farmington high school newsletter

FARMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
NEWSLETTER
Principal's Message
January, 2015
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are at the midpoint of the school year, and I am pleased to share with you this update on life at
Farmington High School. While we cope with the unpredictable winter weather, we remain as engaged as
ever in a wide variety of activities both in and out of the classroom that are centered on our academic, social,
and civic expectations for student learning. This newsletter provides information about significant
accomplishments of the past two months as well as details of upcoming events and programs. We consider
the newsletter to be an important communication tool with parents and the community, and we welcome your
comments and questions about anything you read in the pages that follow.
I want to highlight this month a brand new program at Farmington High School that you may not have
yet heard about—AVID. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, and this year we have
our first AVID class of 18 freshmen. AVID is an elective class; students apply to be part of AVID, and the
students who are part of AVID (and their parents) must agree to fulfill the requirements of the program. The
purpose of AVID is to support students’ success in high school, college, and career by developing their
critical thinking, literacy, and math skills across all content areas. AVID teaches skills and behaviors for
academic success, provides support with tutorials and strong student/teacher relationships, creates a positive
peer group for students, and develops a desire for personal achievement gained through hard work and
determination. Our AVID students recently gave a presentation to faculty and administrators from the high
school and the middle school about the benefits they have gained from AVID just in the first semester, as the
accompanying photographs show. We are currently recruiting our second AVID class and we look forward to
the expansion of AVID in the coming years.
AVID is one more illustration of our efforts to realize for all students at Farmington High School our
Vision of the Graduate (see next page). AVID strengthens students’ academic skills in all subject areas to
facilitate critical thinking and reasoning; communication and collaboration skills are explicitly taught and
practiced, especially through the use of technology; students are encouraged and supported in their efforts to
be problem solvers and innovators; and students are provided strategies and structured opportunities to
demonstrate self-direction and resourcefulness. We are very fortunate to have the resources and the dedicated
faculty to implement the AVID program and to provide enhanced opportunities for our AVID students to gain
these most important skills.
Best regards to you and your families for a happy and healthy 2015! Thank you for your continued
support of Farmington High School!
Sincerely,
Bill
Bill Silva
Principal
Farmington Public Schools' Vision of the Graduate
*Critical Thinking and Reasoning: Students access, interpret, analyze, and evaluate ideas and information, draw evidence-based
conclusions, synthesize new learning with prior knowledge, and reflect critically on learning.
*Communication and Collaboration: Students participate effectively in a variety of teams, actively listen and respond to the ideas
of others, share responsibility for outcomes, articulate ideas clearly in multiple formats and use technology tools to enhance
communication.
*Problem Solving and Innovation: Students identify problems, analyze data, ask questions, utilize a variety of resources, think
flexibly, make connections and seek practical, innovative and entrepreneurial solutions to a variety of problems.
*Self-direction and Resourcefulness: Students explore interests, take initiative, set goals, demonstrate persistent effort, adapt to
change with resiliency, and exhibit ethical leadership and responsible citizenship.
FHS Design Team:
On the last pages of this newsletter is the newest update for the FHS Design Team. For other updates, please
visit: http://www.fpsct.org/page.cfm?p=7587
School News:
Please go to our home page: www.fpsct.org. If you look on the right hand side under News, you can click on
the latest school news.
To Remember Throughout the School Year
School Special Event Dates
February 5 — 8th Grade Parents Night
February 16-20 – No School (President’s Day & Winter Recess)
April 3 – No School (Good Friday)
April 9 – “How to Pay for College” Program
April 13-17 — No School (Spring Recess)
TBD — Math Honor Society Induction
April 27 – Parent Forum on College Planning
May 1 — French/Spanish Honor Society Induction
May 19 — Book Awards
May 20 — NHS Induction
May 25 — No School (Memorial Day)
June 2 – Department/Athletic Awards
June 2 — Awards Night
June 3 — Art Reception
June 3 — Music Banquet
June 11 — Graduation (tentative)
Important Academic Dates
2nd Quarter Ends — January 21
Report Cards Distributed — February 6*
3rd
Quarter Ends — March 31
4th
Quarter Ends — June 11
Report Cards Distributed — April 24*
*Approximate
distribution
dates
Report Cards Distributed — June 30*
Important Testing Dates
January 15-20 — Mid-Term Exams, 21 Make up Day
January 24 — SAT I & II
March 14 — SAT (FHS test center)
March 19 — Science CAPT Testing (snow date 3/20/15)
May 2 — SAT (FHS test center)
May 5-16 — AP Testing
June 6 – SATI & II
June 5-10— Final Exams, 11 Make up Day (tentative)
Science CAPT Testing:
Science CAPT Testing for students in grade 10 and
students in grade 11 that need to re-test will take
place on Thursday, March 19, 2015. In the event
of snow, the testing will move to the following
day, Friday, March 20, 2015.
Student Activity Dates
March 5,6,7 — Musical Performances
March 16 — Baseball conditioning begins (pitchers/catchers)
March 17,18 — District-wide String Festival
March 23 — Spring sports practices start
March 26 — Choral Concert
March 27 – Hypnotist
April 8 – Band Concert
April 24 — Talent Show
April 30-May 2 — All-State Music Festival
May 21 — Theater Class Spotlight
May 23 — Junior Prom
TBD — Multicultural Assembly
May 15 — Broadway Showcase Dinner
May 16,17 — Relay for Life
May 27 — Capstone Celebration
May 29 — Senior Picnic
May 29 — Student Council Speeches and Election
June 1 — World Language Showcase
June 5 — Jazz, Acoustic & Strings Night
June 6 — Senior Prom
Phone Numbers You Need to Know
Main Office ~ 673-2514
Guidance Office ~ 673-4393
Principal ~ 673-2514
Nurse ~ 673-2514
To report your child late to school or absent ~ 673-2514
(Before school hours, you may leave a message on voicemail box #1101)
Cafeteria Office ~ 673-6343
Reminder about Parking:
If you have an appointment at Farmington High
School, please park in the back in the staff parking
lot and sign in at the door. For safety reasons,
visitors must park and sign in at that entrance.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
FHS Educational Forums
FHS Auditorium
7:00 – 8:00 pm
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Mastery-Based Teaching and Learning at FHS
Graduation Standards, College & Career Readiness,
Challenge and Support for All Learners
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Assessment 21
Best Practices in Assessment for 21st Century Learning, Project-Based Learning,
Performance Tasks, “Learning the Constant, Time the Variable”
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Multiple Pathways to Achievement
Support and Advancement Programs, Capstone, Personalized Learning Plans,
Internships, Community Partnerships
Traffic Solutions at FHS
By School Resource Officer Joanna Blumetti
I frequently receive complaints from frustrated parents and students about the morning traffic
at FHS. As the School Resource Officer at Farmington High School, I have spent countless
hours trying to solve this problem. In September, I petitioned the Farmington Traffic Review
Board to change the cycle of the traffic light at Farmington Avenue and Monteith Drive. Now
the green left turn arrow remains illuminated for 15 seconds each cycle. Eastbound drivers
have seen an improvement and traffic does not back up into Unionville anymore.
For several years now, the morning traffic pattern on campus has required that all parent
drivers go right at the top of Monteith Drive, and then follow the perimeter of the parking lot
until reaching the drop-off area along the east side of the building. Parents should not go left
at the top of the hill to drop their child off in the front of the school. It creates a dangerous
situation when those vehicles maneuver illegal u-turns or travel to the back of the school
where students are exiting the school buses. I also request that parent drivers do not pull
down the parking lot lanes to avoid staying in the line of traffic. This endangers the students
who are walking through the parking lot and creates even more traffic congestion when
drivers attempt to exit the lane into the flow of traffic.
I believe that there are several easy solutions that will immediately improve the traffic
situation at Farmington High School. First, please put your child on the school bus. The
Farmington School District provides safe and reliable transportation for every child to get to
school. Your child will never be marked late to school if they are transported to school on the
school bus. Second, please carpool. Fewer vehicles on campus will lead to less traffic
congestion. Third, plan to arrive at school by 7:10 am; by leaving home earlier, you will
avoid traffic problems on campus. Finally, when dropping off your child along the east side
of the school, please pull all the way forward, past the entrance. If more vehicles unload
simultaneously, then the time it takes to get through the traffic pattern will be reduced
significantly.
We need to work as a team to improve the traffic situation at Farmington High School and to
guarantee the safety of all. I hope you will join me in this important effort.
I am available to discuss the traffic issues and am open to any additional suggestions for
improvement. I can be contacted at (860) 675-2430.
Best wishes in the New Year!
Officer Joanna Blumetti
FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE:
A Happy New Year to all of our Students and Families from the Nurse’s office!
A few quick reminders as we approach the midpoint of the school year:
 All 9th grade students will have a vision and scoliosis screening in the next
couple of months. These screenings are done during gym class and students
will be told when to expect them. Students should be reminded to bring glasses
if they wear them for distance. Also, if as student has been previously diagnosed with scoliosis, we
still must do the screening. However, it is helpful if they are able to tell the nurse performing the
screening that they have been diagnosed previously, and what the current treatment plan is with their
pediatrician.
 Each student is required to have a physical on file at the school that is dated within the year in which
they start 10th grade. This is a state mandated requirement and cannot be waived. That means that any
physical performed in 2015 will meet this requirement of our current 9th grade class. Parents of
current 9th graders will receive a letter in the next month or so that alerts them to this requirement. For
those parents, please send in the 2015 physical forms as soon as they are performed!
 If a student is expecting to be out of school for any length of time due to a medical procedure, or if a
student is expected to need accommodations to their school program following an injury, illness, or
medical procedure, please contact the nurse’s office as soon as possible. Medical documentation will
be required and steps will be taken to accommodate each student’s needs with doctor’s
recommendations being taken into consideration. It is tremendously helpful to have these documents
sooner rather than later, to allow the school nurse and counselors to create a plan to support the student
upon return to school.
Thank you so much for all that you do to support the nurse’s office in our attempts to support the students at
FHS. If you ever have any questions or concerns and need to contact the nurse, please feel free to do so by
emailing me at payebakerk@fpsct.org or calling me at 860-673-2514x1122.
Wishing you all good health,
Kristin Paye Baker, RN
FROM OUR SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER:
School Social Work
Good Grief!
Some of our students have been grieving and healing after the death of a former classmate and friend in
November. Now, two months after this loss some students are wondering …“When will we all feel better?”
The traditional answer of “time heals all wounds” is misleading. The passing of days and weeks and months
does not in itself bring resolution. Only “good grief” work with the support of significant others will lead to
eventual resolution and a return to normalcy. Good grief work requires individuals to complete four tasks:
Understanding, Grieving, Commemorating, and Going On (Fox 1989).
Understanding is accepting the reality of the death and knowing that the person is permanently gone. In order
for this to happen fully, adolescents need facts and accurate information. In tragic and unexpected situations
such as those we have experienced this year, facts are not always complete. This combined with the natural
tendency of adolescents to spread rumors or to be critical of the manner in which others are grieving, has
made full understanding of the loss of their friend difficult for many students.
Grieving requires the expression of feelings, most notably those of sadness, anger, and guilt. This is most
likely to happen in a healthy manner when adolescents feel supported, cared for, and have the opportunity to
express themselves. Some of our students are still feeling profound grief. Most are resilient and are trying to
move on, but may be reluctant to share feelings that linger because they don’t want to burden friends, family,
or school staff. Some may falsely believe that they “should be over this by now”. It is vital that we recognize
and validate these feelings and give ample opportunity for their expression.
At school, social workers and counselors have been receptive to our students’ expressions of grief, and have
been reinforcing the notion that everyone grieves in their own way and in their own time frame. We have
emphasized that there is no single right way to grieve and that there are some maladaptive grief reactions to
avoid. Withdrawal from friends and family and use of alcohol or other mood altering substances to soothe
painful feelings are two primary reactions to avoid, as they can further complicate an already difficult and
challenging process.
Commemorating is the process of formally or informally remembering the life, not the death, of those we
have lost. Commemoration confirms the reality of death and the value of life. Some commemorating has
already occurred and more is being discussed.
Going On can only be completely realized once the first three tasks are fully addressed. The reality is that we
never “get over” the death of a significant other; we simply learn to live with it. Certainly the acute phase of
grief begins to subside and the pain becomes less intense and more intermittent, with increasingly longer
periods of peacefulness intervening. Issues will continue to arise and strong feelings of grief may be
resurrected by seemingly innocuous events such as a song on the radio or a comment made in passing. This is
normal and to be expected. The hope is that each of these instances of strong feelings will be of shorter
duration, frequency and intensity.
It is vital that we all believe, and continue to tell our grieving adolescents to believe, that with “good grief”
work the healing, living, and loving will resume. For further insights into helping adolescents cope with
death, visit the Dougy Center for Grieving Children at Dougy.org. As always, if you have questions or
concerns about your son or daughter, please do not hesitate to contact your school counselor or one of the
school social workers at (860) 673-4393.
Chris Garrahan MSW, School Social Worker
___________________________________________________________________________________
Fox, S.S. 91989) Good grief: Preventive interventions for children and adolescents. In S.C. Klagsbrun, G.W.
Kliman, E.J. Clark, A.H. Kutscher, R. DeBellis, & C.A. Lambert (eds.), Preventative psychiatry: Early
intervention and situational crisis management (pp.83-93). Philadelphia: The Charles Press.
Poetry Out Loud Competition at FHS
On January 9, 2015, nine Farmington High School students participated in a Poetry Out Loud competition in
which they recited two poems from memory. Alongside faculty advisors Lauren Gallucci and Kaitlin
McIntyre, students worked in after-school meetings from October to January diligently to analyze poems and
prepare their performances. They were scored by a panel of judges based on criteria including Voice and
Articulation, Physical Presence, Level of Complexity, Evidence of Understanding, among others.
Congratulations to third place winner Pearl Liu (‘17), runner-up Jasmine Kabira (‘18), and school champion
Sabrina Rostkowski (‘15). Impressively, each of these students accrued flawless accuracy scores during both
rounds of the contest. Sabrina recited “Broken Promises” by David Kirby and “Cartoon Physics, part 1” by
Nick Flynn. Sabrina will attend a student workshop hosted by Connecticut Humanities in February before
representing Farmington High School at the Connecticut Poetry Out Loud semi-finals at Central Connecticut
State University in March. There she will compete for the opportunity to advance as the state champion and
attend the national contest in Washington, DC.
FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT:
The FHS Chamber Singers participated in a Choral Invitational at CCSU in November. Choirs from Hall,
Conard and Guildford High Schools performed separately in a choral concert and master class with Dr. Drew
Collins, the CCSU Choral Director. Also the CCSU Chamber Singers performed for the high school
groups. Two FHS graduates are members of the CCSU Chamber Singers, Marney Pollack and Andrew
Sayasith. They both received scholarships to perform in the ensemble.
Three students have been selected for All-Eastern Music Festival in Providence, RI this April. Music students
from the eastern seaboard were selected for their outstanding musicianship. FHS students are: Priscilla
Back, violin; Ben Aube, vocal bass; Margaux Zimmerman, vocal alto. Congratulations!!!!!
The Farmington High School Music Department sponsored a career and college readiness presentation by the
University of Hartford's Acoustical Engineering Department Chair, Dr. Rober Celmer. Students from the
robotics team, music department and AV attended his presentation with a question and answer session
afterwards. The presentation included the varied opportunities available in this field and a discussion of
where graduates of the program are working.
The FHS Madrigal Singers performed at the Wadsworth Atheneum on Dec. 12 for the annual Festival of the
Trees. The ensemble additionally performed for the Rotary Club's Senior Citizen Luncheon and the Town
Hall employee luncheon, December 22.
Farmington High School orchestra students join The Piano Guys for a performance at the Oakdale Theatre on
December 10, 2014.
On Thursday, Dec. 11, the FHS Jazz Combo played for a holiday party/meeting for the Farmington Exchange
Club at Cuigino's Restaurant in Farmington. The group performed traditional jazz standards and Christmas
Carols.
On Wednesday, Dec. 17th members of wind ensemble performed an hour of chamber music for the first
Jackson Labs Holiday party. Performances included flute quartets, saxophone duets, and piano, violin
duets. We hope this is the beginning of a long musical relationship with Jackson Labs.
Farmington High School Musicians Qualify in All-Conference Music Competition
On Saturday evening, January 17 the best and brightest high school musicians from the Connecticut
Northern Region gathered to perform at New Britain High School.
This music festival is sponsored by the
Connecticut Music Educators Association
(CMEA.) This is a highly competitive, auditiononly music festival. To earn a spot in the
festival, students must practice many hours
independently after coaching with their music
teachers to qualify for the All-Conference
ensembles. The audition music is collegiate
level solo literature.
Amongst this talented group of musicians were
a large number of students from Farmington
High School.
Band: Alexandra Appel, Annie Sherrill, Sarah
Tritman, Eric Want, Katja Zoner, Ryan Forsythe
Chorus:
Benjamin Aube, Shruti Bhatia, Brandon Biney, Katie Byrne, Griffin Cecil, Matthew Cheng, Jessica
Colwick, Shannon Connolly, Caroline Cullen, Sarah Davis, Mason DeMilo, Noah Floeser, Brian Fox, Tyler
Galske, Danielle Gan, Ashley Grady, Michael Griffin, Jonathan Hammond, Thomas Heath-Ringrose, Caleb
Juers, Heather Kirkness, Christian Knight, Ethan Kula, Yea Jin Lee, Catherine MacKay, Stephanie Mailhot,
Marisa Melluzzo, Anusha Mohan, Hannah Phelps, Smrithi Raman, Katharine Rhee, Sarah Rua, Alexandra
Rumpf, Kysa Sager, Matthew Scalzo, Navva Sedigh, Chirag Sikka, Kyle Sopelak, Morgan St. James,
Catherine Steffens, Robert Stolarz, Sarah Tritman, Francesca Trofimov, Emily Williams, Caroline Zeiser,
Margaux Zimmerman
Orchestra:
Priscilla Back, Katie Byrne, Janet Chen, Shayamal Datta, Alexandra Goldblatt, David Hua, Yehoon Kang,
Jungtaik Kwon, Sungtaik Kwon, Jared Omangino, Daniel Luo, Katrina Mason, Rita Monahan,
Nimrita Singh, Navreeta Singh, Shruthi Voleti, Emery Wegh, Emily Williams, Nathaniel William, Austin
Zhu
Upcoming Dates:
February 10
Friends of Music meeting at 7:00 pm
February 11
Tri M Honor Society at 7:00 am
March 5,6,7
FHS Musical Production “The Wizard of Oz”
March 10
Friends of Music meeting at 7:00 pm
March 11
Tri M Honor Society at 7:00 am
March 17,18
Districtwide Strings Concert at 7:00 pm
March 26
FHS Choral Concert at 7:30 pm
April 2
FHS Band Concert at 7:30 pm
April 9-11
All Eastern Music Festival
April 10-14
Music Field Trip to Disney
April 21
Friends of Music meeting at 7:00 pm
April 22
Tri M Honor Society at 7:00 am
April 30-May 2
All-State Music Festival
May 12
Friends of Music meeting at 7:00 pm
May 15
Broadway Showcase at 6:30 pm
June 3
FHS Music Banquet at 6:30 pm
June 5
Senior Café at 4:00 pm in the cafeteria
The FHS Music Department faculty
Leslie Imse, Katie Carlson, Katie Tewksbury and Tom Johnston
Ugly Sweater Run
Some FHS students volunteered at the Ugly Sweater Run on December 6 at Bushnell Park. It was a rainy and
chilly day, but they spent their Saturday assisting with registration and cheering on runners as they crossed the
finish line. This non-profit raises money for Save the Children. They even saw one of their English teachers,
Ms. Buckley, who was running in the race.
This is one of the community service activities where our students volunteer their time.
FROM THE FINE AND APPLIED ARTS DEPARTMENT:
Interactive Community Map:
Intersection of Fine Arts, New Media & Engineering
FHS Fine & Applied Arts Students, in collaboration with Balam Soto, will create an interactive artwork that
will combine traditional artistic media with contemporary technologies. The interactive map will include
community-based sound recordings, 3-D printing elements, paint, plywood, electronics, sensors, and custom
software developed by Balam Soto. Students will participate in making the mural, including painting, 3D
printing, coding, electronics, recording, and digital editing. The resultant mural will be interactive through
sensors, which will activate the sound recordings. Community members will be invited to participate in the
Farmington Library’s Maker Faire on March 29th.
Balam Soto has exhibited in worldwide venues including the World Maker Faire in New York City and
galleries and museums in New York, Belgium, Guatemala and many others. He has received three “Editor’s
Choice” awards from New York’s World Maker Faire and the “Latino de Oro Award for Arts & Culture" in
Connecticut. He has also received official Citations from the Mayor of Hartford, CT and the Governors of
Rhode Island and Massachusetts. In April 2008, he was honored with a Diploma of Recognition as a
“Maestro,” a Master of Visual Arts, by the National Congress of Guatemala.
Habitat for Humanity
FHS is one of seven high schools in CT that have achieved the Campus Chapter designation from Habitat for
Humanity International. This faith-based non-profit organization builds quality homes that are affordable for
first time home buyers. Every person who is chosen for one of the completed homes must qualify for a
mortgage.
FHS has been working with the Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity for over 15 years. Builds are open to
FHS students aged 16 and older. There were two builds in December; one in Bristol and the other in
Hartford. Students completed punch list items such as painting, siding, handrails, and some touch up work in
Bristol; while in Hartford, students constructed gable ends and assembled roof truss units.
The next Build will take place on Saturday, January 31 on Enfield Street in Hartford. Permission slips are
available from Mr. Mulcunry in room 524. There are 13 spots for students on a first come basis.
Students looking for more information about the club or its activities should contact seniors Abby Talkington,
Matt Devoe or Tech Ed Teacher Mr. Mulcunry.
Faculty and Alumni Exhibit
Our Faculty & Alumni Exhibit was held at Tunxis Community College’s Barnes-Franklin Gallery this year
from Dec 18th through Jan 23rd. This successful exhibit was well-attended and well-represented by Fine and
Applied Arts alumni who now work as graphic designers, professors, landscape architects, sculptors and a
wide array of other meaningful careers.
K-12 Portrait Exhibit
Currently on view in the Farmington Library’s Community Room is our new K-12 Portrait Exhibit. On
January 8th, we had an opening reception for the community as well as a photo booth for students and families
to enjoy.
Inspired by CT Artist James Grashow and Caine’s Arcade
3D Design students have been busy creating large-scale cardboard toys inspired by Connecticut artist James
Grashow http://www.jamesgrashow.com and 9 year old entrepreneur Caine Monroy (Caine's arcade).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faIFNkdq96U These cardboard toys will be first entered in the sculpture
contest at the Trash Museum and later donated to a local shelter for children to play with.
Scholastics Art Awards
Once again FHS is well represented in the Scholastics Art Awards, a state-wide competition. Congratulations
to Mr. Minor, Ms. French, Mr. Procko and their students! The award-winning works of art are below.
Dan Theriault, Wealth
Teacher: Mr. Procko
Adam Liu, Self-Portrait
Teacher: Mr. Procko
Abigayil Talkington, Untitled
Teacher: Mr. Minor
Stella Zhu, To Catch a Tiger
Teacher: Mr. Minor
Cara Galske, Digital Photo
Teacher: Ms. French
Ashley Glynn, Mixed Media Self-Portrait
Teacher: Ms. French
PROJECT GRADUATION 2015 NEWS
Hello Senior Parents!
As we wave a fond good-bye to the holidays it is time for us to move full steam ahead with our
Project Graduation planning for the class of 2015! Our senior class parents have really stepped up to chair
positions, thank you! Two key spots that remain unfilled are Secretary (take and distribute meeting notes,
assist with emails and mailings, etc.) and a Volunteer/Chaperone Coordinator (responsible for obtaining
underclass parents as event chaperones and assisting in assigning them to their stations). We will also need a
Party Manager and Chaperone Manager which typically are parents of an underclass student.
This year we are planning a couple of large fundraisers and will need your help promoting and getting the
word out to your friends and family. The more money we are able to raise through fundraising, the more
resources we will have to make this the best Project Graduation yet! Please be on the lookout for more
information.
Please join us for our next meeting on Thursday, January 22 at 7:00 pm in the FHS library. If you can't
make the meeting but want to be included in email updates, would like to volunteer to chair a committee, or
would like to volunteer on a committee please contact us to be added to our distribution list and assigned to
your group of choice (Entertainment, Food, Publicity, Volunteers, Parking, Equipment, Fundraising,
Flocking, Decorations, Gifts/Prizes).
Shortly, we will be set up to accept parent donations of $75.00 per student and will be sending another email
with details.
Looking forward to seeing you on the 22nd.
Any questions, please call or email us.
Thanks
Liz Darienzo & Lori Keane
Project Graduation 2015 Co-Chairs
LizDarienzo@yahoo.com
860- 777-5805
lorikeane@comcast.net
860-674-9595
Future Meetings:
Thursday, February 26
Wednesday, March 25
Thursday, April 23
Thursday, May 21
7:00pm
7:00pm
7:00pm
7:00pm
FHS Library
FHS Library
FHS Library
FHS Library
News from the FHS Career Center
Summer Enrichment, Volunteer and Job Opportunities
Believe it or not, it’s time for students to start thinking about their summer plans.
Here are just a few of many great summer opportunities for FHS students to consider:
Jackson Labs Summer Student Program (Bar Harbor, ME or Farmington, CT)
June 6 – August 10, 2015 Application Deadline Feb. 2, 2015
A residential science research program for rising high school seniors and college students. This highly
competitive student research program is designed to help students understand the nature of research science. The
emphasis of the program is on methods of discovery and communication of knowledge, not the mastery of
established facts. For more information go to: http://education.jax.org/summerstudent/program/index.html
Central CT Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Summer Programs
Application Deadline - May 2015
 Migrant and Seasonal Farm Worker Health
 Emergency Preparedness Boot Camp
Care Project
 Health Science & Technology
 Forensic Science Camp
 Diseases & Disasters - Public Health
AHEC applications will be available in March, 2015
For more information on AHEC programs go to www.centralctahec.org
Nordstrom - BP.Fashion Board – Introduces high school students to the world of fashion. Go to the
Nordstrom - BP Fashion Board website for more information.
Applications will be available in March for the 2015 program.
Center for Creative Youth at Wesleyan University
June 29 – July 26, 2014
This pre-college residential program offers talented high school students from all over the country, five weeks
of intensive study in the arts Program includes vocal music, instrumental music, theater, creative writing,
dance and more. Go to: www.crec.org/magnetschools/schools/ccy
CREC Capitol Region Inter District Leadership Academy (CRILA), Application Deadline: March 20, 2015
Every year, CRILA enrolls approximately thirty students from the thirty-five Greater Hartford school districts
in a year- long program that begins in the students' sophomore or junior year and extends throughout the
subsequent year. In June and early July of each year, the program enters into an intensive week-long Outward
Bound experience at the Colorado Outward Bound Wilderness School in Colorado. The Outward Bound
adventure provides students with a cohesive group experience that is designed to both test and cultivate
individual and group leadership skills. During the following school year, students in the Leadership Academy
attend monthly class sessions in the evenings or on the weekends where they conduct a rigorous academic
study of leadership.
Volunteer and Job Opportunities - Looking for volunteer opportunities? The Children’s Museum, Stanley
Whitman House, Bristol Hospital , Roaring Brook Kennels and are just a few places where you can apply
to volunteer for the summer. Stop by the Career Center for more information on volunteer opportunities.
Part-time and Summer Jobs? Lake Compounce is one of many seasonal employers in the area hiring for
the summer. Other possibilities include: day camps, mini golf courses, ice cream parlors and assisted living
facilities.Check out the Career Center Job Postings board for more volunteer and job opportunities.
Students who obtain employment can get working papers in the FHS Career Center.
An extensive list of Summer Enrichment Programs for high school students at various colleges and
universities, is available in the Career Center (161). Students are encouraged to attend a Summer Planning
Workshop on February 4 during all lunch waves.
PARENTS: The FHS Career Center is always looking for new opportunities for students . If you would like to
be a career resource or if you or your employer would like to host FHS students for job shadows or internships,
please contact Kristi Ohanesian in the Career Center (ohanesiank@fpsct.org or (860) 673-2514 x-1855.
Farmington High School Drama Club presents…
March 5th, 6th, and 7th at 7:00 PM
in the FHS Auditorium
Tickets will be on sale soon at www.showtix4u.com
FARMINGTON CONTINUING EDUCATION
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
Register online at www.fpsct.org/fce or call 860.404.0290
DISCLAIMER
As a service to the community, the Farmington Board of Education, through its Farmington Continuing Education office, offers
enrichment courses through its Adult and Youth Enrichment programs.
In some cases these courses are taught by third party businesses pursuant to a contract with Farmington Continuing
Education. These businesses, and their personnel who are instructors in Farmington Continuing Education enrichment
courses, are not agents or employees of the Farmington Board of Education. The businesses are responsible for the
enrichment course and their instructors for the Farmington Continuing Education enrichment courses.
The Farmington Board of Education’s offering of an enrichment course does not constitute an endorsement by the
Farmington Board of Education or its officials, agents or employees of any particular information, product, view, opinion or
advice that may be presented in any enrichment course.
In addition, any person who relies or acts on the advice of any enrichment instructor does so at his or her own risk. In
consideration for being allowed to enroll in an enrichment course, the registrant releases, and waives any and all claims he or
she may have against, the Farmington Board of Education, Farmington Continuing Education, its officials, agents, and
employees with respect to any such advice.
Drivers Education
AAA in association with Farmington Continuing Education will offer driver education
classroom instruction. The cost of the 30 hour classroom training is $250 which includes
textbook materials. Eight (8) hours of car instructions are also available from AAA for a
fee of $345. A package rate for both programs is $595. Students enrolling must be 16 years of age prior to
the start of class. A certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of the classroom training which
may be accepted for insurance premium reductions. The first class requires the attendance of a parent and
will be held at Farmington High School.TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL AAA AT
860.570.4235 OR www.AAA.com/drivingschool.
(A) Jan. 12 - Mar. 9, 6:15 PM to 8:15 PM, 15 sessions (MW)
(B) Feb. 10 - Mar. 31, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, 15 sessions (TTh)
Teen Chef (Grades 9-12)
Whether you’re a passionate cook or just starting to learn the basics, join the Farmington High School Teen
Chef program for some fun food journeys. Learn to cook new, healthy and yummy meals for yourself, your
family, or even for a crowd!
(A) Jan. 27 - Mar. 3, 3:00 PM to 5:15 PM, 5 sessions (T)
(B) Mar. 17 - Apr. 21, 3:00 PM to 5:15 PM, 5 sessions (T)
Farmington High School - Room 518
Course Fee: $40
SAT Preparation: Math Review - (for May 2nd & June 6th test)
Improve math test-taking skills and strategies while reviewing geometry, basic and advanced algebra, and
arithmetic needed for the SAT. Please bring a calculator, a pencil and paper to class. Students will be
provided with a copy of a SAT practice book and guided through practice questions in the math section.
Practice tests will be given and scored.
(A) Mar. 3 - Apr. 7, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 6 sessions (T)
(B) Apr. 28 - June 2, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 6 sessions (T)
Farmington High School - Room 810. Course Fee: $115
SAT Preparation: Verbal Review - (for May 2nd & June 6thtest)
Review English skills including vocabulary building and methods for reading comprehension improvement, as
well as test-taking strategies needed for the SAT. Students will be provided with a copy of a SAT practice
book and guided through practice questions in the verbal section. This course will familiarize students with
sections of the verbal portion of the new SAT.
(A) Mar. 4 - Apr. 8, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 6 sessions (W)
(B) Apr. 22 - May 27, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 6 sessions (W)
Farmington High School - Room 903, Course Fee: $115
Looking for College Financial Aid?
Why do families with seemingly high income and wealth qualify for college financial aid while others, with far
less, fail to get the needed help? Learn about the process, the truths, and the myths that will put you in the
best position to maximize your eligibility for financial assistance. This class covers the components of
financial aid, factors that influence the “Expected Family Contribution” and how one might reduce it, the
necessary forms with instruction on how to complete them, what to do about unsatisfactory awards, and a
review of the entire process. Class is specific to parents of Junior and Senior High School students.
Mar. 2, 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, 1 session (M), Farmington High School - Room 906
Course Fee: $15
Revolution SAT Preparation Classes
Revolution Prep is the nation’s largest provider of on-campus SAT/ACT test prep programs and offers
comprehensive SAT/ACT group classes, private tutoring packages and self-paced options to help high school
students increase their scores on these crucial tests. All SAT/ACT group programs (on-campus and online
options available) include 6 three-hour courses, personalized/targeted homework, and 5+ proctored
practice exams with detailed score reports and essay notes. Plus, all Revolution courses now also include 2
six-hour live online Booster Classes at no extra charge for an even greater value. Engaging, top-scoring
instructors teach students how to conquer the SAT/ACT test with a focus on developing analytical thinking
and critical reasoning skills -- skills that are useful well beyond the SAT/ACT test. Students will also learn
how to identify and avoid common SAT/ACT traps, increase reading speed and comprehension, and reduce
test-taking anxiety. Not sure which test is right for you? Revolution Prep also offers practice exams at
Farmington High School. Go to www.revolutionprep.com to register or review course details and dates,
practice exam options, and Booster Class topics. You can also call 1.877.738.7737 to speak with a test prep
specialist. Group Class $599 or $899 for Hybrid Option (includes 4hrs of Private Tutoring). Private Tutoring
Packages start at $999 - please call for more information! Financial aid is available and satisfaction is
guaranteed.
Jan. 31 - Mar. 11, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 11 sessions (SaW), Farmington High School - Room 905
Ivy Bound SAT Preparation Classes - (for March 1st test)
Ivy Bound Test Prep is offering a “Vacation Boot Camp” Abbreviated SAT Prep Course to Farmington High
School students at a very affordable price. This course is designed to offer a comprehensive approach to
maximizing students’ scores. Learn valuable SAT test skills and strategies! With Ivy Bound’s prep course,
students have a greater opportunity to increase their scores and in doing so, earn scholarship award money
and gain better college admissions! Ivy Bound instructors must score in the top 1% themselves. They know
the test, they know teens! For more information or to register call 860-666-5550 or email
robin@ivybound.net.or visit www.ivybound.net. Bring a bagged lunch - 1/2 hour break. Last class full practice
test to be held at Ivy Bound in Newington. $50 discount if you register by Jan. 17th. Course fee $450
Feb. 17-21, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 5 sessions (TWThFSaM, Farmington High School - Room 904
Catalyst SAT Bootcamp - (for March 14th test)
In just one weekend, come learn everything you need to know to outsmart the SAT from the only prep
company whose curriculum developers have earned multiple perfect scores (2400) on the test. With
Catalyst’s SAT Bootcamp, you’ll arm yourself with a strategy for every type of question guaranteed to be on
the exam, learn how to avoid the most common traps, and discover how to compose a perfect-score essay
-- no matter what question is asked! The Bootcamp is a momentum-building weekend seminar that gives
students not only the insights and confidence they need the day of the test, but also Catalyst’s self-study
materials for sustained practice right up to the SAT itself. COST: Just $175 to enroll by Wednesday the
week the class starts. No walk-in students will be accepted. TO ENROLL: Visit www.catalystprep.com and
click on Bootcamp Sign-up. For more information, email info@CatalystPrep.com or call 800.235.0056.
Mar. 7-8, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 2 sessions (SaSu), Farmington High School - Room 901
Catalyst ACT Bootcamp - (for April 18th test)
Learn everything you need to know to outsmart the ACT with Catalyst’s veteran test-prep instructors.
After Catalyst’s ACT Bootcamp, you’ll know how to crack the 10 types of English questions, quickly
decipher confusing Science passages, shortcut long reading comprehension passages, and tackle every type of
math question that’s guaranteed to be on the test! Cost is $175. Sign up at www.CatalystPrep.com or call
800.235.0056 with any questions.
Apr. 7-9, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 2 sessions (TTh), Farmington High School - Room 903
Ivy Bound SAT Preparation Classes - (for May 2nd test)
Ivy Bound Test Prep is offering a “Vacation Boot Camp” Abbreviated SAT Prep Course to Farmington High
School students at a very affordable price. This course is designed to offer a comprehensive approach to
maximizing students’ scores. Learn valuable SAT test skills and strategies! With Ivy Bound’s prep course,
students have a greater opportunity to increase their scores and in doing so, earn scholarship award money
and gain better college admissions! Ivy Bound instructors must score in the top 1% themselves. They know
the test, they know teens. Last class full practice test to be held at Ivy Bound in Newington. Receive a $50
discount if you register by Mar. 13th. For more information, or to register, call 860-666-5550, email
robin@ivybound.net, or visit www.ivybound.net Course fee $450
(A) Apr. 13-18, 9 AM to 12:30 PM, 6 sessions (MTWThFSa)
(B) Apr. 13-18, 1 PM to 4:30 PM, 6 sessions (MTWThFSa)
Farmington High School - Room 904
Tips for Success in Studies and Tests
Do you read but wish you could retain more when you take tests and quizzes? Do you find it takes you too
long to complete your reading assignments in your classes? Do you sometimes wonder what the main ideas
are in your reading assignments? If you are a middle school, high school student, or interested adult learner,
and would like to learn some strategies for improving your reading comprehension, speed, retention and
preparation for quizzes and tests, this course is for you! Taught by a teacher and tutor with over 25 years of
experience in high school and college settings, this course will review tips to help you feel more comfortable
and competent when you read and take tests. We will examine methods of studying, reviewing and retaining
content in diverse content areas, including English, social studies and science. All materials, including
handouts, will be provided by the teacher. PowerPoint presentations, web sites from Testtakingtips.com,
Capital’s Online Guide to Grammar and Writing, Virginia Tech University, and Middleborough High School’s
invaluable Study Skills Guide for High School Students are among the resources which will be reviewed.
Apr. 27 - May 18, 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, 4 sessions (M)
Farmington High School - Room 905, Course Fee: $39
Clarifying the College Admission Process
A lecture and discussion-based course from a professional school counselor, educator, and college
consultant with over 20 years of experience, which will offer insight into the following aspects of the college
admission process: shaping the student’s profile, discovering the best-fit college, completing the common
application, dealing with financial aid, finding scholarships, writing essays, determining a timetable for
standardized tests and college deadlines, and more.
Mar. 19, 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, 1 session (Th)
Farmington High School - Room 612, Course Fee: $10
Princeton Review SAT/ACT Start-Up
Want to experience both the ACT and the redesigned SAT in a single testing experience? This is your
opportunity! Perfect for the Class of 2017 and beyond, this test combines question types that you will see
on the ACT and the redesigned SAT (coming in Spring 2016). After the test you’ll receive a score report
highlighting your strengths and areas of focus for each test, including explanations for every question.
Mar. 28, 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 1 session (Sa)
Farmington High School - Room 906, Course Fee: $20
Princeton Review ACT Fundamentals Course
Targeted prep covering the essentials. How do you score higher on the ACT? By learning how to take the
test. Our experts have spent endless hours researching the ACT so that we can teach you the test-taking
and pacing strategies needed in order for you to beat this test. In this course you will receive the study tools
and guidance you’ll need to master the techniques both in and out of the classroom. The ACT Fundamentals
Course is 18 hours of classroom instruction and 4 full-length practice exams. Use Promo Code TPRHS100
to receive a $100 discount! For more information and to enroll, call The Princeton Review at 1(800)2REVIEW or visit www.princetonreview.com!
Apr. 2 - June 11, 6 PM to 9 PM, 10 sessions (Th)
(tests on Apr. 2, 30, May 21, June 4 from 5:30pm-9:30pm),
Farmington High School - Room 906, Course Fee: $599
Princeton Review Assessment Practice Test
Part-ACT, part-SAT, the Princeton Review Assessment Test helps students determine which test is right for
them. The test includes a detailed score report that will help you understand which test plays more naturally
to your strengths.
Jan. 24, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 1 session (Sa)
Farmington High School - Room 906, Course Fee: $25
Essay Writing for the SAT’s
Are you a high school student who plans to take the SAT’s this year or in 2016? This course will help you
write an effective SAT essay for the current SAT test and will introduce you to the College Board’s newly
designed 2016 SAT essay. This class offers an interactive experience in which we will read and critique
sample SAT essays, learn about sites which facilitate writing, including Purdue University’s Online Writing
Lab and Capital’s Online Guide to Grammar and Writing. The course will provide you with several SAT
prompts and suggestions for composing excellent SAT essays. There will also be an opportunity for you to
draft two SAT essays as practice for the SAT test. The instructor, an English tutor liaison and workshop
leader at Capital Community College, is a former scorer of SAT and standardized state essays for the
College Board, with several years of experience as a high school counselor and English teacher. Students of
varied abilities and interests are welcome; all materials, including a packet of handouts, will be provided by
the instructor. Feel confident and prepared as you take the SAT’s!
Mar. 2-9, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 2 sessions (M)
Farmington High School - Room 905, Course Fee: $39
Crafting College Essays & What Colleges REALLY Want to Know
This workshop will offer an opportunity for adolescents to learn: forms of autobiographical writing by
providing examples of resumes, personal statements, epistles, and literary/scholarly essays; the language
commonly utilized by each of those approaches; and an examination of viewpoint, structure, tone, argument,
and conclusions in each of those samples. Learn and discuss the literary, stylistic, and rhetorical techniques
necessary for persuasive and effective autobiographical essay writing which is required not only for the
Common Application essay, but also for reflective life in and beyond college, in which we constantly ask
ourselves and seek to express who we are, what we believe, and what we intend to do.
Mar. 24-31, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, 2 sessions (T)
Lewis Mills High School - Room A121, Course Fee: $19
The Art of College Cost Planning
In this workshop, you will gather information on how rising college students and families understand the
financial aid system. Learn to analyze your families ability to receive financial aid, review financial aid
documents, and negotiate with institutions for the most beneficial financial aid package.
Apr. 7, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 1 session (T)
Lewis Mills High School - Room A121, Course Fee: $5
Farmington Public Schools
Eat  Learn  Live
Jill Donnelly, Food Service Director
860-673-6343
January 2015
December’s
Popcorn Tasting
was a great
success!
Students enjoyed the
health benefits of whole
grain popcorn flavored
with herbs and spices in
the month of December.
Chef Jose’s popcorn
tasting table brought
excitement to several of
Farmington Public
Schools’ cafeterias.
Students were eager to
enjoy a sample and to
learn about this fiberfilled snack.
Sara Garbin, Registered Dietitian
Granola Bar Tasting
This January, we look forward to highlighting the flavors and
health benefits of whole grains and dried fruit with
homemade granola bar samples. Whole grains and dried fruit are
an excellent source of fiber and nutrition. Daily consumption of
whole grains and fiber has been proven to reduce the risk of
diabetes, heart disease, asthma, cancer, and high blood pressure.
Fiber is also essential for digestive health. Dried fruits generally
contain more fiber than an equivalent serving size of fresh fruit,
and serve as a good source of antioxidants. Dried fruits such as
apricots, raisins, prunes and figs contain a high amount of beta
carotene, Vitamin E, niacin, iron, magnesium, potassium, and
calcium. In addition, they have a longer shelf life and are an
easy on-the-go snack option!
January Food
Focus WHOLE
GRAINS and
DRIED FRUIT!
Chartwells Dining Services is excited to announce our Food Focus event for the
month of January. We will be conducting a Granola Bar Tasting at several of the
Farmington schools as we highlight the nutritional benefits of dried fruit, whole
grains, and spices. We will be preparing homemade cinnamon granola bars made
with prunes, cinnamon, and oatmeal. Dried fruit such as prunes are packed with
fiber and antioxidants, and they provide a natural sweetness to any recipe. We invite
you to enjoy a sample at our Chef Table!
The recipes for our cinnamon granola bars are as follows:
Cinnamon Granola Bar
Portion: 1 bar
Ingredients
12 oz Cereal, Oatmeal, Quick Dry
6 oz Prunes, Juice Pack, Pitted, Canned, Drained, Chopped
2 tsp Spice, Cinnamon, Ground
½ tsp Salt, Bulk
1 cup Sugar, Brown, Light
¼ pound Butter, Salted
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I M P L E M E N TAT I O N
P RO G R E S S U P DAT E
Redefining Graduation Standards in World Languages
Last year, FPS’s World Language Department participated in a program review. The outcome
was a set of five recommendations that will serve as the foundation for the work of the
department as it moves forward. One of the recommendations stated: Maintain proficiency
standard and align it to a recognized world language standard (consistent with a mastery-based approach).
To that end, this January, all FHS world language teachers will be trained to administer a
nationally recognized assessment of student speaking skills called the Modified Oral Proficiency
Interview (MOPI) which is sponsored by the American Council of Teachers of Foreign
Languages (ACTFL). This training, facilitated by a Harvard professor, will allow teachers and
students to identify their level of oral proficiency as measured against ACTFL’s proficiency
guidelines. By the 2015-2016 school year, teachers will revise the speaking portion of the FLST
exam to align more closely to this model and will assess student performance against the
benchmarks. Once the new assessment is implemented, meeting standard on the oral portion
of the FLST will guarantee that every FHS graduate has met standard at a nationally recognized
level of oral proficiency in either French or Spanish.
Using Instructional Coaches to Accelerate Instructional Innovation
In an effort to support teachers in creating classroom environments in which students are at the
center of the learning experience and engaged in meaningful and challenging work, FHS has
three Literacy Coaches who are available to support the professional growth of all teachers
across the disciplines. Michelle Tardif, Jessica Tolles, and Jill Pilon have worked with teachers
to focus on the development of literacy skills and research-based instructional practices,
including techniques to support differentiation with a focus on Universal Design for
Learning. They have connected with teachers from all content-areas to work on assessment
design, use of common rubrics, curriculum revision, and lessons aligned with the Framework
for Teaching and Learning.
The Literacy Coaches are currently working with teams in the English department to develop
and incorporate more student choice and project-based learning experiences into the
curriculum. For example, they have been working with the English 200 team (grade 10) since
September, delivering professional development and guiding curriculum revision efforts to
include two new choice units. One of the new units focused on examining character
development in the context of student-selected novels. Students engaged in a reader’s
workshop involving a collaborative study of character development, author’s craft, and theme.
FARMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL DESIGN TEAM
Implementation/Progress
January 2015
After working with a mentor text to learn and practice analytical reading skills in a whole group setting, students
applied these skills in a small group setting to read and discuss a novel of their choice.
The reader’s workshop approach puts students at the center of instruction in a highly engaging setting to encourage
critical thinking, small-group and whole-class collaboration, and communication centered around student-generated
inquiry. By embedding on-going professional development during weekly team meetings and during professional
development release time, the Literacy Coaches will continue to build teacher capacity in the creation of assessments
and the use of reader’s workshop structure to deliver student-centered instruction in upcoming units.
New Report Advocates for Student-Centered Learning in Connecticut Schools
Representatives from the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE), the Connecticut Association of
Public School Superintendents (CAPSS), the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) and Regional Education Service
Centers (RESCs), have collaborated to produce a white paper entitled, “A Look to the Future: Personalized Learning in
Connecticut”. This report articulates an urgency for change, a definition of Personalized Learning, and recommends
policies, incentives and supports that would benefit all Connecticut students. There are many clear connections to
Farmington’s Design Team recommendations in this paper and the conclusion echoes many of the concepts and ideas
reflected in our school and program development plans. The full report can be accessed online by searching the title.
In conclusion, a quote from the white paper: “Our world is rapidly changing in ways that will require greater flexibility
and independence of our students. If we are to prepare Connecticut’s children to meet 21st Century demands, we
must transform our 20th Century system of teaching and learning. The reforms embodied in a personalized learning
system will enable us to accomplish this transformation. By empowering students to determine personalized paths of
study encompassing a broad range of potential learning experiences, a personalized learning system promotes student
agency, independence, and self-determination. By involving students in deep and continuous reflection on their
learning performance in both formative and summative assessments, a personalized learning system embeds
constructive response to critical feedback as an essential and expected habit of work. By requiring students to
demonstrate their readiness for advancement through mastery of rigorous standards, a personalized learning system
builds the expectation that successful performance is the desired outcome of the learning enterprise. In a personalized
learning system, all children in the State of Connecticut will leave our schools having repeatedly proven their
independence, self-determination, resilience, and ability to succeed. We should require nothing less, for they deserve
nothing less.”