Announcements September 29 - October 3, 2014

Morning Announcements
Attention all members of Friends of Seniors:  The first meeting is today (Friday, 10/3) during both breaks in Mr. Clement's room G220.

Volleyball match today vs. Bethany Christian - Friday, 10/3 - 3:30 & 5:00.  Please come out and support the team!

All Book Club Members:  Please stop by the media center to pick up your book.  Any students still wanting to join the book club, please come by the media center to see Mrs. V.

The monthly NHS meeting is tomorrow - Thursday, 10/2 - in the auditorium.

Any student interested in joining the Ski Team: A meeting and sign-ups will be held on Tuesday, October 28th at 6:30 p.m. in the gathering room.

The School Store is now selling: Arnold Palmer, Arizona, Gatorade, and Nipmuc-themed lanyards and sprit bands.  There's lots of great things to buy - so take a trip down and see what's in store! Literally!

Any Sophomore or Junior interested in traveling to Italy next April vacation, please stop by Ms. Reardon's room 239 to pick up information.  Parent Information Night will be Tuesday, October 7th in the P.D.C.

Drama Workshop will meet on Thursday, October 17th in the auditorium from 2 - 3 p.m.  Don't forget your information sheet!

The first meeting of the Nipmuc student newspaper has been rescheduled to Thursday, October 2nd in Ms. Hensler's room 213.  Come be a part of our inaugural staff as we build The Warrior Voice from the ground up!

Junior varsity volleyball is looking for managers.  If interested, please contact JV Coach Ms. Hensler in room 213.

Any student interested in serving on their class E-Board - please fill out an application available in the front office.

Any current senior wishing to submit a portfolio for National Honor Society, please see Mrs. Kyrka in room 217 ASAP.  Deadline for submission is October 15th.


Guidance Announcements
ATTENTION JUNIORS AND SENIORS:  College Admission Counselors from the following colleges will hold information sessions in the guidance office in the next few weeks: 
October 1:  UMass Dartmouth
October 6:  College of the Holy Cross
October 7:  Hartford Art School
October 8:  Hartwick College
October 9:  Florida Southern College
October 14:  Suffolk University
October 15:  Wheaton College
October 16:  Savannah College of Art and Design .    
Sign up in the Guidance Office to receive a pass to attend an Information Session. 

ATTENTION JUNIORS AND SOPHOMORES:  The PSAT will be administered at Nipmuc on Wednesday, October 15 at 7:30 a.m.  Please bring your registration fee of $20 to Mrs. Moore in the Guidance Office no later than Friday, October 7.  Please see Ms. Larracey in the guidance office if you have any questions or concerns regarding the PSAT.

ATTENTION SOPHOMORES:  Registration is now open for the 2015 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar.  One sophomore and one alternate will be selected to represent Nipmuc Regional at Bentley University this Spring.  During this 3 day seminar, you will participate in hands on leadership activities, meet leaders in your state and explore personal leadership skills and make a positive impact in the community.  Applications are available in the guidance office and in your English classes.  The deadline to apply is October 3!

Math Tutor Needed:  A parent for an 8^th grader is looking for a math tutor 1 to 2 hours per week.  If interested in this position, please see Mrs. Moore in the Guidance Office. 

Students are reminded to check out the Guidance Blog often for up to date information on college open houses, and general guidance announcements.  

Student Feature Friday: EMC Student Star Program

Participants in the EMC Student STAR Program

Sponsored by EMC Education Services, the EMC Student STAR Program is a 4-day intensive summer workshop for students entering their junior or senior year of high school or freshman year of college.  This past summer three Nipmuc students participated in this valuable program.  The program is designed to equip students with the tools needed to excel in their academic journey.  The aim of the Student STAR Program is to bridge the gap between higher education and professional development by focusing on four themes central to every student’s success: Communication, Teamwork, Life Skills and an Introduction to Business.

I recently met with Nipmuc seniors Jack Gallagher, Roma Gujarathi and Jeremy Hall to discuss their experience at the workshop.  Below are answers to a few questions I asked them.

Q: What sparked your interest in the program?
Jack Gallagher: I was interested in doing this program since last year when my father, an EMC employee, heard about it from one of his coworkers. The coworker told my dad all about it and how much his son had learned. My dad then told me and it sounded right up my alley, as it was a combination of engineering and business, two things I am very much interested in.

Roma Gujarathi: I've been interested in the business field ever since freshman year, when I took an Intro to Business course. Since then, I have attended various business-related workshops and conferences to get myself acquainted with the field. When we got flyers for this STAR program from guidance, I was immediately interested by the short description, which indicated a business focus. Furthermore, my parents have several friends who work at EMC, so I was already partially familiar with the company itself. Finally, I thought it would be a good way to familiarize myself with a professional environment, as I aspire to work in a similar setting in the future. 

Jeremy Hall:  A presentation at the end of last year [about the STEM Scholars Program} there was a blurb for the program.

Q: What skills did you develop through the program?
Jack Gallagher:  The amount of skills I learned was amazing. I learned how to write a winning resume, how to network with business professionals, how to correctly eat at business events, how to budget money and develop better presentation skills, just to name a few. We essentially learned a new skill at every presentation we attended.

Roma Gujarathi: Through the program, I further developed my public-speaking skills. In one workshop, we were randomly given a topic and we had to speak in front of the room on that topic for one minute. The spontaneity of the activity helped me in my communication skills; I learned that confidence is key, especially when I have no idea what I'm talking about. Even during the final presentation of the case study, the skills of proper body language and appropriate nuances came into play. We learned that usually the delivery of a presentation has a more influential effect on the audience than the content itself. 

Jeremy Hall:  The program was conducted by EMC's education program. The skills I learned were those of which an EMC employee would be expected to have. These included knowledge in marketing and engineering, as well as presentation skills, business etiquette, interviewing skills, and proper dress in the corporate world. I certainly realized there is still much for me to learn.

Q: What was the most valuable experience from the program?
Jack Gallagher: The thing I got most out of it was the ability to interview and write a resume. These are critical skills that not many high schools teach. This skill is going to help me obtain internships in college and coming out of college when looking for that coveted first job. One take-home point was that a bad resume can make a great candidate bad, that is how important they are. Conversely, a good resume can make up for a lot of the application, especially with a first job.

Roma Gujarathi:  The most valuable experience, for me, was the resume workshop. The presenter went through each step in writing the perfect resume, even pointing out the meticulous details, such as margins and font type. From that workshop, I not only took away notes to help me draft an ideal resume, but also a sense of consciousness; she taught us that our resume is the chance to make a first impression on a potential employer, so we must ensure that it is an accurate representation of our capabilities and achievements. 

Jeremy Hall:  The most beneficial part of the program was easily the interview and resume presentation. I got to know the mindset of an employer who is looking at interns and their resumes. Every part of the program emanated from a corporate environment. I am thankful for the opportunity to attend the program.

Congratulations to Jack, Roma, and Jeremy for the participation and achievement in this program!

Nipmuc students and EMC STAR Program participants
Jeremy Hall, John Gallagher, and Roma Gujarathi. 

Nipmuc's Advanced Placement Program Reaches New Heights

I am excited to share the results of the 2014 Advanced Placement tests with the community at this evening's school committee meeting. In 2014 our students achieved a number of milestones for the school and the Advanced Placement program. Among the accomplishments are the following:

• Nipmuc Regional’s students achieved all-time highs in the following areas: 
• number of students enrolled in AP  
• number of AP tests given 
• number of qualifying scores
• number of AP Scholars

• 370 AP tests were taken at Nipmuc with 74.4% earning qualifying scores.

• In 2013-14, 54% of upperclassmen enrolled in an AP course. 

• 66% of the Class of 2014 enrolled in an AP course while at Nipmuc.

• Currently, more than 50% of upperclassmen are taking an AP course.

• Since partnering with Massachusetts Insight Education/Massachusetts Math and Science Initiative through a grant (2010), the school has seen: 
• 70% increase in the number of students taking AP courses
• 104% increase in the number of tests given
• 116% increase in the number of AP Scholars
• Addition of 7 AP courses to the Nipmuc Program of Studies

• 52 students at Nipmuc Regional were named AP Scholars including two students who were named National AP Scholars (graduates Peter Jordan and Jesse Arsenault). 

We are always looking for ways to make improvements to support enrollment and achievement. Despite these areas for improvement, I am exceptionally proud of the work that our students and teachers have completed in helping our program grow and our students achieve.

Congratulations to our students and teachers!

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Announcements September 22 - 26, 2014

Morning Announcements
There is an Impact Meeting today during both breaks in Mrs. Field's room G120.  All are welcome.

The School Store is now selling: Arnold Palmer, Arizona, Gatorade, and Nipmuc-themed lanyards and sprit bands.  There's lots of great things to buy - so take a trip down and see what's in store! Literally!

Any senior interested in hosting Mr. Nipmuc, see Ms. Soto in room 313 after announcements.

Final announcement for any students who want to travel to France and Barcelona during the 2015 April vacation.  Please see Ms. Reardon in room 239 ASAP.

Any Sophomore or Junior interested in traveling to Italy next April vacation, please stop by Ms. Reardon's room 239 to pick up information.  Parent Information Night will be Tuesday, October 7th in the P.D.C.

Drama Workshop will meet on Thursday, October 17th in the auditorium from 2 - 3 p.m.  Don't forget your information sheet!

The Nipmuc student newspaper will have its first staff meeting on Monday, September 29 in Ms. Hensler's room 213.  Come be a part of our inaugural staff as we build The Warrior Voice from the ground up!

Reminder to Sophomores:  A Herff Jones representative will be here during lunch blocks Wednesday - Friday of this week to take class ring orders.

To all STEM Scholars and students in engineering classes:  Sign up TODAY (Tuesday, 9/23) in the guidance office for the Manufacturing Day field trip being held on Friday, October 3rd. There is limited space and you must sign up by the end of the day.

Need service hours or just want to help the Upton Library?  Volunteers are needed to help with the book fair this Saturday, 9/27.  Fair runs 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. but you can pick the hours you want to work.  It would be great if several people would choose an early morning shift to bring the books out from the library.  Please sign up in Mrs. Kyrka's room 217.

Junior varsity volleyball is looking for managers.  If interested, please contact JV Coach Ms. Hensler in room 213.

Any student interested in serving on their class E-Board - please fill out an application available in the front office.

Attention all members of the 2014-15 STEM Scholars Program:  The first meeting of the STEM Scholars will take place on Wednesday, 9/24, from 2:15 - 3:45.  The meeting will begin in the auditorium.

The Nipmuc Book Club will hold its first meeting this Thursday, 9/25.  All students, faculty and staff are welcome to join.  At the first meeting participants will watch book trailers to vote on books to read for the next few months.  They will also make a bookmark.  Please see Mrs. V. in the media center for more details.

Any current senior wishing to submit a portfolio for National Honor Society, please see Mrs. Kyrka in room 217 ASAP.  Deadline for submission is October 15th.


Guidance Announcements
Congratulations to Eli Tamagni who has been selected by the Class of 2015 as Nipmuc’s Good Citizen sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution. 
 
ATTENTION JUNIORS AND SENIORS:  College Admission Counselors from the following colleges will hold information sessions in the guidance office in the next few weeks: 

• September 26:  New Hampshire Institute of Art
• September 30:  University of Connecticut
• October 1:  UMass Dartmouth
• October 6:  College of the Holy Cross
• October 7:  Hartford Art School
• October 8:  Hartwick College
• October 9:  Florida Southern College.    

Sign up in the Guidance Office to receive a pass to attend an Information Session. 

ATTENTION JUNIORS AND SOPHOMORES:  The PSAT will be administered at Nipmuc on Wednesday, October 15 at 7:30 a.m.  Please bring your registration fee of $20 to Mrs. Moore in the Guidance Office no later than Friday, October 7.  Please see Ms. Larracey in the guidance office if you have any questions or concerns regarding the PSAT.

ATTENTION SOPHOMORES:  Registration is now open for the 2015 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar.  One sophomore and one alternate will be selected to represent Nipmuc Regional at Bentley University this Spring.  During this 3 day seminar, you will participate in hands on leadership activities, meet leaders in your state and explore personal leadership skills and make a positive impact in the community.  Applications are available in the guidance office and in your English classes.  The deadline to apply is October 3!

Reminder to Seniors:  The pink Parent Brag Sheet and Naviance survey must be completed before your counselor can write your college letter of recommendation. 

Students are reminded to check out the Guidance Blog often for up to date information on college open houses, and general guidance announcements. 

Student Feature Friday: Nipmuc's World Travelers

Nipmuc's World Challenge participants:
Taylor Leacy, Rebecca Rausch, Alexa Mirageas,
Alison Goddard, Aleah Castonguay, and Viola Hibbett

As we've made our way through the first few weeks of school, I've enjoyed connecting with our students and learning about how they spent their summer vacations. While many students had exciting summers, few students had more adventures than then six Nipmuc students who traveled to Costa Rica as part of Nipmuc's World Challenge program.

Over the course of the past decade, Nipmuc has participated in seven World Challenge trips taking students from Guatemala to Madagascar to Belize. World Challenge excursions are not a traditional school trip. Instead, students play the key role in organizing, managing, and leading every aspect of the voyage. In addition to planning their activities, the budget, travel, and diet - students also participate in a service project that connects them to a community in their destination country.

This past summer six Nipmuc students and faculty member Kate Reardon traveled to Costa Rica for an adventure of a lifetime. The students had the chance to experience the cloud forests, coastline, and communities of Costa Rica. For this week's Feature Friday I had the chance to speak with our six adventurers - Aleah Castonguay, Alison Goddard, Viola Hibbett, Taylor Leacy, Alexa Mirageas, and Rebecca Rausch. Check out their thoughts below about their memories and favorite parts of the trip.

Aleah Castonguay – Class of 2017
My favorite memory was walking through the rain forest on the trek – through the mud, up and down steep hills, and through water rapids. I grew as a person because I learned that it is okay to ask for help and to rely on others for help.  I also learned that it is okay to make new friends and open myself up.  That it is okay to make mistakes and to get out of my comfort zone.

Viola Hibbett – Class of 2017
My favorite memory was the third day of our trek.  Since it was the last day of walking we were all very positive and we only had one backpack.  It was a lovely walk with great views and I had a great time.

Alison Goddard – Class of 2016
I like the trip as a whole, but one memory that I liked the most is going to the Maleku Village and playing with all the children.  We were able to teach them games we play here, and they showed us what they did for fun. I learned that everything we have is a privilege and that we don’t need everything we have.  I can go two weeks without my phone and have it not be an issue.  It also made me learn that I can handle challenges and be successful in what I want to do.  This trip was extremely eye opening.

Taylor Leacy – Class of 2016
My favorite memory was going to the Maleku Village and being with the kids and not worrying about what was going on at home. The trip taught me to take charge and be aware of what is happening around me.  It allowed me to gain responsibilities and grow as a person.  Also, it let me meet new people and learn how to develop new friendships with people that I had never talked to before.

Alexa Mirageas – Class of 2016
My favorite memory was going to the Maleku Village because I was able to experience a different world which was incredibly eye opening. [During the trip] I was able to become more responsible and more decisive with my decision making because I was put into situations which me grow as a person.

Rebecca Rausch – Class of 2017
My favorite memory was when Taylor and I entertained the rest of our group by making videos and it kept our team happy.  We dressed up by putting blankets on our head and we had a talk show!  We created a special bond. [Through the trip] I learned that working together and dividing up jobs can make things easier and faster.  I also learned that being positive can make all the difference and can change the way others feel.  Being positive not only helps others be happy, but it makes things more enjoyable.

Congratulations to our World Challengers on an amazing trip!

Thank You Parents!

I'm thrilled to offer thanks to our parents on behalf of the entire Nipmuc faculty and staff for today's fantastic "Welcome Back Breakfast". What a way to welcome us back to school and start the year on a positive note!

It was such a treat to begin the day in such a welcoming and thoughtful way. We are all so thankful for the food, coffee, donations, decorations, time, and effort that went into organizing this awesome event. Perhaps even more importantly, it was great to have the chance to connect with parents and welcome you into the school.

Nipmuc Regional is fortunate to have such a supportive group of parents. Please know how much we appreciate today's event!

Announcements September 15 - 19, 2014

Morning Announcements
All members of the freshmen class:  Please bring your iPads to today's class meeting in  he auditorium.

Attention all members of the 2014-2015 STEM Scholars Program: The first meeting of the STEM Scholars will take place on Wednesday, 9/24, from 2:15 - 3:45.  The meeting will begin in the auditorium.

The Girls Volleyball Team will be hosting Sutton today (9/16) after school.  JV game 3:45, Varsity at 5:00.  Please join us and support our teams!   Also, anyone interested in becoming a team manger for junior varsity volleyball, please visit the gym after school.

Attention Class of 2015:  All seniors are required to make an appointment with their guidance counselor to review their post-graduate and college plans.  Please see Mrs. Moore in the Guidance Office as soon as possible to set up these appointments.

The Nipmuc Book Club will hold its first meeting on Thursday, September 25th.  All students, and faculty/staff are welcome to join.  At the first meeting participants will watch book trailers to vote on books to read for the next few months.  They will also make a bookmark.  Please see Mrs. V. in the media center for more details.

Attention any girls interested in playing basketball this winter:  There is a mandatory meeting during both breaks this Wednesday, 9/17, in the gathering room.

Applications for September Driver Education classes are still available in the office and on the school website.  Afternoon classes will be held beginning today - September 15 - 26 - every day after school 2:15 - 5:00.  The evening class will be held on Tuesday and Thursday nights for 5 weeks - 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. starting on September 16.  Bring completed application and payment to the first class.

Any sophomore, junior or senior who is interested in traveling to Paris and Barcelona this April 2015, please see Ms. Reardon in room 239. 

A reminder to all students about tardies - When you have reached your third tardy of the term, a notification will be sent to your school email address.  Consequences for any additional tardies will occur on the fourth and any subsequent tardies.  Review the student handbook for further details.

Ladies and Gentlemen of Nipmuc!  The DECA cookout will be on Friday, September 19th.  Ticket sales will begin today through Thursday, September 18th.  Tickets will be sold in the school store at all breaks and lunches.  Tickets are $5 for lunch or $7 for lunch with ice cream in advance and $6 or $8 day of.  Make sure to find your way to the school store before then!

Attention Seniors.  Any current senior wishing to submit a portfolio for NHS, please see Mrs. Kyrka ASAP.  Deadline for submission is October 15th.

Workouts with Coach Manzella will be held here at Nipmuc on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Sessions will run for one hour - 2:10 - 3:10.  If interested see Coach Manzella any day at 2:10.

Guidance Announcements
Attention Junior and Seniors:  College admission counselors from the following colleges will hold information sessions in the guidance office during the month of September.
9/22 - Mount Ida College
9/26 - New Hampshire Institute of Art
9/30 - University of Connecticut
10/1 - UMass Dartmouth
10/6 - College of the Holy Cross
10/7 - Hartford Art School
10/8 - Hartwick College
10/9 - Florida Southern College
Sign up in the guidance office to receive a pass to attend an information session.

Attention Juniors and Seniors:  The PSAT will be administered at Nipmuc on Wednesday, October 15 at 7:30 a.m.  Please bring your registration fee of $20 to Mrs. Moore in the Guidance Office no later than Friday, October 7.  Please see Mrs. Larracey in  the Guidance Office if you have any questions or concerns regarding the PSAT.

Sophomores:  Registration is now open for the 2015 Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar.  One sophomore and one alternate will be selected to represent Nipmuc Regional at Bentley University this spring.  During this 3-day seminar, you will participate in hands-on leadership activities, meet leaders in your state, and explore personal leadership skills and make a positive impact in the community.  Applications are available in the Guidance Office and in your English classes.

Reminder to Seniors:  The pink Parent Brag Sheet and Naviance survey must be completed before your counselor can write your college letter of recommendation.

Students are reminded to check out the Guidance Blog often for up to date information on college open houses, and general guidance announcements.

Student Feature Friday: National Merit Semi-finalists Melody Wiklund and Matthew DeVane

NMSC Semi-finalists
Melody Wiklund and Matthew DeVane

Earlier this week, Nipmuc Regional High School received notification that two of our seniors - Matthew DeVane and Melody Wiklund - have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as national semi-finalists. In receiving this honor Matt and Melody are two of 16,000 students out of 1.4 million students who participated in the PSAT. By achieving in the top 1% of all test takers, they will have the chance to compete for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth about $33 million to be offered next spring. 

This achievement recognizes their tremendous academic performance and distinguishes them from their peers at Nipmuc, across the Commonwealth, and nationally. For this week's Feature Friday post, I'm proud to share some of my conversation with Matt and Melody about their achievements. 

Mr. Clements: Your performance on the PSAT was phenomenal. What helped you to achieve such great success on the test? 

Melody: For the PSAT, I mostly prepared by paying attention in class... My sister also gave me some advice which I don't completely remember anymore, but I think about half of it was not to freak out, which is pretty good advice.

Matthew: Preparing for the test was not the thing that made me do as well as I did. Sure, practice tests helped get me familiar with the format and allowed me to review any topics I was unsure on. But more important was working hard throughout my time in school to learn and understand, not cramming to pass a test.

Mr. Clements: What academic subjects most interest you? 

Melody: The academic subjects that most interest me are Spanish and English. I also am focusing on my art classes this year.

Matthew: My favorite subjects are science and math. They teach me about the world and give me the tools to solve the puzzles of why it works the way it does.

Mr. Clements: What does this honor mean to you? 

Melody: The honor of the chance at this scholarship caught me a little off guard because I had forgotten it existed. I am excited, though (being caught off guard only added to that). It would be especially great if I could get the scholarship because that would mean money for college which is always lovely.
Matthew: This award opens up doors that might otherwise be closed to me. Several of my top choices for college offer significant scholarships for National Merit Finalists, so being a Semifinalist is a first step towards a much better opportunity for furthering my education.

Mr. Clements: What are your aspirations for college and life after Nipmuc? 

Melody: After Nipmuc, I plan on going to college for a liberal arts major such as history, English or philosophy. I don't know what college yet. Apart from college, I have been working on my writing.

Matthew: After I graduate, I plan to go to college for engineering--perhaps something to do with computers. I hope to work in a field that allows me to use my skills to solve fascinating problems.

Congratulations Matt and Melody. I also look forward to announcing Nipmuc's National Merit "Commended Students" when those names are released later this month. 

Welcome Back Breakfast - Help Needed

Thank you to all of the parents who attended last night's Open House. It was great to have some many parents in attendance.

If you are looking for other ways to partner with the school, please review the letter below from the Nipmuc Parent, Student & Teacher Partnership Group. The group is looking for help as it plans a Welcome Back Breakfast for faculty and staff.
Thank you!

Announcements September 8 - 12, 2014

Morning Announcements

Attention Class of 2015:  All seniors are required to make an appointment with their guidance counselor to review their post-graduate and college plans.  Please see Mrs. Moore in the Guidance Office as soon as possible to set up these appointments.

Applications for September Driver Education classes are still available in the office and on the school website.  Afternoon classes will be held September 15 - 26 - every day after school 2:15 - 5:00.  The evening class will be held on Tuesday and Thursday nights for 5 weeks - 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. starting on September 16.  Bring completed application and payment to the first class.

Bring your bucket and $5.00! The National Honor Society invites you to take part in a school-wide  Ice Bucket Challenge to benefit ALS today at 2:05.  Meet at the training room with your bucket and $5 to take part.

The Nipmuc Swim Team is having a fundraiser tonight (Friday, 9/12) at the Dairy Queen in Milford.  Please come and support us!

Any sophomore, junior or senior who is interested in traveling to Paris and Barcelona this April 2015, please see Ms. Reardon in room 239. 

A reminder to all students about tardies - When you have reached your third tardy of the term, a notification will be sent to your school email address.  Consequences for any additional tardies will occur on the fourth and any subsequent tardies.  Review the student handbook for further details.


Ladies and Gentlemen of Nipmuc!  The DECA cookout will be on Friday, September 19th.  Ticket sales will begin today through Thursday, September 18th.  Tickets will be sold in the school store at all breaks and lunches.  Tickets are $5 in advance and $6 day of.  Make sure to find your way to the school store before then!

Attention Seniors.  Any current senior wishing to submit a portfolio for NHS, please see Mrs. Kyrka ASAP.  Deadline for submission is October 15th.

NHS Members and those who need service hours:  Here's a chance for service hours.  Three - four people are needed to help at the football game on Saturday, 9/13.  Other dates are also available.  See Mrs. Kyrka in room 217.

News from the Athletic Department
The first home JV and Varsity Volleyball games will be held today (Weds., 9/10) after school.  JV game begins at 3:30 and Varsity begins at 5 p.m.  Hope to see you there!

Beginning on Tuesday, September 9th, Coach Manzella will be here after school running a fitness program for anyone interested.  The session will run for one hour - 2:10 - 3:10.  If interested see Coach Manzella any day at 2:10.

Guidance Announcements

Attention Junior and Seniors:  College admission counselors from the following colleges will hold information sessions in the guidance office during the month of September.
9/12 - University of Vermont
9/16 - University of Rhode Island and Connecticut College
9/18 - Curry College
9/19 - Bentley University
9/22 - Mount Ida College
9/26 - New Hampshire Institute of Art
9/30 - University of Connecticut
Sign up in the guidance office to receive a pass to attend an information session.

Attention Juniors and Seniors:  The PSAT will be administered at Nipmuc on Wednesday, October 15 at 7:30 a.m.  Please bring your registration fee of $20 to Mrs. Moore in the Guidance Office no later than Friday, October 7.  Please see Mrs. Larracey in  the Guidance Office if you have any questions or concerns regarding the PSAT.

A Mendon resident is looking for a babysitter than can drive on Tuesdays and Thursdays for two daughters, ages 6 and 8.  Pay is $10/hr.  For more details, stop by the Guidance Office.

A local resident is looking for a reliable, good driver to transport her son from school in Grafton to Westborough five days a week.  For more information, please pick up a flyer in the Guidance Office.

Attention Sophomores:  Registration is now open for the 2015 Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar.  One sophomore and one alternate will be selected to represent Nipmuc Regional at Bentley University this spring.  During this 3-day seminar, you will participate in hands-on leadership activities, meet leaders in your state, and explore personal leadership skills and make a positive impact in the community.  Applications are available in the Guidance Office and in your English classes.

Reminder to Seniors:  The pink Parent Brag Sheet and Naviance survey must be completed before your counselor can write your college letter of recommendation.

Students are reminded to check out the Guidance Blog often for up to date information on college open houses, and general guidance announcements.

Student Feature Friday: USFA All-Academic Team Member Rebecca Pfeiffer

Nationally recognized fencer Rebecca Pfeiffer

Each week I have the privilege of sharing some of the unique accomplishments of our students through my "Student Feature Friday" blog posts. Last year, I was thrilled to share the accomplishments of phenomenal students who also excelled in the arts, athletics, leadership, and volunteerism. As we being the 2014-15 school year, I am excited to share the achievements of Nipmuc sophomore and nationally recognized fencer, Rebecca Pfeiffer.

Rebecca's achievements with fencing are exceptional. She is a Bay State Games champion, a participant in Junior Olympics, and a competitor in the United States Fencing Summer Nationals. She was also named to the US Fencing All-Academic Team. Over the past six years, her interest in fencing has become a passion. Through hard work and commitment to the sport she established herself as an elite competitor and received a ranking from the United States Fencing Association.

I was thrilled to meet with Rebecca to learn about her heartfelt love of the sport. She is a humble champion whose accomplishments I am proud to share in the questions and answers below:

Q: How did you first become interested in fencing?
A: I first became interested in fencing after reading The Spiderwick Chronicles when I was in third grade. I wanted to be just like one of the main characters who was a fencer, so I begged my parents for months to let me take lessons. I finally started taking lessons at a fencing club in Worcester that spring.

Q: What is the most exciting or enjoyable part of training and competing?
A: I love how focused and involved you have to be while fencing. You need to be aware of where you are, what attacks you can make, what your opponent is doing, how much time you have, and be able to block out everything else. It's been described as physical chess, only faster! In competitions, I love how intense and determined you can be about a win. Stepping off the strip after [competition], you can instantly become friends with your opponent talking about "battle stories".

Q: How often do you train?

A: I train at my club in Woonsocket three days a week. I also worked with a trainer this summer and have a conditioning schedule. This summer I did a training camp at MIT with coaches from Brown, Brandeis, and Harvard universities. I also went to a camp in New Jersey run by three clubs in the New York City area.

Q: What are your goals for fencing during and beyond your years in high school?

A: My goals during high school are to continue qualifying and competing at Nationals and Junior Olympics. I would also like to medal at a national event this year move up in the national rankings. My biggest goal is to fence for a Division 1 college and compete in the NCAAs.

Q: What has been the most rewarding part of competing as a fencer?
A: One of the most rewarding parts of fencing for me is how diverse it can be. It's a very global sport, and I love making connections with different fencers and coaches from around the world. I've met people from England, France, Hungary, Romania, Egypt, and Lebanon. Fencing is also a sport you can compete in for your entire life. The sport also has such a strong history behind it. I love knowing that I'm competing in something that has been evolving for thousands of years. There is a lot of pride and respect among people in the fencing community, and I love being a part of that.

Congratulations, Rebecca!

Announcements September 2 - 5, 2014

Morning Announcements
A reminder to all students about tardies - When you have reached your third tardy of the term, a notification will be sent to your school email address.  Consequences for any additional tardies will occur on the fourth and any subsequent tardies.  Review the student handbook for further details.

Student Volunteers Needed!  Volunteers are needed for Open House on Thursday, 9/11.  Please sign up in Mrs. Kyrka's room 217 as soon as possible.

Attention all seniors who submitted a parking permit application:  Permits will be given out during breaks today in the auditorium.  Reminder:  Permits will NOT be issued if you have not turned in your completed blue data/emergency sheet.

It's Cookie Friday! Don't forget to stop by the school store today during breaks and lunches to buy your fresh baked cookies.

Ladies and Gentlemen of Nipmuc! The DECA Cookout will be held on Friday, September 19th.  Ticket sales will begin on Monday, September 8th.  Tickets will be sold in the school store and at all breaks and lunches until September 18th.  Tickets are $5 in advance, $6 day of cookout.  Make sure to find your way to the school store before the 19th!

School Picture Day will be Friday, September 5th.  Forms are in the main office.  See Mr. Ferris with any questions.

Attention all National Honor Society Members - The first NHS meeting is Thursday, 9/4 at 7 a.m. in the auditorium.  Also, any current senior wishing to submit a portfolio for NHS, please see Mrs. Kyrka in room 217 ASAP.  Deadline for submission is October 15.

Drama Meeting - There will be a meeting on Thursday, September 4th for all current drama members and all those interested in joining drama.  The meeting will run from 3:30 - 4:00 in the auditorium.  For more information see Sarah Prescott or Molly King.

Attention Freshmen:  Nomination forms for Student Council, Class Officers and Student Advisory Council are in the office.  The nomination form is due back by Monday, September 8th.  Sppeches will be September 11 and voting will take place on Friday, September 12th.

Applications for September Driver Education classes are available in the office and on the school website.  Afternoon classes will be held September 15 - 26 - every day after school 2:15 - 5:00.  The evening class will be held on Tuesday and Thursday nights for 5 weeks - 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. starting on September 16.  Return your completed application and payment to the office by September 12th.

Guidance Announcements

Attention Junior and Seniors:  College admission counselors from the following colleges will hold information sessions in the guidance office during the month of September.
9/12 - University of Vermont
9/16 - University of Rhode Island and Connecticut College
9/19 - Bentley University
9/22 - Mount Ida College
9/30 - University of Connecticut
Sign up in the guidance office to receive a pass to attend an information session.

Reminder to Seniors:  The pink Parent Brag Sheet and Naviance survey must be completed before your counselor can write your college letter of recommendation.

Students are reminded to check out the Guidance Blog often for up to date information on college open houses, and general guidance announcements.