Monday, April 25, 2016

Honor Thy Educator!

Say “Thanks” to a favorite Canton educator!


Everyone appreciates a pat on the back, especially those who work in our public schools. Say thanks to a great educator by making a donation in his or her name to CAPE’s (the Canton Alliance for Public Education’s) annual Honor Thy Teacher Campaign.  Donations go towards providing grants to fund innovative enrichment programs in the Canton Public School system. Donations in any amount are welcome. Honorees receive a handwritten card notifying them that a gift has been made in their name.  The campaign runs until the end of the school year. Donor forms are available on CAPE’s website: http://www.cantonma.org/pages/CantonPublicSchools/Community/CAPE

Friday, April 8, 2016

PARCC Workshop Rescheduled

The PARCC Workshop for Parents/Guardians has been rescheduled to Monday, April 11th from 6-7:00 p.m. in the Galvin Middle School Library.  We are aware that the Hansen and Galvin also have their CAPT meetings at 7:00 p.m. and will be sure to finish by that time. Additionally, the math workshop that was scheduled for that evening (for K, 1 and 2 parents) will be changed to a new date.
We apologize for the short notice but are trying to reschedule prior to the start of PARCC testing which begins after the April break for some grades.

What:  PARCC Workshop for Parents/Guardians
When: Monday, April 11th
Time:  6-7:00 p.m.
Where:  Galvin Middle School Library

Friday, April 1, 2016

PARCC Overview Workshop for Parents/Guardians

PARCC Overview Workshop for Parents/Guardians

Reminder:  There will be a PARCC overview  for parents of third - eighth grade students on Monday, April 4th at 6:30 p.m. at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School. The agenda will include an overview of the change from MCAS to PARCC and frequently asked questions.  There will be time available for your questions at the end of the workshop.  At the end of the general session, parents of middle school students will remain for more detailed information regarding the technology aspects of testing.

We hope to see many of you at the workshop!  Child care IS available that evening.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

March Activities and Photos!

March Activities and Photos - check it out!

Check out our March activities:  The CAPE Spelling Bee, the STEAM Expo and you can still take our STEAM survey!


CAPE Spelling Bee Slideshow Link



STEAM Expo Slideshow Link


STEAM Expo Survey Link

Monday, March 14, 2016

Come to the High School Musical!

Canton High School Performing Arts 
presents:
Once On This Island
Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty's Caribbean-influenced musical folk tale tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who falls in love with the well-born Daniel and is aided by the gods of earth, water and love in her quest to be with him.
This will be a truly remarkable show that is family friendly. The entire project has been a collaboration with many people in the Canton community, as well as multiple teachers in a variety of disciplines from the high school.
This is one that you will not want to miss!
Shows: Thursday, March 17 at 7 pm; Friday 18 at 7 pm; and Saturday, March 19 at 2 pm.

Tickets can be purchased online: tinyurl.com/chsislandtickets or at the door ($10 evening, $5 matinee)

Monday, March 7, 2016

World Language Week - March 7-11, 2016

World Language Week Activities 
During School and After!

In Class Activities
MONDAY 7-Culture (French Music, Announcements & Trivia Day)
–AFRICAN DRUMMING WORKSHOP in the library for French students (All Blocks)
TUESDAY 8-Communication (Spanish Music, Announcements & Trivia Day)
–BEYOND SILENCE MOVIE in the DLL for German & ASL Classes (A, B & C Blocks)
–GERMAN COOKING in the cafeteria for German 1 students (C Block)
–CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY & PRINT MAKING for WL classes in room 432 (ALL Blocks)
WEDNESDAY 9-Connections (Chinese Music, Announcements & Trivia Day)
–LATIN DANCE WORKSHOP in the library for Spanish students (ALL Blocks)
–GOOGLE HANGOUT WITH PEACE CORP VOLUNTEER FROM BENIN in the DLL for French Classes (B & C Blocks)
THURSDAY 10-Comparisons (German Music, Announcements & Trivia Day)
–AFS ASSEMBLY in the auditorium for ALL students in grades 9 & 10 (D Block)
–WHERE THERE BE DRAGONS in the DLL-Economics & Development in Bolivia & Peru (C & D Blocks)
FRIDAY 11-Communities (ASL Silent Day, Video Announcements & Video Trivia Day)
–WORLD LANGUAGE SPIRIT DAY-Wear your world language t-shirt.  Show your @cantonworldlang spirit.  Be the graduating class & the dept. with the most WL spirit!  
–CLASSROOM EXCHANGE-Mandarin 1 & ASL 1 teachers swap students (A Block)
–DENGLISCH-GERMAN MUSIC & DANCE in the library for WL Classes (A & B Blocks)
CHS ALUMNI SKYPE ON WORLD LANGUAGES & CAREERS in the DLL for WL classes (E & F Blocks)

After School Activities 2:30 - 3:30 P.M.
MONDAY 7-AFRICAN DRUMMING WORKSHOP in the CHS library.   Experience the rhythms of African & play percussion instruments!
WEDNESDAY 9-DOUBLE THE FUN DAY!
–LATIN DANCE WORKSHOP in the CHS library. Bring your dancing shoes and be ready to move!
–FRENCH MOVIE in the DLL.  See the laugh out loud comedy Mon Meilleur Ami in French with English subtitles.
THURSDAY 10-SPANISH COOKING CLASS in Room B-139.  Bring your apron & your chef’s hat!  ¡A cocinar!

FRIDAY 11-SPANISH MOVIE in the DLL.  Come see Walking the Camino-6 Ways to Santiago in English with Spanish subtitles.

CFED Paint Night Fundraiser

Canton Families Embracing Diversity (CFED) invites you to our spring fundraiser.

Come out and enjoy a night of painting and fun!

The event ​will take place on​Tuesday,​ April 5, 2016, from 7:00​ ​PM - 9:00​ PM​ at the Canton Sports Junction​ located at ​399 Neponset Street, Canton​, MA​.  

​The cost is $45
​ per person ​and REGISTRATION
​ is​ REQUIRED

Thursday, February 25, 2016

John F. Kennedy Elementary School Principal Named

Good Morning,

It is with great pleasure that I am announcing the appointment of Christine McMahon to the position of Principal for the John F. Kennedy Elementary School.  Ms. McMahon has been serving in the Interim Principal role at the JFK since July 2015.  

It was evident the moment Ms. McMahon took on the responsibilities as Interim Principal at JFK, that her commitment to the success of the JFK students, her communication style with faculty and parents, and her attention to the alignment of the JFK values with the district mission and vision were foremost in her mind.  She has brought about a positive environment, dealt with multiple personnel changes and brought a renewed energy to the school. Ms. McMahon’s commitment to the JFK students, faculty and parents was further recognized when focus groups were conducted with faculty and parents approximately 3 weeks ago. The feedback  provided supported my impression that Ms. McMahon’s ’s management and leadership skills were in keeping with the expectations we hold for our principals.  

The John F. Kennedy Elementary School is known for excellence and Ms. McMahon has worked to continue to build on this foundation.  There is a renewed sense of team work, increased communication and continued movement towards high expectations within the JFK as a result of Ms. McMahon’s coordinated efforts with the faculty and families this year.

Ms. McMahon has been a member of the Canton Public Schools Administration since September 2012.  She first served as Team Chair at the Lt. Peter Hansen Elementary School and then moved to the John F. Kennedy Elementary school as Team Chair/Administrator in September 2014.  She has served in the role of Interim Principal at the JFK since July 1, 2015.

Prior to her time in Canton, Ms. McMahon was a Vice Principal at the Matthew Kuss Middle School in Fall River and Special Education Team Facilitator at the Resiliency Prep High School in Fall River.  She is certified as a Principal/Assistance Principal, has a CAGS in Administration and a Masters in Special Education from Bridgewater State University.


Please join me in welcoming Ms. McMahon to her new position of Principal of the John F. Kennedy Elementary School.  Congratulations Ms. McMahon!

Friday, February 12, 2016

CFED presents ......

CFED invites you to celebrate Black History Month on Wednesday, February 24th at 7PM in the Canton High School Distance Learning Lab. 

Come hear our keynote speaker discuss "Combating Xenophobia: The Affects of Cultural and Racial Stereotypes in the Media."  

The Canton High School Chamber Singers and a spoken word artist will also be performing.

See you there!

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Math Workshop for Parents/Guardians

“Strategies Behind the Mathematics... How to Help Kids with Homework”


On Monday, February 1, we will be sponsoring an informational session:  Strategies Behind the Mathematics for PARENTS of students in grades 1-5 from the Luce, JFK, and Hansen. This will take place from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Hansen Elementary School.

·       Grade 1 and 2 parents are invited from 6:00-7:00 pm
·       Grades 3, 4, and 5 parents are invited from 7:00-8:00 pm

The focus of this workshop, offered by Susan Brass, Kerri Falzone, and Maryanna Biedermann, our math specialists, will continue discussions on how to best help children with their understandings, as well as homework, as they move through the next topics in math. At this workshop we will work to build understanding around the common language and strategies involved in more complex addition and subtraction concepts for grades 1 and 2, and around the common language and strategies involved in exploring fractions and geometry for grades 3-5. Childcare will be provided from 5:45 to 8:15 pm.    


We hope to see many of you on Monday, February 1st at the Hansen!

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Mark these dates on your calendars!

Mark these dates on your calendars!
There are two VERY IMPORTANT events coming up in the not too distant future, and I wanted you to make note on your calendars.
On Friday, March 11th, the CAPE SPELLING BEE will begin at 6:00 p.m.in the Canton High School Auditorium.  If you have never attended the Spelling Bee, it is an incredibly fun event for families.  I will continue to remind you of this date as it comes nearer.
The second date to put on your calendars is Wednesday, March 16th, from 4- 8:00 p.m. for our 2016 STEAM Expo.  When we last ran this EXPO, we had more than 1200 people attend.  This year, so that you can stay as long as you'd like, we will also have dinner available in the CHS cafeteria.  Come and visit all the booths and experience the activities planned around our theme SUSTAINABILITY!
We hope to see you at both events!

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Balanced for our Winter Break

Balance in our Lives for Winter Break

As we look forward to the holiday season and winter break that is fast approaching, we are reminded of the importance of “balance” in our children’s lives and our own lives.  While we continue to strive for high expectations and academic excellence for all, we must also try to maintain necessary time for appropriate nutrition, sleep, exercise, relaxing and socializing with friends and family and simply having fun….balance! With that in mind, we will be moving into the winter vacation (December 23rd – January 4th) with an agreement by all in our district that no long term projects, lengthy reports or lengthy reading assignments will be given.  Instead, we would like to encourage all of our students and families to read just for pleasure’s sake, spend time with friends and family, get some rest and have fun!

Friday, November 20, 2015

Math Workshop for Parents/Guardians

“Strategies Behind the Mathematics... How to Help Kids with Homework”


On Monday, November 30th, we will be sponsoring an informational session:  Strategies Behind the Mathematics for PARENTS of students in grades 1-5 from the Luce, JFK, and Hansen. This will take place from 6:15-8:15 p.m. at the Luce Elementary School.

·       Grade 1 and 2 parents are invited from 6:15-7:15 pm
·       Grades 3, 4, and 5 parents are invited from 7:15-8:15 pm

The focus of this workshop, offered by Susan Brass, Kerri Falzone, and Maryanna Biedermann, our math specialists, will continue discussions on how to best help children with their understandings, as well as homework, as they move through the next topics in math. At this workshop we will work to build understanding around the common language, concepts, and strategies involved in place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Childcare will be provided from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.    


We hope to see many of you on Monday, November 30th at the Luce!

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Changes in Bus Times effective December 7th

Some Changes in Bus Arrival Times Effective December 7th!


Dear Parents and Guardians:

As you are aware, in September, we made several route changes for our school buses following the altered start and end times of the five Canton Public Schools.  Two major changes included reducing the number of tiers from four to three and expanding the number of buses per tier from fourteen to twenty.

Since then, we have been carefully monitoring school bus transportation and have noticed many of our buses arriving too early to our schools.  The school administrators have expressed concern, and many of you have brought this issue to our attention as well. Therefore, we will be moving the morning pick up times slightly later so the buses arrive at the schools closer to the start of classes.

The updated Bus List and Times is being sent to you via Blackboard Connect and will also be sent at least two times more by your building principals.  Please adjust your child’s bus pick up time later by the number of minutes in the column labeled “# of Minutes Later.”

The changes will be effective on Monday, December 7, 2015.

Please note there will no changes to the afternoon bus routes.

If you have any questions, please call Leslie Tamarkin, at 781-821-5060 X1156.


Thank you.


Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Looking for "Gently Used Books" for High School Independent Reading Libraries

A message from our English Department Chair at CHS

Looking to get rid of old books?

Many teachers have independent reading libraries for classes. 
We like to keep the reading libraries fresh and up to date with multiple copies of high interest texts and would love to have any gently used books you are looking to donate or get out of the house.  We will take any titles that might be popular with young adults.  Some titles/genres on the wish list based on student interest and requests are:

All Souls
The Martian
Season of Life
Divergent
Brown Girl Dreaming
Tuesdays with Morrie (or any other Mitch Albom)
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Unbroken (YA or adult version)

Jodi Picoult (any titles)
Nicholas Sparks (any titles)
Malcolm Gladwell (any titles)
Sports books of any type
Young Adult Novels (of any type)
Military/War books
Sci-Fi and Fantasy

We would be grateful for any donations.  I am happy to pick up books at your convenience or you can drop them off to me at CHS in my office (C400). I can be reached at ashleyr@cantonma.org or 781-821-5050 ext. 2301 to arrange pick up/drop off.   Thank you in advance for any help you can give.


Rebecca Ashley, English Department Chairs

Monday, September 28, 2015

Sign Up for Canton STEAM Creative Design Night


CPS STEAM Creative Design Challenge

Sign Up

We are excited to have our first STEAM Creative Design Challenge Event for Canton Public Schools.  This event will be for preschool and elementary students. Go to the LINK BELOW to register. 

Date: Wednesday. October 14, 2015
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Galvin Middle School


Event Details:
Come between 6-8 p.m. to work with our design challenges. You can decide to work on one or three design challenges.
Last entry into a challenge will start at 7:30 p.m.
Please sign up before Wednesday, October 7, 2015. Space is limited is 300 students.
We will be using the creative design process to complete each challenge.

Design Challenge #1: Why do people wear what they wear?

You will create a piece of protective clothing using various recycled materials.

Design Challenge #2: How is Music different then noise?

Design an original instrument. Name it. Describe how it produces sound. Tell why it is different from existing instruments. What category of instrument would you put it into? Keep in mind: Structured sound is music.

Design Challenge #3: How does the design process help us solve problems?


Sign Up: http://goo.gl/forms/URZwPXe6i0

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

New Nurse Leader Begins in our District

Kim Clark-Connor Named New Nurse Leader 

I am a bit behind with this announcement as Kim snuck in here in the late summer.  Thus far, she has picked up multiple projects and is charging ahead!

Kimberly Clark-Connor, R.N., B.S.N, has many years of experience in the nursing field, including School Nursing and Occupational Health Nursing.  As Canton's School Nurse Leader, she will have a myriad of responsibilities including oversight of the School Nurses, professional development coordination, and development of health office protocols across the district.  Prior to joining us in Canton, Kim worked as a Site Manager for the American Red Cross, and as an Occupational Health Nurse for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  She is eager to begin this new role and looks forward to acclimating herself within the Canton School System.

You will see Kim at many community partnership meetings and out and about at all of our schools.  Please join me in giving her a warm welcome!

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Math Workshop for Parents of Students Grades 1-5

The Strategies Behind the Mathematics: How to Help Kids with Homework

On Tuesday, September 29th, we will be sponsoring a "Strategies Behind the Mathematics" for PARENTS of students in grades 1-5 from the Luce, JFK and Hansen. This will take place between 6-8:00 p.m. at the JFK Elementary School. The focus of this workshop, offered by Susan Brass, Maryanna Biedermann and Kerri Falzone, our math specialists, will be to continue their discussions from last year on how to best to help their children with their math understandings as well as homework.  At this workshop we will work to build understanding around the common language, concepts and strategies involved in addition, subtraction. multiplication and division. 

We hope to see many of you on Tuesday, September 29th at 6:00 at the JFK!

Friday, September 11, 2015

Our First Official Week of School

Parents, Guardians and Community Members,

It was a memorable week for us between Labor Day and Friday, September 11, 2015.  Our indergarten and preschool students began their first day of school the day after Labor Day. Bus and van pick up and drop offs seemed fairly smooth for our youngest, and there were many smiles from start to finish at the Rodman Early Childhood Center and our three elementary schools.

Tuesday and Wednesday were a bit taxing with the very warm and humid weather, but we maintained our guidelines from DPH and the Bureau of Environmental Health, supplying constant hydration, maintaining low activity levels, moving from the second and third floors as needed, etc. The students and staff were happy to see cooler temps on Thursday!  Thank you all again for your vigilance in sending children dressed in appropriate clothing and supplied with water.

In spite of the heat, several open houses were held at the elementary schools and high school, and the parent feedback about information they received and their communications with teachers was excellent!  I was also able to drop in on two CAPT meetings and the CAPE meeting, and again experienced a significant enthusiasm for assisting the Canton students in as many ways as possible through potential grants, enrichment programming, fundraising and more.

I will be updating you next week about two upcoming programs.  You may want to mark the dates down on your calendars.  We will be having our STEAM sponsored Creative Design Challenge night on October 14th for students of all ages, and the elementary math specialists will be running a parent workshop on the enVisionMATH program - for first - fifth grades on September 29th.

Thank you for your continued support to the Canton School System.  Please consider attending our School Committee meeting on September 17th at 7:00 p.m. The agenda is outlined below.

Remember there will be no school on Monday, Sept. 14th.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

School Committee Agenda
September 17, 2015
Open Session:  7:00 p.m.
Distance Learning Lab

A.            Call to Order

B.            Executive Session- For the purpose of discussing issues related to contractual matters.

C.            Routine Matters
1.             Approve Minutes dated September 3, 2015
2.             Approve Executive Session Minutes dated September 3, 2015
3.             Approve Executive Session Minutes dated September 3, 2015 of Public Release
4.             Approve Bill Schedule dated September 24, 2015

D.            Public Comments/Questions

E.            Student Member Report: Michael Larsen will report on school events and activities happening around the district.

F.            Superintendent’s Report:  Ms. Henderson will provide an update a variety of matters going on throughout the district. 


G.            Old Business

1.             Update on Before-After School Survey for JFK: Results will be discussed and general plan of action outlined for all elementary schools next year.  Mr. Nectow will report on before/after school programs going out to bid.

H.            New Business

1.             Introduction of New Administrators:  Derek Folan, CHS principal, will introduce Don Devoid, Math Dept. Chair, Shanna Belenky, Team Chair, and Meredith Chamberland, Guidance Director 6-12.  Dr. William Conard, principal at Galvin Middle School, will introduce Lisa Kaminski, English/Reading Dept. Chair, Annya Haughton, Dean, and Jim Spillane, Assistant Principal.

2.             GMS Events Update:  Dr. Conard will provide an update regarding opening of school activities and events at the Galvin Middle School.

3.             Out of State Athletic Travel Approval:  Danny Erickson will request approval for a home Boys Varsity Hockey to play Franklin High School the Providence College Arena on December 18th at 7:00 pm.

4.             Logo Changes:  Danny Erickson and Derek Folan will discuss an issue that has yet to be “revealed” re: the logo for athletics.  Packet will be available during the presentation.

5.             Unit A and Unit E Collective Bargaining Agreements:  The School Committee will vote on the Unit A and Unit E Collective Bargaining Agreements.

6.             Bus and Late Start Time Update:  Mr. Nectow will provide an update on the late start time impact and new bus routes.


7.             Food Services/Cafeteria Substitutes:  Mr. Nectow will propose a rate increase for the substitutes in Food Services.

8.             District Improvement Plan:  Superintendent Henderson will review the final goals established by the Senior Management Team after reviewing student performance data, staff and community survey data, School Committee input and results of the Model Educator Evaluation.  The Final District Improvement plan will also include longer term goals.  This information is not attached to the packet as the finalized SMART goals are being completed by Senior Management on 9/15/15.  Goals generated through data analysis and from input of the School Committee will include:

·         Cultural proficiency and communication,
·         Increased educator “growth” through increased quality of recommendations and conversations as part of the Model Educator Evaluation,
·         Data driven decision making with specific emphasis on math (along with other academic and social/emotional areas,
·         Full Day K Analysis,
·         CHS turf analysis, long term space analysis and implications on programming.

I.              Business Manager’s Report:  Mr. Nectow will report on the progress of the Hansen Addition (Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Zoning Board).


J.             Sub-Committee Reports
1.             TEC- Robert Golledge
2.             CPC – Mike Loughran
3.             BRC- John Bonnanzio
4.             Wellness- Kristin Mirliani
5.             Finance – Reuki Schutt
6.             Building Use – John Bonnanzio
7.             Policy – Kristin Mirliani
8.             Superintendent Search – John Bonnanzio
9.             New Town Administrator –Michael Loughran

K.            Future Business – Next Meeting Thursday, October 1, 2015

L.             Other Business

M.           Adjournment