Friday, October 30, 2015

Student Feature Friday - German Exchange Students Visit Nipmuc

Each year, Nipmuc has the good fortune to welcome a group of high school students from Germany to our campus as part of an exchange program. Throughout the month of October seven Nipmuc students hosted our international guests, introducing them to American life, schools, and culture. It was please to get to know these students and see how excited they were to learn about life in the United States. Upon arriving they shared their excitement to ride to school on a yellow school bus, see if high school in America was really how it seemed in the movies, and visit Boston & New York. 

It was a great visit that was beneficial to them, but also to all of our students. We're thankful for the chance to make new friends and learn about life in Germany.

For this week’s Feature Friday I had the chance to hear from our student-hosts about how this experience impacted them. Enjoy!

Megan Baumgarten
Q. What is the most memorable and meaningful part of your experience in hosting German exchange students?
A. The most memorable and meaningful part of my experience in hosting a German exchange student would be making the connection with my German exchange student. Julia and I had grown very close over the three weeks she visited.  I was excited to learn about the differences of the German school that Julia regularly attends, and our American school.  As well, I enjoyed learning about how different my daily life was to hers, down to the different appliances in her home.  Learning so much about her life while she learned about mine is defiantly the most memorable, and our friendship is the most meaningful part. 

Alex Chu
Q. What is the most memorable and meaningful part of your experience in hosting German exchange students?
A. The most meaningful part of having Lina shadow me for three weeks is hard to name. There isn't a single point that I could choose to show how the experience went, instead it's the adventure itself. Recalling upon our first day together we were both super shy and didn't find much to talk about. For the first week of our time together I always felt bad about how it went and I wanted to find a way I could make it memorable for both of us. The only thing that really came to my mind is to show her how great Nipmuc truly is.  Her time shouldn't really be defined by moments it should be how she remembers her entire time. This is why the best part of having Lina was her being able to see how different it is here and spending a great time making friends with everyone at Nipmuc.

Michelle Goddard
Q. What is the most memorable and meaningful part of your experience in hosting German exchange students?
A. The most memorable part of my experience with Lena was going to events outside of school, such as the football game. I loved seeing her reactions to things such as football that are so normal in America, but a brand new experience for her and her friends.  Also, because Lena only shadowed me in school, doing things outside of a classroom environment allowed me to get to know her better. This was a great experience that allowed me to develop a long lasting friendship. 


Dallas O’Hagan
Q. What is the most memorable and meaningful part of your experience in hosting German exchange students?
A. The most memorable part about hosting a German student was all the fun Sebastian and I had. Meeting someone your own age that lives half way across the Earth is an enduring thing to do, but it was so rewarding. I had some of the greatest time with the German exchange students. They were so much fun to meet and get to know. Over the course of three weeks I was able to go from awkward acquaintances, to best friends with Sebastian. I was able to learn so much about German culture and was able to teach him so much about ours. This was such a rewarding experience and I cannot wait to meet him again in the future.   

Noelle Ott
Q. What is the most memorable and meaningful part of your experience in hosting German exchange students?
A. For me, the most amazing part of doing the host student program is watching your exchange student integrate themselves in your family and school. It's incredible how easily they fit themselves into our high school and how much they love being here, and even more incredible how a complete stranger can become as close as a sibling in less than four weeks. My family has done the exchange program three times now; each three-week interval has been special, educational on all parts, and simply a great experience.

Jillian Penfield
Q. What is the most memorable and meaningful part of your experience in hosting German exchange students?
A. My favorite part of this experience was making so many amazing friends and learning about the German language and culture. Because of the exchange last year, I would love to be able to speak German fluently. I love learning about how their daily lives are so different from ours. I also loved introducing them to the American culture. Not only did we introduce them to Boston and Providence, but also to classic American teenager spots like Skyzone and Chipotle; places that don't exist in Germany. Though this was an exchange of students, it really was an exchange of cultures and learning experiences. 

Sequoia Tracy-Stone
The most memorable and most meaningful part of my experience in hosting German Exchange students over the past five years has always been learning about all the differences between our normal lives, yet seeing how we're the same despite our differences. All the little things like laughing around the dinner table and walking around town to washing the dishes together and helping each other with math homework. Although going on the trips to Boston, Providence, and New York City with the exchange students was a lot of fun, it was the everyday experiences that meant the most to me. 





Thursday, October 29, 2015

21st Century Learning Conference


In support of our goal to provide students with college, career, and community readiness, Nipmuc Regional High School is excited to announce the 21st Century Learning Conference. The conference will take place for all students during school on Monday, November 9th. With an overarching theme of Growth Mindset, the conference is structured with large group presentations and breakouts on topics such as volunteerism, workplace readiness, employability skills, and future planning. The district is fortunate to have many business partners and community leaders as well as post-secondary institutions who have generously donated their time and resources to provide as authentic conference experience as possible for our students.


Each student will attend one keynote/endnote session and select two breakout sessions much like one would do at any professional conference. The breakout sessions are anticipated to be no larger than 25 students providing much opportunity for students to interact with presenters.  


Students are asked to attend school dressed for success in business casual attire. We are excited to offer our students this opportunity to engage in a professional learning experience.


We encourage you to view the schedule for the day by clicking here. The schedule provides information about sessions, presenters, and community partner.   Students can expect to receive an email via their student email account on Friday, October 30, inviting them to the conference. They may begin signing up for sessions at that time. They will need to create an account on this site, but the “ticket” they are asked to “purchase” is free.  “Purchasing” a ticket will allow students to select their conference breakout sessions.  The ticket will be used to generate each student’s schedule on November 9th.  As seats are limited in each session, students are encouraged to read conference descriptions and select carefully.  Changes may be made until Wednesday, November 4 at the close of school.  Students who do not select breakouts sessions by November 4 will be assigned to open sessions.


Questions and/or technical problems may be directed to Beth Hennessy, Community and Career Coordinator at: ehennessy@mursd.org

Announcements 10/26 - 10/30/15

Morning Announcements
Thursday - October 29th - Dr. Narod's E Block Biology class - go to FIRST break and then proceed to the auditorium.

Volunteer with your friends to rake leaves for local senior citizens on November 8th.  Earn community services hours and have lots of fun!  For more information contact Scott Estabrook (estabrooks16@student.mursd.org ) or have a StuCo member invite you to the Facebook event.

Please congratulate the following seniors on their acceptance into the National Honor Society:
Mary Morcos, Madison Sauter, Olivia Onorato, Aryane Schiavo, Teresa Brossi.

FAST T-Shirt Contest! For the class of 2017 -  Submit hand drawn designs to your class officers or email computer generated designs to NIPMUC2017@gmail.com for a chance to have your design on all of this year's FAST t-shirts!  The winning design will be voted for by the members of the Class of 2017 during Advisory on 11/4 and the winner will receive a free shirt.  Requirements:  blue t-shirt, plus one or two font colors, the word Juniors and 2017, front or back only. T-shirts can be ordered for $15.  More information to come. 

Red Cross Club orientation meeting after school in the media center on Thursday, 10/29.  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 (tongs16@student.mursd.org).

Smash Club will now be meeting on Tuesdays after school.  Please see Mr. Mingace in G215 for more information.

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

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Nipmuc Welcomes a NEASC Accreditation Team

Dear Students and Parents,
I am excited to invite you to be part of Nipmuc’s upcoming accreditation evaluation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). We are thrilled to welcome a team of educators from across New England to our school from November 1 - 4 as part of our ten-year accreditation cycle.


There’s never been a better time to welcome a NEASC visiting team to our school! During the course of the past few years Nipmuc has used the strategic plan and the NEASC Standards for Accreditation to drive tremendous growth and achievement in our school. We are thrilled for the chance to highlight our progress to the visiting team. You can access a recent presentation about some of school’s growth over the course of the past few years by clicking here.


Throughout the visit our guests will have the chance to meet with students, teachers, staff members, administrators, school committee, and parents.


Nipmuc Together (our collaborative student, parent, and teacher group) is supporting this evaluation by inviting parents to participate in a group meeting with the visiting committee on Sunday, November 1 from 2:15pm - 3pm. Visiting team members are looking forward to meeting with parents to ask you about your experiences at the school. We are hopeful to have a group of approximately 30 parents available for this meeting. In addition, Nipmuc Together is also generously providing support for faculty members and the visiting team during the visit.


They have created a sign up that you can access here in order to participate in the meeting or contribute to the events.


We hope that you are able to be part of this exciting event!
Thank you,
John Clements

Friday, October 23, 2015

Student Feature Friday - Central Massachusetts Championship Golf Team goes to States!

Left to Right: Coach Ryan Cody, Cole Alibozek, Justin DiAntonio, Sean Downing, John Kossuth,
Kyle Downing, Jake Osgood
It's been an amazing season for Nipmuc's golf team. On October 19 the team captured the Central Massachusetts championship, powered by a true team effort. Cole Alibozek (76) finished in first place with Kyle Downing (79) and Justin DiAntonio (80) taking the third and fourth places, respectively. In addition to being exceptionally skilled, the team also has a unique chemistry. Their positivity and camaraderie is contagious. We're excited for the group as they get ready for the State Championship match on Monday at the Crumpin-Fox Golf Course in Bernardston.

I had the chance to hear from the team about their season earlier this week. Some of their thoughts are included below:

Cole Alibozek, Class of 2018
Q. What has been the most exciting part of the season for you?
A.  My favorite part of the season was winning the districts as a team.

Q. What is your favorite memory from the season?
A. My favorite memory of the season was beating Hopedale at their course for the first time in seven years.

Q.  What are you most looking forward to in the State Championship match?
A.  I'm looking forward to the beautiful course and getting to play golf this late in the fall.

Justin DiAntonio, Class of 2016
Q. What has been the most exciting part of the season for you?
A. The most exciting part of the season to me was leading such an incredibly talented group of golfers to victory at our Dual Valley Conference and District Championships.

Q. What is your favorite memory from the season?
A. My favorite memory from this season has to be blowing our competition away at our District Championship and having our best golfer, Cole Alibozek, win medalist at the event.

Q. What are you most looking forward to in the State Championship match?
A. I feel as though Nipmuc is a great contender this year at the State Championship and I look forward to finishing our season strong along with the best golfers in the state.

Kyle Downing, Class of 2018
Q. What has been the most exciting part of the season for you?
A. Winning districts was the most exciting part of the season. Playing and performing at a high level as a team is a great feeling. It is very exciting to see golf as a sport to talk about at Nipmuc.

Q.What is your favorite memory from the season?
A. Either winning districts or beating St Bernard's in Fitchburg but I'm sure states will be a great experience.

Q. What are you most looking forward to in the State Championship match?
A. Having a memorable experience with the team and playing our best golf possible

Sean Downing, Class of 2018
Q. What has been the most exciting part of the season for you?
A. The most exciting part of the season has got to be our win in districts in the freezing weather; this was such a gratifying moment of all the work we've put in together as a team.
Q. What is your favorite memory from the season?
A. My favorite memory from this season is when we went to Sutton, our closer in competitor in the conference and waxed them 8-1 in match play, it was very satisfying.

Q. What are you most looking forward to in the State Championship match?
A. I am most looking forward to playing on a great golf course against great competition.

John Kossuth, Class of 2016
Q. What has been the most exciting part of the season for you?
A. The most exciting part of the season for me has definitely been the post-season tournaments such as the Dual Valley Conference Championship, D2 Central Massachusetts District Championship, and the D2 State Championship.

Q. What is your favorite memory from the season?
A. My favorite memory from the season has to be the entire season itself. Every day we had practice I was able to look forward to playing a nice round of golf with my friends and not only be able to get better but enjoy myself as well. Matches were especially exciting because that was the time to show all of the hard work that we put in during practices. The post-season has also been great as well. Becoming a League Champion, DVC Champion, District Champion, and qualifying for the State Championship was just the icing on the cake.

Q. What are you most looking forward to in the State Championship match?
A. I'm most looking forward to having the opportunity to redeem myself from my poor performance in the District Championship along with having the chance to play one of the most beautiful courses in Massachusetts with my teammates.

Jake Osgood, Class of 2016
Q. What has been the most exciting part of the season for you?
A. The most exciting part of the season for me was definitely winning districts. As a senior I was hoping that my last season would be a good one and I couldn’t be more happy with the way it turned out. We've had many great, exciting matches but winning districts felt the best.

Q. What is your favorite memory from the season?
A. There are plenty of memorable moments from this season including the team and coaches but I will always remember one particular shot. It was the first hole of our last match and I put my second shot in a bunker on a par 4 about 25 yards from the hole. Feeling frustrated I just lined up the bunker shot and swung, just thinking what it would take to limit this hole to a bogey. To my surprise the ball came out just where I wanted it to. It then took the hill on the long two-tiered green and started breaking toward the hole. I was in complete disbelief when the ball fell into the hole but I'll always remember that one-in-a-million shot.

Q. What are you most looking forward to in the State Championship match?
A. I'm really just happy to be going to States. We are staying over at a hotel near the course because of how far away the course is. I'm sure that will be a fun experience and just getting the opportunity to play at a course that I probably never would have otherwise is something that I appreciate about these matches.

Monday, October 19, 2015

Announcements October 19 - 23, 2015

Morning Announcements
Mrs. Cook wishes everyone a Happy Mole Day! 

The Environmental Club will meet at both breaks today in room 123.

Today (Friday, 10/23) is the last day to buy Homecoming tickets! Tickets will be sold at both breaks and all lunches.  Tickets WILL NOT be sold at the door. 

AP Language and AP Literature students are reminded to return their Saturday Session permission slips to Mr. Michael Clements today or Friday.  Please see Mr. Clements if you need another slip.  The bus departs Nipmuc at 7:15 a.m. and will return at 12:30 p.m.

This week is Spirit Week! Join in the fun!!
Monday - 'Merica Monday
Tuesday - Tiki Tuesday
Wednesday - Wicked Boston Wednesday
Thursday - Think Pink Thursday
Friday - Nipmuc Spirit Day

Homecoming tickets will be sold until 10/23 at both breaks.  Tickets are $15 and will not be sold at the door. 

Don't forget to buy a ticket to the Staff vs. Student Basketball Game with your Homecoming ticket!  Basketball is $5 in advance - Homecoming is $15.  Remember - Homecoming tickets will not be sold at the door!

Do you want a chance to own a piece of Nipmuc history? Now you can! The sophomore class is selling "retro" Nipmuc basketball and hockey jerseys and basketball warm-up jackets.  They will be sold at all breaks and lunches today and tomorrow (Weds. & Thurs. 10/21 & 22).  Only $5 - $15 each!  Go Warriors!!

First Yearbook meeting - both breaks on Monday, 10/26 in Room 312.

All seniors who turned in a NHS portfolio - please see Mrs. Kyrka in G217 at green break today (Wednesday, 10/21).

Smash Club will now be meeting on Tuesdays after school.  Please see Mr. Mingace in G215 for more information.

There will be an informational meeting for all boys interested in playing basketball this winter.  Wednesday, October 28th at 2:15 p.m. in the Gathering Room.

Informational meeting for all girls interested in playing basketball this winter on Tuesday, October 20th at 2:15 p.m. in the Gathering room.

The informational meeting for any student interested in traveling to Spain in 2017 will be held Monday, October 26th at 7 p.m. in room 239 for students and their parents.  This is for any current Nipmuc student.  Stop by room 239 and see Ms. Reardon if you have questions.

To all Book Club members - the first book club book is available in the media center.  Please see Mrs. V. Any students who have not signed up for book club and would like to join please see Mrs. V. in the media center.

Tickets for the Student vs. Faculty Basketball Game will also be sold until 10/26.  $5 now - $7 at the door. The game is 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!

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

Friday, October 16, 2015

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.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

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.




Friday, October 9, 2015

Student Feature Friday - National Defense University Visits Nipmuc

SeƱora 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)


Monday, October 5, 2015

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 6th, 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 6th, 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 8th. 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.










Friday, October 2, 2015

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.