Week of January 29, 2008.

 

-The district mourns the loss of substitute teacher David Sadowsky.  Mr. Sadowsky collapsed at HKMS one day this past week while leaving HKMS after the students were dismissed. He later passed away at Middlesex Hospital. Staff members, Melissa Ellery, Janet Nelson, Angela Bartelli and parent of a HKMS student, Mr. O’Rourke administered first responder treatment until emergency medical staff arrived.

 

-Two high school students were recognized at a luncheon at the Old Saybrook Point Inn this past Friday for being this years’ recipients of the Middlesex Shoreline Superintendents’ Association Superintendent’s Award. This award is given each year to one 11th grade student and one 12th grade student who demonstrate a commitment to community service, service to others, academic prowess (relative to ability) and individual leadership service to the school. I am pleased to announce this year’s recipients and am very pleased they are a part of our school’s community.

 

Celia Marcum, Class of 2009

 

Vivacious, active, and bright are three of the first words that come to mind when one thinks of Celia Marcum.  Academically, Celia has taken primarily Honors level courses with two AP’s: Biology and US History. Teachers find Celia to be responsible, receptive, and actively involved in their classes. 

 

Enthusiastic, athletic, and focused Celia is always busy and involved in various activities. Celia is currently a Varsity Diver and Lacrosse player.  Prior to her time as an H-K athlete Celia had been heavily involved in gymnastics for ten years and had competed her way to a select group of competitive Level 9 gymnasts.  Her dedication and time management that she learned at a young age as a gymnast has clearly been passed down throughout her other co-curricular activities.  Celia is also a member of Future Leaders of Haddam-Killingworth (FLOHK), Human Relations Club, Student Council, and President of the Class of 2009.  Last summer Celia also spent time as a volunteer camp counselor at Platt Nature Center where she worked with young children.    

 

Celia is one of those students who will stand out in our minds many years from now.  She is a young lady who has certainly been making her mark on the H-K community since her freshman year.  I am sure she will continue to make a lasting impression in the lives of those she interacts with over her final two years here at H-K.

 

Bryan Mucke, Class of 2008

 

Bryan Mucke is an outstanding student and an all-around exceptional human being. Bryan’s transcript illustrates his success in the very demanding course load with which he challenged himself. Included with his 19 honors courses, are two AP classes. Bryan’s work ethic and determination has earned him a place in the top ten percent (fifth male) of the graduating class. Bryan also tailored some of his class selection around his desire to pursue medicine, or bio-medical programs at the collegiate level.

 

Bryan not only excels in the classroom, but he is also a two-season athlete, as he is a four year member of the golf team and two-year member of the football team. Bryan is an active participant in Student’s Against Drunk Driving, Geocaching Club (Co-Founder), National Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, Future Leaders of H-K, and International Culture Club (current President). When Bryan is not contributing to these school groups, he remains very active. During the winter months, Bryan participates in ski racing throughout New England.

 

Bryan’s desire to help others is evident in his dedication to the Essex fire department, with which he is a volunteer Medical Responding Technician (MRT). Bryan recently completed a 40-hour course and received state certification for this role. In the off chance that Bryan becomes overwhelmed by his numerous commitments, he can remedy this as he is certified in Reiki (the therapeutic-Japanese art of laying of hands). Other community services completed by Bryan include Sunday school teacher, work in the shipping and receiving department of Middlesex Hospital, and various events for the American Diabetes Association.

 

-Special congratulates are extended to the following HKMS students for their achievements with this year’s Spelling Bee.

Winner:  Carter Sullivan grade 7

Runner-up:  Lucas Hannen grade 7

 

-Special congratulations are extended to the following HKMS student for winning the local school Geography Bee sponsored by National Geographic.

            Winner:  Hayden Accola, grade 7

 

- Mid-year reviews of Instructional Improvement Plans managed by each Principal have been posted on the school district website.

 

-A mid-year summary report on progress toward achieving the 2007-2008 School Year Priorities has been posted on the school district website.

 

- The second semester of classes at HKHS began this week.

 

-Grade Reports for HKHS students were mailed this week.

 

-The district’s Transportation Department continues to be in need of individuals interested in becoming Bus Drivers.  The starting rate of pay for bus drivers is $13.00 per hour.  Individuals receive paid training and have opportunities to earn extra money by driving for field trips, athletic events and other non-routine transportation runs.  Interested people should contact Cathy Luisi, Interim Director of Transportation, at 345-8228.

 

Did you know that……..

 

-The Superintendent of Schools recently recommended the establishment of two Transportation Dispatcher positions (one morning, one afternoon) which were subsequently approved unanimously by the Board of Education at its January, regular meeting.  These positions were established to ensure that parents and residents who have a need to communicate directly with the Transportation Department may do so.

-Regional School District 17 maintenance staff recently replaced light fixtures in the main hallway of the high school. This small project improved the lighting and reduced the kilowatt consumption by 66%.

-The closing of unused portable classroom space at Burr District Elementary School and Haddam Elementary School will result in a savings of $10,000 per month in electricity charges.

-Representatives of the Board of Education and Administration of the school district are working with state-level elected officials to modify state procurement laws to allow for electronic submissions to bid specifications.

 

-Reminder:  If you have thoughts on the 2008-2009 Regional School District 17 Board of Education Budget, please feel free to attend the following sessions and express your opinions to the Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Education.

 

Wednesday, February 6, 2008               Community Input for the 2008/2009 Budget

                                                                        7:00 pm Lower Media Center, HKMS

 

Thursday, February 7, 2008                  Community Input for the 2008/2009 Budget

                                                                        7:00 pm Central Office, Board Room

 

-Three additional segments of the monthly district television program “Spotlight on Seventeen” are available for viewing on Channel 18 or at www.srd17.org.

 

- An area where you may view past Weekly Messages has been established on the district website at www.rsd17.org.

 

- If you wish to have something included in any future Weekly Message, please forward the text to be included to Cindy Fetteroll, Administrative Assistant the Superintendent of Schools, at fetteroll44@rsd17.org.

 

- If you have any comments or suggestions about the Weekly Message initiative, please do not hesitate to contact Gary S. Mala, Superintendent of Schools, at gsmala@rsd17.org or (860) 345-4534 

 

 

Thank you for your continued support of your school district and enjoy your week. 

 

Gary

Gary S. Mala

Superintendent of Schools

Regional School District 17

(860) 345-4534

http://www.rsd17.org

"Committed to Making Dreams Come True"