Here we are past the midpoint of the school year with less than ninety days remaining until graduation. “As you get older, time seems to fly. It catches you off guard, probably because it’s such a powerful and bizarre concept” (Kristin Wong). While those of the Xers, Baby Boomers, Silent Generation, and beyond might agree with the notion of “Tempus fugit” our current student population, especially our seniors, may feel that time drags on. Clearly, before you know it, we will be assembled at Dutchess Stadium on June 23 and most of us will proclaim: “Where did the time go?” On a relat-ed note I would be remiss if no mention was made in reference to the February 7th release by the NY State Education Department of the 2013 Cohort (when students enter ninth grade) High School Graduation Rates. BHS Class of 2017’s graduation rate was 87%, up two percent, an increasing trend for the past four years. Our stu-dents and staff deserve to be recognized for this as we continue to exceed the targets of our Three Year Plan of Excellence (page 10). I also wish to reiterate our commitment to maintaining multiple channels to feature current events and to celebrate the accomplish-ments of our students and staff. At the end of each week we compile some of the highlights in our Friday message, and a more compre-hensive record using this forum, the Grads-O-Gram. I’m never at a loss for what to report. Just the other day one of our students came into the office to thank us for the fundraiser to help her acquire a wheelchair-accessible-van. If the truth be told, it should be us thanking Jadelyn for her spunky attitude and uplifting our spirits each and every day. Think about it: I surmise most of you will agree that given what is in the “news” every single day, that we can use a few more stories like this.

February 2018 Volume 3, Issue 2

The Principal’s Message INSIDE THIS ISSUE

English Department………..2

Social Studies Dept………....3

Science Department……….4

Math Department……...…...5

Music Department .............6

Art Department ..................6

Beacon Players ...................7

Athletics ..............................8

News ...................................8

Guidance Department……..9

PTSO News .........................9

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST

REFLECTIONS MAGA-ZINE IS PUBLISHED

MATH TEAM UPDATE

CREATIVITY IN THE ART AND MUSIC DE-PARTMENTS

ATHLETIC UPDATES

NAVIANCE COMES TO BEACON Dr. Joannes Sieverding

NEWS FROM THE DEPARTMENTS:

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT–

2

Ms. Driscoll and Ms. Gunsett’s 9th grade students spent weeks studying poetry toward the end of Quarter Two. While in the process of immersion in figurative language and poetic devices, students were asked to compare life to an object. They were given wide parameters in choosing their object. (Life can be compared to endless things, boxes of chocolates and bowls of cherries aside; with that in mind, students were not permitted to employ overused metaphors for this project . . . no disrespect to Forrest intended.) Each student made a list of possible objects, was partnered with a classmate, and narrowed their objects down to one. The partnered pairs were then asked to make a list of all the ways in which the object they chose could be compared to life. The objects ranged from a book of matches to a rodeo, from a circus to a Christmas tree, from an ocean to a soccer game. The creative ideas were definitely flowing in our class-room! To bring the project to fruition the student pairs composed an extended metaphor poem, complete with original art work, and in some cases, computer-generated graphics. It was an exercise in collabora-tion, compromise, and creativity that served to reinforce the students’ understanding of metaphor; it was a successful foray into poetry without the resistance that teachers so often encounter when it’s time for students to write original verse. Score for teachers; score for students.

Mr. Haughie's English 10 classes recently were transformed into stage actors as they had the opportunity to

read/act out the play Twelve Angry Men on the Beacon High School stage! Props and sets were included

and the real feel of a performance was created. The students embraced this setting and could not wait to go

to the theater each and every day for class! Participation was so high that Mr. Haughie is considering doing

this again soon with his 11th grade classes for Macbeth with even more set decorations and costumes!!

Creative Writing Club-Janet Gaspar/Frank Haughie

The Creative Writing Club is proud to announce the publication of our second edition of Reflections. We hope you will enjoy a copy of the Fall/Winter issue of our literary art magazine. We are accepting art, poems, short stories, and other creative work for our Spring 2018 edition. Join us Thursdays in room B126.

Ms. Burger and Mrs. Sapeta Grade 9 ELA class asked the question, “What’s so

great about Shakespeare?” The class took to the Beacon Theatre stage to explore

the timeless romance of star-crossed lovers in Shakespeare's “Romeo & Juliet”.

The students learned about puns and other literary devices including metaphors

“Heaven is here, where Juliet lives.” These students reached for the stars while

using the original work written in iambic pentameter. As the class concluded

their study one student remarked, “Wow, Shakespeare was a rapper.” Now you

the reader shall decide if he be the best dead or alive!!

Lots going on in Mrs. Clemens AP US History Class!!

SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT—

On December 4th, romance was in the air in Mrs. Clemens' AP US History classes. Stu-dents were each assigned the role of a different reformer from the years prior to the Civil War. Some students were abolitionists, others were transcendentalists, while still others were engaged in the movement to outlaw alco-hol. The goal of the activity was for the stu-dents to "date" each other and find out whose ideologies they would be most compatible with---all while staying in character. Extra credit was given for dressing up or bringing in props that the reformer might have used. It was a lot of fun and a great way to learn about many different influential people.

3

Today the class engaged in an exciting

competition---an Amazing Race! To help

students learn how to write a DBQ essay,

we used the online program Quizizz to

create a team competition where stu-

dents answered questions requiring

them to analyze documents to put them

into social, political, or economic cate-

gories, find information from the docu-

ments, and recognize outside infor-

mation. All of this will be helpful as we

begin to write our essays. The topic:

What was the cause of secession?

More from Social Studies—

Mrs. Haddeland & Mrs. MacEwan's Participation in Government classes have been working on civic action pro-jects (CAP). Students had fun and been super impressive in their choices of volunteer work, including baking cookies with grandparents to take to local nursing homes (as seen in picture) and volunteering for the Beacon Volunteer Fire Department & Beacon Volunteer Ambulance corp. They also helped out with the Beacon Performing Arts Center, shoveled snow for neighbors and have collectively spent a lot of time with grandparents. The classes also adopted a family for Christmas and a dozen lucky students enjoyed Santa Caesar's gift of egg sandwiches the day before Christmas break. The assignment is getting students to think about how they can (or how they already do) make a difference in an-other person's life. We are keeping it simple by asking them to find something to do that they both enjoy and that will put a smile on another person's face. The students have done an amazing job and seem to be having fun with it. We are very proud of them!

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT—

Thank you to the PTSO for funding the Astronomy class trip to

Sharp Reservation's Planetarium. The students had a great

time learning about constellations and walking down memory

lane, reflecting on all the fun they had in Hidden Valley as 5th

graders.

Mrs. Haddeland's psychology classes have been

enjoying experimenting with

brain reflex time and nerve

response time.

Minerals are defined as “naturally-occurring, crystalline solids with definite chemical

compositions. When they are able to form unimpeded, minerals can create beautiful

crystal structures. Mineralogists have studied crystal structures intensely for almost

two hundred years.

In earth science, Mr. Sansone’s students have been studying minerals and their prop-

erties. They learned that the crystal shapes are determined by the internal arrange-ment of atoms. In this hands-on activity students used raisins and toothpicks to cre-

ate models of the unit cells that combine to produce the “crystal lattice” that may be seen in hand specimens. Students were challenged to create simple models of the 7

lattice systems.

4

Mrs. Hala and Ms. Mari-

naccio have decorated

their door in honor of

Martin Luther King

day with the quote " No

person has the right to

rain on your dreams."

Students have been

encouraged to write

their dreams on the

door.

Last Friday our non-Regents Geometry classes finished a poster project on Quadrilaterals and different

types of Triangles. Each group chose a figure and had to list the properties, show the properties with a dia-

gram, create a mathematical problem highlighting each property, create a coordinate proof either proving

or disproving their figure and, lastly find 3 images in the real world where they see this figure.

The BHS Math team has a one point lead in their league with one meet remaining. Lead-ing the team at Meet #3 were: Jummie Akinwumi, Reanna Cader, Madelyn Correllus, Marisa Mourgues, and Justin Ni. High scorers for Meet #4 were: Jummie Akinwumi, Reanna Cader, and Marisa Mourgues. The Bulldogs are striving to qualify for the Section-al Meet which will be held at Vassar College in March.

5

After studying human anatomy, Living Environment students got to handle the real or-gans of a mammal. It’s amazing how similar the anatomy of a rat is to the anatomy of a human. It’s also amazing how students react to this opportunity. We may have more than a few doctors, nurses, and veterinarians in this class.

MATH DEPARTMENT—

Thank you to senior

Amanda Spadafino

for volunteering to

assist classes with

the dissections.

Students in Mrs. Hoben's Financial Literacy class recently completed their biggest project for the year, which is their budget project. Students completed an interest profile on a career matching website, and browsed through job matches that gave information on responsibilities of each vocation, as well as how much schooling is required . Students selected jobs they are actually considering for their projects. Based on their in-come, each student created a monthly budget to cover living expenses, save a percentage, and spend safe amounts. Students then researched and found an apartment in their price range, taking into account their oth-er living expenses. Reflections from the students were very positive and this was a great learning experience for all.

ART DEPARTMENT—

DIA:Beacon

A Collaboration with Beacon High School

Immersion Studio

Create, discover, play, and relax in this interac-

tive installation designed by BHS students. Fami-

lies and visitors of all ages were invited to explore

this colorful space and choose from a variety of

participatory environments and activities. It was

a wonderful turnout to view the work from Ms.

Farley’s textiles classes.

BHS Chorus sang in several performances and field trips during the 2nd quarter. We went to Carnegie Hall in NYC and participated in a Stevie Wonder sing along. Our Winter Concert with BHS band was a lot of fun. Highlights were the chorus singing "Mary Did you Know" in the style of Pentatonix and our combined medley of music from the Po-lar Express with the BHS band. The medley featured chorus performing fun choreography by Mrs. Seaman.

Right before winter break we traveled to South Ave and J V Forrestal elementary schools to perform for and with their students. We also caroled for a former BCSD aide who is home bound and for the BCSD staff at the board of-fice.

We are looking forward to the Music in Our Schools Concert in March.

Music Production class visited Masterdisk Studios in Peekskill and recorded music by some of the chorus members and Jethro Banks, a BHS senior who is going to college for music production.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT—

6

Congratulations to our Scholas-

tic Art Award Gold and Silver

winners: Chloe Antalek, Ennie

Akinwunmi, Kyra Husbands,

Molly Robinson, and Samantha

Tutasi

Great Job!!

“FIRST LOOK & SONGS FROM SHOWS WE MIGHT NEVER DO”

MARCH 2ND AT 7:30 PM—SPACKENKILL HIGH SCHOOL—112 SPACKENKILL ROAD

The BEACON PLAYERS & SPACK ONSTAGE have joined forces to give you a Sneak Peek at our Upcom-ing Productions of “Les Miserables” & “Jesus Christ Superstar”. Join us for this free event and experience the wonderful collaboration of these two talented groups.

“Sweet Sounds for a Shed”

On Friday, February 9th the Beacon Players

had a wonderful cabaret style event to raise

funds to purchase a storage shed. It was an

amazing evening and the talent was enjoyed

by all who attended.

7

For over 40 years, Jesus Christ Superstar, the first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice produced for the professional stage, has awed audiences. A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events, but is seen, unusual-ly, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar is told entirely through song and explores the personal relationships and struggles be-tween Jesus and his followers. Originally a concept album that climbed to #1 on the Billboard charts, the intense 1970s rock score features such well-known numbers as "Superstar," "I Don’t Know How to Love Him" and "Gethsemane." A true global phenomenon, Superstar continues to create a buzz among new generations and is guaranteed to have a lasting impact on all who experience it.

Boys Varsity Soccer Sectional Semi-Finalist

League Champions Varsity Boys Soccer Varsity Girls Soccer

Fall Scholar Athlete Teams Girls Swimming Girls Tennis Boys Boys & Girls Cross Country Girls Volleyball Girls Soccer

Boys Varsity Basketball First round of sectional play to begin on

2/16/18 at 5:00pm @ Hen Hud HS JV Boys Basketball Undefeated season! Girls Varsity Basketball The varsity girls basketball team lost their out-bracket game to Walter Panas on Wednesday,

2/14/18. Senior Brianna Dembo had the game of her career with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Coach Dahl and Coach Casale are extremely proud of the effort their team displayed this past season!

Wrestling Dirani Haynes & Joe Maldonado have qualified to place in the Section Championship

Girls Bowling Undefeated season! All Star Team Members

Selena Virtuoso & Jenna Maffei Winter Track

Attending the ARMORY on Sunday for the Section 1 qualifier

All Section Athletes:

Girls Soccer: Reanna Cader, Meagan Meeuwisse, Anna Manente(HM)

Football: Jaden Navarro

Boys Soccer: Devin Lambe, Matt Wyant, Mason Burch (HM), John Mesnick (HM)

Noah Corey: CNN Positive Athlete Interview

http://www.cnn.com/specials/cnn-positive-athlete

Mrs. Cady’s ADL class spent several periods in the library in December researching various holi-days around the world. Students worked in groups of two and each group was assigned a holiday such as Diwali, Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah. They researched the culture and cus-toms of these celebrations, made colorful posters and presented it to the class. The posters were then on display in the library for all to enjoy!

8

Lenny Torres continues to make us proud:

*He has been named a Pre-Season 1st team All-America by Collegiate Baseball newspaper.

*This player is a high draft pick and major college prospect:

*2017 honors *All-League *League Pitcher of the Year *All-County *All-Section *All-State third team *Perfect Game All-American *Finalist for the Team USA U18 National Team *In Minneapolis U18 trials he maxed at 96 mph and pitched 6 innings giving up 2hits and 1 bb while not giving up a run *Ranked 2018 top 50 mlb draft prospects by Baseball America *Signed NLI to St. John's (NY) We look forward to continue watching Lenny on his journey!

Athletics Updates:

First Quarter PBIS Appreciation Recognition Awards

Anisa Alzate

Wyatt Amann

Riley Antalek

Shayan Ashley

Jethro Banks

Victoria Banks

Allison Bierce

Nicole Blanding

Adrianna Bonnes

Geneva Brown

Michael Brown

Skylah Browne

Mason Burch

Zachary Cader

Shianne Canada

Esteban Carmona

Ashley Casserly

Sara Chin

Melina Cicigline

Miles Cobb

Dior Gillins

Shane Green

Alix Haase-Arrigo

Tyler Haight

Dirani Haynes

Zakiya James

Patrick Kearney

Thandiwe Knox

Regan LaDue

Curtis LaForce

DaVonia LaMar

Cierra Lassiter

Patrick Lenihan

Autumn Lennon

Makayla Leskiak

Sean Lise

Yahya Lorick

Summer Roberts

Diomara Rodriguez

Enita Rodriguez

Josiah Russell

Isabel Santos

Sierra Shields

Lauren Simon

Ryan Smith

Tre Smith

Sierra Taylor

Chelsea Tonic

Michael Tubbs

Andrea Wilches Perez

D'Anna Williams

Nolan Wolfe

Claire Wood

Matthew Wyant

Raymond Zayas

Jade Matias

Jenna Mazzacone

Ethan Mensch

Sophie Mercado

Lauren Morse

Marisa Mourgues

Gualberto Negron

Daisy Okoye

Nayleeane Ortiz Santiago

Jadelyn Panko

Brithney Patino

James Patino

Adrianna Paulin

Eliza Principe

Grace Reddick

Mia Ricottilli

Destiny Rivera-Santiago

Alexsandra Rivera

Joshua Rivera

Nicholas Rivera

Justin Conklin

Ryan Cory

Finn Costello

Alexis Cutinella

John Darcy

Aaron Davis

Gabriella Del Cas-

tillo

Gage Derrenbacher

Carter Detoro

Remigio Dinio

Kahlia Durso

Harleigh Ebeling

Caleb Evans

Samantha Fellenz

Taina Fernandez

Tatyanna Fernan-

dez

Dane Fiorito

Adrianna Fish

Lindsay Fister

9

GUIDANCE CORNER

Beacon High School

101 Matteawan Road

Beacon, NY 12508

Phone: 84-838-6900

Fax: 845-838-0796

E-mail: sieverding.j@beaconk12.org 10

Together we enjoyed a magnificent lunch before the Holiday break. It was wonderful to be able to catch up

with each other and celebrate our community here at BHS.

From the PTSO-

Naviance was brought on-line for grades 9 to 11. Naviance is a career/personality search explorer program that

assists students to learn about potential careers that match their personality style and interests. It will even show

students what colleges offer majors for those careers. Students will be able to complete a resume and update it as

they earn experience, awards, certificates, make teams, clubs etc. Students will be able to print the resume to

bring to potential places of employment. Teachers will be able to use the resume when asked to write letters of

recommendations. Students can set goals for themselves, and book appointments to speak to college reps next

fall. All the BHS counselors visited the English classes to demonstrate the program and show the students how

to log on. Please ask your child to show you what they are working on in Naviance. The counselors have assigned

numerous personality and learning style inventories.

Counselors are beginning to schedule meetings with students to select courses for next year. Students will bring

home a post graduate planning guide filled with a lot of information.

Our PTSO during one of the wonderful events they host for our staff during the year!

We have a new email BeaconHighPTSO@gmail.com

Please use it to reach ALL of the officers in a central location.