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Lexington High School NewsletterMay 2013From the Principal continued from page 1report card timelines, as well as timely recognition of collectivesuccess for the high school community (communityservice hours, funds raised for charities, etc.).2. Four (4) small LED signs that will be placed in each of thebuildings on campus (most likely near each Dean’s office).The signs will list a major date or event that is relevant tothe entire school, such as changes in the daily schedule, anextended homeroom, and the deadline for attendance appeals.3. Several large fabric boards that will be mounted on the wallin the front entrance of the school (to hold information). Thewelcome sign that was generously supported by the PTSA wasthe start of a process to create a welcoming atmosphere forguests to the High School and to promote the diversity of ourschool. We will form a student/faculty committee in the fall todetermine how best to use this space as a means for validatingdiversity, leadership, citizenship, tolerance and respect.In conjunction with the third initiative, I would like to take thisopportunity to congratulate one of our Social Studies teachers,Lindsay Banks. Lindsay was recently awarded the annual SharonWong-Chan/Sara Harrington Diversity Award in recognition of heroutstanding contributions to the promotion of diversity in the LexingtonPublic Schools.On behalf of the High School faculty, I would like to congratulatetwelve seniors who were honored at Town Meeting on April 8,2013 for representing educational excellence across many areas.Nominated by their guidance counselors, these students possess anarray of accomplishments that embrace our academic, social, andcivic expectations. Congratulations to Taiga Abe, Abigail Brainard,Nathaniel Adams, Michal Clayton, Tulie Finley-Moise, JeffreyLang, Phillis Nakyejwe, Nicholas Nerolien, Garrett Parish, KatePowers, Thaya Psyhojos and Veronica Wharton.Best wishes to you for a healthy and happy spring,Laura LasaPrincipalPHONE NUMBERS REFERENCEPrincipal Laura Lasa ................................................................................861-2320, ext. 1000Assoc. Principal Adam Goldberg .............................................................861-2320, ext. 1011Dean Scott Kmack ..........861-2320, ext. 1420Dean Nancy DeFeudis. ...861-2320, ext. 7020Dean Kate Hermon .........861-2320, ext. 5020Dean David Lautman ......861-2320, ext. 3040For attendance, call the appropriateadministrator for your child before 9:30 amon the day of the absence.LHS homepage..http://lps.lexingtonma.org/lexingtonhsPTSA website...http://lhsptsa.org/School Committee email:school-com@comet.ci.lexington.ma.usThe Lexington High SchoolNewsletterNewsletter PolicyThe Newsletter will print items directly related to theschools and their PTAs. This includes curricular, cocurricular,and extracurricular activities which are PTSA- orsystem-supported, and school-sanctioned projects. Allarticles are subject to editorial discretion.EditorJean Coleemail: jeancole@sch.ci.lexington.ma.usNext deadline:May 24, 20132

Lexington High School NewsletterMay 2013PTSA NewsPTSA Executive Board2013-2014The Nominating Committee of theLexington High School PTSA isalmost done finalizing the slate for the2013-2014 Executive Board. Anyonewho is interested in volunteering foran Executive Board position can stilldo so. Thanks to the enthusiasm of ourLHS parents, we currently have volunteersfor all but one position, which isthe Secretary position. There are twosecretary positions on the board andthey are a recording and executive secretary.We have one volunteer who hasexpressed interest in running for eitherone of the two Secretary positions.We are still looking for someone tovolunteer to run for either ExecutiveSecretary or Recording Secretary.The role of the Executive Secretary isto attend one monthly board meetingand one monthly principal’s meetingto take notes. Both meetings are heldin the morning.The role of Recording Secretary is toattend all of the PTSA Forums (aboutfive per year, in the evenings) to takenotes and later summarize them for thePTSA website and monthly newsletter.Both of these volunteer positions offera terrific way to get involved, get toknow the principal, and find out what’sgoing on around school. Please contactSue Schiffer, , if you are interested in theeither Secretary position or any otherExecutive Board position.PTSA Open Committee ChairPositions, 2013-2014Thank you to all who have alreadyvolunteered. We are still looking tofill the non-elected positions below.Please contact Sue Schiffer, if you areinterested.LHS Spring Staff Appreciation LuncheonVolunteers Needed!Thursday, May 9, 2013 - 11:15 a.m.A delicious biannual tradition! Please help us show our appreciation for thehard-working staff at LHS by providing your favorite dish or item to this luncheonmaking it a real celebration. We need the help of LHS families to makethis luncheon a delicious thank you for the 350 staff members at LHS. Theyreally enjoy it and always tell us how much they look forward to it! Please helpus by signing up using the link below.Food (enough for at least twelve people) can be dropped off at the main officebefore 9:30 a.m. on May 9. After 9:30 a.m., please drop off food at CommonsII. We also need volunteers to help with set-up (9:30-11:00), helping during theevent (11 a.m.-12 p.m. or 12 p.m.-1:00 p.m.) and clean-up (12:45 -1:30 p.m.).Please click this link to be connected to our easy online signup:http://vols.pt/TgJqBtPlease be sure to “Save and Close” then click on “Confirm” after you makeyour selection.If you have any questions, please contact us or .Thank you so much for your help!– Jen Vogelzang and Rachel CortezLHS/PTSA Hospitality Co-ChairsSchool Committee Liaison: Keep the LHS community informed of schoolcommittee discussions and action items. Attend (or watch on LexMedia) schoolcommittee meetings. Report back to PTSA Executive Board and write summariesof relevant information for Monthly Newsletter.LHS Webmaster: You will be helping to promote parent to parent communicationby coordinating information for the PTSA Website. No website designexperience needed – just cut and paste!Welcoming Committee Chair: Help orient the 50+ LHS families who are newto Lexington or LPS by taking the lead of this committee. The Welcome committeewill coordinate information packets for these new families, coordinatedwith the Guidance Department, attend the Newcomers’ Potluck dinner in earlySeptember and organize midyear event(s) to welcome new families. They willalso coordinate with LHS Student Newcomers’ Club Nexus.Science & Engineering Fair Judge Coordinator: This person will work withthe LHS Staff to coordinate the volunteer judges for this event. This is all donethrough the LHS/PTSA Listserve announcements.Thank you,– 2013 Nominating Committee:Shubhra Chandra, Rachel Cortez, Ann Redmon, Sue Schiffer, Ying Zhang4

Lexington High School NewsletterPerforming Arts DepartmentGold and Silverfor LHS Student MusiciansThe 37th annual Massachusetts Instrumental andChoral Conductors Concert and Choral Festival tookplace the weekend of April 5-7 at eight sites acrossMassachusetts. Over 12,800 students comprising 250ensembles performed for panels of highly respected adjudicators.Approximately 537 Lexington High School studentsparticipated in the festival.The ensembles were assessed on their overall musicianshipand how they responded to a variety of musical criteria duringtheir performances. Based on their overall performances,ensembles earned a Medal of Participation, Medal of Meritor a Bronze (good performance), Silver (excellent performance)or Gold (superior performance) Medal.Congratulations to the following LHS ensembles:Repertoire Orchestra directed by Haas & Jayson ....GoldSymphony Orchestra directed by Rachel Jayson .....GoldMadrigal Singers directed by Jason Iannuzzi ..........GoldConcert Choir directed by Jason Iannuzzi ...............GoldWomen’s Chorus directed by Jason Iannuzzi ..........GoldWind Ensemble directed by Jeff Leonard ................GoldConcert Band directed by Justin Aramati .............. SilverSymphonic Band directed by Andy Held ............... SilverMICCA Thanks!The MICCA (Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral ConductorsAssociation) Festival held over the April 5-7 weekendwas a huge success. Over 2000 student musicians fromaround the state performed on our auditorium stage. LHSband students provided logistical support for the festival,while band parents sold tickets, ushered and manned a snackbar. A huge thank you to the over 50 families who so generouslydonated their time and money, delicious baked goods,drinks, and other snacks. Because of your generosity and hardwork we raised almost $3,000 for the LHS music program!Special thanks to Gwen Wong for her tireless contributionleading up to the event and to Wilson Farm, Alexander’sPizza, Shaw’s, Stop & Shop, Dunkin Donuts (373 Walthamand 10 Woburn Street), Lexington House of Pizza, the LHScustodial staff, and Kevin Silvia from Whitsons.Congratulations to our talented student musicians and theLHS music faculty for their outstanding performances.– Alana Osher & Susie Moser, FOLMADS(Friends of Lexington Music, Art and Drama Students, Inc.)Miss SaigonMay 2, 3, 47:30 pm$15, $10Miss SaigonMay 2, 3, 47:30 pm$15, $10Miss SaigonMay 2 ,3, 47:30 pm$15, $10Fine Arts DepartmentMay 2013MissSaigonMay 2, 3, 4 - 7:30 pmThis year’s musical, Miss Saigon, with musicby Claude-Michel Schonberg and lyrics byRichard Maltby, Jr. and Alan Boublil, willbe performed on May 2, 3, and 4 at 7:30 p.m. inthe LHS Gillespie Auditorium.Against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, MissSaigon, tells the story of Kim, a girl who flees toSaigon following the destruction of her village andfinds herself working in a club in order to survive.Two weeks before the fall of Saigon, Kim meetsand falls in love with Chris, an American marine.We follow their tragic story as the evacuation ofthe American embassy separates the two lovers.Based partly on Puccini’s opera Madam Butterfly,Miss Saigon is a timeless story of the tragedy ofwar. Due to mature language and subject matter,this production is not intended for children underthe age of thirteen.Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.May 20LHS Film FestivalMay 20 at 7 PMat the LexingtonVenue5

Lexington High School NewsletterMay 2013Sharyn Wong-Chan / Sara Harrington Diversity Awardto LHS Social Studies Teacher Lindsay Banks April 3definition and understanding of human rights changed overtime? On Human Rights Day itself, the students watch clipsof documentaries on the Rwandan Genocide and the filmHotel Rwanda. This is followed up with a lecture and discussionwith a survivor of the genocide. Lindsay has takenthe lead in organizing this activity not only by making keylogistical arrangements, but also by preparing thought provokingand a reflective curriculum and materials, so that thestudents can think deeply about the consequences of racismand intolerance.Left to right, students Marquis McClain, Sophie Goemans, Elaine Emmerich;teacher Lindsay Banks; students Victor Alvarez, Alicia Yeung, SamAlpert, Emma Houston, Sonia Rowley. Students attended Town Meeting insupport of award recipient Ms. Banks at Town Hall April 3, 2013.The SHARYN WONG-CHAN / SARA HARRINGTONDIVERSITY AWARD is given annually by the LexingtonPublic Schools Diversity Task Force.The women for whom this award is named, Sharyn Wong-Chan and Sara Harrington, volunteered a great deal of timeto promote cultural diversity in our schools. Both womenwere passionate about civil rights and diversity and wereunceasing in their efforts to make Lexington a warm andwelcoming community for teachers of color. Sharyn andSara believed that education is the best way to teach toleranceand diversity to our children.This evening, the Diversity Task Force is delighted torecognize Lindsay Banks one of Lexington High School’soutstanding educators for her positive and sustained impactin promoting diversity within our schools and the Lexingtoncommunity.Lindsay joined Lexington High School’s Social StudiesDepartment six years ago, and since that time, has beena leader on issues of social justice within the department.This has been seen in her work in connection with HumanRights Day, her Race and Gender class, and the METCOScholars Club.Her passion for social justice has been evident in her workon the 10th grade team where she helped develop the HumanRights Day curriculum. This is an all day event inwhich all sophomores participate. The students study theRwandan Genocide as part of their World History II classin response to the course’s Essential Question, How has theLindsay’s passion for social justice and human rights isfully evident in her teaching of the Race and Gender classoffered at the high school. Lindsay has transformed andrevitalized this class to such an extent that the student signups for the course often surpass the department’s ability tomeet the demand. As part of a culminating project in theclass, the students participate in Stereotype Awareness Day.Her students prepare lessons on intolerance and stereotypingand then teach the lessons to ninth-grade historystudents. This project stems from Lindsay’s conviction thatissues of justice, stereotyping, and racism can only be combatedthrough dialogue and action. Stereotype AwarenessDay enables this conversation to begin between studentsand allows the junior students to be positive role models foryounger freshmen. In summary, Lindsay’s commitment toteaching Race and Gender and the Stereotype AwarenessProject illustrate Lindsay’s deep commitment that one musttake an active role in fighting prejudices.Another example of Lindsay’s commitment is evident inher involvement with the METCO Scholars Club. Thisclub seeks to encourage academic achievement in METCOStudents by identifying students with academic potentialand creating a forum for METCO students that encouragesacademic success as a means to counter the negative impactof the achievement gap or as a way to support the schoolsystem’s focus on academic excellence for all. One of Lindsay’scolleagues has recently stated that,“Lindsay has been the emotional center and the real drivingforce behind METCO Scholars being productive for thepast 2-3 years. The meetings are always in her room, shekeeps the minutes and maintains the conference, she keepsus on our norms and stated goals, she makes sure that ourcommunication channels with the Scholars are the best wecan get, and she really provides the emotional intensity todrive us to try and improve the program. She has reallybeen the glue in the program; she has been great.”Continued on page 76

Lexington High School NewsletterLHS Principal Laura Lasa and Social Studies Department Chair Rob Collins congratulate Ms.Banks.Another example of Lindsay’scommitment to issues of race is herrecent work commemorating the 50thanniversary of the visit of Dr. MartinLuther King’s visit to Lexington HighSchool. Lindsay volunteered, withoutbeing asked, and prepared three differentlessons for department use thatwere posted on the department’s FirstClass email conference. One lessonwas based on the analysis of statisticsof segregation and the changingdemographic patterns in EasternMassachusetts as a way to look atand discuss race in the classroom.Another lesson involved the analysisand discussion of primary sourcedocuments. Lindsay put together 25direct quotes from former and currentMETCO students’ experiences aboutgoing to schools outside of Boston intolargely white environments. The thirdlesson used video clips as a means tolaunch a discussion on race. LindsayMay 2013provided all the prompts or questionsfor the students, cautions and pointsto emphasize for the staff members,and plenty of additional resources forfurther investigation.Lindsay works very long and hardto achieve success as a teacher hereat Lexington High School. She isalways in school an hour beforethe first period and is usually herelong after the 2:30 bell has sounded,developing materials for the classesand programs. Moreover, after workinglate she often takes additionalwork home to correct. Lindsay givesfreely of her time to her students andcolleagues. Lindsay is a valuableresource to other staff members whendealing with difficult issues of raceand a powerful and vocal advocatefor all of her students. A naturalleader with a warm, outgoing andfriendly personality, Lindsay caresdeeply about the complex issues thataffect teaching and learning. The finereputation that the Social StudiesDepartment of Lexington High enjoysis due largely to outstanding and irreplaceablefaculty members such asLindsay Banks.School Council Information and Ballot starting on page 13Social Studies DepartmentWhipple AwardMatt Gardner’s Field Researchstudent, Jonah Bader, was this year’srecipient of the Whipple Awardpresented by the Lexington HistoricalSociety. Jonah’s paper, Loring W.Muzzey: Civil War Hero and IntegralCommunity Member, was written lastspring and submitted in this year’scompetition.Congratulations to Jonah and Mr.Gardner!!– Rob CollinsDartmouth Model UNThis past weekend (April 5-7), nine members of the Lexington High School ModelUN Club attended the Dartmouth Model UN Conference (DartMUN 2013). Of thenine, four of our delegates were cited for awards on their committees (noted below).Please extend your congratulations to all of the kids who attended DartMUN!It was a great conference, and all of our delegates did a great job!Lisa Lee: Outstanding DelegateAlex Nehrbass: Best DelegateMatti Schreibman: Best DelegateTolga Bozkaya: Verbal CommendationAlso: Mo Eltahir, Drew Rose, Kristin Tissera, Vyoma Sahani, Shreeya ChandraOur thanks too, to Ms. Miriam Wasser (who was President of the LHS ModelUN Club 8 years ago!) for coming along as a second Advisor/Chaperone.– Annie Zeybekoglu, Faculty AdvisorLHS Model UN Club7

Lexington High School NewsletterFinal Exam ScheduleMay 2013FridayJune 14MondayJune 17TuesdayJune 18WednesdayJune 19ThursdayJune 20FridayJune 21MondayJune 24ReviewDay1 forB4D4F4H4BlocksReviewDay 2 forA1C1E1G1Blocks8:30 – 10:30Science12:00 – 2:00English8:30 – 10:30SocialStudies12:00 – 2:00“Drop-in”Review8:30 – 10:30Math12:00 – 2:00WorldLanguage8:30 – 10:30Make-upExams10:30 -12:30Optional“Drop In”TeacherSign-OutandGrades DueQ1: Do I have to attend my classes during the review days?What about study halls?A1: Attendance is required for ALL scheduled classes and StudyHalls on June 14 and 17. Formal attendance will be in effectfor all classes through June 17.Q2: When are appeals due for 4th quarter attendance?A2: The appeals deadline is Wednesday, June 12 at 2:30 p.m.Appeals forms are available for pick up in each of the house/dean offices.Q3: What time do I have to come to school? What time can Ileave?A3: On June 14 and 17 school will start and end on at our regularlyscheduled times. On June 18, 19, and 20 (exam days)you are expected to arrive on time for classes where youare scheduled to take an exam. If you arrange for a makeupexam on June 21, you are expected to be on time for theexam.Q4: Is transportation available on review and exam days?A4: Yes. LexPress, LPS (Yellow, C+W) buses, and METCO (Yellow,AA) buses will be running on their normal schedulesduring this time. The last day of late afternoon transportationfor METCO buses is as follows:• Thursday, June 6 is the final day for the 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday/Thursday5:30 p.m. bus.• METCO will run a 4:00 p.m. earlier late bus on June 11, 12,and 13 for students needing extra help and review prior tofinal examsNOTE: METCO students who miss the 2:30 bus on days with nolate bus will need to find their own means of transportationhome.Q5: Is lunch available?A5: Yes, lunches will be served on June 14, 17, 18, 19, and 20.They will be served on June 14 and 17 (review days) accordingto the previous schedule. On June 18, 19, and 20 (finalexams), lunch will be available from 10:30 to 12:00 in CommonsI. No lunches will be provided on June 21 or 24.Q6: May I leave campus to get lunch?A6: Handbook rules relative to open campus will be in effectthrough June 17. 11th graders who have earned open campusprivileges are eligible to leave campus for lunch. 9th and10th graders are expected to remain on campus during lunch.Q7: Is breakfast available?A7: Yes. The cafeteria will be open for breakfast through June 21.Q8: If I do not have to make-up a final exam, do I need tocome to school on Friday, June 21?A8: Friday, June 21st is a day for students to make-up exams and/or drop in to complete final obligations with their teachers. Inthe event that a student has completed all requirements, s/hemay opt NOT to attend school.Q9: What takes place on Monday, June 24?A9: Students may come to school to drop off books, to checkwith teachers about a final exam grade, to say goodbye, etc.There is no formal schedule for the half-day.Q10: How will students and parents be made aware of thisschedule?A10: In addition to posting this schedule to the LHS website,this information will be made available to students throughhomeroom announcements on multiple occasions. In additionto a student’s teachers discussing the schedule with particularclasses, copies of this schedule will be posted in eachclassroom, dean’s office, and department office on campus.Calendar June continued from page 1Monday 10 Fall student athlete & parent mtg, 6:30pm, audTuesday 11 Gr. 8 steop up day, 2:15-4pmWednesday 12 Jr. Book Awards, 7pm, Library media clsrmFriday 14 Improv Troupe, Blackbox, 7:30 pmMonday 24 Tentative last day of school_____________________For Athletics schedules, visit http://lps.lexingtonma.org/domain/6578

Lexington High School NewsletterMay 2013Health OfficeCongratulations to all Seniorsand good luck in your futureendeavors!Senior Health RecordsPrior to graduation in June, seniorswill receive their health records andcumulative folders from their buildingadministrator. The health record containsall medical documents receivedby the school nurse while studentswere enrolled in the school district.This original record will be in a manilaenvelope with the student’s name onit. Please keep the health record ina safe place after graduation as thedistrict does NOT keep a copy of theserecords.End-of-YearMedication NewsPlease have your child pick up anymedications he/she may have in thenurse’s office by the last day of schoolin June. All remaining medications, includingover-the-counter medications,will be discarded after the last classes.Before school is out for the summer,all parents of students with life-threateningallergies will receive a packet inthe mail that must be completed by thestudents’ health care provider. Thesepackets must be completed and turnedinto the LHS nurse’s office during thefirst week of school in the fall.Medication Guidelinesfor 2013-2014 School Year• Students may not carry medicationsunless they have first talked aboutthem with the school nurse.• Ibuprofen and acetaminophen arekept in the nurse’s office and areavailable to students who haveturned in a medication permissionform signed by a parent/guardian.• A medication permission formsigned by both a parent/guardianand a medical provider must beturned in to administer medicationsother than ibuprofen and acetaminophen.The medication must be in itsoriginal prescription or over-thecounterbottle.• A new medication permission formmust be turned in to the nurse’s officeeach school year.WEEKLYPARENTDISCUSSION7:45 to 8:40 a.m.every ThurdayinRoom 154Drop in and share in the circlediscussion!• Medication permission forms canbe obtained in the nurse’s office oron the LHS website under HealthOffice.• Administration of short-term medicationslike antibiotics requires onlya parent/guardian signature and theprescription bottle with the pharmacylabel.Summer VolunteerOpportunity atMount Auburn HospitalStudents interested in a career inthe health fields are being sought byMount Auburn Hospital for its summervolunteer program. The program runsfrom June to August. Volunteers willhave the opportunity to work in variousareas at the hospital. Applicationpackets can be obtained at the LHSnurse’s office.Thank you FreshmanParents/GuardiansWe wish to send out a big “thankyou” to the many freshman parents/guardians who have turned in physicalexams for their students. About 80%freshman students have turned in theirforms. If you have not yet turned in aform, please drop it off at the nurse’soffice between 7:30 a.m-3:00 p.m.,Monday through Friday; fax it to thenurse’s confidential number, 781-861-2611; or mail it to the school nurse atLHS, 251 Waltham St. 02421.As always, we welcome your ideas,questions and comments.Janet Foley, RN, ext. 1012Susan Kaftan, RN, ext. 1013Cheryl Johnson, RN, ext. 1014Phone: 781-861-2320Confidential Fax: 781-861-26119

Lexington High School NewsletterMay 2013All-Night Graduation PartyJune 9, 2013Caitlin Go designPreparations for the 27th annual LHSAll-Night Graduation Party (ANGP)are in full swing. Committees knowtheir assignments and are hard at workmaking sure everything gets done. Forthose of you have never had a senior,this party is a BIG event! For the 27thyear in a row, Lexington will be offeringits graduates a fun, safe, alcoholfreeplace in which to party, sign yearbooks, eat and reminisce about theirdays together at LHS.This year’s party, held in the LHS fieldhouse, begins at 10:30 p.m. June 9,the night of graduation and runs untildawn the next morning. Over 95% ofthe graduating class will attend thisremarkable event instead of drivingaround town going from party to party.Research shows this is the best way tokeep young adults safe on their graduationnight.This year’s Lucky 13 party willhave something for everyone––a DJ,hypnotist, inflatable obstacle course,fabulous hair styling donated by theStephanie Lewis salon, airbrush tattoos,and much more! Delicious food,fun atmosphere, exciting entertainmentand great friends will make thisan extra special night for the students.Many volunteers are needed to decorate,provide food, serve food, chaperonand clean up afterwards. Seniorparents are welcomed to help withspecific tasks, however they are notallowed to be present during the party.We depend on parents of underclassmento get involved and “pay itforward”. Please visit today to sign upat VolunteerSpot to help. Read on formore details.DecorationsVolunteers NeededThe LHS field house will be transformedinto an extraordinary settingfor the party by completely coveringthe walls and installing creativedecorations so the students barelyrecognize the space. Parents, alumniand community members are invitedto help decorate.Set up will runFriday, June 7 from 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.;Saturday, June 8 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.;Sunday, June 9, from 9:00 a.m.-noon(or whenever we are done). Althoughsenior parents are welcome to helpdecorate, it is often a time when theyare busy with other graduation responsibilities.Any amount of time you cangive will be appreciated. No specialskills are needed.Senior parents are responsible fortaking down the decorations MondayJune 10, at 5:30 a.m., so please dosign-up for tear-down.Volunteers Needed toMake and Serve FoodWe serve the students food and beveragesthroughout the event. To bringsomething and/or serve food anddrinks during the party please sign upat.Night Owls Needed toChaperon the PartyParents without seniors are needed tochaperon one of three shifts at the party.First shift is 10:00 p.m.-12:30 a.m.,second shift is 12:00 a.m.-3:00 a.m.,third shift is 2:30 a.m.-5:00 a.m.Volunteer with a friend! Many chaperonsfind the party so fun that theystay the whole evening. The third shiftis quite unusual – come find out why.Please send your shift preference toAndrea Pion .Monetary DonationsRequestedThe ANGP is financed by ticket salesand donations. The cost of this spectacularevent far exceeds the $30 ticketprice. Donations are crucial to theparty’s success––they allow us to keepthe ticket price reasonable to ensurethat all can attend. We welcome contributionsfrom businesses, families andfriends, and are happy to recognize ourdonors. To make a donation, pleaseeither send a check payable to: “LHSGraduation Celebrations Committee”to Kris Maeda, ANGP Treasurer, 54Munroe Road, Lexington 02421, ordonate online via Pay Pal at (You don’t need your own PayPalaccount to donate. Follow directionsin the lower left-hand corner of thePayPal screen.)Continued on page 1110

Lexington High School NewsletterMay 2013http://lps.lexingtonma.org/Page/6592013-2014 Transportation information:Registration is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2013. Below is the fee scheduleapproved by the school committee.Please check back for updates and links to registration information. We will besending information by email, parent newsletters, and a mailing to each student’shome at the end of March.Best pricing and guaranteed seating for registrations received by the May 11thDeadlineRegister by: May 11 Before July 1 After July 1Per Seat Cost* $300Distance Eligible**After School BusOption ElementaryOnlyFLEXPASS OptionLHS & Middle($400 subsidy)$500($222 subsidy)$0 ~ Registration is required.$722(Actual cost/seat)$60 ~ Additional Fee - Must also have round trip bus pass.Cannot purchase separately$50 ~ Additional Fee- Must also have round trip bus pass.Cannot purchase separately*FAMILY CAP for 3+ fee paying riders in a family.**Students are eligible for Town Paid Service if they are in Grade K-6 and thedistance between home and school is over 2.0 miles ~ Registration is required.Sign up for school bustransportation for nextyear NOW!http://lps.lexingtonma.org/Page/659Continued from page 10Ticket SalesSpend a little time with the seniors before graduation. Helpsell and distribute ANGP tickets at LHS during the GraduationRehearsal/Senior Barbecue the week of June 3rd. Seniorparents can help with this! Please sign up on VolunteerSpotat .Abby Shenker designT-Shirt Contest WinnersThe 2013 LHS ANGP T-shirt Contest was a great success.Participants submitted illustrations reflecting the party’sLucky 13 theme. Congratulations go out to the two winnerswho each received a cash award. This year’s graduateswill indeed be very lucky to wear the shirt with senior AbbyShenker’s design on their backs and senior Caitlin Go’sdesign on the front.11

Lexington High School NewsletterSchool Committee Meeting NotesFebruary 26, 2013by PTSA Liaison Sanjay PadakiAt the School Committee (SC) meeting of February 26,2013, Dr. Ash announced that he and Mrs. Lasa will have aFebruary 28, 2013 meeting with an architect (TBA Architects)to address space issues at LHS and will presentfindings at future SC meeting.Summary of primary topics covered at today’s meeting were:Readiness and Emergency Managementfor Schools (REMS) advisory committee updateThere is a new website for Creating Safe Schools that islinked from every school website and has links for students,parents and news media. There is also a form forreporting bullying. The REMS advisory committee hasthe following recommendations: Institutionalize CrisisManagement; Update Emergency Plans and Operationswith locations of AED units; add Lockdown/Secure Holddrill to existing Fire and Bus Evacuation drills; UpdateVisitor entrance procedures; update Crisis ManagementPlan policy to make it compliant with MA requirements.SC authorized Dr. Ash to conduct Crisis Team Training inAugust and decide on how to address budget appropriationin fall 2013.Traffic and Transportation Safety updateSchool Committee is owner of all school property. Currently,traffic signs on school property are not enforceablesince police have no jurisdiction. The Traffic and SafetyCommittee (TSAC) recommends that SC establish a trafficcontrol and mitigation policy and protocol. Safe Routes toSchool (SRTS) provided an update of activities includingupdating signage and road markings, the Bike Walk ‘NBus Week during May 5-11. The School Transportationand Safety (STS) provided an update of activities includingbus discipline and the proposal to allow police jurisdictionon school property. The SC approved the TSACRecommendations for Bowman, Bridge, and Hastingstraffic improvements. The SC also approved the schooldistrict to move forward with work necessary to achievetraffic codification on school property by the opening ofschool 2013.May 2013Lexington Parent Collaborativeto Reduce Student Stress presentationThe presentation covered three topics: School RelatedStress, Resiliency and Mindfulness, and Communication.Causes for school-related stress and suggestions toreduce them were presented. The collaborative reiteratedthe school admissions panel recommendation the highschool students not make choices and decisions based onwhat they think colleges want and also creating an intellectualfootprint by doing what they feel passionate about.Research covered in the books by Paul Tough and DanielColeman was presented indicating that Emotional/SocialIntelligence (EQ/SQ) were as important as Cognitive Intelligence(IQ). The collaborative also suggested approachesto improve communication between the school systemand the community as related to student stress reduction,resiliency and mindfulness programs. The SC will considerwhether to make the collaborative an official sub-committee.School Safety ImprovementsMr. Goddard from the Department Public Facilities presentedsafety recommendations that have been developedin response to the Sandy Hook tragedy. Key recommendationsare: standardize hardware in classrooms, improvereliability of communications equipment, implementaccess controls with ID cards and cameras, and installationof shades on first floor classrooms.Input for Master Planning ProcessSC discussed various aspects of the Master Planning Processincluding the pre-school, the central office building,Bowman, Hastings and LHS renovations/building of a newschool.MiscellaneousA $500.00 Donation from Burwen Technology, Inc.,inSupport of the 2013 LHS Science and Engineering Fairwas accepted.Additional information and meeting minutes can be foundat http://lps.lexingtonma.org/Page/1220&May 2-4Miss SaigonMay 23-24LHS Spring PopsJune 8Spring Jamboree12

Lexington High School NewsletterMay 2013School CouncilCast Your Vote for Three Parent Representatives to the LHS Site-Based School CouncilThe LHS Site-Based SchoolCouncil is seeking two (2)LHS parent volunteers to each serve athree-year term and one (1) LHS parentvolunteer to serve a two-year termstarting in 2013-2014.The purpose of the School Councilis to work collaboratively with thePrincipal to develop school improvementplans consistent with systemwide goals and student performancestandards set by the MassachusettsBoard of Education. Council membersplan ways to meet the diverse learningneeds of students; establish a schoolclimate of tolerance and respect forevery individual; involve parents inBallots due no later than May 22, 2013the life of the school; impact safetyand discipline; enhance extracurricularactivities and more. The Council iscomposed of five LHS parents, fourfaculty, two community representatives,two students and the Principal.Voter Eligibility: Parents and guardiansof current 8th, 9th, 10th or 11thgrade students are eligible to vote.Each parent/guardian in a householdcan cast a vote.Each voter must complete a separateballot.• Vote for NOT more than THREEcandidates.• The two (2) candidates receiving thehighest number of votes will eachserve for a term of three (3) years(if eligible) ending in June 2016.• The one candidate receiving thenext highest number of votes willserve for a term of two years, fillingan unexpected seat vacancy, completinga term ending in June 2015.• Note that three of the candidatesmarked with an (*) below are onlyeligible to fill the two-year term.• Votes may be cast online at• Paper ballots must be signed to bevalid.NICK AFSHARTOUS, Ph.D.My involvement in the Lexington schools and communityspans several decades. I am a product of the LexingtonSchools having attended Clarke and the High School. Asa youth I was a town lifeguard and volunteered to writearticles for the Minuteman. Currently, during the schoolyear I am a full-time single parent and very involved inmy son’s ninth-grade education and daily activities. Whilemy son was at Clarke I organized and supervised thechess club. Prior to launching I had discussions with theassistant principal to establish how I would administer andsupervise the club. While my son was at Bowman I alsoran one of the chess club sessions there.I also have a teaching background. As a technical trainer Ideveloped and taught using my own course content, andalso taught at the City University of New York (CUNY)as associate professor.My profession is in the computing field. At Nokia I buildsoftware infrastructure utilized by our social and locationawaremobile applications. Thus my background is rootedin technology and education. I have interest in the intersectionof these areas and how technology can facilitatethe educational experience. The excellence of our schoolsis a big part of the reputation of our town and I wouldwelcome an opportunity to participate.NANYING BIAN (*)My name is Nanying Bian. I am a Principle Scientist workingat EMD Millipore in developing technologies that helpadvance pharmaceutical and biotech industry. I manageprojects with an international team of scientists and engineers.I am also an inventor/co-inventor of several patentsand author/co-author of numerous scientific publicationsand presentations.I have one child who is currently a sophomore at LHS. Iam hoping that my involvement in LHS will help makethis great school a welcoming and challenging place forhigh school students with different dreams to grow andlearn. My science and technology background may alsohelp contribute to some of the curriculum design/improvementat LHS.As a naturalized, female, Chinese American scientist fromindustry, I can bring in perspectives that represent parentsof many different backgrounds of the town of Lexington.continuedon next page13

Lexington High School NewsletterSUZANNE R. CHERENSONI am applying to be considered as a Parent Representativeon the Lexington High School Council. I have a son whowill be in 9th grade this fall, and a son who will be in 3rdgrade at Harrington.Currently I serve as a Parent Representative on the ClarkeSite Council. I was Co-Chair of the Harrington SiteCouncil from 2010-2012. I served as a Co-President ofthe Harrington PTA 2007-2009. Currently I am servingon the Collaborative to Reduce Student Stress and havebeen involved with this effort from its inception. Workingwith other parents and faculty is very important to me andI have enjoyed contributing and learning from a wonderfulgroup of dedicated people over the past 9 years on SiteCouncils, PTAs and various committees.Professionally, I have 20+ years expertise as a ManagementConsultant and Financial Advisor. My experiencewith strategic analysis, problem-solving, facilitatingcollaboration and implementing solutions is beneficial tothe work of School Council. I have an MBA from ColumbiaBusiness School and a BA from George WashingtonUniversity.I welcome the opportunity to serve on the LHS SchoolCouncil.KATIE PONTY CUTLERAs a Lexington resident for 15 years with two school agedchildren, Hannah 9th grade and Myles 5th grade, I havebeen an active parent at both the elementary and middleschool level. My volunteer experience consists of manycommittees at Bridge, Harrington and Clarke. Among othersthey range from room parent to chairing the CommunityDinner, creating the Harrington Hurrah, chairing 5thGrade graduation, and assisting in creating the 5th GradeGreen Backpack with LEF. These volunteer leadershippositions allowed me to sit on the Parent Teacher Associationsat both Harrington and Clarke as Vice President.In addition to the above one of my recognized accomplishmentsat Harrington was developing and creating anaward winning recycle program called Green Lunches.This daily lunch recycle program that is student and staffrun received the Green Difference award from GreenSchools, a non-profit Massachusetts organization in 2010.This award-winning program continues as a strong componentof the Harrington community.As a Vice President at Clarke I was responsible for overseeingthe METCO program, new families welcoming committee,and ACT. During my tenure the new student populationincreased at a rapid pace, and new programs were created toaccommodate these families throughout the year.May 2013I am very proud of the work at each school but each successwas a team effort working with parents and principals.This team approach is what I hope to bring to theHigh School Council.ALBELEE HAQUE (*)Albelee Haque is a writer, educator and a mother of twochildren living in Massachusetts. She has a daughter intenth grade at LHS. She participated in numerous localand international symposia and presented educationalpapers related to climate uncertainty, ecological literacy/freshwater issues and dams. She enjoys working withchildren and published a 2013 book on Science Literacy(2014 e-book is coming out!), based on her Science-Talksand also voluntary work involving preK-12 children inLexington, Massachusetts and House of Hope, Lowell,Massachusetts. She has a B.S. in Civil Engineering (1989)and also M.S. in Civil/Environmental Engineering (1995)and related work experience expanding nearly 25 years(including public education/outreach and recent doctorallevel work in Math/Science Education).WAYNE HARVEYI’d very much like to contribute my time in the comingyears to helping Lexington High School continue toimprove it’s programs, it’s culture, and it’s goals for students,faculty, and families. My oldest son Kyle is graduatingthis year so I have had the experience of all fouryears of LHS. My second son Joel is a sophomore. And Ihave a daughter, Rachel, in the sixth grade so I’m highlymotivated here!I’ve looked at the discussions the Council has carriedout, and I find them to be substantial and significant; theyaddress many topics of importance to the vitality of LHS.While I think raising my three children in Lexington andthrough the schools has so far been my most importantexperience for contributing on the Council, I also havea professional experience that is pertinent. I have beenworking in education for decades, focusing on mathematicsand science improvement in schools across thecountry. I lead a group at Education Development Center,a very large research and development non-profit inWaltham, focusing on helping schools and school systems(and sometimes States, as we are doing for Massachusetts)to improve their teaching and learning and cultures foraccomplishing their mission.continuedon next page14

Lexington High School NewsletterI believe I can serve our community well through exchangingviews and ideas with others that might impactLHS. I can be a good listener and a good contributor. Ihope I’ll get the chance here to do just that through participationin the Council’s discussions and decisions.”SUZANNE LAUNext year I will have a senior and a freshman at LHS, aswell as a 7th grader at Clarke. I expect to be involved inlife at LHS for the next six years. I was PTA Secretary atBridge, and also volunteered in many roles over the years:room parent, International Festival Committee, 5th GradeCommittee, Library, Lost and Found etc. I am an EquipmentManager and active volunteer with the LexingtonUnited Soccer Club. I have a Bachelor’s from Johns HopkinsUniversity and a PhD from MIT. I worked for over10 years in the optics and telecommunications industry.My husband Tom Shiple and I moved to Lexington withour children 5 years ago, after living 7 years in France.I am very interested in improvements in the educationalexperience at LHS and would welcome the opportunityto serve as a parent representative on the LHS SchoolCouncil.JANE O’ROURKE (*)I would like to submit a letter to support my interest inthe position on the LHS School Council. I am the motherof a sophomore at LHS and have had the good fortune toparticipate in several LHS school activities; I would liketo become more involved in LHS. I helped and createdfund-raisers for the Choral Program’s trip to Europe lastyear; through enlisting the help of the cafeteria staff atLHS, I organized a pie-baking afternoon with membersof the Women’s Chorus that created 75 delicious Thanksgivingpies netting $1000.00 for the European trip. WhenTessa was at Hastings Elementary School, I was a classroomparent for 3 years and was also a Library volunteerand co-chair of the Book Fair. I am a licensed clinicalsocial worker with a private practice and bring a sense offairness and appreciation for multiple systems and adolescentdevelopment. I have great respect for our facultyand an appreciation of the inherent tension they face asthe educational bar is set high in Lexington. I also wantto strive for a safe, balanced, and tolerant environmentfor our children given the external pressures they face. Inaddition, our family is comprised of two mothers, whichheightens my awareness of differences that would allowme to bring an informed perspective regarding diversity tothe Council. I would very much appreciate an opportunityto deepen my involvement at LHS and contribute to thecommunity. Thank you for your consideration.”May 2013CATHERINE PALADINOI am the mother of two Lexington Public School students,a son who graduated from LHS in 2010, and a daughterwho is currently a freshman. As a Massachusetts certifiedscience teacher, I taught eighth grade physical scienceat Concord Middle School for five years. Prior tothat, I worked as a paraprofessional in special educationat Clarke in the Intensive Learning Program, and taughtseventh grade life science in a one-year leave position atDiamond. In my current position as a Science ProgramSpecialist for the Needham Public Schools, I write sciencecurriculum, give teacher workshops in science education,design and deliver science programs to the five Needhamelementary schools, and coordinate community volunteersfor the Needham Science Center. I am also the author ofseveral nonfiction children’s books about the environmentwhich were selected as Outstanding Science Trade Booksfor Children by the National Science Teachers Association.My background includes training in the visual artsas well as science, and I firmly believe in putting theSTEAM into STEM (science, technology, engineering,ARTS, and math). As a member of the LHS School Council,I would passionately support creating a school climatethat encourages and nurtures a whole child approach forevery one of our students. I believe that teachers whofeel supported are happier; leading to more confident,engaged, caring, and well-rounded students. Integratingthe arts and sciences in education, with equal emphasis onboth, is vital to the long term viability and vibrancy of ourwonderful community. Thank you for your considerationof my application.RIMA PANDEI would like to offer my candidature for the position ofParent Representative in the LHS School Council. I havebeen a Lexington resident since 2005. I have three children,two of whom are currently at LHS, a Junior and aFreshman, as well as a two-year old. I am very appreciativeof the community and school system of Lexington.Over the years, I have actively volunteered at school -being a Class Parent through Elementary School, a TeamParent through Middle School, organizing team-sponsoredTeacher Lunches and other specific events like the ClarkeMoving-On Ceremony. I am actively looking for an opcontinuedon next page15

Lexington High School NewsletterMay 2013portunity to volunteer my time and energy towards thecommunity in a more sustained and impactful manner. TheSchool Council provides a great venue to discuss a widerange of issues impacting the school and work with a diversegroup towards the school’s long-term improvement goals.I believe my connection with the community and experiencewith the school system gives me a reasonable voiceto represent parents on the School Council. I also believethat my work experience in healthcare management andconsulting across a wide spectrum of clients and projectsgives me the necessary skills to understand and debate issuesand challenges, and work collaboratively with diversestakeholders to construct and implement solutions. Mostimportantly, I will bring energy and enthusiasm to the role.It would be a privilege to represent the parent communityof Lexington on the School Council. Thank you for yourconsideration.ANN SHILDNECK REDMONNext year, I will have a junior at the high school and aseventh-grader at Diamond. I was on the Diamond SchoolCouncil for two years while my older daughter was thereand am on it again, have been PTA/PTO treasurer at Bowmanand Fiske, have been a Town Meeting member since2006, and have been involved in the town-wide effort toreduce unhealthy student stress since 2008. I have servedas treasurer for several School Committee and Selectmancampaigns, was a member of the town 2020 VisionCommittee for six years, and have been active in severaloverride campaigns. Although the statutory purpose of theschool councils is to advise the principal on the schoolimprovement plan and the budget, I see the real valueas the opportunity to interact with a small group of staffand parents so as to have a dialogue and get past the “usand them” mentality that can prevail between staff andparents. I would be honored to serve on the High SchoolSite-Based Council.TERESA WILSONMy name is Teresa Wilson, my husband Joe Sirkovichand I have two sons, in 8th and 10th grade who attendedBridge, Clarke and now LHS. While they have much incommon, our sons’ unique learning styles often requiredifferent approaches to the same subject.In my professional life as an Architect, I often meet withclients, community groups and consultants who also approachthe same problem from different viewpoints. It ismy role to listen, collaborate and then develop a solutionthat conveys the group’s big idea for their space.While reviewing this year’s School Council meetingminutes and speaking with current parent volunteers, it isapparent a similar approach is used to work through practicalday to day issues at LHS alongside larger issues suchas student evaluations and placement decisions. Communicationbetween students, parents and teachers is criticalto help everyone understand how and why decisions aremade and the impact of the decisions on the entire studentbody regardless of learning styles or abilities.Now that our family is approaching the half-way mark atLHS for our older son, we can see the positive changesduring these two years, particularly our ability to remotelyaccess schedules, progress reports and grades. I wouldlike to be a part of the group that continues to expandcommunication opportunities and presents a vision formultiple ways to define and achieve short and long-termsuccess. I believe I have a well-rounded viewpoint thatis representative of other LHS parents. Thank you forconsidering me.LORELLE YEELorelle Yee has been an active school volunteer at Clarkeand Bowman for the past nine years. She currently has an8th grader at Clarke and a sophomore at the High School.Her volunteer responsibilities included Safe Routes toSchool, Bowman PTA Publicity Chair, and MembershipCo-Chair. In addition, she was one of the early foundersof the Healthy Lunch Task Force, and was chosen by Dr.Ash to work on the committee to draft and implement theLexington Public Schools’ Wellness Policy. She is currentlya member of the Collaborative to Reduce StudentStress. She would welcome the opportunity to serve onthe Lexington High School Site Council.balloton next page16

Lexington High School NewsletterMay 2013---------------ballot---------------CANDIDATES (in alphabetical order): VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN THREE (3) CANDIDATES*Eligible to be elected for the two-year term only.Nick Afshartous Suzanne Lau Lorelle YeeNanying Bian (*) Jane O’Rourke (*)Suzanne R. CherensonCatherine PaladinoKatie Ponty CutlerRima PandeAlbelee Haque (*)Ann Shildneck RedmonWayne HarveyTeresa WilsonVoter Signature:Voter Name (please print) :Voter Address:Mail ballot to:Margaret Carlson, 70 Blossomcrest Road, Lexington MA 02421 (781-863-0088)Ballots must be signed and received by Wednesday, May 22, 2013 by mail or brought to the PTSA Forum(7:30 PM, in the LHS Media Library, Room 147) by that date.Electronic votes must be cast by 10pm on May 22, 2013.17