School Events

Press Release for the Hatfield Public Schools

Christa Anderson, kindergarten teacher at the Hatfield Elementary School and Scarlett Shockey, librarian at Smith Academy are the  recipients of the 2012-2013 Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award. Teachers are nominated byeither their peers, parents, students, or community members and are selected based on numerous criteria including, among other things, excellence in teaching practices, professional development, community involvement, and attendance on the job. The two teachers will be honored, along with other award recipients from neighboring schools in both Hampshire and Franklin Counties on Wednesday, April 25, at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.

Each Award winner will receive $500, an engraved plaque, 2 tickets to the event, professional pictures of the event, a three-month membership to a local YMCA, a three-month membership to the Springfield Jewish Community Center, grants for graduate course offerings by Bay Path College, Springfield College, Western New England University, Westfield State University, WGBY Channel 57 program scholarship, and other gifts from sponsors.

Sponsors of the Excellence in Teaching Awards recognize that the future of local business depends on excellent education today. Over 25 community businesses and organizations have joined together to show support for these important educators who shape the lives of our children and tailor learning to meet their complex individual needs.

Major event sponsors are The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation, and MassMutual Financial Group.

Additional sponsors include: The Beveridge Family Foundation, Channing Bete Company, Country Bank, Holyoke Credit Union, Meyers Brothers & Kalicka, STCU Credit Union, and United Way of Pioneer Valley.

In-kind supporters include: Bay Path College, Class A Graphics, Dinn Brothers Trophies, The Hampshire Gazette, Langones Florist, The Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, Real to Reel, The Reminder, Southworth Paper Company, Springfield College, Springfield Jewish Community Center, Springfield Republican, Western New England University, Westfield State University, WGBY Channel 57, WGGB Channel 40, WWLP Channel 22, and the local YMCAs of the Pioneer Valley.

As many of you are very well aware, there have been high numbers of flu cases reported in our state. Here at the Hatfield Public Schools, we are doing all we can to help keep our students as healthy as possible. We have amped up our standard cleaning procedures to include very frequent sanitizing of handles, door knobs, and other frequently used/touched surfaces. We are doing our part, but we need your help. If your child is complaining of not feeling well or is showing any signs or symptoms of the flu, please keep them home from school until they are feeling better. Symptoms of the flu include:

·  Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)

Thank you in advance for your help and assistance during this time.

In June, a group of Smith Academy students traveled to Nicaragua with Mr. Pluta.  Their purpose was to volunteer in a school building project that Mr. Pluta organized in that country. Read more about it in the following article:

http://www.nicaraguadispatch.com/news/2012/07/us-volunteers-help-pave-the-road-to-free-education/4505

Klepacki, Sulda Reach Milestone

Girls’ basketball captain Alyssa Klepacki, and boys’ basketball captain Mat Sulda both reached a serious milestone of their athletic high school careers. Both scored their thousandth career points of varsity basketball during this 2011-2012 season.

On Friday, January 27, 2012 Alyssa Klepacki was joined by her family, friends, and many members of our community to celebrate her great accomplishment. Alyssa became the 20th player to join the thousand point club of Smith Academy. “It was kind of nerve-racking and hard to focus on my warm-up because I was so nervous and excited,” Alyssa said of the evening.  The moment came towards the end of the third quarter and the crowd immediately erupted into shouts and tears of happiness. Alyssa described how thankful she was for the, “huge support system cheering her on and making the moment so exciting.” Scoring a thousand points was a huge moment in Alyssa’s athletic career and she confirms “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates and everyone who supports me.”

On Monday, February 6, 2012 junior Matthew Sulda became part of the history of Smith Academy when he scored his thousandth career point of varsity basketball. So many members of his family, school, and our community as a whole joined him in the celebration. Mat said, “I wasn’t really nervous because I took it as just another game.” His composure paid off when he scored his thousandth point in the first quarter. Immediately Mat felt such a burst of happiness thinking, “It was really cool to join a family legacy.” Though Mat feels completely honored he assured me, “I would take a Western Mass. Championship any day.” This is a true testament to Mat’s character, love for the sport, and dedication to his team.

Congratulations to Alyssa Klepacki and Mat Sulda!