|
Woburn Public Schools
District Newsletter October, 2010 |
| Greetings! |
This publication is designed to keep you informed about what's happening in the Woburn Public Schools. In each newsletter we'll include contributions from some of our schools as well as articles from the district in general. Be sure to visit woburnpublicschools.com for the most current information about our schools. Thanks for subscribing to our newsletter. If you haven't already done so, please subscribe to our web site, too. |
|
|
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER! |
| Superintendent's Corner: A Busy Year Ahead
Mark Donovan
|
At this point, the school year is going full steam ahead. As I visit school buildings, I see many excellent things going on, some of which are reflected in this newsletter. As usual, I want to thank our student reporters and our professional staff members for contributing articles that make what goes on in the Woburn Public Schools come alive for all to see.
In my second year as Superintendent of Schools, I will be involved in some major undertakings as we move our system forward. Two of the main areas of focus will be our Anti-Bullying efforts and our involvement in "Race to the Top" (RTTT) activities. You can read about our Anti-Bullying efforts in a separate article in this newsletter.
You may have heard stories in the media about the federal Race to the Top program. Because the School Committee, the Woburn Teachers' Association, and I all agreed to participate in the state's RTTT activities, the district will receive a total of $311,179 over four years to improve teaching and learning in our particular area of focus: science, technology engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Watch for more information about this important initiative.
In addition to the above activities, I have worked with the School Committee to develop several additional goals in four specific areas that will define some of the work I'll be doing this year. Below is a summary of those goals:
Personnel:
1.Negotiating several contracts
2. Develop new ideas for evaluating administrators
Financial/Building Management:
1. Look at new ways to provide information to the School Committee as they make decisions about next year's school budget
2. Prepare for the opening of the new Goodyear School, including the completion of a redistricting plan
3. Work with the Massachusetts School Building Authority and city officials, including the Mayor, to complete roof projects at the Joyce and Kennedy Middle Schools
Curriculum and Instruction:
1. Continue to develop Professional Learning Communities as a method of improving teaching and learning in our schools
2.Improve middle school math achievement
Communication:
1. Extend the use of various forms of online technology to increase communication with staff, parents, the School Committee, and the general public
2. Provide local newspapers with information about what's happening in our schools
As you can see, this year will be a busy one as the school system faces many challenges. I am fortunate to be associated with so many people, including staff members, parents, city officials, and students, who are willing to do whatever it takes to keep our schools strong and moving in the right direction. As we face these challenges together, we'll come across some bumps in the road. However, in the end, our collaboration will benefit the people who matter most: the children of Woburn.
|
Teachers as Life-Long Learners
Dr. Gary Reese
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum
| October has been an extremely busy month for our staff participating in professional development activities. In addition to a variety of professional development opportunities that teachers have taken outside of the school--including activities through our collaboration with Salem State College's Collaborative Project for Math, Science and Interdisciplinary Education at Salem State College--teachers have participated in a number of in-district professional development offerings.
For the second year in a row, the district has received a literacy grant through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Through this grant, teachers in the two middle schools and the high school have received some training in the use of KEY3 strategies, which support student organization skills and development of literacy concepts across the content areas.
Teachers in grades K-2 have spent some time with a consultant developing hands-on materials to support literacy development. The focus of this professional development was to provide strategies for small group interventions and support of students. Kindergarten aides will participate in this training later in November.
Some teachers from the elementary schools and the two middle schools have been working with Dr. George Marinakas, the Director of the Triumph School, to develop strategies around Positive Behavioral Interventions. Another group of teachers from the middle and elementary schools are completing some work with Dr James Nehring, from Umass Lowell. This group has been working on utilizing collaborative reflective practices as a vehicle to address issues around student learning and development.
Dr. Nehring is also working with the department heads at the high school to help them incorporate reflective practices into their departmental meetings and discussions.
It has been wonderful to spend time visiting all the schools and to see teachers implementing these various strategies and approaches in their classrooms.
|
Educational Technology Department: Behind the Scenes
Mrs. Barbara Henry.
Director of Educational Technology
|  As students and teachers prepare to enjoy summer of sun and fun...we in the Technology Department get ready for the opening of a new school year. No sooner are the schools closed then we begin replacing, repairing, re-imaging and rewiring our school's technology. Our technology repair technicians, Dean, Dave, and Jeff, make sure that all the student and teacher computers are in working order for the September opening. All software updates are done, hard drives are replaced, printers repaired and broken equipment (mice/keyboards/CD drives etc.) are repaired or replaced. They usually have some wiring to do as we continue to improve our infrastructure. Li-Hsin, our network manager makes sure all our servers (we had something like 30+ last count) are updated and in good working order for the start of school. User accounts need to be added or deleted...for staff as well as students, backups need to be checked and home folders need to be managed. The tasks are never ending...but somehow in all the chaos, order takes over and we are ready for school to begin...almost!
As Director, I assume responsibility for our SIS (Student Information System). This system is critical for DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) data reporting, scheduling, attendance and report cards. We have been using electronic grade reporting for the past five years. All this data comes from and is retained in our SIS.
During the summer months, we also prepare for any new equipment needed. This year we upgraded Malcolm White teacher computers as well as all school secretaries and school nurses. We hope to have a modified laptop program in all elementary schools early into the school year. We are excited about the potential of the iPads and the technology that it brings into the classroom.
I hope this gives some insight into the "behind the scenes" part of our job. A lot of what we do is not visible, but we know we are doing a good job when the network is always up and running!
|
WMHS Update
Mr. Joseph Finigan
Principal
|  I am happy to report a very successful start to the new school year. Our students and teachers should be congratulated for their enthusiasm and commitment which characterized the high quality of the start of the new school year. It appears that the new ninth grade students have adapted well to the high school in the classrooms, in the playing fields and in other clubs and activities. To continue, I was very impressed with the record turnout Parent/Teacher Conference Night anticipate the same high level of parent interest on the conference night in December.
As the high school principal, I find it very gratifying to work with our enthusiastic students and dedicated faculty in our incredible facility. I am proud of our school and its continuing tradition of excellence. In our new building, whether it is the classrooms designed to match instruction, the impact of state-of-the-art technology, or the finest performance venues and athletic facilities, our students will experience unparalleled opportunities. For an educator, there is no finer work than to be involved in helping students discover and develop their goals and dreams.
It is clear to me that WMHS is in a very good position and is moving in the right direction. Whether it is on-going work with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges work with Professor James Nehring from UMASS-Lowell on Critical Thinking in the Classroom or the implementation of KEY 3 training across all curriculum areas, we are moving forward on initiatives that other schools do not even consider.
In so many ways, our work at WMHS is focused on imagining how we can make a good school greater. In essence, my attention is focused on a commitment to high academic standards for all of our students, a sense of community, the personal and intellectual development of our students, and lastly, maintaining and developing a high quality faculty and staff.
I continue to be steadfast in these goals for school improvement. I look forward to an exciting year at WMHS in working with teachers, students, and community members in making a good school great.
Please take advantage of the school web page http://www.woburnps.com/wmhs/ as a means to keep current with the school calendar, events, information and initiatives. We are working to make the page informative, current and easy to navigate. You will find the daily bulletin, The Reflector, posted daily on the web page as well as other critical information including calendar, teacher web pages, and school documents. I am interested in input on what information you would like to see added to page.
|
|
|
| Please forward our newsletter! | | |
 We're trying to spread the good news about the Woburn Public Schools. You can help by forwarding this newsletter to anyone who you think might be interested--grandparents, aunts and uncles, students away at college, current and former residents of Woburn, etc. Please encourage them to subscribe to our newsletter.
|
Update: Anti-Bullying EffortsMark Donovan
Superintendent of Schools
|
As many of you know, bullying has become an important topic both within Massachusetts and across the country. In our state, new Anti-Bullying legislation has required us to look at an old problem in new ways. Some of the research on bullying, including cyberbullying (the use of Facebook, text messages, etc.) shows how difficult this problem has become.
In Woburn, we're moving forward on several fronts. Dr. Reese and I attended some training sessions during the summer. Last month, we were able to send at least one teacher from each school to a workshop that will allow them to train other staff members in this  | | Click on this image to visit MARC, our partner in anti-bullying efforts |
area. The School Committee has a suggested
proposed Anti-Bullying policy before them. Principals are examining a form to be used across the district to report potential bullying situations. Various curriculum materials that teach students at all levels about bullying are being reviewed. Planning for parent programs has begun, and work is underway to find resources for the targets of bullying as well as the aggressors. Finally, administrators will attend a workshop regarding the portion of the law aimed to assist students with disabilities.
Continuing into the month of November, our Anti-Bullying Committee will work on developing the final plan to be presented to the School Committee. The Anti-Bullying Committee is made up of teachers, administrators, parents and a member of the School Committee. Each school is represented by at least one person. The Woburn Police Department is represented by our School Resource Officers, and the community is represented by a staff member of the Boys and Girls Club. The final plan will contain the elements described above and will cover all aspects of the law. A draft of this plan has been made available on our web site, woburnpublicschools.com, for public comment. If you wish to provide your comments on the draft plan, please visit the web site for more information. The deadline for providing comments has been set for November 9, 2010.
|
Kennedy Middle School: Student MentorsCory and Brittany
Student Reporters
|
 | | Student Mentors |
This past summer ten students from the Kennedy Middle School partnered up with ten students from the White Elementary school for a mentoring program. The mentoring program was to help the elementary students feel more comfortable coming into the middle school. The mentors and students were paired and given a special tour of the building. They did a scavenger hunt to help the students get used to the building and to meet the faculty. The students felt the scavenger hunt was their favorite part and all the students felt it was a worthwhile project. The coordinator of this project was our Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Robertson, who said "The best part for me was helping make the students feel better with their surroundings." Thanks to all who participated.
|
Facilities Department Update
Mr. David Dunkley
Director of Building Facilities
|
We would like to welcome two new employees to the Woburn Public Schools: Mr. Keith Brien - Custodian at the White School and Mr. James McSweeney - Facilities Manager at Woburn Memorial High School. Welcome aboard.
The Contractor is working hard to enclose the new Goodyear School before the winter sets in. The subject of winter means turning on the heat and preparing for snow. At this time all heating systems have been turned on. Snowblowers, plows, and sanders have been maintained and are ready to go. It is time to order ice melt and to distribute the sand barrels. Please remember to wear appropriate winter outer gear: winter coat, hat, gloves and snow boots.
The picture below shows that a part of history has been brought back. This original stone work was above the main entrance of the old High School. It was restored and placed in front of the lower gym at the new Woburn Memorial High School. 
|
Malcolm White: Artists of the Month
Mr. Roketenetz
Principal
| The "Artists of the Month" program has started up once again at the Malcolm White Elementary School. Each month during the school year, Ms. LaCour and Mr. Roketenetz select pieces of artwork from a particular grade level to be displayed in the main office of the school. Students also receive a letter from Ms. LaCour and
Mr. Roketenetz recognizing their talents and congratulating them on the honor of having their artwork chosen to be displayed in the main office of the school. It is a nice way for students to be recognized for their talent in art class, and also a fun experience for families to come in to see their student's special piece of artwork on display. Pictured here are this months pieces of art from grade 4 using chalk to show the effect of shadow and light.
 | | Shadows and Light |
|
Reeves: "Pajama Day" for Eye Research
Jamie K.
Student Reporter
|  Reeves Elementary School had Pajama Day on Friday, October 22nd. We wanted to raise money for the Lions Eye Research. If kids wanted to wear pajamas they had to bring $1.00. Teachers could only wear pajamas if they paid $5.00. Miss Watros told me, that her 2nd grade class thoroughly enjoyed Pajama Day. "I really liked wearing pajamas, too." Ethan Pewu, from Mrs. Doyle's 5th grade class, said, "Pajama Day was one of the most interesting days in the 5th grade year." "Pajama Day was one of the most comfortable days," said Jamie Rufo, also from Mrs. Doyle's class. Adelyn Tzovaras, from Mrs. MacDonald's 4th grade class, thought that, "It was fun to take tests in pajamas." Sean Gately, another 4th grader from Mrs. MacDonald's class, said, "Pajama Day was very COMFORTABLE!" We are pleased to annouce that the Reeves Elementary School earned $408.66.
|
Altavesta School: Response to Intervention (RTI)
Miss Wendy Sprague
Principal
| This year, at the Mary D. Altavesta School, the kindergarten, first and second grades are participating in RTI - Response to Intervention. The classroom teachers and support staff have been planning since last spring for the implementation of this model. The basic ideas of RtI have been around for a long time and are relatively straight forward. Over time, we collect data, adjust instruction to meet the needs of students, and monitor each student's progress toward attaining skills.
The instruction is provided in small groups, over a short period of time - 2 to 4 weeks. Currently, each day, the intervention groups meet for 20-30 minutes. The groups focus on specific, identified skills and follow up on skills that are presented during grade level classroom instruction. The groups are developed based on individual student needs (determined through assessment data) and include students from different classrooms and grades.
For now, our focus is on the development of phonemic awareness and phonics skills. At the Altavesta, all classrooms, grades K-3 instruct using Fundations - a phonological/phonemic awareness, phonics and spelling program designed for the general education classroom. The Fundations program complements our reading program, is research based and is shown to reduce reading and spelling failures. The Fundations Program instructs in a sequenced manner and addresses print knowledge, phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, decoding, vocabulary, fluency and spelling. We have used the program at the Altavesta School for more than three years and have seen an overall improvement in student skills.
As a school we are all very excited and positive about how our cross-grade level, collaborative RtI model will increase teacher collaboration and student skills. RtI is the positive, forward thinking approach needed to continue the improvement of instruction and learning for all students.
|
Hurld School: Fifth Grade Halloween Float
Sarah W. and Brianna L.
Student Reporters
| There are many cool things that Happen at the Hurld School. One that is coming up is the fifth graders' annual float for Halloween. This year the theme is the New England Patriots. Everybody in the school gets to have a part.The
 | | Hurld Students work on their float for the Halloween parade. |
first graders through fourth graders have made banners to go on the float. Every fifth grader made a jersey with their last name and number on it. A lot of fifth graders came to a painting session, and we got a lot done! Everybody had a tremendous amount of fun. Everybody will be wearing Patriots' gear on the float. It's going to be so much fun, and the best part is that everybody gets a part in it.
That is only one of the many great things that happen at the Hurld School.
|
Hurld School: Anti-Bullying Presentation
Mrs. Eileen Mills L.
Principal
| On Friday, October 8th, the Hurld School PTO presented the student body with an anti-bullying program entitled "A Bully isn't your Friend...Yet!" This program was presented by TIGER (Theater Integrating Guidance, Education, and Responsibility), a professional theater company at Plymouth State University. The program began with an all school assembly in which the children  were entertained with several scenarios of bullying, followed by some solutions to the problems highlighted. Later in the day, the actors and actresses visited the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classrooms and held interactive workshops with those students.
Teachers and students alike enjoyed the program and learned a lot. One teacher commented, "My students were engaged the entire time! My class loved the show and continued to talk about it throughout the day." A student was overheard saying, "That was awesome! It was the best show ever!"
This was a very timely presentation; the Hurld School benefitted from it in many ways. |
Wyman School: Halloween Costumes
Amanda P. and Julia B.
Student Reporters
|  Recently, our Wyman reporters, Amanda P. and Julia B. went around the Wyman Elementary School to survey a few students in each grade asking what they are going to be this Halloween. We found so many different Halloween costumes like Pac Man, a clown, and a lot of other costumes too. After tallying up the costume numbers, we found two costumes that were most popular. The most popular girls' costume at the Wyman is a witch. There were seven girls wearing a witch costume this Halloween. We found witch costumes like spider witch, candy corn witch, and of course the original witch. The most popular boys' costume was Luigi from the Mario and Luigi video games! We counted four Luigi costumes. What a surprise!!! We hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!!!!! |
Wyman School: Veterans' Day Program
Mr. Paul McQuilkin.
Principal
| Our annual Veterans' Day Program at Wyman School will be presented on Friday, November 12, 2010. Our music teacher, Mrs. Skumin, and the classroom teachers have been rehearsing with the third, fourth, and fifth grades in preparation for the show. In addition, Mrs. Skumin is also planning a special slide show of student and staff relatives who are Veterans. We also are anticipating a guest speaker who will address the students about his or her personal experiences and why we celebrate this special day.
 |
Shamrock School: Lights On After School--Poetry Slam
Hallie B.
Student Reporter
|  On Thursday, October 21st at the Shamrock School, our after-school program, After the Bell (that is run by the Boys and Girls Club) had a "Lights On After School" program. Lights On After School brings students and teachers together to see all of our activities. One of our programs was Poetry Slam. We wrote poems and a few kids were chosen to go to Malden to read their poems. At the Poetry Slam over 40 children from many cities recited their poetry that they wrote themselves. Every poet wrote fantastic poetry. Each one was different in its own way. Even the Mayor of Malden was listening to each of the children. It made us feel special when we got our certificates. We celebrated with pizza and cup cakes. The best part was when the kids literally "turned on the lights" at the Poetry Slam by turning on our new flashers that we got as gifts.
|
Malcolm White School: Visiting the DeCordova Museum
Kelley B.
Student Reporter
|  On September 27th, 2010, the 5th grade students from the Malcolm White School took a field trip with their art teacher, Ms.LaCour, to the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park in Lincoln, MA. We saw various sculptures that were created by very artistically inclined sculptors. For example, a new sculpture that was just recently added to the park is called Five Brush Strokes. Another permanent sculpture is called Grotto. Most sculptures leave every two years, so there are always new sculptures at the park. A lot of the kids agree that it was a highlight for September. Thank you, Ms. LaCour!
|
Linscott School: "Math-a-thon" for Enrichment Programs
Myron M.
Student Reporter
|  On October 7, 2010, the Linscott Rumford Elementary School had a fundraiser, the Math-a-thon. In this fundraiser, the children had to go home and find sponsors for the 30 problem test. On October 15, 2010, all sponsor money was due. On October 21, 2010, Mr. Wells and the PTO gave awards to many of the children. The Math-a-thon produced $7200.00 for future enrichment programs at the Linscott. Troy S. collected $300.00, he was awarded a digital camera. Ms. Whitney's class collected the most money.
Also, there was a winner of an ad design contest where students made a poster representing the Math-a-thon. The winner was Vishwa in 5B. Right now, there are seven creative pieces of art hanging in the hall near the nurse's office. Also, there was a winner of the class with 100% class participation and that was Mrs. Richardson's class.
There was also 100% on the test raffle, and the winners were Cassidy KD, Julia KJ, Angelica KM, Olivia 1D, Krishna 1M, Sameera 2B, David 3K, Peter 3M, Nicholas 4C, Madelyn 4W, Xavier 5B, and Jacey 5R and they won math-related bags. There were three sponsor sheet return winners who won a $20 gift cards and they were Charlotte KD, Kevin 1M, and Nick 2B. On 10/22/10, kids with 100% on the test got a free ice cream. Over 150 children participated in the Math-a-thon and earned a beautiful math ribbon. Thank you to the parents and students for their participation.
|
Linscott School: Hands-On History
Emily B. and Jacey W.
Student Reporters
| "Hands-on History" visited the Linscott on October 22nd. Denis Cormier presented a program at the Linscott Rumford school. He showed us a variety of coats the soldiers wore .He also displayed weapons and artifacts.
Thank you, Denis Cormier of Hands-on History for teaching us about President Washington's past. Stepping into a time machine, we flew  back into the past when Washington was at war against the British. During this time Washington's men wore special coats to show which side they were on. Washington's men learned to survive the harsh times along with the great times.
The drums were used to give signals during the battles. Many men died in battle. Washington's men had big terrifying cannons used to fight the British.
Our fifth grade class got the chance to dress up like the soldiers in Washington's army. We were proud to learn about our past.
We would like to thank the P.T.O. parents for inviting Mr. Cormier to speak to us. It was fun to travel back in time. Thank you!
|
Joyce Middle School: Student Council
Keeley P., Michelle M., Elizabeth R.
Student Reporters
| November is an exciting time at the Joyce Middle School with Student Council elections coming up! The Student Council is a community service organization. It is made up of students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, and is advised by Mr. Tuzzolo.
There are two big events that the council runs. The first is in December, Toys for Tots. The second is in February, the Food Drive. Any additional events during the year are up to the Student Council.
Eighth grade has three people elected to a seat and seventh grade has five. Sixth grade selects a homeroom representative instead. There are six people in the eighth grade running for three spots, and fourteen people running for the five seats in the seventh grade. Mr. Tuzzolo said, "My favorite part of the Student Council program is getting involved with Toys for Tots."
|
Joyce Middle School: Halloween Parade Float
Allan M. and Tatiana L.
Student Reporters
|
The Joyce Middle School has been hard at work creating a float for the Halloween parade. Each year the schools in Woburn enter a float into the parade. This year's parade will take place on Sunday October 31. The Joyce's float is built under the guidance of Mr. McElheney. The float can fit about twenty people on it. In addition to the riders on the float, there will be five students carrying a banner. When asked about the theme of the float "Mr. Mac", as he is known to students here at the Joyce, said it was a surprise but that it was his favorite thing about the float because it was, "his favorite TV growing up." When asked what her favorite thing about the float was, seventh grader, Elizabeth Ryan stated, "I can't wait to see what it is." The Joyce is hoping for another first place win!
|
WMHS: Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign
Michael G.
Student Reporter
|  Woburn Memorial High School's hallways have been ornamented with a new decor. Students were surprised to find helpful directional signs adorning the halls on the first day of school. The signs are color-coated by wing of the school and include the name of the wing and the floor you are on. Various students agree that the signs add a bit of flare to our hallways along with helpful reminders of the location of the buildings. Many signs also contain the constantly heard phrase "Walk & Talk." These act as reminders not to stop in the middle of the hallway and have a conversation which causes blockage. The signs are also an advantage for all of the students, but mostly the incoming freshmen class. A majority of the sophomores, juniors, and seniors know their way around the school and where each of the buildings is, but this is a totally new surrounding to the freshmen so the signs will hopefully prevent jamming in the hallway caused by new lost students. Overall, the new signs will expectantly help to continue the flow of traffic and liven up the halls of WMHS.
|
WMHS: From Middle School to High School
Abhilasha D.
Student Reporter
|  High School has struck the freshman of Woburn Memorial with a serious reality check. Classes are more difficult, the rules are more firmly imposed and the workload has become heavier as the months go on. Some say that this is our first "exposure to the real world." Transition from middle school to high school has not been easy but the entire freshman class is up for the new challenge of high school. There are endless possibilities in Woburn Memorial and the media centre, gyms, and labs are a small part of the additional advantage the freshman are able to enjoy.
"I think I have become more mature after I came to Woburn Memorial and I really like how much there is to do here," says Kellie Herbert, a fellow freshman. The numerous clubs, teams and sports are another possibility for the freshman to venture into. There are extensive classes and subjects that can fulfill every student's likes and interests. With the help of everything the high school has to offer, the freshman will definitely graduate on the Spring of 2014 fully prepared to face the "real world."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks for taking the time to read our newsletter. We also want to thank our hard-working student reporters for helping us let you know about the good things happening in the Woburn Public Schools. We want to spread the good news, so please forward this message to anyone who might be interested. Everyone is invited to click on the "Join Our Mailing List" button at the top of the page to subscribe to this newsletter.
Sincerely,
|
|
Mark Donovan
Superintendent
Woburn Public Schools
|
|
|
|
|
