Students tracking a killer: GHS project gathers information on a destructive insect
BY MACKENZIE ISSLER RECORDER STAFF
Published: Monday, June 02, 2008
Recorder/Peter MacDonald
GREENFIELD -- What started out as a class project has turn into quite the endeavor for two high school freshmen who have spent hours after school studying an invasive, tree-killing insect that has made its home on one of the tall hemlock trees in Shattuck Park.
Greenfield High School students RO and JH are in Christine Perham's advanced biology class, which have been participating in a long-term ecological research project organized by Harvard University's Harvard Forest in Petersham, which tracks the spread of the invasive insect -- the hemlock woolly adelgid.
The class had been studying 20 hemlock trees in the park and using the protocols set up by the scientists and teachers that are involved with the Harvard program. They have learned how to identify the signs of the exotic pest and have been monitoring the trees near the school.
[The students] decided to turn their research into a project for this year's science fair that happened earlier in the school year and will continue to do work for the fair next year.
'I think this research is important for many reasons. One reason is that it is giving me knowledge about this invasive bug. But more importantly this research is going to help people acknowledge what hemlock woolly adelgid does to trees,' said O.
'Hopefully some day there will be a way to prevent woolly adelgid from killing trees.'
Forest ecologist David Orwig has been studying the forest response to the invasive insect for the past 13 years at the Harvard Forest. The data collected by students across the state, including in Greenfield, is helping him, as well as other scientists, throughout the northeast with their research.
Orwig said the woolly adelgid doesn't behave the same at every site and that the students' observations help the scientists study how this invasive insect affects the trees and forests in the Northeast.
'The more observations we have, the better,' he said. Hemlock trees infested by these creepy-crawlers often die within four to 10 years.
Perham first noticed the white woolly material produced by the adelgids on one of the trees in the park last spring.
'It was not supposed to be out at that time of the year,' said O.
The boys captured many of the stages of the insect by using a microscope camera.
'It is not easy to capture them on photographs,' said Orwig.
According to Orwig, the hemlocks have no known resistance to the bug and that it could ultimately kill many of the trees in the region. The bug is spread by wind but it also can hitch a ride on birds and other animals.
He said the Greenfield site is helpful in the research because it is so close to the school and since it is only on one tree, it helps to track the spread of the insect.
The insect has been in the United States since 1924 and is believed to be a native of Asia and is a serious pest of eastern and Carolina hemlocks.
During a cool day in the park, [the students] pointed out to a visitor the white material and the areas on the trees where there were no needles.
In April, town and state officials, including representatives from the town's public works and recreations departments, came to the class for a round-table discussion about the invasive species.
'These is no way I could have done that as ninth-grader,' said Orwig.
Franklin County Rotary Club is doing a wonderful service project in the Greenfield Public School system. Club members volunteerto read four different books to all kindergarten and first grade classes in the district. Students can then choose one of the four books to keep. Books will be ordered and donated by Rotarians to students before the end of the school year, so that they may have them for their home library.
“This is such a wonderful example of community collaboration. The public schools are thrilled to have these folks reading in our classrooms, to our students. The cherry on top is that each K and 1st grade student will then be able to bring the book home to share with his/her family”, says Suzie Hale, GPS employee and Rotary Reads Across the District Project Coordinator.
GHS hitting a high note.
Will host state band, chorus competition this weekend
BY MACKENZIE ISSLER RECORDER STAFF
Published: Thursday, April 03, 2008
GREENFIELD -- Greenfield schools music director Paul Calcari wore his lucky black, maroon and silver tie to work on Wednesday, as the high school's select chorus and concert band had their last few rehearsals before the upcoming state competitions on Friday and Saturday.
'You sound awesome,' said Calcari to the 19-member select chorus, which was practicing for the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductor's Association competition.
'The finest bands from throughout the entire state will be competing with nationally famous judges in attendance,' said Calcari, who has been the music director for 22 years.
Calcari said the competition is the toughest state music competition.
'It gives us validity,' he said. 'It is our SATs.'
After hours of rehearsal, nit-picking and encouragement and constructive criticism from their conductor, the two groups will put all their hard work to the test in competitions on Friday and Saturday.
Greenfield High School is one of the sites for the competition and the 45-member concert band will be performing on Friday. The event is open to public and starts at 3 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. The chorus will perform in Longmeadow on Saturday.
On Wednesday, Calcari held rehearsals for most of the morning to fine-tune and practice the band's and chorus' pieces. Each will perform three selections at the competitions.
Every group that performs is evaluated in relation to the quality, complexity and overall performance of their selected music, but not in relation to other groups. Gold medals reflect a superior performance; silver, an excellent performance; bronze, a good performance; medal of merit acknowledges a fair performance; and the participation award is reserved for ensembles who have requested comments only or for groups who have been disqualified or need improvement.
Groups that receive gold medals will receive the opportunity to perform at either the Boston Symphony Hall or the Mechanics Hall in Worcester.
Calcari said that the Boston Symphony Hall is 'one of the greatest halls in the world.' He said this opportunity is one of the only times that high school students are allowed to perform in the hall.
'It is a big deal,' he said.
Two of the chorus' pieces will be performed a cappella, which means without musical accompaniment.
The sopranos, altos, basses and tenors stood on the bleachers in the band room and harmonized as they practiced their pieces. Calcari stood in front of the group, sometimes motioning for more volume, better enunciation and a change in tempo.
Sophomore Cayla Plasse, who is a soprano in the select chorus, said she brings the music home to practice and said she is only nervous for competitions when she feels that the group isn't prepared. But, she feels ready for Saturday after all the group's hard work.
After the chorus, the concert band practiced in the auditorium. The students' eyes were locked on their sheet music for most of the rehearsal, concentrating as they practiced, but when they weren't looking at their music, their eyes were on Calcari.
Calcari stood on a platform in front of the band, with a baton in hand, conducting the group.
Again, Calcari kept things positive as he critiqued their performances.
'A lot of really good things are happening,' he yelled out.
Calcari's optimism, support and expertise are some of the many reasons why students chose to join and stay in the band and chorus groups.
'We can really rely on each other,' said Jordan Seibert, a senior trumpet player in the band.
'(Calcari) has really changed my life,' said Damien Shippee, a senior in the select chorus, who hopes to be Broadway bound.
'He is more than a teacher, he is a support system,' said Plasse. '(The chorus) is like a big family.'
Senior Ashley Brandenburg said being in the chorus and band has taught her leadership and courage.
'I have kind of learned who I am,' said Brandenburg. She said she will be attending the University of New Hampshire in the fall to study criminal justice and psychology. But, she said music will always be a part of her life.
And, for some, it is the music department that keeps them at Greenfield.
'I would not be at the school if there wasn't a music department,' said Josh Westbrook, senior tenor saxophone player.
You can reach Mackenzie Issler at: missler@recorder.com or (413) 772-0261 Ext. 257
Calcari earns Gottschalk award
for music education
BY MACKENZIE ISSLER RECORDER STAFF
Published: Thursday, April 03, 2008
GREENFIELD -- Paul Calcari has been director of music for the Greenfield public schools for the past 22 years. His list of duties include the conductor of the high school concert chorus, select chorus, symphony winds, marching band, jazz band and the seventh- and eighth-grade concert band at the middle school.
In recognition of his ''outstanding contributions to music performance and education in the Pioneer Valley,'' Calcari has been chosen as a recipient of a Gottschalk Award.
The award honors Nathan Gottschalk, who was the music director and conductor of the Pioneer Valley Symphony for 37 years. The May 17 concert marks the 15th anniversary of his retirement. At an awards dinner on May 3, the Pioneer Valley Symphony and Chorus will present the sixth annual Gottschalk Memorial Awards.
According to a statement from the Pioneer Valley Symphony and Chorus, Calcari's award-winning groups have performed at numerous conventions, clinics and music festivals across the country. His instrumental and choral groups have worked with some of the best composers, arrangers and teachers in music education today.
For many years, Calcari's young musicians have performed with well-known groups and professionals throughout the region, including the Pioneer Valley Symphony and Chorus.
Under Calcari's direction, the Greenfield High School music department has been successful in producing music students who have gone on to prestigious music schools and performed around the world, the awards committee notes.
Calcari said, this year, the chorus has performed in many different languages, including German, Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Nigerian and English.
''(Music) is one of the things that gets everyone together in the school,'' said Calcari.
You can reach Mackenzie Issler at: missler@recorder.com or (413) 772-0261 Ext. 257
Are you hungry for Mexican food yet?
GHS students demonstrate real-life marketing savvy
BY MACKENZIE ISSLER RECORDER STAFF
Published: Monday, March 31, 2008
GREENFIELD -- Mesa Verde owners Amy McMahan and Jennifer Dewitt selected designs from three Greenfield High School students to use for their Mexican restaurant on Fiske Avenue.
Last semester, high school teacher Matthew Stinson gave his class an extra incentive to work hard by giving them the opportunity to have their designs featured at Mesa Verde.
Each student in his desktop publishing class had to design a newspaper advertisement, T-shirt and menu board for Mesa.
Winners were picked in each category: senior Kryston Escobales for his T-shirt design, freshman Alex Richardson for his newspaper advertisement and senior Kellie Varilly for her menu board designs and each student received a $25 gift certificate to the restaurant.
''I really didn't expect to win,'' said Varilly. ''I tried but there were a lot of kids in the class that were good.''
Richardson said, while designing his advertisement, he wanted to make something that showed excitement and that can be seen in the bright orange, red and yellow colors he used and the splatters of yellow in the background.
''I liked getting involved with the community,'' he said. ''If I see my ad in the newspaper, I will be encouraged to do more good work like that.''
McMahan said, at this point, the owners will probably first use Richardson's advertisement in the newspaper and they haven't decided yet what they will do with the T-shirt and menu board designs.
''We thought they did great work,'' she said. ''I like the idea of education aligning itself with practical applications.''
During a class last semester, all the students worked hard to finish their final project and reflected on the work they had done in the class.
''It is nice we are doing something for someone, not just the teacher,'' said sophomore Frank Dufraine, as he sat in front of a computer working on his T-shirt design.
The students were given an assignment sheet, outlining what had to be done and some of the client's specifications, like what fonts and colors they prefer.
And, many found the class more enjoyable than others.
''I'd give it a 7 or 8,'' said sophomore Nick Rubeck.
You can reach Mackenzie Issler at: missler@recorder.com or (413) 772-0261 Ext. 257
BY MACKENZIE ISSLER RECORDER STAFF
Published: Tuesday, February 12, 2008
photo by: Peter MacDonald
GREENFIELD -- The Newton School is one of two Greenfield schools that has changed to longer school days, allowing for more programs. Now, halfway through the school year, many students and teachers are saying they have adjusted to the new schedule and like the change.
'I think it is pretty good because we get to learn more things,' said third-grader SC. 'We read more, get to do more work, and we can help our brain.'
Last fall, the state Department of Education awarded the school an Extended Learning Time grant, which gave the schools about $1,300 for each student. The school was recently awarded an additional $43,000.
Principal Mary Lou DiBella said the extended days have given teachers the time they need to do more project-based work and expanded social studies, science and math classes, as well as offering enrichments.
DiBella admitted that the administrators and staff were tired the first month, but she said she doesn't know of a staff member who doesn't like the extended learning time.
Fourth-grader LD said she likes the longer days because now she gets to participate in different activities. Lauren said her favorite enrichment is chorus. She likes it 'because you don't just sit and work, you get up and sing.'
When asked if she would rather stay with the longer days or go back to shorter ones, she said she wants to stay with the extended days.
'You don't have the same activities over and over again,' she said, adding that she hopes one day to be a veterinarian.
Fourth grader KO said 'it is OK,' when asked about the change.
K. said it took some time for him to get adjusted but feels the long days were a good idea because, he said, you learn more in a longer period of time. The 9-year-old boy was ambivalent about the change, but when he started talking about being in the after-school bird club, his eyes lit up.
K. said when he grows up he hopes to be someone who studies birds. Raptor expert Tom Ricardi came to school to do a presentation and Kenny said he loved it.
The school day at Newton begins at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 3:45 p.m. Last year, the school day for Newton elementary students began at 8:30 a.m. and went to 2:55 p.m. For middle school students, it started at 7:55 a.m. and ended at 2:20 p.m.
Eight-year-old SC said the longer day took some time to get used to & 'I like to sleep,' she said with a giggle.
DiBella said the school day schedule had to be redesigned. She said math was extended to 90 minutes from 60 to 75 minutes, social studies and science from 20 to 25 minutes to 45 minutes and 15 to 30 minutes was added to English/language arts, making the class about three hours long.
Also added to the school day were the 45-minute enrichment periods, which include dance, chorus, social skills, visual arts, library, physical education and Spanish.
At the Chamber of Commerce breakfast on November 29, 2007, several district administrators spoke eloquently about School-Community Partnerships. Speakers included:
Dr. Marcia Evans, Interim Superintendent
Dr. Joan Schell, Academy of Early Learning,
Elizabeth Musgrave, Federal Street School
Gail Healy, Four Corners School
Dr. Mary Lou DiBella, Newton School
Chris Collins, Greenfield Middle School
Nancy Athas, Greenfield High School
To download a copy of their presentation in PDF format, click here!
Alternative school giving students chance to succeed
By DIANE BRONCACCIO Recorder Staff Originally published on: Tuesday, November 13, 2007
GREENFIELD -- Educators say lack of attendance is a strong indicator that a student is at risk of dropping out of school. So when Greenfield High School student Sara Barber started out last school year attending only three out of every five days, her teachers were concerned. But within several months, Barber's attendance record became 100 percent, said her teacher, Elaine Mount.
''When I first came in, I hated school,'' Barber told the Greenfield School Committee. ''I had anger problems. … This year, I've only missed one day. I actually enjoy coming to school now.'' Barber is planning to go to Greenfield Community College and would like to study child psychology.
''I had a bad attitude, before I got accepted,'' says Joslyn Rice, another student in the educational collaborative. Rice said she was on the verge of quitting school when she was accepted into the alternative program. Now she not only wants to get her high school degree but continue on, to get a degree in nursing.
Ten students are currently enrolled in the high school's Collaborative Education Group, which started last November and is grant-funded. It is a voluntary program, run by Elaine Mount, and it has a waiting list, she said.
The goal is to offer students an alternative program. It is a school program with a shorter day, that begins at 8:20 a.m. instead of 7:45, according to Mount. Three students are enrolled at GCC in dual-enrollment programs. Besides their core academic courses, the alternative students have internship opportunities, thanks to community partners.
Mount said Greenfield Cooperative Bank has taught the students how to open up bank accounts, and how to save money for future planning.
Students have worked as interns at the Poet's Seat Nursing Home, the Dakin Animal Shelter, the Connecticut River Watershed, and with other groups. They also attend afternoon flex-time enrichment programs, such as tai chi, and hula-hooping.
Working in partnership with the Franklin-Hampshire Career Center, students will be learning how to interview for jobs and how to write a resume.
''Last year's overall attendance was 80 percent; it was increased to 91 percent,'' said Mount. She said the students' grade-point average rose from 2.67 to 3.0.
''I love these kids,'' she told the School Committee. ''I hope this district will support this program for a long time.''
Building Community
