GHS-Green Wave Nation News
November, 2020
"Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you."
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Updates from the Administration:
A Message from Karin Patenaude, Principal:
Even though we have begun the school year in remote learning, Greenfield High School strives to maintain many of our traditional events with a bit of a "virtual" twist. Some of the first quarter highlights include:
- Meet and Greet on September 15. All staff members created videos welcoming students, parents, and families; then staff held individual Google Meets for anyone to "drop in" virtually and have further conversations about the upcoming school year.
- Open House on October 15. The teachers uploaded new videos that described their classroom, curriculum and expectations for the academic environment. Parents and caregivers were able to join content area groups and go off in to a break out room if they wanted a 1:1 conversation with a teacher.
- The National Honor Society inducted 36 new members on Thursday, Oct. 29. This is the largest class of inductees at GHS in the last ten years. Thank you to Ms. Cloutier, advisor and Mr. Leowolf, Stage Director, for coordinating a beautiful "virtual" ceremony to honor these students. The ceremony can be watched at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF0bzRBC94w
GHS faculty and staff are committed to continuing to do our very best to support students academically, socially, and emotionally during this remote learning time. Please feel free to reach out to me at karpat1@gpsk12.org if there is anything the school can do further to support your student.
A Message from Jonathan Cavallo, Associate Principal:
The first quarter of the 2020-2021 school year closes Friday, November 6 and as we begin the second quarter, it is a good opportunity to assess the past seven weeks and re-focus on the challenges that lie ahead. With the school day beginning at 8:45 am, students should be present in their Advisory Class each day. As the Associate Principal, I review student attendance and in collaboration with classroom teachers, monitor student engagement in their classes. Even though there are challenges in remote learning, we have a dedicated school community that is working together to help our students navigate these unusual times. If you have any educational concern or question, please do not hesitate to email me at joncav1@gpsk12.org
or call the school at (413) 772-1350 ext. 1011.
A Message from Sarah Crawford, Assistant Director of Pupil Services:
We are pleased to announce that liaison contact information is now listed in PowerSchool for students at GHS who are on IEP plans. As always, you are welcome to reach out to me with questions or concerns (sarcra1@gpsk12.org), but you may also reach out directly to your child's assigned liaison. We hope this feature will help you to stay in contact about your child's special education related needs. Wishing all of you continued success in virtual learning!
Update from Guidance:
Financial Aid Seminars:
To register for any of the webinars below, please go to the MEFA site:
https://www.mefa.org/events/category/college-financing
College Financing Seminar:
Monday, November 2, 12 to 1:30
Wednesday, November 4, 12 to 1:30
Thursday, November 5, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, November 4, 12 to 1:30 in Spanish
Remote College Visits:
Wednesday, November 4: WNEU at 1:20 pm and UMass Lowell at 2:00 pm
Wednesday, November 18: Worcester State 2:15 pm
If any senior is interested in attending a college visit, please email Ms. Silk at tamsil1@gpsk12.org and she will email you the link to the Google Meet.
Remote Learning Workshop for Parents/Caregivers:
Join GHS librarian, Jessica Pollock, for a one hour workshop for parents and caregivers Wednesday, November 4th at 7 p.m. "Remote Learning: Tips & Tricks for Caregivers" will provide helpful information about teenage brain development, strategies to support students, simple ways to make technology work better for you, and resources to help you and your student thrive this year.
This event is geared toward caregivers of high school students, but anyone is welcome to join.
To join the video meeting, click this link: https://meet.google.com/ryu-vmoj-bau
Otherwise, to join by phone, dial +1 475-441-4717 and enter this PIN: 775 054 002#
To view more phone numbers, click this link: https://tel.meet/ryu-vmoj-bau?hs=5
You can also find the link for the meeting on the Green Wave Library at Greenfield High School Facebook Page or @GreenWaveLib on Twitter. You can also email ghslibrarian@gpsk12.org for more information.
Student Council Updates:
The Student Council has been busy this fall with Class Elections, planning Class Cup events and attending virtual conferences.
We would like to congratulate all of the newly elected Class Officers.
Class of 2021 - President - Willow Scappace, VP - Ruari Maloney, Secretary - Shayla Bassingthwaite, Treasurer - James Gamlin, Class Rep - Miracle Leyro.
Class of 2022 - President - Christian Larouche, VP - Lucy Postera, Secretary - Tyler Podolski, Treasurer - Haley Campbell, Class Rep - Elizabeth Trudeau.
Class of 2023 - President Brielle Widelo, VP - Kaitlyn Collins, Secretary - Tobi Finlay, Treasurer - Bridget Mahoney, Class Rep - Caleb Duncan.
Class of 2024 - President - Tristan Toomey, VP - Ainslee Flynn, Treasurer - Luke Scotera, Class Rep - Aquinnah Mass.
Class of 2025 - President Zoe Naughton-O'Connor, VP - Shane Toomey.
Student Council meetings are every other Sunday from 6-7 p.m. New members are always welcome. There are a few open class officer spots and they will be filled at the next student council meeting. If you have any questions or suggestions for class cup please contact advisor Angela Mass at angmas1@gpsk12.org
Class Cup Competition is heating up!
Seniors and Sophomores are tied for 1st place and in the lead with 100 points. Let's see who wants sole ownership of first after this week's round of "Submit your Costumes for Halloween!"
8th grade made a big move this week wearing the most pink for our "Pink Out" and now hold steady in second place with 90 points
The Juniors are still in it with 70 points and the Freshmen finish off the standings with 50 points!
Yes, yes, yes we do! We got spirit- how 'bout you?
See senior Danny Lenois' winning entry for the Pumpkin Carving Contest (photo included with this article)! Go Green Wave! Nicely done!
Update on the Green Wave Athletics
Hello Green Wave Nation!
Our student athletes are grateful to have had the opportunity to participate this fall. They enjoyed being able to get back to some sense of normality competing with their peers in various sports.
Update from the Fall Season:
Field Hockey had no losses and will play their last game on November 4 vs Pioneer.
Golf had 1 loss and finished their season 7-1 on October 27.
Boys and Girls Cross Country competed well this season and the girls had some personal bests vs Mohawk!! Both teams will have meets on Nov 3rd and 7th.
Update on Skills and Drills:
Boys and Girls Soccer, Girls Volleyball and Football have been going well. Athletes are putting in some great effort and building camaraderie with their teammates.
We hope to hear something soon from the MIAA on the status of a winter sports season. In the meantime, wear your masks, wash your hands and keep socially distant at the 6 feet rule!!
We miss seeing the GREEN WAVE NATION in action!
Upcoming Events:
November 3 - No School - Teacher In-Service Day/Voting Day
November 6 - First Quarter grades close
November 11 - No School- Veteran's Day
November 25 - Early Dismissal - Thanksgiving Break
Library Book Return
How to Access E-Books and EAudio-Books via SORA:
Updates from Ms. Pollock, GHS Librarian:
On October 19th, three GHS students and two teachers attended a virtual field trip to hear young adult author Nic Stone speak. Stone is the author of several books focused around the lives of teens including Odd One Out, Dear Martin, and her latest book Dear Justyce. Stone grew up in Atlanta surrounded by many different cultures and backgrounds, and she tries to provide a diverse representation in her characters. She spoke about the importance of seeing characters that look like you and live like you in the books you read, and shared that she didn't see a character like herself in a book until she was 26 and read Divergent. That book is an action story that takes place in an apocalyptic future, and Stone said she was amazed that there was a character of color who survived through the end of the book because she had never read a story like that before. Stone also spoke about attending Spellman College and the impact African American authors like Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, and Richard Wright had on her and her writing. When a teen asked what advice she would give to aspiring writers, Stone suggested writing often, listening to others to learn about their experiences and perspectives, and to read widely to learn what a good story looks like. If you loved one of Nic Stone's books and want the story to continue, Stone suggested writing fan fiction and said that if you post it on Wattpad she may likely read it because she adores reading fan fiction. The event was hosted by the Boston Public Library, who graciously invited GHS students to participate in this and future author events.
UPCOMING EVENT:
On November 12th at 4 p.m., the Boston Public Library is hosting Leah Johnson, whose debut novel, You Should See Me in a Crown, which was an instant hit and chosen for the Reese Witherspoon's book club. This novel follows Liz, a high school senior, who decides to run for prom queen in hopes of winning the associated scholarship. But that is easier said than done when you're one of the only black kids at your school, suffer from social anxiety, and are in the closet developing a crush on a fellow prom queen hopeful. If your student is interested in attending this event, please have them contact librarian, Jessica Pollock, at ghslibrarian@gpsk12.org
A Note from Nurse Kelly Savitri:
Holidays are right around the corner, and we are all wondering if it is safe to gather with our loved ones during this time. The answer is going to be a little different for everyone, and it can change from day to day as we monitor the rising number of cases across our state. If you plan to travel to another state or you are receiving out-of-state guests, please check https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order to determine whether you or they will be required to quarantine.
Some things that will lower the risk of family gatherings are:
keep your gatherings small and local
ask all attendees to quarantine to the greatest extent possible for the 2 weeks beforehand
instituting mask-wearing, physical distancing, and hand hygiene at your gathering.
As we move into the colder months, it is going to be harder to visit our loved ones outdoors, so please consider virtual visits, opening windows, or shortening visit times to decrease the risk of spreading COVID-19. Also, contact your doctor to get tested for COVID-19 before visiting an elderly or vulnerable loved one. As always, masks and handwashing are your best strategies to keep each other safe! For more information, see the following links:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html
https://www.delish.com/food-news/a34032598/is-it-safe-to-host-thanksgiving-coronavirus/
Update from Food Services:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R-qrjxq43XWD0bJpmWgKt-8qo62aKNN6/view?usp=sharing
Want to know what's on the menu? Check out the November offerings here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R-qrjxq43XWD0bJpmWgKt-8qo62aKNN6/view?usp=sharing
A Message from the MA Dept. of Public Health
Stay Aware! Be Prepared! Preparedness starts with you!
COVID-19 has raised new reasons for families to have an emergency care plan for their loved ones in case of medical and other emergencies. Never before has it been so important, especially for families who have children with special health needs such as medical complexities.
We hope you will join us in raising awareness of the importance of an emergency plan for all children and families. Please ask families whether they have an emergency care plan in place and share these resources with them. If they have a named substitute caregiver in case they become hospitalized, even better.
Please widely share the links below with your networks including on social media.
- “Stay Aware. Be Prepared” PSA (a 15-second YouTube video)
- OPEM’s “Stay Aware. Be Prepared” web pages (resources for families & individuals, people with access or functional needs, and pets)
- DCYSHN’s Web pages, Emergency Care Planning for CYSHN during COVID 19 and Beyond
- DCYSHN’s webinar “Preparing for Caring During COVID-19”
November Grade Level Coffee Talks with the Principal!
Time to chat with the Principal! Email Google Meet invites will always be sent to parents/caregivers prior to the grade level meeting; so please check your emails for the invitation. Hope to see you there!
Monday, November 16 - Grades 8 and 9 at 8:00-8:45 am
Tuesday, November 17- Grades 10 and 11 at 8:00-8:45 am
Wednesday, November 18 - Grade 12 at 8:00-8:45 am
Thursday, November 19 - Life Skills at 8:00-8:45 am
Any questions, please email Tami Silk at tamsil1@gpsk12.org
About us:
Email: karpat1@gpsk12.org
Website: gpsk12.org
Location: 21 Barr Avenue, Greenfield, MA, USA
Phone: 413-772-1350
Twitter: @patenaude_karin