World Language Student of the Month for November

Congratulations to Julianna Service for earning the award for World Language Student of the Month for November. Julianna is a sophomore at Suffield High School who is currently enrolled in Spanish IV H. She is an active participant in class, asking thoughtful questions about the material and diving deep into the comparisons of the cultures and communities that we study. Her written work displays strong conventions and a stronger attention to detail. She consistently uses the target language to express herself, even when speaking with peers in the class. Her positive approach to language learning is inspiring and sets a strong example for her peers.

McAlister & SHS Honor Vets

McAlister Intermediate School and Suffield High School both held observances for Veterans Day on November 12, with very different approaches appropriate to the very different maturities of the schools’ students. McAlister’s, for grades 3, 4, and 5, was akin to the observance three days earlier at Spaulding School for Kindergarten and grades 1 and 2. Both offered recitations, performances, and videos in a school-wide assembly, plus a brunch. Both emphasized “Thanks for Your Service” to about 70 visiting vets. SHS offered a brunch, too, and didn’t neglect “Thanks,” but only nine veterans were invited, and they were put to work over four school periods with individual classes, speaking – sometimes quite dramatically – about their military experiences: what they learned, what they enjoyed, what they endured.

Three Top Athletes Commit

With their parents and coaches beaming in support, three of Suffield High’s top athletes are pictured as they sign their commitments to play in college. From the left: McKenzie Sullivan, heading for soccer at Bentley; Sophie Lupone, ice hockey at Sacred Heart; and Anna Casinghino, field hockey at UConn. All three were stars in league-winning teams. Standing at the rear are six parents and three coaches: David and Michelle Sullivan, ice hockey coach Joe Gozzi, Tracy and Joe Lupone, and Heather and Brian Casinghino. David Sullivan and Heather Casinghino play double roles as both parent and coach.

Holiday Boutique Show

The Suffield Middle School PTAC is excited to be hosting the 8th Annual Holiday Boutique Show Thursday, December 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Suffield Middle School gym. The event is open to the public and a portion of all sales go directly to the PTAC. This is a great opportunity to “shop local” and support Suffield and local businesses. There is something for everyone, with lots of items under $5. There will be over 25 vendors in one convenient location.

SHS Teacher Heads for Antarctica!

Suffield High School is sending one of its own to Antarctica. SHS Alumnus (1994) and current freshman science teacher Justin Kaput was selected as a 2018 Grosvenor Teacher Fellow by National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions. Mr. Kaput was selected from a national pool in an extremely competitive application process. When teachers and students were asked what they thought separated Mr. Kaput from his fellow applicants, a common theme emerged: passion for teaching science, love for the planet we live on, and dedication to teaching the importance of preserving our world to future generations. On December 6th Mr. Kaput’s journey will begin when he sets sail from the southern tip of South America.

Zielinski’s Kindness Crew

Zielinski’s Kindness Crew is proud to announce they raised a little over $1,300 for Will Power for Change (http://www.willswillpower.com/) in honor of William Davidson. Will was a 2010 graduate of SHS who took his own life just four months after returning from the Kandahar region. Will did not receive mental health assistance he needed to aid with his adjustment to civilian life. All funds raised will be going to a treatment center to help others such as Will. The Kindness Crew would like to thank Will and his family for his service and legacy.

Joseph C. Migliore Music Center

At the end of the 2017-2018 school year, senior year students in Mr. Migliore’s band class wanted to pay their tribute to him for his 35 years of service to Suffield High School. The students did their research, reaching out to teachers, conductors, musicians and retired teachers from the area, asking for letters endorsing Mr. Migliore. The students followed the chain of command from the vice-principals, principal, superintendent and Board of Education to their state representative. Their request was to name the band room “The Joseph C. Migliore Music Center.” On the evening of the 2018 spring concert, the students presented Mr. Migliore with the plaque which is proudly displayed outside the band room. He also received a certificate from the state legislature congratulating him on his 35 years of service. 

HMF FitKids

On Tuesday, October 30, more than 1,900 students from 35 schools across Connecticut participated in the HMF FitKids in School Final Mile event- the culmination of weeks of training supported by the Hartford Marathon Foundation. One hundred forty-seven students from McAlister Intermediate School participated in the event. Now in its 11th year, the free program for students in elementary and middle school has served more than 18,000 students, encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle through running. Students participated in a six-week training program throughout the fall, then completed their final mile run at Tuesday’s celebration in Rentschler Field. They earned medals to commemorate their weeks of hard work.

Cancer Awareness

The SHS Boys Varsity Soccer team seniors felt in the pink during breast cancer awareness month in October. From the left, in shocking pink jerseys are, top row: Blake Baskin, Michael Sattan, Evan Mankouski, Niko Ford, Will Motherway; bottom row: Brandon Bigos, Matthew Sweeney, Quinn Cardaropoli, Brendan Fitzgerald, Aiden Werenski.