NRWHS March 2018 Newsletter
Mission: To prepare each student for a successful future
Community
Each day, we work to strengthen our academic program in order to make continuous progress toward our district mission of empowering each student to achieve his or her future story. In order for this work to occur, we must maintain a safe and secure learning environment, so please know that the safety of our students and staff is our absolute top priority.
In the wake of the recent tragedy in Parkland, FL and the unfounded report last week regarding a threat to our school, I want to make you aware that in two recent student assemblies, our Student Resource Officer – Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Pitt -- revisited our safety protocols and reminded our school community that safety is a team effort; each member of our community plays an important role in keeping our school safe. I echoed his comments and reminded students and staff that we strengthen our community by supporting one another in both good times and in times of struggle. I encouraged students to reach out – either to a staff member or a fellow student – when doing so becomes necessary. I also encouraged students to not hesitate to offer support to a friend who may be going through a rough time. We are here to protect and support our kids, and we thank you for serving as a partner in that effort.
On that note, I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to our students and families for your response to last Wednesday’s report. We can certainly understand why such an incident would cause panic, but our students and parents were calm and understanding as we worked through our safety protocols. I am extremely proud of the way in which the NRW community came together to support one another through this challenge. Through reflection and analysis, we will use this experience as another opportunity to strengthen our safety protocols and maintain a safe and orderly learning environment.
Twenty-five week progress reports will be mailed home this week, so please be on the lookout for updated information on your child’s academic standing. Please remember that you can always learn about how your child is doing through the SchoolTool Parent Portal, by calling teachers at (315) 594-3100, or by emailing teachers. As we enter the critical month of March, please continue to encourage your child to take advantage of academic support opportunities:
- Teachers are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 2:25-2:55 pm for additional support.
- The Lift program offers various academic support opportunities on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3 to 5 pm.
- Several students are enrolled in 3rd period Extensions (ex: World History Extension), Math Lab, ELA Lab, or a content study hall (ex: Science Study Hall) for targeted, additional support.
- Several students are enrolled in general study halls which provide an opportunity for additional support.
Congratulations to the cast and crew of The Sound of Music for a wonderful production! Congrats as well to the girls bowling team for winning the sectional title! We are so proud of our students for representing their Cougar Pride in so many diverse ways, and we look forward to other opportunities for them to do just that in the coming weeks. Thanks for your continued support.
- Brian Read, Principal
(315) 594-3100
We strongly encourage all current seniors to apply for the scholarships identified on the webpage above (click the box to access the webpage). Specifically, our local chapter of Dollars for Scholars awards thousands of dollars per year to NRW students. In addition, current seniors as well as alumni are able to apply for the Pasco Trust Scholarship; four, separate awards of $2,500 are available to NRW seniors and alumni, and the deadline to apply is April 15. Questions? See/call/email Mr. Read.
MARCH 16 IS NOW AN INSTRUCTIONAL DAY! THE HIGH SCHOOL WILL DISMISS AT 11:55 AM. BREAKFAST AND LUNCH WILL BE SERVED.
Blood Drive on April 19
Donating blood is a simple thing to do, but can make a big difference in the lives of others. Your gift of blood may help up to three people. Every 2 seconds, someone in the United States needs blood.
National Honor Society will be hosting a Red Cross blood drive on Thursday, April 19th from 8am to 4pm. The blood drive is open to students 16 or older and to all community members. Please enter the building at the front doors and the drive will be in the auditorium.
Blood and Platelet Donors Must:
- Be in good general health
- Weigh at least 110 lbs. Additional weight requirements apply for donors 18-years-old and younger and all high school donors.
- The donation process from the time you arrive until the time you leave takes about an hour.
The steps in the process are:
- Registration: You will complete donor registration which includes information such as your name, address, phone number, and donor identification number (if you have one).
- Proof of identity: You will be asked to show a donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of ID.
- Health History and Mini Physical: You will answer some questions during a private and confidential interview about your health history and the places you have traveled. You will have your temperature, hemoglobin, blood pressure and pulse checked.
- Donation: Your blood donation itself will take about 8-10 minutes. When approximately a pint of blood has been collected, the donation is complete and a staff person will place a bandage on your arm.
- Refreshments: You will spend a few minutes enjoying refreshments to allow your body time to adjust to the slight decrease in fluid volume. After 10-15 minutes you can then leave the donation site and continue with your normal daily activities. Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment knowing that you have helped to save lives.
In addition to donating blood and hopefully helping to save lives, you can also help NRW students who donate blood to receive a scholarship from the Red Cross. Our goal is to collect enough pints of blood to earn a $250 scholarship for an NRW student! Please help us to achieve our goal of 35 to 70 pints.
Sectional Champs!
Congrats to the Cast and Crew!
Blood Drive April 19
Congrats to the Cast & Crew of The Sound of Music!
The NRW High School just completed their production of “The Sound of Music." Over 50 students contributed their talents to make the show a success. Acting, singing, & dancing by a cast brought to life the classic musical. The auditorium was filled with the high school pit band’s musical talents. The lights and sound came courtesy of the AV students who worked hard at making sure every scene was heard and all showing brightly. Thanks to all the parents who stepped up to the challenge and helped make this year’s musical a success and great experience for our students.
NR-W Girls’ Varsity Bowling: 2018 Section V - Class D Champions!
This year’s team consisted of seven student-athletes who are: Haylee Countryman, Chynna Plantz, Dakota Poole, Paige Shipley, Kendra Tuper, Brianna Vezzose and Brooke Webber. These girls had an outstanding season. They took 1st place in the league with a record of 46 wins and 2 losses. Chynna Plantz and Dakota Poole were named County All Stars. At the County Roll Offs, the girls took 1st place where Chynna Plantz had High Game and High Series. At sectionals, the girls fought hard and took 1st place with a one-point win over Bishop Kearney. It was an amazing season and these girls worked extremely hard. Congratulations to Coach LaValley and the Varsity Girls’ Bowling Team!
Congrats to our STUDENTS OF THE MONTH for February! They are Janet Cooper, Cory Fox, Cassidy Rose, & Taylor LaValley! They are being recognized for their ability to exhibit social intelligence!
SAVE THE DATE: NRW TALENT SHOW – APRIL 13th – 6:30 pm
The NRW Science Club and the NRW A/V Club will be hosting a Talent Show right here in the High School Auditorium. We are currently developing the list of acts for the night but we know there are some extremely talented students and staff here at NRWHS so the show is sure to be amazing. Tickets will be on sale at the door for $5 each. Come on out and support a great group of students and the community here at NRWHS.
Check Out BOOK BINGO in the Library!
The library will now be offering a reading challenge called “Book Bingo”! Anyone in any grade can participate, and the bingo sheets are located in the library. Students are given different types of books to read and complete 5 in a row, or 4 corners. When bingo is achieved, they will be entered to win a prize. I invite anyone interested to give it a try! Each month we will have a new bingo sheet!
Bilingual Benefits!
Learning and speaking a second or new language has many surprising advantages! Researchers have found many unexpected benefits that may surprise you. A language learning blog post by Niels at www.Fluenu.com shared the following seven items:
1. Bilingual people are less stressed and nicer! Having the ability to understand and engage with multiple cultures may give bilingual children a broader emotional perspective that helps them stay happier and more balanced.
2. Learning a language changes the way we see people and even ourselves. This comes as a result of learning new concepts embedded within a new language. The process teaches us about human nature, and therefore changes the way we view others and ultimately, ourselves.
3. Speaking a Second language adds a new dimension to who you are, as it allows us to see ourselves in different terms. Because every culture has its own set of expectations of how people will act and express themselves, the blog suggests that perhaps, speaking a particular language subconsciously prompts us to view ourselves in terms of the cultural customs we associate with that language.
4. Knowing two languages makes you better at nonverbal communication. Not only can you communicate with a larger variety of people, you may find it easier to understand other people’s intended meaning. You rely on the nonverbal communication more heavily when using a second language, and your skills augment themselves naturally. It is interesting to note that bilinguals use more emoticons when communicating online. Emoticons are the cyber equivalent of nonverbal communication!
5. Being bilingual changes the way you see the world. Learning to think and experience reality in new ways can be refreshing! The languages you speak influence your thoughts and perceptions.
6. Thinking in a non-native language makes you more rational. Leaning a language as an adult is less automatic than for a child; it engages the more rational parts of your brain. Consider this when you are making financial decisions, for example. You will find your ability strengthened as you strategize to plan long-term success using your non-native language.
7. Your brain loves learning new words. The result of this learning has been compared to the same satisfied feeling you get when indulging in a piece of moist chocolate cake! I don’t know about you, but I’m in!
Take pleasure, and reap all of these bilingual benefits! You will find your cognitive processes will change for the better. Switching back and forth magically hones your multi-tasking skills. Finally yet most importantly, your English will improve as you focus on the mechanics of language. Enjoy!
North Rose-Wolcott High School
Email: bread@nrwcs.org
Website: http://www.nrwcs.org/hs
Location: 11631 Salter-Colvin Road, Wolcott, NY, USA
Phone: (315) 594-3100
Twitter: @NRWHS