Titan Times Magazine

TITANTIMES ISSUE NO. 6 // WINTER 2018

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

A PUBLICATION OF THE PEMBROKE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

WINTER 2018

TITAN TIMES MAGAZINE

Superintendent's Letter A MESSAGE FROM ERIN OBEY

Pembroke Public Schools are as special place- one that provides a foundation on which our students can learn to overcome obstacles, realize their potential and build a successful future.

As we move into the second half of this school year, I want to take a moment and express my sincere thanks to our team of educators for their continuous commitment to improving student achievement and commend our students for continuing to work and study hard.

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I’ve had the privilege of observing staff and student accomplishments, and I continue to be inspired by the many success stories coming out of our schools; our students are being accepted at competitive colleges and universities, shining at regional competitions and continuously supporting those who are in need. Our hard working staff members are also inspiring in their efforts to support and guide our students many times long after the school day ends.

Enjoy reading about our special PPS community and share our pride as we continue our mission of excellence in teaching and learning.

CONTENTS

WWW.PEMBROKEK12.ORG

the contents FEATURED STORIES 21ST CENTURY CLASSROOMS

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Makerspaces- p. 12 Flexible Seating-p. 13 Digital Citizenship- p. 14 Skype Lessons-p.15 Shark Tank-p. 16 Google Classroom-p.17 Augmented Reality Pioneer Program-p.18

SEEING MULTIPLES? CLASS OF 2018 Pembroke High School has 16 sets of twins and 1 set of triplets graduating in 2018.

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Superintendent Letter News & Noteworthy Random Acts of Kindness Scenes from our Schools Fine Arts & Music Update Athletics Update 21st Century Classrooms Student Literature Artist Bren Bataclan Social Learning Seeing Multiples? Class of 2018 Achievement Update-Full Day Kindergarten DECA Awards Alumni Feature

FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN Pembroke Public Schools are thrilled to announce the move to a full day kingdergarten program in the fall of 2018.

A PCMS Student Celebrates Honor Role

Some of Artist Bren Batclan's work at NPES

A Hobomock student enjoyed the Jingle Jog

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News & Noteworthy Pembroke High School student invited to the State of the Commonwealth address State Representative Josh Cutler invited Pembroke High School student Hannah Murphy as his guest to Governor Baker’s annual State of the Commonwealth address. Ms. Baker was among three high school students that Cutler gave his seat to in an effort to get more young people engaged with politics.

Hannah was nominated by her Advanced Placement Government Teacher, Edward Gould due to her work ethic, knowledge of how the government functions and her interest in politics. She was joined by students from Hanson and Duxbury.

The visit allowed the students to see how the government functions from and "insiders" perspective and this opportunity only furthered Hannah's interest in pursuing a career in politics. Congratulations Hannah!

Murphy was joined by Marc Benjamino from Hanson and Will Bittrich from Duxbury

Pembroke High School Exam Review Night To help our freshmen and sophomores better prepare for semester exams, our National Honor Society invited all 9th and 10th graders to attend the first annual Exam Review Night in January. For many of these students, semester exams are new concept, and navigating the challenges of exam week can pose problems, particularly for our underclassmen. During the evening, members of our National Honor Society helped students prepare for exam week by discussing review study/organizational skills as well as by running tutoring sessions in classes such as Biology, Geometry, World History, English and more.

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Students were free to move from session to session to meet their individual needs, and they were encouraged to bring their study materials, including study guides, to this important evening. Refreshments such as hot chocolate and other sweets were also served. Overall, students found this evening very beneficial and helped them prepare for a successful exam week.

PEMBROKE PUBLIC SCHOOLS RECEIVES STEM CAREER PATHWAY CAPACITY GRANT The Pembroke Public School District announced that it has received a grant to offer high-quality science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs from Project Lead The Way (PLTW).

PLTW is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for K-12 students and teachers through pathways in computer science, engineering and biomedical science. More than 10,500 schools across the country offer PLTW programs to millions of students.

“We are excited to partner with PLTW in order to offer our middle school students and teachers an opportunity to explore a project based, STEM rich curriculum. With PLTW’s support, we will have access to professional development and materials that will enable our middle school students to explore STEM pathways that will define careers in the 21st century.” Marybeth Brust, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction.

Pembroke is just one of 73 schools across the commonwealth to receive the grant, which is supported by the Administration of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, the One8 Foundation, and Mass STEM Hub. “It is essential that we engage our students throughout their K-12 school years with hands-on lessons in science, engineering, computer science, technology and math,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.

Pembroke will use grant funds to start its PLTW program with PLTW’s Gateway program. Funds from the grant will also support teacher professional development and the purchase of materials and equipment that will be used in the hands-on, activity-, project-, and problem-based courses.

“We are proud to partner with Pembroke to empower students to develop the in-demand knowledge and transportable skills to thrive in our evolving world,” said Vince Bertram, PLTW president and CEO. “Thank you to the Governor’s Office, the One8 Foundation, and Mass STEM Hub for making these grants possible and further investing in Massachusetts’s students.”

About PLTW Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for K-12 students and teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW’s teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. More than 10,500 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs. For more information on Project Lead The Way, visit pltw.org.

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RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS creating A culture of pride and community

"We were thrilled to host our Random Acts of Kindness celebration today.

Thanks to our students that have been caught doing something good simple and small- but something that positively affects our school’s culture nevertheless."

- Principal Marc Talbot.

Promoting a culture of kindness helps create an environment that emphasizes respect for others, promotes responsible decisions, creates a positive atmosphere that teaches empathy, strengthens the school community and increases positive behaviors.

At Pembroke High School, the students are the driving force behind creating this type of kindness first culture and the teachers and principals celebrated this with a Random Acts of Kindness Breakfast in December. Principal Marc Talbot said, “We were thrilled to host our Random Acts of Kindness celebration today. Thanks to our students that have been caught doing something good - simple and small- but something that positively affects our school’s culture nevertheless.”

Not only are students seen doing simple acts of kindness but you can feel the culture of kindness weaved into the everyday lives at Pembroke High School. Students helped to spread positivity with post it notes with welcome back messages at the beginning of the year. They handed out stickers for Kindness Week in February for the Random Acts of Kindness Week Campaign.

Positive posters promoting self-worth, friendship and acceptance can be seen throughout the halls and students organized a blood drive with a social media campaign all about making an impact proving that a little kindness can go a long way both for the culture of a school but also the community.

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#TITANPRIDE

SCENES FROM AROUND TITAN TOWN Follow us on social media for regular updates and photos from all of our schools.

The PHS Fan section showed support and school spirit.

A student was acting principal for the day.

Students enjoyed the glow run

Dr. Glaude treated students to a story.

Pembroke Fire Department taught safety tips in our schools.

PCMS Students programmed video games as part of math apps.

Students thanked local veterans.

PCMS Students posed at the snowball dance.

DOWNLOAD OUR APP PAGE | 07

FINE ARTS & MUSIC UPDATE WITH GWYNNE CHAPMAN Pembroke High School's visual art students recently received recognition from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for their outstanding works. Two students both received the award of Honorable Mention for their respective digitally rendered images, Caroline Tinlin and Jackson Saia. In their Introduction to Animation class both Caroline and Jackson created visionary works simulating reality in their unique digital environments.

Pembroke High School is pleased to announce that two of their talented art students have work that has been accepted to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Emerging Young Artists 2018 Juried Exhibition. This highly competitive event celebrates the artistic merit of New England’s top high school art students. This annual high school invitational exhibition showcases the work of many of the region’s most talented students. The Emerging Young Artists Invitational Exhibition recognizes the exceptional merit of high school art students and celebrates quality high school art programs in Massachusetts. The participating schools are invited to be part of the exhibition because of the long-term commitment that they have demonstrated toward art education and for the quality of the work that comes from their programs.

The exhibition’s call for artists drew over 800 entrees, 66 pieces were chosen and 2 of those 66 selected are from PPS students!

Congratulations to Lara Federspiel and Noah Bladen and to their art teachers Amy Motta and Jessica Lazarus!

Congratulations to PHS senior, Elianna Maalouly and PHS junior, Emma Keane for their acceptance to the 2018 Massachusetts All-State Chorus! Both Pembroke High School students will attend the state festival March 1st through March 3rd at the World Trade Center in Boston. They will be singing under conductor Dr. Charlene Achibeque.

The festival will culminate with a performance on the stage of Symphony Hall in Boston.

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WINTER HIGHLIGHTS Students and staff were greeted with holiday music from our talented musicans during the month of December at PHS. March is Music in our Schools Month with Concerts on March 14th, 15th and 21st. The concerts feature students in grades 4-12 who sing in school chorus or play an instrument in the band or orchestra to perform on the same concert program together. Please note that All Band Night is a ticketed event due to space capacity. Band students received their tickets in band class to bring home for caregivers.

Bryantville students in Grades 3-6 have been enjoying Friday morning art club with teacher Ms. Dunn.

Pembroke High School hosted the first 30 plays in 60 minutes show in February which was a smashing success!

Hobmock students have been hard at work learning to work with clay shown to the right.

The Pembroke Music Department is thrilled to announce that 22 Pembroke musicians have been accepted into the 2018 Senior SEMSBA Music Festival and 10 student musicians have been accepted into the 2018 Junior SEMSBA Music Festival.

Can't Make the Show?

Tune into Comcast Channel 14 for concert coverage.

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ATHLETICS UPDATE

BY ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, JUSTIN J. DOMINGOS The Pembroke High School Titans wrapped up another great season. Senior Swimming Captain Elizabeth Brown wrapped up her four-year swimming career at Pembroke High School with a trip to the MIAA Division II State Meet at Boston University in February. She competed admirably despite not posting her best time in the 100-meter Butterfly. She leaves her team with a solid foundation going forward and her talent and academic achievements are unmatched. In addition, seniors, Grace Viviano, Hannah Johnson and Sarah MacDonald can be credited with recruiting many new faces to the Titan’s swim teams and the future looks bright for the lady Titans.

Pembroke Sophomore Ryan Parmenter earned a spot in the New England Championships in Rhode Island after an impressive second place finish in the AllState. The team won the Patriot League Fisher Decision and qualified for the AllNew England Meet. Kylie Watts placed 5th at the MIAA Division 2 Meet.

Boys track finished another strong season as the Fisher Division Champions and the MIAA Division 3 State Runner Ups. The Girls Track team also had an impressive season with qualified athletes for the MIAA Championship within every event.

Records were broken this season when senior Tyler Spencer became a 1,000 point scorerer and became PHS’s all-time leading scorer for Boys Basketball. The team also enjoyed playing at the Boston Garden this year and won the Titan Holiday Classic vs. Southeastern.

Not to be outdone, the Girls Basketball team made school history by advancing to the MIAA Division 2 Semifinals vs. Nauset for the first time. The team was the 15th seed and beat the #2 seed Carver, and # 7 seed Falmouth leading into the D2 Semifinals.

Patriot League MVP Morgan Hackett completed an outstanding season which concluded with a beam performance at Regionals. The Patriot League Meet Champs had two Pembroke gymnasts qualify for All-States, with Hackett on AllAround and Tori Newton on Vault.

The Boys Hockey finished their season 5-14-1. The team wrapped with a 5-3 win over Silver Lake and during that game Chazz Wright had a hat trick.

The Girls Hockey team were Gould Cup Champions, defeated Falmouth 4-2 in the MIAA Preliminary Game but ultimately fell to Natick in the MIAA D2 1st round.

Cheerleading won their first regional championship in school history and placed 6th at All States. The team finished the season with outstanding performance.

Congratulations to all our student athletes on a great season! Titan Pride!

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@PHS_Titans

GO TITANS!

Ethan Rankin- Indoor Track Olivia Chilcott- Indoor Track Jack Willshire- Swimming Elizabeth Brown-Swimming Sean Dahlquist- Basketball Abby Guthro- Basketball Carly Birolini- Hockey Mike Connell- Wrestling

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

PATRIOT LEAGUE ALL STARS Roman Frattasio- Track Christian Pulselli- MVP, Track Spencer Gagnon- Track William Richards- Track Noah Gordon- Track Alex Wengryn- Track Justin Gaiser- Track Chris Spellman-Track Cole Radke- Track Cam Anderson- Track Colton Cappa -Track Aly Coyle- Track Lara Federspeil- Track Lauren Freeley-Track Julianna Michini- Track Sarah Tormey-Track

Sean Dahlquist- Basketball Tyler Spencer- Basketball Jayne Howe- Basketball Katie Galligan- Baskbetball Tori Newton- Gymnastics (Vault) Katie Kemp- Gymnastics (Floor) Morgan Hackett- Gymnastics (MVP) Brook McIssac- Hockey Amanda Schafer- Hockey Kelly Cunningham- Hockey Kristian Dawes- Wrestling Frankie Falcone- Wrestling Ryan Parmenter- Wrestling Kyle Watts- Wrestling

TEAM CAPTAINS Samuel Jacobs- Swimming Grace Viviano- Swimming Elizabeth Brown- Swimming Sean Dahlquist- Basketball Max McCarthy- Basketball Rob Raleigh- Basketball Tyler Spencer- Basketball Abby Guthro- Basketball Kate Norton- Basketball Jayne Howe- Basketball Bridget Gannon- Gymnastics Same Brown- Hockey Patrick Mulhern- Hockey Brooke McIssac- Hockey Kelly Cunningham- Hockey Amanda Schafer- Hockey

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD WINNERS Jack Willshire- Swimming Katie Hrivnak- Swimming Nate Kavka- Basketball Kate Norton- Basketball Chazz Wright- Hockey Molly Hanrahan- Hockey Matt Nugent- Track Sam Goodman -Track Joseph Donovan- Wrestling PAGE | 11

21st CENTURY CLASSROOMS

Another key component in the 21st century classroom that goes beyond the design and functionality of the space is technology integration.

Our teachers are utilizing technology as a tool to stimulate curiosity and inspire students’ desire to learn but also as a way to gauge and assess a students’ learning in real time. This type of technology integration involves more than just the use of technology, but using technology to help students achieve in different ways than was ever possible before. Pembroke Public Schools have been utilizing programs such as Lexia Core Reading, Front Row Math, Skype, Google Expeditions, iReady, Study Island, Tenmarks, and more as part of the ongoing commitment to impacting student growth and achievement.

Being able to work together is a critical component to being successful in the workforce as an adult. This is why a collaborative learning environment is a critical piece to the 21st century classroom. In addition, collaboration fosters the development of new ideas and exposes students to opposing viewpoints.

Opportunities for creative expression helps build student confidence and celebrate the uniqueness that each student brings to the classroom. This type of hands on learning allows the teacher to be a facilitator and their role can be reshaped so that they work beside students providing support and encouragement for their personal journey.

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What is a Makerspace?

A place where students can collaborate, innovate and create through hands on learning experiences. Students can dream, make and think in our makerspaces. Through the powerful process of imagining a problem, designing and testing solutions, students can develop creative confidence, persistence and purpose while developing 21st century skills. These skills are critical in the minds of the future change-makers and problem-solvers. Pembroke Public Schools have been working to implement these Makerspaces in all of the elementary schools.

North Pembroke librarian Kate Nugent has installed magnetics and Lego wall that the students have really enjoyed this year. In addition, Hobomock and Bryantville both have dedicated Makerspaces for teachers to utilize for a variety of classroom lessons.

YROTS ERUTAEF

A 21st century classroom encourages a personalized learning environment with the driving factor being flexibility. Students are given choices that empower them to make decisions based on how they learn best and this type of environment supports that methodology. The 21st century classroom gives teachers the ability to respond to different students’ needs and offer a personalized learning experience.

Typically, the classroom has flexible seating options which allow a variety of grouping formats and lesson types that take into account students’ widely varying learning styles.

The Importance of Flexible Seating

STUDENT CENTERED CLASSROOMS CREATE COMFORTABLE, SAFE AND RELAXED LEARNING ENVIROMENTS. The physical layout of student centered classroom looks somewhat different from a traditional classroom. Whether a child prefers to sit in a traditional seat or explore a nontraditional posture, this type of classroom is designed to increase communication, learning and creativity. Students are not locked-in to a seating assignment and have the ability to make a different seating choice when they switch subjects throughout the day, as their academic needs dictate. For example, some students may want to use a traditional type of seat during math, but then use a yoga mat while reading a favorite novel. The choice and freedom is theirs as long as they're exercising a responsible choice that helps them be academically successful. This allows our students the freedom to foster their creativity, work in groups, become mindful of their own learning behaviors and needs, and give them a feeling of ownership and peace while in the academic setting.

Flexible seating is a concept rooted in educational research that encourages students to choose their type of seating based on their learning preferences. For example, some students prefer to stand while learning, while some students prefer to sit on the floor or on their knees. Other students prefer a traditional table and some students prefer to sit and have their work elevated in front of them, facilitated by a drafting table. In some instances, students might need to move while working. These students can enjoy doing their work seated on a movable glider chair, yoga balls, or a bicycle add-on.

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Digital Citizenship

Common Sense (www.commonsense.org) is another great resource for parents and families. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to empowering kids to thrive in the world of media and technology. Download the Common Sense App for a quick reference guide to age appropriate media.

Digital Literacy is one component of being a digital citizen and plays a vital role in helping a child succeed both in school and throughout their lives. As part of learning what it means to be a responsible digital citizen, students explore what it means to take on responsibilities in both their offline and online communities. They are taught that they are responsible for how they utilize technology to interact with the world around them.

The “Rings of Responsibility” lesson plan is just one of the ways our elementary schools have integrated digital citizenship into the curriculum. Students sat in circles and explored the responsibilities they have to themselves, friends, family, and larger communities, both offline and online. They explored what it means to be respectful and responsible and discussed the consequences when students don’t behave responsibly online. They learned that as a digital citizen, they are a member of a worldwide community linked by the Internet and that being a good digital citizen means taking care of your responsibilities to yourself, to your friends and family, and to the larger community!

Students discussed the importance of visiting only sites that are safe and appropriate as an example of a responsibility to themselves. Not to share friend’s private information or their family’s address are an examples of a responsibilities they have to friends and family. Not calling people names online is a responsibility they have to the larger community.

As technology is further incorporated into both the classroom setting and our lives at home, educators have the ability to expand a child’s learning and enhance their 21st century skills. When done correctly, technology can be used to encourage learning and bring experiences to children in ways never possible in the past.

In the fall, Pembroke Public Schools invited the community for an evening discussion on the topic of technology and our students. Janel Hofman, a recognized speaker and author on the topic of technology safety came to our schools to share her expertise with the community. Jannel is the author of the book iRules: What Every Tech Healthy Family Needs to Know about Selfies, Gaming, and Growing Up. Her website www.janellburleyhofmann.com is a great resource for technology and families.

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Using Skype in the Classroom A window into the world Increasingly, educators globally are transforming their classroom using Skype to create powerful, authentic, motivating learning experiences for their students. From connecting with classrooms in other locations to learning about each other’s culture to connecting with content experts — educators are extending learning beyond classroom walls.

Hobomock Elementary School teacher Mindy Murphy recently organized a Skype lesson with a Yellowstone National Park ranger as part of a comprehensive National Park and Monument project the fourth-graders had been working on.

The ranger connected with the students, sharing her knowledge of geology — geysers, hot springs, volcanos; ecology — wildlife, predator/prey, fire, habitats, adaptations; cultural history; and the National Park Service mission of preservation.

Fourth-graders at Hobomock were treated to a 40-minute lesson plan where they were able to speak directly to the ranger and ask questions as if they were in the same room, thanks to the use of Skype. The ranger shared photos of the landscapes, as well as actual fossils of the types of animals they would encounter in the park.

Shark Tank Engaging students with learning in new ways.

The picture above shows the Shark Tank Judges as they decide what to invest their money in..

The picture above shows the Yellowstone Ranger that spoke with Hobmoch fourth graders via Skype.

"School is boring." There is no place for that statement when teachers are resourceful, engaging and promote authentic learning. But how do teachers make their classes the opposite of boring? By using teaching techniques that get students to think creatively, usually in cooperation with other students and to solve real world problems.

Shark Tank is an example of just that type of innovative lesson planning. Students began the Shark Tank project by assuming the role of an entrepreneur tasked with devising a proprietary, practical invention that could be a product or service. They developed a business plan for their invention and a prototype for their product. Along the way they develop important critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration skills.

Students then presented their inventions in front of their peers as well as the “Sharks” as part of the final project. Their presentations included production costs, profit margins and marketing ideas. The teachers and staff serving as the Sharks provided feedback and decided how much to invest in their products. The Shark Tank project was a great way teachers could get their students engaged, involved and working together. These skills are important not only in school, but also will help them be successful in the workplace.

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GOOGLE FOR EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY UPDATE Technology at Pembroke Public Schools has progressed considerably over the last several years.

The district commitment to impacting student growth and achievement through the integration of technology programs and practices is evident in all of the schools. Perhaps the biggest change to date has been the switch to Google Apps for Education, which launched this fall. Last September, Pembroke launched Google with extensive professional development for teachers and staff. With the roll out of Google Apps for Education, our schools are now using Google Classroom, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms and Sites along with a variety of other tools.

These digital learning features are key to connecting with students and allowing them to access curriculum no matter where they are located. In addition to the launch of these programs, Pembroke has put a team in place to help facilitate and utilize them in ways to support student growth and achievement. This includes the hiring of a District Wide Technology Integrator in the Fall of 2017 as well as continuous professional development opportunities throughout the year.

Pembroke Public Schools have positioned themselves to become a leader for technology in education. The new technology Integrator, Brandon Hall highlights this and the district on a Technology Podcast called Titan Tech. He also works with teachers to train them on using technology effectively in their lessons and has created a resource library for teachers to collaborate and share innovative new ideas. Students at Pembroke High School manage a Genius Bar that assists other students with their own devices, all while teaching skills like management, communication and customer service to our students. Pembroke has an extensive BYOD (Bring Your Own Device Network) and this Genius Bar provides students a place to get the help they need if their devices are having issue accessing the curriculum or network.

TITANTECH

BY BRANDON HALL TO LISTEN TO AN AUDIO PODCAST OPEN ITUNES AND SOUNDCLOUD TO DOWNLOAD AND SUBSCRIBE TO PODCASTS.

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GOOGLE EXPEDITIONS AR Pioneer Program

Pembroke Public Schools are thrilled to announce they have been chosen to participate in the Google Expeditions AR (augmented reality) Pioneer Program. Expeditions brings immersive computing to schools, which brings abstract concepts to life and gives students a deeper understanding of the world beyond the classroom. Augmented reality is a technology that allows a computer-generated image to be superimposed on a user’s view of the world, allowing users to place digital objects in real spaces.

This generates a new dimension to learning and help students grasp abstract concepts. While nothing replaces hopping on the bus for a field trip, Expeditions provides an unparalleled opportunity for supplemental learning. Seeing the brilliant ways teachers integrate VR in their classes has taught us so much already, and we’re excited to see what possibilities AR brings.

Expeditions VR was introduced in 2015 and allowed teachers to take their classes on virtual field trips, immersing students in experiences. In addition to Expedition, Pembroke Public Schools have also been integrating Google Cardboard into the classroom.

Google Cardboard is a virtual reality viewer made almost entirely of actual cardboard. Cardboard allows anyone with a modern smartphone to experience virtual reality.

Pembroke Community Middle School was the first school in the district to launch the Google Expeditions AR Program on February 5, 2018. A representative from Google trained our science teachers on how to use the AR feature of the App and help teachers facilitate the sessions throughout the day. They will return in March and April for additional lessons and of the other schools in the district will experience the program.

AR VR

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view.

Virtual Reality is the computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors.

Google Expeditions AR is coming to your school!

North Pembroke - March 5 Hobomock - March 7 Bryantville - March 8 PHS - April 12 PCMS (Social Studies) - April 30 PAGE | 17

STUDENT LITERATURE

EDITOR'S NOTE: THESE ARTICLES WERE SUBMITTED AS PART OF A SOCIAL ISSUES LESSON IN A CREATIVE WRITING COURSE AT PHS. FOR ADDITIONAL ARTICLES CHECK THEIR GOOGLE SITE: TBD

Hidden Crisis in Schools By: Hannah Dixon Something must change when the most common phrase I hear from multiple other students throughout the day is “I want to die”. As the years progress and schools increase their expectations for students, more and more studies have come out showing the high numbers of students with mental illnesses in high school and college. It has grown in the last decade and keeps growing still. Along with this issue, students are also not getting the services they need. Services such as mental health dismissals, allocation for excused mental health days, and school work help for students struggling with anxiety or depression- are all uncommon yet necessary. The education system in America has to change when fifty percent of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by fourteen. I am heartbroken to think that schools are a leading factor towards increasing students’ anxieties and other mental illnesses.

I am that student. I have diagnosed general anxiety and insomnia. For years I have struggled with overwhelming school work and stress to have perfect grades. The expectation to have everything figured out and ready is also overwhelming. There is a lot that students in highschool carry on their shoulders. I have been lucky enough to have a school-regulated plan that helps me when I’m anxious- but not every school has that. Even with a plan, I still struggle to make it through school days sometimes. The most effective way to fix this crisis is to lower stress and work put on students. When I ask my parents if school was overwhelming to them, the answer I get is “Only during finals”. Nowadays? If I asked a student if school overwhelmed them, I could hear a variation of answers similar to “All the time”.

I do believe that it is natural for school to be stressful, but it becomes worrisome when that stress put on students impacts their health. It should not be like that. The stress to be a perfect student is agonizing and puts the student through years of stress and anxiety. THe high amounts of work, and the high expectations can both hurt the student. Staying up past midnight for homework or from stress reduces sleep and increases the chances of students developing bad sleeping habits. Bad sleep habits then can lead to worse grades, which leads to stress... and it continues.

This issue could be resolved with the help of schools all over the country. If schools could lessen the workload put on students and teach more based on activities than busy work it could lighten the stress put on students. Another way to help this issue that would go a long way would be to educate students more on mental health and how to get help inside and outside of school. That way students would always know where to go when in need of assistance.

Rarely is mental health taught and shown to be just as important as physical health in schools.

The domino effect that school has on students is taking tolls and lives.

More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from all medical illnesses combined. People with mental illnesses are struggling in school; some are even taking their own lives because of it. Something needs to change.

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Homeless, not Hopeless By: Amanda Little Though we live in a small town with a small percentage of homelessness, no one is immune to the tragedy witnessed whenever we take a trip to the city. Whether you commute to Boston everyday for your job or you’re going in town to have a fun day with your friends, you witness on average more than ten homeless people.

Poverty is everywhere, some worse than others.

As someone who has participated in overnight trips to feed the homeless, every year is more heartbreaking than the last. The tour guides, who are either currently or previously homeless, take you on a walk through Boston and point out where they experienced their homelessness. Every year when I go home to my warm home and my full closet of clothes and pantry of food, I feel more grateful than I had been the day before. This past year I had gone to West Virginia with the church I have gone to since I was five years old. The amount of poverty there is amazing. The houses or trailer homes we work on are very unsuitable places to live, but with the average family income being way below the average salary of your neighbor, it is difficult to spend money on repairing your home when you have three kids to feed. Going to West Virginia was an amazing experience that everyone should be able to do. Often in times there are homeless people who sleep in the crevices of buildings and doorways, guarding their few belongings, huddled in their blankets to avoid the frigid winds of winter. Most people cannot afford to provide themselves with essentials they need.

Though most people are homeless through substance abuse, others have found themselves homeless through varieties of scenarios. In addition, most homeless people work between two and three jobs.

Homelessness is no doubt an upsetting and common situation, and we should all do our best to help.

Experiences like feeding the homeless and learning of their stories and helping a family in West Virginia or another area stricken with poverty are what makes me willing to help the homeless. There are several places on the South Shore of Massachusetts where providing for the homeless is very available. It is very easy to donate, even a dollar, to help someone who does not have a home. From my experiences visiting homeless shelters, they can use everything they get. Homeless shelters provide a place to sleep for homeless people in the city, but often in times they are only allowed to stay there for minimal hours. The shelters do not provide comfortable living spaces. Most of the time, people are squeezed into another room with fifty other people with four eight showers to share between them.

The food provided is given by people who donate it, another reason we should give our attention to the homeless.

You and mostly everyone you know lives a comfortable life with a home and warmth and health necessities. By spending a little time, effort, and money, you can make someone’s day and help them feel a little more comfortable in their difficult situation.

Why Your Designer Clothes WON’T actually get you more friends.

By: Nicole Baird

Helicopter Parents are just Hurting their Children By: John Hendriksen

Surprisingly enough, what you wear to school won’t actually determine how many friends you have. That $200 designer bag laying on your hip and your $60 overly ripped jeans won’t keep your friends, because in the end, your personality takes the spotlight. Sure, your clothes and accessories can attract new people into your life with similar interests, but after a while of that money based friendship, you realize the truth of their personality and you don’t always end up staying as their friend.

Personality rules over everything, and we’ve all witnessed the fake friendships, for example in the cafeteria, you watch the same group of people wearing the same exact thing flaunting their expensive backpacks and boots, but do they all probably like each other? Unlikely. Don’t buy the newest iphone or the newest designer dress that just came out so the boy in your english class will like you more, genuine people like others for who they are, not what they wear.

You should not be defined by the amount of money you have but the quality of your personality.

Look around, some people show up to school in pajamas, or wear the same sweatshirt out everyday, and it’s not always because they want to. Poverty is real, and it's not something people deserve to be made fun of and judged for. The girl or boy sitting in the back of the class constantly wearing the same gray sweatshirt and blue jeans could be one of the nicest people you've ever met, but if you judge them and make assumptions based on what they wear, you’re looking at the world completely wrong.

This has been an issue for decades, society is the way it is, someone is always judging someone or something and sadly, money compared to clothes and accessories is an easy target. People should not be so quick to judge those who don’t always wear the most stylish, high end clothes. This doesn’t necessarily mean that those who can afford nice clothes are rude, i'm simply saying stop judging a book by its cover, its 2018, it’s not that hard to get to know someone.

Trust me, I’ve been guilty of this issue myself, but after four years of high school I’ve realized my real friends like my company and my personality more than the new dress I got or the brand of clothes I wear. In the end, no matter your age, you shouldn’t focus your money on what you think you need to make friends, but focus on the type of friends you want and how they treat you.

Every teenager who grew up playing any kind of team sport has experienced a parent who is way too involved, a helicopter parent; the parent that lives vicariously through their child. A helicopter parent is a parent who is overly involved in their child’s life, particularly when it comes to a child’s success in fields such as sports or other extra curriculars.

Helicopter parents were often a high school student who did not live up to their own set expectations, so they put pressure on their child to make up for their past failures, a pressure that results in a demoralized child.

How are they hurting their child? Say a parent was a stud high school basketball player pushes their kid to play basketball,and their kid never had a real interest in basketball. This means that this parent limited their child’s options, they never gave them the opportunity to succeed in something they may have been really good at. This kid could have been a great writer, or a great actor, but their parent had bred them to play basketball, pushing them from a young age to be very good at basketball, and basketball only. This kid would be forced to begin practicing his shot right when he got home from school. He would be obligated to make a set amount of shots before heading inside for the night, if he did not hit this amount of shots by the end of the night, he would continue shooting until he did.

Helicopter parents give their child one option, an option that was predetermined by the parent themselves. By only providing the child with one set path, the parent is limiting their opportunities. Sure, maybe the child will grow up to be very good at that one set path, but what if they hate this path, what if they could have been even more successful in another aspect of life, even more important, what if they enjoyed it more.

Helicopter parents also prohibit their kids from developing. How can a kid ever grow to be independent if they are constantly having a authority figure be involved in everything that they do? Children need to have some independence in order to grow into functioning adults, but helicopter parents never allow for this coming of age, they are always dictating everything that their kids do. Children need to make their own decisions to grow, whether they are good decisions or bad decisions they are fundamental in a child’s development into a well-adjusted adult. Helicopter parents prevent this by making all of their child’s decisions for them. Helicopter parents also degrade their child’s confidence in themselves. Think about the parent in the stands at their child’s basketball game that is constantly yelling at their kid for the mistakes they make during the game. They yell for even the most minor mistakes, ranging from a small turnover to one bad shot. How is a child supposed to develop self confidence if they are constantly being yelled at for even their minor mistakes? Helicopter parents have a tendency to focus on the negatives. Their child could have scored twenty points at their basketball game, but the parent will choose to focus on their one turnover from the first half. A child will not develop a sense of self-confidence if they are always being ridiculed, selfconfidence is reinforced by uplifting comments and feedback, but helicopter parents only hone in on the negative. The child will walk on eggshells, always afraid of making even the littlest mistake because of a fear of being scolded. A child who is constantly being scolded for little mistakes will never grow into a selfconfident individual, a self-confidence that was crushed by the lack of support at home, crushed by the actions and negativity of a helicopter parent.

Helicopter parents do not help their child by being overly involved, rather they are damaging them by limiting their options, preventing independence, and destroying their self-confidence.

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BREN BATACLAN

THIS BOSTON BASED ARTIST IS ON A MISSION TO SPREAD KINDNESS AND SHARE SMILES THROUGH ART. In the summer of 2003, Bren Bataclan began his street art installation, “The Smile Boston Project.”

The project involves the artist leaving his cartoon inspired paintings for people to take for “free” all over Boston (park benches, trains, schools, malls, etc.). Attached to each painting is a note saying, “This painting is yours if your promise to smile at random people more often.” Bren has since gone worldwide with his “Smile Boston Project” and he has begun to paint murals and exhibit his paintings across the country.

Bren's work can be seen throughout the halls of both North Pembroke Elementary School and Bryantville Elementary School. In February, students at Bryantville welcomed him back to add more of his whimsical art to the school's library thanks to the PTO. His visit kicked off with an assembly for all of the students to meeting with Bren. Then he met with the Grade 6 students to generate ideas for the library mural. During the week students from all grades were able to watch Bren as he worked on creating the painting in the library. Bren also gifted the school one of his canvas paintings shown here with Bryantville Principal, Dr. Glaude.

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"THIS PAINTING IS YOURS TO TAKE AS LONG AS YOU PROMISE TO SMILE AT RANDOM PEOPLE." BREN BATACLAN THE SMILING PROJECT PAGE | 21

We are excited to kick-off our first annual Pembroke Patriot Program at Hobomock Elementary School!

This program encouraged students to learn some of the vocabulary, geography, history, politics and symbolism of our great nation. In addition, students also “paid it forward” and gave back to our amazing community.

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The Pembroke Patriot Program is a comprehensive K-6 program that extends our students’ knowledge of patriotism at every grade level. This optional program allowed each student the opportunity to demonstrate his or her understanding of what it means to be a Patriot. They complete activities that show respect for our country, and they learn what it means to give back to others in the community through his or her own actions. All Pembroke Patriots will receive a special gift to commemorate his or her completion of the program. While this is an optional program, we encouraged all students to participate. It is a meaningful way the Pembroke School District and Hobomock Elementary School to show support for our country and our community. Students are required to explain our system of government in a pictorial, write a letter showing appreciation to a soldier, or recite the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. Hobomock parent volunteers come in each Friday morning to verify that each required project or activity is completed. All requirements are appropriate for each grade level.

Students participated from January through March. Our Patriots will be honored at a school wide assembly in May with many of their projects on display. We are looking forward to bringing our Patriot Program back yearly so every student can proudly show their patriotism every year while he or she is a Hobomock student.

Submitted by: Paul MacDonald

Supporting Social Skills through Social Learning & Education "Kids and Friendship" with Katy Shamitz; counselor and founder of Skills for Living.

The Student Services Department sponsored an informative and entertaining event for parents on how to help children with their ever changing social world. The session offered parents practical knowledge that could be applied in their day to day lives. The guest speaker was Katy Shamitz, the founder of Skills for Living and the Chapman Farm School. She has a background in school counseling and has visited the Pembroke Public Schools in the past to share her expertise with the community.

Some of the topics she covered during this evening included: How Friendships Develop The Five Skills Required to Maintain Friendships Dealing with Conflict How to help and when to get out of the way For more information about Katy and the programs she offers, please visit her website www.katyshamitz.com.

Katy Shamitz, founder of Skills for Living and the Chapman School.

Transition Planning Join Secondary Special Education Coordinator, Meghan Collum on April 9, 2018 for a presentation about Transition Planning.

The Transition Planning Night will be held at Hobomock Elementary School at 6:30 PM in the library. The Transition Planning presentation will guide parents through the steps of Transition Planning for Special Education students beginning at age 14 through are 22. This informative evening will include discussions on topics such as earning a high school diploma versus a work based learning plan. General outlines for post 22 services will also be discussed. This is a great opportunity for families to meet with our Special Education Coordinator and ask questions and learn more about the transition services available.

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seeing double?

THE CLASS OF 2018 HAS 17 SETS OF MULTIPLES

The class of 2018 features a multitude of multiples. In 2013, the Patriot Ledger photographed the 16 sets of twins and 1 set of triplets in the 7th grade at PCMS. Of those 17 sets of multiples, 16 remain as part of the class of 2018. In addition to the original group, another set joined the class along the way. In two instances, a sibling went to another school while their twin remained at PHS. Hearing the same last name on repeat will be a common them at this year’s graduation. In total there will be 15 sets walking across the podium in May. The amount of twins and triplets in this graduating class make this group of students like no other. Administrators and teachers had to plan for increased enrollment as this class advanced each year and the total number of seniors this year is 269 compared to 219 last year.

The class of 2018 is certainly one for the record books!

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Michael and Mary Gannon

Liam and Colleen Spence

Laura and Lindsay Fabian

Olivia and Tess Chilcott

Matt and Brian Marshall

Ryan and Cassidy Guimares

Elizabeth and Sam Brown

Mia and Maha Ezzeldin

Grace, Alexis and Madison Monti

Kelly and Paul Cunningham

Griffin and Tom Hunt

Dillion and Alea O'Neil

Jacquelyn and Lilian Christello

Original Photos Courtesy of Greg Derr, The Patriot Ledger (January 2013).

To read the entire Patriot Ledger artcle go to the News section of our website.

Colton and Camden Cappa

Vinny and Aly Coyle

Eric and Greg Kaplowitz

Kirsten and Courtney Riser

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FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN Pembroke Public Schools moves to a full-day kindergarten program for the Fall of 2018.

On Tuesday, February 6th, the School Committee approved the district’s recommendation to implement full-day kindergarten for Pembroke Public Schools beginning with 2018-2019 school year. This vote eliminates the tuition and lottery system previously associated with the full-day kindergarten program. All Pembroke Kindergarten students will now have the opportunity to benefit from the programming offered in a full-day setting. The change to a universal-full day kindergarten program has been a long range goal of Superintendent Obey. Year 1 of the change (SY18-19), is no increase in our operating budget and in subsequent years, the program will fund itself through the increase in the Chapter 70 formula. Chapter 70 is the main funding source for school budgets; the funding allotted for free full day kindergartners vs. tuition based kindergartners will account for the cost associated with the programmatic shift. It is important to note that the school district will no longer have a separate half-day kindergarten program. With the change to a full-day tuition free program, Pembroke joins the majority of communities across the state who have transitioned to a full-day program to foster student achievement.

For registration information please visit our website www.pembrokek12.org.

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DECA

The PHS DECA Club did an outstanding job at the DECA District Conference! Sixty two DECA students competed and fourteen came home with trophies (top 4) and many earned a spot in the top eight! Approximately thirty two PHS students will be competing against 3,000 students in the MA State competition in March!

Apparel & Accessories Marketing Elizabeth Brown - 1st Place Frankie Falcone - 2nd Place

Hospitality Service Team Maeve Cleary and Grace Valeri - Top 8 Finley Gougth and Megan Willshire Top 8

Business Law and Ethics Team Nick Adams and William Ferreira - 1st Place Kyle Horn and Jimmy Hanrahan - Top 8

Human Resource Management Shauna O'Neil - Top 8

Food Marketing Services Nate Horner - 1st Place

Marketing Communications Rob Raleigh - 3rd Place Eric Kaplowitz - Top 8

Business Service Marketing Jeanmarie Marshall - 2nd Place Sneha Patel - Top 8 Buying and Merchandising Team Justin Kemp and Cole McCormack - Top 8 Kate Tropeano and Katie Galligan - Top 8 Entrepreneurship Team Liam Fay and Zach Rinkus - Top 8

Marketing Team Decision Making Reilly Fagnant and Grace Davis - 2nd Place Personal Financial Literacy Lilly Christello - 3rd Place Matt Smith - 4th Place Principle of Business Mgmt Jake Bowness - 2nd Place Brendan Capuzzo - 4th Place

Principles of Marketing Matthew Nugent - Top 8 Sports and Entertainment Team Morgan Cassford and Jake Donnelly - Top 8 Tommy Lagner and Paul DeSantis - Top 8 Sports and Entertainment Kira Mohr - 1st Place Travel and Tourism Team Nicole Cobb and Kate Norton Top 8

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Featured Alumni WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Danielle Dupuis is a 2014 PHS graduate, currently in her senior year at Bridgewater State University.

CLASS OF 2014 Favorite PHS Memory: My favorite PHS memory was definitely taking AP Psychology with Mr. Jackson.

His class inspired me to pursue a psychology major when I arrived at BSU. We would spend time watching clips about studies in the field and conducting our own experiments. I will never forget laughing over a Dwight Shrute clip from The Office that focused on positive reinforcement. Mr. Jackson was one of my favorite teachers because he always made sure to involve humor in the class, which in turn made me want to actually focus on the material. He was a great support system for me throughout high school!

She was appointed to the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education by Governor Baker in July 2017 and has served as the former BSU Student Government Association President. She is actively involved with her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta and has been an Orientation Leader for BSU. She will be graduating in May 2018 with a Bachelor’s of Science in psychology and plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration in the Fall, which will allow her to work at BSU. During her time at PHS, Danielle served as the Varsity Softball Captain and was a member of the National Honor Society. She likes watching football, trying new recipes, and spending her summers at Duxbury beach!

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ONCE A TITAN ALWAYS A TITAN