This Week at BMHS

Monday, December 21, 2015

• Ugly Sweater Day!
• Where in BMHS is Devon McCourty? - All Day
• Teacher Holiday Orchestra Concert - BMHS Auditorium @ 10:35 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• The BMHS Literary Magazine (Amanuensis) is accepting submissions of any nonfiction writing- essays, news articles, creative nonfiction.  Students can email them to Mrs. Camasso or Mr. Ciccarelli.

Athletics:

3:30pm - Indoor Track: Boys Varsity JV Meet North Andover @ North Andover High School

Teams Competing: Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Tewksbury

3:30pm - Indoor Track: Girls Varsity JV Meet North Andover @ North Andover High School

7:00pm - Ice Hockey: Girls Varsity Game vs. Reading Memorial @ Billerica Memorial High School - Hallenborg Memorial Pavilion

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

• SPAC Rehersal - BMHS Auditorium @ 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Athletics:

4:00pm - Basketball: Girls Freshman Game vs. Andover @ Billerica Memorial High School - Back Gym 1

4:00pm - Basketball: Boys Freshman Game Tewksbury Memorial High School @ Tewksbury Memorial High School

5:30pm - Basketball: Girls JV Game vs. Andover @ Billerica Memorial High School - James Gymnasium

5:30pm - Basketball: Boys JV Game Tewksbury Memorial High School @ Tewksbury Memorial High School

7:00pm Basketball: Girls Varsity Game vs. Andover @ Billerica Memorial High School - James Gymnasium

7:00pm - Basketball: Boys Varsity Game Tewksbury Memorial High School @ Tewksbury Memorial High School

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

• SPAC (Student Produced Arts Concert) - BMHS Auditorium @ 8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
• NFL Play 60 and the Food Services Department Challenge - BMHS Main Gym (Ed James) 8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
• Early Release @ 10:30 a.m.
• BMHS Building Committee Meeting - Town Hall Auditorium @ 1:00 p.m. 

Athletics:

1:30pm - Wrestling: Boys Varsity Match vs. Whittier Regional Vocational Technical @ Billerica Memorial High School - James Gymnasium

3:50pm - Ice Hockey: Boys JV Game vs. TBA @ Billerica Memorial High School - Hallenborg Memorial Pavilion

5:00pm - Ice Hockey: Girls Varsity Game Tewksbury/Methuen @ Methuen High School

7:00pm - Ice Hockey: Boys Varsity Game vs. Andover @ Billerica Memorial High School - Hallenborg Memorial Pavilion

Picture of the Week: BMHS faculty after their hard fought victory over the Chelmsford faculty

This Week at BMHS

I would like to thank the Us Against Cancer organization Spandana Jarmale, Shae Lelievre, Jenna Gallagher, Caitlin Boermeester, Isabel Doonan, and Kelsey Leverone, who organized the BMHS vs. Chelmsford faculty volleyball game this past Saturday. The proceeds from the event went directly to support further research at Dana Farber. I would also like to thank the Chelmsford faculty for joining us for this worthwhile cause. Although we emerged victorious in the game, it paled in comparison to the ultimate goal of furthering awareness and coming together with our rivals for a greater sense of purpose.

Tuesday, December 15

• Winter Choral Concert - BMHS Auditorium beginning @ 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 16

• Class Ring distribution during all lunches 
• Spring Musical Auditions - See Ms. Yoniack beginning @ 2:30 p.m.
• Student Produced Arts Concert (SPAC) Rehearsal - BMHS Auditorium beginning @ 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 17

• Progress Report Distribution @ 3:00 p.m.
• Spring Musical Auditions - BMHS Auditorium beginning @ 2:30 p.m.

Friday, December 18

• Spring Musical Auditions - BMHS Auditorium beginning @ 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 19

• Student Concert to benefit Us Against Cancer Campaign featuring Orlene - BMHS Auditorium beginning @ 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 23

• Early Release - dismissal approximately 10:30 a.m.

BMHS Salute of the Month

Berkay Erkmen received his BMHS High School Diploma on December 10. Teachers and staff from the Locke Middle School were able to join us in recognizing Berkay's tremendous achievement. 

Free ASVAB Testing

The BMHS Guidance Department Presents: 

Free ASVAB Testing Opportunity

for BMHS Students in Grades 10-12!

Are you unsure about what career you’d like to pursue? Would you like to learn more about your skills and aptitudes? If so, you will want to consider taking the ASVAB. The ASVAB is an assessment that measures abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success. It is administered annually to more than one million high school and post-secondary students. Although it is the entrance exam used by the military, students do NOT have to be interested in the military in order to take it. The ASVAB is an excellent career exploration tool that can help you identify potential career paths that match your interests and abilities. The ASVAB is FREE and will be held here at BMHS on Wednesday, January 13 in the morning. If you would like to take the ASVAB, please come to the Guidance office to sign up by December 18. If you have questions, you may check in with Ms. Coia or your Guidance Counselor.  You can also learn more about the ASVAB test at:  www.asvabprogram.com

This Week at BMHS

As 2015 draws to a close, we reflect on the various educational, social and enriching opportunities afforded our students here at Billerica Memorial High School.

The winter season is now in full bloom. Last week’s production of “playing favorites” was quite tremendous.  The amount of time, energy, and talent necessary to bring it to the stage was evident in the performance. The December 10th Winter Orchestra concert is a wonderful way to begin the holiday season. This concert showcases the very talented students and staff that make our music department the envy of other communities.  Many of these students will be performing at the regional and state levels in the coming weeks.

The winter athletic season is well underway. The schedule for all our competitions can be found on the website http://www.merrimackvalleyconference.org/g5-bin/client.cgi?G5genie=264&G5button=13&school_id=3 The MIAA has created an App that can be downloaded for both Apple and Android in their respective app stores. The app allows the user to follow their favorite school and teams, staying abreast on schedules and scores.

Be sure to take note of the Guidance information posted on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Billerica-Memorial-High-School-Guidance-Department-240870829452164/ It contains information many of you will be interested in as the time for college applications quickly approaches. Service opportunities are varied and continue to grow.  Get involved!

All of us here at Billerica Memorial High School wish all of our students and families a happy and healthy Chanukah.

Warmest Regards,

Tom

December 7 - 12, 2015

Monday, December 7, 2015

• Fall Athletic Awards’ Night – BMHS Auditorium beginning @ 6:30 p.m.
• Winter Guard Meeting – Marshall Middle Gymnasium @ 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

• Winter Athletic Meeting – BMHS Auditorium beginning @ 6:30 p.m.
• Billerica Friends of Music Monthly Meeting – BMHS cafeteria @ 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

• Winter Orchestra Concert – BMHS Auditorium @ 7:00 p.m.

Friday, December 11, 2015

• Poetry Out Loud Competition – BMHS Auditorium @ 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 12, 2015

•  BMHS/Chelmsford Faculty Volleyball Match – BMHS Ed James Gymnasium @ 6:00 p.m.

Billerica Faculty vs. Chelmsford Faculty

On Saturday, December 12th the Billerica Memorial High School faculty will be taking on their counterparts from Chelmsford High School in a volleyball match to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. The event is being coordinated by our Us Against Cancer committee. This group of dedicated students has committed to bring to light the challenges of local families facing this dreadful disease. Please join us in supporting this worthwhile event.

The Week of December 1, 2015

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

• Lions' Youth Essay Contest at 6:00 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

• Student of the Term Recognition at 8:45 a.m.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

• BMHS Math Team will be hosting regional competition at 3:00 p.m. in the BMHS cafeteria

Friday, December 4, 2015

• Pizza with Santa in the BMHS Cafeteria from 5 - 7 p.m.
• Playing Favorites - a Broadway musical review will be performed in the BMHS Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and available at the door.

Saturday, December 5, 2015

• Playing Favorites - a Broadway musical review will be performed in the BMHS Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and available at the door.

This is who WE are

Erin Stimson did the right thing this morning:

At 6:40am Wednesday, Nov 25 during my commute to school, I stopped my truck on High St to respond to an elderly man that had fallen in a driveway.  Erin Stimpson, one of our seniors, was comforting this 78 year old man that had fallen outside his house.  If it were not for Erin at his side I would not have noticed this man behind a stone wall.  He had no jacket, his slippers had fallen off, and his cane was at his side.  The man stated he was there for about an hour and is a diabetic.  Based on his color and skin temperature he had been there for a while.  He was very cold and shivering.  Erin calmly called 911 with a clear description of the location and situation of this man's condition.  We then used our jackets to keep him from further exposure to the cold. Erin stayed with this man until the police, fire, and paramedics arrived.  We then gave a statement to a police offer.  The police thanked Erin and commended her for her response and caring for this elderly man.  A police officer kindly offered Erin a ride to school as she did not have transportation at that time.  I encouraged Erin to be with us at the BMHS Rally.  Not sure if she took the ride in the cruiser to school today. 

Erin selflessly responded this morning with her heart, truly did the right thing this morning, and quite possibly saved this elderly man’s life.

Mr. Flanagan, BMHS Math Teacher

Reflections

I wanted to take a moment to share with you the number of positive comments I received from teachers and parents that were in our building on Friday. I realize that many of you do not get to see the 'Parade of the Adorables' that takes place at different times during the day, but the preschoolers always seem to love walking through the building showcasing their costumes while observing the 'bigger' kids outfits. The number of you that helped to make these future Indians and their teachers/parents feel welcomed was further affirmation of the terrific young men and women we have at BMHS.

Our Marching Band won the New England Scholastic Band Association's Division 1 Championship today! The Color Guard was awarded the top honor and Owen Kelly received the Top Drum Major Award. I realize that it is difficult to attend all the events that our students participate in, but I thought you would like to know how well you are thought off outside of Billerica.

Our Boys' Soccer team and  the Girls' Cross Country team captured the MVC title, the Girls' Soccer team missed the title by 1 point, and the Girls' Volleyball team is still in the hunt for the tournament. Senior Brian Corbett captured the MVC Golf title. The football team earned an impressive victory this past weekend defeating Waltham 44-0 and will be taking on Newton South this weekend at home. I am sure I have missed a few items, but this should illustrate the depth of successes we have had in just our first two months.

Our Theatre department is preparing for the fall production of Noises Off and we are hoping to put together an early show for the Senior Citizens in town so they can see the amazing things our students are accomplishing on a regular basis.

Every once in awhile it is important to stop and reflect on all the impressive things you have accomplished. These successes are not new to Billerica students. You are continuing a path that began a long time ago.

Remember, You are NOT successful in spite of being from Billerica, You ARE successful because you are from Billerica.

The Pride of the Green & White:

The Power & Class of BMHS
New England Scholastic Band Association's Division 1 Champions!

Deja Vu

It seems as though we tell the same story every April. The BMHS DECA students depart for the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in some locale and return with a Top Three finish ("earning Glass") on the international stage. This year marks the 8th straight year a team from Billerica has earned "Glass" and brought home a national trophy. Since I am certain there may be some readers that are unfamiliar with DECA and the annual competition, I will attempt to put in perspective the success and cache that Billerica has earned on the international stage. In the world of college basketball there are many teams that qualify for the NCAA March Madness tournament. However, there are certain programs that consistently compete at a level far superior than that of their peers. UCLA under the guidance of John Wooden, is considered the gold standard of consistency and high achievement. Billerica is not UCLA. Billerica is Duke. When you watch the NCAA tournament each year, under the guidance of head coach Mike Krzyzewski, you expect them to compete for a national championship. Other college teams try to emulate the "Duke" way. Some teams are intimidated when they enter the arena and see Coach Krzyzewski preparing his team in a calm, tactful manner. When the BMHS DECA team arrives at the ICDC every year, other schools want to emulate the "Billerica" way. These schools watch as Coach Mags (with the support and assistance of Mrs. Lydon) prepares his students in a calm and tactful manner so they are prepared to perform and achieve their ultimate goal - "Glass." Coach Mags (our version of Coach K) extols the value of hard work, preparation, and confidence. The confidence our students possess comes from the knowledge that Coach Mags has been there before and knows how to succeed on that stage. Our students embrace that philosophy and put in many hours beyond the school day to prepare for success.

Casey Finestone, Nadia Soto, Amy Lynch, Alison Veilleux, Alison Donoghue  

Casey Finestone, Amy Lynch, Alison Donoghue earning a Top Ten finish

Nadia Soto, Coach Mags, Alison Veilleux holding "Glass"

Their is a pride in our school for the success our DECA students have achieved. That pride is increased exponentially when you see how other schools react and speak about our students. The respect, admiration and in some cases awe that our DECA team is viewed speaks to the quality of the people involved.

For our seniors, the final ICDC has ended. It is time to bask in the success and reflect on the journey you have shared over the last four years with your DECA teammates.

Once again you have made us proud!

Spring has finally sprung

April 14, 2015

We are closing in on April Vacation week and the weather has finally turned warmer. While there is still snow on the ground in some places, the athletic teams are finally practicing and playing on grass and not asphalt. When I was coaching at BMHS it seemed every year during softball tryouts, one girl would dive on the tar trying to stop a ground ball, momentarily forgetting that we were not on a diamond. That girl always seemed to make the team. I think it was her grit and determination that always impressed me. That same determination will be on display during the vacation - on our fields, courts, and diamonds. It will also be on display in Orlando, Florida and St. Louis, Missouri.

Our nationally renowned DECA team will be descending upon Orlando, Florida on April 26 to claim another national title and bring "Glass" home to BMHS once again. Over 50 of our students will be representing BMHS and our community in the areas of finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, hospitality and tourism. Mr. Magliozzi, Mrs. Lydon, Mrs. Barooshian, Ms. Luciano, and Mr. Nardella prepare our students on a daily basis to succeed in our classrooms and that preparation pays huge dividends on the national stage.

BMHS DECA Team preparing to depart for States

Our FIRST Robotics Team#4909, Billerica Bionics, earned an invitation to the World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri. Billerica is one of only two second year teams in New England to earn a spot in the championship. The World Championship will take place from April 22 - April 25. Additional details can be found at http://championship.usfirst.org/

Billerica Bionics preparing for a match at Reading Memorial High School

The Fine Arts Department completed another successful musical production. This year's performance of Honk! told the story of the Ugly Duckling through music and personification. The performances were outstanding! Jessica McCuish , who is a finalist to perform with the Boston Pops, was a huge hit as Ida, the mother of Ugly. However, the performance of Faith Brodowski as the Cat was purrrrfect! My daughter talked about her performance the whole way home.

Heavyweight Lacrosse Battle

This Thursday two perennial state powers will meet on the lacrosse field to establish early season bragging rights as our #5 Billerica Indians take on the #1 Duxbury Dragons. The game will take place at Alumni Field (behind BMHS) and begins at 4:00 p.m.  Parking is available at the Hallenborg Rink and senior parking lot.

What a Week!

What a Week - Our Cheerleaders won the Division 1 State Title on Sunday at Wachusett Regional High School. This is the 3rd state title for the Lady Indians, establishing themselves as one of the elite programs in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

PJ Garmon (MA state 1000 meter champ and New England 1000 meter champ) is competing in the 800 meters at the National Championship in NYC on Sunday, March 15th as one of the top seeds in the nation after running one of the fastest 1000 meters ever run in the state of Massachusetts last week. His time is #4 out of over 22,000 athletes nationwide and the 3 guys in front of him are all 19-20 year olds who ran those times in professional meets!

Shannon Dinsmore competed at the state finals in the Poetry Out Loud Competition this past Sunday at the Old South Meeting House in Boston. Shannon was one of 24 state finalists out of more than 20,000 competitors that began in the competition. Shannon earned this spot in only our second year of competing in Poetry Out Loud.

Our Drama Fest cast and crew will be competing in the statewide semi-finals in Danvers on March 14 performing their production of Actor’s Nightmare. The team will be looking to make the state finals for the first time in our school’s history. They are led by all-star award winners Robbie Ringer, Julie Martin, Afrika Smith, Pat Rooney, Megan Sampson, Conner Nickerson and Klaudia Delorey.

Chris DeRosa, 113 pound Massachusetts State Champion competed at the New England Wrestling tournament this weekend at North Andover High School.

The Girls' Basketball team made it to the Division 1 North title game this past Saturday. Although the game did not end the way we would have liked, it was inspiring to see the effort that each of those young ladies exhibited until the final horn. It may take them a little while to get over the loss, they should find refuge in knowing they are the most successful girls' basketball team in BMHS history. Gillis, Caroline (captain) Senior, Leverone, Kelsey Sophomore, Baronas, Maura Junior, Napoli, Katie Junior, Mattar, Lexie Senior, Boermeester, Caitlin Sophomore, Higgins, Karolyn Senior, Thompson, Maya Sophomore, Zarro, Lauren Senior, Catania, Caitlin Junior, Scurka, Emily Sophomore, Coppinger, Lily (captain) Senior, Elmore, Brooke Senior, Jenkins, Hailee Sophomore, Watford, Mackenzie Sophomore

Six of our students  participated in the 2015 Massachusetts 6th Congressional District Art Competition held at the Montserrat College of Art, March 4 -7.  The students from left to right are:

Angela Bacon, Devin Fossey, Isabella Pesina, Mackenzie Ganier, Alyssa Pellegrino,  Angelica Un. 

Representing the best of BMHS

Last week I received an email from the Westford Academy hockey coach. He wanted to convey his experiences with one of our seniors and a member of the hockey team. It is always nice when others recognize the outstanding qualities we see in our students on a daily basis. Nick Fantasia has consistently exhibited the pillars that BMHS holds dear: perseverance, respect, individuality, community, and enrichment. Nick is an honor student that captured the individual MVC title in golf this past fall. He also coordinates with his peers to support all teams at BMHS through his Twitter feed @BillericaFans (The Tribe). Nick is one of 16 student-athletes elected to represent their, approximately 200,000, peers across the Commonwealth as a member of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Student Advisory Committee. In short, Nick exemplifies our beliefs, serves as a role model for his peers while welcoming the newest members of the BMHS community.

Jim

I wanted to compliment your player Nick Fantasia. As I was leaving the rink yesterday after our game, Nick was up in the stands with his teammates. Its been a tough year and I must have looked a little down. I did not see the Billerica players but I heard a "Hey, Coach". I looked up and it was Nick. He complemented my team on a great game and wished me the best of luck on Friday. It was a very classy move by a guy that has always been very respectful in my dealings with him.  I remember at the end of last years game, I said to him in line after the game that I thought he had had a great year. He stopped for a minute and then said "Coach, Thank you very much, I really appreciate that".  The Billerica - Westford games have always been hard fought, competitive games and Nick is certainly a competitor. The way he  handles himself with such poise and sincerity right after a hard fought game is very impressive and I wanted to make sure that I recognized his actions, not just yesterday but over the past few years.

Please pass along to Nick how much I appreciated his words yesterday I . Again, it was a very classy, sincere thing for him to do

Bob

Bob Carpenter

Head Hockey Coach

Westford Academy

Nick Fantasia with the MIAA Student Advisory Committee (and Rene Rancourt) 

Reflecting and Turning the Page

As we approach the end of the first semester and prepare for the second half of our school year, we should take a moment and reflect on all that was accomplished during the last year as we look forward to the next steps on our path of continual improvement. The history of Billerica Memorial High School is rich with traditions. During our inaugural year in 1955 we received a campaign visit from United States Senator John F. Kennedy seeking reelection in 1956. President Kennedy spoke of his ambitious plans regarding science and BMHS is trying to continue that legacy today. We have spoken at length about the new science and technology labs at BMHS that support biomedical science, engineering design, and robotics. We are currently working on an innovative workspace that will support both teachers and students with technology integration in their classroom; we are calling it the Innovation Station. We are repurposing space in our library/media center to host a collaborative working area bringing together students and faculty for a common purpose. Our virtual learning commons can be found at http://bit.ly/bmhslc  We have also partnered with Billerica Access Television and redesigned our television studio.  The infusion of new equipment and support will allow us to offer a television production course for the upcoming school year. The wireless infrastructure has been drastically improved allowing students to access support within the building through a ‘student’ network. The improved access points can support up to 130 users without degradation of signal quality.

The impact of these improvements can be seen in the quality of work our students produce on a daily basis. The MCAS science scores were the top in the Merrimack Valley, but more importantly, when broken down, our students outperformed our area counterparts in the ‘Advanced’ designation of the assessment.

The self-assessment process is a vital part of our improvement goals. If we seek to make BMHS a school that all students possess a sense of pride towards, then we need to ask questions, listen, and be willing to change.  Through various organizations, Student Government, DECA, School Council, as well as impromptu conversations we are seeking to provide students with the opportunity to directly affect the changes at BMHS. The student body has demonstrated on several occasions this year that they want to be partners in their education and represent BMHS and this community in an outstanding fashion. It is important that we support them during this time in their lives, so they are able to support themselves beyond their high school years. Early this year, Travis Roy visited BMHS and the entire student body was exemplary.  Their respectful nature, engaging questions, and appropriate responsiveness was a shining moment for BMHS and our community. Our annual Pep Rally was adjusted this year to improve inclusiveness and remediate the typical divisiveness that can be experienced at these types of events, especially if you are freshmen.  The students responded positively to the changes, and there was even a moment when the sophomore and junior classes were rooting for the freshmen.

Our music and theatre programs have continued to excel under the leadership of Christopher Dearbeck. Our musical production of Pipin’ won the TAMY for Best Overall Production and the Marching Band were named the NESBA Division 1 Champs. The orchestra has continued to grow and the recent holiday concert is a wonderful representation of the quality of students dedicated to improving their craft

As we turn our attention to the second half of the year, we begin the process of preparing for our next year.  The Program of Studies is going through its final revisions and will be released to students and parents on February 9.  This will give families three weeks to review with their child the courses available for the upcoming year.  There are additions to the Program of Studies this year, again, focusing on creativity and demonstration of standards. We will be offering a television and video production course, made possible through our partnership with BATV. Digital Photography, Vex Robotics, Number Theory and Discrete Math will also be options for our students.

Report Cards will be made available on Friday, January 30 through the Aspen X2 Parent Portal. If anyone has questions about accessing the portal, please contact Mary St. George at 978-528-7908 or mstgeorge@billerica.k12.ma.us

Warmest regards,

Tom