MIDDLE SCHOOL SHOWCASE A HUGE SUCCESS: O'Donnell Middle School Assistant Principal David Guglia was preparing for the first ever School Showcase with guarded optimism.

He told About Town he had 75 chairs in the Media Room, and figured---if things went well--125 people might show up. Well, Guglia, who was pinch-hitting for an under-the-weather Principal Wayne Hester, was extremely pleased when the room was jammed with at least 250 parents and students.

"It's a wonderful turnout. We'll let everyone know about our middle school, from the small class size to the sports clubs and extra-curricular activities, to the excellent teaching and support staff," Guglia, a Stoughton High (and Gibbons School) graduate told me.

The goal of the showcase is to give parents and students the chance to learn about the Stoughton schools, while encouraging families to educate their children in the town’s public school system.

Tech teacher Kathy Wasik set the stage with a wonderful film presentation of some of the highlights from the past year, including a visit by Governor Patrick. Assistant Principal Barbara Starkie greeted almost everyone who came in the door, with a smile and helped answer any questions they had.

English teacher Hallie Burak, World Language teacher Catherine Proctor, and Social Studies teacher Rachel Killion made a Humanities presentation. A STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) presentation was made by Science teacher Alicia Tilley and Math teacher Patricia Lovering. Guidance and School Culture were handled by Corie Brookshire and Sheila Coughlin.

Those interested in Fine Arts saw the band and chorus, and got their questions answered by John Kearns and Andrew Davey on the band, Betty Bauman on chorus, and John Dorion on Art. The Nuts & Bolts were handled by Guglia, Starkie and PTSO President Lori Bates.

Students participating included Olivia Barros, Breyanna Fraser, Olivia Jarisitis, Devin Gomes, Hayley McManus, Monica Pabla, Hannah Peterson, Sam Tullis, and Bridgette Whalen.

The crowd was cleverly divided in fifths, and everyone rotated to see all the presentations. A good (inspiring) time was had by all. A public school education can be a good thing.

Check out a powerpoint presentation from the OMS (posted in the media gallery).

The first Stoughton High School showcase, aimed at eighth graders, was a HUGE success. Read a recap here.

There is a showcase for the preschool/elementary schools on Monday, February 13, from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Parent Center at the Jones School.

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HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY: to former Selectman Tony Sousa, a member of the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce and owner of AMS Grinding in Brockton.  

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY: To Finance Committee member Barbara Anzivino, wife of Selectman John Anzivino.

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