Region In Review
March 25, 2022
On Monday, March 14, Mrs. Barksdale’s sixth and seventh grade students celebrated Pi Day. Each child investigated how to calculate Pi. For the investigation, Tabletalk Pies in Worcester, Massachusetts donated 90 apple pies.
Using string, students were able to measure the circumference and the diameter of the pies and then calculate the value of the ratio for Pi (3.14…). Students then discussed and compared their answers with their peers and then tried to ascertain what could be some sources for errors within the investigation.
The final step, …eating pie on Pi Day! A big thank you to Superintendent Megan Bennett for supporting this activity by subbing for Mrs. Barksdale while she picked up the pies.
Grab the Golden Ring
On Saturday, March 19, 2022, Shepaug students joined Wendy W. Luers at the Judy Black Memorial Park & Gardens to discuss international issues at the World Affairs Forum event, Grab the Golden Ring: A Journey to the World of Leadership.
Minecraft After School
Jake Gervasio, an eighth-grade student, coordinated Minecraft after-school sessions on Tuesdays in the tech lab, Room E7, for fun game playing, individual and collaborative challenges created by the eighth graders, and socialization. All students are welcome to join -- RSVP to Ms. Gambino via email if you would like to participate!
3,2,… Surprise, it’s a Candid!
On Saturday, March 19, 2022, The Gunn Memorial Library hosted a gallery opening for Taylor Giroux’s senior project, titled “3,2,... Surprise, it’s a Candid!” Marissa Perachi stepped up to cater the event as part of her senior project, titled “Learning to Cook A through Z.”
Taylor’s photography explores the field of candid photography, the art of capturing a photo without a posed appearance. Throughout her project, Taylor has explored several strategies including burst mode, shooting from the hip, asking a question, and getting in the action. She has used these techniques to help capture what life is like as a senior in 2021-2022. After two years of a global pandemic, senior year may have looked different than they all imagined, but as you see in Taylor’s pictures, the joy and enthusiasm remain.
In her senior project, Marissa focused on learning to cook. She set out to cook a recipe from each letter of the alphabet! (Are you wondering what she will be making for the letter X?!). For this event, Marissa chose to make Italian Bruschetta and Lemon Blueberry Bread, the perfect handheld foods to munch on while enjoying the artwork. Marissa also asked attendees to give her feedback on her food so that she can continue to improve her craft.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to The Gunn Memorial Library for their support of our students. Taylor’s gallery “A Day in the Life of a High Schooler” will be on display until April 25, 2022. Be sure to stop in and take a look!
Senior Project Spotlight
Louis Bullock - A Chance to Give Back
For Louis Bullock's senior project, he is giving back to the Make-A-Wish Foundation by raising awareness and raising funds for the foundation to help make more kids' wishes come true. Louis has been interviewing people who have had a wish granted and has been talking to them about how their wish and how the Make-A-Wish Foundation has affected their lives. Ever since Louis had his wish granted back in 2019 to meet his favorite soccer team Manchester United, all he has wanted to do is give back. Later in the year, he will be attending a fundraiser called Walk-For-Wishes, where he will obtain sponsorships in order to raise funds. He wants to use the opportunity of the Senior Project to show people how important the Foundation is and how they continue to change children's lives all around the world.
Emelin Rodriguez - Teaching to Learn
My senior project is "The Importance of ESL Learning." It is about students who are learning a second language in school with the help of an ESL program (English as a second language). I decided to do this project to demonstrate the importance of this program. I moved to the United States in 2016 and was fortunate to have the support of an ESL program in my old district. Because of that support, I have been able to be successful in school. For my project, I interviewed ESL teachers and students who are or were in this program. Another goal of my senior project is to improve my own language skills, and I can really notice the difference in my written and oral language from the beginning of the year. Lastly, I have also been using my skills to volunteer with elementary students who are ESL students at Washington Primary School. I go there every Thursday and this experience is exciting for both the students and for me.
Ryan Bialack - Improving Through Engineering
My name is Ryan Bialack and my senior project is “Restoration and Fabrication.” My project consists of three parts: 1. Restoring a metal lathe to its former glory, 2. Making the metal lathe very precise by using metrology (the science of measurement), 3. Fabricating different parts on the metal lathe. All three parts of my project will help me learn and explore the history of machines, the importance of precision and machines, and how to properly use machinery. Machining has always intrigued me because I like understanding how machines and different technologies work. Since I was little or the day I knew how to use a screwdriver, I have been taking apart anything I could get my hands on. Currently, I am working on the second part of my project which is making the lathe very precise. Next, I can work on the third part of my project which involves using the lathe to fabricate various parts.
Concussion - A Traumatic Brain Injury
A concussion occurs when a “bump” or “jolt” to the head or body causes temporary loss of altered brain function. “Whiplash” occurs with a rapid back and forth movement of the neck, and can cause injury to the muscles, discs, nerves and tendons. The rapid movement causes the brain to collide with the skull. A concussion can result from a whiplash injury such as a car or sport accident, and or trauma such as a fall. It is common with such an injury to have whiplash and a concussion.
It is important to recognize signs/symptoms of a concussion, and obtain medical treatment if a person is showing signs of a possible concussion.
Some signs/symptoms of a concussion are:
- Headache
- Nausea/vomiting
- Dizziness/lightheadedness
- Fatigue, drowsiness, confusion
- Unsteady gait/balance
- Visual concerns, inability to focus, rapid eye movement
- Sensitivity to light/noise
- Difficulty concentrating
- Any activity that increases blood flow to the brain should be avoided.
- Computer use
- Driving
- Texting (cell phone use)
- Any strenuous physical activity such as running, working out, sports
- School/work-related paperwork
TOTAL BRAIN REST (cognitive and physical) is important until symptoms are resolved. It is important to sleep at least 6-8 hours a night and rest as needed during the day. It is important to maintain fluid intake along with a healthy diet to help the body heal properly. Physically demanding activities need to be avoided along with excess use of over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol/Ibuprofen to better monitor a headache that may be increasing in intensity. The physician needs to be aware of all medications a person is taking and if symptoms are progressing. Returning to a full activity level BEFORE a full recovery from a concussion can present a setback as symptoms can return and/or new symptoms can occur. The physician will determine the return to activities during the healing time. Recommendations/modifications need to be adhered to until fully cleared by the physician.
When in doubt, if a person is feeling the effects of a possible concussion, it is important to call the physician and make an appointment to be evaluated.
Edith M. Poidomani, RN, BSN, MS, NCSN
Shepaug Valley School Nurse
Fliers & Upcoming Events
Region 12 Calendar
March 28 - BOE Curriculum Education Committee Meeting - Cancelled
March 28 - District Budget Hearing, SVS, 7pm
March 28 - BOE Special Meeting, Immediately following Hearing
March 28 - BOE Meeting, SVS, 730pm
April 4 - BS PTO Meeting, Burnham, 3:30pm
April 4 - BOE Long Range Planning Committee Meeting, SVS, 6pm
April 4 - BOE Meeting, SVS, 7pm
April 5 - WPS PTO Meeting, WPS, 6:30pm
April 6 - Early Dismissal for Students Only
April 7 - Kindergarten Me, WPS, 12pm
Follow Region 12 on our social media channels for updates and information!
The Region 12 community educates, challenges, and inspires all learners to become compassionate, creative, and courageous individuals who are empowered by the knowledge, character, and perseverance to achieve their greatest potential within the global society.
Email: rir@region-12.org
Website: www.region-12.org
Location: 11A School Street, PO Box 386 Washington Depot, CT 06794
Phone: 860-868-6100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shepaug-Regional-School-District-12-153899298123985/
Twitter: @Region12Schools