Robert E. Fitch High School
101 Groton Long Point Rd.
Groton, CT 06340
DECEMBER 2015 Newsletter
Our mission at Robert E. Fitch High School is to educate our students to become outstanding citizens equipped with
21st century learning skills. The faculty and staff collaborate with home and community to promote academic
excellence, personal wellness, and social awareness. We guide students into deeper cognitive awareness and
increased levels of understanding, and we encourage our students to use their individual talents to their fullest
potential. Our graduates are informed, responsible adults who respect diversity and value life-long learning.
ADMINISTRATION
Joseph A. Arcarese
Principal
[email protected]
860.449.7200
Sean McKenna
Assistant Principal Academics
[email protected]
860.449.7214
Erin McGuire
Assistant Principal Student
Services
[email protected]
860.449.7224
Adam Diskin
Dean of Students
[email protected]
860.449.7268
SCHOOL PHONE
860.449.7200
SCHOOL NURSE
Heather Lemire
[email protected]
860.449.7211
ATHLETICS
Marc Romano
Athletic Director
[email protected]
860.449.7200 ext. 3238
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Winter sport teams have begun practices for their upcoming
seasons.

FHS Drama Club presents “Summer in Winter”, five, one-act plays
on December 8, 9,10, and 11 in the auditorium at 7:00pm.

Winter Break – December 23rd – Early Dismissal. December 24th –
January 1st – No School.
Have a joyous Holiday Season.
Joseph A. Arcarese
Social Studies Department
December 2015
Greetings from the Social Studies Department,
As we experience the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we encourage students to be diligent about completing
homework assignments, and studying for all tests and quizzes. Students are encouraged to meet with teachers
for academic assistance. Peer tutoring is available through Falcon Academy, which meets afterschool on
Mondays, Wednesday, and Thursdays. During this holiday season, students will continue to be challenged with
developing reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Take a look at some of the exciting lessons taking place
during the month of November.



The Honors U.S. History class completed their first Document-based question essay (DBQ) on the French
and Indian War.
The Introduction to Psychology studied the “altered states of consciousness, meditation and hypnosis.
We are preparing to do our last major assignment which deals with abnormal psychology such as
schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Also, the Honors World History will wrapping up the Age of Absolutism and entering into the era of
Enlightenment Thinkers.
Happy Holidays and see you in the 2016.

English Department
Contest Winners
Recently, to promote short story writing, Amphora, FHS’s literary and art magazine, held a scary story contest.
Winner, Grace Clarke, submitted “Monsters in the Woods” and honorable mention winner, Veronica Foster,
submitted “The Ice Princess.” Amphora student staff members judged the submissions and selected the winners.
Thanks to all who submitted.
Teacher serves on Board of Judges
English Department teacher, Ms. DeSantis, serves on The Board of Judges for Columbia Scholastic Press Association
(CSPA) at Columbia University to critique student publications. The critiques assist high school literary magazine
staffs by giving them feedback using CSPA detailed criteria standards to improve their magazines. Ms. DeSantis
has served on the Board of Judges for twelve years and also is advisor to FHS’s literary magazine, Amphora.
SCHOOL NEWS
Fitch High School Drama Club presents Summer in December
Summer in December
5-1Act Plays
Feat uring:
Sun Dried by Edna Ferber
Trifles by Susan Glaspell
Before Breakfast by Eugene O'Neill
The Chalky Whit e Subst ance by Tennessee Williams
Thirst by Eugene O'Neill
Showt imes: December 8-11t h @ 7pm
Ticket s: $6 for Adult s, $3 for St udent s/Seniors, ages 3 and under get in free.
Doors open @ 6:30, and t here will a t en minut e int ermission.
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN OF STUDENTS
NOTE TO PARENTS AND STUDENTS FOR ARRIVING LATE TO SCHOOL
 If you son/daughter will be late, call Diane Strong at 860 449-7213 PLEASE provide
a written note the following day to be submitted by your son/daughter to Mrs.
Strong
 Students arriving before 7:30 MUST sign in at the security desk then report to their
class.
 Students arriving to school after 7:30 MUST sign in at security desk and then
report to Mrs. Strong to get note to enter classroom
FALCON ACADEMY
THE FALCON ACADEMY AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM IS UP AND RUNNING!
The purpose of this after school program is to add to the layer of student supports
with the goal of providing students with additional opportunities to demonstrate
academic expectations through peer tutoring. This program demonstrates Fitch
High School’s commitment to CARE MORE, ACHIEVE MORE, and BELIEVE MORE.
WHERE: LIBRARY
TIME: 2:15- 3:15
DAYS: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
*transportation is provided at 4:00
FALCON CAFÉ
The Fitch High Culinary Arts Students, under Dr. Harwell’s direction, are
given the opportunity to explore the many aspects of the restaurant industry
as a possible career choice through the New Falcon Café. The
development of good work habits, sanitation, attitudes and cooperative
working are stressed. In the past, the Falcon Café was a classroom activity.
This year, students are planning the menus, preparing the foods in the
classrooms and in the Cafeteria kitchen with their own space, and have a
new designated Dining Room.
Falcon Café
Dining Room Serving Days for the Month of December
December 16, 2015
Hours: 10:45 am – 12:30 pm
All Meals are $4.00 and include a beverage and dessert
ATHLETIC NEWS
TEAM SPORTS SUMMARY
Fall 2015
SPORT:
RECORDS
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FOOTBALL
Division: 3-2
Overall: 5-5
All EEC- Luke Letellier, Donte Paul,
Jonathon Johnston
Honorable Mention- Trent Evans, Brian Robinson, Parker Gibson
Sportsmanship Award- Jake Caramante
GIRLS SOCCER
Division: 0-10
Overall: 0-15-1
Sportsmanship Award-Madison Nelli
BOYS SOCCER
Division: 2-8
Overall: 5-10-1
Teddy Lee- 1 Team All-ECC
Honorable Mention- Isaac Perez, Greg Cooper
Sportsmanship Award- Bedjrah Kwadjo
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Division: 16-0
Overall: 22-2
ECC Tournament Champions, ECC Division
Champions
Mae Sefransky- All-State, All ECC, ECC MVP
Jen Severino- All-State, All ECC
Honorable Mention- Caroline Taber, Mackenzie Aldridge, Caroline
Parker
Sportsmanship Award- Olivia Watts
FIELD HOCKEY
Division: 0-13-1
Overall: 0-15-1
Sportsmanship Award- Phoebe Seifert
BOYS XC
Division: 2-8
Overall: 17-10
Sportsmanship Award- Joel Lee
GIRLS XC
Division: 3-2
Overall: 22-5
Sportsmanship Award- Grace Poe
Alicia Moroyoqui- All-State, All ECC
Nell Chidley- All ECC
Habeeba Kamel- All ECC
GIRLS SWIMMING
Division: 10-2
Sportsmanship Award- Kailyn Lambert
st