Nipmuc Regional High School Principal's Blog

A Year in Review

2012-02-27T13:06:00.003-05:00

It was great to welcome our students back into the building this morning after a week of vacation. It’s difficult to believe that we have already reached this point in the year. Today marks our 107^th day of school in the 2011-2012 school year. As we come upon the midpoint of term three, the onset of the month of March, and the advent of our spring sports season, it is interesting to look back on the year to date and consider how much has been accomplished since September.

Included below is a list of some of the highlights from our current year. If you are a frequent visitor to the blog, I invite you to take a look at this abbreviated year in review. If you are new to this blog, I hope that you enjoy the chance to get a glimpse of life at Nipmuc.

I am particularly excited to welcome current eighth graders and their parents as they get a glimpse of life at Nipmuc Regional. On Wednesday evening at 7pm in the Nipmuc auditorium, I will be welcoming our current eighth graders and their parents to Nipmuc for an information session that will provide an introduction to our school. I am looking forward to taking that opportunity to introduce them to our students, the rigor of our academic offerings, and the vitality of our student life. As they prepare to visit our school, I am glad to provide them with this quick overview of the year at Nipmuc.

Feel free to enter your email address where it says “follow my blog” in order to receive updates whenever an update is made to the site.

Our Year in Review:

1. Nipmuc Regional: Imagine the Possibilities

2. The Start of a New Year

3. Nipmuc Homecoming

4. Blackstone Valley Youth Leadership Academy

5. Taking on the AP Challenge

6. Community Leaf Raking

7. John and Abigail Adams Scholars

8. F.A.S.T. 2011

9. Central District Chorus, Band, and Orchestra

10. Bravo Nipmuc Drama

11. Boston Globe Art Awards

Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards

2012-02-15T08:33:00.000-05:00

Katherine Halsing's Gold Key
Award Winning Self-Portrat

Each year the Boston Globe assembles a panel of judges to evaluate student art work from across Massachusetts. We are fortunate to have students recognized in these awards each year. Congratulations to the 2012 winners of the Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards.

Eric Brodeur: Silver Key (Photography)
Eric Brodeur: Honorable Mention (Photography)
Kelsey Campbell: Honorable Mention (Painting)
Katherine Halsing: Gold Key (Mixed Media)
Molly King: Honorable Mention (Printmaking)
Emily Martin: Silver Key (Drawing)
Joshua Noreau: Honorable Mention (Comic Art)
Joshua Noreau: Silver Key (Painting)
Celia Taylor: Silver Key (Printmaking)
Kendal Til: Honorable Mention (Painting)
Rose Wiklund: Honorable Mention (Painting)

Check out the award winning entries below: (slide show may not be visible on a mobile device or iPad)

Imagine the Possibilities at Nipmuc Regional

2012-02-07T07:46:00.000-05:00

On February 29 we will be holding an informational session for incoming ninth graders and their parents. On that evening I look forward to welcoming these students and their parents to Nipmuc Regional High School. I am excited to introduce them to our rigorous academic offerings, our active student life, and the enriching culture of our school.

As they prepare for their visit to Nipmuc, I invite them and all of our school community to check out the video below and begin to imagine the possiblities at Nipmuc.

Imagine the Possibilities:

Beginning the College Search

2012-02-03T17:39:00.000-05:00

Beginning the College Search:
As a reminder, the guidance department will be providing a repeat of its January "Breakfast with Guidance" presentation on Monday, February 6 at 6:30pm. This workshop is designed to provide an introduction for parents to the college search and application process. Parents of juniors are especially encouraged to attend.

The workshop will take place at 6:30pm on Monday, February 6 in the Nipmuc auditorium.

Winter Semi-Formal Dance: Letter to Parents

2012-02-03T15:17:00.000-05:00

Dear Parents,

As we approach this weekend, I know that many of our students are looking forward to the Winter Semi-formal dance that will take place on Saturday night. Each year this event serves as one of the highlights of the winter for our students. I am thankful for the work of our student council in planning, organizing, and running this much anticipated event. I am especially proud of our council members this year as they will be donating all of the proceeds from the event to benefit the memory of Jack Street.

Throughout the school year, our extracurricular activities have continually reinforced how fortunate we are at Nipmuc to have such great kids as part of our school. Nevertheless, over the course of the past few semi-formal dances, I have heard from an increasing number of parents and students who are concerned about the way that our students dance and dress at these events. I appreciate this feedback and I wanted to take a moment to discuss this issue with all of our parents.

The concern raised about dancing is that it is overly suggestive and inappropriate for school events. While I know that this does not apply to all of our students, I share the concern that some of the dancing is too suggestive. Likewise, some of our students’ attire at these dances is too tight or revealing to be appropriate for school events. In preparation for tomorrow evening, I am asking that you take a moment to speak to your child about these concerns. I am confident that these conversations will be extremely helpful in making the dance the kind of event that we hope it will be.

Please know that I addressed our students today to share these concerns and to inform them that I have sent a letter home to parents. I will speak to them again at the start of the dance on Saturday night to remind them of our expectations. I will also address these issues individually should they occur tomorrow evening.

Please know, also, that I have discussed this topic at length with Nipmuc’s Student Advisory Council – a representative group of students across all grade levels at Nipmuc. I am very thankful for their candid conversation and their wholehearted support of my letter to you this afternoon. With their encouragement, I also ask that you speak to your child about making good choices regarding drugs and alcohol. By offering reminders and conversation at school and at home, we are hopeful that all of our students will be able to have a fun, safe, and memorable night.

Again, thank you for taking the time to address these topics with your child. I appreciate your support in working with the school as partners in your child’s high school experience.

Sincerely,

John K. Clements

Principal

Nipmuc Music Department Pasta Dinner

2012-01-25T17:48:00.001-05:00

Included below is some information about a pasta dinner fundraiser to help the Nipmuc music department as they prepare for their April trip to New York City.

What: This is an all you can eat pasta fundraiser for the Nipmuc Music Department. We are travelling to New York City in April to perform and participate in clinics.

Where: Rebecca's Place 3 in Upton

When: This Saturday, January 28th, 2012

Times: 4:30, 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30

Cost: $20 per ticket

Please contact Marsha Ledoux mledoux@mursd.org or Oliver MacFadden omacfadden@mursd.org if you're interested! You can reach us by phone at 508 - 529 - 2130 ext. 2001.

Breakfast with Guidance

2012-01-23T13:05:00.001-05:00

As a reminder, the Nipmuc Guidance Department would like to invite you to Breakfast with Guidance on Tuesday, January 24, 2012. Please join us for:

Beginning the College Search:
This workshop is designed to provide an introduction for parents to the college search and application process. Parents of juniors are especially encouraged to attend.

The workshop will meet from 8:00 to 9:00 AM at Nipmuc High School. Please RSVP to Ona Moore at 508-529-2140 or omoore@mursd.org.

If you are unable to attend, please be aware that the guidance department will be repeating this presentation on February 6 at 6:30pm in the Nipmuc auditorium.

Thank you.

Postponed MMSI/Advanced Placement Study Session

2012-01-20T17:24:00.000-05:00

Please be aware that Saturday's MMSI/Advanced Placement study session has been postponed until a later date. We will work with Marlboro High School and MMSI to determine a new date for this study session.

Also, Saturday detentions and the Winter Semi-formal dance have been postponed as a result of weather.

Postponed Winter Semi-Formal Dance

2012-01-19T14:21:00.000-05:00

Good afternoon,

I am writing to make you aware that Saturday’s Winter Semi-Formal dance has been postponed due to the forecast of snow on Saturday. The dance has been postponed until February 4 at 7pm. The dance will still take place at the Milford Doubletree Hotel.

The safety of our students is always our first concern when making these decisions. Additionally, please know that we needed to make this decision today in order to comply with our rental agreement with the hotel. If we had waited beyond today to make this decision, we would have forfeited the opportunity to reschedule the event. With the weather forecast showing the strong potential for three – six inches of snow on Saturday, we elected to postpone the dance to February 4^th.

Any students who cannot attend on February 4^th can receive a full refund of the cost of their dance ticket. Additionally, tickets will remain on sale through Wednesday, February 1. Ticket sales and refunds are available in room 141 during morning breaks.

Thank you,

John Clements

Sad News

2012-01-11T11:25:00.002-05:00

Good morning,
It is with great sadness that I get in touch with you, once again, to share news of another tragedy that has affected our school community. Last evening, Christopher DiLorenzo, a Nipmuc graduate from the class of 2010, passed away after being involved in a single car accident in Mendon. Christopher was the only person in the vehicle at the time of the accident.

As a recent graduate of Nipmuc, Christopher maintained strong ties to Nipmuc and our students. His loss will be felt intensely throughout our school and towns. Our thoughts and prayers are with Christopher’s family and friends as they deal with this tragedy.

Just before 11am, I spoke to our student body to share this terrible news. In addressing our students, I acknowledged the sincere sadness that we are already experiencing following the loss of Jack Street. I thanked them for the compassion and support they have shown throughout the past week. I also called on them, once again, to rely on the togetherness of our community to provide the strength that will guide us through the grief of these losses.

Please know that our counselors are available and are working with some of the students who are most impacted by this loss. I am extremely thankful for their support and the role they are playing in helping our students. I am also grateful to our staff members, faculty, parents, and all members of our school community who are supporting us at this time.

Sincerely,
John Clements

Dealing with Loss at Nipmuc Regional

2012-01-06T12:45:00.000-05:00

Good afternoon,

The past few days have been extremely challenging for our entire school community as we deal with the tragic loss of Jack Street. All of us – students, parents, teachers, and staff members – extend our sincerest sympathy to his family as they make their way through this time of grief.

Jack’s passing has been felt deeply at Nipmuc. Throughout the course of the past two days, I have been overwhelmed by the strength of our community and the sense of togetherness that is guiding us through this sadness. So many stories, memories, and reflections have been shared. It has been an important part of our grieving process to hear the many ways that Jack's humor, kindness, and leadership have impacted our lives. It is a wonderful testament to his memory.

Please know that all of the guidance counselors in the district joined us again this morning to provide support. I am so thankful for the care, insight, and compassion they have provided to our school. Additionally, this afternoon we are receiving some focused assistance from counselors at Riverside Trauma Center to offer support to those in need.

Please be aware that arrangements have been made for calling hours and a non-denominational memorial service as follows:

Memorial calling hours at the Williams-Pedersen Funeral Home, 45 Main Street, Upton are from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday. Following cremation, a nondenominational memorial service will be held Tuesday, January 10, at 11 a.m. in St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, 151 Mendon Street, Upton.

Students who are attending the funeral on Tuesday will be granted an excused absence/dismissal on that day. Any student attending the services will need to provide a parent note in order to be dismissed. Should you choose to allow your child to attend the services, please consider attending these services with your child. This support will be greatly appreciated.

Included in this message you will find some information from the Riverside Trauma Center which may provide some help to parents over the course of the weekend. We recognize that the sadness of this loss affects our entire community. Please feel free to reach out to us if we can be of any assistance.

Sincerely,
John Clements

Riverside Trauma Center Informational Materials:

Extremely Sad News

2012-01-05T09:53:00.000-05:00

Good morning, everyone –

I am extremely saddened this morning to inform you of a tragic accident that took the life of one of our students. Yesterday, Jack Street, a senior at Nipmuc, passed away after falling from a ski lift at Ward Hill in Shrewsbury.

This is a horrible tragedy that impacts all of us at Nipmuc. Jack will be remembered as a bright and talented young man with a great sense of humor and a tremendous personality. His loss will be felt deeply by us not only today, but also in the weeks, months, and years to come.

As a school community we need to be able to rely on each other at this time of sadness. Please know that all of the guidance counselors in the district are available at Nipmuc throughout the day as a resource for students, staff, and faculty. Anyone who wishes to take advantage of this support may be excused to work with a counselor at any point today. In addition, we have been in contact with the Riverside Trauma Center who will provide additional help as needed for the members of our community.

If you would like to dismiss your child from school today, please know that this will be an excused dismissal. If possible, we ask that students being dismissed are met by a parent at the school.

We realize that this loss will affect our entire communities of Mendon and Upton. As a school, we are available to work with you to provide as much support as possible.

On behalf of our entire school community, I extend our sincere sympathy to Jack's family and friends at this time of mourning.

Sincerely,
John Clements

"WeAk without Art"

2012-01-03T16:47:00.001-05:00

Senior art student Brian Mullen covers
one of our murals as part of our
participation in "WeAk without Art."

I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays and had a chance to relax with family and friends over the course of the past week. It is great to have our students back in the building as we begin our journey into 2012. The start of a new year provides an opportunity not only to set resolutions and take advantage of a fresh start, but also to consider all that we have to be thankful for. As our students filled our hallways for the first time in 2012, they had the chance to heighten their appreciation for one of the wonderful aspects of our school that we sometimes take for granted– our amazing student artwork.

In order to remind us of the powerful impact that student artwork has on our daily life, the Nipmuc Arts Guild is participating in a program called “WeAk without Art”. As part of “WeAk without Art” all of the murals and framed student artwork that adorn our halls have been removed or covered for an entire week. By removing the art from the walls, it gives all of us a chance to be reminded of the many ways that student art enriches our school. With over 65 student-produced murals and 100 framed works, the impact of a “WeAk without Art” is powerful.

Mrs. Alison Clish, one of Nipmuc’s art teachers, mentions that “The week without art creates a sterile and institutional feel throughout the building. When the art returns it will again breathe life into our building. You do not know what you have until it is gone.” Another Nipmuc art teacher, Mr. Kevin Campbell, added to this by saying, “Visitors to Nipmuc are always amazed at the sheer quantity of artwork on display. They wonder how we can display murals and framed artwork without fear of theft or vandalism. It's easy for us to take it for granted. The "WeAk without Art" reminds us - teachers and students - how fortunate we are to have an environment where students respect one another's artwork and take pride in the school.”

Over the years, the Nipmuc art department has become one of the distinguishing features of our school. Events like the Travelling Art Show or the annual art show each May have become an important part of celebrating the achievements of our students. In addition, last year our art department was recognized for its tremendous work when it was named the recipient of the College Board’s Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Arts. As a school community, we are so fortunate to spend each day surrounded by award-winning art. So, while I appreciate that this week will remind us of the power of our students’ artwork, I can also say that I am looking forward to Friday afternoon when our art gallery returns.

Student Government Day

2011-12-13T10:58:00.000-05:00

We are currently looking for student volunteers who are interested in participating in the 65th annual Student Government Day to be held at the State House on April 13, 2012. As participants in this program, students will assemble at the State House, where they will have the chance to replicate activities of the state legislature or meet as constitutional officers and members of the Supreme Judicial Court. Each year, we have been fortunate to participate in this program which gives our students the opportunity to see government in action.

Last year, current seniors Matthew D'Innocenzo and Dan Consigli had the opportunity to represent Nipmuc at this event. While at Student Government Day, Matt and Dan helped to pass two bills: House Bill H01697 - an act relative to reducing childhood obesity rates by removing the state subsidy for sugared sweetened beverages and candy - and Senate Bill S00205 - an act relative to financial literacy in schools. This was a great opportunity for the students to meet several public figures including Governor Deval Patrick and Senator Richard Moore. Both students have been involved in leadership roles in the community and in the school and are interested in politics in the future.

We are looking forward to having another pair of Nipmuc students participate in the program this year. Student Government Day is open to current juniors and seniors. Any interested students should see Mrs. Linehan in the main office as soon as possible in order to sign up. Those who are interested should be prepared to provide a speech to their fellow students during morning announcements on Friday (12/16) as part of the application process.

Bravo, Nipmuc Drama!

2011-12-12T07:05:00.000-05:00

The cast and crew taking a bow after
their Sunday performance of
Rebel without a Cause

Congratulations to the Nipmuc Drama Guild for its moving and memorable performance of Rebel without a Cause this weekend. If you are familiar with the story then thoughts of the play might conjure up images of James Dean delivering one of his powerful monologues about courage, relationships, or the ongoing struggle between right and wrong. If you were able to take in one of this weekend's performances, however, your thoughts of this production will most likely leave James Dean behind in favor of the powerful performances delivered by Matt D'Innocenzo (Plato), Kelsey O'Hagan (Judy), Phil McMullin (Buzz), Brian Mullen (Jim), or any of our student-actors who participated in this play.

On Thursday evening I had the opportunity to speak briefly with the play's director, Mrs. Elizabeth McCarthy. As the students were working through their dress rehearsal, she talked about how pleased she was with the students' progress and shared how much she had enjoyed working with them. When I had the chance to view the production this weekend, I could see why Mrs. McCarthy was so proud. The students not only put on a great show, but also exhibited the kind of collaboration and camaraderie that has come to characterize Nipmuc Drama.

There's a moment in the play when lead character Jim Stark says "Home isn't a place, it's a state of mind...a relationship between people." When senior Brian Mullen made this statement as part of his powerful portrayal of Jim Stark, he not only captured a key idea of the play, but also the great success of the performance. For, over the course of the fall our student actors and crew members truly found their home away from home in their work with Nipmuc drama. The results of their many hours of rehearsing were evident in the quality of the production and the sense of togetherness they exhibited.

I am so proud of all of the actors and crew members who worked together to make the play such a success. I am already looking forward to our spring musical, Cinderella, which will take place March 30 - April 1.

Superintendent's Meet and Greet

2011-12-07T16:54:00.000-05:00

As a reminder, please be aware that Superintendent Dr. Joseph P. Maruszczak will be holding three additional opportunities for "Coffee Time with Parents and Community Residents."

The next meet and greet event will take place at Nipmuc Regional High School tomorrow, 12/8/11, at 7pm in the Nipmuc Media Center. He will also be meeting with parents and community members on the following dates:

Monday, 12/12/11, Miscoe Hill School, 7:00 p.m., Media Center
Thursday, 12/15/11, Central Office, 3:30 p.m., Supt. Conference Room

All parents and residents of Mendon and Upton are welcome to come to any session they choose.

Breakfast with Guidance: Post-Concussive Syndrome

2011-12-06T12:29:00.001-05:00

Thanks to school nurse Kristin Gauthier and the Nipmuc Guidance Department for this morning's presentation on concussions and post-concussive syndrome. Mrs. Gauthier provided an informative and interesting presentation on the growing awareness of this serious medical concern and how it affects adolescents. Included below are some "takeaways" from today's presentation:

1. We can't overstate the importance of concussion awareness.
Last year at Nipmuc Regional we had 22 reported cases of diagnosed concussions. During the current school year, we already have 12 students with diagnosed concussions. The recovery from a concussion is often lengthy and can affect all aspects of a child's life, not simply academics.

2. Recovery requires a partnership.
As a school we rely on communication between students, parents, the school nurse, physicians, guidance counselors, and teachers to help a student to get back on track. It is extremely important for teachers and guidance counselors to understand the extent of the injury in order to make appropriate adjustments to deadlines, work loads, and classroom expectations. Students often rely on their ability to self-advocate when making their way back to the classroom or field of competition; however, strong communication between all can help to make the academic, social, and physical adjustments easier to manage.

3. Concussions are particularly dangerous because they are "an invisible injury."
Students suffering from a concussion often look and act normally despite suffering from the symptoms of the injury. Because the injured student is not using crutches, band-aids, or a cast, others may not immediately recognize that he/she is not feeling well or capable of completing typical tasks. This can create a situation where a student feels a great deal of pressure to complete his work, return to his team, or go back to his part-time job. By collaborating with our nurse, families can often help to validate a student's injury and set reasonable goals for returning to normal activity.

4. ImPACT Testing is a must!
ImPACT testing is one way to help diagnose and treat concussions. The test is taken prior to any injury and provides some baseline data about typical brain function. With this information, our school nurse can work with coaches to help athletes determine the safest time to return to action. Nipmuc encourages all of its athletes to take this test. Mrs. Gauthier works with local neuropsychologist, Dr. Michael Sefton, to analyze test results and determine if the concussion has healed. This test is free to all Nipmuc athletes and available at a cost of $20 to non-athletes. (Thank you to the Warriors Club for funding this important test.) If you would like to help your child receive this test, please contact Mrs. Gauthier at kgauthier@mursd.org.

A great deal of information beyond these these key points was included in the presentation this morning. Feel free to review the presentation below:

Thank you, also, to Missy Mulgrew who shared a parent's perspective on dealing with concussions and senior Matthew Campagna who spoke of his first-hand experience recovering from a concussion.

Breakfast with Guidance continues to be a great way to work directly with our counselors and staff members in order to gain information about some of the topics that most affect our students and parents. Our next Breakfast with Guidance event will take place on January 24th when counselors present "Beginning the College Search: A Guide to Post-Secondary Planning for Parents of Juniors." The presentation will take place at 8am in the Nipmuc Professional Development Center. Please email Mrs. Ona Moore at omoore@mursd.org to reserve your seat for this presentation.

Informative MEFA Presentation

2011-12-02T15:38:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the Nipmuc guidance department and MEFA presenter, Brad Finger, for an informative session for senior parents on how to finance a college education. We are fortunate to have MEFA assist us each year with this presentation which answers questions and provides some practical steps to take when making decisions about how to pay for college.

In addition to providing an informative session, the presenter also made our audience aware of the many online resources that are available for students and parents. You can sign-up to get regular MEFA emails and also sign-up to receive last night's informational packet by clicking here.

You can also use www.mefacounselor.org or www.yourplanforcollege.org to get tools for financial understanding, college planning, and career readiness.

Central District Chorus, Band, and Orchestra

2011-12-01T07:22:00.001-05:00

In early November, three Nipmuc students auditioned for the Central District Jazz Band, and on November 19th twenty-four Nipmuc students auditioned for the Central District Chorus, Concert Band, and Orchestra. The results are in:

Nick Addeo - Trumpet in Concert Band
David Byer - Timpani in Concert Band with a recommendation for an All-State audition in January
Corey Imparato - Trombone in Jazz Band with a recommendation for an All-State audition in January
Amarie King - Flute in Concert Band
Elena Morganelli - Trumpet in Concert Band
Elizabeth Nigro - Clarinet in Concert Band
Andrew Oglesby - Trumpet in Concert Band with a recommendation for an All-State audition in January
Elena Robakiewicz - Alto in Chorus with a recommendation for an All-State audition in January

From L-R: Mrs. Ledoux, Amarie King, Nick Addeo, Andrew Oglesby, Elena Morganelli
Elizabeth Nigro, Elena Robakiewicz, Corey Imparato, David Byer, and Mr. MacFadden

Congratulations to these students, our teachers, and to all the students who auditioned. The competition is very strong, and they all study with private teachers in addition to their participation in the music program at Nipmuc. Each student worked diligently to prepare for their audition. The students who received an All-State recommendation will have another audition coming up in January. If selected, those students will have the chance to perform in Boston Symphony Hall.

Nipmuc Football

2011-11-29T07:01:00.000-05:00

Nipmuc quarterback Mike Smith

After going 7-4 in the regular season, Nipmuc's football team has earned the #1 ranking in Division IV. The Warriors move to the postseason this evening as they take on the Northbridge Rams at 5:15pm at Foley Stadium in Worcester.

Good luck Warriors!

Directions to the game from Nipmuc can be located here.

F.A.S.T. 2011

2011-11-28T16:35:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving and took advantage of the opportunity to connect with friends and family. My holiday began wonderfully with a terrific Faculty and Students Together (F.A.S.T.) event which set a positive tone for the remainder of the weekend.

As I mentioned to our parents in a letter at the beginning of last week, F.A.S.T. is a day of games, activities, and competition which aims to foster school spirit. Our students value the day as one of the highlights of the year and I often hear our graduating seniors talk about F.A.S.T. fondly when looking back on their high school experience. Despite that, over the course of the past few years, F.A.S.T. has moved away from its original intent and has not always created the sense of school pride that we hoped for.

I am extremely excited to let you know that this year's F.A.S.T. was an overwhelming success. Thanks to the efforts of our student council, our students were able to keep many of the traditions that are so important to them while adding opportunities for community service and volunteerism that brought our school together in a way that was exciting and inspiring.

The student council accomplished this by making F.A.S.T. the culminating event in "A Month of Giving." Throughout November, our students organized and participated in community service projects including raking the yards of our senior citizens, collecting food for local food pantries, running fundraisers to benefit Children's Hospital, and collecting winter clothing for those in need. Additionally, on the day of F.A.S.T. all of our students participated in a session of community service during which they wrote letters to our troops, made bracelets for patients at Children's Hospital, or made cards for patients at Children's Hospital.

The result of this work was a day that brought us together. F.A.S.T. provided a chance for good-natured competition between classes. More importantly, however, it gave our students and teachers a day to celebrate our pride in our school and the many ways that our students have given back to our communities.

There are many moments that stand out from the day including the decorations that adorned each class's wall, the spirited dress of our students in their class colors, and the cheering on of their classmates during the pep rally. My most memorable moment, though, came at the start of our pep rally when seniors Chelsea McGuinness and Harry Rider were singing our national anthem. Chelsea and Harry sounded great and were providing a wonderful rendition of the anthem when their microphones cut out unexpectedly for a brief moment. In that second of silence, our student body collectively began singing the song. When the microphone came back on, Chelsea and Harry led nearly 800 students in a loud and proud singing of the anthem. It was a moment that captured the collective spirit of the school and the pride that made our day such a success.

As a precursor to the Thanksgiving holiday, F.A.S.T. was a great reminder the many reasons that I am thankful for our school and our students. Our day reaffirmed that Nipmuc is a special school with a great deal to be proud of.

"Kicking It to Breast Cancer"

2011-11-17T09:10:00.000-05:00

Matthew Campagna
Chairperson of Friends of Rachel

If you happen to see some of Nipmuc's students wearing pink shoelaces, you should know that they are part of a fashion trend that has started for the best of reasons. Led by Matthew Campagna, chairperson of Nipmuc's Friends of Rachel group, the appearance of pink shoelaces across our school is part of a fundraising effort to fight breast cancer.

Friends of Rachel is a student group that started at Nipmuc following the presentation of Rachel's Challenge to Nipmuc students two years ago. Rachel's Challenge provides the story of Rachel Scott, the first person who was killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Since the day of that tragedy, the Scott family has shared Rachel's story and her message of kindness and compassion in order to have a positive impact on the lives of America's students. Nipmuc's Friends of Rachel club began after the presentation came to Nipmuc; the group looks for opportunties to make a difference in the lives of our students and community members.

Through the guidance of Matthew Campagna, the group's latest effort aimed to raise funds for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. Selling pink shoelaces for $5 apiece, the group was able to raise nearly $500 over the course of a few weeks as part of a fundraiser he called, "Kicking It to Breast Cancer."

When I asked Matthew about this accomplishment he told me, "It's easy for anyone to make a difference. You just need to take the initiative and do it. You can get anything done if you set your mind to it."

Congratulations Matthew and the Rachel's Challenge group for your great work!

Lindos Suenos (Beautiful Dreams) with the Red Sox

2011-11-15T17:24:00.000-05:00

Joe Roberto participating
in Lindos Suenos

Like many of us in the region, I am an avid Red Sox fan. I do my best watch an inning or two whenever possible. I spend the winter combing the news for trade rumors and potential free agent signings. And, most importantly, I am training my two boys to root for the hometown team (and not the team in pinstripes). Despite my devotion to the Sox, I'm the first to admit that I haven't tuned into NESN much since the team's September collapse. I'm glad to report that that tomorrow there is good cause for the Nipmuc community to tune back to NESN for a Red Sox update we can all be proud of.

On Wednesday (11/16) at 3pm, 6pm, and 10:30pm "The Red Sox Report" will be showcasing Lindos Suenos - a great program that senior Joe Roberto had the chance to be a part of this past summer. Run by the Red Sox, Lindos Suenos (which translates to "beautiful dreams") is a summer program that allows students to combine their passion for volunteerism and baseball in a unique 10 days of service in the Dominican Republic.

Joe first learned about the program from the team's website. He was excited about the opportunity and made the effort to apply to be part of the experience. Before long, he was called to attend an interview at 4 Yawkey Way where - surrounded by trophies and memorabilia from Red Sox history - he interviewed with team officials. A few weeks later, Joe learned that he was selected to be one of 10 students from across the country to participate in this life-changing experience.

As a member of this select group, Joe travelled to the Dominican Republic for 10 days beginning in the end of July and continuing into August. Each day, Joe and his teammates would spend approximately five hours providing community service including repairing three houses and one school. After volunteering, the team would head to the baseball field where they would get professional instruction from Red Sox coaches and have the chance to compete against local teams.

A student in the Spanish Immersion program, Joe benefitted from having a strong knowledge of Spanish that made it easy for him to carry on conversations with everyone he met. He told me that there was "never any moment when [he] needed someone to explain what they were saying." Rather than spending time trying to master the language, Joe was able to enjoy this opportunity to have a new experience. When I asked him what lesson from his trip stands out the most, he was quick in telling me that the experience has given him "a new outlook on life" and has made him "more appreciative of what [he] has." It was clear to me that while the program may have provided some tips that will improve his ability as a baseball player, the true benefits of the experience are the life lessons that he gained from this "beautiful dream."

John and Abigail Adams Scholars

2011-11-15T11:47:00.004-05:00

Nipmuc's John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Winners

Earlier this morning, I had the pleasure of meeting with 55 of Nipmuc's seniors in order to congratulate them on their receipt of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. The Adams Scholarship is awarded to those students who are the top achievers on the MCAS test in their grade level.

As I mentioned to them this morning, their achievement is truly praiseworthy. When our current seniors took the MCAS test in the spring of 2010, 96% of our students scored proficient or advanced in English and 94% scored proficient or advanced in math. The 55 students who received this scholarship scored in the top 25% of this high-achieving group.

As recipients of this award, all 55 students will be granted free tuition at any Massachusetts public institution of higher education, including a University of Massachusetts campus, a Massachusetts state university, or a community college.

Please join me in congratulating our Adams scholars!

ACCORSINI, JULIA

ADEE III, JOHN

BAREFOOT, JEREMY

BECKER, MATTHEW

BOLOTIN, MICHAELA

BRIGGS, CASSANDRA

BRODEUR, ERIC

CAMPAGNA, MATTHEW

CHIBURIS, MAREN

COLOMBO, CONNOR

D'INNOCENZO, MATTHEW

DENG, JULIA

DUBOIS, DANIELLE

ELLIOTT, BRANDON

ELLIS, CRAIG

ELORDI, MARISSA

ERNST, BRITTANY

ESTABROOK, MARIE

FLAHERTY, SCOTT

FORMAN, NICOLE

GARABEDIAN, CYNTHIA

GASKILL, ZACHARY

GORMLEY, CHRISTOPHER

HARRIS, ARIANA

HEFFRON, MELISSA

IMPARATO, COREY

JORGENSEN, ERIC

LABASTIE, DANIELLE

LAROUCO, AARON

MARTELL, CAROLINE

MARTIN, EMILY

MAYZEL, ALLISON

MELPIGNANO, RICHARD

MICHALOWICZ, JACQUELYN

MULGREW, ARIELLE

MORIN, ANDREW

MURRAY, EMILY

NG, MARISSA

NIELSEN, JULIA

O'DONNELL, ZOE

O'HAGAN, KELSEY

PERRY, DANA

PICKERING, ROCHELLE

RICHARDS, MEGHAN

ROBAKIEWICZ, ELENA

ROBERTO, JOSEPH

ROBERTS, JILLIAN

RUNCI, KRISTEN

RYAN, TAYLOR

RYDER IV, RAYMOND

SACCO, STEPHEN

SCANLON, TRINITY

SESERMAN, KATE

ST. GERMAIN, BRIAN

WELCH, ISABEL

Nipmuc Updates

2011-11-14T10:56:00.000-05:00

Included below are some updates that went out in today’s AlertNow message.

Parent/Teacher Conferences:

On Wednesday (11/16) and Thursday (11/17) of this week we will hold parent/teacher conferences. Wednesday’s conferences will run from 12pm – 2pm and Thursday’s conferences will run from 6pm – 8pm. Please note that you do not need to set individual appointments to meet with teachers on those days. Teachers are available in their classrooms during each of the two-hour sessions. We look forward to seeing you on those days.

Author in Residence:

If you are attending conferences on Thursday evening, feel free to stop by the main lobby to visit with junior Christopher Leduc. Christopher recently published his first novel, The Orb. He will be displaying his book during conferences and will be available to discuss the process of writing the novel. The Orb can be purchased on the days of conferences or by checking www.TheAireaidLord.com.

Spring Volleyball Informational Meeting

As a reminder, on November 16 there will be an informational meeting for those interested in boys’ junior varsity volleyball. The meeting will provide information about this new team, athlete expectations, key spring dates, the season schedule, and expected fees. The meeting will take place at 6pm in the Nipmuc gym.

Faculty and Students Together/Celebration of Giving:

Nipmuc is preparing for its "Faculty and Students Together" or F.A.S.T events on Wednesday, November 23. F.A.S.T. is a day focused on school spirit and Nipmuc pride during which students in each class compete against other classes in activities and events. This year's F.A.S.T - which is run by Nipmuc's Student Council - will be the culminating event of the "Nipmuc Celebration of Giving." As part of the Celebration of Giving, the students have organized a number of community service events to be run by each class which will take place throughout the month of November.

Canned Food Drive: November 19, 2011

As part of the “Nipmuc Celebration of Giving” the school is holding a canned food drive on Saturday, November 19 at Nipmuc. The event will take place from 10am to 2pm in the courtyard behind the school. It will include fun-filled family activities, music, food, and more. Nipmuc will accept any type of nonperishable food donations. The students will be taking all the cans received to the Milford Food Pantry. The Nipmuc Student Council would officially like to invite the community to "join the craze of giving and kindness that the students are hoping to bring to the towns of Mendon and Upton while having fun at the same time."

Great Seasons

2011-11-13T16:15:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to both varsity soccer teams on tremendous seasons. Unfortunately, both teams came up a bit short in today's district finals. The girls lost a hard-fought game against Auburn in overtime. The boys fell to top seed Groton-Dunstable.

Despite the losses, it's a huge accomplishment to have both teams playing for the district title. Congratulations on great seasons.

District Final Doubleheader

2011-11-13T11:53:00.001-05:00

Good luck to Coach Cohen and Coach Leaver and our girls' and boys' soccer teams in their district final games this afternoon. I'm looking forward to a great afternoon of Nipmuc soccer!

Community Leaf Raking Project

2011-11-12T19:49:00.001-05:00

Our leaf raking crew getting ready to
head out to the community.

"Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve."
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

As this year has started, I've often been asked about my new position and what part of my job I like the most. When asked about my new role, I'm never at a loss for words in sharing my excitement about the achievement of our students, the work of our teachers, or the strength of our art, music, and athletic programs. There are many aspects of our school that deserve recognition; however - as the quote above references - nothing is "greater" at Nipmuc Regional than the dedication of our students to giving back to the community.

On Friday morning, our students once again demonstrated this commitment to service by participating in a community leaf raking project to benefit the senior citizens of our communities. On an holiday morning when they could have been sleeping late or relaxing, a group of our students joined me at Nipmuc to be part of a service project that we hope to make an annual tradition.

After a rain soaked Thursday, we were hopeful to get some cooperation from the weather as we headed out to a number of homes in Mendon and Upton. Our students braved the cool temperatures and fought the wind as they made their way to the homes of our senior citizens. After splitting up into teams, they put their rakes, tarps, and leaf blowers to good use across our communities. Within a few hours, they were able to lend a helping hand and make a difference for a number of our seniors. The day provided another opportunity to see just what makes our kids so great to work with.

Mrs. Moran and I would like to thank Mr. Mike Clements for all of his help in running the day. We'd also like to thank Jamie Gardner, Holly Whalen (Upton Senior Center) and Amy Wilson Kent (Mendon Senior Center) for their help in connecting us with senior citizens who could benefit from this service.

Check out some pictures from our day on the Nipmuc Regional High School Flickr page or on the slide show in this blog.

Leaf Raking Tomorrow!

2011-11-10T15:47:00.000-05:00

With the weather for Friday looking cool but sunny, we will continue with our leaf raking project on Veteran's Day morning. I am so proud of the students who are volunteering on a holiday morning to dedicate their time to our senior citizens by cleaning up their yards and helping them get ready for the winter. Earlier this morning, I had the chance to speak with each of the senior citizens who will have their yards raked tomorrow. They are so thankful for the support of our students!

As a reminder, we will plan to meet at Nipmuc at 9am tomorrow in the school lobby. From Nipmuc, our teams will head out to our community members' homes to rake their leaves. Parents are encouraged to come into the school in the morning so they can get the address and directions to the home in order to pick up the students at the end of the project. We are hopeful that each yard will take no more than 60 - 90 minutes with everyone providing help.

If parents would like for their students to get rides with another adult or other students, they should be sure to have the student complete a transportation waiver. The waiver is included below and will be available in the school lobby tomorrow morning. I have also attached the informational sheet that was handed out to students yesterday afternoon.

Since our soccer teams will be competing in the afternoon in district semi-finals, we know that those players will not be able to participate in leaf raking. We are especially thankful for everyone else who will be able to lend a hand on Friday.

Anyone who would like to help out but who did not have a chance to sign up can feel free to arrive on Friday morning at 9am. Students and parents are welcome.

Thank you for your support of our community!

Nipmuc Leaf Raking Project

2011-11-03T16:19:00.000-04:00

On Veteran’s Day, November 11, the Nipmuc community will be working together to participate in a community-wide service project to help rake leaves from the yards of senior citizens. Our students will be looking to help as many senior citizens as possible in this service effort.

We are also looking for the help of any parents who might be interested in working with teams of students as they rake our senior citizens’ yards. The event will start at Nipmuc at 9am on November 11. From Nipmuc, our leaf raking teams will head out to local homes to help our senior citizens. In order to participate, we are asking our students and volunteers to come prepared with a rake and warm clothing. Transportation waivers will also be required of any student who is travelling with a student, teacher, or another adult on that day.

If you are interested in participating in this service event or if you know of someone in need of this type of help, please contact us at NipmucLeafRaking@gmail.com. We are especially thankful for your help in getting the word out to our senior citizens.

Thank you for your help!

Great work, Chenoa!

2011-11-01T15:36:00.000-04:00

Nipmuc junior - Chenoa TracyStone

Congratulations goes out to Chenoa TracyStone for her great work in organizing a book drive to benefit Rosie's Place - a Boston-based shelter that offers long term support to women who are in need of assistance. Over the course of just a few weeks, Chenoa worked with the principals in all the schools in Mendon-Upton to collect 564 books to benefit Rosie's place. The books - most of which are children's literature - will be a great benefit to the women and families at the shelter. The books will be stored in a common area at Rosie's place and will be greatly appreciated by the families who live there.

Thank you to the other schools in the district, the community, and - certainly - Chenoa for completing such an important project.

A New Standard of Education

2011-10-28T06:39:00.000-04:00

It was good to return to school on Thursday morning after spending several days at another high school in Massachusetts as the chairperson of a school accreditation team. As a member of the commission for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), I have the opportunity each year to lead of team of teachers and administrators in the process of evaluating the educational practices, leadership, and funding at another accredited high school. Each visit provides a great opportunity not only to provide professional service to another community, but also to work with educators from other school districts and to gain a deeper understanding of the standards by which NEASC accredits its member schools.

The accreditation process helps schools toward the achievement of high standards through a process of self-reflection, goal-setting, and peer review. NEASC has established seven standards by which they guide all aspects of school effectiveness, from teaching and learning to resources and funding. We are fortunate in that these standards are rigorous and require that schools are responsive to students' needs.

In 2011 the association updated its standards to address the obvious ways the world has changed and to meet the needs of 21st century learning. There are so many ways that the world has changed for our students' generation. The video below, put together by educational thinker Scott McLeod, shows the many ways technology has altered our global society.

In Thomas Friedman's book The World Is Flat he documented the way technology and social change have created a true global marketplace in which our students must compete. Likewise, in Tony Wagner's book The Global Achievement Gap he talked about the importance of teaching "survival skills" that can help our students adapt to the ever-changing workplace.

We are fortunate that NEASC has considered these changes in the most recent update of the standards for accreditation. The standards have placed an emphasis on 21st century learning, requiring schools to consider how to change their practices in order stay responsive to students' needs. Today's learners not only need the content knowledge to become socially literate, but also the skills that will allow them to use technology effectively, collaborate across networks, think creatively, and communicate with clarity and focus. As Karl Fisch, one of the co-creators of the "Did You Know" videos stated, "We are currently preparing students for jobs that don't exist, using technologies that haven't been invented, in order to solve problems we don't even know are problems yet."

When you think about schools in those terms, it can make the job of teaching and learning seem unattainable. Fortunately, the NEASC standards provide a framework by which schools can approach these challenges and set a new standard for public education.

At Nipmuc, we have begun the process of identifying our core values and beliefs as we prepare to determine our 21st century learning expectations. I look forward to gaining feedback from our entire school community as we hold true to the strengths that define our school while complementing our curriculum with the skills that will guide our students toward success.

Breakfast with Guidance

2011-10-17T09:55:00.002-04:00

As a reminder, on Tuesday, October 18 the Nipmuc Guidance Department will run its first "Breakfast with Guidance" of the 2011 - 2012 school year from 8am – 9am in the Nipmuc PDC. Presenter Michael Delman will join us to discuss how to coach students to success in high school. Please see the information below for more details on the presentation. Space is limited for this opportunity. Please contact Ona Moore at omoore@mursd.org or 508-529-2140 if you would like to attend.

Description of the Program:
Parents can't do it all. In fact, by high school, many parents are lucky if they can get a sentence or two across to their teen children without being seen as hopelessly outdated and receiving an eye roll. Thinking Outside the Classroom is an Executive Function coaching company that will share some of their tips with us on October 18 from 8-9 am. In their own words, "The 40 coaches in their company have the huge advantage of not being the parents of our clients, so even though our own kids might roll their eyes at us at times, other people's kids are willing to try our techniques. When they start getting results, we make sure that they know the tools are theirs now." The tools they will show us are ones that you can show your high school kids, and they will like most of them. The key is the word "show" … and to make sure that they don't think that the ideas came from you:) The focus will be on planning out long-term assignments (papers and projects) and on preparing effectively for school tests.

About the Presenter: After teaching in the Southborough Public School system, Michael Delman founded and served as principal for the McAuliffe Regional Public Charter School. As President of Thinking Outside the Classroom, he has created a dynamic, eclectic, and, above all, effective approach to helping students become more internally motivated and capable of attaining their goals. He received his Master’s in Education from Lesley University and his Bachelor’s degree from Brown University. Mr. Delman has been recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Education as a Distinguished Educator and received the Teacher Incentive Award from the Anti-Defamation League.

Taking on the AP Challenge

2011-10-15T16:15:00.000-04:00

Juniors Krystina SanSoucie,
Meaghan Roche, Morgan Poe, and
Nicole Scott discuss a passage
in an AP Language and
Composition session.

As students registered for their classes during the spring of 2011, they were often reminded of the benefits of taking courses that would challenge them. Likewise, teachers and counselors also told our students that if they chose a rigorous course of study, they should be prepared to make a true commitment to those classes. On Saturday morning, 50 students in Advanced Placement English classes stepped up to that challenge.

Arriving at Nipmuc at 7am on Saturday morning, these students resisted the urge to sleep late or take the morning off in favor of taking part in a day-long study session. As part of the grant received from the Massachusetts Math and Science Initiative, students in Advanced Placement English, math, and science courses are offered three Saturday study sessions to help prepare them for the course-ending test. These sessions, provided in collaboration with Marlboro High School, Blackstone Valley Technical High School, and Milford High School, allow our students a chance to collaborate with students and teachers from different schools in an effort to improve their preparation for the test.

As we boarded the bus on Saturday morning to head to Marlboro High School, I was very proud to see the energy and determination of Nipmuc's students. Joined by English teachers - Mrs. Kyrka and Mr. Michael Clements - the students worked diligently through four sessions on topics ranging from test-taking strategies to rhetorical devices to writing an effective argument.

As always, I was proud of the way our students represented our school. The quality of their questions, the insight of their comments, and their willingness to collaborate were a great representation of the high quality work they do each day at our school.

Blackstone Valley Youth Leadership Academy

2011-10-14T07:27:00.000-04:00

The Blackstone Valley Education Foundation’s Youth Leadership Academy is in the process of recruting for the 2011-2012 school year. Over the years, Nipmuc's freshmen and sophomores have enjoyed this opportunity to develop and hone their leadership skills as part of this program.

Selected students will have the opportunity to work with approximately 25 students from other schools across the Blackstone Valley. Participants will complete nearly 35 hours practicing leadership skills and qualities while they create, manage and implement a community service project.

Every session is held at a different community location throughout the valley so students are exposed and learn the heritage of their neighboring towns. During this journey, students will meet and be mentored by community leaders, learn critical project management and presentation skills, decision making, problem solving as well as critical thinking skills.

The BVYLA program is an opportunity to forge new relationships and to experience accountability outside of the classroom, which can build self-esteem, self-awareness, and self-confidence amount those who have not yet experienced those milestones.

Applications for the BVYLA can be obtained in the main office or through the link below. All interested freshmen and sophomore students are encouraged to apply.

BVYLA Application

BVYLA Schedule of Events:

Boston College Splash

2011-10-11T14:00:00.000-04:00

On Thursday of this week our guidance department will host representatives from more than 70 colleges and universities as part of our annual college fair. During this event our students have the chance to learn about schools that might interest them and to find out what makes each school unique.

This event provides a great chance for Nipmuc students to test the waters of the college search. For those looking to take the next step in their preparation for college, Boston College's Splash program may provide the chance they are looking for to plunge right into the college experience.

BC Splash is a free program offered to high school students that allows them to take a course taught by BC students in an area that interests them. The classes take place on the Chestnut Hill campus and give high school students the chance to work with current undergraduates on a topic that interests them. This year's offerings cover a range of topics including classes like "The Classics in the Modern World", "The Entrepreneur State of Mind", "Political Structures and Policies in the World of Harry Potter", and "The Chemistry of Cooking."

Shannon Guertin and fellow senior
Isabel Welch at the Spring 2011
BC Splash

Although BC Splash is only two years old, Nipmuc is fortunate to have some current students who took part in this activity last year. Current senior Shannon Guertin attended last year's Splash and found the program so meaningful that she signed up to be an outreach representative for the 2011 program. Shannon found the program worthwhile not only for the knowledge she gained in classes like "Miracles of the Human Heart" and "Successful College Essay Writing", but also for the chance to "explore the campus and get a feel for college life [while] interacting with students."

With Shannon's help, I'm hopeful to extend this opportunity to as many Nipmuc students as possible. As Shannon mentioned when we spoke about the program, "It can give an edge - especially to seniors - by giving them a chance to take classes and explore topics they want to study later." For other students Splash is "a chance to motivate them... and to see a college campus and get a sense of what they want to do when they get older."

BC Splash will take place on Sunday, November 13 beginning at 10am. Please check out the program's website for information about participation, parking, and FAQs.

You can view the program of studies for the day below:

Check out this video from last year's Splash:

Progress Reports/Guidance Updates

2011-10-03T13:55:00.002-04:00

Updates:

As a reminder, please be aware that we will send our students home with progress reports this afternoon. Should you have any questions about your child's grade, please feel free to contact his/her teacher.
On Wednesday evening (October 5) our guidance department will host a Senior College Planning Night at 7pm in the Nipmuc auditorium. Senior students participated in a student version of this presentation on Thursday of last week. Students are welcome, but not required to attend as this presentation is organized primarily for parents.
PSATs will take place at Nipmuc on Wednesday, October 12. All sophomores will participate in this test as well as any junior who would like to take part. All students need to stop by the guidance office to register for the test. The deadline to sign up for the test is Thursday of this week.
Nipmuc will host a college fair for students on Thursday, October 13 beginning at 9:30am. Representatives from over 70 colleges and universities will be available to meet with students.
The Nipmuc guidance department will host its first "Breakfast with Guidance" of the 2011-2012 school year on October 18 at 8am in the Nipmuc PDC. Counselors will welcome Michael Delman - President of Thinking Outside the Classroom - to present "Executive Functioning Coaching: How Your Child Can Have the Right Skills for Success in High School and Beyond." Mr. Delman will present on strategies and techniques that parents can utilize to foster the development of skills needed to complete tasks in all domains of student life. Space is limited for this presentation. Please contact Ona Moore to reserve your seat at 508-529-2140 or omoore@mursd.org.

Please be aware that automatic notifications of blog posts via email are often delayed by several hours. I am working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Thank you.

Nipmuc Homecoming

2011-09-25T22:26:00.000-04:00

It is about this time each year that the color of the trees provides the first indication of the change in season. As you drive on the roads of Mendon and Upton, you can find bursts of yellow and gold in the foliage - a sure sign that autumn is on its way. Similarly, as each September comes to an end at Nipmuc Regional, the celebration of our homecoming weekend marks another change of sorts. For our students, homecoming signifies that our year is in full swing. When we reach homecoming weekend, we know that the introductions and adjustments of coming back to school have been made. Homecoming is a chance to celebrate the new year and show pride in being part of our school.

Junior and senior students
at the DECA cookout

Homecoming events began on Friday with the DECA cookout and student activities fair. DECA - a business and marketing group that gives students a chance to apply their classroom learning to the world of business - provided great food and excitement for our entire student body. The students' hard work along with donations of local businesses, the support of our volunteer chefs from the Upton Police Department, and the guidance of Mr. Gary Perras helped to start our day with enthusiasm. After filling up on hamburgers and hot dogs, our students attended the activities fair where over 400 students signed up to be part of different extracurricular groups.

By 1:30pm our students had gathered in the gym for our homecoming pep rally to cheer on our teams (click here for Rachel Burke's rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner from the pep rally). Despite having our athletic schedule altered by the rain, our teams had a successful weekend including the inaugural game for our fledgling volleyball program and a victory for the football team against Bartlett on Saturday.

Homecoming King & Queen
Katie Estabrook & Matt D'Innocenzo

On Saturday evening nearly 500 students returned to the school for the homecoming dance. Throughout the day on Saturday our student council volunteered at the school to decorate the gym and prepare for the festivities. Their efforts paid off as we had a great night and a wonderful celebration of homecoming.

Thanks to the planning, organization, and enthusiasm of our student council, this year's homecoming was an especially memorable weekend of celebration and pride. StuCo advisers - Mrs. Janis Grady and Mr. Nick Pezzote - along with the StuCo leaders and members deserve a great deal of credit for hosting a wonderful weekend of events and ushering in this new stage of the school year with style.

College Planning Night/ Back to School Night

2011-09-21T17:09:00.003-04:00

I am looking forward to welcoming parents to Nipmuc tomorrow night from 6:30pm - 8:30pm for our Back to School Night. In preparation for this evening, I have included below a copy of the Nipmuc Activity Guide. Please be aware that student representatives from each of the groups will be available on Thursday night to provide you with additional information about their clubs and organizations.

In addition to offering a reminder about tomorrow's Back to School Night, I also wanted to let parents of seniors know about the guidance department's college planning presentation. Parents of seniors should review the included letter that provides information about Senior College Planning Night to be held in the Nipmuc auditorium at 7pm on Wednesday, October 5.

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
John Clements

Nipmuc Activities Guide:

Senior College Planning Night Letter:

Please be aware that automatic notifications of blog posts via email are often delayed by several hours. I am working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Thank you.

Nipmuc Travelling Art Show

2011-09-20T15:27:00.000-04:00

If you've ever had the chance to walk through the halls of Nipmuc Regional, then you are familiar with the tremendous student artwork that decorates our corridors and stairwells. Whenever I am welcoming teachers or administrators from other schools to our building, I always begin the tour of our building by showing this display of student artwork. Each one of the paintings, drawings, and photographs on our walls provides a great source of pride for our school and a wonderful introduction to the creativity, skill, and achievement of our students and teachers.

We know how fortunate we are to spend each day surrounded by a gallery of student work. We are also excited that each year is a new chance to share this work with the community. Each year the Nipmuc Art Society puts together a collection of some of the most accomplished student artwork to be part of the Nipmuc Regional High School Travelling Art Show. This professionally framed collection of student work is then made available for local businesses to display for a month at a time for a donation of $100. These donations are then used to fund art scholarships for students in the current senior class.

I am excited to let you know that Dean Bank in Mendon is the site of the first showing of the 2011 Travelling Art Show. The show will be displayed until October 31st. We are very thankful for the support provided by Dean Bank and hope that you will stop by to view the show.

Congratulations to the students whose work is part of this year's show including: Aislyne Calianos, Bethany Laquidara, Celia Taylor, Hailey Smith, Hannah Smith, Jennifer Pittman, Kelsey Campbell, Marisa Camden, Michaela Arrigo, Michaela Bolotin, Skylar Griswold, Timothy Sabean, Danielle LaCroix, Nicole LaCroix, and Chenoa TraceyStone.

Congratulations, also, to our art teachers - Mr. Kevin Campbell, Mrs. Alison Clish, and Ms. Jessica Grady (now teaching at Memorial School) - for their inspired teaching of our artists.

Travelling Art Show Brochure:

Please be aware that automatic notifications of blog posts via email are often delayed by several hours. I am working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Thank you.

Safety Drill

2011-09-16T09:51:00.000-04:00

Good morning,
I am writing to let you know that just a few minutes ago our school conducted a planned drill to practice our lockdown procedure. In cooperation with the Upton Police Department, we practice this procedure each year to be sure we have an effective plan in place to keep our students safe in the event of an emergency.

When holding class meetings last week, we informed our students that we would continue to hold these drills and thanked them in advance for their cooperation. During today's practice, our students were once again respectful and cooperative. I am thankful for their help, the guidance of the teachers and staff members, and the assistance of the police department in conducting this safety drill.

Should you have any questions about today's planned safety drill, please feel free to contact me at jclements@mursd.org.

Thank you,
John Clements

Back to School Night

2011-09-15T16:41:00.000-04:00

As we begin our year, I am very pleased to invite parents to join us for Back to School Night at Nipmuc. Please know that our students are not expected to attend. The scheduled evening for parents of students in grades 9-12 is Thursday, September 22, 2011 from 6:30 – 8:30pm. Back to School Night will give you an opportunity to meet your child’s teachers, become familiar with the curriculum and extracurricular activities as well as see where your child spends the day. We will meet briefly in the auditorium to welcome you. Parents will then follow their child’s schedule. Schedules with corresponding room numbers will be available that evening.

Another opportunity for you to meet with your child’s teachers will be in November after the first term report card has been issued. Conferences are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 17 from 12-2:00 p.m. and on Thursday, November 18 from 6-8:00 p.m.

I hope as many of you as possible will be able to join us on September 22. As always, should you have questions concerning Back to School Night or anything pertaining to your child’s education here at Nipmuc, please feel free to call our main office.

Remembering September 11th

2011-09-09T21:58:00.000-04:00

An important part of the start of each school day at Nipmuc is the reading of the morning announcements from the student group affectionately known as "The Voice of Nipmuc". Just after the ringing of the 7:30am bell which starts our school day, our students can rely on the The Voice of Nipmuc to provide the pledge to the flag, announcements of the day, and some words of wisdom. As we have made our transition back from summer vacation, we've looked to The Voice of Nipmuc as a way to help us return to the routine of being in school. Today, however, The Voice of Nipmuc provided an important reminder that this September morning was far from routine.

Included below is the announcement prepared and read by Brian Mullen, a senior member of the Voice of Nipmuc, reminding our school to remember the lasting impact of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

"This Sunday is the ten year anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11th. Four airplanes were hijacked by terrorists. Flights 11, 77, 93, and 175 were commandeered by terrorists. Flights 11 and 175 crashed into the north and south towers of the World Trade Center. Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon and Flight 93 was courageously reclaimed by the passengers and crashed in Pennsylvania. Many were affected by the losses of September 11th and we must not forget the courage displayed that fateful day.

On November 11th, 2001, President George W. Bush said, 'Time is passing. Yet, for the United States there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of children.'

I would now like to take a long moment of silence to remember all those lost and affected by September 11.

Thank you and may we all live in an indivisible nation with liberty and justice for all."

I am extremely thankful for Brian's leadership and for reminding us of the courage of those who lost their lives, the lasting impact of the tragedy, and the power of the American spirit.

School Picture Day

2011-09-08T16:10:00.000-04:00

Please be aware that Grynn and Barrett photographers will be at Nipmuc on Friday, September 9 for school picture day. Students will be coming home this afternoon with picture order forms and information about popular picture packages and pricing. Students should bring the picture day envelope and payment with them when they return to school on Friday.
Thank you.

The Start of a New Year

2011-09-07T17:46:00.006-04:00

After a week of frustration in dealing with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene, we were thrilled to welcome our students back to school on Tuesday. Although the weather provided a wet start to the school year, the students didn't let the rain dampen their spirits. The first day back at school was a chance to reconnect with their friends, meet their teachers, and learn about the experiences they will share throughout the school year.

For the 800 students who attend Nipmuc, the start of new school year is a time of transition, change, and anticipation. Certainly, there is a palpable excitement about catching up with friends and discussing the summer. However, the start of the school year is also a time to establish new goals, to confront the anxiety of taking on new challenges, and to prepare for the rigors of the work ahead.

As an educator and a parent, I look at the start of the new school year with great optimism. I also recognize my responsibility to see this experience from a student's point of view. With that in mind, I asked some of Nipmuc's finest student leaders for insight on the first days of school. I am glad to share
their thoughts, and I hope that it provides a window into the beginning of our year.

Katie Estabrook
Student Council President

On returning to school: "We all like to pretend that we hate going back to school, but once we all walk into Nipmuc there is a visible buzz of excitement. Each new class is a new adventure. The summer is amazing, but I really do love coming back to Nipmuc with all my Warrior friends."

With advice for freshmen: "The biggest advice I can give is to branch out, make new friends, and don't be afraid to try new things. Really enjoy it because pretty soon you will be crossing the stage at graduation."

Stephen Lukas
President: Class of 2013

On the challenges of the school year: "Personally, I will face the challenge of two AP tests, SATs, and rigorous finals. However, I am confident that with the help of my devoted teachers, I will score well on these tests."

With advice for freshmen: "I advise the members of the freshman class to open up the lines of communication with their teachers. Also, keep in mind that despite the plethora of school opportunities, academics should be first in your priorities."

Emily Wojtowicz
President: Class of 2014

On the excitement of the start of the school year: "It's always an excitement to come back to school and see everyone you haven't seen all summer and to get your schedule and find out what classes you have...This year I actually got bored of summer. I just wanted the first day of school to come already!"

On goals for herself and the Class of 2014: "This year, I would like to challenge myself and really make everyone in my class feel comfortable and accepted. As a class, I'd like to challenge my peers to become more involved in the school and become more united as a class together!"

Dan Consigli
President: Class of 2012

With advice for freshmen: "The best advice I have for freshmen is to make your school work your top priority and to try your best on all of your work because it will pay off."

On the challenges of the year: "The most challenging aspect of senior year is balancing all of one's work while filling out college applications."

As you can see, Nipmuc is fortunate to have such thoughtful and enthusiastic student leaders. Through their guidance, we are excited to build on the momentum of these first days as we look forward to the year ahead!

Back to School (Finally!)

2011-09-05T17:01:00.000-04:00

With Hurricane Irene behind us, I'm glad to know that tomorrow will be the official start of the 2011-2012 school year. I hope that everyone's power has been restored and that the Labor Day weekend provided a chance to relax after a difficult week.

Included below are a few notes about students' first day of classes:

Schedules will be passed out to students as they arrive on Tuesday morning. All students - even freshmen who picked up their schedules on the day of the 9th grade orientation - should get a schedule from the following locations:

Freshmen - Auditorium
Sophomores - Cafeteria
Juniors - Left side of the gym
Seniors - Right side of the gym

If not for last week's cancellations, tomorrow would have been the fourth day of the current school year. With that in mind, tomorrow will run as a "Day 4" on the Nipmuc six-day cycle. The order of classes will be F-D-C-E. After picking up their schedules, students will report to their F block class. The Miscoe Hill School will also begin its year on a Day 4 schedule.

Enjoy the last few hours of your Labor Day weekend. I am excited to welcome our students back to school tomorrow morning!

Nipmuc Volleyball: Parent Informational Night

2011-09-05T17:00:00.000-04:00

Nipmuc High School Volleyball: Parent Informational Meeting for Girls' and Boys' Program

September 7, 2011 at 6pm in the Nipmuc gym
Please note that the athletic fee for volleyball will be $375/athlete

Girls' JV Volleyball Team Tryouts:

September 8, 2:30pm - 4:30pm in the Nipmuc gym
Tryouts continue September 9, 12, and 13
Before trying out, students must return a completed "green card" which is available in the main office at Nipmuc. No one is allowed to tryout without this completed form.

Recommended Equipment for Tryouts:

Kneepads, athletic sneakers, athletic clothing (you may want to bring a long sleeved athletic t-shirt), and water.
Please do not wear any jewelery or jeans.

If you have any questions regarding the program please attend the Sept 7^th meeting or email Coach Corey at Christinecorey4@gmail.com.

Nipmuc High School Volleyball Boosters

https://sites.google.com/site/nipmucvolleyballboosters/

email: NipmucHSVB@gmail.com

Announcement: First Day of School Postponed until Tuesday, September 6

2011-08-31T16:58:00.000-04:00

There will be no school in the Mendon-Upton Regional School District on Thursday, September 1. Once again, the reason that school may not be held tomorrow is that there is no electricty or running water at Miscoe Hill Middle School. At present time, approximately 50% of Mendon still does not have power. According to National Grid, power will be restored by September 4 at 12 AM.

As Friday, September 2 is already not a scheduled school day, our first day of school in the district for all students, grades 1-12, will be Tuesday, September 6. Buses and school start times will be per usual.

Announcement: 2nd Postponement of the First Day of School

2011-08-30T19:41:00.000-04:00

There will be no school in the Mendon-Upton Regional School District on Wednesday, August 31. The primary reason for this decision is the fact that Miscoe Hill Middle School still does not have power or running water. According to the Mendon DPW, approximately 75% of Mendon still does not have power, and the prospects for restoration of power at Miscoe for tomorrow morning do not look very good. Additionally, approximately 25% of Upton residents still have not had their power restored.

We are monitoring this situation very carefully, and unfortunately, need to make a decision on the start of school on a daily basis.

Right now we are planning on starting school on Thursday, September 1. Buses and school start times will per usual.

Announcement: First Day of School Postponement

2011-08-28T21:15:00.000-04:00

Due to the conditions following the hurricane, the staff orientation scheduled for Monday, August 29, 2011 has been postponed to Tuesday, August 30, 2011. Staff should report to the Nipmuc Regional High School Cafeteria at 8:00am on Tuesday for staff orientation.

The first day for students has been postponed from Tuesday, August 30, 2011 to Wednesday, August 31, 2011. Students should report to school on Wednesday at the regularly scheduled time.

What Did You Do on Your Summer Vacation?

2011-08-25T17:17:00.000-04:00

For many high school students, a discussion about their summer vacation might lead to a conversation about summer jobs, afternoons relaxing on sun-soaked beaches, or carefree weekends spent with their friends. While many students opted to enjoy the beautiful weather and the opportunity to relax this summer, a group of eighteen Nipmuc students used their vacation as a chance to combine travel, adventure, and community service in a three-week trip that would change their lives.

On July 13, this group of students, accompanied by Nipmuc Spanish teacher Julie Jussaume, departed for Oaxaca, Mexico for the beginning of their journey. Working with World Challenge Expeditions, these students embarked on a trip that not only provided them with a chance to visit another country and to learn about a new culture, but also to develop their skills as leaders and collaborators. With the guidance of Miss Jussaume and the team from World Challenge, our students undertook the responsibility of planning each aspect of their trip. In preparation for their adventure, they organized fundraisers, practiced their wilderness safety skills, and worked to come together as a team.

Early today, I had the chance to meet with these students and Miss Jussaume to learn about their trip, view their pictures, and enjoy their stories. It was wonderful to hear about their activities, including day-long hikes through the rainforest and mountains of Sierra Norte, parades in Oaxaca, festivals in San Cristobal, and swimming with the sharks in Belize. While these experiences may sound glamorous, I learned that their trip provided a series of challenges that tested them on a daily basis. Some of these struggles came from dealing with bugs, snakes, and tarantulas; others came in the form of unrelenting rain, illness, and injury.

Beyond these obstacles, what made this trip an adventure rather than a vacation is the willingness of the team to take on new challenges. As part of their expedition, each student had the opportunity to lead the team for a day. During that time they made all decisions for their group including how to spend their budget, which modes of transportation to use, and how to handle unforeseen complications. They also had to learn to come together as a team and to rely on each other in order to conquer these problems. Whether carrying the pack of an injured friend on a nine hour hike, cheering each other toward a successful river crossing, or keeping the team’s spirits elevated after a pelting rainstorm, they continually found strength to support each other.

In addition, these students spent four days volunteering their time at a water conservation demonstration site outside of Oaxaca. While there, they planted trees, leveled areas for planting, built water filtration systems, cleared dams, and moved compost. On this trip our students abandoned sightseeing and relaxation in favor of discovering ways to make a meaningful connection with the people and places they visited.

When you see the following “World Challengers” please congratulate them on their experience and for being such a great representation of our school and community:
Catherine Adcock, Haley Alexson, Jordan Alexson, Chris Alleman, Matt Annesi, Mike Annesi, Amelia Baynham, Kelsey Campbell, Emily Ciantra, Matt D’Innocenzo, Liam Drennan, Wally Esker, Ethan Fortin, Caitlin Lewis, Fernando Pugleasa, Richie Schofield, Jack Street, and Deanna Valcour

In addition, I’d like to thank Miss Jussaume for continuing to be such a great supporter of this life changing adventure for students. The trip to Mexico marks the fourth time she has guided our students on this type of journey. We can’t wait for the next expedition!

Welcome to the Nipmuc Regional High School Principal's Blog

2011-08-24T14:24:00.001-04:00

Thank you for visiting the Nipmuc Regional High School Principal's Blog. I am very excited to begin my first year as principal of Nipmuc and I look forward to using this blog regularly as a way to maintain contact with our students, teachers, parents, and community members. Over the course of the past twelve years, I have enjoyed the privilege to work as a teacher and assistant principal at Nipmuc. During that time I have been fortunate to see the high quality of teaching and learning that takes place in our classrooms each day. As I begin my work as principal, I am looking forward to the opportunity to share the success of our students, the skill of our teachers, and the news of our school community through this blog.

I encourage you to follow this blog as a way to learn more about our school and to stay connected to the Nipmuc community.

With excitement for the coming year,
John Clements

Welcome New Students and the Class of 2015

2011-08-24T12:51:00.001-04:00

Nipmuc burst back to life this morning as Mrs. Moran and I welcomed our new students and the members of the Class of 2015 to our high school. Approximately 200 students joined us to participate in our student orientation. The beginning of each school year is always a time filled with anticipation. In meeting with our students today, we hoped to ease some of their anxiety about becoming part of a new school and to build enthusiasm for the year ahead.

Today our new students took their first steps in their high school journey. We reminded them that there is much to look forward to. In the years ahead they will acquire the skills that will guide them to success in college, careers, and beyond. In these years they will take important steps toward becoming writers, artists, musicians, and leaders. With their peers they will gain a new understanding of what it means to be teammates, performers, volunteers, and community members. Through their high school experience they will take bold steps toward their interests, their independence, and their futures. We are all familiar with the adage that "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Today our students took this step boldly. I look forward to traveling with them through the journey to come.

Freshman Orientation on Prezi

Each year the summer orientation is organized, planned, and run with tremendous help from our student council. This year we were fortunate to benefit from the leadership of student council president, Katie Estabrook, her dedicated e-board, and an enthusiastic council in making the day a success. While Mrs. Moran and I provided students with information about our school, our schedule, and academics at Nipmuc, the members of the student council were the stars of the day. Through their guidance, our students have a chance to ease their butterflies about the first day of school by finding their way around the building, learning about student life, and connecting with their classmates. Mrs. Moran and I would like to thank the council, as well as their advisors, Mrs. Grady and Mr. Pezzote, for making the day a success.

The 2011-2012 school year is off to a good start for our new students. We look forward to their return next week!