Introducing NipmucPrincipal.com!

Please be aware that "The Principal's Blog" has moved to a new address. You can now access Mr. Clements's blog at NipmucPrincipal.com. If you have any questions, please contact John Clements at jclements@mursd.org.

Thank you!

Student Feature Friday - Nipmuc Students to Travel to Belize

For more than ten years, Nipmuc has partnered with World Challenge Expeditions to offer students opportunities to travel, broaden their horizons, and develop their leadership abilities through service. This year fourteen Nipmuc students - accompanied by teachers Megan Brazil and Courtney Leja - will become the next cohort of students to experience this life changing adventure. In just a few weeks, our travelers will depart for Belize on a trip that will take them to the jungle, the mountains, the pine forests, and the islands. Perhaps most importantly, our students will also have the chance to make a difference by working to refurbish a school in Belize. I had the chance to ask our students about their summer adventure and what to look forward to in the weeks to come.

What are you most excited about for your upcoming trip with World Challenge?

Aleah Castonguay - I'm most excited to explore the country of Belize and be able to learn about their culture and interact with the people because their main language is English. Last time I went on a World Challenge trip, it was to Costa Rica and I was unable to communicate because they only spoke Spanish.

Alex Chu - I'm most excited to spend time with my friends in a foreign place. Not only am I going to one of the most beautiful places in the world but I get to go there with my friends.

Carly Egan - I'm excited to be able to see the world from a different view than I have now. It's going to be a challenge stepping out of what is comfortable, but life isn't supposed to always be comfortable and that's the thrilling part.

Collin Flanagan - I'm bringing a soccer ball to first play with everyone on the trip, and also to play with the local kids while taking a break from helping build/repair/renovate their school. I'm very excited for that.

Jesse Godfrey - There are two things I'm very excited for this trip.  One is to be able to hang out with my friends like Jason, Jack, and Carly in a new place I have never been.  But I'm also excited to be able to learn about their culture like the food they cook.

Max Martyak – I’m excited for the chance to go out of the country and experience living in an entirely new environment for two weeks.

John McCarthy – I’m excited to see the smiles on their faces when we finish our work with their elementary school and make it a place they are happy to go to.

Jason McKenzie - I'm excited for the treks, helping with the schools and children, and the warm weather.

Cooper Offord - I am most excited about the new experiences that I will have. I am excited to be in a foreign country and know that I will learn many lessons that will better me as a person on my trip.

Dallas O’Hagan - I am very excited to be able to travel to a third world country and being able to give back. On this trip I will be able to experience new cultures and a different way of living that I am not familiar with. This will allow me to become a well-diversed individual and prepare me for later difficulties I will face in life by collaborating with others and aiding others in need.

Diana Richard - I am so excited to visit a different country and go on and epic adventure with the group I'm in. I'm very much looking forward to help build a school and hike through the rain forest.

Max Robakiewicz - I'm most excited about experiencing a new culture and views in Belize. I think it is going to be fun to try the new foods and hike in the jungle. I think it's going to be a great experience and I'm excited to spend it with friends.

Ben Thomsen – I am most excited about hiking through the jungle of Belize.  I’ve been hiking before but hiking through a Belize jungle will be very different than the mountains in New Hampshire.

Noah Tolliver - I think it's going to be an exciting experience all around; it will be very interesting to learn about other cultures and experience the lives of other people around the world.

Announcements June 13 - 17, 2016

Morning Announcements
Attention all students!  Tomorrow - Friday, 6/17 - there will be 2 ice cream trucks here during all lunches.  Please bring cash if you are interested in buying something from the trucks.

All girls interested in playing volleyball in the fall - There will be a an informational meeting this Friday, 6/17, after school in the gym.

Congratulations to the 2016 Adin Ballow Essay Contest winners!  (1st) Rene Venable, (2nd) Sheena Nguyen, and (3rd) Zahra Ali.  Come see their work on Wednesday night's Writers' Night - Nipmuc Media Center 7 p.m. - All are invited.

Attention AP English Literature and Composition Students:  Please pick up the AP Lit summer assignment in Mr. Evans's room 216 during any green wing break before school closes.

All students taking AP Computer Science next year need to see Mr. Cochran in room 306 during break  sometime this week to get their summer assignment.

AP Chemistry students can pick up their summer work in room 123 during breaks and after school.  Pick up by Friday!

Attention AP Psychology students:  Please pick up the psychology summer assignments any green wing break before the end of the school year from Mr. Perras's in room 316.

Attention students taking AP Euro next year - Stop by Mr. MacIsaac's room 335 on Tuesday, 6/14 at either break for a quick meeting.

Students taking AP U.S. History next year - Meeting during both green and blue wing breaks on Thursday, June 16th in Ms. Manzella's room 337.

Attention all AP Biology students for next year: During any green wing break starting Tuesday, 6/4 - Pick up your summer work from Ms. Wilson in room 121.  If you can't meet during those times, please see Ms. Wilson before or after school.

Anyone interested in playing field hockey next year - please meet this Wednesday, 6/15 after school in the cafeteria.

All athletes interested in fall sports - On Wednesday, 6/15 - after school - there will be a meeting for Volleyball (meet in the gym) and Cross Country and Girls Soccer (meet in the cafeteria).

The Class of 2019 invites you to Pinz in Milford on Monday, June 20th from 3-5 p.m.  For $20 you get 1 hour of bowling, shoe rental, 2 slices of pizza, soft drinks, and a $5 arcade card.  For tickets, see Ms. Soto during both breaks and lunches.

Attention all students:  Yearbook orders for the 2016 yearbook can be placed online at http://nipmucyearbook.weebly.com/ by clicking on the Josten’s service tab.  Cost is $50

Fall Cheer tryouts will be held Monday and Tuesday, 6/13 & 6/14, from 6-8 p.m. in the Nipmuc gym.  Athletes must have a participation form filled out in order to tryout.

The Upton Men's Club is looking for volunteers to help during the annual fireworks event - Saturday, June 25th.  There is a sign-up sheet in the main office.

All students who have checked out library materials and are not currently using them, please return your items to the media center.  Also, there is an assortment of water bottles and clothing that were left behind from the After Prom Party.  Please stop by and see if they belong to you.

 

 

Student Feature Friday - Students Start Chess Club at Nipmuc

Juniors Dylan Applegate and Kayma Snook

Student leadership manifests itself in many ways at Nipmuc. One of the most powerful ways our students can make an impact is to establish a club or activity that gets our students excited about coming to school. In this week's "Feature Friday" post, I'm excited to share the leadership of Dylan Applegate and Kayma Snook who collaborated to start a chess club at Nipmuc. In a short period of time, they've been able to get our students excited about chess, welcoming students of all ability levels to this new group that meets each Monday. I'm thrilled to feature them and excited to see how our chess club grows in the years to come!

Dylan Applegate
Q: How did you come up with the idea for chess club?
A: Kayma and I often played chess in French when we finished our work. (Here is where there is some debate...) One day, after destroying her in the easiest chess match of my life, I proposed the thought of starting a club. From there we went to the office and asked what to do.  We then asked Mr. MacIsaac to be our advisor and printed flyers - all in the same block.

Q: What are some of the strategies you have used to introduce students to chess and get them excited about your meetings?
A: Aside from spamming amongst my friends, “Every Monday, Mr. MacIsaac’s room, 2:00 to 3:30 - Be there!” I've also tried to recruit some friends from other grades. Kayma brought most of our members in by convincing her huge network of senior friends to come and play.

Q: What was the highlight of this year’s chess club?
A: I'd say the highlight of this year’s chess club was the first two meetings, when the room was packed full of people from all grades talking, having fun, and playing chess. Since then the attendance has settled down considerably, but club is still a ton of fun.

Kayma Snook
Q: What has been the greatest challenge and success in getting chess club started at Nipmuc?
A: The greatest challenge in starting chess club was getting the word out and getting all types of people interested in chess. Our club welcomes people of any skill level or no skill level at all. While most chess clubs require some experience, ours does not and it’s been challenging trying to convince beginners that they can have fun and also benefit from the club.

Q: How would you like to see chess club grow next year?
A: In terms of the club’s growth, I would like to see many new members next year. Both seniors and underclassmen with all skill levels or just anyone with a curiosity to learn or observe are welcome!

Q: What was the highlight of this year’s chess club?
A: The highlight of this year's chess club was the time we had about 20 in attendance. We all just hung out and listened to music while the advanced players taught the beginners the basics. People of all different ages, groups and skill levels came and everyone got along very well.

***

I am thrilled to see our chess club get off the ground so successfully. Thank you, Dylan and Kayma!

Announcements - June 6 - 10, 2016

Morning Announcements
Students taking AP U.S. History next year - Meeting during both green and blue wing breaks on Thursday, June 16th in Ms. Manzella's room 337.

All athletes interested in fall sports - On Wednesday, 6/15 - after school - there will be a meeting for Volleyball (meet in the gym) and Cross Country and Girls Soccer (meet in the cafeteria).

Attention students taking AP Euro next year - Stop by Mr. MacIsaac's room 335 on Tuesday, 6/14 at either break for a quick meeting.

Attention all AP Biology students for next year: During any green wing break starting Tuesday, 6/4 - Pick up your summer work from Ms. Wilson in room 121.  If you can't meet during those times, please see Ms. Wilson before or after school.

There will be a Nipmuc Media Center Barnes & Noble Book Fair on June 11th & 12^th at the Bellingham, MA store (270 Hartford Ave.).  A B-fest will also occur – teen activities on both days. The book fair will also include online purchases from June 11^th-17^th. Please look at the media center website for the ID # when ordering.  All proceeds benefit the Nipmuc Media Center.

The Class of 2019 invites you to Pinz in Milford on Monday, June 20th from 3-5 p.m.  For $20 you get 1 hour of bowling, shoe rental, 2 slices of pizza, soft drinks, and a $5 arcade card.  For tickets, see Ms. Soto during both breaks and lunches.

Sophomore and Junior students who are taking AP Language next year should meet with Mr. Clements in room 220 at either break on Thursday of this week for summer assignments.

Thinking about Writers’ Night?  See Mr. Michael Clements to have your work shown on Wednesday, June 15^th.

Attention all students:  Yearbook orders for the 2016 yearbook can be placed online at http://nipmucyearbook.weebly.com/ by clicking on the Josten’s service tab.  Cost is $50.

Attention all students: Nomination forms are now in the office for student council and class office.  Forms are due back to the boxes in the office this Friday, June 10^th.  Speeches will take place on Tuesday, June 14^th.

Fall Cheer tryouts will be held Monday and Tuesday, 6/13 & 6/14, from 6-8 p.m. in the Nipmuc gym.  Athletes must have a participation form filled out in order to tryout.

The Upton Men's Club is looking for volunteers to help during the annual fireworks event - Saturday, June 25th.  There is a sign-up sheet in the main office.

All students who have checked out library materials and are not currently using them, please return your items to the media center.  Also, there is an assortment of water bottles and clothing that were left behind from the After Prom Party.  Please stop by and see if they belong to you.