Best scores yet on MCAS - Brockton Public Schools

The Boxer Bulletin
The Student Newspaper of Brockton High School
Volume 14, Number 1
November, 2008
Free
Best scores yet on MCAS
Class of 2010 beats all previous classes on high stakes exam
By Maria LeFort, Associate Principal for Curriculum and Instruction
The class of 2010 should be congratulated for its performance
on the MCAS. The students outperformed previous classes in both the
ELA and math portions of the test, with very significant gains in the
Proficient and Advanced categories in ELA. 26% of the class scored in
the Advanced category, outperforming the state’s 23 % and 48% scored
in the Proficient category. The combined Advanced and Proficient
categories equal the state’s 74% percent! The math scores also showed
improvement. 54% of the class scored in the Advanced and Proficient
categories, a slight increase from last year’s 51%. Though there is still a
way to go to match the state’s 72%, much progress has been made since
the beginning of the high stakes test. The Class of 2010 has the additional
challenge of having to pass Science MCAS. 44% of the class scored in
the Proficient and Advanced categories, while students across the state
demonstrated 57% proficiency. As teachers and students become more
familiar with the requirements of the science tests, there is no doubt that
students will meet with continued success.
School wide emphasis on literacy skills has been a significant
factor in the success of our diverse student population on the test. The
entire administration and faculty of the school works with all students
to ensure that they gain the skills they need and that they are confident
when they take this high stakes test. The results have shown this to be
true every year.
The MCAS is considered the most difficult test in the country
and every student must pass the ELA, math and science portions in order
to receive a high school diploma. For many students who have arrived in
this country only a short time ago, this can pose a monumental challenge.
Dr. Szachowicz when commenting on this year’s MCAS results stated,
“At Brockton High, our School of Champions, we again demonstrated
that we can meet every challenge! I’m always proud to be principal of
Brockton High, but when I received the outstanding scores of the Class
of 2010, I was especially proud of their achievement!” As always, our
students rise to the challenge like true Boxer Champs!
Boxers to the Rescue:
BHS cheerleaders make a
new kind of pyramid
by Janae Perkins
Hurricane Ike was a devastating natural disaster that took the homes and lives of many
people in Galveston and Houston, Texas. When Coach Nelson came to her cheerleaders with the idea
of a clothing drive to help the victims of Hurricane Ike, they were eager with excitement. Together
the coach and her girls planned to hold the clothing drive at school over a three day period. Since the
event would be held on such short notice, they didn’t expect much but still hoped for the best. What
they got was exactly that.
On the first day, only a small number of items were collected, but with each day that passed,
more and more students and faculty promised to bring in their donations. By the second day, the
cheerleaders had accumulated an unbelievable amount of items including clothes, shoes, and even
coloring books for children! The turn out was truly amazing. The students and faculty of BHS had
A fighter who loses most of the early rounds has two choices.
He can sit back and wait for the knockout that will end the bout or he can come together to donate a whopping 23 boxes of clothes in just three days!
As a student and a cheerleader at Brockton High, I have never been more proud of my
go on the offensive and try to get back in the fight.
“Boxer
family.”
On the last day, as more clothes were being packed into the concession stand, I
The Brockton Boxer football team has decided to fight back
honestly
felt,
if
they
wanted to, Brockton High students could save the world.
and has overcome a one and three start to now stand at five and three and
needs only a win over New Bedford on November 15 to win another Big
Three championship and move into the MIAA tournament.
Led by quarterback Sam Previte and running back Khalil
James-Offley, the Boxers have rebounded from tough losses to BC High,
Dracut, and Xaverian by beating Taunton, Fitchburg, previously unbeaten St. John’s Prep, Pinkerton Academy, and league rival Durfee.
BHS was down 27-7 against Pinkerton and staged a great second half comeback and a thrilling extra point try to nip the Astros 28-27.
The Boxers will now take to the road against Leominster, come
home for the all important afternoon game against New Bedford, and
will finish the regular season Thanksgiving morning at Waltham.
Football team overcomes
slow start: looks to take
Big Three crown
What’s Inside
page 2.........................................Commentary
page 3.........................................Half Time Show
page 4.........................................A College Tour
page 5........................................The Senior Photo
page 6........................................BHS News
page 7........................................BHS Sports
page 8........................................Calendar
Khalil James-Offley cuts past the Pinkerton Academy defender to score the tying touchdown in the
Boxer’s thrilling 28-27 come from behind victory on October 17.
The Boxer Bulletin
Page 2
Editorial Staff and Contibutors
Contributors
Editor in Chief
Jamie Loftus
News Editor:
Jake Cofferen
Photo Editor:
Samantha Liberty
Faculty Advisor:
William Szachowicz
This is a student publication and the
views expressed are not necessarily
those of the Brockton Public Schools.
Mei Wang
Lois Alksninis
Kimberly Edouard
Jessica Cunningham
Ally Anderson
Joanna Barrett
Shantae Wilson
Anastasia Webb
Patrice Charlot
Melissa Roopnarine
Halicia Lyttle
Dan Offley
Derick St-Surin
Kaila Faroul
Abby Narcisse
Yesenia Escoto
Kayla Bonitto
Jen Pendergast
Naika Pierre
Sloan Hancock
Rosanna A. Wong
Samuel Fisher
Victoria Wallant
Anais Trafton
Janae Perkins
Colleen Moran
The Dreaded Application
by Mei Wang
As January approaches, seniors are rushing to meet the testing and application deadlines.
Like the millions of seniors applying for colleges, I am also overwhelmed with the
application process. With the SATs taken and the grades for the past three years set, the last
pivotal part is completing the actual application.
Many colleges now accept the Common Application, which can be submitted online.
Some colleges actually prefer their applicants to apply online to expedite the process. While
the transcript is still the most weighted factor in many college admissions, the importance
of the application should not be overlooked. With so many academically strong students
applying for colleges, the efforts students put into their applications become a deciding
factor in admissions.
In addition to filling out basic information such as name and address, there is also a short
answer section that asks students to describe any extracurricular activity and a personal
essay that has to have a minimum of 250 words. While the personal essay does not have
a word limit, it should be approximated 500 words; admission officers only have so much
time to read each essay.
Among the most important parts of the application are teacher recommendations. Most
colleges want two recommendations. Choose teachers that know you well, preferably those
teaching the core academics. Ask teachers now so they will have enough time to prepare
and write good recommendations. Remember to fill out an activity sheet and or a resume
to give to teachers so they could reflect all those qualities in their recommendations.
One of the most common questions on the application is if students should exaggerate.
The answer is yes and no. According to an admission officer, there are some things that
colleges will never know about students. A bit of exaggeration is permissible but beware
not to overstretch the truth.
The library has numerous books on how to ace the application process and the essay, such
as Acing the College Application by Michele A. Hernandez. Let’s finish our applications!
November, 2008
Be a Boxer,
Get Involved
By Ally Anderson
As a Brockton High School student, you’re constantly surrounded by
events and organizations that support school spirit and pride. Attending Brockton
High School is one thing, but being a true Boxer takes real involvement with our
schools activities! It’s never too late to join one of our many clubs or try a new
sport. Here at Brockton high we offer a variety of unique clubs, available to a
unique variety of people. If you’re interested in a certain culture, Asian Club,
Haitian Club, Cape Verdean Club, or African American Club might be perfect
for you. For all the animal lovers around here, show your support by joining our
Animal Rights Club! We offer the exciting Science Club, full of field trips and over
night camping for all those who are interested. With a Ski Club, Book Club, Key
Club, and so many others, Brockton High School offers the full arrangement. All of our clubs are run by teachers who act as advisors to give us a chance
to get directly involved in the school we talk about so proudly. If you’re looking
to join up, the main office is the perfect place to find information on all of these
great options. Most clubs meet after school about once a week, so they don’t take
too much time out of your busy Boxer schedule.
But clubs aren’t the only way to become an active part of our school.
We offer many different sports such as baseball, softball, basketball, field hockey,
volleyball, cheerleading, gymnastics, tennis, swimming, golf, cross country, track
and field, football, ice hockey, wrestling, and soccer. Wear your boxer spirit
proudly with a team jersey! Each team holds try outs at different times during
the year, so start listening closely to the morning announcements after first period.
That’s where schedules and details for clubs and sports are announced daily, so if
you want to get involved it’s time to pay attention.
After reading so many different ways to get involved, things can get
confusing. But becoming active at school can be as simple as going to a football
game too! Showing support for our school is as easy as showing up to a game
and cheering on our sports teams. Academic achievement is also an important
part of Brockton high, so succeeding in academics shows true boxer spirit and
involvement too. You might ask why it’s so important to be involved, and the
answer is simple. Showing up for school makes you a student, but showing your
school spirit by getting involved is what makes you a true Boxer.
NHS Applications Have
Students Running in Circles
By Jamie Loftus
Four pillars have never been so daunting. Academics, service, leadership,
and character tower above all applying for weeks until the day they submit their
resume to be considered for induction into the National Honor Society. Then, they
are forced to cower again until the list of inductees is brought to light several weeks
later. Why do we do this again?
Phase one: compiling qualifications. What have you done, in your past years
of high school, that would make you worthy of this veritable organization? Anything
from spending time building houses for underprivileged children to babysitting
your cousin on weekends goes, as long as reliable signatures accompany what each
event entails. From community service to leadership positions to paid work, the
accumulation of hours and activities is what counts—if your hours do not climb to
the near hundreds, there is no hope for you in applying (or, it would seem on paper,
in life on the whole). This is where student self-deprecation already becomes a huge
factor—wait, you didn’t spend six hours teaching the Girl Scouts how to fill bottles
with multi-colored sand? What other productive Earthly activity could you have
possibly been accomplishing?
Phase two: requesting recommendations. Applicants are required to bring
a recommendation from one of their high school teachers detailing why they are
qualified and dedicated enough to be a member of the NHS organization. Students
are instructed to chase down the teacher that they got along best or progressed
the most with and ask them to explain, in a few paragraphs, why they are better
than everyone else around them and should be allowed to sing to old people at
Christmastime. Of course, a certain risk is run in doing so—certain teachers are very
popular and are frequently asked to do such things, which may decrease the quality
of their recommendations. In certain cases, teachers have written the incorrect age
of the student, or slightly unattractive words describing them (“unassuming” and
“inconspicuous” have been in some horror stories).
Phase three: essays. Two essays must accompany the whole application,
one being a personal statement of why the student thinks themselves qualified to be
in NHS, and one on an inspirational teacher they have had. This is the most timeconsuming of the tasks required to apply, and once again results in a lot of applicants
desperately trying to sell themselves to the powers that be in order to have that
little pin on their graduation robe. The “unassuming” and “inconspicuous” not in
possession of eighteen hundred community service hours, straight A’s, and a love
of senior citizens here tend to get stuck—here is their chance to prove their worth,
but everything else in the process thus far has them feeling so insignificant that the
attempts are halfhearted. What is one to do?
Phase four: wait. And wait. And wait.
November, 2008
The Boxer Bulletin
Brockton Halftime
Show
Delivers
Once Again!
By Jamie Loftus
Year after year, the greatest attribute to watching the BHS Varsity
Football team play has been the spectacular shows put on during
halftime, and this year has certainly proved to be no exception.
Featuring Mr. Macrina’s marching band, the halftime dance squad, field
majorettes, and color guard, the program for the ’08 season has already
become a hit among the spectators. Taking a turn from last year’s more
recognizable, popular tunes (“Only Time Will Tell”, “September”,
and “Georgia on My Mind”), the songs being used this season take a
turn for more of a big-band sound, with great success. Utilizing both
trumpet (Joey Donahue) and trombone (Daniel Hatchfield) solos, each
group moved deftly around the field through the three powerhouse
numbers, opening with “St. Louis Blues”, continuing with “Big Noise
from Winnetka”, and “Boogie Down” as a finale. The show ends
on a triumphant note with the band spelling out “BHS” on the field,
providing the fans with a wonderful spectacle to lead them into the third
quarter. Through crushing losses and thrilling victories, all components
of the halftime show never fail to keep an audience upbeat with their
enthusiasm and skill throughout the game whether on the field itself
or cheering from the stands; their presence only enhances the unique
experience of attending a Brockton High football game.
Page 3
Page 4
The Boxer Bulletin
College Tour:
UMASS Dartmouth
Many BHS Seniors apply to local colleges such as Bridgewater State, Stonehill, Curry, and Eastern
Nazarine. The Boxer Bulletin will profile some of these schools in future issues to give our seniors,
and juniors, a bit more information about some of these institutions. First up: UMASS Dartmouth.
by: Lois Alksninis
Basics: about 9,000 students enrolled. about 1,500 freshmen currently enrolled. 16:1 student-faculty
ratio. More than 100 student clubs. 60 major programs of study.
Dorms: 80% of freshmen currently live on campus, 50% of all students live on campus. Freshmen dorms
are separate from sophomore, junior, and senior dorms, in the freshmen quad. All residence areas offer
laundries, mailboxes, lounges for group gatherings, areas for study groups, etc. dorms are co-ed but
hallways are usually separated by gender. Apartments & townhouses are offered to juniors and seniors
and typically have a microwave, a dishwasher, furniture, and a dining area. you are allowed to bring in
any furniture that you want to all dorms, but no exposed heat or fire hazards, such as candles or toasters,
are allowed. Bathrooms are also separated by gender. you must show your college ID to get into your
building, and a friend may sign you in to their building. Visitors and off-campus students may also be
signed in, provided that they have a license/ID.
Languages: many languages are taught, including, but not limited to, Italian, Cape Verdean, Creole,
Japanese, French, Portugese, and Arabic. Programs are offered to study abroad for a semester, a summer,
or a full year. One language course is required, unless you have passed two years of a language in high
school.
Departments: main departments are arts & sciences, business, engineering, nursing, visual & performing
arts, and marine science. All students must take both math and English courses. Math classes are located
in the liberal arts building. One math class is required in college. For help with and subject, there is free
tutoring and free help with tests or homework & study groups. You can bring an essay to a lab and after
their help, you are guaranteed a grade higher than before. Professors often have other ways to reach
them, such as online, for extra help, besides the office time they spend on campus. in engineering, group
projects are formed for help with the difficulty that comes with engineering and most professors meet to
coordinate tests so that they never fall on the same day.
Food: there is a main cafeteria with sections for fast food, vegetarians, specials of the day, pasta, and
vegans. A 14 or 19-meal plan is encouraged for students, meaning either two or three meals a day, and
including snack points. This is activated by swiping your ID at any food location. You’re also allowed to
put extra money on your ID for extra spending, as well as off-campus at places like D’angelo’s and Papa
Gino’s. There is also a separate commuter cafeteria. Vending carts and vending machines are also located
in all buildings. The cafeteria is open from 8am to 8pm.
Transportation: there is a Dartvan program that offers escorts from different parts of the school to your
dormitory at night. It operates until 3AM. There are also buses that go to Fall River, New Bedford, and
the Route 6 area after-school and on weekends. Everyone, including freshmen, is allowed to pay $150 to
park their car in an assigned parking lot close to their dorm. Commuter students must pay $100.
Library: the library has five floors, computers, some Mac computers, and separate sections for separate
majors. Students may take out thirty books; presentations for professors can be given on the first floor.
Laptops aren’t required, but are helpful. There is WiFi in all of the classes, and a plug is provided to
connect to the internet in dorm rooms. Computers with printers can be found in the library. the library is
open from 7am to 11pm, but 24 hours during finals.
Campus Center: a campus store is located in the campus center, as well as organization booths that
encourage students to join, a cafe with Starbucks coffee, an auditorium, and a UMASS pass area that
takes care of ID business. The charge for a new ID is $25 each time after loss of an ID.
Jobs: many jobs paying minimum wage are offered on-campus such as DartVan transportation, Resident
Assistants, tutors, library jobs, cafeteria jobs, etc. a lot of students also work at the Dartmouth Mall or
other nearby restaurants, stores, or plazas.
Sports: women’s: basketball, cheerleading, cross-country, equestrian, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer,
softball, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, volleyball. Men’s: baseball, basketball, crosscountry, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field. Intramural
sports: basketball, coed softball, coed tennis, coed volleyball, flag football, indoor soccer, roller hockey,
table tennis, ultimate frisbee. They only award academic scholarships, however, so all teams except for
cheerleading are division three.
Nearby Locations: Dartmouth Mall, Olive Garden, Papa Gino’s, Wendy’s, Friendly’s, and a 12-theater
movie cinema.
Costs: 65% of students receive some form of financial aid, Tuition/mandatory fees: $8,858 for MA
residents. Room & board: $9,457 (double occupancy, 19 meal plan)
Books/other costs: $1,000 to $2,300.
For more information, visit www.umassd.edu!
Go Boxers!
November, 2008
All photos published in The Boxer Bulletin and
pictures from most BHS events are available for
purchase at:
www.shutterfly.com/pro/brocktonhighschool/photos
All proceeds from the sale of pictures helps to fund
BHS activities.
You can order directly from Shutterfly or you can see
Mr. Szach in the Red Social Science office
Community service
is so important.
By Kimberly Edouard
As many of us prepare ourselves to go to college, it is usually
best to show as many community service hours as possible in our
resume. That is the goal most of us set to ourselves when we actually
offer our service. However, do we really do it because we care about
having a direct positive impact on so many people’s lives? Volunteering
is very interesting, and one of the best ways to truthfully be committed
is to see its greater picture as a daily source of inspiration and a way to
show how much you care about what and those who are around you.
During the fall season, there are always many football games
out in the cold, and having a hot chocolate always sounds good to
warm you up. Sometimes a clam chowder is best, and luckily there
are many stands out there, the Key club’s and the cheerleaders’ for
example, ready to sell. Have you ever wondered what it would be like
if none of them were there? Maybe you would sit watching, hungry
and cold, or you would take you car to go to Burger King, McDonald,
or Friendly’s, to get something and miss part of the game, maybe an
awesome touchdown. However, because they were ready to serve you
and save you that much time, they made a big difference on your night
of fun. They made it a priority to care about you and the other spectators
and as a result they took all the initiatives to assure that you enjoy the
game. Because what they care about usually seems small in terms of
making a difference in you entire life, no one really sees the value of
community service. Ironically, this happens to be one of its inspirational
aspects. Volunteering is doing what is good, and no matter how small it
may be, it will always count. The more you do the greater impact will
you have on the entire community.
Many people tend to expect certain things, and think of them
as norms of life. Specifically talking about health most of us adolescents
do not really sit down and realize how fortunate we may be because we
are able to do simple things. We can run, talk, see, study, laugh, walk,
etc. However, if we did realize that it is not always the case for many
people in hospital beds who long to have such riches we would be more
appreciative. In other words, if we took the time to care and use what
we have to give to those who do not have, volunteering our time to
make a day a better day, a week a better week, a month a better month,
and a year a better year. Doing so would benefit you because you would
become a better person by appreciating the very little small things
around you, and you would be more cautious in terms of conserving
what you have by preventing using the simplest ways. Realizing this
can also be your main source of inspiration in life, thus giving you the
strength and the attitude to persevere.
As you may have realized, what I have described above are
only small specific aspects about volunteering. Just as there are many
other ways to serve your community, there are many, rather an infinite
number of inspirations drawn from them. It all matters on how you see,
and interpret it, for evidently everyone has a distinct perspective when
looking at one specific thing; and from that one thing many altered
opinions might be formed. What you may be doing to volunteer your
time and add up to the building of a strong community, might seem
minimal to others (when in fact whatever you do is never minimal in
terms of doing what is good), when to you it is meaningful because
it is how you want to show, support and care to that community. As
a matter of fact, that other aspect is also an inspiration and may drive
many people to serve their community.
Serving your community or volunteering is significant. It
shows concerns about where a person may live, who might be having
a bad time and is in need of a better moment, in other words care. It is
certainly not a waist of time, and do not let only one objective to get a
lot of hours done to put on your resume be the sole drive to do it. Let it
be one of many, maybe the second to the real fact that you want to help
and make other people happy, or the city where you live more beautiful.
You learn something new on a constant basis for you see many things
that inspire and that make you a better person.
November, 2008
The Boxer Bulletin
Page 5
Seniors work to
make group picture
unforgetable
It wasn’t easy but the Class of 2009 formed the
numbers of their graduation year on the turf at Marciano
Stadium, for the annual group photo for the end plate of
their yearbook.
The effort was led by yearbook advisor Mrs.
Madore and the yearbook staff as they directed over 800
students into place so that the picture could be taken by
McGrath Studios from the Brockton Fire Department
Signal Division bucket truck.
Page 6
The Boxer Bulletin
Members of the BHS cheerleaders worked with Fed Ex to ship their donations
November, 2008
Starting a club
at BHS
by Jess Cunningham
Have you ever wanted to start a club at BHS but weren’t sure
how to go about it? I’ve been following freshmen Sydney Lewis and
Alexandria Revaleon as they attempt to make a new club called the SOS
Brigade for anime and cosplay lovers. First, you need a worthy cause or
hobby that you want to base your club on, like the Animal Rights Club or
the Key Club. Then, you must go down to the Main Office to see the list
of all clubs.
“If your club doesn’t have anything to do with any of the current
clubs, you’ll probably be able to make it,” says Revaleon. If your club is
unique from the others, you then need to find a teacher to supervise your
club’s activities. (Try to find a teacher without any other commitments.)
You also must have at least fifteen people that are willing to join your club,
as well as their signatures. Finally, you then must make a presentation to
show the principal including: the cause/purpose of your club, pictures of
proposed club activities, a proposed club name. Make sure to bring the
list of signatures and a note from a teacher saying that they will supervise
your club. At last, be prepared to impact the lives of BHS students this
year and for the rest of your high school career.
When I was in high
school…
The Green Column
By Kaila Faroul
When observing the apparel worn by students here at Brockton High it looks as though a lot of time,
thought and creativity is put into it. But with students making such a huge fashion statement these days
curiosity sparks when wondering what teachers here at BHS wore when they attended high school.
“I feel like it’s back to the 80s” said Mr. Lemieux, who teaches history. “I like the urban look”.
Teen fashion has changed drastically over the past five decades. In the 1950s the popular look would
have been the oversized sweater or cardigan accompanied with a simple long tweed skirt. The 1960s
brought to us the mini-skirt, mini-dress, and long flowing hippie dress. The 1970s was the decade of
psychedelic clothing which brought bell bottoms, jeans and T-shirts. The 1980s was the decade that
experimented with overalls, sweat suits, spandex, sportswear, parachute pants, and denim jackets. And
the 1990s to present day started up the simple jeans and a T-shirt.
“Jeans were big” said Mrs. Stewart, a math teacher while elaborating on the popular fads of her high
school. “Bell bottoms and flared leg jeans, sweater vest, maxi length skirts, long ankle length skirts.”
1970s teen fashion was all about individual expression. “music and pop culture” according to Ms. Reich
was the fashion influence of her high school years.
Unknowingly today students here at Brockton High are setting the tone on what apparel could never go
out of style. What is worn by students at this school can be considered classics. “Everything, high tops,
heavy eyeliners…” said Mr. Lemieux. “Converse All Stars”.
Popularity of an outfit depends on a certain group of peoples taste or as they would call them in high
school, cliques. “I’d say I was more geeky, punk” said Mr. Lemieux. “A lot of baggy clothes, holes it
was the Grunge”
The change in student apparel in some cases is not as appropriate as it should be. “It varies a lot” said
Mrs. Stewart “a lot of it is immodest, it creates a distracting environment”
From our teachers high school apparel to the current apparel worn by high school students today traces
of old fads can be always be found. “I think” said Ms. Reich. “fads always repeat themselves”. Fads
created today can determine the apparel worn twenty years from now.
By Melissa Roopnarine
The environment in which we live in is something that we should
strive to keep alive. Almost every day, BHS uses about 3,000 trays and
amounts to have used about 15,000 trays at the end of the week. A lot of
trays, isn’t it?
It is well-known that Styrofoam is a material that can take centuries
to decompose. Styrofoam is also toxic to the health of humans and to
the environment. Styrofoam contains Polystyrene, a polymer which is a
chemical that is made of regular chemical units also known as a monomers.
Polystyrene is also made from petroleum, which is used to supply fuel and
energy to our daily lives.
The process of making polystyrene is called polymerization. What
happens during this process are long chains, made up of thousands of
styrene units are put together. While the polystyrene is being made certain
gases are put into the mixture, causing the polymer to foam up and become
the Styrofoam we all are familiar with. The manufacturing of Styrofoam is also associated with the global
catastrophe we are currently facing-- Styrofoam contains CFCs, which
are believed to be the main cause of global warming. When Chlorofluor
ocarbons(CFCs) meet the ozone layer they start to deplete it, otherwise
known as the Ozone Depletion Process. Knowing the composition of a
Styrofoam tray, think twice before eating or drinking off of something
made of Styrofoam. If there was a way in which we were given the
opportunity to help the condition of our environment, it would be to
start improving the amounts and materials that are used in our school.
Within a period aof one week Brockton High, goes through 15,000
trays-- astonishing, isn’t it? To find further information about the use of
styrofoam trays at Brockton High I interviewed Marsha White, head of the
four Cafes. When asked how many trays are used within a day Ms. White
explained that 3,000 trays are used each day. Chartwell’s, the food service
company that runs the cafeterias are the people responsible for ordering
the Styrofoam trays.
What other alternative is there that could be used instead of Styrofoam?
One alternative that can be used is a biocompostable tray, a tray that is
able to be decomposed in a manner that will not harm the environment as
much as the Styrofoam does. The name of the alternative is a Bagasse tray;
Bagasse is the remaining sugar cane fiber after the removal of the juice
from the sugar cane, which is a renewable resource and can be turned into
products that Styrofoam is usually made into. Bagasse trays can also help
avoid the pollution that comes from burning the pulp of the sugarcane after
the juice is abstracted. Although the Bagasse tray has no wax lining it can
be used for items that are both hot and cold. The Bagasse tray would make
an excellent alternative tray instead of using the Styrofoam tray.
Use of the Bagasse tray could really help the environment. Sometimes,
change is difficult but together we can make a difference in our
environment.
A Night in the Big City
Class of 2009 Senior Semi
Friday, November 21st at The Shaw’s Center
$35 per ticket
Todd Daggett from the International Center for Leadership in Education presents the 2008 “School of
Distinction” Award to Associate Principal Maria LeFort and BHS Principal Dr. Susan Szachowicz
Tickets on sale October 29th
and November 5th only
November, 2008
The Boxer Bulletin
Page 7
Girls X-C takes
Big Three Crown
The Brockton High School Girls Cross Country team took
home the 2008 “Big 3” team Championship today against Durfee
and New Bedford. On the 3.1 mile Brooklawn Park course the
Brockton runners finished 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th for a team score of
19 points compared to Durfee’s 49 and New Bedford’s 73 points. Theresa Alphonse won the 2008 “Big 3” Individual
Champion award for her 1st place finish in 21:03. This is Theresa’s
3rd straight year as the Individual Champion. We have also won 6
of the seven “Big 3” League All-Stars spots and they go to:
1st 21:03 Theresa Alphonse (Senior and Co-Captain)
3rd 22:48 Phylicia Lester (Senior and new Personal Record)
4th 22:58 Danielle Healy (Senior, Co-Captain and new Seasonal
Record)
5th 22:59 Brittany Russell (Senior)
6th 23:28 Kelly Flynn (Senior)
7th 23:46 Katie Dubeau (Junior)
(Durfee’s Sophomore Nicole Massoud finished 2nd in 21:28. she is
the only other “Big 3” League All-Star)
Three other girls ran new Personal Records today and they are:
9th 24:00 Kasha Horton (Sophomore and new PR)
10th 24:21 Stephanie Andrade (Freshman and new PR)
26th 29:06 Sandra Masson (Senior, final race and new PR)
Running in pain! Four of our girls ran today despite having
significant injuries. The heart of a “Boxer Tough” champion can
be found in all of our girls but for Katie DuBeau, Syndie Germain,
Bianca Vargas and Jeselene Andrade it was never more obvious! Our season record is now 6 wins and 2 losses for dual meets, “Big
3” League Champions, Individual “Big 3” Champion and 6 League
All-Stars.
Great job to all of you! Coach Olsen and I are very proud of all of
you.
volleyball photo by Colleen Moran
Current Standings as of October 28
Above from top: The Women’s Cross Country team captured the Big Three Championship
Morgan Branco moves the ball downfield in a recent 1-1 tie with Taunton
The Women’s Volleball team recently earned Coach Jack Olson his 300th win
The Men’s Cross Country Team won the Big Three Championship
Right: The Men’s Soccer team nipped BC High 3-2 in a game played recently at Marciano Stadium
Football
Girls Soccer
Boys Soccer
Boys Cross Country
Girls Cross Country
Field Hockey
Coed Golf
Girls Swimming
Volleyball
5-3
5-8-4
7-2-8
5-3
6-2
1-13-2
9-8
3-6
17-1
Big Three Champions
Big Three Champions
Big Three Champions
Big Three Champions
The Boxer Bulletin
Page 8
Brockton High School
School Calendar
October 16, 2008
to
December 17, 2008
October 16
Parent/Teacher Conferences
October 17
Football vs. Pinkerton Acad.
October 24
Football @ Durfee 7 P.M.
October 25
ACT
October 31
November 5 - 7
Football @ Leominster 7 P.M.
November 10
Last Day of Term 1
November 11
Veterans’ Day - No School
November 12
First Day of Term 2
November 12 - 13
MCAS Math Retest
November 15
Football vs. New Bedford 1 PM
November 20
Report Cards Issued
November 21
Senior Semi Formal 7-11 P.M.
November 24
NHS Induction
November 26 - 28
Thanksgiving Recess
November 27
Football @ Waltham 10 A.M.
December 6
SAT
December 12-14
Drama Production
December 13
ACT
December 16-17
Holiday Concert
MCAS Retest ELA
November, 2008