SHS Warrior Call
Respect: Earn It, Give It, Live It!
Welcome!
ISSUE 1 - January 10, 2016
Welcome to the new Seekonk High School Newsletter! It is designed to keep everyone informed of the many events that are happening around the school. It contains links, picture, 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 Winter Ball will be held on Saturday, February 6th, at the Venus de Milo from 6:30pm to 10pm. Tickets will be on sale this week only during all lunches for $35.00. Be sure to get yours soon!
School Committee will be meeting on Monday, January 11 at 7pm in the high school Library/Media Center. You mat access the agenda here.
The Modern Drama Class will be holding their annual performance this Thursday, January 14 at 6:30pm in the SHS Auditorium. It is their rendition of Christopher Durang's Miss Witherspoon. Be sure to check out the flyer and disclaimer here before attending.
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
Tim Fortin receives All District Honors!
Junior Tim Fortin will be performing with the SE Mass All District Jazz Band Friday and Saturday on bass. He was the only bass player to be selected in our district for this ensemble. This year the director of the group will be Jeff Holmes, Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Tim will audition for the Massachusetts All State Jazz Band in late January. Congratulations to Tim!
Cameron Garabian wins shot put event at the Red Auerbach Invitational Meet!
Freshman Cammy Garabian won the shot put event in the Freshmen/Sophomore Red Auerbach Invitational Meet last Saturday, January 2, at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston.
Anne Silveira sets school record!
Senior Anne Silveira made the school record board last week, running the school's third best time ever in the 600 meter run. The track staff are confident that Anne will climb that record board as the season progresses.
SHS hosted its 1st Model UN Conference!
On Saturday, December 19, 40 students from Seekonk and surrounding schools took part in the first SHS Model United Nations (MUN) Conference in the SHS Library Media Center.
The conference represents the first time that Seekonk High has hosted such an event, and it was the performance-based project of senior Hannah Machado.
Seekonk students chairing the event included Sasha Wilhelm-Hart, Hannah MacDonald, Ryan Silveira, and Filipa Carvalho. Ariya Sonethavy, crisis director, filmed and edited a simulated video with Runda Jenblat of a Syrian Crisis situation.
This program was supported in part by a grant from the Seekonk Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Morning refreshments for the conference were provided by Panera Bread.
New Year, New Newsletter, and New People and Positions!
Please remind your students that this month's character challenge themes are: Positive Improvements and Goals
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 News - Mrs. Whatley
Financial Aid Night at the High School
This event on Thursday (1/7) evening was well attended! Over 50 parents and students were there to learn about preparing to pay for college. The representative from the Massachussetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) shared valuable information and resources for families. If you were unable to attend the presentation, you can find parent resources on the MEFA website. It was recommended that parents use this site and sign up for the MEFA newsletter.
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:
Mr. Kevin Aguiar (Interim Assistant Principal)
One interesting fact about me is that I am a lifelong resident of Fall River, MA and I was educated in a combination of public and private schools throughout my k-12 education. This allowed me to experience what life was like for a wide range of friends / classmates and helped me build a strong foundation for my future endeavors. Many of my friends from grade school continue to be some of my best friends to this day. I have graduated from Bishop Connolly High School, U Mass Dartmouth and Cambridge College. ( I attended the School of Hard Knocks and learned a lot there as well.)
The current year will bring a lot of exciting experiences / changes to my life. I started a new job here at Seekonk High…I am closing on a new home at the end of January…and I am getting married for the first time on April 16th. I am really enjoying the first thing on the list (working at Seekonk High) and I hope that continues for the other two big things listed above…
One of my greatest interests revolves around sports. I played and coached basketball and baseball in my younger years and have now relegated myself to playing only golf during the year (so I do not hurt myself). I actually coached against Mr. Crippen a few years back when I coached JV baseball at Bishop Connolly High School. I am a fan of our local teams – Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics.
My previous work history includes time as a School Committee member, State Legislator, Guidance Counselor, Adjustment Counselor, Private practice Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and Vice Principal of several schools in Fall River. All of my employment opportunities have been rewarding in some way but I find no better reward than the feeling of making a difference in the lives of children.
Volunteerism and service to the community have played a major role in my life. In the past I was a board member and past President of the Babe Ruth baseball league in Fall River for over 10 years, I coached CYO basketball, worked at the local soup kitchen for several years, and assisted various cultural organizations that assist the community. I am currently serving as a Board of Director for the Bristol County Child Advocacy Center. These organizations are some of the ways I like to give back to the community and they have helped me to keep things in their proper perspective in my life.
Warrior Cries!
Mr. Bonneau... for always coming up with engaging ways to teach his material. Whether students are baking for chemistry, learning about plant kingdoms, building bridges to hold weights, creating cars to protect their passengers (eggs), or just dissecting pigs they can be assured of one thing; if they are in Mr. Bonneau's class they will be engaged! -Chris Jones
Donna Laliberte...for her commitment to the students in the ELL program. Mrs. Laliberte not only gives her students the ability to communicate, but approaches ELL education in a way that helps students thrive in the community as members of a new culture! - Eryn Capizzo
Mrs. Kinniburgh... for having students participate in a Socratic Seminar where students displayed their understanding of a memoir/autobiography they read by taking on the persona of the author and then respond to discussion questions from that perspective. She is clearly making reading purposeful and memorable for students! - Chris Jones
Ms. Samantha Fontaine...for quickly becoming (as a new member of the staff) an indespensible asset to the school. Sam can be found staying after school to support struggling students and taking the initiative to identify resources on her own time! - Eryn Capizzo
Sports with Mr. Crippen
This year's Boys Junior Varsity basketball team is off to a hot start this season posting a 6-2 record to date behind the fine play of Terry Smith, Shane Smith, Devon Slaughter, Mitch Blanchard, James Jackson and Nate Amaral.
Music Department News - Mr. Smialek
The Seekonk Music Parents Association will have its next meeting on Tuesday, January 12 at 6 pm in the SHS Band Room. All are invited to attend. 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).
Mr. Smialek has reserved a block of 30 tickets for the March 19th Boston Symphony Orchestra concert at Symphony Hall in Boston. The price, including bus fee is $47. These are available to students and parents on a first come, first serve basis. Student permission slips are available in the Band Room for anyone who needs one. The concert is at 8 pm, we would plan to leave around 5:30. Checks should be made payable to SMPA. Tickets are on sale now.
Library/Media Center - Mrs. Larson
Read all about new and exciting things happening in the Library here SHS Library Newsletter!
If you want more indepth information about the Library; including contact information, research guides, and other offerings check out the SHS Library Website!
From the Nurse - Mrs. Rok - Happy New Year!
The Massachusetts Department of Health requires a current physical on file for all grade 10 students. A current physical was due before December 22, 2015 and letters were mailed home for those missing a physical. Please send them in ASAP or your child will be put on an obligations list
The Polished Program will be coming to Seekonk High School on January 14, 2016. This program if free for dental cleanings during the school day. If you would like your child to receive a dental cleaning, please pick up a form in Mrs. Rok’s office or the Main Office. You do not need any dental insurance to participate.
Please email me at rokp@seekonkschools.org or call with any questions or concerns.
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