lexington high school...

Lexington High School

NewsletterVolume 31, number 8May 2015

From the Principal– Laura Lasa, Principal

Dear Parents/Guardians,

W e have all enjoyed the positive turn in

the weather, and it has been amazing to experi-ence how much happier and upbeat we all feel with sunnier days and increasingly warm tem-peratures. I love being outdoors during passing time, watching students enjoy the sunshine and each other’s company as they linger a bit before scooting to the next class. We will continue to reinforce the fact that it is vital to pause now-and-then, even if it is only for a few minutes; the minutes add up, creating a positive impact on our general outlook and wellbeing.With the official announcement that the final day of school this year is Tuesday, June 23, I would like to address a key aspect of the school cul-ture that occurs during the spring each year. The reality of the spring season at the High School is that we all begin to feel the crunch of time. The spring is full of the academic march to the end of the year, a plethora of schoolwide evening events, extracurricular activities, and family commitments that cause time to be compressed. It will be important for school and home to part-ner on common messages to students in order to help them identify and implement organizational and coping strategies. In some cases, we can talk with students about items that can come off their plate; in other cases, it is realistic that nothing can be removed from the equation and the best they can do is prioritize their responsibilities and commitments. To that end, I strongly encourage you to talk with your children and develop a weekly chart that identifies all of the things that need to get done, including healthy eating, sleep and relaxation.

MayFriday 1 Freshman Semi-Formal Dance, Commons II, 7-10pmSaturday 2 SATs (at LHS)Mon-Fri 4-8 AP examsThursday 7 Bus evacuation drill 10:25-11:15 7 Prof. Dev. half day; 11:15 dismissal 7 Staff Appreciation luncheon,Commons II, 11:15amThurs-Sat 7-9 Into the Woods, aud, 7:30pm; $15 ($10 students and

seniors)Mon-Fri 11-15 AP examsTuesday 12 10 am-2:25pm MCAS Math Session 1-Delayed

opening (9-11-12)Wednesday 13 10:00 am-2:25pm MCAS Math Session 2-Delayed

Opening (9-11-12)Wed-Wed 13-27 K-12 Art show, central office gym (opening 5/13,

6:30pm) (open Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm)Friday 15 Junior Prom-Burlington Marriott 15 METCO Senior Dinner, 6-9:30pmSaturday 16 Improv Troupe Show, Blackbox, 7:30pmMonday 18 LHS Film Festival, location tbd, 6:30-9 pmWednesday 20 PTSA meeting, 7:30pm, Library Media Center 20 11th annual LHS Special OlympicsThursday 21 Parent discussion group with Assoc. Prin. Murray,

Library classroom, 7:45-8:30amThurs-Fri 21-22 Spring Pops Concert, gym, 7:30pm, $10Saturday 23 Jazz Nite 4 at Discovery Day, noon-3pm; Town ctr or

Commons II if rainMonday 25 No School - Holiday; Memorial DayTuesday 26 Last Day of Classes for Seniors 26 Senior Student-Athlete Awards Buffet Dinner, Com-

mons II, 6-8:30pmWednesday 27 NHS Induction Ceremony, 7-8pm, aud 27 LHS Lexicon Graphic Art convention, 6-8pm, Com-

mons IIThursday 28 World Language Awards Night, aud, 6-8pmFriday 29 Improv Troupe Show, Blackbox, 7:30pmSaturday 30 Sophomore Cruise, 6-10:30pm

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The calendar was compiled in late April and events are subject to change. Call the department involved for up-to-date information or go to <http://lps.lexingtonma.org/Page/10 >.

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May 2015Lexington High School Newsletter

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PHONE NUMBERS REFERENCEPrincipal Laura Lasa .....861-2320, ext. 69103Assoc. Principal John Murray ......................... .......................................861-2320, ext. 69102Dean Nicole Canniff .....861-2320, ext. 69332Dean Kate Hermon .......861-2320, ext. 69530Dean Scott Kmack ........ 861-2320, ext. 69111Dean Jaffrie Perrotti ......861-2320, ext. 69720

For attendance, call the appropriate administrator for your child before 9:30 am on the day of the absence.

LHS homepage:http://lps.lexingtonma.org/lexingtonhsPTSA website...http://lhsptsa.org/School Committee email: [email protected]

The Lexington High School Newsletter

EditorJean Cole

email: [email protected]

Next deadline: Friday, May 22, 2015

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From the Principal continued from page 1

Newsletter PolicyThe Newsletter will print items directly related to the schools and their PTAs. This includes curricular, cocur-ricular, and extracurricular activities which are PTSA- or system-supported, and school-sanctioned projects. All articles are subject to editorial discretion.

(Believe it or not, we need to remind students that eating, sleeping and relaxing are just as important as completing academic work and meeting other responsibilities.) I would imagine that our students will not have difficulty writing down all there is to do, but many have trouble prioritizing. Togeth-er, we can help students recognize how to approach a list of to-do tasks, whom they should speak with if it is not possible to do it all, and how to ask for help/advocate for support that is needed. If you feel as though your child is struggling to manage a full plate and the situation has crossed over into concern, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s counselor at school so he or she can assist with prioritizing, identifying coping strategies, and advocating for support.For many of you, May is the month in which our seniors are experiencing a whirlwind of activities that mark the end of their high school years and/or a large number of years in the Lexington Public Schools. Students will receive all of the information they need about senior events in homeroom; identical information will be provided to you by email and posted on our website. We will continue to work with seniors to balance the feeling of academic avoidance (“Do I still have to do work?”) and much needed fun as they unwind from a rigorous journey to post-graduation life. As we enter the “Senior Season” together, I have two reminders I would like to share:1. Seniors should work closely with their Dean on strong attendance

up until the end of regular classes and through finals. Please note that there is not a separate schedule for senior finals; some courses have a final, others do not, and these final assessments are given within the existing block/class schedule.

2. At the time of this letter, the annual game called Assassins is most likely underway. (This is a game that some senior students choose to participate in; they contribute a monetary entry fee that goes toward a cash prize for the winner of the game. The game involves the use of water guns to eliminate “targets” in the weeks leading up to graduation.) I need to urge great cau-tion in participation in a game that has the potential to frighten community members and create unsafe situations. In past years, behaviors such as jumping out of bushes on private property, entering places of business, and hanging out of moving cars have


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PTSA News

The PTSA can use your help!!!

Spring Reflections

As we write this message, spring has finally arrived after a long, cold, and record-breaking snow-filled winter. It’s wonderful to see LHS students outside

enjoying the beautiful weather as they study outdoors during free periods, eat lunch with friends in the quad, and head to the track, baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, and Lincoln Field for sports after school. Throughout the spring and final weeks of school, there are plenty of academic challenges with students completing end-of–the year projects and studying for and taking final exams. They will attend many social events including the Junior and Senior proms and participate in a myriad of performing arts events and exciting sporting contests hap-pening at LHS. Our seniors will graduate and celebrate at the sensational All-Night Graduation Party. As the academic year comes to a close, the PTSA and many parent volunteers will come together on May 7 to host the spring Staff Appreciation Lunch for the entire faculty and staff at LHS. We celebrate the LHS commu-nity that makes everything possible for our students and we acknowledge the invaluable contributions of each and every member. We are extremely fortunate to have the best

Visit our website: www.LHSPTSA.org

As we head into spring, the PTSA will be busy helping with many activities at LHS. If you have time to help, we can use you at one of the following events.• STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCH - MAY 7Please sign up for Spring Staff Appreciation Luncheon 2015. It is a wonderful opportunity to show your apprecia-tion for the hard-working teachers and staff at LHS. The teachers enjoy the diverse range of foods from different cultures so please bring your favorite dishes.We will be sending out a Volunteer Spot sign up imme-diately after the April break so please look for that an-nouncement and consider making one of your favorite dishes and/or volunteering to help on May 7.

Also, keep an eye out for additional requests for the fol-lowing events:• Junior Prom Reception at LHS before students board

the buses – May 15• Senior Awards Night refreshments – June 2• Junior Book Awards refreshments – June 3• Senior Prom Reception at LHS before students board

the buses – June 4Please contact us at <[email protected]> if you are available to help.Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at one of the PTSA-sponsored activities!

– Rima Pande and Karen KristinLHS PTSA Hospitality Co-Chairs

team possible teaching, nurturing, guiding and supporting our children. Lexington is very proud of our schools and it is the exceptionally caring, capable faculty and staff that are the backbone of our system. Every day, all year long, our students are surrounded by dedicated individuals who: step in with guidance when needed, teach a multitude of subjects at a high level, keep our school clean, give medi-cal assistance when necessary, provide key administrative support, offer extra help and review sessions before and after school, and give support and encouragement along the way. Please consider helping us with this event. Details for volunteering appear in this newsletter and are in the listserv announcements. Whether or not you are able to help that day, please consider showing your support and appreciation to the special individual(s) who have made a difference to your child or children. Send a note, write an email, or make a quick phone call. It will mean a great deal to those who give so much of themselves to our children!Thank you for your support throughout the year. We look forward to seeing you during the last few weeks of the school year. Enjoy LHS and all that it offers our students!

– Jen Vogelzang & Kara BrandesLHS/PTSA Co-Presidents


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From the Principal continued from page 2

been witnessed by community members. The reality is that we live in different times, and all of these behaviors are dangerous to the participants and/or unsettling to Lexington community members. The High School feels strongly that the game of Assassins is not appropriate, and it is prohibited at school. This includes the posses-sion of water guns and use of scooters on school prop-erty. Any student who brings this game into the school environment is risking disciplinary measures, particu-larly those that cause a disruption to the school environ-ment. The faculty, staff, and administration of LHS are committed to providing an emotionally and physically safe environment for all members of our community, right up to the last day of school. We will continue to work closely with the School Resource Officer to reinforce safe behaviors, support sound judgment, and curtail student participation. We are asking all parents and guardians of seniors to speak with his/her child to discourage participation. If you become aware of inci-dents involving this game that are unsafe, you should contact the Lexington Police Department.

I look forward to seeing many of you in-and-around school at various events in May and June, Best Wishes,

Laura LasaPrincipal

A Message from the Transportation Office:

Dear Parents/Guardians:

On behalf of Lexington Public Schools, I’d like to thank you for your interest in our school bus service. You have many decisions to make for your child and how they will get to and from school is just one. Our goal at the transportation department is to provide a safe and dependable ride to school for as many students as possible. Our buses have equipment above and beyond what is required by law including seat belts and cameras. Traffic around town and especially at our schools has become increasingly difficult. Having children ride the bus is one way families can help the school and Lexington community. Over the past few years we have been looking at ways to improve traffic around our schools. On June 17, 2014 the school committee approved a Traffic Safety & Mitigation Policy that sets guidelines for uniform traffic rules at each building. The safety of all students is the most important goal of the policy. If you would like to look at the policy at:

http://lps.lexingtonma.org/Page/3962

We are always here to answer questions and help with any transportation related issues you might have throughout the year.

Sincerely, Elaine Celi Transportation Coordinator

Transportation Information: LPS Homepage: lps.lexingtonma.org

What we offer:Transportation is offered to all students attending their districted school. Students in grades K-6 living more than two miles from school are eligible to receive town-paid transportation. All other students are eligible for fee-based transportation. The fee for 2015 – 2016 will be $300/student with a family cap (3 or more fee based riders) of $685 if registration is completed by the May 16th

deadline. Payment is not due at registration, but is due by August 1st.

Look under Quick Links on our homepage to find Transportation. You will find the links to online registration and payment information along with pricing, bus rules, and details regarding our Flexpass and Ride-After bus options. We will begin the process of routing with the registrations we receive on or before the earliest deadline. Registrations received after May 16th will be processed on a space available basis and will not be subject to the full subsidy offered by the school department.

Optional Services ~ (available for students having a round trip bus pass)

FlexpassOption-for Middle and High School students.($50.00 additional fee) Go to www.lexpress.us for route information. Service available on school day afternoons from3:30-6:00

Elementary “Ride After“ Bus* ($60.00 additional fee)

Hayden ~ Munroe Center ~ IDIILChinese & Math Learning Center Russian School of Math ~ LYCAL

NAD Ballet (at Hancock Church TH Only)

*Locations subject to change ~ check

website for more information and

updates prior to completing registration.

How to Register:

Click on Online Registration Link from the transportation page of the LPS website….

Enter 8 digit student ID number(Above the address block on this mailer) Enter your child’s Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)Fill in the requested fields and you’re done. You will receive an email confirming your registration.If a fee is due, a fee will be created in our eschool payment center.You will find a link to the eschool payment center on the website.

ACH and Credit Card payments are accepted. Convenience fees are charged for Credit Card payments ONLY. ACH transactions are free of charge. Click on the link – Online Payment Information from the transportation page.

We also accept checks made payable to: “Town of Lexington”

Mail to:Lexington Public Schools

Transportation Office 146 Maple Street

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Into the

Woods

May 7, 8, 9

7:30 pm

$15, $10

Into theWoodsMay 7, 8, 97:30 pm$15, $10

Into theWoods

May 7, 8, 9

7:30 pm

$15, $10

Success Through Connection: How to support your child’s future by getting involved with the Lexington schoolsWhen: Tuesday, May 5, 7:00-9:00 p.m.Where: Estabrook Elementary School Cafeteria Do you want to get involved at your child’s school? Are you not sure how to do so? Come join us for an evening discussion to find out the answers to the following ques-tions:• Why should I join my school’s PTA/PTO or Site Coun-

cil? What do they do?• Who benefits from the PTA/PTO? Site Council? How?• Does my PTA/PTO and Site Council need my support?

How can I help?• How can I participate with the PTA/PTO or the Site

Council at my child’s school?And we want to hear from you! Bring your thoughts and questions about your PTA/PTO and Site Council and how we can help you get involved!Success Through Connection is sponsored by the PTA/O Presidents Council, School-Based Site Council Round-table, Chinese American Association of Lexington, Indian Americans of Lexington, LexFUN!, and the Lexington Special Education PAC&PTA.For more information, contact <[email protected]>.


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Performing Arts Department

Gold and Silver for LHS Student Musicians

The 39th annual Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Concert and Choral Festival took place the weekend of March 27-29 at eight sites

across Massachusetts. Over 12,800 students comprising 250 ensembles performed for panels of highly respected adjudicators. Over 500 Lexington High School students participated in the festival.The ensembles were assessed on their overall musicianship and how they responded to a variety of musical criteria dur-ing their performances. Based on their overall performances, ensembles earned a Medal of Participation, Medal of Merit or a Bronze (good performance), Silver (excellent perfor-mance) or Gold (superior performance) Medal.

Congratulations to the following ensembles:Repertoire Orchestra - silver medalSymphony Orchestra - gold medalChamber Orchestra - gold medal Symphonic Band - silver medal

Concert Band - silver medalWind Ensemble - gold medal

Madrigal Singers - gold medalConcert Choir - gold medal

Women’s Chorus - gold medalMiddle School Select Band - silver medal

MICCA Thanks!

T he MICCA (Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association) Festival held in March was

a huge success. Over 2000 student musicians from around the state performed on our auditorium stage. Student volun-teers representing LHS music and National Honor Society provided invaluable support for the festival, while a team of 40 parent volunteers sold tickets, ushered and manned a snack bar. A huge thank you to the over 50 families who so generously donated their time and money, delicious baked goods, drinks, and other snacks. Because of your generos-ity and hard work we raised over $2,500 for the LHS music program! Special thanks to Wilson Farm, Wagon Wheel Farmstand, Stop & Shop, Dunkin Donuts (373 Waltham Street), Trader Joe’s, Costco, Market Basket, Walgreens and CVS for their generous donations. We’d also like to express deep grati-tude to the LHS custodial staff, and Kevin Silvia and Carrie Murphy from the Lexington School Lunch Program and Papa Gino’s (Waltham).Congratulations to our talented student musicians and the LHS music faculty for their outstanding performances!

– Gwen Wong and Lisa Boehm, FOLMADS (Friends of Lexington Music, Art and Drama Students, Inc.)

The National Association of Music Merchandisers (NAMM) Foundation has announced that Lexington has been designated a 2015 Best Communities for Music Edu-cation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Lexington joins 388 communities across the country to receive the prestigious award this year.The BCME program applauds the efforts of teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders working to assure that music education is part of the core curriculum. More than 2000 schools and school districts participated in this year’s survey.“These schools and districts make a strong commitment to music education in the core curriculum supporting its es-sential value to a well-rounded education for every child,” said Mary Luehrsen, NAMM Foundation executive direc-tor. “Strong, engaging programs that offer students access

to music cannot thrive in a vacuum. The Best Communities designation and the Support Music Merit Award bring hard-won visibility to music classes, programs and departments that are keeping music education alive in our schools.”Now in its 16th year, the BCME program evaluates schools and districts based on funding, staffing of highly qualified teachers, commitment to standards, and access to music instruction. The NAMM Foundation with the assistance of researchers at The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service of Lawrence, Kansas (an affiliate of the University of Kansas) evaluate participants on these factors. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commit-ment and greater access to music education.

– Jeffrey LeonardCoordinator, K-12 Performing Arts Department

LHS Recognized Nationally for Commitment to Music Education School Ranks Among Nation’s Top Schools for Support of Music Education


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Performing Arts Department

Thurs-Sat, May 7-9

Into the Woods $15/$10LHS Auditorium at 7:30 pm

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Saturday, May 16Improv Troupe

Blackbox at 7:30 pm

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Thurs-Fri, May 21-22LHS Pops $10

LHS Gym at 7:30 pm

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Saturday, May 23Jazz Nite 4 at Discovery Day

Cmns II if rain, noon-3 pm

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Friday, May 29Improv Troupe

Blackbox at 7:30 pm

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Monday, June 1Monday Recital - Senior gala

7:30 pm

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Saturday, June 6

Spring A Cappella Jamboree $10/$5LHS Auditorium at 7:30 pm

Coming SoonInto the Woods

Thursday-Saturday, May 7-9

$15/$10

Into the Woods, the musical that includes lyrics by <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ste-phen_Sondheim> Stephen Sondheim and book by <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Lap-ine> James Lapine, blends well-known fairy tales and characters. Beginning with the words, “Once upon a time,” the show both entertains and explores what it is to be human: the com-plexities, the struggles, the joys through these familiar stories. As a high school production, as it offers student actors the opportunity to dive into rich, complicated characters who are also funny and imaginative. Sondheim’s op-eratic music is timeless, beautiful and clever. The music remains as memorable, moving and delightful as when the production first opened Broadway in the late 1980s starring Bernadette Peters. The visual concept for our production is inspired by classic fairy tale illustrations and with set and lighting design created by a group of seniors working for the production as an independent study project.

Congratulations to the LHS Madrigal Singers and their excellent performance on WGBH-TV’s new Channel 2 Sing That Thing show. (Friday at 8 p.m.). You’ll have to tune in to find out if they are selected for a follow-up performance!

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JuneMonday 1 Monday Recital-Senior Gala, 7:30 pmTuesday 2 9:30 am-2:25pm MCAS Biology Delayed

Opening (9-11-12) 2 Senior Awards Night, aud, 6:30pmWednesday 3 9:30 am-2:25pm MCAS Biology Delayed

Opening (9-11-12) 3 Junior Book Awards, 6:30-9pm, Cms.IIThursday 4 Senior Prom-Danversport Yacht ClubSaturday 6 SATs (at LHS) 6 Spring A Cappella Jamboree, aud, 7:30pm,

$10 ($5 for students & seniors)Sunday 7 LHS Graduation, Tsongas Arena, Lowell;

concert at 12:30, ceremony at 2 pmMonday 8 Portal open for Senior report cards-June 11Wednesday 10 Fall Student Athlete & Parent mtg, 6-8pm,

aud, Commons I & IIFriday 12 Improv Troupe Show, Blackbox, 7:30pmTuesday 23 Final Day Of School;1/2 day for students

Full day for staff._____________________

For Athletics schedules, visit http://lps.lexingtonma.org/domain/657

Calendar Continued

SAT Test Dates at LHS2014-2015

May 2, 2015June 6, 2015

2015-2016October 3, 2015

November 7, 2015December 5, 2015January 23, 2016March 5, 2016May 7, 2016June 4, 2016

Community Education

Calling Sophomores!!!PSAT/SAT Summer Prep Classes At LHS

Get Ready for the All-New Tests• Starting June 30, take week-long morning

classes in English, Writing and Math to fully prepare for the fall tests.

• Seasoned experts offer individualized instruc-tion so that you will learn skills and essential test wisdom.

• You will practice tests in a supportive class and analyze practice tests so that you will be confi-dent taking the actual tests.

Classes take place from 9 am -12 noon and cost $195 each. Scholarships are available.

June 30-July 3 – SAT WritingJuly 6-10 – SAT EnglishJuly 13-16 – SAT Math

To sign up and and receive details: email <www.lexingtoncommunityed.org> or call (781-862-8043).

– Lexington Community Education

LPS School Committee InformationFor information and updates on the LPS School Commit-tee, please go to their website <http://lps.lexingtonma.org/Page/463>.For copies of the LPS School Committee Minutes and Agendas, please go to: <http://lps.lexingtonma.org/site/De-fault.aspx?PageID=1220>.And to view past School Committee meetings, please go to LexMedia <www.lexmedia.org>.

Subscribing to the LHS/PTSA ListservThe listserv is simply the electronic mailing list of LHS parents who want to receive updates about school activities. Parents are not automatically included on the listserv. To sign up go to the LHS/PTSA website <www.LHSPTSA.org>. Click on the “LHS PTSA Listerv” tab located along the top header and follow the directions.We strongly encourage the parents of all LHS students to sign up for this communication service. It’s one of the best ways to keep informed about what is happening at LHS.


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Nursing Office

Senior Health RecordsPrior to graduation in June, seniors will receive their health records and cumulative folders from their build-ing administrator. The health record contains all medical documents received by the school nurse while students were enrolled in the district. This original record will be in a ma-nila envelope with the student’s name on it. Please keep the health record in a safe place after graduation as the district DOES NOT keep a copy of these records.

End-of-Year Medication NewsPlease have your child pick up any medications he/she may have in the nurse’s office by the last day of school in June. All remaining medi-cations, including over-the-counter medications, will be discarded after the last class.Before school is out for the sum-mer, all parents of students with life-threatening allergies will receive a packet in the mail that must be completed by the students’ health care provider. These packets must be completed and turned into the LHS nurse’s office during the first week of school in the fall.

Medication Guidelines for 2015-2016 School Year• Students may not carry medica-

tions unless they have first talked about them with the school nurse.

• Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are kept in the nurse’s office and are available to students who have turned in a medication permission form signed by a parent/guardian.

• A medication permission form signed by both a parent/guardian and a medical provider must be turned in to administer medica-tions other than ibuprofen and acetaminophen. The medication must be in its original prescription or over-the-counter bottle.

• A new medication permission form must be turned in to the nurse’s office each school year.

• Medication permission forms can be obtained in the nurse’s office or on the LHS website under Health Office.

• Administration of short-term med-ications like antibiotics requires only a parent/guardian signature and the prescription bottle with the pharmacy label.

Ask Your Nurse: Facts About TicksQ: My son found a tick on his arm

this morning. He may have gotten it when he took our dog for a walk in the woods yesterday. I’m wor-ried. Will he get Lyme disease? What should I do?

A: First of all, don’t panic. In most cases the tick must be attached for 24-48 hours before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted. If you have not done so already, remove the tick with a narrow-tipped tweezers or other tick-removal device available in pharmacies and other stores. Take the tweezers and grasp the tick as close to the skin as pos-sible and pull upward slowly until the tick mouth separates from the skin. Be careful not to squeeze the tick’s body. After removing the tick, disinfect the site and wash your hands

“Do something wonderful, people may imitate it.” ~ Albert Schweitzer

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with soap and water. Follow-up with your son’s doctor if you have any concerns or if your son develops a red rash, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joints aches, or swollen glands for about a month after you removed the tick.Here is a little background informa-tion on ticks. There are many types of ticks that bite people, but only the deer tick, or blacklegged tick, which is found in the Northeast and North Central regions of the United States is commonly infected and can transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. The Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, is usually transmitted when deer ticks are in their immature nymph stage and are tiny and easy to miss. Nymphs, which are typically less than 2mm in size, are most active in May through August when people are likely to be outdoors. Adult ticks can also transmit Lyme disease, but they are much larger and are more likely to be discovered and removed before they transmit the bacterium.Ticks can attach to any part of the human body but are often found in hard-to-see areas such as the groin, armpits, and scalp. Typical symp-toms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic “bulls-eye” skin rash called erythema migrans.If left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is di-agnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibil-ity of exposure to infected ticks. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of anti-biotics.


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Nursing Office Continued

A number of steps can be taken to avoid tick exposure:• Wear light-colored clothing so

ticks can be seen easily.• Wear a hat and a long-sleeve shirt

buttoned at the wrist. Tuck socks into pants.

• Walk in the center of trails to avoid brushing up against vegeta-tion. Do not sit directly on the ground, use a towel or blanket.

• Check for ticks every few hours. Perform a full-body tick check at the end of the day.

• Apply an insect repellent on exposed skin that contains at least 20% DEET. Lightly spray clothing with products containing permethrin but avoid contact with skin. Always follow product instructions.

• Remove ticks as soon as you see them. Do not touch them. Use a tweezers and do not crush the tick until it separates from the skin.

To learn more go to:http://www.acacamps.org

http://www.cdc.gov/Lyme/Minor Emergencies: Splinters to Fractures, Philip Buttaravoli and Thomas Stair, Mosby, Inc., 2000.

Students with Life-Threatening Allergies–– Are You Ready for College?Eating on Campus• Ask to see the food allergy policy• Meet the food service director and

ask for a tour of the kitchen (find a person to go to if a problem arises)

• Check out eating options and/or preparation food in your dorm room

• Discover any possible food issues and work to solve prior to classes starting

Dorms and Social Life• Have a conversation with your

roommate prior to the start of school, discuss allergy needs, triggers, seriousness, and possible need to use an epipen

• Determine if this roommate situa-tion will work for you

Annual K-12 Art ExhibitWenesday, May 13 – Wednesday, May 27

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.Artwork will be exhibited from all classesOpening May 13, 6:30-8:00 pm

Central Office Gymnasium146 Maple Street

Lexington

Visual Arts Department

• Get to know and establish your RA’s role related to your allergy

• Make a plan to keep safe regard-ing parties, events and eating out

Dating• Open communication related to

allergy, using an epipen• Safe kissing - check out video

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX8qdoEDodg>

References: http://www.foodallergy.org/ http://offices.holycross.edu/healthservices/food-allergy

As always, we welcome your ideas, questions and comments.

Janet Foley, RN x69913Susan Kaftan, RN x69919Kristi Burns, RN x69913

Phone: 781-861-2320Confidential Fax: 781-861-2611

Third Annual comic book convention, LEXICON!!

Friday, May 27, 20156:00-8:00 p.m. in Commons II

Illustration Club is proud to present Lexington High School’s Third Annual comic book convention, LEXI-CON!! The event will take place in Commons II at LHS on Friday, May 27, from 6-8 p.m. It is free and open to all Lexington residents and cartooning enthusiasts. This will be a fun, family friendly venue for Lexington residents to meet many of the best artists at the high school and also get an insider view into how illustrations and comics are created in the professional art world. There will be art demonstrations as well as comics and artwork for sale by students and special guest professional artists.


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PTSA Forum - May 20, 2015

LHS/PTSA Annual Meeting & ForumWednesday, May 20

7:30-9:00 p.m.

LHS Media Library (Rm 147)

The PTSA welcomes LHS Principal, Laura Lasa, and LHS Associate Principal, John Murray, as speakers for our last meeting of the year. Whether you are an incoming family or a seasoned LHS parent, this is an opportunity to come hear from our school leaders on topics relevant to LHS and your student. Come listen to a year-end wrap up and hear about what’s new for the next school year!This is the PTSA annual meeting which will include (in addition to the speakers): • Presentation of the slate of officers by the Nominating

Committee, and election of PTSA Officers for 2015-16• Discussion & Vote - PTSA Budget for 2015-16 Fiscal

Year• Also accepting voting ballots for the LHS School

Council Members (NOTE: This is the last day to sub-mit ballots.)

All current and incoming LHS parents are welcome to at-tend. All parents Grade 8 to 11 may vote for School Coun-cil Members. However only PTSA members may vote for the election of PTSA officers and next year’s budget. [See pages 14-16.]

2015 Tenacity Challenge artwork on display at LHSPlease stop in and see the 2015 Tenacity Challenge ban-ners on display in the glass gallery case across from the gym. The AALS students did a tremendous job with the artwork this year. Special thanks to Monique Schramme and Brittney Carbone for their help with the students and their pieces.

– Sean HaganVisual Arts Coordinator

May 18

LHS Film Festival

May 18 at 6:30 PM

(location tbd)

PTSA Slate of Executive Board Officers for 2015-2016The Nominating Committee of the Lexington High School PTSA is pleased to recommend the following slate of candidates for the PTSA Executive Board election. We are grateful to these individuals for volunteering their time on behalf of our children and the school community.Candidates for these positions will be voted in at the start of the PTSA meeting on Wednesday, May 20 at 7:30 pm, by the general membership. Nominations for any position can also be made from the floor on the night of the elec-tions. Any PTSA member is eligible, by either nominat-ing oneself or having someone nominate you before the membership holds its vote.Co-Presidents (2 positions): Kara Brandes, Kathleen Lenihan Vice-Presidents (4 positions): Katie Cutler, Deb Rourke, Shubhra Chandra, Leslie Forg Treasurer: Beth Briggs Secretary (Executive): Jenny Richlin Secretary (Recording): (Open Position)Look for additional volunteer opportunity updates in the listserv announcements! Please contact Shubhra Chandra <[email protected]> if you are interested in volunteering for either an Executive Board position or a committee chair position.Thank you,

– 2015 PTSA Nominating Committee:Shubhra Chandra, Jen Vogelzang, Ying Zhang

PTSA News

Visual Arts Department


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PTSA News All-Night Graduation Party

I t takes a village to throw this party. Now in its 29th year, the All Night

Graduation Party (ANGP) celebrates graduation with a huge, fun and safe all-night party for LHS’s newest alum-ni. This year the LHS Fieldhouse will be transformed into “Back to the Fu-ture II”, with clock towers, Deloreans and some really fantastical decorations which go back to the future of 2015.Volunteers plan the event, stage the event, staff the event, and tidy up when it’s finished. There are over 120 chaperones that will help bring the Fieldhouse to life during the party. Beginning Sunday evening, June 7th through early Monday morning, June 8th parents of Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors are invited to join the fes-tivities and volunteer for a few hours -- an opportunity to have fun and do good! Plus, it’s your only chance to get in and see this wonderful event. There are many ways to pitch in: pre-paring food, decorating, volunteering to chaperone, and Senior parents get a

chance to see the Fieldhouse by help-ing with clean-up. You can find all the details at Vol-unteerSpot: <http://tinyurl.com/LH-SANGP2015> Sign up before it’s too late!There is another way to help if you are unable to volunteer. We rely on donations because ticket prices do not cover the cost of the party. To contrib-ute, you may send a check payable to: “LHS Graduation Celebrations Com-mittee” to Kris Maeda ANGP Treasur-er, 54 Munroe Road, Lexington 02421, or take the easy way and donate online via PayPal <http://tinyurl.com/LHS-ANGP-Donation>. (You don’t need your own PayPal account to donate. Follow directions in the lower left-hand corner of the PayPal screen.)Thank you for your generosity in helping to create a fabulous and safe celebration for our graduates.

– Georgia Harris2015 ANGP Senior Chair

Stop & Shop A+ Program Earns Funds for LHSThe Stop & Shop A+ Rewards Pro-gram has come to a close for the 2014-2015 school year. The program which ran from October to March has announced the total CASH earned by registered schools.Principal Lasa will soon be receiv-ing a check from the corporate office of Stop & Shop for $1,508 for our school! A huge thank you to the 212 participants who designated LHS as the beneficially of your reward points AND used your Stop & Shop card when doing your regular grocery shopping. These Stop & Shop cus-tomers; parents, teachers, relatives, friends, and other Lexington residents; were responsible for raising this money! Anyone who shops at Stop & Shop in any state is eligible to des-ignate an A+ school. Stop & Shop corporate gave away $2.5 million to schools. More and more schools are participating each year. Thank you for helping us get our share! You can des-ignate up to two schools on one card. If you have children at other Lexing-ton schools, you may be interested to know that the nine Lexington Public Schools combined earned $8,452!

Dear LHS Parents,Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8) is coming up, so now is the time to personally thank your students’ teachers and educa-tors for their dedication to your children throughout the year. The Staff, Teacher Appreciation and Recognition award is the perfect gift for you! Purchasing a STAR award not only honors LPS teachers and staff members, but also supports LEF grants in all nine of Lexington’s public schools.Ordering an LEF STAR award is easy. Just go to <http://www.lexedfoundation.org/donate/star-awards> and fill out the STAR form. Order your STAR awards by April 27 to ensure teachers receive them during Teacher Appreciation Week.Thank you for your support!


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Economics Students Move On

T he Economics Club team, which is entirely student run and consists of students teaching each other

economic theory and facts, has done well in regional com-petitions this year. The team of David Wu, Meghan Logan, Raymond Gong and Soumya Ram reached the finals of the Harvard Competition recently, defeating Harker (CA) in the quarterfinals and Mounds View (MN) in the semifi-nals before falling to Nashua South in the championship. David Wu took top individual honors and Raymond Gong finished fifth overall. Also in April, the same team of students won the Mas-sachusetts State Championship in the National Econom-ics Challenge and will now compete to be one of the four teams invited to New York City for the National Champi-onship finals. Lexington’s first team has won the state title each of the past three years and went to the national finals two years ago. As a result of finishing in the top four on the semi-finals LHS’s first team is moving on to the na-tional finals (where Mounds View and Harker await LHS for a rematch along with Carmel, IN).In other news, a team from LHS that was entered in the Euro Challenge has been selected as one of 25 semifinal-ists from around the country to compete in NY City on Thursday April 30. The team of Phil Bonmassar, Ryan Leung and Stephen Mock produced a 15-minute video pre-sentation on the problems facing Cyprus’ banking industry and on possible policy-based solutions. For the semi-finals the team will present live to a panel at the New York Fed-eral Reserve Bank and then field questions.

– Bill Cole

thew Weiss and the USAJMO: Maggie Zhang, Morgan Daciuk, Angela Gong, Peter Rowley and Albert Zhang.Also, congratulations to the eight students who competed in the State Math Meet recently. They did an incred-ible job and placed first in the State, 16 points above the second-place team.Team members: Noah Golowich, Zach Polansky, Alan Qiu, Matt Weiss, John Guo, Louie Golowich, Peter Row-ley and Evan Fang.If you see any of these students, please congratulate them. Now, on to the New England Meet [early May].

–Wendy CorderoMath Teacher / Math Team Advisor

State Debate Awards

M any members of the Lexington Debate Team received individual and team awards at the MA

State Tournament, and the team as a whole won the overall Sweepstakes Championship. Novice Policy Team Awards1st Place -- Manu Gunnala/Kevin Lu2nd Place -- Rajeev Raghavan/Chris JunSemifinalist -- Jennifer Lo/Catherine LeeSemifinalist -- Sanjna Krishnan/Sophia Zhang5th Place -- Marertu Girma/Sahana SreeprakaVarsity Policy Team Awards1st Place -- Richard Huang/Manu Meel2nd Place -- Anthony Wong/Matthew LiuSemifinalist -- Michelle Chong/Lali DevadasSemifinalist -- Sabrina Zhang/Mandy Quan5th Place -- Zack Schnall/Ruth Zheng6th Place -- Ravi Raghavan/Jonathan DareNovice LD Team AwardsSemifinalist -- Reed WeilerQuarterfinalist -- Nikki KimQuarterfinalist -- Cynthia ChenOctofinalist -- Nicholas Newton-Cheh Octofinalist -- Vasanth VenkatasamiVarsity LD Team Awards2nd Place -- Linnea WarburtonSemifinalist -- Jungwan KimVarsity PF Team Awards1st Place -- Tolga Bozkaya/Christi LeeOctofinalist -- Max Saltman/Adam Harrington

– Sheryl Kaczmarek

Math Team News

I n February, approximately 100 LHS students competed in the prestigious Nationwide AMC (American Mathe-

matics Competition). Forty-two of these students qualified for and competed in the second level of this competition, the AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examina-tion) in March. Eight of these students qualified for the third level exam, the USAMO (for Juniors and Seniors) and the USAJMO (for Freshmen and Sophomores). This compe-tition is a two-day (4.5 hours/day), six-problem essay/proof competition. The USAMO qualifiers were one of approxi-mately 270 students nationwide and the USAJMO qualifiers were one of approximately 230 students nationwide.Congratulations to the following students who qualified for the USAMO: Noah Golowich, Zachary Polansky, and Mat-


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Travel Award Scholarship to Puerto RiceI am pleased to report that LHS junior Isabel Bernhard has won a Bertie Green Travel Award Scholarship to Puerto Rico this summer. “Each year 24 travel awards are awarded to high school juniors who are members of The National Spanish Honor Society. The students travel to a country or region of the Spanish speaking world for a period of 10-14 days; the departure date for the trip is generally scheduled for mid-July. Only one application per chapter is accepted,” according to the American Association of Teachers of Span-ish and Portuguese.

– Teresa Cordova

World Languages Department English Department

School Council Information and Ballot on pages 14-16

Where We Are: Poems from Lexington High School’s Class of 2017

T he Student Publishing Program has announced its fourth poetry book, Where We Are: Poems from Lex-

ington High School’s Class of 2017, will be available for pre-order later this month, featuring rare glimpses into the hearts and minds of nearly 450 LHS sophomores, sharing what inspires, worries, piques and matters most to them––an authentic look at where they are right now as unique individuals. Where We Are will also feature a foreword by former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky and work from Robert-Frost-Medal-winning poet X.J. Kennedy who cites The Student Publishing Program as “the most remarkable gift to student writers that anyone has offered in America.”Founded in 2002 by LHS Grad Anthony Tedesco and LHS English Teacher Karen Russell, and developed over the years with funding and guidance from the PTSA, The Student Publishing Program (SPP) is a school-fundraising English Literary Arts curriculum that brings the nation’s top poets into the classroom through on-demand mobile video to help teachers give students the skills they need to find and express their own creative voices and demonstrate their academic merit––to themselves and to the community at-large––beyond data-driven assessment. SPP then publishes and promotes their compositions in an online literary maga-zine and in a print book available in bookstores nationwide, with SPP giving 100% of profits from book sales back to LHS to support English Language Arts.

German Study Trip AwardPlease join me in congratulating Sylvia Van Der Weide (LHS ’15) in receiving the PAD/ AATG Study Trip Award. Sylvia was chosen from a pool of applicants from across the nation. She will be spending four weeks in Germany this summer, all expenses paid by the German government and the AATG. Students participate in a two-week school and homestay program, they also attend a special interna-tional seminar for two weeks, and participate in excursions to places of cultural and historical significance.To be eligible to apply, students must score in the 90th percentile or higher on the National German Exam, have a minimum of a B average, and be 16 years old by the December 31, 2015. Students must be US citizens or per-manent residents, and not live in a household where regular conversation is in German, and must not have visited a German-speaking country for more than two consecutive weeks since the age of six.About the Study Trip Award For over 50 years, the Federal Republic of Germany, through the Auswärtiges Amt and its Pädagogischer Austauschdienst, has supported the AATG/PAD Study Trip Awards.

– Heidemarie FloerkeLHS German teacher

German Study Trip AwardPlease join me in congratulating Austin Fowlkes in receiv-ing the Szombathy-Toth Scholarship. Austin will spending three weeks in Germany this summer––all expenses paid.About the Szombathy-Toth ScholarshipFor the last two years the AATG offers one full need-based scholarship to an African American, Native American, His-panic, or other minority student of German. This scholar-ship covers all program costs, domestic airfare, and some spending money. This scholarship is provided through a generous contribution of the Szombathy-Toth family.The AATG German Summer Study program includes a home stay with a German host family, classes at a Gym-nasium, and excursions to places of cultural and historical significance.

– Heidemarie FloerkeLHS German teacher


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School Council Election

Cast Your Vote for TWO Parent Representatives to the LHS School CouncilThe LHS School Council is made up of parents, students, faculty, administrators, and community members. It is responsible for long-range planning at the High School, including the annual school improvement plan. There are five parent representatives on the LHS School Council. There are two (2) openings for three-year terms beginning in the fall of 2015. Candidates for these opening are listed below. If you are a current 8th-, 9th-, 10th- or 11th-grade student’s parent or guardian, you are eligible to vote. This complet-

LHS School Council Election Ballot 2015

Medha DaveI would like to be considered for the opportunity to be a volunteer parent for LHS School Council next year. I believe the School Improvement Plan is one of the most effective and measurable ways to make a community-spe-cific difference in education. I have been a school coun-cil member at an elementary school in Newton during 2011-2012 school year. I have been a Lexington resident for four years and have one child in 8th grade at Clarke and one child in first grade at Bridge. I have a Masters Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from University of California and have certificates in Technical Management and Program Management. I worked as an engineering manager at a telecommunications company for over ten years. I have tutored high school and college students and was employed as an instructor at ITT Techni-cal Institute. I worked with Literacy Volunteers of Amer-ica to teach English as a second language in urban areas. I believe my interest in teaching, background in manage-ment and desire to help our community will enable me contribute to the school council as a parent volunteer.

Ballot on page 16

ed ballot must be brought to the Wednesday, May 20 PTSA Forum (7:30 p.m., in the LHS Media Library, Room 147) or received through the mail by that same date. • Votes may be cast online <https://docs.google.com/

forms/d/1tGKuCMerwvFPflyDrT-II18qtxZHxLyQi-VHIm4oHbdo/viewform?usp=send_form>

• Paper ballots must be signed to be valid.Candidates for School Council are (in alphabetical order): Medha Dave, Sharon Kendall, Rina Kodendera, Elise Niiler Rowley, Pamela Tames.] Please see biographies of the candidates below. [

Sharon KendallI am seeking election as a Parent Representative for the LHS Site Council for a 3 year term. My daughters gradu-ated from LHS in 2010 and 2012. My sons are members of the Classes of 2017 and 2018. I have volunteered exten-sively in the schools working with principals, teachers, and parents. I am presently on the Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) and recently worked on a subcommit-tee for the Parent Academy held in March. I was on the LHS PTSA board (2009-1012) and served as Co-President my final year. I’ve been Coordinator for the Stop & Shop A+ Rewards Program, and chaperone for the All Night Graduation Party. I also served on a town committee called the Ad Hoc School Transportation and Safety Study which was instrumental in increasing town wide bus rider-ship by decreasing bus fees. At Hasting, I was PTA Co-President for 2 years, piloted the Safe Routes to School program, volunteered for BBY, and served on the Principal Search Committee. I am interested in expanding my volunteer efforts to the Site Council and working collaboratively

Biographies of School Council Candidates

Continued on page 15


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with teachers and students in addition to the principal and parents. I attended the March Site Council meeting and learned about the beginnings of developing the next School Improvement Plan, and want to be an active member of this process. My interests include student safety and wellness; teacher morale; and supporting the learning needs of all students as well as improving way to help students in terms of academic advising and counseling.

Rina KodenderaIt would be a great opportunity for me to serve on the LHS School Council. I have a son in the 11th grade at LHS and a daughter in the 7th grade at Diamond. We moved to Lexington two and a half years ago. As a family we have moved a few times as our jobs have taken us to different cities and countries. As a result our children have been part of five school systems. I bring my learnings from the expe-riences at these schools.I used to be an active member of the parent committee in Chicago. As part of this group I helped enable a leadership program that got implemented at the elementary school and was run by the parents. Professionally I have a “Cor-porate Learning” background and have most recently lead the global learning team of 40 people for an IT Consulting company head quartered in Boston. At Lexington I have participated in various parent and school discussions at both the high school and middle school levels and would like to be part of this productive community and contribute my best.

Elise Niiler RowleyI moved to Lexington in 1996 with my husband Michael. My children, now in 12th and 9th grades, attended Com-munity Nursery School, Bridge Elementary School, Fiske Elementary School, and are currently students at Lexington High School. Through my perspective as the parent of a senior and freshman, a long-time community member, and school volunteer, I believe I can make a fresh, thought-ful contribution to the LHS School Council. Throughout the years, I have served as a volunteer in the schools in a variety of different ways, including the Board of Direc-tors at Community Nursery School and the PTA Board at

Bridge Elementary School. I currently co-lead the weekly LHS parent discussion group. For the past two academic years, I have led a group for parents of juniors/seniors go-ing through the post-secondary planning process. I have a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and a master’s degree from UCLA. I am currently a graduate student at Lesley University in the School Counseling program. My previous work experience includes Russian language teacher and student financial aid counselor. I attend Grace Chapel, where I sing in the choir.

Pamela TamesI submit my candidacy for LHS Site Council in the hope of contributing to the LHS community as I have at Dia-mond and Estabrook and in my profession as a lawyer and leader of nonprofit organizations. My husband, David Jesurum, and I have lived in Lexington since 1998. Like many residents, we were drawn to the town for its many positive attributes, including its vibrant nature and quality schools. We have 3 children: Max and Jake Jesurum, who will enter 9th and 11th grades at LHS in the fall, and Kate, who will continue at Estabrook. Over several years, I have volunteered in many school and school-related activities. Examples of my capacity and commitment to serve as an advisor, as a leader, as an educational support, and as an organizer include: membership in the Estabrook Site Council (2008-10); membership in and co-chairpersonship of the Diamond Site Council (2012-15); board membership with Lexington Playcare Center (2005-07) and Lextended Day (2013-15); and co-chairpersonship of Estabrook Math Olympiads (2008-12, 2014-15) and of the Estabrook 5th Grade Barbecue (2012).With your vote, I will apply what I have learned through these myriad activities in service of LHS. Thank you for considering me for election to the LHS Site Council.

Biographies of School Council Candidates Continued

ballot

on next page


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OFFICIAL LHS SCHOOL COUNCIL PARENT BALLOT

Must be received by May 20, 2015

Vote for NOT more than TWO:

The two (2) receiving the highest number of votes to each serve for a term of three (3) years ending in June 2018.

Candidate Name: Parent #1 - Vote Parent #2 - Vote

Medha Dave

Sharon Kendall

Rina Kodendera

Elise Niiler Rowley

Pamela Tames

Parent Voter Information:

Voter Signature:

Parent Print Name:

Home Address:

Ballots must be signed to assure proper vote count!

Mail Ballot to: Kara Brandes, 3 Davis Road, Lexington MA 02421

Must be signed and received by May 20, 2015 or brought to a LHS/PTSA forum by that date!

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