Senior Countdown is on.
This week seniors completed one of the last milestones before graduation--Senior Project. This is a true celebratory evening. The products have been created, the services provided and all that is left is for the students to share their journey with the teachers and community. Multiple judges commented on the level of the projects and the degree to which the students were prepared. Most important were the students; sheer joy upon leaving each room and making their way down the spine to the cafeteria. Thank you to all who participated in this evening. With the first year under her belt, Senior Project Coordinator, Leslie Holcroft says, “I think it went well, the students were so happy.” Modesty aside, the monumental organization necessary for such a large evening was a task completed with relative calm, an abundance of humor and good will. We look forward to hear of any additional thoughts on the night.
To our senior English and special education teachers, Sherri Andrews, Aly Carty, Beth Conrad (Brigitte Martino), Sue Graham, Melissa Grinnell, Leslie Holcroft, Vinessa LaBlanc, Michele Lataille, Rich Polseno, Andrew Propatier, D’Ellen Roye, and Melissa Waterman your dedication to our students to provide the direction throughout the year to get them to the finished product is no small feat. Without sheer determination on many occasions some students may have been left behind. Thank you for never letting go. Bravo.
Health and Wellness
From Karen D’Abrosca
“Connection” … a word that seems far removed from our recent class & schedule changes!!
However, it is the title of a very cutting edge, thought provoking film about stress, disease and the role of thoughts and behavior in managing disease. “The Connection: Mind Your Body” was screened Monday evening in Newport and delivered a scientific report of lives changed and major illnesses overcome by paying attention to thoughts and behavior. Startling statistics included one in two people will be diagnosed with a chronic illness in their lifetime. Studies and reports by leaders in this field conclude that thousand year old practices like yoga and meditation work. They are not the next fad and have long term value. This is not to dismiss the role of “Western” medical philosophy, drugs and surgery but to bring awareness to the complementary and equally important, interconnected role of the mind. Check it out ... 3 minute video or 15 minute trailer!! https://www.theconnection.tv
Good News
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| Madison Maguire, Wyndom Chace, Evan Einloth, Josh Johnen, Jacob Maguire and Meghann Maguire |
On Sunday, May 15, 2016, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, six students from NKHS along with others across the state were recognized for their character, academics and sportsmanship at the second annual Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Awards Ceremony. They had the opportunity to meet Tim Wakefield, retired right-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. There was a great supplement to the Independent where each student was highlighted and recognized.
Steve Clarke will be with us for another two years. It will be official once the school committee approves. Congratulations.
Theresa Hawkins has added her name to the lucky list of retirees. We are so happy that she is at a point in her life where she can put herself as #1. Congratulations Theresa. Who is next? Anyone?
What a wonderful time at Duffy’s Tavern this afternoon. Over 50 people from all departments in the district came to celebrate Jackie Fagan and give her the send off she deserves. Leslie Buckley graciously took on the role as Mistress of Ceremony. Thank you to Linda and Cindy for planning and to Rob for taking beautiful photos. Multiple friends and colleagues spoke to wish her well and to let Jackie know how her presence was so dear and how her acts of kindness meant the world. It ended with a standing ovation for Jackie and she shared her thoughts on moving into a gracious retirement. Carol Brock, Louis Cahoon, Lynn Sironen and Terry Romano spiced up the room with their attendance. Thank you all for making it a special afternoon.
Students as Learners
Mr. LaCroix’s Life Skills class was learning about Newton's First Law of motion. From Briand: Using a cue ball on the tile hallway I can demonstrate to them how reduced friction lets it roll very freely. Apologies again to Mr. Hoffer for letting it bang into his door frame!
Joy Tavano, hosted 2012 NKHS Graduate, Emily Levy. She recently graduated from Babson and has started her own company, PICC Perfect. She created a wearable
article to go over one’s arm for people who must wear a PICC line to receive medicine. Emily came to Ms. Tavano’s Accounting 2 class to share her story and her experience on what one must do to start a company. She reviewed stories and trials and how she is improving her company everyday. For example, she is rebranding and renaming her company so she can add new products such as a shirt with a pocket that can be unhooked for a port for cancer treatments. Additionally, she shared how to finance a company through grants and how to be a full-time student and work leading a company to promote your product.
Over the course of the year, Renee has been working with Lyn
In the middle of the week the students in Ms. Greer’s English 9 class were fortunate to have a break from PARCC and the classroom. Two students enacted the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet in the Spine while the class sat on senior row benches to enjoy it. Further, each faculty member and student who walked by were also entertained. There were smiles all around and much appreciation for a wonderfully performed diversion from testing.
Finally, as you are looking towards the end of school, I
Upcoming Events/Important Dates
May
21 Junior Prom - Newport Marriott
22 NK Candlelight Vigil 7-8:30 pm at the Town Beach sponsored by NK Prevention Coalition
24 Chorus & Orchestra Concert - 7pm
School Committee Meeting - 7pm
25 Senior Athlete Night - 6pm
26 Band Awards Concert - 7pm
30 No School - Memorial Day
Student Services Office
Congratulations to Aaron Thomas for being nominated for this week's Skipper Pride for Excellence Award by last week's winner, Keith Higgins. From Keith:
It gives me great pleasure to pass on the Skipper Award for Excellence to Mr. Aaron Thomas.
Aaron takes on many roles here at NKHS. More often than not, he is the man behind the curtain for a majority of our school's video presentations. He has helped create and develop the Com program, which is one of the more sought after courses that our students can take. During the summer months, he runs the NK sport camp program that hundreds of youth take advantage of year after year. Aaron is a well-respected and revered coach, as evidenced by his recent induction into the NK Hall of Fame. He leads the varsity basketball team who are perennial contenders in division 1 competition.
Beyond all of his well-deserved accolades and his many contributions to the school community, he was selected to receive this award for other reasons. Aaron epitomizes the team player. His willingness to help others is something that many of us have become accustomed to as the norm. He frequently takes time out of his busy day to help whoever asks, without ever seeking anything in return. He serves as a great role model for his students, his athletes and his peers. There is no question that Coach Aaron Thomas makes NKHS a better school and a better place to work.
from Donna Sweet:
In a classroom observation, Frank Fusco decided to branch out and try a new technique to curb the cell phone battle. He has a timer set for every 15 minutes. When it rang, all students spoke out, "Tech Time!" Students were given 1 minute to check their phones, look at the computer or stretch. His rationale he explained was that if they were on task and behaving, they earned that minute rather than feel the temptation all period to look at the phone. He is still experimenting with it, but from my observation I called it a success! Creative thinking Frank.
Last day for late buses will be June 9th.
May 23rd, there will be a calendar meeting for those clubs and activities that are looking to reserve dates for the 2016-2017 school year. 2:00 PM in the SSO Conference room.
Reminder to all Skipper Pride recipients, reserve June 15th for a brief after school celebration.
School Culture
Please take a minute to remind your advisory that any student who has outstanding detentions will not be able to participate in the senior prom, this includes attending as a guest if an underclassman, and/or senior week activities. The students can email Brian or Steve if they have any questions.
Videos Worth Watching
The video below is from our own Liz Fusco, a sophomore in Mrs. Reilly’s class. I wanted to highlight this work as it is a true example of one of our NKHS 21st Century Academic Goals: (A1) demonstrate personal responsibility for and a commitment to achieving their full potential. It is particularly uplifting because she is hoping to take AP US History next year and instead of working with a group on the first 17 presidents, she individually was assigned to do all of them. The medium in which students presented their work was student choice. Liz taught herself to play the guitar recently and she wrote a song to go with the presentation. Enjoy. (5 minutes)
Food for Thought
"The reward of a thing well done is to have done it." --Ralph Waldo Emmerson
Until next time, Think, Create, Innovate...Denise
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