09 November Currents.pub - Four Rivers Charter Public School

Four Rivers Currents
November 2009
From the Principal’s Desk…
This past week my mentor and teacher, Ted Sizer, died at the age of 77. I was
planning on writing this month about the potential and powers of young people
and how amazing it is to watch them grow up into smart, confident, capable
adults. Ted helped me learn to see adolescents this way, so I’d like to share
some of his words with you.
Ted Sizer had a way of characterizing adolescents with such appreciation and
empathy. In his first major book about education reform, Horace’s Compromise
(1984), Ted describes their diversity:
Photo by John Foraste, Brown University
“Adolescents . . . are complicated. They come in all sizes and shapes. There are good ones and
bad ones, saints and liars, bores and inspirers, quick ones and dullards, gentle ones and brutes.
Besides their age, they have in common the vulnerability that comes from inexperience and a
social status bordering on limbo. They are children, but they are adults, too. Many are ready
and able to work, but are dissuaded from doing so. They can bear children, but are counseled not
to. They can kill, and sometimes do. They can act autonomously, but are told what to do.”
The contradictions capture the middle ground of adolescence, where we adults don’t quite know at which
moments they need our help and when they need us to leave them alone.
We adults sometimes forget to recognize what adolescents are capable of. Ted observed, “We are quick to
generalize about them – unless, of course, they are our own children. Then we feel the intensity of specialness; these young people are our own flesh and blood, each of unique promise.” Sometimes we even
forget the unique promise of our own children. To try to recognize each young person’s promise – even
when they are making mistakes or sneering at foolish suggestions or whining that we just don’t understand – that generous view is something Ted always conveyed.
Ted Sizer’s most important contribution perhaps was his unyielding call for schools to change in order to
better support the healthy, productive development of every young person. He wrote,
“High Schools must respect adolescents more and patronize them less. The best respect is high
expectations for them, and a level of accountability more adult in its demand than childlike. We
should expect them to learn more while being taught less. Their personal engagement with their
own learning is crucial; adults cannot “give” them an education. Too much giving breeds docility,
and the docility of students’ minds is a widespread reality in American high schools.”
At Four Rivers, I believe we do strive to respect our students, to hold them accountable with high expectations, and to engage them personally in their learning. And we do think of each of our students with
intensity as if they are our own. When they struggle, as some of them clearly are, we know they can do
better if only they could grow up just a bit faster. When they work their way through struggles and find
success, we feel that joy just as intensely.
Ted Sizer felt such deep respect for adolescents. He felt deep respect for us parents and educators who
do our best to bring them up well. If you’d never heard of Ted, I hope now you have.
Peter Garbus, Principal
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7th Grade News
Helping the Community: The Green River Cleanup, by Emma Burnett
What do a toilet, a shopping cart, a bicycle and a plastic severed
foot all have in common? They’re all things (among others) that
the seventh grade found during their little slice of the Green
River Clean-Up. It was a time of soaking shoes and mud. Lots of
mud. Of questionable sludge and shrieks. But I’m getting ahead of
myself.
Countless toys, trash, numerous bottles, and many more things
greeted us as we tromped into the stream. Wow,” one of the participants remarked, “This might take a while.” Unfortunately,
though, we didn’t have a while. But in the two hours we did have,
we made lots of progress. Actually, ten bags full of progress.
Although we came back dirty and tired, I know we all felt pretty
good about helping out.
The Seventh Grade Bike Trip by Lliam Carlton and
Maia Buchanan
During the past few weeks of school, students have been
preparing to go on a bicycle trip. In Spanish they were
learning bicycling words, and in math and science they
were making graphs and learning to read topographic
maps. On the day of the bike trip, it was a beautiful
morning with fall colors and crisp, clean air. The trip
began at Four Rivers at 9 am, and they rolled back in
several hours and 18 miles later.
Seventh graders, Top, posing with trash they picked up
at the Green River; Left, digging for artifacts buried far
down from the surface; Below, Spaghetti-Yoz climbing.
Four Rivers Students Climb to Extreme
Heights by by Emma Vagedes-Plavcan, Skyler
Clark-Williams, and Kate Averill
“On belay?” “Belay on.”
During the first week of October, each crew in
the seventh grade went climbing. They met up
with Dr. Fogel and Mr. Leaf as they got off the
bus in Ashfield and walked up the trail to face
their challenge: a giant cliff face sure to make
your knees shake. Chapel Ledge is steep, heartstopping, and breathtaking. This trip was
really fun, but also very scary. Some people felt
success just getting their two feet off the
ground. Others challenged themselves to get to
the very top. If you climbed all the way to the
top, it felt like a weight was lifted off your
shoulders—it was a great feeling.
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8th Grade News
HUMANITIES
Please take a moment to ponder the following questions…
Why do we have religion? * How does religion form? * What was the first ever religion? * How many religions
are there? * Are there still polytheistic religions? * Is being an atheist a religion? * Some people believe that
everyone has their own truth of what is real… how can there be more than one truth? * How did people come
up with the beginning of the world? * Who decides if a religion becomes a religion? * Do all religions have their
own music? * What are some African religions? * Why do Hindus believe that the cow is sacred? * Is it possible
for only one person to be part of a religion? * If two people have the same religion could they still live completely differently from one another? * In some countries, is religion more powerful than the law?
It’s a lot to ponder, right? These are just some of the questions that sprung up from the 8th graders’ curious
minds when asked to think about religion. For the next several weeks, eighth graders will be exploring questions like these as we begin our Expedition of World Religion. Some other questions that will guide our expedition are: How are humans shaped by belief? What can religion teach us about human nature? What religions
are practiced in our community?
The photos that you see are from mini-plays created by the eighth graders as they portrayed different creation
stories from around the world. Their performances were not only entertaining, but they also provided a glimpse
of how diverse world religions are. I look forward to studying world religions with this curious group, to hear
them answer their amazing questions about religion.
From left to right, Ms.
Hampson’s 8th grade
students perform their
mini-plays:
Buddhism creation
story
Hinduism creation
story
Taoism creation story
NURSE’S NOTES
Just a short update regarding the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine. The most recent information is the vaccine
will arrive in Franklin County by the end of November. The administration of the vaccine will then be
scheduled. If you have not submitted the Yes/No consent form, please do so immediately. I need to let the
Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) know the number of doses we require.
If you have been diagnosed with the H1N1 flu, you may still receive the vaccine. Please inform me if
your child(ren) are in contact with persons who may be immuno- compromised (organ transplant, chemotherapy). These students must receive the injection rather than the nasal administration. I will need
volunteers to monitor the students for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine. Let me know if you are
available.
~ Jeanne Milton, RN ~
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DIV II NEWS
You are invited to attend the
9th Grade Agriculture Expedition Culmination Event
Thursday November 19th from 6:30 to 8:30
Four Rivers Common Room
Students will be sharing their photographs, narratives, and
knowledge that they gained through the agriculture expedition in
science and history. All of the 9th grade students will need to
attend this event.
Division II Math
In October in 9th grade math, students have been studying patterns, which is the first unit of Interactive Math Project I.
Mainly these are focused about in/out tables and then trying to
define a rule or equation that describes the patterns seen. Mixed
into these lessons is a study of operations with positive and negative numbers. While this may be a review for some students, it is
a topic that can never have enough practice. In addition, students
will begin their second Problem of the Week (POW) in the next
week or so.
10th grade students spent some time learning about functions,
which is a topic that will be revisited for the rest of their math
careers. They are responsible for understanding the behaviors of
linear, quadratic, cubic, and absolute value functions. In addition, they’ve had a taste of the more complex sine function and
the rational function 1/x. Embedded into this study is how a function will behave when a constant or negative sign is introduced
into its equation. Functions will continue to revisit us throughout the year, but for now we’ve moved onto systems of linear
equations and inequalities. In addition, students will begin their
second Problem of the Week (POW) in the next week or so.
First of Three
Four Rivers Community
Coffee House
Friday evening, November 13
7:00-9:00 pm
Entertainment will include singing, guitar playing, Four Rivers Chorus Club,
Four Rivers Improv Club, a short film
and more!
Coffee, Tea and Desserts
will be for sale.
Donations appreciated. All proceeds to
benefit future Arts Events
at Four Rivers
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DIV III NEWS
English
Response to Modernization: Literature
In Response to Modernization, students are finishing Brave New World and discussing the implications of technology on our sense of community and culture. They’ve individually taken a tech-free
challenge, wherein they lived without some form of modern technology for 24 hours and then recorded their experiences in blogs. Student blogs are linked from the main class blog at
http://lplath.blogspot.com, and we welcome your comments. Having completed their own tech-free
challenges, students are now planning to pose the challenge to the larger community. Look for more
information about that in the future.
Great Books
What makes a great book great? Students have identified some criteria of quality literature: timelessness, themes that are applicable to a wide variety of people, and a mastery of language demonstrated through creative word choice, diction and imagery. Now they are working to apply these criteria to the books they’re reading. They’ve just begun reading Charles Dickens, either Bleak House
or Great Expectations. They are also engaged in an ongoing discussion about the role of literature in
education.
Mr. Neal’s Division III social studies class on Community
met with developers, John Waite of the FCCDC and Jordi
Herold, to talk about their vision for Greenfield’s downtown revitalization, and particularly how they plan to realize their design goals in plans for the First National
Bank Building and Garden Theater. Students conducted
a walkability study using measurement rubrics of their
own design. They also selected buildings or areas to analyze in a built environment analysis paper. The overarching purpose of their field work was to see how they could
connect the idea of community to specific structures in the
built environment.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
AFTER SCHOOL PICK-UP
LIFE TOUCH School Pictures
Reminder to Parents
Monday, November 9th
Please be reminded that students may NOT
stay after school unless they are in a supervised after-school activity, such as sports or
homework club.
Students attending homework club must be
picked up promptly at 4:15 and may not
hang around the school grounds.
Some students go to the Greenfield Library
or to activities at the YMCA. We are on an
FRTA bus route with a 4:15 stop here at
Four Rivers. Please consider these options as
you make your after school plans..
SNOW DAY INFORMATION
As cold and wintry weather becomes a reality, here is a reminder of how to get information in the event of a Snow Day.
If we decide to close, information will be
posted on the following radio and TV stations, usually by 6:00 am:
WWLP-TV Channel 22
ABC40/FOX 6 TV
WHAI 98.3 FM Radio
WHMP 1240 AM
Bear Country 95.3 FM
In addition, the school uses an automated
calling system to notify every family of a
snow day, usually by 6:30 am and we place
an announcement on the school telephone
answering machine, usually by 6:00 am.
If students are already at school and we close
early, information will be posted the same
way. In addition students will be asked to
telephone their parents.
LifeTouch is again offering school portraits, on
Monday, November 9th. Order Forms will be
sent home with students in the next few days.
Completed order forms and payment should be
returned to school on or before photo day.
Retakes will be scheduled at a later time for
students who miss this opportunity due to illness, or who might be unhappy with their first
portrait.
Contact Ms. Wood in the school office if you do
have questions or need another order form.
FRCPS Ski and Snowboard Club
The Ski and Snowboard Club is gearing up
for another season at Berkshire East. Please
contact Brenda Walker at 773-0026 or skimom1@comcast.net to put your name on the
roster. Include name, advisor, grade, phone
number, ski or snowboard, and rental/lesson
if needed.
There will be a preliminary informational
club meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 6:45 in
the Common Room
Brenda Walker
FOUR RIVERS PAC
Tuesday, November 17 ~ 7:00 pm
Gardner Room in the Farmhouse
Parents of all Special Education students will
want to attend this presentation on “Special Education and Parents’ Rights” with Four Rivers staff
members Nancy Curtis, Special Education Director, and Dr. William Fogel, School Psychologist.
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COLLEGE AND CAREER COUNSELING
NOVEMBER DATES –Take Note:
Tuesday, Nov. 3
Becker College Rep at Four Rivers 1:15 pm
Monday, Nov. 16
Green Mountain College Rep. at Four Rivers 1:15 pm
Tuesday, Nov. 17
Savannah College of the Arts Rep. 1:15 pm
Saturday, Nov. 7
SAT—if you are registered to take the SAT today, remember to arrive
by 7:45 am. Bring acceptable photo I.D. and your SAT Admission
Ticket, two #2 pencils with erasers, calculator with fresh batteries, and
snacks and water for breaks. (If you do not have a photo ID, see Ms.
Taylor as soon as possible).
Don’t forget DEADLINES for SAT and ACT registration:
Nov. 6
deadline/Nov. 20 late deadline
December 12th ACT test date
Nov. 12
Late deadline
December 5th SAT test date
Dec. 15
Regular deadline
January 23rd SAT Test date
Important Note to Seniors:
Turn in your College Application Release Permission and Checklist to Ms. Taylor as soon as
possible so she can prepare for mailing transcripts and other materials to support your college
applications. This form must be turned in at least two weeks before the first deadline, and ear
lier if possible. Please fill in the entire form!
COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID NIGHT
for Students and Families at Four Rivers
Wednesday, December 16
7:00-9:00 pm - Common Room
This workshop is designed to help families navigate the financial aid process, including
the accurate and timely filing of the FAFSA and CSS Profile Forms. Our presenter will
be Michael Ireland, Associate Director of Student Financial Aid at Smith College. There
will be ample time for questions and discussion following the presentation.
DIV II SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
In 9th grade US History I, along with getting
prepared for their presentation of farm documentary projects on November 19th, students
have been looking more carefully at the reasons
for many Americans remaining ignorant about
where their food comes from. A majority of the
9th grade has asserted that this ignorance is a
choice, and that information about our food
should be easy to get. We'll be testing that assertion in the weeks ahead.
In 10th grade US History II students are completing a thorough investigation of the Reconstruction era and shifting into a look at the
Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century. They are building their understanding of the historical forces that fueled racism and oppression in the post slavery United States. Students'
work in the weeks ahead will focus on the power and promise of the Civil Rights Movement as
they consider the ways in which social change is created by a grassroots movement.
Andy Wallace, Division II Social Studies
Four River Charter
Public School is
dedicated to educating young people for
lives of learning and
service. The school
offers a rigorous
academic program
aligned with the
Massachusetts curriculum frameworks
and an emphasis on
character development for moral and
social responsibility.
Three central themes
– nature, technology
and community –
pervade the teaching
and learning at the
school. Four Rivers
works closely with
parents and seeks
both to serve and
learn from the many
resources of Franklin
County.
Four Rivers Charter Public School
248 Colrain Rd., Greenfield, MA 01301
“This institution is an equal opportunity provider. To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil
Rights, Washington, DC 20294”
SOCCER SEASON ENDS
JV Girls Soccer Update
As the JV soccer season draws to a close (with the final game at
home against Granby on Rachel Carow's birthday) it's fun to reflect on how far this team has come. The win against Greenfield
Middle School was a high point with goals scored by Genlyne
Fiske-White, Jamila Roth, Asia Littell and Rachel Carow. Additionally, the second half of the game against Mohawk Trail Regional School, although it resulted in a loss in terms of the score,
was a true show of tight, skilled play and a good mark of how
much improvement this group has shown with talking on the field,
taking care of the ball and working more closely together on both
defense and offense in the different positions. It is important to
highlight Lily Bennett's stellar performance in the goal.
Varsity Boys Soccer
The boys varsity team finishes up their season on Nov 2 with a program wide awards
event. We played in many good and close games, and we matured as a soccer team. We
had many injuries to cope with, causing us to use 6 different goalies! We recently lost in
the last two minutes to The Academy at Charlemont after a furious and exciting second
half rally that saw us overcome a 3-goal deficit. Scorers in that game were Zack Lapierre
(2), Sam Sol, and Max Perham.
Girls Varsity Soccer
Well wishes and congratulations to our four seniors, Miaya Glabach, Tess Grogan, Alexis
Huston and Sela Kenen, on a superb senior soccer season. They led their team in a strong
effort during our first season in the Tri-County League. While the first half of the season
proved to be difficult, the second half of the season had much closer scores and some victories.
Coaches and referees consistently commented on the amazing growth and improved play
of the team. I would like to echo that and compliment the team on their hard work, effort
and commitment. Thank you to all of the students, teachers, families and friends that
came out to support the team. We greatly appreciate your support and look forward to a
Wellness Tip of the Month
HYDRATE! Although we have shifted from running around, walking, gardening and playing in warm weather, it is still important for us to hydrate. In fact,
there is an increased risk of dehydration during colder weather because our
sense of thirst reacts differently when exposed to cold weather. Even though we
may feel less thirsty, it is just as important to stay hydrated. Signs of dehydration include a dry, sticky mouth, thirst, muscle weakness, headache and dizziness or lightheadedness. Make sure to drink 64 ounces of decaffeinated, nonWatch the mail for INTERIM REPORTS.
They will be sent to parents the first week of November.
Announcement for
10th Grade Families
In November, the 10th grade students
will begin their Sex Education health
unit in Wellness class. Topics include
human development, social and cultural expectations, healthy relationships, sex, gender and sexual orientation, reproductive anatomy and reproduction, sexual health, safer sex and
community support and services. If
you would not like your student to
participate in this unit, please call the
Above, students from Mr. Neal’s social studies
class pose on the common in Greenfield as they do
a “walkability” study of the downtown.
HIGH SCHOOL PARENTS MEETING
What: A chance to get together with fellow High School Parents
Where: The Farmhouse
When: November 6th ~ 7:30—9:45
(During the High School Gender Bender Dance)
Why: A chance for High School Parents to connect