A Journey to Greatness

A COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS: EVERYONE, EVERY DAY, ALL DAY!

Thursday, January 31, 2013

5 Quick Things

Let's meet some of the terrific people that make Normandin Middle School a GREAT place to learn:
 
 Tina Gonsalves - Grade 6
 
1. I grew up in Barrington, Rhode Island, but now make my home in Westport, MA.

2. My only child is a nearly four year old chocolate lab that goes by the name "Fenway".

3. Those who know me, know that “I am all about the food!!” for I love to cook gourmet,
am an aficionado of fine dining and have even been a “Secret Diner” in which I have
critiqued restaurant establishments for a well known restaurant group.

4. My married name may be Portuguese, but my maiden name is one hundred percent
ITALIAN (Bianchino); meaning-- “Little White One”

5. Finally, I am quite the artist, but chose to keep that as a hobby and not a career.


Pam Kelly - Physical Education
 
1) My husband and I went to the same college (Springfield college), but didn't start dating until after I graduated. We will be married 20 years in February and have 5 sons, 1 daughter, 1 boxer dog named Beanie, 1 fish named midnight and 1 lizard named Sasha.
 
2) I own 42 pairs of sneakers.
 
3) Since the age of 30 I have participated in over 100 races in various states, (running: 5ks, 10ks, half marathons, marathons, 50k = 32 miles, 100 mile relays, triathlons of all distances and even a crossfit competition).
 
4) Spaghetti is my favorite food and I can make a pretty good homemade sauce.
 
5) I get up every morning at 4:15 am to workout before school and also workout an hour afterschool before my little children get off the bus.


Sunday, January 27, 2013

Derek Lacen Represents Normandin

Congratulations to Derek Lacen for being chosen as Normandin's representative to participate in Govenor Patrick's Project 351!  Thank you to Normandin guidance counselor Mr. Sullivan for all his efforts in making this happen and thank you Dr. Bonneau for attending on behalf of the New Bedford school district.





                BOSTON (AP) - Student "ambassadors" from around the state will be gathering in Boston for a day of community service.

The eighth-graders chosen by local educators to represent the state's 351 cities and towns are scheduled to take part in a Youth Town Meeting with Gov. Deval Patrick at the Statehouse on Saturday.

Later, they will perform volunteer work at one of five non-profit or educational organizations around the city.

The program, called Project 351 Day of Service, was launched by Patrick in 2010 to mark the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.

The student ambassadors will be joined by local athletes Nate Solder of the New England Patriots, Jared Sullinger of the Boston Celtics and Andrew Ference of the Boston Bruins.

(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Thursday, January 24, 2013

5 Quick Things


Let's meet some of the terrific people that make Normandin Middle School a GREAT place to learn:
 
Caitlin Barry - Grade 6 ELA/Social Studies

1. I am allergic to gluten.  Gluten is wheat, rye, barley and oats.
2. I blew out my left knee on a moon bounce when I was 22.
3. I've had 3 knee surgeries in the past 2 years.
4. I want to go to culinary school someday.
5. I live in Franklin, home of America's first public library!
 
Chris Chambers - Music/Band

1.   Avid Classic Rock and 80's music fan
2.   Perform with Tri-County Symphonic Band to raise money for scholarships
3.   Born, Raised and Live on beautiful Cape Cod
4.   Play the Saxophone
5.   Bachelors from Berklee College of Music / Masters from Boston University

Thursday, January 17, 2013

5 Quick Things

Let's meet some of the terrific people that make Normandin Middle School a GREAT place to learn:


Lisa Simmons - Special Education Teacher

1.) I am not originally from the south coast. I grew up in a small town called Maynard, Ma.I graduated froma public school and only had 80 people in my grade! I went to UMASS-Dartmouth as an undergrad and fell in love in with the area and the ocean and have never left!

2.) I got married this September to my husband Peter. We got married in downtown New Bedford at the historic Seamens Bethel. Our reception was at the New Bedford Yacht Club in South Dartmouth, Ma.

3.) I love traveling! I have been to Scotland, England, Ireland, Mexico, Bahamas, New Orleans, LA....On this February vacation Peter and I will be going on our honeymoon to the Punta Cana, Domicacan Republic!

4.) I have a four year old 90 lb. chocolate lab named Brady who is the love of my life! I love taking him on runs and taking him on daily swims in the ocean by our house.

5.) I am really good impersonations. Ask my fellow colleagues who eat lunch with me everyday haha



Mark Moreau-Special Education Teacher

1. I turned 30 this year. The older I get the more I enjoy adventure. Whether it is deep sea fishing in the South Pacific, snorkeling with reef sharks, skydiving, hiking Mt. Washington, completing the Tuff Mudder or planning a trip to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. If it gets my heart beating a little faster, it is for me.


2. I have lived in the North End of New Bedford my entire life. As a young teacher I worked my way from Fall River, to Keith and finally made it here. I love that I can have a direct impact on my community. The two minute commute is a plus as well.


3. I have a two year old yellow lab named Cooper and he usually rides shotgun in the pick up.

4. I play golf often, pick up Saturday AM football games and still hold down short stop on my mens' softball team who has won three straight championships in a row.

5. I have been married for just 6th months to my wife Jessica who is a nurse for Southcoast. She has a big heart. As of right now the only kids I have are the ones that appear in front of me daily! 

Perfect MCAS Math Scores!


Congratulations to Normandin students Meng Lian and Nicholas Claudina and their families!  Meng and Nicholas had perfect scores on the 2012 MCAS Math test!  Meng and Nicholas were recognized at the January 14, 2013 School Committee meeting for their outstanding accomplishment- we are very proud.  We thank the many teachers and school employees who play an active role in their education.  


Meng Lian

Nicholas Claudina

Thursday, January 10, 2013

5 Quick Things

Let's meet some of the terrific people that make Normandin Middle School a GREAT place to learn:

Casey Cetenich - Grade 7 Science
1. Just got a American Bulldog puppy: Quincy

2. My best friend and I bought houses across the street from each other

3. If I were on Survivor my luxury item would be cherry chapstick

4. Grocery shopping is my favorite "hobby"

5. I am a bridesmaid in 3 weddings in 2013! (I have ALOT of great friends)



Chris Fernandes - Adjustment Counselor 
5. I'm a dedicated Vegetarian... I have been a vegetarian for 12 years. Four of those years I was Vegan!

4. Information, Information, Information... I'm a big fan of learning. I subscribe to 12 podcasts that update daily, have listened to audio books/podcast almost every day since 2001, read tons of articles/books on psychology and philosophy, and love sharing ideas with others.

3. I was much cooler in high school... I was New Bedford's varsity soccer goal keeper. I listened to hardcore punk, had blue hair, skated, and went to a lot of hardcore shows. This calm counselor still prefers fast punk beats, screaming vocal sing-alongs, and kicking around the soccer ball.

2. I'm really a secret ninja... I am a Full Instructor in a self defense system called Rapid Assault Tactics under the same instructor that teaches our U.S. Navy SEAL Team 6. I also study Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Wrestling.

1. I met my wife on the internet before it was cool.... I was first introduced to my wife in an AOL 1.0 chat room and asked her out after we met in person. Fifteen years later, we have a wonderful 10 year marriage, two amazing children (5 year old & 8 month old), a beagle named Faith, a fat cat named Kitana, and a tiny cat named Darmha.

December Attendance Champions


Where are you headed?
We are heading for Greatness at Normandin!

Congratulations to our monthly homeroom attendance winners:
 Ms. Grandmont's Class: 97.58%


 Mr. Labao's Class: 99.05%


Mr. Martins Class: 96.90%

Monday, January 7, 2013

Recycling Fun!

Nice job by our Student Council and Ms. Babola! It's amazing what you can accomplish when you recycle :)