SHS Warrior Call
Respect: Earn It, Give It, Live It!
Welcome!
September 2, 2016 - Volume 2 - ISSUE 1
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.
Mr. Censabella has a great website! Parents and students will want to visit it often. It provides an overview of what we are doing in class, homework assignments, and file attachments for most handouts distributed in class. Make sure to check it out!
Science Club will have its first meeting on Tuesday, September 6th. The club will meet two Tuesdays per month in Room 448. The club received a grant to build a greenhouse for the club and the school's use from Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom! Other activities include Women of Science Competion, Envirothon, Science Olympiad, Science Cafe, Science Fair and STEM Games. This is a great club for anyone who is interested in any aspect of science! Check it out!
State Primary - Thursday, September 8 - (held in the gym)
School Committee Meeting - Monday, September 12 - (SHS Library)
Open House - Thursday September 15 - Open House
Your Vote is Magic Assembly - Friday September 19 - (held in Auditorium)
Students will view a magic show explaining the importance of voting. More information on this program may be found here. As an addition to this programming, Seekonk High School will be holding their class elections at the same time.
Advanced Placement Kickoff Assembly - Thursday September 22 - (held in Auditorium)
This event is held by the Massachusetts Institute for Education as a way to highlight the success that our students are having, the hard work our teachers are putting in, and how the number of students taking and succeeding in the AP program continue to increase!
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:
School Committee Meeting - Monday, September 26 - (SHS Library)
SAT Test - Saturday, October 1
Parent Conferences - Thursday, November 17, 2016 @ 6:30
College Financing Seminar - Thursday, December 8, 2016 @ 6:30
Prom - Friday, April 28, 2017; Biltmore, Providence @ 6:30
Honor Societies Induction Ceremony - Wednesday, May 3, 2017 @ 6:30
Senior Class Day - Friday, May 26, 2017
Senior Class Night - Wednesday, May 31, 2017 @ 7:00PM
Graduation - Friday, June 2, 2017 @6:30PM
Audreyrose Wooden completes summer at college engineering program and qualifies for scholarship!
"To apply to the program there are two parts, the initial application is reviewed by their board to decide if you are academically eligible and then they send those who made it to their corporate partners that agree to sponsor students for the summer. Our sponsors pay for our flights, dorms, food, transportation, and really anything other than extra odds and ends that we buy personally.
During the program we took college freshman level classes with professors that would be teaching those same classes, we did everything they would do in 11 weeks in our 5 weeks that we were there. We took classes in calculus, chemistry, chemistry lab, physics, computer programming, economics, and engineering rocketry. We got to campus a few days before freshman move-in and stayed in the dorms and started classes the second day we were there. Throughout the program we had many presentations to help us with the college application process and deciding what we want to do when we get to college. Classes were scheduled Monday through Thursday and on Fridays we went on a company tour (GM Flint Assembly, Nexteer Automotive, and Bosch Company)."
What Audreyrose should really be congratulated for beyond being accepted to the program is her performance once there. She placed 3rd out of the 34 students. That means that if she decides to apply, gets accepted, and then chooses to go to Kettering University; Audreyrose will get a scholarship worth $8500 per year for 5 1/2 years! Additionally, she will still be eligible for other university scholarships! Make sure you congratulate Audreyrose for this incredible accomplishment whenever you see her!
New Format for FRESHMEN/NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION A HUGE SUCCESS!
On Monday, August 29th, freshmen and new students took part in a new orientation program at Seekonk High School. Approximately 125 students spent the day as a class (and sometimes split into smaller groups) hearing about academics from Mr. Censabella and Mrs. Borden; going through their schedule and meeting each of the teachers they have; attending an Activity Fair to learn about getting involved; and participating in field activities for team building! Students were pleased to end the day (it was very hot out) with some lunch and ice cream supplied by Sundaes.
Run by students for students, this is a great opportunity for students to transition into and get acquainted with their new school. Now they will feel a little more sure of themselves, welcomed, and like they truly belong now that all the students are back. A GIANT THANKS goes out to Ms. Kozlowski, Ms Wilson, and the students of S.P.E.A.K. for planning and running this event.
Dr. Jones
Welcome Back!
School is back in session and we have definitely hit the ground running! This first week has flown by even if it has felt like 100 degrees every day! September only gets busier as you can see in the "Announcements" section. There are a few things I would like to remind you to look at or make note of:
- Our staff and students continue to achieve at a high level. Some of these accomplishments are noted in the "Awards and Accolades" section.
- The guidance section of the newsletter has some important information concerning connectivity and financing college.
- We held our first annual Interdisciplinary Days on Thursday and Friday. These days were designed to have the curriculum in each class tied to the all school summer read: Code Name Verity. Ask your students what they covered when you see them.
- Mr. Aguiar will be covering a policy each week so that everyone is able to better understand some issues here at SHS.
- The "Warrior Cries" and "Getting to Know Our Staff" sections are back! Please email me if you have a compliment or shout out you would like to give to anyone. The good deeds that individuals do on a regular basis often go unnoticed. If someone goes out of their way to make a difference, please go out of yours to publicly recognize them.
- We have an Advanced Placement kick off assembly coming up. Ask your students about it. These courses are difficult and challenging by design. Too many people get caught up and only feel as if they have been successful if they score a "3" on the final exam. Did you know that students who score even just a "1" on an Advanced Placement Exam 25% more likely to persist in post-secondary education? Wow! That alone speaks to the experience!
So, there a lot of things to think about and look at as we begin another year, but one thing impressed me the most. Our teachers focused on the students and building relationships these few days. Whether they were sharing "6 Word Memoirs", "Who Am I" writings, explaining a person in history they would like to be and why, or tossing a beach ball around that was filled with questions they had to answer about themselves students were being paid attention to. Not for what they knew, but for who they are and that is where true education starts.
Welcome back and here is to the start of a great year!
Remember to get updates via social media by liking our Facebook page and following us on Twitter (@SeekonkHS)! You can also follow my Twitter (@DrCSJones) or blog (I do not write nearly as often as I should) for updates and posts about character and educational (mostly) issues/topics/resources.
Guidance - Mrs. Whatley
A low-cost home internet service may be available to you. If you have a school age child and qualify for free or reduced lunch you may be able to receive Internet Essentials from Comcast for $9.95 per month. More information is available at https://internetessentials.com/ or by calling 1-855-846-8376 Having home internet is helpful to ensure that students and families stay connected to online information.
https://discoverevents.webex.com/discoverevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=ed9de8a33f078fd918ca265baa689033a
https://discoverevents.webex.com/discoverevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=ea91565781c00b92e44bde9c361437f2e
Assistant Principal - Mr. Aguiar
Weekly Policy Reminder: Examples of unacceptable attire include, but are not limited to: Blouses, shirts, sweaters, halter-tops, tube-tops, tank tops, pants, and midriff shirts that do not cover the stomach, back, chest or undergarments. Revealing shorts, “pencil skirts,” or short skirts - Legs should not be exposed above fingertip length when a student stands with arms fully extended downward.
warrior cries
Ms. Keri Kozlowski, Ms. Kate Wilson, and students of S.P.E.A.K....for all their hard work putting together a Freshmen/New Student Orientation Program that helped ease the transition of a new school year for everyone from students to teachers to office staff. - Mrs. Christine Whatley
Mr. John Medeiros and the Seekonk High School custodial staff...for having everything ready for the opening of school. Every aspect of the building was cleaned, waxed, and polished in a shorter amount of time than they usually get. Teachers had all the supplies they needed and only had to pick up the phone to have more delivered (with a smile) by John Medeiros. - Mr. Kevin Aguiar
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:
Mr. Eli Mello
I am a SHS alumni (Class of 1997). I have spent 18 years in this building as a student and an educator. This year is my 15th year teaching Chemistry at SHS. I have enjoyed every year and role I have served. I currently teach AP Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, and Integrated Science. During my time teaching I have taught nine different courses – including Calculus!
I am a twin. I have a fraternal twin brother who is 2 minutes older than me. While my favorite subject in high school was Chemistry, it was his least favorite. You might say we are “polar” opposites.
I have four young children and am married to Melissa Mello, who happens to be a Guidance Counselor at SHS! My children are Cate, Clara, Elsa, and Brooks (ages 1, 3, 5, and 7). My wife and I first met at SHS in 1996 in Calculus class at SHS! You might say we have good “chemistry”!
I coached four different sports teams at SHS in the early to mid 2000s. I coached Boys Soccer, Boys & Girls Cross Country, Boys & Girls Indoor Track and Boys Outdoor Track. All in all, I coached for 20+ seasons. I am an avid runner, global soccer fan, and die hard Red Sox fan.
- I love doing Chemistry demonstrations for my students and my favorites include “Baby Powder Boom”, “The Hindenburg”, and “Sugar, Salt, and Smoke”. All of these demos reveal through flame and heat the amazing amount of energy stored in chemical bonds that can be released during chemical reactions. While I usually get “oohs” and “ahhs”, one time in my early days of teaching I managed to set off the smoke detectors during one demo and get the entire SHS building some extra time in sun on a beautiful May afternoon. For that I got some “heat” from the principal, but the students thought it was “cool”. Always remember: SAFETY FIRST!
Music - Mr. Smialek
As the Band program at Seekonk High School begins the Fall season there are some upcoming events and dates we would like everyone to make a note of:
On Tuesday, September 6 there will be a Florida Band Trip meeting in the SHS Band room at 7 p.m. All Band students received updated information about the trip and deposit forms on the 1st day of school. This meeting will largely repeat information from the June meeting that we had, but if you were not able to attend that meeting or have any further questions about the trip, Mr. Smialek will go over all of the latest details. Please remember that deposits for the trip are due no later than Thurs. Sept 15th.
The Seekonk Music Parents Association (SMPA) will have their 1st meeting of the Fall also on Tuesday, Sept. 6th in the SHS Band Room at 6 pm. They meet usually on the secondTuesday of the month at 6 pm. Anyone who would like to join this organization is welcome to come to Tuesday's meeting.
The SHS Marching Band will give their first performance at half-time during the Friday, September 16th SHS Football game. In order to allow students from both Concert and Symphonic Bands to put this together, there will be two evening rehearsals before then. The first on Wednesday, Sept. 7th and the second on Wed, Sept. 14th. Both rehearsals will be from 6:30- 8 pm.
BAND UNIFORMS: Most of the students in Marching Band have picked up their band uniforms for 2006-17. If any students still have not, they should see Mr. Smialek after school as soon as possible to do so.
All Band students will be receiving a listing of all of the 2016-17 rehearsal and performance dates at their next band class. Please look for this and keep a copy handy. This will also be posted on the SHS Band Website as well.
As a part of this partnership the school is provided with a Career Specialist. Our Career Specialist, Amanda Louro, began working with our students last year and is excited to continue working with the faculty and students for the 2016-2017 academic year. She will be available as of September 1st to meet with students and help them with all aspects of career exploration. Many students were able to take advantage of resume writing, applying to part-time jobs and internships, and preparing for interviews with Ms. Louro last year. Students can also see Ms. Louro if they are interested in finding opportunities to shadow professionals in the workforce or tour post-secondary, vocational training programs. Students may schedule an appointment to see Ms. Louro with their Guidance Counselor or they can stop by her office (447) on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Nurse - Mrs. Rok
School is off to a good start with many physicals coming in for fall sports. Dr. Heidi Peterson, the new school physician, conducted sports physicals on September 1 for those still requiring one.
Benadryl was inadvertently put on the list of the over-the-counter medications. The MDPH does not allow the school nurses to administer Benadryl unless an individual doctor prescribes it for an allergic reaction. Loratadine (generic Claritin-24 hour) has been prescribed for seasonal allergies.
Grade 10 students are required by the MA. Department of Public Health (MDPH) to submit an updated physical exam by December 22, 2016.
All Epi-pen, inhaler and medication paper work needs to be submitted as soon as possible. Students will be permitted to carry and self-administer (after demonstration test with Mrs. Rok), Epi-pens, inhalers and diabetes medications.
You may contact me by email or phone (508) 336-7272 if you have any questions or concerns.
Sports - Mr. Crippen
We are off and running for the 2016 Fall Season for the Mighty Warriors.
Congratulations to the Seekonk Volleyball, Girls’ Soccer and Boys’ Teams for their outstanding representation last Saturday at Mt. Hope’s “Husky Day.” Each team scrimmaged Mt. Hope in the daylong affair.
Coach Crawford’s football team is off to a great start. Last Saturday, the team scrimmaged Bishop Feehan at Seekonk High and, under the direction of Sophomore Quarterback Adam Horowitz and Senior Captain Matt Heaney, played the Shamrocks dead even. The team took a long trip up to Amesbury, MA Wednesday afternoon where they scrimmaged Georgetown High School. The team is gearing up for their season opener next Friday on the road under the lights at New Bedford Voke High School at 7 PM.
Coach Pellerin’s Field Hockey girls have been busy as well, scrimmaging Wheeler last Tuesday. The girls will travel to Durfee High School tomorrow to take part in the “Durfee Jamboree” with Seekonk’s first game going off at 9 AM.
A special thank you to Nurse Pat Rok who arranged for student-athletes to receive free physicals this past Thursday.
Next week will mark the last opportunity student-athletes will have to join a Fall Sport. All latecomers will have to come after school and register with the school trainer Paul Lonczak in his office at 2 PM.
Virtually every Fall Sport will be in regular season action after this Labor Day weekend so please go the Seekonk High School Athletic website, follow the schedules and get out and support the Warriors.
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
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekonkHighSchool/
Twitter: @SeekonkHS