THE GREEN MOUNTAIN GAZETTE

December, 2009 Green Mountain Union High School/802-875-2146

Home of Academic Excellence

PRINCIPAL’S PERSPECTIVE TOM FERENC

tferenc@wswsu.org Principal

I am pleased to present to you our Honor Roll for the first quarter of 2009. It is
a tremendous achievement to be on the honor roll--an award that a student
earns through hard work. It is only through hard work and creativity that
students come to realize their potential. We encourage all of our students to put
in their best effort and we recognize that there are many hard-working students
who have not yet made the Honor Roll but aspire to. We salute each and every
one of our students and value those who raise their grades even one level!

Principal’s List (All A’s for M .S.— 4.15 GPA for H .S.)
7 th Grade – Madeleine Fulkerson, Vanessa Griswold, Abby Hart, Taylor
Hendee, Emma Hoser, Ethan Lawrence, Alecia Rokes, Casie Walton
8 Grade –Leah Bodin, Emily Comstock, Leah Cunningham, Marjorie
th

DesLauriers, Melanie Drummond, Stephanie Knockenhauer, Chad Leonard,

Rachel Rokes, Emily Tornquist
9 Grade – Emily Guerra, Kathleen Haseltine, Forrest Lisle, Ashley Mauger,
th

Katie McNally, Jessica Ralston, Carter Wilhelm

10 th Grade –Orrin Amsden, McKala Benson, Lily Calabrese, Ann Chase,
Alexandra DeRosia, Jannie Hale, Cydy Palang, Ramsey Peters
11 th Grade – Leah Bank, Kailey Benson, Julie Comstock, Alyssa Farrar, Laura
The only
Hofmann, Kuniko Hunter, Alaina Savage, Carley Stauffer, Shawntae Stillwell
real 12 th Grade –Ben Capogrossi, Kyle Douglas, Mike Durgin, Angela Hinckley,
mistake is Britta Kilgus, William Knockenhauer, Georgia Ladd, Emma Lisle, Tammi
the one Norton, Jade Ormrod-Leven, Johanna Petrycki, Sophia Stone, Justin Veysey,
from which Michelle Woods, Shelby Woods
we learn
nothing. H igh Honors (A’s and B’s for M .S.— No grade below A - for H.S.)
7 th Grade – Mary Anderson, Amy Baker, Austin Barrows, Noah Bishop,
-John Joshua Blish, Tessa Bushey, Eli DeLoera, Samantha Dulaney, Karen Ellison,
Powell Joseph Epler, Brian Hennel, Jerick Hoose, Kyle Kemp, Kristina Knockenhauer,
Emily McNamara, Abel Millay, Logan Mott, Kristie Palowski, Daina Ricketts,
Tyler Rushton, Courtney Sheldon, Jonathan Smith, Kayla Smith, Taylor
Spaulding, Jordan Stewart, Breanna Vittum, Jonathan Wright
8 th Grade – Joshua Bank, Kathleen Bourque, Cassie Call, Richard Chambers,
Muriel Chase, Rebecca Clay, Jessi Farrar, Elliot Leonard, Morgan Little, Rachel
Martel, Andrew Paczkowski, Sam Pawlak, Sasha Petrycki, Courtney Pollard,
Hannah Potter, Keegan Sheere, Anna Van Alstyne
PAGE 2 GREEN MOUNTAIN GAZETTE

HONOR ROLL (Cont.)

Honors (A’s, B’s and one C for M .S.— No grade below B - for H .S.)
7th Grade – Mariah Gray, Tylisha Johnson-Blanchard, Casey Keus, Rosalie McNamara,
Ryan Murphy, Addison Provance, Tamara Soldo, Timothy Spaulding, Tyler Tyrrell, Desirae
Williams
8 Grade – Ashley Austin, Kit LeFevre, Michael Maly, David Valadez, Taylor Wilson
th

9th Grade – Tess Adams, Katie Balch, David Barrows, Megan Blake, Rebecca Fine, Shelby
Hayes, Jessica Hutchins, Traci Martin, Sara Muguira, Leslie Rogers, Matthew Stretton,
Ryan Williams, Natalie Wright
10th Grade – Kate Amsden, Larissa Baraw-Nelson, Jasmine Currier, Casey Green, Braedon
Gunn, Mark Harwood, Chasity Hoose, Dominic Kennett, Gretchen Langdon, Taylor
LeFevre, Casey Rickert, Maggi Roper, Samantha Savage, Melanie Thompson, Tyler Veysey,
Nicole Wright
11th Grade – Jessica Bobar, Michael Cavacas, Heather Connors, Kyle Gagnon, Cameron
Gray, Jessica Hale, Aleksander Houk, Anna Jonynas, Ryan McNally, Jazmin McNeill,
Betty Ou, Corrie Roberts, Sonja Skalecki, Shawn Snide, Emma Solomon, Cody Stewart
12th Grade – Corina Bantum, Ryan Bartley, Luke Brengolini, Rex Calabrese, Corryn Clay,
Christopher Cook, Jordan Crawford, Shelby Glover, Sara Groshens, Skylar Howe, Jenny
Kennedy, Ashley Ralston, Bailey Stauffer, Kathryn Svec, Luke Thompson, Kyle Tyrrell,
Lindsey Walton

TOM BURKE, ASSOC. PRINCIPAL tburke@wswsu.org

On the afternoon of November 17th, anti-Semitic graffiti was discovered in one of the
bathrooms at our school. It is with regret that members of our school community, especially
those of the Jewish faith, had to endure this heinous act.

In response the Administration held informational meetings with students and faculty,
local law enforcement were alerted due to this act being a hate crime, we altered our
curriculum – both in content and the time allocated – to spotlight this issue; we have an on-
going consulting relationship with the Vermont Partnership for Fairness & Diversity
(http://www.alanavision.org/) and promptly sought guidance from this organization as to
how Green Mountain could effectively respond, and we immediately began an internal
investigation to identify the person(s) involved.

Many students and faculty were rightfully disturbed and have been responding in their
own way, in particular having important dialogues in classrooms and the hallways at Green
Mountain.

As the Associate Principal’s role is delegated with specific duties of promoting the culture
and climate – inclusive of student discipline – I implore that these dialogues continue at
any appropriate time, here at school or within your homes, so that ignorance regarding hate
crimes and intolerance may be aptly distinguished.
 PAGE 3 GREEN MOUNTAIN GAZETTE

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT THERESA BUSKEY

tbuskey@wswsu.org
Geometry students are currently discussing the idea of congruence. There are four
isometries, which lead to congruence. The students have learned how to draw all four of
these isometries by hand, the first being a reflection, then by performing a composite of
reflections the students learn translate and rotate figures. The final of the four isometries
the students learn is the glide reflection, which is a composite of a reflection and a
translation. At the end of this unit the students were assigned a reflection project. The
following are pictures of some of those projects.

The projects belong to the following students:

Top Left: Richard Gonzalez

Top Right: Alyssa Bergfrede
Middle Left: Ashley Bushey
Middle Right: Tamsin Holley
Bottom: Jacob Walker
PAGE 4 GREEN MOUNTAIN GAZETTE

FOREIGN LANGUAGE Mary Pelkey

mpelkey@wswsu.org
December will be a busy month for Senora Pelkey’s Spanish classes. Thanks to a mini-
grant from the Green Mountain Festival Series Arts in Education committee, all Spanish
classes will be learning some Spanish dances. For two days in December, Ashley Hensel-
Browning will be teaching the Spanish II students how to dance the tango and the salsa,
while the middle school students will learn to dance the merengue!
Seventh and eighth grade students will also be presenting their country projects about
how Navidad (Christmas) and El Ano Neuvo (New Year’s) are celebrated in Spanish
speaking countries. Spanish II students will be writing research reports about famous
Spanish people and preparing three-minute interviews in Spanish where they role-play a
famous Spanish person being interviewed by a news reporter.

Wayne Mack
wmack@wswsu.org
Please remember with the low temperatures and light rain or snow, the roads are not the
only things that get extremely slippery. Parking lots and sidewalks get covered in black ice
as well as outside handrails. The hallways at the school get very slick with the rush of
students and faculty arriving and tracking snow and water. The tile becomes very
dangerous; it is like its own version of black ice. Please think before you make quick
decisions. Winter can be fun, but it brings a lot of slick dangers with it. Be assured we will
do our best to sand and salt as needed, and to keep the hallways dry. We do put out “wet
floor” cones to make you aware, so if you see an accident just waiting to happen, please let
us know. Have a safe and happy holiday season.

DECEMBER HAPPENINGS
Dec. 1 Booster Club Meeting 7:00 pm
Dec. 5 N.E. Music Festival Auditions
SAT Exam
Dec. 7 District Music Winter Festival Auditions
Dec. 10 School Board Meeting 5:00 pm
Dec. 12 ACT Exam
Dec. 15 Jan. SAT Registration Deadline
Dec. 16 Winter Concert 7:00 pm
Dec. 23 Progress Reports Sent Home
Dec. 24-
Jan. 1 Winter Recess
PAGE 5 GREEN MOUNTAIN GAZETTE

ATHLETICS SCHEDULE - DECEMBER

We’re on the Web! BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL
See us at: Dec. 4 @ Leland & Gray 6:00 Arlington Tournament
www.gmuhs.org Dec. 5 TBA Arlington Tournament
Dec. 29 Twin Valley 7:30
Dec. 30 TBA 7:30
716 VT Route 103 S
Chester, VT 05143 GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL
Dec. 4 @ Rochester 6:00 Black River Tournament
PHONE: Dec. 5 TBA Black River Tournament
802-875-2146 Dec. 11 Arlington 7:30
Dec. 15 @ West Rutland 7:30
FAX: Dec. 18 @ MSJ 7:30
Dec. 23 Windsor 7:30
802-875-3183 Dec. 28 Twin Valley 7:30
Dec. 30 TBA 7:30
E-MAIL:
dmoran@wswsu.org

Eric Anderson, Athletic Director

eanderson@wswsu.org

COME OUT AND

SUPPORT YOUR TEAMS!

SENIORS! SENIORS! SENIORS! SENIORS!

First Yearbook Deadline Fast Approaching!
Seniors need to email their senior page information (nicknames, quotes, future fame, prize
possessions, and activities) plus up to 3 smaller photos along with any prom, baby, and
“back in the day” photos to GMUHS10@hotmail.com by Friday, December 11th. If you must
submit photos to be scanned in, be sure your name is on the back. Senior portraits and
senior wills are due January 15th.

ALL CLASSES: Yearbooks are $45 this year, and it’s not too early to order yours. Checks
need to be made out to GMUHS Yearbook with the student’s name in the memo line, or use
a credit card online at www.myyear.com. Only pre-ordered yearbooks will be guaranteed.
PAGE 6 GREEN MOUNTAIN GAZETTE

ATTENTION…..ATTENTION ATTENTION

THE GUIDANCE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FROM THURSDAY,

DECEMBER 24 THROUGH SUNDAY, JANUARY 3. ANY SENIOR
WHO HAS AN APPLICATION DEADLINE OF JANUARY 1 AND
NEEDS US TO MAIL A TRANSCRIPT OF ANY LETTERS OF
RECOMMENDATION, PLEASE LET US KNOW BY 12:00 NOON ON
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22.

IMPORTANT DATES FROM GUIDANCE PAM O’NEIL, DIRECTOR

SAT REGISTRATION DATES ACT REGISTRATION DATES
Test Date: Register by: Test Date: Register by:
December 5 October 31 December 12 November 6
January 23 December 15 February 6 January 5
March 13 February 4 April 10 March 5
May 1 March 25 June 12 May 7
June 5 April 29
See www.actstudent.org for more
See www.collegeboard.com for information
more information

WELCOME!
Claire Schroeder was born and raised in New York City, but is excited to have returned to
Chester where her family has history and roots. We are pleased to have Claire join our
team and bring her experience in the implementation and creation of youth development
programs. Claire is passionate about providing education and skills to all our youth to be
empowered in their lives. A piece of her work here at the school is to run groups that range
from positive peer groups to learning about leadership and life skills.

7 th Grade Science—Students in Mrs.

Surma’s life science classes have been
learning how to classify animals. As part
of their unit, Ms. Teska, who is an
accomplished bird carver, helped students
paint shorebird decoys. Ms. Teska shared
her skills with students on November 17
and 18. In the photo, Eli DeLoera, Brian
Hennel and Courtney Sheldon are hard at
work creating their shorebird projects
 PAGE 7 GREEN MOUNTAIN GAZETTE
GRAND CANYON TRIP NEWS
Dr. Jon Rice, Science Dept. Chair
jrice@wswsu.org

Participants have been working hard at their fundraisers. We would like to thank all of
you who have supported us at our bottle drive, intermission refreshments, yard sale, and
Putney Pasta dinner. Please keep an eye out for other opportunities to help out.

FOOD SERVICES DECEMBER LUNCHES JACK CARROLL

jcarroll@wswsu.org

THE HOT ENTREES

DELI Tues., Dec. 1 Nachos with Chili and Cheese and Fruit or Pizza
Wed., Dec. 2 Spaghetti w/meat sauce, garlic bread and fruit or
Cheeseburger
Variety of Thurs.,Dec. 3 Meatball Sub, Fruit and Veggie or Chicken Patty
Fri., Dec. 4 Jack’s Homemade Pizza or Cheeseburger
deli Mon., Dec. 7 Chicken Patty with Fries, Veggie and Fruit or Personal
meats Pizza
Tues., Dec. 8 Cheeseburger, mashed potato and veggie or Quesadilla
and Wed., Dec. 9 Goulash, garlic bread and fruit or Cheeseburger
cheeses Thurs., Dec. 10 Steak & Cheese Grinder, mashed potato, fruit or Chicken
Patty Sandwich
available Fri., Dec. 11 Jack’s Homemade Pizza or Cheeseburger
Mon., Dec. 14 Chicken Patty Sandwich, Tater Tots, veggie and fruit or
every day Quesadilla
on fresh Tues., Dec. 15 Nachos with Chili and Cheese and Fruit or Pizza
Wed., Dec. 16 Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Garlic Bread and Fruit or
breads Cheeseburger
and rolls Thurs., Dec. 17 Meatball Sub, Fruit and Veggie or Chicken Patty
Fri., Dec. 18 Jack’s Homemade Pizza or Cheeseburger
with Mon., Dec. 21 Chicken Patty with Fries, Veggie and Fruit or Personal
veggie Pizza
Tues., Dec. 22 Cheeseburger, mashed potato and veggie or Quesadilla
toppings Wed., Dec. 23 Goulash, garlic bread and fruit or Cheeseburger

GREAT BREAKFAST SERVED EVERY MORNING

FROM 7:00 – 7:45

CHOICE OF FRESH MILK OR JUICE EVERY DAY

READY-MADE SALADS OR BAGEL AND YOGURT OPTION

 PAGE 8 GREEN MOUNTAIN GAZETTE

MUSIC DEPARTMENT CINDI AUSTIN, CHORAL DIRECTOR

caustin@wswsu.org
The Music Department would like to invite you to their annual Holiday Concert on
December 16th at 7:00 pm. The concert will feature High School Band
and Chorus, Middle School Band and Chorus, Jazz Band and Small
Ensemble. The kids work very had to prepare their music and are very
proud of their effort. I hope we have a good turnout their year to
support our students.

The trip to NYC in March is still on and things are planned for the exciting weekend. The
tickets to the Broadway play “Mama Mia” have been purchased and the rooms have been
reserved. Mrs. Austin would like to remind the 51 participants about their payments—in
order to make my payment schedule to the tour company, I need your payments on time.
On With The Show!

8TH GRADE ENGLISH NORM MERRILL, DEPT. CHAIR

nmerrill@wswsu.org
In 8 grade English, we have just finished putting the final touches on our narratives for
th

our writing portfolios. In their own stories, students worked hard to use some of the
literary elements that we have learned about in this unit, including the use of
foreshadowing, imagery, personification, metaphor and simile among others. The month of
December will start with some review of punctuation and then we will begin our reading of
the John Steinbeck novel, Of Mice and Men . Our work will include discussion circles to
explore some of the issues and themes found in the novel. We will also begin some work
with persuasive writing, both on the topic of the book as well as self-selected topics.
Eventually, all of this work will lead to our mini-unit on public speaking.

7th GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS SHARON JONYNAS

sjonynas@wswsu.org
The seventh grade Language Arts students have just finished up their research reports on
famous citizens of the world. We spent a week in the library learning different techniques
for writing research papers, how to use the reference books, how to determine the accuracy
of Internet sites, and how to cite sources accurately. Mr. Kelly, our librarian, did a
wonderful job teaching students these valuable skills, and it was the perfect precursor to
the actual writing of reports. The goal for the students was to become an expert on one
person from either past history or current times who has contributed to society in a positive
way. These reports go back to our guiding Project-Based Learning question of “What does
it mean to be a good Citizen?” Topics included people such as Jane Goodall, Princess Diana,
Calvin Coolidge, Muhammad Ali, Bill Gates, Sacagawea, Rosa Parks, Oprah Winfrey,
William Shakespeare, Albert Einstein, Ghandi, Cesar Chavez, Susan B. Anthony, Yo Yo
Ma, Al Gore, John McCain, and Martin Luther King, Jr., just to name a few. We’ll be
beginning another class book after Thanksgiving break, but until then we’ll be working on
grammar and punctuation skills. Have a restful holiday and remember to wear orange if
you’re out walking your dog in the woods.
 PAGE 9 GREEN MOUNTAIN GAZETTE

MIDDLE SCHOOL AWARDS nmerrill@wswsu.org

Norm Merrill, Middle School Coordinator
On Tuesday, November 24th the middle school held an awards assembly for academic and
athletic achievement. Certificates were handed out to students who made Honor Roll, High
Honors or Principal’s List. Students who participated in fall sports were also awarded
certificates. It was nice to see our students recognized for all their hard work in the
classroom and on the playing field. Listed below are the recipients of middle school awards
presented by the 7th and 8th grade teams.

September 7th Grade Citizenship Award Vanessa Griswold and Ian Martel
7th Grade Student of the Month Maddie Fulkerson
8th Grade Student of the Month Leah Bodin
October 7th Grade Citizenship Award Rosie McNamara and Joseph Epler
7th Grade Student of the Month Brian Hennel
8th Grade Student of the Month Melanie Drummond
November 8th Grade Student of the Month Chad Leonard

SEVENTH GRADE PBL EVEN T

On Wednesday, November 18, four
members of our local government
presented to the seventh grade
students and staff. The members
included Representative Kathy Pellet,
Town Manager David Pisha, Town
Manager Richard Svec, and Town
Clerk Linda Bargefrede. Students
were able to learn the duties of each
position and ask questions of the
members.

GREEN MOUNTAIN SWEATS AND T’S

The Student Government will be selling spirit clothes
during lunch beginning on December 1st. We have a
deadline of December 11 in order to have delivery in
time for the winter break but we will continue to sell
throughout the year. Thank you for supporting our
students! Please contact Anne Kipp at 875-2146, ext.
245 with any questions.