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Volume XVII Issue 2, April/May 2008
School News
From the Superintendent's Office
Mark L. Winzler, superintendent
New Administrators
Beginning on July 1, 2008, there will be a new administrative team at Bolton Center School. The Board of Education appointed Mary Grande, present assistant principal, and Cynthia Martin, present grade 7 social studies teacher, to serve as principal and assistant principal respectively.
Grande has served as assistant principal of Bolton Center School since the fall of 2006. She was born and raised in Bolton and attended Bolton Public Schools and graduated from Bolton High School. In 2004 she was elected to the Bolton Public Schools Wall of Fame. She came to Bolton from the Manchester Public Schools where she worked for many years as a physical education and health teacher at both the elementary and middle school level. She also served as K-8 Physical Education Coordinator, Athletic Director at Illing Middle School and served as an interim elementary principal for a number of months during her tenure there.
Martin has spent her entire career teaching both special education and regular education classes at Bolton Center School. During her tenure, Martin formerly served as Social Studies Curriculum Leader, Advisor to the Student Council and chair of the district's Professional Development Committee. She has served as a teacher consultant to the CT Geographic Alliance, which awarded her with their Distinguished Teaching Award. She also received recognition with a "Celebration of Excellence" award from the State Department of Education for a unit on archaeology. From April to August 2007, Martin served as the Interim Director of Pupil Services for months during the leave of Kathleen Goodwin.
The Bolton Public Schools also has a new Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Claudia Danna, who was appointed by the Board of Education in February and has been "on the job" since March 1. Danna comes to Bolton from the Montville Public Schools where she served for the past three years as the K-12 Language Arts Program Administrator. Prior to that she was an elementary teacher in Killingly where she was named its Teacher of the Year in 2000. Danna was also a state finalist for the Presidential Award for Mathematics and Science Teaching in 2001. She currently serves as president of the Southeastern CT Reading Council and a member of the Eastern CT Reading Council. Her office is located at Bolton High School.
BHS Principal Paul Smith Going to China
Bolton High School has been selected to participate in the Connecticut-Shandong Principal Shadowing Experience organized by The Connecticut Principal's Center of the Connecticut Association of Schools. BHS Principal Paul K. Smith will initiate the "sister school" experience by traveling to China (April 8-21, 2008) and establishing a formal agreement with the education officials of the Shandong Province of China and the selected partner school. The goal in setting up a "sister school" for Bolton High School will be to establish a relationship that will benefit all students, teachers, staff, parents, and the community. The Principal Shadowing Program is a joint project managed by the Connecticut State Department of Education and the Connecticut Principals' Center of the Connecticut Association of Schools and supported by a funding grant from the Freeman Foundation.
The Bolton Community Education Foundation has graciously donated $1,000 to assist with the Shandong Province Shadowing Program. This is the first important step in establishing a "sister school" for Bolton High School in China. The generosity of this group, committed to supporting educational programs for the Bolton Schools and the town of Bolton, is appreciated! Information and pictures from the April 8-21, 2008 "sister school" program can be found at the following website: http://boltonandchina.blogspot.com.
In advance of the trip, on March 24 visitors from the Shandong Province and the city of Beijing visited BHS for the day, speaking to all of the sophomores during their social studies classes. The presentations focused on high school education in China, China's preparation for the Olympics, and life in the capital city Ñ Beijing versus life in the Shandong Province or other regions of China.
The guests for the day were: Cai Hongxia, professor at the Beijing University of Post and Telecommunications in the TESOL program; Zhang Hong (Iris), English major; Chen Chen, English major; and Wang Meng (Sam), biology major from Shandong Normal University participating in the graduate program at Central Connecticut State University. Summer L. Spaderna, Bolton resident and assistant director of the United States-China Business Center at Central Connecticut State University, helped to coordinate and arrange for these guests to speak to the students.
Smith said his trip is just the beginning of the school's relationship with China. "The entire Bolton community has the potential to benefit from a connection with a school community across the globe. I'm hoping to start a long-term relationship with a school and community in China that will create a connection for all of Bolton," he said. "In subsequent years, teachers from Bolton High School will be able to participate in this program. The ultimate goal is for students to be able to participate in a two-week program in China in the future."
Wednesday, April 23
"An Inconvenient Truth"
All community members are invited to the BHS Library at 6 p.m. Karen Cordero's Ecology classes will show the film, present information on global warming, engage in a forum-style discussion, and then open the floor for discussion.
Alumni Association Seeks
"Wall of Fame" Nominations
Awards Banquet June 8, 1 p.m., at Georgina's Restaurant
The Bolton Public Schools alumni are seeking to honor past graduates of Bolton High School at a luncheon scheduled to be held on June 8, 2008 at 1 p.m. at Georgina's Restaurant in Bolton. Over the past five years, 30 Bolton Public Schools alumni have been recognized for significant achievements in their profession/vocation/career, or outstanding volunteer contributions in their community.
Past honorees are: 2002 - Karen McCooe Bergin, Raymond Boyd, Rebecca Carrier Fulton, Thomas Freddo, Robin Murdock-Meggars, Isolda Paggioli; 2003 - Robert Morra, Wally Moske, John Muro, Carl Preuss, John Toomey, Carole Rose Werkhoven; 2004 - Anna Depold Hohler, Lawrence Fiano, Robert Landolphi, Mary Maneggia Grande, William Mickewicz, Laura Toomey; 2005 - David Harris, Linda Maneggia, Robert Muro, Jim Preuss, Dennis Sheridan and Lawrence Soma; 2006 - Daniel Buckson, Bernice Dixon, Bruce Dixon, Robert Nystrom, Norma Tedford, Jacqueline Treschuk-Bahn; 2007 - Roger Barrett, Robert Murdock, Dana Robinson, Jeanne Webb.
Nominations for the 2008 "Wall of Fame" must be postmarked (or delivered to the Board of Education office) by April 4. Nominees must have graduated from Bolton High School prior to 1998 or been a Bolton student who graduated from Manchester High School before 1967. Nomination forms may be downloaded here or can be picked up at the Board of Education Office, Bolton Center School, Bolton High School, Bolton Town Hall or Bentley Memorial Library.
CT Department of Labor "Career Express" Bus
Twice this spring the Bolton Alumni Association will sponsor the Career Express mobile job center, once at each school. On April 7, at BHS, the bus will participate in the sophomore class career exploration module. The staff of the CT Department of Labor will explain the fundamentals of job interviewing, resume writing and other life skills related to the world of work. At the end of May, the Career Express will visit Bolton Center School for their annual Career Day.
Association Meetings
The next scheduled meeting for the Bolton Alumni is Tuesday, April 8, at 7 p.m. Meetings are held in the staff room at the Bolton Center School, 108 Notch Rd. We hold our monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of the month during the school year. All are welcome to help us plan our events. Feel free to contact me at johntoomey@snet.net or call me at 721-8818.
Kindergarten Registration
Bolton Center School will register kindergarten students the week of April 7-11 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Evening registration will be held on April 9 from 6 to 7. Although parents may register students for kindergarten at any time, we encourage you to register your child as soon as possible so that we can make sure you are included in kindergarten new parent activities that will be held in May and in June.
On May 8, kindergarten teachers will give a presentation about the kindergarten program at BCS and student readiness activities that parents can do to get their child ready for kindergarten in September. On May 16, parents are invited to bring their newly registered kindergarten students for a visit to the school.
On June 20, 23 and 24, new kindergarten students will be screened, which is mandatory for all entering kindergarten students. You will receive more information about this later in the spring.
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3 vs. 3 Basketball Tournament
Who says March Madness has to end in March?
Come join our 3 vs. 3 Basketball Tournament on April 4 and 5. It includes grades 6-12. There will be two main brackets: one for 6th-8th grades and the other one will be for grades 9-12. The teams can consist of a mixture of the grades within the brackets. The entry fee is $20 per team and the teams can be co-ed. Proceeds will go toward The Women's Breast Cancer Organization. The event will be held at Bolton High School. There will be food and drinks served, trophies given to the winners, and bragging rights for the next year.
Sign ups will be in the main offices of each Bolton Public School. The deadline for signing up is March 28. Do you think your team can handle the challenge? Bring your A game, best sneakers, and your enthusiasm!
If you have any questions please contact Karen Manning at 647-1259 or Jamie Calderone at 647-0681.
Board of Education Budget
At its March 11 meeting, the Board of Education passed its 2008-2009 budget and forwarded it to the Board of Finance for its consideration. The budget reflects the combined vision of the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools in believing that "excellence in education is an indispensable investment in the future of the individual student, community and society" (Bolton Public Schools Belief Statement).
The 2008-2009 budget in its entirety can be viewed on the Bolton Public Schools website www.boltonpublicschools.com. If anyone has any questions or desires clarification or explanation, please feel free to contact Superintendent Winzler at 643-1569. In addition he is most willing to meet with any individual or groups who wish to learn more about the budget.
ILLUSION QUEST
Friday, April 4 - Bolton Center School
Illusionist David Garrity will return to Bolton Center School on Friday, April 4, for "IllusionQuest," an all-new and exciting magic show. Highlights from the "IllusionQuest" performance include a comical illusion where David's assistant becomes all twisted up, a breathtaking illusion where David's assistant passes right through his chest and a transposition called the "World's Fastest Illusion," where time seems to actually stand still. David Garrity uses these illusionary elements combined with music, situational comedy, and audience participation to entertain audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Ticket price is $8.
BUBBLE MANIA
Friday, May 16 - Bolton Center School
Casey Carle will present BubbleMania: Effervescent Entertainment! Comedy with a Drip! Friday, May 16, at BCS. An extremely unique program combining high-energy entertainment with artistic achievement, BubbleMania is loaded with visual comedy, quick wit, big band swing music, and the untamed, often unbelievable qualities and beauty of spherical liquids. Casey's creations grow from intricate and imaginative bubble artforms to "trapping" people inside bubbles! Ticket price is $6.
Tickets are on sale now for all of these events. To purchase, put checks payable to Bolton PTA (memoed for the event) into an envelope for Julie Begin or the event and turn in to your homeroom teacher or return to the office.
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BCS VARIETY SHOW
"The 70s, When Our Parents Were Young"
May 2 - 3 at 7 p.m.
The BCS PTA proudly presents "The 70s, When Our Parents Were Young" on the BCS stage Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3, beginning at 7 p.m. With over 175 BCS students taking the stage, you are sure to see a familiar face (or two!). This year's production will help you reminisce all the wonderful trends of the 70s.
Tickets are $5 per person and order forms will be sent home with BCS students the week of March 31. If you don't receive one, additional copies will be available at the BCS office. Doors open at 6 p.m. on both evenings. If there are seats still available, tickets will be sold at the door.
Celebration Video will once again make a professional video of the show available for sale. Along with the entire show, the video will include an individual portrait of each performer at the end. This is something your family will watch over and over.
Order forms will be handed out to show performers and available in the school office. Orders for the video will also be taken in the lobby on show nights.
Unfortunately, at this time, we do not have anyone who is available to sell flowers in the lobby for show nights. If you know of anyone in the floral business who might be interested, please contact Alison Romkey at 645-9702 or amromkey@emilyscottages.com.
We're looking for high school volunteers to help backstage and/or with sets. If you're interested in volunteering, or if you have questions about the show, please contact Alison Romkey at 645-9702 or amromkey@emilyscottages.com.
BHS Student Council presents
"Bolton's Got Talent"
Friday, May 23 - 7 p.m. - BCS
Many high school students will compete for the honor of "Most Talented" in this new event hosted by students and staff.
Judges will assess the various talents based on style, professionalism, crowd-pleasing ability, and actual talent!
The various skills to be judged are singing, dancing, juggling, comedy, and other musical performances. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door.
Bolton Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 22
Scholarship Applications are available at the Bolton High School guidance office. The final date for submission of applications is Tuesday, April 22. Late applications will not be accepted. College students who are unable to pick up a scholarship application at the BHS guidance office may obtain one by forwarding a self-addressed, stamped # 10 envelope to the BSF Committee, 72 Brandy Street, Bolton, CT, 06043. All mail requests for applications must be received by March 27. Application forms can also be downloaded at www.boltonscholarshipfund.org. All applications must be completed by hand, signed by both the applicant and parent/guardian, and submitted by the due date.
Graduates of Bolton High School or residents of Bolton who are graduates of an accredited high school are eligible to apply for scholarships and may continue to apply throughout their educational careers.
The annual fund-raising drive is underway. Letters have been mailed to all Bolton residents and businesses. The Phon-a-thon, held in March, was very successful thanks to the diligent efforts of the BHS National Honor Society students who gave of their time to make the calls on our behalf. Tax deductible donations to the Bolton Scholarship Fund, c/o Bolton High School, 72 Brandy Street may be sent at any time. All support is appreciated.
For information about scholarships, establishing a scholarship fund, or other committee activities please contact Helen Winkler at 649-4424 or ghw@psofconn.com. Visit our website at www.boltonscholarshipfund.org.
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