Pioneer Valley Regional School Bernardston Leyden Northfield Warwick 97 F. Sumner Turner Road Northfield, Massachusetts 01360 Phone 413-498-2931 Fax 413-498-0184
Michael R. Duprey Interim Principal Peggy A. Fallon Matthew L. Soycher Guidance Counselors
Pioneer Family Newsletter May – June 2016 Principal’s Message I am delighted to be joining the Pioneer Valley Regional School community in July as your new principal. During the hiring process, the parents, students, faculty and community members I met all communicated deep dedication to and love for Pioneer. I feel fortunate to have been asked to join your team of educators. In addition to that deep commitment, I also saw a school that is offering a cutting edge education: • • •
There is a strong emphasis on student-centered learning where teachers facilitate, and students learn through observation, discussion, analysis and problem solving. Pioneer students are doers. Despite its small size, Pioneer students have access to a wide range of courses and extra-curricular activities that provide a rich array of experiences to help them grow. The portfolio process ensures students graduate not only with academic skills, but with a range of learning and life skills that will serve them well as adults in the workplace and as citizens – including working collaboratively, setting and working toward goals, solving problems, making informed decisions, and behaving ethically.
In my own professional life such skills have been invaluable, allowing me to have the rich and varied experiences that I bring to my new role at Pioneer. My work life over the past thirty years has included working as a computer programmer, a college teacher, and the owner of a small consulting firm serving schools, colleges, and youth serving community organizations. For the past twelve years I have served as a district administrator for the North Adams Public Schools, coordinating teaching and learning and leading a variety of initiatives to improve the quality of the education students receive. Throughout my career, I have always been an educator first and foremost. I believe that educators must be relentless in their pursuit of the best educational programs possible, and in their support for the highest levels of learning for all students. That is the commitment I make to you as I join the Pioneer family. Over the next few weeks I will be spending several days at Pioneer to deepen my understanding of the school community. Students, you will see me in your classes and at the cafeteria. I have already had the opportunity to meet and talk to students during lunch on April 29th. Concerns they raised included Wi-Fi access and the use of smart phones in the
classroom, and I look forward to continue engaging with students to discuss the issues that interest them. Learning works best when the learners have a voice in shaping their learning environment and opportunities. Students, I will be counting on you to help shape the Pioneer experience to meet your needs individually and collectively. You can count on me to be a good listener and advisor to assist you in this process. To help me learn as much as I can about the Pioneer school community I also will be sending out some on-line surveys to parents, students and faculty over the coming weeks. I hope you will take this opportunity to share your thoughts about the school, and where you’d like to see the school grow. If students or families have any specific issues they would like to discuss with me, or you would prefer to share your input in person, please feel free to make an appointment to stop by over the summer. Again, I am looking forward to working with you all to continue to enhance the quality of Pioneer’s programs and the learning of our students. Sincerely,
Jean Bacon Incoming Principal To make an appointment to meet with the new Pioneer Principal Jean Bacon over the summer email Susan Anthony at
[email protected] or call 413-498-2931 Ext. 501
Guidance Corner
Seeking Students interested in becoming Peer Mediators! Peer Mediation was instituted at Pioneer in the spring of 1995 to help students settle disputes without adult intervention. Mediation has continued every year since, with training every two years. Peer mediators facilitate discussion between disputants so that the disputants generate solutions that are agreeable to both parties. Referrals can be made by teachers, administrators, one of the disputants, or by a friend. Any student who is interested in becoming a Peer Mediator should see Ms. Masson in room 117 and stay tuned to announcements for more information about the application process. Seeking Students interested in becoming Tutor/Mentors for Middle Schoolers! Second to parents, teachers, and oneself, the role of a mentor/tutor can be one of the most influential roles on a middle schoolers academic success. This Spring/next fall we will be looking for 10th-12th graders interested in earning volunteer hours as a tutor/mentor. Tutor/mentors will provide crucial support to middle schoolers helping them to stay organized, keep up to date on academics, and navigate the social pitfalls of middle school. To get involved, please come by the guidance office to get an application and discuss expectations with your guidance counselor. Get a head start on the college search and application process this summer! Experience life in a residence hall, learn about SAT tests and financial aid. By applying to attend Camp College, which will be held on the University of Massachusetts campus July18-20th you can learn all of this and more! This program is coordinated by the New England Association for College Admission Counseling. More information is coming, check with the Guidance Office or email Camp College at
[email protected]. JUNIOR MEETINGS Mr. Soycher is currently working to meet with all 11 grade students to start the post-secondary planning process. Planning for what comes after Pioneer and how to get there will be the focus of these meetings. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to continue these future planning conversations at home. If you would like to be a part of these junior meetings, please contact the Guidance Office. This will include a pre-senior survey that will need to be filled out by June 15th in order for students to receive senior privs for next year. Thanks for helping your student remember to fill this out. th
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TESTS SAT/ACT college admissions test registration and dates are indicated below with website links. Stay on track and sign up to take your tests. If you have any questions, please contact the Guidance Office. SAT TestsJune 6 Test Date - Register by May 8! https://sat.collegeboard.org/register ACT TestsJune 13 Test Date - Register by May 8! http://www.actstudent.org/regist/dates.html SENIORS!!! GRADUATION IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER! Please don’t forget to fill out your gold star indicating your future plans so you can post them proudly on the bulletin board in the main hallway by the Library. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Franklin Hampshire Regional Employment Board - Franklin Youth Employment http://fhyouth.org/drupal/job-seekers
Franklin Hampshire Career Center http://www.fhcc-onestop.com/index.php/job-seekers SCHOLARSHIPS Local Scholarships - This may be the one opportunity in your life to fill out an application and earn money! Please be sure you are checking the morning announcement every day to learn about the new scholarships posted each week in the Guidance Office. Online Scholarships - http://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/articles/the-2015-scholarships FINANCIAL AID WEBSITE RESOURCES FAFSA: https://fafsa.ed.gov/deadlines.htm# Office of Student Financial Assistance: http://www.mass.edu/osfa/home/home.asp MEFA - Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority: http://www.mefa.org/financial-aid-made-simple/?id=1304 Sample Financial Aid Award Letter: http://www.mefa.org/sample-financial-aid-award-letter/ MEFA Webinar Series: http://www.mefa.org/events/webinars/ Please sign up to receive informative emails from MEFA regarding college financing: http://www.mefa.org/sign-up-for-emails/ SENIOR EXIT SURVEY We will be asking all seniors to complete a survey to reflect on your experience at Pioneer, specifically regarding your time spent working with the Guidance Department. Please be thoughtful and honest in your reflections. We are always looking for ways to improve our program and services to you, and we cherish any positive feedback that you can provide as well! Stay tuned!
Homework Requests If your child is absent and would like to know what s/he is missing that day (or for several days), it is best to contact the teachers directly via email. Many teachers also post homework on their websites. If your student will be absent for three or more days, or if you do not have access to email, you may contact the Guidance office for assistance. It generally takes 24 hours for Guidance to collect homework assignments. Pioneer email for all staff can be found on the school website in the Staff Directory on the homepage. Email is generally:
[email protected] (i.e.
[email protected])
Box Tops for Education The Middle School Learning Center at PVRS collects Box Tops for Education. A collection box can be found in the Main Office. Thank you for your support.
PVRS SPANISH II CLASSES The Spanish 2 students have been studying Spanish art and how it relates to culture. Much of our work has been focused on interpretations and symbols as well as the development of art vocabulary. We studied Picasso's Guernica mural in the context of the Spanish Civil War and saw how it was represented in a short novel. The students spent a day in the art room doing their own interpretations of a Spanish (or Mexican) work of art. The students displayed their work in an exhibition for the entire school to enjoy. The final result went far beyond a study of the art/music/history and traditions of Spanish art. I think the students discovered that there is an artist in each and every one of us!
Pioneer Valley Regional School 97 F. Sumner Turner Road Northfield, MA 01360 (413) 498-2931 http://www.pioneervalley.k12.ma.us
Pioneer Important Dates Memorial Day Holiday – No School th
Monday, May 30
PARCC – 8 Grade Math
Wednesday-Thursday May 24-25
Senior Exams
Wednesday-Friday May 25-26-27
School Council Meeting – 4:30 PVRS School Committee Meeting – 7:00 (PRES)
Thursday, May 26
MCAS – 10th Grade Biology
Wednesday-Thursday June 1-2
Senior Awards Night – 6:30
Thursday, June 2
Graduation – 6:30
Friday, June 3
Middle School Sports Awards 2:30
Monday June 6
Band and Chorus Awards 2:30
Wednesday June 8
8th Grade Open House – 6:00
Thursday, June 9
Special Full Day Exam Schedule
Monday June 13
Exam Days EARLY RELEASE 11:30 ALL DAYS
Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday June 14-15-16
Makeup Exams No Buses Early Release 11:30
Friday June 17
School Council Meeting-4:30 PVRS School Committee Meeting – 7:00 (PVRS)
Thursday June 18 Thursday, June 18
7TH Grade Meet and Greet 6:30 PM
Monday August 29
First day of School 2016/2017 SY
Wednesday August 31
Pioneer Valley Regional School 2016 End of Year Exam Schedule Monday, June 13 Special Full Day Schedule A3 Exam 7:50 – 8:40 A4 Exam 8:40 – 9:34 B1 9:38 – 10:16 C1 10:20 – 10:58 D1 11:02 – 11:40 ---------------------------------11:40 – 12:10 E1 & Lunch 12:10 – 12:40 12:40 – 1:10 ---------------------------------F1 1:10 – 1:48 G1 1:52 – 2:30 Tuesday, June 14 C3 Exam C4 Exam F3 Exam F4 Exam
7:50 – 8:45 8:45 – 9:35 9:45 – 10:40 10:40 – 11:30
Wednesday, June 15 D3 Exam 7:50 – 8:45 D4 Exam 8:45 – 9:35 G3 Exam G4 Exam
9:45 – 10:40 10:40 – 11:30
Thursday, June 16 B3 Exam 7:50 – 8:45 B4 Exam 8:45 – 9:35 E3 Exam E4 Exam Friday, June 17 Makeup Day
9:45 – 10:40 10:40 – 11:30 Students attend as needed to complete exams
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During exam week students may have a study hall during an exam period. We encourage students to come during these periods and use the time productively to prepare for exams and read if all of their work is done. If a student misses a study hall period, he/she must have a note from home. Any time a student misses school for any reason, we must have a note for our records. Athletes should remember that they may not miss school and participate in sports without a waiver from the principal.
PIONEER VALLEY REGIONAL SCHOOL
SENIOR CALENDAR 2016
Tuesday, May 24
Last FULL day for Seniors Senior sign-out forms distributed during Flex
Wednesday, May 25 Senior Exams 7:50- Blocks F3, F4
Math exams - KIVA
9:52- Blocks C3, C4 Social Studies exams – KIVA Thursday, May 26
7:50-Blocks G3, G4 Science exams - KIVA 9:52-Blocks D3, D4 English exams - KIVA
Friday, May 27
9:24- Blocks C, D PE exams and Health & Wellness exams - KIVA 10:54- Blocks F, G
World Language exam – KIVA
Students must arrange make-up tests with head teachers Senior sign-out forms collected and cap/gowns distributed after exams
Monday, May 30
Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 31
Senior class trip departs Seniors do not need to be at PVRS this day
Wednesday, June 1
Senior class trip returns Seniors do not need to be at PVRS this day
Thursday, June 2
11:15 a.m.
Senior Class Photo (in cap/gown) - gym
12:00 p.m.
Farewell & Award rehearsal mandatory - gym
12:45 p.m.
Lunch available in Café for $3.00 (cash only)
1:15 p.m.
Senior Farewell – Auditorium (students & staff only)
5:45 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
Seniors gather (in cap/gown) - gym *Senior Awards– Martin Auditorium (followed by reception in cafeteria)
Friday, June 3
9:00 a.m.
Senior Breakfast in cafeteria
9:45 a.m.
Graduation rehearsal mandatory - gym/field
6:30 p.m.
*Graduation (outside pending weather)
NOTE All obligations must be paid prior to cap and gown distribution (i.e., lost books, gym and lobby padlocks, uniforms, etc.). *Highlighted events include families.
Results from the 2015 Franklin County & North Quabbin Youth Health Survey of more than 1,500 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students!
What’s happening to youth drinking, smoking, and drug use in our area? Youth alcohol use, tobacco use, marijuana use, and binge drinking have all decreased significantly over the past dozen years among Franklin County and North Quabbin middle and high school students. Despite what a lot of people think, MOST young people are choosing not to drink, smoke, or use drugs.
Spread the word! The more young people hear that most youth are not drinking, smoking, or using drugs, the easier it is for them to make the healthy choice!
Parents: You can get information about alcohol and other drugs and practice talking to a virtual teen by searching for “Talk They Hear You” on the app store or on Google.
over
More Good News from the Youth Health Survey: The survey shows improvements in parenting practices over the last dozen years. Kids now are more likely to say that. . . . . . they have a voice in family decisions, . . . their parents notice when they do something good, . . . their parents always know where they are and who they’re with, . . . their parents disapprove of them drinking, smoking, using marijuana, stealing, and fighting, . . . their family has clear rules about drugs and alcohol, and . . . they would be caught by their parents if they drank. And 9 out of 10 local teens say they enjoy spending time with one or both parents! Our local data confirms that parents are one of the most important influences in their child’s decision not to drink, smoke, and use other drugs.
For more 2015 Franklin County & North Quabbin Youth Health Survey data visit www.communitiesthatcarecoalition.org
Brought to you by the:
With generous support from:
Why Are Family Dinners Important?
Dinner is a time to relax, recharge, laugh, tell stories, and catch up on the day’s ups and downs.
Children and teens who have meals with their families show lower rates of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and depression, and have higher self-esteem.
Regular family meals help children become healthier eaters, and lower theie rates of obesity and eating disorders.
Making the Connection
Turn off the TV, and put away phones and other electronics during dinnertime.
Engage everyone in conversation, from the smallest children to teenagers who stop at “good” when you ask about their day. Find conversation starters for all ages on the back of this flyer and hundreds more at The Family Dinner Project website.
Dinner conversation is a vocabulary-booster for younger children. Kids who have regular family dinners have higher grades and do better in school.
If you tend to argue over particular topics (the messy room? the curfew?), avoid those topics at the dinner table.
Have fun! Play games at the table, bring jokes to share, try a new food and tell each other what you think about it.
Having dinner together can help keep your family close!
Create your own family rituals around dinner to reinforce the routine and togetherness!
Finding the Time
Use shortcuts for dinner prep: prepare soup or casserole over the weekend and save it for a weekday meal, or cook with easy ingredients like pre-cut veggies or pre-made pizza dough. Visit The Family Dinner Project website for 15-minute recipe ideas.
Extend family time by having everyone pitch in. Younger kids can set and clear the table, pour drinks, and help with cooking. Teens can have a night to plan and cook dinner themselves or with you. And kids of all ages can help with clean up!
If your schedules send you in different directions at dinner time, try another meal that’s easier to share. Maybe breakfast, or lunch on the weekends?
What’s important is making a regular, predictable time to connect as a family — it’s about providing both warmth and structure!
For more information & tips visit The Family Dinner Project www.thefamilydinnerproject.org
Tips for Conversation For younger children:
Rather than asking “How was your day?” try asking specific questions like “What did you play at recess?,” “Who did you sit with at lunch?,” or “What did you read during reading time?”
Ask kids to talk about their favorite games or toys. For example, you might ask, “If you could be a character from one of your books, who would you be and why?”
Talk about your ancestors and share family stories and history.
For teens:
Ask about a specific class or project in school.
Discuss plans for the weekend.
Ask for your teen’s opinion on a recent interesting news item.
Talk about what your grandparents or great-grandparents did for a living, or, if they emigrated to this country, where they came from and why they left their home country.
Find hundreds of great conversation starters and more ideas about food, fun and conversation at
www.thefamilydinnerproject.org
Brought to you by the Parent Education Workgroup of the
Adapted from FAQ by Anne Fishel, Ph.D., for TheFamilyDinnerProject.org.
Special thanks to
for support.
Ideas you can use to make the most out of dinner time with your family.
Make time for family time!
Brought to you by the Communities that Care Coalition.
Dinner…breakfast…car rides…game night… Spending quality time with your teens will make a difference in their lives! And 92% of local students say they enjoy spending time with a parent!* Research shows that kids who eat dinner with their parents do better in school and are more likely to stay drug and alcohol free.**
Parents still matter. Teens still care. www.CommunitiesthatCareCoalition.org Special thanks to *2015 Franklin County/North Quabbin Student Health Survey
for support. **For more information see www.familydinnerproject.org
Talk with your teens about alcohol & drugs – they hear you!
Learn how, practice now: search “Talk They Hear You”
Brought to you by the Communities that Care Coalition.
You DO make a difference! GET TIPS on how to talk to your teen about alcohol and drug use, and practice your skills in a FREE online game. Search for “Talk They Hear You” www.samhsa.gov/underage-drinking
Parents still matter. Teens still care. www.CommunitiesthatCareCoalition.org Special thanks to
for support.
