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| 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!
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| (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:
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.
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| "Harmony of the Cell" by Glyn Mardis |
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
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
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| 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.
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| 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
Thanks for writing the nice tribute to your uncle. Thanks for writing this blog!
ReplyDeleteSteve Irza