Announcements March 31 - April 4, 2014

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Each morning as students make their way to classrooms for our 7:30am start of first block, Nipmuc begins its day with daily announcements from "The Voices of Nipmuc." The Voices of Nipmuc are juniors Lindsay Doyle, Autumn Morrice, Elizabeth Nigro, Hollis Ryder, Trenton Ryder, and Eli Tamagni. Without fail, their friendly voices lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and the sharing of important information about our school.

Beginning this week, the Voices of Nipmuc will expand their audience by sharing their announcements through my blog. Check in each Monday to hear what's new at Nipmuc!




Morning Announcements
Mr. Nipmuc DVD is now available for sale.  Please see Mr. Ferris in the office if you are interested in purchasing a DVD - cost $5.

Reminder to all student drivers:  You must have a permit to park on school premises.  You must also park in your assigned parking space.  Any vehicle that is in violation will be assessed a fine. 

Attention Seniors:  If you have any questions about the obligations form you received in your senior packet issued at the Graduation Information meeting, please see Mr. Clements or Mrs. Moran during your break on Thursday, April 10th in the office conference room.  You do not need an appointment.

All students traveling to Italy for April vacation, please stop by Ms. Reardon's room 136 sometime this week.

Attention Juniors and Seniors:  If you are interested in a tour of the Boston Children's Hospital/Pathology Department, please sign up in Mrs. Laflash's room 121.  The date is Saturday, May 10, and students who tour will have an opportunity to apply for an internship for the first two weeks in August.  Any questions, please see Mrs. Laflash.

The 1:1 Learning meeting about introducing iPads at Nipmuc Regional will take place on Tuesday evening, 4/1, at 7pm in the Nipmuc auditorium.

National Honor Society monthly meeting is this Thursday, April 3rd.

National Honor Society canned food drive begins next weekend.  Please sign up to volunteer in Mrs. Kyrka's room 217. 

Attention Seniors:  There is a mandatory Graduation Information Meeting for all seniors and your parents on Wednesday, April 2nd at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.  Important information about graduation and senior events will be covered.

Anyone interested in taking a VHS class next year should stop by the media center to pick up an application.  All applications must be completed and turned in ASAP.

Help support the class of 2015 raise money for prom!  Pick up a flyer in the office or media center to register for the Wiffle Ball Tournament at the Nipmuc Fair on June 7th.  $5 per person and $45 per team.  Forms are due back by May 1st.  See Emily Santos or Cullen Farragher for more details.

Drivers Education applications are available in the office and on the Nipmuc website.  Program begins on Tuesday, April 29th, 6:30 - 9 p.m. for 5 weeks.  Payment should be turned in to the main office. 

Any sophomore wishing to attend the Health Care Career Fair on April 29th, please sign up in room 120.

Guidance Announcements
Reminder to students planning to attend the Nursing Schools Expo at the UMass Worcester Medical Lobby on Monday, April 7th, you must register to attend by today - April 2nd.  More information is located on the guidance blog or stop by the guidance office to pick up a flyer.

Attention Seniors:  Please bring a copy of ALL your decision letters to your guidance counselor.

Reminder to Seniors to check the guidance blog often for scholarship applications and note deadline dates.  Many scholarships require letters of recommendation and transcripts.  Please give your counselor enough time to process your application.  Please stop in the guidance office if you have any questions about the scholarship process.

Attention Sophomores and Juniors:  Mark your calendars for the Hartford National College Fair Thursday, April 3 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Connecticut Convention Center and the Providence National College Fair on Saturday, April 26 from 12 - 3 at the Rhode Island Convention Center.  For more information, pick up a flyer in the guidance office.

Reminder to Juniors to check out the guidance blog for details on college open houses during the spring.

Quinsigamond Community College will hold a Decision Day at Nipmuc on Tuesday, April 1 at 10:00 a.m. Please sign up in guidance to receive a pass to attend.

High School Junior Girls with an interest and aptitude in math and science are invited to participate in Design your Future Day at Rensselaer on Saturday, April 12th.  Deadline to register is April 4th and more information is available in the guidance office.

Student Feature Friday: Laura Ng State-Recognized DAR Good Citizen

Laura Ng being recognized as the 2nd place
finisher in the Massachusetts DAR
Good Citizen Scholarship Contest 

Over the course of the past few months I have enjoyed the chance to feature our students, their accomplishments, and the many ways they establish a culture of high expectations and achievement. I've had the opportunity to recognize writers and athletes, singers and actors, volunteers and scholars. This week I'm proud to add an award winning "good citizen" to this tremendous group of individuals.

Senior Laura Ng is a member of our National Honor Society and the Treasurer of the Class of 2014. In addition to these accolades, Laura also recently placed second in the state in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizen Scholarship Contest. The DAR Good Citizens program allows students across the state to be recognized for demonstrating "to an outstanding degree the qualities of good citizenship: dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. Laura received Nipmuc's nomination for this award and proceeded to be recognized at the state level. On Saturday, March 22 Laura was honored at the DAR state conference and luncheon at which she received a certificate and an American flag which was flown over Mount Vernon. I had the chance to ask Laura a few questions about this tremendous honor. 

The award honors those who have "demonstrated, to an outstanding degree, the qualities of a good citizen: dependability, service, leadership and patriotism.” What type of activities have you engaged in that are focused in these areas? 

Service has taught me the importance of the four qualities of a DAR Good Citizen. Service has always been important to me and I’ve participated in a multitude of service projects with my peers. I’ve gone on mission trips to serve inner city homeless populations in Boston and Philadelphia, helped to rebuild a school courtyard whilst on a trip in Ecuador and taught computer classes to local senior citizens on a weekly basis. Through my experience serving, I have found that leading and dependability are just as important as the service you provide. With any type of service, you are given a task, but you soon find out that in order to complete your job, and complete it well, you must take some initiative and be accountable for your actions for it to be worthwhile. Finally, I have found through service that patriotism is what keeps a volunteer modest. Patriotism can be pride in a country or simply pride in your cause but when the bigger picture is kept in mind, a humility critical to good service always follows.

What was the most enjoyable part of the awards luncheon at the DAR Annual State Conference? What did you take away from the chance to speak with members of the group?

Definitely the chocolate cake. Just kidding! While the entire lunch and chocolate cake was delicious my favorite part about the luncheon was having the opportunity to speak with women who were so devoted to their organization’s philosophy and cause to serve their country. The pride, unity and warmth displayed by the DAR are positively inspiring.

Ms. McNamara [Laura's guidance counselor who attended the luncheon with her] mentioned how impressed she was with your comments at the luncheon. Can you share some of the thoughts you mentioned when speaking at the event?

Going into the event I was not expecting to have to speak so I was extremely nervous going up. If I remember correctly now, I thanked the DAR for their generosity and expressed how impressed I was/am with the organization and all that they stand for. I also thanked them for showcasing the hard work of the students in attendance and giving us all the opportunity to continue to work and serve our communities in the same way they do their own.

- - -

Throughout Laura's entire high school career she has continually demonstrated the traits of a good citizen. It's no surprise to those who know her well that Laura would be identified as one of the best student-citizens in our state. Congratulations, Laura. Thank you for your dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism! 

Thank you for reading this "Feature Friday" post. I encourage you to view last week's post about the National Honor Society. Please note that last week's post has been updated to include profiles for Chereen Chalak, Jared Plumb, and Jay Patel who were omitted in the initial post. You can access that post here. 

1:1 Learning at Nipmuc Regional

As we shared with you earlier in March, next year Nipmuc will join the 1:1 initiative through the use of iPads by all of our students and teachers.   We are excited about this tremendous opportunity and the way it will impact the educational experiences of our students.

We are eager to share our progress in establishing this program and answer your questions about how this will be implemented at Nipmuc in the fall.  

 

Please join us for a presentation on Tuesday, April 1 at 7pm in the Nipmuc Auditorium. 

 

 

Announcements March 24 - 28, 2014

Morning Announcements
Canned Food Drive by the NHS begins next weekend (4/5)!  Please sign up in Mrs. Kyrka's room 217. 

Anyone who wants to take a VHS class next year should stop by the Media Center to pick up an application.  All applications must be submitted ASAP!

Attention Sophomores:  Any sophomore wishing to attend the Health Care Career Fair on April 29th, please sign up in room 120.

Attention Seniors:  There is a mandatory Graduation Information Meeting for all seniors and your parents on Wednesday, April 2nd at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.  Important information about graduation and senior events will be covered.

Drama Workshop meeting today, Wednesday, 3/26, at 2:00 in Mr. Evan's room 216 - green wing.

Drivers Education Program applications are available in the office and on the school website for the drivers ed. program that begins Tuesday, April 29th - 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. for 5 weeks.  Please bring your application with check to the Nipmuc main office.

Wiffle Ball Tournament - Help support the class of 2015 raise money for prom.  Pick up a flyer in the office or media center to register for the Wiffle Ball Tournament at the Nipmuc Fair on June 7th.  Cost is $5 per person and $45 per team.  Forms are due back by May 1st.  See Emily Santos or Cullen Farragher for further details.

Guidance Department Announcements
Reminder to seniors to check the guidance blog for scholarship applications and note deadline dates.  Many scholarships require letters of recommendation and transcripts.  Please give your counselor enough time to process your application.  Please stop in the guidance office if you have any questions about the scholarship process.

Attention Sophomores and Juniors:  Mark your calendars for the Springfield National College Fair scheduled for Sunday, March 30th from 1:00 - 4:00 at the Big E and the Hartford National College Fair on Thursday, April 3 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Connecticut Convention Center.  For more information, pick up a flyer in the guidance office.

Reminder to Juniors to check out the guidance blog for details on college open houses during the spring.

Quinsagmond Community College will hold a Decision Day at Nipmuc on Tuesday, April 1 at 10:00 a.m. Please sign up in Guidance to receive a pass to attend.

High school junior girls with an interest and aptitude in math and science are invited to participate in Design Your Future Day at Rensselaer on Saturday, April 12th.  Deadline to register is April 4th and more information is available in the guidance office.

Attention Sophomores:  The application deadlines for the Milford Rotary Youth Leadership Conference and the Mass STAR Citizenship Conference have been extended.  Please pick up an application in the guidance office if you would like to attend one of these all expense paid conferences in the spring.

Student Feature Friday: New Inductees to the National Honor Society

Our new inductees to the NHS

Student Feature Friday:  National Honor Society New Inductees
What a treat it was last evening to induct 27 new members to Nipmuc's National Honor Society. The ceremony was hosted by the president of our NHS, Peter Jordan, who welcomed our new inductees and congratulated them on their accomplishments in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Along with Peter, five senior speakers - Leigh Hamlet, Sarah Wadehul, Rose Wiklund, Melanie Kossuth, and Laura Ng - offered reflections on their own experiences as NHS members. Their comments showed their personal commitment to the ideals of NHS and a commentary on the many ways that their commitment to NHS values has enriched their lives. Also speaking last night were Tiffany Griffith, Lindsay Doyle, Kurt Robakiewicz, Madeline Davidshofer, Roma Gujarathi, and Julia Sharp who provided commentary on the meaning of membership in NHS. 

I am exceptionally proud of the diverse accomplishments of this group of 27 students. Their commitment to service, learning, and leadership is an impressive example of the potential of our students. I had the chance to ask all of the new inductees about their induction to this prestigious group. Their answers are included below: 

Q:  What is the most meaningful/special part of becoming a member of the Nipmuc National Honor Society?

Emily Agro
Being part of the National Honor Society helps motivate me when it comes to my academics and things I want to accomplish in my life, and it also brings me closer to the community in which I live. Through NHS I am able to help those in need through volunteerism and assistance opportunities.

William Applegate
The National Honor Society is a great and respectful group of students. I think the most meaningful part of becoming a member is holding myself to a higher standard. To me, this means not only being respectful of everyone but also doing everything I can to help others. I hope that my membership to the society will allow me to have a positive impact on the lives of others.

Chereen Chalak
National Honor Society is an organization which serves to honor and recognize high school students who have demonstrated excellence as an overall student, as well as through leadership, service, and character. National Honor Society is an organization offered here at Nipmuc, consisting of students who strive to display many admirable qualities that an individual should obtain to reach their best potential and to be successful as a student, and in general. Knowing that I will be inducted this year to become a new member of National Honor Society gives me the honor of knowing that I have exemplified the valuable characteristics necessary to be accepted into this group. Being able to achieve this gives me the sense of pride and accomplishment, acknowledging that others are able to recognize these qualities I possess as well. Additionally, I hope to convey these traits to my peers and become a role model for others.

Tyler Costello
To me, the most meaningful and special part of becoming a part of the National Honor Society is being able to represent Nipmuc as a student athlete representative. This privilege as a leader of my class helps reassure me that my work within the previous years has paid off. This honor will help steer my actions in the future to be the best student, athlete, and person I can be.

Kristen Denson
For me the most meaningful and special part of becoming a member of the National Honor Society at Nipmuc is getting the chance to volunteer and work with so many different people.

Gabrielle Diodati
Becoming a member of National Honor Society is a major achievement and everyone should be ecstatic for making it. The best part of being inducted into National Honor Society is we are now able to be a part of a team and collaborate with others to benefit our school and society. Also I am looking forward to all of the ideas that we will brainstorm to create new opportunities for our school. National Honor Society is a great club and I could not be more excited to finally be a part of it.

Drew DiPoto
The opportunity to become part of a group that supports community involvement. It demonstrates how teenagers can make a difference in the lives of others.

Jenna Fitzgerald
The most meaningful/special part about becoming part of National Honor Society is being able to represent Nipmuc as a student athlete. This validates my hard work that I've put in these past few years. I am honored to be a part of this society and it will only push me to work harder in my future.

Chelsea Gorius
The best part is the fact that I get to become a part of a society which has existed for so long. A society whose members I have always looked up to because of their responsibility, kindness, and overall honor. Becoming a member gives me pride that I am becoming someone who I myself would look up to.

Elizabeth Hilton
To me, the best part of becoming a member of the National Honor Society is to be part of a group of such amazing individuals who share my love for the community we live in.

Alyssa Imparato
I am honored to be inducted into NHS this Thursday.  It means so much to be that I can be a part of making a difference. I cannot wait to share my outgoing personality and ideas with everyone else in this club.

Kiley Larocque
Becoming a member of National Honor Society is something I take pride in. The most meaningful part of this wonderful experience is that I now am taking part in my loving community and getting myself involved in the school district. National Honor Society has given me the opportunity to provide leadership for others and to hopefully impact many people's lives. Being a member of this group will ultimately help me become a better person.

Grace Merten
I wanted to become a member of Nipmuc's National Honor Society because I enjoy community service, and NHS is a group that helps the community. NHS pushes me to keep my grades up, and I enjoy being apart of the group.

Jay Patel
I feel a natural need to help others given that I have the chance. From what I have come to learn, there is no better way to help the community than by participating in community service. Acknowledging this idea, I do my best to play an active and a positive role in my community. I have participated and continue to do so in a variety of services, from helping to pick up trash around the Blackstone river on Earth Day to monitoring water in a lab on a regular basis. In addition to my desire for helping those in need, I find community service rather enjoyable. Due to its positive morality and enjoyable nature, I have a profound interest in service and becoming a part of National Honors Society will allow me to further exercise this interest.

Victoria Phillips
The most meaningful/special part of becoming a member of the National Honor Society is that I'm able to be a part of a meaningful club with great people in it! Becoming a member will mean I can continue to demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, service, and character. It is an honor to be a part of National Honor Society.

Jared Plumb
Becoming part of National Honors Society is a commitment to academic achievement and leadership in the community which I have looked forward to making.  As I look around at the students who have already joined this organization, I see in them the type of student which I wish to be.  I look forward to learning from the experiences to come and people I will meet as a part of National Honors Society and from them hope to both better myself and learn to be an example to my peers.  I am truly honored and thankful to have such a remarkable opportunity as this one.

Karin Plante
I think the most meaningful aspect of becoming a member of the National Honor Society is the support and socialization with members who are just as enthusiastic and motivated about volunteering as I am. I am very excited to participate in NHS and hopefully I am introduced to countless more volunteer opportunities that I can take part in!

Stephanie Poly
It's a privilege to be part of a group with such motivated and dedicated individuals. It means a lot to be considered for this honor. I am looking forward to contributing to the National Honor Society.

Angelica Puchovsky
I've always wanted to be part of NHS. I enjoy doing community service and wanted to be part of a group who helps out our community. I work hard to achieve my grades and being part of the National Honor Society is a reward for me.

McKenna Reilly
Being a part of the Nipmuc Chapter of the National Honor Society is more than getting good grades. I am appreciative to be a part of a recognized group of students who not only achieve strong academic standings, but also give back to the community.

Julia Salvaggio
The most meaningful part of becoming a member of the National Honor Society is being able to be a role model for other people. To be a role model for people who may want to achieve a certain academic goal, such as the National Honor Society, is a great privilege. Also, being a part of a group that helps out others as well as the school is a very special part of becoming a member of the National Honor Society. Hopefully others will see the amazing work we do and want to be a part of it.

Amanda St. Germain
The National Honor Society serves as a symbol of excellence to not only the student body but additionally the faculty members of Nipmuc Regional High School. Being a diligent and hard-working student, I feel that the National Honor Society could offer me a lot in terms of leadership, service, and development of my character, and believe I could contribute back in these categories.

Ryan Sullivan
The most meaningful part of becoming a member of the National Honor Society is being able to be involved in an organization that has such dedication to giving back to the community. Being an active member in the culture and community of Mendon and Upton has been an important part of my life, and I'm glad to be able to pay back through volunteering and helping others.

Carly Thibodeau
For me, becoming part of National Honor Society is an honor, one of the highest accomplishments I can achieve. Knowing that the community and school counts on me to perform my duties in helping them is the most meaningful part of being a member of NHS.

Joria Todd
Becoming a part of the National Honor Society was an easy decision for me. I felt that it represented what my education meant to me and would show colleges and my teachers who I was as a student and that I take school and my grades seriously. Already, I have met so many nice, smart, and overwhelmingly welcoming students who share similar goals and ideals. I am so thankful to be a part of the National Honor Society.

Sarah Tong
The most meaningful part of becoming a member of the National Honor Society is knowing how prestigious this group is, since only select, high achieving students are a part of it. Becoming a member of NHS makes me feel distinguished and proud.

Kelsey Woods
The ability to create my leadership project from start to finish.

Congratulations to all of our new members! Included below you will also find the program for the evening including a list of all current members of the NHS.