Tuesday, May 31, 2011

THIS WEEK IN BROCKTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1--LAST DAY FOR SENIORS!!!!
WOW ~ Walk On Wednesdays Program at Brookfield, Davis, Downey,
Hancock and Kennedy Schools ~ Before school
Pre K – Grade 5 In–Sservice, early release
Angelo: Teacher Appreciation Luncheon Café, Noon.
East: TERI Program Field Trip, Curry College, Milton. During school
Plouffe: Unified Sports Participants & Parent Information Dinner, Café 6:30 p.m.
Raymond: Staff Appreciation Luncheon Café Noon.
Raymond: P.T.A. Meeting, Café 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, JUNE 2
Baker: Field Trip for 3rd Grade-Plimouth Plantation, Plymouth. During School
Baker: Field Trip for 4th Grade Museum of Science, Boston. During School
Davis: Spring Concert, Café 6:30 p.m.
Downey: Grade 5 Fitness Day. During School
East: School Improvement Council Meeting, Room 130 5 p.m.
East: P.A.C. Meeting Room 130 6 p.m.
George: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – Grade 1, 2-Way 1 p.m.
Hancock: Field Trip for 1st Grade – Southwick Zoo. During School
Huntington: Good Citizens of the Year Awards, South Middle School 8:30 a.m.
Kennedy: School Improvement Council Meeting, Conference Room, 6 p.m.
Kennedy: P.A.C. Meeting RM 201 7 p.m.
South: Field Trip– Patriots Place--Foxboro, During School
West: Bonnie the Snake Lady Show for Grade 6. During School

FRIDAY, JUNE 3
Parents’ Academy Morning Workshop
Summer Fun and Getting Ready for Kindergarten Celebration
Gilmore Early Childhood Center 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Class of 2011 Graduation
Brockton High School, Champion High School, BB Russell
and Lincoln School seniors
Marciano Stadium ~ 5 p.m.
Angelo: Field Trip for K - Buttonwood Park, New Bedford During School
Angelo: School Improvement Council Meeting, Conference Room 9:30 a.m.
Ashfield: MCAS is Over Dance, Café 3-5 p.m.
Brookfield: Kindergarten Play, Café 10 a.m.
East: Peer Mediators Field Trip, 5 WITS. During School
Plouffe: Plouffe Variety Show. Café 7 p.m.
South: Chorus & Band Concert Festival East

SATURDAY, JUNE 4
West: Grade 6 – 8 Lacrosse Team Field Trip, Harvard University, 9:30 – 1:30 p.m.

MONDAY, JUNE 6
Angelo: RIF- Reading is Fundamental for Gr.1 & 2 During School
Angelo: TAG Parent Night 6 p.m.
Brookfield: Field Trip for K - Buttonwood Park, New Bedford. During School
Brookfield: P.T.O. Meeting, Café 6:30 p.m.
East: Field Trip for 6th Grade Plimouth Plantation, Plymouth. During School
Hancock: Kindergarten Fun Day at Hancock Park. During School
Hancock: P.T.A. Meeting, Library 6:30 p.m.
Raymond: Field Trip for 4th Grade--Plimouth Plantation, Plymouth. During School
South: Field Trip for 6th Grade--Plimouth Plantation, Plymouth. During School

Southeastern Regional To Host Equipment, Supplies Public Auction June 4

BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--The Southeastern Regional School District will hold a public auction of surplus items ranging from tables, chairs, saws and ladders to a sanding machine, and air conditioning unit.
The public, silent auction will be held Saturday, June 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Vocational-Technical High School located at 250 Foundry St., S. Easton.
Some items are in working condition others are not.
The list of used, working and non-working equipment and supplies includes: various ladders, saws, a sanding machine, tables, chairs, filing cabinets, an air-conditioning unit, bulk construction and electrical supplies and a variety of other materials.
Proceeds from the public silent auction will benefit students at Southeastern Regional, including the high school’s scholarship fund.

Monday, May 23, 2011

THIS WEEK IN BROCKTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

MONDAY, MAY 23
TUESDAY, MAY 24
Baker: Field Trip for Kindergarten – Berklee Center Boston, During School
Brookfield: Field Trip for 1st Grade Boston, During School
George: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – Gr. 3/2Way Mrs. Whittington TBA
Hancock: Hancock on The Move During School
West: School Improvement Council Meeting Room 110, 6 p.m.
West: P.A.C. Meeting Room 110, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25
Massachusetts Walk to School Day
WOW ~ Walk On Wednesdays Program at Brookfield, Davis, Downey,
Hancock and Kennedy Schools ~ Before School
Parents’ Academy ~ Texas Roadhouse Kids Fun Night, Westgate Mall 4–8 p.m.
Baker: Field Trip 1st Grade – Berklee Center Boston, During School
Brookfield: Field Trip for Kindergarten Davis Farmland, During School
Kennedy: Title One ~ Family Book Talk Luncheon – Gr. 5 - Ms. Mancini 11 a.m.
Kennedy: Title One ~ Family Book Talk – Gr. 2 Ms. Mondillo 1 p.m.
West: Drama Club Production “Annie Jr.” auditorium 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 26
Hancock: Field Trip for 2nd Grade – NE Aquarium Boston, During School
East: Girls Mentoring Club Field Trip to a local college, During School
Kennedy: Title One ~ Family Book Talk Luncheon – Gr. 5 - Ms. McIntosh 11 a.m.
Kennedy: Title One ~ Family Book Talk – Gr. 2 Ms. Estabrooks 1 p.m.
Plouffe: Spring Concert Café, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, MAY 27
Angelo: Field Trip for 2nd Grade - Cultural Center RI, During School
Angelo: Angelo School Band at George School Café, During School
Angelo: Family Movie Night Café, 6– 8:00 p.m.
Baker: Field Trip for 5th Grade State House Boston, During School
Brookfield: Field Trip for 2nd Grade - Buttonwood Park New Bedford, During School
Brookfield: Field Trip for 4th Grade - Duck Tours Boston During School
Downey: Field Trip for Kindergarten, During School
George: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – Gr. 2/2Way Mrs. Higgins 9 a.m.
Hancock: Field Trip for 3rd Grade – Fenway Park Boston, During School
Huntington: 114th Annual Huntington School Parade, 12:30 p.m.
MONDAY, MAY 30
NO SCHOOL ~ MEMORIAL DAY

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Lock-Down Drill, Drug Sweep A Success, School Officials Say

BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--No students were arrested and seven were suspended after a coalition of local and regional police conducted a simulation lock-down drill and real drug and weapons sweep at Brockton High School shortly after classes began Thursday morning.
While some illegal items were found during the drug sweep, officials praised students and staff for the success of a drill officials said was organized, calm and indicates the school's preparedness for an actual emergency.
“The safety of our students and staff is our first priority, and accountability is important. We need to test our skills and systems periodically to make sure that our schools are safe places,” said Superintendent of Schools Matthew H. Malone said in a prepared statement, Thursday, May 19.
“I’m proud of the way the students and staff conducted themselves today, they used their training, behaved well and proved that Brockton High School is a great place to learn," he said.
The 90-minute “Hold in Place” lockdown drill began at 9:15 a.m. when Principal Susan Szachowicz announced over the public address system students and staff would be participating in the drill.
All students and staff remained in the classroom or office they were in when the drill began and remained in their place until officials gave an all-clear signal.
Police blocked the entrances to the school stopping the flow of traffic in and out of the high school.
Szachowicz notified parents through an automatic telephone system that the lockdown was a drill and not an emergency as soon as it began.
“You learn by practice. You hope you never have to put these skills to use, but it’s critical that we all know what to do if a crisis arises,” Szachowicz said in the statment.
“I thought it went extremely well – it was an impressive effort by all of the school and police officials. I thought the students and the staff were cooperative. It showed us that if anything were to happen, we are ready to handle that crisis,” she said.
The drill was a coordinated effort between the Brockton Police, School Police and Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office. Also involved were K-9 units from the Stoughton, Middleboro, Foxboro, Quincy, Scituate, Weymouth, Braintree, Hingham, Winchester, Rehoboth and Pembroke Police Departments.
The drill was also a drug and weapons sweep of the seven-building complex—similar to sweeps that have taken place in other communities such as Middleboro where students were found to possess marijuana,knives and prescription pills.
Included in the drug sweep were officers and K-9 units from the Massachusetts Department of Probation, Massasoit Community College Police Department, Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office and MA Department of Correction.
In all, 46 officers and 23 K-9s took part.
Six of Brockton High School’s 4,200 students were found in possession of small amounts of marijuana and one student was found with drug paraphernalia.
Two of the seven students were found to be in possession of pocket knives.
Each of the seven students have been suspended and will face due process hearings. No arrests were made.
“I think that for a high school of this size, with such large land mass, buildings and population, that Brockton High School is extremely safe,” said Brockton Police Lieutenant Donald Mills, who oversees the Brockton School Police.
“There were no arrests or disturbances as a result of this drill, and that is an excellent example of how safe and secure this school is.”
In 2010, the Brockton Public Schools was awarded a two-year, $300,000 Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools, or REMS, grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
Through the grant, the district continues to improve and strengthen its emergency management plans and attempting to address the four phases of emergency management: prevention-mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
The project is designed to ensure Brockton school staff, emergency responders, and public physical and mental health care providers are prepared to respond confidently to critical incidents that may arise in schools.
“This is the first of many drills like this, both at Brockton High School and in buildings across our district,” Superintendent Malone said.
“Our students are our responsibility and we are going to give them the best possible education in the most safe and supportive environment possible,” he said.

Cardinal Spellman Announces 2011 Valedictorian, Salutatorian

BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--Cardinal Spellman High School has announced the valedictorian and salutatorian for the 2011 graduating class.
Samantha Curran, of Quincy, has been named the 2011 Cardinal Spellman High School valedictorian and Jen Scanlon, of Bridgewater, was named the 2011 Cardinal Spellman High School salutatorian, according to a prepared statement released today by the high school.
Both students plan to deliver speeches to the 2011 graduating class, and everyone in attendance, at the Cardinal Spellman High School Graduation Ceremony.
Commencement will be held on May 26 at 6 p.m. on the school’s football field.
Curran is no stranger to the spotlight. She was named Enterprise All-Scholastic 2009 for volleyball and Enterprise Volleyball Player of the year for 2010.
She is a team captain for volleyball and softball. She is also the President of National Honor Society. (Pictured above)
Curran has donated her time in the community since before she entered high school. She has volunteered for the Walk for Hospice since 2005 and she participated in the Relay for Life. She also serves as a lector at St. Joseph’s Parish in Quincy.
Curran plans to attend Wentworth Institute of Technology to study Biomedical Engineering.
Scanlon hopes to become a veterinarian after college. She will major in biology at Brandies University in the fall.
Scanlon played basketball, ran track, and served as a captain for the girls soccer team during her time at Spellman. She is also an accomplished figure skater.
Scanlon enjoys volunteering and making a difference in the community. She coaches youth soccer and figure skating. She participated in the Relay for Life and she also volunteers at the Handi Kids Therapeutic Recreation riding center. (Pictured at right)
Cardinal Spellman High School President, Dr. John McEwan, said is very impressed with this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian.
“Spellman is very proud of both Samantha Curran and Jen Scanlon,” McEwan said. “They are both well-rounded, outstanding young women. They are accomplished academically, athletically and have shown a great deal of service to the community. They both represent the values and accomplishments of the ideal Spellman student.”

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Citywide Spelling Bee Saturday Features Elementary School Kids

BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--Brockton public, parochial and private school students in third, fourth and fifth grades will match wits with the dictionary Saturday, May 14 when they will ocmpete in the annual Citywide Spelling Bee.
The event will be held at the historic Little Red School House on Forest Avenue, across from Brockton High School's Rocky Marciano Stadium.
Competition begins with the third graders at 9 a.m., followed by fourth grade at 11 a.m. and the tournament wraps up with the fifth graders at 2 p.m.
Parking is available at the Little Red School House or at Brockton High School.
A second Bee will be held for students in sixth to eighth grade Saturday, May 21.
Each contestant has won a grade-wide Spelling Bee in order to represent their school, and winners of the citywide bee are awarded cash and prizes from sponsors PaperBack Junction, Brockton Education Association, Chartwells School Dining Services, Rockland Trust, Community Bank, Crescent Credit Union, Mutual Bank, HarborOne Credit Union, Prospect Hill Company and the Brockton Rox.
Judges include Mayor Linda M. Balzotti, Superintendent of Schools Matthew H. Malone, several city Councilors, school committee members, State Rep. Christine Canavan, Police Chief William Conlon and Plymouth Country Registrar of Deeds John Buckley, Jr.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Hancock Student Saves Grandmom With 911 Call

By Lisa E. Crowley
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON—Eight-year-old Hancock Elementary School student Nolan Wood didn’t stop to think when his grandmother suddenly collapsed at her kitchen table while painting a picture for him March 22.
Wood immediately recognized his grandmother Patricia Cerone was having a serious medical problem and ran straight for the phone and dialed 911—steps he had learned to take from programs at school and from his mother Michelle Wood.
Wood was able to tell firefighters the address of his grandmother’s house where he was staying for the day because he stayed home from school with a cold.
He described his “Gamma’s” symptoms clearly and with enough detail for emergency responders to realize Cerone was unconscious and needed immediate help.
Firefighters said Nolan never panicked and did all the right things.
“He saved her life,” said Michelle Wood, Nolan’s mother who still thanks her deceased father for sending signals to her to let Nolan stay home from school that day. Otherwise Patricia Cerone would have collapsed at the table with no one around to help her.
Cerone, 64, had not been ill and the collapse identified a life-threatening condition for which she is currently undergoing treatments at Tufts Medical Center. (Cerone pictured at right with Nolan and brother Gavin)
“I’m not a religious person, but my father was there that day,” Michelle Wood said thanking the heavens above for the decision to let Nolan stay home from school March 22.
Yesterday afternoon in Fire Chief Richard Francis’ office, Nolan Wood was presented with a citation of appreciation from Francis and another from Mayor Linda Balzotti who said his “quick thinking” and “quick acting” saved his grandmother’s life. (Pictured below)
After the citations were presented, Nolan, his 7-year-old brother Gavin and 2-year-old sister Avery were given bright red firefighter helmets and Nolan and Gavin were thrilled to climb in and out of Engine 5 checking out the hundreds of buttons and laughing when the loud horn echoed through the garage.
Nolan simply said he called 911, but his father Dicky Wood said Nolan is a smart kid who seems to have a spotlight around him because the 8-year-old has already won the family a free trip for a coloring contest and was recognized in the local newspaper for other endeavors.
“We’re really proud of him,” Dicky Wood said.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Special Olympics Fills Marciano Stadium With Joy, Comaraderie

By Lisa E. Crowley
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON—Brockton High School student Christian Crooker pumped his arms and lifted his legs as fast as he could in the 50 yard dash, but couldn’t overcome the speed of Elbert Drayton during Brockton schools Special Olympic games, but a silver medal was just fine with Crooker.
“It’s not about winning,” said Crooker, 17, who said he plays basketball and other sports, but rarely sprints down a track.
“It was fun. It’s just doing it. I feel awesome,” Crooker said. (Pictured above in center with at left, Adam Fritz and, right, Elbert Drayton)
Crooker’s words were a prevalent theme among the more than 400 students from nearly all of Brockton’s schools who participated in Wednesday’s annual Special Olympics Games Day held at Brockton High School’s Marciano Stadium.
Students of all ages took part in a carousel of events that included running races, relays, a wheelchair push, football, softball and tennis ball throws, soccer shooting, long jumping and croquet—all accompanied by the sounds of music that made the event feel like a carnival of dancing, smiles, hugs and cheers.
Hundreds of parents, friends and family members came and went throughout the day to support their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Gloria Clemonts, who watched on the sidelines with her daughter Tahira Carleton as her 10-year-old grandson Jamuari Couvertier threw a football over the heads of high school volunteers, said it was difficult not to shed a tear during the games—especially the opening ceremony.
“As adults we can learn so much from these kids,” Clemonts said. “It warms your heart,” she said.
Tahira Carleton, Couvertier’s mom, said her young son could not wait to get onto the field yesterday.
“He came home and practiced and practiced,” Carleton said. “He was so excited about it,” she said.
A Brookfield Elementary School student, Carleton said it is a beautiful thing to see how students with varying levels of learning, developmental and physical disabilities help one another.
“Some learn things quicker than others and those who are good at a subject help others who aren’t as good or as quick to learn,” Carleton said. “They really help one another,” she said.
During opening ceremonies, many people wiped tears that escaped down their cheeks, most notably after BHS student Jay Stone and police officer Ted Hancock ran down the track with the signature Special Olympics “Flame of Hope.” (Pictured below)
Hancock, who has worked the event in the past as a bystander, said it was the first time he had the honor of escorting the torch bearer and was inspired by the joy and love that filled Marciano Stadium.
“I sprung like a young puma,” Hancock said with enthusiasm.
Superintendent Matthew Malone said the annual event is a beautiful showcase of how the human spirit—even if that spirit is fraught with disabilities and obstacles—can overcome nearly anything.
“It’s one of the best things we do in the school system,” Malone said.
“It shows that effort and achievement, determination and perseverance are all equal qualities that we all share. Kids with disabilities are just like everyone else,” he said.
Opening ceremonies included numerous recognitions and plaques, including one for Tom Kenney, (Pictured below, center) Brockton High’s athletic director who will retire after decades in the school system.
Before plaques were handed out several students opened the games with the singing of the National Anthem by a trio of BHS students Ana Caroline Alano, Gabriella Brown and Sony Thoyo and a rendition of “God Bless America” by Brookfield Elementary School student Christy Villard, a 10-year-old who said she loves to sing, but rarely performs in public.
Villard said her friends encouraged her to give it her all.
“My friends always say you have to try,” Villard said. (Pictured at right)

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

THIS WEEK IN BROCKTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

May 2 – May 6
Kindergarten Registration for 2011 – 2011 School Year
for children turning 5 years old by 12/31/11
B.P.S. School Registration Center 43 Crescent Street Brockton 508-580-7950

TUESDAY, MAY 3
B.P.S. School Committee Meeting B.H.S. Little Theater, 7 p.m.
Baker: International Food Festival - Caribbean Café During Lunches
Davis: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – Gr. 1 Ms. Clary 8:45 a.m.
Davis: P.T.A. Meeting Library 6 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4

Massachusetts Walk to School Day--WOW ~ Walk On Wednesdays Program at Brookfield, Davis, Downey,
Hancock and Kennedy Schools ~ Before School
B.P.S. Special Olympics at B.H.S. Marciano Stadium ~ 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 pm.
(Rain date May 5th)
Angelo: P.T.A. Meeting Café 6:15 p.m.
Davis: Title One ~ Family Literacy Night 6 p.m.
Raymond: School Improvement Council Meeting 9:30 a.m.
Raymond: P.T.A. Meeting Café 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 5
Ashfield: School Improvement Council Meeting Library 6 p.m.
Ashfield: P.T.A. Meeting Library 6:30 p.m.
Brookfield: Spring Concert for Kindergarten Café 9:45 a.m.
Brookfield: Recycle Program for Grade 3 Café
East: School Improvement Council Meeting Room 130 5 p.m.
East: P.A.C. Meeting Room 130 6 p.m.
Kennedy: School Improvement Council Meeting Conference Room 6 p.m.
Kennedy: P.A.C. Meeting RM 201 7 p.m.
Raymond: Spring Band & Chorus Concert Café 9 and 10 a.m. and 6:30 pm.

FRIDAY, MAY 6
Parents’ Academy Morning Workshop
Early Childhood Play Workshop
Gilmore Early Childhood Center 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Angelo: Family Movie Night Café 6 – 8 p.m.
Brookfield: Spring Concert for Grades 1 - 3 Café 9:45 a.m.
Brookfield: Spring Concert for Grades 4 & 5 and Parents Café 10:30 a.m.
Downey: Spring Concert Café T.B.A.

SATURDAY, MAY 7
Gilmore: School Clean-Up day School Grounds T.B.A.