Welcome to the Smith Academy Prinicpal's blog.
Dear 8th grade Parents/Guardians,
As our Washington, D.C. trip draws near, there are a few items I would like to highlight and ask that you review with your child. The D.C. trip is a very exciting and educationally focused trip for our students. I have added our updated agenda that outlines the trip’s logistical details (find agenda below).
Personally, this is the 4th time I have traveled to D.C. with students and would like to speak from experience about a few pointers and requests. The trip requires a great deal of walking in what sometimes can be very humid weather. I ask that you ensure your student has a comfortable pair of athletic shoes (sneakers), sunblock, and brings an appropriate array of clothing. I strongly discourage flip-flops, they are prone to be uncomfortable and come apart.
We are representing our school and the Hatfield community; we want our impression to be one that reflects our community’s ideals. I ask that you do not send students with ripped clothing (sometimes teenage style) or too casual dress. We are visiting sacred sites which require a conscientious adherence to their significance (ex., Arlington National Cemetery).
Another area that is bound to arise is the appropriate use of technology. I have run into several cases where students will not disconnect from game players and cell phones. I ask that you address the need to adhere to chaperone requests surrounding this matter.
I am also asking that on the day of departure, if it is not too much trouble, could you provide a cooler and a case of water. Bottles of water sold in D.C. tend to sell for $5 a piece (street vendors). I found it to be a simple solution in keeping students hydrated and to ensure our schedule is followed. Again, not mandatory, but appreciated.
Respectfully,
Andrew Berrios
D.C._Agenda_2013.pdf
Congratulations to the Smith Academy Band and Jazz Band! They competed with various schools from the region and won several first place awards. We are proud of their performances and the manner in which they represented our school and communities.
Thank you to Mr. Longstreeth and the parent chaperones who supported our school.
Dear Community Members,
Nathaniel Hanson has been selected as a semifinalist for the 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. He was selected from 3.2 million graduating seniors and 3,900 official candidates. The semifinalist pool is made of 550 seniors and will comprise the final round before scholars are selected. Best of luck to you!
http://www2.ed.gov/programs/psp/2013/semifinalists.pdf
Respectfully,
Mr. Andrew Berrios
Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians and Community Members,
I am pleased to announce that the winner of our 140th Declamations Contest is Nicholas April. Taking second place was Lauren Bradford followed in third place by Kelly Ryan. The students delivered their speeches in an articulate and confident manner. We are all proud of their efforts and in the pride they displayed in carrying out one of our most special traditions.
Thank you to the Book Club for their continued support and in making Declamations a truly special event.
Respectfully,
Mr. Andrew Berrios
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Please see below email from MDESE:
Extremely Urgent: MCAS ELA Composition Test Postponed Until Monday, March 25
| To: | Principals and Directors of Charter Schools, Approved Private Special Education Schools, Educational Collaboratives, and Institutional Programs |
| Copy: | Superintendents, MCAS Test Coordinators |
| From: | Elizabeth Davis, Associate Commissioner of Student Assessment |
| Date: | March 18, 2013 |
In anticipation of severe weather that may result in numerous school closings and delayed openings tomorrow, Tuesday, March 19 (which is the date scheduled for the MCAS ELA Composition test), the Department has decided to postpone the administration of the MCAS ELA Composition test until Monday, March 25.
All schools must administer the ELA Composition test to students in grades 4, 7, and 10 on Monday, March 25, including schools that are not affected by the weather. We realize that this change may be disruptive for some schools, but for security reasons it is critical that all schools administer the ELA Composition on the same day. Even schools that are unaffected by the storm must wait until Monday, March 25, to administer the test."
We will adjust accordingly and utilize delayed starts this Thursday 3/21, Friday 3/22, and Monday 3/25. Again, these only apply to grades 9, 11, and 12.
MCAS 2013 Schedule
A. 3/21 (Thursday) ELA Reading Comprehension Session 1 & 2 (10th grade)
B. 3/22 (Friday) ELA Reading Comprehension Session 3 (10th grade)
C. 3/25 (Monday) ELA Composition Sessions A & B (Grades 7 & 10)
D. 3/26 (Tuesday) ELA Reading Comprehension Session 1 (8th grade)
E. 3/27 (Wednesday) ELA Reading Comprehension Session 2 (8th grade)
F. 3/28 (Thursday) ELA Reading Comprehension Session 1 (7th grade)
G. 3/29 (Friday) ELA Reading Comprehension Session 2 (7th grade)
Any questions, please do not hesitate.
Respectfully,
Mr. Andrew M. Berrios
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