HKHS Update: November & December 2019

By Donna Hayward, Principal. 

Haddam Killingworth High School has seen a flurry of activity this month with our students very busy in this holiday season.  As you can see, the common themes from this month’s HK news are the spirit of giving and caring for each other in the community as well as the continued celebration of student accomplishments.

NEWS FROM THE HK FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT

Please join the HK Select Choirs for a very special event on Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. as we join with the Shoreline Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Daniel Hand High School Select Choir for the annual ABC (A Better Chance) Holiday Concert that takes place at the First Congregational Church in Madison. Headlining the event is  Yale University’s acapella choir – “Red, Hot, and Blue.” Admission is free — join us!

WINTER CHORUS CONCERT  The HK Music Department is proud to invite you to our 2019 Winter Chorus Concert on Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the H-K Auditorium. Students will be sharing seasonal selections such as Carol of the Bells, Mary Did you Know, That’s Christmas to Me, and God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman, in full 1800s costumes.  Following the 45-minute concert there is a free preview of our winter drama production, “A Christmas Carol.”

THE HK PLAYERS PROUDLY PRESENT:  A CHRISTMAS CAROL Come see the H-K Players present “A Christmas Carol” on Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. at the Haddam Killingworth High School Auditorium. Ticket Prices:  $10 per seat Box Office:  Purchase tickets at the door or by calling 860-345-8541 X3240 For questions contact: Marcy Webster MWebster@rsd17.org or 860-345-8541

Published 176 years ago, Dickens first conceived of his project as a pamphlet, which he planned on calling, “An Appeal to the People of England on behalf of the Poor Man’s Child.” But in less than a week of thinking about it, he decided instead to encapsulate the idea as a story which was the first time he published a complete book rather than a series found in a periodical. The first 6000 copies that were published on December 19, 1843 sold out just five days later, on Christmas Eve. In his later years, A Christmas Carol would become one of his favorites to read aloud on the literary tours he embarked on in the late 1860s. Since then it has been adapted hundreds of times to nearly every medium possible including the first surviving film version in 1901; Orsen Wells on CBS Radio in 1938; an Opera; a Broadway Musical; and even a Muppets’ movie. (Broich, 2016)

Starring: Arjun Badami (Ebenezer Scrooge), Devin Coon (Bob Cratchit), Hannah Laird-Hoover (Narrator and Janet Halloway), Payton Kasperzyk (Ghost of Christmas Past), Tyson Glazier (Ghost of Christmas Present), Tori Carlson (Ghost of Jacob Marley and Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-come), Michael Vaughn (Fred Halloway), Amanda Ketchedjian (Belle),  Pooja Badami (Mrs. Dilber and Young Ebenezer),  Katrin Wilson (Mrs. Fezziwig), Julia Thelan (Fan), Valleri Freibauer (Mrs. Cratchit), Charles Petrie (Peter Cratchit), Kateri Sonski (Martha Cratchit), Emma Peterson (Tiny Tim Cratchit,) Luke Haase (Old Joe), Josh Kulak and Emma Sirignano (Various Townspeople)

HK TUTOR CLUB

During the first Advisory period of quarter 2, students completed a reflection questionnaire about the information on their Q1 report cards.  Students were asked to reflect on their grades and on their teachers’ comments, and think about their next steps for success.  Students then developed SMART goals for quarter 2 that would help them improve their performance.

If your student is struggling or would like help meeting their goals for quarter 2, we have a wonderful group of dedicated students who are willing to tutor their peers.  Tutoring is available in many subject areas. To be matched with a peer tutor, they can see their guidance counselor, Fijare Plous, or Mrs. Adamczyk to schedule a meeting.

GUEST SPEAKER IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE On November 7, 2019 Ray Miller, a federal prosecutor for the state of Connecticut visited the high school to speak to our criminal justice class.  Criminal justice is a survey course that covers many topics dealing with the field of criminal justice. The course gives students an opportunity to study a variety of topics and potential career paths. Mr. Miller delivered an engrossing presentation on the responsibilities of a federal prosecutor. The presentation included the educational path necessary to enter this profession and the types of roles a current student could expect to be engaged in. It was fascinating to hear about some of the past cases Mr. Miller has been involved in adjudicating, in addition to the many ways that he participated in the cases. It was eye opening for students to see that the job involves more than just making a case in a courtroom. We want to thank Mr. Miller for his time and commitment and we look forward to having him back in the future.

STUDENT COUNCIL BLOOD DRIVE On November 8, 2019, 39 students registered to give blood at a drive hosted by the Student Council with the American Red Cross.  The day finished with 32 successful pints, which surpassed the Red Cross’ goal of 26.  Dozens of volunteers from Student Council pitched in to make the day a smooth and comfortable day for all involved.

STUDENT COUNCIL HOMECOMING DANCE On November 22, 2019, hundreds of students packed into the cafeteria for a dance sponsored by the HK Student Council.  There was a bake sale that helped the organization to donate to the Connecticut Mental Health Foundation.  The DJ kept things rocking all night and it was a fun time for all involved. A special thanks goes out to Ms. Hayward, Mr. Apicella, Mr. Hagewood, Ms. Flint, Mr. Pallatto, Ms. Kohs, Ms. Mayer, Ms. Zagata, Mr. Battista, Ms. Ramm, and Ms.Topa-Finberg for chaperoning the event.

INTERNATIONAL CULTURE CLUB ACTIVITIES
The International Culture Club has participated in a number of activities in the past month to raise money for community service and expand the cultural awareness of the club members.  As a part of our community service mission the International Culture Club has loaned $200 this month through KIVA, a non-profit international microloan agency that works to improve conditions in developing countries. Microloans are a general term to describe financial services to low-income individuals or to those who do not have access to typical banking services.  This year the club members voted to give the loan to Flordeliza, in the Philippines. Flordeliza is going to use the loan to buy galvanized roofing and ceramic tiles for her family’s toilet.

ICC also ran a fundraiser to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Stickers to decorate water bottles or electronics were sold to raise money for the organization so that they can continue their mission to provide help to families in Connecticut to build affordable housing in order to create strong and stable communities. ICC hopes to work further with Habitat for Humanity later in the year as well.

Lastly, ICC held a Thanksgiving Food Festival to celebrate both the season and all of the club’s hard work. Members brought in food and participated in a potluck style party.

HKTV ANNOUNCES  31st  ANNUAL HOLIDAY SHOW BENEFICIARY

This year marks the 31st anniversary of Haddam-Killingworth High School’s annual Holiday Show.  HKTV is excited to announce this year’s beneficiary, “A Little Compassion Inc./The Nest Coffee House.” HKTV students worked hard to find just the right fit for this year’s telethon.

“A Little Compassion Inc./The Nest Coffee House” is a nonprofit organization founded by Jane Moen. The mission of A Little Compassion is to change the lives of young adults with autism, intellectual, and developmental disabilities by creating employment and social opportunities that nurture their unique skills, strengths, and preferences. In addition to employment at The Nest Coffee House, young adults are given the opportunity to join Nest Gatherings which provide a fun, non-judgmental, and safe environment for young adults.  (More information about their organization can be found at https://thenestcoffeehouse.org.) Students are passionate about this year’s cause because two of our HK students are currently employed at The Nest Coffee House and students want to show their support.

The Holiday Show is a highly anticipated event, as it is student-operated. The Holiday Show consists of performances, interviews and student produced content. If your group or organization would like to get involved by fundraising for this year’s telethon, contact the show’s Producer, Kasha Topa-Finberg via email at ktopa-finberg@rsd17.org

For more information about the Holiday Show and to donate or watch, please visit http://holidayshow.rsd17.org. This special event will occur “live” Friday, December 20, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION STUDENTS VISIT AEROSPACE TRADE SHOW

Technology Education students took a field trip to the ACM Aerospace Industry Future Workforce Opportunities Fair at the Hartford Convention Center this month.  Students had the opportunity to speak to local Connecticut based Aerospace Manufacturers about Internships, Training, and Employment opportunities and programs.  Representatives impressed upon students the exciting challenges and rewards of the industry and the dire need for young people to enter this growing field.

HK ROBOTICS IS ALIVE AND WELL

HK Robotics club is alive and well in its 13th season!  Robotics is a competitive club open to all students.  Each year students are challenged with a new ‘game’ for which they must design, build and program a robot to compete against other schools from CT and New England.  This year’s game “Tower Takeover” has teams stacking towers of cubes and placing them in elevated goals.  Teams get two minutes of head to head competition to score the most points.  Robotics Club is always on the lookout for local engineers who might be interested in mentoring.  Please contact Ryan Kish for information rkish@rsd17.org

Trailer Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JVQOiw_OUU

COMPUTER SCIENCE GUEST SPEAKER

Computer Science students had the opportunity to hear a presentation from Bill Stamm, Vice President of General Digital.  Bill is a local resident and came to talk to students about the interesting and diverse opportunities that companies such as his hold for young people who choose careers in Computer Science and Engineering.  Students got a chance to get an up close and personal look at some of the technologies that Mr. Stamm’s company develops.  These include interfaces for the military, aviation technicians and biomedical devices, including a first of its kind, pain measurement device.  Mr. Stamm talked about the rigorous process that all devices and designs must go through for military and medical approvals.  Thanks again to Mr. Stamm for sharing his passion for technology and engineering with our students.  Check out more on General Digital here https://youtu.be/SGb3k5iFrgI.  HKHS engineering classes are always on the lookout for guest speakers in technical fields.  If you are interested in speaking, please contact Mr. Kish rkish@rsd17.org.