40 Massachusetts Teen Volunters Recognized by Kohl's Kids Who Care Scholarshp Program

This month, Kohl’s Department Stores honored nearly 2,000 kids nationwide (40 in Massachusetts) for the thousands of good deeds they performed in their communities through volunteerism.
Through the eighth annual Kohl’s Kids Who Care® Scholarship Program, 40 youth from Massachusetts will receive $50 gift cards and recognition certificates from Kohl’s. This month's winners could go on to receive a $1,000 regional scholarship that Kohl’s will award in July. “Young people are transforming our communities through volunteerism and service activities that benefit others,” said Julie Gardner, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Kohl’s. “Every year we are inspired by the good deeds these kids have accomplished and are proud to recognize them through the Kohl’s Kids Who Care Scholarship Program.”
Massachusetts winners are:
Joshua Andreasen, 17, North Billerica
Lily Baron, 17, North Easton
Alycia Beatrice, 18, Sutton
Brittany Bergquist, 17, Norwell
Jared Bishop, 17, Needham
Nicholas Bozovic, 11, Medford
Katie Bragdon, 11, Brewster
Matthew Cappucci, 10 , Plymouth
David Carvalho, 17, Fall River
Monica Chickering, 17, Franklin
Brian Conneely, 10, Tewksbury
Haley Diamond, 18, Becket
Bethany Durden, 17, Winchester
Kaitlyn Flenke, 17, East Longmeadow
Sarah Foss, 17, Marblehead
Zoe Gates, 11, Andover
Kiana Hawley, 7 , Marblehead
Julia Hostage, 6, Sturbridge
Noah Kelly, 8, Boston
Shawniece Higginbottom, 17, West Roxbury
Katie Kroll, 11, Mansfield
Sarah Lafontaine, 10, Ashland
Louisa Mardirossian, 18, Belmont
Colton McGrath, 11, Abington
Stacey Melone, 16, Green Harbor
Dawn-Marie Nee, 17, Plymouth
Brian Nickley, 12, Abington
Erin O'Neill, 13, Abington
Christopher Powers, 17, Haverhill
Laurinda Ralph, 12, Webster
Rebecca Reese, 12, North Chelmsford
Alex Rosenberg, 17, Newton
Anthony Serrano, 18, North Andover
Dominique Seward, 11, Springfield
Audrey Sorensen, 17, Scituate
Kassidy Sullivan, 11, Saugus
Sarah Sykes, 10, Holliston
Tonya Taylor, 17, East Taunton
Molly Trowbridge, 11, Mansfield
Lise Wagnac, 16, Lynn


The Kids Who Care Scholarship Program is part of Kohl’s Cares for Kids, a program focused on improving the lives of children. Kohl’s Cares for Kids benefits children’s health and education opportunities nationwide through its merchandise program, fundraising gift cards and A-Team associate volunteer program. For more information or a list of past Kids Who Care winners, visit http://www.kohlskidswhocare.com/.

Kohl’s Department Stores Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced, exclusive and national brand apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty and home products in an exciting shopping environment. A company committed to the communities it serves, Kohl’s operates 957 stores in 47 states and has raised more than $102 million for children’s initiatives nationwide through its Kohl’s Cares for Kids® philanthropic program. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.Kohls.com.

Invest in Your Child's Future With the Student Leadership Training Program

The Student Leadership Training Program is an interactive leadership opportunity for students entering grades 8-12.
The program's purpose is to teach students about leadership, making a difference, and the crucial life skills that are not part of a formal education: goal setting, proactive problem solving, time management, communication, listening, and respect. Each year, the program is home to a variety of secondary school students with a wide range of interests and activities. Students connect with peers from around New England and other states, and have a lot of fun while they are at it! The students routinely praise the program as one of the best experiences they've had, and often keep in touch with friends they make through the program years later.
the program retains a 3:1 student to staff ratio, with a staff composed of highly trained student and adult volunteers.
Established in 1990, the Program has over 6,000 alumni. The program is recognized by colleges and universities throughout the US, and its alumni have gone on to make positive significant differences at several of the country's top institutions.
The Program is operating four sessions of its Leadership Training Conferences this summer:
Session 1: July 8-12
Session 2: July 15-19
Session 3: July 22-26
Session 4: July 29-Aug 2.
Tuition to each is $370, and includes overnight housing, all meals, and all materials costs. The camp is held on the campus of Nichols College in Dudley (just south of Worcester).
The Program is able to maintain its relatively low price because the program is operated entirely by volunteers: all tuition money is used directly and solely to support the program.
Weeks tend to fill up and the program is in demand, so if you are planning on registering, consider doing so quickly to ensure you get the week you want.
For more information, visit http://www.sltp.info/ or call 1-800-600-PACE or e-mail info@sltp.info
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June 23: Usborne Summer Reading Club Kick-off

Usborne Books Summer Reading Club will kick-off on June 23. The club is seeking young readers who want to read, or be read to, this summer to make a difference.
The Usborne Books Reach for the Stars Reading Club is a pledge-based summer reading club.
The goal is to have children, ages 0 – 15, develop and reinforce a regular reading habit. The children earn books for their personal enjoyment and experience the satisfaction of sharing books with children who do not have books available to them.
This year the organizers will match 25 percent of the children’s contributions with a book donation to Community Teamwork’s family shelters in Lowell -- Milly’s Place and Merrimack House.
Chelmsford-area Usborne Independent Consultants and Reading Club Organizers, Edie Gale and Shelly Outwater, agree that “establishing an early love of reading is so important for every child. The club allows children to put their downtime to good use this summer and maintain reading skills they developed during the previous school year. While the children are enjoying their self-selected books, they are also helping less fortunate children in our community. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
To include your child (or children) in the Usborne Books Reach for the Stars Summer Reading Club, or for more information, contact Edie Gale at 978-250-3705 or Shelly Outwater at 978-256-2520.
There is no cost to participate or enroll.
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Today's PTA is Not Your Mother's...For the First-Time A Dad is the CEO!

Here's news that today's Parent Teacher Association is not your mother's PTA.

In a press release, embargoed until today, it states... "PTA EMBRACES CHANGING ROLE OF PARENTS; NAMES FIRST-EVER MALE, AFRICAN-AMERICAN CEO."


The press release continues: "Times are a-changing, as is the stereotype of the typical PTA mom. At the 112th Annual PTA National Convention & Exhibition taking place June 20-23rd in San Diego, PTA further reveals its commitment to change.
The addition of Byron V. Garrett to the national organization shows a clear sign of the times that parent involvement is changing. As PTA’s first male, African-American CEO, Mr. Garrett will begin a new chapter in the organization’s rich legacy of engaging parents, schools, legislators, and community leaders in improving children’s health, safety, and educational success.
Mr. Garrett brings a unique perspective, as well as new ideas, partners, and resources to assist with the challenges of today’s families and school communities. "
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North Shore Music Theatre Announces 3rd Annual SpotLight Award Winners

The best and brightest stars of high school musicals were announced last night at the star-studded 3rd annual North Shore Music Theatre Spotlight Awards. Hosted by David Nathan Perlow and Addi McDaniel, best known to NSMT audiences as ‘Troy’ and ‘Gabriella’ from the 2007 production of Disney’s High School Musical, 24 high schools and over 1,000 students vied for top honors at the Tony® Award style program which is designed to honor the accomplishments of high school students and teachers as well as encourage them to achieve the highest levels of excellence in musical theater.
Optical crystal star trophies were presented in 15 categories, including the coveted “Best Overall Musical.” And the winners are …

Best Leading Actress - Ariana Conte, Marblehead High, for her role of ‘Sally Bowles’ in Cabaret

Best Leading Actor - Owen Grover, Salem High, for his role of ‘Bobby Childs’ in Crazy for You

Best Supporting Actress - Yanna Lantz, Tyngsborough High, for her role of ‘Annas’ in Jesus Christ Superstar

Best Supporting Actor - Kevin Dubuc, Dracut High, for his role of ‘Thernadier’ in Les Miserables School Edition

Best Featured Performer - Christian Bowers, Tyngsborough High, for his role of ‘Caiaphas’ in Jesus Christ Superstar

Best Costume Design - Karen Clougher, Tyngsborough High - Jesus Christ Superstar

Best Choreography - Lara Finn, Salem High - Crazy for You

Best Music Direction - Michelle Ladew, Tyngsborough High - Jesus Christ Superstar

Best Direction - Donna Wresinski, Framingham High - Once on this Island

Best Ensemble/Chorus - Framingham High - Once on this Island

Best Orchestra - Framingham High - Once on this Island

Best Technical Crew/Execution - Framingham High - Once on this Island

Best Lighting Designer - Jared Sell & Sean O’Leary, Framingham High - Once on this Island

Best Scenic Design - Steve McGonagle, Framingham High - Once on this Island

Best Overall Musical - Framingham High School - Once on this Island

Also, in a surprise announcement, winners of auditions held earlier in the day for two parts in NSMT’s upcoming regional premier of Disney High School Musical 2, December 18 through January 11, 2009, were announced. The winners are Lana Herzig and Kerri Rachal both from Dracut High .

“Spotlight Awards have become a wonderful and exciting tradition at NSMT and a perfect way to celebrate and showcase the immense talent and commitment of all the students, teachers and parents,” said Barry Ivan, NSMT’s Artistic Director and Executive Producer. “These students are our future and as theater educators and enthusiasts, it is our privilege to honor them and encourage their growth.”

Adding to the excitement of the evening, Mitchel Musso, co-star of the popular Disney Channel series Hannah Montana, presented the award to the Best Leading Actor and Actress.

Winners in this category, as well as Best Supporting Actor and Actress and Best Technical Crew, received $1,000 awards to support their future education in the performing arts.

Other honored presenters included NSMT’s Artistic Director Emeritus Jon Kimbell, State Representative Mary Grant, Beverly Mayor William Scanlon, Arts and Entertainment Reporter Joyce Kulhawik, Boston Globe theater critic Terry Byrne, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council Anita Walker, Massachusetts Film Office Executive Director Nick Paleologos, cast members from NSMT’s production of Contact, and others.
In addition to the presentation of 15 awards, the ceremony included a grand opening number featuring two students from each of the participating schools directed by NSMT Academy of Music Theater’s Director of Dance Myvonwynn Hopton.

Additionally, musical numbers from each of the 10 productions nominated for Best Musical were performed throughout the ceremony.

Comcast, in addition to providing technical support for the event, donated 10 show tickets to each of the 10 schools nominated for Best Musical.

Other sponsors of the 3rd Annual Spotlight Awards are Target and Boston Acoustics.

PHOTO: Owen Grover receives the award for Best Leading Actor for his role of Bobby Child in Salem High School’s production of CRAZY FOR YOU, presented by Mitchel Musso (Center) who stars as Oliver in ‘Hannah Montana.’ Photo by Paul Lyden.

North Shore Music Theatre’s award-winning theatre arts and education programs and youth performances annually reach over 100,000 students. The Theatre’s Youth Performance Academy attracts thousands of students from 4 – 18 years old who are interested in exploring the world of music, theatre and dance and honing their craft. In 2005, NSMT’s Youth Performance Academy received the Junior Theater Festival’s Outstanding Achievement in Musical Performance Award and the Outstanding Achievement in Choreography Award for its performance of Disney’s Cinderella Kids. With partnerships with Music Theatre International (MTI) and Disney Theatricals, NSMT has become the model for schools and organizations around the country and is one of the region’s leading providers of theatre arts and education programs.

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Cornerstone Academy's Summer Math Program for Grades 1-4

Would you like your child to advance their math skills beyond their grade level and chronological age? Does your child need some individual attention on specific concepts? Would you like to give your child a head start on learning accelerated math concepts? Spark you child's curiosity for math!
Cornerstone Academy of Northborough is offering an accelerated math program for students in Grades 1 through 4 with an emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving skills this summer. The cost is $300. Click here for a Registration Form


About Cornerstone Academy: The goal of the Cornerstone Academy is to present an academically challenging learning environment to our students and to prepare them to meet the needs of a changing world. At the Academy, we recognize that each child is an individual. We structure our academic program to meet the needs of each child. Your child will benefit from the individualized instruction and attention that is an integral part of our school. Building on a solid academic foundation, a Cornerstone, our academic approach is to integrate traditional educational methodology with a practical hands-on learning experience including field trips, experiments and the use of computers. To round out your child's education, dramatic arts and Spanish are included as part of our overall curriculum.


For more information on the summer math program or other summer programs contact Director Karen McQuade at 508-351-9976 or kmcquade@cornerstoneacademy.org

STUDY: Parental Involvement Strongly Impacts Student Achievement

New research from the University of New Hampshire shows that students do much better in school when their parents are actively involved in their education.
Researchers Karen Smith Conway, professor of economics at the University of New Hampshire, and her colleague Andrew Houtenville, senior research associate at New Editions Consulting, found that parental involvement has a strong, positive effect on student achievement.
The research is reported in "Parental Effort, School Resources, and Student Achievement," which appears in the spring 2008 issue of the Journal of Human Resources.
"Parental effort is consistently associated with higher levels of achievement, and the magnitude of the effect of parental effort is substantial. We found that schools would need to increase per-pupil spending by more than $1,000 in order to achieve the same results that are gained with parental involvement," Conway said.
Parents seemed particularly interested in the academic achievements of their daughters. The researchers found parents spent more time talking to their daughters about their school work during dinnertime discussions.
"There are a number of theories about why girls seem to garner more attention from their parents than boys. One possibility is that girls are more communicative with their parents so these conversations about academics are easier for parents to have with their daughters," Conway said.
The researchers also found that parents may reduce their efforts when school resources increase, thus diminishing the effects of improved school resources.
"As an economist, I look for reactions to a specific action so it is not surprising to me that parents may scale back their involvement with their child's education when a school adds resources. As a result, increasing school resources may not be as effective as we expect since they may diminish parental involvement," Conway said.
The researchers used national data from more than 10,000 eighth-grade students in public and private schools, their parents, teachers, and school administrators. The researchers were particularly interested in how frequently parents discussed activities or events of particular interest to the child, discussed things the child studied in class, discussed selecting courses or programs at school, attended a school meeting, and volunteered at the child's school.
To evaluate school resources, the researchers looked at per-pupil expenditures on instructional salaries and a set of five school characteristics: student-teacher ratio, lowest salary received by a teacher, percentage of teachers with a master's or a doctoral degree, percentage of the student body not in the school's subsidized lunch program,and percentage of nonminority students in the student body.
The full study is available at http://www.unh.edu/news/docs/Conway_May08.pdf.
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4th Annual Janis Bresnahan 5K Run For Education is Saturday

The Bresnahan Family & Friends and the Ayer Education Foundation encourage families to participate and attend the Fourth Annual Janis Bresnahan 5K Run for Education http://www.janisbresnahanforeducation.com/. The family-fun event will be held this Saturday, May 10th, at Ayer Middle/High School. All proceeds from this landmark community event will go to the Ayer Education Foundation, the local non-profit that raises money to support educational excellence at Ayer Public Schools.
“The AEF and the Janis Bresnahan run have become an incredibly important part of the fabric of the Ayer school community,” said George Frost, Superintendent, Ayer Public Schools. “The race is truly an event of community significance, and the funds raised allow AEF to offer teacher grants which enhance the educational experiences of our children.”
“We are very excited about the 4th annual run. The event has been a great success both in bringing the community and Janis's friends and family together, and it has managed to raise an amazing $100,000 for the Ayer Education Foundation in its first three years,” said Ben Bresnahan.” This year we made some changes to the format, taking the run from a 5-mile to a 5K and the walk from 3 miles to 2 miles, based on feedback and in the hopes of increasing participation. Thank you to everyone for making this such a great success in memory of our sister Janis.”
The annual run for education is in memory of Janis Bresnahan. Janis was born on May 15, 1971, and spent most of her life growing up in the town of Ayer and graduated from Ayer High School in 1989. Janis was an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed running, cycling and boating. She was co-captain of the Ayer High School women's track team in her senior year, and then went on to dedicate her life and work to the education of children.
“We are honored to be part of the Fourth Annual Janis Bresnahan 5K Run for Education. The Bresnahan Family & Friends are truly an inspiration for us, and AEF is so grateful to be the recipients of funds raised from the run,” noted Sheila Kelly, Co-President, Ayer Education Foundation. “This event has become an important town-wide event that not only remembers Janis Bresnahan and all that she contributed to education and children, but it serves as a reminder of how people can pull together for the greater good of our school district and all the children in our town.”
The Fourth Annual Janis Bresnahan 5K Run for Education will feature a competitive 5K run throughout the picturesque town of Ayer, as well as a 2-mile, non-competitive walk and a fun-filled Tot Trot for children up to age 6.

Janis Bresnahan May 10, 2008 Race Day Events at A Glance
· Registration 8:30 a.m. Ayer Middle/High School Cafeteria
· Tot Trot 9:15 a.m. Ayer Middle/High School Track Infield
· 5K Run 10:00 a.m. Starts/ends at Ayer Middle/High School
· 2 Mile Walk 10:05 a.m. Starts/ends at Ayer Middle/High School

Calling All Tots Ages 1 to 6 Years
Children will enjoy a fun morning of Tot Trot running and free activities including an obstacle course, Lego table, balloons, face painting, craft creations and games. All registered children will receive a road race ribbon and T-shirt for their participation and they may also participate in the 2-mile walk, at no additional fee. Winners of the Tot Trot race will receive a special “necklace medal.” Volunteer opportunities are available and appreciated for the Tot Trot. Contact Betsy at 978-448-3448 or elizdolan@gmail.com.

How to Register for Events
Race day registration is $10 for the Tot Trot and $20 for the Run/Walk.
Online registration is available at www.janisbresnahanforeducation.com.

Amenities and Prizes
The race will include course mile markers, water stations and medical personnel. The course is certified and the 5K run will be professionally timed. Refreshments and restrooms will be available at Ayer Middle/High School. Prizes of $100 each will go to the first place male and female overall finishers for the 5K run. Prizes will also be given out to the top finishers in all age categories.

Official Sponsors of Fourth Annual Janis Bresnahan 5K Run for Education
Premier Sponsor: North Middlesex Savings Bank (www.nmsb.com)
Platinum Sponsors: Anderson Family Funeral Homes; The Berry Family; Drake Management LLC; Gervais Ford; KBACE Technologies; Lexington Insurance Company; Tony and Joyce McGuane – Tim and Mary Vallely; Nashoba Paving Company; Nashoba Valley Medical Center; John & Katie Ragan, Tim & Deana & Marypaula; Dick Rakip.
Gold Sponsors: Ayer Oil Company; Barnraisers, Inc. Design Services; Bull Run Restaurant; G.V. Moore Lumber Company; Headquarters Hair Salon; J.C. Madigan, Inc.; JP Routhier & Sons, Inc.; Nashoba Club Pizza Restaurant Club; Piccolino’s Food & Spirits; Sheldon & Sullivan, Attorneys at Law; Sports & Physical Therapy Associates.

How to Make a Donation to Support Local Public Education
Individuals or businesses interested in making a tax-deductible donation to the Fourth Annual Janis Bresnahan 5K Run for Education may do so online via a secure credit card transaction at http://www.janisbresnahanforeducation.com/. Make checks payable to “Ayer Education Foundation” and mail to: Sally Sloan, 4 Standish Ave., Ayer, MA 01432. Individuals are encouraged to check with their employers regarding matching gift programs as many companies will match, dollar for dollar, a charitable contribution made by an employee and thereby double the amount of the donation.

The Ayer Education Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization supported by donations from individuals, businesses and organizations committed to improving the quality of education in Ayer Public Schools. Through a granting process, the Foundation disperses tax-deductible donations to create specific new programs and professional training aimed at enriching the education of the 1,300 students attending Page Hilltop School and Ayer Middle/High School.

Tutoring Services Available

Helping Hand Tutor is a new advertiser to Bay State Parent magazine.
In their ad in the print edition, the phone number is incorrect.
The correct number is 617-467-5211.
Readers can also e-mail the company at helpinghandtutor@yahoo.com
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Newton South High Wins Mock Trial State Championship

For the first time ever, Newton South High School today was named state champion of the Massachusetts Bar Association's High School Mock Trial competition. The finals were held at Faneuil Hall in Boston.
Newton South advances to the National High School Mock Trial competition in Wilmington, Delaware in May. A portion of the trip will be funded by a donation from the MBA's philanthropic partner, the Massachusetts Bar Foundation.
"It's overwhelming. It was a lot of hard work," said Newton South senior Marty Loew of the win, adding that he plans to pursue business, not law, as a career.
Newton South and Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School in South Hadley competed during a two-hour mock trial in Faneuil Hall's Great Hall. Newton South represented the defendant in a sexual harassment case, a fictitious computer gaming company, while Pioneer Valley represented the plaintiff, a high school student intern. Superior Court Justice Howard Whitehead presided with assistance from Superior Court Justice Barbara Dortch-Okara and District Court Justice Barbara Pearson.
Even though Newton South took the state championship, Whitehead said Pioneer Valley would have prevailed in a court of law on at least one of the two charges claimed in the lawsuit - gender discrimination due to a hostile work environment.
Both teams impressed the judges, who commended them on their skills.
"This is outstanding. I am really bowled over every time I see these performances," said Dortch-Okara. She told the students, "If you want to compare yourselves to some practicing attorneys, you can do that."
The Mock Trial Program began its 23rd year in January.
More than 100 high school teams from 16 regions across the state competed for three months in simulated courtroom situations where they assumed the roles of lawyers, defendants and witnesses in the hypothetical case.
"The MBA's Mock Trial Program has been hugely successful," MBA President David W. White Jr. said. "The goal has remained to provide each student a chance to grow as an individual - to grow as someone who is able to work with and support others, as an informed citizen who understands our legal system, and as future leaders, who will use those skills to improve the lives of others in their communities."
The Mock Trial Program is administered by the MBA, and made possible by the international law firm of Brown, Rudnick, Berlack, Israels LLP through its Center for the Public Interest in Boston, which has contributed $25,000 per year to the program since 1998.
For more information on the MBA Mock Trial Program or upcoming competitions, visit www.massbar.org/mock or contact Elizabeth O'Neil, director of Public and Community Services, at oneil@massbar.org.


Incorporated in 1911, the Massachusetts Bar Association is a non-profit organization that serves the legal profession and the public by promoting the administration of justice, legal education, professional excellence and respect for the law. The MBA represents a diverse group of attorneys, judges and legal professionals across the commonwealth.

eBridge Montessori School Is Expanding & Hosting Tours

A Montessori education empowers children to achieve academic excellence and become confident, independent, respectful, creative thinkers and happy life-long learners.

eBridge Montessori School in Westborough is expanding and taking applications for enrollment for the summer and fall 2008. An AMI recognized authentic Montessori school, eBridge Montessori serves children ages 2.9 to 6. Full day, half day, morning and after-school care, and summer program sessions are available. Please call for the monthly parent group tour and classroom observation at 508-366-9288.
There is a parent group tour on Monday, April 7 and Monday, May 5 at 3:30 p.m.


The school is located at 57 East Main Street, Suite 101, in Westborough. See more at the school's Web site at http://www.ebridgemontessori.com/
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Mock Trial Between Newton And South Hadley Takes Place Tomorrow

Teams from Newton & South Hadley teams will vie for the state championship of the Massachusetts Bar Association's 2008 High School Mock Trial Competition tomorrow morning.
The winning team will secure the state championship and advance to the national competition in Wilmington, Delaware in May.
Competing tomorrow, Friday, March 28 at 10 a.m. at Faneuil Hall in Boston is a team from Newton South High and a team from Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School in South Hadley. A panel of three judges will preside.

Incorporated in 1911, the Massachusetts Bar Association is a non-profit organization that serves the legal profession and the public by promoting the administration of justice, legal education, professional excellence and respect for the law. The MBA represents a diverse group of attorneys, judges and legal professionals across the commonwealth.

17 Massachusetts Teachers Honored

BOSTON - 17 Massachusetts teachers who have received awards for their excellence in the classroom were recognized at a Statehouse ceremony yesterday.
The 17 teachers include the state's five finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, two 2007 Massachusetts Milken Educators, and the 10 recipients of the 2007 Awards for Excellence in Teaching Students with Asperger Syndrome.
"These teachers stand out in our state because they don't just teach, they commit themselves to providing each and every student with the best education possible," said Acting Education Commissioner Jeffrey Nellhaus. "Their work in the classroom, their devotion to their students and their commitment to excellence helps our students learn and sets an example for other teachers to follow."
Acting Commissioner Nellhaus was joined by state Representative Patricia Haddad, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Education, to honor the following recipients.
"As a former teacher, I know that educators across the state our their heart and soul into their work and their students," said Rep. Haddad. "Too often that extra effort goes unrecognized. It's a wonderful moment when we can all pause and honor those special, inspirational, and outstanding teachers like those we are here to recognize today."
The three awards and the individuals honored were:
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching
The Presidential Awards Program was established in 1983 by The White House and is sponsored by the National Science Foundation. The program identifies outstanding mathematics and science teachers in each state.
This year's Massachusetts finalists are:
Science Finalists
Matthew Anthes,Washburn, Parkway Academy of Technology and Health, Boston
Janet Duffy, Hingham High School, Hingham
Kathleen Shea, Nipmuc Regional High School, Upton
Mathematics Finalists
Catherine Cabral, Somerset High School, Somerset
Sean Walker, Memorial Middle School, Fitchburg
2007 Massachusetts Milken Award Winners
The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award was established in 1983 by brothers Lowell and Michael Milken. Recipients each receive a check for $25,000, a trip to Los Angeles for a conference and awards ceremony, and membership in the network of previous Milken winners. This was the 11th year that Massachusetts participated in the program. This year's recipients are:
Anne Clark, Curriculum and Special Education Coordinator, English Language Arts Teacher, Boston Arts Academy, Boston
Matthew Dugan, Science Teacher, Madison Park Technical Vocational High, Boston
2007 Awards for Excellence in Teaching Students with Asperger's Syndrome
The Watertown-based Asperger's Association of New England sponsors the Awards for Excellence in Teaching Students with Asperger's Syndrome. The Association's mission is to foster awareness, respect, acceptance and support of individuals with Asperger's Syndrome and their families. This year's recipients are:
Michelle Dextraze, 6th Grade Aide, Freeman-Centennial Middle School, Norfolk
Laurie DiBella, Teaching Assistant, Mitchell Elementary School, Needham
Midge Foley, Teacher, Early Learning Center, Jamaica Plain
Maura Forcier, Kindergarten Teacher, Heath School, Chestnut Hill
Patrice Glancy, Teacher, Jackson/Mann Elementary School, Allston
Amy Gordon, ASD Consultant, Marshfield Public Schools, Marshfield
Marissa Gumas, Math Teacher, Blake Middle School, Medfield
Barbara Newkirk, Resource Teacher, Lexington High School, Lexington
Jaclyn Quesnel, Guidance Counselor, Lura A. White School, Shirley
Arlene Shainker, Inclusion Specialist, Northborough/Southborough Public Schools, Northborough

Touchstone Community School Names New Head of School

The Board of Trustees of Touchstone Community School, a progressive, independent preschool-through-middle school in Grafton, announced that it has hired Donald H. Grace to be its next head of school, beginning July 1. Grace will succeed Steven J. Danenberg, who plans to retire in June after three years as head.
Grace currently serves as head of school at The Park School of Buffalo in Snyder, NY, a Pre-K-through-12 progressive day school. He has a total of 35 years of experience in a variety of schools including leading the Hammonasset School in Madison, CT, the Glen Urquhart School in Beverly Farms, McLean School of Maryland in Potomac, MD, and Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School in Waltham.
Grace holds a B.A. from Harvard College, an M.A.T. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, a C.A.S. from Fairfield University and has undertaken graduate work in early childhood education at Wheelock College.
Susan E.W. Spencer, chair of Touchstone’s Board of Trustees, said in a recent letter to parents, “Don received universally positive feedback from all with whom he met at Touchstone, including parents, faculty, administrative staff, students, trustees, and members of the Search Committee. The Transition Committee and trustees found Don’s 25 years of experience leading progressive schools of various sizes, his work with Mel Levine and the All Kinds of Minds national institute, and his publications, including articles in Independent School Magazine, to be an ideal match for Touchstone.”
Grace and his wife Catherine O’Neill Grace, an author and editor, plan to relocate to the Grafton area during the summer. Among other titles, Ms. O’Neill-Grace has published two children’s books with Plimoth Plantation. Grace grew up in Athol, and is excited about returning to Central Massachusetts.

Touchstone Community School is a non-profit, progressive, independent school with a 26-year history of providing outstanding education for children ages 4 through 14, serving Grafton and surrounding communities. The school is committed to educating the whole child, weaving together the social, emotional, intellectual, physical, ethical and creative aspects of a child’s growth and development.

Rainbow Child Development Center Celebrates El Dia De Los Ninos

Rainbow Child Development Center in Worcester celebrated El Día De Los Niños/El Día De Los Libros (children’s day/book day) by having volunteers read to preschoolers and toddlers on Wednesday, April 30. Volunteers include, Gladys Rodriguez-Parker, Director of Community and Intergovernmental Relations from Congressman James P. McGovern’s Office, Worcester Police Officer Gerald O’Connor, Worcester City Council Philip P. Palmieri, Ann E. Brown ,and Pamela Reidy, who are both on Rainbow’s Advisory Board.
The event was one of many taking place across the country promoting bilingual literacy, bridge cultures, and highlight the vital role our nation’s libraries and books play in helping new Americans find the resources they need to better their lives.
“Día will provide children and families with an opportunity to explore new worlds,” said Kathleen T. Horning, president of the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association. “Libraries are the perfect family destination, offering parents and children an opportunity to explore the world through multicultural book collections, diverse cultural programs and free access to the Web.”
Rainbow Celebrates Children’s Day - El día de los niños/El día de los libros is an enhancement of Children’s Day, which began in 1925. Children’s Day was designated as a day to bring attention to the importance and well being of children. In 1996, nationally acclaimed children’s book author Pat Mora proposed linking the celebration of childhood and children with literacy.

Rainbow Child Development Center provides care, education, and therapeutic services to over 290 children – ages 6 weeks to 13 years – from families in the Worcester area. Now located at 10 Edward Street, Rainbow is able to provide even more children and their families the support they need. A Capital Campaign is currently underway to enable Rainbow to better support its children, and to extend its programs and services to additional children and their families. For more information about Rainbow’s programs and services, visit www.rainbowcdc.com or call Barbara Guthrie or Martha Pardo-Testa at 508.791.6849

Parent Time

A few recent news items have me thinking about parenting. The working- mother blame game was heightened, naturally, by the release of the National Institute on Child Development study on long-term effects of time spent in child care. While the study is nuanced and complex, the short version was blared in headlines as “young children who spend a lot of time in group child care may be more verbal but have a slightly higher likelihood of behavior problems in 5th and 6th grade.” Oh, the guilt.

Never mind that I still credit the YMCA child care center for raising my kids. My children attended the center full-time since they were three months old, and instead of shedding tears when I dropped my babies off, I thought to myself, “Thank God they’re with someone who actually knows what they’re doing.” Now in grades 4 and 7, they are healthy, well-adjusted, thriving young people.

Your mileage may vary.

Then, a newspaper column reflected on the value of parental time with children, and how it has changed over the past 40 years. Ironically, while mothers in the 1960s spent more time with their children than now, they weren’t necessarily focused on them. In those halcyon days of June Cleaver, I recall the freedom of roaming the neighborhood as a child, supervised only by a slightly older sibling or friends, while our mothers were in the kitchen (or so we assumed).

No “play dates.” No lessons and structured activities. Most team sports didn’t start till 5th grade, and even then parents rarely showed up for games. Parental child-focused time has actually increased in the past decade or two.

But can there be too much of a good thing with child-focused time?

A National Public Radio commentator discussed the big event taking place in the homes of 17- and 18-year-olds: the arrival of college admission letters. High school seniors are applying to more schools, with more pressure and demographic competition than ever before. And many of them are facing rejection for the first time in their lives.

In all parents’ best intentions, in our attempts to help our children find the best way in life, we forget that life isn’t always rosy. How will a child cope with not getting accepted into the college of his or her choice if we have fought every battle and structured every experience for them? Perhaps a little less intensive parenting, allowing children to find their own way and discover their resilience when things don’t go as planned, is the best gift we can give our children.

Meanwhile, I’ll watch my 4th grader for signs of behavioral problems in the next year or two.

MCAS Test Prep & Sample Questions

Bay State Parent contributing writer Amy Benoit, who also is a teacher within the Worcester Public School system, put together an article in this month's March issue full of ways to help you child succeed with this spring's MCAS testing.
Right now, students in grades 3 through 10 are experiencing MCAS testing. MCAS stands for the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Program. The program measures student achievement in specific subjects, and high school students must pass the tests to receive a diploma.
Students will complete a battery of open-ended, multiple choice, and short answer questions. In addition, grade four students will complete a two-part writing session.

* For specific test prep help & test-taking tips, pick up a copy of the March issue of Bay State Parent or read Amy's online report at: http://www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0301/Articles/004.html

* For sample tests from the Massachusetts Department of Education, visit http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/2007/admin/practicetests.html