SCHOOL NOTEBOOK: April 12

Old Colony Regional Voke

Details about Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School are available online at www.oldcolony.us, which is maintained by students in the school’s computer information technology department.

Student of the Month

The following Old Colony students were recognized as School Council Students of the Month for April:

Automotive – Jacob Raposa, 10, Lakeville; Computer Aided Drafting – Cody Rodriques, 12, Acushnet; Computer Information Systems – Chad Underhill, 09, Rochester; Cosmetology – Anchalikon Charoensuk, 09, Lakeville; Culinary Arts – Breanna Magrath, 09, Acushnet; Electrical – Andrew McGraw, 09, Mattapoisett; Electronics Technology – Joshua Breau, 10, Freetown; Graphic Communications – Andre D’Abruzzo, 11, Acushnet; Health Careers – Brianne Albritton, 12, Acushnet; House/Mill Carpentry – Thomas Gonet, 09, Rochester; Machine and Tool – Michael Souto, 12, Acushnet; Welding/Metal Fabrication – Nathaniel Plissey, 09, Freetown.

The criteria for the Student of the Month program are based on a student’s improvement, service, attitude and shop projects. The program is intended to raise self-esteem in the student.

Local students nominated for principal’s leadership scholarship

Brandon Charles, an Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School senior, has been nominated to compete in the National Principal’s Leadership Award Scholarship Program, sponsored by the Herff-Jones Company and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. One hundred national winners will be chosen this spring to receive a college scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $12,000.

Charles, a student in the Computer Information Technology Program, is a talented web designer with excellent organization and problem solving skills. His academic and vocational accomplishments are substantiated by his ranking of first in his class, with a 4.06 GPA. He also has earned Skills USA Gold Medals and a Bronze Medal in Web Design.

In addition, he is a member of the National Honor Society, an Eagle Scout candidate, a Skills USA Officer, a member of the Math Team and a participant on the Cross Country Team. Charles also demonstrates his leadership skills through his involvement in numerous community and school service projects. His present goal is to obtain admissions to a college with a computer application development and video game design program.

Charles was presented a Certificate of Nomination for the Principal’s Leadership Award at the Jan. 18 District School Committee meeting.

Local students honored for community service

Hilary Mello was named the Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School District Volunteer of the Year in the 2012 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. Mello was recognized for her volunteer work in the Gifts to Give organization.

Sponsored by Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the awards recognize outstanding community service by young Americans. Mello is now eligible for the Massachusetts Youth Volunteer of the Year awards. Two state honorees, one middle level and one high school student, will be named in February. Each will receive a $1,000 award, a silver medallion and a trip to Washington, D.C., for recognition ceremonies with a parent or guardian in May.

At the Washington event, 10 national honorees will be named by a distinguished national selection committee, and each will receive an additional $5,000, a gold medallion, a crystal trophy for his or her school or organization, and a $5,000 grant from The Prudential Foundation for a nonprofit charitable organization of his or her choice.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards are supported by Girl Scouts of the USA, National 4-H Council, American Red Cross, YMCA of the USA, Hands On Network (generated by the Points of Light Institute) and many other national youth, service and education organizations.

EPA compliance

Since June 1998, the Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School has been in full compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). The inspection findings and asbestos management plans have been on file in the office of the Superintendent-Director since that time.

The public is welcome to view the AHERA Management Plan by contacting Gary Brown at 508-763-8011, ext 116, or by email at gbrown@oldcolony.us.

Old Colony awarded Life Sciences Grant

Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School is the recipient of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Equipment and Supply Grant in the amount of $99,479.

The funding will aid in developing biotechnology curriculum and to purchase equipment to support experimentation in the life sciences. Old Colony is teaming with Greater New Bedford Regional Vocation Technical High School to build a consortium for the teaching of life sciences in Grades 9-12 in the South Coast region. Together they are sharing in the development and integration of curriculum modules that can be integrated within existing biology classes, creation of new upper level classes in the life sciences, and an online professional development network for biology/life science educators in the South Coast region.

Together, the schools are working with local institutions of higher and industry to make sure the school’s curriculum and programming are aligned with industry needs and are committed to constructing a life sciences professional development and curriculum network across Southeastern MA.

The school’s roles are defined as follows: Old Colony is uniquely posed to develop and lead an online professional development network encompassing new curriculum, new pedagogy, sharing, and support for biology/life science educators, while Greater New Bedford Regional Vocation Technical High School is leading the program’s efforts in workforce development and industry relations. Both schools will work to continue developing new and expanded relationships with South Coast biotechnology industries and institutions of higher education.

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center is a quasi-public agency tasked with implementing the state’s ten-year, $1 billion Life Sciences Initiative. This grant program seeks the further development of the state’s life sciences workforce by providing funding for equipment and supplies.

Old Colony was one of 32 applicants that received funding. A special thanks to OC’s Library/Media Specialist Marcia Kessler for her effort and skill in securing this grant.

Fostering Friendships

The Old Colony chapter of the National Honor Society is sponsoring a service project called Fostering Friendships. The purpose of this project is to distribute backpacks filled with writing supplies, books, hats, gloves and various other items to children in need. If you would like to help us with this project by donating any of these materials, call Mrs. Watling at 508-763-8011, ext. 120.

District’s Title I Evaluation

The administration at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School announces the availability of the District’s Title I Evaluation.

As required by the Federal Government, an Annual Title I Evaluation was conducted. The evaluation included questionnaires completed by administrators, staff, parents and students.

Copies of the entire report are available from Old Colony Special Services Coordinator Sherry Mazza, by calling 508-763-8011, ext. 142.

OTHER

Scholarship applications available

Friends of Marion Visiting Nurses scholarship applications are available. They may be acquired at the guidance office of Old Rochester, Old Colony, Bishop Stang, Tabor and Upper Cape. The scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors, pursuing a degree in nursing at an accredited two- or four-year school. Applicants must reside in the towns of Marion, Mattapoisett or Rochester.

Montessori Middle School tours

In collaboration with the Coonamessett Farm in East Falmouth, The Montessori Middle School of Cape Cod provides a program of rigorous academics and experiential learning. The combination of Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy and the unique location of the School foster person growth, responsibility and self-confidence. The farm setting allows students to go beyond the classroom and learn through experience. To schedule a tour, call the Head of School Jeff Allen at 774-994-7588 or visit capecodmontessori.org.

Article source: http://www.wickedlocal.com/marion/news/education/x1170665386/SCHOOL-NOTEBOOK-April-12