oakmont regional high school · pdf file1 r. lincoln stiles jr., dean of students...
TRANSCRIPT
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PRINCIPAL’S NEWS
Welcome back! We hope all students and their families had a relaxing and restful summer. The 2016-17 School Year will be full of challenges and opportunities. We have a new administrative team. Mr. Smith and Mr. Sargent have retired. Mrs. Kristina Bogosh is the new Assistant Principal. Many of you will recognize her from Overlook Middle School, where she served as Assistant Principal the last two years. Mr. Lincoln Stiles is our new Dean of Students. He has been a teacher at Oakmont for the past 20 years.
There will be other new faces at Oakmont this year. We are fortunate to welcome outstanding new members of our faculty; Mr. Jim Ethier in our History Department, Mrs. Brittany Smeltekop returns to our Special Education Department from the District Special Education Office, Mr. James Mellekas in our Special Education Department, and Demetrios Tyros in our Technology Engineering Department. Tara Belliveau is our new district school psychologist, and Emily Hicks is a paraprofessional in our Excel Program. The development of 21stcentury skills to prepare our students for future success when they leave Oakmont is still a priority. Teaching students to be creative problem solvers who can easily collaborate with co-workers will make them valuable and productive workers and citizens in the future. This may include attribution retraining of the mindset – to recognize that hard work, effort, and positive outlook will guarantee a successful future. Students need our support; we can give this to them with “positive regard” – praise that is not based on intellect or achievement but rather praise that applauds effort and persistence AND “communicates each person’s unassailable right to a unique place in our human community” (Benson 2016). In turn, the focus on the emotional needs of our students will be met. As developing adults, all of our students have unique social and emotional needs. It is important that we are proactive in addressing these needs individually and equitably. We will continue to practice mindfulness and the skills to develop emotional intelligence. As we all begin the new school we encourage our faculty and students to adopt a mindset of “optimism and challenge.” We have an anonymous quote pinned to the wall in the principal’s office that reads: “If the mountain was smooth you could not climb it.” Our teachers and students will embrace the course work and projects that are challenging. John Kennedy said, “We choose to go to the moon . . . not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” This will be an inspiration to rise to the challenges we face and feel the sense of accomplishment when successful or learn from the experience when we fall short. We are excited about the changes, challenges, and opportunities of the new school year. As always feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns at (978) 827-5907, [email protected], or [email protected].
VISIT OUR WEBPAGE AT http://oak.awrsd.org/oak/
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Administration Main Office Staff
David Uminski, Principal Kathy Stangroom, Registrar
Kristina Bogosh, Assistant Principal Pegi Deshayes, Administrative Assistant
R. Lincoln Stiles Jr., Dean of Students Inga Morin, Administrative Assistant
FIRST DAY
MONDAY, AUGUST 29
7:20 AM
OAKMONT REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2016
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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER EVENTS August 29 First day of Classes 7:20 am August 30 School Picture Day August 31 Senior Class Meeting 8:45 am Alumni Auditorium September 1 Junior Class Meeting 8:45 am Alumni Auditorium September 2-5 No School-Labor Day September 6 Sophomore Class Meeting 8:45 am Alumni Auditorium September 6 “The Realities of College Athletic Recruiting” 7:00 pm Alumni Auditorium September 7 Freshmen Class Meeting 8:45 am Alumni Auditorium September 9 Emergency and Health Forms Due September10 Bubble Soccer Fundraiser 6:00 pm Hurd Field September 14 2015-16 Undergrad Awards 7:45 am New Gym September 17 Outstanding Alumni Award Ceremony 7:00 pm Alumni Auditorium September 30 Café Arte 7:00 pm Main Lobby October 7 & 8 Homecoming Game and Dance October 12 & 13 Parent-Teacher Conferences
2015-16 UNDERGRAD
AWARDS
Wednesday, Sept. 14
7:45 am New Gym
Award recipients will be notifed
PARENT CONFERENCES
Wednesday, October 12
5:30-8 pm pm
Thursday, October 13 12:30-3:30 pm
5:30-8 pm
HAVE BREAKFAST AT OAKMONT
BREAKFAST IS SERVED DAILY 7:00 -7:25 AM
MILK, JUICE, AND EITHER AN EGG SANDWICH, BAGEL,
OR MUFFIN $1.50
(REDUCED PRICE IS $ .30, MILK $.50)
The 2015-2016 National Art Honor Society will be accepting applications. Students in 10th, 11th, or 12th
grade interested in applying for NAHS can pick up an application in rooms 101 & 110 during the first two
weeks of school. Completed applications will be due by September 8th to Mr. or Mrs. Barry. Applicants must
fulfill all the requirements to be considered for membership into Oakmont’s National Chapter. There
will be an informational meeting (TBA) to ask questions and find out more.
SCHOOL PICTURE
DAY
TUESDAY,
AUGUST 30
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TYPICAL SCHOOL DAY
7:00- Cafeteria open for breakfast
7:20- Students may enter other parts of the building
7:30- Block A begins
8:53- Bagel Bars Open (7 minute break)
10:33- First Lunch-Downstairs Classes (20 minutes)
12:09- Second Lunch-Upstairs Classes (20 minutes)
One 10 minute break (either 10:30 or 12:22)
1:55- Dismissal
2:00-Extra Help/Activities/Detention
2:00-4:00-Library Open
THERE IS NO LATE BUS
A, B, C and D Blocks are 83 minutes in length
2016-17 ACADEMIC CALENDER
Semester I
Term 1: August 29-November 2
Term 2: November 3-January 18
A and B Block Finals: January 19
C and D Block Finals: January 20
Semester II
Term 1: January 23- March 31
Term 2: April 1-TBD
A and B Block Finals: TBD
C and D Block Finals: TBD
Last Day- June 15, 2014 *Above dates subject to change due to weather related
cancellations.
CLASS OF 2017 ACTIVITIES AND
GRADUATION RELATED DATES
Senior Halloween Party: October 27, 2016
Cap and Gown Measurements: December 9, 2016
First Graduation Rehearsal: May 12, 2017
Senior-Junior Prom: May 20, 2017
Last day for Seniors: May 24, 2017
SII A and B Block Sr. Finals: May 25, 2017
SII C and D Block Sr. Finals: May 26, 2017
Class Trip: May 31, 2017
Evening of Reflection: June 1, 2017
Relays, Awards and BBQ: June 2, 2017
Class Night: June 2, 2017
Graduation: June 4, 2017
GRADE REPORTING DATES
Semester I
Term 1: Progress Reports On Line-Sept. 29
Term 1: Report Cards available on-line–November 4 After 4 pm
Term 2: Progress Reports On Line-December 8
Term 2: Report Cards available on-line - January 23 After 4 pm
Semester II
Term 1: Progress Reports On Line-March 1
Term 1: Report Cards available on-line - April 4 After 4 pm
Term 2: Progress Reports On Line-May 9
Term 2: Report Cards- TBD (Last Day of School) After 4 pm
*Above dates subject to change due to weather related
cancellations.
2017 Oakmont
Yearbook
Important Senior Information
All Seniors will receive their senior packets the
first week of school in August, if not, they should email Mr. Sargent or Mr. Szalay. Their mission is
to think about their Senior Blurb and have their Senior Photo taken.
The completed packet is to be turned in by September 23, 2016.
After that date a $30.00 late fee will be collected. If after October 3, 2016 the senior has not turned
in their packet, they will not be included in the yearbook and will be listed as Camera Shy.
If you have any questions please contact the Yearbook Advisors
Mr. Szalay at: [email protected]
or Mr. Sargent at:
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HANDBOOK FOCUS:
Code of Dress and Appearance
Students are expected to exercise maturity and responsibility in all matters including their dress and personal grooming. Oakmont is a place of serious work and dress should be attuned to that concept. Students should
remember at all times the five guiding principles of dress: neatness, suitability, moderation, cleanliness and safety.
Teachers and the administration will determine the interpretation of the guiding principles. Students’ clothing shall not disrupt the educational process. While in school students will wear clothing that meets the following standards:
- No hats, bandanas, scarves, hoods, or sweatbands during the school day or at any time in classrooms or the Library.
Hats may not be carried in students’ hands during the school day.
- No “bare back” clothing
- No low-cut shirts/blouses that expose cleavage
- No bare midriffs (Shirts/blouses must be able to be tucked into pants)
- No bare feet or unsafe footwear
- No “see through” clothing
- No clothing that displays words/graphics that are obscene, vulgar, violent, sexist, racist, or promote the use of drugs,
alcohol, or tobacco
- No gang or cult-related apparel
- No drooping pants or clothing that exposes undergarments
- No exposed undergarments
- No clothing with metal chains or other dangerous items
- No masks or face painting
- Skirts and dresses must be no shorter than four inches from the top of the knee. Shorts must be no shorter than six
inches from the top of the knee and are highly discouraged from being a tightly fitted style.
- Outerwear (coats and jackets) may not be worn indoors and must be kept in lockers.
- No strapless tops. Shoulder straps on shirts must be wider than one inch.
- Young men must wear shirts with sleeves.
- Student I.D. cards must be visibly displayed at all times on a lanyard worn around the neck. Temporary I.D. stickers
must be affixed to the left chest area of the student’s clothing. Students may not deface or alter the I.D. card that has been issued to them.
The principal, or his designee, will decide when clothing is inappropriate or disruptive.
Students in violation of the dress code will be sent to the main office and will receive disciplinary consequences (see
page 28). Refusal to change or cover offensive clothing items will result in disciplinary measures for insubordination and may result in removal from school. Missed class time due to dress code violations will be treated as unexcused
absences.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE HANDBOOK
Oakmont Regional High School is now accepting book, video, DVD, CD, and audio book PLUS SHOES AND CLOTHES!! Drop off your contributions to help raise
money for the school’s Business Education Department
For more information: Contact Wendy LeBlanc [email protected](978) 827-5907 x2174
Oakmont Regional High School
is on Twitter AND Facebook!
Follow us!
@OakmontRegional
And
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oakmont-
Regional-High-School/1659966270884549
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SPARTAN OF THE
MONTH
SPONSORS
Thank you to the following businesses for
sponsoring our Spartan of the Month
student recognition program:
Advanced Glass & Mirror
All About You
Aubuchon Hardware Store
Balfour
Cormier Electrical
Depot General Store
Donna’s Barber Shop
Dr. John Skrzypczak
E.J. Wyson Trucking
Haley Construction
Hearne Realty Group
IC Federal Credit Union
The Laundry Room
Millside Plumbing & Heating Co.
NEPA/Blue Heron
Rick’s Auto Repair & Service
Rt. 140 Self Storage
Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Homes
Young at Heart
ALUMNI SOCCER GAME Saturday August 20th 2016, Oakmont turned back the clock, as
Oakmont saw over 40 former boys and girls soccer players
return to the Arthur I Hurd Memorial Field. They returned for
the 2nd annual Oakmont Alumni Soccer game, after a very
successful event last year that saw 70 players return to show
what they still had left in the tank.
There were Oakmont grads spanning from 1988 to 2016 playing
in the game. Dick Nyman was also honored before the games
began. Dick Nyman was the first coach of Oakmont Soccer in
the fall of 1961. He would go on to coach one more season
before soccer was dropped to make way for Oakmont Football.
Dick Nyman was also a co-founder of Oakmont Youth Soccer
in the 70’s. Ken Haenisch a former player from the 1961 and
1962 fighting Chipmunk soccer teams also joined Dick Nyman
to kick off things off.
The event saw three rounds of alumni 7 vs 7 games, with
Oakmont Outlaws providing a break in between for the alumni.
The current boys and girls soccer teams did not play during the
event, but participated as volunteers for the day. Taking one
look at the field you could see Oakmont Soccer come full circle.
The event would conclude with a full field 11 vs 11 game under
the lights.
The event continued to build on its success from the previous
year. Last year’s game saw $2,400 raised for Oakmont boys and
girls soccer. This year’s event saw that doubled with over
$5,000 raised, 90% going towards Oakmont Boys and Girls
Soccer and the remaining 10% going towards the continuation
of the Dan Farrell Memorial Scholarship. Dan was a former
soccer player who tragically passed away in February 2001 his
senior at Oakmont. Dan represented what an Oakmont Student
was all about. He was a great athlete on the field, but also a
great person and student off of it.
The idea for the alumni game spans back to the fall of 2014.
Oakmont grad Zack Hathaway class of 2010 approached
Lincoln Stiles about putting together an alumni game for boys
and girls soccer. They have formed a non-profit (Oakmont
Alumni Soccer Club) to help organize and grow the event for
future years. Zack has always put together a website for the
event. There are photos from last year’s event and a full history
section on both Oakmont boys and girls soccer. The website is
www.oakmontalumnisoccer.com.
Players, volunteers, and event coordinators are already looking
forward to next year’s game.
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One Book, One School
Summer Reading
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE
The New Parent Resources Section has replaced the Virtual Backpack
There you will find: Events Calendar Semester I Grade Reporting Dates Payment and Fees Yearbook Information Basic School Supply List Armed Forces Recruitment College Visits Info for Juniors and Seniors
There are also links to: AWRSD 2016-17 District Calendar AWRSD Bus Route Information Chartwells School Lunch Menus My School Bucks: Add Money to your Chartwells
Account Oakmont Student Handbook 16-17 Ashburnham Westminster Foundation for
Academic Excellence
Other Useful Sections Athletics Guidance Forms
College Visit Excused Absence Request Form
Guest Permission Form for dances and other school events
Request for Community Service Help Form
School Choice Application Work Permit Application
Library News and Newsletters Student Resources Alumni Resources
OAKMONT SCHOOL STORE
ON-LINE PURCHASING AVAILABLE SOON!
Jazz Band and Select Choir Information Meeting
There will be a short meeting for all students interested in auditioning for the Jazz Band or Select Choir on Wednesday, August 31st at
2:00pm in the band room. See Mr. DeMoura for more information.
16-17 Bus Routes
Bus issues?
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The purpose of the Oakmont Outstanding Alumni Award is to recognize the contributions and achievements of graduates of Oakmont Regional High School. The Selection Criteria is as follows:
1. The nominee received a diploma from Oakmont Regional High School. 2. The nominee graduated from Oakmont a minimum of 10 years prior to nomination. 3. The nominee has demonstrated outstanding performance or accomplishment in their chosen career or field of
endeavor. 4. The nominee has documented an outstanding level of service to his/her profession or the community at large. 5. The nominee has demonstrated outstanding performance, character and leadership as recognized by their peers. 6. The nominee has consistently demonstrated the highest moral and ethical standards.
The Inaugural Recipients are: Dr. Alvin Laasanen, Ph. D.-Class of 1962 Dr. Laasanen attended RPI where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics degree and then earned a Ph. D. in Physics from the University of Maryland. He was most notably the Senior Scientist at the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, Switzerland, where his team’s research led to the discovery of the Higgs Boson (“the God Particle.”) In 2013 his team received the European Physical Science Society prize for Outstanding Contribution to High Energy Physics. He retired in 2013. Peter Janhunen-Class of 1965 Mr. Janhunen was a highly effective sales representative for the Swiss-based Sarnafil, Inc. commercial roofing manufacturer. Sarafil recognized Mr. Janhunen as Salesman of the Year in 1993. He was also extremely active in our community. He was an active volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, the First Congregational Church of Westminster, and Westminster Little League. He served on both the Montachusett Regional Vocational High School Committee (1990-2000) and the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School Committee (2001-2004). As a member of those committees he oversaw the construction of the Dukakis Performing Arts Center at Monty Tech as Construction Monitor and the renovation of Oakmont Regional High School as Chairman of the Building Committee. Mr. Janhunen is retired and resides in Westminster. David Landry-Class of 1972 Mr. Landry earned his BS in Business Administration from Fitchburg State in 1981, an MBA from Suffolk in 1982, and an ACGS, Advanced Management Development Program, from Boston University in 1984. He was in high level management positions at Digital Corporation until 1999 and has worked for Fidelity Investments, where is currently the Director, HR Product Management, Corporate Technology Group, since 1999. He is a certified Coast Guard Captain. He also served 10 years as the Co-Chair of the Oakmont School Council created by the Education Reform of 1993. Donna Beer Stolz, Ph. D.-Class of 1977 Dr. Stolz attended the University of Massachusetts-Amherst where she earned her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and her Ph. D. Molecular and Cellular Biology. She became a Research Professor of Cell Biology, and eventually the Program Director, at the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Biologic Imaging (CBI). She has been published numerous times and has been the recipient many times including the American Liver Foundation Scholar Award (1997), The University of Pittsburgh Biomedical Graduate Student Association Distinguished Mentor Award (2012) and the Nikon Small World Award, Image of Distinction (2015). She resides in Glenshaw, PA. Deborah Wellner Heinrich, Ph. D.-Class of 1987 Dr. Heinrich earned her undergraduate degree in Zoology from Duke University and her Ph. D in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Emory University. She was an Assistant Professor of Biology at Agnes State College in Georgia and then owned her own business, Childbirth Education for Thinking Women, an education program that used scientific research to empower women to make educated decisions during pregnancy, childbirth and parenting, including for incarcerated women. In 2oo4, inspired by the events of 9-11, she ran for and was elected to the Connecticut State Legislature where she served until 2011. She is currently the Director of Public Policy and Communications for the Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services. She has been the recipient of many awards, most recently the Certificate of Special Recognition from Senator Richard Blumenthal (2012) and the Public Service Award from the Western Connecticut Association for Human Rights (2012). She resides in Madison, CT.
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FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
Students with unpaid school bills are ineligible for participation in co-curricular activities until obligations are met, ie: lost books, lost uniforms, class dues, cafeteria, etc. Parking passes will also be revoked. Ten school days after Report Cards are received financial ineligibility list will be published. At that point students on that list may not be eligible to participate in co-curricular activities. Parents will receive bills from our office 4 times a year around report card time.
STUDENT ACTIVITY FUND
REMINDER: ALL CHECKS WRITTEN TO THE SCHOOL SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO THE OAKMONT STUDENT ACTIVITY FUND
THIS WOULD BE FOR CLASS DUES, LOST BOOKS, DANCES, FUNDRAISERS, AND CLASS FEES
ATHLETIC AND MARCHING BAND FEES SHOULD BE PAYABLE TO AWRSD
THANK YOU
FALL SPORTS SCHEDULES
ARE AVAILABLE AT
rSchoolToday www.mwlma.org
CLICK HERE
OFFICIAL SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHER Creative by O’Connor Studios
98 Adams St. Suite 109 Leominster MA, 01453 Phone: (978) 640-6250
Fax: (978) 851-8992 Email: [email protected]
CLICK HERE FOR:
2016-17 Student Handbook
SENSITIVE COURSE CONTENT
Biology, Health 9, Sociology, and Psychology contain human sexuality content. If you have a
concern please contact the specific course teacher for more information.
BACK PARKING LOT
TRAFFIC FLOW
For safety reasons, please enter the back parking lot through the second or third entry points and exit through the exit
nearest the gym. There is a Do Not Enter Sign and Yellow Arrows as reminders.
THE AREA TO THE RIGHT OF THE GYM,
IS A NO DROP-OFF/PICK UP ZONE.
THANK YOU!
PARENTS
Please remember to update your contact information if it changes especially email
addresses.
We want to keep our Rediker information current.
Thank you.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE
REDIKER PARENT GRADING
PORTAL?
CONTACT:
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COSTA RICA
2016
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Basic School Supply List
A sling bag or other small bag (We discourage students from carrying large backpacks
during the school day)
A 2 GB or larger flash drive (to save computer files and documents)
A calculator (some Math or Science teachers require a specific type of calculator, so it might be
best to wait until school begins)
No. 2 pencils or mechanical pencils
Ballpoint pens (blue or black are best)
Highlighters
Four spiral-bound or composition notebooks (one for each course)
A three-ring binder with at least four dividers (one for each course)
Four pocket folders (one for each course)
Loose-leaf notebook paper
A ruler
A three-hole punch
A small notebook to record assignments
A calendar for scheduling events and due dates
Index cards
Tissues
Hand sanitizer
Teachers may recommend other supplies based on specific course requirements
Students may bring electronic devices to school, however we ask that they follow school rules regarding use of those devices and keep
them secure to avoid theft, loss or damage
MCAS Requirement The Massachusetts Department of Education requires that students achieve competency determination on
the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, or MCAS, in order to be eligible to receive a
high school diploma.
Students must achieve a passing score of 220 on the
MCAS Mathematics, English Language Arts, and Science and Technology Tests to be eligible for
a Massachusetts high school diploma. However, students who score less than 240 in Mathematics or
English Language Arts must participate in an
Educational Proficiency Plan, which requires that the student continue to take courses in the deficient
subject area until he or she reaches a 240 MCAS score or its equivalent.
The MCAS Testing Schedule for the 2016-17 school
year is as follows:
November 2-4 MCAS English Language Arts Retest (primarily for juniors and seniors who have not
yet achieved competency) November 9-10 MCAS Math Retest (primarily for
juniors and seniors who have not yet achieved
competency) February 6-7 MCAS Biology (for freshmen who have
taken Biology during first semester and sophomores who have not yet achieved competency)
March 1-3 MCAS English Language Arts (primarily for juniors and seniors who have not yet achieved
competency)
March 6-7 MCAS Math (primarily for juniors and seniors who have not yet achieved competency)
March 21-23 MCAS English Language Arts (all sophomores)
May 16-17 MCAS Mathematics (all sophomores)
June 5-6 MCAS Science and Technology (freshmen and sophomores who have not yet passed the Science
and Technology MCAS)
For further information about MCAS, please visit the
Massachusetts Department of Education website at: http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/
Special Thanks to Balfour and Craig Johnson for their
continued cooperation with Oakmont Regional and our shared goal of recognizing excellence.
607 Pleasant Street Attleboro, MA 02703
(P) 800-972-5398 (F) 774-203-3311 www.balfour.com
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Oakmont Athletics Fall 2016
Please register now!
oak.awrsd.org- select ‘athletics’, select ‘registration’
Complete Steps 1-4 under ‘activity registration’
Step 1- Submit Physical- can be submitted online or
handed directly to Athletic Director
Step 2- Please read and be familiar with our Athletic
Handbook
Step 3- Forms must be filled out in order to
participate
Step 4- Please pay fee/Must set up account to submit
payment
Athletes must be registered and will not be allowed
to practice or play until registration is complete
Participation/User fee- $285
Fees can be paid online today. Be certain to set up
account AND make payment. Fees are due on
Wednesday, August 24th. Checks should be made out
to “AWRSD”. Please include your son or daughters
name and sport on memo line of the check. If writing
a check, please pass in directly to Athletic Director
Please be sure your sons/daughters have
had an updated physical within the last 13
months.
For all game schedules, please visit:
www.mwlma.org
FOLLOW OAKMONT ATHLETICS ON
SUPERINTENTENT’S PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
Dr. Mazzola, our superintendent, is seeking TWO parents from each school to serve on his newly formed Superintendent Advisory Council and a community member from each town. The council will meet 5-6 a year. The purpose of the council is to provide the superintendent insight into the strengths, needs and challenges of the school district, as well as serve in an advisory capacity for the district’s new Five Year Strategic Plan, ASH-WEST 2021: A LEARNING PLAN FOR STRATEGIC, CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT.
The information garnered from these meetings will be extremely beneficial to our administrative team, school committee and the superintendent as we begin to think about next steps to move our district forward. The meeting dates will be announced shortly and the meetings will occur, most often, in the morning.
If you are interested in serving on the Superintendent’s Advisory Council please email David Uminski at [email protected] by September 16, 2016.
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SBIRT Screening in Schools: What it is, and what it isn’t. Susan Lofquist, BSN, RN (NCSN)- Oakmont Regional High School
In March, 2016, the Massachusetts Legislature passed House Bill 4056, which outlines the requirements for
public schools in the Commonwealth to engage in substance use prevention and education. The Screening,
Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment, or SBIRT, will begin taking place at Oakmont and Overlook
starting in fall of 2016. This screening will be performed confidentially during the time of other screenings,
such as vision and hearing testing, in both grades seven and grade nine. This article will attempt to address any
misconceptions parents and students may have about this new screening process.
What is SBIRT screening? SBIRT is a comprehensive, integrated public health approach for early identification
and intervention for students who may have a pattern of alcohol or drug use that puts their health and safety at
risk. The screening tool will help the screener to identify unhealthy behaviors. It is estimated that 75-85% of
students will screen negative. Students who screen positive will be assessed further to determine their level of
risk. The screener will provide feedback and education regarding the risks related to unhealthy substance use,
and will try to motivate the student to make healthy behavioral changes. If it determined by the screener that
the student is at imminent risk of harm (usually < 5% of students screened), a referral to treatment to help
facilitate access to addiction assessment and treatment will be made. This referral will usually be to the
student’s guidance counselor, who will work with the student and family to access treatment.
SBIRT screening is not drug testing. SBIRT is a brief student interview conducted using a standardized
screening instrument. The interview takes approximately 3-5 minutes to administer and quickly ascertains a
student’s level of risk for alcohol/drug involvement, and unhealthy behaviors. No biological specimens such as
urine, blood or hair cuttings will be obtained for drug screening purposes.
Parents may opt their student out of SBIRT screening. Just as parents may choose to opt a student out of
postural screening, parents will be able to decline SBIRT screening for their student. A passive consent form
will be sent home with the student, and any parent choosing to decline are advised to return the form to the
school nurse with a signed opt-out for this screening. However, parents are strongly encouraged to consider
allowing their student to participate in this important new screening.
SBIRT results are not recorded in student health or academic records. The only copy of the screening tool used
will be sent home with the student, and results are only recorded as unidentified aggregate data to the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
SBIRT results are confidential, and do not result in disciplinary action against the student. As stated above,
this is a public health screening to identify students who may be at risk for unhealthy behaviors related to
substance abuse. The ultimate goal of SBIRT screening is to identify and obtain help for an at-risk student as
early as possible in order to prevent life-long issues with drugs or alcohol.
I am the district coordinator for the SBIRT program, and would appreciate any feedback, questions or concerns
that parents may have about this new screening. Please email me at [email protected]. I look forward to
hearing from you!
References:
The 189th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (2016). Bill H.4056: An act relative to
substance use, treatment, education and prevention. Retrieved from:
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/189/House/H4056
Massachusetts Department of Public Health: Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS). (2015).
SBIRT: A step-by-step guide for clinicians. Publication #SA3522. July, 2015.
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EUROPE 2016
This summer Mrs. Therrien led a group of 38 intrepid
travelers on an incredible 2-week educational tour of France,
Italy and Switzerland. The tour was sponsored by EF Tours
and was fun-filled and packed with sights and learning about
art, history, language, food and cultures.
In France they visited The Louvre and Orsay art galleries, the
iconic Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and Sacré Coeur
Basilica and then headed to the French Riviera via High Speed
Train. Cannes, Nice, Monaco – you name it, they went there!
A visit to the Fragonard perfume factory and medieval hilltop
fortress town of Eze was a definite highlight! Tasting ice
cream flavored with jasmine, lavender or violet was new to
most and a real reason to return!
Italy held a wide variety of experiences – from the hustle and bustle of an overheated
Rome with its amazing Vatican treasures and Ancient Forum, to the sheer beauty
and calm of Assisi and Sienna. In Pisa the famous Leaning Tower is still leaning,
but most students were surprised and awed at the beauty of the baptistery and
cathedral that complete Galileo’s Field of Miracles. Venice, the serene city of
gondoliers and mysterious waterways, was glorious. Students visited the Doge’s
Palace and the Basilica of Saint Mark and rode gondolas in the sunshine.
Switzerland was a complete change
of pace and culture. In Lucerne
everyone enjoyed the fantastic views
of the Alps from a cruise boat on the Lake before climbing 7000 ft.
to the summit of Mount Pilatus on the steepest cog railway in the
world. Descending was by way of the cable car and there were a
few students AND adults who really had to steel themselves to
overcome their fear of heights! Their bravery was rewarded
afterwards with an outstanding Swiss Folklore evening of Alphorn
blowing, broom-dancing, saw-playing, spoon-music and yodeling.
All the famous inventive pastimes of a snowed-in nation for much
of the year! It was a hilarious end to an amazing tour.
MRS THERRIEN’S NEXT SUMMER TOUR TO EUROPE WILL BE LAUNCHED FOR SIGN-UPS IN
THE FALL AND TAKE PLACE IN JUNE/JULY 2018. WATCH THIS SPACE!
Venice
On the boat to Venice
Assisi
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Attention Seniors and Parents/Guardians of Seniors:
All Seniors should have already had their senior portraits taken; this information was given to them in July.
If they have not done so yet! Please contact our Official School Photographer:
Creative by O’Connor Studios
98 Adams St. Suite 109 Leominster MA, 01453
Phone: (978) 424-4313
Fax: (978) 424-4317 Email: [email protected]
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