Q5 Update, Asa Szegvari, Michael Levinger, Cooper Ernst, Ben Tull, Student Newspaper, Class Election Results, & More

Q5

I am excited to provide an update on the new CCHS initiative known as Q5.  In my April 5th Principal's Blog, I introduced the exciting new initiative set to begin in June 2018. Since then a committee, led by Dr. Michael Vela, comprised of students, staff, and parents has been busy working on questions and logistical challenges.  

Assistant Principal, Brian Miller, has created a Q5 Course Catalog.  The staff did a remarkable job developing preliminary course offerings, and, as you will see in the catalog, it truly is an excellent array of offerings for CCHS kids!  Please take the time to review some of the offerings included in the catalog.  

These are the preliminary offerings we plan to share with students next week to gauge interest.  Seminar courses will be finalized in October.

Knowing the wealth of knowledge present in the three communities we serve: Concord, Carlisle, and Boston; we see this as an opportunity to engage with community members to further enrich the Q5 experience for students and staff. 

After reviewing the preliminary course proposals, please complete the attached form if you are willing and able to offer support.  We fully expect levels of community support to exist on a continuum.  For example, perhaps you have an idea you want to share after reading the seminar course proposal, or you have a contact in an industry or field of study that will enhance the opportunity for students and staff.  No idea is too big or too small, your input and participation is welcome and wanted.  

Q5 Course Catalog

Q5 Community Support & Input Form

CCHS Q5 Mission Statement 

Q5 is an immersive learning experience leveraging the curiosity, knowledge, and passions of students and faculty to foster complex thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration. Q5 complements our academic program and seeks to inspire students and faculty to pursue shared interests and ideas.

Students Film Wins An Emmy
The Student Production Awards, sponsored by NATAS (The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, who also sponsor the Emmy awards), was held at the WGBH building in Boston. Cooper Ernst and Ben Tull accepted the award for best special effects. Joe Bodenrader, Adam Gooder, and the students' families were in attendance. It was a wonderful event honoring outstanding young filmmakers from high schools throughout the region.     

Ben & Cooper's Film

Please be advised that the film is not yet rated, but it includes PG-13 rated imagery.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrX5E5NtZyQ

CCHS Student Competes in Sled Dog Championships

Asa Szegvari CCHS ’19 represented the United States this past winter in the International Federation of Sled Dog Sports World Championships held in Haliburton, Ontario. As one of 258 teams representing 11 nations, Asa and his team of dogs vied for a medal during this 10-day competition. After 3-consecutive days of sprinting 7 km each day, they received a silver medal in the 4-dog junior class. They were the fastest North American 4-dog team competing at these championships. 

It was a terrific season overall for Asa, and although the snow season has passed, he has been invited to return this summer to Skeikampen, Norway where he will participate in a weeklong international camp for junior mushers.  

Student Newspaper

Read the Voice's Spoof Issue! Teacher Prom, One-to-One Puppy Program, CC Cleanest School in the State, and More! http://www.cchsvoice.org/

CCHS Literary & Arts Magazine

CCHS Literary & Arts Magazine is on sale.  If you would like a copy, please contact Greg Coan: gcoan@concordcarlise.org.  The cost of the magazine is $10.  

Spanish Class Debuts On WIQH

By Becky Teiwes

On Sunday, May 21st at 7 p.m. and again on Sunday, June 4th at 5 p.m. there is a special presentation by a Spanish 2 Honors class. You'll hear a brief introduction in Spanish and English followed by 19 songs hand-picked by the students to highlight a favorite Latino/a musician or group. 

After learning about the importance of using the language in a real-life context, the students were inspired to create their own radio program. Initially, the students thought it might be fun to create their own telenovela podcast series....and that might still happen. At this point, we thought we'd start our adventure in the world of radio with a tribute to the many amazing musicians and songs that are a part of the Latino music industry.

So tune in! We promise you'll enjoy it and even if you don't speak Spanish, you'll still get a chance to try some new music! If you do speak Spanish, we hope you'll forgive the grammar and pronunciation errors that are part of every students' learning process. 

Before I was a Spanish teacher, I studied abroad in Seville, Spain and I spent most of that semester listening to the Colombian musician Carlos Vives. Listening to and figuring out the meaning of his lyrics helped me with my pronunciation and vocabulary and I attribute most of my success using the language to wandering the streets of Seville back in 2000 listening to Carlos Vives music. 

So who knows what will come of this? Luke Pautler even worked with Mr. Ned Roos from WIQH to edit his own recording so maybe we have some future producers in our class. It was a wonderful experience and we hope to do this again in the future. 

NY Times Editorial Award

Congratulations to Michael Levinger, Class of 2018,  for earning a Runners-Up in the New York Times 2017 Student Editorial Contest.  Michael was one of the thousands of entries in the nationwide competition. His editorial entitled, "Drone Warfare: The Failing Fight Against the Modern Hydra" earned him a top 25 finish. Congratulations, Michael!

Prom Photos
The students and staff had a great time at the Prom.  Thanks to all the chaperones and advisors who made the night possible.  

The prom photos are available to download or purchase prints online from the site below.  

www.pierre.com/client-galleries

Once there, click on the CCHS Prom gallery, or on the “Enter Gallery Password” link, and enter the following password: cchsprom17  (all letters in lower case)

MFA Field Trip

Students of Mandarin & French visited the MFA.  An enriching and awe-inspiring field trip. Ms. Smith and her students were blown away by the Matisse Exhibit.

Spring Sports Update

Tuesday was a good day at CCHS with both the girls and boy Lacrosse teams winning. Girls tennis beat Lincoln-Sudbury 4-1 and the Boys Volleyball Team lost 3 close games 23-25, 19-25, 21-25. Seedings fro the state tournaments will come out next week.

2Volunteer Info. For Rising Freshmen

2Volunteer Flyer

Class Government Election Results

Senate Moderator: Phoebe Meyerson

Senate Secretary: Mariya Shtiliyanova

School Committee Representative: Ariel Waldman

Class of 2018

President: Emma Garrison

Vice Presidents: Scott Crosby and Ruchi Naidu

Secretary: Daisy Kielty

Treasurer: CJ Israel

Class of 2019

President: Charlie Cook

Vice Presidents: Julian Henry and Arjie Nanda

Secretary: Odin Doolittle

Treasurer: Cooper Meyer

Class of 2020

President: Mihir Singh

Vice Presidents: Cynthia Li and Kenneth Liu

Secretary: Luke Pautler

Treasurer: Sarah McMorrow

Photos from the amazing Pops Concert!

Picture by Owen Curtain

Picture by Ned Roos

Picture by Ned Roos

Picture by Ned Roos

Senior Awards Night 
Academic achievement and graduation awards for Seniors
Date: May 30
Time: 6:30
Location: CCHS Dining Commons

Senior Banquet
Date: May 31
Time: 6:30
Location: Nashawtuc Country Club

Graduation
Celebrating the Class of 2017
Date: June 3
Time: 11:00am
Location: CCHS

Important End-of-Year Message, Moot Court, METCO Senior Dinner, Next Year's Schedules & More

Dear Parents/Guardians & Students:
                    
This time of year is particularly special for the senior class of Concord Carlisle High School. Students are contemplating their futures, and many are eagerly anticipating a decision from the college of their choice. With prom and senior week activities on the horizon and Graduation looming, we are confident that students will make the most of the fleeting moments of their high school careers.
                    
The final term of the year seems to pass more quickly than the preceding three. With distractions abounding, we urge you to encourage your son/daughter to continue to maximize their efforts related to their course of studies. As the finish line draws near, it is important that they not lose sight of their academic obligations. 
                    
During this time of celebration, student safety is a primary concern. This unique period in students’ lives presents parents and educators with the opportunity to work together and encourage continued good decision-making. Let’s work together to ensure that this prom and graduation season provides only the fondest memories students and families deserve.

In keeping with the character of your class, we are confident that the proper dignity, pomp, and circumstance will be given to the upcoming events and ceremonies so that students, families, and all members of the CCHS community will be able to look back on these memorable occasions with great pride.
   
Sincerely,
       
             
Michael J. Mastrullo
Principal 





Moot Court
On Tuesday, May 16th, the finals of the prestigious Denis Cleary Moot Court Competition took place. 

Over the last several months, competitors in the 16 team bracket have been arguing Supreme Court cases in front of Social Studies teachers, Ms. Fox and Ms. Davies. However, the finals are presented before professional judges who have practiced for many years in Massachusetts. 

The Chief Justice in last Tuesday's case was Barbara Lenk of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts. Preparation for each of these cases takes several weeks and countless hours of research, the creation of carefully mulled over legal arguments, and impressive teamwork within pairs. 

The final case was a showdown between petitioners (Millie Ball, Maya Calabria) and respondents (Zoe Dettelbach, Grace Pacelle) in the 2017 case Peña-Rodriguez v. Colorado. This was the first all female final that the competition has seen in many years. All the girls performed admirably.  

After what the judges deemed to be one of the most challenging cases they've heard in CC's Moot Court history, they delivered a ruling for the respondents. Congratulations Zoe and Grace! Both teams are commended for their hard work and confidence.  

Thank you to all staff that made this possible and a special thank you to Ms. Fox and Ms. Davies for their hard work, effort, and support.  

A recording of the proceedings will be aired shortly on WIQH's channel. 

METCO Senior Dinner
By Aaron Joncas, METCO Director
This year's graduating class includes 13 students from Boston enrolled through METCO. Last Friday we celebrated their accomplishments with family, friends, and members of our CCHS staff at our annual senior dinner. Six of the students attended elementary and middle school in Concord, while seven joined us as freshmen at CCHS. 

They have demonstrated high academic achievement, performed admirably as actors and musicians, excelled in athletics and contributed exemplary citizenship. A highlight of the dinner each year is a video compilation of students reflecting on their CPS and CCHS experiences. 

Pictures from the evening:  https://youtu.be/HiPOHA-x0DA

Dee Dee Trotter & CCHS Students

Olympic Champion Visits CCHS
Olympic Champion DeeDee Trotter visited CCHS on Thursday to share her compelling story not only from her experience training for and participating in three Olympic Games, but also from traveling the world as a professional athlete.

She holds two Olympic gold medals in the 4×400m relay (2004 and 2012), as well as an individual bronze medal in the 400m sprint (2012). Outside the Olympics, she has won the IAAF World Championships, the IAAF World Indoor Championships, and the IAAF World Relays. DeeDee has established herself off the track as the founder of Test Me I’m Clean, a charity dedicated to combating the abuse of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs. As a clean athlete herself, she founded the charity in order to fight the glorification of drugs in athletics and dispute the assumption that all elite athletes are doping.  Her message was one of perseverance, dedication, and grit.

Pops Concert
This year the Bands and Orchestra is taking their annual POPS Concert outdoors to the amphitheater on Friday, May 19th at 7pm. ("Pops on the Patio") 

The concert will feature the Repertory Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra and Concert Band, culminating with a special presentation by our graduating seniors.
Bring the family and enjoy some snacks/refreshments and some music from Star Trek, West Side Story, The Beatles, James Bond and more! Tickets are $10 at the door.

Concord Carlisle High School Instrumental Brochure

Student Newspaper
Read the Voice! Spamalot Review, POPS Concert, Feelings about Prom, TV and Movie Reviews, Sports Updates and More!
http://www.cchsvoice.org/

The Adrian Martinez Classic 
The 2017 Adrian Martinez Classic will feature a dozen athletes who have represented
their country at the Olympics or World Championships, and the men's mile includes 15 sub-
4:00 milers. 

The meet – Thursday, June 1st in Concord, Massachusetts – honors the memory of
local runner Adrian Martinez, who loved track and field and the friendships that grow from it. The evening will begin with community races for runners of all abilities and will finish
with a flourish, as the High-Performance athletes chase fast times and $30,000 in prize money.

Event Flyer

NEXT YEAR’S SCHEDULES 

By CCHS Guidance Department

Nex Year's Schedules will be available to view on Aspen starting Friday, May 19th, after 3:00 pm. 

Some schedules require changes. If so, there is a pre-scheduled arena appointment on the bottom of the schedule.View your schedule after 3:00 pm on Friday and look to see if you have a scheduling arena appointment. Appointments start at 8:00 am Monday 5/22, in the Learning Commons. 

READ HERE for ALL Schedule Information

VERY IMPORTANT: Always check your school email for notices from the Guidance & Counseling Department.

"Harmony of the Cell" by Glyn Mardis

CCHS Student Art Exhibit
The annual CCHS Art Exhibition at Concord Art runs from May 18th through June 4th. The opening reception last night was a great success.   Please join us for refreshments and to celebrate the creative work of our students!  There will be a scholarship presentation at 7:00pm.

Here is a link to Concord Art: http://www.concordart.org/exhibitions/concord-carlisle-high-school-show-3

Hudson-Concord Elks Awards
The Hudson-Concord Elks held their Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony on Wed, May 17th. Students who applied from CCHS and surrounding towns won Scholarships for "Outstanding Achievement, Academics, Scholarship and Good Citizenship"

Students in the photograph: Thomas Copland, William Palmer, Benjamin Gates, Nia Dorsey, Sharissa Thompson, Erica Chin, & Deedy Chang.  

Other award recipients not pictured: Abraham Waldman, Kristina Webster, Katherine Williams

Free Virtual High School Summer Classes
By Ann Little
For the first time, thanks to a generous, anonymous grant, we are pleased to be able to offer fully subsidized four and eight week VHS summer classes to all students. Students may take classes for credit recovery or for enrichment, and credits will be awarded based on contact hours.

To learn more about the summer program, please visit http://thevhscollaborative.org/?q=node/9. Students who are interested should consult with their guidance counselors and then sign up via this Google Form link:https://goo.gl/forms/LE6ZSS3grQ8dh9mr1.

Summer VHS class registration is ongoing but SHOULD BE COMPLETED NO LATER THAN 6/15/17 to ensure registration through the VHS site coordinator.  Questions should be addressed to Ann Little, VHS Site Coordinator:  alittle@concordcarlisle.org.






Senior Awards Night 
Academic achievement and graduation awards for Seniors
Date: May 30
Time: 6:30
Location: CCHS Dining Commons

Senior Banquet
Date: May 31
Time: 6:30
Location: Nashawtuc Country Club

Graduation
Celebrating the Class of 2017
Date: June 3
Time: 11:00am
Location: CCHS

Thank you to a Veteran, Grace Jennings, Tyra Westbrook, Spamalot, Student Art Exhibit, & More

NASA’s Cassini spacecraft captured this view of planet Earth as a point of light between the icy rings of Saturn on April 12, 2017. (Courtesy NASA)

A few weeks ago I wrote about the remarkable American engineering achievement of Cassini, the Saturn probe launched in 1997 that is nearing the end of its life and mission. The amazing picture above of Earth and the moon (the barely visible speck to the left of Earth) was snapped by Cassini from 870 million miles away.  All the Earthly conflicts and bi-partisan political rhetoric seem insignificant when viewed through the context of this picture. It serves as an additional reminder that we, as members of the CCHS community, need to take care of each other.  We are in this together.  

I do not write about myself in this blog because this blog is not about me, but rather it is a tribute to the great kids at this school, and to the staff, who engage, inspire, and help prepare students for the next phase of their life.  I am honored to be a part of the team. I am going to deviate from that norm, and briefly, write about my family. 

My work week is cut short to honor David Yates.  My Uncle David passed away from complications from the dreadful disease of cancer. 

Although much more, David, like his father and my grandfather, was a veteran.  David served in Vietnam; he was one of roughly 850,00 individuals still alive who served in the Vietnam War during a tumultuous time in our nation's history.  Serving in a war that made little sense to many.  After looking at that picture above, does any war truly make sense? 

David, like many others, was unwillingly called to duty, and he answered that call. Being drafted into a war he may or may not have supported, he returned home to a country divided, and as a result received less than a hero's welcome. 

I never asked him whether or not he supported the conflict, but his refusal to go back after being shot in combat lends evidence that he, at the very least, had his doubts. Regardless, he served his country, and for that I am proud.  

Like many veterans of armed conflicts, he never received a proper thank you.  My current station in life allows me to speak of him in a public forum.  On behalf of my family, thank you, David, for your service.  We are grateful!


With Gratitude,


Michael J. Mastrullo
David's Nephew



Class Act Awards
The 14th annual Class Act Awards were held at CCHS on May 4. This event celebrates student service to school and community. Awards are given to students who demonstrate integrity, kindness, and leadership through community service endeavors. 

Class Act Awards reflects the important partnership between school and community with representation from community organizations CC Youth Services, 2Volunteer, Concord Recreation, Rotary Club of Concord, Concord Recreation and National Education for Assistance Dog Services (NEADS), and CC Community Chest. On behalf of the school, a big thank you to all the community and parent volunteers who work with these wonderful organizations.  They donate their time, effort, and energy for the students of CCHS.  Thank you.  

A few staggering numbers to absorb:

Current grand total of community service hours given by current grades 9-12 is 76,688
That's roughly 1,917 weeks of work if we assume a 40 hour work week.
That's 843,568 dollars saved to non-profits (assumes an $11 minimum wage). 
Wow!


Grace Jennings Recognized by NEDS

New England Disabled Sports (NEDS) recognized Grace Jennings for her volunteer work with our winter sports program. Grace volunteered 152 hours of service with the organization this past winter. Furthermore, Grace has volunteered a total of 363 hours since joining the NEDS Pre-Adaptive Coach(PAC) program in November 2015.

As a NEDS PAC ski coach, Grace has helped change the lives of many individuals affected by disabilities. She has worked with people with physical and cognitive disabilities. Grace has put in many days; working hands-on, helping individuals with disabilities break boundaries.

New England Disabled Sports serves students in most communities throughout New England and undoubtedly within your area. For information on NEDS or the PAC, please do not hesitate to contact me or visit our website:nedisabledsports.org.

CCHS Presents Spamalot 
Spamalot Tickets are on sale at www.ticketstage.com  $10 for students, seniors, and veterans and $17 for adults. Performances are May 11, 12 and 13 at 7pm, May 14 at 2pm. After watching the dress rehearsal yesterday I can assure you this is a can't miss.  

Student Newspaper
Read The Voice!  Rivers and the Council on Aging, Seniors Nearing Nostalgia, Inside CCHS with Students and Teachers, and More! 

(photo by Zoe Donovan, '19) 

Advanced Photography & Digital Photography
Students in Mr. Cataldo and Mr. Gooder's Advanced Photography and Digital Photography classes have completed a photo project that inspired them to explore family and work life in their own homes. Students have built a photo blog to showcase this work, here:

https://showingproject.wordpress.com/

Students at high schools around the country participate in this project; this year, we were invited to join. The project, called "Showing," is about using photographs to tell a story, and about revealing the diversity in our community and sacrifices each family makes--and how teenagers see that each day. We had a professional photographer, Tsar Fodorsky, visit us to launch the project and for a final critique. We spent about a month photographing, editing and printing images. The images lead to some great conversations. 

"Harmony of the Cell" by Glyn Mardis

CCHS Student Art Exhibit
The annual CCHS Art Exhibition at Concord Art runs from May 18th through June 4th with an opening reception on 5/18 from 6:00 to 8:00pm.  Please join us for refreshments and to celebrate the creative work of our students!  There will be a scholarship presentation at 7:00pm.

Here is a link to Concord Art: http://www.concordart.org/exhibitions/concord-carlisle-high-school-show-3

Concord Carlisle High School Show

May 18—June 4, 2017

Opening reception:
May 18, 6-8pm

CCHS Symphony Hall Performance
Congratulations to Band Director David Gresko and our amazing students for being invited to perform at Symphony Hall. I have included a video clip and picture from the Orchestra's performance at Symphony Hall on April 15th as part of the MICCA Gold Medal Showcase.  Due to scheduling conflicts, not all the students were available to perform, but they still played beautifully. 

Short Video of the Symphony Hall Performance

Athletics Update
Boys volleyball gets their first win 3-2 over Essex Aggie. 

The Girls softball continues their undefeated Season with a decisive win over Westford (13-4). Also, last week they defeated Newton South 15-2. 

Congratulations to Girls Lacrosse Coach Paul Morrison on his 100th win, the girls are now 11-1. CC beat NS 21-12 in recent action.

Results from DCL Track meet - Concord-Carlisle v. Boston Latin:
Boys: CC 93, Latin 38
Girls: CC 104, Latin 35

The girls 4 x 400 team of Lottie Franck, Claudia Koontz, Valerie Reiling & Sarrinnagh Budris set a school record of 4:02 

"Be the Change"
By Tyra Westbrook
"Be the Change" is a networking event geared towards the youth with amazing talents. Teens that take part in the performing and visual arts as well as entrprenuership will showcase their products and abilities as the soon to be new leaders of our community. The goal of this event is for people our age to network and inspire others to be the change they want to see!  Others should leave this event feeling as though they have a stronger foundation of people supporting and inspire them to do better for their future. 

FREE EVENT FOR AGES 17 AND UNDER!!!
ONLY $5 FOR AGES 18+

The link to buy tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/be-the-change-a-youth-networking-event-tickets-33606427730

Removing Invasive Species

Rivers & Revolutions
By Johanna Glazer

Each semester, Rivers and Revolutions students participate in stewardship projects designed to serve the community and make a difference in the world around us.  Our group has been removing Invasive plants for the Concord community. Invasive plants often overpopulate an area, choking out the native plants and diminishing biodiversity, which is key for a strong ecosystem. We started our project by learning about the different types of invasives, how to remove them, and their effects on the environment. We then went out to Punkatasset and Brister's Hill to find areas that were overwhelmed with invasive plants. Upon arrival, we could immediately see the effects of the invasives. 

We focused on removing were Bittersweet, a vine-like plant that climbs up native trees overpowering them and killing them - and Buckthorn, a small tree that spreads like wildfire. We struggled to remove these plants because their roots were embedded into the ground and their vines grasped the trees. Using a weed wrench, we were able to pull out large areas of buckthorn. After a few weeks we could really see the difference we made. 

Student Christian Mitchell said of these Stewardship Project days “Two months of invasives removal has been really fun. Working with my hands is one of my favorite things to do. It relaxes me allows me to clear my mind. I’m glad I  get to help the environment and connect with others and have fun.” 

The invasive-pulling community stewardship project represents one of the pillars of the Rivers and Revolutions program. It engages with the community as a whole, and gets students out of the classroom and into the field. Blending science and history, our group does important work that will hopefully slow the spread of invasives and protect the forests of Concord. 

Rivers Students

Community Education Update
By Jill Asser
Upcoming Adult & Community Education programs: 

College Search & Recruiting for Student Athletes

This workshop will meet on Tuesday & Thursday, June 6th & 8th from 7-9 pm and is $30/family to attend. 

Join us as we educate student-athletes and parents about navigating the college search and recruiting process. We will cover the factors that influence a student’s college preferences, special timelines, recruiting regulations and terminology, the different NCAA divisions, how to develop an outreach campaign to make coaches aware of you, what coaches are looking for and how to interview with a coach, and academic and athletic action items for each year of high school. 

The SAT vs. the ACT: The right test for the right student

This is a one-night workshop on May 18th from 7-8:30 pm and is $20/person. 

The landscape of college admissions testing has never been more complex, and the recent changes to the SAT and PSAT only serve to further complicate the terrain. By addressing these changes, clarifying the differences between the SAT and the ACT, and answering the many questions parents and students have regarding the testing process, this class will help families to make smart, well-informed decisions.

ACT Practice test

Join us on Saturday, May 13th from 10 am - 1:30 pm for a practice ACT test. 

This full-length practice test is being offered in order to afford students the opportunity to sit for a low-stakes test in a simulated environment. In addition to the valuable practice, students will receive score reports that will help them to make a well-informed decision as to whether the SAT or the ACT is a better fit for them.

Visit www.ace.colonial.net or call 978-318-1432 to register today! 

METCO Senior Dinner
Farewell to METCO Seniors
Date: May 12
Time: 7:00
Location: CCHS Dining Commons

Junior Class Awards Night
Academic achievement and Book Awards for Juniors
Date: May 17
Time: 6:00
Location: CCHS Dining Commons

Senior Awards Night 
Academic achievement and graduation awards for Seniors
Date: May 30
Time: 6:30
Location: CCHS Dining Commons

Senior Banquet
Date: May 31
Time: 6:30 
Location: Nashawtuc Country Club

Graduation
Celebrating the Class of 2017
Date: June 3
Time: 11:00am
Location: CCHS