MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Haddam-Killingworth High School is to provide a personalized and collective experience through which students are challenged to develop the knowledge, skills, and work ethic to contribute to a global society.
Expectations for Student Learning
Academic: The Haddam-Killingworth High School graduate will:
1. access and analyze information
2. problem-solve
3. communicate effectively
4. apply information
5. reflect and evaluate
Social : The Haddam-Killingworth High School graduate will:
1. act responsibly
2. pursue goals
Hello everyone,
I hope by the time you receive this that your lives will have pretty much returned to normal. It has been two unprecedented months with many inconveniences caused by the unwelcomed visits of Irene and Alfred. If nothing else, it gives us pause to reflect upon all those "little" things we often take for granted, yet miss so much when forced to do without.
I wanted to ensure you that school is still in session and much is happening here at HKHS.
HKHS Musical
Originally produced on Broadway in 1956, "My Fair Lady" is Alan Lerner and Frederick Loewe's most popular musical collaboration, earning nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Three subsequent Broadway revivals have ensured "My Fair Lady's" place in history as one of the most beloved musicals of all time.
Based on George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, "My Fair Lady" tells the story of Professor Henry Higgins, a curmudgeonly bachelor who makes a bet with his friend Colonel Pickering that he can pass off a simple Cockney flower girl as a refined society lady by teaching her how to speak with a desirable upper class accent and imparting proper etiquette.
Featuring professional-looking costumes and sets, outstanding acting and singing, and a live orchestra- this is a production you can bring your entire family to for an evening of laughter, entertainment, and some of the most famous songs of all time- including "I Could Have Danced All Night", "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face", and 'Get me to the Church on Time".
Tickets are $10 and may be purchased in advance by calling
860-301-6561 or at the door, quantities permitting.
2011 HKTV Telethon Benefactor Announced:
"Communication students put spotlight on child's rare genetic illness"
JOIN "Team Avery."
Haddam-Killingworth High School will be hosting its twenty fourth annual Holiday Show telethon on December 22. The live student-produced program has raised over $375,000 in the past 23 years. Students select a different charity each year. The charity to which this years Holiday Show is benefiting is for 3 year old Avery Leopoldino, who has been diagnosed with a genetic disease that causes daily seizures, developmental delays, cognition problems and the inability to walk or talk. The disease is so rare that only about 200 children in the world have it. CDKL5 predominantly affects girls because it's linked to the X chromosome. It also causes vision impairment, along with gastrointestinal and respiratory problems. Since Avery's diagnosis of CDKL5 last year, her family has ventured to raise awareness and money for research into the illness.
HKTV was inspired to choose Avery as its charity, after the students met with Avery and her parents Mark and Kristen. Avery is a "silent angel" who has touched the lives of so many people that encounter her. She is happy all the time and she has endured extensive medical treatments in order to find her current diagnosis. CDKL5 parallels Retts syndrome and scientists do know that these two genes belong to the same molecular pathway. There is a tremendous amount of hope for her and her friends.
The 2011 Holiday Show will air live on Comcast Channel 18 and on the world wide web from 8:00 to 11am on December 22nd, to raise awareness and money for the CDKL5 research needed for Avery. Community members and local organizations are encouraged to help fundraise for this cause and then present their donation live on TV. Communication students at Haddam-Killingworth are proud and excited to share Avery's story with the community. This will bring children like Avery hope that CDLK5 is just one step closer to a cure. If you would like to get involved or want more information please email the shows producer Chuck Lewis at HKTV@rsd17.org
The Courage to Speak
The Courage To Speak® Foundation Inc., is a nonprofit organization based in Norwalk, CT, whose mission is "to save lives by empowering youth to be drug free and encouraging parents to communicate effectively with their children about the dangers of drugs." Ginger and Larry Katz founded the organization in 1996, just months after her 20 year old son Ian James Eaccarino died of an accidental drug overdose. Ginger pledged that she would do all she could to help prevent such a tragedy from befalling another family. Since then, Ms. Katz has become a nationally renowned speaker and has given over 1000 drug prevention presentations to students, parents, educators, law enforcement and state/national conferences. Reaching hundreds of thousands of people nationwide, she shares the story of her son Ian's losing battle with drugs, helping parents and educators keep our children safe.
Ms. Katz has authored a book called Sunny's Story. The book tells the story of Ian's life from the ears, eyes and mind of Sunny, the family beagle. It's about the ups and downs of life with his young master, beginning their meeting at the animal shelter, and ending with a futile effort to ward off disaster. The book is read in dinner tables and classrooms across the country by children of all ages, parents, grandparents, teachers, and others. .
Based on her own experience and research, Ms. Katz realized that merely providing information about drug use and its consequences could not surmount the obstacles of peer pressure, cynicism, ignorance, and apathy that our young people face every day. To truly change their attitude and behavior, The Courage To Speak® Foundation would have to reach them in a more direct and personal way, encourage their families to support them in rejecting drug use, and engage the community in this battle by increasing its awareness.
Therefore, the organization's strategy begins with a dynamic, riveting, and thought-provoking presentation by Ms. Katz combining the intensely personal story of a family shattered by drugs with the latest information and statistics on substance abuse and prevention. Told with quiet intensity and rigorous emotional integrity in schools, places of worship, conferences and other community venues, her story calls forth in her young listeners a willingness to trust her and the advice, and information, that she and Mr. Katz offer.
Ms. Katz presented this program to the HKHS student body on Wednesday, October 26.
School Counseling Update - November 2011
NEW PHONE/FAX NUMBER:
The School Counseling Office now has a direct phone number. If you need to speak with one of our School Counselors, Social Worker or School Psychologist, please call us at 860/554-5750. (FYI - If needed, you can still access our office through the main school number.) Our new fax number is: 860/345-4741.
MARKING PERIOD 1 - REPORT CARDS - Due to the recent snow days, Marking Period 1 will now end on Wednesday, November 9th. Therefore, report cards will be mailed home on November 16, 2011. If you live at an address other than your child's, and would like to receive a copy of your child's report card, please be sure to contact our School Counseling Office to be placed on our second parent mailing list.
UPDATE:
On October 12th, 2011, 144 Freshmen were busy taking the EXPLORE Test, while 299 Sophomore and Junior students took the PSAT Test. During this time, four college representatives from Champlain College, Eastern CT State University, Quinnipiac University and Merrimack College, met with our Seniors to discuss the college application process, as well as college essay writing. Additionally, five department representatives from Middlesex Community College came to discuss their specific programs for our Seniors who are interested in applying to MXCC next year.
SUPERINTENDENT'S AWARD - Senior, Emily Eldredge and Junior, Luke Gersz, were selected to be the recipients of the Superintendent's Award. This award goes to a senior and junior who are all-around good students with strong academics, and a solid commitment and involvement in our school and community.
DAR (DAUGHTER'S OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION) AWARD - Libby Brundage, Senior, was selected by faculty and staff to be this year's DAR recipient. She was chosen for her dependability, service, leadership and patriotism to our school and the community. Libby was required to write an essay to make her eligible for the DAR Scholarship and move her application on to the state level.
ACT Testing - HKHS hosted the ACT Testing on Saturday, October 22nd. There were 70 students who took the test. The next ACT Test to be held at our school will be on February 11, 2012. Please register online at: www.actstudent.org. (You may register up until January 13, 2012, or with a late fee, from January 14 - 20, 2012.)
CO-CURRICULAR FAIR - The Co-Curricular Fair will be held during Advisory on Wednesday, November 9th. Our Seniors will represent the many clubs that are available to students here at HKHS.
SENIORS:
We have had over 50 college representatives visit HKHS to meet with students during their lunch/activity period. This has been a great way for students to ask the representative specific questions regarding their school.
Our School Counselors have been preparing letters of recommendation for our seniors and assisting them with submitting transcripts to colleges. We have sent out over 70 transcripts so far this year. Please be sure your child completes a transcript release form and returns them to their School Counselor. The cost for a transcript is $3.00 per school and checks may be made payable to HKHS.
Financial Aid Night - Financial Aid Night will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium for students and parents. Carolyn Karno, Student Financial Aid Representative, will discuss the types of financial aid available, as well as how to complete the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
JUNIORS:
Junior Parent Night - Junior Parent Night will be held on Monday, December 12th, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium. The PSAT test results will be returned this evening, as well as an introduction to post-secondary planning. Additionally, we will introduce Naviance, a new program that all Seniors will use next year when requesting teacher recommendations, having transcripts sent to colleges, etc.
SOPHOMORES:
The PSAT test results will be returned to Sophomores during Advisory in December.
FRESHMEN:
The EXPLORE test results will be returned to Freshmen during Advisory in December.
Freshmen will soon complete the Prep for Success program for Marking Period 1. Those students who received a D+ or lower will remain in Prep for Success for Marking Period 2.
Please continue to visit our School Counseling website on www.rsd17.org. You can view our department information by clicking on the High School, then School Counseling website. The website includes upcoming events, a calendar with important dates, transcript release forms, as well as a weekly updated scholarship list.
SOPHOMORE CLASS
The Sophomore Class Leadership Team has chosen Jostens to provide class rings to students who wish to purchase them. Ryan Ford from Jostens will be meeting with the Sophomore Class on Wednesday November 16 during Advisory. He will be distributing information to the students at that time. In addition, he will be holding a Parent Night at the High School from 5 to 7pm on Monday November 21.
COSTA RICA
This coming February break, 2012, Mrs. Ferrer will be leading a 10 day international educational tour to Costa Rica in conjunction with EF Tours. Exciting adventures that we will experience during this once-in-a-lifetime trip will be hiking on and kayaking near Poas Volcano and hot springs, hiking to La Fortuna Waterfall, ziplining in the Tropical Rainforests of the Montverde Reserve, Santa Elena Cloud Forest and canopy adventure, planting seedlings in Carara Biological Reserve, visiting the beach at Manuel Antonio National Forest and seashore, and visiting the village of Sarchi where we will be interacting with students from a local school and experiencing a folklore evening! This is a unique opportunity to make real-world connections to what students study in school. Ecology, environmental science, history, language, and culture are all key focuses of this trip to a country that is at the forefront of environmental conservation and ecotourism. Don't miss out on this thrilling chance to expand your knowledge of the world, grow your cultural literacy, and become a global citizen. Over February break of 2011, 32 H-K travelers went with Mr. Regan on a similar trip to Ireland, Wales, England and France and the response and reviews of the trip were overwhelmingly positive. This trip has been approved by the Board of Education. If you would like more information, visit www.eftours.com and enter Tour Number: 1019258, view the following video http://vimeo.com/15235288, stop in to the science office at H-KHS during Lunch/Activity period, or call or email Mrs. Ferrer. Ferrerh33@rsd17.org or (860) 345-8541 x2502
BLOOD DRIVE
Blood drive Thursday Nov.17th from 7:30-12:15pm.
Parents are welcome to attend, but you must first call Mr. Cavrell at the high school ext.3117 to make an appointment before you contact the Red Cross to register. Priority, however, will be given to students first.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CRAFT FAIR
The Haddam Killingworth Middle School PTO is holding its annual Craft Fair on Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Haddam Killingworth Middle School, located at 451 Route 81, Killingworth. Admission in free. There will be over 75 professional crafters!! Lunch and snacks are available for purchase. A flu vaccination clinic will be held throughout the craft fair. Please support our school and get your holiday shopping done at the same time!
RACHEL'SCHALLENGE - BULLYING ASSEMBLY-Nov 30
Rachel Joy Scott was the first person killed in the Columbine High School tragedy on April 20, 1999. Immediately after the tragedy, her father, Darrell, began to speak around the nation and used writings and drawings from Rachel's many diaries to illustrate the need for a kinder, more compassionate nation. Today, Darrell and thirty other speakers honor Rachel's life by reaching the nation with Rachel's simple but profound message.
Rachel's Challenge is a non-profit organization and was granted 501(c)3 status in 2004. The organization's mission is to bring a permanent positive culture change to schools, businesses and communities by starting a chain reaction of compassion and kindness.
THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL GAME AND PRINCIPALS' CUP
The Principal's Cup is the trophy that is given to the football team that is victorious on Thanksgiving Day. Beginning in 1968, Valley would play Old Saybrook on Thanksgiving for the Principal's Cup Trophy. Then, in the mid 1980's, Old Saybrook no longer had enough players to maintain a football program. It was during this time that HK Principal Richard Carmelich, a former Principal of Valley Regional, volunteered to have HK compete for the trophy. The winning team maintains possession of the trophy for the year their team is victorious. Let's bring the cup back where it belongs---right here at the home of the Cougars.
Good luck Cougars. Continue your winning ways.
ANGIE MILLER PRESIDENTIAL STATE FINALIST
Congratulations to high school math teacher Angie Miller on her selection as a 2011 Connecticut state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Her ability to inspire students and facilitate their learning made her application a standout. Angie will be honored at a dinner reception hosted by the Connecticut State Department of Education honoring this year's Presidential Award state finalists on November 7, 2011 at 6 PM.
HKHS CO-CURRICULAR FAIR
The Annual H-KHS Co-Curricular Fair will be held Wednesday, Nov. 9th during students' Advisory Period. The fair consists of representatives from all of the high school's athletic and non-athletic co-curricular clubs. Each club/team creates informative posters, flyers and items or activities to encourage their peers to join their groups.
The goal of the fair is to introduce all students, especially freshmen and sophomores, to the many fun offerings at H-KHS. It is our hope that all students will participate in at least one co-curricular activity each year, pursue their personal interests, and meet and make new friends.
HKHS CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND SPANISH STUDENTS TEACH COUGAR CUBS
Mrs. Kohm's students from Child Development and Sr. Vázquez's Spanish IV students have been working together on an engaging interdisciplinary project. They began by teaching feelings in Spanish to the HK Cubs preschoolers and toddlers. They will continue by teaching them colors, greetings and numbers. All students involved were excited to take on these challenges.
STUDENTS PERFORM IN SHORELINE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Eighteen H-KHS students participated in the Shoreline Music Festival on October 5 and 13. Samantha Delldonna, Kelsey Gorski, Christopher Groves, Kyle McCormick, Addison Powers, Jessica Simms, Carter Sullivan, Rachel Westerbeke, and Eric Wind performed in the Concert Band. Aria Anderson, Mollie Carey, Danny Chon, Ryan Kline, Craig Morse, Stephanie Nixon, Autumn Spinner, Brittany Nugent, and Alex Petersonwere in the Concert Chorus.
The two day festival was held at Coginchaug Regional High School. Band and chorus students from H-K, Morgan, Coginchaug, Cromwell, East Hampton, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, North Branford, Old Lyme, and Hale-Ray worked together under the direction of guest conductors to present a public concert. H-K music teachers Tim D'Amato and Marcy Webster took the students to the festival.
YEARBOOK INFORMATION
PARENTS OF FRESHMAN, SOPHOMORES, AND JUNIORS: Please watch the mail for your order form for the 2012 Opticon! Yearbooks MUST be ordered in advance and directly from JOSTEN'S. Please be sure to note ordering deadlines.
Last call for BUSINESS ADVERTISING: Below is the contact information for parents who would like to place a business advertisement in the 2012 yearbook. Deadline for ads is November 18th. Your support in offsetting costs is greatly appreciated! Contact Nancy McGee with questions: 860-345-8541 ext. 281 or mcgeen33@rsd17.org
SENIORS who have paid dues each year will receive a yearbook free of charge. HOWEVER, seniors who have not paid dues, must order a yearbook directly through Josten's and can email Mrs. McGee for details at mcgeen33@rsd17.org.
Parents of Seniors, you will receive GRAD-AD information in the mail. This is an opportunity for parents to have a space in the yearbook to celebrate their graduates. Proceeds help offset the price of the yearbook.
Poinsettia and Wreath Sale
The senior class will be selling Poinsettias and Christmas Wreaths for the holiday season. We are planning on having them delivered during the week of 11/28/11. Order forms will be going out soon. If you have any questions you can contact Peter Ettlinger or Kelly Brown.
Sincerely,
Charlie
