February 2013
English (academic leader: Nadine Keane)
In January, the English department held review sessions for the CAPT Reading for Information test. Based on in-class assessments, teachers recommended sophomores and juniors they felt might have difficulty with the test. Ninety students attended the two-day WEB session. The same students will attend a three-day Response to Literature session during the last week of February.
Social Studies (academic leader: Betsy Kowal)
Pottery (instructor: Nancy Metayer)
Health Office (school nurse: Jacquie Burzycki, RN)
World Languages (academic leader: Rick Rule)
Spanish II students are working on and presenting their video news casts. Each team of reporters picked a major Spanish-speaking city in the U.S. and are transforming themselves into reporters for a major Spanish-speaking television station. We can’t wait to see them – and the bloopers! Spanish III students are learning how to describe their physical health at the doctor’s office and also how to give medical advice, and Spanish IV students are presenting their attributes on their personal“Spanish Code of Arms.”
Special Education (academic leader: Monica Pomazon)
Mr. Ross and the Unified Partners Speed Skating Team report that The Reminder News came by on Monday to take pictures and interview a few people for an article that will run next week. Be sure to check to see our students and their teammates!
We are gearing up for the local competition at the Norwich Ice Rink, to be held on February 21. Our last practice is on February 25, followed by a team lunch. The state games are held during the first weekend of March in Simsbury.
Our athletes have really improved over the past few months. They have become more confident and stable on the ice, and they have enjoyed socially interacting with the other skaters, partners, and Connecticut College women hockey players that volunteer to help the program.
Library Media Center (Media Specialist: Kathleen Sasso)
Music (Instructors: Kevin Kinsall and Ray Churchill)
Sydney Batchelder (vocal alto), and Heidi Willard (vocal alto). Instrumentalist Rob Terell also earned a spot playing string bass.
CAS Art Awards
Business (academic leader: Colleen Wilber)
In February, the Money Works class begins the Stock Market game. Students will be competing against individuals in Connecticut for the title of Financial Wizard. To be involved in the Stock Market game, students must learn how to follow the rules of the game as well as navigate the internet for information on stocks, mutual funds, futures, and bonds. Students learn the art of reading Stock Market quotes, looking for trends, relating products to markets as well as the economy in an attempt to grow the largest stock portfolio. The student must choose a minimum of three stocks and each student begins the game with $100,000. Stock trades must be made in chunks of 100. The game is run until April 2013. Each student will create a Portfolio and a Presentation about the strategies and experiences that they have learned throughout the game. May the best investor win!
Consumer and Family Sciences (academic leader/instructor: Dolores Walsh)
Students Visit with Senior Citizens
Written by Chelsea Camacho
On Thursday, January 31, 2013, Mrs. Walsh’s Individual and Family Development class visited McCluggage Manor in Jewett City. The Individual and Family Development course focuses on providing students with authentic learning experiences, at various stages of the life cycle. The visit was scheduled so students could interact with some of the residents at the manor. A sign-up was posted at the manor inviting any senior resident willing to spend time talking with our class.
When students arrived at the community room, they were greeted by a group of eight seniors. The senior residents were excited to have us visit and to share their life experiences with the students. The students also benefited from the experience, as their comments show:
· “Students and the senior residents gained insight on how the other generation views the world today.”
· “The hour and a half flew by so quickly!”
· “It was a rewarding experience for both generations to interact in such a positive way.”
Students in the class hope to visit the other manors in our community and further volunteer at the senior center.
Note: Individual and Family Development is part of the University of Connecticut College Experience program at GHS. Students enrolled in this course are interested in pursuing careers in education, human services, and medical services.