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I just got off the phone with Dr. Marguerite Rizzi, Stoughton's Superintendent of Schools, who responded to this morning's posting here from the Stoughton Teachers Association.

She said the STA mailed their statement to Massachusetts Teachers Association members who live in Stoughton. "It's just another example of the politics of personal attack that I have been dealing with here for the past six years. All of the contracts in the school department are public documents. Everyone has a right to know. If they ask for them, they get them."

John Gunning, the President of the Stoughton Teacher's Association, was concerned that the six year contract was related to the online consulting business that Rizzi, Ford, and other Administrators are running. "Going into business with full time employees. There's a hint of behind closed doors. The Enterprise found the contract before any of the school committee members knew about it. We have serious concerns about the arrangements. There's certainly nothing personal."

Rizzi responded, "The school committee members could have asked for the new version of the contract. But, once they decided to appoint, then the contract was in my hands. It was never a secret."

When I mentioned to Gunning, a 7th grade Social Studies teacher at the O'Donnell Middle School, that stories like this cast a negative reflection not on only the Superintendent, but the entire school system, he said, "There's no question it gets messy when it gets out there. We don't want to detract from all the great things our students do, whether its DECA, athletics, music, etc. We just want things in the open."

Rizzi, who is a finalist for the top Dartmouth school job, said that the School Committee passed a policy last year after questions were asked about School Committee hires--do they take them on from start to finish? This was after a member referred to some prior hiring practices as "unscrupulous." She tells me, "To clarify, they voted a hiring policy. Once they appointed people, the Superintendent would evaluate them, and would manager their contracts thereafter. This was helpful for maintaining the reputation of the district to help bring in good quality personnel, and to keep them." Previously, managing was "outside the realm of normal practice."

Rizzi added, "Mr. Ford's contract was in my hands. I'm the person who was in position to evaluate it. Talented educational administrators are at a premium. They are not easy to come by. They should be treated well. Six years is the limit we can write. They gave me a 5 and a half year extension when they wanted to keep me."

The question I had was why did the STA send out a news release? Where did they get the contract (since it wasn't requested from the Supt's office)? There's no contract negotiations going on now. So, it's not a contract ploy. So, what did they have to gain?

Gunning said the sole motivation was for openness and transparency. "Ithink it's a concern for Stoughton residents. There are serious goings on on Pearl Street."

Rizzi, for one, doesn't understand the uproar over a contract, that was her job to negotiate. "Mr. Ford is a very talented administrator, and we're lucky to have him under contract until 2020." Rizzi had previously answered questions about her educational consulting firm, saying that no one would be missing any time at their full time jobs in the Stoughton School System to work for it.

 

(Posted on March 23, 2015 @ 6:50 p.m. Updated at 9 p.m.)

From John Gunning of the Stoughton Teachers Association:

RECENT DISCOVERY THAT STOUGHTON SUPERINTENDENT RIZZI GAVE DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT FORD A SIX YEAR CONTRACT THROUGH 2020 SPARKS CONTROVERSY.

In mid-January, the Stoughton Teachers Association learned that Superintendent Rizzi and Deputy Superintendent Ford have created a website advertising a new business venture: Level 1 Educational Consulting:http://www.drmaggierizzi.com/?page_id=4

Several weeks ago, the Brockton Enterprise published a story about Dr. Rizzi’s business venture. It was through this article that the STA first learned that, with two years and three months remaining on his four year contract, Superintendent Rizzi gave Deputy Superintendent Ford a new six year contract - April 1, 2014 through March 31, 2020. According to the contract, the agreement was entered into on April 1st, which was one week before last year’s School Committee election; however, it was not signed until April 21, 2014. The terms of the new contract include the following: a minimum 2.5% raise for each of six years plus merit increases for “services rendered in a satisfactory or better manner”; full reimbursement for all graduate courses; an apparent reduction of responsibilities because “curriculum and instruction” has been removed from Mr. Ford’s job title and the word “consulting” has been inserted as a permissible activity.

STA President John Gunning remarked, “There are only two signatories to this contract – Dr. Rizzi and Mr. Ford. The fact that this deal was negotiated behind closed doors and that the contract was never, to our knowledge, made public is a cause for concern. In spite of our best efforts, we have not been able to identify a single person, including any elected town officials, who know that Deputy Superintendent Ford has a contract through 2020!"

(Posted at 9:50 a.m. on March 23, 2015)

 

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WEST SCHOOL TAKES FUN OUT OF RECESS

 

(STORY)

 

 

 

 

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SHS Music Department presents 2014 Holiday Concert

The Stoughton High School Music Department will present their 2014 Holiday Concert on Friday, December 12 th. The concert will feature the SHS Concert Choir and SHS Jazz Choir under the direction of Christopher Nickelson-Mann. The SHS Concert Band and SHS Tuesday Jazz Ensemble will be directed by John Mange.

The concert will be held in the high school auditorium and begin at 7:30 PM. Tickets will be available at the door only. Adults $5.00, seniors and children $3.00 with a family maximum of $10.00. For more information, please visit http://www.spsfinearts.org or call 781-344-7002 x 6280

 

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CHEERLEADERS MAKE IT TO STATES!

 

 

Kristy Curtis, Head Coach of the Stoughton High School Black Knights Cheerleaders, has done an amazing job with the team, in her first year. "I was a cheerleader for Pop Warner and then two years for varsity at Stoughton High. I was Assistant Coach for two seasons, and then took over as Varsity Head coach last winter."

 

Some would look at the beautiful 23-year old and think she can't have enough experience to be an effective head coach. But, Stoughton High School Athletic Director Ryan Donahue was profuse in his compliments of Black Knights Cheerleading Head Coach Kristy Curtis, a 2009 graduate of Stoughton High School. He told Snyder's Stoughton, "She took over last year in winter season. She had been a varsity cheerleader. And, I think with Kristy she showed dedication and consistency for a long time as a volunteer. She lent a hand. There's only one head coach, and no paid assistants for cheerleading. It's a very difficult position. She volunteered to help for over 2 years. When she applied for the job, her level-headedness overcame her youth. Her dedication to the program spoke volumes about what we were looking for."

 

Curtis said she came in knowing what she had to do, telling me, "I have a lot to learn and a lot to prove. Some assume because I'm young I don't know anything. It's nice to prove I'm capable, and that being young is a benefit rather than a detriment. "

 

Barbara Mofford, a Randolph native, was the previous Head Coach for cheerleading. Adds Curtis, "As an assistant and as a cheerleader, I learned the basics on how to coach successfully from Coach Mofford. Truthfully, without her, I wouldn't be where I am today. To not only be one of her cheerleaders, but to coach with her, she taught me an awful lot."

 

Donahue continued, "The season before Kristy was hired, they didn't qualify in the Hock Championships There was talent on the team and we decided to move in a different direction. People had been turned off because they had a few unsuccessful years. Now, the numbers are starting to grow. She is making it positive for them and the kids are responding really well."

 

The cheerleaders go to all the football games, and recently competed at Hocks and the Milford Invitational. They had a second place finish in the Small Co-Ed Division of the South Regionals, and were invited to States this weekend. If they win first or second, they'd get automatic bid to Nationals, according to Curtis, who added, "if the score is at a certain level, we could also secure a bid."

 

Nationals are in April in Florida. "We'd have to fundraise, if we make the bid. Those currently on the team would be invited."

 

Some don't consider cheerleading a sport. Curtis begged to differ. She said, "People who don't consider cheerleading a sport, probably have never done it. It takes strength to hold people up for a time. We condition at every practice. We do tumbling every week. We run. It's exhausting. Competitions are less than three minutes, but it's the most exhausting time. We work all season for a competition that could be all or nothing. It's not easy. It takes a lot of conditioning--including yelling while running. It's not easy to be a cheerleader."

 

The young woman with the easy smile adds "Our goal is to cheer for the team we are supporting, whether football or basketball. We're supporting our teams. That's our main priority. We prepare for games, learning cheers and dance. At the games, it's not apparent that we might have spent three hours practicing for a routine for an upcoming competition. Football was a great run this year (going undefeated in the regular season). We'll secure a new team in December for basketball. There's a chance to make Nationals with that team, too.

 

Kristy thanked her two assistant coaches Heather Lamplough ('08) and Felicia Baptista ('12), both Stoughton High grads and former varsity cheerleaders.

 

Donahue said he's never seen the young men and women athletes at Stoughton High working so hard. "We have boys and girls teams working out like mad at the weight room. And, you can see the results. Field Hockey, Boys Soccer and Men's Football all made post season in the Fall."

 

(Photo by Jeffrey Pickette of SMAC)

From left to right in the photo: 

Front Row: Meghan Moore, Captain Johannah Smith, Captain Bianca Batte, Jordan Lazarian, Isabella Hobbs, Amanda Gallant Back Row: Amanda Mellyn, Arianna Thomas, Courtney Weiner, William Thomas, Emily Wilson

 

Bottom photo courtesy of Carolyn Batte (l to r: Captain Johannah Smith, Head Coach Kristy Curtis, and Captain Bianca Batte.

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The Stoughton High School Marching Black Knights Band and Guard finished its 2014 competitive season with a Gold rating and third-place finish at the New England Scholastic Band Association’s 2014 NESBA Marching Band Championships at Lawrence High School Nov. 9.

The band and guard turned in the best performances of the year and scored a 94.8.

This season’s Marching Black Knights field show, “Soul With A Capital S,” featured James Brown’s “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag” and “I Feel Good”; “Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man”; “After the Love Has Gone” by Earth Wind & Fire; Tower of Power’s “So Very Hard to Go” and “Locked Out Of Heaven” by Bruno Mars.

SHS band member Matthew Carlson designed and painted the Soul Town backdrops for the show. Parents of Performing Students member, Robert Connor, built the staging for the show and was the captain of the parent pit crew that set up the staging for each performance.

SHS Band & Color Guard Members: Rachel Armany, Julia Awad, Amanda Ayochok, Alex Barros, Mia Bennett, Theresa Billo, Nathan Bodette, Vandy Bontemps, Stevens Bontemps, Ashley Burrowes, Shelbi Byron, Rachel Call, Samara Callender, Leslie Camilo, Lea Campanario, Heather Cardella, Peter Cariofiles, Demetra Cariofiles, Matthew Carlson, Brian Carlson, Allison Carter, Amelia Cochran, Megan Connor, Andrew Crean, Brandon Curran, Ashley DeAmicis, Eoin Doherty, Vanesiah Dos Anjos, Elizabeth Eckhart, Rachel Estremera, Michael Fetherston, Emily Gareri, Hannah Garey, Janelle Gibson, Katharine Gover, Connor Hay, Hannah Holden, Katherine Howe, Alexandra Howe, Jamal Husseini, Marie-Therese Ikoro, Antonio Irons, Brianna Ivaldi, Jaime Jabon, Alexander Jarasitis, Hugmaelle Jean, Anthony Jordan, Fatima Julien, Jonathan Julien, Hassan Kahn, Rashad Khan, Conor Kavanagh, Mathew LeBlanc, Danielle Lerette, Eric Levy, Hannah MacDonald, Hannah Mace, Chad Macomber, Cesar McElaney, Cassandra Melo, Julia Melo, Mackenzie Munroe, Joshua Myrtil, Kristina Nguyen, Malina Nguyen, Connor Nye, Edmund O’Donoghue, Sarah O’Neil, Anna O’Neil, Monica Pabla, Kevin Patel, Micah Pellegrini, Kara Ploss, Jessica Podesta, Jonathan Podesta, Diksha Pokharel, Adam Potter, Victoria Rego, Kyle Reis, Abigail Roane, Samantha Roane, Ethan Rosenberg, Rickelia Samuels, Kristalyn Selden, Isabelle Solem, Jamie Solimine, Carly Solimine, Joseph Souto, Samantha St. Clair, Matthew St. Clair, Brendan Stebbins, Ryan Struck, Danielle Tarchara, Katie Taylor; Matthew Tellier, Caroline Tobin, Valerie Tobin, Meaghan Tracey, Adren Tran, Samantha Turner, Marissa Wade, Sierra Watson, David Twerago, Derek Westhaver, Tess Widberg, Breanna Williams, Cassandra Williams, Joshua Williams, Mikayla Williams, Mariah Williams, Ashley Yanoff.

Marching Band staff members: John Mange, John Kearns, Ann Dorgan, Danielle Horan, Andrew Davey, Lindsay Heffernan, Bill Heffernan, Jennifer Walden and Brad Conant.

The SHS Marching Black Knights have two upcoming appearances to finish off their 2014 season – at the annual Thanksgiving game at SHS Nov. 27, with game time at 10 a.m.; and marching in Stoughton’s Holiday Parade Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE TO HOLD OFFICE HOURS

The Stoughton School Committee has decided to start holding office hours. The purpose is to provide convenient School Committee member access for parents, students, taxpayers, and employees. It is hoped that this effort will help them improve transparency, as well as community and parent engagement. Two regularly scheduled office hours per month are envisioned: possibly one in the School Committee room, and another in the Town Hall or at the Police Station. Days, times and locations will be selected to maximize opportunities for public participation.

Please feel free to contact the Committee Chair, Dr. Erdem A. Ural, to indicate your preferences for times and locations. Dr. Ural is accessible by telephone (781-818-4114) or by email (erdem.ural@lpsti.com).

OLSIEWSKI NAMED TO SHS HALL OF FAME

Stoughton High School honored Dr. Paula J. Olsiewski, a member of the class of 1971, as a new inductee in the Hall of Fame for Extraordinary Achievement at an assembly on October 17, 2014.

The induction ceremony is intended to provide Stoughton High School students with inspiration and encourage them to follow their dreams. Paula J. Olsiewski, Ph.D. works as a Program Director at the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in New York City, where she’s been employed since 2000.  The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation website states “Dr. Olsiewski directs the Indoor Environment and Biosecurity programs as well as the Synthetic Biology Initiative. She co-directs the Energy and Environment Program and oversees the Sloan Public Service Awards and the Sloan Awards for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics. She received a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Yale College in 1975 and a Doctorate in biological chemistry from MIT in 1979."

All inductees are past Stoughton High School graduates who are nominated by community members, past students, and families. The nominees are carefully selected by a committee in order to select the truly extraordinary. Many no longer live in Stoughton and make the journey back to Stoughton with their family and friends to receive this great honor.

27 AP SCHOLARS IN STOUGHTON!

Twenty-seven students at Stoughton High School have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams.

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program ® (AP ®) provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. About 22 percent of the 2.2 million students worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to also earn an AP Scholar Award.

The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP Exams.

At Stoughton High School:

One student qualified for the National AP Scholar Award by earning an average score of 4 or higher on a five-point scale on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. This student is Kevin J. McDonald.

Three students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. These students are Alex DeNapoli, Kevin J. McDonald and Robert Mone.

Eight students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. These students are Tess Connor, Peter da Silva, Kaitlin Elwood, Monica Peterson, Abigail Roane, Emma Sinkus, Madeline Sinkus and Joseph Souto.

Fifteen students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with scores of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are Kayla Burgos, Matthew Colburn, Katrina Daly, John Eppenstein, Jacob Finer, Darlene Irons, Kassandra Melo, Ashley Merola, Kristina Nguyen, Abigail Roane, Corey Shore, Julia Sjoquist, Elizabeth Sloane, Michaela Sullivan, Adren Tran, and Timothy Tullis, Jr.

Of this year’s award recipients at Stoughton High School, seven are juniors: Kaitlin Elwood, Ashley Merola, Kristina Nguyen, Abigail Roane, Joseph Souto, Michaela Sullivan, and Adren Tran. These students have at least one more year in which to complete college-level work and possibly earn a higher-level AP Scholar Award.

Congratulations to All!

STOUGHTON SCHOOLS ACHIEVE
"ELITE" LEVEL ON MCAS!

(STORY)

DR RIZZI RECOVERING FROM BIKE ACCIDENT

Stoughton's Superintendent of Schools will miss the first day of school on Tuesday, September 2, recovering at home from injuries suffered in a bike accident on West Street on Labor Day. Rizzi was treated at the scene of the accident by Stoughton Police and Fire personnel, and then transported to a hospital in Boston. Snyder's Stoughton texted with her early Monday evening, and she was happy to hear that all her tests were negative, and that she'll be released for home on Tuesday.

Dr. Rizzi has been the town's Superintendent of Schools since 2009. A year earlier, she was named Assistant Superintendent of Schools. She came from the Hull School System.

We are VERY happy to hear she is doing ok. And, I know that dozens of residents showed their concern via Facebook Monday afternoon.

MASS. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATIONS ISSUES COMPLAINT AGAINST STOUGHTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR BAD-FAITH NEGOTIATIONS

On April 1st, the same night that the Stoughton School Committee voted 4 to 1 to remove $342,000 from the teachers’ salary account, the Mass. Department of Labor Relations issued two new complaints against the  Stoughton School Committee for failure to bargain in good faith in violation of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 150E, Section 10(a)(5).  The Department found probable cause that the Stoughton School Committee illegally refused to provide information to the Stoughton teachers and bargained in bad faith over a proposed change. 

The complaints reads:

“By the conduct described in paragraphs 21 and 23, the School Committee has failed to bargain in good faith with the Union by failing to provide the Union with prior notice and an opportunity to bargain to resolution or impasse about the School Committee's decision to change from a seven period day to an eight period day and the impacts of the decision on employees' terms and conditions of employment in violation of Section 10(a)(5) of the Law.

By the conduct described in paragraphs 21 and 23, the School Committee has derivatively interfered with, restrained and coerced its employees in the exercise of their rights guaranteed under Section 2 of the Law in violation of Section 10(a)(1) of the Law.”

The Mass. Department of Labor Relations had issued six (6) complaints against the School Committee for bad-faith bargaining in the past six months.

“It’s simply time for the school committee to bargain in good faith and settle the teachers’ contract.  The dysfunction must end.” said STA President Andrea Pires.

(Provided by Stoughton Teachers Assoc.)  

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From Joyce Husseini, Chair, Stoughton School Committee:

• Would be within the confines of the current school hours;
• Would reduce the amount of time a teacher spends in front of students;
• Would provide common department planning time for teachers– something that is currently impossible to schedule;
• Would provide the opportunity for students to meet their requirements without having to compromise their ability to take AP or other desired classes;
• Would provide greater  opportunity for students to take more electives and explore more career choices;
• Is supported by the School Council and Principal;
• Is supported by many teachers at Stoughton High School;
• Is a very positive change for our students.
  

DESTINATION IMAGINATION WINNERS!

National Junior Honor Society Service Project

16 SHS STUDENTS ATTEND STATE DECA
CAREER DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

TEACHERS NOT ALLOWED TO SPEAK

STA members jammed last night's school committee meeting (3/11) to show support for STA President Andrea Pires who was once again denied the right to speak. 

During the public comment portion of the agenda, Andrea asked, "Chairman Husseini, Members of the School Committee and Superintendent Rizzi: My name is Andrea Pires.  I am the President of the Stoughton Teachers Association and I respectfully request the right to be heard." 

After SC Chair Husseini denied the request, the STA  members read the speech below in unison and then left the room.   It was powerful!

"We are the Stoughton Teachers Association.  Since December, we have asked to be placed on the School Committee agenda on four occasions and all four times we have been denied.  When you deny us the right to speak, you silence every educator in the Stoughton Public Schools. We represent the educators who still must live at home with their parents because they can't afford to pay rent and pay their student loans. We represent the teachers who struggle to make ends meet, but who willingly spend $500 or more on classroom supplies for their students.
We represent the teachers who feel that your proposals devalue our profession and deny our passion. We represent the educators who must earn a master’s degree within their first five years. We represent many educators who attended the Stoughton Public schools and who now teach in Stoughton. We represent the 177 educators who are owed over $350,000 in step increases that you have illegally withheld. We represent 350 educators who continue to arrive early and stay late for their students despite the way they are being disrespected and mistreated by the superintendent and the school committee. We represent 54 STA members and their families who pay taxes and vote in Stoughton. We will not be silenced in the voting booths. We are the Stoughton Teachers and we demand to be heard."

(Provided by Marlene Silva, via Facebook)

SPELLING BEE 2014

THE LATEST FROM THE STA ON THEIR CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS...

Dear Parents,

We are writing to update you on the status of our contract negotiations.  At our last bargaining session, the Stoughton Teachers Association and the School Committee mutually agreed to enter into contract mediation.  A private mediator has been mutually agreed upon and, subject to the mediator’s availability, our first session is tentatively scheduled for April 2nd.   Although a mediator does not have the authority to compel either side to move, it is our sincere hope that the mediator can assist us in reaching an agreement on a successor contract.

As of today, there are still one hundred and seventy-seven teachers whose step increases have been illegally withheld by the school committee and the superintendent despite a finding of probable cause that the law has been violated by the Massachusetts Division of Labor Relations.  By our estimate, Stoughton teachers are owed over $375,000 at this point in time and the amount increases with each paycheck.  It is regrettable that so much of the taxpayers’ money is being spent on legal fees to defend the indefensible.

Since our last update in December, the STA has filed three additional Unfair Labor Practice charges with the Massachusetts Division of Labor Relations. These charges are in response to the school committee’s failure to bargain in good faith; their refusal to provide information, and a unilateral change in policy in an attempt to interfere and restrain the union from speaking at school committee meetings

STA President Andrea Pires has requested the opportunity to publicly address the School Committee three times and has been three times denied.  The STA will, once again, be requesting the right to speak on March 11, 2014.  Please join many of our Stoughton teachers who will be attending the meeting to support Andrea and the STA Bargaining Team.

Lastly, we would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the parents who have supported the teachers throughout this crisis.  Having to fight for a contract that is fair and acknowledges our contributions to Stoughton Public Schools is disappointing but the signs we see around town, the friendly emails we receive, and the kind smiles and words have been truly uplifting.

Sincerely,

The STA Bargaining Team

Andrea Pires, Grade 5, South School
John Gunning, Grade 7, O’Donnell Middle School
Lynne Bonarrigo, Special Education, O’Donnell Middle School
Melanie Ingrao, Social Studies, Stoughton High School
Ken Kalen, Grade 4, Gibbons School
Mollie O’Connell, Social Studies, Stoughton High School
Susan Rock, Nurse, Hansen School

The Stoughton High School hosted the Regional Science Olympiad Competition on Thursday February 27th. Eighteen of SHS students competed in 5 events: Astronomy, Boomilever, Compound Machine, Dynamic Planet, and Forensics. Nine SHS students won medals for outstanding performance in their events. The top-ranking students were: Adren Tran who won Gold in the event Boomilever, Patrick DeFreitas and Steven Borst who won Gold in the event Compound Machine, Abbie Roane and Kristina Nguyen who won Gold in the event Forensics, Joseph Souto and Peter Carofiles who won Silver in the event Astronomy, and Will Longwe and Brian Kavanagh who won Bronze in the event Dynamic Planet. The next competition is the Science Olympiad State Tournament on Saturday, March 22 at Framingham State University.

Stoughton High DECA Students Make a Big Impact at Districts!

13 SHS students received an award at Thursday's District Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) Competition, which qualifies them to participate in the 56th Mass-DECA State Development Career Conference and Competition in Boston, MA.

Almost half of the students who competed in our District competition on January 30th are eligible to advance to the State DECA Competition on March 6-8th at Marriott Copley Place in Boston, Ma. Approximately two-thousand MA-DECA students will be competing from Massachusetts at this competition.

Overall, we had twenty-seven SHS DECA members attending the District conference held at the Holiday Inn, Mansfield, MA. Over 450 students competed from area high schools to qualify for the next round of competition from our District. Our students were all “Dressed for Success” and had a lot of fun competing and provided support and encouragement to each other as they prepared for their role-plays. I am very proud of all of our students who participated! ~writes Mrs. Ciccatelli, SHS DECA Advisor.

The following thirteen SHS students received an award on Thursday, January 30th at our DECA District Competition becoming eligible to attend the State DECA conference. Four others will attend the State DECA conference as part of the Stoughton High DECA Quiz Bowl Team. Stoughton High received three first place medals, two second place medals and six third place medals, two fourth place medals in the following categories:

First Place
Donyea Holloway – Business Services Marketing
Jonathan Kerman – Marketing Management Series
William Longue – Principles of Business Management

Second Place
Craig Goodrich – Quick Serve Restaurant Management
Julia Sjoquist – Retail Merchandising

Third Place
Corey Ayochok – Principles of Hospitality and Tourism
Dan Armany – Principles of Marketing
Jesse Miller – Accounting Application Series
Jason Marshall – Finance Service Team Decision Making Event
Peter Cariofiles - Finance Service Team Decision Making Event
Kaitlyn Eckler – Restaurant and Food Service Management

Fourth Place
David Cellucci –Retail Merchandising
Robbie Gair – Retail Merchandising

Quiz Bowl Team
Ashley Chipman
Jessica Greer
Hannah Quinn
Olivia Leonard

KAFKA, GALVIN, & JOYCE TO ANNOUNCE MSBA INVITATION

 Representatives William C. Galvin (D-Canton), Louis L. Kafka (D-Stoughton), and Senator Brian A. Joyce (D-Milton) today announced that they will go before the Stoughton School Committee at their meeting on Tuesday, January 28 th, to formally relay that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) will be extending an invitation to the Stoughton Public Schools at their January 29 th Executive Board Meeting to join the MSBA’s Eligibility Period, the first step toward town eligibility for tens of millions of dollars of state money and expertise for the renovation of the existing or construction of a new Stoughton High School.

Being invited into Eligibility Period is not the approval of a project. Moving forward in the process requires further collaboration between the District and the MSBA.

“This is incredibly exciting,” said Representative Kafka. “Our foot is now in the door and we have the ball rolling towards a badly needed new high school. I look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Galvin, Senator Joyce, Dr. Rizzi, the School Committee and the community of Stoughton to make this a reality.”

“This is wonderful news for a community that truly deserves a new high school.  I have toured the building and met with school administrators and school committee members on numerous occasions to discuss the building’s condition.  I have also received hundreds of letters from Stoughton residents addressing their concerns that the current building does not allow teachers to deliver a 21 st century education.  I agree, and I shared these sentiments with the MSBA on numerous occasions.  I am so pleased to deliver the news that the MSBA has put Stoughton on their agenda.  The school committee and school officials worked tirelessly in appealing to the MSBA, and they deserve a lot of credit for getting the project this far,” said Representative Galvin.

“I am completely committed to working with town leaders and Representatives Galvin and Kafka to make certain the MSBA supports our efforts to give Stoughton’s children a school that can provide them a world class education and a facility the entire community can be proud of,” said Joyce.

Stoughton School Committee member Deborah Sovinee said, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that would not have happened without the efforts of our legislative delegation on our behalf. Thousands of parents and students contacted their offices and helped make the case for help on a desperately needed renovated or new high school. Joint efforts of support by Town Meeting members, and the Stoughton School Committee and Board of Selectmen were also critical in helping our legislators help us."

John Anzivino, Chair of the Board of Selectmen said, "I was thrilled to hear Stoughton was invited into the process to qualify to receive MSBA funding towards the renovation or rebuilding of Stoughton High School. While this is just the first step in a long process it is a major step forward for the Town."

“This invitation is the culmination of several years of hard work by our legislators, Ms. Sovinee, the School Committee, municipal officials, and many people in the town who have participated in this effort. The high school project will not only contribute immensely to the education of our students, but also to the revitalization of Stoughton. There is a long road of hard work ahead of us to bring this project to a successful conclusion. Let us begin,” said Dr. Marguerite Rizzi, Superintendent of Schools.

Further information about the Massachusetts School Building Authority and the school building process can be found at their website, www.massschoolbuildings.org .

(Press Release provided by Sen. Joyce, Rep. Galvin and Rep. Kafka's PR Dept.)

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• replace Gibbons roof - $2,590,000
• replace Gibbons windows - $1,330,000
• additional funds for Hansen window replacement - $717,000
• additional funds for Dawe window replacement - $753,000
• additional funds for West roof replacement - $622,000
  

SHS Musicians Perform at Honors Festival

(STORY)

STOUGHTON BAND PLAYS
BOSTON HOLIDAY CONCERT

(FULL STORY)

SHS Band Wins 2013 New England Marching Band Championship

The SHS Marching Black Knights Band and Guard finished their 2013 competitive season by capturing the 2013 New England Scholastic Band Association Division IV Championship held at Lawrence High School on Saturday, November 2nd. The band and guard turned in their best performances of the year and scored a 95.2 earning them a platinum rating and a 1st place finish! The SHS Color Guard also won the Best Guard Award for Division IV. The 2013 New England Championship is the band’s 5^th championship. The band was crowned NESBA Champions in 2000, 2002, 2005 and 2009.

The Knights 2013 halftime show featured the Latin sounds of Miami with music from Gloria Estefan, Santana, Dizzy Gillespie and Will Smith. Local artist Steve Leahy designed and painted the backdrops of the Miami skyline and POPS parent George Gibson designed and built the staging for this year’s show. Band parent Bob Connor, Pit Crew Captain, led the enthusiastic parent volunteers at each show.

Band and guard members: Rachel Armany, Julia Awad, Alex Barros, Vandy Bontemps, Lisa Bontemps, Stevens Bontemps, Rachel Call, Leslie Camilo, Peter Cariofiles, Matthew Carlson, Brian Carlson, Allison Carter, Amelia Cochran, Matthew Colburn, Tess Connor, Megan Connor, Andrew Crean, Brandon Curran, Dieyniella daCosta Vieira, Peter DaSilva, Elaana DePina, Eoin Doherty, Vanesiah Dos Anjos, Elizabeth Eckhart, Rachel Estremera, DerekFaria, Niccolo Fiandaca, Michael Fetherston, Hannah Geary, Janelle Gibson, Katharine Gover, Connor Hay, Heather Cardella, Katherine Howe, Jamal Husseini, Darlene Irons, Antonio Irons, Brianna Ivaldi, Jonathan Julien, Rashad Khan, Brenda Lambert, Mathew LeBlanc, Danielle Lerette, Eric Levy, Hannah MacDonald, Chad Macomber, Kevin J McDonald, Tessa McKeen, Cassandra Melo, Mackenzie Munroe, Kristina Nguyen, Calvin Nguyen, Malina Nguyen, Connor Nye, Edmund O'Donoghue, Sarah O'Neil, Micah Pellegrini, Monica Peterson, Kara Ploss, Jonathan  Podesta, Adam Potter, Samantha  Roane, Abigail Roane, Ethan Rosenberg, Benjamin Sheehan, Corey Shore, Matthew Sinclair, Julia Sjoquist, Isabelle Solem, Jamie Solimine, Joseph Souto, Jarrod Sprague, Brendan Stebbins, Ryan Struck, Danielle Tarchara, Danielle Tessler, Caroline Tobin, Adren Tran, Samantha Turner, David  Twerago, Marissa Wade, Derek Westhaver, Theresa Widberg, Mikayla Williams, Cassandra Williams, Breanna Williams, Mariah Williams, and Joshua Williams.

Marching Band staff members: John Mange, John Kearns, Ann Dorgan, Danielle Olivier, Andrew Davey, Lindsay Heffernan, Bill Heffernan, Jennifer Walden, Cathy DeBruyn and Colin Jaros.

The band’s last appearance of the year will be at the Stoughton Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 7^th.

(photos and story courtesy of John Kearns, Director of Fine Arts, Stoughton Public Schools)

(Story and Photos from John Kearns)

Stoughton High Marching Band Marches To The Top!

On Saturday October 5th, the SHS Marching Black Knights traveled to King Philip High School in Wrentham Massachusetts to compete in the US Bands Marching Competition. 

In their second and final appearance in the US Bands circuit, the Knights took First Place Honors in Division IV A. The band also captured all three caption awards, Best Music, Best Visual and Best Overall effect.

The following week, SHS Marching Black Knights competed at the NESBA Framingham competition on Sunday, October 13th at Bowditch Field. The band took first place in Division IV and earned a Gold Medal and the high caption awards in music, color guard, percussion and effect.

(Courtesy photos from John Kearns, K-12 Director of Fine Arts, Stoughton Public Schools.)

At left, Junior Leslie Camilo spinning with the guard. At right, Junior Peter Cariofiles conducting the band.

SHS Marching Band Season Starts On A High Note

The Stoughton High School Marching Band recently began their 2013 competitive season performing their field show “Welcome to Miami”. The Marching Black Knights show featured the songs “Rhythm is Going To Get You” and “Get On Your Feet” by Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine; A Night In Tunisia” by Dizzy Gillespie; “Novis” by Santana; and “Oye Como Va” by Tito Puente.

The season began at Weymouth High School on September 21 st at the New England Scholastic Band Association Marching Festival. Ten high school marching bands from Swansea, Bishop Feehan, Falmouth, Bishop Kendricken, Shepard Hill, Somerset-Berkley, Weymouth, Oakmont-Overlook, Everett and Stoughton competed in NESBA's first competition of the 2013 season. Stoughton Marching Black Knights competed in Division Four, placing first and winning the Best Percussion, Best Visual, Best Music and Best Effect awards. The band also earned the highest score of the entire competition.

On September 28 th, the SHS Marching Black Knights made their second competitive appearance at the US Bands Marching Festival held at Medway High School.

Thirteen high school bands from 3 states performed for the enthusiastic crowd. Stoughton competed in the Division IV A class, which features bands with membership between 75 and 100 members. The SHS Marching Black Knights placed second behind Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School. The Knights also earned the Best Music Award and the Best Overall Effect Award in the Division IV.

(Content and Photos provided by John Kearns, Director of Fine Arts for Stoughton Public Schools)

STOUGHTON NEEDS A NEW HIGH SCHOOL!

The Smelly MCAS/SPED Room

B202 Antiquated Heater

Guidance Office

SHS Room A 405

The SHS Technology Room

SHS Broken Lockers

These photos were taken by me during one of the SHS tours. Take one for yourself! I think it is imperative we get started on getting a new high school built in Stoughton. If you agree, there are things you can do to help.

MAKE CALLS to your Reps.

ARE THERE OTHER REASONS WE NEED A NEW HIGH SCHOOL?

(photos by Mark Snyder)

SUPERINTENDENT'S CONTRACT
EXTENDED ANOTHER YEAR

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marguerite Rizzi, whose contract expires on June 30, 2016, asked for an additional year, and got it. The School Committee extended her contract to June 30, 2017 at their October 8 meeting. The vote went 4-1 in favor. Dr. Erdem Ural couldn't understand why Rizzi needed an additional year now. He tells Snyder's Stoughton, "She already has almost three years left on her contract. Giving her another year is unneccesary. This is putting the horse before the cart--the committee did not perform her evaluation yet. Dr. Rizzi never answered my question of why she needed another year's extension." School Committee chair Joyce Husseini, in a statement released to the media, cited the results of the District Review, and noted that "alignment to the Common Core curriculum is complete at a time when many school districts are struggling to commit resources and manpower to this task."

STA & SCHOOLS ARE BATTLING AGAIN

Pat's Defensive Star McCourty Pays a Visit to O'Donnell Middle School

The Pats star visited O'Donnell Middle School to reward the students who took part in the summer reading program, where 2090 books were read by the sixth to eighth grade students there.

Here's a video, by SMAC's Jeff Pickette, with highlights of the visit. Photo is also by Jeffrey.

ISABEL THE NEWEST SCHOOL OFFICER

Stoughton Police Officer Sheanna Isabel is the newest School Resource Officer for the O'Donnell Middle School. Pictured with her is long-time school resource officer Roger Hardy.

MELO MOVING UP!

Kassandra Melo, a senior at Stoughton High School, won the first round of an open mic competition held Sunday night at the Lansdowne Pub right behind Fenway Park and next to the House of Blues on Lansdowne Street. She was accompanied by Dan Goldberg on acoustic guitar, also a senior at Stoughton High.

Finishing first out of 10 total contestants, some of Melo's competition included current and recent graduates of the Berklee College of Music.

A high honors student at Stoughton High School, Melo is also a member of several choirs, including jazz, show and concert choir.

A participant of the Ensemble Program at Stoughton Music School since April of 2010. Melo advances to the championship round, which is scheduled for Sunday, October 20th at 8pm. She'll be performing with members of her band Outside City Limits (which also includes Goldberg and David Elmowitz), who are also a part of the Ensemble Program at Stoughton Music.

(photo courtesy of Peter Nakili)

STOUGHTON TEACHERS SHORTCHANGED IN PAYCHECKS?

Educators were shortchanged in paychecks distributed Thursday, the Stoughton Teachers Association has charged.

In a news release they wrote:

" The school committee and superintendent refused to pay contractually guaranteed rates, which the STA contends is a violation of the law.

In June, school Superintendent Marguerite Rizzi and the Stoughton School Committee told the STA that teachers would not receive their previously approved step increases, meaning salaries would not be increased for length of service, after the current contract expires and while a new contract is negotiated. But the STA, in an attempt to avoid taking legal action, pointed out that past practice and state law require that terms and conditions of employment (including step increases) must remain unchanged until a new contract is negotiated and that educators are entitled to the step increases established in the contract that expired Aug. 31.

The STA filed a charge of prohibited practice with the state Department of Labor Relations and an investigation is scheduled for Sept. 23.

 “This is yet another example of the district disrespecting teachers by failing to honor its obligations,” said STA President Andrea Pires.  “The salary schedule in the contract that just expired is supposed to be in effect until we reach a new agreement. I am concerned that the school committee is making it harder to reach that agreement as it continues to bargain in bad faith and treat teachers this way.”

Pires also expressed concern that the administration’s persistent violation of the law is creating a situation where vital resources are being  diverted from the classroom to pay for legal fees for an attorney to defend the unlawful actions of the superintendent and the school committee.

Last month, the Department of Labor Relations found probable cause that the school committee violated the law when failing to negotiate with the STA over a schedule for training sessions for the new teacher evaluation system.  The investigator further found probable cause that the administration illegally interfered in union business.  A hearing on that complaint is being scheduled."

RESPONSE FROM JOYCE HUSSEINI, CHAIR, STOUGHTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE:

The School Committee began negotiations with the Stoughton Teacher’s Association (STA) on February 4, 2013. We have met regularly up until our last bargaining session. At our last bargaining session on August 26 th, the School Committee’s negotiators offered to meet once more before the end of the contract and the beginning of the school year to present yet another proposal but that offer was turned down by the Teacher’s Association. The School Committee did offer another proposal by email on August 30 th. This offer was in direct response to the Teacher’s Association’s concerns that the School Committee was not doing enough to attract and retain new teachers. Since February 4 th there have been three substantive offers on the table by the School Committee. Each offer presented a fair but new salary plan that included increases which are equitable and also sustainable in light of budgetary constraints. The STA made no movement to come to resolution. In fact, the STA filed their Unfair Labor Practice against the School Committee for non-payment of steps on July 11, 2013, demonstrating that they had no intention of having a negotiated contract in place for the beginning of the school year.

On the opening day of school, Andrea Pires, STA President, told the teachers that the School Committee was proposing a cut in pay, a longer school day, and less sick days. This is a gross misrepresentation of the School Committee’s proposals. The latest proposal has a base pay and step structure that increases the starting salary of a new teacher by 10% and increases pay for teachers at the top step by 1%. This is without any consideration for other contractual increases in compensation such incentives for new programming or educational advancement. The Committee’s plan spreads the increase over a few additional steps, thereby reducing our yearly escalation in our salary line in the budget. No one will be taking home less money than they did the year before, and many will be taking home substantially more. We have asked to increase the school day at the Middle and High School levels by 40 minutes per week (eight minutes a day) to allow us to overhaul the High School schedule and thus be able to offer our students an opportunity to take more electives. This proposal would allow our students to fit in desired classes that are often bumped from their schedules due to conflicts. At all levels we are working to build more teacher collaboration time into the schedule. And lastly we have not proposed the elimination of any sick time, rather the tightening of reporting and documentation of sick time in excess of three consecutive days. This is in large part to answer to the rampant abuse of sick time that has for too long infected the culture of the system. This pattern of abuse was recently highlighted in our District Review by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

The tactic of the Teacher’s Association in filing numerous unfounded complaints, Unfair Labor Practices, and grievances timed with the expiration of their contract is not new. It is a common tactic used by the statewide Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA). It is an intimidation tactic used to try to gain public support and sympathy. In the past they have used political demonstrations, votes of no confidence, and work to rule practices to garner attention. These practices are extremely irresponsible and only hurt our students. We are deeply troubled that the Association has stooped to these radical tactics to win what they could not gain at the bargaining table. These hurtful tactics only benefit the Association while damaging the finances and reputation of the Town of Stoughton. The School Committee is extremely grateful for the overwhelming support in the town for the schools, including our most recent efforts to secure funding for new school facilities. While Ms. Pires has already asked her union membership to cease all but a limited number of volunteer activities, the School Committee is ready to continue to bargain a fair agreement for the teachers and the taxpayers.

All of the other School bargaining units in the schools have reached agreement and had ratified fair agreements, including the Unit B administrators (Vice Principals and Directors) which are also represented by the MTA. All completed collective bargaining contracts, including the expired Unit A contract, will be posted to the school website at:

http://www.stoughtonschools.org/Committee/sccontracts/.

We are grateful that the other unions worked with us to come to agreement on equitable contracts that offer our employees a reasonable increase of 2.5% now and into the future. These agreements provide long term predictability and sustainability, and provide security for our employees. The School Committee and administration deeply value our teachers and want to continue attracting first choice teachers into the system by continuing to offer competitive salaries. We urge the Teacher’s Association to share with its membership the entirety of School Committee proposals, and to come to the table prepared to work towards resolution of the contract.

State board issues complaint
against Stoughton School Committee

The state Department of Labor Relations found probable cause that the Stoughton School Committee violated the law by unilaterally implementing new policies affecting teachers’ work schedules and interfering in the business of the Stoughton Teachers Association.

“Over the past four years, the school committee and the administration have ignored the contract and the law on numerous occasions, so we are pleased that the labor board found probable cause that they broke the law and failed to bargain in good faith,” said STA President Andrea Pires.  

The labor board issued its complaint of prohibited practice on Aug. 22 after investigating an unfair labor practice charge the STA filed in February. Amid negotiations last year to set up a training schedule for a new teacher evaluation system, the Stoughton School Committee unilaterally determined that all training sessions would take place outside of contractual hours, and that teachers would not be paid for their time. The investigator further found probable cause that the administration illegally interfered in union business.

"This was all avoidable because ultimately the school committee and administration agreed to schedule the training during work hours.  After we filed the original charge, we began negotiations for a new contract and, regrettably, the school committee and administration have continued to find new ways to violate the collective bargaining law.  As a result, the STA intends to pursue the original charge and has filed a new unfair labor practice charge," said Pires.

 A formal hearing is expected to take place in January.

In a related matter, Nicholas Chalupa, Investigator for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Labor, said he did "not find probable cause to believe that the School Committee violated the law in the manner alleged" and dismissed another portion of the charge.

Dr. Marguerite Rizzi, Superintendent of Schools, tells Snyder's Stoughton, "There can be a lot of confusion about the Labor Relations Commission process.  When a party files a complaint, as the STA did in this case, there is a pre-hearing conference at which time a hearing officer decides if the case is even worth hearing at that level.  Most of the time the case is moved on to hearing.  It is exceedingly rare for the responding party ( School Committee in this case) to get a complaint dismissed at the first level.  What this document means is that the hearing officer decided that there was enough to examine or find facts about to have a hearing in this matter.  It does not mean that there has been any finding of fault whatsoever, only that the matter is worth a hearing in the mind of that hearing officer, and so he has moved if forward to the hearing stage.  Nothing, in short has been decided, except that a hearing should be held on the Union's allegations."

It should be noted that the contracts of Stoughton teachers expires this weekend.

(THE COMPLAINT)

Dawe School Flag Day Celebration

The annual Flag Day Celebration was celebrated with songs and poetry readings at the Dawe School on Friday, June 14 at 1:30 in the afternoon. The weather miraculously cleared and the event was held outdoors by the flagpole.

Each grade level performed several patriotic songs and read poetry. Mr. Barner also gave a lot of fun facts about the flag to the school. Under the direction of music teacher Mrs. D’Angelo, the entire school sang all of the traditional patriotic music such as Star Spangled Banner, America, America the Beautiful, and God Bless America. This celebration is a culminating activity for the study of America through song and readings. It is a wonderful event for the whole school to participate in.

Pictured above is the third grade class that made their “Yankee Doodle Hats”. They also performed their recorders and sang at the celebration.

STOUGHTON FIRST GRADER IS REGIONAL WINNER OF “MY IDEAL SCHOOL” DRAWING CONTEST

Mazie Loayza , a first grader at the South Elementary School in Stoughton, was one of 12 regional winners of the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s (MSBA) annual “My Ideal School” contest sponsored by Sovereign Bank. The contest asks first grade students to draw their ideal school and write a short essay describing three things they love about their school. Over 2,500 first grade students from across the Commonwealth participated.

“Here are the 3 things I love about my school,” Mazie wrote in her essay. “ (1) I love my teacher because she is smart, gorgeous and cute. (2) I love phys ed because we did jump rope for heart and we helped people’s hearts. (3) I love computers because we learn and after learning we do activities if we have time."

“We are proud to work with the State Treasurer’s Office and the School Building Authority to be the primary sponsor and supporter of such a positive event over the past seven years,” said Pat Packard, Sovereign | Santander director of government banking. “Our combined efforts have helped to make for many happy first graders, parents and family members.”

“We were delighted to receive thousands of submissions for the My Ideal School contest and were deeply impressed by the creativity and enthusiasm of students from across the Commonwealth,” said Treasurer Grossman. “This contest is a great opportunity for us to engage schoolchildren because it offers them the chance to demonstrate their ideas and imagination in a thoughtful and artistic way.”

The 12 winners received awards at a State House ceremony attended by State Treasurer Steven Grossman, chair of the board of directors of the MSBA. Winners were awarded a check provided by Sovereign Bank, which has sponsored the event for the past seven years.

“The primary goal of the ‘My Ideal School’ contest is to promote discussion among students and teachers as to how thoughtful design and construction of schools in Massachusetts supports student learning,” said Jack McCarthy, MSBA Executive Director.

Stoughton High Students Earn High Marks on Prestigious National Language Exams

As has been tradition for many years now, Stoughton High School students took part in prestigious national language exams in Spanish, Latin, and French earning high marks in all three languages. The exams are a time-tested method for assessing proficiency in the language and they represent one way to gauge a student’s fluency level based on reading, listening, speaking, vocabulary, and grammar. Because the exams are rigorous, they have long been used to prepare students for other national exams such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Exam, the SAT, and Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

The National Spanish Exam, whose mission is to recognize Spanish language achievement and promote the learning of Spanish, is the most widely used test of language acquisition in the United States. This year, over 180,000 students took this exam and 18 Stoughton High students received national recognition for their high scores on the exam. 9 th grader, Adam Potter, scored highest with a Premio de Plata or Silver Award on the Spanish 2 exam, followed by Christina Solem, who received a Premio Bronce or Bronze Award on the level 5 exam. Additionally awarded Premios de Bronce were Kaitlin Elwood and John-Paul Noé on the level 3 exam, Darya Musatova for level 2, and David Mallock for level 1. A Premio de Excelencia for success on the exam went to the following students: Taylor Ewing, Niamh Fennessy for level 5; Shannon Hickey, Brian Kavanagh, Ashley Merola, Ethan Rawl, and Michaela Sullivan for level 3; Mikayla Berteletti, Nicholas Khuu, Brian LeBlanc; Raj Patel for level 2; followed by Maikel Beshara for level 1.

The National Latin Exam, jointly sponsored by the American and Junior Classics Leagues, promotes scholarship in the Latin language and the history of Latin-speaking countries. The exam covers a wide-breadth of history and language acquisition. This year, over 150,000 students took the exam world-wide. 23 Stoughton high students received various honors for their high scores. For the Latin Prose category, Adam Lurie was awarded Maxima Cum Laude or Silver and Will McGrath was awarded a Cum Laude honor. In the Latin I category, Darya Musatova, Raj Patel, and Kathleen Walsh were awarded Summa Cum Laude or Gold while Michael Fetherston, John Paul Noe, and Brian Carlson were awarded Maxima Cum Laude. In this same category, both Lara Deb and Ariana Riske received Magna Cum Laude recognition and Cum Laude winners included: Emily Wilson, Conner Nye, Monika Benson and Shanel Ford. In the Latin II category, the following students were honored with awards: Samantha Langmead achieved Maxima Cum Laude, Jacqueline Hausman, Rachael Kimball, and Mikaella Dutra received Magna Cum Laude while Manahil Mir earned Cum Laude. In the Latin III exam category, Peter DaSilva achieved Summa Cum Laude while Danielle Fountain was awarded Maxima Cum Laude. Additionally, Niccolo Fiandaca was awarded Magna Cum Laude in the Latin III category and Jonathan Clerveaux was awarded Cum Laude status for their outstanding performance on this exam.

Stoughton High School students also performed admirably on the National French Exam (Le Grand Concours). This exam, sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French, seeks to promote French language and cultural literacy in the United States. In 2013, over 95,000 students took the exam nationwide. 15 Stoughton High students scored impressively with Destiny Delarosa who received a Certificate de Mérite on the level 5 exam. Marie Maillet and Lancy Desir also placed well on the level 5 exam with a Certificate de Réussite. On the level 3 exam, Katherine Jolley received the Certificate de Honneurs while Shannon Barkey, Sierra Watson, Evan Schulze, Jennifer Nye, and Joseph Souto received the Certificate de Réussite. Mackenzie Finnerty was awarded a Certificate de Honneurs for her performance on the level 2 exam. These students were awarded chapter winner status for their high marks well above the median percentile on this rigorous exam. The Lauréat National or National Winner status is awarded to students who rank exceptionally within the top ten percent of test takers nationwide. This award was received by Rochnard Raymond who placed third in the national ranking for the level 5 exam. On the level 2 exam Amanda Mellyn received the Lauréat National. Danielle Tessler and Alyssa Ferrandiz also achieved the Lauréat National for their performance on the level 1 exam.

The students’ high scores on these exams can be attributed to both their hard work and their parents’ guidance and support. However, one can also trace these same students’ success to the hard work, determination, and skill of their world language teachers in grades 7-12. Stoughton High School students continue to perform well because of the districts’ focus on a global-21 st century education which at its core fosters international understanding through language acquisition and cultural proficiency. Congratulations to all of the award winners and to their families, as well as the Stoughton Public Schools’ faculty that guided them to victory!

OMS Jazz Bands Perform at the MAJE Middle School Jazz Festival

The Music Department hosted the 2013 MAJE Middle School Jazz Festival on Thursday, May 9th at Stoughton High School. This festival was sponsored by the Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education. Middle school bands from Stoughton, Mattapoisett, Easton, Hull, East Bridgewater, Norwood, Rochester, Medfield, Needham and Foxboro attended this year's festival.

The 6th Grade Jazz Band, directed by Ann Dorgan, received a Silver Medal for their strong performance. Three 6th grade students were recognized for their individual performances and received Outstanding Musicianship certificates. Students who received  certificates included Hanna Holden on clarinet. Alessandra Loffredo on flute, and Andrew Elmowitz on the drum set.

The Wednesday Jazz Band, directed by John Kearns, earned a Gold Medal for their fine performance. Janelle Gibson, alto saxophone; Angel Camilo, bass; and Andrew Crean, tenor saxophone also received Outstanding Musicianship awards. 

After the each band's performance, students attended a clinic by one of the adjudicators at the festival. Jim O'Dell, Associate Dean of the Boston Conservatory, was the clinician for both the 6th Grade Jazz Band and the Wednesday Jazz Band. He is pictured above with the 6th Grade Jazz Band.

(Photo and story courtesy of John Kearns, Director of Fine Arts, Stoughton Public Schools)

SPRING FLING ART SHOW AND CONCERT

The Stoughton High School Fine Arts Department will present their 2013 Spring Fling Art Show and Concert on Friday, May 17th. The Art Gallery will be open at 6:30 PM. The concert portion will begin at 7:30 PM in the auditorium. The concert will feature the SHS Choirs under the direction of Griffin Coombs and the SHS Bands directed by John Mange. The SHS Drum Club will be directed by Andrew Davey.

Tickets will be available at the door only. Adults $5.00, seniors and children $3.00, with a family maximum of $10.00. For more information, please visit http://www.spsfinearts.org/or call 781-344-7002 x 6171.

11 Stoughton Musicians at SEMSBA

Eleven music students from the O’Donnell Middle School and Stoughton High School recently participated in the 2013 Southeastern Massachusetts School Bandmasters Association Honors Festival. The festival was held at Rockland School on Saturday, May 4th. Stoughton High School Freshman Connor Nye performed with the Honors Orchestra. Trumpeter Hannah Peterson and trombonist Adam Potter, freshman at SHS, performed with the Honors Concert Band.

Eight O’Donnell Middle School musicians also participated in the SEMSBA Festival. 8th grade students Samantha Roane and Courtney Weiner, along with 7th grade students Isabel Solem, Tess Widberg and Alison Carter, performed with the Honors Treble Choir.

8th grade students John Podesta, alto saxophone; Vandy Bontemps, clarinet; and Stevens Bontemps, baritone saxophone, performed with the Honors Concert Band.

SEMSBA is music collaborative with 30 member schools in Southeastern Massachusetts. Students who are accepted to the Honors festival went through a comprehensive audition process before being invited to participate.

(photo and story provided by John Kearns, K-12 Director of Fine Arts, Stoughton Public Schools)

SAT SCORES IN--
Stoughton in bottom 10%

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released the combined SAT scores of all of the 351 Towns and Cities in Massachusetts. Of the 48 schools in the regional area, Stoughton High students finished 43rd, with a combined score of 1417. Sharon was first with a 1775. The only places with lower scores than Stoughton were Avon (1304), Brockton (1289), Randolph (1309), Holbrook (1292), and Wareham (1375). Neighbors scores included Braintree (1612), Canton (1573), Easton (1601), Norwood (1464), Quincy (1450), Weymouth (1494) and Walpole (1590). Obviously, socio-economic conditions, and the number of native English-speaking families enters into this equation, as well. But Marion and Rochester had the same scores, with the average house in Marion going for $552,700 and $335,705 in Rochester. Stoughton's average home goes for $272,752, according to the Mass. Dept. of Revenue. Sharon's goes for $419,720. The highest priced average home in the area was $858,072 in Cohasset, where the combined SAT score was 1667.

I requested, via text, comments from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rizzi, and members of the School Committee on these results, yesterday. I am still waiting for a response.

(Posted on April 22, 2013 @ 5:30 p.m. Written by Mark Snyder)

WHAT DOES THE TOWN PAY ITS EMPLOYEES?

Once Again, Snyder's Stoughton reveals ALL:

2012 Municipal Salaries

2012 School Salaries

(information provided by Town Treasurer Donna Erickson)

Posted on march 28, 2013

Stoughton School Dept. Social Media Policy

SEQUESTER TARGETS SCHOOLS

The Story

SCHOOLS LOOKING INTO "One on One"
TECHNOLOGY FOR THE CLASSROOMS

According to Stoughton School Committee Chair Deb Sovinee, "The Stoughton Public School system is very close to going to one to one computing – one
student, one computing device - using mobile technology. Whether that will be using iPads, Chromebooks, Nexus, or some other version of a tablet/netbook remains to be seen.

STATEMENT ON ONE ON ONE

DID YOU KNOW---the costs of Special Ed???

STOUGHTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATTENDANCE POLICY ***NEW***

Term Two Honor Roll O'Donnell Middle School

Term One Honor Roll O'Donnell Middle School

2011 Stoughton MCAS Scores

Comparing 2008-2011 MCAS Scores

PROPOSED 2013 SCHOOL BUDGET

2012 MCAS SCORES

STOUGHTON SOI'S DON'T MAKE THIS YEAR'S CUT

The Official Letter

Stoughton Schools Technology Plan

Stoughton Science Olympiad Team Soars to Victory

If you walked through the halls of Stoughton High school Tuesday evening, you may have thought you were on the campus of MIT. In one lab students were analyzing satellite imagery, in another students were testing zero-emission vehicles, while around the corner investigators were gathering and analyzing evidence to solve a crime. These events are just a sampling of the exciting activities taking place as Stoughton High school hosted the third South Shore Science League Science Olympiad Meet of the season.

Stoughton earned the top spot with 58 points in this four-school event beating out rivals Medway (52 points scored) Bridgewater-Raynham (36), and Oliver Ames (21). The key to the success of the 25-member Black Knights team seems to be, appropriately enough, team chemistry. Team captain Tim McGrath explained, “We work really well together, the seniors and more experienced members help out and mentor the newer kids.” Michael Carey has been coaching the team for 26 years and agrees saying, “We have a nice mix of all grade levels, they all support one another and there is great enthusiasm among this team. We have a diverse group with a wide range of interests and areas of expertise.”

The team’s wide knowledge base and experience paid off as the Black Knights earned medals in every event. Kristina Nguyen and Joe Souto earned gold medals for Stoughton in the Remote Sensing event where they utilized remote sensing imagery to analyze information concerning Earth’s hydrosphere. Adren Tran and Tom Ward took silver medals while Ben Call and Igor Pryadko took the bronze in the Boomilever event in which they designed and constructed a catilevered structure for maximum efficiency. Stoughton also earned medals in the Gravity Vehicle event where students designed, constructed, and tested vehicles powered only by gravitational potential energy. Robert Blint and Christina Solem took 2nd place while the team of Alex Peixinho, Hunter Goodrich, and Christina Galyuk took 3rd place. Abigail Roane, Steven Borst, and Zackary DeNapoli combined to earn silver medals in the Experimental Design event, while Elias Tamarkin placed third in Forensics.

The team travels to Medway for the next event where they hope to have another strong performance. Senior Sheldon Oliveira commented, “It is very challenging but a lot of fun, I am really looking forward to the next meet and then states.” When asked if there was any additional effort to excel this year in light of Mr. Carey’s impending retirement in June, senior Nicholas Keith commented, “Mr. Carey is a great coach, and a good motivator and we want to win the league and do well at states for him.” To be sure, both Mr. Carey and the entire SPS community is proud of our award-winning team!

(Posted on December 23, 2012 @ 7:45 p.m.)

Courtesy photos and story from Janet A. Sullivan, K-12 STEM Curriculum Administrative Supervisor, Stoughton Public Schools

School Department's Presentation
to the Board of Selectmen

October 30, 2012

Watch It Here

(Photos by Mark Snyder)