GHS-Green Wave Nation News
May, 2021
“You must do the things you think you cannot do.”
—Eleanor Roosevelt
Updates from the Administration:
A Message from Karin Patenaude, Principal:
As we returned to in-person learning at GHS on Wednesday, April 28, there have been many changes and adjustments that needed to occur in an already changing and altered school year. We appreciate the time and patience that all of our students and their families have shown.
As we move forward to the final weeks of the school year, I want to remind everyone that we are in this together. Whether you remain as a remote learner or returned as an in-person learner, our goal is to educate you and challenge you to continue on your learning quest. We are all part of the GHS community and it is a community that wants each of our students to succeed, but that success also requires students to engage in their learning, stay inquisitive, and continue to put in the hard work that is necessary for such success.
We have a very busy May upon us, but know that together we can make it through anything. As always, If there are any questions left unanswered, please do not hesitate to contact me at karpat1@gpsk12.org or 413-772-1350 x1005.
A Message from Jonathan Cavallo, Associate Principal:
It is so pleasing to see students and staff once again in our school building as we make the best of this opportunity with the remaining weeks left in the school year. Whether students continue to learn remotely or receive in person instruction, we are all working together to provide the best education possible. I couldn’t be more proud of our students as they have embraced the many changes to the school building so we can maintain a safe and healthy learning environment. A special thank you goes out to the parents and caregivers who have supported their children and school system during these unprecedented times. As always, I am here to support you and your child in any way I can. Do not hesitate to contact me at joncav1@gpsk12.org.
A Message from Sarah Crawford, Assistant Director of Pupil Services:
It has been so exciting to welcome back more students to the building. I am impressed by how quickly students acclimated to the new expectations put in place to keep everyone safe from COVID-19. It is so hard to believe that our last stretch of school is upon us for the year. As always, I am here to support students and families in any way that I can, so please do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions or concerns related to special education at any time. My number is 413-772-1350 ext.1028 or I can be reached by email at sarcra1@gpsk12.org.
GHS welcomes new Associate Principal, Thomas Telicki!
Prior to arriving in Greenfield, Tom Telicki spent most of his career in the Athol-Royalston Regional School District. He started as a high school English teacher, later assuming the role of ELA department chair, and eventually becoming the assistant high school principal. For the past seven years, Tom served as the principal of Athol-Royalston Middle School. He is proud of having helped lead the school out of state turnaround status, an achievement they have held for nearly three years running.
Mr. Telicki has extensive experience in instructional improvement areas including rigorous lesson design, the use of data to inform intervention and differentiation efforts, the promotion of literacy in all subject areas, and strong student engagement including an emphasis on student conversations around learning. He is also familiar with social-emotional (SEL) programming, having had students learn various competencies directly and having had teachers design and deliver lessons that have SEL connections.
Having grown up in South Hadley and having worked in Athol, Tom has a high regard for the Greenfield community. He sees the investment in a new high school as a true testament to the city's commitment to its children. Tom also has fond memories of the Greenfield High School site, having competed on the school's grass track when he was in high school.
After a few days on the new job at GHS, Tom said that "when I met the hiring committee during my interviews, it was clear to me that the team was a truly caring group made up of talented individuals wholeheartedly dedicated to serving students." He continued to say that "GHS is impressive on so many levels. The facilities are state-of-the art, the staff are immensely dedicated, and the students reflect a genuine sense of pride in the school."
During his free time, Tom tries to spend as much time with his family. His oldest son, Ben, is a college junior. He also has two twin children, Henry and Cate, who are high school sophomores. His pets include 13 chickens, a dog, and a cat.
YEARBOOK Update!
Students in Green Wave Production class are working hard to complete the 2020-2021 GHS Yearbook. This is a full color book that is professionally printed and bound by Jostens and includes students from grade 8-12. The yearbook is full year which means it includes happenings through the end of the school year and is released in the summer. Release date is still to be determined. Yearbooks are for sale for $65 until May 31st and then the price goes up to $75. The last day to order a yearbook is June 1st of 2021.
To purchase a yearbook please use the following link;
http://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A03463700
Is your student a senior and you want to include a shout out to them in the yearbook? Personal ads are available. There are four different size ads: prices range from $75.00 (1/4 page ad) to $250.00 (full-page ad). These ads allow you to make them personal to your student and submit pictures, sayings, and memories. To purchase a personal ad in the yearbook, please use the following link;
https://www.jostens.com/apps/jcom/router.mvc?affiliateId=1065941
The above link may also be used to purchase a business ad in the yearbook. All ad sales help keep the cost of the yearbook low for our students and are greatly appreciated.
It is not too late for students of all grades to submit candid photos of themselves and friends from school activities, clubs, sports and remote learning to amycha1@gpsk12.org. or the pictures may be sent to the following link; https://images.jostens.com/415464678
The more pictures the better!
If you have any questions about the yearbook, please do not hesitate to contact me at amycha1@gpsk12.org. Thank you in advance for supporting the GHS Yearbook.
Amy Charboneau, GHS Business Teacher
Project 351: Cradles to Crayons
We are pleased to announce that our 8th grade Project 351 Ambassador, Kylee Gamache, is launching her spring service campaign. This year Kylee joins more than 370 other young leaders across the Commonwealth in a statewide youth-led service initiative to lead positive change in the lives of children. Project 351 is a non-profit, statewide youth-driven service organization that convenes an eighth grader from every city and town in Massachusetts for a transformative year of leadership development, enrichment, and impact through unique service opportunities.
The spring campaign benefits Cradles to Crayons, a Massachusetts based nonprofit group that provides low-income and homeless children with everyday essentials. Cradles to Crayons is looking to collect new and gently used clothing and shoes in sizes infant up to adult medium. A donation bin for these items will be set up Monday, 5/10 through Friday 5/19 outside of Greenfield High School at the front entrance.
The Return of the Greenfield Public Schools Film Festival
We are pleased to announce the Greenfield Public Schools Film Festival will return for its 11th year. This year, we are changing the format from our grade level categories, and instead creating a slew of new prizes, including: Best Non-Fiction; Best Club Film; Shortest Story; Most Actors; Best Original Score; Best Animation; Best in Show; and a new Sustainability Award, sponsored by the GHS Environmental Science club. As always submissions are limited to 5 minutes in length, and must be free of copyrighted music and images. Please send video submissions to Brendan Leowolf (breleo1@gpsk12.org) or Andrew Lippmann (andlip1@gpsk12.org) by Friday May 14th, and the event will be held on Friday June 11th. Feel free to reach out to either of us with any questions, or needs like cameras, or editing applications. It will be a wonderful way to close our unique school year and we look forward to seeing your films.
The Daily Four - Reminder to all In-Person Students and Staff!
Our efforts to keep all students and staff safe while in GHS rely on all members of the GHS community following and adhering to the Daily Four.
Please review with your students often and practice these protocols daily!
Thank you!
Key Club Updates:
GHS Key Club is grateful to everyone who participated in Say Something Week, whether they donated to the food drive, participated in wellness activities in Health/PE classes, or celebrated a trusted adult or an upstander, every little bit helps. We will continue with initiatives to promote inclusiveness and kindness in our GHS community. Our collaboration with Greenfield Kiwanis to distribute books to area preschoolers was a success, over 240 books were donated to children to bring home. Officer elections will be this month and we will announce the cabinet for 2021-22 in the next newsletter. Remember, in our GHS community, there is always someone who cares about you.
Student Council Updates:
On April 9th and 10th the student council attended the 44nd Annual MASC State leadership conference. This year the conference was virtual with a keynote speaker, student led workshops and an awards ceremony. Many of our members gathered in the auditorium to watch the awards ceremony together.
Greenfield was recognized by the Special Olympics of Massachusetts as having raised over $1000 and being 5th in the state for participation. The Commonwealth winners for Greenfield are Miracle Leyro, Ruari Maloney and Danny Lenois. Gracelyn Tatta won the UnSung Hero Award for Western Mass.
In the upcoming weeks GHS will attend the virtual WMASC conference. Gracelyn will be running for the regional secretary position. We will also be holding local E-board elections. May will conclude our class cup competitions and we are planning a mini spring spirit week.
Update on the Green Wave Athletics
Hello Green Wave Nation!
Green Wave Athletics had a great Fall 2 season. It may have looked a little differently, but students still had the ability to play and compete!
Girls Volleyball ended their season with a record of 4-6 and competed every game! Boys soccer was 3-4 and put forth a great effort with a small number of players toward the end of the season. Football went 4-0 and the defense did not let up a point! Girls Soccer went 6-1 with their only loss at the beginning of the season! Congratulations to all!!
Now, we move on to Spring sports!
Baseball, softball, girls and boys track and girls and boys tennis are all competing. Fan rules are getting less restrictive, but if you attend you will still need to wear your mask while watching.
As always, if you have any questions please email mickuc1@gpsk12.org.
GO WAVE!!
AP Exam Updates!
AP Exams - Important Information for Families
AP exams are being given on paper this year at GHS. All students, even those who have remained in remote learning, will have in-person AP exams. Both in-person and remote students will need to arrive at the GHS testing location at the specified time and will be dismissed from school at the end of the exam. On days students have AP exams, they will only attend school during the exams. Exams are between 3-4 hours in length, so please note that students will be released early after they complete their morning exams. Below is a list of the exams, dates, times, and locations for your reference. If a student is unable to attend an exam for any reason, please contact the school as soon as possible so we can arrange a make-up exam time. If you have any questions, please email Jessica Pollock, AP Coordinator, at jespol1@gpsk12.org
WEEK 1:
AP Calculus AB/AP Calculus BC
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
7:30 a.m./Library
AP Literature & Composition
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
7:30 a.m./Library
AP Physics 1
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
11:30 a.m./Library
AP U.S. History
Thursday, May 6, 2021
7:30 a.m./Library
WEEK 2
AP French
Language & Culture
Monday, May 10, 2021
7:30 a.m./Library Fishbowl
AP Spanish
Language & Culture
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
7:30 a.m./Library Fishbowl
AP Language & Composition
2 Sections
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
7:30 a.m./Period 6 - Library and Period 3 - RM 2022
AP Biology
Friday, May 14, 2021
7:30 a.m./Library
WEEK 3
AP Statistics
Monday, May 17, 2021
11:30 a.m./Library
MCAS Updates:
2. Grade 10 (Class of 2023) students must take and pass the MCAS tests in English Language Arts and mathematics to earn a high school diploma, in addition to meeting local graduation requirements. The 10th grade MCAS exams are computer-based and are ONLY being offered in-person; there is no remote option. More information to follow on these test dates and times.
3. Grade 9 (Class of 2024) students must take and pass ELA and mathematics MCAS tests next year. However, they are also required to take and pass a MCAS science test. They will be provided the opportunity to take that exam this year (and next if necessary). This exam is paper-based and ONLY being offered in person; there is no remote option. More information to follow on these test dates and times.
4. Grade 8 (Class of 2025) are required to take MCAS tests in ELA, mathematics and science; these exams have been modified to one session only. These exams will be computer-based and there is a remote option available for remote learners. More information to follow on these test dates and times.
How to Access E-Books and EAudio-Books via SORA:
GHS and District DESE Report Cards
As a public school in Massachusetts, we are required to share access to our schools' and district's annual academic performance report cards.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) states, "Just as a student's report card shows how they are doing in different classes, school and district report cards are designed to show [families] and community members how a school or district is doing in different areas. Report cards highlight a school or district's strengths as well as any challenges that need to be addressed in order to make sure the needs of all students are being met."
The report card includes multiple measures of a school’s performance – more than just MCAS scores. It represents a new way of looking at school performance, by providing information on student achievement, teacher qualifications, student learning opportunities, and more.
As a school-wide Title I district, you also have the right to request the following information about the qualifications of your child’s classroom teachers:
· Whether your child’s teacher is licensed in the grade levels and subject areas
they teach
· Whether your child’s teacher is teaching under an emergency license or waiver
· The college degree and major of your child’s teacher, and
· Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.
- To access your child or children's school's report card, please click on this link or visit the school's webpage: report cards.doe.mass.edu
- Once you are on the site, type in the name of your child's school in the search bar.
- Once in your child's school or the district's link, click on the topics listed to access performance information and school demographic information.
- To understand how to interpret the information, there is a link on the right of the website in a variety of languages that will help: report cards.doe.mass.edu
- To understand more about the state's report card system, please click on: Frequently Asked Questions about School and District Report Cards
Updates from Ms. Pollock, GHS Librarian:
Library Club Book Discussion
The final book discussion will be held on Wednesday 6/2 at 2:15 p.m. and will happen in person, outside, masked, and socially distanced. The final book is to be announced, so stay tuned. Students who are interested in participating in the book discussion should email librarian, Jessica Pollock, at ghslibrarian@gpsk12.org
Poetry Slam
Due to the return to in person learning, the Library Club has decided to switch the Poetry Slam from a virtual event to a live one! On Wednesday, May 19th at 2:15 p.m. Library Club will host an in-person poetry slam, outside, masked, and socially distanced. Students, teachers, and staff are encouraged to come share a poem - an original or a favorite from someone else. Those who submitted videos will have their videos played at the live event, too. For more information, please email librarian, Jessica Pollock, at ghslibrarian@gpsk12.org
Book Returns
Anyone who wants to return library books may do so by bringing them to the book return posted outside the main entrance of GHS. Students returning to in-person learning may return their books to their advisory teacher at any time.
Library Services
While the library will not be open for typical library activity when GHS fully re-opens on April 28th, I am happy to help students find and obtain reading materials. Students may email me any time if they would like help selecting or borrowing books. I will check the books out to students and deliver them to their Advisory teacher. I am also happy to help with any other information, research, or tech needs, so please reach out to me via email at ghslibrarian@gpsk12.org
A Note from Nurse Kelly Savitri:
Greetings GHS Community! Spring is in the air, and our hallways are filled with the hum of students again. Pooled testing is one of the ways that we are working hard to identify and isolate any positive cases of COVID-19. I know that the registration process was a bit complicated in the beginning, so I’m happy to say that we have made it much easier! We have combined the consent process for pooled testing and symptomatic testing so there is only one link, which you can access here: Greenfield Pooled Testing. We encourage anyone who is participating in sports or attending school in-person to register! It is a responsible, proactive way that you can contribute to the health & safety of our community. Please talk to your child about pooled testing and let them know if you have signed them up. We will be doing testing every Monday morning upon arrival at school and on Monday afternoons for athletes who are continuing to learn remotely. If you have any concerns about testing being uncomfortable or stressful for your child, I suggest you watch this video of a 2nd grader demonstrating how to do their own nasal swab. This is the process that we are asking each student to do, and I think you will see just how easy and painless it is.
About us:
Email: karpat1@gpsk12.org
Website: gpsk12.org
Location: 21 Barr Avenue, Greenfield, MA, USA
Phone: 413-772-1350
Twitter: @patenaude_karin