Announcements April 25 - 29, 2016

Morning Announcements
Attention Certified Lifeguards!  Please see Mrs. Hennessy in room 230 for summer jobs in Westborough.

Looking for volunteer hours?  Spend time landscaping the Upton Senior Center on May 15th from 11:00 - 4:00.  Pasta lunch will be served for full-day volunteers.  Contact Sarah Nasif (nasifs18@student.mursd.org) if interested.

Attention Seniors!  Are you interested in speaking at graduation?  Do stop by the office and (1) register and (2) pick up the graduation rubric.  Tryouts are Tuesday, May 2nd at the close of school.  See Mr. Michael Clements for more details.

This Saturday, 4/30, Student Council will host "Warriors Walking for Warriors" - a 5K to benefit veterans in need.  All are invited to walk or run and join in activities on the field like: inflatable obstacle course, cotton candy, and face painting.  A link to the registration can be found on the Nipmuc StuCo Twitter page (https://twitter.com/NipmucStuco2014).  See you there!

April is National Poetry month and the week of April 11th is National Library Week!  So stop by the Media Center and enter your favorite poetry verse or write a new poem of your own.  Please put your name on it and drop it off in the poetry basket.  One winner will be randomly selected from those entered.  The winner will receive a gift card.

Prom tickets will be on sale for $75 from Monday, April 24 - Friday, April 29th.  Senior tickets will be sold in Room 239 (Ms. Reardon's room) during breaks and after school.  Junior tickets will be sold in Room 237 (Ms. Ahmed-Jussaume's room).  Forms must be completely filled out and class dues paid before ticket can be purchased.

Student Feature Friday - Art All-State Participant Daisy Prescott

Junior Daisy Prescott

On Friday, June 12 some of the best student artists in Massachusetts will be meeting on the campus of the University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth to celebrate the annual Art All-State event. I am excited to announce that Nipmuc junior Daisy Prescott will represent our school as a 2016 Art All-State recipient. Over the course of the two-day event, Daisy will work with other student artists, a team of artist mentors, and local artists as they build a collaborative art installation on the theme of "No Limits".

In receiving this honor, Daisy submitted a portfolio of work and was interviewed by representatives from the Massachusetts Art Education Association who talked to her about her work and interests. In selecting Daisy for this honor, they have chosen a student who is bright, talented, articulate, and creative. I'm thrilled that she'll represent our school and the Nipmuc art department at this event.

For today's feature, I had the chance to meet with Daisy and ask her about this upcoming experience and share some of her impressive art work.

Q: What do you think is your greatest strength as an artist? 

A:  As an artist, my greatest strength would have to be the fact that I can take criticism well. In art it's important to be able to handle criticism because it's one of the things that helps you grow and flourish as an artist. It helps your art look very nice knowing what someone else thinks, and you can even learn something new. In my experience, I've definitely learned how to draw a thing or two because someone suggested I try it a different way.

Q: How has your art evolved/grown during your years at Nipmuc? 

A: My art has evolved in a variety of ways at Nipmuc. Besides learning the basic rules of art like complimentary colors and how to use them, my art style has slowly adopted different characteristics from other artists, mashing them with my own to make an even more unique style. When I was in middle school I was so focused on getting my art to look like everyone else's without realizing that's not how art works. In high school, I've come to learn what methods work best for me and what I'm working on.

Q: What are you most excited about when considering the opportunity to participate in Art All-State 2016? 

A: The whole matter of participating in Art All-State is very exciting to me, but if I had to pick what I was most excited for, it would be getting the chance to work with new artists and make new friends. I love meeting new people, especially people with common interests. I'm hoping to learn a lot from the others and maybe even teach them a thing or two. I hope to make a few friends to stay in contact with after All-State is over. When I come home, I hope to have all new methods under my wing, and I hope that a couple other people will go home with my own methods. I'm also rather excited for the t-shirt we get!

Announcements April 11 - 15, 2016

Morning Announcements
The Nipmuc Book Club will meet Thursday (4/14) after school.  All members please remember to bring your book with you to return.  If you can't make the meeting, please return your book to the media center.

Attention all staff and students:  You are invited to help the Nipmuc Art Department chose the art for our Art Show postcard invitation.  Please use the QR code posted next to the display boards in the lobby to pick your top 5 favorite art pieces.  If you have any questions, please see Mr. Campbell or Mrs. Clish.  Last day to cast your vote for the art work is today, 4/11.

Applications are available in the office and on the school's website for April's Driver Education Classroom Program.  Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. for 5 weeks beginning on April 26th.

April is National Poetry month and the week of April 11th is National Library Week!  So stop by the Media Center and enter your favorite poetry verse or write a new poem of your own.  Please put your name on it and drop it off in the poetry basket.  One winner will be randomly selected from those entered.  The winner will receive a gift card.

Prom tickets will be on sale for $75 from Wednesday, April 6 - Wednesday, April 13 and Monday, April 24 - Friday, April 29th.  Senior tickets will be sold in Room 239 (Ms. Reardon's room) during breaks and after school.  Junior tickets will be sold in Room 237 (Ms. Ahmed-Jussaume's room).  Forms must be completely filled out and class dues paid before ticket can be purchased.
 
Would you like to sign up to take a Virtual High School (VHS) class for next year?  Please see Mrs. V. in the Media Center for an application.  Please discuss this with your school counselor first.  All applications need to be in by April 11th.

Do you love adventure?  Was Eco-Pop your favorite science class? If so, how does 2 weeks on a tropical island sound?  What about learning to catch lizards, weigh birds and bats, learning to scuba dive or snorkel through coral reefs?  Come to the Nipmuc Opwall information session April 12th at 7 p.m..  See Mrs. Field in room 122 for details.

Student Feature Friday - Sarah Bloznalis & Patrick Donelan attend Student Government Day

History Teacher Brian Moloney with
 Juniors Patrick Donelan and Sarah Bloznalis

In this week's feature, I'm excited to highlight the experience of Nipmuc juniors Sarah Bloznalis and Patrick Donelan who had the chance to visit the State House to participate in Massachusetts Student Government Day. Joined by history teacher, Mr. Brian Moloney, the students met with elected officials, voted on several proposed bills, and saw first-hand how government works. Student Government Day provides a unique chance to learn about civic engagement and the leadership skills needed to make a difference. I was thrilled to meet with Sarah and Patrick to hear about their experience and how they represented our school at this event. 

Sarah Bloznalis

Q: How did you become interested in Student Government Day? 

A:  I am the president of my class so I first started getting a feel for politics this year. I also really enjoy debating in history class so my teacher suggested me for Student Government Day.

Q: What type of insight did Student Government Day provide you about leadership and civic engagement? 

A: Student Government Day gave me a new respect for government and definitely got me more interested in getting involved with politics. When the Lieutenant Governor spoke she made me realize that anyone can get involved in politics and make a difference.

Q: What will be your most lasting memory about Student Government Day? 

A: Sitting in House Representative Decker's seat in the House Chamber was an experience I will never forget. I got to vote on two bills and use an electronic voting system which I have never done before.

Patrick Donelan

Q: How did you become interested in Student Government Day? 

A: I became interested in Student Government Day immediately after Mr. Moloney explained it to me. I knew very little about politics so I was very interested to learn more about how the state government functions.

Q: What type of insight did Student Government Day provide you about leadership and civic engagement? 

A: Student Government Day showed me that many of our leaders have worked hard to reach where they are today. Many started their political career in high school when they ran for class officer positions. Maybe someday I will see one of my class' officers campaigning for state representative!

Q: What will be your most lasting memory about Student Government Day? 

A: My most lasting memory from Student Government Day will definitely be the debates and testimonies. I really enjoyed listening to the different perspectives on the bills and watching the final voting processes via the LED board.

Announcements - April 4 - 8, 2016

Morning Announcements
Attention all staff and students:  You are invited to help the Nipmuc Art Department chose the art for our Art Show postcard invitation.  Please use the QR code posted next to the display boards in the lobby to pick your top 5 favorite art pieces.  If you have any questions, please see Mr. Campbell or Mrs. Clish.

Here ye, here ye!  If you are going on the Ellis Island field trip, this is a reminder for ye! The trip is on Monday, April 11th.  You must be at Nipmuc by 6:45 a.m. and you will return around 9:30 - 10:00 p.m.  Make sure to wear appropriate clothing, an umbrella and bring extra money for food.

April is National Poetry month and the week of April 11th is National Library Week!  So stop by the Media Center and enter your favorite poetry verse or write a new poem of your own.  Please put your name on it and drop it off in the poetry basket.  One winner will be randomly selected from those entered.  The winner will receive a gift card.

Prom tickets will be on sale from Wednesday, April 6 - Wednesday, April 13 and Monday, April 24 - Friday, April 29th.  Senior tickets will be sold in Room 239 (Ms. Reardon's room) during breaks and after school.  Junior tickets will be sold in Room 237 (Ms. Ahmed-Jussaume's room).  Forms must be completely filled out and class dues paid before ticket can be purchased.
 
Would you like to sign up to take a Virtual High School (VHS) class for next year?  Please see Mrs. V. in the Media Center for an application.  Please discuss this with your school counselor first.  All applications need to be in by April 11th.

Want to earn some money this summer AND spend time on a college campus learning engineering?  Want to work side-by-side with professors, grad students and undergrads?  Sophomores and Junior interested, please see Dr. Narod in room 336.

Attention Seniors!  Important Graduation Information Meeting for you and your parents on Wednesday, April 6th at 7 p.m. in the Nipmuc Auditorium.

Do you love adventure?  Was Eco-Pop your favorite science class? If so, how does 2 weeks on a tropical island sound?  What about learning to catch lizards, weigh birds and bats, learning to scuba dive or snorkel through coral reefs?  Come to the Nipmuc Opwall information session April 12th at 7 p.m..  See Mrs. Field in room 122 for details.

Student Feature Friday: Senior Madison Lynnworth - Competetive Bodybuilder

The high school years provide an opportunity for students to pursue their interests and identify the activities that drive them. In ideal circumstances these interests not only determine students' paths but also allow them to make a positive impact on those around them. In this week's feature I am thrilled to highlight a student who has found her passion and is using that focus to make a difference in her life and the lives of others. 

Senior Madison Lynnworth found her focus and passion through competitive bodybuilding. This week I had the chance to speak with her about her diet, training, and commitment to the sport. I was impressed with her knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication. In addition, I was excited to hear about her plans to meet with students at Miscoe Hill to share the positive impact that bodybuilding and a focus on wellness has made in her life.

I was so thankful for my conversation with Madison. You can enjoy some highlights of our discussion below. 

Q:  How did you become interested in fitness and bodybuilding? 

A:  I became interested in bodybuilding about 9 months ago. I had been eating well and exercising for about a year and a half prior to that, but only doing cardio-aerobic classes. This past summer, I met my boyfriend who introduced me to bodybuilding and taught me about how fun lifting can be.  I immediately fell in love with “leg day” as my legs were strong from volleyball, and begrudgingly worked my upper body until it was equally strong.

Q:  What are some of the greatest challenges and rewards of being a competitive bodybuilder? 

A:   As a competitive bodybuilder the biggest challenge is dedication. With everything I do, from what time I eat to how much I drink to how hard I push myself in the gym - it all affects how I do on competition day. Every second I'm faced with temptation and tired eyes, but I can't give in.  Off season the biggest challenge is pushing myself to grow, while controlling my diet so I don't grow the wrong way! With these challenges come the greatest possible rewards though. I have learned how strong I am and how tough I am, both of which will help me in future challenging times. I have a fantastic body image now, and thanks to bodybuilding I am happy when I look in the mirror. I feel empowered and want to help others feel this way too.

Q:  How did you become interested in sharing your perspective on health and wellness with middle school students? 

A:  I met with Mr. McInnis at Miscoe a few weeks ago and he sensed my passion about the industry as did you. He loved the way I saw health and fitness as not only this overwhelming dedication, but also as simple choices that build up to create a happier more tranquil self. He and I agree that showing the kids who are about to enter a big phase in their lives how to be healthy and feel self-positive is vital to their success.

Q:  What do you hope to accomplish through your work with students at Miscoe? 

A:  I hope that I can get across to them the message of how easy health is. I want them to learn to associate simple choices like wheat bread over a bagel.  I also hope that they actually are moved by it, in the sense that they do not just tolerate the seminar and then forget it. I want to impact them so they have tools to develop good habits now, so they can have health as a support system constructed within themselves when they're in high school and beyond.