https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180 A Good Teacher Deserves an Apple, You Deserve the TREE en-us 2020-10-16 15:40:00 UTC 2023-01-20 21:26:59 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/750860793/f8b3fa4648aa4f6f7ab94041c5fed107/4.png ihowes1 https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/905027801 I am writing this post to a deserving teacher, mentor, and pastry chef...

Tom Bodo, you have made your classes fun and interesting, you have formed strong connections with some of our most difficult-to-reach students, and you have created an after school club that students desperately needed to feel a sense of comfort in such a tumultuous time. I admire and appreciate how to always keep me in the loop with student concerns and feel a genuine need to solve a problem as soon as it arises.

We have received rave reviews from both students and parents, and hope you continue to bringing smiles to households across Springfield. 

And funny timing with the whole mustache shave...]]> 2020-11-09 16:56:19 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/905027801 hdprincipalsha https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/931650065 Ask Lance. Ask him about the conversations, at length, that were had on bringing Emma on board at SHA. We won. We lost. And somehow, we won again! And how good it feels to win when it comes to having a Latin educator like Emma on our faculty. 
Emma packs a serious punch when it comes to classroom energy and "know how" - and this is even in a pandemic. Driven by subject mastery, and with student engagement as her focus, Emma never stops thinking about her students and figuring out what they need to connect with Latin!
And when she isn't making that magic happen, you can find her contributing to Griffin lessons, assisting colleagues through professional development, and reflecting at Teacher's Table - always making an impact!
We wonder at it all! The many wonders of Emma Vanderpool! Thank you, Emma!]]> 2020-11-17 13:53:36 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/931650065 dcooper81 https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/952869585 M-Making it all clear
C-Caring
C-Committed
A- Adaptable
R-Reflective
T-Thoughtful
H-Hard-Working
Y-You can always be counted on

We are thankful for all that you bring to SHA. From dotting the i's with testing, to crossing the t's in data. We can always count on  you to bring some amazing ideas and innovative thoughts to education. 

Thanks Erin!]]> 2020-11-23 15:58:59 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/952869585 hdprincipalsha https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/955799438 Seniors pushed back hard last spring when we registered them for classes and they wanted nothing to do with a Civics course. That all changed within the very first week of classes. Students met Mr. Kerkhoff and suddenly had no issue with the class. No one wanted to drop it anymore. “He can teach, miss.” “Nah, nah. It’s cool, I guess I’ll keep it.”
With great charisma, strong efforts to collaborate with his World History teaching partner, and exuding a genuine enthusiasm for high school teaching, we welcome Mr. Kerkhoff to the SHA faculty with open arms!
Keep it all going - your Gov kids, screens off or on, are loving what you do!!

]]> 2020-11-24 11:41:35 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/955799438 dcooper81 https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1021521618 Since last spring you have made me see so many things I never would have with Google, lol. Thank you for your commitment to learning and dedication to your work. I am always intrigued at the aesthetic way you display things. I thank you also for your ability over the past two weeks to sit in a hard place and find the lessons in the school events we’ve experienced.  Thanks for teaming and always finding a new way we can use Google. You’re a great part of this team. Happy Holidays ]]> 2020-12-15 19:11:36 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1021521618 ihowes1 https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1023886445 Melissa,

Since you have joined the SHA community full time, I have felt like our art department has led the city with its creativity. I have seen you guide our students to create countless wonderful pieces that span so many different genres of art, time periods, and social movements. We have a few certain students that live to exercise their creativity, and I am so happy we have an experienced, energetic, and dedicated art teacher who allows those students, in addition to all of our art students, to shine. 
I was happy to help you move your room this summer as it gave us a chance to get to know one another, and it let me see how many wonderful ideas you have planned. I also enjoyed seeing the secret old projector room haha.
Thank you for all of your hard work, your charismatic personality, and your enthusiasm for your job.


]]> 2020-12-16 13:47:42 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1023886445 hdprincipalsha https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1037887988 Calm, cool and collected, Mr. Matters lays it all out for the students quite simply : This is where it’s at, folks. Bringing a wealth of lived experience into his teaching, he can speak with some authority on many things, but as an English teacher, he lets the texts do that. With such intent, Matters has revisited his syllabus on more than one occasion to select the works that are going to shape our students best. And when he gets to reading them with his students, he knows exactly how to help them find the elements of the story that most need to be seen; that they can connect with. Good literary instruction is real hard work. Matters isn’t afraid of hard work and he’s not afraid to ask it of his students either. Matters knows you have to be willing to dig deep to get to the source and apply effort to get results. With trademark mannerisms and a heart beneath it all, when it comes to real strong teachers, Matters can run with the best of them. 

]]> 2020-12-22 12:26:46 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1037887988 ihowes1 https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1087026771 She joined us just last year, yet has made so many waves. From giving cheerleaders and dancers an outlet to express themselves, to educating our students on the significance of US history and civics - in a time where it is of the utmost importance. We all enjoy your positive attitude and contagious smile. I find you have courage when put on the spot and are confident to say what you believe in. 
Students would come to me after school to tell me how cool you are. I was amazed, yet not surprised to see how well you knew the dances they obsess over and always had droves signing up for cheerleading, most likely so they could hang with you. 
We love what you add to our school. Keep your spirits young and your smile shining. ]]> 2021-01-14 13:24:39 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1087026771 dcooper81 https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1102438845 Always DOWN(S) for anything. Since you joined the team, it was clear that you brought a connection to the student body that was unmatched. Thank you for your sacrifice during Night Owl Sessions and as the Senior Advisor you have the heavy task of making Senior year the bomb in the midst of unheard of conditions but if anyone is capable, IT'S YOU!!!!  

My next door neighbor, You are appreciated by the student body and staff. I can't wait to get back in the schools to hear the laugh and watch the DD cups come up the stairs with the shades and how could I forget locker surfing after school LOL!!!

YOU ROCK! ]]> 2021-01-19 17:34:49 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1102438845 dcooper81 https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1102486704 Who would have thought that we would have to get our first graduating class EVER, through the college application process like this. Remote Financial Aid nights,  Virtually chasing students, Virtual College Tours and creating Transcripts, but guess what....YOU MADE IT HAPPEN . This wasn't an easy thing, but you continued showing up in amazing ways, pushing, planning and making it all happen. KUDOS! ]]> 2021-01-19 17:43:10 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1102486704 ihowes1 https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1160175220 Dear Kayla,
I wasn't going to let just anyone come in here and try to fill my shoes ya know. We needed someone bold, daring, smart, sophisticated, and everything else that I am not. Not only have we loved having you joining us as a whole school community, but I personally could not be happier having someone like yourself teach the classes and experience the same joys I did over the past 3 tears (I mean years). I feel confident and at ease knowing our future medics and scientists have an all star teacher and mentor to guide them on their long and difficult journey. Keep up the good work Kayla, or I'm coming for my Bill Nye poster...


]]> 2021-02-03 17:59:02 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1160175220 ihowes1 https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1163878671 Soooo I had a little trouble with the wordplay of your name. Then  I googled words that contain "tosa" and was unfortunately left with a handful of words I didn't know, then saw autosave and was like "wow, that's awesome". So there you go. 
As for you as a teacher...
It is always a plus when we hire an experienced, sympathetic, culturally-responsive teacher, but when that teacher has so many other skills it is an added bonus. You are talented when working with numbers and sifting through the data that helps us make important decisions. You work tirelessly and quickly to find solutions and discover new ideas. You have brought us a new course that can sway students into the realm of  learning new languages after high school and gives them a thorough understanding of the evolution of the human brain and social interactions.
Your love and knowledge of anime wins the hearts of our students and I often hear them mention they like the innovative and unique style of your classes. We are so glad you joined us last year and happily await the next innovations you are sure to bring. ]]> 2021-02-04 14:22:56 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1163878671 dcooper81 https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1182232021 I could make this praise short and sweet. She was born in February and on the same day as myself...NUFF said!!!! 

The definition of a flag, is a cloth that is a symbol for an organization or group. FLAGG you are just that for SHA, you are a complete symbol of who we are: dedicated, flexible and fun. What you bring to this team and to the Physical education program at SHA is  amazing.

Thank you for your creativity and all that you bring to SHA!]]> 2021-02-09 14:13:38 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1182232021 hdprincipalsha https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1240296873 The newest rookie on the SHA court is none other than Brian Anthony and he is definitely getting the job done for The Griffins!  A team player, through and through, Anthony is here to play for the students and he's not only putting all his time and efforts into this new post, he is putting 100% of his heart into it, too. Engaging his students' interests and creating lessons to match where they are right now in their learning space, Anthony is playing into the depth of this game while still learning it - an impressive feat given the times! Recently, he developed a podcast with our senior students, partnering with a UMASS team, and taking our school's commitment to "student voice" to a whole new level. Keep bringing the heat, Anthony - we are here for it!

]]> 2021-02-25 10:14:27 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1240296873 ihowes1 https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1311918334 Hey Berg,

I'm really glad we've got you with us at SHA. Not only were you able to roll out an amazing chem class, you had AP chem under belt, and wait.. what? a PhD in Chemistry?! Come one now..
You are the best chem teacher we could have possible found and you have so much going for you, far beyond your credentials.
You have knowledge, patience, and a perpetual smile. I cannot wait to actually see you in action. Ya know we got  a pretty sweet Chem lab in A219, and I'm gonna be nice enough to let you use it as much as you want...
Considering you have so much skill facilitating classes remotely, I can't imagine how well you will do at school.  Please let me know what you need to keep doing amazing job. I look forward to all the amazing labs you have planned!

]]> 2021-03-15 17:22:47 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1311918334 dcooper81 https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1316957929 Glad to have you aboard this year. I appreciate your voice in courageous conversations and all that you offer in our conversations among staff and students.  I am interested to see if Moriah's dance skills came from you, so get ready for the talent show, so I can determine if you got the "JUICE"  :-)  Thank you for being willing to proctor SATs and PSATs, amid a pandemic, in order to ensure our students were able to have the opportunity to test. I'm looking forward to what's to come.  ]]> 2021-03-16 17:22:56 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1316957929 ihowes1 https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1364172212 Sunshine!
You have brought light to our dreary year. Kept us up to date with birthdays, on-goings, and holidays we didn't even know about. You have take on huge responsibilities such as year book, NHS, and teaching the majority of our science elective. You are a priceless asset to the school and your personality and enthusiasm bring the science team together and make PLC's worthwhile.
Your contributions to SHA have not gone unnoticed and we are so happy to always have a little sunshine in every day. 
Catch you on the disc-golf course or maybe in a tree-house...]]> 2021-03-29 14:06:23 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1364172212 hdprincipalsha https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1369199859 Many hats. Many, many hats are worn by a School Counselor and Sara is no exception.  She has unfailingly handled the adjustment counseling for our students with great need, despite a myriad of obstacles. In addition to her counseling work, she has built out our Wellness program in our second year of SHA, supported all scheduling in a founding school on a shared campus, trained our AmeriCorps presence, brought a grief group to our students, tag teamed 504s with Kate, (and I am surely missing ten other things) all while managing grad school and her family of four! When things get hard, it is beyond helpful to have a constant- an extremely talented, professional constant - who you can depend on no matter the situation. Sara is always there - for us, and most importantly, for our students. Hats off to you, Runkle, and thank you for it all! ]]> 2021-03-30 18:21:00 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1369199859 ihowes1 https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1463973611 I was first introduced to a Master P on MTV. However, this Master P didn't teach me Latin, nor did he play the drums. He did however play a pivotal role in Scary Movie 3. Have you done that?
Well, whether or not you have starred in Oscar-worthy films, I think some bushels of praise are in order.  Lance you have undoubtedly added some "je ne sais quoi" or should I google translate to "declaratur id quod secundi toni sais" - (bet that doesn't work) to our SHA community. Your animated lessons and interests in interesting things seem to captivate our students and for that we thank you.

Carpe Vinum!


]]> 2021-04-27 12:33:56 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1463973611 ihowes1 https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1464406511 What more needs to be said about an award-winning teacher like Hersey. She is punctual, always focused, and foolproof. Oh wait, that's someone else...
Hersey is actually pretty awesome though. She has a means of forging strong relationships with students and teachers and has been there for me a time or two. She thinks outside the box and doesn't adhere to your conformist rules man. Her forward thinking and and extensive research into progressive pedagogy allows us to implement raw, innovative teaching structures and flourish as a school. Thank you Hersey for all your hard work.

Margaritas for Margaret!]]> 2021-04-27 14:00:10 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1464406511 hdprincipalsha https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1465379756 Whether he is creating music theory courses in place of band instruction because of Covid restrictions, bringing in grant monies to ramp up our Madrigals program, producing virtual concert performances so our school community can still celebrate the arts, planning music for our first ever graduation, supporting Student Council's efforts to pull off a virtual talent show, singing parts and lending his talents to enhance student performance, or lending a hand to a colleague so she doesn't have to relocate rooms for a third time all on her own, Matt Bertuzzi is always ready to make great things happen for his school community. Dedication and teamwork of that caliber make all the difference - and beyond the great performances I know are in store for us again at SHA, it is that commitment to the craft that really brings the crowd to its feet. Bravo!]]> 2021-04-27 16:58:15 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1465379756 dcooper81 https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1465694947 It is a pleasure to have you a part of the team this year. You are committed to what you do and give to the students. We appreciate your dedication and true spirit of being a team player.  I am looking forward to all that is to come.]]> 2021-04-27 17:56:50 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1465694947 dcooper81 https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1465704114 Friday when Ms. Green and I were putting the rooms together she said, "She doesn't talk much." I said that's what I thought, until I saw her interacting with the students and she is a silent comedian. Not many have seen that side of you, but I truly appreciated getting a glimpse. :-) The students absolutely adore you and the bond they have created with you is special to see (when we were in the building)  Thanks for all you do.]]> 2021-04-27 17:58:28 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1465704114 ihowes1 https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1509357634 A time or two I have needed assistance with computer-related things. I try, but it is you who takes over and gets the job done. We appreciate your skills, know-how, and ability to work with students at a college-prep level. They admire you and look to you for guidance. Keep on keeping them on the right track! 

If you need a tech-guru or just someone to walk around the school with to discuss local history, Ry-Guy is your guy. I have enjoyed our conversations over the past four years and look forward to the many more. ]]> 2021-05-10 14:30:19 UTC https://padlet.com/ksynnott2/ix9qvv6gk5th2180/wish/1509357634