Feature Friday - Nipmuc Visits Harvard University for Computer Science Week

Nipmuc students preparing for their trip to Cambridge.

For the past few days students in schools across the country have been celebrating Computer Science Education Week, recognizing the growing importance of computer science in our schools. While over 90% of American schools do not teach computer science, Nipmuc has placed a growing emphasis on coding. Last year we introduced AP Computer Science, and this year all sophomores are getting a taste of CS as part of the Fundamentals of Mathematics course. We're excited that our computer science programming will continue to grow next year. 


In addition to celebrating "Hour of Code" (an opportunity for people to be introduced to coding through an hour-long intro activity - see video below), on Monday Nipmuc sent 45 female students to Harvard University to learn about coding. A follow-up to last year's TechGirlz workshop which brought five Harvard undergraduates to Nipmuc to work with our students, this visit to Harvard's campus was aimed at introducing and exciting our girls about the potential of studying computer science. 


As part of the day our students were able to participate in workshops run by Harvard students, visit a computer science fair, have lunch on campus, and hear a lecture from a Harvard professor. Nipmuc Regional was the only high school that was offered this opportunity. It was a great experience from a partnership that we would be thrilled to continue in the future. 


Included below are some questions and answers from four Nipmuc students - Ciara Larence, Jillian Penfield, Elizabeth Leblanc, and Emily O'Connell -  who were part of the larger group of 45. Enjoy!

Q: Where did your interest in computer science come from?

Ciara Larence:

A:  My interest in computer science began back in middle school. I took a computer lab class, and when we worked on websites I realized that I was pretty good at it and really enjoyed doing it. However, this was not the only reason that I started taking computer science. I have always been interested in the 'behind the scenes' of computers and technology, and really wanted to learn how things work. By taking the APCS class, I have realized that my interest in computer science has increased because it has made me realize how computers work and how little things written in code can change everything.

Elizabeth Leblanc:

A: Honestly, my interest in computer science came from this trip to Harvard. I had done minimal computer science work in fundamentals but this trip really sparked my interest in computer science and showed me that I could eventually see myself in a computer science career.

Emily O’Connell:

A: When I saw Web Design as a class option for my senior year I thought that it could be an interesting opportunity. Being able to create something that didn't exist before you coded it: I found that concept fascinating and really exciting.

         

Q: What was the most important part of the day for you?

Jillian Penfield:

A: The most important part of the day for me was definitely the CS50 Fair. There were students everywhere with their final projects willing to speak to us about them. There was everything from Apps to Google Chrome extensions, and robots to Software. Most of these students weren't even majoring in Computer Science and found out that they really loved it. It was so inspiring to hear all of these students' stories. It reminded me that maybe someday I could be standing in their position, just finishing my app/software/etc.  It helped to remind me how much I love computer science and how many routes you can go with it. 

Q: What was your greatest take-away from the day?


Ciara Larence:

A: My greatest take-away from the day was the fact that most of the students taking the CS50 class had never done any computer science before. I was blown away by the fact that they were able to create a range of things, all in a short period of time. I think that it made me realize that once you really devote yourself to something, you can achieve anything.  Some of the students had learned many different languages, and it was all just for the fun of it since they were majoring  in something completely unrelated to computer science. This made me realize that sometimes you should do things that you enjoy, just to learn it for the fun of it.

Elizabeth Leblanc:

A: I took away an increased knowledge of computer science. I realized that computer science isn't just a career for people who like to be alone on the computer. Computer science involves collaboration and a problem-solving thinking style that greatly appeals to me.

Jillian Penfield:

A: Seeing all the different things that can be done with computer science in the CS50 fair. I can confidently say that I plan to take at least one computer science course in college.

Q: What connection can you make between your current coursework and the Harvard trip?

Emily O’Connell:

A:  I can incorporate some of the simple JavaScript coding I learned at the Harvard workshop into creating my final website for my Web Design class. 

Jillian Penfield:

A:  At the Harvard trip I learned that code can be translated easily between different languages. You see in English it would be difficult to translate to Chinese or French. In Computer Science there are different languages such as Java, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, and more. Yes, they all have different commands and are different coding-wise, however logic-wise they are the same. Once you "code" your brain to think like a computer scientist, you can easily translate code between languages. It really shows that with computer science, you don't have to just choose one certain aspect. If you decide you want to make websites with HTML, and then change your mind to software with Java, it is okay. It shows that computer science as a major has so many options and really allows students to experiment with what they like and dislike.

Check out the video below to learn more about Hour of Code. 

Announcements December 8 - 12, 2014

Morning Announcements
National Honor Society potential candidates:  Service hours must be completed by 12/20 and portfolios are due on January 14th.

Service opportunities - Mr. Maloney needs help inputting names in a computer for a race.  The Warrior's Club needs concession stand workers.  Please see Mrs. Kyrka in room 217 to sign up.

There will be a donation box in the lobby until December 19th collecting children's books for homeless shelters in MA.  Please bring in any books in good condition to donate to this cause.

Join over 100 million students worldwide for the Hour of Code on December 10th from 2:15 - 3:15 in the computer lab 221.  All students are welcome.  Come learn about computer science and get an hour of hands-on experience in coding.

Anyone interested in participating in winter cheerleading, please sign up in the main office by Wednesday, December 10th.

Hope and Comfort, Inc. and Nipmuc Junior Sarah Plutnicki are working together to create a toiletry drive for the United Parish Food Pantry in Upton.  Donations are appreciated.  The most needed items are:  soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper and tissues.  There is a donation box for items in the Nipmuc main office.  The deadline to donate is Monday, December 15th.  Please contact Sarah Plutnicki for more information about the drive.

The DECA Volleyball Lock-In is coming up soon!  It will be held at Nipmuc on Friday, December 12th.  Sheets to sign up can be found in the cafeteria, the school store, and in Mr. Cody's or Mr. Perras' rooms.  Cost is $12 per person, so grab some friends, make some creative shirts, and come play some volleyball!~  Hope to see you there!!

Applications are available in the office and on the school website for the January Drivers Education Classroom Program.  Classes will be held beginning on January 13th on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. for 5 weeks.


School Counseling Center Announcements

Attention students and teachers, as some of you may have started to notice, the Guidance Office is changing its name to the School Counseling Center.  Please see Mrs. Grady in the SCC to make appointments with your counselor and check out the school counseling blog for more information about this change at nipmucschoolcounseling.blogspot.com.

Seniors, every year Nipmuc seniors have the opportunity to apply for thousands of dollars worth of scholarships. Start checking Naviance regularly for information about available scholarships and see Mrs. Hefez if you have any questions.

If you would like to train to become a lifeguard or would like a job as a lifeguard, please stop by the School Counseling Center for more details. You can make as much as $550/week!!

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery will be given at Nipmuc on Thursday, December 11^th. Juniors and Seniors interested in taking the ASVAB should sign up in the School Counseling Center. You are not required to enter the military if you take this career assessment. For more information or if you have questions regarding the ASVAB exam, please contact your school counselor.

For any student who may be interested in a career in professional photography and imaging, there is an open house at the Hallmark Institute of Photography in Turners Falls Massachusetts on Saturday, December 6^th from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

There will be a representative from the University of Hartford on Monday, December 15^th at 8:30 in the Gathering Room. Please sign up in the School Counseling Center if you are interested in attending.

A representative from Lincoln Technical Institute will be here on Thursday, December 18^th at 10:30 in the Gathering Room. Please sign up in the School Counseling Center if you are interested in attending.

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

Student Feature Friday - Nipmuc Drama Presents "Grease"!

What a pleasure it was last night to see the opening performance of Grease by Nipmuc Drama. It was an amazing show highlighting the tremendous talent of our students and directors - Mr. LaPete and Mrs. Tremblay. The cast and crew have been working tirelessly over the course of the past two months. Their work paid off in a memorable opening night. I'm happy to invite you to see the show in its two remaining performances - Saturday at 7:30pm or Sunday at 2pm. The show will not disappoint!

To get more information about the production. I met with student-leaders of Nipmuc drama to have them tell me about the play and their experiences putting on the show.

Molly Craft

Q.What has been the best part of being a member of the cast/crew?
A.  Being a part of the cast is the best feeling.  It feels like a family.  Everyone is working toward the same goal – to put on an entire production for just three nights.  We work together, we help each other, and there is this sense of comradery between the members.  We’re a huge cast, but since much of our time after school is spent in that small auditorium, we become a family.   Being a part of that family is such a food feeling.  I miss it during the summer more than anything.

Matt DeVane
Q.  What should an audience know in advance of coming to the play?
A. This is meant to be a fun show, so feel free to bring your friends and laugh loudly.  Don’t hold back; we love to hear you.  Unless you’re on your cellphone! Also, no flash photography, please.

Molly King
Q.  What is your favorite scene in the play?
A. I would have to say the opening scene has become my favorite.  It is one of those numbers that was put together later but it just pumps up the whole cast and really gives everyone the energy to perform a huge musical such as this.

Sarah Prescott
Q. What is the greatest challenge in putting together the production?  How did the cast/crew overcome this challenge?
A. I think the biggest challenge we’ve had to overcome as a cast is the idea that you are in the 1950s in something as iconic as Grease.  It is essential to the success of the show that the audience believes you’re from the right era.  The 50s was a whole world apart from the 2000s we know.  But when everyone acts and plays off each other, slipping into the role can be done with much practice.  I believe it has been accomplished due to the fact that the cast and crew are very close.  We make it all come together.

Somaiya Rowland
Q. What has been the most rewarding part of putting together this production of Grease?
A. Being a part of a show is always a unique and empowering experience.  The most rewarding part is often the feeling of achievement and pride that is created by a successful performance.  The cast and crew are brought together in friendship and a shared sense of unity.  When we put ourselves up on stage for the world to see, we are constantly challenging our identity as workers and performers.  We live through the stress of tech week and rehearsals together.  We fought hard for our show, and to see it come together validates us as a group.  To see that our audience is brought to a new emotional or mental state by our show (or at least likes it) brings us together as a group.  We all have a passion for drama, and being a part of a performance is all the reward we care about.

Nipmuc Drama Performs Grease!

Nipmuc Drama is excited to perform a production of Grease on Thursday, December 4th (7:30pm), Saturday, December 6th (7:30pm), and Sunday, and 7th (2pm). Please note there is no performance on Friday, December 5th. Tickets can be purchased in advance by following this link or at the door.

Check the below video of a flash mob performed by the Grease cast promoting the upcoming show.

Announcements December 1 - 5, 2014

Morning Announcements
Any student attending the Harvard Computer Science field trip on Monday, 12/8 - please check your school email at the end of the day today for important information about the trip.

Anyone interested in participating in winter cheerleading, please sign up in the main office by Wednesday, December 10th.

Come support your peers in "Grease" this Thursday, 12/4, Saturday, 12/6 at 7:30 p.m. & Sunday, 12/7 at 2:00 p.m.  Bring your friends and family - it's going to be a blast!  For more information see Soimayia Roaland or Sarah Prescott.

Attention all Class of 2015 John & Abigail Adams Scholars - please report to the lobby on Tuesday,, 12/2 at 1:50 p.m.

Hope and Comfort, Inc. and Nipmuc Junior Sarah Plutnicki are working together to create a toiletry drive for the United Parish Food Pantry in Upton.  Donations are appreciated.  The most needed items are:  soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper and tissues.  There is a donation box for items in the Nipmuc main office.  The deadline to donate is Monday, December 15th.  Please contact Sarah Plutnicki for more information about the drive.

The DECA Volleyball Lock-In is coming up soon!  It will be held at Nipmuc on Friday, December 12th.  Sheets to sign up can be found in the cafeteria, the school store, and in Mr. Cody's or Mr. Perras' rooms.  Cost is $12 per person, so grab some friends, make some creative shirts, and come play some volleyball!~  Hope to see you there!!

Applications are available in the office and on the school website for the January Drivers Education Classroom Program.  Classes will be held beginning on January 13th on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. for 5 weeks.

Help the Kids Flicks Organization create movie libraries for children in hospitals by donating your old children's DVDs.  There is a box in the office to collection your donations.

Athletic Announcements
Reminder to all Swim Team members - meet by the locker rooms immediately after school today before leaving for the pool.

Attention Senior Athletes:  If you are signing letters of intent you must see Mr. Leaver as soon as possible.

Another reminder to fall athletes - uniforms must be returned before you can participate in winter athletics.

Attention to all those trying out for winter teams - your green cards must be filled out and signed before you can try out.  Any questions, see Mr. Leaver.

Guidance Announcements

There will be a representative from the University of Hartford on Monday, December 15th at 8:30 in the gathering room.  Please sign up in the guidance office if you are interested in attending.

A representative from Lincoln Technical Institute will be here on Thursday, December 18th at 10:30 in the gathering room.  Please sign up in the guidance office if you are interested in attending.
 

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery will be given at Nipmuc on Thursday, December 11^th.  Juniors and Seniors interested in taking the ASVAB should sign up in the Guidance Office.  You are not required to enter the military if you take this career assessment.  For more information or if you have questions regarding the ASVAB exam, please contact your guidance counselor. 

All students are reminded to check out the guidance blog for information on college open houses,

SAT/ACT information and general guidance announcements.