School Newsletter
Quarter IV - 2018
Prepping for Freshman Success: Math Department from Step Up Night
Recipients of Outstanding Academic Achievement: Whitney Renaud, Valedictorian & Anna Beach, Salutatorian
1st Place Recipient of Division II: Pole Vault - Abby Benoit
MESSAGE from the SUPERVISORY UNION
From the Desk of the Superintendent
As we approach the end of the year, we want to thank you all for your contributions to the Spaulding High School community. The work that we all do is so important and has such an impact on the lives of children; and that includes the variety of community supports that we have.
As we continue to improve our school safety and security, the Barre Supervisory Union has adopted ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, & Evacuate), which is a nationally recognized safety protocol to be used in the unlikely event that an active and dynamic threat presents itself on campus.
Our staff this summer, which will include selected administrators, school resource officers, and behaviorists from each school, will participate in a series of trainings along with members of our local police forces. These trainings will provide the necessary skills and strategies that people can use to respond to threats in any environment, whether it be in a school, store, an airport, a restaurant, or a house of worship. In August, we are on schedule to train instructional staff and others during our in-service time; this training will consist of an online component and face-to-face training with certified trainers.
Thus, our goal is to continuously evaluate and improve the safety and security of our community.
But for now, the Administrative Teams of Spaulding High School and the Barre Supervisory Union would like to wish you a safe and restful Summer.
STUDENT and PARENT RESOURCES
Fall Athletics
Back to School Information
Summer Reading 2018
SPOTLIGHT ON SENIORS
His Cups Runneth Over
Senior Tyler Chaffee is the type of person for whom the proverbial glass is never half-full or half empty. Tyler’s glass is permanently set at a few sips below full.
One might say Tyler has the personality of a summer camp counselor who has a blast with the kids and is always coming up with fun and wacky activities. Yes, in fact, he is that -- for the Waterbury Recreation Department. (Not to mention, he was one of those top-notch young clerks at Nelson’s Hardware. “I loved it there. I loved everyone I worked with.”)
One might even say Tyler fits the mold of the classic Spaulding Key Club president, the kind of guy who relentlessly engages in creative ways to raise money and support for worthy causes. Well, yeah, in fact he is that too, for two years running.
Among those causes: Camp Sunshine in Maine for terminally ill children; Kiwanis' Pediatric Trauma Institute based in Boston; the local Powder Puff Game that raises money for breast cancer research; and many other UNICEF and Kiwanis special projects.
Tyler will be lugging all this positive energy and practical experience to Stonehill College where he plans to major in marketing, and possibly double major in non-profit management. “Eventually,” he says, “I’ll probably go for a masters degree after some time in the work force.”
Staying in character, Tyler frames one of his high school “regrets” as a positive. “Beginning last year I kept taking things on my plate. Maybe it would’ve been nicer to not have so much going on, maybe dial it back a little so I could enjoy a little more free time in high school.”
Positive twist alert: “Anyway, now I sure learned how to manage my time. I’m probably more prepared than most new college students, for behaving like an adult in the college world.”
One of Tyler’s fondest memories from high school actually had echoes all four years. “I remember my first day like crazy,” he says. “It was also the first day for Mr. (Pat) Leene and I was in his Advisory. I remember so much because he and I are so close now after spending three of four years in his Advisory. It’s always interesting to think back to that first day.”
There was another first for the two of them this past school year, as Tyler was one of six students in Mr. Leene’s English Seminar class, which produced the school’s first online student newsletter, the Crimson Chronicle (See related story).
Tyler has some advice for incoming students: Get serious early! “For myself and many of my friends it was the end of our sophomore year or our junior year before we really started taking things seriously. We learned the hard way. It’s important to start off high school focused and studious.”
He also has advice on the social and sports side of high school life. “Get involved early! (Or as he joked: “Don’t do nothing!”) For example, it’s always better to start a sport early rather than later. I only started tennis last year and I really regretted not starting earlier.”
As it was Tyler worked his tennis skills up from 2nd doubles to participating in higher matches within two years.
After such a full and rewarding high school career it’s only fitting that Tyler’s final volunteer activity should be one that virtually everyone has powerful memories of. Yes, Tyler is on the crazy, fun, exhausting, and sometimes contentious Prom Committee. -Jim Higgins
A Girl for All Seasons
Megan MacIver, the senior class president, was asked what advice she might give her younger sister to help navigate the shoals of high school.
Simple at first blush, Megan’s words of advice sound more like something an octogenarian might say to a grandchild: “Make sure you’re active and make sure if you sign up for something you stay with it.”
By all accounts Megan walks that talk. She does so despite the well-known downside to the “active” part. To wit, she says, “I’ve got a lot going on, and I do spread myself pretty thin, but I do work best under a lot of stress.”
OK, let’s take a deeper look behind this radiant gal who works part time as a key holder at Olympia Sports in the Berlin Mall.
First off, she captained three school teams this year: hockey, soccer, and lacrosse, and is also coaching BASA U-12 girls soccer.
Megan, as mentioned is senior class prez; she’s also treasurer of the Key Club, a Student Council member all fours years, secretary of the National Honor Society, and active with Project Grad.
Somewhere she apparently did some homework because she’s heading to Stonehill College in Massachusetts in the fall (“I fell in love with the campus and my aunt went there”).
Megan, a self-professed “science lover since 8th grade,” will sort out in college exactly what aspects of science and/or medicine she’ll pursue. The possibilities seem as endless as some of her busiest days at Spaulding must have been.
One area of great interest to Megan is sports medicine and orthopedics. “I might even meet in the middle of these two areas because I’ve had three sports-related concussions,” she says.
Which leads to another area of interest -- neurology. “I’ve always been fascinated,” she says, “by how the brain works.”
Finally, there’s her longstanding interest in biology. “I could pursue a double major in bio and health sciences.”
Her sports background may come in handy when she has to make some key career academic decisions. “By being so athletic for so many years,” she says, “I know about positioning. I understand the dynamic of most sports. I know how sports work.”
She also, as we read at the beginning of this profile, believes strongly in sticking to whatever it is she signs up for. Thus it’s a safe bet that when Megan ultimately positions herself strategically for the best possible career in science or medicine, she will most assuredly stick to it.
-Jim Higgins
Molding a Future in Plastics
Seniors make their final college decision for dozens of reasons, but Otto Emmons might be the first to ever trace that decision back to a chemotherapy vest.
It was that innovative product designed by a student at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston that finally convinced Otto to choose that school.
“The school has an Accelerated Program that promotes student innovation,” he says, “and that student product, named the Gentoo Vest, enables chemotherapy patients to get up and move around during the treatment. It was created and brought to market in a relatively short period of time.”
That’s Otto’s kind of school.
At Wentworth, Otto will study mechanical engineering with a focus on plastics, which, as he says, allows for a much quicker turn-a-round time in product development.
“Once I discovered,” he says, “that it can take metals engineers, chemical engineers, and others nearly a dozen years to develop a product and bring it to market, I knew my focus would be plastics. I still have interest in metal, but plastics are cheaper and quicker.”
Sealing that deal was his Work Based Learning project at Filabot, a Barre-based company that recycles plastic to feed 3D printers. Founder, Tyler McNaney of Barre created a machine to do that in 2011 and now counts NASA and Google amongst Filabot’s customers.
Otto traces his early interest in things mechanical to his inventive father’s garage. “He had a lot of tools and other stuff in there and that’s where I played. Yeah, I broke a lot of stuff,” he laughed, “so I’m hoping college will teach me how to fix things I’m breaking.”
Later, Otto picked up a deep fascination with designing prototypes on a 3-D computer in an art class taught by Brendan Eaton. Now it’s off to the races.
But it was another form of racing – up and down basketball courts -- that Otto says taught him about life. “It was my two coaches, Corey Touchette and Brian Hickey, who taught me to be responsible, assertive, hard working, and how to be a leader and fully functional in society. Not only were they my AAU and Mini-Metro coaches, but I did a lot of volunteer work with them, like Freezing Fun for Families and Elks Club projects."
Otto’s long basketball career going back to third grade also taught him another useful trait: how to win. This past season his AAU team went 18-3 in the varsity A-division against all out-of-state competition.
But for all his notable achievements and learning adventures, and surely an exciting beckoning career in engineering, Otto keeps it humble. A key chunk of that humility might even be traced to his younger sister, Jaylynn, a sophomore at Spaulding. “She doing well,” he says, “and I give her tons of advice, but I don’t know if she listens to any of it.”
-Jim Higgins
ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS
Exploring the Region
Examining the Architecture
Enjoying the Culture
The Ability to Converse in Another Language is Invaluable
Madame Marineau loves working with students who have an infinity for exploring and learning about French culture.
In particular, she encourages students who have no prior experience to enroll in French I because students will have the opportunity to learn about the facets of the language and become familiar with French culture and its geography.
This was true for Emma Lee & Zoe who traveled to Quebec City in March with fellow French students from Spaulding High School and Stowe High School. According to the ladies, "It was an awesome experience to explore the city... to see old buildings, engage in conversation with the locals, and eat the cuisine."
Madame notes how for many, it's their first time traveling to Canada and experiencing life beyond the borders of Vermont. She believes this in itself is a valuable experience and values the people who open their businesses to the students. For example, the students enjoyed a traditional Quebec meal with pea soup, meat pie, baked beans, and ham that were all covered in maple syrup, along with meandering their way around old streets that gave them the charm of being in Europe.
In turn, enjoy an adventure with Madame and your life will be changed forever.
Students Launch the Crimson Chronicle
Is a by-line any less a by-line if it’s on-line only?
For decades Spaulding students experienced the thrill of a printed by-line in the school’s storied newspaper, The Sentinel. But that thrill went bye-bye a few years ago when the paper’s Journalism 2 faculty advisor departed and the paper went into hibernation mode.
Earlier this school year, however, a rejuvenation of student journalism occurred when English teacher, Pat Leene (who was also the Journalism 1 teacher) launched an English Seminar class for juniors and seniors. The six Seminar students then started the Crimson Chronicle, an on-line school newspaper publishing stories written by those students.
The cherished student by-line is back and it doesn’t need black ink to feel as thrilling as ever.
Senior Jack Caple has earned by-lines on three Crimson Chronicle hard news stories.
“I want just the facts when I’m reading as article, just basic info,” he said. “So I was probably the best kid to have on that beat.”
Jack has covered the “guest Wi-Fi” option for students, GoEnnounce, a student portfolio system to help with college admissions, and the Dungeons & Dragons club.
Senior, Tyler Chafee prefers feature stories and also edits news stories. His first story was on the “See it, Say it” movement, then he covered the Fortnite Battle Royale video game phenomenon, and finally wrote a profile of departing History teacher, Brad Miller.
Senior, Becca Clark-Blouin published a lengthy profile of popular junior, Colleen Couture, while senior, Josh Morrill has been covering the sports beat, writing spring sports updates throughout the semester. Senior, Kelsey Nolan has covered a variety of topics, from students throwing away hundreds of dollars of school silverware a year to the recent closing of the "The Lunch Box," a student-run restaurant at SHS. Senior, Kendra Austin mostly writes feature stories--this year, she surveyed the student body regarding their stress levels in "Stressed at Spaulding High School" and covered the creation of the senior mural.
Although Pat says this is a “99% student product,” he does take a final look-see for grammar mistakes. He is an English teacher after all. Prior to that, all articles go up on the Promethean board for group feedback.
“What is especially gratifying is watching the students grow in confidence,” Pat says. “For example, when we first started the Crimson Chronicle what they dreaded most was coming up with story ideas. Now they love it.”
“Also, they clearly take pride in their work. This is the first time for most of them and they’re doing it and doing it well. Their goal was to create a product for the community that they could be proud of and that’s what they’re doing.
That’s so cool.” -Jim Higgins
SPREADING TIDE PRIDE
Ferland with Cam
Crimson Crazy Recipient
Honoring Good Sportsmanship
Crimson Crazies Rise from the Sea
Students are riding the surf and moving forward with Mr. Ferland's mission.
Lauren Allen, Jake Darling, Ella McCarthy, Jesse King, Riley McFaun, Marley Ostrout, David Toborg, and Danielle Trottier are challenging their peers to become part of their movement too.
Their hope is to celebrate and promote all good things that happen at school, but more importantly - create a more inclusive community. In particular, two worthy candidates stood out in their first wave of selections of doing good things: Nick Boudreault and Jared Preus who were amped by receiving a Crimson Crazy t shirt.
As of now, Cam Gosselin is leading this charge. His first focus is on marketing through school apparel and by products. He would like to give students and adults alike more affordable access to these items, such as t shirts, towels, and bumper stickers. His ultimate goal is resurrecting the School store and "school spirit throughout sporting events and the hallways."
Thus far, they have stayed afloat by recognizing their peers for the impact he/she has had upon the community or the success he/she has achieved.
And like surfing expert, Jack O'Neill, they too want to build something that lasts longer like the ultimate wave.
HONORING OUR COMMUNITY
The Value of Teamwork
Aquatic Therapy with Salt Water
Learning from the Experts
First Priority and Beyond
One team, one mission: to inspire and empower active, healthy lifestyles.
For our students, the Barre RehabGYM has inspired them to pursue a career in physical therapy, athletic training, or both, especially for Senior, Alyssa Wilcox, Class of 2018.
Over the past semester, she has spent time under the auspices of Spaulding Alum, Sarah Gregoire, Class of 2003 and Jacqueline Jancaitis as a Work Based Learning Intern. Both women possess a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and have been in the field for a combined total of 17 years. They reiterate that the facility is "designed as one place, where health professions of physical therapy, athletic training, and personal training work side by side treating the full spectrum of physical health."
But Sarah states "we are even more than that..." due to their services and customized programs. She highlights two programs, which have built their own community among individuals.
The first program is the 100 Mile Walking Challenge where individuals can support each other in achieving their goal of walking 1 mile per day for a 100 days. She believes her clients have enjoyed the program, especially when they reminisce about the new bike paths throughout Barre and the encouragement from local businesses downtown.
The second program is the PreSeason Sports Clinics, which has gained a following in the Chittenden county area and has begun to coalesce in our community, especially for athletes who are competing in an event, individuals who desire to learn about preventive care, and local sports teams.
For Alyssa, she understands the purpose of these clinics not only as an athlete herself, but from the allied health perspective. She notes their approach is "very holistic, team oriented, and personable because they care for their clients who need assistance."
In particular, her other mentor was Hendrik Reinold who is an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer who shared his knowledge about strength training, agility, and injury prevention while learning about the anatomy of the body with Jackie.
They believe "pre-season is an appropriate time to learn how to play safe and prevent injury for a successful season." Their rationale is based upon hard data. If coaches suspect there is a gap in their athletes performance or fear of an increased risk of ACL tear or other injury. In turn, Alyssa realizes Hendrik and Jackie can really help people and empower them.
Their cause is also echoed in Sarah's voice when it comes to helping individuals. Her current focus is on individuals with Parkinson's Disease. Research indicates that regular exercise helps reduce stiffness, improves mobility, posture, gait, but more importantly, she wants to create a caring community for them.
Like Sarah, Jackie, Hendrik and the staff at the RehabGYM, Alyssa also wants to be a part of their mission and make a difference in people's lives.
SPOTLIGHT on OUR EMPLOYEES
Dave Buzzi: Forty Years and Still Counting
On April 26, 2069 Spanish teacher Dave Buzzi will be 115 years old. “That’s what I’m going for,” he says, with only a slight chuckle.
“I come from some pretty strong Spanish and Italian stock; great ancestry,” he says. “When my Italian grandmother was alive she used to go out onto the second story porch/roof of the former Bud’s Market to shovel off snow at 85 years of age with no winter coat. My father lived to 95 and my mother on the Spanish side lived to 93.”
Dave just hit the 40 year mark at Spaulding and says he “99.9 percent sure” he’ll finish next year. “Hey, 41 years is enough for anybody.”
His years at Spaulding have provided Dave with the long view on changes in both students and the nature of education.
“This is only one man’s opinion,” he says, “but I think from the 1960s and into the ‘80s the kids didn’t change too much. There was very little drama and stress. But when the ‘90s hit kids changed, even the music changed. Grunge music gave way to a lot of depression and certainly the clothing changed from stylish to down right dowdy. I am so glad the ‘90s came and went.”
But that’s when the major changes in education began to impact us, he says. We came to know political correctness and standards. The insurance industry also started to put much more pressure on school safety and that still continues today.
“The effect on teaching and administration was huge” Closest to home, he mentions new rules that prevented him from connecting with students in any place other than the classroom.
“For example, I used to rent a van and take my honors students to a Mexican restaurant and have a big spread and talk only in Spanish and then we’d head out to Ben & Jerry’s for some treats and then back to school by 2:45.”
Further, he recalls,“Just six years ago I was able to have my first block honors meet at the Wayside where we talked and shared stories in Spanish.”
Nevertheless, he reports that a high percentage of the kids today are open to learning a new language, even though it’s no longer a requirement for graduation. “They’re willing to take chances to do it and go for it. You’re always going to have a few students who take it for just the credit. Some resist at first, but it’s surprising how many of them become enamored with it.”
“That comes from me having learned so much from my years as a teacher. I do what works. I take a very oral approach in class. Have my students do lots of talking and sharing in rotating practice groups. I’m a nuts and bolts foundation kind of guy: listen, understand, speak and write.”
In fact, notwithstanding some of the frustrating changes in education, Dave credits his students with keeping him young at heart. “From them I get a lot of life,” he says. “I get a lot of juice, zest, and zing from my students. If you can tap into that they’ll keep you going. They can enhance and improve you.”
After he retires next year he’s got plenty of plans to keep that zest and zing going. One of them involves sustaining his love for teaching. “I’m getting trained right now to teach Spanish online through Virtual High Schools.” -Jim Higgins
CONGRATULATIONS
Barre Elks Club Scholarship
Alumni Banquet Dinner
Ronald York Scholarship
Recognizing Academic Achievement
The spirit of Tide Pride is always present whether it be in a classroom, during an athletic competition, school function, or among the alumni and community members who continue to invest in our school.
In particular, without the support of the alumni, service organizations, members of the community, local businesses, and other friends of Spaulding, it would not be possible for Spaulding High School to issue over $500,000 in scholarships this year to Seniors who applied for In House Scholarships.
According to Dave Lacroix in 2015, the Spaulding High School Scholarship Trust was created due to the sizable contributions over the years. As of now, this endowment nearly totals 5.5 million dollars and he is thrilled that students are able to receive a scholarship.
Mr. Lacroix credits the community and notes when he graduated from Spaulding High School in 1973 this trust did not exist. He believes this in itself is a very unique experience for a high school to have and reveals how fortunate we are to have a community that values their local school and the students in it, especially the Class of 2018 being the 125th Class to graduate.
This is echoed by In House Scholarship Committee Chair, John Lewis who is also the department head of History & Social Sciences. Mr. Lewis has been a faculty member and he has served this district for over 33 years. He understands the significance of his role. He notes how careful his committee is to adhering to the criteria of each scholarship and the Scholarship Trust's mission.
He too believes in administering awards to graduating Seniors that are either merit based, need based, career specific or non specific in nature, depending upon the terms of the gift. He appreciates how diverse each one is and honors student achievement.
For more information on the Scholarship Trust, please feel free to contact Mr. David Lacroix, Spaulding Alumnus, Class of 1973 at lacroixdavid05@gmail.com.