Plainville Community School News

Students at the Middle School of Plainville recently attended an assembly entitled Step Up, presented by the Anti-Defamation League.

"The Step Up assembly created an opportunity for students to think about the impact their behaviors have on other people and to reflect on things they can do to prevent name-calling and bullying behaviors," explained Middle School of Plainville Dean of Students, Tom Laudadio. "The assembly was also a good starting point for future work we will do with our students on this topic." The Step Up assembly focused on stepping up to build a school of allies and reject name-calling and other bullying behaviors. The format for the program included facilitator Derek Hall from the Anti-Defamation League, a video in which students describe experiences they have had, and discussion opportunities from the middle school student audience. After the assembly, students returned to their classrooms for related small group discussion.

"Mr. Hall did a fantastic job and the program was very well received by the students and faculty. I feel that this program made a very positive contribution to our efforts to continuously improve the school climate and make MSP a great place to learn," noted Middle School Principal, Matthew Guarino.

The Anti-Defamation League will return to the middle school on January 30 to deliver "Bystander to Ally" training for students as part of the school's continuous focus on enhancing school climate.

-Posted on January 23, 2012 at 03:32 PM

Plainville High School seniors Jillian Newton and Katherine Willard have been awarded the Farmington Valley Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents' (CAPSS) Superintendent / Student Recognition Award for leadership service to the school, academic prowess relative to ability, and service to others in the community. A luncheon ceremony was held at the Farmington Country Club on December 9.

Plainville Community Schools Superintendent, Jeffrey Kitching, made the presentation to Miss Newton as part of a program designed by school superintendents to recognize students who have served in their schools and communities while maintaining good scholastic progress. Because Miss Willard was out of state on a school field trip during the recognition program, she was honored at the January 9 Board of Education meeting.

The Superintendent / Student Recognition Program awards a Certificate of Excellence at the discretion of the local superintendent of schools according to a distribution formula set for all state school districts. Awards are generally given during American Education Week in order to provide a meaningful focus for each school district and to enhance the quality of the certificate.

Award recipient Jillian Newton has demonstrated her ability to excel in a variety of areas. She is a high achieving student taking the most challenging and rigorous courses including several Advance Placement classes. She is a member of the National and Science National Honor Societies and participates on several student leadership forums including Student Athlete Leadership Team (S.A.L.T.), Principal's Council, and Helping Our Peers Excel (H.O.P.E.), where she shares her skills and talents in support of school and the community. Jillian is also an avid year round soccer player, earning All-State recognition during her junior year in addition to All Conference and All Academic honors throughout high school. In addition to her academic, co-curricular and athletic successes, Jillian has committed significant time and effort to helping others, including volunteer coaching with the youth soccer program for the past four years and volunteering with the Petit Road Race for the last three years. Jillian intends to become a nurse with the goal of working in a children's hospital, and also plans to continue coaching youth soccer.

Award recipient Katherine Willard also excels in a number of areas. She is currently ranked second in the Class of 2012 and has taken the most rigorous coursework throughout her years in high school. She is currently enrolled in five Advance Placement courses in addition to band and chorus, where she is equally dedicated and talented. Kate is a member of the National and French National Honor Societies, and serves as a leader of academic excellence at Plainville High School. Last year, Kate was a Governor's Scholar finalist, which is a tribute to her dedication and effort. Despite grueling academic demands, Kate is a dedicated member of the cross country program, always pushing to do her personal best in every race. In addition to her high level of academic, performing arts, co-curricular and athletic prowess, Kate has dedicated significant volunteer time and effort at school and in the greater community. Her involvement is diverse and impressive, and includes work with AmeriCares, American Cancer Society, volunteer classroom assistance with elementary age students and work with CRILA in preparation for the World Youth Peace Summit last year.

"Kate and Jillian are two of our finest examples of the high achieving, dedicated, and caring students we hope to develop, support and celebrate at Plainville High School. These young ladies and their parents should be very proud of this recognition," said Plainville High School Principal, Steven LePage.

This is the 25th year of the CAPSS Superintendent/Student Award Recognition Program, developed to strengthen the relationship between students and school administrators.

"Jillian and Kate are exceptional examples of the positive impact our students have made in the world. Their academic, athletic, co-curricular and volunteer efforts and accomplishments are truly impressive," Superintendent Jeffrey Kitching stated.

CAPSS, the statewide school superintendents’ professional organization, is based in West Hartford and provides professional development, personal support, statewide conferences, legislative information, and educational services to its membership.

-Posted on January 13, 2012 at 11:21 AM

January 26th is national "Thank Your Mentor Day" according to District Volunteer Coordinator, Sue Bradley.

"We would like to take this opportunity to recognize our dedicated volunteer mentors who share their time with students in our school district each week. National Thank Your Mentor Day shines the spotlight on these caring adults who serve as friends and role models to Plainville students," said Bradley.

Volunteer mentors come from the community as well as local businesses and organizations including General Electric, Liberty Bank, the Plainville Police Department, AXA Equitable Insurance, and Webster Bank. In honor of district mentors, on January 26th, the school district mentor program will host a "Minute To Win It" evening event for mentors, student mentees, and their families. "The event will provide the opportunity for mentors and student mentees, together with their families, to enjoy fun, team building activities, and celebrate national Thank Your Mentor Day together," explained Bradley.

"We extend our sincere thanks to all of our school district mentors. These dedicated volunteers give selflessly of their time, and truly enhance the educational experience of our students in Plainville," said Superintendent of Schools, Jeffrey Kitching.
The Plainville Community Schools mentor program celebrated its 20th anniversary earlier this year and continues to seek additional volunteers to participate in the program. For more information about becoming a volunteer mentor, please contact Sue Bradley at: (860) 793-3210 ext. 212 or via email at: Bradleys@plainvilleschools.org

-Posted on January 12, 2012 at 11:41 AM