This Week at BMHS May 16 - 22, 2016

MCAS Part II - Mathematics

Ms. Biagiotti breaks out her math teacher skills for the sophomore class

The Class of 2018, our sophomores, will begin the third and final part of their MCAS assessment. The MCAS Math assessment will begin on Tuesday and conclude on Wednesday of this week. The assessments will begin at the start of the school day and conclude around 10:30 a.m. However, the MCAS is an untimed test, so students may utilize additional time without penalty. We met with the sophomores on Friday to review for the assessment and convey the importance of the MCAS, both individually and as a community. I want to convey the importance of not sending mixed messages to our students when it comes to putting forth their best effort in this, or any other venue. Our students perform on our stage, fields, gyms, and classrooms. During each of these occasions, we do not instill a sense of diminished effort. For the musical we do not say it is only opening night, or it is a halftime performance and the opposition did not bring a large crowd, or it's just a non league game. Similarly, we do not say that they are just the SATs, or its only an AP exam. Each of these occasions and many more like them we challenge our students to bring their best effort. The MCAS assessment is no different. Individually graduation may be earned, or a scholarship (Adams) obtained and collectively we know that colleges evaluate high schools and we want to ensure that BMHS continues to provide every student with as many options as possible when they graduate. Remind your student to arrive on time and well rested for the assessment days (actually that is good advice for everyday). I have included a link to the presentation we shared with the sophomore class on Friday.

MCAS Math 2016 presentation

Maria Trozzi

This Thursday, May 19, Billerica's Title 1 POP will be presenting When Our Children Face Losses...Words, Strategies and Wisdom That Promote Resilience. The program is in commemoration of the life and impact that Junior Matthew Desrosiers had on his peers and the BMHS Community. The speaker, Ms. Maria Trozzi, is an assistant professor of pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine, director of the nationally renowned Good Grief program and helped our school system manage two difficult losses for our staff and students. The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be in the BMHS Auditorium. Admission is FREE. 

Aspen X2

Billerica Memorial High School will be transitioning from Edline to Aspen Pages beginning in September 2016. Edline's parent company will no longer be supporting Edline beyond the current school year. Although that does not mean the product will disappear immediately, it does mean there will be minimized support and no updates moving forward. Based upon feedback from parents, students, and faculty members, the district's technology team identified a platform that addresses the main concern of too many platforms and passwords to remember. Aspen Pages uses the same platform that we currently use for our Gradebook, conduct and attendance. The transition to Pages will also include curricular integration and planbook features. This should assist students with managing their workload in one location and help parents know when things are upcoming (tests, papers, etc.). Teachers began their initial training during our last early release day and will continue to receive assistance during the school year and summer as we help to create a seamless transition for the fall.

Junior College Panel

The Billerica Memorial High School Guidance Department will be hosting our 5th Annual Junior College Panel for the Class of 2017. The panel presentation will take place on Friday, May 20th from 8:10 a.m. to 9:35 a.m. in the BMHS Lecture Hall. 

The panel will consist of three college admissions representatives (University of Massachusetts Lowell, Merrimack College and Tufts University), three BMHS graduates (Erin Brooks, P.J. Garmon, and Nikila Vasudevan), and two current BMHS seniors (Robert Maynard and Samantha White). 

The panelists will be discussing tips and components needed for a successful application, which will include:

• The importance of the high school transcript

• How GPA is used in the admissions process

• The use of standardized testing (SAT, SAT subject tests, ACT)

• The importance of the college essay and letters of recommendation

• The significance of extracurricular activities

• Tips for application management and surviving senior year stress

This program is a great way to jumpstart your college admissions process, and it is one you won't want to miss!  Students must have a field trip form on file with the Guidance Department in order to attend.  Please see your guidance counselor if you have questions about this event.  

BMHS Book Fair

This Friday from 2:30-5 pm, join the English department at Barnes & Noble in Burlington for a book fair!  Students and staff can purchase books and proceeds will go towards BMHS' summer reading program.  Check your Gmail this week for the flyer.  Purchases can also be made online using the code.  This is a perfect time to purchase your summer reading book and stock up on some summer reads.  The summer reading list will be announced later this week, so stay tuned to see what books your teachers are reading over the summer!  If a student is interested in suggesting a book, please ask a teacher to suggest it for you!

Northeast Regional Student Advisory Council

Junior Danielle LoGuidice was recently reelected to a third term as a student representative to the Council. She was selected among her peers to represent the Northeast Region to the State Student Advisory Council, an honor that she has received the prior two years as well. Sophomore Vanessa Attaya was elected, in her first year serving on the Council, to Chair the Northeast Regional Student Advisory Council.

Real life application of classroom technique

Last week senior Kasey Schissler was working at Panera Bread in Wilmington and faced with an elderly customer choking. Fortunately, Kasey had received CPR training and certification with Mr. Burns as part of a partnership with BMHS and the American Heart Association. While others around her panicked, Kasey performed the Heimlich manuever and freed the obstruction from the woman's throat. Kasey is now one of over 100 students certified through this partnership. Mr. Burns is hoping to increase this number by including it as part of our course offerings in the coming years.

Socks for Sox

Many homeless men and women spend their days outside  in all kinds of weather and have limited access to shoes and socks. Wearing damp socks for days or weeks at a time increases the risk of skin infections and frostbite. Keeping feet clean and dry is the best way to prevent such conditions. Join Boston Health care for the Homeless Program, in partnership with our largest sock drive supporter—the Boston Red Sox—in a seasonal drive to collect new white socks for men and women living in shelters and on the streets. Sox for Socks is a simple, fun way to make a difference. To help for the cause, just bring in a pair of new, white socks and drop them off in the box labeled "Sox for Socks" underneath the TV in the main entrance. Your support means the world to so many. If you have any questions you can email Ambika Rattan, the fundraiser coordinator, atambikarattan@billericak12.com.

THE BILLERICA MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL 2016 ART SHOW

(Art Show is located in the Library/Media Center)

Evening Viewing: (Open to the Public) is Wednesday, May 18, 5:00 - 7:00 pm

This is the same night as the Chorus Cabaret!  Come for a fun filled evening of the Arts! 

The Cabaret begins at 7:00 pm.

Student Exchange

In the Fall BMHS will welcome two exchange groups: one from Italy the 2 last weeks of Sept., and one from France from Oct 12 to the 26.  At this time we are still looking for host families.  It is a great experience, Italian or French languages are not required as those students speak English, and you'll make new friends.  We also would have a chance to go to Italy for 2 weeks next Feb. and 2 weeks in France next April

If you are interested please contact the Italian teachers, the French teachers or Mrs. Ross  (eross@billericak12.com) ASAP.

BATV

Billerica Access Television has a number of opportunities for students to learn more about video production, editing, and screenwriting during the summer. These courses will afford students the opportunity to become familiar with, or enhance their skill set, in preparation for some of the advanced video editing and production courses now being offered at BMHS.

BATV will recording and broadcasting the upcoming Scholarship Night (June 1) and our Graduation (June 7). This is the first time we are attempting to record and broadcast these events to share with the community. More information about these events and their broadcasting times will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.

BMHS Building Committee

3D Rendering of New BMHS

Lahlaf Geotechnic will be at BMHS this Wednesday, May 18 to conduct test borings. The crane and drilling will not interfere with the MCAS assessments taking place on Wednesday. These borings will be conducted between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The crane used for the borings creates a hole approximately 6 inches wide in diameter to a depth of approximately 60 feet. This will help determine the makeup of the ground material as the engineers prepare for the foundation (footings) work necessary for the spring of 2017.

Billerica Blast 2016

The Billerica Blast is an annual event for our graduating seniors. It is an event that was established to create a safe environment for our students to spend one last night together absent the challenge of engaging in risky behaviors. There are certain nights during senior year that elevate our parental concern for our children, prom and graduation night are most prominent. Since 1999, our students have enjoyed the Blast. If you were to ask a graduated senior, they would speak to the revelry, camaraderie, and stress free environment that has been created for them. However, this night does not simply happen. The work of parent volunteers and local businesses make this night happen. I would implore everyone, whether your child is graduating this year or not to get involved. Many hands make light work and many hands are needed!

If you have any questions about this event, or others way to help please contact Karen Swanson krobbswanson@comcast.net 

Monday, May 16, 2016

• Boys' Freshmen Baseball vs. Tewksbury Memorial - 3:30 p.m. @ Tewksbury Memorial
• Boys' JV Baseball vs. Tewksbury Memorial - 3:30 p.m. @ BMHS JV Field
• Boys' Varsity Baseball vs. Tewksbury Memorial - 3:30 p.m. @ Hall of Fame Field
• Girls' Varsity/JV Tennis (Senior Day) vs. Methuen - 3:30 p.m. @ Sam Colangelo Courts Lampson
• Boys' Varsity Tennis vs. Methuen - 3:30 p.m. @ Methuen High School
• Boys' Varsity Lacrosse vs. Dracut - 4:00 p.m. @ Dracut High School
• Girls' JV Softball vs. Lawrence - 4:00 p.m. @ South Lawrence East
• Girls' Varsity Softball vs. Lawrence - 4:00 p.m. @ Lawrence High School
• Boys' JV Volleyball vs. Lowell - 4:00 p.m. @ Ed James Gym BMHS
• Girls' JV Lacrosse vs. Dracut - 4:30 p.m. @ Calabrese Stadium (Marshall)
• Boys' Varsity Volleyball vs. Lowell - 5:30 p.m. @ Ed James Gym BMHS
• Girls' Varsity Lacrosse vs. Dracut - 7:00 p.m. @ Calabrese Stadium (Marshall)
• BMHS & MS Band Concert - 7:00 p.m. @ BMHS Auditorium

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

• Girls' Varsity/JV Tennis vs. Andover - 3:30 p.m. @ Andover High School
• Boys' Varsity Tennis vs. Andover - 3:30 p.m. @ Sam Colangelo Courts Lampson
• Girls' Varsity Lacrosse vs. North Andover- 4:00 p.m. @ Alumni Field BMHS
• Boys' & Girls' Varsity Track vs. MVC Invitational - 3:30 p.m. @ Dracut High School
• Boys' JV Baseball vs. Bridgewater-Raynham  - 4:15 p.m. @ Bridgewater-Raynham
• Boys' Varsity Baseball vs. Bridgewater-Raynham - 4:15 p.m. @ Bridgewater-Raynham
• Boys' Varsity Volleyball vs. North Andover - 4:00 p.m. @ North Andover High School
• Girls' JV Lacrosse vs. North Andover- 5:30 p.m. @ Alumni Field BMHS

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

• Boys' JV Baseball vs. North Andover - 3:30 p.m. @ BMHS JV Field
• Boys' Varsity Baseball vs. North Andover  - 3:30 p.m. @ Hall of Fame Field (Marshall)
• Boys' Varsity Tennis vs. Lowell - 3:30 p.m. @ Sam Colangelo Courts (Lampson)
• Girls' Varsity Softball vs. Lowell - 3:45 p.m. @ Barbara Hood Field (Marshall)
• Girls' JV Softball vs. Lowell - 3:45 p.m. @ Lampson Field #1
• Girls Freshmen Softball vs. North Andover - 4:00 p.m. @ Dracut HS
• Boys' Freshmen Baseball vs. North Andover - 4:00 p.m. @ North Andover Middle School
• Boys' Freshmen Lacrosse vs. North Andover - 4:00 p.m. @ North Andover HS
• Boys' JV Lacrosse vs. North Andover  - 5:30 p.m. @ Central Catholic
• Boys' Varsity Lacrosse vs. North Andover  - 7:00 p.m. @ Central Catholic
• BMHS Annual Art Show - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. @ BMHS Media Center
• BMHS Chorus Cabaret - 7:00 p.m. @ BMHS Cafeteria

Thursday, May 19, 2016

• Boys' Varsity Tennis vs. Haverhill - 3:30 p.m. @ Sam Colangelo Courts (Lampson)
• Boys' JV Volleyball vs. Methuen - 4:00 p.m. @ Ed James Gym BMHS
• Boys' Varsity Volleyball vs. Methuen - 5:00 p.m. @ Ed James Gym BMHS

Friday, May 20, 2016

• Junior College Panel Presentation - 8:00 a.m. - 9:35 a.m. @ BMHS Lecture Hall
• Boys' Freshmen Baseball vs. Haverhill - 3:30 p.m. @ Haverhill High School
• Boys' Freshmen Lacrosse vs. Chelmsford - 3:30 p.m. @ McCarthy Middle School
• Girls' Freshmen Softball vs. Haverhill - 3:30 p.m. @ Haverhill High School
• Girls' Varsity/JV Tennis vs. North Andover - 3:30 p.m. @ North Andover High School
• Boys' Varsity Baseball vs. Haverhill - 3:45 p.m. @ Hall of Fame Field (Marshall)
• Girls' Varsity Softball vs. Andover - 3:45 p.m. @ Andover HS
• Boys' JV Baseball vs. Haverhill - 4:00 p.m. @ JV Field BMHS
• Girls' JV Softball vs. Andover - 4:00 p.m. @ Andover HS
• Boys' JV Volleyball vs. Lawrence - 4:30 p.m. @ Ed James Gym (BMHS)
• Boys' JV Lacrosse vs. Chelmsford - 5:00 p.m. @ Calabrese Stadium (Marshall)
• Girls' JV Lacrosse vs. Chelmsford - 5:00 p.m. @ Simonian Stadium Chelmsford
• Boys' Varsity Volleyball vs. Lawrence - 5:00 p.m. @ Ed James Gym (BMHS)
• Girls' Varsity Lacrosse vs. Chelmsford - 6:30 p.m. @ Simonian Stadium Chelmsford
• Boys' Varsity Lacrosse vs. Chelmsford- 7:00 p.m. @ Calabrese Stadium (Marshall)
• New Playwrites Festival - 6:00 p.m. @ BMHS Auditorium

Saturday, May 21, 2016

• Boys' & Girls' Varsity Track MVC Championship - 3:00 p.m. @ Andover High School
• 3:00 p.m. - Pole Vault
• 4:00 p.m. Field
• 5:00 p.m. Track

Sunday, May 22, 2016