SMS Drama Club

Suffield Middle School will be transforming into a “school of hard knocks”, proudly presenting this year’s musical production, Annie, Jr. Based on the book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Martin Charnin, the classic tale of Annie follows a spirited, redheaded orphan on her action-packed and emotional voyage from the daily doldrums of her hard-knock life, a step away from the dazzling streets of New York, to the fairytale-come-true setting of a billionaire’s art-deco mansion. This household-name musical includes more than 30 colorful characters, many heartwarming and a few, not so much. Our ensemble of scrappy orphans, charming rogues, and bustling servants are sure to keep you laughing and entertained. Annie, played by the shining 8th-grader Brynna Tinnirella, is certain to capture your hearts with her emotion-filled performances of “Maybe” and “Tomorrow.” Meanwhile, Miss Hannigan, the breakout role of eighth-grade superstar Sophie Collins, will have everyone quite thankful that they don’t live under the same roof with this sometimes playful but always underhanded, orphanage director. Be sure to come join our charming cast on a fun-filled winter’s visit to 1930s New York City.

Career Forum Held at Suffield High School

Suffield Police joined the Honorable Judge Jason Lobo, presiding juvenile judge at New Britain Superior Court, Attorney Jay Presser, a private attorney, and staff of the Connecticut State Police in a criminal justice and legal career forum held on January 29 for students at Suffield High School. Through a panel discussion as well as a lengthy question and answer session, the 20 students in attendance were exposed to various career fields and provided with several strategies to help prepare for these professions. And yes, Suffield High School School Resource Officer Kieselback provided donuts to the student participants (no stereotyping,  please). Hopefully our communities will see some of these Suffield young women and men protecting and serving in State Police grey or Suffield blue in the years to come!

World Language Students

Both Katherine Davis and Savannah Price have earned the February award for World Language Student of the Month. Katherine and Savannah are juniors at Suffield High School and classmates currently enrolled in Spanish V Honors. As classmates, Savannah and Katherine have demonstrated a commitment to communicating in the Spanish language from the beginning of the year. Together they engage in spontaneous conversation, take risks and create opportunities for growth. Individually, each has consistently demonstrated dedication to furthering their proficiency by extensively examining the language, exploring the content and making cultural connections.

Rotary Student

Congratulations to Hannah Stack, who was chosen as the Rotary Student of the Month for January. Hannah is a senior at Suffield High School and is an Honors student. Hannah was chosen to be a student representative to our Board of Education. She has been a volunteer coach at the Special Olympics, where she met with students and encouraged children with developmental delays. Hannah was also responsible for teaching golf to children with disabilities.

As Schools Match Wits

We have television personalities in our midst! Both Suffield High School and Suffield Academy participate in multiple “quiz bowls” every year, but only one of them – “As Schools Match Wits” – is televised; it can be viewed on WGBY most Saturdays at 7 p.m.

Save The Date! Mamma Mia

The Suffield High School Drama Club is presenting the Broadway smash Mamma Mia on March 14, 15, and 16. The house opens at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Tickets can be bought at the door or from a cast member.  This fun musical features the 70’s pop-rock band Abba and their hit songs such as “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” and “Take a Chance on Me.” The show is about a wedding taking place in the Greek islands.

Robotics Competition Begins

The FIRST Robotics organization spread the word on Saturday, January 5, defining this year’s top-level game and distributing kits with certain key parts that the robots will need. Aces High, our local robotics team, went to work immediately. On January 6 the students and mentors of Team 176 gathered in the computer room next to the metal shop at Windsor Locks High School. They studied the nature of the new game, called Destination Deep Space, identifying the capabilities their robot must have. They discussed ways to provide those capabilities and considered possible game play strategies that might be advantageous.

SMS Talent Shown

The Suffield Middle School talent show was called Shiver Me Timbers and featured a pirate motif, but the shivering on November 15, the planned show date, was mostly from the substantial snowstorm, and the show was postponed to November 18. There may have been a few unavailable performers, but the production was great nevertheless, and the supportive audience had good reason for the plentiful applause and lots of laughter. It was an enjoyable display of diverse talent, with over 40 students and four teachers contributing onstage and more helping backstage. Most of the performances were music and dance, solo and ensemble. Two solo dancers were particularly impressive.

SHS Students Celebrate French Heritage Week

Suffield High School has recently observed National French Week, an annual celebration organized by the American Association of Teachers of French. Each year, AATF, together with branches of Alliance Française and French organizations across the country, join forces in promoting the French language and increasing understanding and appreciation of the francophone world in schools and communities across the United States. During the French Week, which was celebrated at the high school in early December, the World Language Honor Society took the lead role in organizing a variety of cultural events promoting the diversity of francophone cultures. Each morning, SHS’s daily news show, Morning Update, welcomed all students and staff with contemporary music, cultural facts, and language from a variety of francophone countries. French language students Matthew Sinofsky and Fletcher Seymour, serving as anchors all week, delivered a lively and enthusiastic show featuring student guests Allison Gambrel, Gabrielle Zeller, Liam Duffy, and Jewel Hazlett who joined in sharing information and cultural perspectives from French speaking countries around the world.

SHS World Languages Student

Congratulations to Sarah Johnston – World Languages Student of the Month for December. Sarah is a senior at Suffield High School, currently enrolled in Advanced Placement French Language and Culture course. Sarah is a talented language learner with an unbeatable enthusiasm for linguistic challenges and cultural diversity. Her effort and dedication to the study of French have resulted in a high level of competency in the language. In April of 2017, Sarah was inducted into the National French Honor Society, and currently serves as the President of the chapter.