21st Century Learning Expectations at Nipmuc Regional High School

Good afternoon,
Thank you for your patience as this week’s snow delayed the release of report cards until this afternoon. Please be aware that report cards are now available to be viewed through the iParent/iStudent portal.

As you review your child’s progress, you will notice a new addition to this year’s report card. In addition to grades for each course, each report card now includes an update on your child’s achievement of 21st century learning expectations.

Beginning this year, Nipmuc has introduced the teaching and assessment of 21st century learning expectations as a key part of our curriculum. Teaching 21st century skills allows us not only to ensure that our students have mastered the subject-matter and content of the curriculum, but also that they have the skills needed to apply their learning. We are excited about this initiative and how it will help us to ensure that our students are ready for life in college, careers, and the community.

Included below are screencasts, frequently asked questions, and copies of the school-wide rubrics that we use to measure student achievement.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions. I can be reached at jclements@mursd.org.

Screencast #1: Understanding 21st Century Learning at Nipmuc Regional High School


Screencast #1: Understanding 21st Century Learning Expectations at Nipmuc Regional from John Clements on Vimeo.


Screencast #2: Teaching and Measuring 21st Century Learning Expectations at Nipmuc Regional High School


Screencast #2: Instruction and Assessment of 21st Century Learning Expectations from John Clements on Vimeo.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):




School-wide Rubrics:
Academic Expectation #1: Communicate
Academic Expectation #1: Problem-solving
Academic Expectation #1: Technology

Social Expectation #1: Collaboration 

Social Expectation #2: Adaptability

Announcements January 26 - 30, 2015

Morning Announcements
Applications for the March afternoon Driver Education class are available in the main office and on the school website.  Afternoon classes will start March 2nd, every day after school - 2:15 - 5:00 p.m. Return your completed application and check (made out to Nipmuc Regional High School) to the office by February 27th.

There are currently VHS seats open for the spring semester.  Please see Mrs. V. in the media center for forms to register for VHS classes.  Also, please see your guidance counselor.

Need more service hours?  See Ms. Waterman to help out with the AP Science Day this Saturday, 1/31.
Attention all Nipmuc Band Students - All instruments should be taken home at the end of the day today.  No instrument should be left in the storage closet at the end of school on Monday, 1/26.  See Mr. Harding with any questions.

Attention All Jazz Ensemble members - Due to the impending storm there will be no rehearsal tonight - Monday, 1/26.  Please be prepared to rehearse on Thursday night (1/29).  See Mr. Harding with any questions.

Guidance Announcements
A reminder to Seniors: Please bring your decision letters to the School Counseling Center. Also, remember to check Naviance regularly for scholarship information and see Mrs. Hefez if you have any questions. Lots of great opportunities!

For students who will be taking the SAT on March 14th or 15th, the deadline for registration is February 13th. Please visit www.collegeboard.org to register.

Patriot Ambulance is offering an EMT Basic Course in Marlborough beginning April 7th. Those interested must be 18 years old. Please stop by the counseling center for more information.

A representative from Daniel Webster College will be at Nipmuc on Thursday, February 24th at 11:00. Please stop by and sign up to attend if you are interested. This is a great time for juniors to begin exploring college options!

The YMCA in Frankin is offering job opportunities to graduating students for Lifeguard/Swim Instructor positions. There are also classes available for Lifeguard training as well as summer position openings. Details available in the counseling center.

Many colleges are offering summer courses! If this is something you may be interested in, there are several brochures for you to read in the counseling center. Please stop by to see what’s available.

All students are reminded to check out the school counseling blog and the School Counseling Center bulletin board for information on college open houses, SAT/ACT information and general SCC announcements.

Student Feature Friday - The Nipmuc Skippers

Alexandra  Materia, Samantha Chase, Lauren Materia 

Over the course of years the Miscoe Hill Skippers have developed a reputation for excellence in the way they promote wellness, support the American Heart Association, and entertain crowds with their jump roping performances. The Skippers have entertained crowds during halftime presentations for schools like Northeastern University and Bridgewater State University. Locally, they have performed during halftime at schools' sporting events. Additionally, they have shared their message and created excitement by visiting local elementary schools to entertain younger students.

This year, I am thrilled that the Miscoe Hill Skippers have expanded to include Nipmuc Regional. Upon joining the freshman class at Nipmuc, three veteran members of the Skippers - Samantha Chase, Alexandra Materia, and Lauren Materia - took the initiative to bring the team to our school. Samantha, Alex, and Lauren are the first three members of the newly-formed Nipmuc Skippers. They have continued to train and perform with students at Miscoe Hill, allowing this exciting program to continue at our school.

On Tuesday, January 27 the Nipmuc and Miscoe Hill Skippers will perform for students at Millville Elementary School in Millville and Augustine F. Maloney Elementary School in Blackstone. On February 5 they will inspire students and staff at Jefferson Elementary in Franklin. In advance of those performances, I am excited to feature the Nipmuc Skippers to highlight their experiences with this awesome team.

Samantha Chase
Q: How did you first become interested in being part of the Skippers?
A: At Memorial Elementary we did the Jump Rope for Heart program in our physical education class. When I was in fourth grade, our teacher, Chrissy Horn, started bringing me and a couple other students to the Skipper's morning practices. From there, I just continued on the team.

Q: How long have you been part of the team?
A: I officially started on the team in fourth grade.

Q: What have been the greatest benefits of being part of the Skippers?
A: Some of the greatest benefits would be the exercise, which builds up a lot of strength and stamina, and the experience. Being a part of the Skippers has helped me meet a lot of amazing people and take part in really inspiring volunteer events.

Q: Has working with middle school students given you the chance to take on a leadership role with your team?
A: Although we are all friends, the younger Skippers definitely look up to the older Skippers, since we are more experienced.

Alexandra Materia
Q: How did you first become interested in being part of the Skippers?
A: When I was in 4th grade my gym teacher, Christine Horn, asked if I would like to join the Skippers team at the middle school because I was a part of her after school program from 2nd to 4th grade.

Q: How long have you been part of the team?
A: I have been a part of the Skippers team for 5 years but I have been jump roping since I was in kindergarten.

Q: What have been the greatest benefits of being part of the Skippers?
A: One of the greatest benefits of being a part of the Skippers is the honor to inspire someone else to go out and challenge themselves to do something that they thought was impossible.

Q: Has working with middle school students given you the chance to take on a leadership role with your team?
A: Working with the middle school students has definitely given me the chance to take on a leadership role on the team, which has taught me that in order to pursue your goals as a team you need to be able to take a leadership role so people can go to you when they are having trouble.

Lauren Materia
Q: How did you first become interested in being part of the Skippers?
A: Personally it all started in elementary school when I saw that Mrs. Horn was having an after school program. That immediately sparked my interest. I continued to do the after school program all the way through until I graduated from Memorial school. Eventually Mrs. Horn asked me if I would like to be a part of The Miscoe Hill Skippers and I was honored!

Q: How long have you been part of the team?
A: I have been a part of the Skippers jump rope team for 5 years but I did jump in elementary school 2nd grade through 4th grade before I made the actual team.

Q: What have been the greatest benefits of being part of the Skippers?
A: The greatest benefits about being a part of the Skippers jump rope team is being able to inspire so many people. I personally love making someone's day by putting a smile on their face. Also by being a part of the Skippers team we have become one big family. Also another benefit about being a part of the Skippers is being a mentor to the younger skippers. I love being that big sister figure for them because I love to teach and help them out as much as I can.

Q: Has working with middle school students given you the chance to take on a leadership role with your team?
A: Most definitely! Not only have I inspired the younger Skippers but they have inspired me so much over the years. A few weeks ago the Skippers had a competition in Weare, New Hampshire in which I received the Team Spirit Award. I was so honored and didn't expect this at all. By receiving this award it shows how much I am a leader and role model to all the younger ones which I am flattered that they all think that about me.

Announcements January 20 - 23, 2015

Morning Announcements
Attention All Seniors!  If you have not yet received your senior information letter, please stop by Sra. Soto's room today (Friday, 1/23)  during your break.  Thank you.

Any junior who had a parking spot for the first half of the year and would like to have a parking permit for the second half of the year, please submit the $25 parking permit fee to the main office by Monday, January 26th. Also, any junior who applied for a parking permit for the second half of the year can pick up their parking sticker in the main office today during break.

NHS members who would like to make a speech for induction - please see Mrs. Kyrka this week. Candle speakers - please come choose your topic and see some examples.

Applications for the March Afternoon Driver Education class are available in the main office and on the school website. Afternoon classes will start March 2nd - every day after school 2:15 - 5:00.
Return your completed application and check (made out to Nipmuc Regional) to the office by February 27th.

Attention Nipmuc! The second annual Mr. Nipmuc pageant will be held this Saturday, January 24th at 7 p.m. in the Nipmuc auditorium. Entrance fee is $5. It's a show you do not want to miss! Bring your friends! Support your classmates.

There are currently VHS seats open for spring semester. Please see Mrs. Venkataraman in the media center for forms to register for VHS classes. Also, please see your guidance counselor.

Do you want to contribute to the Nipmuc student newspaper, but need help developing an idea of getting started? The Warrior Voice will have a planning meeting today - Tuesday, 1/20 - after school in room 213. Bring your ideas and your calendars!

Athletic Announcements
Just a reminder that the Nipmuc Girls' Basketball Team will be hosting Worcester South tonight and Hopedale on Friday as they continue on their quest for back-to-back tournament seasons and the Dual Valley Championship.

Attention - All boys wishing to play football next year. There will be a brief but informative meeting right after school this Thursday, 1/22. Players will also have an opportunity to meet the new coach.

School Counseling Center AnnouncementsA reminder to Seniors: Please bring your decision letters to the School Counseling Center. Also, remember to check Naviance regularly for scholarship information and see Mrs. Hefez if you have any questions. Lots of great opportunities!

For students who will be taking the SAT on March 14th or 15th, the deadline for registration is February 13th. Please visit www.collegeboard.org to register.

Patriot Ambulance is offering an EMT Basic Course in Marlborough beginning April 7th. Those interested must be 18 years old. Please stop by the counseling center for more information.

Many colleges are offering summer courses! If this is something you may be interested in, there are several brochures for you to read in the counseling center. Please stop by to see what’s available.

All students are reminded to check out the school counseling blog and the School Counseling Center bulletin board for information on college open houses, SAT/ACT information and general SCC announcements.

Student Feature Friday - Central District Performers

Over the course of the holiday weekend seven of Nipmuc’s musicians/vocalists will have the opportunity to participate in the Central District Massachusetts Music Educators’ Association Senior High School Festival. Each year Central District auditions offer student-musicians the chance to be honored for their achievement. As Central District performers students are not only recognized for their work, but also given the chance to perform with other elite musicians from across the state.

After a week of intense rehearsals, our recognized students will have the chance to perform this Saturday at 4 p.m. at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. It was my pleasure in this week's feature to share the achievement of our Central District performers.

Congratulations Nicholas, Alex, Cameron, Elena, Matthew, Aiden, and Myles. 

Nicholas Herd - Freshman
Q.  What part do you sing in the chorus?
A.  Bass vocalist.

Q. How many hours do you practice each week?
A. Seven hours

Q. What does it mean to you to be selected for this honor?
A.  It means a lot to me that I have the privilege to perform with the Central District Choir. I am really looking forward to practicing with a great director and with great vocalists.

Alexander McCullough – Senior
Q.  What type of a performer are you?
A.  Vocalist - Concert choir

Q. How many hours do you practice each week?
A.  Three – four hours

Q. What does it mean to you to be selected for this honor?
A.  I was chosen to perform in the Central Districts choir last year, and I was amazed at the voices of the other members of my chorus. I am so thankful to be part of this amazing experience again this year. Also, one of the most important factors involved with music is the ability to make the connection with the audience and the people around you and to let yourself go completely, and chorus allows me to do that.

Cameron McCullough – Sophomore
Q.  What instrument do you play?
A.  Trumpet

Q. How many hours do you practice each week?
A.  Seven hours

Q. What does it mean to you to be selected for this honor?
A.  It means a great deal to me, not just as a musician but as an individual. The opportunities it holds to make me a better player and push myself to meet the expectations of the other outstanding players around me make me appreciate being chosen for Central Districts.

Elena Morganelli - Senior
Q.  What instrument do you play?
A.  Trumpet. How many hours do you practice each week?
A.  Three - four hours

Q. What does it mean to you to be selected for this honor?
A.  It is very humbling to have made Central Districts because I know it is something that I achieved due to hard work, and that I was chosen strictly for my playing. It's very exciting to know that the judges liked me even after only playing once.

Matthew O’Brien – Junior
Q.  What instrument do you play?
A.  I play trumpet, piano, guitar, and sing.

Q. How many hours do you practice each week?
A.  Four hours

Q. What does it mean to you to be selected for this honor?
A.  Making Districts for me is a huge deal.  I've been a musician all my life and being selected really confirmed that I'm doing something right. I'm very excited to work with fellow aspiring musicians throughout the Central District and making this ensemble has pushed me to work harder at my craft day in and day out.

Aiden Thieme – Sophomore
Q.  What instrument do you play?
A.  Trumpet

Q. How many hours do you practice each week?
A. On average, I practice for an accumulative of up to 15 hours a week.

Q. What does it mean to you to be selected for this honor?
A. It truly means a whole lot to have been accepted into this year's CDMMEA jazz band. I've participated in years prior and every time I go, I end up seeing and hearing tons of really serious musicians that work really hard as well as having a huge devotion to their craft, and that's a really inspiring thing to see. You also get to make a lot of new friends because they all have that same driving desire to play music too. So yeah, it’s a real thrill to have been selected for this band.

Myles Turner - Senior
Q.  What instrument do you play?
A.  Bass vocalist

Q. How many hours do you practice each week?
A.  Seven hours

Q. What does it mean to you to be selected for this honor?
A.  It's an important achievement that has been one of my goals throughout my high school career. Being selected for Central Districts is a huge honor for me because it validates my choice to become a music major in college and make music my career.

Announcements January 12 - 16, 2015

Morning Announcements
Do you want to contribute to the Nipmuc student newspaper but need help developing an idea or getting started?  The Warrior Voice will have a planning meeting on Tuesday, January 20th after school in room 213.  Bring your ideas and your calendars!

There are currently VHS seats open for spring semester. Please see Mrs. Venkataraman in the media center for forms to register for VHS classes.  Also, please see your guidance counselor if interested.

Attention Juniors:  Any junior who did not apply for a parking permit for the first two terms may pick up an application in the main office.  Applications must be returned no later than Thursday, January 15.

Attention all Patriots Fans!  Show your spirit! Wear your Patriot's gear this Friday, January 16th.

Did you know that Nipmuc DECA has a Twitter page?  What about an Instagram?  Follow us  @nipmucdeca on Instagram and @nipmuc_deca on Twitter and come down to the school store and receive a free Nipmuc DECA wrist band. 

Students wishing to be considered for the National Honor Society - portfolios are due in Mrs. Kyrka's room 217 on Wednesday, January 14th.

Guidance Announcements
A reminder to Seniors:  Please bring your decision letters to the School Counseling Center. Also, you are reminded to check Naviance for scholarships.  Every year Nipmuc seniors have the opportunity to apply for thousands of dollars’ worth of scholarships. Please check regularly for information and see Mrs. Hefez if you have any questions.

For students who are interested in pursuing a career in business, a graduate of our 2013 class, and now a student at Bryant College, will be here on Friday, January 16^th at 8:30 a.m.  in the Gathering Room to provide an information session. If you would like to attend, please stop by the Counseling Center to sign up.

All students are reminded to check out the school counseling blog and the School Counseling Center bulletin board for information on college open houses, SAT/ACT information and general SCC announcements.

Student Feature Friday: Melissa Wojnowski Honored at Worcester County Superintendents' Association Scholars Luncheon

WCSA Honoree Melissa Wojnowski
with Mr. Clements and Dr. Maruszczak

On Tuesday afternoon Dr. Maruszczak and I had the privilege of attending the annual Worcester County Superintendents' Association Scholars' Luncheon to honor some of the top achieving students in Central Massachusetts. We were joined by Nipmuc's representative and honoree, senior Melissa Wojnowski. Melissa is a phenomenal student who has earned a place as one of the top achievers in the Class of 2015. She has excelled in all of her academics at Nipmuc, including her participation in eight Advanced Placement courses. She is the recipient of the Bausch and Lomb Science Award, the Columbia Book Award, and has been recognized as an AP Scholar. In addition to her academic achievements, Melissa has received the Girl Scout Silver Award, participated in Camp Reach through WPI, and was part of a World Challenge Expedition to Ecuador. She has also summited the peak of Mt. Rumiñahui (15,489ft.) in Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador. She is diligent, ambitious, humble, and personable. I was proud to have her serve as Nipmuc's representative.

Held at The College of the Holy Cross, the luncheon provided the chance for honored students from each high school to be recognized and awarded a gift. In the program each student printed a favorite quote. Melissa's quote came from Abraham Lincoln and stated, "Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition." Fitting words from someone who is truly worthy of this honor.

Included below is my interview with Melissa:

Q: What subjects/disciplines are most interesting to you?
A:  Biomedical engineering is something in which I have always been interested academically (biology being one of my favorite scholastic subjects).  However, I have since been inspired to love not just biology, but the biographies that accompany it, and I want to pursue biomedical engineering to give people the biological opportunity to live life fully, pursue their passions, and in doing so continue their own biographies.

Q: What colleges are at the top of your list for next year?
A:  WPI (Worcester Polytechnic Institute) has been my dream school since the sixth grade. However, if I am fortunate enough to be accepted to my reach schools (Duke and Brown) both have very enthusiastic and individualized biomedical engineering programs which I would seriously consider alongside that which is offered by WPI.

Q: What does it mean to you to be honored by the Worcester County Superintendents’ Association with this honor?
A:  Receiving such an honor from the Worcester County Superintendents' Association means a great deal to me; I deeply appreciate the recognition of my devotion to studies, and even more so appreciate the opportunity to represent the district.

Q: What was the most memorable part of the event?
A:  For me, the most memorable part of the event was the reading of the honorees' biographies as they were recognized, specifically the parts which addressed the students' non-scholastic passions and feats.  It gave a personal depth to the of the honorees and reminded me of how significant our passions are in defining not just the scholars as which we were being recognized, but furthermore the people we have and will continue to become.

Announcements January 5 - 9, 2015

Morning Announcements
Ski Club is cancelled today - Wednesday, 1/7 - due to inclement weather.  The next trip is Wednesday, January 14th.

Have you thanked a veteran recently?  Here's your chance!  Notecards for veterans at the Massachusetts Soldier's Home are being collected in the main office.  Make one at home and bring it in or stop by the media center this Friday, 1/9, during breaks and make one there.  All materials will be provided.  Questions can be directed to Dean Sheehan.

Attention NHS members - the following meetings are mandatory. 

• NHS E-board Meeting - tomorrow, Wednesday, 1/7. 
• NHS monthly meeting - Thursday, 1/8

Attention Nipmuc Ski Club Members! There will be a mandatory student informational meeting held tomorrow, January 6th at 2 p.m. in the cafeteria.  You must attend this meeting to be prepared for the first ski trip on Wednesday, January 7th.

Did you know that Nipmuc DECA has a Twitter page?  What about an Instagram?  Follow us  @nipmucdeca on Instagram and @nipmuc_deca on Twitter and come down to the school store and receive a free Nipmuc DECA wrist band. 

Attention any boys interested in playing lacrosse this spring. There is a meeting right after school today (1/5) in Mr. Merten's room, B334.  See Jacob Hess, Charlie Ciantra, or Pat Carey with any questions.

News from the Athletic Department
It's a busy week for the boys and girls basketball teams -
Tonight (1/5) Boys vs. Grafton
Wednesday (1/7) Girls vs. Douglas
Friday (1/9) Girls vs. BMR
Sunday (1/11) Girls vs. Northbridge at 1 & 2:30
Come support the teams!