science is elementary - lynn public schools · science is elementary aborn students, from left,...

VOL. 11, NO. 1 WINTER 2016

Classical graduateis MBTA’s top cop

Extra credit: College starts in high school

Science is elementaryAborn students, from left, Angel Garcia, Elizabeth Galo, Eva Joyce and Rachel Dana collaborate on a project with RickHeld, Lynn Public Schools assistant director of science, as part of the new science curriculum. Page 3. PHOTO: BOB ROCHE

Green in charge of Transit PoliceBY PAUL HALLORAN

Ken Green recalls listing“police detective” as a careergoal in the 1978 Classicalyearbook. As it turns out, he wasunderestimating himself.

Green was named permanentchief of the MBTA in October,after serving as acting chief for ayear. He was the internalcandidate in a pool of 69applicants who sought to replacePaul MacMillan.

When it became known thatGreen was one of six finalists, hedrew the strong support of

See GREEN page 10

From left, Dr. Patricia Gentile, president of North Shore Community College, Mayor Judith FlanaganKennedy, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Catherine Latham and Dr. Patricia Maguire Meservey, president ofSalem State University, formalize the CommUniverCity agreement.

BY PAUL HALLORAN

There is no shortage of talk about making collegemore accessible and more affordable. In Lynn, talk hasled to action, and high-school students stand to benefitgreatly.

The initiative is called CommUniverCity, and it wasformalized Dec. 11 at North Shore CommunityCollege when Superintendent of Schools Dr. CatherineC. Latham and NSCC President Dr. Patricia Gentilesigned a memorandum of understanding. Alsoparticipating were Mayor and Lynn School Committee

Chair Judith Flanagan Kennedy and Salem StateUniversity President Dr. Patricia Maguire Meservey.

CommUniverCity is an urban education-workforcedevelopment collaboration that aims to provideeffective and affordable educational pathways frompre-school to graduate school and into the workforce.

The cornerstone of the CommUniverCity initiative isa dual-enrollment program whereby Lynn PublicSchools students can take college courses at NSCCNew MBTA Transit Police

Chief Kenneth Green See COLLEGE page 11

As part of Lynn Public Schools’celebration of Literacy AwarenessMonth in November, local authorNila J. Webster visited three schools— and she did not show up empty-handed.

Webster, of Revere, donated newbooks to more than 3,000 students ingrades 3, 9 and 10.

Starting her literacy tour at theHarrington School, which she hasbeen visiting for the last 10 years,Webster gathered with third-gradersin the library and encouraged them toexplore the “magic of creative writingand your imagination.”

Webster gave students a copy ofher children's book The Gift of You,The Gift of Me, a book about courage,friendship and anti-bullying, writtenin English and Spanish. She asked the

third-graders if they would help witha special project. Next month,another new book will be providedfor each third-grader to deliver to asecond-grader, as a way of payingforward the positive energy.

When each third-grader gives abook to a second-grader, bothstudents will pledge not to engage inbullying, and to see the gift ineveryone. This will allow the third-graders to be role models for youngerchildren, and to know the joy ofgiving as well as receiving.

The program is called "Get a Book/ Give a Book" and Lynn PublicSchools is the first district inMassachusetts to provide this addeddimension of the book donations.

“The leadership of Lynn PublicSchools is in the vanguard,” said

Webster, who has donated more than70,000 books around the world.“Without the support of Dr.(Catherine) Latham, principals andlibrarians, these donations would notbe possible."

Webster also visited English andClassical, where she gave freshmenand sophomores a copy of Where thePoems Dance, a creative workbookthat invites students to reflect andcreate through poetry, artwork and

stories. Latham, who accompanied Webster

to all three schools, said the authorcontinues to be an inspiration forstudents and staff.

“Nila’s message resonates withstudents every time she visits,”Latham said. “She has left anindelible impression on thousands ofour students over the years, and hergenerosity is amazing.”

Webster first visited Harrington

School in 2006 at the request ofCarole Shutzer, the school librarian.She has come back annually sincethen, reading to students and talkingabout creative writing and poetry.

After her mother’s death, and facedwith her own mortality after beingdiagnosed with terminal lung cancerin 2010, Webster decided to donatebooks as a means of leaving part ofherself behind.

2 — The Lynn Educator WINTER 2016

CITY OF LYNN

Judith Flanagan Kennedy, Mayor

LYNN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Mayor Judith Flanagan KennedyChair

Patricia CapanoVice Chair

Maria O. CarrascoDonna M. CoppolaJohn Ford Jr.Lorraine GatelyJared Nicholson

PUBLISHED BY:LYNN PUBLIC SCHOOLSwww.lynnschools.org

Dr. Catherine C. Latham

Superintendent

Dr. Jaye E. WarryDeputy Superintendent

Dr. Patrick TutwilerDeputy Superintendent

SUBMIT STORY IDEAS TO: Thomas P. Iarrobino Secretary to the

Lynn School Committee 100 Bennett StreetLynn, MA 01905

Tel: 781-477-7220 [email protected]

PRODUCED BY:GRANT COMMUNICATIONS

CONSULTING GROUP

[email protected]

Ihope all of ourstudents, teachersand

administrators areenjoying a successfulstart to 2016.

I would like towelcome our two newSchool Committeemembers, JaredNicholson and

Lorraine Gately, who were sworn in Jan. 4.I wish them well as they work diligently with

Dr. Latham to maintain a quality educationalenvironment and support the continued growthof all of the students of the Lynn PublicSchools.

It is with much anticipation that we looktoward the spring opening of the new MarshallMiddle School. Thanks to the hard work anddedication of the construction team fromWalsh Brothers, we were able to adjust thetimeline and students will be able to move inmonths earlier than expected. Next on theagenda is Pickering Middle School, currentlyin the feasibility phase, and we hope to zero in

on a site by April. Congratulations once again to our repeat

Level 1 schools, Lynn Woods and Sewell-Anderson. Your school improvement effortsare to be applauded.

Best of luck in this second semester,particularly to our graduating seniors who maybe awaiting college acceptance letters andscholarships. Continue to work hard and makethis city proud of your achievements.

Judith Flanagan Kennedy is mayor of Lynn.

Welcome to thewinteredition of

The Lynn Educator. Withthe holidays behind us, itis time to refocus onachievement—in and outof the classroom—duringthe second half of thisschool year.

Inside this edition, youwill read about the many

wonderful things happening across this district,from teachers who are authors, an author whotakes the time to share her stories with ourstudents, an athlete who excels on and off thefield, artists who are discovering their talentsand a school that has achieved Blue Ribbonstatus.

This school year, the district also rolled outa new science curriculum for elementaryschool students, written by our assistantdirector of science and half a dozen Lynnteachers. I commend all of them for theirefforts, and I know our students are reapingthe benefits of the innovative and interactivenew lessons.

Another exciting new opportunity is aninitiative called CommUniverCity, which aimsto provide effective and affordable educationalpathways from pre-school to graduate schooland into the workforce. Lynn Public Schoolsstudents will be able to take college courses atNorth Shore Community College and earn upto 30 credits by the time they graduate fromhigh school. What a wonderful head start thiswill be for our high school students on a pathtowards higher education.

It is also promising to see what’s going on atLynn Tech, where vocational students in theeducation track are getting a chance to workdirectly with the district’s Early ChildhoodCenter students and explore that career path. Itis truly a mutually beneficial relationship.Likewise, the expansion of Lynn Tech’s healthtechnology program will better prepare thegrowing number of students pursuing careersin nursing and the life sciences.

I wish all of our students and staff awonderful winter and look forward to thespring when we open the doors to the newMarshall Middle School, prepare forMCAS/PARCC testing and send off our 2016graduates.

Dr. Catherine C. Latham is superintendentof schools.

DR. CATHERINEC. LATHAM

JUDITH FLANAGANKENNEDY

Much to look forward to in new year

Local author shares giftof reading with studentsat three Lynn schools

Harrington third-graders were pleased to receive a copy of a book written by Nila J. Webster, standing second fromright, with Superintendent Dr. Catherine Latham, librarian Carole Shutzer and Principal Debra Ruggiero.

More opportunities than ever for students

The Lynn Educator WINTER 2016 — 3

BY PAUL HALLORAN

Elementary school students in Lynnare studying a new science curriculumthat is designed to give them a deeperunderstanding of what they learn.

“The lessons start by teachingcontent, then there is an activity todeepen the learning,” said Rick Held,assistant director of science for LynnPublic Schools.

Teachers utilize SMART boards,videos and books to engage thestudents. The activities are not onlyhands-on, Held said, but also “minds-on.”

“We want to get the kids thinkingabout science,” Held said, “so they cantake the content and learn moredeeply.”

Held and a half-dozen educatorswrote the curriculum over the last ninemonths. “It was created by a team ofLynn teachers for Lynn students,” hesaid.

Working on the new sciencecurriculum were: Kelley Breen, AshleyBurke, Kristen Burke, ChristineMcCarriston, Carole Shutzer and KatiaSpiess.

“Rick Held and the teachers and staffwho worked on this curriculum did afantastic job,” Superintendent Dr.Catherine C. Latham said. “Thanks totheir efforts, our elementary students

are learning science in a new andexciting way.”

The activities in the lessons includestudying butterflies, the life cycle of afrog, solar power and electrical circuits.There are also twin textbooks – afiction and non-fiction – in grades 1-2.For example, when studying rocks andminerals students will read “Sylvesterand the Magic Pebble” as well as non-fiction books about rocks.

There are embedded videos for eachunit intended to engage students andhelp teachers in their presentation ofthe material. “There is a lot of teachersupport,” Held said. “Elementaryteachers are typically English LanguageArts and math specialists. We want tomake it easy for them to teach science.”

The feedback has been positive.“The teachers are very excited about

it and the students are really enjoyingit,” Held said. “It’s simple to use and itreally engages students.”

Callahan School second-gradeteacher Kim Staples said studentsparticularly enjoy the interactive natureof the lessons. “It’s highly visual,which is fantastic,” said Staples, a 30-year teacher. “The graphics arefantastic. It’s teacher-friendly and user-friendly. The kids are eager to learnscience.”

In Lynn,new science

curriculum iselementary

Neiza Quinones and John Giovanni give close inspection to the makeup of a pile of dirt in scienceclass at Aborn.

Rick Held works with Aborn students Eliza Correnti, Joyce Buamulungu and Lauren Hennessey on amotion experiment. PHOTOS: BOB ROCHE

Hour of CodeThe Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction tocomputer science, designed to demystify codeand show the students that anybody can learnthe basics. It takes place each year duringComputer Science Education Week which wasDec. 7-13, 2015. At left, Cobbet Elementary students Billy Chavezand Jazlie Contreras work together on theircode project. On the right, Cobbet students Franklin Gonzalesand Neidy Merida-Lopez display their certificateof completion. Shannon Bansfield, assistantdirector of technology for LPS, teaches theintroductory class.


BY MICHELE DURGIN

Cobbet Elementary School Principal SusanneGarrity knows Kathy Hood is a “special” teacher– in more ways than one.

“Kathy is an exceptional teacher,” Garrity saidof Hood, the lead special education teacher atCobbet.

Hood has been an elementary/specialeducation teacher in Lynn Public Schools for 32years, the last 22 at Cobbet. She can be founddaily in a transitional kindergarten class forstudents who are developmentally delayed due tolanguage skills, autism or physical disabilities.She currently works with 12 students along withKaren Patrikas, a paraprofessional who has beenat her side for 20 years.

“We make a good team,” Patrikas said asGarrity smiled in agreement.

Hood takes her job seriously, arriving at schoolto plan out her day at 6:20 a.m., 90 minutes

before students arrive and the school day begins.“My children start with breakfast in the

classroom and then we break into reading groups

and we’re in full swing,” Hood said. Soon it islunchtime and the children enjoy play time. Theafternoon is spent working on other subjects

including phonics, music, art and physicaleducation. Math rounds out the day and beforeshe knows it another day has come to a close.

Hood says goodbye to her students and looksforward to the next morning when she will seethem again. “They make me so proud each andevery day,” she said.

The day does not end there for Hood, whooften finds herself talking with other teachersabout best practices for their classrooms andsharing ideas to inspire the young learners intheir care.

Garrity calls Hood a “true leader in thebuilding” who runs a successful mentoringprogram for all new teachers at Cobbet.

Hood is quick to deflect credit. “I get newideas from other teachers and we all worktogether as a team,” she said. “I think the staffhere is fantastic. The advice I usually give is totake it one day at a time.”

She is thankful to feel the support of manyparents, too. “They are so cooperative and reallyvalue the learning going on inside theclassroom,” Hood said. “This is a wonderfulschool and we are lucky to have such asupportive principal.”

Hood said she is not ready to end her time as ateacher anytime soon. “I love my job and I willknow when it is time to retire. I can tell you forsure that I plan to be here for awhile.”

Special Ks

BY MICHELE DURGIN

Many people might say that wife, mother,Lynn schoolteacher and children's authorKathy Parker wears so many hats that shemust be going in 33 directions every day.And while that might be true to an extent,she would say the fact that her various rolesare so interconnected allows her to keepeverything in its proper perspective.

Parker’s first children's book, FredFreckle, a heartwarming story about a littleboy's desperate desire to find just one frecklesomewhere on himself, was published in2010. She published her second book in2015, Germ Boy, which addresses theburning question of so many youngsters: “IfI don't wash, will I turn into a germ?"

Both books are written for children ages3-9 and have been well received by readers.Parker is quick to give her own children,Jake and Aaron, credit for the topics of thebooks.

"I have gained insight through a mother'seyes,” said Parker, a special educationteacher at Lynn Woods Elementary School.“Kids notice the little things in life, such as

freckles and germs, and as a result, thestories were brought to life for me.”

Parker is a lifelong Lynner and a proudproduct of Lynn Public Schools, graduatingfrom Lynn English. She earned a bachelor’sdegree in special education and English atBridgewater State University and a master’s

in English at Salem State. When asked who or what has been her

motivator and inspiration Parker was quickto answer. "Both my mother, Joanne, and myhusband, Frank, encourage and motivateme,” she said. “My mother has always beena strong role model for me as a hard-

working mother. Somehow, she did it all. Itry to emulate her. My husband encouragesme to take the time to continue with mywriting. He believes in me and is my biggestcheerleader."

Success is a word that has manyinterpretations, depending on where one ison life’s journey. For Parker, success isdifficult to define and ever changing. "Forme, success is achieving a goal I set formyself,” she said. “It could be in the dailyjuggle of being a full-time teacher, a motherand wife, author, and household manager.Lately, success feels like packing ahomemade lunch for my kids, rememberingit's recycling day, or just knowing we areproviding for our children.

“In terms of writing,” she added, “successwas when Mirror Publishing said ‘yes’ whenothers had said "no thanks." But the greatestfeeling of success comes when children andparents stop to tell me that they love mystories. That is a truly heartwarming andsuccessful feeling.”

Parker takes none of her experiences forgranted and is grateful for the literaryaccolades she is receiving. She stillconsiders herself to be an "aspiring author.”

What the future holds for this energeticand talented woman is anyone's guess,including Parker’s. “I’m happy in each ofmy roles and I look forward to many happyand wonderful days to come,” she said.

And so as Kathy Parker gathers her hatsand prepares to move on, one thing iscertain: She wears them all very well.

Cobbet special education teacher Kathy Hood keeps her class engaged. PHOTO: BOB ROCHE

Kathy Parker’s sons Jake, left, and Aaron display the children’s books she has written.

Kathy Hooda ‘true leader’at Cobbet

Kathy Parker’sstory is abalancing act


Sewell-Anderson Elementary School was one of only five schools in Massachusetts and 335 nationwide to be named a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School. PHOTO: THE DAILY ITEM

Aborn Patricia Muxie, Principal

409 Eastern Ave., Lynn, MA 01902

781-477-7320

Brickett Eileen Cole, Principal

123 Lewis St., Lynn, MA 01902

781-477-7333

Callahan Dr. Brian Fay, Principal

200 O’Callaghan Way, Lynn, MA 01905

781-477-7340

Cobbet Susanne Garrity, Principal

40 Franklin St., Lynn, MA 01902

781-477-7341

Connery Dr. Mary Dill, Principal

50 Elm St., Lynn, MA 01905

781-477-7344

Drewicz Patricia Herbert, Principal

34 Hood St., Lynn, MA 01905

781-477-7350

Ford Joanne LaRivee, Principal

49 Hollingsworth St., Lynn, MA 01902

781-477-7375

Harrington Debra Ruggiero, Principal

21 Dexter St., Lynn, MA 01902

781-477-7380

Hood Gayle Dufour, Principal

24 Oakwood Ave., Lynn, MA 01902

781-477-7390

Ingalls Irene Cowdell, Principal

1 Collins Street Terr., Lynn, MA 01902

781-477-7400

Lincoln-Thomson Helen Psallidas Mihos, Principal

115 Gardiner St., Lynn, MA 01905

781-477-7460

Lynn Woods Ellen Fritz, Principal

31 Trevett Ave, Lynn, MA 01904

781-477-7433

Sewell-Anderson Mary Panagopoulos, Principal

25 Ontario St., Lynn, MA 01905

781-477-7444

Shoemaker Patricia Riley, Principal

26 Regina Road, Lynn, MA 01904

781-477-7450

Sisson Jane Franklin, Principal

58 Conomo Ave., Lynn, MA 01904

781-477-7455

Tracy Pattye Griffin, Principal

35 Walnut St., Lynn, MA 01905

781-477-7466

Washington John Licorish, Principal

58 Blossom St., Lynn, MA 01902

781-477-7401

Breed Julie Louf, Principal


781-477-7330

Marshall Molly Cohen, Principal

19 Porter St. Lynn, MA 01902

781-477-7360

Pickering Kevin Rittershaus, Principal

70 Conomo Ave, Lynn, MA 01904

781-477-7440

Classical Gene Constantino, Principal


781-477-7404

English Thomas Strangie, Principal

50 Goodridge Street, Lynn, MA 01902

781-477-7366

Lynn Vocational Technical InstituteRobert Buontempo, Director

80 Neptune Blvd, Lynn, MA 01902

781-477-7420

Early Childhood CenterMarilyn Mahoney, Principal

90 Commercial St., Lynn, MA 01905

781-477-7220

Fallon ElementaryNancy Takis-Conway, Principal

100 Robinson St. Lynn, MA 01905

781-477-7470

Fecteau-Leary Junior-Senior HighMaura Scully, Principal

33 North Common St. Lynn, MA 01902

781-268-3000

LEEP Evening ProgramKaren Twomey, Director

50 Goodridge St., Lynn, MA 01902

781-477-7361

Lynn Public Schools DirectoryElementary schools

High schools

Alternative/Special schools

Middle schools

BY MEAGHAN CASEY

At county fairs, science fairs and certainathletic events, the blue ribbon is the mostsought-after prize for any competitor. Thus itshould come as no surprise that beingrecognized by U.S. Department of Education’sBlue Ribbon Schools Program is one of thehighest honors for any school to receive.

Sewell-Anderson Elementary School is oneof only five schools in Massachusetts and 335nationwide to be named a 2015 National BlueRibbon School.

The program recognizes public and privateK-12 schools that demonstrate dramatic gainsin student achievement and celebrates some of

the most skilled and effective educators in thecountry. In its 33-year history, the NationalBlue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowedthis coveted award on 8,000 schools.

Sewell-Anderson was specificallyrecognized for having made the greatestadvances—among the top 15 percent in thecountry—in closing subgroup achievementgaps in English and mathematics over the pastfive years, measured by state assessments. Lastyear, the school was named a CommendationSchool by the state’s Department ofElementary and Secondary Education for itswork in narrowing proficiency gaps. It hascontinuously met state requirements tomaintain the honor of Level 1 status by

meeting benchmarks of Annual YearlyProgress, Student Growth Percentiles, andProgress Performance Indexes.

“This is such an honor for Sewell-Anderson,Lynn Public Schools and the city,” saidSuperintendent Dr. Catherine C. Latham. “Theschool has made great progress in closing theachievement gap at every level and we can alllearn from the exemplary work going onthere.”

“Everyone associated with Sewell-Andersonshould be very proud of this recognition,” saidMayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy, chair of theLynn School Committee. “In a time wherethere is more emphasis on standardized testingthan ever, it is a credit to the students and staff

that they were able to make such significantprogress.”

“I believe the success comes from thecollaboration between school and home, thehigh expectations of our teachers, and thebelief that all children can learn,” said Sewell-Anderson Principal Mary Panagopoulos. “Thisaward proves that hard work and effectiveeffort pays off, but also reminds us howimportant it is to keep the momentum going.”

Panagopoulos, a teacher for more than 30years, is in her first year as principal. Shereplaced Patricia Mallett, who retired at the endof the 2014-15 school year. Mallett returned fora school-wide photo and was greeted with loudapplause by her former students.

6 — The Lynn Educator WINTER 2016 The Lynn Educator WINTER 2016 — 7

BY MICHELE DURGIN

The Lynn Public Schools Early Childhood Center is avibrant school educating students from pre-kindergartenthrough grade 5. It opened in September 2013 with astaff of 28 and 10 classrooms. Principal MarilynMahoney proudly reports that in just two years theprogram has grown into a staff of 57 and 18 classroomsfull of active learners. According to Mahoney, the ECC – located in Lynn

Tech’s Commercial Street building – educatesapproximately 300 children and benefits from being inthe same building as Lynn Tech students who areinvolved in the early childhood course of study.“I’m so grateful to (Superintendent) Dr. (Catherine)

Latham for creating the ECC,” she said. “We’ve grownso much in such a short time and our collaboration withLynn Tech has been a win-win for everyone involved.”Mahoney explained that the ECC students serve as the

“shop” for the vocational students. “It’s been a verysuccessful partnership and it warms my heart to see thehigh school students interacting and supporting our veryyoung children. Our hope for the future is that many ofthem will pursue a career in education and return as anintegral part of our staff.”Currently, Tech students spend varying amounts of

time at the ECC depending upon their grade level.Sophomores spend one day a week with the youngstersand four days in their high school classes, while juniorsand seniors alternate between five days of high schoolclasses followed by five days at the center.

Courses include Child Growth and Development,Classroom Management, Portfolio Development, andCPR/First Aid. Upon successful completion of theprogram, career opportunities are available in the field ofeducation. Teacher Erin Rogers has worked at the ECC for three

years and takes pride in the progress that her studentsmake during their time in her classroom. “It’s a greatteam here,” Rogers said. “The little ones are so anxiousto learn new things and love the activities we provide forthem each day. We love the high-schoolers involvementand are grateful for the help they provide.”Lynn Tech senior Caroline MacDonald “interns” in a

special education classroom and enjoys helping teacherJennifer Northrop with lessons and activities. “When Igraduate I will be able to work as a teacher’s aide, but Iam considering continuing on in college to become ateacher,” MacDonald said, whom Northrop considers avaluable assistant.“Just to have an extra set of hands is great. It’s been a

terrific two years and I’ve grown to really depend onCaroline. I will miss her very much when shegraduates,” Northrop said. Kindergarten teacher Janet McDonald also has had a

positive experience with the program. “I am happy toreport that the children love the teens and look forwardto seeing them every day,” she said.The Early Childhood Center is proud of its school

pledge, which is recited daily and reads in part, “I amhere to learn all I can, to try my best and be all I am.”

BY RICH FAHEY

Educators in Lynn Vocational Technical Institute’shealth technology program see the expansion of theprogram as a win on two counts: an opportunity toserve the community at large and give students achance to fill openings in a rapidly growing field.Fifty Lynn Tech students are currently studying to

become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or arealready working in the field in the form of senior co-opjobs. By the end of this school year, that total will riseto 70 as 20 freshmen now enrolled in exploratorycourses join the ranks.“There’s a need for qualified people to fill these

jobs,” said health tech instructor Kim Conway. “As theBaby Boomers age, they’re replacing knees or hips, orrequiring long-term care.”The program is taught by three registered nurses:

Conway, Stephanie Gargiulo and Richard Frank, thelatter two having joined Conway this year.Tech Director Robert Buontempo credited Conway

and former health tech instructor Suzanne Arnold withworking closely together for years to build the programto where it has become one of our most sought-afterprograms at Tech.“We have been very fortunate to have been able to

bring both Stephanie Gargiulo and Richard Frank on ashealth tech instructors, one due to Ms. Arnold leavingthe region to be near family and a second instructor dueto the popularity and demand of students wanting tobecome involved in the health field,” Buontempo said.“Both instructors have brought much enthusiasm, newideas and approaches to the classroom which has madethe transition almost seamless. We’re excited tohave them as part of our team.”The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics projects

that the demand for certified nursing assistantswill increase by 21 percent from 2012-2022,with 321,000 new opportunities. “I’ve seensome studies that put the actual number closerto 50 percent,” said Conway. Students take the test to be CNAs,

administered by the Red Cross, at the end oftheir junior year. If they pass – they havethree chances – they can spend their senioryear getting their feet wet in the field underthe school’s co-op program, which alternatesweeks of work in the field with weeks ofclasses. CNAs start at $10-13 an hour.Conway said 12 of 15 seniors are

currently working at facilities such as Union and Salemhospitals, Lynn Community Health Center, GreaterLynn Senior Services’ PACE program, and BrooksbyVillage in Peabody.Conway credited Tech co-op director Bonnie Carr

with finding the opportunities for the students, wholearn basic physiology and the nomenclature that willallow them to become effective assistants. Students areprovided with a knowledge based in human behaviorand development, geriatrics, nursing assistant skills,medical terminology, and nutrition. “Nursing 101 is what they learn here,” Conway said.

“They get the basics.”The CNA can be the gateway to other opportunities

in the health care field such as home health aide,hospital clerk, surgical technician, and occupational orphysical therapist.Conway said one student who went through the

program started out at Bunker Hill Community Collegeand is now at UMass Boston on schedule to get her RNnext year.“It’s up to the kids what they do after the program,”

she said. “Some may go on to other areas of healthcareand some may leave the field. But they’ll leave with abetter understanding of people and healthcare, and witha personal sense of personal growth and maturity.”She also left open the possibility of adding a medical

assistant program. Either way, the expansion of thehealth tech program is a win-win.“The important part is that this program is meeting

the needs of both the community and the students,”Conway said.

TEACHING AND LEARNING FOR ALL AGES AT TECH Health technology program

grows along with opportunities

Lynn Tech student Soranyela Rosario works on her instructionalskills while helping student Jarolyn Lopez.

Lynn Tech senior Lisanee Martinez reads TheGingerbread Bear to a group of students.

Adriana Reyes works with, from left, Jesus Hierro,Lia Molina Rodriguez and Zahira Pivaral.

Health Technology students, from left, Diana Frias, Fatuma Adan,Jacelyn Perry, Samir Usuman, Lexy Hansen, Lilybeth Solis, OuryBah and Paulana Moeun dress the part.

Student Hector Valdivieso feels better now that nurse KimConway is at his bedside.

Keeping things clean andsterile is a priority.

Soranyela Rosario assists during morning meeting time.

Early Childhood Center includesstudents teaching students

PHOTOS: BOB ROCHE


Around Lynn Schools

Former NFL star and best-selling author TimGreen, shown with Breed Middle school librarianIrene Kszepka-Daly, visited Breed to deliver animportant message about the opportunitiesavailable to students if they are willing to put inthe required effort. Green has written 32 books,including 16 for young readers. “Unstoppable”made it to No. 2 on the New York Times bestsellerlist and it was the book selected for the BreedReads school-wide reading program this year.

Lynn Woods Elementary School fifth-graders performed in their last drama club show, Alice In Wonderland Jr., on Dec. 12-13.Both shows played to a sellout crowd.

Working with the Food Project, students and staff at the Callahan School planted“garden boxes” in which they will grow greens and vegetables. From left,Superintendent Dr. Catherine Latham, school garden coordinator Liz Gaeta, JhomarCuevas and Kelvin Imalenowa of the Food Project, Principal Dr. Brian Fay and MichaelGeary, LPS assistant director of Physical Education and Wellness. Jhomar and Kelvin areCallahan graduates. PHOTOS: THE DAILY ITEM

Abigail Valencia, a Marshall MiddleSchool student, is congratulatedby her former principal, DebraRuggiero of Harrington, on beingone of 10 students nationwide tohave her artwork chosen toappear on cafeteria tray liners aspart of a Preferred Meals contest.

Feeding America films Kerri Katsos’ fifth-grade class atConnery Elementary School for a documentary on whynonprofits such as the Greater Boston Food Bank needincreased funding. Katsos spoke of how hunger impactsstudent learning. Connery hosts one of only eightschool food pantries in the state.

Fatou Bah of the Food Project evens out the soil in one of the garden boxes.

Thirty Ingalls Elementary parents participated in four sessions of “Love and Limits: PositiveApproaches to Discipline,” a parenting course offered by Families First Parenting Programsand Lynn Public Schools. Topics discussed included motivation, child development, positivediscipline strategies and creating acceptable limits in parent-child relationships.


A number of Lynn students fromAborn, Cobbet, Harrington,Lincoln-Thompson, Shoemakerand Washington STEM werethrilled to see their artwork ondisplay at the Peabody EssexMuseum. The experience wasmade possible through themuseum’s Creative Collaborationsprogram, which creates meaningfulpartnerships with Title I schoolsand teachers in grades 3, 4 and 5in Lynn and Salem throughsequenced museum visits andobject-based lesson plans.

Students engage with museumstaff and the collection ininteractive, inquiry-based learningexperiences and have opportunitiesto make personal connections withworks of art. Teachers integratemuseum visits into classroomcurricula and identify final projectsfor their students to create back atschool. Students had theopportunity to present their workat PEM for parents and friendsduring a culminating Family Nightcelebration, which was held lastJine.

Inspired bycontemporary Dutch artist

Theo Jansen, the portfolio artclass at Lynn Classical High

School is fusing creativity withengineering to create animated works

of art. Jansen, who is famous for his kinetic sculptures, blurs the

line between art and science and sculpture and performance.His self-propelling beach animals, known as Strandbeests, relyon wind and engineering to move. The Peabody EssexMuseum (PEM) kicked off the first U.S. tour featuringJansen’s sculptures, which was on display from Sept. 19 to Jan.3, before moving on to Chicago and San Francisco.

Teacher Patty Klibansky had the opportunity to visit theexhibit during a professional development course at the PEM.Inspired, she had her students—all of whom are planning topursue a major in art in college—construct a small version ofJansen’s “Rhinoceros Strandbeest.” They also plan to constructa large-scale ram in honor of Classical’s mascot in the spring.

“This is a perfect way to integrate the arts with science,technology, engineering and math,” said Klibansky. “Thestudents have been very engaged in the process.”

Hood Elementary School first-graders designed rock artto decorate the courtyard of the school. Art teacher SimoneKivett introduced the idea after participating in aprofessional development class called “Project-basedLearning for ELLs,” which featured a similar art lesson.Hood students studied different methods of installation art,including the work of contemporary artist AndyGoldsworthy, and then painted and arranged the rocks tobeautify the school’s outdoor space.

“The project helped the students see how to use art inthe real world, outside of the classroom,” said Kivett.

Hood first-gradersdecorate courtyard

Thomas Politano, Lincoln-Thomson student, with his Chinese bamboowatercolor painting and art teacher Simone Kivett.

Lynn artwork graces the wallsof the Peabody Essex Museum

Classical seniors, from left, Eva Torres, Nathan Diaz, Keiri Portillo and Kimberly Cruz, and Kevin Thorng (rightphoto) construct a smaller version of Theo Jansen’s “Rhinoceros Strandbeest” during portfolio art class.

Student rock art is displayed at Hood Elementary.

Classical students create moving art


Lynn Public Schools is offering wrestling for the first time thiswinter. The team, which is open to all Lynn middle-schoolstudents, will be run out of Thurgood Marshall Middle School.The program is supported by a generous donation from the Lynnbusiness community, led by RCG LLC.

The wrestling program is the result of a partnership betweenLynn Public Schools, Boston Youth Wrestling (BYW), localattorneys Jared Nicholson and Clint Muche, and a handful oflocal and regional businesses.

The start of that collaboration took place last spring, whenNicholson and Muche organized a visit by BYW to a Marshallgym class. The students loved the demonstration and manyexpressed enthusiasm about taking up the sport.

Matt Picarsic, managing principal of RCG, read The Item’scoverage of the event and was inspired to make a contributionand lead a private fundraising effort that will cover the start-upcosts of a full-fledged program, including the purchase of a matand equipment.

“RCG is proud to be a founding sponsor of Lynn wrestling,”Picarsic said. “Our business is very actively involved in the Lynncommunity, and we believe it has a bright future. That’s why wewant to be a part of a new tradition in Lynn athletics.”

Picarsic said Biondolillo Associates, Inc. and the Gilbergfamily and Edison Realty LLC also stepped forward to helpsponsor the program.

Since 2012, BYW has supported the creation of nine middle-school programs in Boston and Chelsea, two high-schoolprograms, and a training center open during the spring andsummer to all Boston wrestlers in grades 5-12. BYW willcontinue to be an involved partner in Lynn’s program, sharing itsexpertise and training resources.

“The fundamental skills of wrestling align to core values ofdedication, perseverance and hard work,” said Mike Geary,assistant director of Health and Physical Education for LynnPublic Schools.

“Wrestling teaches discipline, builds confidence and givesstudent-athletes of all sizes a chance to participate,” saidNicholson, a Div. 1 wrestler at Princeton. “It is a particularlygreat fit for Lynn because of the low cost of participation forathletes and small space needs relative to other sports.”

Nicholson, a new member of the Lynn School Committee,realized that Lynn was without a wrestling program andapproached BYW in the fall of 2014 with the hope that it couldhelp him bring wrestling to Lynn.

The program, which began in January, runs for eight weeks.

Middle schools addwrestling with supportof business community

same.”Football was also a heavier lift this year. “I

expect a lot from the players – meetings,practices, film work,” Carroll said. “Daekwonkept pushing forward. He keeps his prioritiesin line. For him to handle everything that wasput on him speaks volumes about hischaracter and how impressive a young manhe is.”

Between school, football and work,

Shepherd’s typical day in the fall lasted about16 hours — then he could think about startinghis homework.

“I get no sleep,” he said. “People who comethrough the drive-through tell me I looktired.”

Shepherd lives with his sisters, Tanya Davisand Tatiana Shepherd, and his niece. His olderbrother, David Sanchez, is a Bostonfirefighter.

Wherever Shepherd attends college, he willlikely find the transition to living on his own

much easier than the average freshman. “I’ve always been an independent kid,” he

said. “I did everything myself. I didn’t rely onanyone for anything. Moving away to collegeis not going to be hard for me. I’ve alreadybeen by myself.”

That’s the good news --- and the bad news.But rather than succumb to the temptation tofeel sorry for Daekwon Shepherd, be thankfulthat he has been able to absorb adversity’sswift kick and become a better man for it.

Walt Disney would be proud.

SHEPHERD: From Page 12

Good Shepherd tackles adversity

minority civic leaders, clergy and lawmakers, amongothers. He said he feels his 25 years of experience in thedepartment made him the best choice for the position.

“I’ve held every rank,” said Green, who joined theTransit Police in 1991 after eight years as a Winchestercop. “People were leery of an outside candidate coming in,not knowing the place. I know what’s important. It’s amorale killer when you get an outside chief coming in witha municipal mindset. It doesn’t work. Transit policing ismuch different than traditional policing. We’re much morecustomer-service oriented.”

Green’s 280-member force has jurisdiction in 175communities and is responsible for the safety of 1.3 millionriders per day. That requires a great deal or coordinationand cooperation.

“We have to have relationships with all the communitiesin order to share information and resources,” he said.“There’s a lot of relationship building that goes with thejob. I had already built those relationships.”

When called into action, the Transit Police must keep inmind the ramifications on the MBTA ridership. “We haveto perform our duties quickly and efficiently in order to getthe trains moving again,” Green said. “We don’t have theluxury of closing a road a rerouting traffic.”

Like public safety officials at all levels of governmenttoday, Green lives with the constant threat of terrorism.

“That’s one thing that keeps me up at night,” he said. “Iwasn’t a big CNN guy; I am now. The transit system is asoft target. There are many access points. There’s no waywe can cover them all. We try to strategically put officersin areas with a high concentration of people at peakridership times.”

Green was a three-sport standout at Classical, where heplayed wide receiver and defensive back and made a cameoat quarterback in the biggest regular-season game of the1976 season. “Eddie Thurman got hurt and they put me in,”Green recalled of the game which Classical won, 7-0, toearn a berth in the MIAA Div. 2 Super Bowl, where theRams beat Wilmington.

“We had the best high-school coach you could everhave,” Greed said of Bill Wise. “He taught us things theywere teaching at the college level. We would practice for 3-4 hours.”

Green went on to play defensive back at BostonUniversity, graduating in 1983. When he got to BU, he felthe was far ahead of his teammates and opponents when itcame to knowledge of the game.

“In high school, we were taught things that I assumed allcoaches were teaching kids,” he said. “We were taught to apoint that we knew if it was going to be a pass or runbefore the ball was snapped. That’s why we were so good.”

Green was fortunate to play with a bevy of scholasticstars, including Thurman, Arthur Akers, and Jay Alicudo.Akers, who went on to play football at UCLA, wasrecruited by virtually every big-time program in thecountry, which brought increased exposure to the rest of theRams.

“Arthur Akers is the one who brought the collegecoaches in,” Green said, recalling seeing the likes of TerryDonahue, Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler in thestands at Classical basketball games.

Green took the police exam his junior year at BU. At thesuggestion of a friend, he included Winchester on the list ofsix communities in which he would like to one day work.“I had never heard of it,” Green said. “He told me it was a‘bedroom community.’”

After graduating, Winchester offered him a position,which he accepted, and he enjoyed his eight years there.

“I enjoyed Winchester,” Green said. “They accepted me.I just got bored after awhile. There wasn’t much going on. Iwanted to do more.”

Lynn wasn’t hiring and he couldn’t get on the Bostonforce, so Green followed a path set by his friend HermanWheeler, who transferred from Lynn to the Transit Police.It didn’t take very long for him to realize he wasn’t inWinchester anymore.

“The first week on the job was the first time I sawsomeone who had been shot in the head,” he said. “It wasan eye opener. I almost went back.”

Fortunately, he was talked into staying and the rest ishistory.

“There’s opportunity to grow into transit policing,” hesaid. “There is a lot of standing around watching people.You are constantly on alert.”

Green may live in Saugus, but he will always considerhimself a Lynner. “Lynn taught me discipline,perseverance, friendship and loyalty. I don’t see that outhere today,” he said. “I do all my business in Lynn. Theonly thing I do in Saugus is buy coffee.”

Green has been best friends with Lynn Fire Departmentinspector Darrell Murkison for more than 45 years.

“We’ve been best man at each other’s weddings andDarrell has been my confidante. I’m a big loyalty guy,”said Green, 55, who lives with his wife, Patricia, and 7-year-old daughter, Krystin. He has three older sons: Kenny,Dewayne and Brian, all of whom graduated from Classical.“I have a couple of close friends and that’s it.”

Classical grad MBTA’s top copGREEN: From Page 1

English guidance counselor Kara Baletsa hasplayed an integral role in the life ofDaekwon Shepherd. PHOTO: BOB ROCHE


BY PAUL HALLORAN

While it might seem unusual tosee the police chief, superintendentof schools and district attorneysigning the same document, it is ayearly occurrence in Lynn, and oneall three individuals value verymuch.

Superintendent of Schools Dr.Catherine C. Latham, Police ChiefKevin Coppinger and EssexDistrict Attorney Jonathan Blodgettgathered in Latham’s office to signa memorandum of understanding.The agreement recognizes theformal working relationship agreedupon by Lynn Public Schools, theLynn Police Department and theDA’s office to provide a safe andviolence-free educational settingfor the city's students.

“This enables us to shareinformation and workcollaboratively,” Latham said. “Weare very grateful for the supportfrom law enforcement.”

Coppinger said thememorandum is reflective of themutual goals of “educatingstudents, keeping them safe andgiving them direction to help themmake good choices and avoidpitfalls.”

“You can’t lose when you havethe superintendent, police chiefand DA working together to helpkids,” said Blodgett. “In my office,we have people who spend theirprofessional life trying to help kidsmake good decisions. I want tointeract with kids in schools, notcourtrooms.”

Schools renew partnership with police, district attorney

From left, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Catherine C. Latham, Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett andPolice Chief Kevin Coppinger sign a memorandum of understanding.

and earn up to 30 credits by the time theygraduate from high school.

“This opens up tremendous college andcareer opportunities for our students,” Lathamsaid. “Many of our students will be first-generation college students. This gives themthe opportunity to get college credits and seewhat college is like.”

Latham said the fact that the courses willbe taught at NSCC evenings and weekends isa bonus.

“Students will come here and have all theprivileges of North Shore CommunityCollege students,” she said. “It’s going to takeaway the fear of the unknown.”

There will be 11 courses offered this spring– six of them focusing on computers andinformation technology and the others general

education. Gentile said one of the primarygoals is to prepare students for a STEM –science, technology, engineering, math –career pathway.

Lynn students are already in good shape inthat regard, Latham said, thanks to programssuch as the CISCO courses Kevin Geaney hasbrought to the high schools. “We havestudents ready to take this pathway,” she said.

Gentile stressed that CommUniverCity isthe result of unprecedented collaborationbetween several entities, including: NSCC,LPS and Salem State; Kennedy’s office; MarySarris and the North Shore WorkforceInvestment Board; Lori Berry and the LynnCommunity Health Center; Federal ReserveBank of Boston; and individual donors FredSchmid, founder of Crystal SystemsInnovations, and Old Neighborhood FoodsCEO Thomas Demakes, a director of the

Gerondelis Foundation. She also credited Sen.Thomas McGee and Rep. Brendan Crightonwith helping to move the project forward atthe state level.

Faculty from all three institutionsparticipated in an IT Academic PathwayCommittee, with LPS represented by ShannonBansfield, Shannon Gardner, Kim Powers,Jennifer Wu, Deputy Superintendent PatrickTutwiler and Geaney. Key technologyindustry leaders also offered support andcounsel, including: Attorney David Baer,founder and past president of the North ShoreTechnology Council; Tim Lasonde, presidentof NSK Inc. of Boston; and Chris Davia,general manager of Ellucian in Connecticut.

“This is system-changing work,” Gentilesaid. “The early-college model has manybenefits.”

Students can start taking college courses as

sophomores in high school and complete theequivalent of a full year of college by thetime they graduate. At current NSCC tuitionprices, that would mean a savings of morethan $5,600. Further, Meservey said SalemState is firmly committed to ensuring that allcredits will be transferable to SSU.

“Many of us have skin in the game to makesure this happens,” she said ofCommUniverCity.

The next phase of CommUniverCity will beto use grant money to train Lynn adults whoare unemployed or underemployed in STEMareas to prepare them to fill high-demandjobs.

Parent information sessions on the dualenrollment program were held at English,Classical and Tech prior to the Christmasvacation. Classes begin Jan. 19.

COLLEGE: From Page 1

Lynn students can start college in high school

An entry produced by SissonSchool fifth-graders had beenselected as one of 10 finalists inthe Scotties annual Trees Rock®video contest.

The next phase of the contest,runs through Feb. 7. All videosmay be voted on by the public todetermine the grand prize winner.Voting will take place atwww.scottiestreesrock.com. Theschool with the most eligiblevotes will receive $10,000 to usetowards a sustainable project,such as tree plantings, outdoorclassrooms, playgrounds, athleticfields, gardens and greenhouses.

Students are asked to create avideo up to three minutes long on

the importance of trees — tothemselves, their school, and theircommunity.

After rigorous scrutiny by apanel of judges, entries fromaround the country werenarrowed down to the 10 best ingrades 3, 4, 5 and 6 in thecategories of most compellingrelative to theme, clarity ofmessage, and creativity.

The video was led by DonnaWhalen, a 26-year teacher.“Winning the $10,000 wouldexpand our students’ educationalopportunities, and in turn make ahuge difference in their lives,”Whalen said.

Sisson students

advance in

Scotties Tissue

video contestAn aerial shot from the Sisson Elementary School video submission to theScotties Tissue contest. PHOTO: MIKE BARRY

TreesRock


THE GOOD SHEPHERD

BY PAUL HALLORAN

Lynn English football standoutDaekwon Shepherd hasn’t had muchto smile about the last severalmonths, so it is ironic that the all-time expert in making people smileonce described Shepherd perfectly:

“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles andobstacles, have strengthened me... You may not realize it when ithappens, but a kick in the teethmay be the best thing in the worldfor you.” – Walt Disney

If Disney were to be taken literally,Shepherd would have needed a prettygood orthodontist by now.

He lost his mom, Sharral Hall, tocancer last summer, leaving him to livewith his older and younger sister in anAstor Street apartment. Money hasbeen tight, so he works up to 30 hoursa week at McDonald’s on the Lynnway,in addition to not only fulfilling, butalso excelling in his academic andathletic requirements.

On the field last fall, Shepherd made135 tackles, had an interception returnfor a touchdown and recovered afumble. At running back, he rushed for897 yards and scored 11 TDs. He alsohandled all the kicking duties andreturned kicks. He was namedNortheastern Conference and DailyItem/Agganis Foundation DefensivePlayer of the Year.

“Daekwon never came off the field,”said first-year English coach ChrisCarroll. “He was our best offensive andour best defensive player.”

While Shepherd was formidable onoffense, he was downright dominant atdefensive back, a position he will likelyplay in college. “He’s one of the bestpure tacklers I’ve ever seen in highschool,” said Carroll, an Item Player ofthe Year at English who went on to avery good career at Bentley University.“What jumps out is how physical he isas a defensive player. He has a very highceiling.”

It is no surprise that Shepherd,who also runs outdoor track, hasdrawn the interest of more than ahandful of colleges, includingCentral Connecticut State, URI,Stonehill, Assumption,Springfield and UMassDartmouth. He will get a well-deserved opportunity to play atthe next level.

That does not set Shepherdapart from thousands of otherstudent-athletes across thecountry. But there is so muchmore than football to theDaekwon Shepherd story. No oneknows that better than KaraBaletsa, his guidance counselor atEnglish.

“Daekwon has been a mansince he was 15,” said Baletsa,who has played an integral role inShepherd’s development,especially since his mother died.“If you didn’t know him, youwould never know thecircumstances he has to dealwith. He doesn’t use it as acrutch or excuse. That’s the typeof kid he is.”

Shepherd got off to arelatively slow startacademically when he arrived atEnglish in the fall of 2012, aftermoving back to this area fromCarlisle, Penn., where he livedfor seven years. He was anaverage student at best, and hisgrades reflected that.

He gradually improved,though, and had his bestquarter ever last fall, gettingall As, while rebounding fromhis mother’s death, adjustingto a new – and moredemanding – footballcoaching staff and workingfive nights a week.

“He’s a really resilientkid,” Baletsa said. “He doesn’tlet his circumstances dictate hisfuture. He’s very independent,very mature and veryrespectful.”

Shepherd may be making itlook easy, but that is far fromthe case.

“It’s been very hard,” hesaid, “to transition fromcoming home to my momevery day to her not beingthere. It’s definitely not the

“” See SHEPHERD page 10

English gridstar tacklesadversity

science is elementary - lynn public schools · science is elementary aborn students, from left,...

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