SHS Warrior Call
Respect: Earn It, Give It, Live It!
Welcome!
ISSUE 2 - January 15, 2016
Welcome to the Seekonk High School Newsletter! It is designed to keep everyone (parents, students, staff, and community members) informed of the many events that are happening around the school. It contains links, pictures, and videos so that you have a more interactive experience and the ability to learn more (if you wish) about various topics.
As always, we welcome feedback! Let us know what you think by contacting us and sharing our news!
SHS Core Values
Seekonk High School is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where our students can develop the skills necessary to become independent thinkers and problem solvers capable of addressing the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The staff, students, family, and community members will collaborate to create an atmosphere of compassion, appreciation of diversity, and mutual respect. We will provide stimulating academic and extracurricular programs that are relevant and engaging so we can meet the needs of all learners.
MIDTERMS! MIDTERMS! MIDTERMS!
Midterms are fast approaching! They start next Thursday (1/21) with periods A +B and run until the following Tuesday (1/26). Please look at the exam schedule to find test guidlines and testing and dismissal times. You may want to check out a recent article written by the Princton Review titled: Ten Ways to Beat Midterm Mania. It addresses various tips to help you get ready for midterms.
Mr. Censabella's Resources
Many parents and students have found it very helpful to refer to Mr. Censabella's website for assistance with the upcoming midterm exams. Its pages include:
- copy of the class review guides for the test
- USI and USII college level classes include the prompts for the midterm essay questions. Students may work on these at home, using the essay templates (also included on the website), to write a rough draft and then use the templates on the midterm exam to write the essay.
There is NO reason to miss visiting his page to take advantage of these resources. Go there now!
The Winter Ball will be held on Saturday, February 6th, at the Venus de Milo from 6:30pm to 10pm.
Senior Trip will take place May 27th to the 28th. Students will be traveling to Six Flags Great Escape and staying at the Great Escape Lodge in Lake George, NY. Cost is $200 per student. Seniors were provided with informational packets as well as required forms on Tuesday, January 12th during all lunches. Be sure to complete:
1st deposits and these required forms are due by January 29th. Please contact Mrs. Capizzo or Ms. Kozlowski, class advisors, with any questions.
Band Trip for the March 19th Boston Symphony Orchestra concert at Symphony Hall in Boston is still available. There are not many spots left so be sure to contact Mr. Smialek for details!
For Future Planning:
Thursday, May 5 - Honor Societies - Induction Ceremonies @ 6:30 PM
Saturday, May 14 – Prom at the Viking Hotel in Newport from 6:30-10:30 PM
Friday, May 27-Saturday, May 28 – Senior Trip to Six Flags and Lake George
Wednesday, June 1 - Senior Class Night @ 7 PM
Friday, June 3 - Graduation @ 6:30 PM
Anne Silveira Receives Superintendent's Award for Academic Excellence!
Senior Anne Silveira was recognized on January 14, 2016 by the Massachussetts Association of School Superintendents Association for her achievements. As reported to the newspaper, this award is; "To recognize senior students who have selected the most rigourous course of study in their local high schools and have succeeded i that course of study because of hard work and the support of their teachers and families. The awards are given to high school students who have distinguished themselves in the pursuit of excellence during their high school careers." I was lucky enough to give a brief speech about Anne at this ceremony that focused not on a list of achievements, but instead who she is as a person and why she will continue to be successful. CONGRATULATIONS ANNE!
Seekonk Boosters Donate "1,000 Point Banner"!
SHS Key Club says goodbye to 2015!
Work Harder AND Smarter!
Midterm exams start next week
We have finally reached this point in the year. We are almost officially halfway done with the academic calendar! While many students like to think about being halfway finished, they often forget one of the more important aspects of this time. No, I am not talking about the possibility of snow, the ending of semester classes, or begining those new electives for which they have been waiting. I am talking about exams and properly preparing for a two hour test! Lucky for all the students that I took up this very topic on my blog multiple times.
First, I wrote a post called The Final Frontier: Studying for Exams. While it references finals, the concept is the same; schedule, prepare, work, environment, and rest. If I am too much of an adult or too old for students to listen to, I have also included another old post from my blog titled From Students to Students: How to Study. The message is virtually the same, but this time it is from other students and in the form of a (three actually) video. Go ahead, take a look, and realize that there is a right and wrong way to do this thing called studying.
The most important thing you ask? No matter how worried (or not) you are about the subject, make sure you study! Seekonk High School has many outstanding teachers that are standing by waiting to help. They will do everything they can, but ultimately it is up to the student (yes you) to put the work in, learn, and pass. Find your teachers, use their study guides, focus, and get it done. Good luck! Be great!
Please remind your students that this month's character challenge themes are: Positive Improvements and Goals. What are they doing to improve themselves as students and people? Its not about being perfect, but being better than you were yesterday! We will be announcing tthe first set of winners early next week!
Please do not hesitate to contact me via email or phone (508-336-7272 ext. 124) if you have any questions. I also post information on my blog and tweet (@DrCSJones) as often as possible. Please feel free to follow both for tips and updates.
The school report card has been published
MCAS scores and what they mean for the high school have been published. Please be sure to read this cover letter and the overview of the school's report card. Much more detailed information may be found at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's website.
Guidance News - Mrs. Whatley
Seekonk High School will be hosting an admission counselor from Bristol Community College to meet with seniors interested in attending BCC. The Admission day will be on Thursday, February 4, 2016. Interested students should sign up with their guidance counselor. The college application fee will be waived for students who complete the college application and meet with the representative.
Who We Are - Getting to Know Our Staff
Various staff members are being asked to share 5 things about themselves in an effort to let everyone know about who makes up Seekonk High School's community. This week is:
Mrs. Bree Schebel
- I come to Seekonk High School after teaching for 8 years at Shea High School in Pawtucket. During my tenure there I taught all levels of mathematics to grades 9 through 12. I also spent a few years teaching math to English Language Learners who had been in the country less than 3 years. Prior to teaching at Shea, I taught middle school at Holy Name School in Springfield, MA and then North Attleboro Middle School.
- I work as an adjunct instructor at Roger Williams University. I teach 1 or 2 classes each semester in the mathematics department. I have taught courses including basic statistics, math in the modern world, and college algebra.
- Sports have always played a huge role in my life. I was a 11 letter recipient at Tolman High School in Pawtucket, where I lettered in softball, swim and tennis. I continued my athletic career at Elms College where I was a member of the softball team and the swim team. I was ranked 10th in D3 NCAA for doubles and 23rd for batting average during my college career. I also qualified for the NCAA D3 collegiate New England championship meet in my junior and senior year swimming. As an adult I still dust off my bat and glove every spring and summer when I play for the Pawtucket Slaterettes Women’s Baseball league.
- I am a lifetime member of Girl Scouts. I earned my gold award when I was in high school, and I have continuously stayed involved with the organization. Every summer I work as the waterfront director at one of the Girl Scout summer camps in Swansea, MA. It is the same camp that I attended as a kid, and I love to go back every year and work with the new generations of scouts!
- My family is my primary focus at this point in my life. My two boys are ages three and five and they take up all my time and energy (I wouldn’t have it any other way!) I spend my free time bringing them to their many activities and watching their athletic games and activities. My oldest is really into soccer right now, and plays in several leagues. My little one is just starting tee-ball and can’t wait to break out his new glove!
Warrior Cries!
Mrs. Morgan Hellmold...for her amazing work with the Drama class last night! The performance was great and the recognition the students gave Morgan shows how much she inspires her students! - Robert Darran
Mrs. Suzanne Larson...for always being available to help staff with all things technological! She works tirelessly to trouble shoot, schedule classes into the library, and visit classrooms and meetings when instruction is needed! - Chris Jones
Mr. Ed Cunard...for serving on the Positive Behavioral Syupport Committee and volunteering to coordinate "music Fridays". He helps make our school a welcoming, fun place...especially during passing! - Deanna Marinucci
Sports with Mr. Crippen
For the first time in Seekonk High School history...
both girls shot put teams placed first and second at the Massachusetts State Relays! CONGRATS to Cammy and Katie Garabian, Erin Langlois, Kate LeClerc, and Molly O'Halloran!
Another Seekonk High School record...
Anne Silveira ran the third fastest 600 meter time in Seekonk High School history at the same meet mentioned above! CONGRATS!
Does Your Student Like To Read?
The next meeting of the SHS Book Club is Thursday, Feb. 11 right after school in the library! We’ll be talking about Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige. All students welcome! Talk to Mrs. Larson in the SHS Library.
If you want more indepth information about the Library; including contact information, research guides, and other offerings check out the SHS Library Website!
It is the end of the first semester and time for clear the decks by returning borrowed items to the SHS library. Parents, please encourage your student to return all materials. Students, please check your SHS e-mail or the list outside the library to see if you owe anything! Questions? Talk to Mrs. Larson!
From the Nurse - Mrs. Rok - Happy New Year!
The Massachusetts Department of Health requires a current physical on file for all grade 10 students. A current physical was due before December 22, 2015 and letters were mailed home for those missing a physical. Please send them in ASAP or your child will be put on an obligations list
Please email me at rokp@seekonkschools.org or call with any questions or concerns.
Contact Information
Email: jonesc@seekonkschools.org
Website: http://shs.seekonk.sharpschool.com/
Location: 261 Arcade Avenue, Seekonk, MA, United States
Phone: (508) 336-7272
Twitter: @DrCSJones