Carver Chronicles
A weekly newsletter that celebrates CMHS students and staff
The Carver Chronicles is a newsletter designed to share and celebrate all of the great learning activities, extra-curricular events and awesome accomplishments that happen every day at Carver Middle High School!
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Carver Middle High School students, staff, clubs and events!
5 Things you may not know about...Mrs. Nolan
1. She has a 3 year old son and a baby girl on the way due in early June!
2. She went to Framingham State for undergrad and Bridgewater State for Graduate School.
3. In high school, she won a state championship with her cheer team and numerous national titles with an all star team.
4. She has swam with dolphins and stingrays on vacation.
5. Cadbury mini eggs are one food that she is stocking up on during this quarantine.
High School Student Spotlight: Sydney Peterson
- Name: Sydney Peterson
- Grade: 11
- Favorite Class: History
- Favorite Food: Gyoza
- Favorite Dancer: Gene Kelly
- Favorite Sport: Volleyball
- Favorite TV Show: The Office
- Favorite Comedian: John Mulaney
- Hobbies: Singing, Dancing, Painting
- Accomplishments: Sydney has been a part of CMHS Drama since 7th grade, and will be performing in MAMMA MIA! when it gets rescheduled (come see the show..it's a blast!)
- Miscellaneous: She has an adorable rescue dog named Piper. She has been dancing since she was 3, her first role in musical was Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz when she was 9 years old!
Middle School Student Spotlight -
- Name: Ryder Holmes
- Grade: 7
- Favorite Class: English
- Favorite Athlete: Lamar Jackson
- Favorite Holiday: Christmas
- Favorite Book: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
- Favorite Movie: Black Panther
- Hobby: Playing Baseball
- Career Goal: Working in professional sports
- Favorite TV Show: Survivor
- Accomplishments: won Summer Baseball Championship, High Honors all of 6th grade, President's award in 5th grade
- Pets: Cocker Spaniel named Phoebe
MAMMA MIA
The cast of Mamma Mia cannot wait to share the fun and happiness of this musical with all of you as soon as they are able! It will be a great way to celebrate all of us being back together! Thank you for the music!
From Haley S.
CRUSADERS IN (AND OUT OF) THE CLASSROOM
Here are some photos from just before the school closing. Mrs. Bardetti’s classes were moving through different stations to learn about the history of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and the Civil Rights Movement in preparation for reading To Kill a Mockingbird.
Junior Laruen Todd recently created "positivity rocks" to place around the community, spreading messages of public safety, hope, and appreciation for those who serve us during this challenging time.
A great way to get some community service hours during this time!
Great job Lauren!
Chris Cook, Dylllon Kemper and Shane McColgan have been working to help distribute more than 6 tons of food since mid March as volunteers at Shane Gives Thanks food pantry. Nice job boys!
Mr. Antell, Ms. Goodman, and Ms. Ferreira’s students worked hard virtually to make sure that they got the best grades possible during term three!
April is Autism Awareness Month
Join the Student Outreach Group in making 2020 a year full of kindness. Together, we can create a kinder, more inclusive world.
Take the #kindnesscounts challenge
Be an influencer of kindness by leading by example and spreading positivity to your followers. A poll on Autism Speaks social media pages showed that 90 percent of people on the spectrum and their loved ones said they experienced bullying or negativity.
How to take the challenge:
Write or film a kind and uplifting message to your followers on social media. There is no wrong way to be kind, make the challenge your own.
Post it and tag @autismspeaks and three of your friends and nominate them to post kind messages of their own.
Watch the kindness and positivity that you sparked, spread!
The goal of the #KindnessCounts challenge is to make our online and offline worlds kinder and more inclusive and to increase acceptance of autistic people and their families. Any acts of kindness, big or small, can make an impact in the lives of others.
Mrs. Markram’s Catcher in the Rye collage! Grateful for her students for giving her wonderful drawings and a new hobby!
When you try to find creative ways to keep in touch with your students...
After not seeing each for a few weeks, the students and staff of the POST program were very happy to “see each other". They can’t wait until we all go back to school!!
Kylie wants to come back now!!
Teachers greeting students as they came to pick up their books, clothes, etc on Monday and Tuesday.
Franklin going "home" for a little while...
Ms. Varnerin went to pick up a couple things from her classroom and bumped into (6 feet apart) her mentor and neighbor Mr. Cully. We both say hello and miss you all very much!
A few tips to help with distance learning
- Remember that just because we are not face -to- face we still need to act like we are; if you wouldn't speak to a person that way face to face--- DO NOT do it online.
- The same expectations are set for distance learning as if we were in the building... RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, BE YOUR BEST!
- DON'T Panic!! This is new for all of us and we KNOW that this is not the best/easiest way that all students learn.. WE are here for you and will do our very best to help you along the way.
- Set up a certain space... try not to have too many distractions...
- If it helps... print out when you can that way if you are a paper/pencil person you can still do this... then take a picture and email through Jupiter or post in the classroom.
- Make a to-do list at the beginning of the week: write down each class name, what the assignment is, and when it is due... then you can see if you have to break any of the assignments into smaller pieces to make it more manageable. CHECK IT OFF when you are done,,, this is as much satisfying as it is helpful.
- Set a timer... if the assignment is read for 20 min. set the timer.... ** make sure to take notes as you are reading or write a quick summary when you are done.. this will save time so you may not need to go back into the text later... **remember the Who, What, Where, When, Why, How when taking these notes..
- TAKE BREAKS... But set a timer and try not to pause in the middle of something and/or write down where to come back to. Complete one class, take a break and go to the next class... If it is a long assignment work for 20min take a break and get right back to it.
- Make time to do something you love... walk, draw, sing, facetime friends, call them.. when you see them or hear their voice rather than just texting it feels more real.
- REACH OUT!!!! I can't specify this enough... take advantage of the Google Hangouts provided by the teachers which allows you to ask questions, have group discussions,etc... Email or message in Jupiter or Classroom
We will get through this together!
Mrs. T.
HOMESCHOOL HEROES
Here is Harley working on academics, getting ready for more formalized schooling next week. He has been checking in with Mrs. Bardetti and turning in missing assignments this week. He also checked in with Mr. Cully, Mrs. Peterson and Ms. Varnerin...progress!
This is Jessie participating in Mrs. Markram's 10th grade virtual book club. She is enjoying the interaction! I might have another pic also. You can choose whichever you think is best.
Mr. Vance’s twins love going on hikes when the weather cooperates.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Juniors: it's time to get creative with some...@-HOME COMMUNITY SERVICE IDEAS! bit.ly/2Jh10gm
LIBRARY UPDATES
Mrs. Bertram has added a couple of new resources to the
Staff and students have access to new databases/video streaming from Infobase until May 24.
New: American History, Science Online, World Geo & Culture, Health Reference Center, Bloom's Literature, The World Almanac, Classroom Video On Demand: Master Collection, Chelsea House Biographies: here is a link to all.
Username: Carver HS Password: facts
HELPFUL RESOURCES
The following link has useful information for a variety of distance learning platforms.
Read, walk outside, Facetime or chat with friends and family, catch up on some overdue school work, watch a good movie, binge your favorite Netflix show, play videos games with friends online, take virtual classes, board games, exercise.
Check out some of these resources:
https://www.netflixparty.com/ -- a group of people can watch a moving together from afar
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflNxNM0jzbZJjUqOcXkwhGTfii4CM_CA3kCxImbY8c3AABEA/formResponse -- Hogwarts Digital Escape room
https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours - virtual museum tours
https://triblive.com/lifestyles/more-lifestyles/bored-kids-can-take-a-virtual-field-trip-via-zoo-websites/- virtual Zoo
One of many sample home-school schedules
Modify as appropriate for your needs BUT STICK TO A SCHEDULE!
As you are home and wondering what to do about this whole learning thing.
Here are some family games and the actual educational basis for them:
Blurt- Self- Control, metacognition, word recall
Scrabble- spelling, planning, organization
Monopoly- money management, life skills
Pictionary- flexibility, time-management, nonverbal communication, creativity
Distraction- working memory, attention, self-control
5 Second Rule- time management, word recall, task initiation, categorization
Freeze- Self-control, attention
Jenga (can be paired with many other tasks)- self- control, flexibility, planning
Cranium- teamwork, nonverbal communication, problem solving, creativity, flexibility, self-control, vocabulary, spelling, etc.
Chess- planning, flexibility, working memory
Uno- coordination, colors, sequencing, flexibility
Any Trivia (jeopardy, trivial pursuit, etc)- comprehension, recall, flexibility, etc.
Many games we have on our shelves promote social language and competencies as well as promoting many necessary skills.
EVEN VIDEO GAMES (YES I SAID IT!) however, there may be times that we as parents NEED to have some discussion about safety and specifically teach/enforce some of these skills for those who do not possess them innately.
Let me know if you have any questions!!
Mrs. Townsend Speech Language Pathologist
I wanted to reach out to all of you and offer some suggestions for the coming weeks. I know that this is a very uncertain time where changes are happening daily and that uncertainty can cause some of us to feel distressed. Couple that with the suggestion of social distancing and we may also end up feeling isolated and sad to be cut off from our friends and other outside supports. I wanted to offer a way to try to combat those feelings and keep you all in a positive place. Here are a few tips:
Keep to a routine. Especially try to keep to a school/work sleep schedule full of great sleep hygiene. Take a shower or wash up every day. Get dressed every day. I love an all day PJ day every once in a while but I think that the daily act of getting up and getting ready most days can go a long way in positively impacting your mental health. It is a very small basic form of self care that can make you feel better and more productive each day. I think those small things will really add up in the coming weeks.
Keep in contact with outside providers and try to keep appointments for mental health. If you aren't able to go to their office, ask if they can do a telehealth or zoom video conference with you. As I stated before, this feeling of uncertainty may cause some of you to feel anxious and that is perfectly normal! However, I want to make sure that you are talking through those thoughts with someone in a healthy way so that they aren’t taking over.
Be mindful of media intake; temporarily limit exposure to sources that increase anxiety, depression, loneliness, fear, and anger and stick to content that helps you feel hopeful, happy, calm, connected, inspired and uplifted.
Try to spend some time outdoors. Spending time outdoors has been proven to boost mental health and overall feelings of happiness. Going for a walk outdoors can further boost your mood by releasing endorphins and serotonin. And if it’s a sunny day the Vitamin D that you would get will reduce stress, help to regulate your internal clock, and increase your energy levels. Just getting outside can help to ward off the cabin fever that you may be experiencing during social distancing.
Take the time to get caught up. If you're behind, chip away at some outstanding assignments. It will help you keep from getting bored, can serve as a distraction, and will reduce long term stress. If you have a question about make-up work, let us know. Also, if you have online courses you may use this time to get caught up on those as well.
Stay connected. Genuinely connected. Have real phone conversations, write letters/cards, play board games with your family, spend time physically near other humans (if safe to do so) and animals and reach out to friends and loved ones via facetime or other video platforms that feature more authentic 1-1 connection.
Mrs. Charbonneau
EXTRA-CURRICULAR CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
STUDENT COUNCIL
Thank you everyone who participated in No Tech Thursday as we continue to complete this virtual Spirit Week. Attached is a summary video of the day which included the posting of pictures and videos to show what we are all doing to pass the time without sitting in front of screens and devices.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-gAi-1BMCu/?igshid=1f0hvowwvheqp
CARING CRUSADERS
Congratulations to Siobhan Mulready for desiging the concept for the new Sticker Shock 2020 Campaign. Siobhan's design has been made into a window cling that will be placed in all liquor stores in Carver as a reminder of the dangers and consequences of buying alcohol for minors and underage drinking.
ATHLETICS
MRS. BOWIE'S TRIP TO IRELAND!
Such an amazing trip, all things considered, as there were new restrictions every day. We visited the Titanic Museum in Belfast which was located next to the docks where it was actually built. We stayed in Letterkenny for a few days and visited Giant’s Causeway and The Dark Hedges. We headed to Donegal, Sligo and Westport where we took in the Drumcliffe Church where Yeats is said to be buried. We went to the Westport House that was filled with the history of a 16th century pirate queen named Grace O’Malley. We went to Achill Island that was breathtaking. We went through Ceide Fields which is the most extensive Neolithic site. We traveled to Croagh Patrick which is said to be the holiest mountain in Ireland. Some members hiked to the top on what was a very stormy day! We visited Knock Shrine where it is said that the Blessed Mary, St. Joseph and St. John appeared in 1879. We visited Cong where they shot the Quiet Man with John Wayne. We went through Connemara National Park which was picture perfect. Our last days were spent in Galway. A great city, but by the time we got there many restaurants and shops had closed. We were with a great group of people and we all made the best of the situation. We definitely made a lot of wonderful memories and I feel blessed that I was able to experience first hand how my ancestors lived, and hope to go back and explore some more☘️
NURSE'S OFFICE
10 TIPS TO SURVIVE SOCIAL DISTANCING
1. Establish a Routine – Set regular times for schoolwork, sleep, meals, etc. Routines establish healthy habits, boost our focus & self-discipline, and help us feel more in control.
2. Exercise - Regular exercise relieves stress, improves mood, and promotes overall better health.
3. Get Outdoors – So the weather isn’t great, but get outside even if for only a short time each day. Fresh air helps clear the mind, clear the lungs, and can strengthen the immune system.
4. Set a Small Goal Each Day - Focus on what you can do today. Achieving small goals helps build confidence, gain momentum, and increases motivation for what comes next.
5. Socialize (from a distance) - Reaching out to friends and family regularly on the phone and online will help prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation - for you and those you reach out to.
6. Find a New Hobby (or Revive an Old One) - Now is your chance to try some new recipes, create or build something, start that scrapbook, practice or learn a new instrument, tackle that 1000 piece
.puzzle, etc. Spending time on an activity you enjoy clears your mind, lowers stress, and improves overall mental health.
7. Enjoy Time with Your Family - Have family dinners, watch movies and play games together, use this forced slowdown as an opportunity to reconnect.
For Parents:
8. Take a Break from the News - especially when the kids are watching. Get current information from reliable sources and help interpret this information for your kids, at age-appropriate levels.
9. Be Flexible - Rules and guidelines that were in place before, such as restrictions on screen time, may need to be changed. Talk to your kids and work together to establish rules that work during this increased time at home.
10. Take Time for Yourself - Kids will struggle if they see their adults struggle; they feel our stress. Use the above suggestions to find a healthy outlet to relieve your own stress or anxiety. Before trying to help everyone else, please take time to be kind to yourself.
COUNSELING CORNER
Attention SENIORS!
This time at home is a great opportunity to continue to fill out scholarship applications. College is expensive so take advantage of FREE money! Check Jupiter Ed email for instructions from Mrs. McKenna and Mrs. Nolan to navigate Naviance for Scholarships.
Attention JUNIORS!
Take this time to continue searching for the perfect college and/or career! Check Jupiter Ed email for college search links and resources!
ALL STUDENTS!
Take advantage of any online learning opportunities from teachers. This is a great time for educational enrichment in all subject areas. Check Jupiter Ed, check Google Classroom, read books, write in a journal, practice your skills!
ALUMNI UPDATE
Where Are They Now?
Carl Duff (class of 2010), currently on quarantine in China, was recently accepted into Harvard Grad school’s Technology, Innovation, and Education Program. Since CMHS he has traveled and taught social studies around the world including Shanghai China. He's pictured visiting Tibet.
Carver Middle High School
Email: martinm@carver.org
Website: www.carver.org
Location: 60 South Meadow Road, Carver, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 866-6130
Twitter: @CarverMHSPrinc