Sam Berns Passes Away

Sam Berns, an inspirational young man from Foxborough, passed away on Friday after a long struggle with Progeria.  He is the focus of a new documentary titled "Life According to Sam" and presented a great Ted talk about his philosophy on life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36m1o-tM05g
He did an awful lot in a relatively short amount of time and will be greatly missed.

Teen Night Out

Tonight I had the opportunity to attend the Teen Night Out at Grafton Middle School. Many thanks to Diane Blessing, Marcia Pereira, Kim Booth, Deb Gonzalez, Mary Brosnan-Quilliam and the students of The Family and Community Leaders group for making this great event possible!

Scholar Recognition - Noelle Scarlett

I had the pleasure of attending the Worcester County Superintendent Association's Scholar Luncheon this afternoon with GHS principal, Jim Pignataro.  

Grafton High School senior, Noelle Scarlett, was recognized for her many exceptional accomplishments.  Noelle is currently Valedictorian of her class.  She has received the Rensselaer Silver Medal Award for  outstanding achievements in both math and science. She was inducted as the vice president of National Honor Society at GHS. Noelle has excelled in the arts. She has participated in over 40 Theater productions, both in the cast and crew throughout her life. She was chosen as a "special extra" in the indie film "The March Sisters at Christmas Time". She also performed with the Boston Pops at the Hanover Theater in Worcester. Along with her theatre accomplishments, Noelle has earned her black belt in Goju- Ryu karate do. Congratulations to Noelle on her many accomplishments and the well-deserved recognition she received today!

                                  (GHS Principal, Jim Pignataro and Noelle Scarlett, GHS senior)

K-12 Technology Curriculum

Neil Harrigan, Business and Computer Science department head at GHS, and teachers across the district have been meeting to craft the district's first K-12 technology curriculum. The curriculum team feels passionately about preparing students with the technological skills and knowledge necessary for academic and professional success.

Neil and the team have met several times since the start of school and their progress has been captured by Neil in the following screencast:

http://www.screencast.com/t/9LKSsGscFT

Play 60 & Bushel N' Peck

Through a grant written by GMS physical education teacher Matt LeMaire, the middle school is benefitting from a Play 60 grant.  Recently a chef from Bushel N' Peck worked with students.  Healthy eating and the creation of delicious foods was the focus!  Many thanks to the work of Mr. LeMaire, and the generosity of Play 60 and Bushel N' Peck!

State Bocce Tournament!

Today Grafton High School hosted the annual statewide bocce tournament.  The tournament was made possible through a partnership between Special Olympics and the Grafton High School Student Council.  The tournament was incredibly well attended and a great time for all. Many thanks to our athletes, student council, Special Olympics, volunteers, parents, and administration for all that was done to make this special event possible!

The National Anthem was performed beautifully by GHS senior, Kristen Turgeon. It was the perfect  kick off for the tournament!

(Principal Pignataro and Kristen Turgeon)

Class of 1968

I had a chance to provide a tour of the new high school to the class of 1968 this afternoon.  It was a wonderful group of people.  Many thanks to Tony LeMay for co-leading the tour!