Student Reports to Board of Education, September 10
At each meeting of the Board of Education, three student representatives from Southington High School update the Board and the public on school system news. This year’s representatives are Murad Alkatib, Alexa Nowakowski, and Arshi Roy. What follows is their report from the Board meeting of September 10.
Southington High School (Murad Alkatib)
Regarding the High School, there are several events and activities coming up this month.
The fall drama club production, Sound of Murder, is underway, and the school will be hosting a college fair at the high school on September 16.
There have been a lot of changes around the school campus following the creation of the additional parking spots, which has allowed every student to park on campus and minimized parking in the streets. We are continuing to observe how this affects morning and afternoon traffic and the use of extra parking spaces during school events.
This Saturday and Sunday, the STEPS XYZ Club is hosting a “paint your parking spot” for all seniors. We expect this to be a fun opportunity for students to showcase their creativity with over 140 kids participating.
The September SAT is also being held at SHS this Saturday beginning at 8 am. This SAT will have significantly less attendance compared to the August SAT, allowing seniors to continue painting their parking spots during this time.
The tennis courts will also be a significant area of interest when it completes construction by providing students and athletic teams with an updated space to use.
Following the new rules regarding cell phone use, it has been a very smooth start with cell phone use during class time. Teachers have been primarily using phone pockets to limit distractions and keep students focused during instruction, and this approach appears to be working effectively.
Lastly, a group of seniors, including me, visited Oshana Elementary School this afternoon to conduct a teaching lesson to 5th graders about the branches of government and introduce them to Kid Governor. Also, Project Lead the Way will be visiting the middle schools in the middle of September to speak about the program, including our very own board representative, Arshi.
Sports (Alexa Nowakowski)
On the sports side for Southington High School, the Blue Knights led by Coach Levesque had their first football game today against Bristol Central .
More sports seasons are also starting up as the Blue Knights Marching Band has their first competition this weekend at Bunnell High School. Southington’s Powder Puff along with the Swim and dive team are also starting today and tomorrow.
Southington is already winning in sports, too. The boys golf team won their match against Simsbury, Lewis mills and will be playing against Conrad. In another victory, both the boys and girls cross country teams won over Rocky Hill and Weathersfield on Tuesday. The Boys soccer team is 2-0 this week.
This year, the new policy of pay-to-play fees for all high school sports was instated, with an estimate of generating $125,000 for other school expenses.
District (Arshi Roy)
Kennedy
JFK welcomed over 715 students and 140 staff members to the 26-27 school year! Welcome assemblies were held and students were encouraged to demonstrate the Eagle Excellence qualities of engagement, ambition, grit, leadership and empathy.
Tryouts for fall sports have commenced and many clubs and after school activities are getting started as well.
DePaolo
Students on the Blue, Silver, and Yellow Team had a team building field trip to Camp Sloper last Thursday, Friday and this Tuesday. This trip was for the new 6th graders to get to know their peers and develop team-building skills.
Over 200 students have signed up for the Leadership Program and these students will be trained in skills such as communication and team-building this Saturday at Camp Sloper.
DePaolo is looking forward to hosting grade 6 families for Open House next Wednesday and other grades later in the month.
They are also getting ready for the six-day student-run Alex's Lemonade Stand booth at the Apple Harvest Festival.
Flanders
The Flanders Falcons are off to a strong start this school year. Students returned with excitement and energy thanks to the teachers' hard work and dedication, setting the tone for a positive beginning.
This Friday evening they will be hosting the Welcome Back Pizza Party and Book Fair - a great chance for our school community to come together and celebrate.
Hatton
Hatton opened the school year with the unique theme of THE GREATEST SCHOOL, borrowed from The Greatest Showman. The year began with jugglers, Valentine the Clown, a DJ, and the principal dressed as the Ring Master. All classes were announced and entered on the Red Carpet to exciting music making opening day a hit.
