Warriors Weekly
🍂 October 3-7, 2022 🍂
We are proud to recognize John Musante '25 who is working toward the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement available in the Boy Scouts of America. John recently completed his Eagle Scout project, an important step toward earning this rank. John led a group of volunteers to refurbish the St. James preschool playground and build a raised bed for students to plant a flower garden. Through this process, John witnessed the power of people coming together to make a positive difference in our community. John, thank you for your leadership and service.
Literature Comes to Life in Ms. Ganey's Classroom
Ms. Ganey's English students are loving F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. In addition to decorating her room for the theme, Ms. Ganey has made the learning interactive, with symbols in her classroom such as a a green light for goal setting, exploration of Fitzgerald's use of color symbolism, time period music, and exploration of the characters. Thanks to Ms. Ganey for making Gatsby such a memorable experience for students.
Hamilton College Tutors Available
Students, if you would like to work with a Hamilton College tutor for at least 5 week tutoring sessions this year, please use the link below and complete the form on or before Thursday, October 6. Tutors will be available after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 2:15 p.m. - 2:55 p.m. Bus passes will be provided so students can ride on the elementary bus to their house at 3:00.
Meet Our Faculty & Staff:
Another great win for Boys' Varsity Soccer, topped off by a double rainbow!
9th Graders to Attend “Overcoming Obstacles: A Message of Connection, Resilience and Hope”
On October 11, the class of 2026 will attend a full-day program at SUNY Poly designed to encourage ninth grade students to “find that adult in your life,” as they transition from junior high to senior high. The program will feature two keynote speakers, Erin Gruwell and Liz Murray.
Erin Gruwell is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Freedom Writers Diary. The book, and basis for the movie Freedom Writers, starring Hilary Swank, tells the story of Gruwell
and her 150 at-risk students at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California during the early 1990s. Determined to create a brighter future for her students, Gruwell turned to writing and literature to persuade them to embrace history, humanity and hope. She specifically used literature to compare the turmoil of the time to some of the worst examples of society’s inhumanity towards one another. The parallels to their own lives emboldened Gruwell’s students to write their own journals, becoming a form of solace. When the students anonymously read each other’s journals, division was replaced with unity and understanding. As a result, the Freedom Writers were born.
Liz Murray is the co-founder and executive director of “The Arthur Project.” The organization advocates for underserved youth – particularly youth in middle school – and works to end generational poverty through relationship-based learning. Murray, formerly a school dropout and homeless, returned to school, earned her high school diploma in just two years and won a scholarship to Harvard University, where she graduated from in 2009. She went on to receive her Masters in Psychology of Education at Columbia University and her personal journey is the subject of Lifetime Television’s Emmy-nominated original film, Homeless to Harvard. As a passionate advocate for underserved youth, Murray believes having a strong relationship with at least one caring, dedicated adult can make all the difference for a child facing adversity.
We are grateful to the Westmoreland Central School District, Utica National Insurance Group and Integrated Community Alternatives Network (ICAN) for bringing this program to our area.
ATTN: Students Taking the PSAT Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Please arrive at the gym by 7:45 (Students that arrive after testing has started will not be admitted)
Bring #2 pencils and a calculator
Leave cell phones, smartwatches, and electronic devices in your locker
Water bottles and snacks can be left at the front of the gym
You will be assigned a random seat when you arrive
Only work on the section that is designated in each time period (no flipping ahead or going back)
When “time” is called put your pencil down - you will be dismissed for bubbling after time is called
Wait until you are dismissed to leave the testing room
Testing will run into the 5th period, you will eat lunch 6th period.
Classes resume periods 7-9.
Financial Aid Information
The Counseling Office was excited to host Janice Scheutzow, Executive Director of Financial Aid, Hamilton College for a presentation on financial aid. If you missed this great event please check out the following documents.
Mental Health Matters: Resources
Project Hope
- 315-272-6248
- Available Hours- Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm.
Teen Line
- Teen Line
- 1-800-852-8336
- This nonprofit national teen hotline is staffed by trained teen volunteers and offers help via call, email, or text.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- 988 or 1-800-273-8255
- Offers help via call, text, or chat.
Disaster Distress Helpline
- Disaster Distress Helpline
- 1-800-985-5990 for phone support or text TalkWithUs to 66746
- A national hotline for crisis counseling sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline
- 1-800-662-4357 or TTY 1-800-487-4889
- Referral and information service in English and Spanish for individuals or families facing mental health issues and/or substance abuse disorders.
Positivity Project Character Strength of the Week: Open-Mindedness
This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Open-Mindedness. Open-mindedness means you like to consider new ideas and try new things. You examine things from all sides and don’t jump to conclusions.
Open-mindedness is the willingness to actively search for evidence that goes against one’s favored opinions, plans, or goals. Open-minded individuals are able to weigh all evidence fairly, when it is available. They see the other side and fight the tendency to have a bias for their own views. And, rather than favoring the socially dominant views, they give attention to those that are less dominant.
Open-minded individuals are often good listeners and called upon to provide a balanced viewpoint. Both listening and the ability to deliver reasonable and practical advice are marks of good friends and confidantes. This strength helps individuals form meaningful and lasting relationships.
Events this Week:
Tuesday 10/4/22:
- 7:00 pm Sports Boosters Meeting (Media Center)
Wednesday 10/5/22:
- SCHOOL CLOSED: Yom Kippur
Thursday 10/6/22:
- Midpoint of the First Marking Period
Friday 10/7/22:
- NO CLASSES: Superintendent's Conference Day
For the full calendar of athletic events, please click here.