Hello Hall Parents,

It is hard to believe that 2013 is quickly coming to an end. Typically, December is a great time to reflect upon our past year and celebrate our successes (and there have been a lot of them) as well as think about future goals.

The fall sports season brought tremendous success. The boys’ cross country team was the Class L runner up and finished 6th at the New England Championships. The girls’ swimming team finished 5th in Class L. The boys’ soccer, girls’ soccer, field hockey and football teams all made the playoffs. The cheerleading team proudly cheered on the Warriors throughout the season.

In addition, the list of academic and performing arts accolades by our students and staff are equally notable. Based on 2013 results, Hall High School had 23 National Merit Commended Scholars, 132 AP Scholars, including 18 who earned the distinction of National AP Scholars. The Laramie Project was an outstanding performance and a wonderful example of the two town high schools collaboration around a common message.

While it is important to celebrate many of the tangible aspects of Hall High, I believe one component that we as a community need to continually reflect upon and develop is our culture as a school and community. A culture that promotes respect and responsibility are hallmarks of any great school. It is essential to foster a level of respect for oneself and others not only in and out of the building, but also online and in particular in social media. I would encourage you to actively communicate with your child and discuss the importance of respect and responsibility, especially in the virtual world. While we may fear that students know more about social media and will mock our understanding of the mechanics and vocabulary (friending, posting, tweeting, retweeting, selfies, etc.) of an online presence, they are never too old to learn from

their role models about the universal concepts of respect and responsibility and its impact on their future.

Social media can have many positive benefits if used respectfully and responsibly. In an effort to create another means of communicating with the community, I have created a Twitter account for Hall (@WHallHigh). It is my goal to use it to share news, events, and interesting articles. Recently, I tweeted an article concerning teenagers and use of social media. The article may help parents to have positive dialogue with their children and about appropriate use of social media.

I hope everyone has an opportunity to relax and spend quality time with family and friends over the upcoming vacation. Have a safe and happy new year.

Sincerely,

Dan ZittounPrincipal

HALL HIGH SCHOOL NEWSpublished by the PTO issue: December 2013

A Letter from the Principal

Coming up (See further details inside)

Jan. 4: Parent Leadership Training Institute

Jan. 13: Men’s Night Out Concert, Hall Auditorium, Admission: canned goods for Food Pantry.

Jan. 22: “Family Hearing Day” at the State Capitol sponsored by the State Legislature.

Jan. 30 & 31:

Cultural Fusion Event, Hall Auditorium

Feb. 8 - Mar. 7:

Hall High Art Display a WH Town Hall

Feb. 10: “Luv” Concert, KP Middle School

Greetings!It seems the school year has just started yet we are already headed into the Winter Vacation! We hope the year, thus far, has been a good one for your student(s)!

After much practice and determination, Hall had several teams in the playoffs. The PTO, however, did not have a full season of practice and we certainly had no warm-ups! The extra games under the lights were scheduled with little notice and, thanks to Rob Herbert, the PTO’s primary fundraiser, concession stand sales, also had a successful post-season! Thank you, too, to Barry Hanenbaum our grill master! A big thank you to each of the volunteers who helped this season!

We want to remind everyone that our PTO meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm in Room E119. For those of you that have already volunteered, thank you. If you have not heard from us, you will! We encourage everyone to attend and share your thoughts and ideas.

We wish you a very happy and healthy 2014!

Susan King and Amy MolinaroPTO Co-Chairs

Seniors: Please see the calendar of events listed below for a reminder of important deadlines and college/career planning programs. Due to the large volume of transcript requests needed during this time of year, it is critical that they adhere to the Counseling Department’s college application procedures and deadlines. Please keep in mind that transcript requests will NOT be processed during winter break, therefore all transcript requests will need to be submitted well in advance of their college’s deadlines. Seniors who have questions or are unsure about their college/post-high school plans are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment with their counselor as soon as possible. We are here to help!

Juniors: Parents recently had the opportunity to attend Junior Planning Night on Dec. 4, 2013. Additionally, all juniors and their parents/guardians will soon be scheduled to meet with their counselor to develop an individualized plan regarding their post-secondary goals. These appointments will take place during the school day sometime between January thru early March (families will be notified by mail). During the 3rd quarter, all juniors will also be scheduled to attend a mandatory ten week Junior Seminar Series (held each Wednesday) devoted to the college/career planning process.

Sophomores: Counselors will visit all sophomore English classes on Thursday, Dec. 19th to distribute and discuss Fall PSAT results. As we work our way into second semester, counselors will soon meet with all sophomores individually to review their course selections for next year.

Freshman: By now, all freshmen have met with their school counselor individually to begin the relationship building process. They will be scheduled for another individual meeting later this spring to discuss their course selections for next year. We wish you a happy New Year! The Counseling Department

Calendar of Events:Dec. 18: Transcript request deadline for all Jan. 15th college deadlinesDec. 19: Sophomore PSAT results distributed to studentsDec. 27: Regular Reg. Deadline for Jan. 25th SAT/SAT Subject TestsJan. 1: FAFSA (can be submitted after this date)Jan. 13: Transcript request deadline for Feb. 1st college deadlinesJan. 26: College Goal Sunday (free professional assistance in completing the FAFSA)Feb. 3: Gap Year Fair at Conard (6:00 p.m.)Feb. 7: Regular Registration Deadline for March 8th SAT (Reasoning Test only)Mar. 7: Regular Registration Deadline for April ACT*To register for the SAT or SAT go to www.collegeboard.org or www.actstudent.org

From the PTOFrom the School

Counseling Department

photo.elsoar.com

Perspective: Enjoying the Ride of the College SearchBy: Steve Boyle – School Counselor/Coach

The eight school counselors had a chance to present to the parents of juniors last week about the college-search process. While there were some “veteran” parents in the audience, not surprisingly, the majority in attendance were those for whom this was their first child going through the process. Since I recently joined the ranks of “veteran” in this particular arena, it was interesting to go through the presentation with new-found perspective.

H istorically, one of my favorite slides to present on is the final one about keeping everything in perspective. Our bulleted

points on this topic are as follows:

Maintain balance as much as possible.Study hard, but have fun too!Participate in activities you enjoy most.Begin the process early so you don’t get overwhelmed Take your time on making final decisions about colleges.Remember that there are many potential matches for you;

you don’t have to find “the one“You don’t have to have the whole journey mapped out; only

the next few steps

In my particular delivery, I took these bullets a bit further in emphasizing some points to the parents in our room (we

presented in pairs and I had the privilege of presenting with my colleague Ann Taylor). I started quite deliberately, by declaring, “No one really cares about the name of the college on the back of your mini-van!”. Seriously – think about it. Do you hold your particular friends or neighbors in higher regard simply because of where they or their children attended college? Searching for a college should always be about finding the right fit, as opposed to finding the right “brand”. As an old coach, I’ve always measured my college counseling wins and losses, not in where my students “get in”, but rather in whether or not they stay at the school they decide to matriculate. Nothing gets me more upset than when a former student comes home at Thanksgiving and tells me that they’re transferring at the semester. While there are certainly a variety of reasons for why this can happen, more often than not it’s because kids (and their parents) got caught up in being able to say where they got in as opposed to thinking about whether or not that (often “prestigious”) place was the right setting for them to live and learn.

The last piece I like to emphasize is to literally “enjoy the ride”. It’s an extremely exciting time in the life of a young person

••••••

•

and a decidedly anxious one for a parent who realizes their bird is about to leave the proverbial nest. But – it’s inevitable. So, instead of fighting the inevitable and having this journey turn into a source of stress, anxiety and discontent – choose to enjoy it. Like most key moments in life, we wish we could get them back and do them over again. Well, the ride to colleges is both figurative and literal. It can be a journey of self-discovery and a chance for both child and parent to discuss and celebrate where they’re at – at this particular moment.

So, after a thought-filled journey with my own daughter – she has chosen to attend my Alma Mater, Manhattan College.

And – for the first time since I graduated there in 1989 – I’ve got a magnet on the back of our car essentially announcing “that’s our place.” But seriously – do you really care?

Now go out and enjoy your ride – you only get to do it once – so make sure you choose to enjoy it!

The Choral Department will be presenting two of our favorite concerts in early 2014.

Men’s Night Out is Monday, January 13 at 7:00 PM at the Hall Auditorium.This concert includes all the men of the choirs and features our own men’s a cappella group “A Cafella”. We have invited all men singers, grade 7 and 8, from King Philip middle School and Bristow Middle School to sing as well! Everyone is welcome to this zany, enthusiastic, and unpredictable singing extravaganza. All we ask as admission is a canned good for the West Hartford Food Pantry.

The “Luv” Concert is a romantic comedy and is as sweet as Men’s Night Out is funny. This concert is on Monday, February 10 at 7 PM at King Philip Middle School. At this concert you will hear singers from KP Middle School, Bristow Middle School and Hall High School. Come and help us celebrate love, friendship and community through music. Admission is free and a reception will follow the concert.

For more information call the choral department, Lorri Cetto, at 232-4561 x 1067

From the Choral Department

greetingcarduniverse.com

CHINESEStudents in all levels of Chinese (1-4 Honors) spent a day walking and touring New York. Students got to take in the sights, sounds, tastes and experiences of the place in the US most like China...Chinatown. Authentic experiences include meandering in the park where the local, retired older generation play cards, haggling for purchases, eating dumplings and seeing the open air fruit and vegetable carts and fish markets. Students were able to see the hundreds of characters that they know “in action” on posters, storefronts and menus.

Chinese One students’ proficiency is growing by the day. They are able to communicate, both in both written and oral forms, about themselves and their families. During the new unit, “Dates and Time”, students will create their weekly schedules in Chinese and present them to the class. They will be comparing the Chinese and American ways of reporting dates and time and will be applying what they know about Chinese characters and culture to understanding why they are different.

LATINVENI, VIDI, VICI! In the first week of December, all Latin students put their knowledge of Greek and Latin words to good use by taking the National Classical Etymology Exam. This exam tests the interesting and ever present influence that Latin and Greek have on English today!

Currently, in Latin I we are studying life in the last days of Pompeii, in Latin II we are examining superstition and medicine in the healing Roman baths of Britain, and in Latin III/IV we are reading the De Bello Gallico and conquering the Gauls (i.e., France, Belgium, and Switzerland) and exploring Britain.

As we approach the break, Latin students will be examining foods in Latin and the myriad of words that they give us in French, Spanish, and English. Furthermore, we will celebrate Saturnalia (a Roman holiday that influenced many Christmas traditions) with a feast of traditional, yet simple, Roman foods (e.g., olives, cheeses, dates, and breads – no wine!) and honors the deity Saturn, god of agriculture.

SPANISHThis week Honors III classes in Room A-208 are presenting reports on Argentina, its practices, products and perspectives by means of Prezzi or Power Point. Each pair or individual

presenting their research has created 5 essential questions about their theme to be answered during their presentations. At the end, they will review the questions with the class and will create their own questions for a quiz on this country’s culture.

Spanish 5-6 students are viewing Mexican history through magical realism and the lens of Diego Rivera’s Sueno de Una Tarde Dominical en La Alameda Central. This “dream” gathering invites 150 historical figures and spans a historical period of 400 years. Students will interview these historical figures and present their findings in creative ways to the class. Then, students will investigate Chicano murals throughout California (especially the Great Wall in Los Angeles) to better understand the diverse voices of our own country.- Lauren Drazen, Chinese TeacherAsian Culture Club Advisor/Yearbook Advisor

Hall and Conard French teachers are planning a very special trip to Quebec this April. This trip will weave together French language and Quebecois culture with science. Highlights of the trip include seeing wildlife, touring a hydroelectric plant, seeing the Montmercy waterfall, visiting a Huron village and enjoying the sites in both Quebec city and Montreal. This amazing opportunity is more affordable than many other trips and it is not too late to join in the adventure. Just contact any French teacher for more details!

From Michaela Volovsek, World Language Department

The Multicultural Club is getting ready to present its traditional Cultural Fusion Event in Hall’s Auditorium on January 31. This year for the first time we’ll be doing our dress rehearsal for the parents on Thursday January 30th at 7PM. We hope the parents can join us and be present for one of the events where we showcase the vast diversity of our Hall community. It is an event that they have never be able to see in the past.

From Eva Fruhwald, World Language Department, Multicultural Club Advisor

World Language Department News

Trip to Quebecfor French language

students

The Multicultural Club presents the

Cultural Fusion Event!!

The Student Association connects with students and faculty every day. They would also like to connect to parents. A main method of connection is social media. The SA invites you to “like” them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. Once connected, you will be updated on school events and news. Posts include event reminders, school schedule updates, announcements, photos and videos of events that you wouldn’t see as a parent. Search on Facebook for “Hall High Student Association” or go to www.facebook.com/hallhighsa. Also, search for us on Twitter @hallhighsa.

From Darcie Hudson, Student Association Faculty Adviser

Forty-four students from Hall High School went to Norfeldt Elementary School on two days to teach hands-on Chemistry lessons to kindergartners and first graders. They prepared exciting lessons to introduce students to basic concepts in Chemistry and show how they are part of everyday life. Topics included density, air pressure, acids and bases, identifying substances and properties of water. The Chem 4 Kids Club meets throughout the year to plan similar activities.

Johanna Foley, Chemistry

Art Classes are preparing for many upcoming events. Some of the exhibits we are participating in are:

> Hall High Art Display at W.H. Town Hall – Feb. 8-March 7> Artbeat – March 12-30 at the West Hartford Art League> Junior and Senior work at Canton Artist’s Guild- March 21 - April 20, 2014.> CAEA Statewide Youth Art Celebration – March through April-Farmington

Save the Date! Hall High School’s Annual Art show will be May 28 and May 29 in Gym B. Every art student will have their best work in this show with the opening reception on May 28 from 5:00 to 6:30 pm. The senior show-cases are something you won’t want to miss!

The Hall Chapter of the National Art Honor Society has been active this year. Students are designing T-Shirts for the Officer Peter Lavery Memorial Ride. This contest has an award of $500.00 scholarship to the winning designer. We recently went to King Philip and the NAHS members planned and directed tie-dying T-Shirts with the King Philip Art Club members. The project was headed by Ellie Gray and the shirts were fabulous. Under the direction of Naomi Perry, NAHS members are planning a mural for the Hall School Library. These are all volunteer activities and the experiences are very rewarding to our students.

Parents: Get in the LoopGet updates on school events and

news via Facebook and Twitter

Chemistry Department News

ARt Department News

scienceworksmuseum.org

Hall National Art Honor Society at King Philip Art Club, tie-dying shirts

Parent Leadership Training Institute 2014Advocate on Behalf of Children20-week class in civic engagement The Bridge Family Center in West Hartford is offering the Par-ent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) from January through June 2014 through its Family Resource Center (FRC) at Char-ter Oak International Academy. It is a 20-week class in civic engagement that culminates in an individual service project. Sessions will be offered on public speaking, the legislative process, state and local budgets, evaluation and program ac-countability, how state and local government work, and under-standing economic trends and their impact on families. We are recruiting 20 to 25 parents who live or work in West Hartford. Upon graduating from the program, these parents will share their knowledge with other parents in future sessions of PLTI, passing along the lessons learned to increase the number of parents advocating on behalf of all children.

If you are interested in participating, contact Deborah Zipkin or call 860.233.4701. An all-day retreat for participants will be held on Saturday, January 4 at Conard High School. The first class will be held on Thursday, January 9. All classes will be at Conard. There is no fee to participate. Childcare and dinner will be provided at each session.

The program will be funded by a grant of $38,200.45 from the State Education Resource Center (SERC) and the CT Parent Information and Resource Center (CTPIRC).

Judy BierlyDirector of Community ServicesThe Bridge Family Center

The state legislature is sponsoring a “Family Hearing Day” at the state capitol on January 22, 2014.

The event is focused on children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and provides a forum for their families to share their stories with our state legislators and give a voice for their children. West Hartford’s Senator, Beth Bye has agreed to head up an Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) caucus in the state legislature to work to effect change.

Please set aside the date to support our children with special needs and their families.

Career Pathways ProgramIt is Never Too Early to Start Thinking

about the Future!

The West Hartford Public Schools’ Career Pathways Program is a collab-orative community effort that offers students the opportunity to partici-pate in one day job shadow experi-

ences to explore career areas of interest. Job shadowing places your child in a local business/organization in which they are paired with a professional to learn more about a career field. It is a way for our young people to get a “real-world” glimpse of a career and at the same time helps students make educat-ed decisions about their future.

Job shadowing is much more than just a one day experience; it can benefit a student for a life time. In today’s competitive society it is essential that students possess 21st century skills and understand early on how what they learn in the classroom is applied to various careers. There are many other benefits to exploring careers such as developing a network of profession-als in the community, gaining potential part-time employment and building a resume.

To learn more about the Career Pathways Program, please con-tact Carol Wilkas, Career Pathways Coordinator, at (860) 231-6009. Please discuss the job shadow opportunity with your child and encourage them to pick up an application (located in the Career Center) to begin the journey.

Family Hearing Dayat the State Capitol

January 22