The enrollment season for St. Paul Catholic High School in Bristol gets underway with an open house this Saturday, Jan. 9, beginning at 10 a.m. Tours of the school building and meetings with faculty and families are part of the open house experience.

The tours are open to all prospective students and their parents. Pre-registration is suggested, but not required. Register online at www.spchs.com/admissions.

The next placement exam for prospective grade 9 and grade 10 students will be held on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 8 a.m. Register online at www.spchs.com/admissions or call the admissions office at (860) 584-0911, ext. 34.

The Southington Board of Education has scheduled two public meetings to discuss the proposed 2016-2017 school budget. The first will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 19, and the second will be on Thursday, Jan. 21. Both meetings are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Hatton Elementary School.

Credit registration for the spring 2016 semester is under way at Tunxis Community College in Farmington. For information on how to apply and register, contact the Admissions Office at (860)773-1490, or visit tunxis.edu/apply. Late registration will take place Jan. 19, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Classes start Jan. 21.

Tunxis offers over 50 associate degrees and certificates that prepare students for transfer to four-year degrees and transition into the workforce with such programs as business; computer information systems; early childhood education; engineering; criminal justice; graphic design; human services; liberal arts and sciences; and technology. Financial aid and payment plans are available for those full- and part-time credit students who qualify.

For those who seek the flexibility of learning off-campus, online courses are also available.

Continuing education (non-credit) registration is ongoing, offering career training for professions such as certified nurse aide; medical assistant; phlebotomy technician; pharmacy technician; central sterile processing technician; veterinary assistant, patient care technician; EKG technician; and medical billing & coding. Many of these programs are approved for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding through the Connecticut Department of Labor. Professional development and personal interest courses are also available. For continuing education courses, there are a variety of convenient ways to register.

Tunxis Community College is located at the junction of Routes 6 and 177. Visit the Tunxis website at tunxis.edu.

The Southington High School Marching Band is conducting its annual “Super Sub” sale. The sale features 12 inch grinders that are sold, prepared, and delivered by the marching band.

Students will canvas the town on Jan. 9, 10, 16 and 17 (Jan. 23 and 24 will be snow dates) taking orders for your choice of turkey, ham, or Italian combo subs to be delivered in time for the Super Bowl on Feb. 7.

For more information, or to arrange for group purchases, contact Liz at (860) 462-1105, Dave at (860) 329-1707, or by email at shssubsale@gmail.com.

STEM Department Chair Justin Mirante demonstrates an engineering display during a STEM tour for local middle school students.

By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), labs at Southington High School (SHS) aren’t your typical “shop” classes.

Using 3D printers and CAD computer programs, students learn to design everything from wind turbines, to model homes, to go-karts. More than 25 course options give students the opportunity to learn STEM fundamentals, discover design techniques, and create functional, finished products.

Last week, 90 students from Kennedy and DePaolo middle schools had the opportunity to tour and explore the labs and courses. Led by STEM Department Chair Justin Mirante and his Technology Advisory Co-Chair Nancy Chiero, interested students were given hour-long tours of the facilities.

“Our mission is to get kids involved in these careers,” said Chiero, who said the department made it a goal to expose middle school students to STEM options before their registration for freshman-year courses.

The tours focused on opportunities in manufacturing, construction, transportation, and communication, and gave students a chance to learn about different class offerings for different grade levels, and to see what types of projects and assignments they would do in each.

Students, teachers, and guidance counselors viewed designs by screen-printing students, learned about model-size 3D prints, and saw the vehicles available for hands-on learning in the automotive labs.

“Careers in STEM are a great opportunity for you,” Mirante told the eighth-grade students, who will soon be participating in a course fair for their high school registration.

“Not every classroom you see today will be of interest you,” he said, “but our department believes that at least one of these rooms will spark an interest for you.”

The groups started their tours with the Project Lead the Way classrooms, where technology education teacher Kari Peschel-Luise shared the project’s six-year success in the pre-engineering technology exam.

Peschel-Luise said Project Lead the Way “is wonderful in terms of what we are as an all-comprehensive school.”

While going over the extensive curriculum, Mirante said the plethora of STEM classes focus equally on “the thinking, the planning, and bringing that project to life.”

He discussed opportunities for introductory courses where students can better choose their areas of interest, and explained the more advanced hands-on courses.

Mirante took students outside to view completed Adirondack chairs, trailer frames, and full-size sheds designed and built by students.

“This is our classroom. We get to build,” said Mirante. “Anything you can imagine you can make out of wood, you can come in here to design and make it.”

Students taken on the tours were asked to sign up through their middle school guidance department, and the tours were geared toward students who expressed an interest in STEM academics.

“These kids are more apt to take these classes once they’ve seen what’s going on,” said Steve Nyerick , a counselor at DePaolo, “They have an interest and now that they’ve seen it, they might influence their friends.”

Nyerick said that, although this was their first tour of the STEM labs, he already knows it will be an annual collaboration.

After the tour, eighth-grade student Amy Chudy said, “ I have an idea of what I want to apply to.”

Chudy said that with registration just around the corner she knew she wanted to explore Project Lead the Way, but that “construction really became an interest today.”

Nyerick said he hopes all the students will explore already established interests and new options.

For their freshman year, students have only one free credit for a STEM elective, with 26 STEM courses at SHS to choose from.

“We have more classes than you could ever possibly take,” said Mirante. “That’s why it’s important to explore.”

To comment on this story or to contact staff writer Taylor Hartz, email her at THartz@SouthingtonObserver.com.

Members of the CyberKnights react to this year’s game challenge during a worldwide kick-off to the 2016 season. (Photo by John Goralski)

By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER

The Southington High School Cyber Knights (Team 195) launched their 2016 season in a worldwide kickoff last weekend.

At 10a.m. on Jan. 8, FIRST robotics launched the international robotics season with the announcement of their Stronghold game. The Stronghold game is the annual challenge that each team faces in competition.

The game’s big reveal is “like Christmas and New Years altogether,” said Gino Brino, a lead mentor for the team.

Team 195 shirts filled the room at the Municipal Center, with students, parents, mentors, sponsors, and alumni gathered together to support the team. In a video showed nationwide featuring FIRST founder Dean Kamen, students were shown a visual demonstration of this year’s medieval-themed game.

“The competition is new every year,” said Kamen in the video reveal.

The founder said FIRST aims to teach students how to continue learning. “We get to be a part of a group that is changing the future of the world,” he said.

“You will get a dose of true education,” Dr. Woody Flowers, Co-Chair of the FIRST Advisory Board said in a video interview.

Flowers hopes the competition will help students be confident that they can complete new, complex, challenges. “You must be able to do things machines cannot yet do,” he said in the video.

Cheers and applause erupted in the audience as the challenge was announced, showing a playing field featuring two towers and more than 10,000 possible field configurations.

The objective is for each team’s robot to score the most boulders into their opponents’ tower, resulting in the capture of the tower at the end of their quest.

In the first 15 seconds of the quest the robots must operate independently, but for the remaining two minutes and 15-seconds, human drivers can control the robots to defend their own castle, obtain boulders, and score goals.

The kickoff announcement provided the Cyber Knights with a wealth of information to begin their preparation for competition season.

In addition to the game description, the team now has access to a complete game manual, a drawing of the playing field, video tours of the field, details of their “Kit of Parts” for their robot design, and a list of game materials.

“Its game-on for the next four months,” said Brino.

In 2015, the CyberKnights earned a division finalist title and the Engineering Inspiration Award when they competed against 600 teams from across the globe at the World Championships in St. Louis, MO.

According to FIRST, more than 3,000 teams will compete this year in regional competitions, with eight district championships leading up to the worldwide competition.

“People follow what you do religiously,” said Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connellan. “You have a wealth of support in Southington.”

Team 195’s success at the 2015 World Championship pre-qualified the team for the 2016 World Championships, where their entrance into the competition will be sponsored by NASA.

Members of the Lincoln College of New England (LCNE) Student Government Association partnered with Bread for Life (BFL) in a community campaign aimed at raising awareness for the local food bank. On Dec. 5, the students staffed a table outside of Stop & Shop to distribute information about the BFL food bank, the soup kitchen, and meal delivery. “It was a very successful morning with many pounds of food donated,” said Kaitlyn Fogg, president of the LCNE Student Government Association, said in a BFL press release. From left, Shannon Warner, BFL executive director Eldon Hafford, Leslie Mantello, Richard Coe, Junior Cuevas, Kaitlyn Fogg, and Luis Ramos.

The Petit Foundation awarded a grant to the Southington Public Schools on behalf of Kennedy Middle School teacher Nancy Wasserman, paraprofessional Spencer Richards, and district science coordinator John Duffy. The grant will be used to support the “Engineering Our Circulatory System” unit of study for all seventh grade students. Students will create 3D working models of the human circulatory system with various defects to better visualize the cause and effects of circulatory system problems in a real world STEM investigation. From left, John Duffy, Dr. William Petit, Petit’s parents Nancy Wasserman and Spencer Richards

The Southington Fire Department announced the local winners of the Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Contest. Ava Agan and Joscelyn Spinelli were Southington’s 2015 winners. Spinelli’s poster was chosen as a Hartford County winner.

The annual contest is for open to students across the state in grades 4 and 5. Contestants are challenged to create a poster to promote Fire Prevention and Fire Safety, with the theme of “Fire Prevention-Everyone/Everyday.” Local winners advance to compete in the county and state level. County winners are invited to attend a special luncheon in their honor in March. Approximately 30,000 students, from 130 communities take part in this annual contest.

The Connecticut Fire Marshals Association, Connecticut Department of Energy & Environment Protection, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association, State Board of Education, and the Connecticut Fair Plan, that represents the insurance industry, sponsor this event.

Egan, a student at Hatton Elementary School, won the fourth grade contest. Aniela Carlson from Strong Elementary School placed second overall. Spinelli, a student from Kelly Elementary School, scored the fifth grade title. Jessie Palladino from Thalberg Elementary School finished as runner up.

Fire Inspector Robert Hunt coordinates the event each year in cooperation with the teachers at the participating schools. All eight public and two private elementary schools are encourage to participate. Several of the top posters will be on display on the first floor of the town hall and the lower floor of the Municipal Center during the next 30 days.

The winners, along with their families, attended an award ceremony at Southington Fire Headquarters on Dec. 7. Both first place winners received checks for $50 and a season’s pass to Lake Compounce. Both runners up received $25 and a season’s pass for Lake Compounce. Honorable Mention winners received various gifts donated by local restaurants, businesses, and merchants.

Spinelli earned an addition $150 from for capturing the county title.

The following businesses sponsored this year’s event: Apple Valley Bowling, Family Pizza Restaurant, Manor Inn Restaurant, Moe’s Restaurant, Play It Again Sports, Sassy Mama Sweets & Eats, Shop Rite, Southington Fire Fighters Local 2033, Southington Mini Diner and Spartan II Restaurant.

By TAMMI NAUDUS
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Students perform at Hatton Elementary School on Wednesday, Jan. 13.  The school’s orchestra showcased their talents throughout the day, with a daytime concert for students, above, and evening concerts for parents, families, and friends by the school’s orchestra and band.

North Coast Clothing has already earned more than $4,000 in sales. The student company is the brainchild of, from left, Margaux Degumbi, Natalie Rickard, and Evan Aiudi.

By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER

Three Southington High School seniors are advancing their education in marketing by using their business and sales skills outside the classroom. Evan Aiudi, Natalie Rickard, and Margaux Degumbi, all students in the SHS Marketing III course, have created their own company.

North Coast Clothing, a New England themed t-shirt company, has earned the students more than $4,000 to date.

“We’re half way there,” said Aiudi, who hopes the group will sell another 200 of their long-sleeved t-shirts.

The company offers four designs for the shirts, available in grey, white, turquoise, and navy blue. Each shirt bears the North Coast Clothing (NCC) logo on the top right corner, with a different design on the back of each.

Modeled off of a U.S. “North Coast” theme, the shirts are designed with anchors, life preservers, starfish, and maps of New England.

At $20 per shirt, the students sold their first 160 products to students at SHS.

The halls of the high school are filled with fliers for the company—one flier every 15-feet to be exact.

The shirts are modeled by mannequins in the school store, and by the company owners themselves throughout the school day, while morning announcements advertise their products.

“We just tried to flood the school with advertising and flood Twitter and Instagram with content,” said Auidi.

The students built a solid online presence and kept active social media accounts for the clothing line as well. North Coast Clothing has its own website, along with Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. After reaching a goal with their classmates, they sought to make sales in the rest of the community.

“Facebook has been a big help,” said Auidi, who said they received dozens of orders from parents of peers and SHS alumni after posting in online community forums.

“All the adults have been super supportive,” said Auidi.

The team said that SHS principal Brian Stranieri and Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connellan were “hugely beneficial” in helping them promote their brand throughout the school district.

Doug Spain, owner of Pro-Image in Southington and an SHS alumn, was also a major supporter of the brand.

Spain provided the students with discounted printing services for their products, without which the students said the production of their shirts would not have been possible.

In addition to support from ProDesign, the team said that choosing to create a clothing company offered them a low startup cost, and brands including Vineyard Vines, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ralph Lauren ensure a target-market with a “high-end prep style” following.

When processing orders, the students offer in-person sales and online purchases, and provide free “shipping”—all online orders are hand-delivered by the students.

The owners agree that they enjoy delivering each shirt personally because they like to see who is ordering them, who the shirt is for, and why they decided to purchase their product.

“Local interaction is the best,” said Aiudi.

While they have seen a steady flow of orders, starting and maintaining a company has been a real learning process for the seniors.

“Communication and compromise are integral to success,” said Rickard, “I’ve learned how to deal with real life business situations such as negotiations and sales proposals.”

When starting the company, Rickard focused on using her personal network to spread awareness of the brand. While Aiudi worked to push the company in the right direction, Degumbia focused on a successful “word-of-mouth campaign” throughout the town.

Degumbia said her role in reaching out to local students, citizens, and businesses gave her “a better understanding of the business world and its competitive nature.”

The students still hope to make 200 more sales to fulfill their quota of 400 products sold. Their ultimate goal is to earn enough from their sales to finance a trip to Nashville, Tenn., this April where they hope to attend the International Career Development Conference (ICDC). At the conference, the team will have the chance to present their product in a professional business setting.

Each of the three students plans to pursue an education in business next fall and hopes that using the success of their SHS class project to attend the ICDC conference will better prepare them for their college education and careers.

All of the North Coast Clothing products are available online at www.NorthCoastClothing.net.

By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER

For decades, high school seniors have been tasked with summarizing their four-year experience in just two short lines, known as the senior quote.

When it comes time for the annual submissions, most go the sentimental route, recalling fond memories on the field or on stage, others opt for meaningful song lyrics, and many more code their quotes in a jumble of inside jokes between friends.

The age-old ritual sparked controversy at Southington High School earlier this month, when two students saw an opportunity to make a public announcement.

This year, two seniors chose to use their allotted characters to do something they hadn’t done in their high school days—come out of the closet.

After choosing their senior yearbook as their medium to make an announcement about their sexual orientation, one student was nearly denied the chance.

While students are discouraged from submitting quotes with crude language or inappropriate content, the student’s statement, “It’s surprising that after four years you guys still think I’m straight,” contained neither.

Despite that fact, the student was originally told by an undisclosed member of the SHS staff that his quote would not be used.

“The individual making the interpretation did not bring that to the administration and had no business making that call,” said Superintendent of Southington Public Schools Timothy Connellan.

The small slip of paper submitted for the yearbook started an uproar amongst students, and on community forums such as “Southington Talks” – a Facebook group for Southington residents.

A post on the page by SHS senior Morgan Shubert rallied more than 200 likes and comments in just 24 hours, with dozens of students, parents, and community members expressing disappointment in the school’s decision.

“It is everyone’s right to express who they are, and if the school has a problem with him doing that in a non-confrontational way, it is just wrong,” said Shubert.

The administration at Southington High School agreed.

“We support our students, and we will always make sure that their first amendment rights are protected,” said Connellan.

Within a week of the incident, the student spoke with Principal Brian Stranieri, who assured him that his quote would be published.

Connellan, who reviewed the quote with Stranieri, said that once the issue was brought to the administration, it was handled exactly how it should have been.

“There was nothing inappropriate about that senior quote,” said Connellan.

“Mr. Stranieri was totally supportive of me in our meeting this afternoon,” said the student in an online post on Jan. 7.

The student stated in his post that neither the administration nor the guidance department at the high school were involved in the initial denial of publication.

The senior wrote that the administration “Worked as quickly as they could to properly resolve the issue and were behind me 100 percent with my choice to have the quote printed.”

The senior said that the problem was resolved when school officials decided to comply with his request to publish the quote.

To comment on this story or to contact staff writer Taylor Hartz, email her at THartz@SouthingtonObserver.com.

Kennedy Middle School announced their December Students of the Month. Front, from left, JFK Principal Richard Terino, Adam Kosko, Zachary DelVecchia, Emmett Vitti, Anabel Cannatelli, Samantha Kania, and Grayson Borla. Back, Evan Kwok, Jenna Lucian, Sarah Langdeau, Harshita Rayapureddy, Olivia Lanteri, Jordan Cyr and JFK Assistant Principal Susanne Vitcavage.

John F. Kennedy Middle School in Plantsville recently announced the names of its December students of the month. Teachers nominated these students for their academic improvement on performance, exemplary citizenship, and/or participation in extracurricular activities.

Sixth grade students of the month are Grayson Borla, Anabel Cannatteli and Samantha Kania.

Grayson is a hardworking and inquisitive student who takes pride in his work. An honor roll student, he makes a great effort to help others. Grayson is a member of the Builder’s Club, the orchestra, the cross country team and Junior Next Steps. He plays town soccer and volunteers for Sloper Strong Smiles. In his free time he likes to read, ride his bicycle and ripstick.

Anabel is a well-rounded student who is responsible, reliable and consistent. At all times she goes above and beyond her team’s expectations of her. Anabel plays town basketball and softball and dog sits one day a week for her neighbor. She also enjoys sports and spending time with her family and pets.

Samantha is a conscientious, polite young lady who is an enthusiastic learner. She is a positive influence in all of her classes, and she is consistent in her academics putting forth her best efforts. Samantha is a member of the cross country team and the band. She plays town softball and includes drawing, skating, biking, swimming, tennis, rollerblading and taking art lessons among other interests.

Seventh grade students of the month are Sarah Langdeau, Olivia Lanteri, Jenna Lucian, Harshita Rayapureddy, Emmett Vitti and Jordan Cyr.

Sarah advocates well for herself is very supportive of her peers. An honor roll student, she always models responsible behavior. Sarah is a member of the Bowling Club, the Builders Club, the band and the Unified Theater. She plays town golf and volunteers at the Apple Harvest Festival and for the American Legion’s breakfasts for Mother’s and Father’s Day. She is also an active participant in her church’s CCD program.

A pleasure to have in class, Olivia is a kind, generous student who always gives her all. She is a member of the Asset Building Committee, Best Buddies, Junior Next Steps, the Drama Club, the honor roll, the morning announcers, NJHS, the chorus, Regionals and the Unified Theater. Olivia volunteers as a member of the S.T.E.P.S. Youth Council, takes voice lessons, enjoys writing and reading and works with the Seven Angels Theater. In addition, she and a classmate on working on a proposal to promote acceptance of people of all abilities through a JFK club called Team Awareness.

Jenna is a patient, mature young lady with a kind heart. A good citizen, she sets high academic standards for herself, and she works hard in all areas to set a good example for all of her peers. An honor roll student, she is a member of the NJHS, the chorus and Junior Next Steps. Jenna plays town softball and helps to raise funds for the soup kitchen and softball charities. Outside school she cares for young children with special needs.

Harshita is a seventh grade Unified Arts student of the month. An A+ chorus student, she is consistently focused and prepared in class. Always putting forth her best efforts and excelling in singing and music skills, she is an outstanding role model for all Kennedy singers. Harishita is a member of the Bowling Club and chorus and she enjoys basketball, drawing, drama and reading in her free time.

Emmett is a seventh grade Unified Arts student of the month. He is a role model for his peers as he leads by example. He always displays an extremely positive attitude and exhibits at all times such qualities as leadership, sportsmanship and a willingness to help others. An honor roll student, he is a member of the cross country team. He also plays town football, basketball, baseball and he wrestles.

Jordan is a seventh grade World Language student of the month. He is very polite and courteous and on-task in class. He is always prepared, studious and volunteers and participates in class discussions and activities. He is a role model for the other students. Jordan plays Southington soccer. He is part of the S.T.E.P.S. Youth Council and he helps teach classes at his karate school. His interests include theater, soccer and karate in his free time.

Eighth grade students of the month are Zach DelVecchia, Adam Kosko and Evan Kwok.

Zach is a cheerful, enthusiastic and energetic student whose enthusiasm for learning extends beyond the classroom. He works well with others and he is helpful and considerate of his peers. Zach is an honor roll student who plays town hockey and lacrosse.

Adam is an extremely hard worker who always puts forth his best effort. Kind and positive, he is willing to go out of his way to help anyone in need. Adam is a member of the Ping Pong Club, the Red Cross Club and the Stock Market Club. He plays tennis and enjoys spending free time outside with his friends.

Evan is a considerate, responsible and hardworking student who works well with his peers. He is a member of the Bowling Club, the band and plays town basketball. Evan also enjoys football.

DePaolo Middle School’s Asset Building Classroom (ABC) spent the month of December collecting toys during a drive to benefit Toys for Tots and Southington Community Services. Above, ABC students are pictured with Sgt. Magana who runs Toys for Tots of Hartford County. Students collected over 175 toys.

The Greater Meriden Branch of the American Association of University Women announced the offering of several $1,500 scholarships for men and women that will be graduating from high school this year. The scholarship is open to residents of Meriden, Cheshire, Southington, and Wallingford.

To qualify, students should rank in the top 20 percent of their graduation class, plan to attend a four-year college, and exhibit financial need.

Copies of the AAUW scholarship application are in the guidance departments of Southington High School. The deadline for a completed application is March 11, 2016.

Eversource and The United Illuminating Company, as partners of the Energize Connecticut initiative, are now accepting entries for the 12th annual eesmarts student contest. The contest encourages students to demonstrate their knowledge of energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainability by completing grade-specific assignments. The deadline for entries is April 1, 2016.

The eesmarts Student Contest is open to Connecticut students in Grades K-12. This year, the contest has added a college-level playwright category entitled “Wright the World” and a new separate 12th grade category. Finalists in all categories and grade levels will be honored at a special awards ceremony on April 29 at the State Capitol in Hartford.

“Over the past 11 years, we have encouraged students across the state to demonstrate their understanding of smart energy with creativity and to develop sustainable solutions that help our environment,” Bill Dornbos, Chairperson of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Board and also with the Acadia Center, said in a press release. “We are excited to be able to expand the contest this year to include college students.”

The new “Wright the World” category invites college students, enrolled in a two or four year college or university in Connecticut, to write a 25-30 minute play that supports the eesmarts curriculum and mission. The play should be written for a young audience, preferably Grades K-5. It must explain how energy is made, identify energy resources, clarify what it means to be energy-efficient and sustainable, and provide examples of energy-efficient technology.

The winner of this category will receive $500 and have the opportunity to cast and perform the play during the 2016-2017 academic year at schools and/or educational centers across Connecticut.

Students in Grade 12 will compete in a new category that challenges them to create a persuasive image that advocates for energy conservation, an alternate energy source, or an environmental concern, and showcases their knowledge of this subject area. Entries, which can be a short poem, cartoon or 30-second video, will be evaluated based on scientific validity, and concise and convincing imagery.

Students in Grades 9-11 compete in the community service-learning project award category, which asks students to propose a community-based project to address an energy-related issue. Students may work in groups of five members or less in this category and winners’ schools will receive eesmarts program funding of $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third place to make their proposed project a reality during the next school year.

Students in grades K-8 answer grade-level specific prompts in the form of a poster (Grades K-2), narrative (Grade 3), news article (Grade 4), book review (Grade 5), essay (Grade 6), speech (Grade 7), or public service announcement (Grade 8).

For grade levels K-12, first prize winners will also receive a $200 Amazon Gift Card, second prize winners a $100 Amazon Gift Card, and third prize winners a $50 Amazon Gift Card.

For more information about the contest, visit www.eesmarts.com/contest.

Energize Connecticut helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Connecticut Green Bank, the State, and your local electric and gas utilities, with funding from a charge on customer energy bills. Information on energy-saving programs can be found at EnergizeCT.com or by calling 1.877.WISE.USE.

Fifth grader Emily Fay belts out a familiar tune during rehearsals for the Kelley Elementary School play. The curtain opens on “Annie Jr.” today with musical performances on Friday, Jan. 29 and Saturday, Jan. 30. Both shows begin at 7 p.m. and tickets cost $5.

By TAMMI NAUDUS
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

This weekend, 30 cast members and crew will take the stage at Kennedy Middle School for a fourth and fifth grade performance performed by Kelley Elementary students, in their production of “Annie Jr.”

What makes this is show unique, is that the director and the behind-the-scenes crew of this production will be headed up by Southington High School students.

“I was an alumni of Kelley School,” said director Michael Ricciardone. “When I went to Kelley, I never got the experience to perform on stage. I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to bring a Drama Club to Kelley.”

The first production was led by Ricciardone and recent graduate Emily Pestillo last year. Now, Ricciardone has enlisted help from the high school drama club, including Rebecca Lo Presti and Julia Kahl.

“I truly feel a Drama Club is such an amazing program for young students to be involved in for it helps students in various ways—communication, self-confidence, team work,” Ricciardone said.

The Kelley students echo the thoughts of their director. Mikalyn Mirisola, (who plays Grace Farrell) said, “It is fun to share your talents with all your friends. They helped me come out of my shell.”

Alyssa Polverari (playing the role of Rosie) added, “I would like to do another play, because it builds self-confidence and I love to sing.”

Emily Bennett (who plays Kate) said, “It was so fun to hang out with my cast mates when singing, acting and dancing together throughout the show.  Everybody cares for and supports each other.”

Emily Fay (who plays Annie) said, “I learned that if I work hard, I can do many things.  My director Michael, always tells me that it’s not about hitting all the high notes.  It’s about telling the story.  I don’t have to sound perfect.  I just have to be me.”

The cast of the show, besides having a great time, have expressed how being a part of this production has been a learning experience for them as well. The student director echoed that sentiment.

“Directing in such a different side than performing. I love them both,” Ricciardone said. “As a director, you have the freedom to work things out and try different things. In this version of Annie, you should not walk in expecting brown orphanage walls and brown orphan costumes. I really feel this is a fresh production of Annie. My goal was that no matter how any times one has seen Annie, it is still something really special.”

Because “Annie” is so well-known, Ricciardone said that it was important to make the show come alive. In addition, he said that it was great to see the cast and crew grow throughout the production.

“People should come to see this show, because no matter how many times you’ve seen Annie, you will be amazed by this production,” he said. “There is so much incredible talent in this show. It is such a wonderful story about optimism and always to believe.”

Performances of Annie Jr. will be held in the Kennedy auditorium on Friday, Jan. 29 and Saturday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased at the door.

Click to enlarge

A memorial bench and an annual award, above, in memory of the late Olivia Fusco were donated to Kennedy Middle School on Jan. 22. Olivia’s father unveils the bench in a ceremony at the school.

By JOHN GORALSKI
EDITOR

John Fusco pulled back the sheet to reveal the bench, and he laid the Olivia Fusco Friendship Award upon it as the bench’s first occupant.

On Friday, Jan. 22, dozens gathered near the main entrance of John F. Kennedy Middle School to witness the unveiling of a memorial bench that was donated to the school to honor one of two teenagers that were killed in a car accident on I-84 on July 28, 2015.

Friends, family, and classmates gathered, along with school and town officials, to pay tribute to the former JFK student. The bench is adorned with an etched portrait Olivia Fusco, a former eighth grader at the school, who died in the 2015 crash.

“We’re pleased to have this beautiful bench at Kennedy to honor her memory,” said JFK Assistant Principal Susan Vitcavage.

Vitcavage said that the bench was created by Olivia’s father, John, with funds received through donations at his work. Fusco approached Vitcavage about making the donation and establishing an annual award to honor his daughter.
“At the end of the summer, I was approached by her father about making this donation to Kennedy in memory of his daughter,” said Vitcavage. “We were glad to have it.”

The school has received a number of memorial items in the past, but this one was special since it honored a student that is still being grieved by the school community.

In addition to the bench, Fusco used the ceremony as an opportunity to announce the Olivia Fusco Friendship Award.

“I think it’s a lasting tribute to Olivia, and it was important to me that her spirit of friendship was her lasting legacy,” said her father. “In an effort to inspire future generations of JFK students, I’m very proud and excited to announce the Olivia Fusco Friendship Award today.”

Fusco said that the award will be presented each year to an eighth grade student at the school that “best represents friendship through compassion, kindness, loyalty, and support.”

The bench will remain, for now, at the school’s entrance to greet visitors in the main lobby. Made of durable materials, the bench could eventually be moved to a suitable place on the school grounds.

Timothy F. Connellan, Superintendent of Schools
200 North Main Street, Southington, CT 06489
Phone (860) 628-3202 Fax (860) 628-3205

By TAYLOR HARTZ
STAFF WRITER

Before voting on their budget for the 2016-2017 academic year, the Board of Education (BOE) held two public workshops to review the Superintendent’s proposals.

On Dec. 29, Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connellan submitted his suggested budget to the BOE, proposing an increase of 3.47 percent, for a total budget of $92,782,522. The BOE met to discuss each item in the budget, page by page, during two workshops on Jan. 19 and Jan. 21.

Connellan’s budget was mainly comprised of salaries, benefits, special education costs, salary increases, insurance expenditures, purchased services, supplies, major projects, and equipment.

The proposal, said Connellan, was the culmination of months of work conducted by the administrative leadership team, made up of principals from several schools across the district. While Connellan said that “Everything brought to the table was interesting and worthy of discussion,” the administrators worked as a team to prioritize funding.

“The needs, as identified by the administrative leadership team, are far greater than the ability of our community to fund those,” said Connellan in his proposal, “this designed spending plan addresses the most significant needs of the district.”

Connellan’s proposal states that the budget is designed to tackle programmatic areas in an incremental fashion, to be addressed over a period of several years.

Nearly 80-percent of the budget is to be allotted to salaries and benefits, which Connellan said is typical for most school districts, and 3.4 percent of the proposed budget is dedicated to items identified as “major drivers.”

These drivers include wage increases per union contracts, new personnel, salary increases, supplies, and projects.

The budget also ensures that the district meets all federal and state mandates and begins to address long-term needs in each school.

“We have a very long list of issues that need to be addressed,” said Connellan, “and we have to start checking things off that list.”

The BOE plans to adopt the budget at their meeting on Jan. 28.

Fifth grader Emily Fay belts out a familiar tune during rehearsals for the Kelley Elementary School play. The curtain opens on “Annie Jr.” today with musical performances on Friday, Jan. 29 and Saturday, Jan. 30. Both shows begin at 7 p.m. and tickets cost $5.

By TAMMI NAUDUS
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

This weekend, 30 cast members and crew will take the stage at Kennedy Middle School for a fourth and fifth grade performance performed by Kelley Elementary students, in their production of “Annie Jr.”

What makes this is show unique, is that the director and the behind-the-scenes crew of this production will be headed up by Southington High School students.

“I was an alumni of Kelley School,” said director Michael Ricciardone. “When I went to Kelley, I never got the experience to perform on stage. I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to bring a Drama Club to Kelley.”

The first production was led by Ricciardone and recent graduate Emily Pestillo last year. Now, Ricciardone has enlisted help from the high school drama club, including Rebecca Lo Presti and Julia Kahl.

“I truly feel a Drama Club is such an amazing program for young students to be involved in for it helps students in various ways—communication, self-confidence, team work,” Ricciardone said.

The Kelley students echo the thoughts of their director. Mikalyn Mirisola, (who plays Grace Farrell) said, “It is fun to share your talents with all your friends. They helped me come out of my shell.”

Alyssa Polverari (playing the role of Rosie) added, “I would like to do another play, because it builds self-confidence and I love to sing.”

Emily Bennett (who plays Kate) said, “It was so fun to hang out with my cast mates when singing, acting and dancing together throughout the show.  Everybody cares for and supports each other.”

Emily Fay (who plays Annie) said, “I learned that if I work hard, I can do many things.  My director Michael, always tells me that it’s not about hitting all the high notes.  It’s about telling the story.  I don’t have to sound perfect.  I just have to be me.”

The cast of the show, besides having a great time, have expressed how being a part of this production has been a learning experience for them as well. The student director echoed that sentiment.

“Directing in such a different side than performing. I love them both,” Ricciardone said. “As a director, you have the freedom to work things out and try different things. In this version of Annie, you should not walk in expecting brown orphanage walls and brown orphan costumes. I really feel this is a fresh production of Annie. My goal was that no matter how any times one has seen Annie, it is still something really special.”

Because “Annie” is so well-known, Ricciardone said that it was important to make the show come alive. In addition, he said that it was great to see the cast and crew grow throughout the production.

“People should come to see this show, because no matter how many times you’ve seen Annie, you will be amazed by this production,” he said. “There is so much incredible talent in this show. It is such a wonderful story about optimism and always to believe.”

Performances of Annie Jr. will be held in the Kennedy auditorium on Friday, Jan. 29 and Saturday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased at the door.

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