farmington high school newsletter
TRANSCRIPT
FARMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
NEWSLETTER
Principal's Message February, 2018
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We have passed the midpoint of the school year, and we hope the delays, dismissals, and days
off caused by the winter weather are now behind us. Students and teachers continue to be as
engaged as ever in the wide variety of activities both in and out of the classroom that
exemplify our students as pioneers, scholars, contributors, and citizens. This newsletter
provides information about our students’ significant accomplishments as well as details of
upcoming events and programs. We consider the newsletter to be an important
communication tool with you and the community, and we welcome your comments and
questions about anything you read in the pages that follow.
This newsletter is being delivered to you electronically via email, as are the vast majority of
our communications with parents and students. Technology has transformed education, and
students at Farmington High School are taking advantage of technology improvements that
impact student learning in multiple positive ways. In every class, students use Chromebooks,
a powerful, portable computer that provides full access to the internet and a wide range of
educational applications and tools. Students take notes, write essays, do research, collaborate
in groups, and even take tests (including some standardized tests) using the Chromebooks.
Additionally, many classrooms and courses have gone completely "paperless," as students and
teachers use the Chromebooks and Google Classroom for assignments, class work, and
assessments. Google Classroom allows teachers and students to house documents online, so
they are accessible anywhere, anytime; it lets students and teachers work together on the same
document at the same time in the classroom or at home; it provides a safe and secure
environment to communicate and share information. I encourage you to ask your children
about how they are using the Chromebooks and Google Classroom; I think you will be
impressed!
These many uses of technology at Farmington High School are clearly linked to our
Farmington Public Schools' Vision of the Graduate (see next page). Teachers and students
use technology to promote and facilitate critical thinking and reasoning; communication and
collaboration are made easier through the use of Google Classroom; in math, science,
engineering, and the applied arts (to name just a few examples), technologies of various sorts
provide the tools for our students to be problem solvers and innovators; and technology allows
our students to demonstrate more fully and more effectively self-direction and
resourcefulness. We are fortunate to have the technology hardware, educational applications,
and faculty and staff support to provide so many opportunities for our students to apply these
most important skills.
Best regards to you and your families. The recent change in the weather has encouraged me
to hope for an early spring! Thank you for your support of Farmington High School!
Sincerely,
Bill Silva, Principal Farmington Public Schools' Vision of the Graduate *Critical Thinking and Reasoning: Students access, interpret, analyze, and evaluate ideas and information, draw evidence-based
conclusions, synthesize new learning with prior knowledge, and reflect critically on learning.
*Communication and Collaboration: Students participate effectively in a variety of teams, actively listen and respond to the ideas
of others, share responsibility for outcomes, articulate ideas clearly in multiple formats and use technology tools to enhance
communication.
*Problem Solving and Innovation: Students identify problems, analyze data, ask questions, utilize a variety of resources, think
flexibly, make connections and seek practical, innovative and entrepreneurial solutions to a variety of problems.
*Self-direction and Resourcefulness: Students explore interests, take initiative, set goals, demonstrate persistent effort, adapt to
change with resiliency, and exhibit ethical leadership and responsible citizenship.
Pre-Administration Session for CT School Day SAT: Thursday, March 15 11th grade: Session 1: Periods 2 & 3 for students whose last names are A-K Session 2: Periods 8 & 9 for students whose last names are L-Z CT School Day SAT: Wednesday, March 21
Grade 9 will have special English programming
Grade 10 will take the College and Work Readiness Assessment (CWRA) and then engage in programming provided by School Counseling
Grade 11 will take the CT School Day SAT
Grade 12 will report to school after testing is completed NGSS Field Test (Science): Wednesday, April 4
This test will be administered to 11th graders in both gyms.
Classes for grades 9, 10 and 12 will run as normal.
Reminder about Parking:
If you have an appointment at Farmington High School, please park in the back in the staff parking lot and
sign in at the door. For safety reasons, visitors must park and sign in at that entrance. Thank you in advance
for your cooperation.
Student Recognitions
2018 National Merit Scholarship
FHS seniors David Stephenson, Navreeta Singh and Edward Matava (pictured below with Dr. Silva) have
been selected as Finalists in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Scholar-Artists
FHS seniors Lauriana Calabrese and Rita Monahan have been selected by Farmington High School to
receive Art Awards from the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS). The awards will be presented on
April 3 at a statewide Arts Awards Banquet at the Aqua Turf in Southington. This award is presented to two
students with outstanding ability in the performing and visual arts.
Scholar-Athletes
FHS is pleased to announce that seniors Katherine Gregory and Timothy Arena have been named Scholar-
Athletes of the class of 2018. They will be honored at a banquet on May 6 at the Aqua Turf in Southington.
Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award FHS senior Chris DiLullo was honored on February 25 as one recipient of the Daughters of the American
Revolution (Sarah Whitman Hooker Chapter) Good Citizen Award. The ceremony took place in the
Community Room at the Noah Webster Library with DAR members, parents, friends, administrators, and
teachers from the participating schools in attendance. Winners of this prestigious award demonstrate
remarkable service, leadership, and patriotism.
To Remember Throughout the School Year
School Special Event Dates
March 30 – No School (Good Friday)
April 9-13 — No School (Spring Recess)
April 26 — Math Honor Society Induction
May 2 — Book Awards
May 21 — French/Spanish Honor Society Induction
May 22 — Department/Athletic Awards
May 22 — Awards Night
May 24 — NHS Induction
May 28 — No School (Memorial Day)
May 30 — Capstone Exhibition
May 30 — Music Banquet
June 7 — Art Reception
June 12 — Graduation (tentative)
Important Academic Dates
3rd Quarter Ends — March 29 Report Cards Distributed — April 6*
4th Quarter Ends — June 6 Report Cards Distributed — June 15*
Important Testing Dates
March 10 — SAT
March 21– CT SAT for Grade 11, April 24 Make up Days
March 21 – CWRA for Grade 10
April 4 – Next Gen Science Testing, Grade 11
April 14 — ACT
May 7-18 — AP Testing
May 5 — SAT I & II (FHS test center) May 22 – CTE Assessment
June 2 – SAT I & II
June 6-11— Final Exams, 12 Make up Day (tentative)
Student Activity Dates
March 8,9,10 — Musical Performances
March 12 – Baseball conditioning begins (pitchers/catchers)
March 13 — NHS Blood Drive
March 17 — Spring sports practices start
March 27,28 — District-wide Band Festival
April 3 — Band Concert
April 19-21 — All-State Music Festival
April 20 — Talent Show
April 26 – Choral Concert
April 28 — Junior Prom
May 5 — Senior Prom
May 18 — Jazz, Acoustic & Strings Night
May 19,20 — Relay for Life
May 25 — Senior Picnic
May 25 — Student Council Speeches and Election
May 29 — World Language Showcase
Phone Numbers You Need to Know
Main Office ~ 673-2514 Guidance Office ~ 673-4393
Principal ~ 673-2514 Nurse ~ 673-2514
To report your child late to school or absent ~ 673-2514 (Before school hours, you may leave a message on voicemail box #1101)
Cafeteria Office ~ 673-6343
*approximate dates
Rules for Student Drop Off/Pick Up
Each school day, over 1,300 students and 200 faculty and staff arrive at Farmington High
School, most of them between 7:00 and 7:20 a.m. and nearly all of them by car or bus. In
order to safely and efficiently accommodate so many students, faculty, and staff in such a
condensed time, the following procedures should be followed.
Student Drop Off/Pick Up: For both drop off and pick up, please stay right at the top of
Monteith Drive. Stay in the outer perimeter driving lane until you reach the pick-up/drop off
area. The drop-off/pick-up area is the full section of the driveway that runs parallel to the
school building. By having multiple vehicles unload simultaneously, the time it takes for
vehicles to get through the traffic and exit the school will be reduced. Do not turn down the
parking lanes as there is no through traffic allowed in these lanes. The only drivers turning
down the lanes should be students who will be parking their cars. Students being dropped off
or picked up should enter and exit vehicles only from the passenger side. Please note that
there are student crosswalks at and beyond the drop off/pick up area. You must stop for
students in these crosswalks. Please proceed slowly and carefully toward the exit after
dropping off or picking up your child. As you exit the parking area, please come to a full stop
and check for cars, buses, and students. Under no circumstances, when dropping off or
picking up students, should you turn left at the top of Monteith Drive and then make a U-turn
in the roadway.
All Student Drivers: On arrival, stay right at the top of Monteith Drive. Stay in the perimeter
parking lane until you select an aisle to park. Do not go down one lane and cut across to
another lane. Parking spaces are on a first come, first served basis. There are no reserved
student spaces. When entering and leaving the school, please use the crosswalks. When
leaving school, drive down your lane towards the exit. As you turn left into the exit lane,
please alternate with cars already in the exit lane.
FHS was proud to host the
SpiriThon on February 2nd, 2018
On Friday, February 2nd, FHS hosted its third annual SpiriThon event.
This event was the culminating celebration of a months-long fundraising
effort for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. The SpiriThon is a
junior program of UConn’s parent event, HuskyTHON, which has been
raising funds for the hospital since 2000. This year the SpiriThon grew yet
again to raise over $5,200 for CT Children’s, a strong increase from last
year’s $3,725!
At the SpiriThon, students participated in a
wide range of activities, from trivia to tug of war to a dodgeball tournament,
to celebrate the success of their fundraising. Once again, SpiriThon featured a
patient from CCMC and his family who explained to students the importance
of the money being raised, and how the care that CT Children’s has provided
has changed their son’s life. The event also welcomed Miss Connecticut and
other pageant contestants, as well as numerous faculty members and their
children.
To keep participants energized at SpiriThon, local restaurants
donated gift cards or food. Fundraisers were lucky to have the
support of Naples, Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, George’s,
Firehouse Subs, People’s Choice Pizza, Sergio’s Pizza, Olive
Garden, The Ninety Nine Restaurant, and Stop and Shop
Unionville. Also added for this year’s iteration of SpiriThon
were bigger business sponsors. The two sponsors for this year’s
event were the Farmington Rotary Club, and Tea Leaf Realty
(West Hartford). Lastly, faculty from all different departments at
FHS chipped in to donate food/supplies to make the event a
success.
The FHS students and faculty, UConn supervisors, and local businesses that made this event possible deserve
immense thanks. While the students are proud of their fundraising this year, they are already focused on
making next year’s event even more successful!
February 2018 -- FHS SCHOOL COUNSELING:
FHS School Counseling Office 860-673-2514
Kira Crimi and Joanne Pandolfi, Administrative Assistants
School Counselors
Brooke Stanziale, Director [email protected]
Jeffrey Bonneau, [email protected]
Diana Emond, [email protected]
Judi Gallinoto [email protected]
Rebecca Gorman [email protected]
Kim Hudock [email protected]
Chris Loomis [email protected]
Jessica Schirano [email protected]
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TESTING
Learn the lingo…
College Board, ACT, AP, PSAT, SAT, SAT subject, SAT with essay, ACT with writing
College Admissions Testing Presentation - for parents April 4th, 6:30-7:30
Students are welcome too.
Presented by Drew Heilpern from Summit Educational Group
Simple explanation of the difference between the SAT and ACT: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JI3WKLCH16q54iksclFJQsV1AabludamamJczN4IPZw/edit?usp=sharing
FREE PRACTICE SAT & ACT In March, the Ivy Bound Test Prep is offering free group practice tests online and in Newington, CT for the
SAT and ACT. Students can sign up Ivybound.net, email [email protected] or call 877-975-1600.
The ACT, SAT and SAT subject tests are standardized tests accepted by colleges and universities for
admission. You can find the admissions requirements for each individual college or university on their
website.
● All Connecticut 11th grade students will take the SAT in school on Wednesday, March 21st to
show their progress toward meeting state standards. These scores can also be used for college
admissions purposes.
● The FHS 10th and 11th graders took a practice SAT (PSAT) in school on October 11th. School
counselors reviewed the results with students in class during the school day. Scores can be found in
the student’s College Board account.
● There is free SAT practice through Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/sat.
● In addition to the PSAT, free practice through Khan Academy and their Farmington education, some
students elect to take test preparation courses or weekend bootcamps through Farmington Continuing
Education. This is typically during the winter/spring of junior year or summer/fall of senior year.
http://www.fpsct.org/schools/farmington-continuing-education
SENIORS
Please take time to thank your teachers and counselors for writing your letters of recommendation and
update them on your college acceptances. We want to be part of your excitement!
SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID
State and national scholarship information is available in Naviance. It is updated regularly. From Naviance,
students can access the link to the website and/or the application. The local scholarship packet is below along
with two informative financial aid documents.
Local Scholarship Packet Link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0c6JV03xQFpWXVKQzFaVkZkNmdjT1JuWkE4SV9UVENGQk44/view?usp=sharing
Financial Aid Resources
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0c6JV03xQFpNWEyZURlX2NURmpyODBWZ3h5R1lSTUU5aXBR/view?usp=sharing
Paying for College
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0c6JV03xQFpUDI5b1hhMkpUMDVVYTJIR0twdExqbWhrV1NR/view?usp=sharing
WORKSHOP WEDNESDAY - SCHOLARSHIPS
Students can join counselors during Workshop Wednesday on February 14th and March 7th to look at
applications and ask questions about scholarships. Workshop Wednesdays are during lunch periods in room
162.
INDIVIDUAL PLANNING MEETINGS
Individual Planning Meetings - Counselor, Student and Parent/Guardian
● Parents of 10th and 11th graders will receive an invitation at home during second semester to invite
you in for a planning meeting. Students will receive an invitation in Connect and via Google calendar.
We look forward to these meetings to talk about current progress academically and in terms of
extracurriculars, to review course requests for next year, and to talk about postsecondary plans with
juniors.
● Thank you to those parents who have already joined us for these meetings!
JUNIORS
Please consider using February and April breaks to visit colleges.
SOPHOMORES
School Counselors look forward to seeing sophomores in our upcoming developmental counseling lessons-
Career Exploration. Students will be a part of a 2 day career exploration activity in Naviance during health
classes and a panel discussion with a group of seniors after they take the CWRA test on March 21st. The
Sophomore Conferences have begun and we look forward to meeting with all families.
FRESHMAN
Freshman Seminar is wrapped up for the year. All 9th graders began the school year with 5 weeks of
freshman seminar meetings with their school counselor and finished with four more prior to midterm exams.
We discussed learning styles, study strategies, midterms, graduation requirements, transcripts and course
selection.
HARTFORD COLLEGE FAIR
The National Association of College Admissions Officers hosts a college fair on March 28th and 29th. It
is free and open to the public. For more information: https://www.nacacfairs.org/attend/national-
college-fairs/hartford-college-fair/
https://www.nacacfairs.org/globalassets/college-fair--homepage/ncf-documents/spring-2018-
postcards/hartford.pdf
NAVIANCE- a Tool for ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (and grades 6-8)
All students have been given a username (their pin number) and password (pin + fps) to use a computer
internet system called Naviance. This web site provides students access to college searches, learning style
and personality type inventories as well as links to other web resources. Many of these resources will be
used by students during developmental counseling lessons with their school counselors. If your student
has trouble logging in, please have them contact Mrs. Fraley in the Career Center located in room 161.
There is a link to Naviance on the Farmington High website (www.fpsct.org) under resources in the top right
corner.
FROM FHS ENGLISH:
The English Department hosted its 2nd annual Shakespeare Speaking
Competition on Tuesday, February 13 in the Library Media Center. Nine
students competed this year, including six ninth graders. Principal Bill Silva,
Writing Tutor Jill Schlenker, Librarian Nancy Carlson and theater teachers Katie
Buckley and Vanessa Clarke judged the competition. The Madrigal Singers also
performed at the competition. Aaron Robair was the student emcee.
The Shakespeare Competition is a national competition sponsored by the English
Speaking Union. The English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare
Competition provides teachers across the country with a performance-based
program for the study of English Language Arts and Shakespeare. It is a school-
based program serving Grades 9-12. Through the Competition, students develop communication skills and an
appreciation of the power of language and literature. The Competition has engaged more than 300,000 young
people since its inception in 1983. Students read, analyze, perform and recite Shakespearean monologues and
sonnets in three qualifying stages: at the school, community and national levels. Approximately 2,500
teachers and 20,000 students in nearly 60 ESU Branch communities participate each year. The winner of
Farmington’s competition is invited to compete at the branch competition in Greenwich, CT on March 7th. At
that level, students will need to recite both a monologue and a sonnet. The winner of that competition will go
on to the national competition in NYC in May.
Congratulations to the winner, Jack Dunphy with runner up freshman Medha Arora.
FROM FHS LIBRARY:
During midterms the library hosted the Art Department and their students for their first semester art show.
The artwork was on display during the week, so many of the students were able to view the show. It was
exciting to see the wonderful work done by our students.
The freshmen English classes came in to select their books for their 3rd quarter independent reading, which
was done with an activity called Speed Dating. This quarter students picked books that were made into
movies. The library was able to provide each student with their first choice.
Coming March 16th to FHS Library
I am pleased to announce that in collaboration with RJ Julia Bookstore in Madison, we will be hosting
Jennifer A. Neilsen. Jennifer has written several young adult books. Her newest book is Traitor’s Game,
which will hit the bookstores on February 27th. Copies of her book will be available after March 1st in the
library.
The Edge Media Lab Update
Located in the library suite of rooms, The Edge’s goal is for students to engage in work in the newest forms of
media creation. Students are currently working on animations, films, and multitrack audio projects using state
of the art, industry standard equipment and software. Thanks to Farmington Public Schools Foundation for the
support in making this lab possible.
FROM FHS WORLD LANGUAGES:
NEWS FROM THE WORLD LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
WHAT IS THE SEAL OF BILITERACY?
Recently, the State Board of Education has approved Connecticut’s request to join approximately 30 other
states in offering the Seal of Biliteracy. The seal acknowledges a student’s commitment to acquire literacy
skills in both English and a second language. It is designed to enhance the student’s educational credentials,
and in no way will impact graduation status. A student may benefit from being awarded the Seal of Biliteracy
by being placed in the right course at the college level, and, as a symbol of the degree to which he can
communicate in English and another language, may be eligible for higher pay rates in the workforce.
The seal, pictured above, will be affixed to the diploma of a Farmington High School graduate who has met
the following requirements:
● Be in 11th grade or higher
● Completed the English language requirements
● Attained an Intermediate-Mid proficiency rating in French or Spanish
To demonstrate an Intermediate-Mid proficiency level in French or Spanish, students will be required to take
the AAPPL (The ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages), an online interactive
assessment that measures proficiency in Interpersonal Speaking, Presentational Writing, and Interpretive
Listening and Reading. This is an assessment designed for educational settings, and scored by professional
raters affiliated with the testing company that produces the AAPPL. It will be offered through Farmington
Continuing Education on April 21 at FHS. Registration will be open to FHS juniors currently enrolled in
French or Spanish V and VH, with 25 seats available. Taking the AAPPL to pursue the Seal of Biliteracy is
strictly voluntary. More information about registering for the AAPPL on April 21 will be available soon in
French and Spanish V and VH classes, and on the fpsct.org website through Farmington Continuing
Education. For questions, please contact Jeri Chamberlain, Farmington K -12 World Language Department
Leader, at [email protected].
FROM FHS MUSIC:
Farmington Musicians awarded All-Conference in Northern Region of the Connecticut The following high school musicians were selected to participate in the Northern Regional Music Festival at
New Britain High School. The musicianship award is presented to students who demonstrate exceptional solo
technique and sight-reading skills through a state adjudication. The musicians from across the state performed
together in honors ensembles with a guest conductor on January 12 and 13 sponsored by Connecticut Music
Educators Association. Farmington High School students selected this year are:
Band: Ashley Dummit, Amy Jia, Rohit Limaye, Isabella Suffredini, Justin Wang, Emily Byrne
Orchestra: Olivia Burt Emily Byrne, Jeffrey Duan, Sasha Goldblatt, Kevin Gu, Sara Holt, Jasmine Kabira,
Mark Kang, Sunny Kwon, Soonbee Kwon, Rita Monahan, Anusha Nagella, Sushane Sharma, Navreeta Singh,
Pooja Swami, Ashley Vogler, Vivek Voleti, Natalie Wong, Su Yim,
Choir: Sagnik Banerjee, Kiersten Brown, Megan Caccamo, Angelica Chaves, Isabella Cruz, Madison Curtis,
Khonesavanh Detoudom, Frank Dolce, Julie Dong, Grace Duncan, Leia Ficks, Logan Finn, Natalie Goodman,
Mia Grzywinski, Camille Hoheb, Elena Jimenez-McDermott, Saadhvi Kartik, Shermeen Khan, Lyndsey
Koster, Audrey Lewis, Quinn Mahoney, Margaret McGuire, Rita Monahan, Catherine Pecora, Brian Peng,
Matthew Plona, Rachel Powell, Yash Sabarad, Samantha Scheidel, Som Sedigh, Sarah Serkosky, Katie Smith,
Dylan St. James, Pooja Swami, Matthew Thureson, John Tyler, Caterina Wang, Tristan Wong, Elisabeth
Williams, Kyle Wolkner, Angelina Yu
Exploring Careers in Music and the Global Market
The FHS Music Department provides students with opportunities to explore careers in music. In the fall, Dr.
Robert Celmer from the University of Hartford presented a workshop about careers in Acoustical
Engineering. In December, Catherine MacKay, a graduate of FHS, spoke to interested students about her
studies in music and business at Bucknell University. Cameron Glynn, an alum of our high school,
presented his work of animation and music design while a student at RIT. Tricia Wong, a junior at UConn,
spoke to students about her music education major and the practicum she is presently completing in the
classroom.
Additionally in FHS music courses, students complete cross-curricular projects where they develop job-
related skills using their talents. In Guitar Class, the culminating project was to create a jingle for a product.
In Advanced Placement Music Theory students formed a Music Design Team to create music for student
projects across the district. Recent products include musical themes for the WWUES Wildcat News, Red
Cross Blood Drive, Business Capstone products, Interact Club Fundraiser, and history class projects. The
design team meets with their clients to determine their needs, product specifications, and marketing strategies.
This business model develops entrepreneur skills for student clients as well as design team members.
Thank you to the Friends of Music for informing parents of volunteer opportunities at FHS on Eighth Grade
Parent Night.
The Hartford Music Club recently announced the winners of a scholarship and recital program. FHS
musicians awarded were: Lillian Yim, cello second place instrumental; Tristan Wong, piano, honorable
mention instrumental; Camille Hoheb, soprano, second place vocal; Samantha Scheidel, soprano, honorable
mention vocal. Congratulations to these outstanding musicians and their statewide recognitions!
Thank you to the music parents for their support and attendance at our
Winter Concerts this year. Friends of Music parents ushered the concerts.
We appreciate our parents who partner in their student’s education by
supporting their musical talents.
FROM FHS FINE & APPIED ART:
Scholastic Art Awards FHS art teachers and art students are once again well represented in the prestigious CT Scholastic Art Awards
competition. The work our students produce competes with high school programs all across the state and is
honored at this competition.
Students’ work is entered in a variety of categories and the judges choose which work will be shown by
awarding 1st place Gold Key awards, 2nd
place Silver Key awards and Honorable Mention awards.
All artwork with the Gold Key award distinction go on to compete for a spot in the National exhibit that is
held in New York City in May. Gold key award recipients compete against each other from all 50 states.
Artists and writers such as Truman Capote, Maya Angelou, Sylvia Plath, Joyce Carol Oats, Richard Avedon,
Andy Warhol, Robert Redford, and CT Senator Kevin Sullivan were all Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
recipients.
Congratulations to our art teachers and their students!
FHS Scholastics Art Award Winners, 2018:
Mrs. McKinney: Shivani Kapadia – “Queen of Cards” -- gold key -- Jerry’s best in fashion
Mr. Procko: Jason Lau – “Big Foot Infographic” -- Honorable Mention – digital design
Mrs. French: Matias Semsettin – “Untitled Portrait” -- silver key – photography
Mrs. McKinney: Yana Tsyvis –“Profound” -- gold key – painting
Mr. Procko: Amy Xu – “Seascape” -- silver key – digital art
Career Center Happenings
Over 160 students attended our Summer Opportunities Workshops on January 31 to learn about a wide
variety of academic enrichment, volunteer and employment opportunities. Information on employment,
volunteering and academic enrichment programs is available on the Career Center website.
Students can make an appointment in the Career Center during study halls or lunch periods to learn more.
Aspiring journalists visited the Hartford Courant and Fox News on January 25 to get an up close look at the
world of print and broadcast media.
Vance Village Tutoring
Our Vance Village tutoring program is going strong with 65 FHS tutors working one-on-one with 2nd - 5th
graders to help boost their reading and math skills. Funding for this program is made possible through a grant
from the Community Chest of New Britain - Berlin.
Visit the NEW Career Center website to get more information on upcoming events and opportunities.
Save the Date: Farmington Chamber Pizza Night: March 27, 5:30 - 7:30 at Farmington Gardens
Funds raised will benefit the FHS scholarship program.
Below is the letter regarding influenza from our District Nursing Director which was emailed to all parents on
February 12, 2018:
Dear Parents/Guardians:
In Farmington, the school nurses have been closely monitoring daily illness trends in each of our schools for
both staff and students. To be proactive and continue to keep our flu numbers low, we want to reinforce the
recommendations from The Centers for Disease Control.
1. Talk to your children about the flu. Remember that your child may have a lot of questions and possibly fears or confusion about the flu,
especially if they have inadvertently heard details on the nightly news. Tailor your discussion to your child’s
developmental level and teach sensible precautions to minimize their amount of worry.
2. Talk about general health habits, hygiene and how germs are spread. Having a discussion about the flu provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce healthy hygiene practices that
will be protective, not only during this flu season, but for your child’s general health. Washing hands
correctly and frequently, covering coughs and sneezes with tissues, and coughing into the elbow are just a few
of the habits to reinforce. And as we all know, getting adequate rest and eating a nutritious and balanced diet
also protects the body from being susceptible to illness.
3. Closely monitor your child’s health and keep your child home if sick. We need your cooperation as parents to minimize the spread of the flu virus in our schools. If your child
seems more tired or irritable than usual and is showing even subtle signs of not feeling well, your first step
should be to take their temperature with a reliable thermometer. A child with a rapidly rising temperature and
symptoms of weakness and lethargy, severe headache, coughing, and body aches, may have signs of the
flu. Please do not send your child to school if they have these symptoms. Call your pediatrician
immediately to have your child evaluated.
If your child is diagnosed with the flu, the typical amount of time out of school is 4-5 days or longer. A child
may return to school when they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of any fever reducing medications.
Please remember that early diagnosis is essential for the best course of treatment and for a more rapid
recovery.
4. The Flu vaccine. Parents please consult with your child’s physician if the influenza vaccine is appropriate at time.
5. What are the schools doing for prevention? The Farmington school nurses, under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools, Director of Special
Services, and Director of Nursing Services, are monitoring the number of staff and student absences with a
focus on the number of confirmed or suspected ILI (Influenza Like Illness).
Teachers and staff are aggressively promoting those student behaviors that prevent the spread of any
contagious illness, such as frequent hand washing and preventing the transmission of respiratory droplets with
recommended coughing into one’s elbow and the use and proper disposal of used tissues. Surfaces in the
classroom such as desks and tables are receiving extra attention, as well as doorknobs,
computers/chromebooks and other items that are touched frequently by students. Teachers are also sending
any student that is showing signs of illness directly to the school nurse.
Our School Medical Advisor, as well as the health officials at the Farmington Valley Health District, are
keeping our district up to date on flu case numbers in our area and provide us with the most current
information from The Centers for Disease Control.
Custodial Staff regularly do an excellent job at keeping our schools clean and are employing a rigorous flu
season cleaning routine to reduce the spread of the ILI. Special attention and extra cleaning is being made to
clean the bathrooms, sinks, water fountains, handrails, desks and other surfaces. However, data does show
that the majority of transmission of the flu virus is actually through respiratory droplets, making respiratory
hygiene essential.
6. Concluding comments. I hope that you have found this note to be helpful and informative. Each of us, including your children, has an
important role in keeping our school and community healthy. I appreciate your time and I am available for
any questions. The Centers for Disease Control website at
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/a-flu-guide-for-parents.pdf is an excellent resource.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Sue Beardsley, MSN
Director of Nursing Services
860-658-0451 ext. 711
Below is a letter from Superintendent of Schools, Kathy Greider and Paul Melanson, Farmington Police
Chief, which was sent to all parents on February 15, 2018:
Dear Farmington Parents and Families, It is with a heavy heart that we reach out to you today. Our nation has experienced another unspeakable school tragedy at Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida that resulted in the loss of precious young lives with so much promise. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and the entire school and district community impacted by this unimaginable tragedy. We are writing this joint letter to you to provide information on the long history of partnership and collaboration between the Farmington Public Schools and the Farmington Police Department when it comes to school safety and security. Our students mean everything to us and we engage in these efforts on behalf of our students, their families and our community. Student safety is our first priority and we are vigilant in creating a safe and secure environment for students to learn and grow in each day. We are unified in our efforts and we take a proactive approach to ensuring our schools are nurturing, safe and secure. We also know that despite all of our efforts and the efforts of school districts across the nation, this pattern of tragic and violent acts persist. We have attached links to resources provided by our Director of Special Services, Dr. Laurie Singer, to help parents and families support children in the coming days as students may watch the news and become worried and/or afraid: http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/publications/detail/a-national-tragedy-helping-children-cope http://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/trauma/how-children-cope-with-ongoing-threat-and-trauma If your child is exhibiting signs of fear over the tragedy in Florida, counselors, social workers and psychologists are available to provide support to your child. Please reach out to your child’s teacher or school Principal if additional support is needed.
Although the items below are not a comprehensive list of the safety and security measures we employ each day, we thought it was important to make you aware of our collaborative approach to school safety and security. We are refraining from including information on specific security measures as this could influence an individual’s actions and compromise the safety of our students, faculty and staff.
All Hazards Security Plans: We have safety and security plans in place in all schools that are updated annually in partnership with the FPD and training is provided to all faculty and staff. School Resource Officers (SRO): We have SRO’s assigned throughout the school district each day. In addition, the FPD has prioritized having officers on duty “stop in” at our schools throughout the day to provide a law enforcement presence. Our SRO’s also serve as mentors to our students and a support to our administrators, faculty and staff. Continuous Improvement: We engage in periodic security reviews in collaboration with the FPD to ensure we are continuously improving safety and security measures at all school sites. For example, security cameras are in place at all school sites and security monitors are stationed at school entrances to monitor entry to and exit from our schools. Our security monitors also engage in security routines throughout the day to ensure all safety and security measures are in place. Security Routines: We engage in security routines such as emergency/lockdown drills, table top exercises, security scenarios, etc. on an ongoing basis. This helps the school district reflect on current practices and improve upon those practices. Emergency drills reflect real life scenarios and FPD are present to provide feedback on strengths and needs. Given feedback from the FPD, we make improvements, if needed, on an ongoing basis. School and District Security Committees: At each school site and at the district level, we have security committees that meet throughout the year to discuss areas of need. Again, the FPD are a part of these committees and provide up-to-date information on best practices in the area of school safety and security. Social Emotional Learning: Creating positive school and classroom communities is core to our work as educators. Our faculty and staff create a nurturing and caring classroom environment that is supportive to all students. In addition, our School and Program Development Plans include annual improvement plans related to creating a positive and caring climate in schools and classrooms. We survey students annually to gain feedback and insights. We also have social emotional learning support through mental health personnel in all schools for students experiencing social emotional challenges. PBIS is in place in all schools and data is collected and analyzed on a regular basis to determine areas of need when it comes to behavior and support.
Please reinforce with your child that it is important to tell you and/or school personnel when they hear or see something concerning on social media and/or during or outside of school. Please reach out to the FPD, especially if it is a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention. Keeping our schools and community safe is a collaborative effort between students, teachers, administrators, parents and the community and we thank you for your partnership. In the coming days, I have asked Principals to provide a reminder to all Farmington parents and families about visitor safety and security procedures. The safety of our students, faculty and staff is of utmost importance to us. Given the tragedy in Florida, we will all spend extra time together with our children and loved ones over this weekend. We are very fortunate to educate and support students within such a caring and supportive community. Our thoughts will remain with the victims, their families and all those who are suffering at this time of unimaginable loss and sorrow. Sincerely, Kathleen C. Greider, Paul Melanson, Superintendent Farmington Police Chief
Project Graduation 2018
Comedy Night Fundraiser – March 17, 2018
Project Graduation will be hosting the 4th Annual Comedy Night Fundraiser on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at
6:30 pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Unionville. This 2 hour show will headline New York City
comedians Johnny Lampert and Debra Lehner. Parents and friends of all grades are welcome.
At the Comedy Night, there will be a Silent Auction which is a huge part of our fundraiser that evening and
we need your help. We are asking FHS parents to donate a basket or items for the Silent Auction. Please
consider helping our seniors! Themed baskets can be put together individually or by a group of parents.
Please click here for themed gift basket ideas. If you can’t spare the time to put together a basket, but would
like to donate a monetary sum, we would be happy to create a basket for you. Please bring completed
baskets to 20 Clear Brook, Farmington or call for pickup. The deadline for all basket and monetary
contributions is March 3, 2018.
For Comedy Show tickets and/or donating an item for the Silent Auction, contact Nunzia DeDominicis
([email protected]) or (860) 478-9136 or Eileen Auclair-Longo ([email protected]) or (860) 384-
4814.
Car Raffle – March 23, 2018
The Farmington High School Project Graduation Committee is sponsoring a car raffle which raises money to
fund the annual all-night chemical free party for graduating seniors. Raffle tickets are now available for
your chance to win a 2018 Honda Civic. Tickets are $100. Only 350 tickets are available. The drawing is
scheduled for Friday, March 23, 2018 at the High School, although the winner need not be present to win.
Get your tickets before they sell out by contacting one of the following people:
Marie Colavecchio - [email protected] or 860-794-4126
Laura Arena - [email protected] or 860-559-8882
Amy Sheehy - [email protected] or 860-573-3193
Maria Summa- [email protected] or 860-593-0123
Julie Hennig - [email protected] or 860-798-4607
FARMINGTON CONTINUING EDUCATION
View our complete catalog of youth and adult enrichment classes and register online at www.fpsct.org/fce or call (860) 404-0290.
Driver Education by AAA
Teen Driver Education Program Includes 30-hours of classroom study, including text materials, and 8-hours of private, individual driving lessons, in one of our
specially equipped training vehicles. Students enrolled in a scheduled class must be 16 years of age by the start of class. Those who
successfully complete the course requirements will receive a DMV, CS-1 certificate of completion. A min of 10 students is required to
offer the program. 1 parent/guardian is required to attend the first class session for the full 2-hours. Classes held at Farmington High School. CALL
AAA 860-570-4236 online at www.AAA.com/drivingschool
AAA Member rate - $595; Non-Member rate - $650
Additional 120-min. in-car sessions are available: AAA Member rate - $130; Non-Member rate - $160
DMV Road Test at our West Hartford location - $85
Feb 21 to April 18, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, 15 sessions (MW)
Mar 13 to May 8, 3 PM to 5 PM, 16 sessions (TTh)
May 7 to June 27, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, 15 sessions (MW)
Essay Writing for the SAT’s (for May 5th test)
Are you a current high school student with plans to take the SAT's in 2018? This course will help you write an effective SAT essay for the College Board's SAT essay. The class offers an interactive experience in which we will read and critique sample SAT essays and responses written by College Board experts for the SAT. The course will provide you with several suggestions and strategies offered by The College Board and Khan Academy for composing excellent SAT essays. There will also be an opportunity for you to edit writing and to draft responses to sample essays as practice for the SAT test. The instructor, a tutor liaison and workshop leader of English at Capital Community College, is a former scorer of SAT and standardized state essays for the College Board. She has several years of experience as a high school counselor and English teacher and welcomes students of varied abilities and interests to this course. All materials, including a packet of handouts, will be provided by the instructor. Feel confident and prepared as you take the SAT's!
Apr 18-25, 6 PM to 8 PM, 2 sessions (W), Farmington High School – Rm 905, Course Fee: $39
Catalyst SAT Bootcamp In just one weekend, come learn everything you need to know to outsmart the SAT with Catalyst’s weekend Bootcamp. You’ll learn critical aspects of
the test, including how to crack the tricky textual evidence questions, how to shortcut “heart of algebra” and “data analysis” math problems, and the 16
types of English questions guaranteed to appear on the SAT. This momentum building weekend seminar gives students the insight and confidence
they need on the day of the test. Students will also leave with Catalyst’s self-study materials for sustained practice right up until the test. To enroll, visit
www.catalystprep.com/ and click on the Bootcamp Signup or call 800-235-0056.
Mar 17-18, 9 AM to 1 PM, 2 sessions (SaSu), Farmington High School – Room 901, Course Fee: $175
Ivy Bound SAT Small Group Class - Essentials Ivy Bound's SAT Essentials Class is an abbreviated form of our SAT "Standard" Small Group Class and will focus on the most important topics of the
Math & Verbal sections.
The class includes:
* 17-20 hours of classroom instruction;
* All materials, including The Official SAT Study Guide and Ivy Bound's Math & Verbal binders;
* Proctored Practice Tests (Online or in-person with 6 or more students) offered two weekends (or more) a month on Saturday mornings or Sunday
afternoons.
* Additional resources including: daily vocabulary emails with words from prior SATs, evening group phone conferences 2x per week (Home Study
Hotline), SAT Essay Workshops via conference call each month (full essay evaluations can be added for $200).
Mar 24 - Apr 28 (no class April 14), 2 PM to 5:30 PM, 5 sessions (Sa), Farmington High School - Room 906, Course fee: $450
To register, visit www.ivybound.net and enter FHS into "search" or call Ivy Bound directly at 860-666-5550!
Looking for College Financial Aid? Why do families with seemingly high income and wealth qualify for college financial aid while others, with far less, fail to get the needed help? Learn about the process, the truths, and the myths that will put you in the best position to maximize your eligibility for financial assistance. This class covers the components of financial aid, factors that influence the "Expected Family Contribution" and how one might reduce it, the necessary forms with instruction on how to complete them, what to do about unsatisfactory awards, and a review of the entire process. The federal application for Student Aid will be available on October 1st. Class is specific to parents of Junior and Senior high school students. Register at www.fpsct.org/fce or call 860.404.0290.
Feb 27, 6:30 PM to 9 PM, 1 session (T), Farmington High School - Room 812, Course Fee: $19
