august 2016 southwick regional school newsletter · august 2016 southwick regional school...
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August 2016
Southwick Regional School Newsletter 93 Feeding Hills Road, Southwick, MA 01077 Volume 1I1, Issue I
Inside this issue:
AP Message 2
Guidance News 3
7 & 9 Grade Orienta- 4
tion
NCLB Information 5
Athletic News 6
Around SRS 7
Senior Photos 8
Summer Reading 9
MS Supply List 10
School Photo Day
Be prepared to smile for
your 2016-2017 photo on
Thursday, September 8th.
Retakes will be on
Wednesday, October 12.
Student ID’s will include bar
codes this year that will
allow you to access food
accounts in the cafeteria!
Dear Families and Students,
I know we are still hanging on to summer, as we should, but school and
extracurriculars are not too far away. On behalf of the entire faculty and staff, let
me be the first to welcome you back to school for the 2016-17 school year. I feel
extremely fortunate to have worked with the dedicated staff and outstanding
student body during the past two years and I eagerly look forward to another
successful year.
This is the first summer that the school has not been under construction in a few
years. It has allowed the custodial staff to focus their attention on the classrooms
and facilities despite difficult weather conditions throughout the summer. Inside and
out they have done a tremendous job getting the school ready for all to enjoy.
The teachers have spent numerous summer hours participating in professional
development and curriculum work. They have analyzed MCAS and AP data as well
as reflecting on their practices to ensure students receive an individualized and
challenging curriculum. They are true examples of life-long learners.
The information enclosed in this month’s newsletter should answer most of the
questions parents and students have going into this school year. Athletics,
extracurriculars, school calendar, guidance hours, supplies and summer reading are
all addressed. I suggest you continue visiting the school website for updates and
information as we get closer to the start of school. Please, do not hesitate to
contact the school with any questions.
I wish you a safe and enjoyable end of summer and look forward to seeing you all in
September.
Joe Turmel
Volume 1I1, Issue I
Message from your Assistant Principals 2016-2017
Ms. Shorter and Mr. Taglieri hope that all of you have had an exciting and enjoyable summer. We are excited
about the 2016/17 school year and hope you are too. This year we are pleased to announce that the middle school
and high school handbooks have been combined into a single document. Every student receives a copy of this book
at the beginning of the school year and it is essential that you and your parents read through the entire
handbook in order to become familiar with all of the rules and regulations of the school. We’d like to
review a few rules that are addressed the most frequently:
Attendance Policy: Detailed information regarding the attendance policy is located in the student
handbook. The school day is scheduled between 7:35 a.m. and 2:10 p.m. It is paramount to your
student’s success that they be here on time and ready to learn for the entire day.
If your child is absent from school you should call the school at 569-6171 before 8:30 a.m. An
answering machine will be in use for calls before 7 a.m. Indicate the student’s name, grade level,
date(s) of absence, and the reason for the absence.
Student Attire Policy: The official policy for the student dress code can be found in the student
handbook. It is important to note that the school administration reserves the right to determine the
appropriateness of attire. Students will be given the opportunity to change inappropriate clothing. The
school may provide substitute clothing if available. If this is not possible, a parent/guardian will be called.
For repeat offenders, student disciplinary consequences may result. Please help us enforce this policy.
Cell Phone/Electronic Device Policy: Students must not allow their devices to disrupt the academic
day.
Students in 7th and 8th grade are not allowed to use cell phones at all during school hours. Devices
should remain off and away upon entering the building and remain so until the student leaves.
Students in grades 9 through 12 may use electronic devices during passing times and at lunch.
Classroom teachers may allow the use of electronic devices for educational purposes. Students
must comply with all classroom rules related to electronic devices or face disciplinary
consequences.
Food and drinks are not allowed in classrooms with the exception of water bottles in non-breakable,
screw top containers.
Parking Permit Information
Parking permits will be sold in the main office starting September 1, 2016.
Permits will cost $50 for the school year or $25 for one semester. Students who intend to park here in September
must purchase and display their permit by September 9th. Please see Mrs. Pickard in the main office to purchase a
parking permit; you will need the make, model, color and license plate number of your vehicle. With the building
project complete and the ‘bubble’ class having graduated, we do not anticipate a shortage of permits this year so we
should not need to establish a waiting list.
Volume 1I1, Issue I
Guidance News
REMINDER FOR CLASS OF 2017
The deadline for Octobers SAT’s is early September. Go to www.collegeboard.org and register early. We all
know how quickly the summer goes by!!!
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT SUMMER SCHEDULE
The Guidance Office will be open this summer from 8:30am-12:00pm and 12:30pm-3:00pm to request transcripts
or other information. A guidance counselor will be available every Wednesday throughout the summer to meet
with students/parents to discuss any concerns or to plan a schedule for the 2016-2017 school year. Please call
ahead to make an appointment.
Our summer office phone number will be: 569-3011
Rachel Deery, Counselor (Grades 9-11, last names A-H, Grade 12: A-G)
Marcy Coviello, Director of Guidance (Grades 9-11, last name I-L, Grade 12: H-L)
Mary Downie, Counselor (Grades 9-12, last names M-Z)
Stephanie Lecrenski, Adjustment Counselor
Maryann Margiotta, Career Facilitator
PSAT’S
We will be offering PSAT’s on Saturday, October 15, 2016. This test is recommended for any sophomore or
junior who is college bound as a practice test before taking the SAT’s. The cost is $20.00, checks can be made
out to SRS.
The first day of school is 9/1/16, schedules will be handed out to students during homeroom, which will be first
thing in the morning. Homeroom listings will be posted in the school. Each homeroom will have a sign-up sheet
for students to add their name to if there is a problem or concern with their schedule. We will call the students
down to make necessary changes during the first couple days of school. Students should just follow the schedule
they are given until changes can be made.
Southwick Regional School
New Student Orientation
Monday, August 22, 2016
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Whether you are a rising 7th or 9th grader or a student new to our district you
are welcome to join us on the morning of August 22.
Why are we having an orientation?
-To help ease your transition to SRS
-To tour the building and find your classrooms, lockers, and more
-To meet Student Ambassadors who will be available all year to help you learn
about SRS
-To become familiar with the clubs and other extracurricular activities available at
SRS
Student Orientation Agenda:
9:00- 10:00 – Guided Tours for 7th Graders
10:00-10:25 – Meeting for 9th Graders - Auditorium
10:25- 10:45 – 9th Graders meet with Ambassadors
While this orientation is for students only, we encourage all parents to attend our Open
House on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.
For more information or if you have any questions, please contact the Main Office at 413-569-6171.
Volume 1I1, Issue I
NCLB Military Recruitment
Section 9528 of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires schools to release family’s
private information to military recruiters unless you “opt-out” in writing. The following form
provides the option to remove your child’s and/or family’s name from the Military
Recruitment List.
_______ As a student, I am exercising the right to “opt-out” and request that
my own name, address and telephone number not be released to
military recruiters.
_______ As a parent, I am exercising the right to “opt-out” and request that
you do not turn over the name, address and telephone number of
of the following student to military recruiters.
Student Name: ___________________________________
Signature of Student: ______________________________
Signature of Parent: _______________________________
Date: _________________________
Federal public law 107-110, section 9528 of the ESEA, “No Child Left Behind Act” requires
school districts to release student names, addresses, and phone numbers to military
recruiters upon request. The law also requires the school district to notify students and
parents of the right to opt-out from this by requesting that the district not release students’
information to military recruiters. This form is intended to serve as a request to withhold
this information. Please return this form to the main office by September 19, 2016.
Boys and Girls Soccer Boys and Girls Basketball Baseball
Boys and Girls Cross Country Wrestling Softball
Field Hockey Cheerleading Boys & Girls Track
Golf Boys and Girls Indoor Track Boys Volleyball
Girls Volleyball Boys and Girls Skiing
NEW- JV Ice Hockey
It’s never too early to start planning for the fall. Even though we are on summer break I want to get your minds
thinking of the fall. There are a few important dates to mark on your calendars…
Pre-Season Begins- Thursday August 25, 2016
Most teams will begin that day-keep an eye out for start times and dates for each team. Go to the District
Website and click on “Athletics”
NEW IN 2016!!!
ONLINE REGISTRATION- Any student-athlete interested in participating in athletics in 2016-2017 school year
MUST register ONLINE!
A link will be on the school’s website beginning June 1. Click on the link and fill in all the required sections to register
for sports. There will also be some MANDATORY FORMS to be filled out and turned into the coach on opening day.
Those will also be on the website under the Registration link.
Informational Parent Meeting will be held on Monday, August 22, 2016 at 6:00pm in the auditorium. This meeting
is no longer mandatory but very important for new or incoming student-athletes and their parents. We will go over
pertinent information in regards to playing high school sports from 6-6:30 and meet the coaches at 6:30.
PHYSICALS- Any student interested in playing a fall sport must have had a physical cleared by the school nurse
and must be academically eligible. The physical must be no older than 13 months. Physicals expire 13 months from
the date they were completed. Physicals should be turned into the school nurse by August 20, 2016 in order to
practice in the first week of tryouts. Late physicals will not be processed until August 29th.
Any questions please call Athletic Director, Frank Montagna at 569-6171 x-101 or email him at
Athletic News
Volume 1I1, Issue I
MAJOR ATHLETICS ANNOUNCEMENT
The following sports will be available next year…
FALL WINTER SPRING
Volume 1I1, Issue I
Class of 2018
Welcome back class of 2018! Mr. Hafer and Mrs. Trzasko are excited for everything that we have planned for the
coming year. This is an exciting year for all of us as we prepare fantastic fundraisers, prom, and hope that you
take advantage of communicating with your guidance counselors in preparation for college! Join us at Moolicious
for a welcome-back pancake breakfast on Saturday, September 10 from 7-12.
We have decided to extend the deadline for our class dues raffle to fall Parent-Teacher conferences on October 20,
2016. Students who pay their dues in full by Parent-Teacher conferences will be entered to win a free yearbook
senior year. Class officers will be available that evening to collect dues. Dues can be submitted anytime to the office
or to either of us (checks payable to SRS).
We will again be forming an event committee to plan and prepare all of our fundraisers, including prom, this year. If
you are interested please see either of us and listen to the announcements for meeting times.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Mr. Hafer and Mrs. Trzasko
World Language News
For the first time since 2013, SRS will be offering AP Spanish. There are currently 7 students enrolled- a
record number as well! These 7 students will be together with 4 Spanish V students in the fall and will
continue alone in the spring, preparing for the exam on May 2. The exam tests students' ability to
understand and interpret language and culture in context by reading, writing, listening and speaking in
Spanish. Good luck to all these students.
SCANNER Yearbook Senior Photo Memo
WHO? Members of the Class of 2017
WHAT? Need to have their Senior Photos taken
All Yearbook Photos must be taken according to the following
guidelines:
*Photo should be a formal/semi-formal pose
*Photo must be full color
*Your choice of any appropriate background
*Hands may be included in photo
*NO hats, head coverings, or props may be used
*NO close-up photos as they do not reproduce well
*NO full body shots (should be mid-torso and up)
WHY? To include your full color photo in the 2017 SCANNER
WHEN? As soon as possible but no later than Friday, October 21, 2016
PLEASE NOTE: This date is final as the 2017 SCANNER Yearbook is a spring publication, which will come out in May.
WHERE? Steinmetz Photography Studio, 235 Western Avenue, West Springfield, MA 01089 OR
At SRS with Steinmetz Photography, date TBD (generally the 1st week in October)
HOW? Call Steinmetz Photography at 737-1400 to
Confirm Your Scheduled Studio Photo Sitting
(You need to call to reschedule if you cannot make your scheduled appointment time!)
OR Schedule a sitting at the school
Sign-ups will be announced in the fall
REMEMBER -- We want to see you in your yearbook!
Any questions can be directed to Melissa Trzasko at [email protected].
If you choose not to use Steinmetz as your photographer, senior photos need to be submitted on disc by Friday, October 21, 2016 and still
must adhere to the aforementioned requirements. Photos need to be at least 350 dpi.
Senior Quotes must be submitted with pictures. They should be no more than 100 characters long including punctuation and spaces. All
quotes will be submitted for admin approval. Students may only submit one quote.
Attention parents/guardians of the class of 2017:
Senior pictures must be submitted to Melissa Trzasko by Friday, October 21, 2016 in order to guarantee
publication in the 2016 Scanner Yearbook.
*Photo needs to be submitted on a cd and must be at least 350 dpi
Volume 1I1, Issue I
Summer Reading
Summer Reading 2016 (For students entering 7th or 8th grade)
Your summer reading assignment for this summer is to choose a book you haven’t read before, that is on your grade
level, and complete the attached graphic organizer for that book. The graphic organizer asks you to identify five main
characters, five conflicts, at least three themes, and five key moments in the book. Lastly, write two or three
sentences explaining what you learned about yourself, others or the world by reading this book. As you think about
these elements, these are some questions you should consider: Main Characters- What is the character’s name?
What do they look like? What are some important personality traits of the character? Conflicts- What are some
disagreements between characters? What are some problems the characters have with their environment? What are
the characters struggling with in their minds? Theme- What is the big message the author is trying to get across in
the book? What life lessons do the characters learn in the book? Key Moments- What are the important events in
the book? What are the things that have the most impact? 7 th Grade students will select a book from the list
provided. 8 th Grade students may select their own book, but must turn in a permission slip with your selected book
by June 13th .
http://www.stgrsd.org/strhs/content/library/summer_reading_middle_school_description_2016.pdf
The 7th and 8th Grade Recommended Reading List can be found on the school website or by following
this link http://www.stgrsd.org/strhs/content/library/7_8recommended_reads2016.pdf.
Summer Reading Guidelines 2016 (For students entering Grades 9-12)
1) Select a book you would like to read over the summer. -Your book
selection should be appropriate for discussion in school. -Your book
selection should correspond to your reading level and must be approved
by your parent/guardian. -You may not use a book previously read for
summer reading, and/or a class assignment or a book that you have read as
part of an English class. -You may NOT select a book that has been made
into a movie. -Students are welcome to visit the library in June to browse the collection and seek guidance in
reading selections. Visit http://yournextread.com for other suggestions -You CAN sign a book out over the
summer!
2) Complete the Summer Reading 2016 assignment, which can be found on the school website, in the SRS Library,
or from the main office. -Write out your initial responses on the worksheet provided. -Type your responses to
the questions and staple the outline sheet to your typed responses. -Be sure to use page numbers for quotes.
Do not use any other sources other than the book. Do not use Sparknotes, Cliff Notes, or other similar
sources to guide your answers.
3) This sheet will be collected in homeroom on September 12, 2016 and will be graded by your English teacher.
Important changes to summer reading for this year:
• Do NOT do a book billboard- there is a different summer reading assignment!
• You will turn in TWO sheets of paper- a worksheet titled “Summer Reading 2016 Grade 9-12” AND
your typed responses to the questions on this sheet.
• You may NOT choose a book that has a movie associated with it.
TEAM ATLANTIS
Supply List 2016-2017
Social Studies
7th-2 yellow or orange 2-pocket folders
1 subject notebook- yellow/orange
8th-2 yellow or orange 2-pocket folders
1 subject notebook- yellow/orange
Math
7th – 4 Blue Binders and a Box of Sharpened pencils
8th –4 Blue Binders and a Box of Sharpened pencils
Science
7th- 5 Subject Notebook
8th- 5 Subject Notebook
English Language Arts
7th- 1” White Binder
- 1 Subject notebook
- 5 tab dividers
8th-- 1” Black Binder
- 1 Subject notebook
- 5 tab dividers
World Language 7th and 8th
5 subject notebook
Plastic folder
Index cards/flash cards
Recommended: Locker shelf for 7th grade lockers
TEAM AVALON MATERIALS LIST
As a team students will need writing implements (Pens and Pencils) and internet access to use online texts and
supplementary materials.
ELA – Red 2-3 inch binder with loose leaf paper and a folder
- ½ inch binder - High lighter - 3 dividers - Sticky notes -
MATH – Blue spiral bound notebook (1 subject)
- Blue folder
- Pencils
SCI – Green spiral bound notebook
- Green 3 ring binder (1 inch) - Green folder
HIST – Yellow spiral bound notebook with folder/pockets or
- 3 ring binder with lined paper and folder
WORLD LANGUAGE 8th
- White three ring binder (2 inch) - 8 dividers - White lined paper - Folder
Team Olympus Supply List
Science (Green)
½” to 1” binder
Loose leaf paper
Math (Red)
1 “ binder
1 subject spiral notebook
Pencils
English Language Arts (Purple)
1” binder
Loose leaf paper
Social Studies/Ancient Civ (Pink)
5 subject spiral notebook
World Language (French/Spanish)
5 subject spiral notebook
Plastic folder
Index cards/ flashcards
General Supplies:
Pencil case
Handheld pencil sharpener
Red pens
Pencils
Colored pencils
Highlighter
Post-it notes
Dividers – 2 packs of 5 (10 total)
Accordian folder
Recommended:
Flashdrive
Locker shelf
respectful environment dedicated to the academic, personal, and cultural evolution of
every student.
Joe Turmel, Principal
Serena Shorter, Asst. Principal
Ben Taglieri, Asst. Principal
93 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
(413) 569-6171
• work together with families and the community to actively promote quality education
• provide a safe environment fostering a culture of civility, creativity, and respect for
diversity
• provide students with quality facilities, relevant materials, and personalized instruction
in order to promote excellence in education
www.stgrsd.org
Mission Statement: Southwick Regional School strives to provide a safe, supportive,
Education — Inspiration — Excellence
Mission and Beliefs
The Southwick Regional School learning community believes that our school must...
challenge all students to excel and become confident, engaged learners through the
establishment of high academic standards
promote the academic, emotional, social, and physical growth of students while en-
couraging responsible citizenship
S.R.S. Core Values and Beliefs About Learning