Rampage -The News Section
Our New
Principals' Principles
Part 2
Mrs. Dunn and Mr. Constantino
After having interviewed Mr.
Constantino at the beginning of the year, Brianda Agramonte sat down with him
again to see how he felt this year is progressing.
How’s the new job feeling
now that we’re further into the year?
It’s been great, things are
starting to pick up and progress. The faculty is really working together and
pulling through considering we’re short staff from last year. Everyone is
communicating well which makes my job that much easier. I really do appreciate
the way our faculty, department heads, councilors, and staff work together. They
demonstrate that the opportunity to learn and support is here.
Are there still things that
you would like to see change or make better?
There are always things that
could be improved or changed for the better. We could always have more colleges
visiting the and speaking to the kids, have more SAT prep courses offered, and
ultimately provide even more opportunities for the students
Are there any other goals
or new ideas set for LCHS future?
We can only move one goal at a
time. It’s early in the year so we are currently working on goals ever day. As
far as new ideas goes, the state of Massachusetts recently addressed new
accountability issues meaning that we must establish a student growth model.
This model will be used to measure students’ test scores from their entire
school year.
Is there anything that you
feel especially improved so far this year?
The number of students
involved in extra-curricular activities now is exceptional. Compared to previous
years, the number of students participating in after school clubs has greatly
increased. Clubs that weren’t as successful last year are extremely popular this
year. I have the numbers here in my office to prove how popular some of these
programs have grown to be. For example, the Key Club as over 100 active members.
It’s outstanding. I’m excited to see all the differentiated learning as well.
Also, our teachers are making web pages on the school website that include
homework, syllabus, grading rubrics etc. that has made it easier for students to
access information from home.
Do you think we, the
students have met your expectations?
You guys have exceeded my
expectations. You guys are wearing your lanyards, the cell phones are under
control, the amount of absences have gone down. You students are adjusting very
well to all of these changes and are really making a good name for yourselves
and LCHS.
A Profile of Mrs. Dunn
By Cara Garrity
After
Mr. Constantino was named the new principal of Classical it became clear that
there would also be a new vice principal this year. At the end of the summer it
was announced that former guidance counselor Amy Dunn would be the new VP at
Classy. She was great enough to take some time out of her busy schedule to be
interviewed about her new position.
Mrs.
Dunn says that she was excited when she learned that she would be the new VP for
Classical. With this position she would get to work with more, and different,
students than as a guidance counselor. However, she was also a bit nervous about
playing a different role in the Classical community. She described it as
“flipping switches” from being the nice guidance counselor to being one of the
main disciplinarians. Fortunately, she says that Mr. Constantino gave her
guidance on being a good vice principal, calming her nerves a bit. She knows
that her role is not only to hand out detentions but to help the students in any
way she can.
Being
the vice principal Mrs. Dunn says is “definitely very different.” Her tasks are
different and more numerous. Also, she has had to take on some of the academic
tasks that were tended to by Mrs. Lander as Dean of Academics. But, she also
says that a lot of it is the same. She still gets to observe all of the good
things happening in the school and everything the students have to offer: her VP
Aides are just one example
The
first quarter of this school year has just come to a close and Mrs. Dunn
believes so far it has been “excellent, and it is great to see the freshmen back
in the main building. The school seems much more unified with the freshmen
back.” From her observations of the student body Mrs. Dunn is very impressed,
“The kids are amazing and doing amazing things.” She is not only impressed by
the students, but the faculty as well. With the school having lost many faculty
members, times are tough. There are so many things that need to get done and not
many people to do it. However, Mrs. Dunn sees that in order to overcome this,
the teachers are working “110 percent’’ and it is absolutely “remarkable”. The
teachers are not giving up in the face of stressful circumstances but are
getting involved, seeing what needs to be done and doing it. They truly care
about the students and want to provide what is best for them. They are doing “a
lot for a little.”
For
the remainder of the year Mrs. Dunn is looking forward to getting out into the
halls more and interacting with the student body on a greater scale. She says
that her favorite part of the day is being in the cafeteria during lunch because
she gets to interact with many different students. She not only enjoys this but
believes that it contributes to preventing future misconduct of students, “The
best discipline is preventative.” She also looks forward to seeing what students
are doing in their extracurricular activities and how students are getting
involved in the school.
This
is certainly an exciting year for our new Vice Principal Mrs. Dunn. She would
like to thank all the staff and students that have been supportive of her and
helped her to adjust to her new position. She cannot wait to learn more from her
experiences as Vice Principal. The Classical community is definitely thrilled to
see her in this position.
Performing Arts at the Open House
by Cara Garrity
At the first open house on
October 8, 2009, the performing arts department under Mrs. Weiss put on several
performances.
Each performance gave a
glimpse at what is learned in each class in the department. The classes offered
in Classical’s performing arts departments are: band, piano 1 and 2, theater 1
and 2, choir, and general chorus.
The performances at open
house were just a peek at what is to come from the performing arts department
this year. Be sure to come by and check out everything the department has going
on!
Our New
Principal's Principles
Brianda
Agramonte interviews Mr. Constantino, Lynn Classical's new Principal
We’ve all
known him for his explosive jokes, his trademark “hair”, and his disciplinary
ways. He walks among us everyday, up and down the halls with a certain strut you
just can’t miss. Mr. White, one of Classical’s most trusted, and beloved, has
recently left us, but there’s a new Principal in school. And he goes by the name
of Constantino. That’s Mr. Gene Constantino. Mr. Constantino first
started teaching in 1976, working in a number of different educational roles.
Using his many years of experience, Mr. Constantino will take on his greatest
title yet; Principal of LCHS.
What inspired you to become Principal?
I don’t
know. Everything. Having this position is something I would have never dreamt of
in years. In my many years of teaching, I’ve been a special education teacher,
girls basketball coach, guidance councilor, vice principal, and now Principal…I
guess what inspired me is being around a good academic administration, and you
students who come to school to learn every day.
What in your opinions makes a good, productive,
successful Principal of a high school?
Communication for sure. There needs to be communication between administration,
teachers, students, and the whole education department. One also needs to have a
vision, and implement goals to fulfill that vision. Most importantly, you have
to care for the job. Because our job isn’t to just stand around, suspend kids,
or tell boys to pull up their pants… it’s to prepare these students for success.
That’s our job; to advocate students for a successful and rewarding life.
Before signing on to be Principal of Classical, I
suppose you knew it wasn’t going to be an easy job. What, so far, has been the
most difficult part about the new job?
The most
difficult part would have to be time management. As of now, we’re beginning the
new year, the freshmen are back in the building, we have the most number of new
students this school has had in a long time, and the building repairs etc…,with
all of this going on, managing time for certain things becomes harder to
do.
What do you hope to improve/change here at Classical?
We will come up with ways to improve SAT scores and
increase modern technology resources in the school. Also, we will improve
grading parameters among teachers.
What are grading parameters?
Creating grading parameters basically allow teachers in certain subjects
to have similar grading methods and allow the teachers to be on the same page
when it comes to grading. This will not only make the lives of the students
easier, but also that of the actual teachers. We will start a committee made for
just new students who are new to the school and even new to the country. People
in this committee will show the new students around and guide them. We will also
need to raise career awareness. By bringing more and more speakers from
different colleges we give our students choices, exposure, and opportunities.
Classes this year are more crowded than they have ever
been, just earlier today in my prep class, we didn’t even have sufficient
computers and chairs for everyone. What is this school going to do about this
rising problem?
We’re going
to do the best we can with what we have. Right now, there have been major job
cuts in the city of Lynn, including the cut of much needed teachers. The less
amount of teachers there are, the larger the classes will be. With enrollment
skyrocketing, we are being even more populated. For right now, we need stabilize
everything and all will be under control.
What Classical traditions do you hope to maintain?
The great
connections that the students have with there teachers, and their other advisors
will definitely remain. In last years year book, almost every single student
thanked one of there teachers. Also, Classical will remain to be a safe a
welcoming place as it has been for years.
Did Mr. White give you any advice before he left?
Yes he did,
but most importantly, he gave me his vision. He gave me the same vision that
Principals before Mr. White gave him.
Do you still speak to Mr. White?
Yes I do, as a matter of fact, I was with him not too long ago…I still
keep in contact with Principals before Warren White Like Mr. Frost and Mr.
Costing (?)
A bunch of us students couldn’t help but notice your
change in wardrobe….did the new label inspire the new attire?
Ha ha ha,
you guys noticed that? Really?!? Funny you mention that, because Mrs.
Constantino actually told me I needed to change my wardrobe once school began.
Mrs. Constantino picks out all of my outfits, you should go talk to her..ha ha.
Last Year's Articles:
Scroll down for additional articles...
45
Minutes With Keisha Nash Whitaker by
Brianda Agramonte
Keisha Nash Whittaker addresses the sophomore class
Keisha and Brianda
“I’m intimidated by you guys. You’re
only sophomores c’mon now” said the model, humanitarian, and apparently very
comical, Keisha Nash Whitaker. Speaking in front of the school she graduated
from in 1990, and the teachers that watched her grow throughout high school
might have sparked those nerves. Telling warm stories like her run in with
her old High School principal, and our current principal, Mr. Warren
White, made her seem totally down to earth and completely approachable. Her
genuine sense of humor and relatable qualities, and not to mention her
to-die-for closed cream gladiator heels*, made her easy to listen to.
Personally, her sincere words also overshadowed my rushing thoughts of “Holy
c**p! I’m in the same room as a celebrity!”
So, what exactly did Mrs. Whitaker talk about? In a nutshell, the gathering was
about not limiting yourself to what you can do and that dreams really do come
true-cut the rising orchestral score- she wasn’t a boring
“join-my-cult-now-or-live-with-the consequences” motivational speaker. She just
gave us the positive aspect of setting goals for your self. She managed to
balance the pretty side of dreaming with the cut- throat and honest truth:
THERE WILL BE STRUGGLES, OBSTACLES, AND
NON-BELIEVERS.
With her struggle in breaking through as a model
in New York, she knows what its like to be broken down and rejected.
Nevertheless, with her courage, strength, and fight, she is where she is today.
“Visualizing your dreams and goals is realistic,” she said and I was moved.
After hearing that sentence, I won’t shy away from ever achieving my dreams and
goals. Just remember, it’s a matter of hard work and determination that you can
go where you want to go in life.
* Beautiful
Gladiator Heels are optional.
Following Keisha Nash
Whittaker's presentation to the Sophomore class, Brianda Agramonte interviewed
her, click here
for the interview
Classical Alumni To Celebrate 100 Classic Years
In celebration
of the 100th Anniversary of Lynn Classical High as an independent
High School, the Alumni & Friends of LCHS is holding an “All LCHS Class
Gathering” on May 16, 2009 at St. Michael’s Hall, in Lynn from 7 to 11 P.M.
Tickets are available for $20.00. For more information, log on to our website
www.lynnclassicalalumni.org . Relive past glories, renew old friendships,
and celebrate 100 years of Classical High School and the Classical family
spirit. “GO RAMS”
The Alumni &
Friends of LCHS Inc. is a non profit organization which serves alumni and
friends by “connecting with the past” through a variety of programs and
“contributes” to the future by supporting current LCHS students.
The Association
works for alumni and friends by publishing a yearly newsletter, which focuses on
programs, activities and social events sponsored by the Alumni Assoc as well as
highlighting milestones, important events and/or accomplishments of LCHS
Alumni. The Association also holds activities to meet the interests of the
entire membership. In recent years, the Alumni & Friends of LCHS has sponsored
three all class “Great Reunions”, Golf Tournaments, Casino Cruises, and LCHS
Alumni Nights during recent seasons of the Lynn Spirit baseball team.
The Alumni
Association serves the students of Classical with a number of Alumni sponsored
and supported programs. The Association has developed a mentoring program that
matches an adult with a student to provide career advice and support. The Alumni
& Friends sponsor an annual Bowl-a-thon to benefit Classical’s Mary Bemis
Chapter of the National Honor Society. We fully fund the financial needs of the
Honor Society including an annual collation for the Honor Society inductees and
their parents. The highlight of our service programs is the Alumni & Friends of
LCHS Named and Alumni Scholarship Program. Since its creation in 1994, the
Alumni & Friends of LCHS and contributing Named Scholarship sponsors have
presented 75 deserving Classical students with $ 416,728 dollars in scholarship
awards to help them realize their dream of a better life through education. If
you are interested in establishing a Named Scholarship or wish to find more
information about our Scholarship Program, contact our Treasurer Geraldine
Stafford at 781-599-7685 or by email at
geraldine.stafford@lynnclassicalalumni.org
That Was Then, This is Now by Classical Principal, Mr. Warren White
Mr. White reflects on the past five years at Classical High, and looks
forward to a bright future
"Excited, thankful, and proud are the words that I would have to use in
describing my feelings about Classical High School."
Fixing the Facility
"Over five years
ago, when I began my latest tenure at Classical, one of the first issues needing
to be addressed was the condition of the facility. As I followed the chain of
command, and worked with the Central Office, School Committee and Inspection
Services, it was unclear, initially, how committed the powers that be were to
resolving the Classical facility issues.
Early in July,
as I began to become more familiar with the school, Mr. Bill Wladkowski, a well
known, and loved, member of the Classical faculty informed me that he had found
some white concrete in the auditorium. Upon inspection of the auditorium, I
discovered that the back wall had pulled away from the ceiling and that some of
the cinder block had fallen onto the stage floor below. I immediately contacted
my supervisors and was paid a visit by Mr. Michael Donovan, the Director of
Inspectional Services, and a Classical graduate.
Mr. Donovan
inspected the auditorium and immediately put a plan of action into effect. As
the work was proceeding I was told by Ms. Pension that there was an issue in
the gymnasium that appeared it may need to be corrected. Again I informed Mr.
Donovan and he immediately inspected the situation, and addressed it in a very
aggressive manner. It was obvious to me at that point that we were very
fortunate to have Mr. Donovan in the capacity as Director of Inspectional
Services.
As time went by
Mr. Donovan called for several inspections of the building; structural, air
quality, safety and the like. As a result of these inspections it became clear
that aggressive action had to be taken. Superintendent Kostan, Mayor Clancy and
the Lynn School Committee worked diligently in identifying who was responsible
for this shoddy workmanship as well as to acquire funds necessary to correct the
problems. Litigation was filed and revenue sources began to be identified.
With the affirmative vote of the City Council, funding was provided and a plan
designed by Mr. Donovan was put into action.
Triumphing over Adversity
At this same time
Classical High School was in the process of going through re-accreditation.
Under the direction of the administrative team, the leadership of an
extraordinary faculty, and the cooperation of an exceptional student body a plan
was designed, and implemented, to move forward with the accreditation process,
and realign the organization of the school, by implementing the Classical
Academy and restructuring the facility on O’Callaghan Way. I could not be more
proud of the administrative team, the faculty and the student body for taking
this adverse situation and turning adversity into opportunity.
As a result of
their efforts Classical was awarded full accreditation, and the Ninth Grade
Academy became a model, which has been visited by other districts looking to
implement a ninth grade transition program. We were able to restructure our
daily schedule to provide a long block for all academic disciplines. The
schedule was designed to provide teachers with common planning time with the
hope that professional learning communities will follow. We provided a
mentoring period to provide more personalization between teachers and students.
Furthermore, faculty meetings have been revised from a list of things done and
to do, into an exchange of best practices between teachers. These changes have
been nationally recognized and Classical has been recognized by “US News and
World Report” as being one of the top high schools in the country for the past
two years.
Looking Forward to the Future
Now, as the
construction project continues into its final phase the administrative wing is
being addressed: the Guidance Department has been returned to its original
offices, the Main Office is now temporarily housed in the A Wing, as is: the Art
Department, Ms. Wortman, the Special Education Department Chair, Mrs. Lander the
Academic Dean, the School Nurse, the Health Clinic and the Principal. This
Project has truly involved the whole Classical community both in and out of the
school.
Heartfelt Thanks
I must take a
moment to thank: our new superintendent, Superintendent Latham for her support,
Deputy Superintendent Warry, Mayor Clancy, the School Committee, Council
President Phelan and City Council, Representatives Fennell and Walsh, and
Senator McGee for all that they have done in recognizing the problems we have
had at Classical High School, and providing the funding so that we could address
those issues. Additionally, Mike Donovan, Phil Tuminelli and Bill Foglietta of
Inspectional Services deserve thanks for working closely with the Classical
Community and providing direction and dialogue, and meeting with parents,
faculty, community leaders and students to assure that everyone’s interests were
considered.
The
administrative team and the faculty were outstanding, and always have the
interests of the students at hand, and finally I would like to personally say,
to the students, a very special thank-you for your ability to adjust, for your
loyalty and commitment to the school. I look forward to watching you grow, and
lead, as time goes on."
“An Unsung Hero at Classical High School”
Introducing: Ronald Hobson by
Ms.Griffin
Ronald Hobson
How
often do we pass through the hallways of our school and notice a young man
pushing a recycling barrel and moving from classroom to classroom, clearing out
bins to recycle, or cleaning up areas after events. And beyond this - - - how
many teachers benefit from the volunteer efforts from him to clean rooms, move
items to another location, or help carry items that are being relocated? The
Answer: Every day and all of us at Classical High School!
Ronald moves around the building enthusiastically taking on projects during his
study period. He warmly greets individuals and frequently offers words of
encouragement to students and teachers alike. Yes, Ronald is a remarkable young
man who deserves our thanks and praise. We all have busy schedules and
frequently go through our days forgetting that it’s young men like Ronald who
keep us going. We always see a bright smile, a kind spirit and an eagerness to
be helpful to everyone. These are rare characteristics that we often forget to
acknowledge in our harried lives.
Take
a moment to reflect, and then, take a moment out of your day to say “thank you”
to the young man who gives us all reason to be proud and appreciate the goodness
in our lives – Ronald Hobson.
Library to Reopen Soon
by Mrs. Deegan
Restocking the library.........
Getting ready to open for business....
Dewey? ( Melvil,
that is) You bet we do!
Lynn Classical
High School will soon have its real library back. The contractors dug out the
entire floor, built new walls, and installed beautiful new carpeting. We can see
outside through the windows. Shelves are mounted to the walls. It looks great!
Very soon, the computer network and wiring will be ready for the computers that
are now in the “fishbowl.” The books and book trucks, furniture and decorations
will move down the hall to their permanent home. Eventually, furniture and
computers now being used at the Classical Freshman Academy will return to their
original home library too. It’s an exciting time. Our long wait is almost
over. Let’s give a big Classical cheer to welcome back something that we all
missed so much.
LATEST CONSTRUCTION WORK
The construction work at Classical is progressing quickly.
Here are some behind the scenes pictures of the latest construction work:
Removing the floor one slab at a time
The Administrative Wing stripped down to its bare
bones.......
The newly refurbished A Wing Art Gallery
SUCCESS AT THE FRESHMAN
ACADEMY by Christopher
Lewis
Chris Lazcano
Mr. Grealish's Successful Seniors
The freshman academy is going to be hosting some
special visitors, seniors from the main campus at O’Callaghan way. What started
as an idea by senior Chris Lazcano has now developed into a fully
integrated Community Service Learning
Project (C.S.L). Mr. Grealish’s Sociology
classes are going to the academy with the purpose of educating and informing
freshman on just how important their first couple years of high school are.
This C.S.L project is being helped by the "Success Foundation" who donated 360
of their teen help books entitled “Success for Teens” which is not for sale, and
only available through a request to the company. The classes will be
heading down to the academy during March 10, 11, and 13th. The
Success project is one of four projects Mr. Grealish is doing part of C.S.L
ABOUT THOSE STUDENT I.D. TAGS
Officer Bob Ferrari explains how schoolwide IDs help fulfill the
school's mission statement and create a "safe and supportive environment."
The D.L on I.Ds by RamPage Staff
The Rampage met with Officer Bob
Ferrari, Lynn’s School Security and Emergency Planning Liason Officer to talk
about the recent introduction of student ID badges at Lynn Classical. Officer
Ferrari stressed the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and
schools to ensure “safe, secure environments conducive to learning.”
The introduction of ID badges is
part of a five-year plan designed to guarantee the safest possible learning
environment for the students of Lynn. Currently students at the high schools,
Classical (including the Academy), English and Tech, have ID badges, however the
long-term safety goal is that all students in the city of Lynn will have ID
badges.
Officer Ferrari pointed out a
number of benefits of ID badges. Firstly he stated that they help to build a
sense of community and indicate that every member of the school is a vital
member of that community, that you have a name and a face, that you are unique
and not just a Student ID number. Secondly, he indicated that they are essential
to the safe running of a school and to the development of “safety and security
within schools.” In the event of an emergency (such as last year’s lockdown) ID
badges immediately identify someone as a member of the school community, and
just as importantly as not a member of the community.
The 8th Grade Visits Lynn
Classical........
Students from Pickering and Breed
Middle schools recently visited Classical and were given a tour
of the building by student ambassadors from the current Senior class.
On Wednesday
and Thursday, February 11 and 12, 8th grade students from Breed and
Pickering visited the newly renovated Classical High School. Classical Principal
Warren White invited the students to come and learn all about the curriculum,
activities and good news at the school. With informational brochures, tour
routes and singing, the LCHS upperclassmen welcomed the younger students to the
school and enthusiastically described the mission and opportunities at Lynn
Classical.
The 500+
students toured the newly renovated facility and visited classrooms. Prior to
the tour the Classical Concert Chorus performed for the groups in the
Auditorium. Principal White greeted the students and encouraged them to take a
good look at Classical and to ask questions of the students, who know the school
best. After a brief informational session, the Classical Guidance staff paired
groups of 8th graders with Classical tour guides. The guides answered
questions and took the groups to the Guidance Department, Library, Gymnasium,
Cafeteria, and Language Lab. Classroom teachers invited students into their
classrooms and greeted them along the way.
The Breed and
Pickering students even made it back in time for lunch! The Classical faculty
and students were all tired and proud of the job they had done. The school is
also planning an early June “Welcome Home Party” for the students at the
Classical Academy. The school is looking forward to reuniting the 9th
grade students with the rest of the classes and to continuing the rich Classical
tradition.
Student tour guides were: Bumi Atewologun,
Ed Cabrera,
Crystal Castillo,
Wiselene Dorceus, Jeremy Dorson, Abby
Field, Brianna Garritty, Tyler Gioachini, Roger Khun,
Brian Kolodziej, Nikki
Kourembanas, Chris Lewis, Felicia
Marston, Nikki Plessas,
Yahaira Rivera, Jomaira
Salas, Katie Thongchau, Jill Toner, and Kayla
Walleston.
Classical Concert Chorus: Kettie Berlus,
Erick Brito, Nachelis Cuevas, Juliana Davis, Jason Diamond, Shana
Doucette, Rachel Dunnigan, Brenda Eng, Tyler Gioacchini, Norah Gomez, Marie
Gorman, Junardy Jean-Charles, Dinorah Mazara, Cassie Murkison, Diana Naw,
Abimbola Odusanya, Paola Orisca, Alba Ortega, Courtney Rebidue, Jessenia Rivera,
Yadi Rivera, Angel Rodriguez, Sam Sims, Athina Sutson
Video Crew: Jason Scurio and Michael Duggan
Classical Ch-Ch- Changes
As you’ve probably
noticed by now, the repairs to the building are well under way. Most recently
the 1st floor C Wing and A wings have reopened, with (by the looks of
it) the Library soon to follow. The following photo essay shows what still needs
to be done (the D Wing and the Administrative offices) and the improvements that
have already been made..........
BEFORE
The previously crumbling, and
currently being fixed 'D' Wing.........
AFTER
The revitalized 'A' and 'C'
corridors on the ground floor...........
The renovated library and a
freshly fixed classroom.........
Check back often
for more pictures as the building continues to change.
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