Suffield High School
Dec. 2014 / Jan. 2015
1060 Sheldon Street | West Suffield, CT 06093 | 860-668-3810 | https://www.suffield.org
Upcoming Events:
Agriscience Holiday Sale
Monday, December 1st
through
Friday, December 5th
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 6th
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
BOE Meeting
Tuesday, December 2nd
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
SHS Media Center
Internet Safety Program for Parents
Thursday, December 4th
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
SMS Auditorium
Safe Party Bottle / Can Drive
Saturday, December 6th
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
SMS Cafe Parking Lot
Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
Monday, December 8th
6:00 p.m.
SHS LMC
Sped PAC
Tuesday, December 9th
9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
SHS Commons
Winter Concert
Wednesday, December 10th
7:00 p.m.
SHS Auditorium
(Dec. 11th and Dec. 15th Snow Dates)
Winter Sports Parent Meeting
Tuesday, December 16th
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
SHS Auditorium
BOE Meeting
Tuesday, December 16th
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
SHS Media Center
Early Release
Tuesday, December 23rd
12:00 p.m.
Winter Vacation
No School
Wednesday, December 24th
through
Friday, January 2nd
Winter Vacation
BOE Meeting
Tuesday, January 6th
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
SHS Media Center
Sped PAC
Tuesday, January 13th
9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
AWS Café A
No School
Monday, January 19th
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Early Release
Tuesday, January 20th -
Friday January 23rd
12:00 p.m.
Mid-Term Exams
BOE Meeting
Tuesday, January 20th
6:30 p.m.
SHS Media Center
SAE Capstone Night
Wednesday, January 28th
6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
SHS Agriscience Wing
(Jan. 29th Snow Date)
Virtual Backpack:
Suffield High School Student Handbook
2014 - 2015 Parent Letter about Enterovirus D68
2014 - 2015 Special Services Tri-fold Flyer
2014 - 2015 Weather Related Closing, Delayed Opening, and Early Dismissal Protocol
First Edition of Orpheus Has Been Published
NCCC - Parent and Sibling Support Groups
NCCC - Recreational Family Activity Group Calendar
November 2014 SHS Guidance Newsletter
Purchase a Suffield HS 2015 Yearbook and/or Advertisement
School Lunch and Breakfast Payment Information
Ski Club Application and Frequently Asked Questions
A Message from the Principal
As the school prepares for the winter break, I want to start by wishing everyone a joyous and happy holiday season from everyone here at Suffield High School. We all hope that you find time to relax and enjoy a safe holiday season with family and friends.
With shortened daylight and colder days it is clear that we are all transitioning to winter – not being a skier I can definitely say “at least we are not in Buffalo!” The fall has come and gone and the school celebrated many accomplishments of our students in their wide-range of endeavors. At times we were able to experience the “thrills of victory”, but unfortunately we also had to negotiate through the “agony of defeat.” No matter what the final outcome, we must continue to support each other, come together, and show an unrelenting support for our entire community. I wish to send special congratulations out to the Drama Club and Ms. Holland for an outstanding rendition of Romeo & Juliet. All of the administration spent an evening enjoying the production and I know my own 9-year old daughter is already asking for when she can come to the next performance. Congratulations to the cast, crew, and everyone involved in the play.
With fragmented months between Thanksgiving and the upcoming winter break, this will be the last newsletter for quite some time. The next edition will be coming out in February and we will continue to post and update information through the school website. Please be sure to keep an eye out as mid-year exams will be here January 20-23 (pending snow days) before we know it.
Internet Safety Program for Parents
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2014
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Suffield Middle School Auditorium
Through this presentation, parents will be informed of new trends and techniques that are being used on-line by the predators and by our children. They will also be given tips on what to do to prevent a dangerous situation from happening. Parents will see how what their children do on-line now can have long term negative effects on their future. Parents will learn tools and strategies they can use to keep their families safe.
Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Recipient
The school would like to congratulate Taylor Schwab who was recently voted as the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest. The award was created and designed to reward the qualities of good citizenship through their qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. Taylor was selected by her teachers and then voted on by her peers as she demonstrates these qualities to an outstanding degree. Taylor will now participate in the scholarship portion of the program which includes the writing of a personal statement and an essay.
Prudential Spirit of Community Award
Congratulations to Emily Dylewski who was named Suffield High School’s recipient of the Prudential Spirit of Community Award. The high school is allowed to only nominate one high school honoree for this award based on the size of the school. Emily met that criteria based on her initiative, effort, impact, and personal growth obtained through her community service. Congratulations Emily!
Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents' Student Recognition Award
Mason Beiter was chosen as Suffield High School’s Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents' annual student recognition award. The CAPPS Superintendent/Student Recognition Program is designed to recognize students who have served their schools and communities while maintaining good scholastic progress and exhibiting leadership qualities. Congratulations Mason!
State Finalists in the 2014 Wendy’s High School Heisman Awards Program
Congratulations to two of our seniors - Taylor Schwab for being named the female State Winner and Sam Cutler on being chosen as a State Finalists in the 2014 Wendy’s High School Heisman Awards Program! Only 5 Connecticut high school senior guys and 5 girls are selected for state finalist status, so both should be proud that they are part of a very select group.
Congratulations to senior Taylor Schwab, daughter of Cindy and Tim Schwab of Suffield on being named the State of Connecticut Winner in the prestigious 2014 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award Program! Taylor was chosen as the top female candidate for the award from applicants representing high schools across the entire state.
Congratulations also go to senior Sam Cutler, son of Kim Worthington and Edward Cutler of Suffield on being chosen as a State Finalist in the same program. A senior at Suffield High School, Sam is an outstanding student/athlete and leader by example within our school community.
The Wendy’s High School Heisman program, awarded in conjunction with the collegiate Heisman, celebrates the achievements of the nation’s top high school seniors both in and out of the classroom. Just as the collegiate Heisman is known for being he top award in college football, the WHSH award is known for being the most prestigious award at the high school level. The award encourages future leadership by recognizing well-balanced lifestyles at an early age. To be eligible for this award, students must display academic aptitude, athletic talent and community leadership.
Created in 1994, the Wendy’s High School Heisman program has celebrated youth excellence for 20 years. The program consists of six stages: applicants, school winners, state finalists, state winners, national finalists and national winners. Entries are initially evaluated by ACT Assessment during the Applicant, State Finalist and State Winner phases and then passed on to a distinguished panel of judges. Known for the ACT college entrance exam, ACT is a non-profit organization offering educational measurement and research services.
Student Athletes of the Month
The Suffield High School Athletic Booster club has nominated two seniors for the October Students of the Month – Mikaela Bouchard and Jarvis Miller. Students are selected on the basis of their athletic accomplishments, attitude, leadership, sportsmanship, team spirit, and academics. There was a lot of strong competition this month, making it especially difficult in deciding winners. Mikaela Bouchard is a four-year veteran of the Swim team. To further her love of swimming, Mikaela also joined the Diving team her Freshman year. She has pushed herself to accomplish her goals of going to States the past 3 years and to be a role model for her team members. As for Jarvis Miller, he is the current captain of the football team. He holds many awards for sportsmanship and skill in football, as well as holding the respect of his peers. He has committed to Penn State for a full athletic scholarship.
Suffield Rotary Club's Student of the Month
The Suffield Rotary Club’s Student of the Month for the month of November goes to Megan Ruth Morton. Megan is an exemplar student, noted for her involvement in clubs, activities, and sports. To name a few of her accomplishments, she is the president of Earth club, has volunteered in different leadership programs like the Common Ground Leadership Development Program, has won awards like the University of Rochester Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award, and works at Spaulding School as an afterschool program assistant. These are just a few of the amazing things that Megan has accomplished in her years at Suffield High School. She is hoping to go to Montana State in the fall to study teaching.
Agricultural Science National Convention
Last month, students in the Agricultural Sciences program attended the National Convention in Kentucky. Students went for four days to compete in the convention and had an outstanding showing. Their leadership skills were tested, especially when they had to compete against the top chapters in the nation. The Agricultural Issue Team (Alexis Ratti, Zach Schiralli, Miranda Burkert, Alexandra Greene, and Molly Drakeley) scored a bronze, Brigitte Rathey (class of 2014) competed in the Job Interview and scored a bronze, and the Landscape Team (Emily LaFlamme, Connor Smith, Natasia Baker, and Kelsey Merrill) received a gold. Of special note was Emily LaFlamme who individually placed 11th in the nation as part of that Landscape Team. When not competing, students enjoyed seeing the Kentucky sights and meeting other Agricultural Science students from all around the nation.
Agriscience Center Open House
The Suffield Regional Agriscience Center recently held an Open House with well over 200 people in attendance. Two sessions were held and it was standing room only in sessions where current parents and students from the school were available to greet prospective students and help them with the presentation and tours. The department also utilized the evening to welcome our newest teacher, Sarah Oliver who was in attendance. It is an exciting time in the Agriscience area as work has begun to clear and prepare the Agriscience land extension prior to the winter months. The land is adjacent to the high school, directly behind Bruce Park, and accessible by the bridge located next to the large animal facility.
Best Buddies Friendship Walk
Suffield High School had 37 attendees arrive at Quinnipiac University as part of the Best Buddies Friendship Walk. The group split into small inclusive groups of buddies (those with intellectual developmental disabilities) and peers. The groups participated in the activities offered: pumpkin decoration, hay rides, bounce houses, face painting, karaoke, costume photo booths, and carnival games before reconvening and walking together as a whole group. As a team, the group raised $655 to go towards supporting Best Buddies. It was a very successful event and all had a lot of fun!
Child Development Class Offers Wildcats Playschool
We are very excited to offer our play school experience again this year!
Suffield High School Child Development classes will be having playschool for children aged 18 months to 3 yrs old, starting December 3,2014. Sessions will run Wednesday and Thursday through January 8,2015. The purpose of the playgroup is to provide High School students the opportunity to plan for, and implement a variety of activities for young children. The curriculum offered is based on the State of Connecticut Frameworks and Benchmarks for Children in Preschool Programs (1999). The high school students will act as teachers, observers, and lesson planners. The children from our community will provide us plenty of opportunities for class discussion and application of our textbook's instruction. If you are interested in having your son/daughter attend, please contact Mrs. McCluskey at the high school at kmccluskey@suffield.org or by phone at 860-668-3810
Parent Letter - PDF | Application - PDF | Application - Word
FFA Holiday Sale
The FFA Holiday Sale, which benefits the program and its community service efforts, will be held Monday, December 1st through Saturday, December 6th. Purchases can be made 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and between 10:00 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday. Poinsettias in three sizes, door swags, floral centerpieces, birch reindeer, wreaths and kissing balls are all for sale. Special orders are possible as well. Please visit the sale in the Large Animal Facility behind Suffield High School. You may also contact Maryellen Mercik at mmercik@suffield.org or by calling 860-668-3817 to place orders.
NCCC (North Central Connecticut Conference) Music Festival Concert
The annual NCCC (North Central Connecticut Conference) Music Festival Concert featuring high school chorus and band students from Bolton, East Granby, East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Granby, Somers, Stafford Springs, Suffield and Windsor Locks was held on November 20th. Students participating are provided a full-day of rehearsal and then a half-day of rehearsal followed by an evening concert. This year’s concert took place at Windsor Locks High School and we are all proud of Mr. Migliore and the following students for their accomplishment: Jonah Berrien, Kayla Bourret, Kira Bourret, Cameron Gallagher, Lauren Moriarty, Joshua Podgorski, Kimberly Suzenski, Cynthia Webster, and Nick Vavalle.
December Guidance Newsletter
Suffield High School December School Guidance Newsletter has important information including:
- Mid Term Point
- College Application Deadlines
- Local Scholarship Reminder
- College Planning Appointments for Juniors and Parents
- Tips for Juniors on How to Start Your College Search
- Top Ten Ways to Enjoy the College Admissions Process
- Congratulations Department
- Wendy’s High School Heisman
- Free College Credit
- Community Service Credit Reminder
- Tuition Discounts Available
- Upcoming Events for December
December 2014 SHS Guidance Newsletter - PDF
Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting – December 8th
All interested parents are invited to attend the second meeting of the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). The meeting is an opportunity for parents to attend information sessions about the high school and also allows the administration an opportunity to better understand parental views and concerns. Meetings are held throughout the year and the next meeting is scheduled for December 8th at 6:00 pm in the Library Media Center. We hope to see you there!
Parental Involvement Recognition Award
The State Education Resource Center (SERC) and the CT Parent Information and Resource Center (CT PIRC) have notified the school that Doriana Vicedomini, mother of Diara Vicedomini, has been selected to receive the 2014 Parental Involvement Recognition Award. Mrs. Vicedomini was nominated for this award by Lori O'Neill, the district school social worker, and is one of only ten people across the state to receive the award. The award is being given in recognition of her impact and contributions to the Suffield Public Schools. Mrs. Vicedomini is actively involved in the district's Special Education Parent Advisory Council, served on the search committees for the high school's two new assistant principals, and was vital in securing funding for the Best Buddies Friendship Walk at Quinnipiac University. We thank Mrs. Vicedomini for her involvement and engagement in not only bettering Suffield High School, but all of the Suffield Public Schools.
Spirit Night
The seniors once again prevailed on Spirit Night, which capped Spirit Week and proved to be an enjoyable night by all who attended. The annual event is organized and sponsored by Student Senate and we thank Ms. Whiteley, Ms. Kruk, and their Student Senate advisors for all of their hard work which made the evening a success. A special thanks to Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Anderson, Mr. Lowell, Mr. Gatto, Mrs. Janick, Mrs. Lombard, Ms. Rose, Mrs. Haefner and Mr. Eggleston who judged the competitions, as well as Mr. Janick who was the night’s MC.
SHS School Store SALE and Extended Hours
For the month of December, all hoodies and sweatpants will be on sale – take $5.00 off every hoodie and sweatpant that is "in stock" (on the shelves) until 12/23/14. This offer does not apply to anything that needs to be ordered*.
The school store is located in the commons and is open during every SHS lunch (as long as we have student volunteers).
There will be extended school store hours open to the public, so please tell your friends and family to come in to take advantage of the sale:
Mon 12/15 OPEN 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Wed 12/17 OPEN 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Fri 12/19 OPEN 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Mon 12/22 OPEN 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Tues 12/23 OPEN 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Please remember that only CASH or Checks are accepted. Checks can be made payable to the "SHS Booster Club".
*Note: Items that are not in stock can still be ordered (they must be paid for at the time of the order) but are not guaranteed to arrive in time for Christmas.
Suffield Public Schools
350 Mountain Road, Suffield, CT 06078
Phone: 860-668-3800
