SHS Warrior Call
Respect: Earn It, Give It, Live It!
Welcome!
ISSUE 22 - June 10, 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.
School Year Memories - Photo Access!
Did you know that your sports and events images from this school year are available online? Just go to this website, enter your email address, and the password seekonk to see the amazing collection of images! You can even purchase some of your favorites!
Notary Services are available for residency documents at every school in the district. If you are submitting residency paperwork, just bring it to the school and we will notarize it for you when it is submitted!
For Future Planning:
Tuesday, June 14 - Underclassmen Exams begin
Monday, June 20 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Thank you to all the advanced placement students and parents who showed up last night!
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2016!
Dr. Jones
A few things...
- Finals start on Tuesday of next week. Each day will be an early release.
- Students need to have all of their obligations met. That means books, fees, detention hours, etc.
- The last day of school is June 20. It is a full day.
- Next week's newsletter will probably be the last for the year.
Keeping my perspective in perspective
The most important part of any educator's mission is their ability to reach students. Without constant checking, we sometimes lose the ability to see things from the students perspective. I had an experience this week that made me do just that. Check my understanding of students' perspective so that their education and experience at Seekonk High School is and stays meaningful. It went something like this:
A group of students asked me to meet with them to discuss some concerns they had with a couple policies we currently have in place. I was unsure what to expect from the students in the way of argument or evidence. I went to their classroom and found that the desks had been arranged in a circle to facilitate a discussion. They even had a student prepared to take the minutes of the meeting. I have to say I was impressed. Their points were well thought out. When the discussion became a little redundant, they brought it back. Working together, they took turns speaking and building off of each other's statements.
Most importantly though was what happened to my perspective as I listened to them speak. The students touched on a few areas close to my heart; self determination, gratification/recognition, and the willingness to be part of the solution instead of just complaining. My main takeaway (besides reevaluating the policy) that I believe is valuable for anyone dealing with students:
The difference between reward and reinforcement is often lost in my push to move away from the current "everyone gets a trophy" mentality in society. I view this as doing (often irreparable) damage to students' ability to be resilient in the face of challenge. Yes, we need to keep getting away from it, but going "cold turkey" is difficult. Instead, we need to recognize that reinforcement has the ability to show the students that they are on the right path and doing the right things to be successful because they are often unsure in the face of many temptations. This becomes even more important when the true reward will only be realized at a point possibly a little too far off in the future for students to currently see or understand. "Trust me, it's worth it" is a difficult concept for any teenager to grasp when their mental toughness and character are truly tested.
In short, no matter the decision around policy, these (and all) students who have and continue to work hard need the occasional recognition that they are doing the right thing (no matter how difficult) and everyone notices. Even if it isn't said out loud all the time. Think about it. What adult doesn't like the occasional "pat on the back" or compliment for a job well done? Finally, these students did something for which we should all be proud. They didn't like something so they spoke up in a positive way to make a difference. They also assured me that no matter what comes from their meeting with me, they would continue to keep doing what they have until now; act like true warriors and continue to better themselves.
Guidance - Mrs. Whatley
Underclassman Awards distributed!
Seekonk high School held its annual Underclassman Awards Ceremony this past Wednesday morning. The number of students recognized was amazing! They are:
- 85 certificates for earning honor roll for all three quarters,
- 18 juniors were recognized with a book award,
- 2 Massachusetts art all state awards,
- 1 Portuguese club award,
- 2 outstanding underclassmen trophies were conferred,
- 18 students were awarded for perfect attendance,
- 5 students earned awards in math,
- 9 Audio Visual Club awards were given,
- 3 students were awarded for their skill in band, and
- 23 students (21 highest averages, 1 most active science student, and 1 most active science club member) received awards in science
A grand total of 166 awards were earned by the students of Seekonk High School! We should all be proud and congratulate them for their accomplishments.
warrior cries
Mrs. Christine Whatley..."For all her hard work. She is always there to help with everything from evaluations to scheduling to technology for the building. Mrs. Whatley organized two great award ceremonies this past week and continuously shows how valuable she is to Seekonk high School." - Dr. Jones
Science - Mrs. Cunard
He will be missed!
The Science Department poses with retiring faculty member Howard Lancaster. Mr. Lancaster has taught Chemistry at Seekonk High School for the past 10 years. He previously taught at Cumberland High School for 35 years. Mr. Lancaster began his teaching career as a student teacher at Seekonk.
Science Department hosts the Second Annual Freshman STEM Fair!
This was held to promote interest and awareness of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math careers. Fifteen guest speakers from a variety of backgrounds shared their career paths with the students. Students completed and submitted packets to be eligible for Staples gift certificates that were generously donated by Mrs. Horton and the SHS Student Council. Certificate winners were Erin Broadmeadow, Lily Carlson, Megan Loiselle, Gianna Raposa and Amanda Saisselin.
Library news - Mrs. larson
music news - mr. smialek
Upcoming dates for Music Department activities:
Friday, June 17- Band Picnic @ Colt Park, Bristol, 12-4pm
Saturday, June 18- Brass Ensemble and Horn Quartet performance at Seekonk Meadows 2 pm
For your summer planning:
We anticipate that we will be offering some summer lessons here once again and may have openings for Senior or Junior students to work as instructors. We will also be offering community service opportunities in the Music Department as well. See Mr. Smialek if you would be interested in one of these possible positions.
Marching Band Camp will be Monday, August 8- Friday, August 12 from 8:30 am- 12:30 pm
Sports - Mr. Crippen
The dream season of the Seekonk Softball team came to an end last weekend in the second round of the State Tournament as Hanover High School edged the Lady Warriors 1-0 in Hanover. After throwing a no-hit shutout in the tournament first round game Thursday against Wareham, Sophomore sensation Zoe Jennings went to the mound and threw one hit ball over five innings before giving way to Kelsey Majkut in the second round contest. Hanover pushed their one run across the plate courtesy of two dropped third strikes that resulted in base runners, a hit batsmen and a sacrifice fly. Seekonk had good scoring opportunities courtesy of base hits by Kaileigh and Lindsay Petit, Zoe Jennings and Kate Leclerc but could not push across the equalizer. Nicole Silva and Alyssa Poland registered clutch outfield play at key moments in the game. Congratulations Ladies!
Meanwhile over at Westfield State last Saturday, Zach DeBlois placed 17 th in the discuss and Cammie Garabian placed 9th in the shot put at the All State MIAA track meet. Cammie’s accomplishments make her the number one Freshman shot putter in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and places her number three all time here at Seekonk High School on the Honor Board for the Shot Put.
Congratulations to Victoria Cabral who was honored last Sunday by the Mass StateTrack Coaches Association at their annual state wide Awards Dinner. Victoria was awarded the Frank Kelley Adversity Award for her courage and her determination to join and compete on her high school track team despite her physical disability. She was praised for her hard work and her enthusiasm. She was one of 6 athletes from around the state who was recognized.
This week Fall Sports sign up sheets were available for all Seekonk High School student-athletes to choose what they would like to join this Fall season. Parents and athletes are reminded that they are required to complete the registration process found online under the School’s website. The portal is now up and running so get it done now so you have a free and easy summer. Please pay particular attention to the instructions posted for the process and keep your eye on your child’s physical date so that it does not expire.
For a complete listing of upcoming contests be sure to check out the full Athletic Schedule
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