PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: The first Professional Development Day for staff was held on Thursday, Sept. 4th. Needless to say we had much to discuss with all the newness of this year Both O’Brien and High Meadows staffs were given the opportunity to give a debriefing on any concerns that they have thus far. Teachers were asked to work on their SLO’s. Math Lab and Reading Lab teachers were asked to continue monitoring all students and get them ready for their tests which are planned within the next 2 months. We will discuss the Smarter Balance Rubric being used in the school-wide writing prompt at the next PD on Sept. 26th Mrs. Anderson informed everyone that freshman exploratory schedules will be ready to be distributed shortly. Safety Test copies will be given to freshmen trade instructors. Student’s participation in clubs will be offered thru the Guidance Department. Clubs will meet only during the academic cycle, due to the fact that 7 of our shops are out of the building during the trade cycle. Mrs. Daria welcomed this year’s Student Assistance Team which is comprised of : M. Andrade, L. Camacho, C. Sheppard. J. Levinson and J. Silkoff; M-P Monks, K. Feher, S. Hoffert, J. Nagy .They will meet on a weekly basis. Travis Vereen our security guard from High Meadows has been transferred to Platt Tech We wish him well at his new school. We are in the process of working on getting a replacement. High Meadows- Shop teachers were asked to disclose their concerns. Brian the Construction Manager will be notified regarding any building issues. Mr. Horan will be contacted concerning all computer issues. Walkie Talkies were ordered and will be distributed to each shop to be used only for emergencies. Clocks have been ordered and will be installed throughout the school. O’Brien-Academic teachers discussed how well the freshmen have been adjusting to their new school. Everyone has adapted to changes due to the construction going on and classes are running smoothly. Mrs. Lewis-Collins discussed her concerns and recommendations to the staff. She encouraged instructors to work diligently on supervising students at all times .No students should be walking anywhere on campus without supervision. GOOD NEWS AND CELEBRATIONS: Fire Drills on September 3rd were successfully implemented at both Emmett O’Brien and High Meadows. Congratulations to Mrs. Ford, who was recently elected as the new union representative. High fives to our Culinary Art Department. Today, September 3rd the dining room was officially opened to all staff as well as the public, offering a select and delicious menu to choose from. OSHA training has begun with students who are in the construction trades. On Wednesday, September 3rd, Mr. Marrone, Class advisor had a meeting with the senior class. The seniors were absolutely attentive and very well behaved. They will begin the year with their first fundraiser. The money raised will go into each student’s account to pay for any expenses that occur during the year. The major event will be the overnight trip to the Amish country sometime in May. A field trip to the Big E is also being planned for September 23rd. Also discussed, were: new class officers, other fundraisers, major dates to remember. Mr. Marrone told the seniors they can do many activities to make this year great but they have to behave and help. Mr. Marrone is asking all teachers, staff and administration to get involved with the senior class to help students out and purchase items from their fundraising book. If anybody has ideas please feel free to contact Mr. Marrone. A sure sign that the school year is in full swing is marked by the opening days of the FALL SPORTS SEASON. A best-ever turnout of over 90 student athletes are participating in cheerleading, football, soccer and volleyball. The home action starts on Tuesday, September 9th as volleyball takes on University High School here in the O’Brien Tech Gymnasium with a 3:45 jv/5:15 varsity start. Our other teams open up on the road as the soccer team will face Abbott Tech on Thursday, September 11th at 3:45 and football will visit Hamden Hall in Hamden on Friday, September 12th at 6:00 p.m. Please do your best to support our student-athletes as they truly appreciate your support. GOOD HOUSE KEEPING A reminder to shop instructors driving busses: All paper work needs to be filled out every day before leaving the school grounds Any instructor interested in nominating themselves or another staff member for the School Governance Council, please submit the nomination form to the Principal’s Office. Forms were emailed to everyone. LOOKING AHEAD MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH Freshman Parent Night- 5:30pm. Ms. Nagy will be meeting with freshman during Social Studies classes for an introductory lesson and Exploratory Schedule distribution TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH Academic Schedules and Parent Info will be distributed at High Meadows to Grades 10th & 11th. Ms. Daria and Ms. Nagy will also present information to these students on Bullying and Students Rights. Mrs. Monks and Mr. Daria will meet with the grade 10th and 11th students here at EO’B WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH Cycle B and Exploratory Program begin COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE VISITS BEGIN THIS MONTH. A SCHEDULE WILL BE SENT OUT VIA EMAIL. Sent on behalf of: Mrs. Laurie LeBouthillier Principal C.C.: Dr. Nivea Torres, Superintendent