Since the late 19th century the value of homework assigned to students has been the subject of vigorous debate and discussion. Parents, teachers, administrators and educational researchers have variously weighed in with a spectrum of opinions ranging from “necessary in the learning process” to “extraneous and even downright harmful.”

On September 18, 2011, the Boston Globe ran a very comprehensive article entitled “Why have homework?” by freelance writer Keith O’Brien, in which he provides thorough background on the debate’s history as well as findings from current research on the topic. He considers new research being published in the October issue of Economics of Education Review, a comprehensive history of homework by Brian P. Gill and Steven L. Schlossman entitled “Villain or Savior? The American Discourse on Homework, 1850-2003,” as well as input from a wide range of other writers and researchers. The bottom line? “The answer to the great, eternal homework question is not some oval that can be filled in on a standardized test.”

Both personally and professionally I’m fascinated by the debates and discussions on this topic, but I long ago gave up the search for a definitive answer to the homework question. I do agree with O’Brien that “Teachers should not be assigning homework simply to occupy kids’ time . . . sending them home with untargeted, poorly planned busywork. And it’s worthwhile . . . for teachers to think critically about the work they are assigning to make sure it’s actually teaching kids something.”

When teachers work together in professional learning communities at Lexington High School, one of their most serious concerns is the quality and impact of the homework that they assign. We all have become increasingly aware of the many demands on students’ time and attention and are aggressively working to engage, reinforce and support students in the learning process. It is essential for all of us to consider that this issue is complicated at best. Harris M. Cooper, a Duke University professor of education and author of “The Battle Over Homework: Common Ground for Administrators, Teachers and Parents” says it best. He writes, “In fact, I think this is the most complex pedagogical strategy we use in education.” Read the article . . . there’s food for thought.

–Natalie K. Cohen, Principal

With Thanks for Your Generosity
We’re though the busy first month of school. Read below for a recap of our events so far this year and a preview of those coming up. Your volunteer energy and financial support is invaluable. Thank you so much. We can’t do it without you!

PTSA Hosts Newcomers Potluck Dinner
A note of thanks and welcome! The new leaders of the Newcomers Potluck Dinner Committee, Co-Chairs, Stacey Penniman and Sue Schiffer, created a warm welcome on September 8 for the many families who have joined Lexington High School from different school systems. Of the more than 100 attendees—there were families from schools as far away as France, Holland, Thailand, and North Carolina, and as close as Newton. We thank Principal Cohen, Les Eggleston, the LHS custodial staff, students from the student club NEXUS along with all the other parents who contributed their time to make this event a success. They are: Sue Schiffer, Stacey Penniman, Dora Chung, Peggy Gibson, Elliott Gimble, Ann Kane, Janet McMahan, Ann Redmon, Ann Renauer, Betsy Wilkinson and parent and Lexington Newcomers Club representative Leslie Masson. It was a wonderful evening of food, conversation and good questions. We know not every new family could attend the potluck, and the LHS/PTSA extends a welcome to each of you. We look forward to welcoming you personally into our community.

PTSA Hosts Principal Coffee
Thank you to the PTSA board for hosting the Principal coffee held on September 13 and for bringing the coffee and refreshments. We thank Principal Cohen for attending and taking time to talk to parents and answer questions.

PTSA Hosts LHS Staff Welcome Lunch
The Faculty and Staff were treated to a wonderful welcome back lunch on Thursday, September 15. Many thanks to the Hospitality Co-Chairs, Rachel Cortez and Jen Vogelzang for organizing and setting up all the delicious donations brought in by LHS parents. Thanks to all the parents who donated, cooked, set up, cleaned up, and made the afternoon such a great and tasty way to start off the school year. It’s a big crowd to feed, but trust us no one ever goes hungry!

2011-12 PTSA Forum Dates – Mark your calendars
7:30 - 9:00 PM on the following dates:  

October 18     Library Media Center (Main building, Rm. 147)
November 16 Library Media Center (Main building, Rm. 147)
January 11    Science Lecture Hall (Science building)
March 14       Science Lecture Hall (Science building)
May 23          Library Media Center (Main building, Rm. 147)

Dates/locations are subject to change with advance notice.

PTSA Presents First Parent Forum of the Year:
“What is a Parent’s Role in Student Academic Success?”
All parents want to help their children succeed. Here is an opportunity for you to hear concrete steps you can take to contribute positively to your student’s success. LHS parents are invited to attend the first PTSA Parent Forum of the school year on Tuesday, October 18 at 7:30 pm in the Library Media Center (room 147, main building). Director of Guidance and Counseling Lester Eggleston, Jr. will be joined by Principal Natalie Cohen for a lively discussion and question and answer session. Both Mr. Eggleston and Ms. Cohen will present concrete tips for parents such as partnering with the school, tools and resources and appropriate communications.

Questions? Please call Forum Chairperson Kim Effron (781-258-5498).

LHS Student Directory Deadline and Delivery
The LHS Student Directory is available exclusively to PTSA members. The deadline to order and to have your family listing included is Wednesday, October 5 (LHS Back-to-School Night.) Your annual membership ($22) and your tax deductible donations of ANY size fund our budget. With your membership you will receive one directory. Additional directories may also be ordered.

Joining the PTSA
There are two ways to join the PTSA and receive a directory:

Go to the URL <http://lhsdirectory.heroku.com>. If you are new to LHS or have changes to your last year directory listing, click on ‘Directory’ then enter your listing. To join the PTSA and order your directory click on ‘Membership,’ enter the fields then hit the paypal button to complete the transaction.
     OR
Bring your checkbook to Back-to-School Night. Stop by the PTSA table to complete a Membership/Directory form, and leave the form and check with our PTSA representative.

For directory or membership questions email <LHSDirectory@gmail.com>. 

When compiled and printed, directories will be delivered to student homerooms. If you are available during one or more school days we could use some volunteers to help with directory distribution. Contact Directory Chairperson, Jeanne Hobbs <jeannehobbs@verizon.net> if you might be able to help, and she will be in touch with what days are needed.

Why Join the PTSA
Now more than ever, the LHS/PTSA needs your support for our membership drive. In turn the PTSA supports the entire Lexington High School community of students, staff, and parents. We do not conduct any school wide fundraising and depend entirely on the generous support of our families through family membership dues and additional tax deductible donations for our activities. In addition to the LHS Directory, the PTSA also supports campus landscaping, over $6,000 in teacher grants, small discretionary funds for the department heads and the principal, a donation to the library, two staff appreciation lunches, welcome events for freshman and newcomers, donation to each grade, five forums on topics of interest each year, receptions for junior and senior proms and award ceremonies, student financial aid and scholarships, and more! If you haven’t yet become a member or made an additional donation, it is never too late. Join now (instructions above) or make a donation at any time––in any amount. Check payable to ‘LHS/PTSA’ with ‘General Fund’ in the memo line and mail to LHS/PTSA––ATTN: Membership, c/o Lexington High School, 251 Waltham Street, Lexington, MA 02421.

This year we hope to increase the number of LHS families who join the PTSA. Of course we’d love to have 100%!

Thanks for your all your support from the PTSA board
Sharon Kendall, Lori Tambone, Deb Lapides, Katie Nill,
Mary Ellen Goodwin, Bhavani Tirupati, Jen Vogelzang, Mary Heveran      

Subscribing to the LHS/PTSA eMail System
The LHS/PTSA electronic mail service is the best way to stay informed, and currently the only way to receive the LHS monthly newsletter. We are trying to keep the number of emails you receive to a minimum by posting a weekly LHS Announcement each Friday and only sending additional emails when necessary. The deadline to post to the weekly LHS Announcement is now Wednesday evening.

Encourage other high-school parents and parents of eighth-graders you know to sign up for this very important communication service. To subscribe, visit the web page at <http://comet.ci.lexington.ma.us/mailman/listinfo/lhs-ptsa>. Follow the instructions for “Subscribing to Lhs-ptsa.”

Stop & Shop A+ School Rewards Program Gives Cash to LHS
Greater participation means more CASH for our school! Simply register your Stop & Shop card, designate LHS as the recipient, and purchases made at Stop & Shop will accrue points which will earn cash! Even if you registered last year, you must re-register each year for us to receive credit. To register online log on t www.stopandshop.com/aplus. Enter our school ID (09208) or find LHS in the drop down menu. For families with multiple schools you can register up to three schools on one card. You can also register by calling (1-877-275-2758). Increase our earnings by encouraging grandparents, neighbors or friends who shop at any Stop & Shop to register their cards for LHS. Questions? Contact Sharon Kendall at <sharonkendall@verizon.net>.

Three LHS Musicians to Attend
National Honors Orchestra in Atlanta
Three LHS students have been accepted to participate in the National Honors Orchestra in Atlanta, Georgia this March. The National High School Honors Orchestra (NHSHO) is a performing group of 120 competitively selected high school musicians who assemble biennially to perform at the ASTA (American String Teachers Association) National Conference.

According to the ASTA website, "Junior and senior students apply for the orchestra through the state chapters of ASTA. They submit an audition tape/CD of required literature and three minutes form literature of their own choosing. The state coordinator (selected by the state ASTA president) and an audition committee select up to thirty tapes/CDs to forward to the national level. Separate audition committees for strings, winds, and percussion select the 120 students for the orchestra. The students are required to be members of their school orchestra."

The three LHS students are:
Stephanie Atwood - Violin
Carolyn Chang - Viola
Tom Jeon - Clarinet

Upcoming Concerts

Fall String Concert
Thursday, October 20
7:30pm, Gillespie Auditorium

Fall Choral Concert
Wednesday, October 26
7:30pm, Gillespie Auditorium

Fall Instrumental Concert
Thursday, October 27
7:30pm, Gillespie Auditorium

Award for TV Production
Congratulations to TV Production teacher Mary Pappas and her students,James Cullen and Kyle George, who won the Third Annual Middlesex Partnerships for Youth Student Public Announcement (PSA) Contest with their entry entitled “Texting and Driving.”

The Public Service Announcements can be viewed at:
http://middlesexpartnershipsforyouth.com/news/video.php?video=4

Mary's expertise, dedication to her craft and leadership in her Video Production courses are what makes this Lexington program one of the strongest and most dynamic in the United States. It's also worth mentioning that three of the top five finalists in the PSA competition were Mary's students.

–Sean Hagan
K-12 Coordinator of Fine Arts

Peter Law
Peter Law is excited to be teaching physics at Lexington High School. He has previously taught at Winchester High School and was a student teacher at Somerville High School. "I enjoy teaching because I like to exchange ideas with students. I also enjoy seeing students grow over the course of the year."

As a teacher, Mr. Law likes to give students a chance to participate in many ways. "I often ask students to share ideas in small groups, to solve problems with a partner, and to participate in hands-on activities. Also, I hope to develop the critical thinking ability of students, by asking them open-ended questions."

Before being a teacher, Mr. Law graduated from Haverford College. After that, he worked as a science researcher for six years. 

James Wood
James Wood has joined the Advanced Placement Chemistry Team this year after several years of retirement. He is replacing Ms. Janice Compton for one year as she has taken a leave of absence. Mr. Wood is pleased to return and to work with his colleagues again to teach A.P. Chemistry at Lexington High School. He has taught chemistry at all levels at LHS and has over 30 years experience teaching high school students, chemistry, physics and general science. 

Debbie Psilopoulos
Debbie Psilopoulos is the new secretary to the Foreign Language and Mathematics Departments, bringing diverse experience to the job. For the past five years, she has managed a virtual office from home, for financial investment wholesalers. Overlapping with this position she also worked as the evening administrative assistant at Middlesex Community College. Prior to this, Ms. Psilopoulos owned and operated her own daycare business.

Ms. Psilopoulos lives in Chelmsford and is Mom to Noah & Nate ages 14 and 10, two avid basketball players. She is very excited to be part of LHS.

Matthew Arbesfeld
Jonah Bader
Trijit Banerjee
Hyun Yung Boo
Allison Bukys
Emma Corcoran

College Essay Workshops Class of 2012
Over the next three months, all LHS seniors are encouraged to attend college essay workshops created and facilitated by English teacher Janet Jehle. Workshops have been scheduled into many of the Senior English classes and are also available during select X and Z blocks so that all seniors may attend. At the first workshop students will receive a packet of materials contextualizing the personal and supplemental essays within the college application process. After brief impromptu writing, using college prompts from earlier years, students will examine each other’s writing in search of those sometimes surprising and often rich “nuggets” in their responses.

Before arriving at the second workshop, students should finish reading three short pieces included in the packet. During “Workshop Two” students will look at alumni essays and other models intended to illustrate the diverse styles and topics found in college essays.

“Workshop Three” is an opportunity to discuss and reflect together on students’ developing essays. Ms. Jehle will be available for group and individual conferencing. While students have always looked to their junior and senior English teachers for guidance with college essay writing, and will continue to do so, they are also encouraged to schedule conferences during and after school with Ms. Jehle who is currently on site expressly to aid with this process.

Students who want more information will find it posted outside room 245 in the Arts and Humanities Building. They can also check in at Ms. Jehle’s website for scheduling updates and information. The address is: <http://sites.google.com/site/msjehlesenglishclass/>

WEEKLY PARENT DISCUSSION
7:45 to 8:45 a.m. every Thursday (note NEW day!)

in the Guidance Conference Room
Drop in and share in the circle discussion!

Epi-Pen Reminder
The nursing staff of LHS would like to remind parent/guardians to make certain that we have all Epi-pens, inhalers, and other necessary prescription medications in our office along with the required doctor’s orders for these prescriptions. This will enable us to provide your child with the health care that he/she requires and deserves.

Feel free to call with questions or concerns.

• Nearly 13,500 LHS students visited the nurse last school year.
• About 80% of the LHS student population received health services at least once last year. Of those students who visited the nurse, about 92% returned to class.

Seasonal Flu Update
It’s never too early to start planning ahead for the upcoming flu season which is expected to spread in the state this fall and winter. The seasonal flu is a cause of serious illness in thousands of people every year. It can be prevented with an influenza vaccine which is recommended for everyone six months of age and older. The flu vaccine, which includes protection against the H1N1 virus, is currently being administered. Check with your health care provider for more information.

What can I do to keep my child from getting sick?

• Get your child vaccinated (the flu shot or nasal spray). Vaccination is the best way to keep your child from getting the flu. This year’s vaccine protects against both the pandemic H1N1 influenza and two other kinds of flu. Your child needs to be vaccinated this year, even if vaccinated last year.
• Teach your children to wash their hands often. Washing with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds is ideal (about as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice).
• Teach your children to use hand sanitizer. Gels, rubs, and hand wipes all work well, as long as they contain at least 60% alcohol. Watch small children using gels so they don’t swallow it.
• Teach your children to cough or sneeze into their elbow—not their hands! Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of their elbow. They should wash their hands after blowing their nose or coughing into a tissue.
• Teach your children to avoid touching their nose, mouth or eyes. They should keep their hands away from their face.

When do I keep my child home from school?
The main symptoms of influenza (flu) include fever and cough and/or sore throat. Some people also have a runny nose, body aches, headache, chills and feel tired. Some people have diarrhea and vomiting. The most important thing that you can do to keep flu from spreading in the community is to keep your sick child at home when he/she is sick.

Should I Keep My Child Home?
__ Yes __ No   Has your child had a fever of 100.0 degrees or more in the past 24 hours?
__ Yes __ No   Does your child have a cough OR sore throat?

If you answered YES to both questions above, keep your child home.
Your child has an influenza-like illness.

Can My Child Return to School?
__ Yes __ No  Has your child had a fever of 100.0 degrees or more in the past 24 hours?
__ Yes __ No  Has your child had acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) in the past 24
                      hours?

If you answered NO to both questions above, your child can return to school.

If you answered YES to one of the questions above, your child CANNOT return to school. Keep your child home for at least another day to observe for additional symptoms. Then use the checklist questions again to decide whether you should continue to keep your child home.

Where can I find more information about influenza?
1) Go to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health influenza website: mass.gov/flu.
2) A “Fever Fact Sheet” with information on how to take a temperature is also available.
For the most up-to-date information concerning influenza, please check the MDPH flu web site at <www.mass.gov/flu>.

LHS Nursing Website
Check out the LHS nursing website for information about the nurse’s clinic, access to health forms, and links to useful teen health websites. The nursing web site can be accessed via the Lexington Public School website by clicking on Schools, then LHS, then Other Departments, followed by Health Office. The nursing website can also be directly accessed at: http://teacherweb.com/MA/LexingtonPublicSchools/LexingtonSchoolNurses/apt11.aspx.

Janet Foley, RN ext 1012
jfoley@sch.ci.lexington.ma.us

Susan Kaftan, RN ext. 1013
skaftan@sch.ci.lexington.ma.us

Cheryl Johnson, RN ext. 1014
cheryljohnson@sch.ci.lexington.ma.us
                
Phone 781-861-2320
Confidential Fax 781-861-2611

Order Your 2012 Yearbook Online NOW
Yearbooks are currently on sale for $80.00, but the price will go up after September 1. After September 1, the price will be $85. For more information on how to purchase a yearbook, check out <http://yearbook.lexingtonma.org/order.html>.

Hint to senior parents:
you may want to order two yearbooks, one for you and one for your student.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE MUSKET

Are you informed about what is happening in your child’s school life? Do you want to know more about student news, school sports, and teenagers’ points of view? Find out by subscribing to The Musket, LHS’s student newspaper! It’s only $15 for a year’s subscription!

Send completed form and check ($15) t

            Julie Kuo
            The Musket advisor
            Lexington High School
            251 Waltham Street
            Lexington, MA 02421

Thank you in advance for your support of The Musket newspaper.
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