Feature Friday: One Acts Take the Stage at Nipmuc

Some of Nipmuc's One Act directors and performers
(l to r) Krysta Desper, Rose Wiklund,
Joselyn Melpignano, Arianna Bonito, and Lisa Slavin

As we get ready for the weekend, the members of Nipmuc drama are making final preparations for one of the highlights of the year: The One Act Play Competition. An annual tradition at Nipmuc, the "one acts" provide our students with the chance to showcase their talents in these student-directed productions. From sets to choreography to directing - our students take leadership in these plays, making the event a celebration of their talents, ambition, and skill. Included below is a feature of some of the students and the plays they are performing this Saturday evening, 2/1 at 7pm in the Nipmuc auditorium.

Play #1: Teen Angel 

Summary: Teen Angel follows Peggy, a teenager living in the 1950s, through the experience of love, life, and death as she struggles to earn her wings to enter heaven.  Along the way Peggy finds help in strange and unexpected places.  Will Peggy solve the problem she left behind?  Will she ever find the balance of love?  Find out if a little faith, love, and angel dust is enough on Saturday night!

Comments from Student-Actor Lisa Slavin: 

"As a performer this experience has helped me read behind the lines and see the character for what it truly is in the show.  Originally I read my character as a serious, grandmotherly, omniscient being but as time went on and with the help from those around me, I discovered the humor this character held.  This experience has taught me how to create something with others and have fun feeding off each other’s ideas.  I learned this through the creation of a dance in the play – something I have never done before – but something that I will feel proud of for the rest of my days by far."

Comments from Student-Director Krysta Desper: 

"I loved the choreography and picking the 50s music.  Plus the costumes are fun! [Through the play I learned not to] be afraid to be silly and to never back down from a challenge." 

Play #2: The Big Bang Theory

Summary: It’s Christmas time!  But much to Leonard’s disappointment, Penny suddenly develops an interest in science when a new physicist joins the lab.  Meanwhile, Sheldon struggles to find an appropriate Christmas gift for Penny.  Even though the Christmas season is over,  you’re sure to feel the spirit of giving in this comedy.

 

Comments from Student-Director Arianna Bonito: 

"The One Act Competition is unique because it allows people who have never been on stage before to work with their peers in a less stressful environment than when performing a full show.  It allows them to try out acting and backstage crew to see if is something they would really want to commit to.  Also, it gives many people opportunity to grow as actors by being in larger roles than what they may be used to."

Play #3: A Wolf in Disguise 

Summary: A Wolf in Disguise is a drama about Sean, a leprechaun who falls in love with a shepherdess.  The romance takes a nasty turn when a mysterious wolf attacks her flock on the night of the full moon and Sean must protect her.

Comments from Student-Director Rose Wiklund: 

"The only play I’ve directed before was a Romeo and Juliet parody skit with my neighbors, so this was a big step since usually I act on stage.  I learned how to be a better leader, how to motivate my peers, how to critique actors and block dynamic scenes.  Directing a play requires different skills than acting in one, and taking a leadership role as a director is a rewarding experience."

Play #4: A Twisted Fairy Tale

Summary: This play is based off an episode of “The Monkees” called Fairy Tale.  It’s about a boy named Peter who falls in love with a princess who has to later save her from a villain named Harold who is trying to kill her.

Comments from Student-Director Joselyn Melpignano:

"I finally got to become a One Act Director and I’ve been waiting to do this since the seventh grade! Through the production I learned to be myself and not to be afraid of performing. I learned to be confident in what I do."

Good luck to all cast and crew members! All are invited to enjoy the performances on Saturday evening beginning at 7pm in the Nipmuc auditorium. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students.

 

Announcements January 27 - 31, 2014

Morning Announcements
All students going on the Bocado field trip today (1/29), please meet in the lobby at 12:25 p.m. to board the bus.

Any junior who had a parking permit during the first two terms, please see Mrs. Grady for your new parking space.  Parking stickers must be picked up by tomorrow, Wednesday, January 29th, along with payment of $25.

All those interested in Model United Nations - There will be an informational meeting on Tuesday, January 28th in Mrs. Laflash's room 121, green wing.  Anyone interested in joining are welcome.

Do you like to read? Please join us at the first meeting of a newly-formed Student Book Club on Wednesday, January 29th at 2:10 in the media center. All are welcome.  See Mrs. Venkataraman in the media center with any questions.

Attention Seniors:  This is the last week to complete the on-line yearbook surveys, including the "likes/dislikes/memory/quote" survey.  Don't miss out of being included in your 2014 yearbook.

Babysitters needed!  Please see Mrs. Kyrka in room 217 if you would like to babysit during a teacher's meeting at Miscoe Hill Middle School on Wednesday, January 29th from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m..

Athletic Department Announcements
Come to the girls' basketball game on Friday, January 31st and cheer them on.  They are playing Blackstone Millville High School.  The first 50 students will get in for $1.00!

The weight room will be closed to girls only from 2:45 - 3:45 beginning next week (February 3rd) on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Guidance Department Announcements
Quinsigamond Community College will host a Careers Day in Business, Engineering and Technology on Saturday, February 8th.  Pick up a flyer in the guidance office for more details.

Need help completing the FAFSA form?  A webinar for parents and students is available on the guidance blog to help you.

Students interested in attending a college summer program are reminded to check out the guidance blog for information on various summer programs.

Information regarding part-time job opportunities is available in the guidance office.

Seniors are reminded to check the guidance blog for scholarships and also be sure to note all scholarship deadlines.  May scholarships require letters of recommendation and transcripts.  Please make sure you give your counselor enough time to process your application before the scholarship deadline date.

Feature Friday: Q & A with Junior Gabriella Carreiro

Gaby Carreiro at the U17 Women's
World Cup Soccer Championships

One of the most enjoyable parts of my role at Nipmuc is that it provides me with the chance to meet so many accomplished, talented, and ambitious students. The more you get to know the student body at Nipmuc, the more you will be impressed with their potential and their achievements. This is one of the reasons that I have started weekly posts to highlight students on my blog.

During this week's "Feature Friday" I am sharing the accomplishments of junior Gabriella (Gaby) Carreiro. Gaby is no stranger to anyone who's enjoyed the chance to follow Nipmuc soccer over the past few years. A standout forward on our varsity girls' soccer team, Gaby has also established herself as a nationally recognized player by making the United States U17 Women's National Soccer Team.

Over the course of the past year, in particular, Gaby has been on a tremendous journey through her soccer playing. In June she began traveling each month to Florida and California for week-long training sessions. In October she and her teammates went to Jamaica where they competed in the World Cup qualifying tournament. Gaby had the chance to shine at that tournament when scoring on a penalty kick in her game against Guatemala. I recently had the chance to ask Gaby a few questions about her accomplishments. Included below are some of the questions and answers.

Q: What was the most exciting part of this accomplishment? 
A: The most exciting part of this journey was the fact that I had the opportunity to play for my country. Every time you put on that jersey, every time you wear the crest, you carry with you a sense of pride for your country, for USA. It is a feeling not many people ever get the chance to experience. As you walk out onto the field, your can hear the CONCACAF [Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football] [music] playing and a huge crowd roaring behind you. You line up facing the stadium and in the midst of all the excitement you can see a small section of the USA fans where your proud parents stand. The USA national anthem plays, bringing a rush of chills down your spine and tears which fill up in your eyes. At this moment, you begin to understand how important this game really is and that your are playing for something much bigger than yourself, your country.

Q: What was the most challenging part of this experience?
A: The most challenging part of this experience was being away from home for 2 weeks. Although I had my parents in Jamaica with me, I missed my friends and other close family very much. You don’t understand how long 2 weeks can be until you actually experience it.  Also, while I was in Jamaica parents were only allowed to visit during specific visiting hours which were usually every two days... Even with the challenges, this experience was completely worth the sacrifices.

Q: Beyond your experiences with soccer, what will you take away most from this experience?
A: Beyond the soccer aspect of this journey, I will take away from this experience the many friendships I have made with people all across the country. A national team pulls together the best group of girls throughout the country no matter where they come from. I now have friends from Idaho and Kansas, places I would never have expected to meet new friends. It was amazing getting to know girls who are just like you, have the same goals as you, have the same drive as you, and are willing to do anything to play for this team and represent the Unites States. They understand the 3 mile runs at 5 am before school or the extra hours you spend working after practice has let out; they understand the sacrifices you have had to make to reach this one goal of making the national team. We came together in the beginning of 2013 and embarked on a journey together. A journey that consisted of a lot of missing school, missing friends, and missing family. All sacrifices we were willing to make to stand on that podium in Jamaica at the end of the year. This experience we all shared created the strong friendships that we now have walking away from this journey.

Q: What are your future plans regarding soccer and academics?

A: In the future I am hoping to play D1 soccer in college and become a teacher. I committed to Providence College as a sophomore and am very excited for the new memories I will make with that team. I also love working with children which is why I hope to become a teacher and a coach. Throughout my final year of high school and my four years in college, I hope to continue playing for the national team if I am given that opportunity again. The U20 World Cup is taking place in two years and it would be an honor to be a part of that.

Congratulations, Gaby. Thank you for representing Nipmuc and your country so well!

STEM Career and College Fair

Over the course of the year we have enjoyed the opportunity to implement the Nipmuc STEM Scholars Program, an initiative to expand the offerings available to students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Through the STEM Scholars Program we are providing our students with workplace readiness training, connections to colleges and universities, and job shadowing/internship experiences. These real world, authentic learning experiences complement the work students complete in our classrooms. 

As part of this program and our participation in WPI's "STEM for District Leaders" program, Nipmuc is providing a STEM Career and College Fair on Friday, January 24th to all of Nipmuc's students. At the fair we will welcome more than 30 representatives from STEM professions, universities, community groups, and organizations. These professionals and community members will meet with our students, answer their questions, and excite them about the potential of STEM. 

We encourage you to talk to your child about this fair and the opportunities provided there. We are excited to watch the STEM Scholars Program grow as we build upon the achievement in our classrooms and expand the programming at our school. 

STEM Career and College Fair Program: 

Extension of Term 2

Due to the snow day on 1/22, we will be extending term 2 until the end of the day on 1/23. Term 3 will begin on Friday, 1/24. 

Stay warm!

Announcements January 21 -24, 2014

Morning Announcements
Please join us on Wednesday, January 29th, for the first student book club meeting.  The book club will meet in the media center at 2:10 p.m.  All are welcome!

Any junior who has applied for a parking permit for the 3rd and 4th terms may pick up their parking sticker during either break on Friday.  Please see Mrs. Grady in the office. 

Any junior who had a parking space for the 1st and 2nd terms may no longer park at school as of Monday, January 27th, until a lottery has been held for any open spaces that may be available.  You will be notified by Mrs. Grady if a space has been assigned to you for the remainder of the year.

There will be an informational meeting for Model United Nations on January 28th in Mrs. Laflash's room, 121 green wing at 2 p.m.  All are welcome.

Babysitters Needed!  Please see  Mrs. Kyrka, in room 217 if you are available to babysit at Miscoe Hill Middle School during a teacher's meeting on Wednesday, January 27th from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Attention STEM Scholars: There will be a mandatory meeting at both breaks today for STEM Scholars in the gathering room.  Please come during your regularly scheduled break.

Please see Mrs. Grady in the office: Therese Bechara, Bernard Broni, Jack Shuber, Connor Van Kleek.

Attention Seniors:  This is the last week to complete the on-line yearbook surveys, including the "likes/dislikes/memory/quote" survey.  Don't miss out on being included in your 2014 yearbook!

Attention Students & Faculty:  Join us in our attempt to raise money and awareness for ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, by attending a dinner on Friday, January 24th from 6 - 8 p.m. in the Nipimuc cafeteria.  There will be raffles, guest speakers, along with a chance to win autographed items by Curt Schilling.  Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door.  Contact Ellie Baynham, Katie Cook or Meghan Elliott for more information.

Emily Wojtowicz and Laura Ng please see Mr. Ferris in the office today.

Attention all students who submitted a NHS portfolio:  Please meet with Mrs. Kyrka at green break today in room 217.  Can't make it? See her right after school.


Guidance Department Announcements
A representative from the Savannah College of Art and Design will hold an information session in the guidance office on Tuesday, January 28th at 8:30 a.m.  Please sign up in guidance if you want to learn more about this art school.

Attention Seniors:  Your counselor will send your mid-term grades to your common app. schools as soon as they are available.  Please make sure to let your counselor know if any of your non-common app. schools need your mid-term grades.

Seniors are reminded to check the guidance blog often for scholarships and all scholarship deadlines.  Many scholarships require letters of recommendation and transcripts.  Please make sure you give your counselor enough time to process your application before the scholarship deadline date.

Attention All AP Students:  The deadline to register to take an AP exam is tomorrow, Wednesday, January 22nd.  The registration fee for MMSI courses if $61.25 and all other AP course fees are $89.00.  Checks should be given to Mrs. Moore in the guidance office and made payable to Nipmuc Regional High School.  If you have any questions or concerns, please see Ms. Larracey in the guidance office.

Student Feature Friday: Essay Contest Winners Madeline Davidshofer and Regan Conrad

Essay contest winners
Regan Conrad (l) and Maddie Davidshofer (r). 

Over the course of the past few years, Nipmuc has worked to establish the core values and beliefs that guide the work that is completed in our school. Through conversations, meetings, and collaboration - our school community voted to adopt four core values: respect, high expectations, accountability, and academics. We shared our values with the school by posting them in the main lobby and by placing quotes in the halls of our building that are related to these values.

While posting our guiding principles is helpful, the best way to see them in action is to hear from our students about the way these values are demonstrated in life at Nipmuc. With that in mind, we offered an essay contest to our students this year asking them to choose one of the quotations about core values and discuss how it relates to life at Nipmuc.

At this time, I am excited to announce that the winners of the Core Values Essay Contest for terms 1 & 2 are Madeline Davidshofer and Regan Conrad. Maddie and Regan are members of the junior class as well as members of our National Honor Society. Their essays spoke personally and meaningfully about how the values are exhibited in student life at Nipmuc.

Maddie chose a quote from Moliere stating, "It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do for which we are accountable" to discuss accountability. In her essay she wrote about the accountability required in being a member of the varsity field hockey team and how "the influence collaboration and accountability have on a team outweighs individual success." She continued by stating:

"The same holds true for Nipmuc's learning community. Accountability is more than merely placing a check mark on a checklist; accountability is ensuring that we are performing to the best of our ability in every aspect of school life...Let us not forget the words of Moliere with every decision we make because actions speak louder than words. The core value of accountability leads students to become responsible, moral, and proactive young men and women who will build the legacy of Nipmuc Regional High School." 

In her essay, Regan chose John F. Kennedy's quote, "Remember that our nation's first great leaders were also our first great scholars" to discuss the value of high expectations. She writes,

"My experiences at Nipmuc have enabled me to realize that it is essential to have high expectations of myself, just as all of the world-renowned leaders have high expectations of themselves. John F. Kennedy...revealed that he felt that all students should strive to succeed...because the effort put into achieving goals in school will benefit those students later in life...Without high expectations that give way to successful and inspirational leaders, how will we be able to grow and prosper as a community and society?"

Madeline and Regan each wrote essays that provide examples of how these values guide and inspire the work of our students. As winners, they each receive $50 and each has the chance to be selected as the overall contest winner for the 2013-14 school year. Congratulations!

The essay contest will take place two more times this school year. The next deadline for the contest is April 3, 2014.

Announcements 1/13 - 17, 2014

Morning Announcements
Attention Seniors: This is the last week to complete the on-line yearbook surveys, including the "likes/dislikes/memory/quote" survey.  Don't miss out on being included in your 2014 yearbook!

Attention Students and Faculty: Join us in our attempt to raise money and awareness for ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, by attending a dinner on January 24th from 6-8 p.m. in the Nipmuc cafeteria.  There will be raffles and guest speakers along with a chance to win autographed items by Curt Schilling.  Tickets are $8 in advance, or $10 at the door.  Contact Ellie Baynham, Katie Cook, or Meghan Elliott for more information.

Attention all Juniors who have not had a parking permit this school year:  Please see Mrs. Grady in the office if you would like an application for a parking permit for terms 3 and 4.  This is only open to juniors who did not have a parking permit for terms 1 and 2.  Applications must be completed and turned in to Mrs. Grady by Thursday, January 16th.

A ski trip to Loon Mountain is scheduled for Saturday, January 25th.  Please submit your forms ASAP! Flyers are in the office with further information.  Permission forms must be completed by Tuesday, January 21st.  See Mrs. Ahmed-Jussaume in green wing, room 312 with any questions.

Art club will meet on Tuesday, January 14th from 2:00-3:00 in Mr. Campbell's room 117.  The club is planning a big project, so please come and help! For more information, contact Molly King.

Drama auditions begin today, Monday, 1/13.  Auditions will also be held on Thursday, 1/16.  All actors must also be available on Wednesday, 1/15 for the dance auditions and on Friday, 1/17 for possible callbacks. We are also looking for experienced dancers.  If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Tremblay or Sarah Prescott.  Sign up on the sheet on the auditorium doors. Hope to see you there!

News from the Athletic Department
Congratulations to sophomore Kevin Hack who set the Nipmuc, Dual Valley Conference, and Northbridge High School record in the high jump with a jump of 6 feet 3 inches!

Guidance Announcements
A Navy Recruiter will hold an information session in the guidance office on Wednesday, 1/15 at 1:30.  Please sign up in the guidance office if you would like to learn more about the United States Navy.

Are you interesting in becoming a lifeguard this summer?  Pick up a flyer in the guidance office for more information.

MA Pass in Westborough is looking for customer service assistants after school and weekends.  Pay is $8-$10/hour.  More information can be found in the guidance office.

Seniors are reminded to check the guidance blog often for scholarships and scholarship deadlines.  Many scholarships require letters of recommendation and transcripts.  Please make sure to give your counselor enough time to process your application before the scholarship deadline date.

Attention AP Students:  The deadline to register to take an AP Exam is Wednesday, January 22nd.  The registration fee for MMSI courses is $61.25 and all other AP course fees are $89.00.  Checks should be made payable to Nipmuc Regional High School and given to Mrs. Moore in the guidance office.  If you have any questions, please see Ms. Larracey in the guidance office.

Student Feature Friday: Nipmuc's High Honors Scholars

Jared Bowen, a member of the
Class of 1994, addresses students
at the 16th Annual High Honors Dinner

As we begin the new year, I am excited to introduce a new feature on my blog - "Student Feature Fridays" - that will allow me to share the success, interests, and accomplishments of our students with the entire school community.

In this first feature, I'm excited to share the accomplishments of the 117 students who were honored in December at the 16th Annual High Honors Recognition Dinner. This yearly event provides us with the chance to acknowledge and celebrate the academic success of our students. Earning high honors for all four terms of an academic year is an exceptional achievement, especially considering the number of challenging courses our students are taking.

As part of the evening, Nipmuc welcomes back an alum to act as a guest speaker. This graduate addresses our students to offer encouragement and inspiration to continue their hard work and dedication to academics. This year we welcomed back Mr. Jared Bowen, a graduate from the Class of 1994, to speak with the students. Mr. Bowen is an Emmy-winning host of WGBH's weekly television series Open Studio with Jared Bowen. In addition, he is a regular contributor to WGBH's television series Greater Boston with Emily Rooney and can be heard on 89.7 WGBH's mid-day program, Boston Public Radio. In sharing his own story Mr. Bowen provided words of encouragement to our students, urging them to recognize their limitless potential and to actively pursue their dreams.

Congratulations to Nipmuc's High Honors Scholars!

Thank you for reading this first "Feature Friday." Check back each week to get additional updates on the achievements of our students.

High Honors Scholars List

Announcements - January 6 - 10, 2014

Morning Announcements
Attention all Juniors and Seniors:  We are currently looking for students who are interested in participating in the 65th annual Student Government Day in April.  As participants in this program, students will assemble at the State House in Boston where they will have the chance to participate in state legislature and see government in action.

We are looking forward to having two Nipmuc students participate in the program. Any interested junior or senior students should sign up with Mrs. Linehan in the main office by Friday, 1/10.

Interested individuals should be prepared to provide a speech to their fellow students during morning announcements the week of 1/13 as part of the application process.

A Ski Trip to Loon Mountain is scheduled for Saturday, January 25th.  Information fliers are in the office.  Permission forms must be filled out and submitted by January 21st.  See Mrs. Ahmed-Jussaume in room 312 green wing with any questions.

Attention JV Volleyball players - please stop by Ms. Reardon's room 136 to pick up your certificates.

The following students please see Mrs. Grady in the office:  Jackie Cortese, Dalton Davis, Kathryn McManus, Jorge Romero & Nicole Wilson.

All those interested in playing softball in the spring - there will be a meeting after school on Monday, January 13th in the media center.

Don't miss auditions for the Nipmuc Drama musical, Once on This Island! Audition days are Monday, January 13th and Thursday, January 16th.  There will also be dance auditions on Wednesday, January 15th.  All actors are required to be present on the 15th.  Also, please hold Friday, January 17th open for possible call backs.  We are also looking for experienced dancers.  If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Tremblay or Sarah Prescott.  Sign up sheets are on the auditorium doors. 

Attention National Honor Society candidates - portfolios are due on Wednesday, January 8th in room 217. 

Drivers Education Program applications are available in the office and on the school website for classes that begin next Tuesday, January 14th, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. for 5 weeks.  Please bring your application with payment to the main office.

Guidance Department Announcements
A Navy Recruiter will hold an information session in the Guidance Office on Wednesday, January 15^th at 1:30.  Please sign up in guidance if you would like to learn more about the United States Navy.

Are you in interested in becoming a Lifeguard this summer?  Pick up a flyer in the Guidance Office for more information.   

MAPASS in Westborough is looking for customer service assistants after school and weekends.  Pay is $8-$10/hr.  For more information, pick up a flyer in the guidance office. 

ATTENTION AP STUDENTS:  The deadline to register to take an AP Exam is Wednesday, January 22!  The registration fee for MMSI courses is $61.25 and all other AP course fees are $89.00.  Checks should be given to Mrs. Moore in the guidance office and made payable to Nipmuc Regional High School.  If you have any questions or concerns, please see Ms. Larracey in the guidance office. 

Seniors are reminded to check the guidance blog often.  A few new scholarships have been recently posted with January and February deadlines.  http://nipmucguidance.blogspot.com/