Parents Pages June 2015 - Copy - Blue Hills Regional Technical

PARENTS PAGES
Blue Hills Regional Technical School
800 Randolph Street, Canton, MA
02021
WWW.BLUEHILLS.ORG
VOLUME 19
781781-828828-5800
ISSUE 3
BHR STUDENTS HONORED AT AWARDS NIGHT
By Judy Bass
Dozens of outstanding students from the Class of 2015 were honored on May 20 during the annual Scholarship, Awards and Recognition Night at Blue Hills Regional Technical School in Canton.
“Through the generosity of alumni, families, local businesses and civic organizations, Blue Hills Regional presented $80,000 worth of
scholarships and trade awards to 92 students in front of 400 guests,” noted Lead Guidance Counselor Sarah Titus. “This is a testament to the character and accomplishments of our students and faculty, as well as the strong community support for Blue Hills Regional.”
In addition to family members and friends, those in attendance included Superintendent James P. Quaglia, Principal Jill M. Rossetti, members of the Blue Hills Regional District School Committee: Robert A. McNeil (Holbrook), Kevin L. Connolly (Norwood), Chairman Aidan G.
Maguire, Jr. (Canton), and Thomas R. Polito, Jr. (Dedham), and State Rep. Walter F. Timilty (D-Milton),
Supt. Quaglia, Principal Rossetti and Chairman Maguire each addressed the capacity crowd, congratulating the students on their
achievements and mentioning their appreciation of the effort made by parents and teachers to ensure the students’ success.
The numerous awards presented included those given in memory of individuals associated with Blue Hills Regional who have passed away,
plus many civic, industrial and school awards. The school wishes to thank the generous donors of these awards for supporting not only
the students of Blue Hills Regional, but technical education in general.
Seniors Arianne Crossen, left, and
Cameron Lyons, both of Canton, with
Leah Zielinski, staff assistant from
Massasoit Community College in Canton. Ms. Zielinski, a member of the Canton Association of Business and Industry (CABI), presented Arianne and Cameron with the CABI Scholarships.
Photo by Judy Bass
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PARENTS PAGES
EARLY EDUCATION
ROTARY CLUBS RECOGNIZE BHR STUDENTS
WITH SCHOLARSHIPS, CAREER ASSISTANCE
AWARDS, LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
CENTER REGISTRATION
The Early Education Center at Blue Hills
Regional Technical School is now accepting
registrations for September 2015 enrollment. The center offers a high-quality, model
preschool program, TuesdayFriday from 8:30-11:30 am, for children
ages 2 years 9 months to kindergarten.
Please call 781-828-5800 X295 or email
[email protected].
Parents’ Pages
BHR District School Committee Members:
Francis J. Fistori……….……..….…...Avon
Eric C. Erskine……………………Braintree
Aidan G. Maguire, Jr., Chair.……..Canton
Thomas R. Polito, Jr.…………….Dedham
Robert A. McNeil...…….….…......Holbrook
Festus Joyce…………..….…….……Milton
Kevin L. Connolly………..……....Norwood
Marybeth Nearen, Sec’y…...…...Randolph
Charles W. Flahive, Vice Chair.Westwood
James P. Quaglia
Superintendent-Director
Steven M. Moore
Asst. Supt. for Business and Personnel
The Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary Club, which is based in Dedham, recently gave nine
Blue Hills Regional Technical School students awards in honor of their capability, leadership, and promise for the future.
Two additional awards, a RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) that went to sophomore
Sean McDonagh of Canton and a $500 scholarship for senior Cameron Lyons of Canton,
came from Canton Rotary. Its President, Jeremy Scott, attended with one member.
The awards were presented at a breakfast meeting of the Neponset Valley Club at the
Blue Hills Regional student-run restaurant, the Chateau de Bleu. The parents of many of
the student honorees were there, as were representatives of the Club and the school,
including Superintendent James P. Quaglia, Principal Jill Rossetti, Dean of Students
Thomas Cavanaugh, Academic Director Geoffrey Zini, Director of Vocational Programs
Frank Howley, Neponset Valley Rotary member and Coordinator of Cooperative Education
Kim Poliseno, Lead Guidance Counselor
Sarah Titus, and Communications Specialist Judy Bass, who organized and
emceed the event.
The Neponset Valley Rotary awards
went to the following students: seniors
Christopher Bartorelli (Randolph),
Jeffrey Cimmino (Braintree) and Jessica Politano (Holbrook) received $1,000
scholarships; seniors Anthony Ciraolo
(Braintree), Kara Dentler (Holbrook),
Jamia Fernanades (Holbrook), and Anthony Ventosi (Randolph) received
$250 career assistance awards to
purchase items and tools they will need
for their future career; and sophomores Molly O’Leary (Holbrook) and Corron Wilson
(Randolph) received RYLA awards, which provide for tuition paid-trips to a leadership
conference.
Each student honoree was given a certificate representing his or her award by either
Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary President Jack Hoell or Canton Rotary President Jeremy
Scott.
The students all made brief presentations describing their future plans. They expressed
their tremendous gratitude to Rotary for recognizing their potential.
Jill M. Rossetti
Principal
Judy Bass
Editor
Pictured above are Neponset Valley Rotary President Jack Hoell
and student Jeffrey Cimmino. Photo by Judy Bass.
VOLUME 19
BRIDGET KELLEY IS OUTSTANDING VO-TECH
STUDENT OF THE YEAR AT BHR
Bridget Kelley, daughter of John and
Susan Kelley of Avon and a senior at
Blue Hills Regional Technical School in
Canton, has been named the school’s
Outstanding Vocational Technical
Student of the Year. She, along with
other exceptional students from
technical high schools and programs
across the Commonwealth, was honored for this achievement at the 29th
Annual Outstanding Vocational Technical Student Banquet at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on April 15.
The event was jointly sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA) and the Massachusetts Vocational Association (MVA).
Page 3
SCHOOL STORE SALE
UNTIL JUNE 12
ALL ITEMS ARE 20%
OFF EXCLUDING
VARSITY JACKETS!
SO COME DOWN AND
SEE US, TELL YOUR
FRIENDS, AND GET
SOME GREAT
BARGAINS!
Bridget has excelled in the Engineering Technology program at Blue Hills. Her professionalism and dedication to this technical field have been observed by many while she has participated in a co-operative learning program at LoJack Corporation’s product support
department.
Bridget participates in a rigorous course of study that has included honors and Advanced Placement courses, as well as courses in math and science at Massasoit Community College. She is ranked first in her Blue Hills Regional graduating class. A recipient of
a John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, she received a Rensselaer Medal Award for outstanding achievement in math and science.
Bridget has been a member of the girls’ volleyball team, the Green Team and the Math
Team in addition to serving as the secretary of the National Honor Society. Outside of
school, she works part-time as a lifeguard and plays the violin. Bridget will pursue further
education in engineering next fall.
HAVE A FUN AND SAFE
SUMMER VACATION!
SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER!
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PARENTS PAGES
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME GOLF FUNDRAISER JULY 20
The Blue Hills Athletic Hall of Fame will
be hosting its annual golf tournament
on Monday, July 20 at Ponkapoag Golf
Course in Canton. This is the Hall of
Fame’s only fundraiser and we need
your help!
We are looking for foursomes to play in
the tournament. It is a Florida Style
tournament, registration begins at
7:00am, and the tournament tees off
at 7:30am. The cost $125 per player and includes the greens fees, cart, lunch, and a golf shirt. Following the tournament, there will be a full buffet and prizes given out at Foley’s Backstreet Grille in
Stoughton.
Can’t make it to the tournament? You can still help out! The Hall of Fame is also looking for hole sponsors. There are three levels of hole sponsorship: Platinum $250.00, Gold $100.00, and Silver
$50.00. Your company logo or name will be displayed at your sponsored hole.
We are also looking for people able to donate prizes to the tournament. We are looking for things such
as gift certificates (restaurants, movie passes, etc.), sporting goods (golf equipment or clothing), and
sporting event tickets (Red Sox, Patriots, etc.).
Anything you can do to help the Athletic Hall of Fame will be greatly appreciated!
If you are interested in playing in the tournament, sponsoring a hole, or donating a prize, please contact
the tournament directors, Brian Gearty or Ryan Kiff, at [email protected] or [email protected].
Thank you,
The Blue Hills Athletic Hall of Fame
VOLUME 17
PAGE 5
BHR REVERSE CAREER FAIR IS A BIG SUCCESS
The Reverse Career Fair held on May 4
was very successful. According to its
organizer, Co-Op Coordinator Kim Poliseno:
Lojack met with Engineering and Electronics students for co-op positions in
the fall.
Quality Metals - will hire another Engineering co-op student in the fall as well
as take on a Drafting co-op student.
Harbar Inc. - will be holding the second round of interviews in the next two weeks for a Computer Tech
student. This will be a full-time job upon graduation.
Dedham Health and Athletic Club - interviewed and will be hiring several Culinary students for summer
positions.
All pluses for our students and for local businesses. Great news!
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SENIOR ART SHOW DRAWS HUGE APPRECIATIVE CROWD
The gymnasium was thronged with art enthusiasts on Tuesday, May 5, when DVC seniors
had their annual Art Show. Their excellent
work portends a bright professional future for
them. Congratulations, students and teacher
Joann Murphy. Great job!
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PARENTS PAGES
FLOWERS FOR YOUR SPECIAL GRADUATE
Give that special grad a lovely
bouquet of flowers to honor her
on Graduation Day!
SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) will be selling them at Graduation as a
fundraiser for SADD.
One dozen roses $25
Bouquets $20
Blue/green and white carnations $10
~CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2015!~
VOLUME 19
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ELECTRICAL STUDENT PAT RONCA ‘15 ACES DEMANDING EXAM
Patrick Ronca of Braintree, a
senior in the electrical program
at Blue Hills, recently passed a
demanding and multi-faceted
examination administered by
the US Department of Labor
that tests various abilities
that are requisites for workers
in the electrical profession.
According to Ronca and one of
his teachers in Blue Hills’ electrical program, Jerry Sass, the
areas covered by this exam included reading comprehension, math word problems, numerical aptitude,
spatial aptitude, and motor coordination.
Sass said that Ronca was the first student he has had in his 18 years at Blue Hills who has passed this
test.
Sass added that 60 to 75 per cent of those who take it don’t pass.
Ronca, who excelled in all categories of the test, modestly said he didn’t anticipate doing so well on it.
He called it “fairly easy.”
Ronca said he is looking forward to graduating from Blue Hills in June and getting a job with Local 103
(International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) “and work[ing] my way up from there.”
His high test score qualified Ronca to be interviewed by Local 103 on April 24. He expects to learn the
results of that interview in June.
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PARENTS PAGES
TWO STUDENTS EARN MEDALS AT STATE SkillsUSA EVENT
Two students from Blue Hills Regional Technical School in Canton earned bronze medals at the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference held from April 30-May 2 in Marlborough, Mass. Twenty-eight students competed.
Seniors Jeffrey Cimmino of Braintree and Liam Corbett of Holbrook earned their medals in the category of Web Design.
SkillsUSA is a national organization for vocational students which helps them develop their abilities in their chosen
technical area, along with good citizenship, poise, a strong work ethic and an appreciation of individual efforts, as well
as teamwork. SkillsUSA is particularly well-known for the competitions it sponsors at the local, district, state and
national levels at which students can vie with their peers to receive gold, silver, or bronze medals for achievement.
"All the students who attended the SkillsUSA State Competition and Conference worked extremely hard to prepare
and compete on Friday, May 1,” said Blue Hills’ SkillsUSA Chapter Advisor Robert Foley. “The Blue Hills students keep
working hard and preparing to go back and compete another day. That was the case with Jeffrey and Liam in the Web
Design competition. They never gave up on their vision to place at the State Competition, and their hard work and
efforts came to fruition. This is great example that represents all of the participants here at Blue Hills Regional.”
"SkillsUSA has been a major influential part of my high school career,” said Cimmino. “Skills has jump-started my resume with the help of the Fall State Leadership Conference, and the State Skills and Leadership Conferences. I would
certainly not have excelled at Web Design if it wasn't for
the Skills Conferences being my motivation to practice
more and more, and I hope for more students to actively
participate in Skills Conferences in the future."
Corbett agreed that the experience was enjoyable as well
as valuable. “We had a great time and spent a while trying to figure out how to approach our competition. We're
super satisfied to have figured it out, but we wished we
had another opportunity for the gold. The trip itself was
marvelous and we encourage anyone to try Skills up to
the state level. It's a major confidence boost and a load
of fun.”
The school is grateful to the faculty members who assisted and prepared the students for SkillsUSA, including Robert Foley and chaperones Joann Murphy, Heather
Irber and David Tapper.
In the photo , Liam Corbett (left) and Jeffrey Cimmino
exult in winning bronze medals at State SkillsUSA.
Photo by Joann Murphy
VOLUME 19
Page 9
TEN NEW MEMBERS INDUCTED INTO THE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Ten students were inducted into the William A. Dwyer Chapter of the National Honor Society at Blue Hills Regional Technical School in
Canton on May 1 in a moving ceremony featuring symbolic rituals and heartfelt speeches from two faculty members.
The new inductees include juniors Alyssa Campbell (Randolph), Myle Hally (Randolph), Brittney McCormack (Braintree), Szymon Plebaniak
(Avon), and sophomores Alissa Carey (Randolph), Jack Hulme (Canton), Joe Nee (Canton), Daniel Obichie (Randolph), Joyce Quach
(Canton), and Andrew Wharton (Braintree).
Each of the NHS officers spoke
dent must demonstrate to beship, leadership, community
about one of the qualities a stucome an NHS member - scholarservice and character – and lit a
candle in tribute to each one.
The school’s NHS officers are
(Holbrook), Vice President Cam-
President Ava VonFyler
eron Lyons (Canton), Treasurer
Taisha Cotard (Randolph), SecHistorian Patrick O’Connor
retary Bridget Kelley (Avon), and
(Holbrook).
Teacher Rebecca Ray spoke to
NHS members and the audience
is as Blue Hills’ NHS advisor.
the new inductees, the current
about what she believes her role
“My goal is not lofty…it is simple…to reach at least one of you,” said Ray. “That is my only goal. Because that is all it takes to make a
difference in this world…a single person.”
She concluded, “I hope I have been a person that has helped to make a difference in your lives so that each of you can make a difference in
mine.”
Spanish teacher Ana Peach was this year’s keynote speaker as chosen by the NHS members. She began her speech about the four key
NHS characteristics with a touching gesture – producing a photo of her late father. “He had a tremendous desire for me to be a teacher,”
Peach said, “and I didn’t become one until several years after his passing.”
Speaking of the new members’ induction and what is distinction it is for them, Peach said, “This is the beginning of commitments toward
greater and bigger accomplishments. This door has opened for you and now you must step through it and commit to the rest of the journey with more devotion and tenacity than it took to get you here.”
Getting back to her father, Peach said, “If he were here today, he would be extremely proud that I was invited to speak and to all of you for
your accomplishments since he loved young people and cherished education…He is my hero!”
Peach ended her remarks by telling the NHS members something that no one could disagree with: “Once again I congratulate you…you
are the cream of the crop, the best of the best.”
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PARENTS PAGES
BHR GRAPHICS STUDENTS PASS ADOBE CERTIFIED ASSOCIATE EXAM
Congratulations to the Graphic Communications senior class. All students
passed their Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) Exam. This is the first year
Graphics has offered Adobe certification by becoming a Certiport Author-
ized Testing Center. The senior class began working towards their certification earlier this year by participating in rigorous Adobe-authorized curriculum. I am very proud of how hard they worked and they are all very deserving
of this wonderful achievement. —Mr. Deady
—————————————————————————————————-
Engineering Tech students Keeghan Inglis-Dow, left, and Corbin Clancy with the robot they created.
See story at left.
VOLUME 19
Page 11
ENGINEERING TECH STUDENTS COMBINE ROBOTICS & 3D PRINTING
When juniors in the Engineering Technology program at Blue Hills Regional Technical School in Canton recently combined their knowledge of robotics
with the capability and versatility of 3D printing, the results were nothing short of remarkable.
“The Blue Hills Engineering program has a comprehensive robotics program that starts freshman year and continues through grade 12,” observed
Engineering Technology Lead Teacher Dr. Michael Meyers, who plays an important role in the design and programing of the robots, according to Engineering Instructor Dan Hamill. His expertise in digital electronics, said Mr. Hamill, is essential in the operation of the vehicles.
“Students are encouraged to use their design, building, programming and testing skills to complete complex robotic platforms that can perform and
solve real-life tasks,” added Dr. Meyers.
The students did exactly that when they recently fashioned robots crafted to handle certain roles with ease.
For example, two robots were created to travel successfully over any kind of challenging terrain. Another remotely-operated robot can “battle” a
second robot.
To produce them, students had to master the use of sophisticated software as well as the 3D printer, which was utilized to make parts such as
shock absorbers for the robots. They also were required to bring into play their problem-solving skills and analytical ability – in short, they needed to
act just like actual engineers working to conceptualize and perfect a new high-tech device.
“Students use the latest technology available to design, program, and build these robots,” explained Mr. Hamill. “They use Inventor 2015, the latest
in mechanical engineering software, to design the robots in a 3D drawing environment. We use RobotC to develop programming skills that tell the
robot what to do and how to react to the environment around it. An SE Print plus is utilized to create special designs via 3D printing technology.”
Mr. Hamill continued, “The class that I have taught for five years is called Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). I use a nationally certified curriculum called Project Lead the Way (PLTW) to implement these types of projects. The curriculum has been developed by a team of industry professionals to get students interested in engineering at a young age. Essentially, the curriculum teaches students to solve problems. The projects have
increased in the level of difficulty every year since the course’s inception.”
Mr. Hamill described the projects done by each pair of students.
Keeghan Inglis-Dow (Holbrook) and Corbin Clancy (Braintree) were tasked with creating a robot that will solve a particular problem. On
this robot, students designed a system to handle many different types of terrain on a distant planet. Not only did the robot have to
travel to any destination, it had to pick up rock samples and place them in a storage area located on the back of a different robot. Students built and programmed the robot, and also developed a shock absorber system to enhance its maneuverability. The shock absorber
was developed with the latest mechanical engineering software called Inventor 2015 and printed in 3D with a SE Plus 3D printer.
Kimberly Sian (Holbrook) and Markanthony Robinson (Dedham) designed a robot for a Nerf gun challenge. The goal of the project was
create a robot to battle another robot of similar design. They had to create a robot that could be remotely operated from another room
and “see” the environment via use of a remote camera. They also developed a system that could fire a Nerf projectile onto a bull’s eye
located on an opponent’s robot. When the bull’s eye was hit, the robot would be programmed to shut down and disable movement for thirty seconds. The bull’s eye was printed in 3D with an SE plus 3D printer.
A robot was designed by Patrick MacPherson (Holbrook) and Alyssa Campbell (Randolph) to navigate any terrain conditions such as tall
grass, rocks, or a muddy stream. Students researched many types of all-terrain vehicles. They used the Internet to research wheel designs found at the Boston Robotics site. They then used reverse engineering procedures to develop their own design on Boston Robotics’ wheel design and the wheels were printed in 3D.
The experience was clearly a rewarding one for the students. “From this project I learned how to better navigate through problems that
arise during the building and design process,” said Keeghan Inglis-Dow. “We had to redesign the robot several times and that was the
most challenging aspect of this project that I can think of. This is the reason why I joined this technical program. I enjoy solving problems
and Engineering provides a great environment for just that.”
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PARENTS PAGES
A DAY ON THE HILL WITH STUDENTS & TEACHERS FROM CULINARY
ENJOYING THE DAY ON BEACON HILL IN BOSTON AT THE STATE HOUSE
Left to right: Mr. David Green, Mr. Steven DiMarzio, Shannon Gabriel (blue), Renee Heywood, Shaiane
Murphy (blue), Joseph Nee, Mr. Richard Spada
PHOTO COURTESY RICHARD SPADA
VOLUME 19
Page 13
2 ELECTRICAL STUDENTS GET TRAINING SCHOLARSHIPS FROM UNION
Nicholas Prisco of Avon and Anthony Ciraolo of Braintree, two students from the Class of 2015 who studied Electrical at Blue Hills Regional Technical School in Canton and are graduating in June, have been awarded five-year Electrical
Training Scholarships from IBEW Electrical Union Local 103.
Their scholarships, which represent a valuable opportunity to enhance their knowledge of the field and be part of the
Electrical Union, were presented at Blue Hills in a brief ceremony attended by the school’s Electrical teachers Jerry
Sass and William Groh (John Mullaney was unable to be present), Director of Vocational Programs Frank Howley, Blue
Hills Communications Specialist Judy Bass, and Business Agent for IBEW Local 103 Sean M. Callaghan.
Both students were extremely grateful to have such a coveted opportunity.
“It’s a big help that I got this,” said Prisco, who plans to be an electrician. Ciraolo, who intends to be an electrical engineer, affirmed that sentiment, saying that he found out about the Local 103 scholarship when he was a freshman and
“was working to get it [during] all four years” of his education at Blue Hills.
Mr. Sass told the other students in his classroom prior to the awarding of the two scholarships that “we’re really
trying to give you a gift – knowledge. Knowledge is power.”
When asked what these two students did to position themselves to earn this honor, Mr. Sass said they demonstrated an excellent work ethic, excelled in mastering electrical theory, moved forward if they made mistakes, and always
exhibited good character and attitude.
“These students are going to join a family, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers,” Mr. Sass explained.
“That is something to strive for.”
Left to right— Electrical instructor Jerry Sass, students
Anthony Ciraolo and Nicholas
Prisco, Director of Vocational
Programs Frank Howley, Electrical instructor William Groh, and
Business Agent for IBEW Local
103 Sean M. Callaghan.
Photo by Judy Bass
PAGE 14
PARENTS PAGES
BHR ELECTRIC RACING TEAM COMPETES AT LIMEROCK PARK
The Blue Hills Electric Racing team had an exciting trip to the Electrathon Competition at
Limerock Park recently.
We had transportation issues and transport
breakdown, all before even getting to the race!
None of these hurdles stopped us from making
it to the Competition.
There was a red flag near the beginning that
forced us to stop on an uphill burning a lot of
power... All said, rookie driver Matt Sullivan did a great job pulling in 37 1/2 laps or almost 19 miles!!
Great job by Matt Sullivan, Teddy Misitsakis, Adam Cytrynowski, Jared Lavoie, Clinton Murphy, Andrew
Williams, Toure' Haynes, Kevin Williams, Eiandaniel Aguilar, Justin Donofrio, Ben Luongo, Jack Borden,
Jhalen St. Louis, Shannon Gore, Brandon Scott, Nick Cardillo and Jason Casey !
The hero of the day is definitely Mr. Montgomery, who made the trip out to help us with the transportation breakdown.
Mr. Cerqueira and Ms. Bearse also wish to thank Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Williams and Mr. Kiff in Auto Repair, Mr: Gearty and Mr. Siwic in Metal Fab, Collision Repair, Health Assisting, Facilities and our Administrators for all the support!
—Mr. Cerqueira
Photos by Ms.
Jill Bearse
VOLUME 19
Page 15
STUDENT AMBER MURPHY TAKES THIRD PRIZE FOR HER PHOTOS IN ART SHOW
Amber Murphy, a DVC student, took third prize in the Regional High School Art Competition that was part of the recent 7th Annual Arts Festival at the Canton campus of
Massasoit Community College.
Her impressive series of photos titled “My Pet Family” featured dramatic close-ups of a
rabbit, cat, and two dogs.
Congratulations Amber! Well done!
———————————————————————————————————————
Mrs. O’Malley’s Social Studies class
visiting the JFK Library in March
Photo courtesy Jane O’Malley