SHS Warrior Call
Respect: Earn It, Give It, Live It!
Welcome!
ISSUE 8 - February 26, 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.
The Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) will be sponsoring a bake sale on Tuesday, March 1st from 7am until 8pm during the primary election. If you are able to bake or help cover the table for a few hours please let them know by contacting Colleen O'Halloran. See below for more information on how to help this supportive group!
The Class of 2017 is hosting a fundraiser at Applebee's. All you need to do is go out and enjoy a meal at their 105 Highland Ave location in Seekonk on Wednesday March 2nd, 2016. All the information is right here! Let them know you are there to support the class and a portion of the money you spend goes to the Class of 2017.
Spread the Word to End the Word™ campaign pledge day is this Wednesday. Check out this flyer to see how you can get involved! Seekonk High School showed their pledge and awareness in this video!
Drama Club Presents!
The Seekonk High School Drama Club is putting on Anything Goes on March 11, 12, and 13. Check out their flyer for more information. All the students have been working hard to make sure this is an event to remember. Don't miss this great show!
Athletic Registration for the 2016 Spring Sports Season ends on Sunday, 3/13/16.
Physicals scheduled through the School's Nurse, will be on Monday, 3/10/16. All Athletes who have a physical that expires during their season should contact Mrs. Rok, to schedule a Sports Physical Exam on that day.
Rotary Youth Leadership Applications Due March 14th!
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:
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
SHS Art Teacher Ms. Jones in the news!
Jazz night a great success!
Character Initiative Winners
9th Grade
Cheyenne Ayotte has been working diligently and consistently to improve her grade and affect the class in a positive manner.Mike Braga reached out multiple times to the PHN Peer Tutoring Program for extra help before midterm exams.
10th Grade
Ben Brady is consistently prepared for each class and has a positive outlook towards learning the material.
Matt Tortolani shares his love of history as the in-class expert in English.
11th Grade
Katelyn Silvia has been working hard to improve her performance in Advanced Placement Biology
12th Grade
Brittany Simas consistently asks questions during class to clarify difficult concepts so that she has a better understanding.
Nyssa Gomez has been working very hard to improve her participation and performance in Bio Technology.
Jade St. Pierre has been asking for extra help to make sure she understands what is expected in class.
Doing the Right Thing: It's About Perspective.
Seekonk High School is always looking for ways to improve the climate so that students and staff alike have a positive, welcoming place to learn. Creating such a place requires more effort on the part of those who are part of it than whatever group is creating initiatives. Ideas don’t make change; action does.
We have entered the second half of the year here at Seekonk High School and with that comes added stress and a tendency to become increasingly hyper-focused on what we want to do and how every encounter we have impacts our world. Instead, if we all want to have a more positive experience we have to adjust our focus. Instead of it being on us, it needs to be on those around us. Consider the following:
Integrity: What we do when we know that nobody is watching. Or in school terms…when we know we aren’t being graded or evaluated.
That phrase often adorns the walls of classrooms and is repeated by people who insist that character and integrity are the cornerstones of a positive climate and culture. What isn’t discussed is one of the concrete requirements of being able to exhibit and practice these qualities: the willingness and ability to consider what others may be thinking or experiencing. It sounds counter intuitive but it really isn’t. It’s more about changing your perspective. Want to improve your experience? Think about those around you and begin by helping to improve theirs. Check out this short video for an example. I’m sure we can all find an example of ourselves within it…I know I did.
Give it a try and remember; Be Purposeful, Act With Integrity, and Build Your Character.
I have placed the first episode of The Principal's Corner here once again in a more friendly format. It is now hosted on my YouTube page. I encourage you to subscribe so that you receive any new videos I post concerning Seekonk High School.
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.
Guidance - Mrs. Whatley
ASVAB Results are in!
On Thursday morning guidance counselors met with the juniors who took the Armed Services Aptitude Battery earlier this year to review their score reports. Following an explanation of the scores, students were directed to a website to work on a career interest profile. Their score report included a personalized access code to help link their aptitude and career interests. Ask you junior if they were part of the career exploration lesson. More follow-up activities can be completed independently by the students.
Seekonk High School will be offering an eight week SAT Prep class starting on March 9th from 7 - 9 PM.
All juniors should have received a registration form in their English class. The registration fee is $120 which includes the new Official College Board Study Guide. Enrollment is limited, so please sign up early. If you would like your student to enroll have them return the registration form along with a check made out to the Town of Seekonk by March 2nd. Classes will meet on March 9,16,23,30, April 6,13,27 and May 4th. The course will be completed prior to the May and June SAT testing dates. Students should see their guidance counselor with any questions.
Rotary Youth Leadership Applications Due March 14th!
The Rotary Club of East Providence/Seekonk is once again sponsoring a grade 10 or 11 student to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership weekend from May 20th - 22nd. The program seeks to provide students with an opportunity to develop their skills and character while exposing them to the values of service, high ethical standards, and peace. Interested sophomores and juniors should see their guidance counselor for more information. Completed applications are due back by March 14th.
Parents of sophomores and juniors please mark your calendar for Wednesday, March 16th at 6:30 PM to attend a College Planning and Information Night.
A college admissions specialist will be the speaker for the evening presenting information to help students and families navigate the college search and application process. We hope that you will take the time to attend the presentation if you and your students are new to the college search process. The presentation will take place in the high school Library/Media Center.
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. Heather Kinniburgh
Why did I get into teaching? Not sure that’s a question I can answer easily in the space provided. I LOVE reading and writing, and though I don’t spend free time reciting Shakespeare, teaching is an art I thoroughly enjoy. To put it simply, I value being a part of something bigger than myself. I hope in some small way when students leave room 513 behind and eventually let go of griping over the workload or how I push my students that they will come to realize that it made them better, somehow…
Some people may not know that I have four awesome children, three boys and one girl, who range in age from 15 down to 4. Yeah, when my husband and I realized that our oldest son would be graduating high school while our youngest child, our daughter, would be accepting her kindergarten diploma, we knew we were done for…but in the best way! Family is the core after all! We love sports and our boys play tons of baseball and basketball and our daughter the dancer, actor extraordinaire can also swing a bat with the best of them. Most of all we love sneaking away to our cottage on Newfound Lake to escape and disconnect. Scott, and I with Ben, Jem, Will, and Lyla Mae, then Nanny, Papa, Auntie Lisa, Blake, Lauren, all of us together. Nothing’s better!
So it may not come as a surprise to know I challenge my students and, like all of us, have high expectations. What you may not know is I hold myself to the same standard…picture this…all is quiet as snow, as a home of loved ones is lulled to sleep in the hush of the wind in the early morning hours…all except the wide-eyed one sifting, suggesting, reflecting, and editing student work by candle light in between sips of cold coffee. Yeah even when we lose power, which in our sleepy little town happens often, you can find me working in the silence and stillness of the early morning hours. 3:00 am has nothing on me!
I am, how shall I say, an absolute, fanatical, crazed, can’t-get-enough New England PATRIOTS addict! Although Tom Brady is of course my total fav, I am well versed on all key players and am likely more impassioned than I should be on all things Patriots. My favorite gift last Christmas was my red Brady Jersey! Really I am a HUGE NFL fan and can be found on any given Sunday (hahaha…) enjoying and even analyzing not only PATS games but also other football games of interest. Don’t even get me started on March Madness…it’s right around the corner!!!
My dream is to write a children’s book! I figure if I’m fortunate enough and manage to do so in time for our children to read it to their own children, then I’ll have made it!
Warrior Cries!
Ms. Keri Kozlowski...I am extremely grateful for her expertise and support to help guide me through my first year here at Seekonk High School. I couldn't ask for a better mentor! - Ms. Nastari
Ms. Kathleen Wilson...for immediately dropping what she was doing to check-in with a struggling student who I referred to her. - Mrs. Fitzgerald
National Honor Society
March 5th: Annual Courtyard Cleanup
April 22nd: Earth Day Activities
Teacher Appreciation Week over the remainder of the school year.
In addition to the work of the current members, qualifying juniors have been invited to apply to be in National Honor Society next year, (intro meeting 3/1) which will allow the work of the National Honor Society to continue for years to come.
Science News - Mrs cunard
Teams of 3 compete in four different challenges, one each day.
First through 3rd place awarded in each grade level
Earn spirit points for your class
Counts towards the STEM certificate at graduation
Bonus bucks to be redeemed in Math & Science classes
Seniors: STEM Certificate applications due by March 1st!
AP Mock Exam for Biology & Chemistry is Wednesday, March 16th after school.
STEM panel series presentations at BCC.
Students have the opportunity to attend these series. The first panel was Biotech. Sixteen students attended and gained information about biotech related career paths from professionals in the field. The next panel is March 9th, Women in STEM and the last is Advanced Manufacturing on April 6th. There is still room for the April 6th trip. Please see Mrs. Cunard if you are interested.
Jane Goodall is coming to UMASS Dartmouth on April 7th!
Seekonk High School Science Department chose a winner of the essay contest to have dinner with Jane Goodall. That winner's essay has been submitted for a final round against the winners of other schools in the area. Good Luck to Rachel Crafford!!! The department has secured free tickets to the event. There are a few seats remaining for anyone interested in hearing this influential woman speak. See Mrs. Cunard if interested.
Six Tips to Help Students (and Parents!) Survive Research Season
This is such an important resource it deserves a second run in the newsletter! Do the right thing...help yourself...click the link!
We are in the 3rd quarter of the year and that brings LOTS of research papers and projects across the curriculum. Whether a student has one, or three, projects, here are some quick tips for student success:
parent advisory committee
Items for the bake sale can be left in the lobby near the gym anytime on Tuesday March 1st. Popular items are loaf breads, cookies and cupcakes. All money raised helps support student activities and scholarships. Any questions please contact Colleen O'Halloran.
advertise or send a message in the yearbook!
Whether you own a business and want to advertise in the yearbook, or you are the parent or guardian of a member of the senior class you can create an "Ad for your Grad". Your "Ad" can feature photos and encouraging words for your senior so they will see that they are appreciated and will look forward to the future.
It is easy to create an ad for you grad. Just send your ad via email. Your support makes a difference to the student community and strengthens the greater community as well.
The cost of the advertisements are as follows:
⅛ page: $50,
¼ page: $100,
½ page: $200,
full page: $350.
Please make your check payable to the Town of Seekonk.
The DEADLINE for the "Ad for your Grad" is Wednesday, March 16, 2016
If you have any questions, please email our yearbook advisor Ms. Deanna Marinucci or call her at 508-336-7272 ext. 341.
Music News - Mr. Smialek
Band members have a performance opportunity with the Massachusetts Lions All State Band. Any students that would like to apply to perform with this group should see Mr. Smialek ASAP. The rehearsals and performances are April 27- April 30, 2016 in Mansfield, MA.
Other upcoming Music Department events: Jazz Band performs at the Somerset-Berkley Jazz Festival on Wednesday, March 2nd at 5:30 pm and the SHS Marching Band will be marching in the Pawtucket St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 5th at noon. If there are any parents that can chaperone for the parade, please contact Mr. Smialek.
We also have SHS Marching Band T-shirts available in all sizes for $17. See Mr. Smialek in the Band Office if you wish to purchase one (or two).
Key Club - mrs. marinucci
The annual Pennies for Patients drive will be from March 7-18, so stay tuned.
Sports with Mr. Crippen
Congratulations to Freshman Cammie Garabian!
She placed 6th in the shot put at the State Championship Indoor Track Meet and will represent Seekonk High School and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at the New England Regional Meet this weekend up in Boston at the Reggie Lewis Center.
Congratulations to the following members of the Seekonk Boys and Girls Swim team for their fine work at the Massachusetts State Swim Meet last weekend at Boston University:
Junior Troy Pina who took 11th in the 200 Individual Medley and 16th in the 100 freestyle
Junior Maddy Paine who placed 8th in the 200 freestyle and 5th in the 100 freestyle
Senior Matt Broadmeadow who placed 13th in the Dive Competition.
Jake Trenteseaux, Andrew Silveira, Owen Shanahan, Lauren Shanahan, Jocelyn Fournier, Lindsey Scott, and Sara Houle all had placements on relay teams.
Congratulations to the Seekonk Girls Basketball team and the D-R/Seekonk hockey teams for qualifying for the upcoming MIAA State Tournaments.
Please remember that Seekonk High School will provide free physicals for all student athletes in preparation for the upcoming Spring Season on Thursday, March 10th at 2 o’clock in the Nurse’s Office. All interested must see Nurse Pat Rok in advance of the physical date in order to receive the proper paperwork. Take advantage of this great opportunity!
As part of our participation in Project Unify and Special Olympics of Massachusetts, Seekonk High School will take part in the National “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign this Wednesday, March 2nd. Coordinator Miss Nelson will be providing “Take the Pledge” stickers to all district staff members and Seekonk High School students are encouraged to wear t-shirts and to sign up and pledge during the school day. The day’s purpose is to engage students in discussion to eliminate use of the “r-word.”
Athletic Director Fred Crippen and Special Education Instructor James MacKnight will accompany students Emily Balasco, Jackie Fournier and Darrius Saleeba on that same “Take the Pledge” day to a Student Leadership Conference sponsored by Project Unity and Special Olympics of Massachusetts in Marlborough, Mass at SOMA Headquarters.
Nurse Pat Rock is happy to announce that free physicals will be administered on Thursday, March 10th at two o’clock in her office. If you need a physical, pick up a form before coming. All student-athletes are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and to go to the nurse’s office to pick up the necessary forms ahead of time.
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