Marks close November 6th!!!!ACADEMIC NEWSEnglish Department News:Most of the senior class saw a presentation from local Vietnam veterans on October 22nd.  This relates to their first quarter novel, The Things They Carried, as well as to their summer reading title, A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain.

The Academy of Business Management News:Economics and Honors Accounting II classes are going to the Junior Achievement Western Massachusetts Stock Market Challenge on November 7.  This is the 8th annual event and is being held at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.  There will be over 100 teams from across Western Massachusetts.

National Honor Society News: Ten members of Taconic's National Honor Society participated in BCC's 2013 Trick or Treat For Canned Goods Project.  Students left bags for collection of food donations on neighborhood front porches. On Halloween night, they re-visit those

houses to retrieve the bags full of canned goods!    

BCC's Trick or Treat For Canned Goods Project has a proven track record, and brings in lots of food donations.  Taconic's NHS is happy to be a part of this volunteer project!

Etiam sit amet est

NOVEMBER 2013

HIGH SCHOOL

ACONICHOME

OF THE

BRAVES

Get involved with your child’s high school experience at Taconic join PAC

Former New England Patriot Super Bowl Champion Open To The Public & Free Of Charge

With the goals of nurturing healthy lifestyles, The Pittsfield Public Schools are pleased to announce a series of awareness and educational events, scheduled for early November, featuring Kathi and Chris Sullivan.

After a superstar high school football career in North Attleboro, Mass., Chris Sullivan dominated the field as a scholarship player at Boston College before moving on to play in the NFL for the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite his football success and being a Super Bowl Champion, his heavy addiction to drugs and alcohol, as well as battles with anxiety and depression, took over his life – eventually leading to the end of his football career.

Kathi Sullivan, a life-long Massachusetts resident, was a single mom of three beautiful children. She never thought that she would become a public speaker, or an advocate for the prevention of youth substance abuse. All that changed in 2008, when Kathi received the horrible news that her seventeen year old daughter, Taylor, had been found, drowned in only two feet of swampy water, after a night of binge drinking and poor choices.

Neither Chris nor Kathi Sullivan could have imagined the devastation that alcohol and drugs would have on their lives. Today, the recently married couple share their unforgettable stories about the dangers of alcohol and drugs with students and parents throughout the country.

Chris, sober since 2008, visits audiences with the goal of helping young people develop the skills necessary to cope with life and make good choices. Kathi has made it her mission to spread Taylor’s Message. Her honesty, openness, and heartfelt message is packed with powerful takeaways for both students and parents.

With a goal of influencing students and serving as a resource to parents and community members, The Pittsfield Public Schools will bring Chris and Kathi Sullivan to the Berkshires to share their inspirational messages of hope, love, and power.

The Sullivans will be featured at a public forum the evening of Thursday, November 7th at the Taconic High School Auditorium. The 6:30 PM event – which will include a powerful presentation, meet and greet, and question and answer session- is open to the public and free of charge.

Parents, community members, high school students, and middle school students are welcomed and highly encouraged to attend

Prior to the public forum held at Taconic High School on November 7th, the Sullivans are also scheduled to visit each of the city’s public high schools and middle schools.

Reid Middle School and Herberg Middle School will host Chris and Kathi earlier in the day, while similar programs are scheduled to be held at Taconic High and Pittsfield High the previous day in an effort to allow the Sullivans an opportunity to participate in private assemblies and talk with students about their experiences.

“The Sullivans are devoted to making an impact”, said Pittsfield Public Schools Superintendent, Jake McCandless. “Their message is genuine and hits on a variety of areas. Chris and Kathi have a gift for connecting with audience members of all ages”.

KATHI & CHRIS SULLIVAN SCHEDULED TO SHARE SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION MESSAGE

Finishing TouchNHSOfficer elections for Taconic's National Honor Society were held on October 17. All nominees delivered a short speech prior to the election. The results were as follows: President: Paul Steven Davila, Vice-President: Lucas Benjamin, Secretary: (sharing the position) Makenzi Astore & Michelle Pierce, Treasurer: Megan McCauley.

Vocational students at THS are often exposed to real world problems and solutions. For example, CVTE student Cody Barber puts the finishing touches on an improved computer hold down bracket going to Herberg Middle School. He is completing the last step on a joint project worked on by the Metal Fabrication, Auto Body Refinishing, Carpentry, and Manufacturing Technology programs. These four programs work together to design and build computer tables and accessories for Pittsfield Public Schools. Each program completes different steps in the process that saves the district money and provides quality tasks for students. To date, the students have completed 8 tables for the THS counseling computer lab, 20 tables for the THS library, 16 tables for the PHS library, 8 tables for the machine shop computer lab, and 14 tables for Herberg Middle School. A quality 6 ft. long computer table cost approximately $425 each but the students can build them for approximately $100 each. This is an approximate savings of $21,450 for all 66 tables combined.

Say It Proud Winners

Colin VendettiAustin White

Demitryia Sweener

HOMECOMING KING AND QUEEN

Kir!en "Neice

&

Jack Qua#rochi

The Mr. Taconic Pageant will be on Friday, November 22 at 7:00. Tickets are $7 in

advance and $10 at the door. All proceeds benefit the Taconic chapter of

Business Professionals of America.

The contestants are

Raymond WhiteQuinton Cookis

RJ St. PierreKyle Strack

Jack QuattrochiFrank DeBaggisJonathan May

George SommervilleConnor Carey

Stephen WitkowskiAlex WeslowskiAlex CarusottoMitchell Clary

LeBran MussioSteve DavilaRoger HallaAustin ShawDylan Moody

Boys will compete for the titles ofMr. Tux (formal wear)

Mr. Speaker (public speaking)Mr. Talent (ranging from beatboxing, singing, dancing, blues brothers, comedy, magic, food eating, rapping, blow painting

and bull whipping!)Mr. CongenialityMr. PopularityMr. Taconic

$ Taconic Pa%ant

College Conferences

SENIORS ONLYSign up in the School Counseling

Center

• • •

Anna Maria College 11/1

University of New England 11/5

Johnson State College 11/6

Johnson & Wales University 11/7

Elmira College 11/8

MCLA 11/14

Endicott College 11/14

Lasell College 11/15

Newbury College 11/19

For scholarships and other information visit the School Counseling Website.

Scan the code

for the website

SCHOOL CLOSING INFORMATION

In the event of inclement weather, hazardous road conditions, or any other emergencies requiring us to close school, a Connect-ED phone call will be used to notify families. Please make sure we have current phone numbers on file.

COLLEGE ROUNDUP

ACT Test Sign Ups deadline for the December 14th test is November 8th. The test location is at Taconic High School. Please sign up in the School Counseling Office.

SAT Test Sign Up deadline for the December 7th test is November 8th The test location is at Pittsfield High School. Please sign up in the School Counseling Office

Latin ClubTACONIC

CHORUSUpcoming Events

Dec 6th

Pittsfield Tree Lighting

Ceremony - 6pm

Dec 18th

Winter Concert at the Berkshire

Museum

Salvete omnes!

On Saturday October 12, 10 Latin club students traveled to Mount Greylock High School for our first Massachusetts Junior Classical League event of the year. This kickoff event included about 300 students from 10 different schools across the state including Boston Latin Academy, Boston Latin School, Everett, Lunenburg, Advanced Math and Science Academy and more. Students started the day with a presentation on the Roman military made by Legio III Cyrenaica (a group of Roman military reenactors). Next students participated in certamen scrimmages (Latin quiz team). One group of Latin 2 students placed 2nd in their scrimmage. Finally, there was the catapult competition to see which one can shoot a marshmallow the farthest. Our catapult won 1st place shooting a marshmallow 132 feet! (a new record for us)

Dress for Success

Dress for Success is the first Thursday in each month. The next Dress for Success is November 7th

Taconic TheatreDecember 4th & 5th

3-5pm & 6-8pmAuditions for the Spring Musical“The Wedding

Singer”Encourage your child to try-out

Insert Picture

Taconic High Schoolpresents

King LearShakespeare & Company’s 25th Annual Fall Festival of Shakespeare

Library Book Club is held every other Tuesday beginning October 1st, in the library right after school. Our first book to read and discuss is Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins. Your hosts are Ms Foley and Mrs. Cochran. Extra credit may be offered; (your child should ask his/her English teacher.)

Taconic's annual literary magazine, The Double-Edged Sword, holds meetings on the third Thursday of every month. We accept poems, short stories, black and white drawings, plays, even parts of novels.  During the meetings, which are run by Ms Foley and Mrs. Cochran, we write and

share writing methodologies. Everyone is welcome.

The King Lear member Julie Castagna stars as the aging Lear who divides his kingdom among his daughters, giving the largest share to the daughter who loves him best. Eldest daughters Goneril (Kylie “Skippy” Mason) and Regan (Bri Bigos) flatter their father, while youngest daughter Cordelia (Caroline Fairweather) speaks honestly of her love. Lear is angered by Cordelia's response and gives his kingdom to Goneril and Regan. Once in power, their true feelings about their father become known and their betrayal sets the tragic tone for the rest of the play.

Additional company members include Megan McCauley (Earl of Kent), Jetter White (Duke of Cornwell), Frank Debaggis (Edmund) and Mitchell McCauley (Edgar). Also from Taconic are Kevin Stasiewski, Dina Bilotta and Jessica Bilotta (The Fools),Jane Gillette (Gloucester),Richard Garwood. (Duke of Oswald) and Raymond White. (Duke of Albany).

Performances at Taconic will be November 14th and 15th at 7:30pm tickets are $7.00 General Admission and the Festival will be at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox November 21st-24th. Taconic will be performing Saturday, November 23rd at 3:30pm. Students $6.00, General $12.00, Student Pass $30.00 and General Pass $60.00

Europe Trip• • •

European History Trip: Athens, Florence & Rome.

There is still room and time to enroll on the Taconic European History trip to Europe. This years trip will be to Athens, Florence & Rome. The trip is sponsored through EF tours. Student price includes airfare, hotel, breakfast and dinner as well as entrance to all exhibits and museums. The trip takes place over February break. Registration and payment deadline is the First of November. For approximate cost and more information See Mr. Flynn in room 223 or email jflynn@pittsfield.net

EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT CULTURES

CONGRATSBAILEY STOKES & LUCAS BENJAMIN

Each year the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents’ Certificates of Academic Excellence are awarded to two students from each high school. 

Candidates must be in the top five percent of the class; specific M.A.S.S. criteria considered are:

(1) Three-year cumulative grade point average(2) Rank in class(3) Personally selected by the Superintendent

Presentation of the awards was made at the October 9th School Committee session, by Dr. McCandless.  Taconic students recognized were Bailey Stokes, and Lucas Benjamin.   Congratulations to both!

MORNING ACADEMIC HELP

6:15am-7:15am

Tuesday-Thursday in Room 233

Struggling in a class or have a big test that day come in and get some

extra help.

Congratulations to Sam Metcalf

for being part of the Gold Quality Award Team at

Kimball Farms!

John Vosburgh, principal of Taconic High School, has announced that 56 seniors at Taconic High School are among students statewide to receive the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship.

The scholarship is available to students whose MCAS performance puts them at the top 25% of their district. To be eligible, students must either score Advanced on one exam and Proficient on the other, or Advanced on both the English and Math exams.

The 56 students that were awarded the Adams Scholarship are as follows:Makenzi Astore, Catherine Barry, Lucas Benjamin, Destiny Bigelow, Julie Castagna, Weimon Chi, Michael Coelho, Quinton Cookis, Victoria Croshier, Jeana Danylieko, Paul Davila, Michael Davis, Frank DeBaggis, Adam Delphia, Noah Depew, Joseph Dewey, Kayla Doyle, Matthew Eichorn, Mitchell Ferry, Lindsey Ford, Maria Giacoletto, Jared Godfrey, Alexander Hall, Alexis Hoffman, Brennan Kickery, Kimberley Kirchner, Haleigh Knights, Joseph Kozlowski, Christina Lothrop, Kylie Mason, Megan McCauley, Ashley McClellan, Kristen McNeice, Dylan Moody, Logan Mulrooney, Angela O’Neil, Casey Ouillette, Kristen Pierce, Michelle Pierce, Nicholas Pomeroy, Sienna Powers, Cote Pudlo, Bradley Reardon, Lauren Russo, Anna Sarabia, Nyanna Slaughter, Bailey Stokes, Kyle Strack, Alexys Tart, Jared Tournier, Brian Tynan, Kadence Verge, Keiana West, Madisen Wicker, Bradley Williams, Ashley Wood.

The Adams Scholarship entitles the recipients to four years of free tuition at a University of Massachusetts campus, or participating Massachusetts state or community college, beginning with the fall 2014 semester.

Students were surprised with a special brunch just for theScholarship winners. Congratulations to all the award winningSeniors!

John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Award

Please take the Pittsfield Prevention Partnership Parent Survey! The survey link can be found at the PPP website: www.pittsfieldpreventionpartnership.org. Survey results will be used for educational programs to help us all encourage our young people to make healthy choices. This survey should take about 10 minutes to complete. Your voice is important! If you have questions, please call the PPP at (413) 442- 6948. Please fill out the survey ONLY ONCE.

As a token of appreciation for your participation, when you have finished the survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your name in a drawing to win a gift certificate (worth up

to $50) to a local restaurant.

Yearbook News:

For a limited time, underclassmen* may order 2014 yearbooks for a discounted price of $60.00. Please go to www.jostensyearbooks.com, click on yearbooks, and type Taconic High School in the search box. This offer will expire onNovember 11.

*Seniors' yearbook are funded through their dues.

School photos and ID photo retakes will be on November 7 for any student who missed the first session in September. Flyers will be in the Main Office or can be obtained form Mrs. Eldridge in the Art Room.

Any senior who does not have a yearbook portrait should see Mrs. Eldridge. The yearbook staff will photograph seniors until November 8.

PAC MeetingParent Advisory Council

Monday

November 25th

6:00pm

in the

Taconic Library

Everyone is welcome

There is NO SCHOOL on

November 5th, 11th and 27th-29th

Picture Makeup

DayNovember

7th

DEBATE TEAM

Do you find yourself debating

with your friends often?

Are you opinionated?

Do you want your voice to be heard?

JOIN DEBATE TEAM!

Debate Team is a great way for students to get out of their comfort zones! By joining the team, students will be able to improve their

public speaking skills, their presence, and gain confidence. Our goal this year is to recruit members and be involved in at least one

competition. If anybody is interested, please contact Mr. Hurley for more information.

Everybody is welcome!

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

Wednesday, Nov 13th5pm-8pm

Monday, Nov 18th2:45pm-4:15pm

Students make appointments with teachers.

A letter and Connect-ED will be made the week

of the 9th.

395 Pittsfield Road – Lenox, MA 413-442-9746

will donate 20% of your bill when you let your server know that you are dining to donate to support THS Cross Country.

FRI. NOV. 1ST For Lunch, Dinner & Take-Out

Open 11AM – Close 11PM

By Dining At

AP Saturday Study SessionsTaconic High School AP students have an opportunity to collaborate with fellow AP students from local high schools at Drury and Lee through Saturday study sessions held three times throughout the year. These Saturday sessions are not required however, are highly recommended. Students will have an opportunity to receive instruction from highly qualified instructors in their respective AP field. Participation in these Saturday session will better prepare students for their AP exam in the Spring. Students who score a 3 or greater on the AP Exam may earn college credits. The schedule for November sessions are listed below. Further sessions will be held in February, March and April. The sessions run from 8:00am-3:00pm bus transportation and lunch will be provided. Students will participate in four 1 hour 15 minute sessions. This program is sponsored by the Massachusetts Math and Science Initiative grant. Once again we encourage all AP students to participate in these sessions.

November 9th – AP Biology and Environmental Sciences

November 16th – AP Calculus and Statistics

November 23rd – AP English Language and Literature

Buses leave Taconic at 7:15am.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Taconic High School is to provide a safe learning environment where students demonstrate a strong work ethic and utilize 21st century skills as they strive for success.

Core Values

Take Responsibility

Have Respect

Strive for excellence

21st Century Learning Expectations

1.Student uses appropriate materials and technology to access, evaluate, and apply relevant information for authentic learning.

2.Student works independently and collaboratively.

3.Student communicates clearly and effectively.

4.Student is an active learner, demonstrating creatively and flexibility.

5.Student applies the processes of analysis, evaluation, and creation in problem solving.

6.Student demonstrates personal responsibility, cultural appreciation, and ethical behavior.