This Week in Pictures at Normandin

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. DAY "Teach In"

Team Normandin at GiftsToGive

I am so proud of the 30+ Normandin students who participated with  other area Middle Schools to celebrate and honor the great Dr. King and his work.  Thank you to Ms. Darcie Aungst for working with organizers of the event to make it a huge success.  Thank you to Ms. Lauren Aubertine, Ms. Linda Hendrikson, Ms. Cheryl Jesse and Ms. Celia Rodriguez for spending the day with our students and modeling the importance of Dr. King's message.  

Over 300 turned out for the day's event

Thank you to Roosevelt Principal Ms. Peg Mongiello for all her efforts and for hosting the event.  It was great to see Keith Principal Mr. Peter Sykes in attendance working with students.  Thank you Mayor Mitchell and Superintendent Durkin for attending the event and speaking to our students!  Thank you to Mr. Andrade, a talented poet and spoken word artist.  We also appreciate the efforts of Reverend Lima, Janette Neves and Mr. Jim Stevens, CEO of GiftsToGive for bringing to light what it means to be "All In."  Thank you to our MS friends from  Fall River, New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Acushnet, Freetown-Lakeville, Westport, Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester. Local University and High School students, acted as Team Leaders. Team Leaders were from;  YouthBuild-New Bedford, UMD-SouthCoastServes,  New Bedford High School-National Honor Society and  Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School - thank you!

Mayor Mitchell addresses the students

Jim Stevens Introduces Dr. Durkin

I was personally moved by the video "Mighty Times-The Children's March."  This is an amazing video and a must see for all Americans.  Check it out HERE courtesy the GiftsTogive website.  After watching the video students were able to debrief and write their own dreams on "We March For" posters they would carry with them during the march.

Normandin Assistant Principal Ms. Rodriquez works with her grandson Brandon  

Everyone that attended the event received a MLK sweatshirt-Thank you GiftsToGive!

The Keynote speaker was YouthBuild New Bedford AmeriCorps graduate Marquis Cruz, whose message resonated well with our students.  National Spoken word artist Rudy Rudacious was able rock the crowd with amazing poetic lyrics and powerful messages for children and adults alike.  On the march to GiftsToGive I was able to chat with Rudy and was amazed by his intellect and ability to use his amazing talent as a singer, poet, storyteller and man of high moral character to motivate kids of today towards making the "right" choices.  

Rudy Rudacious ignites the audience

Another amazing treat for our students was the reading of Dr. King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech given by Roosevelt alum Ms. Leanne Neves.  Her inspiring rendition made the audience feel they were actually present on that historical day in 1963.  What an amazing young lady!

Ms. Leanne Neves

The day culminated in a student march from Roosevelt MS to GiftsToGive.  Students worked with the great volunteers at the mill to participate in community service.  It was so nice to see my old friend Gilbert at the mill.  Several students made a pledge to continue the work they started and each school developed a message they would bring back to their schools and share.  Next year's goal is to get over 3,000 people involved-will you join us? 

 The March Begins!  

Community Service at the Mill

Please check out the complete story via the GiftsToGive website by clicking HERE 

POD 8.1 Goes Bowling:

A great time was had by all at “Wonder Bowl” last Friday afternoon. Students were eligible to participate based on their grades, conduct, effort, and attendance. From left to right: Tanimara Roark, Arrianna Gonsalves, D’Andre Fontinha, Zillah Carrion, Xavier Gonzalez, Isaac Gedeon, and J’Shawn Gomes.  Thank you POD 8.1 teachers Ms. Calvani, Mr. Quigley and Ms. Joseph!

Ms. Sanders Students Using New Technology

Ms. Sanders received an IPAD through her hard work applying through "Donors Choose."  Check out her students thoroughly engaged with the technology below.