Student Feature Friday - Jacob Spencer & Izaiah Wadsworth Attend BVEF's Manufacturing Day

Jacob Spencer and Izaiah Wadsworth:
Nipmuc's Representatives for Manufacturing Day

One of the exciting additions to Nipmuc's programming is the establishment of its 21st Century Learning Center and its expanded efforts with college, career, and community readiness. As part of this focus, Nipmuc was excited to participate in Manufacturing Day. On October 2nd, Nipmuc seniors Izaiah Wadsworth and Jacob Spencer, accompanied by teacher Roy Spindel, traveled to Omni Controls in Whitinsville for a day of learning about the momentum behind American manufacturing and the possibilities of a career in this field.

The event was brought to Nipmuc through the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation, providing a meaningful connection between the academic culture of our school and opportunities to apply that learning in the real world.

We were thrilled to be able to send Jacob and Izaiah to this opportunity. In meeting with them, I was impressed with their explanation of the day's activities, their interaction with the CEO of Omni, and the takeaways they gained form this experience. 

The event was organized by Nipmuc's Community and Career Coordinator, Elizabeth Hennessy. In discussing the practical and inspirational value of the day she stated,  "Manufacturing Day provided an authentic context for the practical application of skills taught in high school.  This experience enabled students to envision themselves in manufacturing career pathways and  STEM careers they had not known existed in the Blackstone Valley."

We are thankful to the Mrs. Hennessy, Omni Controls, and the BVEF for providing this experience to Izaiah and Jacob. I'm happy to share some of their thoughts about the day below.

Izaiah Wadsworth
Q. What were some of the most interesting parts of the experience?
A. Manufacturing day was a great experience. It had a lot of opportunities and hands-on activities that I was able to incorporate into the day. My view on manufacturing as a whole really changed and gave me a lot of information that I didn't know about at the time.
Q. What did you learn about manufacturing and the skills needed to succeed in the manufacturing field?
A. I learned many new things about manufacturing such as, how it works, the procedures and steps needed to succeed in the field.
Q. How will this experience affect your future?
A. This could really affect my future because it gave me a lot of new ideas for careers and also interested me enough to maybe even pursue something in the manufacturing field.

Jacob Spencer
Q. Tell me about manufacturing day. What were some of the most interesting parts of the experience?
A. We experienced how to design large computer boards, and we were allowed to build the basics of one ourselves.
Q. What did you learn about manufacturing and the skills needed to succeed in the manufacturing field?
A. I learned that hands-on skills are important with this field, and that the process is a lengthy design process.
Q. How will this experience affect your future?
A. I now have interest to go into this field.

Announcements October 13 - 16, 2015

Morning Announcements
Congratulations and good luck to the golf team!  The team is at the DVC Championship today - they finished 13-2-1!

Attention All Book Club Members:  The first book club book is available in the media center.  Please see Mrs. V.  Any students who have not yet signed up for the book club and would like to join, please see Mrs. V. in the media center.

Last chance to join the Nipmuc PBS High School Quiz Show Team!  If you would like to be part of the team, please stop by room 336 and give Dr. Narod the necessary contact information.

There will be a meeting for all who signed up to participate in the Humanities Scholars Collaborative in Mr. Merten's room 334 on Thursday, 10/ 15, during second break.

Change in date! There will be a second informational meeting for any student interested in the Spain 2017 trip.  This meeting is only for interested students and their parent who did not attend the first meeting.  The meeting will be Monday, October 26th, in room 239 at 7 p.m.

Homecoming tickets will be sold starting this Friday, 10/16 until 10/23 at both breaks.  Tickets are $15 and will not be sold at the door!

Tickets for the Student vs. Faculty Basketball game will be sold beginning Friday, 10/16 - 10/26.  $5 before - $7 at the door.

There is a sign up sheet in the office for any girls interested in playing basketball this year.
Anyone interested in submitting a portfolio for the National Honor Society, please meet at either 1st or 2nd break in room 217 on Thursday, October 15th.  Seniors:  NHS portfolios are due on that
day.

Attention Seniors!  Grynn and Barrett will be here on Thursday, 10/15.  If you have not made an appointment to have your senior photo taken, please contact Grynn and Barrett to make an appointment.  You must have an appointment to have your photo taken at Nipmuc on 10/15.

Attention Nipmuc:  There will be a staff vs. student basketball game on Tuesday, 10/27, from 6-8 p.m. in the gym.  Come compete with your class to get a chance to play the teachers!  All proceeds will go toward the best FAST Nipmuc has ever seen!

Meeting for anyone interested in the swim team on October 15th at 2:15 p.m. in the gathering room.

Ski Club - Winter 2016 - Registration for Ski Club starts on Monday, October 5th and ends on Friday, October 16th.  Nipmuc students who are interested in registering for ski club, and their parents, should go to the ski club website at skiclubnipmuc.weebly.com for more details. You can also contact the ski club student e-board or the faculty advisors, Ms. Brazil - mbrazil@mursd.org - and Ms. Leja - cleja@mursd.org - with questions.

Win an authentic autographed Rob Gronkowski jersey!  Tickets:  1 for $10 - 3 for $20.  See Mr. Allen or Mr. Della Rovere for tickets.  All proceeds benefit the Nipmuc weight room.

Student Feature Friday - National Defense University Visits Nipmuc

Señora Blackburn's class hosting our
guests from the National Defense University.

"This is amazing. The students are friends with their teachers. The teachers do not rule, they lead." 

"Students are so mature in their time management - to balance so many things with so much autonomy." 

"The school is beautiful, so the students know their education will be beautiful."

-National Defense University International Students 

Last Friday Nipmuc was fortunate to welcome nearly 70 international students from the National Defense University (NDU) to meet with students and learn about American education. Our visitors included representatives from approximately 60 countries who are earning a Master's degree through the NDU which is affiliated with the US Department of Defense and the National War College. The group represents some of the brightest diplomatic minds in the world. The students who visited Nipmuc will be some of the world's most influential leaders in the decades to come.

The group visited the school as part of their year-long program. Each month the students travel to a different part of the United States in order to learn about American life and culture. During their visit to Massachusetts they had the chance to see the USS Constitution Museum, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the US Senate, Harvard University, several non-governmental organizations, and Nipmuc. During their visit Mrs. Moran and I offered a briefing on American education followed by nearly an hour of questions about every aspect of our schools. The highlight of the day, however, was giving our guests the chance to shadow students to their classes, eat lunch with students in the cafeteria, and develop relationships.

Nipmuc is exceptionally thankful to have this opportunity and proud to welcome back graduate Nathaniel Kahler (Class of 2007) to the school. As the Field Studies Manager for the NDU, Nathaniel has coordinated this visit for us over the course of the past two years. We're thankful for his support and thrilled to see him in such an impressive role.

Our students were impressed and thankful for the opportunity; I know our guests were equally thankful. Following the trip Nathaniel sent me feedback from the NDU students including the following comments:

• "This is amazing. The students are friends with their teachers. The teachers do not rule, they lead."
• "Students are so mature in their time management - to balance so many things with so much autonomy."
• "The school is beautiful, so the students know their education will be beautiful."

It was an absolute privilege to see our students interact with this impressive group of international leaders. Included below are some collected reflections from our students about this experience. Enjoy! (comments may not display on a mobile device)

Announcements 10/5 - 10/9, 2015

Morning Announcements
Attention Seniors!  Grynn & Barrett will be here on Thursday, 10/15.  If you have not yet made an appointment to have your senor photo taken for the yearbook, please contact Grynn & Barrett immediately to make an appointment. 

REMINDER - Today- Thursday, 10/8 - is the final day to register for the PSAT.  Sign up in the School Counseling Center.  Cost is $20.

There will be a second informational meeting for anyone interested in going to Spain in 2017.  The meeting will be held Tuesday, October 20th at 7 p.m. in room 239.  This meeting is only for interested students who did not attend the first meeting.  See Ms. Reardon in room 239 for any information needed about this trip.

Swim Team meeting - for all interested in joining.  Thursday, 10/15 at 2:15 p.m. in the Gathering Room.

Attention Nipmuc!  Come show your spirit this weekend at the sports games - show your support with a white out on Saturday during all games.  Check out dualvalleyconference.org for game times.

Red Cross Club orientation meeting after school in the media center on Thursday, 10/15.  Be sure to bring your signed documents from the online volunteer application.  Questions or want to join?  See Mrs. White in room 240 or Senior Sarah Tong.

Attention all singers and beatboxers who signed up to be a contestant for this year's Nipmuc Idol.  Please see the sign up sheet on Mrs. Tremblay's classroom door (next to the School Counseling Center).  Auditions on Thursday, 10/8! See you there.

Attention World Challenge travelers!  There will be a mandatory meeting in Ms. Leja's room 310 on Wednesday, October 7th from 2 - 4 p.m.

Attention Nipmuc!  There will be a staff vs. student basketball game on Tuesday, October 27th from 6-8 p.m. in the gym.  Come compete with your class to get a chance to play the teachers!  All proceeds will go toward the best FAST Nipmuc has ever seen!

Attention Seniors wanting to apply to NHS -  Portfolios are due to Mrs. Kyrka by October 15th.  Any members interested in joining, stay tuned for a meeting sometime in October.  Also, to anyone who needs service hours - sign up in room 217 - we need your help!

SMASH CLUB will have their first meeting on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in room G215.  We will discuss which days we will meet and who will provide the equipment.  Everyone is welcome!  Please see Mr. Mingace in G215 for more details.

Do you love to read?  Do you want to join a club with others who share the same interests?  Then why not join the Nipmuc Book Club?  The Nipmuc Book Club will hold its first meeting today - Monday, 10/5, after school 2:15 - 3 p.m.  All students interested in joining the book club should attend.  Any questions, contact Mrs. V. in the media center.

Ski Club - Winter 2016 - Registration for Ski Club starts on Monday, October 5th and ends on Friday, October 16th.  Nipmuc students who are interested in registering for Ski Club and their parents should go to the Ski Club website at skiclubnipmuc.weebly.com for more details.  You can also contact the ski club student e-board members or the faculty advisors, Ms. Brazil mbrazil@mursd.org, and Ms. Leja cleja@mursd.org, with questions.

Win an autographed Rob Gronkowski jersey!  See Mr. Allen or Mr. Della Rovere for tickets - tickets: 1 - $10 or 3 - $20.  All proceeds benefit the Nipmuc weight room. 

School Counseling Center Announcements -

October is shaping up to be a very busy month for the Counseling Center! On Tuesday, October 6^th, Junior and Senior students will be attending a Mini College Fair which will be held in our gym from 9:30-10:15 am. Also on October 6^th, the Counseling Center will be hosting a representative from MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority) who will help parents and students understand the financial aid process and provide information on FAFSA, CSS profile and loans.

As a reminder: PSAT sign-ups are underway. The final day for signing up is October 8^th. The cost is $20 and students must be paid in full in order to take the exam.

Students and parents are encouraged to follow the School Counseling Center on Twitter for important reminders: @NipmucSCC. Also, follow our blog for updates and current information: www.nipmucschoolcounseling.blogspot.com.

Student Feature Friday - Newly-elected Freshman Class Officers

Left to right: Kate Nadolski, Gabrielle Puchovsky,
Preston Dougherty, Robert Gatel

As we make our way into the start of October, I am happy to tell you that this fall stands out as the smoothest school opening that I can remember. September was a month full of highlights as we begin our second year as a 1:1 learning school, introduce the 21st century learning center, and embrace the community spirit around our athletic program. One of the best parts of the school year has been welcoming a talented, enthusiastic, and respectful freshman class. Upon meeting our new students we encouraged them to look to our upperclassmen as examples of high expectations, to get involved in the culture of the school, and to consider running for a leadership position.

This afternoon, I am happy to introduce you to the newest group of student leaders at our school - our freshman class officers. I had the chance to meet with this newly elected group in order to learn about their hopes, ambitions, and plans for the Class of 2019. Enjoy!

President Preston Dougherty
Q. What are some of the best qualities of the Class of 2019?
A. We are very determined to do great at Nipmuc. We all strive to do our best and achieve our greatest goals.

Q. Why did you decide to take on this leadership position?
A. I feel like I have what it takes to lead this class. I am a great leader, listener, and I have the courage to take on any challenges that I am faced with.

Q. What would make this a successful year for your class?
A. If we all try our hardest. If everyone gives effort to things like fundraisers and other class things we can make it a year to remember. If we all try to help one another and not judge others we can get very close and achieve many goals as a hole

Vice President Gabrielle Puchovsky
Q. What are some of the best qualities of the Class of 2019?
A. Some of the best qualities of the Class of 2019 is that we're all open to trying new things to improve ourselves either individually or as a whole. We also get along and provide new students with the comfort they need to begin at a new school, showing the respect we have for each other.

Q. Why did you decide to take on this leadership position?
A. While I think we're all great individually, I think we could be even better if we come together as a whole, and I think of myself as someone who has the ideas to make that happen.

Q. What would make this a successful year for your class?
A. What would make this year successful for the Class of 2019 is having more of our class involved in school activities and fundraisers such as sports games and the volleyball lock-in. I think the Class of 2019 will develop school spirit, and once we gain a little of that, we will be unstoppable and everyone will feel more involved.

Secretary Robert Gately
Q. What are some of the best qualities of the Class of 2019?
A. I think our class's best qualities would be our intelligence and our ability to be together as one grade and not socially divided.

Q. Why did you decide to take on this leadership position?
A. As a young boy I grew up watching my parents talk about politics all the time and I was so fascinated about it. Although this isn't really politics, it sort of gives me a feel of what it might be like.

Q. What would make this a successful year for your class?
A. Coming together as a grade, and all of us contributing to the greatness of our grade.

Treasurer Kate Nadolski
Q. What are some of the best qualities of the Class of 2019?
A. I personally believe that the best quality of the Class of 2019 is our diversity of talent. Our class is made up of actors, musicians, athletes, artists, and scholars. I feel that we can combine our unique talents together to achieve great things in our school community.

Q. Why did you decide to take on this leadership position?
A. I decided to take on this leadership position because last year I served on the Miscoe Hill Student Council. I enjoyed working with my fellow classmates and teachers to build a stronger school community. I wanted to continue that work during my time here at Nipmuc.

Q. What would make this a successful year for your class?
A. As a freshmen class, I think it is important that we work to create a safe, healthy, and exciting community now, so we can feel comfortable working together to reach our class goals. One of the class goals will be to fund-raise to support future class activities, including prom and senior class trip. The class officers have already begun to brainstorm some fundraising ideas and I am looking forward to working with my classmates to make these a huge success.