Sole Hope: NHS Winter Fundraiser

Wahconah Regional High School's chapter of the National Honor Society is currently working on a project to benefit the organization, Sole Hope, which provides shoes to people in need in Uganda.The organization was started by a family, who learned about bugs named Jiggers that burrow into the feet causing severe infections, and sought to take action to an issue they care deeply about. This organization employs local people who use the materials, consisting of pieces of jeans and plastic cut from templates, (which were put together by volunteers) to make shoes. They also have medical professionals who remove the bugs and eggs from infected feet. In addition, these doctors and nurses educate the public on the danger of these bugs and how to prevent future infections.

Our project consists of three main events. First we are raising money through corporate donations to cover the cost of shipping the materials for the shoes over to Africa. Second, we are holding a jean drive in order to obtain jeans for the shoes. Lastly, we are holding an event in February where our membership will trace, cut, and put together all of the necessary materials for making the shoes.

Our chapter of the National Honor Society is requesting that schools within our district support us in our effort to help Sole Hope by donating and/or holding a jean drive of their own.

Thank you for your consideration,

Colleen Kiely
NHS, Class of 2016

Mid-Year Assessment Schedule Info

To all WRHS Parents and Guardians:

Prior to last school year, Wahconah students took one final exam for each of their full year courses at the end of the school year.  These exams consisted of information learned and skills acquired between September and June.  In essence, students were assessed on 180 days of learning.  Last year we made the decision to offer an exam schedule that is more consistent with what students would experience in college, where they are traditionally assessed at the end of each semester.  Last year marked the first year we attempted this approach (which the majority of high schools in Massachusetts practice as well). 

After last year’s mid-year exams, a committee of teachers met to discuss how our inaugural mid-year exams went.  Based on the feedback we received, it was clear that running classes in the afternoon after students studied for and took up to two exams in the morning was not productive.  Based on that feedback, we have altered our mid-year assessment schedule for this school year.  Starting January 15^th, two mid-year exams will be administered each morning and will conclude at 11am.  There will be no classes in the afternoon.  After that time, students will be free to leave school if they so choose.  Lunch will then be served from 11-11:30 for those who wish to remain in school and buses will still run at 2:21.  This new exam schedule will feel more like a final exam schedule we typically have in June.  On the final day of 2^nd quarter (end of 1^st semester) students will meet all of their classes during a special 7 period day schedule so they may receive the appropriate closure they need before moving on to 3^rd quarter (2^nd semester).

Please go to the Wahconah website to access a Mid-Year Assessment schedule that can be printed out for your use. After vacation, teachers will be engaging students in more detailed conversation about all of this.  Thank you and Happy Holidays.

Important News about PSAT results

PSAT/NMSQT Score Release update

The Wahconah High School Guidance Department received an update from the College Board on December 10 indicating that there has been a change in the delivery schedule for the PSAT/NMSQT results.  The update explained that students will be able to access their scores and AP Potential information at https://studentscores.collegeboard.org/home starting on January 7, 2016.

Currently, students can receive additional information and set up a username and password through the College Board PSAT webpage in anticipation of the score release. https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10

Paper score reports are scheduled to arrive to our Department by January 29, 2016.

Questions regarding this can be directed to Peter Andersen, Guidance Counselor (413) 684-1330 ext. 1324

Have a good holiday.

Health Office News

Season’s Greetings from the WRHS Health Center (December 2015)

Hopefully your family will have an illness - free Winter ahead. There are many things you can do to promote the health and wellness of your family members. Here are a few:

• ·        Get plenty of sleep: teenagers typically need about 9 hours a night. 
•       Turning off all electronics (with screens) at least an hour before bedtime helps the mind relax and promotes sleep. 
•       Listening to relaxing music or reading can be beneficial.
• ·        Break the night time fast with a nutritious snack or meal. 
•       Eating and drinking something healthful in the AM helps jump start the daytime workings of our body and brain. 
•       Skipping breakfast predisposes teens to developing headaches, stomach aches and poor concentration.
• ·        Eat meals high in fruits and vegetables:  these foods have lots of vitamins and minerals that help maintain a healthy body and fiber that promotes digestion.
• ·        Exercise regularly: For those students who are not on one of the sports teams or otherwise exercising regularly getting enough exercise can be a challenge. It isn’t necessary to join a gym but many folks find participating in yoga,dance  or martial arts class can a fun way to exercise. Walking or jogging are almost always available to us, especially with our lack of cold and snow so far this season and more fun with a dog and or a friend along.

      It isn’t too late to get a flu shot! The flu shot is supposed to be more effective this year. For being so close to the Holiday break, I have seen very little ‘flu’ at school. (highlights include sudden onset of fever, chills, body ache, headache, sore throat, cough). If your family member develops these symptoms, seek medical attention. Starting on prescription antiviral medication can reduce the duration and severity of the illness.  Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.

·        

      WASH YOUR HANDS thoroughly and regularly with warm water and soap.

·        

      Change your toothbrush:  this should be done at least every 3 months and as a toothbrush can harbor germs, it is advisable to get a new a new one if you have been diagnosed with an illness such as Strep Throat.

Sincerely,

Phoebe Bushway RN MS NCSN 

WRHS School Nurse

Trouble with Holiday Stress?

The Holiday Season may not feel so merry and bright for many people, especially families who are dealing with conflict, loss, break-ups, divorce, loneliness, and mental health issues.  Depression and general feelings of sadness are not uncommon.  People tend to set unrealistic expectations and hope of things being perfect, like the fantasy of holidays that you see on TV.

If you or a family member are exhibiting signs of depression such as feeling low, worthless, withdrawing from activities, friends, family and possibly even having thoughts of suicide, you can reach out to the Crisis Team at 413-499-0412 twenty-four hours a day or you can go to berkshirepsychotherapynetwork.org to connect with a highly trained therapist who can provide you with an evaluation and treatment.  You can also reach out to a School Adjustment Counselor in your child's school for more information.

Donna Therrien, MSW

WRHS School Adjustment Counselor

Come to Financial Aid Night

The Wahconah Guidance Department will sponsor a financial aid information session for college bound seniors and their parents at 6:30pm on Wednesday, Dec. 2 in the auditorium. Paul Boyer, director of financial aid and Courtney Hatch Blauvelt, assistant director of financial aid at Williams College, will present an overview of the financial aid process, advice on completing the FAFSA and CSS profile forms, and information on student loans, parent loans, work study, and local scholarships. Informational materials will be available as well.

WRHS Students Work with Craneville Students on the Meaning of "Sportsmanship"

Sportsmanship starts early!

On Friday, November 20th, 13 students from Wahconah went to Craneville Elementary School to help support sportsmanship and respect at recess and lunch. The students, a mixture of athletes and non-athletes and males and females, came to speak to each of the 4th and 5th grade classes about what respectful play would look and feel like at recess. The discussions also covered topics such as what it means to be inclusive, about being the best teammate you can be, and how to be a good friend/classmate. The students from Wahconah spent about 20 - 30 minutes in each class and then spent time with each of the grades at recess where they supervised and participated in activities and offered supportive feedback to all students. In addition, several also went out of their way to engage with students who otherwise tend to remove themselves from peer interactions - clearly modeling what we mean when we say we are an inclusive school community. In between recess times, the WRHS students joined the entire 4th and 5th grade classes for lunch dispersing themselves among each class/table. Here they were able to engage in more direct conversations, offer supportive advice about behaviors towards each other, and make positive connections to the students. The message of sportsmanship and inclusion was felt strongly by all and efforts to coordinate return visits to Craneville and expand to even younger grades are underway.  Many thanks to Craneville Principal Debbie White, Asst. Principal Stephanie Friedman, School Adjustment Counselor Jon Friedman, and WRHS Athletic Director Jared Shannon for making this and all future events possible!

News from the Health Office

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Vision and hearing screening, as well as measurement of height and weight is underway for the 10^th graders, as required by the Department of Public Health.  You will be notified by snail mail if your student does not pass the hearing or vision screen and further evaluation is indicated.

The Department of Public Health also requires that students entering K,  4^th, 7^th and 10^th grade submit a copy of a recent physical exam to the school nurse. If you have not submitted a recent physical exam report from your student’s Primary Care Provider to the school nurse in the last year, please make arrangement's to do so before the end of 2015. A copy of the current immunization record should be included.

All students attending school are expected to be able to participate in Physical Education class. If your student is not able to participate, we will need a note from his or her PCP or other health care provider (such as an orthopaedic surgeon) with the dates he or she should not be participating in PE and when they can return.

Please keep me abreast of any major illness or injury or other situation that may affect your student’s health and attendance at school.  Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I can be reached at 684-1330 X 5. The confidential fax to my desk is 684-1602.

Sincerely,

Phoebe Bushway RN MS NCSN

Come to Empty Bowls - sponsored by NHS

Wahconah Regional High School's Chapter of the National Honor Society will be hosting the Empty Bowls Dinner.  NHS members will be raising awareness for and helping to alleviate hunger in the community.

When?  Saturday, December 12th, 2015
Where? First Congregational Church located at 514 Main St. in Dalton, MA
What time?  6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Cost?  Individual tickets - $15; Family tickets - $25

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THIS GREAT EVENT!

Congratulations to our new NHS Inductees!

We are proud to announce that the following students were recently inducted into Wahconah's chapter of the National Honor Society.  Congratulations to all!

Katie Bachi, Colette Basiliere, Allison Borowski, Daniel Brainerd, Hayden Cantoni, Hanna Ciepiela, Samuel Clayton, Rebecca Cook, Emmaline Cote, Miles Cramer, Michaela DeFoe, Emily Derouin, Jessie Downer, Rachel Fox, Noelle Frederick, Jillian Gaudette, Kyle Gazzillo, William Genaway, Sydney Hazen, Jessica Houle, Alexis Kays, Connor Matthews, Alexandra Massaro, McKenna McIlquham, Corry Psutka, Lillian Pudlo, Samuel Pyser, Haley Sickell, Luke Steinman, Jenna Topping, Isaac Voltoline, Connor Washburn, Abigail White, Ashley Zink

Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-Ups are now open!

Wahconah Regional High School will be hosting Parent-Teacher Conferences on:

• Nov. 10 12:15-3:00pm
• Nov. 12 6:00-8:30pm

You can now sign up using the online conference portal at
https://ptcfast.com/schools/Wahconah_Regional_High_School

We hope to see you there!

Apollonian Players present "Anne of Green Gables"

Wahconah Regional High School Apollonian Players will present "Anne of Green Gables." 

Performances will be: 

• 7 p.m.  Friday, November 13^th
• 1:00 and 7:00 p.m on Saturday, November, 14^th.   

Anne of Green Gables , narrated by author Lucy Maude Montgomery (Selena Schilling), centers around aging brother and sister Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert (Mikel Lamont and Anna Duquette) who send to the orphanage in Nova Scotia for a boy to help them on the farm, but they get more than they bargain for.  Due to a mix-up, they are instead left with 11 year old Anne Shirley (Ellie Wright).  Anne’s winsome ways capture their hearts.  Her winning personality and funny antics captivate all who come to know her.  Over the course of five years, this romantic, hot-headed, and energetic girl wins their hearts and turns the stodgy, rural Canadian community into a bright world of “kindred spirits.”  Others in the cast include, Grace Moriarity, Aleksandra Tsangarides, Haley Sickell, Hanna Rogers, Brooklyn Pratt, Ali Temple,  Olivia Furlong, Maddie Heon, Lexi Schultz, Chiara Forestel, Kiana Redd, and Zach Turner 

Our New Phone System is Up and Running

We are happy to announce that our new phone system is now operational.  Our improved system features more automated options and a new updated menu.  Many thanks for your patience as we transitioned to this new system.

Help NHS Support Local Charity by Running in the "Spooktacular Trick-or-Trot"

Spooktacular Trick-or-Trot

Help Wahconah's National Honor Society as they help raise money for the Moment's House

Where:  Wahconah Regional High School

When:  Saturday, Oct. 24 (rain date Nov. 7)

Kid's Race begins at 7:30pm; cost $8 per ticket

Adult Race begins at 8:00pm; cost $12 per ticket

RACING IN HALLOWEEN COSTUME IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED!

Refreshments and concessions will be available

Opporunity for Students to Participate in New England Math League

New England Math League

Students have 30 minutes for 6 questions. Students can use a calculator and scrap paper.

Students get 4 Points for participating and an extra point for each correct answer!

Tuesdays - 2:30 to 3:00 in any math room:

Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 9, Mar. 15

Check out Wahconah's Health and Wellness Blog

Wahconah's new Health and Wellness Blog is now up and running.  You may access it through the Wahconah website by clicking on "departments" and then "physical wellness".  You may also access it directly here...

http://wrhswellness.blogspot.com/

This blog not only serves as a support for all of our students, it also provides helpful tips and ideas for all members of the school community, whether they are students, staff, or parents.

NHS Bottle Drive - Saturday, Sept. 19th

Wahconah Regional High School's chapter of the National Honor Society will be holding a bottle drive on Saturday, September 19th, from 9 am to 12 pm. Members will be traveling in routes around local neighborhoods in Dalton. Any bottles and/or donations given to benefit the National Honor Society would be greatly appreciated.

Advisors contact:
dkowalczyk@cbrsd.org
ddahari@cbrsd.org

Attention Parents: Come join Wahconah's School Advisory Council!

Wahconah's School Advisory Council is an informal gathering of parents who meet on the fourth Monday of every month with Principal Jim Conro (no December meeting).  Our first meeting is Monday, Sept. 28th in room E6.  We hope to see you there!

College Fair Sept. 20th - Don't miss this opportunity!

The New England Association for College Admission Counseling will sponsor a College Fair on Sunday, September 20, 2015 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Western New England University. The Fair will be held in the University's Alumni Healthful Living Center. Representatives from about 200 colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions will be available to answer your questions. There will also be a financial aid and guidance counselor table to assist you. The fair will be preceded by an Admissions and Financial Aid Information Session that will be held from 1:00 - 1:45. We encourage you to print out labels with your name, address, phone number and email in order to maximize your facetime with admissions personnel!

Wahconah to offer PSAT to all Sophomores

The College Board’s PSAT/NMSQT will be offered at Wahconah on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015.  All sophomores and juniors are strongly encouraged to participate in this opportunity to obtain a predictor score for the SAT exam.  Junior’s scores are automatically submitted to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for scholarship consideration and recognition.  All members of the Wahconah Sophomore class will be offered the opportunity to take the College Board PSAT free of charge through funding provided by our school district.  

Juniors will be able to take the test on Wednesday at a cost of $20 per test.  Deadline for signup for Juniors is Wednesday, Oct. 7th.  Questions regarding the PSAT may be directed to Peter Andersen, Guidance Department 684-1330 *1324.

NHS Applications Due Sept. 14th

All juniors and seniors with a GPA of 90 or above are invited to apply to the Wahconah Chapter of National Honor Society.  The deadline to submit new National Honor Society candidate applications is Monday September 14, 2015. Any junior or senior with a GPA of 90+ is eligible to apply and if you missed the informational meeting, please see Mr. Dahari or Mrs. Kowalczyk.

College Planning Night - Sept. 9th 6:30-8pm

There will be an opportunity for seniors and parents to participate in a College Planning Night during Wahconah's Open House. Josh Mendel, Associate Director of Admissions at MCLA,  will be presenting from 6:30 - 8 in the auditorium. He will help you navigate the entire application process from start to finish and will save time for your questions.

Back to School Night - Sept. 9th 6:30-8:00pm

Wahconah Attendance Phone Line

We are currently experiencing difficulties with our old phone system, which will result in its eventual replacement in late September or early October.  In the meantime, we have set up a temporary phone line for attendance only:  (413) 684-9910

When calling, please leave a message indicating the following:

• student name
• reason for absence
• name of person calling student in

All other calls should be made to (413) 684-1330.  Please understand that all voicemail has been disabled, therefore if possible, please try to communicate with staff via email for the time being.  We thank you for your patience with this matter.

Science Department's New Website

The Wahconah Science Department is proud to announce the launch of their brand new website.  It can be found at http://wahconahscience.webs.com

It can also be accessed via the Wahconah website by clicking on "departments" and then "science".  Many thanks to the members of our science department as they work to make learning a more interactive experience within our school.

Follow Wahconah Regional High School on Twitter @wahconahrhs

Health Room News

Regarding students in Grade 10 for 2015-16:

Please provide the nurse with a recent physical exam report from their Primary Care Provider between now and when school begins in September. This should include an updated immunization record. These can be mailed to me or dropped off at school. I will be conducting hearing and vision screenings on the tenth graders next school year. Please keep the school nurse informed of any changes throughout the coming year regarding your child’s health, such as diagnosed infections, illnesses, injuries and medications taken on a regular basis.

I can be reached at 684-1330 x 5, fax 684-1602 or through district webmail pbushway@cbrsd.org.
Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable summer.

Phoebe Bushway RN MS NCSN
School Nurse WRHS

Summer Reading Assignment for Incoming Freshmen

Summer reading is required for all students who will be taking college preparatory English in the fall. If your child is not taking college preparatory English, he/she is still encouraged to read one of the books and complete the assignment; extra credit will be given for it.  The assignment is to read either Define Normal by Julie Anne Peters, or The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime* by Mark Haddon.  We recommend purchasing the book of choice as essays will be written using the novel in the fall, but checking it out of a library is an option as well. (*includes some harsh language) Students will receive the official assignment at Nessacus before leaving for the summer; it can also be found on our website; go to schools – Wahconah - English Department.

Mary DeMaranville
English Dept . Chair