Newsletter
Issue 5 | Volume 4 | March 2019
Uxbridge High School 300 Quaker Highway Uxbridge, MA 508-278-8633
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Extended Community: We have been using some other forms of media to share the happenings at UHS of late, including our weekly videos and emails, so we apologize to those who may have gotten used to more regular newsletters like this. We do hope that you have been able tofollow the many great happenings at UHS through the various forms of communications we put out. We have teachers who are sharing the happenings in class on Twitter, via Google Classroom, and through messages home, and our many student activities forward information through social media as well. We have had a successful year to this point, and there have been many, many things to celebrate. In the past week alone, we have had our School Council earn a Gold Medal, biomedical students win a statewide industry challenge, 4 student-athletes sign National Letters of Intent, about 15-20 grade 8-10 students serve as tour guides and share why they believe this school has supported them, our culinary students prepare lunch for the senior citizens of our community in coordination with the dress rehearsal, a Harlem Globetrotter honor our athletic program and school for good sportsmanship and inclusion, our musical get ready to take the stage, social studies teachers partner at Taft, other teachers get ready to teach the third grade team about Google classroom, guidance present at a workshop in Woburn, my being asked to present to some university presidents on early college initiatives, and one of our art teachers finalize her presentation at the National Art Education Association. All the while, we have folks engaged in rich dialogue about revamping grading and assessment, integrating new ideas for supporting struggling students, and revising curricula to address new standards in more than one area. It is an exciting time to be a Spartan, whether the student is in grade 7 and thinking about what life at UHS could look like come September, or a student in grade 12, who has helped shape a completely revamped experience in terms of the academics and co-curricular offerings we have here in just a couple of short years. For all of our students, we are looking toward the upcoming high-stakes testing season with a degree of anticipation, as we know that many of our students are prepared to showcase their knowledge in a number of ways. All the while, we have had opportunities to bring industry and curriculum together, and our teachers are in constant conversation about ways we can enhance skill development for our students. As we register for classes for next year, start planning for graduation and some of the exciting events at year's end, and reflect on where we want to be as a community and school, we acknowledge and thank the parents for the important role they play, particularly as we head into the challenging weeks of this third and fourth quarter. Please keep lines of communication open, understand that we are here to support the students, and know that even as we hold students accountable to high standards of behavior and academics, we do so with the best of intentions and with their growth in mind. Yours in black and orange, Michael Rubin, Principal
March
A great start
Uxbridge HIgh School
UHS Students earn statewide acclaim
Congratulations to student teams from Uxbridge High School and Plymouth North High School for being selected as winners in an Online Industry Challenge for PLTW students, organized by Mass STEM Hub. In the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Principles of Biomedical Science class, high school students investigate the case of a fictitious character found dead in her home, Anna Garcia. As they explore concepts of biology and medicine, they determine the factors that led to Anna’s death and apply those learnings to forward thinking solutions. After learning about the impact of diabetes and current treatment and management methods, students apply that knowledge to develop a research proposal for an innovative way to improve the life of a diabetic. In the brainstorming process, students think about all the implications of being a diabetic, from the medical challenges complications to the impact on their day-to-day life. Using an iterative design process framework, they choose a challenge area to focus on and develop a novel method to treat or manage that challenge. Through the Online Industry Challenge, students submitted their work to receive feedback from practitioners at one of three Massachusetts medical centers: MGH Diabetes Research Center, the Joslin Diabetes Center, and Charles River Medical Associates. All students received feedback from industry professionals on their submitted laboratory notes, pitch presentations, and project reflections, connecting the work they did in the classroom to the work these experts do daily. The medical and research professionals were impressed by the great work and excited to share their insights with students, some of whom may one day revolutionize the field. “I was glad to have participated in a program that provides a fitting platform for emerging young scientists of tomorrow, to display their talents today,” commented Sangeeta Pradhan, RDN, LDN, CDE, the Diabetes Program Coordinator and Registered Clinical Dietitian at Charles River Medical Associates. Student teams were selected as winners in three categories by each of the medical centers. The overall challenge winner was selected for having the best overall diabetes management or treatment idea, as demonstrated by the thoroughness of their pitch deck and the potential impact of the developed idea on diabetes patients. This team came from Uxbridge High School. MGH Diabetes Research Center is hosting a fieldtrip for the class of their selected winning team to learn more about the cutting edge research being done, tour the space, and meet scientists and doctors in the field. "The opportunity for our students to merge our academic programs with industry is at the core of our programs at Uxbridge High School," said Michael Rubin, Uxbridge High School principal. "We are beyond proud of our students in Ms. Larkin's class, grateful for the support of Mass STEM Hub and our industry partners, and excited for what this means for our program and what the students of UHS are capable of accomplishing." “We are thrilled with our partnership with MGH Diabetes Research Center, the Joslin Diabetes Center, and Charles River Medical Associates, through which we were able to connect students and STEM professionals,” commented Andreina Parisi-Amon, Director of Partnerships for Mass STEM Hub. “With a few hours of time and their expert eyes, each of the volunteer judges was able to provide all students who submitted work with authentic feedback and real world context to the content they’re learning in class – a critical component of high-quality learning experiences. We’re excited to continue building opportunities like this for students.”
Issue 1 | Volume 1 | 2015
Innovation Pathway at UHS
Students who enroll in the Innovation Pathway at UHS will complete a three-course technical sequence in engineering and manufacturing, at least two courses that align for college credit, and either a senior project/Capstone or an internship placement with one of our industry partners. Some students will be contacted by counselors in the coming weeks about their eligibility, but if you have interest or questions, please reach out to your student's guidance counselor!
UHS was featured on Charter 3 last month following a visit from Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, who was joined by our legislative delegation and a number of representatives from the Department of Education, as UHS continues to lead a reimagination of learning for the Blackstone Valley!
Our Family and Consumer Science classes partnered with the UHS Drama production of The Wizard of Oz to share the dress rehearsal and lunch with the Uxbridge Senior Center. More than 25 senior citizens joined the students for the show and a lunch prepared and served by students!
Community Partners
UHS Teachers
On Wednesday, March 13, the social studies department from UHS partnered with Ms. Silbor's grade 2 class at Taft to create a shelter out of the resources provided, which combined skills and standards in literacy, social studies, and engineering. Our thanks to Mr. Halacy, Mr. Barbuto, Ms. Bouchard, Ms. Yakstis, Mr. Grady, and Mr. Silbor for bringing their energy and abilities to Taft ELC, and we look forward to partnering between schools more in the near future!
In March, our student team manager, Jaeden Morales, was given the opportunity to play in a jv basketball game, in which he scored the game's final 10 points. The footage went viral, gained statewide and national attention, and caught the attention of the Harlem Globetrotters, who sent one of their players to UHS to deliver a message about staying positive to our school community!
Visit UHS
Harlem Globetrotters
New forms of Media
Reaching out
Link to UHS Podcasts; Below: Dr. Tiano films Behind the Black and Orange with UCTV.
While our monthly newsletter is popular and something we hope to continue, and we have no intentions of changing our weekly news updates, we realize that people prefer different means of communication to get their news. As such, we have a weekly video that we distribute that summarizes many great happenings that are shared via social media, and we also host a monthly podcast. Finally, our superintendent, Dr. Frank Tiano, is releasing a television program, "Behind the Black and Orange," that will highlight different successes from around the district.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Tiano is proud to announce that Uxbridge High School and its Innovation Pathway has been named a recipient of a Skills Capital Grant in the amount of $119,489. Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito created the Workforce Skills Cabinet in 2015, bringing together the Secretariats of Education, Labor and Workforce Development and Housing and Economic Development in order to align education, economic development and workforce policies, and to strategize around how to meet employers’ demand for skilled workers in each region of the state. “It is gratifying to see the forward thinking, dedication, and hard work of our high school, in conjunction with our partners in Uxbridge and the Blackstone Valley, be recognized by the Governor and his Cabinet,” said Dr. Tiano. “This is a highly competitive grant that reflects the direction in which this district is headed. Even without the award, providing the skills and experience for post-graduate opportunities for all of our students while they are still in public school is the right work.” The goal of the Skills Capital Grants is to help high schools, colleges and other educational institutions invest in the most up-to-date training equipment to give their students an advantage when they continue in their chosen field or particular area of study. The Skills Capital Grants cover a broad array of fields, from construction and engineering to healthcare and hospitality.
UHS Earns Skills Capital Grant
Congratulations to the UHS cheerleading team, which took third place at the SWCL championships. The girls advanced to compete at the Central Massachusetts Regional Championship!
Successful winter season for UHS Cheerleading!
UHS Seniors sign collegiate letters of intent
Congraulations to the members of the senior class of 2019 who signed collegiate letters of intent and will participate in athletics next year. Kaylie Gonya, Maggie Streichert, and Erika Dube will all be playing field hockey. Kaylie will be playing at Lasell College, Maggie at LIU-Post, and Erika at Franklin Pierce University. Senior Olivia Hicks will be playing women's soccer at the University of Maryland. She recently became just the third girl in UHS history to score 1000 points in basketball.
CORE VALUES:
Guidance counselors, teachers, and students are currently engaged in conversations regarding course selections for 2019-20 for all students in grades 8-11. All students will register for 14 credits and include on their course selections at least five alternates,which will help our administration and counselors with the building of the master schedule. For students who wish to participate in internships or capstone projects, or who plan on enrolling in one of our Innovation Pathways, individual meetings can be scheduled with guidance counselors. Important links to course selection sheets, presentations, Program of Studies, and other FAQ's can be viewed by clicking the graphic at right. For questions about individual course selections, contact your child's teacher; questions about the student's overall program should be communicated with the guidance counselor.
Course Selections
Underway for 2019-20
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
Michael Rubin (co-chair) Principal mrubin@uxbridge.k12.ma.us David Lyman Teacher Representative Michael Catalano Teacher Representative Melissa Fischer Parent Representative Mary Sherlock Community Representative Emily Fernandes Community Representativ Dawn McCarthy Parent Representative Jennifer PIcotte Parent Representative Tonya Allegrazza Parent Representative Eion Goulet Student Representative Sonila Murati Student Representative Lexi Nowicki Student Representative Abby Cohen Student Representative Elisa Croteau Student Representative Emily Costa Parent Representative Jim Hogan Parent Representative Michael Smutok Teacher Representative Natalie Daverio Teacher Representative Mary Guilmette Teacher Representative Jen PIcotte Parent Representative
The School Council is established as a decision-making body for schools in Massachusetts. Comprised of students, staff, community members, and parents, and chaired by building principals, the organization helps drive the school agenda, designing and approving the school improvement plan, and providing guidance to School Committee in matters such as budget and school critical needs. Some of our goals for the coming year include redefining success criteria and looking at student assessment practices, building relevant, real-world opportunities for students to learn, expanding advisory, and continuing to offer additional supports for students when they struggle, including building emotional and academic capacity. All School Council meetings are open to the community. Agendas for the monthly meetings will be posted on the school website.
Goals for 2018-19
School council 2018-19
- Redefining definitions of student success and criteria for assessment - Enhancing advisory program, Innovation Pathway, and instructional techniques - Building academic and social-emotional capacity in students and staff - Improving academic supports for struggling learners, including regular education supports - Integrating additional early college and career learning opportunities for students
