” at the Williston-Northampton Academy. During the years to come.” The uniforms were donated by “The Friends of second session a professional drummer taught the group the basics of Afri- the Holyoke Public Library.” Additional staff member assisting can drumming. Hip Hop Dance has been the theme for the third session the team are Peter Rodriguez, Peter Brocca, Yadira Batiz, Edwin and the Irish Cream, an Irish modern dance troupe provided the club with a Carmona and Travis Andrews. special workshop on March 19th. A focus on visual arts will complete the program year. At other CONNECTIONS Program sites, Deb Barboza, an acclaimed local Summer Edition of the portrait artist provides drawing classes at Donahue, and Sullivan CONNEC- TIONS sites. Joan Cavanaugh provides music instruction at Sullivan and Connections Newsletter Peck. Art is also offered at our new elementary programs at EN White and Peck. At Holyoke High, students in CONNECTIONS can learn to make jewelry, Hip Hop dance, Hip Hop CD production, Art, Drama/Expressive Submission Deadline Arts and Media Arts. For more info about registering for the CONNECTIONS Program, please contact Eileen Cavanaugh, Director, at 534-2168. Holyoke Public Schools Estos son los puntos mas sobresalientes del Boletin Volume 7, Issue 3 Invierno 2009

Escuelas Publicas de Holyoke Floreciendo con noticias positivas

Por Dr. Eduardo Carballo Dean Técnica. Cada año los estudiantes en Superintendente de Escuelas grados seis a doce son reconocidos por so- Los signos de primavera están en todas par- bresalir en beca, tes, y después del invierno largo que tuvimos, liderazgo, y ciudadan- pienso que estamos todos preparados para ía. mejor tiempo. ¡Muchas actividades positivas Nuestros estudiantes han estado ocurriendo en las Escuelas Públi- no son los únicos que cas de Holyoke durante los meses pasados, y exponen estas calida- hay actividades más positivas que llegan junto des, y estoy contento con la primavera! en dejarle saber que Espero que muchos de ustedes tuvieran la también tuvimos la oportunidad de leer sobre, o mirar, cuando oportunidad de selec- el equipo de hockey de la Escuela Secundaria cionar a varios maes- de Holyoke, los Purple Knights, ganó la Divi- tros excepcionales sión IIIA de Campeonato del Estado cuando para ser los recipien- ellos derrotaron a Oakmont 4-2 en el Cen- tes de la Excelencia de tro de MassMutual en Springfield el 12 de Harold Grinspoon en marzo. Esto fue un tiempo triunfante para el el Premio de la Ense- Dr. Eduardo Carballo felicita a Luis Martinez en su Premio de Grinspoon. equipo y un orgullo para el Departamento ñanza. El 27 de febrero, siete de nuestros maes- Escolar de Holyoke. tros fueron notificados Otro acontecimiento que siempre es “una que ellos eran recipientes para este año. siendo impresionado por el progreso hecho muchedumbre complacida” es la producción Ellos son: Lori McKenna, Escuela Secundaria en nuestros salones de clase a través de la musical de la Escuela Secundaria de Holyoke. Dean Técnica; Kathleen O'Neil, Escuela Se- Ciudad. Cuando otra ronda de pruebas de Este año, la Calle 42 (42nd Street) fue inter- cundaria de Holyoke High; Luis D. Martinez, MCAS comienza, quiero animar a nuestros pretada, y el equipo y sus participantes hicie- Escuela Kelly; Christine Sullivan, Escuela estudiantes a hacer sus mejores esfuerzos, y ron un trabajo excepcional asegurándose McMahon; Susan E. Tawrel, Escuela Morgan; animar a sus familias para apoyarlos en este que los miembros de la audiencia estuvieran Catherine M. Hourihan, Escuela Peck; Mary proceso. Deseo a los estudiantes cada éxito encantados por la presentación. ¡La atención L. McAndrew, Escuela Sullivan. Nuestras y siento que ellos están preparados y harán fue prestada a cada detalle, y aquellos que felicitaciones van a cada uno de ellos. bien. asistieron habrían pensado que ellos estaban Además, a partir del 13 al 27 de marzo, "el en la interpretación “Broadway” actual! 10imo. Ambos de los susodichos logros son el resul- Arte Anual de la Facultad de las Escuelas tado de dedicación, compromiso, y trabajo en Públicas de Holyoke" fue llevado a cabo en equipo. Aunque yo haya destacado dos de los Estudios de Barrett y Grynn. más “acontecimientos conocidos,” los estu- diantes en todas las Escuelas Públicas de Aquellos exponiendo su arte eran: Bob Bard, Holyoke exponen estas características a lo Phil Christofori, Denise Descoteau, Diane largo del año escolar. Usted leerá sobre Godek, Bill Greaney, Sheila L’Amour, Stefa- nia Lech, Eduardo Melendez, Mary Lou Mis- estos y otros logros en las páginas a seguir. lak-Casson, y Martha Roe Mulcahy. La exhibi- Celebrar la semana de las Escuelas Públicas ción fue muy bien asistida y se le permitió al de Holyoke es el 27 de abril hasta el 1 de público la oportunidad de ver una amplia mayo. Nuestro reconocimiento de Estrellas serie de trabajos de nuestra facultad multi- Crecientes ocurrirá este año el 30 de abril talentosa. Nuestras felicitaciones van a cada comenzando con la Recepción en Merry- uno de ellos. Go-Round (en el cual todos son bienvenidos) y terminando con el Banquete en la Escuela Continuaré visitando las escuelas y seguiré Page 14 Connections

UNIONES programas a base Colegio durante un Día de arte son muy populares

Muchos padres de las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke quieren ir a la universidad para ayudarles a aumentar habilidades De tamboreo, drama y baile al para cambio de trabajo, el 19 de marzo, dos padres del dibujo y todo en medio, los programa Pathway a Éxito de Familia consiguieron hacer participantes en cada sitio del esto. El Centro Universitario de Holyoke y SABES patroci- Programa UNIONES pueden naron el Colegio durante un Día – que incitó a principi- desarrollar sus intereses artísticos y talentos en una antes adultos en muchas de las clases de educación de variedad de actividades de adultos del área – y ofreció una amplia opción de clases de enriquecimiento a base de colegio. El programa Pathways a estudiantes de programa arte. de Éxito de Familia Lacecia Davis y Haydee González En el Programa UNIONES de fueron a HCC con su profesor pre-GED Alice Barrett. la Escuela Sullivan, participan- Lacecia asistió a la clase de“ Sangre, Tripas y otra materia” tes en “el Club de Experiencia (Biología) y Haydee para “Ser su propia Cinta: Informática de las Artes” aprendieron a para Creatividad” (Medios Electrónicos). Ellas ambos asist- hacer uniones creativas entre ieron “Escritura lo que su propia imaginación no quiere sus vidas y gran arte. Ellos que usted sepa” (Escritura del Centro/Inglés). ¡Ellas con- comenzaron haciendo perso- siguieron experimentar el campo, los profesores, la cafe- najes de marioneta de calcetín tería y tenían un verdadero sentido de lo que es ser un con brillo, botones y limpia estudiante de colegio asistiendo a clases! ¡Ellos hicieron pipas. Algunos estudiantes Una estudiante creativa muestra su trabajo de hicieron sus marionetas muy presentaciones a su clase pre-GED más tarde esa tarde y similares a ellos y los otros arte termindo. ellas estuvieron muy excitadas y orgullosas! Si usted, o crearon nuevas identidades alguien que usted conoce, están interesados en atender una expresando sueños y ambicio- tarde a una clase pre-GED en un grupo de alfabetismo de nes que ellos esperan llevar a cabo algún día, transfiriendo estas calidades a sus familia (debe ser un padre y un residente de Holyoke), por marionetas. Ellos entonces presentaron sus 'personajes' de la marioneta a sus favor llame a Marisol al 538-5770. compañeros del club. Después, utilizando una serie de libros de Shakespeare que estaban en el formato de historieta, los facilitadores de club Caitlin Dunn y Nina Brigante ayudaron a los estudiantes a unir algunos temas universales con el traba- jo de Shakespeare a sus propias vidas. Los estudiantes primero seleccionaron extractos de los juegos y los realizaron con sus marionetas. Ellos pusieron los Peniques de la Escuela Peck marionetas a un lado y trabajaron en términos teatrales y habilidades y procesos como coreografía, proyección de voz, organización, salida emocional y pronuncia- ción. Finalmente, a los estudiantes de dieron temas Shakesperianos conocidos En marzo, salió una llamada a la Familia de la Escuela Dean (comedia de tragedia y una historia de amor) y ellos crearon sus propios persona- Técnica para ayuda. La Red de Milagro de Niños es una orga- jes muy impresionantes, complots y pusieron el diseño. Esta actividad dio a los nización que provee a niños con la comodidad de varias for- estudiantes un sentido que ellos también pueden crear historias similares y situa- mas mientras ellos están hospitalizados. Este año el tema era ciones Shakesperianas. "Cambio de Bandido". El Alumnado Asociado de la Escuela El Programa UNIONES de la Kelly ha sido afortunado tener el Programa de Artes Secundaria Dean Técnica aka Consejo de Estudiantes de la Empírico de un año largo proporcionado por el Teatro de Círculo Encantado por Dean comenzó un esfuerzo organizado para coleccionar cam- una subvención de la Fundación Bancaria Unida. El programa trae a artistas profe- sionales de una variedad de áreas para trabajar con estudiantes y lleva a los estu- bio de estudiantes y personal. Ellos comenzaron a coleccio- diantes en viajes de estudios para experimentar el arte en el escenario. Durante la nar el cambio durante períodos de almuerzo y luego hicieron primera sesión en el otoño, el club se concentró en el teatro y los estudiantes un concurso entre talleres, estudiantes de primer año y per- fueron a ver una producción “del Hombre Elefante” en la Academia Williston- sonal. Los talleres del primer piso recogieron la mayor parte Northampton. Durante la segunda sesión un tambor profesional enseñó al grupo de dinero. La meta era 10,000 peniques. La los fundamentos del tamboreo africano. El Baile de Salto de Cadera ha sido el Dean Técnica no sólo recogió 10,000 tema para la tercera sesión y la Crema irlandesa, una compañía teatral de baile peniques pero en total la Dean Técnica moderna irlandesa proveyó al club de un taller especial el 19 de marzo. Un enfo- recogió más de 17,000 peniques. Repre- que en artes visuales completará el año del programa. sentantes del consejo de estudiantes, En otros Programas de UNIONES, Deb Barboza, un artista de retrato local acla- Gerald Tessier, Alex Rodriguez, Jessenia mado proporciona clases de dibujo en Donahue y Sullivan. Joan Cavanaugh pro- DeJesus, Lilly Rivera y consejera de Estu- porciona la instrucción de música en Sullivan y Peck. El arte también es ofrecida diantes la Sra. Murchison-Brown fue a en nuestros nuevos programas elementales en E.N. White y Peck. En la Escuela Holyoke High, los estudiantes en UNIONES pueden aprender a hacer joyas, baile 94.7 WMAS Radiothon en el Hospital de Niños de Baystate de Salto de Cadera, producción de CD de Hip Hop, Arte, Artes de Drama / para darles personalmente las donaciones recogidas. Fue en Artes Expresivas y Artes de Medios. ese entonces que ellos observaron a niños con varias enfer- Para más información sobre el registro para el Programa UNIONES, por favor medades jugando en el cuarto de juegos. póngase en contacto con Eileen Cavanaugh, Directora, al 534-2168. Volume 7, Issue 3 Page 15

El Gobernador visita la Escuela Peck; conversa con estudiantes

Los estudiantes de la Escuela Peck tuvieron algunos invitados espe- El Corps. de la Comunidad fue desarro- ciales a mano para decirles adiós cuando ellos salieron para las llado por el Gobernador Patrick con una vacaciones de febrero. El Gobernador Deval Patrick, Representan- misión de involucrar a los residentes de te Michael Kane (un alumno de Peck) y Superintendente Carballo Massachusetts de todas las edades y orí- fueron de visita con los estudiantes, maestros y voluntarios de genes en servicio directo para recons- estudiantes de colegio envueltos con la iniciativa de Corp. de la truir comunidades y dirigir necesidades Comunidad de Naciones del Gobernador cuando los estudiantes de la comunidad no encontradas. La mi- se marchaban y todos tres se pararon para charlar con los estu- sión de Corps. De Holyoke es afiliarse a diantes y desearles unas vacaciones felices, sanas y seguras. estudiantes de colegio de las tres institu- ciones de área para avanzar la educación El Gobernador visitó el salón de clase de Taller de Escrito- res/Lectores de 6xto. grado de Vionette Escudero Turner donde en Holyoke de cuatro maneras: los miembros de Holyoke Corp, un grupo patrocinado por la Co- • Mejorar el logro educativo munidad Corps han estado trabajando con estudiantes ELL - Prin- entre los estudiantes de las Sarah Vázquez, una cipiante de Lenguaje Inglés desde el principio del año escolar. El Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke. antiguo estudiante de las proyecto de Holyoke Corp. es dirigido por Alan Bloomgarden por Escuelas Públicas de • Mejorar el conocimiento de el Centro Weissman para Liderazgo en el Colegio de Mt. Holyoke Holyoke e incluye a estudiantes de Mt. Holyoke, UMASS Amherst y Centro colegio entre estudiantes de las Universitario de Holyoke. Otros compañeros en este esfuerzo son Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke y ENLACE (Involucrando Educación en las Comunidades Latinas) y la sus familias; Escuela William R. Peck. • Involucrarse en la comunidad de Holyoke; y El Gobernador primero habló en • Reclutar estudiantes adicionales de colegio/universidad privado con la Sra. Escudero para apoyar estos objetivos Turner y sus estudiantes. Nilsa Gonzalez, edad 12, comentó que ella y sus compañeros de clase le Los miembros de Corps. de Holyoke avanzan estos objetivos por: dijeron al Gobernador sobre los proyectos que ellos estaban tra- • Servir como tutores/consejeros a estudiantes, en salones bajando: Cartas al Gobernador y de clase y en las OPCIONES del programa después de horas en la escuela Peck Vionette Escudero-Turner y El el alcalde de Holyoke con pro- Gobernador Deval Patrick puestas de política sobre proble- • Apoyar programas de conocimiento de colegio, talleres, mas retando a Holyoke como y acontecimientos levantando conciencia de colegios falta de hogar y falta de empleos. entre estudiantes y familias Nilsa disfruta trabajando con el miembro de Corp. de la Comuni- dad Emma Melendez, una estudiante de Mt. Holyoke especializán- • Participar en acontecimientos basados en la comunidad dose en Pensamiento Crítico. “Ella hace un buen trabajo,” dijo • Traer otros recursos de campos en Holyoke, incluso Nilsa. “Tenemos que leer párrafos y si no entiendo, ella me ayuda.” estudiantes, personal, facultad, administradores, oficinas y La Sra. Escudero Turner comentó que ella estaba impresionada organizaciones de instituciones de enseñanza de área por el tiempo que el Gobernador tomó con los estudiantes aunque superior, en servicio de objetivos de proyectos. él estaba programado para estar en otra parte (un almuerzo legis- lativo!). “Él se sentó y preguntó a los estudiantes sus nombres y pasó tiempo con ellos.” “Él también me preguntó sobre mi origen La Escuela Peck fue elegida como un compañero para esta iniciativa y me agradeció por trabajar con los Principiantes de Lenguaje porque ellos tenían una relación preexistente con el Colegio de la Comunidad de Holyoke y la Universidad de Massachusetts - Inglés.” UMASS por “Puentes de Estudiante”; un programa de tu- El Gobernador entonces invitó la prensa y los estudiantes del cole- tor/consejero similar que estaba en la Escuela Secundaria Lynch. La gio para hablar con él. Él preguntó a los estudiantes del colegio qué Escuela Peck está en el proceso de planificación y desarrollo de un disfrutaron ellos sobre su trabajo en la Escuela Peck y lo que se modelo de escuela de comunidad de servicio completo, y la partici- podría hacer para mejorar el programa de Corp. de la Comunidad. pación de Corps. de la Comunidad es parte de este proyecto. Se hicieron varios comentarios para mantener el programa finan- ciado y una estudiante, Sarah Vázquez, una antiguo estudiante de las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke comentó en que significativo era para ella regresar a su propia comunidad; “espero que yo pueda ser tan inspirador a ellos como ellos son a mí.” Page 16 Connections

Escuelas Publicas de Holyoke Eduardo B. Carballo, Superintendente

Equipo de Baloncesto de CFE Comienza 1º de Abril los niños tienen que La Fiebre de Locura de marzo está viva y bien en el CFE. Cuando el cumplir los cinco años en o antes de 1º de torneo NCAA está en oscilación como es el equipo de baloncesto CFE. Como parte del plan de incentivos para estudiantes una serie septiembre del 2009 de juegos de baloncesto ha ocurrido entre el CFE y varios otros Los solicitudes están disponibles in las es- equipos escolares alternativos. Los jugadores para el CFE vienen de estudiantes en grados 3-11. Todos los jugadores deben encontrar cuelas elementales y La Oficina de los criterios para participar como descrito por sus consejeros y maestros. El equipo ha respondido con tres victorias contra ningu- Asignación de Estudiantes nos fracasos y no sólo juega como un ganador y con uniformes nuevos que fueron donados a la escuela por” los AMIGOS DE LA Localizada en BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE HOLYOKE”. El entrenador Mike Bom- bardier ha descrito la escuadrilla de este año como "impresionante". El Primer Piso - Calle Suffolk #57 El Entrenador tiene muchos años de experiencia y le gusta la escua- drilla de este año. “Nuestro juego de perímetro ha sido sólido” Tel: 534-2007 reporta el Entrenador Bombardier “y tenemos una presencia fuer- te”. Otros miembros del personal que han asistido este año inclu- *MATRICULA POR CITA SOLAMENTE* yen a Peter Rodriguez, Peter Brocca, Yadira Batiz, Edwin Carmona y Travis Andrews.

Connections

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