Quadrant Newsletter Oct 2015

Lorem IpsumDolorPellentesque sed sem nec dui eleifend tristique.October 2015 Issue 2, Volume 2 With forty-four schools in the Worcester Public School system, it can be a daunting task to decide which school is right for your child. This year, WPS is taking a different approach to assisting families in making that decision by holding Open House nights at the Junior High and High School levels.Inside Open House Dates: Burncoat Middle School, 10/21/15, 2:30-4:30pmFrancis J. McGrath Forest Grove Middle School, 10/29/15, 6:00pm-8:00pmElementary Sullivan Middle School, 11/3/15, 5:30pm to 7:00pmFrancis J. McGrath Elementary North High School, 11/4/15, 6:00pm to 8:00pmGrows Doherty High School, 11/9/15, 6:30pm to 8:30pmBurncoat Preparatory School Claremont Academy, 11/10/15, 5:30pm to 7:00pmAfter school programs Worcester Technical High School, 11/12/15, 6:00pm to 8:00pmThorndyke Road School Worcester East Middle, 11/18/15, 6:00pm to 8:00pmThorndyke Road Students Burncoat High School, 12/2/15, 6:30pm to 8:00pmROARing ahead South High Community School, 12/9/15, 6:30pm to 8:00pmClark St School University Park Campus School (no open house)New Citizens CenterBurncoat High Save the DateHomecoming Flu Clinics will be held at all schools during the weeks of October 19 - October 29. Please check http://www.worcesterschools.org/announcement/scho ol-located-influenza-clinics for flu shot clinic dates, times, and locations.Jennifer Roy, Communications/TV Production, [email protected]

LForraemnIcpissumJ.DMolocrGrath Elementary School [IsOsucteo]b::e[rD2a0t1e5]Francis  J.  McGrath’s  school  wide  focus  is  to  ensure  that  all  students  show  growth  in  their  ability  to  read  fluently,  comprehend  deeply,  think  critically,  and  respond  effectively  across  all  content  areas.  This  will  be  achieved  through  implementation  of  consistent  instructional  practices  and  a  standard  based  curriculum  as  measured  by  formative  and  summative  assessments  and  the  student’s  ability  to  clearly  express  their  thinking  across  all  content  areas.  Francis J. McGrath Elementary GrowsMy School, My Neighborhood, My World: At the end of last school year McGrath began arelationship with The Blackstone Headwaters Coalition, partnering with Mass Audubon and theWorcester Tree Initiative to implement a series of hands on, outdoor activities for each grade level Pre/K-6 at McGrath engaging students to become better stewards of their school yard, neighborhood and their watershed. We began by reaching out to the community for resources to create and maintain a garden space for learning. The garden was a huge success. Students began by planting tomatoes within their classrooms and then moving them outdoors. WTHS built a garden bed for us and the Environmental Council helped us get soil. Within the garden, Kindergarteners and grade 1 planted tomatoes, green peppers, and basil. Preschool children planted marigolds to keep away the bugs. This was all done with just a couple weeks of school left. During the summer it was kept watered, weeded, and loved, and finally we were able to pick. All of the plants did wonderful. Additionally we had rhubarb, sweet peas, green beans, lilies, a Rose of Sharon and a couple of small trees. Everything is alive! Upon return of this school year the whole school shared in a slide presentation following the garden and its stages of growth and development. We were able to taste our vegetables and we shared with so many inFrancis J. McGrath our community. As we continue this year we will be cleaning up the garden for winter and planting garlic and spinach before the winter freezes our soil. We Flu Clinic will continue being good stewards of the earth and each grade level will haveOctober 30, 9:30am to a responsibility in this while we also collaborate with the Blackstone Coalition and Mass Audubon teaching some lessons in our classrooms to 11:30am create a community of environmentally aware citizens. Paula Gibb-SeverinWorking with the Worcester Tree InitiativeWe worked with Dereck from Worcester Tree Initiative to learn how to plant trees. Hecame because in the past the Asian Longhorn Beetles killed 30,000 trees in Worcester,and he was replacing some trees in our play yard. Asian beetles won’t hurt people, butthey harm maple trees. The trees that were planted were not maple trees. It was anexciting day being able to help plant the trees. We dug holes the same depth as the treeroots. It was hard but good exercise. There were rocks, worms and bugs in the hole.After we dug, we had to check to see if the hole was the right depth and height. Weflipped the tree to the side and loosened the roots. We used the claw to find the smallroots. We picked up the tree and put it in the hole, put dirt around it and put water in Francis J. McGrath studentsFall Family Fundraiser the hole. We spread wood chips around the tree.October 21, 5:30pm to 7:00pm This was to keep the roots moist and add nutrients $5 Per Family to the tree. We learned so much during our tree planting. All the kids in the school should protect the trees so they willWe are raising funds to provide a Tae Kwon stay healthy and stay alive for a long time.Do enrichment program at our school. Thisprogram promotes anti-bullying along with Written by present grade 6 students: Amanda C, Hilario D. Jediel R., Laura M., Riley M. respect, self-control and promotes an overall2 healthy lifestyle!

BLourrenmcoIpastuSmtrDeoeltor IssuOe c[#to]b::e[rD2a0t1e5]Preparatory School Burncoat Prep’s Afterschool Programs Upcoming Events Burncoat Prep currently provides three Boy Scouts o October 20, Flu Clinic, Girl Scouts 9:30a, to 11:30am community-based after school programs on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30 to o October 30, Annual 4:30. The programs include: Boy Scouts, Vocabulary Parade Girl Scouts, and members of the (WPI) Worcester Polytechnic Institute football o November 25, Annual team who work with participating Thanksgiving Feast students on homework and athletic skill building. In addition, we hope to again provide a Science Club and we are working on incorporating a Cheerleading/Dance program later in the year. Leaders Way Kung Fu Academy and local colleges are also meeting with the Burncoat administration and Wrap Around Zone Coordinator to further expand after school opportunities for our students. These programs have been extremely successful and beneficial to both parents and students. We appreciate the community relationships and collaboration that allows us to provide these programs for our students’ continued growth and social development.Summer Reading Transportation is not provided and participation is voluntary and Celebration at based on parents’ ability to provide transportation. Burncoat Prep Burncoat Prep’s Annual Backpack Blast-OffStudents were excited to At Burncoat Prep, we welcomed the start of thecelebrate reading at 2015-2016 school year with our BackpackBurncoat Prep! Everyone Blastoff. Cradles to Crayons generously donatedcheered and laughed as the the backpacks to our school that are alwaysprincipal, assistant principal, greatly appreciated by both parents andcoach, lead teacher, librarian students. The backpacks were distributedand gym teacher all took following our literacy celebration, whichturns at Sumo Wrestling. included Sight Word Bingo for Books. Families Burncoat Prep Flu Clinic and students enjoyed chatting with Burncoat Prep teachers and staff members, and light October 20, 9:30 to refreshments at the event, which was held in the 11:30am multi-purpose room on 180 Constitution Street in Great Brook Valley. Apparently our attempts to make attendance easier for families by hosting the event in Great Brook Valley was successful, with over fifty- five families in attendance at this annual welcome event. 3

LTohreomrInpsdumykDoelorRoad School [IsOsucteo]b::e[rD2a0t1e5]THORNDYKE ROAD STUDENTS ROARING AHEADFLEX Study at Thorndyke Road School FLEX studyResearchers from Tufts University are working with Thorndyke Road School,along with other elementary schools in Worcester and around Massachusetts, on Day ofthe Fueling Learning Through Exercise (FLEX) Study. The research, funded by Caringthe National Institutes of Health, will examine the relationship between physical withactivity, cognitive functioning, and academic achievement in elementary school Hanoverchildren. About forty-five children in third and fourth grade will take part in the Insurancestudy during the next two school years. The findings from the research willinform innovative physical activity programming that can be put into place at ROARThorndyke Road School, as well as other schools around Massachusetts andbeyond.A Day of Caring with Hanover Insurance Volunteers.On September 17th, more than sixty volunteers worked on the beautification of the grounds at TRS. Mulching, planting, pruning and trimming were among the tedious tasks completed by these hardworking volunteers. After a long hot day, their hard work paid off as the grounds look beautiful!As a culminating activity, our kindergarten students greeted thevolunteers with Fall songs and assisted them in planting tulip bulbs inthe front of the building as a symbol of the growth they will experienceduring their first year of school. Once the flowers bloom in Spring, sowill our kindergarteners have bloomed and developed during thisschool year.Students ROAR at TRS.TRS students have begun the year with a new school wide pledge, focused onexpectations and character development. The ROAR acronym represents Respect,On Task, Always Safe, and Responsible. The students ROAR each morning as theyrecite the TRS school wide pledge. Banners are hanging around the school andstudents love to volunteer to recite the TRS pledge each morning for the entireschool community. Students report they feel proud to have a school wide pledgebecause it is something that all grades share. Beginning each day with a morningmeeting message reflective of character development and citizenship and the TRSROAR pledge reaffirms our commitment to creating a safe and respectfulenvironment for all members of the TRS learning community.Applefest (October 17, 11:00am to 2:00pm)Over the past 50 years, the TRS Parent Teacher Group has hosted a day in October where our familiescome together on a Fall day to socialize and have fun. At this year's Applefest families enjoyed a magicshow, balloon animals, face painting, and games, while they spend time together with other familiesand members of our school community. Families thoroughly enjoy this day to sit and relax andappreciate time together during the beautiful Fall.New Kickball FieldWe were grateful to be a recipient of the Working for Worcester Grant last Spring when a new kickball field was developed in the back of our school. During recess and before school, students rushThorndyke Road Flu to this area to play an impromptu game of kickball and socialize with their Clinic friends. Students of all ages say they believe it is like playing on a real baseballOctober 22, 9:00am to field with the mound, bases, and benches. THANK YOU to our volunteers!4 11:00am

CLolraemrkIpsSumtrDeoleort School IssuOe c[#to]b::e[rD2a0t1e5] New Citizens Center    The Clark Street School students and staff were excited to  welcome the primary students from the New Citizens Center  at the start of the school year. The New Citizens Center is a  district wide program that is now being housed at Clark  Street School. These students, in grades 3-5, are not only  new to our school, they are new to our country. This is a  great opportunity for them to transition and to be part our  community and to learn how to speak English.     School Plant Improvements     Burncoat Homecoming On September 23rd, athletes from Burncoat High School visited the students at Clark Street School. The athletes read stories to the primary students and helped each child decorate a brick that would be displayed at the Burncoat High Homecoming celebration. Students from Clark Street were invited to attend Homecoming and were given free tickets to the event. This was an exciting afternoon for all of the studentsOver the past few months we have been very lucky to be \"under Book Clubconstruction\". Every window and door in the entire school has beenreplaced. All of the windows have brand new screens and shades. The Every Thursday a number ofbathrooms in the front lobby of the school were redone to make them teachers stay after school tohandicap accessible. The front walkway to the school was also changed to participate in a book club, whichadd a wheelchair ramp. Also, two very shiny water fountains were added will help them increase their skillsto the front lobby. in teaching reading comprehension. They are readingBetween this work and the huge renovation completed two years ago, and discussing the book Notice andClark Street is like a brand new school. Two years ago every floor was Note. After each session they readretiled with colorful tile and all of the counters, sinks and bubblers in the a new chapter for the next weekclassrooms were replaced. The small lockers in the hallway for the and begin to use one of thestudents in grades three through six were changed so that now each child strategies from the book inhas his or her own very large locker. Backpacks, coats and books fit their classrooms. perfectly in them. All of the offices and other rooms such as the cafeteria were painted in soothing colors. A Computer Lab and Literacy Center were constructed and a new parking lot was paved. 5

LBourermncIposautmHDioglohr School [IsOsucteo]b::e[rD2a0t1e5] Burncoat High School Homecoming On September 26th 2015, Burncoat High School hosted Homecoming for the first time in over ten years. Students, staff and parents worked closely together to ensure that this community event was a success. As a part of these efforts, student athletes participated in a community reading day on the Wednesday before Homecoming. Athletes from all of the fall sports teams traveled to Burncoat Quadrant elementary schools to read to our future Patriots. They also completed a literacy-based activity with each student. We used their work to spell out “WE ARE BURNCOAT” along the fences adjacent to our fields. Elementary students were encouraged to come to our festivities on Saturday and we were thrilled to see so many young students from across the quadrant join us to celebrate our Homecoming with us. This year’s Homecoming was a two-day event. We kicked everything off Friday night with a movie night for Burncoat students. Students were able to purchase food from the WooBerry and DogFather food trucks. Every attendee received a free drink (courtesy of Polar Beverages) and a bag of popcorn. The movie, “The Blindside” was shown on an outdoor movie screen. On Saturday, athletic games began at 9AM with football concluding the day’s events with a 3PM kickoff against North High. In addition to the athletic games we had family friendly activities, food and entertainment was provided by our Dance Team and Pep Band. It was truly a great display of our community’s “Burncoat Pride”.6

Lorem Ipsum Dolor Our Voices IssOucet[o#b]e::r[D20at1e5] Teacher Laura Toomey’s Favorite Success Voice Story (Burncoat Preparatory School, Teacher)On the very first day of school, my first year teaching, a little boy cameinto my 3rd grade classroom already holding up two fingers for our school’s “QuietSign.” He was clearly different from the other students, with dirty clothes he hadoutgrown and an African accent so it was hard to understand him. But he wasdifferent in other ways as well. His attitude was what set him apart. From thatvery first day in school, he came into the classroom each and every morningwaiting and hoping to learn. He was a role model student in my classroom. His Laura Toomey,scores from the previous grade were much lower than any teacher likes to see, and TeacherI knew getting him up to grade level was going to be a challenge; a challenge that Iknew I had to dedicate myself to throughout the school year.That year I spent countless hours reading with this student, who read at a kindergarten level whenentering my class. The two of us would read at snack time, recess time, even during fun activities in theclassroom. As long as he was willing to read, I was there to help. He was dedicated and determined to makesomething of himself. He often talked about his hope to travel back to Africa to help bring the rest of his familyto America.As the year went on, I couldn’t believe the growth I witnessed in this little boy and his mother. He beganto talk more and participate in class. You could see that he was beginning to be able to understand what we werelearning. He used every single strategy I taught him and, before I knew it, he was reading directions on his ownand working independently. Not only was he working independently, but he was doing so successfully. The endof the year tests showed how hard we both worked all year. His scores improved immensely. He ended theschool year on grade level for reading, and nearly at grade level for mathematics. Being able to assist this familyimprove and grow into their new life here in America was such a positive experience. Thinking back to this timemakes me proud to have been a part in this families’ growth.Parent Student Burncoat High isVoice: Voice: Family (Keylie A. Thomas, student) Burncoat High School is so much more than just a building. We are a home and a family who loves to open our doors to the community, and show everyone all the wonderful things we have to offer. Homecoming gave us the perfect opportunity to get out into the community and bring everyone together. This year Burncoat brought homecoming back to our school instead of holding the event at Foley Stadium, as we did in previous years. We also opened the event to the community. We sent athletes to local elementary schools to read stories. Then we had each child decorate bricks with their names on them and displayed them spelling out WE ARE BURNCOAT where everyone could see it when they walked in. Students from the local elementary schools attended the homecoming games. This helped make our event a huge success and demonstrated the meaning of community and family. 7

Flu Clinic DatesLorem Ipsum Dolor (in partnership with DPH) [IsOsucteo]b::e[rD2a0t1e5] Monday, Oct 19 – Monday, Oct 26 - Woodland Academy, 9:00am – 11:00am Roosevelt, 10:00am – 12:00pm Vernon Hill, 9:30am – 11:30am West Tatnuck, 9:30am – 11:30 am Grafton Street, 12:00pm – 2:00 pm Claremont Academy, 10:00am -12:00pm Heard Street, 9:00am – 11:00am Tatnuck Magnet, 11:30am – May Street, 9:00am – 11:00am 1:30pm Midland Street , 9:00am – 11:00 am Tuesday, Oct 20 – South High, 8:00am – 10:00am Tuesday, Oct 27- Burncoat Middle, 9:00am – 11:00am Jacob Hiatt Magnet, 8:30am – 10:30am Flagg St School, 9:00am – 11:00am Burncoat Street Preparatory, 9:30am – Burncoat High, 11:00am – 1:00pm Doherty High, 11:00am – 1:00pm 11:30am Columbus Park Preparatory, 11:30am – 1:30pm Wednesday, Oct 28 – Elm Park Community, 8:30am – 10:30am Goddard School, 11:30am – 1:30pm Sullivan Middle, 9:15am – 11:15am Challenge and Reach Academy, 9:30am – 10:30am St. Casmir’s, 10:00am – 11:00am Wednesday, Oct 21- Chandler Magnet, 9:30am – 11:30am Chandler Elementary, 11:00am – 1:00pm Gates Lane, 9:30am – 11:30am Thursday, Oct 29 - Worcester East Middle, 11:30am – 1:30pm Lincoln Street, 8:30am – 10:30am Quinisgamond Elementary, 11:30am to 1:30pm Clark Street, 9:30am – 11:30am Nelson Place, 11:00am – 1:00pm University Park Campus, 11:30am – 1:30pm Norrback Ave, 11:00am – 1:00pm Thursday, Oct 22 – Friday, Oct 30 – Belmont St Elementary, 9:30am – 11:30am Gerald Creamer Center, 11:00am-1:00pm Forest Grove Middle, 9:00am – 11:00am Rice Square, 9:00am – 11:00am Union Hill, 11:00am – 1:00pm Thorndyke Road, 9:00am – 11:00am Francis J. McGrath Elementary, 9:30am – 11:30am City View Discovery, 11:30am – 1:30pm Worcester Technical High, 9:30am-11:30am Friday, Oct 23 – North High, 11:00am – 1:00pm *Please fill out all paperwork sent home with your child on Sept 28 or your child will not be Wawecus Road, 12:00pm – 1:00pm vaccinated. For more information please visit our Worcester Arts Magnet, 12:00pm – 2:00pm website www.worcesterschools.org Canterbury Street, 9:30am – 11:30am Lake View, 9:30am – 11:30am8

ALorrtemNIpeswums Dolor IssuOe c[#to]b::e[rD2a0t1e5]ART NEWSIn September, The Massachusetts Art EducationAssociation (MAEA) recognized two Worcester PublicSchool instructors for making a significant contributionto the field of Art Education in Massachusetts.Timmary Leary (Art Educator and Visual Arts Liasonof WPS) was honored as the 2016 MassachusettsSupervision/Administration Art Educator of the Year. Timmary Leary, Stacy Lord,Stacy Lord (Art Instructor, Worcester East Middle MAEA recipient MAEA recipientSchool) was honored as the 2016 Massachusetts ArtEducator of the Year. Both will have their awards presented during the Awards Luncheon of theMAEA Fall Conference in North Adams on Saturday, Nov 7 at noon.Congratulations to Beth Harding, Art Teacher at Claremont Academy, Beth Harding,for being selected as one of only fifty-one participants of the 2015 National Teacher InstituteGallery of Art Teacher Institute of the Renaissance held in Washington,D.C., in July and August of 2015. The six-day program emphasized thesocial and cultural context of Renaissance art in Italy and Northerncountries between the 14th and 16th centuries. Through lectures, gallerytalks, and hands-on activities, participants analyzed Renaissanceartworks and focused on interdisciplinary teaching strategies. Halloween Safetyo Be a safe pedestrian – look both ways 9 before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks. Never cross between parked vehicles or mid-block.o Costumes should be white or light colored to keep children visible at night. Reflective patches or strips also help with visibility.o Pay close attention while driving.o Stay in your own neighborhood and only go to houses that have porch lights on.o Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups with a trusted adult.o Do not enter any homes at which you’re trick-or-treating.o Avoid masks or accessories that obstruct or block vision.o Never accept rides from strangers.o Adults should inspect candy before eating.o Carry flashlights on the trick or treating route.o Make sure the path to your home is well lit for trick or treaters.o Always walk and don’t run from house to house.

Columbus Day ParadeThe weather was beautiful on Sunday, Oct 11, for Worcester’s annualColumbus Day Parade! The South High Community School Band (leadby Johnetta Smith) performed, and the North High School Navy JuniorROTC Color Guard Drill Team marched under the leadership of ChiefTony Pastranan USN. The Burncoat High School ROTC Drill Team andColor Guard also marched under the supervision of Lt. Col. EdwardIreland and Senior Master Sergeant Mike Cross. To learn more about theSouth High Community School Band please visit www.shcsband.org. Burcoat High School ROTC Drill Team and Color GuardNorth High JROTC South High Community School Band The Worcester Columbus Day Parade is now available for viewing @ CharterOnDemand. · Go to Charter Channel 2371/Community Interest · Select ‘Charter TV3 Pr’ · Select ‘2105 Worcester Columbus’Community PartnersIf you have any story ideasand photos you would likefeatured in November’snewsletter, please emailJennifer Roy [email protected]. A big shout out to Jimmy Paretti-Crete of Worcester who works as the Security Account Manager for Weetabix! He was able to get Weetabix to donate two truckloads full of cereal for The South High School pantry. All were able to fill the pantry putting the overflow in the cafeteria. Even better, Paretti-Crete got Weetabix to agree to donate monthly. This was managed through a partnership between South High Community School and Unum.