In the Schools Canton October 17

PAWS Update
Lauren Mahan’s fourth-graders at the Hansen Elementary School have collected more than 200 items to support the Canton Animal Shelter, South Shore Ferret Care and the New England Wildlife Center. Donations have included dog food, paper and regular towels, toys, treats and more. Monetary and other donations were collected at the Hansen Carnival on Saturday, as well.

Said Mahan, “Our principal, Peter Boucher, is so excited by the kids’ work that he is funding a bus to take us to the Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary in Norton, so the kids can see a shelter at work. We will be bringing additional donations with us to help the animals there.” In addition, the director of South Shore Ferret Care, Diane Wall, will bring some of her shelter residents to visit the students on Thursday of this week. 

JFK Garden Club Puts Gardens to Bed
The JFK Garden Club is preparing the school gardens for winter and planting bulbs for next spring. Under the direction of fourth-grade teacher Elisa Blanchard, the students are planting individual garlic cloves, to be grown into garlic heads; saving seeds and spreading compost and winter rye. Student gardeners will continue their work through November 3.

Hansen Celebrates International Walk to School Day
Hansen principal Peter Bouchard reported that nearly 100 students, staff and parents participated in International Walk to School Day on October 5. A “walking school bus” will continue on Fridays into November, aided by extra Canton Police and crossing guard support.

"Race to Nowhere" Screening Next Tuesday
Canton Public Schools Superintendent Jeffrey Granatino announced that on Tuesday evening, October 25, the Canton Public Schools will be showing the documentary film, Race to Nowhere.

The documentary has been shown nationally in an effort to examine the pressures faced by students, teachers and parents in a world that focuses on high demands and successes. It features stories of students across the country who have felt the pressure to be successful while trying to balance school, homework, extracurricular activities, friends, family and work. IT also illustrates the extreme measures some take in order for children to be successful.

The film will be presented at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 25 in the Canton High School Auditorium. Following the film, which lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, there will be a short period for reflection and discussion. The program is free; attendees are requested to register at http://rtncantonhsma.eventbrite.com/

CHS Announces Graduation Changes
As determined by a vote taken at the last School Committee meeting, Canton High School graduation will now take place on Friday, June 8, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. on the turf at Alumni Field. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held indoors in the High School Gymnasium.

CHS Television Studio Receives Canton Community Television Donation
Canton Community Television (CCTV) donated a central console, worth nearly $100,000, to the television studio at Canton High School. The new equipment will allow for more comprehensive coverage of school events in the gymnasium, the school auditorium and within the studio. CCTV has previously donated to the high school, with a control console for the control room about 10 years ago, and through repairing and replacing smaller equipment items over the years.

Superintendent Jeffrey Granatino wrote in a letter to parents, “Because of (CCTV’s) largesse, we are able to produce a superior product and it puts the district in a better position to meet our 21st century learning objectives.”

Upcoming Dates
Thursday, October 20: School Committee Meeting
Friday, October 21: Early Release Full Day K-12 (no ½ day K or ½ PK)
Thursday, October 27 CHS Parent/Teacher Conferences

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