April 2013
Volume 4 Issue 3
Lincoln Public Schools “An educational system with a tradition for excellence, challenged by growth and diversity, is dedicated to building a partnership of home, school, and community, in order to provide educational opportunity through standards-based curriculum and high quality instruction so that all students can learn the skills needed to be productive citizens in a global society.”
Inside This Issue: 2
Greetings, Spring has arrived and the fourth quarter is already underway. Our third district newsletter certainly highlights the amazing experiences our students are encountering on a daily basis. We are most fortunate to have such a talented faculty and staff in Lincoln! I hope you enjoy the newsletter and please “Like” and “Share” us on Facebook! Wishing you a happy and restful spring vacation!
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Superintendent of Schools
Lincoln Middle School Celebrates “Rock Your Socks Day!” The world celebrated ―Down Syndrome Day‖ on March 21st. Lincoln Middle School celebrated ―World Down Syndrome Day‖ on Thursday, March 28, 2013 and raised $1000 for the Down Syndrome Society of RI. Lincoln Middle School students and staff expressed their creativity by ―Rockin their Socks‖ and wearing colorful clothing! Advisories competed to win a pizza party by donating money to the RI Down Syndrome Association, wearing
lots of brightly colored socks, and decorating paper socks each with their own unique design. Points were awarded to the students based on their participation in these three areas and socks were displayed throughout Lincoln Middle School. Students watched videos and discussed facts and myths associated with Down syndrome and other disabilities. They learned that a disability is only one part of who someone is and that each person with a disability is different. Students and staff at Lincoln Middle School continue to create a culture that embraces each individual’s unique gifts!
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On Thursday, March 21st, Central Elementary completed our Rachel’s Challenge with a chain of good deeds that extended from one end of the school to the other -- 600 feet of good deeds from kindergarten students to grade five students, staff, and administration. Congratulations to Mrs. Metivier and her grade 5 students for organizing this wonderful display of kindness, compassion, and empathy. Well done! Reading Week at Central Elementary School recently look place -We had many fun reading events going on all week as well as some very special
Springtime at Lincoln Central Elementary
guest readers. A huge thank you to Mrs. Fortunato, our Superintendent, Dr. Frey, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Struble, and Mr. Banville from our administrative office, and to Mrs. Donabedian, Mrs. Roll, and Mrs. Varr from the School Committee, and to Mrs. Magliocco and Mrs. Sharpe Principals of Lonsdale and Northern Elementary for donating their time to read to us. It’s C.A.S.E.Y. time again at Central Elementary. Parent volunteers share their expertise with Central students. The program runs for 6 weeks and is always a big hit with the students. This year we are offering Yoga classes, knitting classes, Karate, scrapbooking, chess, basketball, cheerleading, Arts & Crafts, Design It-Build It, Legos, Origami, Sewing, and Sculpture.
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Lonsdale Elementary School’s “Someone Else’s Shoes” Week During the seventh annual ―Someone Else’s Shoes‖ week (March 18 –22), students participated in a variety of activities designed to raise their awareness, acceptance, and appreciation of various peoples, differences, cultures, and disabilities. Highlights included the International Potluck Supper. On Wednesday, March 20, at Lincoln High School, families enjoyed a potluck supper along with singing led by DJ and music teacher Mr. Casale and music teacher Mrs. Robinson. There was also an art show courtesy of Lonsdale School’s art teachers Mrs. Mahler and Mrs. Olsen. Raffle prizes were generously provided by Angelo’s Palace Pizza, Cumberland; Cinemaworld; Honey Dew Donuts; Overtime Bar and Grille, and Magic Nails. All activities were designed to help students recognize and respect social, economic and, cultural differences in order to overcome attitudes that can lead to bullying, conflict, or misunderstanding. An interactive assembly presentation by the group Advocates in Action called ―This is Us,‖ was enjoyed by all students to kick off Someone Else’s Shoes Week on Friday, March 15. This event is sponsored by the Lonsdale Parent-Teacher group. Lonsdale’s faculty, staff, Student Council and Principal Jeannine Magliocco enthusiastically
supported the week’s events. Committee members that were instrumental in making the week possible were Mrs. Magliocco, Amy Archambault, Kristen Kennedy, Marla Barrett, Danielle Swofford, Terry Motta, and Hilary Enos. The volunteers who assisted throughout the week were also helpful in pulling off the week’s events. Teachers planned and carried out many meaningful and wonderful activities including inviting classroom speakers into their classrooms, creating t-shirts of students’ cultural backgrounds, ―I am from‖ poems, Braille and sign language messages, awareness for epilepsy, physical disabilities and learning disabilities, and mapping out where in the world our students are from. Some classes enjoyed a special presentation by two jump-ropers from South Africa. These young men amazed our students with their talents. They also shared information about their culture in South Africa.
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Saylesville Elementary School’s “JA in a Day”
On Monday, March 18th, Saylesville Elementary School participated in Junior Achievement’s ―JA in a Day‖ program. Junior Achievement of Rhode Island, which provides programs on workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, delivered the Junior Achievement elementary curriculum to students in K, 1, 2, 4 and 5. Classes were led by twelve community volunteers from companies including Amica Insurance, Tech Collective, Bank of America, Business Development of RI, RE/MAX Rivers Edge, Fanyards, Citizens Bank and RI Economics Development Corporation, and supported by the Saylesville teachers. This special event was organized by Linda Menard, a grade two teacher, and Karen Healey of Junior Achievement of Rhode Island. Junior Achievement uses hands-on experiential lessons to help young people understand the economics of life. In partnership with local businesses and educators, Junior Achievement brings the real world to students, opening their minds to their potential for future success. Junior Achievement's elementary school programs provide cooperative learning curriculum that tie in with business, financial literacy, workforce readiness skills and entrepreneurship skills for students in kindergarten through grade five. Students received certificates and attended an end of the day assembly where they shared what they learned and recognized the community volunteers and teachers for their hard work. First grade teacher, Linda Ranney said, ―The activities were engaging and informative, the timing was excellent, and the students all learned so much. It was very helpful to have a volunteer that was prepared and had knowledge of the unit.‖ Elijah Oliveira, a fifth grade student, reflected on the event and echoed the sentiments of most of his classmates, ―Junior Achievement is a program where businesses from the community come to teach us about the business world. I learned about the three different resources that businesses rely on which are human, capital, and natural resources… Junior Achievement was very fun, and I’m glad they came to teach us what they knew.‖
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Northern Lincoln Elementary School’s Beyond the Bell Program Northern Elementary has just started a six week after school enrichment program called ―Beyond the Bell‖ for students in grades K-5. This is the second year the program has been offered and it was organized by PTA treasurer Mrs. Cunningham in collaboration with the YMCA in offering fun learning activities for the Northern students. The after school program will run from March 18th to April 28th with the exception of yoga and martial arts classes that began a week later than the other scheduled classes. Classes are being taught by YMCA staff, Northern teachers and Northern parents. It is a great program offering fun after school opportunities for our students and for building parent and community involvement in our school. Classes being offered are Tumble, Tumble Tumble, Cards for Every Occasion, Let’s Speak Spanish, Martial Arts, Arts and Crafts, Exploring Animals in Your Yard, Beginners Ballet, Science Club and Yoga. The first week of the program was a big success and students seem excited about their classes. So if you come to Northern after school and see students dancing in the hallways, speaking Spanish, yelling ―yes sir‖ with Karate moves , tumbling on the floor, performing a plank , discussing animals and doing crazy science experiments there is no need to worry, it’s just the Beyond the Bell Program at Northern!
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Lincoln Public Schools
Internet Safety at Lincoln Middle School
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ASK YOURSELF TWO QUESTIONS! WHAT DO YOUR CHILDREN HAVE ACCESS TO ONLINE? MORE IMPORTANT!!!!! WHO HAS ACCESS TO YOUR CHILDREN ONLINE? On March 19, 2013, Ms. Sue Johnson and students enrolled in her eighth grade technology classes hosted The Rhode Island State Police for the second annual presentation for parents on Internet Safety. The State Police Computer Crimes Unit presentation addressed important safety issues. Specific issues included; online chat-rooms, cyber bullying, online gaming and cell phones. Parents were educated about how much information their children could unknowingly be sharing online. Through social media, uploading digital pictures and GPS, tracking that is part of most cell phones, tablets and computers today, children are at greater risk than ever before where not everything is as it
seems. Mr. Kevin Petit and Mr. Brian Macera are in charge of the Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, http:// www.ccu.ri.gov/icac/aboutus.php and their presentation gave valuable information to the parents of Lincoln Middle School students. Please feel free to visit, http://www.ccu.ri.gov/ for more information, including information about online safety for children and parents. As you are aware, the internet opens many exciting educational possibilities that our children access for learning as well as myriad opportunities to share in social media. As part of preparing students about internet safety and educating students of the dangers associated while exploring the Internet, this May the Rhode Island State Police will be returning to Lincoln Middle School. This presentation on Internet Safety will target our eighth grade students and teachers as part of Ms. Johnson’s curriculum standards in technology education.
Lincoln High School’s FBLA Fashion Show Lincoln High School’s Future Business Leaders of America recently held its 28th Annual Catherine Kurowski Memorial Scholarship Fashion Show at the Providence Marriott on Thursday, March 21, 2013. This year’s fashion show, entitled, ―Igniting your Passion for Fashion‖ was chaired by junior Nikayla Silva and the assistant chair was sophomore Erin McManus. These students worked tirelessly for several months putting the event together. Their leadership and management skills were keys to the success of the event. The FBLA is very fortunate to have the support of the Superintendent as well as other Central Office Administrators.
Superintendent of Schools Mrs. Georgia Fortunato; School Business Administrator Mrs. Lori Miller; and Mrs. Maryann Struble, Director of Student Services all attended. The high school administrative team was also in attendance. This year the goal was to raise more than $2,000 for scholarships. The scholarships will be awarded to those seniors who have been active participants in FBLA and show a need as well as other criteria as outlined on the application. In the past the FBLA has given out over 53 scholarships totaling more than $52,000. This year’s recipients will be announced at the Chapter Meeting which will be held in May. On Friday, March 8, 2013 more than 50 students of the Journalism Broadcast Academy helped to reaffirm Lincoln High School’s working partnership with the
College of Communication at Bryant University. The students visited the school’s newly upgraded high definition studio. Hosted by Daniel Greene, Media Production Analyst, Lincoln students were allowed to enjoy hands-on experiences with Bryant’s new equipment in the television studio. Tours of the control room and the newly upgraded WJMF radio station were conducted. Mr. Greene and members of the university’s Media Club presented some examples of college-level student work. LHS students also enjoyed a discussion of communication careers led by Mr. Greene and student journalist Sara Larrabee (’13). Mr. Greene and LHS teachers also began working toward continued on page 12
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Science Fair at Lincoln High School On February 6, 2013, Lincoln High School hosted its first Science Fair in over a decade. Over 76 students in the ninth grade Honors Foundations of Science program took part in
the fair. Under the direction of Department Chair Ms. Anne-Marie VanNieuwenhuize, the fair was a great success. Four students advanced to the state science fair. They are as follows: 1st place and overall winner - Ben Chiacchia, "Which fuel combusts the most efficiently?" 2nd place - Melissa Drake, "Solving the Rubik's Cube." 3rd place - Allie Fish, "The effect of temperature on the growth of a cactus." 4th place - Amy Lemos, "The
effect of air vs. moisture on popcorn kernels." Students set up in the north gym and Room 1 and awaited visits from three judges. Over thirty judges from the Lincoln High School faculty and staff, as well as community members were very impressed by the students’ efforts. Ninth grade science teachers Mrs. Michelle King and Mr. Tom Reeve assisted Ms. VanNieuwenhuize in setting up the projects. The Science Department is anxious to build upon the success of the fair and is discussing plans for expansion as well as ways for students to turn their projects into meaningful exhibition projects necessary for graduation. The re-establishment of the science fair is also important as a means to address the subject of inquiry, one of the key components of the Grade 11 NECAP science exam.
Benjamin Chiacchia, LHS Science Fair Winner Project Entitled: Which Fuel Combusts the Most Efficiently
Mrs. Sabina Facente, Central Elementary, School Lunch Cook Mrs. Sabina Facente began working for Aramak in 2004 at Lincoln High School. In September of this year she transferred to Central Elementary. While Sabina has some experience working in an elementary school setting, serving lunch to five year olds is a very different world than working in a high school cafeteria! Mrs. Facente has quickly adjusted to our young world, opening juice boxes, taking paper off straws, and persuading the little ones to eat their vegetables! From our perspective, Mrs. Facente has been a great addition to our team, quickly fitting right into our school culture and forming friendships
with students and staff alike. She says she loves the friendly and respectful environment of Central students and staff and is particularly grateful for the assistance of the teacher assistants and teachers as she gets acclimated to her new environment. Sabina is a mom to 3 children, 2 of which graduated from Lincoln High School and one who is presently in tenth grade. So although she leaves behind a daughter at the high school, she is glad to be at Central Elementary and considers the move a good experience. We agree!
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Mrs. Debbie Jacobson, Central Elementary School, Grade 1 Teacher Central Elementary is fortunate to have a cadre of exceptional staff members. One such faculty member is one of our first grade teachers, Mrs. Debbie Jacobson. Debbie began her career as a special education teacher in 1987. For the last 20 years, Debbie has been an extraordinary first grade teacher; beginning at St. James school, moving over to Northern Early Learning Center, and finally, to Central Elementary. Debbie is a teacher leader in every sense of the word, chairing our very successful P.B.I.S. team, working as a member of the district Professional Issues team, and collaborating with her grade one team at Cen-
tral designing lessons and programs that reflect the new state common core standards. Debbie is also a great resource to her colleagues in other schools, sharing her considerable expertise and providing leadership and guidance. Debbie has been married for 22 years and has two children, a son and a daughter. When she is not teaching first graders, Debbie likes gardening and exercising. Summers find her sitting quietly with family and friends ―at the shack‖ on Echo Lake. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have such a talented professional on our team at Central. One who is always willing to go above and beyond for the students and staff at Central of a true professional – dedication to her Elementary. Debbie embodies all the qualities students, their families, and her colleagues.
Mrs. Susan LaBossiere, Lonsdale Elementary School, Teacher Assistant Mrs. Susan LaBossiere is a highly regarded teacher assistant at Lonsdale Elementary School. Mrs. LaBossiere maintains that what she finds most rewarding about her job is seeing the children’s progress. She describes even the ―littlest thing,‖ such as a task they thought they couldn’t accomplish, as extremely rewarding to her. Mrs. LaBossiere has always worked with children. Before her tenure as a teacher assistant, she worked for the Pawtucket YMCA and the Cumberland/Lincoln Boys and Girls Club. She also worked with Food Services in the Lincoln High School kitchen. She has spent the past twelve years as a teacher assistant for the Lincoln Public Schools, serving Lincoln students at Sayles-
ville, Lincoln High School, and finally Lonsdale. She reports that she strives to be a team player with the teacher she works with, Mrs. Dana Miga. Their healthy working relationship facilitates this. In her spare time, Mrs. LaBossiere enjoys Zumba, reading, the beach, and spending time with her family. She has lived in Lincoln all her life, and her sister, Joanne Perry, is also a teacher assistant for the Lincoln Public Schools. She has two other sisters, Lynn and Karen, and a brother, Tommy, and two of the ―best parents.‖ Mrs. LaBossiere lives with her husband Mike and she has two sons—Josh and Seth. Lonsdale Elementary School is extremely fortunate to have Mrs. LaBossiere as part of its staff.
Mrs. Janice Boucher, Lonsdale Elementary School, School Nurse Teacher Mrs. Janice Boucher, School Nurse Teacher at Lonsdale Elementary School, is this quarter’s Invaluable Professional from Lonsdale Elementary School. Mrs. Boucher is an incredibly talented nurse and teacher. She exhibits amazing care and advocacy for the Lonsdale Elementary students. Aside from a teacher and nurse, students view Mrs. Boucher as a mentor. Her expertise with regards to children’s health and well being is respected by both parents and teachers alike. Mrs. Boucher is involved with many of our students outside of the health room. She serves on Special Education Teams, the school’s PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and
Supports) team, and is a member of the school’s Crisis Prevention Intervention Team. Mrs. Boucher collaborates diligently with colleague School Nurse Teacher Mrs. Mignacca to plan common lessons and organize health events for the school. Recently, they planned and carried out an evening event for students with asthma and their families. She collaborates regularly with the Lincoln Prevention Coalition and the Lincoln Public Schools Health and Wellness Committee to promote health and wellness at Lonsdale. Wonderful events such as ―Salad Head‖ are carried out at Lonsdale because of Mrs. Boucher’s concerted efforts toward making Lonsdale a healthy and well school where students learn healthy habits. Mrs. Boucher has two daughters, Karen and
Nicole, and one granddaughter, Ava. She and her husband Dick reside in Douglas, Massachusetts.
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Mrs. Denise Costa, Northern Elementary School, Kitchen Manager Chicken nuggets, chicken nuggets, chicken nuggets! That is what Mrs. Denise Costa, the Northern Kitchen Manager for Aramark Corp., loves to hear and serve at Northern Elementary. When chicken nuggets are on the menu the children are so happy and it keeps her very busy fulfilling all the chicken orders! She really loves her job and takes great pride in what she does by providing a nutritious and yummy breakfast and lunch for the children at Northern. She says she has a special place in her heart for the Northern students and wants to do the best she can for them. Mrs. Costa feels Northern is special because of its large size and because Northern is one of the only few cooking schools left. She loves to be busy and pre-
paring meals for a school of Northern’s size definitely keeps her busy! Interestingly, she does not cook at home because she says she never has the time to do so. Denise likes Northern because she feels part of the school team and she gets treated like the rest of the staff. She states that makes Northern really special place to work! Denise is married to Larry and has lived in Lincoln for over thirty-four years. She has a daughter, Marissa, 34 years old, and a son, Jeremy, who is 30 and lives in New York City. She also has two grandchildren - Sophia, age 8 and Ava, age 2. Denise started with Aramark about eighteen years ago at Lincoln High School. She has worked in all the Lincoln schools but most of her years have been spent at Northern Elemen-
tary. Besides being a great school cook, she is a dance instructor at Dance Theater of Rhode Island where she teaches acrobatics as she was once an acrobat herself and she loves working with the children. She also teaches Northern’s Beyond the Bell program. The class she teaches is Tumble, Tumble, and Tumble. Just another way the Great Northern helps keep her busy!
Mrs. Kathy Rhault, Northern Lincoln Elementary School, Grade 5 Teacher A life-long resident of Lincoln, our fifth grade teacher Kathy Rhault is a graduate of Lincoln High School and considers herself to be a real ―townie.‖ She has been teaching in the Lincoln Public Schools for thirteen years, most of those years have been spent teaching at Northern Elementary. She graduated from Rhode Island College with her education degree, but teaching was not her first career. Originally she attended CCRI and became a radiographer otherwise known as an x-ray technician; she was employed in this position for over twenty years. After a personally challenging experience as a mom, she decided that she really wanted to be a teacher, so she went back to school to do just that! Mrs. Rhault is married to Michael and they have two sons, Patrick, age 28 and Danny, age 26, whom are both graduates of Lincoln
Public Schools. What Kathy likes best about teaching is that ―A-HA‖ moment when a child incorporates something into the day’s work that he/she learned in a previous lesson. She especially likes when she sees students helping to teach other students. An example of this would be when she takes her class into Kindergarten classes for ―book buddies‖ and her fifth graders teach the younger children about reading. Kathy says it builds a true community feeling that the children have helped create and foster and it’s a very comfortable and rewarding feeling. Mrs. Rhault likes that Northern teachers and staff are committed to the students and consider themselves extensions of their student’s families by keeping tabs on them thru middle school and high school. ―Once you get to be a teacher at Northern you don’t ever want to
leave.‖ Kathy likes to practice yoga, read in the summertime and walk her 11 month old Golden Retriever named Regan. She likes to travel, and she recently returned from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. She looks forward to someday traveling to the Sonoma Valley in California. Kathy ended the interview by stating, ―I am proud to be a teacher in the town that I grew up in and where I still live!‖
Ms. Patricia Iwuc, Saylesville Elementary School, Teacher Assistant Patricia Iwuc is Saylesville’s newest staff member. She was hired in January as a part time teacher assistant. She works in Mrs. Plante’s Kindergarten class. Mrs. Iwuc attended Rhode Island College, earned her teacher assistant certification from CCRI and has been working with children for the last 17 years as a classroom volunteer and bus driver. Mrs. Iwuc finds working with Kindergarteners to be a joy. ―Every day I expect the unexpected. Every day is a new day.‖ Mrs. Iwuc loves the children. ―The children’s
laughter reminds me of my own Kindergarten classroom. It’s rewarding to me to see them accomplish so much and to see their expressions as they read and learn to write.‖ Mrs. Iwuc enjoys the challenge of working in a school. She has found her colleagues to be supportive. ―I would like to say the staff at Saylesville Elementary has been wonderful. I feel very comfortable asking for help if I need it and everyone has made me feel right at home.‖ Trish grew up and currently lives in Cumberland with her husband and three children: one in high school, one in junior high and one in
grammar school. This past year, she celebrated her 25th anniversary. When she isn’t teaching or driving a school bus, Trish loves spending time with her family, being outdoors and exercising.
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Mrs. Linda Menard, Saylesville Elementary, Grade 2 Teacher Linda Menard has been working in Lincoln for thirty-one years. She has worked at Saylesville, Lonsdale, Central and Northern Elementary schools. For eight of those years, she was a Special Educator; the rest has been in second grade. She attended Rhode Island College for her BA and Master’s degrees. Mrs. Menard feels students in second grade are highly motivated to learn. The students are at that point where they take on increasing levels of responsibility and put forth their best efforts to gain the skills they need to be successful students. As a result, Mrs. Menard finds
every day a rewarding experience. Mrs. Menard creates a cohesive, caring classroom environment where students feel empowered. She encourages her students to be ―teachers,‖ where learning doesn’t only have to come from her. The students challenge and support each other throughout the day. The students give each other ―Happy Grams‖ to recognize the hard work and good deeds of their peers. The rule in the class is to ―ask three before me,‖ which means that students are not only encouraged to work collaboratively; they are expected to do so. Mrs. Menard feels blessed to have been able to work with so many outstanding colleagues, who
she now counts as friends. ―I feel we learn so much from each other. We’re there to support each other professionally and personally and that’s why I feel so fortunate to be a teacher in this district.‖ Linda enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves teaching, but looks forward to spending time by the pool or vacationing on the Cape, where she likes to walk on beach, eat ice cream, and read a good book.
Mr. John Michael Fitzgerald, Lincoln Middle School, Custodian Mr. John Michael Fitzgerald, warmly known as ―Mike‖, is a ten-year employee of the Lincoln Public School District. A proud Irishman with an incredible work ethic, Mike is in his fifth decade of employment in the private and public world. One of seven children and a third generation Irish-American, Mike is married to Frances, ―a wonderful girl from Dublin, Ireland who was introduced to me by my sister‖ he states with a huge smile on his face. Mike is also the proud father of two boys, Michael and Derrmot. During his career in the private sector, he worked in many supervisory positions, including Supervisor of Quality and Control at Cooley Group Manufacturing in Pawtucket, Rhode, Island and Supervisor of the door line at Vista Wall Architectural
Projects in Warwick, Rhode Island. Mike is a good-natured man who is willing to help anyone at anytime for any reason. He is well respected and enjoys a very positive reputation. He is highly spoken about by the teachers of the area in which he is responsible for keeping clean. Mr. Fitzgerald spent his early years as an active military man during the Vietnam War era. He states that he enlisted voluntarily and was not drafted into service, a proud statement from a proud man. He spent a number of years as a member of the United States Air Force where he worked as a mechanic. First stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, he later was stationed at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, California and Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mike clearly states that, ―I
was very lucky to have never gone to Vietnam itself.‖ When asked why he is still working when most people who began their career when he did have long since retired he states, ―I love to work!‖ Those who know Mr. Fitzgerald are not surprised by his answer. Mike describes himself as an avid reader and strong supporter of the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. Mike also enjoys target shooting. Lincoln Middle School is proud to call Mike one of our own.
Mrs. Betty Ann Reynolds, Lincoln Middle School, Guidance Counselor After spending ten years as a registered nurse at Rhode Island Hospital, Betty Ann Reynolds decided to dedicate her professional career to public education. Hired in 1986 by the Lincoln Public Schools as a school nurse-teacher, she spent the next eleven years as Lincoln Junior-Senior High School’s Florence Nightingale, taking care of sick children and the faculty as well. Her dedication and
reputation was outstanding, as she performed her duties with professionalism, a warm and caring demeanor, and responding to any and all situations in a very busy medical office. She states, ―My greatest passion in my career is helping people to meet their optimal level of functioning. In my nursing career I worked to help people reach their highest level of functioning given their challenges‖. One might have thought that she would remain the school’s nurse until retirement where she then would
ride off into the sunset calling it a career. But those who know Betty Ann know that that would not be the case. Bitten by the teaching bug and a desire to work with continued on page 11
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continued from page 10 children beyond their medical needs, Mrs. Reynolds became a science teacher at Lincoln Junior High School in 1997. For the next four years, she taught with passion, knowing that some of her students would move into careers in the medical profession. She taught future doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel by ensuring they had a solid science foundation that would continue in their later academic lives. In 2001, Mrs. Reynolds moved into yet another important position in Lincoln Public Schools when she became a guidance counselor at Lincoln Junior-Senior High School and then just Lincoln Middle School. For the past twelve years, she has dedicated
her professional life to helping students navigate the social, emotional and academic lives of middle school students as they grew and matured during the difficult phase of being an early adolescent. Betty Ann best describes her position this way; ―In my practice as a guidance counselor I feel able to work with my students on a more holistic level. In this career I am able to guide my students, not only in the academic domain, but also in the social-personal and career domains. In addition to working with my students, I also enjoy working with their parents‖. Betty Ann also states, ―Guidance counseling can be challenging but helping students and families to meet with success is always rewarding.‖Mrs. Reynolds is the proud mother of a son, a physical education teacher, and daughter, a
second grade teacher. Their choice to pursue careers in education is a tribute to her legacy, and her positive attitude about education must have had a great influence on them. An avid gardener and lover of historical fiction, Mrs. Reynolds spends her personal time planting and harvesting from her garden while visiting farmers’ markets for the freshest ingredients. Recently, she finished reading a book on Abraham Lincoln entitled Team of Rivals that she highly recommends. She has just started the book, Thomas Jefferson: The Art Of Power. Lincoln Middle School is fortunate to have such a diverse and dedicated professional who can be counted on and is a valuable member of the faculty and staff.
Mrs. Kathleen Murray, Lincoln High School, Secretary Mrs. Kathleen Murray has worked for the Lincoln Public Schools since 2000. First as a teacher assistant and now as the secretary for the Lincoln High School Guidance Department, Mrs. Murray has always given her all to her job. Beginning in 2005, Mrs. Murray worked for several years as one of the secretaries in the main office at LHS. She always remained calm and focused amidst the hustle and bustle of the main office. One of her key duties was ensuring all the classes were covered for the day, given the many trainings and meetings that teachers must attend. The administrators could always count on Mrs. Murray’s accuracy in this regard.
Mrs. Murray has served as the Guidance Department’s secretary for the past several years. She manages enrollments and withdrawals and maintains the permanent records of students. One of the most important tasks Mrs. Murray is charged with is transcript requests. With the job market being so competitive, LHS graduates from as long ago as the early 1970’s are requesting transcripts. Mrs. Murray provides all these transcripts in a timely fashion and with a friendly smile. Mrs. Murray has also been involved in student activities. She served as the advisor to the Class of 2009. The Class of 2009 set the standard for high quality events during its four years. Mrs. Murray’s warm and caring demeanor helps put
students at ease when they enter the guidance office. According to Assistant Principal Marc Cobb, Mrs. Murray, ―is a very detailed oriented individual who exemplifies diligence in her work and dedication to the students of Lincoln High School.‖
Mrs. Michelle King, Lincoln High School, Science Teacher Mrs. Michelle King has taught in the Lincoln Public Schools since 2005. During that time she has been at both the middle and high schools. Mrs. King returned to LHS in 2012 and has become very involved in school activities. Mrs. King teaches Foundations of Science to ninth graders. She uses her experience teaching at Lincoln Middle School to ensure that students don’t miss a beat in their science education. As a former middle school teacher, she also is very much attuned to the needs of ninth graders as they transition from the 8th to 9th grade. This year Mrs. King assisted Science Department Chair AnneMarie VanNieuwenhuize in organizing the school’s first science fair in over a decade. As a teacher of all ninth grade classes, Mrs. King played an instrumental role
in getting the science fair off the ground. Working with her Honors Foundations of Science students, Mrs. King helped ensure that the projects would meet the standards set forth by the State Science Fair. Mrs. King has also taken on leading the National Honor Society. The Honor Society is one of Lincoln High School’s most long-standing organizations and sets high standards for membership. Student members must have the requisite grade point average for admittance and then must give evidence of upstanding character and commitment to community service. The National Honor Society, under Mrs. King’s direction, is working on developing a mentoring program to help ease the transition from grade 8 to grade 9. Mrs. King also helps the National Honor Society organize the after-school tutoring center that supports struggling students.
Mrs. King has certainly distinguished herself upon her return to Lincoln High School. She takes great pride in providing an environment where all students can succeed. Students know that they will be supported to meet her high expectations for learning!
WWW.LINCOLNPS.ORG Lincoln High School’s FBLA Fashion Show continued from page 6
developing a shared goal this year that would culminate in a broadcast project. As part of this year’s partnership agreement, Mr. Greene is assisting Mrs. Doreen Picozzi in taking the first steps toward developing a radio station that would broadcast in-house and stream on the internet as well. March was a busy month for LHS Hockey. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams made it to their respective Championship rounds. The girls’ team, which is a cooperative team with members from Cumberland High School, ultimately fell to Barrington in two closely fought and thrilling contests. Two LHS students garnered statewide recognition following the series. Ashley Devolve was named an Unsung Hero by the RI Reds Heritage Society. Jean Bray was named the Rhode Island Interscholastic League’s March Athlete of the Month. The boys’ team won the Division II state title by defeating Prout in two closely fought and equally thrilling contests. Ryan Krohto was named Most Valuable Player at the end of the series. The team was undefeated in league play throughout the season, a most impressive accomplishment. Lincoln High School’s longest standing tradition continued over St. Patrick’s Day weekend with the 47th Annual Senior Variety Show. The show, entitled ―It’s Only the Beginning‖ played to two sold out crowds on Friday and Saturday night and almost sold out on Sunday. The student directors were as follows: Student Director Jacob Sitnik; Assistant Director Moira Nolan; Music Director Caitlyn Gemma; Assistant Music Director Faith Bessette; Comedy Director Luke Heineman; Assistant Comedy Director Jordan Hamilton; Dance Director/Girls’ Chorus Line Choreographer Monique Dupuis; Hip Hop Choreographer Samantha Martone; Boy -Girl Choreographers Francesca Carpano and Cassidy Dekreon; Boys’ Chorus Line Choreographers Monique Dupuis
and Jerilyn Hervieux; Technical Directors Phil Castro and Sean Fisher; Backstage Directors Ethan Paul and Julia Renning. While this cast had a large number of first year cast members, the leadership of 13 four-year veterans helped pull everyone together to continue the legacy of a great school and community tradition. Students in Mrs. Susan Kolenda’s Asian Art class participated in a paper cutting demonstration on Thursday, March 14, 2013. This class is part of the Lincoln Public Schools’ Confucius Classroom initiative. Over 30 students have enrolled in the class over the course of the year. This demonstration was organized by Christina Ho from Bryant University’s Confucius Institute. The students thoroughly enjoyed the demonstration and continue to learn many new and exciting artistic techniques of the East.
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