April 2005
Volume 18
Number 7
April 2005
Volume 18
Number 7
March’s PTSO Forum was on “Safety, Support, and Supervision” at R.J. Grey and ABRHS. It was eye opening how much time and effort must be spent coordinating these concerns, given the size of our schools (almost 1000 students at the Junior High and 1800 at the High School) and today’s society.
The two Assistant Principals from R.J. Grey, Larry Fliegelman and Carolyn Imperato, began by outlining their regular duties at the Junior High: discipline, special education meetings, Child Study meetings (pre-special education), parent meetings, Student Council, student scheduling (very time consuming), facilities issues, bussing/transportation, emergency plans/drills, MCAS, and communication of events and happenings.
Safety at the JH was described as “two parts prevention, one part intervention”. Time spent in the hallways and cafeteria pays off because they can get to know the students and often avoid a “blow up” by anticipating when an issue is about to surface. Youth Officers Jim Goodemote and Keith Campbell were also mentioned as keys to a safe environment.
Support is another important part of their jobs. Students often come to the assistant principals with good things, as well as concerns. Teachers do the same. As class sizes grow, the assistant principals are called upon more to help teachers with team meetings, collaborate with counselors, and match resources with needs.
Supervision at the Junior High is covered by all staff and means enforcing the rules that are clearly spelled out to students in the handbook and by their teachers. Having students scheduled the entire day helps a lot because there is no unstructured time. That may change next year if study halls are assigned. The challenge will be that Junior High students can be little kids one day, and responsible young adults the next.
Susan Atwater-Rhodes and Lani DeRome spoke on the High School, where there are 3 Vice Principals and one Principal's Assistant. The Safety Committee has met often in part due to the changing building as a result of construction. Supervision issues have grown considerably in the last few years as enrollment has increased, the building has been expanded, and staff has been reduced. For example, the new library must be limited to 160 students at a time due to lack of supervision. Often students are refused entrance during peak mid-day hours, when up to 600 students are not assigned to a class and are “free”.
Campus monitors are essential at the High School. These people cover supervision/safety inside and outside the building from 7:00–2:30 p.m. They are in the cafeterias, the parking lots, the student centers, and the hallways. Because they are paid less than a certified teacher, they provide an economical way to oversee the building. Monitors get to know students and their behaviors and can often prevent major issues because they are uniquely focused eyes and ears on the campus. They were described as “friendly adults, not friends to the students”. The “Junior/Senior Privileges” (allowing older students to leave campus if they do not have a class) are possible because the monitors are there. This is not just a perk for the students, it helps cut down on supervision during unassigned periods.
This presentation was very much appreciated by those in attendance as safety is a priority for everyone.
The next PTSO Forum is on Tuesday, April 12th. Athletic Director Steve Desy will present on the programs at our Junior High and High Schools. Thank you to everyone who recently paid their PTSO dues and responded so generously. Details will be in the next newsletter.
- Beth and Jan
Nominations are now open for Board positions for next year for the Regional PTSO. The Nominating Committee is headed up by Martha Rounds. If you would like to be involved, or would like to nominate someone else (with their prior approval!), please contact Martha at mrounds@newview.org or 978-263-7227 by April 8th. The proposed slate of Board members will be distributed in the May 1st PTSO Newsletter and voted on at our Annual PTSO Evening Meeting on May 16. Board positions include: Chairperson (HS), First Vice Chair (JH), Secretary, Treasurer, Project Graduation, Nominating, Inter-School Council Rep, Volunteer Coordinator, Newsletter Editor, Directories, Fundraising, Gardening, Publicity, Newcomer Welcoming, Membership, and AB Alumni Association. Many of these are filled with co-chairs. Although some members would like to stay in their current positions, there will be some openings. Consider getting involved!
ABRHS NEWS
FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Over the past two months Superintendent
Bill Ryan and I have spent a lot of time-sharing information with local residents
on the impact of the two possible funding levels for next year (with and without
the operating override). I hope that all parents have had an opportunity to
learn about this issue and have their questions answered.
On February 17, the School Committee voted to accept up to 50 School Choice
students at the high school for 2005–06. Interested families have begun visiting
the school, and applications are due on April 27.
Achievements
On Saturday, March 5, our Academic Decathlon team took first place in
the Massachusetts Academic Decathlon competition. The team will now compete
in the United States tournament in April in Chicago. Congratulations to team
members Alex Kazberouk, Rashmi Jasrasaria, Lucy Li, Swetha Valluri, Linda
Yan, Andrew Dai, Gautam Bhatnagar, Blaise Nothern, and Ankit Chandra, and
to coach Andy Crick for this outstanding accomplishment. It’s the team’s fifth
state championship in a row.
The Boston Globe Scholastic Art Award program recognized the following A-B
students this year: Eben Bein, Eric Sheehan, Cherie Dunn, Caitlin Frost, Eric
Funk, Kate Hanselman, Min Sun Kim, Sarah LeBlanc, Micah Litant, Samantha Pappin,
Svetlana Romanova, and Lauren Tracy. It is a real tribute to our visual arts
program to have so many students recognized!
Six Acton-Boxborough students were finalists in this year’s Mathematics Olympiad
competition, sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of Mathematics Leagues
and the Actuaries Club of Boston. Finalists, who placed in the top 100 statewide,
were seniors Alex Kazberouk, Andrew Kuo, and Susan Yao; sophomores George
Hong and Patrick Wu; and freshman Feiqi Jiang. Thirteen additional students
were named semi-finalists by placing in the top 5% statewide. They included:
Damian Ancukiewicz, Samarth Bhargava, Eugene Dao, Lee Dietterich, Jonathan
Eisenberg, Mark Kagan, Harsha Krovi, Dan Li, Lucy Li, Jessica Lin, Nikhil
Pradhan, Ashwin Suresh, and David Xiang.
ABRHS received a second-place award in the Associated Press Broadcasters Association
contest for Massachusetts high schools. Over 40 schools took part. A-B’s entry
in the contest was two fall editions of the cable show, “AB to Z” produced
by the Introduction to Broadcasting classes, taught by Rick Kilpatrick, assisted
by Dan Drinkwater.
The Spectrum, A-B’s student newspaper, recently received a third-place
award for Excellence in Sports Writing and a second-place award for Excellence
in News Writing in the Suffolk University Greater Boston High School Newspaper
Competition. Congratulations to the entire staff, and special kudos to Brian
Callahan, Sports Editor, Rashmi Jasrasaria and Debleena Mitra, News Editors,
David Emer, Editor-in-Chief, Linda Yan, Senior Editor, and Jonathan Eisenberg,
Chief Layout Editor.
The 2004–05 ABRHS winter athletic season was an exciting and successful time
for many of our teams. We are proud of all our teams for their dedication,
sportsmanship, and outstanding efforts.
End of Year Schedule
Assuming we will have no additional snow days for the remainder of the
year, the end of year schedule will be as follows:
Graduation – June 3
English final exams (in class) – June 16 & 17
Last day of classes for grades
9 - 11 – June 17
Exams for 1st and 2nd period
classes – June 20
Exams for 3rd and 4th period
classes – June 21
Exams for 5th and 6th period
classes – June 22
Exams for 7th and 8th period
classes – June 23
Course Planning for 2005–2006
Students have selected their courses for next year. Students will receive
a printed copy of their course selections in homeroom on April 5th to check
for accuracy. Any changes in the selections must be made by April 29th using
the form available in the Counseling Center. After all changes are entered,
the administration will begin to build a master schedule based on student
course selections.
- Steve Donovan
School Council Openings
There are three openings for
parents on the ABRHS School Council for next year. The School Council meets
monthly and acts as an advisory body for the principal. The School Council
also has responsibility for approving a School Improvement Plan each year
and monitoring progress against the plan. Any parent interested in running
for one of these positions should forward a brief statement about his or her
background and interests to Beth Petr at BPetr@att.net or call her at 978-263-7208
by May 1st. Election ballots will be included in the June issue of the PTSO
Newsletter with a voting deadline of mid-June.
On Friday, May 6 from 4-7p.m., we're having a fundraiser sponsored by Roche Bros. They will generously donate 5% of all collected receipts during that time. Please consider buying a gift certificate for future shopping - this is where we benefit the most. Gift certificates can also be ordered in advance and hand delivered to you. For more information, see next month's newsletter or send an email to ABProjGrad05@aol.com.
If you haven’t had a chance to sign up to become a volunteer, it’s not too late. Hundreds of parents and community members are needed each year to pull off this event and we’d love to have you be part of the team. If you already signed up, called, or sent an email to volunteer and haven't been contacted, please send a message to Jean Sacra jsacra@verizon.net. We don't want to miss anyone!
Want to learn more about Project Graduation? Visit our website at http://www.abprojectgrad.org/.
Any adult planning to work at Project Graduation (set-up or at the event) needs to have a CORI form processed by the High School (clearances through the other town schools don't count). A CORI certification is good for 3 years. If you are not currently approved, we will ask you to fill out an application form. If you know that you need to submit an application, please use the form on the back of this page or pick one up at the main office at the High School. Please send your completed form to Project Graduation, P.O. Box 912, Acton, MA 01720.
Did you know that Project Graduation is a “501c3 Tax-Exempt Organization”? Not only are your generous contributions tax deductible, but if your company or business has a matching donation program, Project Graduation can benefit with an additional gift. Check with your HR department. Send in the company matching donation form with your donation and we’ll handle the rest. Please make checks payable to Project Graduation.
For Project Grad information, contact Sharon Smith McManus, Chair (978-263-8014, ABProjGrad05@aol.com)
Project Graduation Volunteer Form
Sign me up! I’d like to volunteer in the following area(s):
_____Theme Design & Decorations _____Food Planning _____ Set up _____Logistics _____Lighting _____Food Serving _____Entertainment _____Crafts _____Casino
_____Challenge Games _____Photography _____Chaperone
OR _____No preference, just want to help out.
Name:__________________________ Phone Number:_________________________
Email Address:_________________________
Please send this form to: Project Graduation, c/o ABRPTSO, P.O Box 912, Acton, MA 01720.
RJGJHS NEWS
FROM THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Craig Hardimon
Now that spring is upon us, it is time to turn to a certain rite of the season: MCAS. The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System is one of the ways that we track the progress of the school. It is vital that students are in school, and on time, for each test session. Students who miss a test must make-up that test. Please help us achieve 100% attendance on each test day.
Our students will take part in the same tests as previous years. Seventh graders will take the English Language Arts Long Composition test and the English Language Arts Language and Literature exam. Eighth graders will complete the Mathematics test and the Science & Technology/Engineering test. As before, students will be allowed additional time to finish any test session. On test days, students should bring:
New this year will be the participation in several test question tryouts. These tests are the first step in adding all of the tests required by the Massachusetts DOE and the No Child Left Behind legislation. Seventh graders will have tryout questions for new Math and History tests. Eighth graders will have tryout questions for a new Reading test. Although the results for these tests are not reported, the information gathered is used to create future tests.
2005 RJ Grey MCAS Schedule
| April 6 |
7 ELA Long Composition |
| 8 Reading Tryout |
|
| May 16 |
7 ELA Language and Literature I |
| 8 Mathematics I |
|
| May 17 |
7 ELA Language and Literature II |
| 8 Mathematics II |
|
| May 18 |
7 ELA Language and Literature III |
| 8 Science I |
|
| May 19 |
8 Science II |
| 7 Mathematics Tryout and History Tryout |
-Craig Hardimon
Junior High School Dates of Interest
1 End of Term 3
6 MCAS– English
Long Composition, Grade 7
6 Student Council Meeting, 7:36 a.m.
12 School Council Meeting, 7:00–
8:30 p.m.
18– 22 No School,
Spring Break
27 Parents/Guardians of 6th
Graders Presentation
at ABRHS, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Would you like to get more involved in the ABRHS PTSO? The Board of Directors is looking for new people for positions opening up on next year's Board. If you have questions, or want to volunteer, please contact Martha Rounds at mrounds@newview.org or 978-263-7227.
REGIONAL SCHOOL CALENDAR
High School Dates of Interest
April
1 & 2 Spring
Play – “Moon Over Buffalo” 7:30 p.m.
4 First night of Acton Town Meeting
6 MCAS Long Composition (Grade 10)
8 & 9 Spring Play – “Moon Over Buffalo” 7:30 p.m.
8 Early dismissal for students
8 End of Term 3
12 Senior Class meeting – 3rd period
18–22 Spring Recess
25 School Council meeting, 6:00 p.m.
26 Report cards distributed
26 National Honor Society Induction, 7:30
p.m.
29 Senior Breakfast and Community Service
Day
May
2 Senior
Internship begins
2 Advanced Placement Exams begin
3 ABRHS Spring Concert, 7:30 p.m.
4 Awards Night, 7:00 p.m.
7 SAT I & II
Junior High School Dates of Interest
April
1 End of Term 3
6 MCAS– English
Long Composition, Grade 7
6 Student Council Meeting, 7:36 a.m.
12 School Council Meeting, 7:00–
8:30 p.m.
18– 22 No School,
Spring Break
27 Parents/Guardians of 6th
Graders Presentation
at ABRHS, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Acton & Boxborough
Upcoming Election and Town Meeting Dates
Acton Town Election
Tuesday, March 29th
Polls are open from 7 AM until 8 PM
Begins Monday, April 4th
Continues until business is completed
7:00 PM in the AB Regional High School Auditorium
For more information, contact Acton’s Town Clerk at 978-264-9615.
Begins Monday, May 9th
7:30 PM at the Blanchard School
For more information, contact Boxborough’s Town Clerk at 978-263-1116.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE NEWS
FROM THE REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Becky Neville, Chair
The School Committee would urge all registered voters in Acton to vote on Tuesday, the 29th and attend Town Meeting starting on April 4th.
Along with voting on the override, voters will also be voting for two new School Committee members. Mary Ann Ashton and Jeff Vandegrift are both stepping down after many years of service. Jeff has been on the committee for three years and has served as our liaison to CTAC. Mary Ann is leaving the committee after serving seven years. During her time on the committee, she has been Chair of the Region and Local, has served as a negotiator, and has been the School Committee liaison to ALG, Danny’s Place, Leary Field, and many other subcommittees. Both Mary Ann and Jeff will be missed by the committee and we wish them well in their future pursuits.
At our March 31st meeting we will pay tribute to Mary Ann and Jeff. We will also enjoy a performance by the Madrigals. The override results will be known by that time so we will also be discussing the budget. Boxborough residents have until April 19th to register to vote to be able to participate at Town Meeting and at the election on May 16th.
On Wednesday, April 13th Pam Resor and Jamie Eldridge will be speaking on Proposition 2 ½, Senior Tax Relief, and Education funding at the new Sargent Memorial Library at 7:00 p.m. and all residents are invited to attend.
If you have any last minute questions on the budget please feel free to call or email me. Our next School Committee meeting will be Thursday, March 31st at 7:30 p.m. at the Junior High Library, we encourage you to come.
Please remember to vote!
- Becky Neville
ABRSC, Chair
neville317@juno.com 978-263-3285
Tuesday, April 12th
PTSO forum
“Athletic and Sports Presentation” with Steve Desy
12 Noon
Acton Memorial Library
April 12 12 Noon PTSO Forum – Athletics and Sports Presentation Athletic Director Steve Desy presenting, Acton Memorial Library
May 16 7:00 PM Last PTSO Meeting – Annual Business Meeting, High School
May 16 7:30 PM PTSO Presentation – “Surviving the College Search”, High School
THE DEADLINE
FOR ARTICLE SUBMISSION FOR THE MAY NEWSLETTER IS APRIL 8.
This issue is scheduled
to be mailed to families on April 28.