Newsletter
Issue 5 | Volume 2 | December 2016
Uxbridge High School 300 Quaker Highway Uxbridge, MA 508-278-8633
Hopefully, many of you are reading this newsletter with anticipating the holidays - a week off from school, a time to spend with friends and family, and a time to consider and ponder the new year, which is already almost upon us. With our school year roughly a third of the way completed, the holiday break often comes at a good time for our students and staff, all of whom can use the opportunity to recharge their batteries. We know that these next weeks mark the mad dash for the end of a semester, which gets timed with the all-too-difficult reality of short days, long nights, cold mornings, and nagging sniffles. We know that these next weeks mean college decisions are made, post-high school life starts to come more into focus, and the blurred lines between responsibility and accountability cause academic challenges for many students. We also find ourselves nearing the end of a semester. For some of our classes, given that they are half-year courses, these next few weeks mean a push to the end, which is something most students only have to deal with at the end of the year. Here at UHS, that push can mean repeating a class in the spring or even waiting until summer school, neither of which are particularly fun options. Students looking at climbing out of the hole dug by virtue of a slow start to the year may see an abyss beyond their ability, and others fear looking for support. Others who are in the midst of a full year course may find that the early success gives way to complacency - though it is a bit too early for us to talk about senioritis. Our staff has been considering many of these challenging questions over the past several weeks and months, the heart of which often shake teachers to their core. What do we do when students get failing grades? What is the responsibility of our staff and faculty when we see students struggle? How do we balance the lessons learned through perseverance with the desire to get students to do well and learn lessons of responsibility and accountability? If we had these answers, we would be sharing them; we know that they are different for each student, and we trust in your cooperation and collaboration with us, by supporting your students with checking iParent, asking teachers for specific feedback, and letting administration and counselors know when there are formidable challenges that students are struggling to face alone. These challenging questions, that we share with students, parents, and staff alike, form the basis of what we are trying to be as an academic institution. We want to raise the academic capacity of this building and its students, to push everyone to a renewed sense of rigor, creativity, and success, but we know we cannot accomplish anything in isolation. We want and need you to champion what we do well, to ask questions that push our thinking, and to provide feedback that will help us better support our kids. It is a gift that really does not cost a whole lot; I hope, be it in the form of holiday giving or a New Year’s resolution, that you think about a renewed spirit and presence to support your kids and our staff at UHS, even if it’s in visiting a concert or Arts Night, attending a game, or being here for a meeting to discuss your students. On behalf of our entire faculty, staff, and extended UHS community, I offer each of you and your families a joyous holiday season, and a happy, healthy new year. Sincerely yours, Michael D. Rubin Principal
December
A holiday message
Led by the efforts of Mr. Hurley Silbor, a member of our social studies department, and Ms. Rebecca Wise, one of our building secretaries, the 19th annual holiday party was a success, with several hundred youngsters enjoying a Disney-themed holiday event at Uxbridge High School on Friday, December 2. UHS students decorated the building for a full holiday celebration, with games, crafts, activities, cookie decorating, and even an appearance by Santa. More than 75 UHS students were involved in some form of volunteering for the event, which helped raise several hundred donations for the Uxbridge Food Pantry. The event has been an annual showcase of the spirit of Uxbridge High School's giving and cooperation with the community, and this year was no exception! We appreciate the efforts of our staff volunteers, our students, and those in the community who helped sponsor the event!
The Holidays
19th annual holiday party a resounding success
at UHS
The Music Department showcased a number of talented musicians and an impressive repetoire at the Holiday Concert, held to a nearly packed house on December 7. For those who couldn't make it to the show, or who may have missed it on Uxbridge Cable Access, here's a look at what the hard work of Ms. Penza, the Concert Choir, Jazz Band, Spartones, and Concert Band put together!
ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT Features 20+ acts
Senior Andy Kuros sat down with Mr. Rubin in early December to talk about some of the successes of the fall, and ways that we continue to move forward with a number of impactful initiatives at UHS!
Spartan Showcase
On UCTV
November/December Interview
Some important info
the application process
At this point in the year, some students may be starting to hear back from colleges. It is important, thus, to reach out to the school counselors, set up appointments, and meet to discuss the different opportunities that these schools may be providing, or what follow-up steps may be needed from students. In addition, there may be other students who have yet to apply. Fear not! There is still time this school year, but some deadlines may have passed. If that is the case, schools with rolling admissions, or even a "gap year," may be a good option. A gap year is a period of time where students take a year away from academic schooling to explore other options in life, particularly pursuing career or travel, living in a different part of the country, or volunteering. A good article/resource on the benefit of a gap year can be found here. For the two-year schools, our UHS school counselors can look at different options, including Quinsigamond, CCRI, Mass Bay, and other local community colleges, both public and private. For the second half of the year, our attention will actually turn to the juniors, as we establish some guidelines, processes, and procedures to enable our underclassmen to return to school in the fall with some of the steps to the college application process already in place. Parents of juniors should be on the lookout for a second-semester "junior planning night." We also plan on sharing developments in the counseling curriculum with the School Committee and Uxbridge community at one of the January meetings. Parents should feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback!
application checkpoints come and go
Decide which colleges to apply to and find their deadlines Make sure all colleges are listed on Naviance under “Colleges I Am Applying To” with the correct application deadlines. Common App and Naviance - please double check that the list in Naviance is accurate and add non-Common App schools Check deadlines and only list Early Action as your application deadline IF the college offers Early Action! The only schools that may not have a deadline (denoted by a ‘-’ in your college list) listed are those with rolling admissions, in which case you can talk to your counselor about setting a personal deadline. Create a Common App account and Complete Education section & FERPA Waiver The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) was enacted by Congress in order to protect the privacy of students and their parents. FERPA is designed to ensure that students and parents of students may obtain access to the student’s educational records and challenge the content or release of such records to third parties. http://www.naceweb.org/public/ferpa0808.htm Step 1: Create a Common App account on www.commonapp.org Step 2: Complete the Common Application Account Matching step on the “Colleges I’m Applying To” page on your Naviance account. You must have a college listed on the “Colleges I’m Applying To” page in order to match your Naviance and Common App accounts.
for Seniors
College application checkpoints
Application Due Date
Submit Required Materials to School Counseling Office by:
November 1
October 16
November 15
October 30
December 1
December 15
January 1
December 16
January 15
January 4
February 1
February 15
January 29
The first few months of my time here at UHS have been filled with a range of emotions. From excitement and eagerness on the first day of school, to anxiety and stress on the hard days. These are typical feelings that any teacher may experience when beginning in a new school district, or even years down the road! However, here at Uxbridge, those typical emotions have been overpowered by a warm welcoming and appreciation from the teachers, administration, and even community. Since I walked into the building on my first day of work, I have felt the support and caring demeanor all around me. When I’ve had tough questions, staff has reached out and assisted me in any way possible, even if they didn’t have all the answers. Parents have also been helpful and supportive when difficult situations arise. The caring attitude is astounding, district-wide. As the months pass and routines become more comfortable, procedures unfold, and student relationships are established, I look forward to seeing what the remainder of my first year at UHS will bring! - Ms. Powles Special Education Teacher
It was not hard to see the strong sense of community that permeated throughout the halls at Uxbridge. Even during my first visit over the summer, I was taken aback at the team of students and alumni caring for the grounds, weed-whacking and mowing the lawn during the blistering heat in July. The banner with Miami's "It's all about the U" caught my eye as I entered the main office. Greeted by handshakes and smiling faces wherever I went, I quickly realized that this school ran on a foundation of enthusiasm and passion. This inspiring atmosphere has never wavered since the start of the school year, as I have thoroughly enjoyed working with colleagues who enjoy every day they spend in the classrooms. I have appreciated the best practices I've learned from my fellow teachers while copying materials before the sun has risen for the day. The twenty minute flex period allows for hardworking students to get the most out of their education, as well as an opportunity to build lasting bonds with the young men and women who call this school home. I am grateful for the first few months I have been lucky to have here at Uxbridge, and look forward to what is in store. - Mr. MacKenzie English Teacher
from new staff at UHS
Some musings
Ms. Powles came to UHS after four years working in Pennsylvania. A special educator, Ms. Powles also teaches English classes and works as a co-teacher in a World Literature English class. Mr. MacKenzie's career has brought him back to public education after career stops at Medway High School and most recently at Boston College High School. A "double Eagle," as someone who graduated from both Boston College High School and Boston College, Mr. MacKenzie teaches in the English department, teaching several grade levels, including grades 9, 11, and 12, as well as taking on the advisor position of the PRIDE club.
SPARTAN ACTIVITIES
- Continued on the next page
The Performing Arts Department at UHS is in full swing and moving full speed ahead! The Drama Club will be producing “Anything Goes” on March 17, 18, and 19, 2017. The cast has been chosen and the crew has been been appointed. There are a record number 61 cast members this year and a crew of 23! Rehearsals have begun, costumes and props are being gathered and the set is being built by Mr. Hennessy’s construction class. It is a truly collaborative effort by all involved! The Music Department had quite a few performances in November and early December. On November 4th and 5th Eric Vario (percussion), Emma Kraich (alto saxophone) and Erin Newhall (flute) participated in the Providence College Invitational High School Concert Band Festival. They after 8 hours of rehearsals, they presented a concert at PC. It was a great experience for them and the music was great! The Pep Band played at their final football game on November 5th and started up again as the UHS “Hoops” Band at the boys' Varsity basketball game on December 9th. The Marching Band represented UHS well as they marched in the town’s annual Veterans’ Day Parade on November 6th. Seniors and band members Brooke Blackburn and Dan Page were the student speakers at the ceremony on the Town Common following the parade. Seven UHS musicians traveled to North Middlesex Regional High School in Townsend to audition for the Central District Music Festival. Juniors Chloe Gardner and Cassie Lobe were chosen to participate in the Festival Chorus and Chloe received a recommendation to audition for the All-State Music Festival. The Central District Festival will be held from January 11-14, 2017 with the concert being held at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. The UHS a cappella group, the “Spartones” performed the Star-Spangled Banner at the starting line of the Town Loop Challenge on November 20th and entertained at the Senior Center during their annual Thanksgiving Day Luncheon on November 22nd. The students look forward to this event every year. On November 29th, the UHS Concert Band performed in at benefit concert at Auburn High School to raise funds for a scholarship in the name of John Waage, the former band director at David Prouty, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer last spring. Six bands from the SWCL league -Grafton, Tantasqua, David Prouty, Millville, Auburn, and Uxbridge all performed in this wonderful concert. It was a great to be part of this non-competitive, collaborative effort among these SWCL schools. On December 3rd, the Marching Band marched in the town’s annual First Holiday Night Parade down North Main Street passed a crowd five people deep on the Town Common. In lieu of band uniforms, the students were dressed in holiday sweaters and Santa hats and some were even adorned with colored lights. They certainly put everyone in the holiday spirit! Following the parade, the Concert Choir and Spartones performed two sets of holiday music in the meeting room of the Town Hall to a standing room only audience! Finally, the UHS Winter Concert was held on December 7th. There were performances by the Concert Choir, Jazz Band, Spartones, and Concert Band. The students delighted the audience with classic and seasonal musical literature spanning the 16th - 21st centuries. The concert ended with a sing-along and a standing ovation! Congratulations to the music department on a successful performance.
Issue 6 | Volume 4 | 2013
Updates from the performing arts department
Uxbridge High School
Continued from the previous page
Book Club This year, the UHS Book Club has read realistic fiction, coming-of-age stories, and thrillers, with meetings each month to discuss A Really Awesome Mess by Trish Cook and Brian Halpin, Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan, and Charlie, Presumed Dead by Anne Heltzel. All are welcome to join in the next meeting on Thursday, January 5, from 2:00 - 3:30in the library, when the club will discuss the 2015 Printz Award winner for Excellence in Young Adult Literature, I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson. A story of first love, family, loss, and betrayal, I'll Give You the Sun is told from different points in time, and in separate voices, by artists Jude and her twin brother Noah. Interested students can pick up a copy of the book in the library during the month before the meeting. Anime/Manga Club If you like anime, manga, and Japanese candy, join Anime/Manga Club! The club meets two Fridays a month from 2:00 to 3:30, and focuses on reading and discussing manga, watching and discussing anime, manga-style art, cosplay, and learning about Japanese culture (including, but not limited to, the eating of Japanese candy). One meeting a month, the club screens the first 2 episodes of an anime series. This is a great chance to explore genres you don’t usually watch and get a taste of new anime! At the other meeting each month, join us to work on writing the club manga, talking about manga, playing trivia games, and learning about Japanese holidays. The December genre is fantasy, so join the club after school for a screening on Friday, December 16, and for a movie afternoon on Saturday, December 17 from 2:00 - 4:00. The January genre is drama, so join in for a New Year's party after school on Friday, January 6, and a screening after school on Friday, January 20.
Club and activities updates
SCHOOL CLOSURES FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER: The Uxbridge Public School district continues to use the Connect-ED telephone system, television and radio service, and our local cable access to contact parents, faculty, and staff to alert of school delays/closings. Mr. Rubin will also post on Twitter as soon as he is made aware of any closure, delay, or otherwise, via @UxbHSPrincipal.
News and Notes
Some Important
The main office for the high school will be closed for winter break, starting the afternoon of December 23, and reopening on Tuesday, January 3. There are a number of athletic events over the break, so the building will be periodically open. If there is inclement weather over the break, any building closure will be communicated through coaches, website, Blackboard, and social media.
Updates from school council
All School Council meetings are open to the community. Agendas for the monthly meetings will be posted on the school website. Members of the School Council are posted below. Feel free to reach out to any of them regarding questions about the Council or the agendas; the School Council co-chairs are Mr. Rubin, Building Principal, and Emily Luuri, Community Member. Questions about action items or agenda items are to be directed to them.
Issue 1 | Volume 1 | 2015
Our School Council co-chair, Emily Luuri, and Mr. Rubin presented the changes to the UHS budget, including new requests for supplies and equipment, at the December 6 School Committee meeting. In the next two months, the UHS School Council will be looking at some research regarding later start times for high school, the impact of class rank on college acceptances, and the Program of Studies, which will be updated in January for the 2017-18 scheduling process.
Michael Rubin (co-chair) Principal mrubin@uxbridge.k12.ma.us David Lyman Teacher Representative dlyman@uxbridge.k12.ma.us Michael Catalano Teacher Representative mcatalano@uxbridge.k12.ma.us Melissa Fischer Parent Representative fischnitz@gmail.com Mary Sherlock Community Representative literacy321@yahoo.com Susan Bromann Parent Representative susanbromann@yahoo.com Susan Hirtle Parent Representative shirtle@uxbridge.k12.ma.us Andy Kuros Student Representative andy.kuros@uxbridge.k12.ma.us Jack Schreiber Student Representative jack.schreiber@uxbridge.k12.ma.us Amber Hampton Teacher Representative ahampton@uxbridge.k12.ma.us Emily Fernandes Student Representative emily.fernandes@uxbridge.k12.ma.us Emily Luuri (co-chair) Community Representative emilyabbo@hotmail.com Jennifer PIcotte Parent Representative Tonya Allegrazza Parent Representative Jennifer Modica School Committee Liaison jmodica@uxbridge.k12.ma.us Michael DiMeglio Staff Representative mdimeglio@uxbridge.k12.ma.us Eion Goulet Student Representative eion.goulet@uxbridge.k12.ma.us Sonila Murati Student Representative sonila.murati@uxbridge.k12.ma.us
School council for 2016-17
Dan Page is a rare student who combines exceptional natural ability with a willingness and eagerness to learn. He is constantly challenging himself not only in the classroom but in extracurricular activities as well. Dan is the Senior Class President, a Captain on the football team, and a member of the Concert Choir, Band and Drama program. In addition to performing in ensemble, supporting and lead roles for the past three years, Dan has reached out to the lost souls and helped them feel welcome and accepted. He initiates conversation and sits with them in the café. He does this not because he is asked to, but because of who he is. Dan is bright and personable and is well respected by students, faculty and administration. Dan always has an encouraging attitude and good word to say about everyone, and does more than asked every day.
OCTOBER
Seniors of the Month month
Seniors of the Month are nominated on a monthly basis by faculty members. Students selected for their range of successes are showcased with a display in our main foyer, as well as with a preferred parking space on campus and a certificate recognizing the achievement.
Senior Class News
Celeste Fredrickson is a happy, energetic and hard-working girl. She volunteers for many school activities but her passion is the performing arts. CC, as she is known, has been acting and singing since she was a little girl. At UHS she is the President of the Concert Choir, a member of the Spartones, and plays the clarinet in the Concert Band, Marching Band, and Pep Band. CC is a confident young woman and shares her gift of music willingly. Her performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Senior Football Game was breathtaking. In theater, she has been cast in leading roles, supporting roles, and roles in the ensemble. She accepts every casting with grace. Recently, CC directed the one-act play “Not-So-Grimm Tales” which received the “Best Play”, “Best Supporting Actor” and “Best Comedic Actor” awards in the first annual One-Act Play Festival at UHS. She was a fabulous director with command of the script, knowledge of the craft, and most importantly, the respect of her peers. Celeste plans to major in Music Education in college.
Jacob Robbins is an excellent choice for November Student of the Month. Jacob is very creative and he shines in both Creative Expressions and Analytical Writing. He is always respectful and on-task and routinely helps classmates understand difficult concepts. He is always striving to become a better writer, either in his narrative or his essay writing, and is driven to always be learning. Jacob has just self-published his first book in September. It’s a dystopian piece called The Last Power Grid. The ebook can be purchased on lulu.com. Jacob is an outstanding and dedicated student athlete, that understands the benefits of being physically active and values the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Jacob is a member of the golf team, and videotaped all of the Varsity Football games for the team and coaches. In addition to all he does around UHS, Jacob also serves on Congressman McGovern’s Congressional Youth Cabinet and was one of UHS’s representatives at Student Government Day on Beacon Hill last year. Samantha (Sam) Morton is an excellent choice for November Student of the Month. Samantha is an organized, efficient, and extremely competent student. She has demonstrated maturity, responsibility and respect for all whom she interacts with. Sam is wonderfully balanced and not only pursues her academic skills with determination; she is also involved in many sports and community activities. An active member of Student Council, she organized Unified Olympics at UHS and the “Spread the Work to end the Word” campaign. She has accumulated over 100 hours of community service in her time at UHS. Samantha is the recipient of the Rensselaer Medal Award, Elmira College Key Award, and Harvard Book Award and also received the WMRC student leadership award. Sam is a Captain on the girls Varsity Soccer and Basketball teams. She has organized multiple team events and an elementary school pep rally.
NOVEMBER
Seniors Lucas Horan, Alex McCall, Ryan Morais, Andy Kuros, and Cody Normandin pose with the newly-minted championship banner!
Highlights
Congratulations to our boys soccer team, which hung the first-ever SWCL championship banner in boys soccer following the remarkable 2016 season!
Spartan Athletics
CORE VALUES:
A member of the Uxbridge High School Community: Shares responsibility for excellence and integrity Perseveres through challenges and adversity Accepts new ideas and thoughts Respects self and others Teaches effective communication, compassion, and balance Accountable for a high standard of academics and behaviors Nurtures personal independence and responsibility
Core Values
BELIEFS ABOUT STUDENT LEARNING:
And Beliefs About Learning
We believe that our entire community shares responsibility for high standards of excellence and integrity. All members share a love and passion for learning together, while communicating respectfully with one another. All members are encouraged to set goals, to express themselves, to embrace and engage students, and to commit to a continuous cycle of growth. Through these, we will foster academic, social, linguistic, and physical progress within a safe atmosphere. We believe that our entire community must persevere through challenges and adversity, and that this determination will foster and teach grit, empathy, curiosity, and independence to students of all abilities. We believe that growth occurs when we turn failures into successes, enabling our students to feel confident every day. Through a supportive and safe learning environment, our students will take academic risks, develop grit, set and achieve goals, allow for individual exploration and growth, and leave UHS as citizens ready to contribute to society at large. We believe that our entire community should be encouraged to accept new ideas and thoughts, to appreciate the differences in culture and experiences each person brings, and to have tolerance for different points of view and individuals. We believe in challenging ideas, but doing so respectfully and in a way that encourages diversity of thought. We believe that respect for self and others is the cornerstone on which an effective classroom and school community functions. Through mutual respect, flexibility, and kindness, our teachers, parents, and students can work together toward common goals, supporting each other and collaboratively engaging in the learning process and building toward student growth. We believe that a primary responsibility is to teach effective communication, compassion, and balance between the mind, body, and spirit of our students. We believe learning has both a practical and authentic side, which we can differentiate to accommodate different student strengths. Students need to be able to use knowledge, both analytically and creatively, which will enable them to be successful after their time at UHS. We believe in holding all members of our community accountable to high standards of behavior and academics. We believe in being flexible, embracing differences and challenges, and working together with optimism and patience toward common goals, be it in the classroom or through the extracurricular program. We believe individuals should take ownership and be responsible for their choices, actions, and achievement. We believe in nurturing an environment that balances independence with collaboration, builds personal responsibility, and creates ownership of choices and achievement. In helping students achieve beyond what they think they can accomplish, all members of our community are expected to set challenging, attainable goals that continuously drive a pattern of self-improvement. We believe in teaching self-discipline, time management, and lifelong learning.
As part of our reaccreditation process through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, our school will be examining our practices in terms of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, as well as the ways our school interacts with the community, provides support to students, and demonstrates sound leadership practices. The foundation on which all of these are built is the statement of core values and our beliefs about student learning. In October, our students, teachers, staff members, administrators, parents, and community members collaborated to identify several key values that are most important to our learning community.