Federal COVID Grant – District Funding Priorities

/in /by
Dear Triton Community,

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021, Public Law 117-2, was enacted on March 11, 2021. The ARP Act provides additional funding for school districts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Education portion of ARP is known as the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) Fund. The purpose of money is to support the safe reopening and sustaining safe operations of schools while meeting students’ academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. We did not access any funds last year, so we have the entire grant entitlement for use in addressing COVID impacts over the next three years.

You can read the full scope of requirements of ESSER III here: https://www.doe.mass.edu/federalgrants/esser/

Triton has received an allocation of $1,965,791 to be spent through September 30, 2024, so this will be a multi-year plan for anticipated activities. However, as this federal grant is a short-term and limited funding source, the long-term sustainability of any investments made will be a factor we must consider.

This survey is to inform each stakeholder group of the potential uses of this funding and anticipated priorities as we complete the grant application. As required in the grant, we are seeking feedback from the entire Community around those areas we have identified as a need to be addressed due to pandemic impacts.

Please take a few moments to complete the survey to identify your top 5 priorities for the allowable uses of these funds no later than next Wednesday, September 15th.

If you have any questions about this grant or its potential uses, please feel free to contact me directly.
Regards,
Brian

District Vaccination Clinics Next Week!

/in /by
As we approach the start of the school year, we continue to do all that we can to ensure a safe opening for all students and staff. While there are decisions to be made with regard to other safety measures, we know that vaccination is a key component of maintaining our collective health.
Thanks to our partnership with Conley’s Pharmacy in Ipswich, we are going to be offering a vaccination clinic in each town next week. We will be holding them at the elementary schools as a central location in each town. While we are focused on ensuring all students age 12+ are vaccinated, vaccination is important for everyone eligible so this clinic will be open to anyone who is 12 or older. They will be offering the two-dose Pfizer vaccine.
We have one clinic scheduled in each town and with varied times. There is no requirement that you sign up for the clinic within your town, so you can feel free to choose the date and time that works best for you.
Each clinic is showing a single hour of time slots to start. If there is enough demand to expand, more slots will be added as the spaces are filled. The folks at Conley’s should be able to stay ahead of the need, but please let me know if you attempt to register and there are no slots available.
Once you select ‘first dose’ on the form and select your time, the option to schedule your second dose will open on the form so you can schedule both doses upfront.  The second dose will be exactly 3 weeks from the date of your first.
Again, these clinics are open to anyone who is 12 or older, but those who are minors will need parent/guardian consent. That process is clarified as part of the form at the link below.

CLINIC  SCHEDULE:

Wednesday, August 18th at 7:00 PM

Thursday, August 19th at 2:00 PM

Friday, August 20th at 10:00 AM

High School Students Celebrate National Spanish Exam

/in /by

On Tuesday,  May 25th, 2021,  Spanish students, grades 9 -12 gathered under the tent at Triton High School to celebrate their success on the National Spanish Exam 2021.  

Students were recognized in an awards ceremony, then enjoyed refreshments with their families. The celebration concluded with a traditional piñata!  This is the first year that Triton High School has given the National Spanish Exam. 

 

Awards are presented by the AATSP based on a national percentile ranking of all students in each level. Students are also organized into divisions based on their previous experiences with the Spanish language. ¡Felicidades!

Triton High School Awards

 

Level 1

Bronze: Tessa Darke

Honorable Mention: Sophie Harrington, Carolyn Lucy, Benjamin Norton 

Distinguished Participation: Isabella Basile, Sophia Lesinski, Bryce Martis, Anna Romano

 

Level 2

Bronze: David Pugh

Honorable Mention: Lyla Benesh, Parker Hertigan, Natalie Indingaro, Cole Jacobsen, Neila Jones, Jakob Lennon, Isabella Oldoni

Distinguished Participation: Kiara Cataldo, Taylor Hamilton, Mackenzie Howland, Paulan Huang, Samantha Kelly 

 

Level 3

Silver: Kendall Hernandez 

Honorable Mention: Cole Daniels, Makala Erickson, Sophia Walsh

Distinguished Participation: Joseph Abt, Evelyn Buxton, Nathan Ewell, Zachary Godfrey, Alyssa Mullen, Christian O’Connell

 

Level 4

Honorable Mention: Adelaide Delmonico, Jacob Forrest, Riley Gagnon, Hailey Harden, Bennett Leahy 

Distinguished Participation: Lillian Schroeder

French Students Celebrate with Dìner en Blanc

/in /by

On Thursday,  May 20th, 2021,  French students,  grades 8-12 gathered under the tent and on the school grounds above the softball field in the back of Triton High School to celebrate their success on the National French Contest 2021.  

First,  students were recognized in an awards ceremony under the tent,  then they spread their picnics out with their families for the first Dìner en Blanc event at Triton.  Students and their families dressed in white and brought their French picnics to spend time together under the sun. 

Le Grand Concours, or the National French Contest, is given each year by the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF). The contest evaluates students’ French language skills and knowledge. In the spring of 2021, over 29,000 students across the country took Le Grand Concours.

Awards are presented by the AATF based on a national percentile ranking of all students in each level. Students are also organized into divisions based on their previous experiences with the French language.

Félicitations!

Triton Middle School Awards

 

Level 01

Bronze: Layla Dias, Cole Sanders

Honorable Mention: Henry Dean, Vincent Magee, Maria Powis, Jonah Remignanti, Isabelle TurnerTriton High School Awards

 

Level 1

Gold: Elise Blanchet 

Silver: Duncan MacDonald

Honorable Mention: Connor Hart, Lauren Manning, Ixchel Ramirez, Noah Tudal

Level 2

Gold: Nicolas Hubbard-Brucher*, Sophia Latham

Silver: Sidney Golbitz, Sara Hanson, Shanell Parra

Bronze: Benjamin Rasmussen, Lillian Scire

Honorable Mention: Mars Alves, Riley Bell, Brenna Coates, Delaney Lucia, Colin Webber, Maeve White

Level 3

Silver: Kailey Abbott-Bishop, Gillian Pike

Bronze: Fawzi Jouraj, Savannah Soule, Kate Trojan

Honorable Mention: Morgan Hall, Molly Kimball, Ella Visconti

Level 4

Bronze: Alexander Sharpe, Alexander Wing 

Dîner en Blanc (“Dinner in White” in French) is a worldwide event spanning six continents in which people have a meal dressed in white in a temporary dining setup in a public space.Diners are required to provide their own food, tables, chairs and tablecloths. 

The Dîner en Blanc concept began in Paris in 1988 when Frenchman François Pasquier invited a group of friends to an elegant outdoor dinner at the Bois de Boulogne, asking them to dress in white so they could find each other.The event’s presence has grown to over 85 cities, with almost 17,000 gathering for the 30th-anniversary event in Paris.

Students Helping Students

Students Helping Students at Triton High School

/in /by

It’s no secret that high school can be a challenging time for many kids. There are a myriad of questions, concerns and problems; struggles both internal and external, that many kids deal with.  Talking to an adult often doesn’t feel like an option. But having the ability to talk to a peer, someone who likely can empathize with the issues facing today’s teens, makes all the difference in the world.  It is for this reason that several years ago, Triton established the Peer Mediation and Citizenship Outreach Program, led by high school world language teacher, Eben Williams.

The program is made up of students who apply to become a mediator and must get at least four recommendations from faculty/staff.  Those chosen must exemplify certain leadership qualities such as maturity, trustworthiness, confidentiality, and compassion.  Once accepted, students remain members until they graduate.  There are currently 31 members in the program, including 5 new members that were accepted this year. Peer mediators help their school peers resolve social, personal and interpersonal problems in a confidential manner and with a caring and open mind. In so doing, they make the school a safer, more comfortable place for all students.  Their support has been especially important this past year as many students faced hardships and obstacles brought on by the pandemic.  Knowing that there is someone available to be a needed friend, listening ear, and caring support has been instrumental in helping many students get through these difficult times.

Assistant Principal, Kathryn Dawe, has long been a supporter of the Peer Mediation Initiative, calling it “one of the most important programs in our school.”  She goes on to say, “Part of growing up is learning how to face, manage and deal with conflict. During times of conflict, anxieties are understandably heightened and it’s sometimes difficult to see our way out of situations. As adults, we know this and have developed strategies to address such issues. Adolescents need to learn these skills and have an opportunity to practice them. I have found that peers listening to each other and working through solutions and resolutions has often times proven to be more successful than having adults help students manage a situation.” Ms. Dawe also points out that the peer mediators themselves are given leadership tools that will serve them throughout their lives.

We are pleased to recognize the 31 members of the Peer Mediation and Citizenship Outreach Program and thank them for their commitment to the program and their peers.

Senior Graduating Officers Newly Elected Junior Officers 2021 Members since 2017 New Members since 2021
Kyle Odoy (Lead Officer) Eliot Lent (Lead Officer) Avery Caron Sam Bagley
Katherine Taylor Evelyn Buxton Cole Daniels Madeline Doring
Danny Groder Alyssa Mullen Ellie Gay-Killeen Nansi Patel
Robbie Richenburg Lucian Densmore Sean Gundrum Sofia Savino
  Will Smith Maya Hayes Noah St. Fleur
    Maeve Heffernan  
    Brady Lindholm  
    Ryan Lindholm  
    Andrew Masher  
    Morgan Mead  
    Madison Nguyen  
    Olivia Rowe  
    Arthur Stanley  
    Jane St. Fleur  
    Savannah Soule  
    James Tatro  
    Riley Watkins  

“Outstanding Senior in French” Awarded To…

/in /by

The American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) is pleased to announce that Alexander Wing has received a 2021 AATF Outstanding Senior in French Award. This award is made annually to a graduating senior who has demonstrated excellence in the study of French as well as exceptional commitment to the French language and the many cultures where it is spoken. Recipients must have completed at least three years of French study at the time of graduation and be non-native speakers of French.

Alexander Wing is an AP French Language student. He is the Triton High School Treasurer of the AATF Société Honoraire de Français, he has participated in National French Week,  the Club Richelieu Oratorical Contest, and he participates in monthly Teen Prêt à Parler conversation groups with the Alliance Française.  He is the student of Regina Symonds.

The AATF was founded in 1927 and has as its mission the promotion of the study of French language and French-speaking literature and cultures at all levels.  We are proud to recognize the achievements of outstanding students and their teachers. We hope that this award will motivate students to continue their study of French either through a career in teaching or as a complement to any other profession.

Alexander Wing

 

Triton Senior Wins Essay Award

/in /by

Triton High School Senior, Alexander Sharpe, submitted an essay to the AATF Société Honoraire de Français annual Creative Writing Award contest which has been chosen for publication in the spring edition of the Society’s official bulletin, L’Élan. Alexander is the 2020-2021 Triton High School World Language Honor Society President.  

This year’s topic was: Si tu pouvais être le personnage d’un film francophone de ton choix, lequel serais-tu et pourquoi? ( If you could be a character in the film of your choice, who would you be, and why?) Alexander chose to be Clément Matthieu, an inspirational and transformational music teacher in the film “Les Choristes.” AATF Teacher Representatives Tracy Rucker and Kimberly Bryant Harter were impressed by the admirable character that Alexander chose to be. Roseann Lorefice, editor of the AATF SHF publication L’Élan is preparing to publish all winning entries in the Spring, 2021 edition.

The quality of the 55 essays submitted by 26 teachers from 17 different states was outstanding, and it is indeed an honor for Alexander to have been one of the seventeen students whose entries were selected for publication. 

AATF Executive Secretary Jayne Abrate and AATF SHF Secretary April Anthony have been notified of the winners. The prize for each winning essay is $100; a check will arrive from AATF headquarters in the next four to six weeks in Alexander’s name. 

It is noteworthy as well to recognize the efforts of Crista Smith and Sara Winnick. While their essays will not appear in the Élan, they should be commended for their participation in a national literary contest in French, and they will receive certificates of participation. 

Congratulations to Alexander and Compliments to Crista and Sara.

Alexander Sharpe

Two Triton High School Seniors are recipients of the 2021 AATF Société Honoraire de Français Francophone Studies Award

/in /by

Two Triton High School World Language Honor Society members, Crista Smith and Sara Winnick have each been selected as the recipients of a $2,000 francophone studies stipend for their intent to pursue French and Francophone studies beyond High School.

Crista and Sara were chosen for this national award based on their applications, their essays in French, two teacher recommendations, and their records of academic excellence. The AATF SHF selection committee is thrilled to be able to contribute to the education of these impressive students as they weave their passions for French and science to obtain their nursing degrees. We hope that one day they may be able to contribute to the medical needs of French speakers in Haiti, and in numerous Francophone countries in North and West Africa through such organizations as Médecins Sans Frontières.

There were ten students selected for this award; three students from Massachusetts, two from Illinois, two from Texas, one from Oregon, one from Kentucky, and one from New Jersey.

Congratulations to Crista and Sara!

Crista Smith

Sara Winnick

DESE Office of Public School Monitoring to Review Triton Regional School District

/in /by

During the week of April 5, 2021 the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of Triton Regional School District. The Office of Public School Monitoring visits each district and charter school every three years to monitor compliance with federal and state special education and civil rights regulations. Areas of review related to special education include student assessments, determination of eligibility, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team process, and IEP development and implementation. Areas of review related to civil rights include bullying, student discipline, physical restraint, and equal access to school programs for all students.

In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The review chairperson from the Office of Public School Monitoring will send all parents of students with disabilities an online survey that focuses on key areas of their child’s special education program. Survey results will contribute to the development of a report. During the onsite review, the Office of Public School Monitoring will interview the chairperson(s) of the district’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other onsite activities may include interviews of district staff and administrators, reviews of student records, and onsite observations.

Parents and other individuals may call Andrew MacKenzie, Public School Monitoring Chairperson, at (781) 338-3761 to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.

Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the Triton Regional School District with a report with information about areas in which the Triton Regional School District meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the Triton Regional School District requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The public will be able to access the report at http://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/reports/.

 

DESE’s Office of Language Acquisition to Review Triton Regional School District

/in /by
2.5.2021 DESE Office of Lang Acq Press Release v2