Friday, June 19, 2015

Student Feature Friday - Nipmuc Students Head to Dominica

Dominica Travelers pictured left to right:
Kyle Bernero, Charlotte Burlingame, Alex Jayyosi, Dean Sheehan, Sam Broe

On Saturday afternoon as many of our students are turning their attention to the beginning of summer vacation, five Nipmuc students will begin a journey of a lifetime. Accompanied by faculty member Jennifer Field, Kyle Bernero, Charlotte Burlingame, Alex Jayyosi, Dean Sheehan, and Sam Broe will travel to Dominica for two weeks of science exploration. Offered in cooperation with Operation Wallacea, the Dominica trip gives students the chance to engage in scientific research, travel, and learn about the world. 

Students will begin their journey at a rainforest research center where they will conduct research, study endangered species, and participate in a course on ecology. During their second week they will move to the northern part of the island where they will study the ecology of ocean reefs. The students will also get the chance to view and learn about whales.

I'm excited for our travelers and had the chance to ask them a few questions about this amazing adventure. 

Kyle Bernero
Q. What part of the trip itinerary is most exciting to you?
A. The part of the trip itinerary that is most exciting to me is the opportunity to learn and experience what else is out in the world.
Q. What do you hope to learn during this experience?
A. What I hope to learn during this experience is what other types of life exist and how they interact with their environment.

Sam Broe
Q. What part of the trip itinerary is most exciting to you?
A. The most exciting part of the itinerary to me is the diving. I love the water and the reefs looked so beautiful, I can't wait.
Q. What do you hope to learn during this experience?
A. I hope to learn more about biology and the world itself

Charlotte Burlingame
Q. What part of the trip itinerary is most exciting to you?
A. Spending time near the marine animals and being given the opportunity to research that wildlife is what I am most looking forward to.
Q. What do you hope to learn during this experience?
A. I hope to become more interested in a science since my mind is more English-driven. I also hope that this experience will make me more independent since I will be out of touch with parents and friends for two weeks.

Alex Jayyosi
Q. What part of the trip itinerary is most exciting to you?
A. The most exciting part of this trip for me is the fact that I will have the opportunity to go scuba diving and study the coral reefs. I believe that I will get to view some amazing scenery at the bottom of the ocean. I have never been scuba diving before so this is good experience.
Q. What do you hope to learn during this experience?
A. I hope to see what it would be like to work in an ecology/research career. Hopefully this will get me thinking about future job plans. If it is something I enjoy, I will be glad to have taken the trip. I also hope to learn about environmental sciences and see what an untouched piece of the world looks like.

Dean Sheehan
Q. What part of the trip itinerary is most exciting to you?
A. I am most excited for the scuba diving because I have not learned much about coral reef ecologies. I think that this will be a very educational experience, and I am very excited.
Q. What do you hope to learn during this experience?
A. I hope to learn about many things during this experience, but I am most hopeful to learn about new animals that I have never seen before. Dominica has very diverse wildlife, and I hope to learn as much as I can about the animals.






Monday, June 15, 2015

Announcements June 15 - 19, 2015

Morning Announcements
Students, family, and friends are invited to attend Writers' Night this Wednesday, 6/17, from 6-8 p.m., in the Nipmuc Media Center.  Please join us and support our student writers.

All students signed up for AP Computer Science next year - see Mr. Cochran in room 306 at break on Thursday, 6/18.

Enjoyed the ice cream truck? Join Mr. Clements and Mrs. Moran at Lobby Hours today (6/16)during both breaks today to share your ideas for fun activities to bring to Nipmuc next year.

Field Hockey meeting in the coach's room at 3:15 on Thursday, 6/18.

Attention to all returning lacrosse players - meeting in Mr. Merten's room 334 right after school today - Tuesday, 6/16.

Students taking AP Spanish in the fall, please stop  Mrs. Soto's room 313 during both breaks for summer work.

Congratulations to the Girls' Varsity Softball team on their 5-1 win against Grafton to win the Division II Central Massachusetts Championship!  The team will compete on Tuesday against Hampshire at U Mass. at 4p.m. 

Congratulations to our track athletes.  Kurt Robakiewicz won the New England Triple Jump for the second straight year competing against the best athletes from the six New England states.  Congratulations to Kevin Hack who finished second in the high jump.  Very impressive!

TIME CHANGE! AP Physics summer work meeting in room 121 during both breaks on Thursday, 6/18.  Picking up summer assignments is mandatory.

Hello Nipmuc Football Fans!  This Saturday, 6/20, the Upton Men's Club is sponsoring the fireworks at BVT.  Some of your favorite Nipmuc Football Warriors Captains and players will be suited up and getting in our dunk tank!  For a $5 donation you get 3 chances to "Dunk a Warrior"!  But not only a Warrior but our own Superintendent Dr. Maruszczak and Principal Clements are going to take one for the team!  Don't miss the opportunity to dunk a warrior, a principal, and a superintendent!  Thank you for supporting the team.  Visit nipmucfootball.com for details and be sure to stop by our dunk tank on Saturday.

Attention Juniors!  Please turn in your pink parent brag sheet to your counselor as soon as possible.  You will also need to fill out the Counselor Recommendation Survey on Naviance if you haven't already.  Your counselors will need both of the items in order to write a letter of recommendation.

Support the Junior Class at The Luau on Thursday from 5-9 p.m. Volleyball, lawn games, music and food! Buy tickets at break for $5 or $8 a the door.

Any rising seniors wishing to join NHS, please see Mrs. Kyrka before the end of the school year.

Need volunteer hours this summer?  Check out opportunities in room 217 and the following:
  • Upton Men's Club is looking for youth volunteers for this year's Upton Fireworks Festival Inflatable Fun Park.  Each volunteer will receive a Fireworks Staff shirt and a letter acknowledging the time they spent volunteering for the event.  There are 2 time slots 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.  First come-first serve on the time slots.  Sign up in the office.
Applications are available in the office and online for the June Driver Education Classroom Program starting June 20th.  The class will be one week.  Please see the application in the office for date details.  Please return the completed application with payment to the office.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Student Feature Friday: Nipmuc's Class Presidents

Nipmuc Class Presidents Christopher Bechara, Sarah Bloznalis, and Ashley Round
Earlier this week Nipmuc held its class elections for the 2015-16 school year. For today's feature I had the chance to speak to presidents of our rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors - Ashley Round (2018), Sarah Bloznalis (2017), and Chris Bechara (2016). I know they are looking forward to their leadership roles and the excitement of next year. Included below are some questions and answers from our meeting earlier today.

Class of 2018 President Ashley Round
Q. What part of this leadership role are you most excited for in the coming year?
A. I am very excited to lead my class in exciting events coming up in sophomore year. I am looking forward to FAST! This was one of my favorite events freshman year and I am looking to make it even better for my class of 2018. I want everyone involved and excited to be part of the class of 2018. I am excited to lead the ring dance. I think this is a fun activity to get my grade to bond more closely together while representing Nipmuc.

Class of 2017 President Sarah Bloznalis
Q. What achievements would you like to accomplish during the coming school year?
A. I want to create many volunteer opportunities and get my peers involved in the community to help them with their future college and job applications. I also want to raise money for prom and future activities by creating fundraisers that people will enjoy participating in.

Class of 2016 President Christopher Bechara
Q. What part of this leadership role are you most excited for in the coming year?
A. The entire class coming together. Fundraising, planning, and having the most amazing senior year anyone imagined.

Q. What achievements would you like to accomplish during the coming school year?
A. Make what seems like an impossible goal very much possible. Never say never. Work harder than we thought was possible, for a reward greater than we thought was possible.










Monday, June 8, 2015

Announcements 6/8/15 - 6/12/15

Morning Announcements
Attention Juniors!  Please turn in your pink parent brag sheet to your counselor as soon as possible.  You will also need to fill out the Counselor Recommendation Survey on Naviance if you haven't done so already.  Your counselors will need both of these items in order to write a letter of recommendation.

Girls' Varsity Softball Team will be playing in the Central MA semifinals game today at Shrewsbury High School at 3 p.m.

Nipmuc!  Mr. Clements and Mrs. Moran have a special surprise for students!! If you saw it on Twitter and thought it was fake - it was true! Tomorrow (Friday, 6/12) during all lunches there will be an ice cream truck coming.  Bring your money if you'd like to have an ice cream during lunch block.

Anyone signed up for AP Literature next year, please see Mrs. Kyrka today or tomorrow if you have not gotten your summer reading assignment.

Come support the juniors on Thursday, 6/18 from 5 - 9 p.m. at an end-of-year Luau!  Volleyball, lawn games, music and food!  Buy tickets at break for $5 or $8 at the door. 

All students interested in submitting work for Writers' Night - see Mr. Michael Clements before the close of school on Friday (6/12).  Please see Mr. Clements at breaks.

Attention to students who have elected AP Language for English next year.  You are required to meet with Mr. Michael Clements at break this Friday (6/12)  to get your summer assignments.

Nomination forms for class office and student council are available in the office.  Forms are due by 2:00 today, Monday, 6/8.  Be sure to write your year of graduation on the form and put in your class's box in the office.  Speeches will be during last block on Tuesday.

There will be a brief meeting with Coach Manzello for any boys wishing to play basketball next year.  The meeting will center on summer workouts and summer league.  The meeting will take place in the P.E. classroom.

Any seniors wishing to join NHS, please see Mrs. Kyrka before the end of the school year.

Need volunteer hours this summer?  Check out opportunities in room 217 and the following:
  • Upton Men's Club is looking for youth volunteers for this year's Upton Fireworks Festival Inflatable Fun Park.  Each volunteer will receive a Fireworks Staff shirt and a letter acknowledging the time they spent volunteering for the event.  There are 2 time slots 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.  First come-first serve on the time slots.  Sign up in the office.
  • Taft Library needs your help!  Wednesday, 6/10 at 5 p.m. upstairs in Taft Library - Teen Volunteers Meeting and Teen Advisory Group Meeting.  All are welcome!
Applications are available in the office and online for the June Driver Education Classroom Program starting June 20th.  The class will be one week.  Please see the application in the office for date details.  Please return the completed application with payment to the office.

Fall Season Cheerleading Tryouts will be held  Tuesday, and Wednesday nights (6/9 & 10) from 6-9 pm at Miscoe.  All girls will need to have a completed green card in order to try out.

Friday, June 5, 2015

Student Feature: Logan Pazol Attends WWDC 2015

Next week, the eyes of the technology industry will turn to San Francisco and the Apple Worldwide Developers' Conference (WWDC 2015). If you've ever seen clips of Apple CEOs Steve Jobs or Tim Cook delivering one of their trademark keynote presentations, you are aware of the media coverage, fanfare, and excitement that is part of these events. Joining the excitement at next week's conference is Nipmuc sophomore Logan Pazol. Logan is one of 350 students from across the country who was awarded a scholarship to attend this year's conference as a result of his impressive technical ability. Logan has been designing apps and writing code since 7th grade when he first designed a game that made its way to the Apple App Store. Logan has also designed the FireStat app - a tool that can be used by first responders to map emergency resources. This year Logan designed an app that provides a digital workflow solution for schools using 1:1 technology. The app - iTeachYou - allows students and teachers to easily share work and feedback with just a few clicks. 

In applying for acceptance to this conference, Logan created an app that told his story and why he is interested in technology. Next week, he'll have the chance to share sessions with some of the elite technology professionals in the world as he attends the conference, listens to guest speakers, hears performances, and attends the Apple Awards. 

You can view a video that summarizes some of Logan's technological accomplishments below:




I had the chance to speak with Logan as he gets ready for this unique adventure. 


Q: What accomplishment in the area of technology is your proudest? 
A: Im most proud that I was able to learn how to code by myself. Not having any formal training is hard sometimes, but I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to do without any. I first learned to code by reading a book about it. After reading the book I began looking things up on the Internet as I needed to. I especially needed to look up information about computer graphics. 

Q: How did you gain this opportunity to attend the WWDC? 
A: Apple gives 350 students the opportunity to go to WWDC for free by applying online. I was one of the lucky students to be chosen to go. I applied by creating an app that showcased my technical accomplishments and personal facts. 

Q: What are you most excited about in attending the WWDC? 
A: I’m most excited about talking to Apple engineers because I’ve never really talked to anyone who professionally does software development. I’m also excited to see the city, and see what its like on the west coast.
  
Q: What is your dream technology related job? 
A: My dream job would be to start my own business so I could do whatever I wanted without worrying about a boss.

Congratulations, Logan. We can't wait to hear about your experience! 

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Announcements June 1 - 5, 2015

Morning Announcements
Nomination forms for class office and student council are available in the office.  Forms are due by 2:00 on Monday, 6/8.  Be sure to write your year of graduation on the form and put in your class's box in the office.  Speeches will be during last block on Tuesday.

Need volunteer hours this summer?  Check out opportunities in room 217.

Upton Men's Club is looking for youth volunteers for this year's Upton Fireworks Festival Inflatable Fun Park.  Each volunteer will receive a Fireworks Staff shirt and a letter acknowledging the time they spent volunteering for the event.  There are 2 time slots 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.  First come-first serve on the time slots.  Sign up in the office.

Mr. Clements and Mrs. Moran will be holding "Lobby Hours" every Tuesday.  This is an opportunity to visit and speak with them in the lobby during both breaks.  Bring your questions, suggestions, and ideas - let your voices be heard! Visit Mr. Clements and Mrs. Moran today and every Tuesday during "Lobby Hours".

Applications are available in the office and online for the June Driver Education Classroom Program starting June 20th.  The class will be one week.  Please see the application in the office for date details.  Please return the completed application with payment to the office.

Attention Nipmuc!  The junior class is hosting a volleyball tournament on June 18th in the courtyard.  There will be lawn games as well as food and snacks being sold.  Fill out a form found in the office along with $5 and see Ms. Reardon in room 239.  Please help support the junior class!

There will be an A.P. Environmental Science meeting for all students who have signed up for or who are interested in taking AP Environmental next year.  This is a mandatory meeting Thursday, June 4th during both breaks in Mrs. Field's room 120.

NHS E-Board Meeting - Wednesday, 6/3 at 7 a.m. in room 214. 
NHS monthly meeting  - Thursday, 6/4 at 7 a.m. in the auditorium

Fall Season Cheerleading Tryouts will be held next Tuesday, and Wednesday nights (6/9 & 10) from 6-9pm at Miscoe.  All girls will need to have a completed green card in order to try out.


Athletics
Softball - home game Wednesday - 3:15 p.m. against Bromfield
Baseball - home game Monday, June 8th - 4 p.m. - opponent TBD
Track - Nicole Murphy came in 3rd in the 1 Mile, Kurt Robakiewicz came in first in the Triple and Long Jumps, and Kevin Hack was 1st in the High Jump.  Kevin, Kurt, Brandon, & Bernard were 4th in 4 x 100 relay.
Girls' Lacrosse is away Wednesday - 5 p.m. against Mount Greylock.