Teacher Talk

Commentary on education in Fairfield County

Archive for the ‘Greenwich High School’ Category

Teen Drinking: GHS Athletics

Friday, October 21, 2011 by:Charles Costello

The Greenwich Time article on teen drinking should force this town to have a discussion about one of its biggest problems. In order to do that, we first must accept that this is a major crisis in Greenwich, and across the country.

I want to point out that a big part of the article centered on sports, with athletic departments at both Greenwich High School and Darien High School put on the defensive. Here’s what was said about GHS:

Even if kids are caught, there is no guarantee they will be punished, students said. Once a member of the GHS junior varsity water polo team, Hale [McSharry, Greenwich High School's junior class president] said he has seen Facebook pictures of his former teammates engaging in drinking and drug use without suffering discipline.

“I remember having to sign a form that you could get kicked off the team for drinking,” Hale said. “But I would not hesitate to say that they look the other way if they hear about it. The water polo team in particular does not have a good reputation. It comes down to the coaches and they need the players.”

We all know that teen drinking is a widespread problem, and we’d be naive to suggest that athletes are the exception. They’re not. Without getting into the reputations of various sports, allow me to share some thoughts based on the experiences I’ve had as a coach at the high school.

I believe that student-athletes at Greenwich High are held to a higher standard than anyone else at the school. All student-athletes at the high school must sign a Code of Conduct before they even try out for a team. If a coach is aware of a student-athlete drinking or doing drugs, they will be disciplined. Now, that doesn’t mean that a coach will always know. How could they? But trust me, I’ve been around the athletic department for a decade. Before the school got smart and adopted an attendance policy, the athletic department had one in place. That’s just one example of the athletic office being a step ahead. The school’s AD, Gus Lindine, insists that student-athletes, as well as coaches, agree to, and abide by, this Code of Conduct. If they don’t, they’ll be held accountable. I don’t know what more you could expect.

GREENWICH HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT

Our athletes have a responsibility to provide a positive image in the classroom, on the playing fields, and in our community. They must be reminded that participation in athletics is a privilege and not a right. All athletes are expected to meet this athletic code and failure to comply during their season could result in suspension or removal from a team. All athletes and parents must sign our code of conduct prior to participation.

While at school: A good athlete is also a good student and one who obeys all school rules and regulations. This means good attendance, participation, effort and behavior. An athlete must be in school and attend all scheduled classes (including physical education) in order to participate in any practices or contests. If an athlete is suspended from school, she/he may not participate in practices or games during her/his suspension period.

On the playing fields or courts: Fair play and good sportsmanship is expected at all times. No athlete will use profanity. An athlete will respect teammates, opponents, officials and spectators.

In our community: The way an athlete acts in our community is very important. As an athlete, she/he shall respect the rights of others and represent our team, our school and the Town of Greenwich with dignity.

The use of illegal substances: Any use, possession or involvement with illegal substances (drugs/alcohol) of an athlete is prohibited. This is a twenty-four hour rule, extends beyond the school day, and includes the following circumstances:

Being in a motor vehicle with alcohol or drugs regardless of whether the athlete is the passenger or driver, or whether the athlete is in personal possession of any alcohol or drugs.

Permitting the illegal consumption of alcohol or use of drugs in the athlete’s home or on an athlete’s premises.
Postings on blogs and social-networking web sites that confirm a violation.

Failure to comply with this code will result in the following consequences:

First offense – A two week suspension from all practices and games (minimum of two games). The athlete will be required to meet with her/his school social worker prior to rejoining the team. Upon completion of the suspension, the athlete may apply for reinstatement through a conference with the Athletic Director, Coach and Parent.
Subsequent offense – A subsequent offense during the school year, will result in the removal of the athlete from their team for the remainder of their current season. The athlete will be ineligible for any post-season awards, recognition or participation at team events, and excluded from the opportunity of becoming a varsity captain.

The use of androgenic / anabolic steroids or other performance enhancing substances: Any athlete who has been determined to have used, in or out-of-season, androgenic / anabolic steroids or other performance enhancing substances shall be declared ineligible for all CIAC-controlled activities for one hundred eighty (180) school days on each occurrence. This one hundred eighty (180) school day period of ineligibility commences on the day the CIAC Board of Control makes such determination.

The use of tobacco products: An athlete shall not use or have in possession any tobacco products. This is a twenty-four hour rule and extends beyond the school day. Failure to comply with this code will result in a one-week suspension from all practices and games (minimum of one game).The athlete will be required to enroll in our high school smoking cessation course. Upon the conclusion of the suspension, the athlete will be reinstated with the understanding that the smoking cessation course must be completed.

The Greenwich High School Athletic Department does not wish to penalize an athlete attempting to act correctly in situations not of their own making or that could not be avoided. The Director of Athletics and Coach will assess each alleged violation and provide enforcement of this code when and where appropriate. A violation of the Athletic Code of Conduct or Cardinal Rules during team tryouts could negatively impact an athlete’s selection to that team.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I have read the Greenwich High School Athletic Code of Conduct and agree to adhere to it while participating in athletics at GHS. Failure to comply could result in suspension or dismissal from my team.

____________________ _____________________

athlete’s signature parent or guardian signature

Sarah Palin and “The Odyssey”

Monday, October 10, 2011 by:Charles Costello

In a single column, Kathleen Parker, a very informed and entertaining writer from the Washington Post, managed to mock Sarah Palin, God, people who believe in Him, and people who believe in her - all while drawing a connection to “The Odyssey.” Are you following?

You may remember I made reference to the epic poem last week when I talked about its connection to Greenwich High School’s Vision of the Graduate. Here’s Ms. Parker writing today about Palin, one of the most polarizing forces in American politics:

The Republican primary race would have become ridiculous as the media turned their sights on Palin. They can’t help themselves. She is the flame of moth dreams, the siren of mariners. Put her on the stage or a truckbed with other members of the GOP menagerie, and Americans would forget their purpose. The nation would splinter even more into cultish groups untethered to reality, their focus either to destroy Palin or to worship her, two equally potent passions that can’t be harnessed in her presence. Those red shoes. That wink. That pointy finger. Women would have to fill their ears with wax and men to strap themselves to flagpoles.

Utter madness.

Ms. Parker has obviously read “The Odyssey.” (By her analysis, it’s obvious she understands the story well enough to know that Penelope goes on a very significant journey.) In Book XII (12 for those of you who didn’t attend the fine elementary school I did), Odysseus and his men are tempted by the Sirens. Odysseus is tied to a mast while his men have wax in their ears. Still, its impossible for the story’s hero to resist the temptation of the seductresses’ voices. Year after year in my English class, Odysseus’ reaction in this scene is one of the most talked about parts of story. In fact, just a couple weeks ago we analyzed what the example of the Sirens says about human nature. You can bet it says a whole lot.

Good to see, once again, the epic poem make it into our modern day discourse.

Little Support for IB, but Plenty for Teachers

Thursday, October 6, 2011 by:Charles Costello

In a front page story in today’s Greenwich Time - reporting on the lack of support for the International Baccalaureate program at Greenwich High School - the comments of two board members and one school administrator make very clear the respect they have for teachers.

“The most important thing for all this is … we tremendously value the input of the teachers in this process.” - Board of Education Chairman Steve Anderson

“I have always been concerned with the burden placed on the district, the teachers and the students of too many initiatives being undertaken at once. We must listen to the teachers’ concerns with too many initiatives being promoted.” - Board of Education Member Marianna Ponns Cohen

“We said to our staff from the very beginning when we starting exploring the possibility of an IB program that staff would have the chance to learn about it, get some training in it and ultimately express their level of interest in going forward or not going forward. IB is a large undertaking for our ninth- and 10th-grade years, and without a firm backing from the staff, it makes the implementation of a program like this challenging… The teachers at Greenwich High School wanted to know that their voices would be heard, and they didn’t want to be forced into a decision either about a Middle Years Programme or a Diploma Programme. I think the teachers of GHS appreciate that our recommendation to the board respects their level of interest with the program at this time.” - Greenwich High School Headmaster Chris Winters

An Epic Poem Brings to Life the Vision of the Graduate

Wednesday, October 5, 2011 by:Charles Costello

What’s the connection between “The Odyssey” and Greenwich High School’s Vision of the Graduate? Where do I start?

One of the Vision’s goals (Respond to failures and successes with reflection and resilience) came up in a recent discussion I had with my sophomores about the epic poem. It’s amazing how literature allows us to connect with a story that took place 3,000 years ago. If you’re not familiar with “The Odyssey,” Odysseus, Telemakhos, and Penelope encounter many challenges and obstacles throughout their journeys. It’s the ultimate story about human nature.

Deciding IB’s Fate

Friday, September 30, 2011 by:Charles Costello

If you read Bob Horton’s column in today’s paper, you’ll notice he returns to a subject that divided this town for months: IB. Well, it’s back. Here’s what Horton wrote:

…though [Interim Superintendent of Schools Roger Lulow] did not say so explicitly, my bet after speaking with him Wednesday is that any further expansion of the International Baccalaureate curriculum is dead in the water…prior to [former Superintendent of Schools Sidney Freund's] decision to quit, the school board had asked that the administration study the impact IB might have at GHS, including whether the faculty supported such a change in curriculum. It is that study that is to be reviewed early next month. Dr. Lulow was very careful not to reveal the findings…The acting superintendent did say that each GHS faculty member had been asked several questions about IB, including what they thought of the IB curriculum in general, how they viewed the IB as an “educational process,” and whether they thought GHS should implement IB right away, in a few years, or perhaps not at all. While Lulow would not reveal the results, I have learned that the survey reveals the faculty does not support introducing IB at GHS. Freund had said faculty approval was critical to the decision whether to expand IB at the high school.

Actually, we were led to believe that as a faculty we would have the final say. That it was our decision whether or not to go forward with IB. I still want to believe that’s the case. Back in May, I asked board chairman Steve Anderson whether he felt comfortable with that arrangement.

“That’s my view,” he said about teachers deciding IB’s fate. “You’re the one in the trenches. If it’s not going to have support, then why should we push it.”

I don’t think it would be fair to reveal the results of the faculty survey, which took place at the beginning of September, here on this blog. It’s best that the results are discussed when the board meets in October and the results of the survey are presented. I’m sure word has already leaked out, but in fairness, it wouldn’t be right for board members or the community to learn about the results here.

What I can tell you is that I joined about 100 of my colleagues at two training days in late August to learn more about the program. The same training took place one year earlier. When it came time to complete the survey, I believe I made an informed decision, one consistent with my teaching philosophy and one that reflected what I thought would be best for the school. As for my colleagues, we were united in our final decision on IB. Our message was loud and clear.

I believe that this board values the opinions of teachers and respects the work we do. My expectation is that the board will support our recommendation.

Video Link: GHS Honors America

Wednesday, September 28, 2011 by:Charles Costello

On September 12, I told you about the moving tribute that took place at Greenwich High School in honor of the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. From the playing of Amazing Grace, to the presence of the Honor Guard, to speeches that celebrated our country and paid tribute to the lives lost that day, it was the proudest I’ve ever been of GHS, and it will go down as one of the greatest moments in the school’s history.

The video is available here.

GHS SAT Scores Improve

Tuesday, September 27, 2011 by:Charles Costello

Let’s see how they spin this one:

SAT scores for Greenwich High School students were up this year after a decline on all three sections of the college entrance exam in 2010, according to figures released by the district last week.

In the reading section, the average score was 566, up from 556 last year, but down from 569 in 2009. In math, the average score was 585, up from 577 in 2010, but down from 591 two years ago.

Aside from last year, writing scores have consistently increased for Greenwich High School students since the College Board added the writing section in 2006, jumping to an average of 579 this year from 568 in 2010 and 577 the prior year. Each section is scored on a scale of 200 to 800 points.

The reading and math scores were the school’s second- and third-highest, respectively, in the past 10 years, according to the district.

Greenwich Time, Front page, 9/27/11 - GHS SAT Scores Up

Remembering September 11: Greenwich High School At Its Best

Monday, September 12, 2011 by:Charles Costello

At 10:28 this morning, at the exact time that the World Trade Center’s North Tower collapsed on September 11, 2001, all of Greenwich High School gathered in the Student Center to pay tribute to those who lost their lives that day, and to honor the strength, resolve, and greatness of the United States of America.

It was a moving tribute, lasting less than 10 minutes, but it showed Greenwich High School at its best. It was the most remarkable display of patriotism that I’ve witnessed at the school since I’ve been there.

Laura Bush, George Bush, Michelle Obama, and Barack Obama in prayer yesterday during a moment of silence at Ground Zero in New York. (AP photo)

With the tables and chairs that usually fill the Student Center removed to make way for approximately 3,000 people, the program started with remarks by the school’s headmaster, Chris Winters. He noted that the number of people who died as a result of the attacks on the World Trade Center a decade ago was about the same as the number of students and staff who were gathered in the Student Center this morning. It was a powerful comment. Given the enormity of the situation, I believe this was Winters’ finest moment as Headmaster. He delivered a short speech that captured the values of America, the hope and resolve of the American people, all while remembering the lives that were lost that day.

Will Sadock, the Student Government President, followed with a few words that captured the spirit of our country, and the importance of always remembering what took place on that sunny Tuesday morning. Next, Kerry Gavin, a foreign language teacher at the school, played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes. A moment of silence followed. Throughout the ceremony, the Honor Guard was positioned on the stairway leading to Clark House. The gathering ended with two students playing Taps. As students and staff exited the Student Center, Gavin played another piece.

Rich Alessi, Bella House Administrator and the head of the Social Studies department, put this program together. Alessi is a man I deeply respect and admire. He is not one to look for recognition, but this time he’ll just have to accept it. On behalf of your school and country: Thank You, Rich.

Today, Greenwich High School joined the rest of America paying tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and honoring the greatest country in the world. Well done, GHS.

And God Bless America.

Page 5 of 9« First « Previous...3 456 7...Next »Last »