New Attendance Policy

By Hayley Sanchez – Editor-in-chief

Starting on October 1, there will be a new attendance policy in effect in Milford and at Jonathan Law High School.

Administrators and teachers will be closely monitoring the amount of time that the students miss or do not come to class. During the last two weeks in September, the administration is going to spend time rolling out the plan to put the new policy in action.

The new policy was created in part because last year 14% of Law’s students missed 18 or more days of school and administrators and the Board of Education felt that there should be new regulations on how many school days a student misses. The administrators feel that this policy will help decrease the amount of days that students miss in a year.

“When in class you get the most out of the academics,” Law Principal Mr. Thompson said. “I believe it will help; it won’t make everyone happy but my job is to make people get to class on time.”

One of the most important aspects of the program for students and parents is that there is no difference between “excused” and “unexcused” absences. Students must be current in the class to participate in the learning.

Under the new policy, students will lose credit when daily absences and period absences add up to 20 absences (daily and/or period) for a full year course. For those students who are also taking half year courses the allotted amount of absences allowed with be 10 daily and/ or period classes.

Here is a link to the full policy:

Milford’s New Attendance Policy

“It will kick start students getting to school on time and for them to be present in class,” attendance officer Mrs. Carr said. “If you’re skipping or missing that classes you’re going to lose credit for that class and you will need to retake that class somewhere down the road.”

The policy will challenge students to be in class and will help teachers deliver instruction to students. It will be new for everyone in the school but the goal is that it will create an atmosphere where class has a premium value.

The policy is to help students take responsibility of their learning and to make sure that the students will get to class on time and prepared.

“Ultimately this is going to help the students and to make sure that they are coming to school and getting their work done,” English teacher Miss Rosner said. “It is going to be a good thing even though it may be a little bit more documentation on our part.”

Parents of students will be notified at different points of the year when there is a potential loss of credit for the class.

There are differences between a full and half year course that will be taken if there is a threat of loss of credit for the course.

For a full year course, at the 25% threshold, which is at five absences, there will be a parent notification letter, the guidance counselor of the student will call the parents and there will be progress monitoring. At 50%, which is 10 absences, parents will get a letter and a phone call from the guidance counselor to discuss interventions so the student doesn’t lose credit.

When a student gets to 75%, a total of 15 absences, the parents will get the traditional call and letter but there will be the option of possible withdrawal from the class or the classes. Once a student gets to the 100% threshold, or all 20 absences, the loss of credit in the class is taken and the guidance counselor will call the parent about arranging a meeting to discuss the next steps once the credit is lost.

“I like the idea of having a 10 day policy which will give students plenty of time and leeway as a 10 day policy but I don’t like the fact that vacation is counted towards our excused absences which I think for some people can be a problem,” senior Peter Tournas said.

For half-year courses, when a student gets to the 25% threshold, which is three absences, parents will get a phone call and a letter and in the call from the guidance counselor they will set up a meeting with the parents regarding unexcused absences. At 50%, or five absences, the parents will get a letter and phone call from guidance to set up a meeting to talk about the unexcused absences and to discuss additional interventions.

Once a student gets to the 75% threshold, or seven absences, the traditional letter and phone call will take place and the need to set up a meeting to discuss if there is a chance of any credit recovery or the option to withdraw from the class or the classes. When a student gets to the 100% threshold, or 10 unexcused absences, there is loss of credit in the course and a phone call from guidance to arrange a meeting regarding further steps after the student has lost the credit.

If a student completes a course even though they lost the credit and they pass the student may go through with the next course in the sequence except for Algebra, Civics, and American History. The course will not be counted towards any required credit for graduation and the course grade will not be factored into the student’s GPA.

There are going to be some exceptions to the policy, such as if a student has a 504 plan, health plan, or a field trip through the school. These school approved absences do not count but the students are required to do the makeup work as expected per the attendance policy.

If a student is a junior or a senior and plan on going to visit a college, both grades get one approved absence as long as they have documentation stating that they went to visit the college. Field trips with documentation, nurse/medical dismissals, and guidance meetings are also considered approved absences.

If a student has a health issue or a chronic illness where it will directly impact the attendance, the parents are to contact the children’s guidance counselor or school nurse to discuss the possibility of a 504 plan or a health plan.

If there is a case that needs to be appealed, the appeal must be made within two weeks (10 days) of the notice that there was a loss of credit.

The case will be scheduled with the Attendance Review Board, which will be comprised of the principal, a counselor, and a teacher. The group will be as objective as possible towards the student and the decision of the hearing is final.

Within the new attendance policy, students and the parents will have responsibilities of their own to up hold so that there would not be a need to lose credit in a class or classes.

Students will also need to request missed work or exams from teachers as soon as they come back, to be handed in within five days and to give the office an absence note within five days of returning back to school.

“Sometimes I take days off, but now this schedule is going to prevent me from doing this,” senior Carol Phillips said. “I’m scared about days off now because it is so limited and I don’t want to lose my credit.”

The parents of students that attend Law will need to emphasize on the importance of going to school every day and to check regularly on Power School to check to make sure that their child is going to school and not missing a lot of school days. Parents will also need to make sure that they contact the school about any absences or any extended absences.

If a parent or guardian of a student does not respond to either the letter or the phone call to set up a meeting, the student may be referred to a community based organization for supporting family needs.

There may also be frequently scheduled home visits by school personnel and the School Based Resource Officer (SRO) to assess the situation on why the student is not showing up to school or to a class.

(Photo by Hayley Sanchez)

 

Jonathan Law has opened its doors to over a dozen new staff members in a variety of subjects this year.

Here are some quick bios of the new staff:

By Laura Gonzalez – News Editor

Law recently welcomed Ms. Salzano, a ninth grade English teacher, to its faculty.

Along with starting at a new school, there have been some big changes in Salzano’s life, as she only recently moved to Milford. She said it was hard not starting at the beginning of the year, but she is really happy to start her 24^th year teaching in Milford and to get to know new people.

In her 24 years of teaching, Salzano has taught at Hamden Hall, and most recently, at Greenwich High School. She has taught everything from fifth grade through 12^th grade, even second grade.

“They [the students] are what keeps me coming back to teaching high school, I really like teaching high school,” Salzano said. “I taught middle school for a while and I taught ‘No, I have to go back go high school kids,’ so I’m happy to be back.”

She is teaching ninth grade English part-time, periods 1 through 4.

As for her first impressions of Law, Salzano said, “I like it, it’s much smaller than Greenwich High School, which is nice, and I have small-ish classes, and I like that I can get to know one class because there are a lot of ninth graders.”

Aside from her passion for reading and English, Salzano also has a passion for dancing and singing. She gives swing dance lessons and is currently in search of a new choir to continue her other lifelong passion.

(Photo by Laura Gonzalez)

***

By Kayla Patrick – Sports Editor

Mr. Sarullo comes to Law with big goals as the new athletic director. He expects to have a large impact on Law’s athletic department now and in the future.

Before coming to Law, Sarullo served as an athletic director at Sheehan in Wallingford for five years. Sarullo was also an athletic director at Notre Dame of Fairfield for three years and a teacher there for two.

Sarullo is a lifelong Milford resident. Law’s students are excited to have him on board.

“It’s exciting getting a new athletic director,” senior soccer captain Emily LaLuna said. “It’s a good change and I’m interested in seeing how he helps Law sports.”

Sarullo enjoys playing golf in his free time and his favorite sport is football.

“My goal for Law sports this year is trying to improve every teams records compared to what they did last year,” Sarullo said.

Sarullo is thrilled to be a part of the school and said his time at Law so far has been great.

He has quickly become a very active member in Law sports by watching practices and conversing with the student athletes. Sarullo has also held meetings with Law’s sports captains about leadership and goals.

(Photo by Kayla Patrick)

***

By Hayley Sanchez – Editor-In-Chief

Miss Colucci was a part of the Jonathan Law community last year part time but this is her first full year.  Before working at Jonathan Law, she had worked at West Haven High School running an online academic program.

“I was here for part of last year and since then, I’ve looked at Law as the ideal workplace,” Colucci said.

At Law, she teaches English Level 1 and Level 2 and also teaches Composition where students write different types of essays.

In her free time, she likes to play golf, basketball, and boxing. She likes to watch movies and listen to good songs, and her favorite movie is “Remember the Titans.”  She likes to listen to country and classic rock music.

(Photo by Hayley Sanchez)

***

By Morgan Hennessey – Columns Editor

Mrs. Jones, a new math teacher at Law, previously worked at Hyde School of Health Sciences and Sports Medicine, a magnet high school in New Haven. She worked there for six years teaching Math 180 and Algebra 1.

Jones received her undergraduate degree from Southern Connecticut State University and her graduate degree from the University of New England.

At Law, Jones teaches part time for three periods. Students can find her in the mornings. She teaches the classes Algebra 2 and Advanced Mathematical Decision Making. She is enjoying the new school environment.

“I love that all the students are happy,” said Jones. “And they seem to want to be here and learn.”

Jones enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs, which are an Italian greyhound and chihuahua mix. During the summer she works at the beach, she is a certified lifeguard.

(Photo by Morgan Hennessey)

***

By Carol Phillips – News Editor

Ms. Ivers is one of the newest teachers at Law this year.  She teaches at Law for part of the day then at Foran for the rest of the day.

Ivers teaches Astronomy to Law students in the morning, and said that she feels very welcome here.

“I am still getting used to things but everyone is so helpful and that is making the transition easy and enjoyable,”  Ivers said.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys being outdoors, saying she makes excuses just so she can go outside.  Activities like bicycling, camping, kayaking, climbing, looking at stars, and traveling are her favorite.

“I am most looking forward to getting to know my students as they get closer and closer to graduation and moving on to their college years,” Ivers said.

Ivers went to Central Connecticut State University for her undergraduate degree then to UMass Amherst for her graduate degree.

When asked what she would like other students to know about her, she said it would be that she loves to learn.

(Photo by Carol Phillips)

***

By Emily LaLuna – Sports Editor

Mr. Hoggatt is not technically new to Jonathan Law this year – he is just returning as a math teacher and is the new math department head.

Hoggatt has spent the last three years as the Athletic Director at Law. In his 11 years at Law, he has also coached the girls soccer team, girls basketball team, and boys basketball team.

His students are excited that he has decided to return to the classroom.

“I look forward to being in his Pre-Calculus class,” senior Tiffany Coleman said.

In his spare time, Hoggatt likes to spend time with his wife and son.

“My favorite thing about Jonathan Law is the feeling that we are one big family,” Hoggatt said.

Hoggatt has lived in Milford his entire life and graduated from Foran High School. He looks forward to a successful year in the math department.

(Photo by Emily LaLuna)

***

By Taylor Loughlin – Entertainment Editor

Mr. Toussaint is one of the new Spanish teachers at Law this year.

He has been teaching Spanish for 15 years, and this is his first year in Milford.

He has previously worked in New Haven, Norwalk, and New York.

“I think Law is fantastic and very interesting,” Toussaint said. “I’m so glad I’m getting to know everybody here.”

Toussaint is a huge soccer fan. When he isn’t teaching, he loves to play soccer and watch documentaries on PBS.

(Photo by Taylor Loughlin)

***

By Nicole Macchio – Entertainment Editor

Ms. Groppuso, Law’s new school psychologist, previously worked at East Shore Middle School for 19 years.

Before that, Groppuso worked for Yale doing evaluations. It is her first year at Law and she is already beaming with Lawmen pride.

“I am overwhelmed with the welcome, I am overwhelmed with peoples appreciation and willingness to help,” Groppuso said. “I’m loving it.”

Groppuso loves to bake, and even owned a bakery until she recently closed it. She likes to rescue dogs, to go to the beach, to jog, and to crotchet.

As the school psychologist, Gropusso will be helping support Law’s students and will guide and counsel students. She will also help students handle difficult academic and personal situations.

(Photo by Nicole Macchio)

***

By Darby Hudd – Sports Editor

Mr. Healy, a new English teacher at Jonathan Law, is a graduate from Southern Connecticut State University who previously taught in Bridgeport.

At Law, he teaches English 1 and Fairy Tales, an elective that takes students into the background and true meaning of what a fairy tale is.

“I was really excited to come to Law,” Healy said. “I had already met some of the teachers during the summer and they all were welcoming and fun to be around, so I knew this was going to be a good year.”

In Healy’s spare time he enjoys playing basketball and reading all of his favorite books.

“He’s adapting well as a new teaching at Law,” senior Michaela Pounds said. “He is really enthusiastic about what he’s teaching so it makes the class fun.”

(Photo by Darby Hudd)

***

By Michaela Pounds – Entertainment Editor

Miss Cafferty is the new cooking teacher at Law and she is excited to get started.

“Jonathan Law is a good school, with a good environment, and good students,” she said.

Cafferty would suggest students to take her class because it will help them learn better about cooperating with others and will help them learn how to cook well. Cooking is something Cafferty loves to do, and loves that she can share this with her students.

When she is not teaching, Cafferty’s hobbies are exercising, spending time with her child, reading magazines, and cooking, of course. Cafferty’s all-time favorite movie is “Shawshank Redemption.”

Since she is a cooking teacher with culinary experience; it is no surprise that she has more than one favorite food. A few of Cafferty’s favorite foods are salmon, sushi, and pizza.

‘’I’m interested in sharing my knowledge and expertise with my students,” she said.

Cafferty wants her students to become interested in cooking. Cafferty became interested in culinary when she was younger. She taught herself how to cook by using recipes and by trying to eat healthy.

(Photo by Michaela Pounds)

***

By Haley McNulty – Entertainment Editor

Mrs. Dileo is one of the new additions to the Law foreign language department.

Dileo teaches Spanish 1, 2, and 3 honors, which included freshmen through seniors.

Outside of school, one of Dileo’s favorite things to do is travel.

“Every vacation, I go to different countries,” she said.

In addition, she said she also loves to swim and read.

Dileo attended Salamanca University in Salamanca, Spain, which is west of Madrid, which aided in her Spanish-teaching career. Before coming to Law, she was also a teacher at Westhill High School in Stamford.

“I love it here so far,” she said.

(Photo by Haley McNulty)

***

By Emma Grace – Entertainment Editor

Jonathan Law is welcoming many new teachers this year, including new math teacher Ms. Laise.

Laise majored in mathematics at Fairfield University. She said that she chose to pursue a career teaching math because she “had a passion for math and found it fun.”

Outside of school, Laise said she likes to spend time with family and friends. She also likes going to see scenic views, especially by the water.

She grew up in Mamaroneck, New York. This year, Laise is teaching algebra, geometry, and math lab.

(Photo by Emma Grace)

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By Josh Weizel – Editorial Editor

Mr. Roumeles is a new history teacher at Jonathan Law High School

Roumeles was born in New Haven and raised in West Haven. He is a very energetic teacher who is excited about teaching history to young people

“I love working with young people and I love history,” Roumeles said. “I think it’s a challenge to take the things I love and pass it on to young people.”

Roumeles went to Southern Connecticut University where he majored in history. He loves history and has been studying the subject since he was a little kid. He said he is very excited about getting to know the students of Law and becoming a part of the Law community.

“I really admire this school community,” Roumeles said.

Roumeles’ favorite hobbies include playing music and fishing.

(Photo by Josh Weizel)

***

By Ismar Junuzovic – Columns Editor

Among the plethora of new staff at Jonathan Law in Mr. Mamrus, the newest member of the science department.

Mamrus teaches Level 2 Physics in the afternoon in Mr. Stanton’s room. Before joining the Law family, he had previously worked for over 29 years at Fairfield Prep, teaching many different levels of physics and math.

He was also a chairman for the science department for the past 14 years in Fairfield.

“I was offered a retirement package from Prep but I really wanted to continue teaching at a reduced load,” said Mamrus. “I was able to find exactly what I was looking for here at Jonathan Law.”

Mamrus is excited to only have two classes, so that he has the ability to get to know his students much better as well as being able to devote more time to them.

Mamrus will be working at Law part-time but is excited because he feels that his 20 years of engineering and 29 years of teaching will truly be able to offer something meaningful to his students.

(Photo by Ismar Junuzovic)

After 53 years in print, The Advocate will be exclusively online this year. Here’s why:

(The following e-mail/letter was sent to the Law staff today.)

A New Era For The Advocate

Enjoy,

Chris Kulenych and The Advocate staff

We hope you’re enjoying your last few days of summer. By now, most of you are familiar with the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that has gone viral online and raised millions for ALS research. Many of you have probably already participated in the challenge and donated to the cause at http://www.alsa.org.

Earlier this week, Dean of Students Mr. Ragaini and English teacher Mr. Kulenych were nominated by math teacher Mr. Ruzbarsky to do the challenge. With the help of a few recent Law alumni (Kira Topalian, Stephanie Cameron, and Amanda DeLeo as the Eagle), they completed the challenge at school (and donated!) and nominated YOU – the entire Law community. Principal Mr. Thompson and vice principal Mr. Cavanna and his wife Stephanie have since sent over their videos and we have seen many other videos posted on Facebook.

Here is a link to the Ragaini/Kulenych video: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x23fvpe_als-ice-bucket-challenge-jonathan-law-edition_news

Here is a link to the Thompson video: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x23zkbz_mr-thompson-s-ice-bucket-challenge_news

Here is a link to the Cavanna video: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x23xnfj_mr-cavanna-s-ice-bucket-challenge_news

Here is a link to Mrs. Walter and Mrs. White’s video: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x242tx7_mrs-walter-and-mrs-white-s-ice-bucket-challenge_news

If you have already completed the challenge, thank you. If you still want to participate, the rules are simple: complete the challenge and then nominate 3 more people to complete it.

Thanks and see you soon!

By Jesiree Carrera – Editor-In-Chief

Naugatuck Chief
of Police Christopher Edson, and former forensic detective Mike DeGrego recently visited Jonathan Law’s Crime and Violence classes to inform the students further about the truth behind their studies.

Both visitors have had much experience in their fields with many different stories to tell the students. They excited the students with their thrilling tales of their past escapades in the workforce.

“I think students got to hear first hand from someone in the field what it is really like,” said Crime and Violence teacher Mr. Batson. “Furthermore, these experts could answer questions and tell stories that Mrs. Rowley and I could not.”

Read more