OAKMONT REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER 2016
Administration
David Uminski, Principal
Kristina Bogosh, Assistant Principal
R. Lincoln Stiles Jr., Dean of Students
Main Office Staff
Kathy Stangroom, Registrar
Pegi Deshayes, Administrative Assistant
Inga Morin, Administrative Assistant
FIRST DAY
MONDAY, AUGUST 29
7:20 AM
PRINCIPAL’S NEWS
Welcome back! We hope all students and their families had a relaxing and restful summer. The 2016-17 School
Year will be full of challenges and opportunities. We have a new administrative team. Mr. Smith and Mr. Sargent
have retired. Mrs. Kristina Bogosh is the new Assistant Principal. Many of you will recognize her from Overlook
Middle School, where she served as Assistant Principal the last two years. Mr. Lincoln Stiles is our new Dean of
Students. He has been a teacher at Oakmont for the past 20 years.
There will be other new faces at Oakmont this year. We are fortunate to welcome outstanding new members
of our faculty; Mr. Jim Ethier in our History Department, Mrs. Brittany Smeltekop returns to our Special
Education Department from the District Special Education Office, Mr. James Mellekas in our Special Education
Department, and Demetrios Tyros in our Technology Engineering Department. Tara Belliveau is our new district
school psychologist, and Emily Hicks is a paraprofessional in our Excel Program.
The development of 21stcentury skills to prepare our students for future success when they leave Oakmont is
still a priority. Teaching students to be creative problem solvers who can easily collaborate with co-workers will
make them valuable and productive workers and citizens in the future. This may include attribution retraining
of the mindset – to recognize that hard work, effort, and positive outlook will guarantee a successful future.
Students need our support; we can give this to them with “positive regard” – praise that is not based on intellect
or achievement but rather praise that applauds effort and persistence AND “communicates each person’s
unassailable right to a unique place in our human community” (Benson 2016). In turn, the focus on the
emotional needs of our students will be met. As developing adults, all of our students have unique social and
emotional needs. It is important that we are proactive in addressing these needs individually and equitably. We
will continue to practice mindfulness and the skills to develop emotional intelligence.
As we all begin the new school we encourage our faculty and students to adopt a mindset of “optimism and
challenge.” We have an anonymous quote pinned to the wall in the principal’s office that reads: “If the mountain
was smooth you could not climb it.” Our teachers and students will embrace the course work and projects that
are challenging. John Kennedy said, “We choose to go to the moon . . . not because they are easy, but because
they are hard.” This will be an inspiration to rise to the challenges we face and feel the sense of accomplishment
when successful or learn from the experience when we fall short.
We are excited about the changes, challenges, and opportunities of the new school year. As always feel free to
contact us with any questions or concerns at (978) 827-5907, [email protected], or [email protected].
VISIT OUR WEBPAGE AT http://oak.awrsd.org/oak/
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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER EVENTS
August 29
August 30
August 31
September 1
September 2-5
September 6
September 6
September 7
September 9
September10
September 14
September 17
September 30
October 7 & 8
October 12 & 13
First day of Classes
School Picture Day
Senior Class Meeting
Junior Class Meeting
No School-Labor Day
Sophomore Class Meeting
7:20 am
8:45 am
Alumni Auditorium
8:45 am
Alumni Auditorium
“The Realities of College Athletic Recruiting”
Freshmen Class Meeting
Emergency and Health Forms Due
Bubble Soccer Fundraiser
2015-16 Undergrad Awards
Outstanding Alumni Award Ceremony
Café Arte
Homecoming Game and Dance
Parent-Teacher Conferences
2015-16 UNDERGRAD
AWARDS
Wednesday, Sept. 14
8:45 am
7:00 pm
8:45 am
Alumni Auditorium
Alumni Auditorium
Alumni Auditorium
6:00 pm
7:45 am
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
Hurd Field
New Gym
Alumni Auditorium
Main Lobby
SCHOOL PICTURE
DAY
TUESDAY,
AUGUST 30
7:45 am New Gym
Award recipients will be notifed
PARENT CONFERENCES
Wednesday, October 12
5:30-8 pm pm
Thursday, October 13
12:30-3:30 pm
5:30-8 pm
The 2015-2016 National Art Honor Society will be
accepting applications. Students in 10th, 11th, or 12th
grade interested in applying for NAHS can pick up an
application in rooms 101 & 110 during the first two
weeks of school. Completed applications will be due
by September 8th to Mr. or Mrs. Barry. Applicants must
fulfill all the requirements to be considered for
membership into Oakmont’s National Chapter. There
will be an informational meeting (TBA) to ask
questions and find out more.
HAVE BREAKFAST AT OAKMONT
BREAKFAST IS SERVED DAILY
7:00 -7:25 AM
MILK, JUICE, AND EITHER AN EGG SANDWICH, BAGEL,
OR MUFFIN
$1.50
(REDUCED PRICE IS $ .30, MILK $.50)
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2017
Oakmont
Yearbook
GRADE REPORTING DATES
Semester I
Term 1: Progress Reports On Line-Sept. 29
Term 1: Report Cards available on-line–November 4
After 4 pm
Term 2: Progress Reports On Line-December 8
Term 2: Report Cards available on-line - January 23
After 4 pm
Semester II
Term 1: Progress Reports On Line-March 1
Term 1: Report Cards available on-line - April 4
Important Senior Information
After 4 pm
Term 2: Progress Reports On Line-May 9
Term 2: Report Cards- TBD (Last Day of School)
All Seniors will receive their senior packets the
first week of school in August, if not, they should
email Mr. Sargent or Mr. Szalay. Their mission is
to think about their Senior Blurb and have
their Senior Photo taken.
The completed packet is to be turned in
by September 23, 2016.
After that date a $30.00 late fee will be collected.
If after October 3, 2016 the senior has not turned
in their packet, they will not be included in the
yearbook and will be listed as Camera Shy.
If you have any questions please contact the
Yearbook Advisors
Mr. Szalay at:
[email protected]
or
Mr. Sargent at:
[email protected]
After 4 pm
*Above dates subject to change due to weather related
cancellations.
TYPICAL SCHOOL DAY
7:00- Cafeteria open for breakfast
7:20- Students may enter other parts of the building
7:30- Block A begins
8:53- Bagel Bars Open (7 minute break)
10:33- First Lunch-Downstairs Classes (20 minutes)
12:09- Second Lunch-Upstairs Classes (20 minutes)
One 10 minute break (either 10:30 or 12:22)
1:55- Dismissal
2:00-Extra Help/Activities/Detention
2:00-4:00-Library Open
THERE IS NO LATE BUS
A, B, C and D Blocks are 83 minutes in length
2016-17 ACADEMIC CALENDER
Semester I
Term 1: August 29-November 2
Term 2: November 3-January 18
A and B Block Finals: January 19
C and D Block Finals: January 20
Semester II
Term 1: January 23- March 31
Term 2: April 1-TBD
A and B Block Finals: TBD
C and D Block Finals: TBD
Last Day- June 15, 2014
CLASS OF 2017 ACTIVITIES AND
GRADUATION RELATED DATES
*Above dates subject to change due to weather related
cancellations.
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Senior Halloween Party: October 27, 2016
Cap and Gown Measurements: December 9, 2016
First Graduation Rehearsal: May 12, 2017
Senior-Junior Prom: May 20, 2017
Last day for Seniors: May 24, 2017
SII A and B Block Sr. Finals: May 25, 2017
SII C and D Block Sr. Finals: May 26, 2017
Class Trip: May 31, 2017
Evening of Reflection: June 1, 2017
Relays, Awards and BBQ: June 2, 2017
Class Night: June 2, 2017
Graduation: June 4, 2017
HANDBOOK FOCUS:
Code of Dress and Appearance
Students are expected to exercise maturity and responsibility in all matters including their dress and personal
grooming. Oakmont is a place of serious work and dress should be attuned to that concept. Students should
remember at all times the five guiding principles of dress: neatness, suitability, moderation, cleanliness and safety.
Teachers and the administration will determine the interpretation of the guiding principles. Students’ clothing shall not
disrupt the educational process. While in school students will wear clothing that meets the following standards:
- No hats, bandanas, scarves, hoods, or sweatbands during the school day or at any time in classrooms or the Library.
Hats may not be carried in students’ hands during the school day.
- No “bare back” clothing
- No low-cut shirts/blouses that expose cleavage
- No bare midriffs (Shirts/blouses must be able to be tucked into pants)
- No bare feet or unsafe footwear
- No “see through” clothing
- No clothing that displays words/graphics that are obscene, vulgar, violent, sexist, racist, or promote the use of drugs,
alcohol, or tobacco
- No gang or cult-related apparel
- No drooping pants or clothing that exposes undergarments
- No exposed undergarments
- No clothing with metal chains or other dangerous items
- No masks or face painting
- Skirts and dresses must be no shorter than four inches from the top of the knee. Shorts must be no shorter than six
inches from the top of the knee and are highly discouraged from being a tightly fitted style.
- Outerwear (coats and jackets) may not be worn indoors and must be kept in lockers.
- No strapless tops. Shoulder straps on shirts must be wider than one inch.
- Young men must wear shirts with sleeves.
- Student I.D. cards must be visibly displayed at all times on a lanyard worn around the neck. Temporary I.D. stickers
must be affixed to the left chest area of the student’s clothing. Students may not deface or alter the I.D. card that has
been issued to them.
The principal, or his designee, will decide when clothing is inappropriate or disruptive.
Students in violation of the dress code will be sent to the main office and will receive disciplinary consequences (see
page 28). Refusal to change or cover offensive clothing items will result in disciplinary measures for insubordination
and may result in removal from school. Missed class time due to dress code violations will be treated as unexcused
absences.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE HANDBOOK
Oakmont Regional High School
is on Twitter AND Facebook!
Follow us!
@OakmontRegional
Oakmont Regional High School is now accepting book,
video, DVD, CD, and audio book PLUS SHOES AND
CLOTHES!! Drop off your contributions to help raise
money for the school’s Business Education Department
And
https://www.facebook.com/pages/OakmontRegional-High-School/1659966270884549
For more information: Contact Wendy LeBlanc
[email protected](978) 827-5907 x2174
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SPARTAN OF THE
MONTH
SPONSORS
Thank you to the following businesses for
sponsoring our Spartan of the Month
student recognition program:
Advanced Glass & Mirror
All About You
Aubuchon Hardware Store
Balfour
Cormier Electrical
Depot General Store
Donna’s Barber Shop
Dr. John Skrzypczak
E.J. Wyson Trucking
Haley Construction
Hearne Realty Group
IC Federal Credit Union
The Laundry Room
Millside Plumbing & Heating Co.
NEPA/Blue Heron
Rick’s Auto Repair & Service
Rt. 140 Self Storage
Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Homes
Young at Heart
ALUMNI SOCCER GAME
Saturday August 20th 2016, Oakmont turned back the clock, as
Oakmont saw over 40 former boys and girls soccer players
return to the Arthur I Hurd Memorial Field. They returned for
the 2nd annual Oakmont Alumni Soccer game, after a very
successful event last year that saw 70 players return to show
what they still had left in the tank.
There were Oakmont grads spanning from 1988 to 2016 playing
in the game. Dick Nyman was also honored before the games
began. Dick Nyman was the first coach of Oakmont Soccer in
the fall of 1961. He would go on to coach one more season
before soccer was dropped to make way for Oakmont Football.
Dick Nyman was also a co-founder of Oakmont Youth Soccer
in the 70’s. Ken Haenisch a former player from the 1961 and
1962 fighting Chipmunk soccer teams also joined Dick Nyman
to kick off things off.
The event saw three rounds of alumni 7 vs 7 games, with
Oakmont Outlaws providing a break in between for the alumni.
The current boys and girls soccer teams did not play during the
event, but participated as volunteers for the day. Taking one
look at the field you could see Oakmont Soccer come full circle.
The event would conclude with a full field 11 vs 11 game under
the lights.
The event continued to build on its success from the previous
year. Last year’s game saw $2,400 raised for Oakmont boys and
girls soccer. This year’s event saw that doubled with over
$5,000 raised, 90% going towards Oakmont Boys and Girls
Soccer and the remaining 10% going towards the continuation
of the Dan Farrell Memorial Scholarship. Dan was a former
soccer player who tragically passed away in February 2001 his
senior at Oakmont. Dan represented what an Oakmont Student
was all about. He was a great athlete on the field, but also a
great person and student off of it.
The idea for the alumni game spans back to the fall of 2014.
Oakmont grad Zack Hathaway class of 2010 approached
Lincoln Stiles about putting together an alumni game for boys
and girls soccer. They have formed a non-profit (Oakmont
Alumni Soccer Club) to help organize and grow the event for
future years. Zack has always put together a website for the
event. There are photos from last year’s event and a full history
section on both Oakmont boys and girls soccer. The website is
www.oakmontalumnisoccer.com.
Players, volunteers, and event coordinators are already looking
forward to next year’s game.
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One Book, One School
Summer Reading
Jazz Band and Select Choir
Information Meeting
There will be a short meeting for all students
interested in auditioning for the Jazz Band or
Select Choir on Wednesday, August 31st at
2:00pm in the band room.
See Mr. DeMoura for more information.
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE
The New Parent Resources Section has replaced the
Virtual Backpack
There you will find:
 Events Calendar






Semester I Grade Reporting Dates
Payment and Fees
Yearbook Information
Basic School Supply List
Armed Forces Recruitment
College Visits Info for Juniors and Seniors




AWRSD 2016-17 District Calendar
AWRSD Bus Route Information
Chartwells School Lunch Menus
My School Bucks: Add Money to your Chartwells
Account
Oakmont Student Handbook 16-17
Ashburnham Westminster Foundation for
Academic Excellence
There are also links to:


Other Useful Sections



OAKMONT SCHOOL STORE
ON-LINE PURCHASING AVAILABLE SOON!
16-17 Bus Routes
Bus issues?
Email
[email protected]
6




Athletics
Guidance
Forms
 College Visit Excused Absence Request
Form
 Guest Permission Form for dances and
other school events
 Request for Community Service Help
Form
 School Choice Application
 Work Permit Application
Library
News and Newsletters
Student Resources
Alumni Resources
The purpose of the Oakmont Outstanding Alumni Award is to recognize the contributions and achievements of graduates of
Oakmont Regional High School.
The Selection Criteria is as follows:
1. The nominee received a diploma from Oakmont Regional High School.
2. The nominee graduated from Oakmont a minimum of 10 years prior to nomination.
3. The nominee has demonstrated outstanding performance or accomplishment in their chosen career or field of
endeavor.
4. The nominee has documented an outstanding level of service to his/her profession or the community at large.
5. The nominee has demonstrated outstanding performance, character and leadership as recognized by their peers.
6. The nominee has consistently demonstrated the highest moral and ethical standards.
The Inaugural Recipients are:
Dr. Alvin Laasanen, Ph. D.-Class of 1962
Dr. Laasanen attended RPI where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics degree and then earned a Ph. D. in Physics from
the University of Maryland. He was most notably the Senior Scientist at the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, Switzerland,
where his team’s research led to the discovery of the Higgs Boson (“the God Particle.”) In 2013 his team received the
European Physical Science Society prize for Outstanding Contribution to High Energy Physics. He retired in 2013.
Peter Janhunen-Class of 1965
Mr. Janhunen was a highly effective sales representative for the Swiss-based Sarnafil, Inc. commercial roofing manufacturer.
Sarafil recognized Mr. Janhunen as Salesman of the Year in 1993. He was also extremely active in our community. He was an
active volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, the First Congregational Church of Westminster, and Westminster Little League. He
served on both the Montachusett Regional Vocational High School Committee (1990-2000) and the Ashburnham-Westminster
Regional School Committee (2001-2004). As a member of those committees he oversaw the construction of the Dukakis
Performing Arts Center at Monty Tech as Construction Monitor and the renovation of Oakmont Regional High School as
Chairman of the Building Committee. Mr. Janhunen is retired and resides in Westminster.
David Landry-Class of 1972
Mr. Landry earned his BS in Business Administration from Fitchburg State in 1981, an MBA from Suffolk in 1982, and an ACGS,
Advanced Management Development Program, from Boston University in 1984. He was in high level management positions at
Digital Corporation until 1999 and has worked for Fidelity Investments, where is currently the Director, HR Product
Management, Corporate Technology Group, since 1999. He is a certified Coast Guard Captain. He also served 10 years as the
Co-Chair of the Oakmont School Council created by the Education Reform of 1993.
Donna Beer Stolz, Ph. D.-Class of 1977
Dr. Stolz attended the University of Massachusetts-Amherst where she earned her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and
her Ph. D. Molecular and Cellular Biology. She became a Research Professor of Cell Biology, and eventually the Program
Director, at the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Biologic Imaging (CBI). She has been published numerous times and has
been the recipient many times including the American Liver Foundation Scholar Award (1997), The University of Pittsburgh
Biomedical Graduate Student Association Distinguished Mentor Award (2012) and the Nikon Small World Award, Image of
Distinction (2015). She resides in Glenshaw, PA.
Deborah Wellner Heinrich, Ph. D.-Class of 1987
Dr. Heinrich earned her undergraduate degree in Zoology from Duke University and her Ph. D in Microbiology and Molecular
Genetics from Emory University. She was an Assistant Professor of Biology at Agnes State College in Georgia and then owned
her own business, Childbirth Education for Thinking Women, an education program that used scientific research to empower
women to make educated decisions during pregnancy, childbirth and parenting, including for incarcerated women. In 2oo4,
inspired by the events of 9-11, she ran for and was elected to the Connecticut State Legislature where she served until 2011.
She is currently the Director of Public Policy and Communications for the Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services. She has
been the recipient of many awards, most recently the Certificate of Special Recognition from Senator Richard Blumenthal
(2012) and the Public Service Award from the Western Connecticut Association for Human Rights (2012). She resides in
Madison, CT.
7
PARENTS
Please remember to update your contact
information if it changes especially email
addresses.
OFFICIAL SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHER
Creative by O’Connor Studios
98 Adams St. Suite 109
Leominster MA, 01453
Phone: (978) 640-6250
Fax: (978) 851-8992
Email: [email protected]
We want to keep our
Rediker information current.
Thank you.
SENSITIVE COURSE CONTENT
Biology, Health 9, Sociology, and Psychology
contain human sexuality content. If you have a
concern please contact the specific course
teacher for more information.
FALL SPORTS SCHEDULES
ARE AVAILABLE AT
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
Students with unpaid school bills are ineligible
for participation in co-curricular activities until
obligations are met, ie: lost books, lost uniforms,
class dues, cafeteria, etc. Parking passes will
also be revoked.
Ten school days after Report Cards are received
financial ineligibility list will be published. At
that point students on that list may not be
eligible to participate in co-curricular activities.
rSchoolToday
www.mwlma.org
CLICK HERE
Parents will receive bills from our office 4 times a
year around report card time.
STUDENT ACTIVITY FUND
REMINDER: ALL CHECKS WRITTEN TO THE SCHOOL SHOULD BE
MADE PAYABLE TO THE OAKMONT STUDENT ACTIVITY FUND
THIS WOULD BE FOR CLASS DUES, LOST BOOKS, DANCES,
FUNDRAISERS, AND CLASS FEES
ATHLETIC AND MARCHING BAND FEES SHOULD BE PAYABLE TO
AWRSD
THANK YOU
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE
REDIKER PARENT GRADING
PORTAL?
CONTACT:
[email protected]
CLICK HERE FOR:
2016-17 Student Handbook
BACK PARKING LOT
TRAFFIC FLOW
For safety reasons, please enter the back parking lot through the second or third entry points and exit through the exit
nearest the gym. There is a Do Not Enter Sign and Yellow Arrows as reminders.
THE AREA TO THE RIGHT OF THE GYM,
IS A NO DROP-OFF/PICK UP ZONE.
THANK YOU!
8
COSTA RICA
2016
9
Basic School Supply List
MCAS Requirement
The Massachusetts Department of Education requires
that students achieve competency determination on
the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment
System, or MCAS, in order to be eligible to receive a
high school diploma.
A sling bag or other small bag
(We discourage students from carrying large backpacks
during the school day)
A 2 GB or larger flash drive (to save computer
files and documents)
Students must achieve a passing score of 220 on the
MCAS Mathematics, English Language Arts, and
Science and Technology Tests to be eligible for
a Massachusetts high school diploma. However,
students who score less than 240 in Mathematics or
English Language Arts must participate in an
Educational Proficiency Plan, which requires that the
student continue to take courses in the deficient
subject area until he or she reaches a 240 MCAS score
or its equivalent.
A calculator (some Math or Science teachers
require a specific type of calculator, so it might be
best to wait until school begins)
No. 2 pencils or mechanical pencils
Ballpoint pens (blue or black are best)
Highlighters
Four spiral-bound or composition notebooks
(one for each course)
The MCAS Testing Schedule for the 2016-17 school
year is as follows:
November 2-4 MCAS English Language Arts
Retest (primarily for juniors and seniors who have not
yet achieved competency)
November 9-10 MCAS Math Retest (primarily for
juniors and seniors who have not yet achieved
competency)
February 6-7 MCAS Biology (for freshmen who have
taken Biology during first semester and sophomores
who have not yet achieved competency)
March 1-3 MCAS English Language Arts (primarily for
juniors and seniors who have not yet achieved
competency)
March 6-7 MCAS Math (primarily for juniors and
seniors who have not yet achieved competency)
March 21-23 MCAS English Language Arts (all
sophomores)
May 16-17 MCAS Mathematics (all sophomores)
June 5-6 MCAS Science and Technology (freshmen
and sophomores who have not yet passed the Science
and Technology MCAS)
For further information about MCAS, please visit the
Massachusetts Department of Education website
at: http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/
A three-ring binder with at least four dividers
(one for each course)
Four pocket folders (one for each course)
Loose-leaf notebook paper
A ruler
A three-hole punch
A small notebook to record assignments
A calendar for scheduling events and due
dates
Index cards
Tissues
Hand sanitizer
Teachers may recommend other supplies
based on specific course requirements
Students may bring electronic devices to
school, however we ask that they follow school
rules regarding use of those devices and keep
them secure to avoid theft, loss or damage
Special Thanks to Balfour and Craig Johnson for their
continued cooperation with Oakmont Regional and our
shared goal of recognizing excellence.
607 Pleasant Street
Attleboro, MA 02703
(P) 800-972-5398 (F) 774-203-3311
www.balfour.com
10
Oakmont Athletics
SUPERINTENTENT’S
PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
Fall 2016
Please register now!
oak.awrsd.org- select ‘athletics’, select ‘registration’
Complete Steps 1-4 under ‘activity registration’
Step 1- Submit Physical- can be submitted online or
handed directly to Athletic Director
Step 2- Please read and be familiar with our Athletic
Handbook
Step 3- Forms must be filled out in order to
participate
Step 4- Please pay fee/Must set up account to submit
payment
Dr. Mazzola, our superintendent, is
seeking TWO parents from each school
to serve on his newly formed
Superintendent Advisory Council and a
community member from each town.
The council will meet 5-6 a year. The
purpose of the council is to provide the
superintendent insight into the
strengths, needs and challenges of the
school district, as well as serve in an
advisory capacity for the district’s new
Five Year Strategic Plan, ASH-WEST
2021: A LEARNING PLAN FOR
STRATEGIC, CONTINUOUS
IMPROVEMENT.
Athletes must be registered and will not be allowed
to practice or play until registration is complete
Participation/User fee- $285
Fees can be paid online today. Be certain to set up
account AND make payment. Fees are due on
Wednesday, August 24th. Checks should be made out
to “AWRSD”. Please include your son or daughters
name and sport on memo line of the check. If writing
a check, please pass in directly to Athletic Director
Please be sure your sons/daughters have
had an updated physical within the last 13
months.
The information garnered from these
meetings will be extremely beneficial to
our administrative team, school
committee and the superintendent as we
begin to think about next steps to move
our district forward. The meeting dates
will be announced shortly and the
meetings will occur, most often, in the
morning.
For all game schedules, please visit:
www.mwlma.org
If you are interested in serving on the
Superintendent’s Advisory Council
please email David Uminski at
[email protected] by September 16,
2016.
FOLLOW OAKMONT ATHLETICS ON
TWITTER
11
SBIRT Screening in Schools: What it is, and what it isn’t.
Susan Lofquist, BSN, RN (NCSN)- Oakmont Regional High School
In March, 2016, the Massachusetts Legislature passed House Bill 4056, which outlines the requirements for
public schools in the Commonwealth to engage in substance use prevention and education. The Screening,
Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment, or SBIRT, will begin taking place at Oakmont and Overlook
starting in fall of 2016. This screening will be performed confidentially during the time of other screenings,
such as vision and hearing testing, in both grades seven and grade nine. This article will attempt to address any
misconceptions parents and students may have about this new screening process.
What is SBIRT screening? SBIRT is a comprehensive, integrated public health approach for early identification
and intervention for students who may have a pattern of alcohol or drug use that puts their health and safety at
risk. The screening tool will help the screener to identify unhealthy behaviors. It is estimated that 75-85% of
students will screen negative. Students who screen positive will be assessed further to determine their level of
risk. The screener will provide feedback and education regarding the risks related to unhealthy substance use,
and will try to motivate the student to make healthy behavioral changes. If it determined by the screener that
the student is at imminent risk of harm (usually < 5% of students screened), a referral to treatment to help
facilitate access to addiction assessment and treatment will be made. This referral will usually be to the
student’s guidance counselor, who will work with the student and family to access treatment.
SBIRT screening is not drug testing. SBIRT is a brief student interview conducted using a standardized
screening instrument. The interview takes approximately 3-5 minutes to administer and quickly ascertains a
student’s level of risk for alcohol/drug involvement, and unhealthy behaviors. No biological specimens such as
urine, blood or hair cuttings will be obtained for drug screening purposes.
Parents may opt their student out of SBIRT screening. Just as parents may choose to opt a student out of
postural screening, parents will be able to decline SBIRT screening for their student. A passive consent form
will be sent home with the student, and any parent choosing to decline are advised to return the form to the
school nurse with a signed opt-out for this screening. However, parents are strongly encouraged to consider
allowing their student to participate in this important new screening.
SBIRT results are not recorded in student health or academic records. The only copy of the screening tool used
will be sent home with the student, and results are only recorded as unidentified aggregate data to the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
SBIRT results are confidential, and do not result in disciplinary action against the student. As stated above,
this is a public health screening to identify students who may be at risk for unhealthy behaviors related to
substance abuse. The ultimate goal of SBIRT screening is to identify and obtain help for an at-risk student as
early as possible in order to prevent life-long issues with drugs or alcohol.
I am the district coordinator for the SBIRT program, and would appreciate any feedback, questions or concerns
that parents may have about this new screening. Please email me at [email protected]. I look forward to
hearing from you!
References:
The 189th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (2016). Bill H.4056: An act
substance use, treatment, education and prevention. Retrieved from:
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/189/House/H4056
Massachusetts Department of Public Health: Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS).
SBIRT: A step-by-step guide for clinicians. Publication #SA3522. July, 2015.
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relative to
(2015).
EUROPE 2016
This summer Mrs. Therrien led a group of 38 intrepid
travelers on an incredible 2-week educational tour of France,
Italy and Switzerland. The tour was sponsored by EF Tours
and was fun-filled and packed with sights and learning about
art, history, language, food and cultures.
In France they visited The Louvre and Orsay art galleries, the
iconic Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and Sacré Coeur
Basilica and then headed to the French Riviera via High Speed
Train. Cannes, Nice, Monaco – you name it, they went there!
A visit to the Fragonard perfume factory and medieval hilltop
fortress town of Eze was a definite highlight! Tasting ice
cream flavored with jasmine, lavender or violet was new to
most and a real reason to return!
Venice
Italy held a wide variety of experiences – from the hustle and bustle of an overheated
Rome with its amazing Vatican treasures and Ancient Forum, to the sheer beauty
and calm of Assisi and Sienna. In Pisa the famous Leaning Tower is still leaning,
but most students were surprised and awed at the beauty of the baptistery and
cathedral that complete Galileo’s Field of Miracles. Venice, the serene city of
gondoliers and mysterious waterways, was glorious. Students visited the Doge’s
Palace and the Basilica of Saint Mark and rode gondolas in the sunshine.
Switzerland was a complete change
of pace and culture. In Lucerne
everyone enjoyed the fantastic views
of the Alps from a cruise boat on the Lake before climbing 7000 ft.
to the summit of Mount Pilatus on the steepest cog railway in the
world. Descending was by way of the cable car and there were a
few students AND adults who really had to steel themselves to
overcome their fear of heights! Their bravery was rewarded
afterwards with an outstanding Swiss Folklore evening of Alphorn
blowing, broom-dancing, saw-playing, spoon-music and yodeling.
All the famous inventive pastimes of a snowed-in nation for much
of the year! It was a hilarious end to an amazing tour.
On the boat to Venice
Assisi
MRS THERRIEN’S NEXT SUMMER TOUR TO EUROPE WILL BE LAUNCHED FOR SIGN-UPS IN
THE FALL AND TAKE PLACE IN JUNE/JULY 2018. WATCH THIS SPACE!
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Attention Seniors and Parents/Guardians of
Seniors:
All Seniors should have already had their senior portraits taken; this
information was given to them in July.
If they have not done so yet!
Please contact our Official School Photographer:
Creative by O’Connor Studios
98 Adams St. Suite 109
Leominster MA, 01453
Phone: (978) 424-4313
Fax: (978) 424-4317
Email: [email protected]
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