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.

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

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      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