As part of their AP U.S.
Government and Politics
course at Somerville High
School, students will
occasionally participate in a
debate about a current event
or issue. SHS Teacher Chris
Glynn recently organized a
student project related to the
issue of raising the
minimum wage. Students
read and reviewed two
recent articles/editorials
about the topic, and then
participated in a team debate to present their pro or con positions on the issue. Each student was asked to make their argument in business letter form, addressed to their Congressman. Two days later, Congressman Michael E. Capuano’s office reached out indicating his interest in visiting the class. He met with about 40 students from the class on Thursday, March 20th, to learn more about the students’ project and their views on the minimum wage and other current issues. In the Congressman’s weekly e-Update, he stated that “After reading their letters I wanted to meet them and the teacher who has inspired and taught them so well. It was an afternoon that made me proud of Somerville.” Find out more about what the Congressman had to say regarding his visit with Somerville High School students at http://www.house.gov/capuano/e- updates/eu2014-03-21.shtml.
Kennedy Students Participate in Regional History Day Competition
Twelve students from the Kennedy School participated in the annual Regional History Day Competition held at Winchester High School on Saturday, March 1st, competing against students from across the region. Students spent months researching and learning about an historical figure or event, then created a website, dramatic performance, or documentary to present at the competition. Students also have to be prepared to respond to questions regarding what they’ve learned in preparing for the competition. Kennedy students earned two first-place and two third-place finishes, as well as an Honorable Mention award. Congratulations to all the competitors for a job well done!
Individual Documentary: Rachel Eatough – “Witchcraft in Salem”
Group Performances: 1st Place: Julia Johnson, Kiely Johnson – “Into the Flame: One Woman’s Responsibility”
Group Performances: Honorable Mention: Starvoula Eliadis, Jennifer Lima – “Let Them Play Ball”
Individual Performance: 1st Place: Ann Donovan – “With God on Our Side: An Earlier and Quieter Integration”
Group Website: 3rd Place: James McEwen, Nolan Roche – “United States Responsibility versus Bikini Rights”
Group Website: 3rd Place: Nancy Onyejiaka, Isabel Silva, Carlea Dolcine, Nabila Anandira – “The American
Dream…”
performed with students at the Argenziano School last
week. Mr. Camara had conducted multiple workshops with
Grade 4-8 students during his Artist-in-Residency, including
working with the Argenziano Middle Grades World
Percussion Ensemble. The concert was loud, exciting,
dynamic, and full of dance and drumming. In the words of
one fourth grader: “Awesome!!”
Somerville Pride Team Earns Fifth Grade Division Metrowest Championship Title
The 14-member Somerville Pride fifth grade basketball team claimed the Metrowest Basketball Championship division title recently in Foxboro. In an exceptional display of individual and team effort and determination, Somerville Pride defeated King Philip, 21-19 at the Mass Premier courts in Foxboro for the Fifth Grade Division win. The team is led by an outstanding group of role models from throughout the city, including the Somerville High School Girls basketball players who volunteer their time on Saturdays mentoring the Somerville Pride team, under the leadership of Alecia Queriso, parents, and coaches. Congratulations to the Fifth Grade Division Metrowest champions and thank you for making Somerville proud.
Argenziano School: Kenzi Ramadam;
Brown School: Ava Cannishuro, Bridgette Frazier, Corinne McKeller, Chloe Wilson;
Kennedy School: Elizabeth McEwen, Josephine Rizzo, Kimberly Toner
West Somerville: Audrey Bocage, Jill Hutchinson, Maddison Powell, Vedrana Stantic, Jada West,
Winter Hill: Katie Ziko
Skiing and Snowboarding at Pat’s Peak
Next Wave/Full Circle students enjoyed a day at Pat’s peak snowboarding and downhill skiing last month. While the trip was an unequivocal success for both veteran and novice skiers, students particularly enjoyed watching one of their chaperoning teachers race a student down the hill. The result? It was a tie!
What’s Happening
Saturday, March 29: Duhamel Education Initiative 18th Annual Pancake Breakfast
The Duhamel Education Initiative invites you to their spring fundraiser, the 18th Annual Pancake Breakfast at the First Congregational Church (89 College Ave., Somerville) from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Breakfast will be prepared and served by the Somerville School Committee. Suggested donation is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for children 10 and under; $25 per family. Each year the Pancake Breakfast has proven to be a great social affair, and is a perfect time to see old friends, make new ones, and enjoy good food too! Monies raised from social events, in addition to direct appeals, help fund special programs that benefit Somerville Public Schools students. Reservations are NOT necessary. Join the fun, and bring family and friends! Contact Doris McDaniel at (857) 205-8374 in the event of bad weather to find out whether breakfast will be served. If you can’t attend, but would like to make a contribution, a check made payable to THE DUHAMEL EDUCATION INITIATIVE may be sent to: The Duhamel Education Initiative, P.O. Box 440113, Somerville MA 02144.
Wed., April 2: The Middle School Years – How does a Parent deal with the Changes?
How does a parent deal with the changes during the middle school years? Join us for the final of a 4-part series on The Middle School Years and hear what Somerville Public Schools’ Jill Charney, School Adjustment Counselor and Counselor-Educator Jacqueline Brown have to share. Wednesday, April 2nd, 5:30-7:30pm at the Winter Hill School.
Wednesday, April 2: Cybersafety & Your Child
Find out about your child’s cyber activity and how to keep them safe at this workshop on Wednesday, April 2nd, from 6:00-8:00pm, at the Kennedy School (5 Cherry Street). What is your child able to do online, on their cell phones and laptops, and how can you monitor their cyber activity? Pizza and salad will be served from 6:00-6:30pm. Presented by: Rich Melillo, SPS Director of Student Services; Charles LaFauci, SPS Supervisor of Library/Media; Sgt. Scott Whelan, Cyber Forensics, Somerville Police Department; and Cory Mashburn, Director-Office of Prevention, City of Somerville.
Monday, April 7: Autism Awareness Month
Join the discussion on “Managing Time and Energy with Children on the Autism Spectrum” at a Parent/Guardian Discussion Group on Monday, April 7th, 6:30-7:30pm at the Kennedy School Library (5 Cherry St.). Home schedules and routines including leisure time activities will be discussed. Childcare is available. RSVP by April 3 if you plan to attend and if you need childcare: Debby Higgins, SPED PAC Coordinator, dhiggins@k12.somerville.ma.us or (617) 625-6600 x6829. Please send questions about Home Schedule & Routines and Leisure Time Activities that you would like addressed at the meeting to Debby Higgins. The SPS SPED PAC has assisted in the arrangements for this evening.
Wednesday, April 9: Raising a Reader
Interactive reading helps build the brain! Join us Wednesday, April 9, 6:30-7:30pm at the Capuano Early Childhood Center (150 Glen Street), to learn ways to get more out of sharing stories with your child. This workshop is for parents/guardians of young children. Presenters include: Michelle Laskey, Honey Schnapp, Fernanda Villar, and Nayi Padilla of the Somerville Family Learning Collaborative. Please register by 4/7 at http://www.somerville.k12.ma.us/families or (617) 629-5476. Child care is available. Space is limited.
Thursday, April 10: Somerville High School Career Fair
Somerville High School students will have a chance to learn about various career options at the SHS Career Fair on Thursday, April 10th, 9-11 a.m. at the high school Atrium. Students will meet business representatives and learn about the skills organizations are looking for in prospective employees, while they explore their career interests. An estimated 24 businesses are expected to participate in the fair.
This week in the schools:
Visit your child’s school website, http://www.somerville.k12.ma.us/schools, and click on the “calendar of events” link at the top of the page for a complete list of all the activities happening at school this month.
Monday, March 31st through Wednesday, April 2nd: WHCIS Grade 5 Exploration to Nature’s Classroom
Monday, March 31st: Kennedy PTA/Scholastic Book Fair, at the Kennedy School (5 Cherry Street)
Monday, March 31st, 3:00pm – 1:00am: Friends of Healey Fundraiser at the Independent (75 Union Square)
Monday, March 31st, 6:00-7:30pm: Somerville Special Education PAC Meeting, at the Kennedy School (5
Cherry Street)
Monday, March 31st, 7:00-9:00pm: College Admissions Panel, at the Somerville High School Library (81
Highland Avenue)
Tuesday, April 1st: WHCIS Grade 5 Field Trip to Boston Museum of Science
Tuesday, April 1st, noon-1:00pm: Rotary Readers at AFAS, at the Argenziano School (290 Washington Street)
Wednesday, April 2nd, noon-10:00pm: Kennedy Drama Club Fundraiser, at Orange Leaf (260 Elm St.)
Wednesday, April 2nd, 5:30-7:30pm: SFLC Workshop – The Middle School Years: How Does a Parent Deal
with the Changes?, at the Winter Hill Community Innovation School (115 Sycamore Street)
Wednesday, April 2nd, 6:00-8:00pm: SPS Workshop — Cybersafety & Your Child, at the Kennedy School
Cafetorium (5 Cherry Street)
Thursday, April 3rd, 6pm: Somerville High School National Honor Society Induction Ceremony, at East
Somerville Community School
Thursday, April 3rd, 8:15-9:30am and 6:00-7:00pm: PTA/Principal Roundtable – Healthy Behaviors, at the
East Somerville Community School Afterschool Room (50 Cross Street)
Thursday, April 3rd, 8:30am-2:30pm: AFAS ADL Youth Congress in Boston
Thursday, April 3rd, 6:00-7:30pm: AFAS Family Math Night – PreK – Grade 3, at the Argenziano School
Friday, April 4th, 5:00-10:00pm: Healey Grades 7/8 Dance-a-thon, at the Healey School (5 Meacham Street)
Friday, April 4th, 6:00pm: Healey PTA-Sponsored Movie Night – Frozen, at the Healey School
Friday, April 4th, 7:00-11:00pm: Junior/Sophomore Gala, in the SHS Field House (81 Highland Avenue)
Saturday, April 5th, 6:00-9:00pm: Friends of Healey Porter Square Books Fundraiser
Upcoming School Committee Meetings
You can find the complete School Committee schedule, agendas and meeting minutes (as approved) online at http://www.somerville.k12.ma.us/school_committee.
Wednesday, April 2nd, 7:00pm: School Committee Meeting for Finance & Facilities, in the Central Office Conference Room (42 Cross Street)
Community Events
Mayor Curtatone’s Fitness Challenge: Kickoff Events & Registration begin Saturday, March 29th, 9am-1pm at the Somerville High School Gym and Atrium. Activities include: Flag Football Game, Fitness Bags, Music, Imagination Playground, Health & Wellness Information. Additional upcoming events:
o Tuesday, April 1st: Brooklyn Boulders Somerville (12A Tyler St.), 6-9pm, Free Pass (with coupon; athletic shoes must be worn); Health & Wellness Information, Fitness Bags
o Thursday, April 3rd: Somerville Central Library (79 Highland Ave.), 10am-1pm: Story time for 3-5 year olds at 10:30am; Drop-in Meditation at 1pm; Health & Wellness Information; Fitness Bags
o Thursday, April 3rd: Somerville City Hall, BOA Chambers (93 Highland Ave.), 3-5pm: Massages from Lincoln Technical Institute, Reiki Demonstrations, Fitness Bags, Health & Wellness Information
Saturday Homework Help for Teens at the Somerville Public Library: FREE math, science and writing support at the Somerville Public Library (SPL) Central Branch. Saturdays, 1:00-2:30pm in the SPL Teen Room. No appointment is necessary. Teens just need to bring your work.
Saturdays through March 29, 2014, 9:30am-2pm: Somerville Winter Farmers Market, at the Center for the Arts at the Armory (191 Highland Avenue). Bus routes 88 and 90. http://somwintermarket.org.
Saturday, March 29th, 2:00-4:30pm: Dominican Carnival! at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology at Harvard University (11 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge). Parade begins at 2pm. Carnival participants learn more about the Dominican Republic through games, crafts, snacks, and soundtracked stories where the audience adds drama. For ages 4 and up. http://www.peabody.harvard.edu/family
B.R.A.I.N. Day at Boston University: The Boston University Undergraduate Neuroscience Program invites all students in grades 1-12, along with their parents and teachers to celebrate Brain Awareness Week 2014 with a day of free interactive activities. Saturday, March 29, 10am to 1pm at the SAC Gym (One University
Road). Follow BU Brain Day on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BUbrainday) for more information.
Saturday, March 29th, 10:00am to 4:00pm: Sponsr.Us Ignite, at the Harvard University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences’ Maxwell Dworkin Building. Free one-day conference for high school students interested in learning how to launch their own initiatives and turn their ideas into reality. For more information and to register, visit https://sponsr.us/ignite.
Friday, April 4th, 7:00-11:00pm: Groundwork Somerville Fundraising Gala and Volunteer Appreciation event at Anthony’s, home of Cuisines en Locale. Enjoy live music by PJ Project, prizes and much more – all in the company of friends, while supporting a great community organization. Tickets are on sale now. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.groundworksomerville.org/about/gala/.
Friday, April 4th, from 3:00-5:00pm: Teen Cookie Stamp Workshop – Part 2: Teens: Now that your cookie stamp has been fired, return to collect your cookie stamp and stamp, bake, and exchange cookies! Free at the Somerville Public Library (79 Highland Avenue)
Saturday, April 5th, from 10:00am-12:00pm: 14th Annual Rabies Clinic, The City’s Health Department along with Somerville Animal Control will be holding their 14th Annual Rabies Clinic on April 5, 2014 from 10am to noon. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers. The cost is $10.00/animal & the City Clerks will also be onsite to license dogs: Cost – $20 if spayed or neutered, $30 if not. Please contact the Health Department if you have additional questions at (617) 625-6600 ext 4300.
Wednesday, April 9th, 12:30-3:30pm: Middle School Writers’ Den, at the Somerville Central Library Auditorium. After school creative writing for students in grades 5-8. Free and open to all interested students in this age group who love to write and are active writers. We will meet informally to share our work, learn some tips and discuss publishing possibilities. Please bring a short completed piece of writing. There will be writing and discussion of writing. Poetry, fiction, nonfiction, school newspaper reporting, whatever your interest Contact: Alan Ball / 617-636-9033 / aball@tuftsmedicalcenter.org.
Saturday, April 12th, from 8:30am to 4:30pm: Youth Mental Health First Aid – A Community Training Open to the Public. Learn about risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents. Learn how to assess for risk of suicide or harm, how to listen nonjudgmentally, give reassurance and information, encourage appropriate professional help, and encourage self-help and other support strategies. Registration required. $25 donation suggested. For more information, contact Patty Contente (617) 625-6600, x4325 or pcontente@somervillema.gov.
Sunday, April 13th, starting at 10:30 a.m.: 5th Annual Shape Up Somerville / Recreation 5K Road Race. Race starts and ends at the Somerville High School concourse, 93 Highland Avenue. The day will begin with a 1-mile children’s “Fun Run” at 10:30 a.m., followed by a 5K adult race & walk at 11:00 a.m. Registration is open to all community members at a price of $5 for youth under age 10 and $20 for adults. Price includes a commemorative t-shirt, refreshments and a celebration immediately following the adult race. Register at http://www.somervilleyouthrec.org, or stop by City Hall or the Recreation Department (19 Walnut Street) for printed applications. Checks should be made payable to Somerville Youth and Recreation Foundation (SYRF), and can be mailed or delivered to Somerville Recreation, 19 Walnut Street, Somerville, MA 02143. For additional information, call the Somerville Recreation Department at 617-625-6600 ext. 2980.
Sunday, April 6th, 3:00pm: Family Story time with Keshet’s Transgender Working Group, at the Somerville
Public Library Main Branch (79 Highland Ave.).
J
oin Keshet’s Transgender Working Group and the LGBT
Liaison to the City of Somerville for a picture book reading and activities for families as well as anyone else
who’d like to participate!
We’ll read aloud from a Transgender-themed children’s book and discuss how it may
affect us through the lens of Jewish culture and tradition. Keshet’s Transgender Working Group works for
transgender inclusion and offers education, programs and social support for Jews who are transgender and their
allies. All are welcome! RVSP by April 1st, 2014 at http://www.keshetonline.org/events/ma-event-registration/.
2014 Tufts Kids’ Day. Registration is now open for the annual Tufts Kids’ Day event, scheduled for Saturday, April 19 this year. Kids Day is an annual event sponsored by the Leonard Carmichael Society, a community service organization at Tufts. Now in its 51st year, the event is organized to provide local children in grades K-3 with a day of learning and fun, including carnival rides, a chemistry show, and a magic show. For more information and registration details, visit https://sites.tufts.edu/tuftslcs/2014/02/09/register-for-kids-day-2014/.
Looking Ahead
Check our online Calendar of events (www.somerville.k12.ma.us/events) for more information.
Monday, April 7th: School Committee Meeting for Personnel
Monday, April 7th: School Committee Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 8th: AFAS Grade 1 Author Event
Tuesday, April 8th: Brown School Council Meeting
Tuesday, April 8th: Healey Community Meeting
Tuesday, April 8th: Rules Management Subcommittee Meeting
Tuesday, April 8th: Educational Programs and Instruction Subcommittee Meeting
Wednesday, April 9th: Half Day of School
Wednesday, April 9th: AFAS Turkey Bowl
Wednesday, April 9th: Healey Grades 5 & 6 Science Fair
Wednesday, April 9th: SHS School Improvement Council Meeting
Thursday, April 10th: Brown School Parent/Guardian Coffee Hour
Thursday, April 10th: Somerville High School Career Fair
Thursday, April 10th: AFAS Immigration Museum & Grade 8 Heritage Night
Thursday, April 10th: Somerville High School After The Acceptance Night
Thursday, April 10th: Healey Grades 7 & 8 Science Fair
Friday, April 11th: ESCS Math Activity Afternoon, Grades 1-6
Friday, April 11th: ESCS Grade 7/8 Dance
Friday, April 11th: Healey Field Trip to Tufts “Kids to College”
Friday, April 11th: Healey K-4 Dance
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