Bobcat Tracks - October 2010 - South Windsor Public Schools

South Windsor High SchoolBobcat TracksVolume 10‐11; Issue 1October 2010INSIDE THIS ISSUE:7‐Period Schedule 2StudentRecognition4‐5Athletics 6‐7News fromAround SchoolSchool CounselingDepartment102010 College Fair 11Rockville BankVideo ContestSenior ClassInformationAdministrativeUpdatesParent AdvisoryCouncilDates toRemember8‐91213141516Letter from the PrincipalDear Parents/Guardians:The fall is always an exciting time for students in high school and I hope things havegotten off to a good start for you and your family.Over the course of the past few weeks, my team and I have presented a number ofreports to the Board of Education regarding student performance on the CAPT, SATand AP tests along with our class size report. A few highlights:• 92% of students score Proficient or better in all 4 areas of the CAPT• SWHS students continue to exceed the CT and National averages in all 3 areas of theSAT• 88% of AP exams scored a 3 or higher earning the opportunity for college credit; and• SWHS experienced a 50% reduction in the number of study hall seats this year.In short, South Windsor students are continuing to perform at high levels but we aspireto do even better. How will we accomplish that? By continuing to focus on our curriculumdevelopment work. SWHS teachers are developing courses aligned with the Connecticutand National standards, monitoring student performance with Common FormativeAssessments, and using data to inform instruction. This process, coupled with agreater emphasis on timely, specific feedback to students, should help us reach thenext level!In terms of activities and athletics, this has been a great Fall. Seussical promises to befun for the whole family and our students have been working very hard. The MarchingBand has a fantastic AC/DC show this year, and our swim team has made a real splash!(Bad pun.) While we were disappointed to not play our homecoming football game atRentschler Field, I believe we still had a very successful spirit week at South WindsorHigh School and I am grateful for the hard work of our students and the support of theSouth Windsor community.As parents of high school age students it is important that you remain involved. Pleasetalk with your students about classes, school in general and their friends. If at any timeyou have questions or concerns, please reach out to us. While high schoolers shouldbe self advocates and more independent, they still need your guidance and support.Best wishes ~Daniel P. Sullivan IIIPrincipal

NEW 7-PERIOD SCHEDULEAt the beginning of the school year, we introduced a new 7‐period schedule. The students seem to have adjustedand everything seems to be flowing smoothly. Our “Homeroom Days” have provided an avenue to gather studentsby class to disseminate important instructions and information, which has helped minimize disruption to classes.Curriculum writing days are utilized by teachers to make strides in further developing common instructional plans,curriculum units, and formative and summative assessments. Please remember that classes begin promptly at 8:30on Curriculum Writing days; students should account for traffic delays and make arrangements so they are in thebuilding by no later than 8:15 in order to get to class on time. (See back cover for a complete list of Homeroomand Curriculum Writing dates.)Student ParkingThere has been a recent increase in parking violations in the SWHS student parking lot, and the parking lot is beingchecked on a daily basis. Only students who have a valid SWHS parking sticker are permitted to park in the studentparking lot. All juniors and students without parking passes should park in the lot at Duprey Field, across from thehigh school.Students who park in the SWHS lot without an official permit, or who do not park in the designated student lot, willbe called to the office and asked to move their vehicles immediately. Students will also be subject to the followingdisciplinary consequences (as outlined in our student handbook):• First offense: Saturday detention• Second offense: Two (2) Saturday detentions• Third offense: SuspensionAdditionally, violations of school rules may result in the revocation of the parking privilege. If a student’s parkingprivilege is revoked due to disciplinary actions, parking fees will not be refunded. Students must park their vehiclesupon arrival to school. Loitering of any kind is not allowed. Juniors may also risk losing parking privileges duringtheir senior year.2

RUNNING THE GAUNTLETOnce again the Link Crew leaders did a tremendous job of welcoming the Class of 2014. Pictured here are the linkcrew members getting ready to welcome theincoming 9th graders with cheers and high fives asthey run the “Gauntlet.” The day started with avariety of “Energizers” which splintered off intosmaller breakout sessions. These sessions were run bytwo Link Crew leaders (composed of juniors andseniors) and approximately ten freshmen. They talkedabout the challenges of school; they played a numberof games; and they toured the entire SWHS campus.Link Crew is advised by Evan Fable and Heath Carlson.They were both very pleased at the end of the day.SENIOR PATIO PARTY AND BREAKFASTThanks to all the Seniorswho came out to theback‐to‐school Patio Party andClass of 2011 Breakfast,especially the members of ourBobcat Pride Organizationwho helped make it happen!Bobcat Blackout T-Shirts and Sweatshirts Still Available!$5 for t-shirts, and $25 for sweatshirts(cash or checks made payable to “SWHS”)See Mrs. Chamberlain in the main office between 7:30 - 3:00.3

STUDENT RECOGNITIONNational Merit Scholarship Semi-FinalistsSeniors Ben Waksman and David Gaston were recently recognized asNational Merit Scholarship Semi‐Finalists. They were presented certificatesby Mr. Sullivan, Mrs. Shea and Dr. Bombara.High school students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program bytaking the PSAT/NMSQT. Each year, about 1.5 million high school studentsmeet the requirements to enter the competition, and approximately9,700 students receive scholarships for college.Congratulations Ben and David for being among such an elite group ofstudents!Exceptional Students - 2010 CAPTThe following students were recognized as Exceptional Students for performing at the Advanced level in mathematics,reading, writing and science on the 2010 Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT). Students werepresented with a letter of recognition from the State of Connecticut Department of Education.• John Bassilakis• Molly Baum• Nicholas Bayer• Sara Bisighini• Glenn Bittner• Joseph Bonazelli• Nicholas Bonzani• Mindi Chen• Abigail Colburn• Erica Conery• Gabriel Epstein• Sharon Fong• Ryan Gannon• Emily Gasta• Jason George• Colin Gerrity• Natalie Guilmette• Daniel Hansen• Jenna Harner• Robert Hunt• Katharine Karasinski• Jacquelyn Khadijah‐Jajdu• Marcus Luxemburg• Erin Mullen• Brandon Nguyen• Benjamin Paul• Ivor Peles• Hannah Pepper• Michael Powell• Emily Pugliese• Candice Quarella• Joseph Rewinski• Connor Riley• Sawyer Rioux• Bridget Saur• Viren Shinde• Kevin Smith• Steven Smith• Samuel Turek• Megan Velasquez• Brandon Wallach• Kristina Wanat• Laura Wentworth• Charles Wentzell• Nicholas Wetherell• Samuel Wiggins4

STUDENT RECOGNITIONAP Scholars24 students from South Windsor High School have earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board inrecognition of their exceptional achievement on the college‐level Advanced Placement (AP) Program Exams. Studentstook AP Exams in May 2010 after completing challenging college level courses at South Windsor High School.Of the 24 students, four were named “Scholars with Honor.” These students earned an average grade of at least3.25 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. These students are Eric Eliasson,Christina Garbarino, David Gaston, and Bilal Kaleem.In addition, five students were named “Scholars with Distinction.” These students earned an average grade of atleast 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. These students areFastina Khan, Alex Margiott, Andrew Morris, Suraj Nagaraj, and Kyle Savidge.National Merit Scholarship Commended StudentsThe following students have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as Commended Studentin the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program. These students were recognized for their exceptional academicpromise demonstrated by their outstanding performance on the qualifying test used for program entry.• Michael Figueiredo• Paulina Jones Torregrosa• Michelle Keilich• Suraj Nagaraj• Nicholas Purrington• Jefferson Spears• Preethi Vaidyanathan• TJ WatsonNational HispanicRecognition Program ScholarPaulina Jones‐Torregrosa has been selected as a 2010‐2011 National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP)Scholar. The NHRP was initiated in 1983 to identifyoutstanding Hispanic/Latino high school students. Studentsmust have achieved a minimum PSAT score fortheir region, and have a GPA of 3.5 or higher to be recognizedas “Scholar.” Congratulations Paulina!5

ATHLETICSAthletic UpdateCongratulations to Parth Sureja for being selected as the “Student Athlete of the Month” by the SportsDepartment newspaper. Parth is a member of the South Windsor High School football team and possesses a 3.6GPA. If you are interested in sports related information, the Sports Department will be featuring South WindsorHigh School athletics every month throughout the course of the year.Fall Sports UpdateThe fall sports season has started off very successfully for SWHS. The boys and girls soccer teams havesuccessfully started their seasons and are looking forward to a very competitive and successful season. CoachDave St. Jean and Coach Melissa Hostetler‐Morgan are molding very competitive and skilled teams. Theirseasons should prove to be very exciting for South Windsor fans.In their first two contests, the football team has started off with two tough opening games. They lost toSouthington High School at Willow Brook Park 19‐8 and then again at Manchester High School 20‐14. CoachBullock and his staff feel that they have the necessary components to be successful and the team is lookingforward to their next contest against New Britain High School.The boys and girls cross country teams have also started very successfully. Coach Andrew Brindisi and CoachPeter Anthony have been preparing their athletes hard for a successful season. If you are interested in watchingthese student athletes, they run at Nevers Road Park for their home meets.The girls’ volleyball team has quickly jumped out top a 2‐0 record and has their sights on rebounding andretaining their conference championship dominance. Coach Tina Holt has developed a recipe for success andeach team member knows her role and the goals for the team.The SWHS girls swim team made history on Tuesday, September 21 at Fermi High School. SWHS competed in thefirst ever swim meet and beat Fermi High school. These girls have been working extremely hard under first yearcoach Heather Vendetta.The field hockey team has started out in nice fashion and Coach Ed Duclos has the girls organized and ready tomake a run at the conference and state title. He expects great things from this experienced team.Eagle Scout Jason George Refurbishes Discus CageFor his culminating Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project, 11th grade student, Jason George, reached out to SWHSand offered to fix a problem that affected our sports teams and the safety of its spectators.The discus throw is one of the events in Track & Field, one of the spring sports offered at the high school. It involvesthrowing a two kilogram disk made of metal, wood or rubber as far as possible. Due to the nature of thesport, safety measures must be taken for the sake of both competitors and spectators. At the high school level, theNational Federation of State High School Associations provides specificationsfor a cage around the throwing area to ensure safety. Thediscus circle cage at South Windsor High School failed to meet thesespecifications: the fencing was too short; the cage did not extend tothe proper length; and it was in overall bad condition. Through donationsfrom local businesses, including primary support from SteveLitke at Hartford Wireworks, Jason was able to build and install abrand new cage over the summer. Jason was recently recognized forhis efforts at a dedication ceremony held at the high school. We wishto express our sincere appreciation for his initiative, hard work anddemonstrated leadership throughout this entire project.Photo by Martha Marteny, Reminder News6

October Varsity EventsOctober 22, 2010Boys’ Soccer home vs. WeaverField Hockey @ WethersfieldGirls’ Soccer @ WeaverVolleyball home vs. WeaverOctober 23, 2010Football @ Glastonbury 1:00 PMOctober 25, 2010Field Hockey @ FermiVolleyball home vs. WethersfieldOctober 26, 2010Boys’ Soccer home vs. WethersfieldGirls’ Soccer @ WethersfieldGirls’ Swimming home vs. East CatholicOctober 27, 2010Field Hockey home vs. WindhamVolleyball @ East CatholicOctober 29, 2010Football @ WindsorBoys’ Soccer @ East CatholicGirls’ Soccer home vs. East CatholicGirls’ Swimming @ East HartfordVolleyball @ East HartfordATHLETICS2010‐2011Important Athletic DatesDecember 1, 2010December 6, 2010March 23, 2011April 6, 2011June 6, 2011All events are at 7:00 p.m.in the SWHS AuditoriumFall Sports Awards NightMandatory Winter SportsInformation NightWinter Sports Awards NightMandatory Spring SportsInformation NightSpring Sports Awards Night7

SWHS TEACHERS GET ROPES COURSE TRAININGOver the summer, nine SW teachers were involved in a weeklong training session to become “Ropes Course certified” asfacilitators. Pictured here, Evan Fable (Art) and Anne Charter(P.E.) help Donna Lynch (Math) get ready to take on the PamperPole on the South Windsor Ropes Course. This challengingactivity, referred to as a “high element,” consists of climbing up,and then jumping off a 20‐foot telephone pole to either atrapeze bar or rubber ball. Now many more SW students will beable to participate in the Ropes Course activities located atNevers Park.FALL BLOOD DRIVE: NOVEMBER 3The American Red Cross will be at South Windsor High School on Wednesday, November 3 for their annual FallBlood Drive. In past years, South Windsor has been very successful in assisting the Red Cross with this veryimportant service. Anyone over age 17 and weighing more than 110 lbs is eligible to donate. Each donation cansave up to three lives. If you or a family member are interested in donating, or if you have any questions or ideasfor the blood drive campaign, contact Janet Belval at jbelval@swindsor.k12.ct.us by October 29.BIO BUS COMES TO SCHOOLOn October 19 th and 20 th , approximately one hundred Forensic Science students from South Windsor High Schoolboarded the BioBus and performed several microbiology experiments. Founded in 2001, the Connecticut BioBusis a 40‐foot, custom‐designed mobile laboratory delivering hands‐on bioscience experiments to over 5,000 studentsthroughout Connecticut each year. Outfitted with the latest in bioscience equipment and technology, theBioBus brings a no‐charge, exceptional life sciences experience which is above and beyond the normal classroomcurriculum.On the first day, students collaborated on an experiment named “Hunting the Immune Villain.” With close to 40million people infected worldwide, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has become a crisis of staggering proportion. Humanimmunodeficiency virus is detected using a scientific technique called an Enzyme‐Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay,or ELISA. In this experiment, students performed anELISA to determine which of four simulated patientsamples may be infected with HIV. In the process,students learned about the biology and evolution ofthis powerful virus.On the second day, students used their detectiveskills to solve the “Mystery of the Crooked Cell.”Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disease with an interestingevolutionary background; it is both detrimentaland advantageous to those who carry the mutation.In this experiment, gel electrophoresis was used to separate hemoglobin protein samples and make patientdiagnoses, setting the stage for a discussion of ethics, heredity, and human health.The students enjoyed working in a “real” scientific laboratory setting and look forward to a return trip aboard theBiobus.8

SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENTWe have gotten the school year off to a good start, unveiling new curriculums in both U.S. History and Civics &American Government. The U.S. History curriculum, a 10 th grade course, dovetails with the eighth grade courseand picks up with the industrial period in the 1880s and continues through to the present. The Civics & AmericanGovernment curriculum was revamped in accordance with the new Connecticut Social Studies Standards. Thecourse will include units on comparative governments, The U.S Constitution and government, state and localgovernment, and rights and responsibilities of citizens. Both of these courses have included commonassessments so that we may measure student performance regardless of who the teacher is. We hope tointroduce common mid‐terms and final exams in the near future.As with all of our Social Studies classes, reading and writing (particularly non‐fiction and persuasive) isemphasized. This year we have added a requirement to the grade 11 and 12 electives: a formal research paperusing materials developed by the department. In order to improve student learning, we are in the process ofcompacting the ability levels of our courses and we are now offering three AP (Advanced Placement) course inAmerican Government, U.S. History, and World History. We are also exploring offering Early College Experiencecourses sponsored by UCONN which would also allow students to earn college credits while still in high school.PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AT AP INSTITUTESMr. Brenner attended a weeklong program on AP Language and Composition at the Taft Educational Center in Watertown,CT. He reports that the big idea that was most reinforced by the program was that other teachers are alwaysthe best resource for ideas to improve teaching especially when they have the opportunity to bounce thoseideas off one another face‐to‐face. Mr. Brenner is developing and teaching our new AP Language and Compositioncourse. He reports that he came away with a desire to design curriculum which fosters independence, choice, anda fair amount of peer guidance/interaction.Ms. Laurain is the teacher and one of the curriculum developers for our AP Literature and Composition class. Sheattended the National AP Conference in Washington, DC in July 2010. She reports, “Attending the program immersedme into close reading so that I am more reflective on my own practices. This will help me guide students ontheir own journey into and within a text. I also became more aware of the importance of having students realizehow to scaffold questions and why this leads to a close reading of a text.” Ms. Laurain will apply her learning to ourAP course development with her colleague and co‐designer, Mr. Olio. Mr. Olio attended an AP institute online thissummer, experiencing the kind of virtual learning that we need to prepare our students for moving into the collegeenvironment. Mr. Olio will work with Ms. Laurain and Mr. Brenner to improve our AP classes and also to make recommendationfor improvement of our foundational grade 9 and 10 program so that more students are ready forAP by grade 11. We are proud that our AP enrollment has grown so much in the past two years. The AP teachershave remarked that the students seem ready and eager for the challenge of this rigorous opportunity.SPANISH CLASSES TREATED TED TO GUEST SPEAKERSOn Thursday, October 14, Spanish 3 classes welcomed two guest speakers to talk about Galicia, España and the cityof La Coruña. Pablo Castro Rodriguez is a native of La Coruña, visiting the United States for the second time. Thesecond guest speaker, Kristyn Simison of South Windsor, is majoring in Spanish at Holy Cross University and studyingabroad in Spain. Spanish 3 classes attended the presentations in the Media Center and listened to a Spanishpresentation regarding Mr. Rodriguez hometown. Students participated in a Q & A session and eagerly used theirSpanish questioning skills to get to know the presenters and to find out more information about the region theywere studying. A sincere thanks to all teachers and community members who helped in setting up this great opportunityfor our students to experience what they were learning in a real life context.9

FROM THE SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENTAfter School Tutoring ProgramOn September 20 th , we began our after‐school tutorial program for students experiencing academic difficulties.This program will require students to stay after school in the media center classroom on Mondays and Wednesdays,from 2:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. During these sessions students will complete work in a structured environmentas well as receive assistance from teachers and student tutors. The program will be supervised so that yourson/daughter can make a positive change in his/her work and study habits. Late buses will be available on thesedays. Interested students should see their school counselor for a contract. If you have any questions, please feelfree to contact Gail Stone, School Counselor, at 860‐648‐5003.Encourage Success by Establishing a Homework RoutineDo you sometimes feel like there’s nothing you can do when it comes to helping your teen with his/her homework?One way you can help is to encourage the creation of a homework routine. A homework routine—if your childsticks to it—will help with time management. It also forces them to take responsibility for their own learning, sinceyou’re not going to be walking by every five minutes to make sure your child is getting it done.To have a successful homework routine, your teen should: Choose a time for homework. Doing homework at the same time every day helps your teen’s brain get used tofocusing at that time. Let your teen find the time that works best for them. Find a place for homework. It should be well‐lit and free from distractions. Your teen should also make surehe/she has all of their supplies nearby so they are not constantly getting up to go find a calculator or an eraser. Get organized. He/she should have a system for keeping track of assignments. He/she should also have a calendarwhere he/she can track their long‐term assignments and projects. Tackle the toughest assignment first. Doing his/her hardest homework while their brain is freshest will helpyour teen get through it.Get a Break on Tuition!The New England Board of Higher Education’s Regional Student Program Tuition Break provides a discount on outof‐statetuition to Connecticut residents when they enroll in approved degree programs at specific state collegesand universities in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont. Connecticut residents areeligible for these degree programs because they are not offered by any Connecticut state colleges or universities.For more information check out their website: www.nebhe.orgReminders for SeniorsSeniors ‐ your Early Action and Early Decision collegedeadlines are fast approaching. Be sure to get your TranscriptRequests and envelopes to the School CounselingOffice for processing.Also, don’t forget to mark your calendars for Financial AidNight on Monday, November 29 at 7:00 p.m.CLASS OF 20158th Grade Family NightDATE CHANGE:* Monday, November 8, 2010 *6:30 p.m. at South Windsor High SchoolThe program will include information regardinggraduation requirements, curriculum,co‐curricular activities and transition activities.Parents and Students are Invited!10

SWHS 2010 ANNUAL COLLEGE LEGE FAIRThe 4 th Annual College Fair was held on Friday, October 22 . South Windsor High School is part of the Capitol RegionHigh School Consortium, which allowed us to host more than 100 college representatives who spent time with studentsin the high school gymnasium. This year Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors were able to participate in the fair.Sophomores and Juniors were inspired as they discussed post‐secondary options such as vocational, military, and 2or 4 year choices, and Seniors were able to have great conversations with school reps and acquire more knowledgeto help them in their final decisions for life after high school.The following colleges were among those represented:Albertus Magnus CollegeAmerican International CollegeArt Institutes InternationalAssumption CollegeBay Path CollegeBay State CollegeBecker CollegeBentley CollegeBryant UniversityCedar Crest CollegeClarkson UniversityCollege of Mt. St. VincentCollege of St. RoseDrew UniversityEastern CT. Eastern UniversityCollege of Our Lady of the ElmsEmmanuel CollegeEndicott CollegeFox Institute of BusinessGoodwin CollegeGreen Mountain CollegeHartwick CollegeHigh Point UniversityICPA Technical Education FoundationInternational Institute of CosmetologyIona CollegeIthaca CollegeJohnson & Wales UniversityJohnson State CollegeJuniata CollegeKeene State CollegeLasalle CollegeLawrence Technical InstituteLincoln Technical InstituteLong Island University‐ BrooklynLyndon State CollegeManhattan CollegeMarymount UniversityMassachusetts Maritime AcademyMassachusetts College of P & HealthMeredith CollegeMerrimack CollegeMITMount Saint Mary College (NY)Nazareth CollegeNewbury CollegeNichols CollegeNortheastern UniversityPace UniversityPaier College of ArtPennsylvania College of TechnologyPennsylvania State UniversityPlymouth State UniversityPost UniversityQuinnipiac UniversityRegis CollegeRivier CollegeRochester Institute of TechnologyRoger Williams UniversitySaint Anselm CollegeSaint Joseph College (W. Hartford)Salve Regina CollegeSeton Hall UniversitySouthern New Hampshire UniversitySouthern Vermont CollegeSpringfield Tech. Comm. CollegeSUNY‐ AlbanySUNY‐ PotsdamSUNY‐ Stony BrookSyracuse UniversityTrinity CollegeUMASS‐ AmherstUMASS‐ LowellUniversity of Advancing TechnologyUniversity of BridgeportUniversity of ConnecticutUniversity of HartfordUniversity of Maine, FarmingtonUniversity of Maine, OronoUniversity of New EnglandUniversity of New HavenUniversity of Rhode IslandUniversity of Scranton (PA)University of Southern MaineUniversity of VermontUtica College of Syracuse UniversityWells CollegeWentworth College of TechnologyWestern CT State UniversityWestern New England CollegeWheaton CollegeWheelock CollegeWorcester Polytechnic InstituteThe School Counseling Office offers a variety of other opportunities to meet withcollege representatives throughout the school year. Please check in the Career Centerand listen to the daily announcements for weekly updates.All students are requested to obtain a pass from the Counseling Office/Career Center if they are interested in attending a visit during the school day.11

ROCKVILLE BANK VIDEO CONTESTRockville Bank, in conjunction with the American Bankers Association Education Foundation, is sponsoring “Lights,Camera, Save!,” a video contest that hopes to inspire teens help other teens learn more about the value of saving.Rockville Bank is a participating bank in this national contest, and is sponsoring this contest locally as part of theiraffiliation with South Windsor High School. While there are big prizes on the national level ($3,000 and $1,500 savingsbonds or an iPod Touch), Rockville Bank is also offering $100 gift card to the local winner.Students were informed of the video contest at a homeroom assembly in September. Additional communicationshave been distributed through English classrooms and in the cafeteria. However, there is still time for interestedstudents to participate. Contest rules and details are as follows:• Contest Period: September 1 ‐ November 1• Eligibility: Students age 13 ‐ 16 (by November 1)• Video Specifications:60‐90 Seconds long, submitted on DVD format• Registration:Contest Entry Form from Rockville Bank; group entries are not permittedRockville Bank will select one video from among those submitted to send in to the national video contest. There isno limitation on the number of videos that can be submitted from the school; however, only one winner will beselected.New High School Websitewww.southwindsorschools.org/highschoolAs many of you may have noticed, the high school website has been ina state of transition and reconstruction over the past several weeks asit migrates to a new operating platform consistent with the rest of theschools in the South Windsor Public Schools district. We have been thelast school to migrate due to the complexity of our content, and also tothe unique branding of our “bobcat” and maroon and gold identity. Atthis point, about 85% of our content has been moved over, due in largepart to the efforts of Gail McKenna and Jim Woodworth, and the supportof members of our technology department. We hope you will findthis new format refreshing and user‐friendly.Please remember to bookmark the new website. If you have any questions,comments or suggestions, please email us atswhs@swindsor.k12.ct.us.12

ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATESExpulsionsConnecticut General Statutes require that all parents/guardian be notified of the following on an annual basis:• South Windsor School Board Policy 5114 requires expulsion from school of any student found in possession ofa firearm or deadly weapon• Expulsions are permitted for up to one calendar year;• Expulsion is permitted for conduct off school grounds if conduct is seriously disruptive to the educational processor violates present policy of the school board; and• Notification of expulsion and suspension becomes part of student’s cumulative record.If you would like to review this policy in detail, please visit our district website at www.southwindsorschools.org.Asbestos ManagementPublic Act 85‐541 requires all that all staff and parents be given notice that South Windsor Public Schools have asbestoscontaining material, and that we identify our Management Plan, which is approved by the State Board ofEducation. Our Management Plan includes the following:• Review all building plans and specifications to identify possible asbestos containing materials.• Review existing asbestos management files to obtain information and results of prior testing.• Conduct a foot by foot examination of all our buildings, including hidden spaces above ceilings, crawl spaces,tunnels, etc. to identify, and if needed test, materials suspected of containing asbestos. Inspection of all suspectedmaterials for containment and/or encapsulation is made. (Under this program, all material containingasbestos, whether friable or not, must be identified and this includes floor tile and transite.)• Map all areas.• Develop a plan to maintain all of these materials in a safe manner.It should be noted that this detailed inspection found our buildings to be in a superior condition.Health Room Reminders• Students should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school after an illness.• Everyday preventive actions for colds and flu: Wash your hands often with soap and water, and avoid touchingyour eyes, nose and mouth ‐ germs spread this way.• 10 th Grade physicals are required during the 10 th grade year. Updated physical forms should be submitted to thenurse’s office immediately following the physical to avoid enrollment delays for junior year.• Students need to submit their Tylenol permission form as soon as possible to the Health Room.ATTENTION PARENTSAccording to Federal Law, military representatives may request student lists. The law also allows for parents to exercisean ‘opt out’ provision if they wish not to have their child’s name and information released. If you wish tohave your child ‘opt out’ from the release of information to military recruiters, please email Dr. Robert LaRochellein the School Counseling Office at blarochelle@swindsor.k12.ct.us or send a letter to his attention at SWHS ‐School Counseling, 161 Nevers Road, South Windsor, CT 06074.14

PARENT ADVISORY COUNCILCILMany thanks to the following South Windsor businesses for their donation tothe Summer Reading Challenge. We greatly appreciate their generosity andmutual interest in supporting this important reading initiative !GEISSLER’S SUPERMARKET STEPHEN E. HINTZ, CPA SUBWAYDear Bobcat Parents ~PAC meetings are held once a month, are open to the school community and provide a great forum to learn anddiscuss many aspects of South Windsor High School. We spotlight a department or program and offer a Q & A sessionwith the HS Principal at each meeting which offers valuable information.PAC’s mission is to provide a link between home and school to foster on‐going positive communication. Whetheryou are a parent of a new student or have had several children graduate from SWHS, we highly encourage yourparticipation by attending a meeting, becoming involved on our Board, or lending a hand with an on‐site project oractivity.We are actively looking for 2‐3 parents in each grade level to serve as class representatives to assist with activities,general communication, fundraising and serving as a liaison to the designated student reps and Class Advisor.Please contact Karen Albert if you are interested in serving as a Parent Representative at hskydg80@msn.com.Please check our web site for additional information and volunteer opportunities. We welcome your support andenthusiasm to enhance the educational environment at SWHS !Feel free to contact me or any Board member with your questions and suggestions.In PAC Spirit !Athena Loukellis, President860‐644‐2121PAC Meeting Dates(6:30 p.m. - SWHS Media Center)• Tuesday, November 16, 2010• Monday, December 13, 2010SWHS Drama Club PresentsSeussical The MusicalDirected by Jeffrey SteadThursday, Friday, SaturdayNovember 18th, 19th 20th7:00pm performances each night plus additional 1:00pm on SaturdayTickets $10 adults $8 students/Sr. CitizensGroup rates available, please contact Rose Hopkins at (860) 648-1899For more information or tickets:tickets@swindsor.k12.ct.us15

SWHS DATES TO REMEMBEREROctober10/22: College Fair, SWHS Gym10/28: ASVAB TestingNovember11/2: Professional Development Day ‐ No School for Students11/3: Blood Drive, Students and Staff11/5: End of Marking Period11/8: 8th Grade Family Night, 6:30 p.m.11/16: PAC Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Media Center11/18: Seussical the Musical, 7:00 p.m.11/19: Seussical the Musical, 7:00 p.m.11/20: Seussical the Musical, 1:00 Matinee and 7:00 Evening11/24: Abbreviated Day ‐ Dismissal at 11:55 a.m.11/25, 26: Thanksgiving Break ‐ District Offices are Closed11/29: Financial Aid Night, 7:00 p.m.HOMEROOM DAYS(Periods 2, 4, HR, 5, 7)• November 4• December 2• January 6• February 3• March 31• April 28• May 5• June 2CURRICULUM WRITING DAYS(Students Should Arrive by 8:15 a.m.)• October 28• November 11 and 18• December 9, 16 and 23• January 13 and 27• February 10, 17 and 24• March 17 and 24• April 7 and 14• May 12, 19 and 26South Windsor High School161 Nevers RoadSouth Windsor, CT 06074Non-Profit OrgU.S. PostageSo. Windsor, CT 06074Permit # 15Phone: (860) 648-5000Guidance: (860) 648-5003Attendance: (860) 648-5005Fax: (860) 648-5013www.southwindsorschools.org/highschoolCommunity Accepts and Respects Everyone16