Titan Times
September 16, 2019
Greetings Titans and Welcome Back!!
We are off and running at Thomas High as we enter our 2nd full week. Thanks for your time and professionalism in greeting our parents and community for our Open House last Thursday. It seemed like a very well attended event and there was a lot of positive feedback from staff and parents as they left for the night. Enjoy out first Titan TImes of the school year and getting acquainted with some of our new staff. More to follow in the coming weeks!!
Angela Cattat- School Counseling
Interesting fact about yourself- I love PINK! I am not originally from Rochester (Auburn, NY - Finger Lakes area)
Jeremy McBride- Assistant Principal
I am married and have 2 children Molly (19) and Reed (16).
Sarah Lee- Reading
Hobbies- Photography, Kayaking, Hanging with my family
Interesting Fact about yourself- I drive a 1990 5.0 Mustang
Andrea Saitta- Social Studies
Interesting Fact-I am a Webster Thomas graduate
Heather Watras- Music
Interesting Fact- I perform with Nik Entertainment Company (aka Nik and the Nice Guys)
Colleen Molina- Physical Education
Interesting Fact- I am very close with my entire family, I am one of 20 first cousins and I have over 100 second cousins (most of which live in the Buffalo area)
Molly Duell- Administrative Assistant in Gold House
Interesting Fact- I once managed a beer tent on the infield at the Kentucky Derby
Emily Phillips- Business Education
Interesting Fact- I grew up in the oldest house in the town of Gates! It was built in 1827 and was a stop along the underground railroad!
Matt Osika- Music
Interesting Fact- I've done sketch comedy shows and used to co-host a podcast with former Webster Grad Brian Heveron-Smith
Twitter- @ThomasHSMusic
Circle Time!
I think this is more important than ever for our students as they are pulled in different directions. Here is an article on the subject you may find useful in implementing these into your classroom (thanks to Jen Schoenwetiz for sharing):
Want a commericial or ad on the Morning Show!?
There are some changes in how to get a general announcement, commercial, pictures etc. aired on the Morning News. Email all requests to the thomasmorningnews@webstercsd.org email address.
Our last email check will be 8:15 am sharp, so please plan ahead.
Use PowerPoint for all pictures and text if you want to use a presentation format.....do NOT use Google Slides. Your PowerPoint must advance from slide to slide on its own if you have more than one slide. Also, you will need to insert your own copyright free music, otherwise your media will play without audio.
Let Pat Buttles know if you have any questions or concerns.
Feedback on cellphones from the trenches...
I just have to say that i LOVE the cell phone regulation, so far everyone has known exactly what to do and i have not had a single phone out in class... i told students that this was my biggest frustration that i faced with teaching last year and i just love that this is a school wide policy, thank you!!!
The cell phone policy has gone over extremely well with both 10th and 12th graders for me. I've met zero resistance, even from seniors.
I have had no push back, students have opted to leave them in their bags. No issues here:)
I am really pleased that this is helping to keep our classroom distraction free, but it is by no means time to ease up on our expectations. In talking with staff, it seems like many students are opting to leave their cell phone in their locker or away in their bags. That is fine as it helps accomplish our goal, but I do worry about what students will do when they have a sub or try to leave for bathroom breaks. Keep expectations clear and let their AP know if there is an issue.