NEWS ARCHIVES Archives: March 2010 Thu Mar 11, 2010 Classical Magnet Jazz Band Rocks the Majestic South Chruch Sanctuary and collects food for Amazing Grace Food Pantry Last night the majestic South Church sanctuary in Middletown rocked with the triumphant sounds of the blazing Classical Jazz Band. Hours of dedicated work and the exemplary leadership of trumpeter and Eagle Scout Zach Sayah certainly paid off. There was a full house in this historic church when the dynamic Dave Epstein and his jazz band brought smiles and nods to the appreciative crowd. Each of the five numbers came through with confidence and clarity. This event, taped by Nick Martoccia, made all of us from Classical proud of the talented jazz musicians, their capable student leader, parent supporters, and well- respected band director. How grateful we were to be treated with such memorable entertainment on a Tuesday night. We left anxious to attend their next concert with neighbors, friends, colleagues, and relatives! Another exciting feature of last night was when concert goers brought in cans if food to feed the hungry. Zach selected the Amazing Grace Food Pantry to be the recipient of the donated food. To discover more about his program, click on stvindentdepaulplace.org.. When deciding what to do for this leadership project for Eagle Rank in Boys Scouts, Zack knew he wanted food to go to the folks who visit St. Vincent DePaul Place for free meals. In organizing the event, Zach worked with many community members: Coordinator of Middletown Common on the Arts Stephan Allison, Boy Scouts of American Advancement Chair Robert Nieman, Eagle Advisor Jim Mazo, the First and Last Tavern managers; South Church representative Nancy Liddell; the Troop 7 Scouts; math teacher and van driver Mark Prelli; and Zachary’s parents who prepared a delicious homemade meal of spaghetti and meatballs for the entire Classical Magnet crowd. We can take off our hats and give a bold congratulatory salute to the following jazz musicians who definitely earned the enthusiastic standing ovation last night: trumpeters Addison Bryant, Abhiram Khade, and Zachary Sayah; trombone players Evan Leslie and Michael Rodriguez; saxophonists Deborah Butler, Emma Ciervo, Benjamin Harlee, and Madeline Nieman; the rhythm section consisting of Byron Bournes, Justin Clapis, Emerson Dang, Alexander Kordonskiy, Emmett Moberly-LaChance, and Tristan Sayah; and Band Director David Epstein. Posted by: Webeditor on Mar 11, 10 | 8:11 am Wed Mar 10, 2010 Classical Magnet School principal Timothy Sullivan named co-principal of the year by The Connecticut Association of Schools. Timothy Sullivan, principal of the Greater Hartford Classical Magnet School (GHCMS) in Hartford, has been named the 2010 CAS High School Principal of the Year. Nominated for the award by Athletic Director Catherine Bernoski, Sullivan was selected for his strong academic leadership skills and his singleminded commitment to high levels of student learning. Says Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steven Adamowski, "Mr. Sullivan has led the creation of an intellectually stimulating environment through an intensive liberal arts curriculum that has been effective in helping all students achieve their full potential." Upon learning of his award, Sullivan remarked, "Every principal in the state is worthy of this award. As a group we are being asked to multi-task and work like never before. I am humbled by my selection from amongst such a dedicated group of colleagues; and I thank my staff and family for their unwavering support." A 21-year educator, Sullivan has served the Hartford public schools and the greater Hartford community for his entire professional career. After earning both his undergraduate and graduate degrees at Wesleyan University, Sullivan began his career in education in 1989 as a teacher at Weaver High School. In 2001, he was appointed assistant principal of Bulkeley High School where he served for three years before assuming his current position as principal of GHCMS. Upon his arrival at GHCMS in 2004, Sullivan set about building a cohesive school community guided by one unifying purpose: to prepare each and every student to gain acceptance at a competitive four-year college. "Tim is one of those unique individuals who can take his own personal vision and turn it into a sustainable reality," says parent Martin McMahon. Principal of an urban school where 52% of students receive free or reduced-price lunches, Sullivan has succeeded in boosting the academic achievement of a diverse student body while at the same time enhancing the social and cultural climate of the school. He has been the driving force behind a number of successful initiatives that have served to improve the school and community in which his students learn and live. Architect of an innovative teacher evaluation instrument, Sullivan spends a significant portion of his time in the classroom conducting informal evaluations of his staff and providing them with constructive feedback. This evaluation system, which has expanded to involve staff in monthly peer review cycles, has been a prototype for other schools in the district and has had a measurable impact on teaching and learning at GHCMS. In his sixth year as principal of GHCMS, Sullivan is known for his purposeful leadership and uncompromising dedication to his students and school community. He is viewed by his staff as a gifted administrator who is able to balance a strong professional focus with a warm personality. Says School Counselor Susannah McGlamery, "While Tim is intelligent and resourceful beyond measure, he also brings to the table a quick and abundant sense of humor and a downto- earth nature. He is an open-door principal, one with whom students, teachers and parents feel comfortable talking." Sullivan's drive for academic excellence and his insistence on both high standards and imaginative engagement help create a culture of learning that is innovative and supportive and that allows students and staff to fully develop and explore their individual talents. Says McGlamery, "Tim allows his staff and students a great deal of freedom. He encourages individuals to be themselves and nurtures them within the school structure. Staff and students feel free to generate ideas, try new things, and push themselves out of their comfort zone." Dr. Adamowski attributes Sullivan's successes to his collaborative approach to building leadership, which involves empowering staff, students and parents to be partners in the decision-making process and working side-by-side with them to develop a vision for improved educational opportunities. Under his leadership, GHCMS created and implemented a school governance system which engages all stakeholders in a united effort to build a high-achieving school. "Sullivan's school governance structure, which includes a parent, staff and student senate, is a model for our district and the nation," says Adamowski. Sullivan's reform efforts have clearly been successful, as evidenced by his graduating seniors' impressive 83% acceptance rate at four-year colleges. Posted by: Webeditor on Mar 10, 10 | 6:55 am Tue Mar 09, 2010 Classical Maget Hosting an all you can eat pancake breakfast to raise money for the Track Team uniforms. Pancake Breakfast When: March 20, 2010 Time: 8:00am- 11:00am Location: Classical Magnet Cafeteria Ticket Price: Adults $10 Children $5 You could get your tickets from Luz Fraticelli at the front desk or get your tickets from a Boys or Girls Track Team member. There will be a candy hunt at 10:00am for children under 12 and pictures with the bunny. If you are unable to attend, your donation will be highly appreciated There will be juice, coffee, Tea and of course pancakes Thank you in advanced and we are looking foward to seeing you here to enjoy those delicious pancakes. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Heck At 695-9187 or Luz at 695-9128. Posted by: Webeditor on Mar 09, 10 | 12:20 pm Classical Magnet to particpate in Community Service Opportunity at Park Place Health Center, Hartford To earn required community hours while making a difference in our community, this Friday evening, March 12, from 7- 9 pm about 20 Classical students will accompany me and a few other Hartford City Mission youth group volunteers to a rest home in Hartford called Park Place Health Center, 5 Greenwood St., Hartford, 06106. There we will play dominoes with elderly folks in their community room, engaging them in conversation and bringing cheer. Interestingly enough, the students have decided to wear their Classical uniforms at this event. If you and your family would like to join us, we’d love to have you. We are meeting at SAND School in the North End at 6:45 pm and then arriving by 7 pm at Park Place in Hartford’s Parkville section - off of Park St.(not far from Lena’s pizza) We look forward to making some new friends among the Park Place elderly and catching up with the residents we met there last summer. Enjoy a game of dominoes with us! Playing Dominoes at Park Place Health Center, 5 Greenwood St, Hartford: · James Walker, gr. 12 · Willis Knight, alum · Khadijah LoveJoy, alum · Naressa Keith, gr. 8 · Pamela Rios, gr. 8 · Italo Bucca, gr. 8 · Chris Vega, gr. 8 · Kentrell Grant, gr., 10 · Tahj McDaniel, gr. 7 · Shakari Box, gr. 7 · TyRek Collins-Gully, gr. 8 · Gimani Mitchell, gr. 8 · Rhyan Harper, gr. 8 · Romario Roper, gr. 8 · Timothy Flynn, gr. 7 · Jerome Walker, gr.7 · Rendhell Delone, gr. 9 · Josseline Rios, gr. 8 · Rahmel Bobb, gr. 9 · Samantha Gonzalez, gr. 9 · Wilberto Rosado, gr. 9, Helping to drive: Mrs. Ana Box (Shakari’s mom) and middle school secretary Mrs. Angee Brown-Follins Posted by: Webeditor on Mar 09, 10 | 12:08 pm   ARCHIVES September 2006       CURRENT NEWS CALENDAR ARCHIVES April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009   ARCHIVE SUMMARY View by Date View by Category