May-June-2008

I would like to begin this newsletter by welcoming the Class of 2012! Our administration, faculty, and staff are committed to providing the best education possible for all of our students and we look forward to serving the newest members of the Hall community. Hall High School is a unique school that has a rich and proud history, and much to offer each and every student. We continue to strive for excellence in academics, athletics, fine and performing arts, student leadership and community service projects. We encourage students new to Hall to become actively involved in the life of their school. During the summer, you will be receiving information regarding grade 9 orientation, athletics (Go Warriors!), etc. I look forward to meeting the Class of 2012 and I’m very excited about combining our energies as you begin your 4-year high school career.

I would like to offer my congratulations to the following staff and students that we recently honored by proudly flying the Hall flag:

For excellence in math, Nomi Conway, Chris Farrah, and Connor Roncaioli for their high scores in the National Math Contest that qualified them for the next round;

Mrs. Elizabeth Devine, social studies teacher, was awarded the New England Teachers Association Secondary Teacher of the Year award at the Northeast Conference; and Mr. Anthony Billard, art teacher, was named 2008 Secondary Art Educator of the Year.

Michael Kan and Miguel Cutiongco were selected by their music teachers and honored at the Connecticut Association of Schools Arts banquet held at the Aqua Turf.

Kudos to our music teachers, Ms. Lorri Cetto, Mrs. Marilyn Krentzman, and Mr. John Mastroianni for their students recent accomplishments: Hall High School’s Jazz Band was announced as finalists in the 13th Annual Essentially Ellington Competition & Festival to be held in New York City in May; and the following students participated in the All State Festival: Nathaniel Barshay, Franklin Brand, Carolyn Dickey, Miriam Engel, Carol Fabricant, Emma Gifford, Julia Kete, Zoe Li, Suzanne Lis, Melodie Morris, Avery Pearce, Lindsay Piaker, Felice Shlizerman, and Sarah Sinisgalli.

Bravo! to Mr. Sean Harris, theatre teacher, and his students for the awards received when he took Of Mice and Men to the Connecticut Drama Association’s State Festival: overall execution of concept; overall excellence in characterization; and individual awards: Kasia Wojcik – best makeup; Andy Belt – all Connecticut cast; and Derick Delloro – outstanding actor; and deserving recognition for their athletic prowess:

The following students received medals for their participation at the Unified Basketball Tournament:: Garnet Muganda, Mariella MacGillis, Matt Grehn, Dan Fiorentino, Greg Leo, Megan Waller, Conor McCue, Colin Schlank, David Shortell, Katie Mascolo, Maura Buckley, Rachel Shoflick, Emma Nathan, and Alana Shimkavitz. In addition, Rachel Schoflick will be receiving the Michael’s Cup award for Unified Athletics – one of fifteen students in the state.

Congratulations to the eight Warriors that qualified to compete in the Class L State finals for swimming: Jeff Babcock, Rob Swain, Johnny O’Gorman, Jon Stahl, Josh Kuckens, Dan Barzak, Casey Roncaioli, and Jack Swain.

The Honors Human Development class taught by Ms. Marcia Harrington, attended the College Career Pathways Conference at UCONN. The following students: Brooke Matzke, Bjorn Kelly, Carley Snyder, Kristine LeBlanc, and Shana Cabral won an award for their poster on Culture and Teen Pregnancy.

The Hall High School chemistry team, advised by Mrs. Joan Pease, chemistry teacher, participated in the American Chemical Society’s International Olympiad Competition at UCONN, received 5 of 30 places, and have moved on to the regional competition. Individual congratulations to Sam Boers, Caroline Lukens, Jeffery Phu, Ben Schnieder, and Cassie Trammel. The team was awarded the Gold Medal for placing first. Best of luck to Caroline Lukens who has progressed to the National Level and will be honored by the American Chemical Society at Smith College.

We are very proud of Mr. Chet Bacon’s students, Nathaniel Barshay and David Haber. Nathaniel and David took first place in the High School division of the Trinity College Autonomous Fire Fighting Robotics contest. They competed and beat teams from all over the world – congratulations to our World Champions!

To our senior parents: Thank you for all your support for the last 4 years; and they have gone by so fast! Please remind your children that we want to end the year on a positive note and not to relax too much – the focus will be on teaching and learning until the last bell rings!

Thank you for sharing your children with us. The Class of 2008 has been super! Don’t be strangers and remember

“Together we are Proud . . . Together we are Hall High!”

Have a great summer!!

Sincerely,

Donald J. Slater, Ph.D. Proud Principal of Hall High School 

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