2013 April

WildcatHappenings April

Calendar Of Events Principal’s Message

Fall Mountain Regional School District does not and will not discriminate in any of its educational programs, activities or employment practices on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disabilities. Title IX Coordinator, 504 Coordinator, and English Language Learners Coordinator Dr. Lorraine Landry, Assistant Superintendent SAU60, PO Box 600, 159 East Street, Charlestown, NH 03603 (603) 826-7756

Apr. 02 ELC Parent Training, Early Learning Center, 5:00-7:30 PM

Apr. 02 National Honor Society Induction, Auditorium, 7:00 PM

Apr. 05 Quarter 3 Ends

Apr. 06 Project Grad Yard Sale, CMS 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Apr. 08 School Board, Library, 6:30 PM

Apr. 9, 10, 11, 12 Common Core State Standards Pilot Test for So. & Jr.

Apr. 10 Site-Based, Room11, 7:00 PM

Apr. 11 SPED Parent Forum, Library, 5:30-7:30 PM

Apr. 11 Project Grad, 6:00 PM, Cafeteria

Apr. 13 Military Ball

Apr. 17-24 Music Dept. Trip to Florida

Apr. 22-26 Spring Break

Apr. 27 3rd Annual Sr. Senior Prom, Cafeteria, 6:00-9:00 PM

Apr. 29 School Board, NCCS, 6:30 PM

GRADUATIONJUNE 8 - 10:00 AM

Fall Mountain Regional High SchoolInformation regarding invitations,

tickets, gowns, rehearsal, etc. will be mailed to the

seniors and their parents in May.

Fall Mountain Regional High School

Thomas H. Ronningtronning@sau60.org

Fall Mountain Regional High School134 FMRHS Road

Langdon, NH 03602

Principal’s Office: 603-835-6318Guidance Office: 603-835-2917

Fax: 603-835-6254www.sau60.org

FOLLOWFMRHSON

twitter @ fmwildcats

View this newsletter on the Internet at www.sau60.org,

click on Schools, choose FMRHS and click on Newsletter

Welcome to Spring. Days are getting longer, daily temperatures are increasing, and the final quarter

of our school year is about to begin. I appreciate all of the support our school has received from its students, their parents, grandparents, community members, and businesses. Together, we continue to improve what we offer the youth from the communities our high school serves.

As a means to continue to receive feedback, starting Monday, April 1, FMRHS will begin using a Visitor Survey Card located at the front door. The card asks visitors to rate their experience from one to ten, with one being needs to improve and 10 being a pleasant experience. If you are unable to rate our high school a ten, I ask for a comment to let me know how to improve. These cards may be placed in a comment box, or returned by mail.

Thanks to many of our school district’s registered voters, our high school will begin placing in the hands of all of our students a notebook computer for the 2013-2014 school year. Our school has an implementation committee and we welcome any thoughts and/or concerns you may have about this initiative.

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3Congratulations to the

following students for their positive accomplishments at

FMRHS:

WILDCAT

WINNERS

A Message from the Assistant Principal

Heidi Gove, Assistant Principalhgove@sau60.org

Britttney BakerMatt BarryGus BittenbenderChance BoudrieauDraven HulserColby KelceyJasmyn LaCasseErin LeDrew

Busy spring for the Wildcats

As the seasonal calendar turns to spring, there are many important upcoming events for students and staff at Fall Mountain.

On April 9-12, all sophomores and juniors will be participating in the Common Core Pilot Test. This pilot test is a computerized test and will be in the English Language Arts content area. Parents of those students participating have received a mailing with further information.

Juniors will complete this year’s round of NECAP Testing tentatively scheduled on May 20 & 21 in the area of Science. This will signify the end of the NECAP state testing. It will be replaced by the above mentioned Common Core Testing in 2014-15. More information regarding this test will be provided in early May.

Between those two rounds of testing, April break will provide a respite for all from April 22-26. When school resumes on April 29, students will be in the “home stretch” and will be looking forward to many activities including AP Exams, the prom, SATs, the JROTC Military Ball, various field trips and sporting events and, of course, graduation.

With all these activities on the horizon, it is also important for students to continue to meet the expectations of the day-to-day activities at FMRHS.

Caleb LessardCody MartinDrey PalmerJustin PowersAriel SheldonKayla StruthersTyler WaddellAlexandra Witty

FM CREATIoNS. . .

The Fall Mountain Regional High School

Store

Get all your Wildcat gear here!

Contact Beth Gosekamp, FM Creations Advisor at bgosekamp@sau60.org or 835-6318

Thank you for your support!

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Common Core Standards in Reading Will Be More DifficultExpectations for all students in reading are becoming more of a challenge as Fall Mountain begins using the Common Core State Standards. Students will be expected to read more difficult text at earlier grade levels, especially informational text. FMRSD has already begun common core instruction in reading and you may have seen your child reading books other than fiction. In addition, students must be able to discuss what they read at a more complex level. For example, instead of finding the plot, characters and setting of a story, students will be reading or listening to a variety of stories. Then they will be asked to compare stories and write an essay.

What is informational text? It informs the reader about the natural or social world and it is different from fiction because informational text does not use story characters. It has special language characteristics like: “Dogs bark,” “Some sea snakes are quite deadly,” or “Apples can be red, yellow, or even green!”

Informational text arranges the article or book to assist the reader in finding information quickly and efficiently. These might include a table of contents, an index, bold or italicized text, glossaries for specialized vocabulary, definitions for specialized vocabulary, photos, captions and other labels, and graphs and charts.

In middle school and high school especially, students will be reading informational text, including original documents, from the Declaration of Independence to presidential speeches. Biographies, autobiographies, science, and social studies are other examples. This kind of reading is popular with all skill levels of readers because they can locate text on nearly any topic of interest. Some examples of types of informational text include cause and effect books, question and answer books, and most reference texts.

Parent Tips: As you read with your child, ask him or her in-depth why and how questions that encourage your child to analyze and synthesize texts. For example, read three different versions of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and ask your child to compare and contrast them as you read.

At the secondary level, encourage your child to research a topic he or she is interested in using informational texts and original documents.

Source: A Parent’s Guide to Common Core Standards by Samantha Cleaver

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Guidance Office News

Lisa Ranauro, Chairlranauro@sau60.org

603-835-2917

SENIoRSMany colleges have rolling admissions. Check application deadlines and get completed applications to guidance ASAP. Students and parents are welcome to make an appointment with guidance if help is needed with this process by calling 835-2917.

VERY IMPoRTANT: Senior scholarship packets were distributed on March 22. Only seniors who have applied to post-secondary institutions received scholarship information. The FMRHS Administered Scholarship Booklet is due in guidance by Monday, April 16. There will be no exceptions to this deadline. Seniors will be responsible for mailing their own applications to all outside scholarship committees by Monday, April 16. This process was reviewed with seniors when packets were distributed. The guidance department staff will be available after school in the library on Tuesday, April 2, to assist seniors with their scholarship applications. If you have questions, contact Mrs. Rumrill or your son’s or daughter’s guidance counselor at 835-2917.

oPEN HoUSE DATES for students/parents:River Valley Community College Claremont • Campus - April 9 & May 14, 5:00-7:00 PMKeene Academic Center - April 17•

FM SCHoLARSHIP FUND Dollars For Scholars is changing their name! It is the same organization with a new name. The mission is to continue providing scholarships to Fall Mountain graduates and post-graduates pursuing a college education.

The 2013 Fall Mountain Scholarship Fund Campaign (formally Dollars for Scholars) will begin in March and end in May. This is the 44th year that this dedicated group of local citizens has encouraged students to reach for and achieve their educational goals after high school. Since 1969, over 2,000 Fall Mountain students have received local scholarships. In 2012, nearly one hundred and forty thousand dollars was given to approximately 140 graduating seniors and post-graduates to help them pay for college.

This is the kick-off of our 2013 campaign and if you have any questions, want to donate, or would like to help us carry on this historic legacy by setting up a scholarship for your business or special person, contact one of our Board of Directors: Greg Macri, Randy Rhoades, Rob Kasper, Sue Richardson, Patrick St. Pierre or Rich Nalevanko, President at 835-2564. Your Fall Mountain Scholarship Fund donation can be mailed to:

Fall Mountain Scholarship Fundc/o Fall Mountain Regional High School

134 FMRHS RoadLangdon, NH 03602

JUNIoRSYou should plan to take the SAT Reasoning Test in May or June. The June 1 SAT is given at Fall Mountain and the registration deadline is May 2. Registration material is available in guidance. If you are involved in spring sports, the June SAT date may conflict with meets and playoffs. You should also consider SAT Subject Tests for courses you have completed this year. Check admissions requirements for colleges you are considering. ACT information is also available in the guidance office.

Juniors should be thinking about college visits this spring and during April vacation. College visits are an important part of the college search process. If parents or students have questions, the guidance staff is available to assist you, please call us!!

ALL STUDENTSThe Course Selection Process for 2013-14 is complete. In mid-May the master schedule will be developed and student schedules will be computer generated. Fall Mountain’s data management system will do the work for us; student schedules will be created through a computer scheduling process. If students have conflicts or open blocks due to course availability, guidance will meet with students individually to work out scheduling problems prior to the end of the school year. Completed schedules will be mailed home during the summer.

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FINE ARTS

Glen D’Eon, Chairgdeon@sau60.org

Music Parents Association:The next meeting for the FM Music Parents Association is

Monday, April 8, 6:15 PM in the FMRHS bandroom.Details regarding the spring trip to Florida will be discussed.

Music Department Schedule of Upcoming Events

April 17 - 24 Spring trip to Orlando, Florida & Disney WorldMay 16 – Thursday Jazz Band / Madrigal Concert @ 7:00 PM - AuditoriumMay 19 – Sunday Spring Concert - Band & Choir @ 2:00 PM – Auditorium May 27 – Monday Memorial Day Parades (Band)

The Fall Mountain Regional Music Parents Association would love to get more Choir & Band parents involved in attending monthly meetings and helping with the various FMRHS Music Department activities. If you are interested in helping out in any capacity, please contact Mr. D’Eon or Ms. Lucero directly or plan to attend the next meeting on Monday, April 8 at 6:15 in the bandroom.

Please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Lucero or Mr. D’Eon with any questions you may have by calling the Music Department at 835-6318 or emailing us at mlucero@sau60.org or gdeon@sau60.org.

Many of our teens are not getting enough sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, teens need about 9 ¼ hours of sleep each night (for some, 8 ½ hours is enough). One study showed that only 15% reported sleeping 8 ½ hours on school nights.

Approximately 45–50% of our students that ask to leave school early because they do not feel well are suffering from sleep deprivation symptoms (headache, low grade nausea, depressive mood and sometimes dizziness). According to the NSF, the following are possible consequences of not getting enough sleep:

Limited ability to learn, listen, concentrate and solve problems;• Makes you more prone to acne;• Leads to aggressive or inappropriate behavior such as yelling at your friends or being impatient • with your teachers or family members;Causes you to eat too much or eat unhealthy foods such as sweets and fried foods that lead to • weight gain;Contributes to illness, not using equipment safely or driving drowsy.•

Currently, I am (when appropriate) attempting to educate our students regarding the hazards of not getting enough sleep. Next month’s newsletter will discuss other aspects of sleep deprivation as well as possible solutions.

Amy Jenkins, RNajenkins@sau60.org

Health Office NewsTEENS, SLEEP, AND HEALTH

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JROTC

Major John Cenney, Chairjcenney@sau60.org

JROTC MILITARY BALLSaturday, April 13

5:00 - 5:30 Silent Auction 5:45 - 5:55 Post Colors, National Anthem, Invocation 5:55 - 6:05 Guest Speaker 6:05 - 7:30 Dinner 7:30 - 7:45 Presentation by Ellen Kok, Cadets 7:45 - 8:15 Intermission 8:15 - 9:15 Awards Ceremony 9:15 - 9:25 Benediction, Retire Colors 9:25 - 11:00 Dance

Hello and welcome back! This month is full of excitement and new adventures that we can’t wait to set out on.

On March 9 we held a spaghetti dinner fundraiser at the VFW in Charlestown. It was a huge success! We sincerely thank the Fall Mountain community for their support. We also want to thank the Cadets and their families who were able to lend a helping hand at this event. The funds raised will primarily be used for our Military Ball which will be held on April 13.

Several Cadets took part in a Color Guard that was performed at the Walpole Town Meeting on March 16. This Color Guard was challenging because the flags required to be carried at Trail Arms rather than in the traditional harnesses because of the low ceilings. All Cadets involved did a fantastic job.

Fall Mountain’s JROTC will host their 17th Annual Military Ball Saturday, April 13. This is the time of year when Cadets are recognized with awards for all the hard work they’ve done during the past year throughout the community. The event is highly anticipated, and each and every Cadet is looking forward to this sophisticated night of dinner, awards and dancing.

We look forward to the months that follow and until next time…TRY, TRY, NEVER DIE!!! HOOAH!!!

Written by: Cadet Sergeant Holly O’BrienPhotos by: Cadet Staff Sergeant Richard Aumand

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Athletics Corner

SPoRTS SCHEDULES, GAME RESULTS AND MoRE

CAN BE FoUND oN oUR WEBSITE AT:

sau60.org >FMRHS>SCHooLS >ATHLETICS

Spring sports are underway and the pre-season conditioning has started. Everyone is excited to begin actual competion and are working hard to get into shape.

Rick Elliott returns for another year as the head track coach. Congratulations to Coach Elliott and the indoor track team for placing sixth out of 38 for sportsmanship in indoor track. That’s a good sign, and with strong numbers coming in the spring, we are looking forward to a great season. Coach Elliott is assisted by Bruce Ferland, Michelle Swift and Larry Sayers.

Coach Hank Beecher begins his 38th season as the FM varsity baseball coach, and Frank Brown returns as the JV baseball coach. Coach Brown is coming off an undfeated season in 2012, and after graduating a large class they have a lot of young talent that will be expected to step up this season.

Welcome to new varsity softball Coach Julie Parrott. She is coming up from the junior varsity and is excited to progress with this group of players that were under her wing last year. Katie Harmon comes to us from Vilas and will be the new JV coach this season.

Season openers are scheduled (pending snow melt). Track opens at home on Friday, April 5, 3:30 PM. Varsity Softball & Baseball are on the road vs Conant on April 7 while the respective JV teams play at home on that date. Game times are 4:00 PM. Home openers for Varsity Softball and Baseball are April 10 vs Hillsboro-Deering at 4:00 PM. Complete schedules are available on line.

Fans and parents, come out and support our teams. Loud, proud and positive.

Remember, we encourage good sportsmanship as that allows our student-athletes to perform at their best and have a good experience. Good luck to all.

Matt Schmidt, Athletic Directormschmidt@sau60.org

Winter SportS Update Congratulations to Morgan Ferland

for being named to the Division III Girls Basketball

2nd Team All State.

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FLoWERS, SYRUP, BIRDHoUSES AND MoRE. . .

The Fall Mountain Greenhouse spring planting season has begun. Students are busy in Mrs. Collinsworth’s Greenhouse Management class starting flats and 6-packs. This year we will have 16 different varieties of tomatoes and 8 types of peppers. Stop by for veggies, herbs, annual flowers and hanging planters. We are open every school day until 3:00 PM starting the week after spring vacation (April 29).

We will be holding an Open Greenhouse on Saturday, May 4 from 9:00 AM - Noon. In addition to our flowers and vegetables, syrup and eggs from the FM Natural Resources and Animal Science programs will be available for purchase. Larry Sayer’s woodworking class will also be selling their handcrafted birdhouses.

Liz Collinsworthlcollinsworth@sau60.org

Student of the Month

Criteria for selection as FMRHS Student of the Month is cooperation, attitude, consideration for others, academic effort (creative thought and curiosity), attendance, and contribution to community and school life. Students are nominated for this monthly award and voted on by the staff.

Senior Alex Kossakoski has been selected the FMRHS February Student of the Month. Alex is the son of Gene & Lynn Kossakoski of Walpole.

Alex has been on the honor roll all four years and the high honor roll his junior year. He is currently a mentor, co-captain of the math team, a member of the National Honor Society, and Interact vice president. He has been an active member of Interact his sophomore, junior and senior years, and has traveled

to El Salvador with the Interact group the last 2 years.

Alex is a fan of baseball. He has been a member of the FM baseball team all four years, playing on the varsity squad his junior and senior years. He received baseball’s Attitude, Effort and Performance award his freshman year and was selected to the 3rd Team All State his junior year. Outside of school, Alex participates in Keene American Legion Baseball, Walpole Babe Ruth and Sr. Babe Ruth baseball, and is the announcer at Walpole baseball tournaments.

Plans after high school include majoring in sports management at Sacred Heart Universy where he has been accepted to attend.

Congratulations, Alex!

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This & That Cat Chat

MALE STUDENTS 18-25 Years of Age Register online with Selective Service at This Library

Go to www.sss.govIt’s the LAW!

Physical Education NewsAll Quarter 3 Physical Education final exams will take place during the first week of April. Quarter 4 classes begin on April 8 and students should be prepared and ready to participate on that day.

Fit for Life classes will emphasize life-long fitness activities. Walking, hiking, running,

strength training and other fitness skills will be the focus. Semester II Physical Education students will transition to individual and team oriented outdoor activities.

A field trip hike up Mount Monadnock is being planned in May for all classes. The tentative date is Thursday May 9. Students will receive information and permission forms in class. The deadline to sign up will be May 1.

Julie Parrott jparrott@sau60.org

Midnight Masquerade

May 117:00 PM - Midnight

Alyson’s Orchard

Tickets are $30

National Honor Society Induction Ceremony

April 2, 2013 7:00 PM

FMRHS Auditorium

PROM 2013 . . .

FM Ski & Snowboard Club News

Thirty-five members of the FM Ski and Snowboard Club spent 2 beautiful days of skiing and an overnight stay at Stowe Ski Resort in Vermont. An end of the season club barbeque and ski day took place on March 23

at Mount Sunapee. Thanks to all who support this program! It is growing every year!

Julie Parrott, Club Advisorjparrott@sau60.org

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This & That Cat Chat

FMRSD Parent ForumParents and Guardians

Welcome!

April 11, 20135:30 PM – 7:00 PM,

FMRHS Library

Elizabeth Webster, Easter Seals Autism Family Support Specialist

Presenter of “Autism Awareness 911”

Safety Issues… What Families Need To Know Returns to FMRSD to present

Organizing Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorders involve behaviors that challenge every little thing about every day life - at home, at school and out in the community. This workshop will provide an overview of tips and ideas for organizing, managing and coordinating ASD in four areas:

Community ConnectionsEducational Efforts

Family Fiascos (Managing the Mob)Keeping Track of Your Child

RSVP by April 9, 2013 to:Gail Baker, Student Services Secretary

at 826-5762 Ext. 126 or e-mail gbaker@sau60.org

Fall Mountain Early Learning Center

Childfind

The Fall Mountain School District will hold a Childfind Screening on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at the Fall Mountain Early Learning Center. All children ages 2 ½ through 4 (not attending kindergarten in the fall) and who are residents of Acworth, Alstead, Charlestown, Langdon and Walpole are welcome to attend.

The purpose of this free screening is to briefly assess the overall development of the preschool child in order to identify any children who may have special needs. The screening will also provide the parents with the opportunity to obtain more information regarding typical growth and development. Please call 835-6314 or e-mail tvittum@sau60.org for further information and an appointment.

Tammy Vittum, M.Ed.(603) 835-6314tvittum@sau60.org

Pre-buy a yearbook and receive it one week before anyone else! Can’t afford to pay the $55.00 up front.

No problem….. a $25.00 non-refundable deposit will hold a yearbook for you. Balance due before delivery.

A limited number of yearbooks are still available….get one today before they are gone!