The Golden Gazette

• 2/3 - MAP Testing Begins for Gr. 1-10 and runs throughout February
• 2/3 - Valentine Candy Gram Sales Begin (all February during lunches) for $1.00
• 2/3 - Senior Night for Varsity Basketball and Cheerleading @ 5:30 in HS Gym
• 2/3 - Girls Varsity Basketball @ 4:00
• 2/3 - Boys Varsity Basketball @ 6:00
• 2/4 - Boys JV Basketball @ 4:30
• 2/4 - Boys Varsity Basketball @ 6:00
• 2/11 - Boys JV Basketball @ 4:30
• 2/11 - CPR Course Continues for select Juniors and Seniors
• 2/11 - Visit from Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
• 2/13 - Electives Fair for Gr. 9-11 @ 12:30, Gr. 8 @ 2:00
• 2/14 - Early Release (K-8 @ 12:30, 9-12 @ 11:30)
• 2/14 - Quarter 3 Progress Update Available via PowerSchool
• 2/17- School Closed for Presidents Day
• 2/18 - No School for Mid-Winter Vacation
• 2/19 - No School for Mid-Winter Vacation
• 2/20 - No School for Mid-Winter Vacation
• 2/21 - No School for Mid-Winter Vacation
• 2/24 - Course Requests Begin for Gr. 9-11
• 2/25 - February Board of Trustees Meeting @ 5:30p in Rm. 1223

Planning ahead:

• 3/14 - Early Release (K-8 @ 12:30, 9-12 @ 11:30)
• 3/28 - Quarter 3 Ends

Open Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year begins October 1, 2024. Applications to enroll your student are available on the school's website - www.collegiatelowell.org. Applications will be accepted through February 2025. A lottery, if needed, will be held in March 2025. More details to come. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Sokolski @ ssokolski@collegiatelowell.org or 978-458-1399 x1130.

**If you have a sibling of a currently enrolled student, you must complete an application for that new student.

Back by popular demand, we are excited to reintroduce Collegiate Charter School of Lowell’s (CCSL) Adult ESL English class. This course is designed to enrich our community and help improve participants’ English language skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a fun, interactive atmosphere.

This program is free! Class meets Wednesdays 5-7 pm in room 1125. You may participate in one, two, three, or four 6-week sessions.

2024-2025 Session Dates:

• Session 3 - Beginner and Intermediate: February 26 – April 2
• Session 4 - Beginner and Intermediate: April 30 – June 4

Parents, grandparents, and other adult family of our district’s K-12 EL population are welcome to participate. Childcare is available during class times. To arrange childcare, please email: adultesl@collegiatelowell.org with the age(s) of your child(ren) who will need care. Please communicate childcare needs in advance of the start of your session. Parking is available in the high school lot at the far end of the building. Enter the building through the side entrance there. Follow the hallway to room 1125, the first classroom on the left past the gym. We look forward to welcoming you to class.

We are excited to introduce a 6-week Adult ESL Digital Literacy class for the families of our CCSL community. This class will empower participants with basic technology skills essential for navigating computers, websites, and useful apps. You will learn about the school’s communication tools like Parent Square, newsletter, and email, and understand the educational programs CCSL students use. Additionally, this class provides crucial digital job search and interview skills, ensuring participants are well-equipped for both school-related and professional digital interactions.

This program is free! You may participate in one, two, or three 6-week sessions. Class meets Tuesday 5-7pm in room 1125.

2024-2025 Session Dates:

• Session 2: February 25 – April 1
• Session 3: April 29 – June 3

Recently information was shared with all Seniors about the planned senior activities later this school year, including the senior dues needed to participate in these activities. Seniors were notified that senior dues would be $200 and would include their prom ticket (5/30), senior week field trips (6/2-6/4), their cap and gown for graduation (6/5), their yearbook, and their class of 2025 senior hoodie.

Various payment arrangements are available to spread out the cost of these activities. Students can begin payments today and pay a little each week/month or pay in full when ready. Cash and credit card accepted. Students should see Mrs. Sokolski or Mr. Cameron to make payment.

UPDATE: Prom Ticket Price Increase

Purchase in February - $60

Purchase in March - $70

Purchase in April - $80

Purchase in May - $100

**Tickets for outside dates will remain $50. Permission slip needed for ALL outside dates.

Senior Spotlight articles brought to you by Beatriz De Oliveira Valerio ('25) and Lara Vieira ('25)

Bryan Rivera is a 17-year-old senior who brings a laid-back yet determined energy to everything he does. Of Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage, Bryan has spent the past three years at CCSL, where he has built strong friendships and unforgettable memories—especially the ones that involve joking around with Mr. Bruce. While he doesn’t consider himself to have many hobbies, working out has become a passion, and he is committed to his goal of becoming the greatest boxer to ever exist. Bryan is also an athlete beyond the gym, playing both soccer and volleyball, and he is eager to make it to the playoffs this volleyball season. One of his favorite memories from last year was winning the team’s first game, a moment that fueled his competitive spirit. After high school, Bryan plans to chase his boxing dreams and make an impact on the world, even if it means constantly being on the move. When asked to describe his class, he called it “a box of mysteries—you never know what you’re gonna get.” Bryan leaves his classmates with one piece of advice: follow your dreams no matter the obstacles, because those challenges only make you stronger.

Barbara Teixeira de Carvalho is a 17-year-old senior with a passion for creativity and a deep appreciation for growth. Born in Brazil, she moved to the United States at the age of nine and has been part of the CCSL community since sixth grade. Throughout her years at the school, Barbara has cherished the high school events, from special assemblies in the gym to volunteer opportunities that allowed her to give back. What she will miss the most are the teachers who have supported her and the ongoing development of the school. An artist at heart, Barbara finds joy in drawing, especially designing clothing—a passion she hopes to pursue in the future. Looking ahead, she plans to attend college, ideally outside of Massachusetts, with her dream school being the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. When reflecting on her class, Barbara describes the Class of 2025 as a collection of colorful paintings—diverse, evolving, and full of individuals who have grown and shined during their time at CCSL.

Yosef Asarie-Parker is an 18-year-old senior who has been part of the CCSL community since the 2017-2018 school year. While he doesn’t have a single favorite memory, he has made countless moments with friends that he will always cherish. As he prepares to graduate, Yosef knows he will miss some of his teachers and the friendships he has built since middle school. Though he isn’t involved in sports, he has his sights set on the future, planning to major in computer engineering in college and hoping to launch a successful career in the field. To keep things simple, he intends to stay in Massachusetts for college. Reflecting on his class, Yosef describes the Class of 2025 as diverse, intriguing, and still looking like kids compared to past graduates. If he had to sum it up, he’d say they’re like a real-life version of *High School Musical*—a mix of personalities, stories, and experiences coming together for one unforgettable journey.

By: Dr. Kritika Maheshwari, Curriculum Director, STEM K-5

On January 17th, we will be concluding the first two semesters of the school year and preparing for the upcoming transition that will take place after the second semester. Following this transition, our STEM teachers will be switching grade levels to enrich the learning experience for our students. Mr. Rowe will move from teaching grades 3-5 to working with younger students in grades K-2, while Mrs. Swartzfager will shift from teaching the younger grades to guiding the older students in grades 3-5. Our dedicated STEM educators, Mr. William Rowe and Mrs. Abigail Swartzfager, have reflected on their experiences and shared their highlights. Their insights not only demonstrate the progress our students have made but also provide a preview of the exciting plans ahead for the rest of the school year.

Mr. Rowe: Growth in Computer Science with Grades 3-5

Mr. Rowe, our Computer Teacher for grades K-5, has had an incredible journey teaching grades 3-5 during the past two semesters. As a first-year teacher, Mr. Rowe has fostered an environment where students engage with technology and master critical skills. “From exploring our very first coding concepts with origami and stacking cups to demonstrating mastery of those skills with microcomputers, the progress our students have made is astounding,” Mr. Rowe shares.

The class embarked on a diverse range of activities that tied computer science to other disciplines. Topics such as the creation of the first computer, the importance of digital citizenship, and integrated lessons covering ELA, Science, and Social Studies were explored. Students also worked on building their soft skills like collaboration and presentation abilities. “We explored science topics with simulations that allowed us to experiment in ways not possible without computers,” Mr. Rowe notes, highlighting how technology helps make abstract concepts tangible.

Looking ahead, Mr. Rowe is excited to work with younger grades K-2 after the switch at the start of the next semester. “I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish together,” he says. His focus will be on building foundational skills such as typing, internet navigation, and using technology in a healthy way. The goal is to equip students with the tools they’ll need to confidently interact with technology as it becomes an increasingly integral part of their lives.

Mrs. Swartzfager: Sparking Creativity in K-2 STEM

Mrs. Swartzfager, who teaches STEM to our youngest learners in Kindergarten through second grade, has had a blast guiding her students through hands-on challenges that spark creativity and collaboration. “This past semester has been such a joy,” Mrs. Swartzfager shares. She has watched her students excel in STEM challenges, solving problems and creating prototypes with enthusiasm and teamwork.

The younger grades have explored a variety of exciting topics. Kindergarten students investigated science with activities like cranberry science, wind experiments, and learning about solids and liquids using ice. First graders delved into sensory experiences with pumpkins, sound patterns, and shadow investigations. Second graders enjoyed activities like creating 3D maps, building pumpkin transporters, and studying the anatomy of bats. Mrs. Swartzfager’s students were able to put their creativity to the test, turning challenges into opportunities to innovate and problem-solve.

Mrs. Swartzfager is also looking forward to working with the third, fourth, and fifth grade students after the switch. Her goals for the new semester are to guide these students in problem-solving, collaboration, and creating meaningful connections to their science curriculum. “I am excited to help the older students tackle challenges and engage in conversations about the topics they are learning in science,” she says.

Looking Forward: A Year of Growth and Collaboration

As we transition into the final two semesters of the school year, I, Dr. Kritika Maheshwari, the STEM Curriculum Director for K-5, am excited for the continued growth and success of our students in the STEM program. It’s been a rewarding experience seeing our students develop key skills in both creativity and critical thinking, and I am confident that the remaining semesters will bring even more growth.

On behalf of the entire STEM team, I would like to wish all of our students, faculty, and families a very Happy New Year! Let’s continue to nurture a passion for learning, innovation, and collaboration in the months to come.

ST MATH Achievements

By: Nicole Palmer, K-5 Math Curriculum Director

CCSL students are continuing to work on their basic math skills through many avenues such as their math curriculum, through their ST Math progress, and many more classroom activities created by our teachers.

ST Math has been helping students by supporting what they are learning in their day-to-day curriculum. So far this school year, grades K-5 students have completed an overall 5,095 Objectives, and 544,519 puzzles so far this year! This boils down to 41% of the whole school year’s math content. What amazing progress! We are ahead of schedule according to the ST Math calendar.

We are currently completing the ST Math 🐧 Snowball Challenge ❄️ that will follow the rest of December and partly in January! Students are asked to complete as many puzzles as possible during the school day ONLY (not at home!). They are working so hard!

Our Weekly Winners of the Jiji Trophy for all their hard work so far are:

The following students are my second round of students who have already completed their Puzzle Goal Progress for the whole year! These scholars are now enriching their skills by either working on their Bonus problems at the end of their grade level or have been bumped up a grade level on ST Math!

• 1A: Mrs. Williams’ class: Camila Puello-Garcia
• 1C: Ms. Kilmartin’s class: Azmat Kabuye
• 1D: Ms. Crosby’s class: Kira Sholademi, Kirsty Dorvil, Kailani Kem, Brady King
• 2C: Mrs. Smith’s class: Alex Paasewe, Kristy Lin, Isabella Perez Menjivar, Roselyn Morocho
• 2D: Ms. Otero’s class: Aashika Jagadesan, Samuel Faith
• 3B: Mrs. Panagopoulos’ class: Sokraymond Cheang
• 3C: Mr. Rossi’s class: Shiv Patel
• 3D: Ms. Vercelli’s class: Dev Patel, Ethan Munene, Terrance Jones
• 4B: Ms. Collette's Class: Emanuelly Mello
• 4C: Ms. Erin Gallella’s class: Daniel Fajana
• 5A: Mr. Damata’s Homeroom: Daniel Rios
• 5C: Mrs. Pierce’s Homeroom: Wilberth Morocho Mainato

I am very proud of how hard the students are doing with balancing learning math through their SAVVAS curriculum, while also working hard on their basic skills on ST Math so that they can be the most successful they can be. I am also proud of the teachers for working so hard to get them there.

Please, stay tuned each month in this newsletter to see if your student’s class is one of the next ST Math winners and for more fun activities from our K-5 Math Teachers!

Hands-on Learning:

We, here at Collegiate, have a span of amazing teachers. Our K-5 team has been working on incorporating hands-on learning to their everyday math lessons. These projects are chosen by the teachers purposefully to allow their students to learn the concepts already taught in class, in a more fun, engaging environment. Please enjoy the photos from various K-5 classes and their proud projects.

2nd Grade School Store – Practice with Money:

2D: Students earn artificial coins for the last couple weeks of Quarter 2, leading up to the date the school store would open. Students had to count their coins to see what they could purchase and then hand in the correct amount of money to the "cashier" (teachers). If they were able to do it correctly, they earned another 25 cents towards their next school store purchase.

1D: Greater Than / Less Than Monster: The students in 1D used their new greater/less than monster in their math class during centers to visually see how numbers are bigger or smaller than others. The students were able to build numbers with base 10 blocks and then see which way the monster’s mouth moved! It was a super fun and engaging activity that the 1D students loved!

Adding Fractions Bingo: The students in 4B, Ms. Collette’s class, worked on an adding fractions bingo game during their centers! Ms. Collette holds up a card with an addition equation involving two fractions with the same denominator. The students’ job was to put a little bear on the fraction that they think was the solution to each problem. Once students made a full row, they were checked to make sure their answers were correct and get a prize for their Bingo! The game helps them with their adding fractions fluency!

ST Math has been helping students by supporting what they are learning in their day-to-day curriculum. So far this school year, grades K-5 students have completed an overall 6,349 Objectives, and 682,585 puzzles so far this year! This boils down to 52% of the whole school year’s math content. What amazing progress! We are ahead of schedule according to the ST Math calendar.

Grades 1, 3, and 4 were our top 3 grades for the Snowball Challenge! All classes in these grade levels won a PJ Day and a fun math day! Keep up the great work!

Our newest Weekly Winners of the Jiji Trophy for all their hard work so far are:

The following students are my second round of students who have already completed their Puzzle Goal Progress for the whole year! These scholars are now enriching their skills by either working on their Bonus problems at the end of their grade level or have been bumped up a grade level on ST Math!

• KGA: Ms. Bright’s class: Vincent Sasi
• KGB: Ms. Healy’s class: Nathan Ndua
• KGC: Ms. Thomas’ class: Andrew Waithanji
• 1A: Mrs. Williams’ class: Aiden Reyes, Amare Fernandez, Azaiah Chou, Jared Douyon
• 1C: Ms. Kilmartin’s class: Christa Okyere, Aria Mock
• 1D: Ms. Crosby’s class: Leslie Garcia Peralta, Xiuling Soo, Pramey Patel
• 2B: Mrs. Tougas’ class: Souksavan Siphanthone, Kayden Khong
• 2C: Mrs. Smith’s class: Natalie Navin, Eseosa Aghedo, Mahia Rojas Montero
• 2D: Mrs. Mangano’s class: Amin Abdi, Nathaniel Te
• 3B: Mrs. Panagopoulos’ class: Amilia Reyes
• 3C: Mr. Rossi’s class: Aviana Chou, Yaretzy Solano Pizha, Edison Mendez, Grace Seng, Aryanna Kaddu
• 3D: Ms. Vercelli’s class: Aden Bun, Mehreen Latawa
• 4B: Ms. Collette’s class: Troy Chum, Ariya Kong, Shanvi Patel
• 4C: Ms. Gallella’s class: Anthony Sartor, Caleb Oliveira, Kacelyn Kim
• 5B: Ms. Capone’s Homeroom (Damata Math): Antoinette Kusi-Frimpong, Jayden Nkuusa
• 5C: Mrs. Pierce’s Homeroom: Amir Thapa

I am very proud of how hard the students are doing with balancing learning math through their SAVVAS curriculum, while also working hard on their basic skills on ST Math so that they can be the most successful they can be. I am also proud of the teachers for working so hard to get them there.

Please, stay tuned each month in this newsletter to see if your student’s class is one of the next ST Math winners and for more fun activities from our K-5 Math Teachers!

By: Sahara N. ('26)

Why You Should Join the Black Student Union.

February is Black History Month, a time to honor and celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black people in the U.S. and around the world. It’s also the perfect time to get involved with our Black Student Union (BSU), an organization dedicated to uplifting, educating, and uniting students of all backgrounds while creating a space for Black voices to be heard.

What is the Black Student Union?

The BSU is more than just a club, it’s a community. It’s a place where students can discuss issues affecting the Black community, celebrate achievements, and build connections. Through events, discussions, and activism, BSU helps students advocates for change. Whether you identify as Black or simply want to be an ally, BSU welcomes everyone who supports its mission of unity, education, and empowerment.

Why Should You Join:)

1. Celebrate & Learn About Black Culture: BSU hosts events that highlight Black excellence

2. Support & Community: It’s a safe space to share experiences, discuss important topics, and connect with others who understand.

3.Opportunities: BSU allows students to take on organize events and make an impact.

4. Make a Difference: BSU isn’t just about discussions, it's about action. Through community service and advocacy, we work to create positive change.

How to Get Involved:

If you’re interested in joining BSU, come to our next meetings, BSU is held every Wednesday in Room 1117 at 2:45!

Black history is happening every day. Be part of the movement, join BSU today!🖤

By: Neissa G. ('26)

Hey wolves, have you been keeping up with the CCSL basketball teams? If not, here’s an update.

The girls' basketball team won their home against PCCS II yesterday with a score of 50- 23. The boys' varsity team also won their away game against PCCS II with a score of 68- 42.

With 9 games remaining and 5 of them being homes games we encourage you to attend the exciting games and support the girls as they get more wins. Same with the boys as they have 7 home games out of 10 remaining games.

Make sure to come support our wolves whenever you can. Feel free to bring family and friends with you.