Science Katia Kingston

Science – Katia Kingston

CP and General Biology classes are finishing their fetal pig dissections this week. The purpose of this intense laboratory activity is to study the anatomy of vertebrates and the major body systems. The students will learn how to be able to translate from a diagram to a real structure, to understand complexity and interconnections among parts, to observe the variation among specimens. Why pigs? Internally, pigs look almost identical to a human.Theyshare many of the same physical characteristics thereby making it easy to compare to a human cadaver: pigs have a similar circulatory, digestive and respiratory system, and the location of their organs is comparable to that of a human.This exercise is essential and will prepare our students for their final assessment of the year.

Math – Kenneth Martin

Algebra 1A – Students begin work on their final project this week. The project will be to create a “bungee cord” model that can be applied in a “real-life” jump initially slated for June 12th. The project teams will collect data concerning their materials and make decisions on the best way to apply their materials. Once that is complete they will be making several test “jumps” from different heights, collect the data, graph a scatter plot, and come up with the mathematical model for their materials. The final jump will be made with a raw egg as the “participant” of the jump. The object will be to give the participant a thrilling ride without making contact with the ground!

English – Laureen Anthony: Academic Leader

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Poetry Writing Contest, sponsored by the LMC and the English department. Freshman Lyndsey Grace Oldenburg won first place for her poem “A Trophy Father’s Trophy Daughter.” Second Place went to senior Seth Runkle for his poem “I Was Once.”

Both Lyndsey and Seth’s poems and all the other submitted poems are on display in the LMC.

The winners both received a certificate honoring their achievements and a leather-bound journal. Lyndsey also won a $15 gift card to Walmart, and Seth won a $10 gift card to Walmart.

Congratulations to Taylor Nadeau for winning the “Poem in your Pocket” raffle. Taylor received a $10 Target gift card for her prize.

History– Doug Craig

Over the course of the year, five students have been involved in the Encountering Survivors program with the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut. They attended an orientation at the Williams School in New London with students from the four other high schools. They theninterviewed Holocaust survivor, Henny Simon, three times. From those interviews the students worked to recreate her story fora presentation at the WilliamsSchool last week. Theother schools along with the survivors and their families werein attendance. In addition to their presentation,weused the biography they created about Henny Simon for a lesson plan that will be used bysome sophomore classes next year.

Yearbooks! - a message from Greg Schoen

The yearbook has been completed and is in the process of being printed. Yearbooks can NO LONGER be purchased online. TO ORDER a book please write a check out to GHS Yearbook for $87.21 per book. On the memo line, please write your child’s name.

Questions?Please contact Mr. Schoen at

Travel Abroad!!! – a message from Jean Minski

Students and community are being offered a unique travel opportunity. In the summer of 2016,there will be a trip to London, Paris, and Amsterdam. They will experience history first hand by visiting the Normandy beaches and Anne Frank house,and art by visiting the Louvre. This cultural experienceis a life changing opportunity for our students. See Mrs. Jean Minskifor details:

Career Skills Workshop and Reality Fair Field Trips – Bhupal Babajiyavar: Academic Leader

The Career Skills Workshop and Reality Fair Trips were a great success!!!

Senior Events and Graduation – a message from Nadine Keane

The senior breakfast is Friday, June 19, and graduation rehearsal immediately follows. Seniors will receive their gradation garb and tickets at rehearsal. If extra graduation tickets are available, they will be handed out immediately following rehearsal. Seniors who want extra tickets should remain in the gym after others are dismissed. Seniors are to be in school at the normal time on Friday, June 19, and must attend rehearsal in order to participate in the ceremony.

Graduation day:

Seniors should gather in the cafeteria no later than 9:15 am. Here are a few reminders:

• Iron (low heat) /steam/hang the graduation gown
• No jeans, no shorts, no flip flops
• Make sure graduation tassels make it to the ceremony
• Only seniors are allowed in the cafeteria before the ceremony.
• Seating in the auditorium is unlimited, air-conditioned, and has no waiting line.

Student Council – a message from Chris Champlin

This week elections are being held for next year’s officers. Students interested in running for office were required to submit a letter of intent and petition and will be presenting their speech to the student body during WEB on Thursday June 4th – elections will follow.

Members of the student council are sponsoring a Campus Beautification Day on Saturday June 13th. Students will be helping to clean up the campus for summer and for graduation. We have been working with the Building and Grounds Department to identify projects that the students can assist with.

Our final activity for the year is our student and faculty dodgeball tournament which will take place on Friday June 12th from 1:30-3:00 in the GHS gym.

Physicals!!! – a message from Jacquie Burzycki, RN

Is your child is entering 11th grade in the fall? If so, a current 10th grade physical is required. This is a state mandated physical and must be completed prior to entering 11th grade. The completed form must be dated no earlier than June 1, 2014,

and received by the school nurse prior to the first day of school.

If you would like a blank physical form to bring with you to your provider‘s office, they are available in the main office at GHS, or on our website under health services, where it can be printed onto blue paper. Most local pediatricians will have a supply of these state forms.

Please be sure the doctor’s office completes ALL of the asterisk boxes on the form as they are mandatory. If they are not completely filled out your child will be unable to start school. Blood work will also be required and the physical will not be complete without the results.

Vision and hearing screenings are not provided by the school in 10th grade as these screenings are assessed by the provider at this physical exam and the results must be recorded on the blue physical form. Students will not receive their schedule for the fall semester and will be sent home on the first day of school, students will be unable to return to school until the completed physical is in the health office. Please make sure your child starts the new school year off right and on time.

Our contact numbers are (860) 376-7647 and Fax (860) 376-7677. It is best to fax or mail the completed physical to GHS to the attention of the school nurse.

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