To Members of the Keefe Tech Community,

It is hard to believe we are approaching the end of the calendar year and the halfway point of the school year.

Every day, there are amazing things happening in our programs, classrooms and activities. The energy in the building is extremely positive, and our support from the community around us has never been stronger. This is due to the experience and accomplishments of our students, with the support of our staff. All of this is what makes Keefe Tech a special place to go to school.

Since this is the last Bronco Bulletin before our Winter Break, I would like to wish our families a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year. I hope you get a chance to relax and enjoy time together during this vacation, as we all get ready for an amazing 2023!

Happy Holidays,

Superintendent Evans

To all parents/guardians:

Term I student report cards were sent out in the mail today, so please be on the lookout for them early next week. You can also log into iPass to view grades. If you or your student has a question about their grades, please first contact the teacher of the class. You can also be in touch with their Guidance Counselor for general information on classes and grades.

Please SAVE THE DATE for conferences! Teacher conferences are scheduled on January 25th from 12-3PM and January 26th from 6-8PM. You may choose to have an in-person conference or an online conference via Zoom. Conferences need to be scheduled - the sign up, along with more specific information will be sent out after winter break.

I hope everyone has a happy, healthy winter break! We look forward to working with you in 2023.

Dr. Snow

Attention all Freshmen: The deadline to let Ms. Hogan or Mr. Sadowski know that you

would like to run for a class position has been extended to today. The class positions are

Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President. Voting will take place next week

(the 19th through the 23rd) via a google form, so don't delay!

If you are interested in playing Girls Soccer next year please come to our meeting after

school at 2:00pm on Monday, December 19th in the Design and Visual shop.

The Debate Club will meet Monday, December 19th at 2:00pm in room 318. We will be

preparing for our debate with FHS on January 9th.

Attention students: Support the Class of 2023 by purchasing a Candy Gram to send to a

partner or friend during the month of December! You can purchase a Candy Gram during lunches. They will be delivered the week before winter break. Please see Ms. Aguiar with questions!

Student Council's annual food drive has begun! Please bring any donations of canned

goods or non-perishable foods to your shops or room 217 before December 22nd.

Save the dates for Winter Break! 12/23 - 10:35 AM dismissal for students and no school from 12/26 - 1/2.

Grade 9 students will be selecting their career and technical programs the week of January 3rd - 6th. School Counselors will be in English classes starting next week to do interest inventories with students and set goals. The last week of exploratory begins on Monday, 12/12.

School Picture Information:

VIEW AND ORDER PHOTOS HERE
https://shop.jostenspix.com

PHOTOS NOT APPEARING IN YOUR GALLERY?

FIND YOUR STUDENT USING EVENT CODE: FE83822

DID YOU KNOW?

• You can personalize your photos with a variety of backgrounds and
  text
• Photos are shipped directly to your home
• High-res digital downloads are available
• If you have more than one child, you can order together and pay
  once

Text for Venmo 508-509-8359 or email Lilla.Martell@gmail.com

Information to create and/or login to ipass to view grades and student progress can be found below:

During the week of April 3, 2023, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s

Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of

South Middlesex Regional Vocational Technical school. The Office of Public School Monitoring

reviews each district and charter school every three years to monitor compliance with federal and state special education and civil rights regulations. Areas of review related to special educationinclude student assessments, determination of eligibility, the Individualized Education Program (IEP), Team process, and IEP development and implementation. Areas of review related to civil rights include bullying, student discipline, physical restraint, and equal access to school programs for all students.

Parent outreach is an important part of the review process. Prior to the review, the chairperson

from the Office of Public School Monitoring will send an online survey to all parents of students

with disabilities receiving services. The survey focuses on key areas of their child’s special

education program. Survey results will contribute to the activities of the onsite review and the

development of the final report.

The chairperson will also conduct a Parent Orientation meeting to explain the review process and provide parents with an opportunity to ask questions. The Parent Orientation meeting will take place on January 26, 2023, in room 215.

During the onsite review, the Office of Public School Monitoring will interview the

chairperson(s) of the district’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other

onsite activities may include interviews of district staff and administrators, reviews of student

records, and onsite observations. After the conclusion of the review, the public will be able to

access the report at http://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/reports.

Parents and other individuals may call Talia Buonopane, Public School Monitoring Chairperson,

at (781) 338- 3763 to request additional information, or contact Michael Dolan, the district

coordinator, at (508) 416-2273.

For anyone looking for information, the Keefe Tech website has information at: https://www.keefetech.org/career-and-technical-education/cooperative-education and for job opportunities: https://www.keefetech.org/community/employment-opportunities. I can be reached at 508-416-2229 and jbrochu@jpkeefehs.org.

With influenza (flu) activity increasing nationally, and troubling early data showing drops in flu vaccine uptake this season, CDC has issued an urgent reminder about the importance of vaccinating for flu. Hospitalization rates in kids are among the highest seen at this time in about a decade so far this season.

Getting a flu shot is the most important action a person can take to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as possible.

The flu vaccine:

• Reduces the risk of flu illness

• Can make illness less severe among people who get vaccinated, but still get sick with flu, reducing the risk of serious flu complications, such as hospitalization

• Can be given at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine, for people who are due for both

• Protects against four different flu viruses - even if a patient has already gotten flu, other flu viruses are circulating and it’s possible to get flu more than once a season
  
  

Groups at higher risk of serious illness from flu include:

Adults 65 Years and Older: Nine out of 10 people hospitalized with flu in recent years had at least one underlying health condition (Asthma, Heart Disease & Stroke, Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease)

Children under 5: Flu is more dangerous than the common cold for children, and healthy children 5 years and older can spread flu to vulnerable family members like infants younger than 6 months and adults over 65

During Pregnancy: Due to changes to the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy make people more susceptible to potentially serious flu complications. Flu may also be harmful for a developing baby.

Resources

• MDPH Influenza Vaccine Guidelines and Tools

• FluView: Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report

• Find a flu vaccine near you

• Flu messages messaging for people with chronic diseases

• ACIP Flu Vaccine Recommendations

• Follow DPH on Twitter

Seniors who are planning to apply to 4-year colleges and universities should be working on their college applications, completing necessary essays and making sure they have connected with teachers about recommendations. Students should make an appointment with their School Counselor if they have not done so already. Deadlines come up quick and we want to make sure they everyone is on track.

Financial Aid Information:

Presentations in English and Spanish from our MEFA Financial Aid Night on October 19th are below!

Would you like even more help with your FAFSA form? Use this link to schedule one-on-one Zoom sessions with a MEFA Advisor: https://masfaa.org/fafsaday/

Ongoing workshops: Need to learn about financial aid? The trusted experts at MEFA are hosting FREE webinars to help. Register at https://bit.ly/3eaiKwD, or watch the on-demand recording anytime at https://bit.ly/3AAaQEd.

Classes Offered:

Medical Terminology | Some Remote Classes Tuesdays 6:00-9:00pm - The rest fully online

Cyber Ethics | Fully Online - No scheduled class meetings

Criminal Justice | Fully Online - No scheduled class meetings

Nutrition | Fully Online - No scheduled class meetings

Law and Society | Fully Online - No scheduled class meetings

Social Problems | Remote Classes Mondays 6:00-9:00pm

You have to apply to take one of these courses - here is the link from the flyer:

Apply for MassBay Dual Enrollment

Applications are due by December 23, 2022.

School Counselor Caseloads and additional contact information are below:

Counselor Caseload Information 2022-2023 School Year

Counselor Contact Information 2022-2023 School Year

• Fill out this counselor request form online
• Stop by the counseling office to fill out an appointment request
• Email your School Counselor
• Call your School Counselor
• Text their google voice number during school hours to connect

The holidays are right around the corner and after next week students will have a week off from school. While we hear a lot about the stress associated with this time, and there is a lot of information out there about how to cope, various anxiety provoking feelings can still persist.

In this issue we will look at some ways to focus on making yourself and your student remember some positives, as well as some ways to manage stress.. According to McLean Hospital's guide to managing stress during the holidays (https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/mcleans-guide-managing-mental-health-around-holidays) consider the following tips:

1. Honor your feelings if you don't feel particularly festive: The pressure to be "happy, and social during the holidays, puts a lot of stress on families. It's important to acknowledge how you feel and not judge yourself for feeling cranky.

2. Set realistic expectations: Doing so is particularly important if experiencing loss or going through a hard family issue. You don't have to force yourself to overextend yourself and your family and know that quiet time at home is also OK.

3. Look at more cost effective ways for gift giving: Consider how much money you can comfortably spend and look at other creative ways to give gifts, such as a Secret Santa or let some family members know that you want to keep gifts simple this year.

4. Combat the lack of sunlight by getting outside: You and your family can schedule a walk together or see if there are any parks that you have not gone to in a while.

I also attached a winter holiday self care worksheet that may give you some solace if you need it. See you in the new year!

Thanks,

Julia Fairclough LICSW, SAC

Adjustment Counselor

The Keefe Tech Chapter of Business Professionals of America participated in the Framingham Council of Aging Fall Clean-up Project. 8 members along with their advisors spent the morning raking leaves for three Framingham homes that are registered with the Framingham Council of Aging. It was a chilly morning in November, but the BPA Members raked and bagged over 80 bags for leaf pickup. Sam Swisher, organizer for the event, praised the students for their efforts and called out group "one of the most organized and determined groups that he has worked with this year. Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Rabidou treated the members to Breakfast at a local restaurant in Ashland for their efforts.

Bronco Wrestlers Sean Miniman and captain Kevin Ribeiro took second place at the Ashland Early Bird Wrestling tournament!

Captain Alex Mello and Jon Arena each placed fourth!

For immediate release:

December 12, 2022

Massachusetts Adding Cannabis Education to Driving School Program

News conference: Friday, December 16, 1 p.m.

BOSTON - The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), in partnership with members of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission and AAA Northeast, will host a news conference on Friday, December 16, at 1 p.m. at the Worcester Registry of Motor Vehicles Customer Service location. This event will announce that as of January 2023, Massachusetts will be the first recreational-use cannabis state in the nation to adopt, “Shifting Gears: the Blunt Truth about Marijuana and Driving,” a AAA curriculum that educates teens on the risks of cannabis-impaired driving.

The current driver education module addressing impaired driving will be updated to include research-based information on cannabis, explaining how tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active chemical in marijuana, affects cognition, vision, reaction time, and perception of time and distance. This is the first generation of driver education students to be licensed since cannabis became legal in Massachusetts, and AAA research shows that impaired driving crashes may increase and continue to injure and kill motorists and their passengers. The Shifting Gears, cannabis-impaired driving curriculum, will be taught to approximately fifty-thousand young drivers per year in all seven hundred Massachusetts driving school locations.

WHAT: News conference to announce as of January 2023, a module of the Massachusetts Driver’s Education Curriculum will now include research-based information on cannabis-impaired driving.

WHEN: Friday, December 16, 1 p.m.

WHERE: Worcester Registry of Motor Vehicles, 611 Main Street, Worcester

WHO: Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie

Cannabis Control Commission, Commissioner Kimberly Roy AAA Northeast Vice President of Public & Government Affairs, Mary Maguire, Newton Police Chief John Carmichael, Keefe Regional Technical High School Graduate Lily Sullivan Massachusetts drivers’ education is controlled by the RMV and requires all first-time drivers younger than 18 to complete 30 hours of classroom instruction before they can receive a full, unrestricted Class D or Class M license. For more information, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/drivers-education-programs.

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission is charged with regulating both the adult use and medical marijuana industries. The Commission was established by the ballot initiative approved by voters in November 2016 and in bipartisan legislation signed by Governor Charlie Baker in July 2017, consisting of one appointee each from the Governor, Treasurer and Attorney General, and two members to be agreed upon by the majority of those three constitutional officers. For more information: https://masscannabiscontrol.com/.

SAME DAY ACCESS FOR FRAMINGHAM and MARLBORO CLINICS - EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

No matter what age, insurance, language spoken, etc- we will set you up with an intake and review service options.

Framingham Clinic:

Monday through Thursday 8:00am to 6:00pm;

Fridays 9:00am-5:00pm;

1st and 3rd Sundays 9:00am-1:00pm

354 Waverly Street, Framingham MA

508-661-2020

Marlboro Clinic:

Monday through Thursday 8:00am to 6:00pm;

Fridays 9:00am-5:00pm;

2nd and 4th Sundays 9:00am-1:00pm

340 Maple Street, Marlboro MA

508-485-9300

For questions, please contact the Advocates Community Counseling Intake Department at 508-661-2038 or counseling2@advocates.org

Informational Flyer in English

Informational Flyer in Portuguese

Informational Flyer in Spanish

Pearl Street Cupboard and Cafe - The Pearl Street Cupboard & Café provides monthly groceries to Framingham residents. Individuals and families in need are provided with a monthly supply of nutritious foods like chicken and fish, produce, dairy, bread and grocery items to prepare meals at home. A community meal is served 7 days each week for residents of Framingham and surrounding towns.

Daniel's Table - Daniel's Table distributes food to Framingham residents with children 18 and under and persons over 60 years of age.

Project Bread - Project Bread connects people and communities in Massachusetts to reliable sources of food while advocating for policies that make food more accessible—so that no one goes hungry. If you are in need of food security, call 1-800-645-8333.

Metrowest YMCA Food Distribution - The MetroWest YMCA believes that fighting food insecurity makes their community stronger. As part of their commitment to healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility, they provide year-round grocery distribution at the Framingham Branch and meal distribution at various community sites throughout the summer.

• Grocery distribution takes place on Monday's and Friday's from 3:00pm - 5:00pm (while supplies last) at the Metrowest YMCA. No membership is required to access these resources.
  
  

A Place to Turn - A Place To Turn is committed to providing emergency food and clothing to our neighbors in the MetroWest community. We will serve those in need in an atmosphere of caring and mutual respect.

Salvation Army Framingham - On Tuesdays and Thursdays, clients arrive at 12 to stock up on fresh produce, bread, sweets and miscellaneous items donated from Trader Joe's, BJ's, Stop & Shop, Wegmans and the Greater Boston Food Bank.

SNAP Benefits Application - SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It was formerly known as food stamps and is run by the Department of Transitional Assistance. 1 out of 9 people in Massachusetts receive SNAP benefits. Apply for SNAP in 20 minutes or less.

WIC - The Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program keeps pregnant and breastfeeding women and kids under 5 healthy. WIC is a nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services, free of charge, to Massachusetts families who qualify.