GHS-Green Wave Nation News
February, 2021
"It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.”
Vincent Van Gogh
Updates from the Administration:
A Message from Karin Patenaude, Principal:
As we finish another quarter and reflect on half of the 2020-21 school year being complete, I want to take this time to express how proud I am of the student body of GHS. I am continually impressed with the dedication and commitment our students exhibit toward their learning. We are proud of all that you have accomplished in classes and in midterm exams and understand that while remote learning has presented us with challenges, you continue to rise above those challenges and succeed. Please continue to connect with me at karpat1@gpsk12.org for anything you may need.
A Message from Jonathan Cavallo, Associate Principal:
I hope members of our Greenfield School Community are safe and healthy and are looking forward to the days and months ahead. As a parent of three school age children, I have tried to set realistic expectations as it relates to them navigating the times we are in. Being positive, getting organized, establishing flexible routines, making the most of your resources, finding time to exercise, and lastly connecting with family and friends will help you make the most of these uncertain days. Students: stay committed to your schoolwork as we begin a new semester and remain on track. I am here to support you in any way I can, so please do not hesitate to reach out at joncav1@gpsk12.org.
Principal Chats
Come and chat with Ms. Patenaude in an informal, relaxed setting! Meetings are held virtually via Google Meet and the Google Meet links are emailed to all families two days before the event!
Wednesday, February 24 - 7:45 -8:30 am - Class of 2021 Senior Parent/Caregiver Meeting
Thursday, February 25 - 7:45- 8:30 am - Grades 8-11 Parent/Caregiver Meeting
GHS Key Club
Lastly, for anyone who is interested, one of our favorite ways to be helpful remotely is by playing "Free rice". Simply go to www.freerice.com, choose a subject (so many- math, science, languages ,literature and more!) and for every correct answer, a donation is made to the United Nations Food Program. A great way to help others and brush up on skills!
Update from Guidance:
Scheduling for the 2021-22 school year for Grades 8-11 will soon be upon us. Advisory lessons for the month of February will focus on planning your student's schedule and addressing any questions or concerns students have.
Student Council Updates:
GHS, along with high schools across Massachusetts, will be participating in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. All staff and students have been invited to register for the plunge. The goal is 10,000 plungers from across Massachusetts. If your student still has not registered, they can sign up at GHS Polar Plunge registration Fundraising is optional but encouraged (even if it is only $5, any amount helps). Since we are not near the ocean, here are some options to "plunge:" run through the sprinkler, stand in a bucket of ice, fill up a kiddie pool, or maybe eat a pint of ice cream as fast as you can. We will be plunging in March and working on raising awareness, funds and costumes in February. If you have any questions please reach out to Angela Mass at angmas1@gpsk12.org.
Class of 2022 Fundraiser
https://greenfieldclassof22.itemorder.com/sale
The store is open until February 28th and all sales will be shipped directly to the customer as soon as the store closes. If you have any questions, please contact Cassie Damkoehler, Junior Class Advisor, at casdam1@gpsk12.org,
Sport your Green Wave pride while also supporting the Class of 2022!
Go Green Wave Nation!
UPDATE: Class Cup Competition!
Up next: Build a Snowman! Take advantage of the snow we just received as well as the snow storms to come and build a snowman, take a picture, and submit to Advisory!
Class Cup - Snowflake Challenge - Elijah Lemay 12th grade
Class Cup - Snowflake Challenge - Cassandra Decato 10th grade
Class Cup - Snowflake Challenge - Crystal Colon 10th grade
Crazy Sock Day - Coach K's 12th grade Advisory
Crazy Sock Day - Ms. Cresci's 11th grade Advisory
Crazy Sock Day - Madame Hartmann's 11th grade Advisory
Update on the Green Wave Athletics
Hello Green Wave Nation!
We are thankful that girls and boys basketball as well as ice hockey are able to play! There are no fans allowed at the games but we have the capability to live stream home basketball games for both girls and boys through GCTV! You can watch live at GCTV.org or GCTV YouTube channel or Channel 15 for Greenfield residents.
Additionally, away games for basketball will also be streamed. Each school will have a link. Coach K is working on where to post the link game by game. More information to be announced soon!
Ice hockey, however, is a work in progress. As of right now FCAT and GCTV are working together to provide home games on a tape delay basis. Go to their websites to get more information.
All schedules can be found at MIAA.org.
Please be safe and GO GREEN WAVE!
Upcoming Events:
February 3 Remote Learning 911 for Grades 8-11; All School Google Classroom. Join Ms.
Demeo, Guidance Counselor & Ms. Pollock, Librarian for some tips if you are
struggling with remote learning
February 10 - "What's My Story?" A Discussion on Race; All School Google Classroom. Join
Mr. Glen Franklin and Ms. Kia Burton-King for a discussion on race. Pre-
interview with a family member should be conducted before attending this
discussion. See Daily Bulletin for details.
February 12-22 February Break - No School
February 24 Treat Yourself for Grades 8-12; All School Google Classroom. Join GHS
School Adjustment Counselors, Nicholas Fouche and Stacy Page, for self-care
tips
How to Access E-Books and EAudio-Books via SORA:
Updates from Ms. Pollock, GHS Librarian:
Library Club
The Library Club is meeting twice a month this year. Over the course of the year, we are planning two school-wide events: the annual Poetry Slam for 4/14/21 and a new Virtual Comic Convention for 3/10/21. One of the meetings each month will be a book discussion; the books were chosen by students and the discussions will be facilitated by the student who chose the book.
Students interested in presenting a session during the Virtual Comic Convention should email Ms. Pollock at ghslibrarian@gpsk12.org as soon as possible.
The February book discussion will be held on 2/24 at 2 p.m. for Illuminae by Amie Kaufman, which is a science fiction book about two teens fleeing an enemy attack and trying to survive their ship’s AI system and a deadly plague. Students who are interested in participating in Library Club should email librarian, Jessica Pollock, at ghslibrarian@gpsk12.org.
A Note from Nurse Kelly Savitri:
Greetings families, I am very excited about the new “Stop the Spread” COVID-19 testing site at Greenfield Community College. This new site is by far the fastest and easiest way to get tested. It is free and available to any Massachusetts resident. You do not need to have any symptoms or an order from a doctor. You simply log on to https://www.cic-health.com/stopthespread to make an appointment. I encourage you to utilize this resource if you have any inclination to get tested for any reason.
Also, the COVID-19 vaccine is now available to all individuals who are 75 year of age or older. It will soon be available to everyone who is 65+ and those who have 2 or more comorbidities. For more details about when you or your family members will qualify for the vaccine visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccination-program
If you want to make an appointment for yourself or a family member to get vaccinated go to: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccination-locations-for-individuals-in-eligible-groups-and-phases Personally, I am confident in the safety of the available vaccines, and I believe that vaccination is an essential step in bringing this pandemic to an end. I have already received my first dose and I am looking forward to going back for the second dose in a few weeks.
If you have any questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine or testing, you can reach me at kelsav1@gpsk12.org or (413)772-1350 ext 1137. I am happy to be a public health resource for the GPS community.
Green Room Updates:
In Esports Club we meet each Mon, Wed & Thur from 3-5 pm. Throughout February, we'll be preparing for the NASEF Rocket League & Madden NFL 2021 High School National Championship Tournaments.
Anyone interested in joining either club can contact Dan Sullivan, Green Room, at dansul1@gpsk12.org for more information.
About us:
Email: karpat1@gpsk12.org
Website: gpsk12.org
Location: 21 Barr Avenue, Greenfield, MA, USA
Phone: 413-772-1350
Twitter: @patenaude_karin