J u n e 2 0 0 9 | Vo l u m e 1 , n u m b e r 3

T HE O FFICIAL P UBLICATION OF THE M ARBLEHEAD C OMMUNITY C HARTER P UBLIC S CHOOL

Strategic Plan: A
Fine-Tuned Mission
BY DR. ALBERT F. ARGENZIANO

A
ll good schools continue to grow and
set new and higher standards. During
this school year, MCCPS has begun
the process of creating a new strategic plan
to guide the direction of our school for the
next several years. Each of us can support
this process in two ways: first, by cooperating
in certain necessary information gathering;
and second, by pondering the future, setting
broad aspirations and considering ways
MCCPS can evolve most effectively to meet
future needs and challenges. Eighth graders “learn by doing.”
The backbone and starting point for any
school’s strategic plan is its mission statement,
which reflects the values and terms of the
school’s mission and philosophy. Over the year,
MCCPS undertook a comprehensive review of
Do You Know Where Your
its mission, a process that involved input from
trustees, students, faculty, staff, and parents.
The Board of Trustees approved a revised mis-
Food Comes From?
sion statement that sets forth our shared pur- BY RYAN REDMOND lenses of history, health, labor, animal The Food Project, devoted since
pose and vision for what makes a school excel- welfare, technology and business. The 1991 to promoting “personal and

lent. In particular, the mission statement artic-
ulated the four goals of our school: learning,
character, community and service.
The strategic planning process as well
requires the collective efforts of all members
of the community to identify and articulate
specific areas that should be priorities for the
school in upcoming years and, ultimately, to
recommend specific initiatives that can be
undertaken to strengthen and enhance the
fabric of the school. The active involvement
of students, families, alumni, faculty and staff
in all aspects of the school creates the energy
and enthusiasm that characterize the MCCPS
experience.
E
ric Schlosser and Charles
students agreed and disagreed with social change through sustainable agri-
Wilson, in their 2006 book
the authors’ conclusions; were disgust- culture,” educates and engages youth
Chew on This, argue that “Food
ed, saddened, elated and positively and communities in all aspects of food
is one of the most important things
impacted by the stories told; and and healthy eating.” Teenagers and
you’ll ever buy”—yet many of us
emerged from the experience thinking volunteers work on The Food Project’s
know little about where our food
more clearly about where their food farm in Lincoln as well as its spaces in
comes from. Because of food’s impor-
comes from. Boston, Lynn, Swampscott and else-
tance, we should know where it
On April 2 and 9, the separate where. The Food Project teaches
comes from, and that’s the basis of
eighth-grade advisories—along with about agriculture as well as leadership
their enlightening, troubling, and at
Mr. Stonecipher, Ms. Cullen-Hamzeh, and responsibility, and it offers paid
times, controversial book.
Ms. Haley and myself—volunteered at summer positions for kids ages 14
Chew on This, which the 8th
the Food Project farm in Lynn to learn and older.
graders read this year, investigates the
more about where food comes from in
fast food industry through the various See FOOD PROJECT, page 3
a hands-on way.

2 C’est 3 Meet Chan O Canada!

4
Magnifique! Hui Woo
Tasty Lessons
Learned

“The active involvement of students, families, alumni, faculty and staff, in all aspects of the school, creates the energy and
enthusiasm that characterizes the MCCPS experience.” — Dr. Albert Argenziano
 Rosetta Stone in the Digital Age
MAGNA CH RTER BY KAY O’DWYER
Volume 1,Number 3,June 2009

Magna Charter Staff

A s the Rosetta Stone from Ancient Egypt un-
locked doors to understanding another lan-
guage, the Rosetta Stone language program is help-
& Contributors ing students at MCCPS acquire and enhance their
Dr. Albert Argenziano foreign language skills.
Jeff Barry New to the curriculum this year, the Rosetta
Kathleen Cormier
Stone software program is yet another example of
Nina Cullen-Hamzeh
Mary McRae how MCCPS integrates technology and caters to
Kay O'Dwyer the diverse learning styles of students. The Rosetta
Ryan Redmond Stone program complements class teaching and
Norma Ross
Leah, Maria, and Isabella practice French.
permits students to work independently on their
Mike Ruth language acquisition and fluency. Similar in many practice as they wish at home.
Laura Smith
ways to the ALEKS math program, Rosetta Stone is In the beginning, 4th and 5th-graders had a
Tim Stonecipher
Nancy Marland Wolinski
an individually designed program where students required amount of time that they needed to com-
can progress at their own pace and gain skills as plete each week at home; currently, their foreign
MCCPS Board of Trustees they practice Spanish or French. language class time is spent in the lab working on
Emil Ronchi, Chair According to French teacher Quincy Carpenter, Rosetta Stone. Foreign language teacher Rosanna
Cathy Vaucher, Vice Chair “It provides options for students with different Longenbaker reports that students are enthusiastic
Dr. John Sullivan, Treasurer
learning styles and paces the students individually. and “most of them are enjoying it.” It is almost a
John McEnaney, Clerk
Nina Cullen-Hamzeh I sense differences in the students’ participation in competition among some students to see who is
Cynthia Canavan class and in their motivation to learn the language. furthest along!
Matt Cronin They are able to gain confidence from spending Indeed, a highly-motivated student could pro-
Dr. Alice de Koning time with the program.” gress through the program and work at a high-
Chris Fauci As with any program, students benefit most school level to enhance their study of French or
Bob Sousa
from consistent and regular practice. Students from Spanish.
MCCPS School Staff the upper grades have some opportunity to use the What an interesting and fun way to acquire a
Dr. Albert Argenziano lab in school, and of course, they may do as much foreign language!
Interim Managing Director
Nina Cullen-Hamzeh
Academic Director
Nutrition News
Eileen Perry
Assistant to the Directors
Molly Wright
Student Services Coordinator
C’est Magnifique!
Jed O'Connor
Director of Special Education
Students Learn Tasty Lessons at French Banquet
Jeffrey Barry BY MARY MCRAE banquet menu. Students helped prepare foods
Business Manager and then brought samples to students and teach-

Our Mission
MCCPS fosters a community that empowers
children to become capable, self-determining, fully
engaged individuals who are critical and creative
thinkers committed to achieving their highest
intellectual, artistic, social, emotional, and physical
potential. We are dedicated to involving, learning
from, participating in, and serving our school
community and the community at large.
Magna Charter is the official
newsletter of MCCPS.
MCCPS
17 Lime Street
Marblehead, MA 01945
Phone: 781-631-0777
Fax: 781-631-0500
www.marbleheadcharter.org
S tudents and guests at MCCPS recently
enjoyed a culinary tour of southern France,
orchestrated by the school’s Director of Nutrition,
ers for feedback.
The banquet was a true community effort.
Teachers, students, staff, and parents pitched in
Chef Laura DeSantis.
to help cook, set up, serve, and clean up at the
“It is so important to get children to eat things
event. Local businesses including Shubie’s donat-
to help them fuel their bodies and minds,” said
ed food and other materials.
Chef DeSantis. “Provencal Cuisine is one
of the most flavorful and healthy, because
of the use of all the olive oil, garlic and
herbs (among other things).”
Chef DeSantis collaborated with
French teacher Quincy Carpenter on the
program. 8th grade students prepared
for the buffet by rehearsing dialogues
about making and ordering food. They
studied materials about the regions and
histories of the foods on the menu.
In the French cooking enrichment,
DeSantis and Carpenter worked with a
small group of students to create the Thanks to our many volunteers.

2 W H AT ’ S N EW ( S ) AT M CC PS — J U N E 2 0 0 9
Meet Chan Hui Woo
BY NORMA ROSS
C han Hui Woo, our MCCPS intern, is participat-
ing in the International Internship Program and
comes to us from In-Cheon South Korea. As a student
at In-Cheon University, he is studying English litera-
ture and language. Upon graduation, Mr. Woo would
like to enter the business side of the sports world.
While here, he hopes for ample opportunities to
experience American culture.
Each Wednesday, Mr. Woo has taught an enrich-
ment aptly titled Korean Culture. He is 24 years old
but explains to the students, “In Korea, I am 25; you
are one on the day you are born.” Chan Hui teaches
about the current lifestyles of South Korea and the
cultural arts, performances, sports and games of his
country. Students have enjoyed dressing up in tradi-
tional Korean costumes, tasting Korean snacks and
learning first-hand about life in Korea. In return, Mr.
Woo is eager to learn all that we as a community can
teach him about America as he strives to improve his
spoken English.
Anne Chandler has enjoyed having Mr. Woo par-
ticipate in her classes. “The most difficult thing for
him is the idioms,” she said. “I let the children explain
what he questions; it’s a terrific dual-learning situa-
tion.”
Mr. Woo began his American experience living
with Mr. Ruth, then spent time in Nahant with the
Nocera Family. He has enjoyed peeks into American
life through the friendly generosity of some of our
Track season is upon us and the Navigators
have faced some tough opponents, but pulled
through with several wins. Check out the
impressive stats below! – Mr. Ruth
In a meet against Covenant Christian Academy
of Peabody:
• 6th grader Nicola Russell placed second in the
1-mile with a time of 7 minutes, 28 seconds.
• 8th grader Nate Fowler placed first in the 1-
mile with a time of 5 minutes, 59 seconds.
• 8th grader Jasmine Lopes tied for second in the
100m with a time of 14.8 seconds.
• 7th grader Peter Slattery placed first in the
100m with a time of 12.6 seconds.
• In the second heat, 8th grader Johnny Lopes
placed first with a time of 13.0 seconds, a sec-
ond ahead of the second place-runner, 8th
grader Forrest Lacy.
Mr.Woo worked closely with Reading Specialist Ann
Chandler. Chandler says, "It's been a pleasure work-
ing with Mr.Woo this year. He has been an inspira-
tion to the students and a role model, exuding his
enthusiasm and desire to learn. He is always eager
to try something new. The students love him."
Charter families. Presently, he is staying in
Marblehead at our house (Norma and Bill Ross, with
Charter students Will, Sam and Margaret). It is a
pleasure to be his host and the children are gaining so
much from the experience. We truly have made a
good friend and of course we all now wish to visit
South Korea someday!
Mr. Woo will be here until September and is open
to any and all invitations; there is still time to share an
experience with him, and you will be so glad you did!
Sports News
Will’s long jump. Brad and John pass the baton.
• 6th grader Carly Hood placed first in the 200m
with a time of 33.57 seconds, 8/10ths of a sec-
ond ahead of the second-place runner, 5th
grader Sara Martin.
• 8th graders Kris Liti and Johnny Lopes, along
with 6th grader John Sullivan, took 1st, 2nd,
and 3rd place in the boys 200m, with times
ranging from 28.6-33.6 seconds.
• 5th grader Oliva Comeau took 3rd place in the
400m with a time of 1 minute, 24 seconds.
W H AT ’ S N EW ( S ) AT M CC PS — J U N E 2 0 0 9
FOOD PROJECT
Continued from page 1
While one advisory toiled under the gray, chilly
skies of April 2 and the other half worked in relative
warmth under blue skies April 9, all contributed in
similar ways. Directed by the knowledgeable Food
Project staffers, they weeded plant beds, sifted com-
post, spread the compost on the beds, laid wood
chips for walking paths, and participated in some fun
collaborative games and activities. They learned that
even in a relatively small plot for growing vegetables,
the farm would be able to produce 20,000 pounds of
food in a season, a fascinating fact noted by 8th grader
Forrest Lacy. The focus was clear: to be aware of
where our food comes from and of “all the hard, dili-
gent work put into the food we eat,” as 8th grader
Tayla Cote commented.
Students enjoyed working outside in the fresh air,
learning by doing, and working for something larger
than themselves. For 8th grader Chris Sico, it was
“the best field trip,” one in which he felt that he had
“helped the community.” Andrew Keenan agreed, say-
ing, “Doing this gave me a sense that I was greatly
helping others and making an impact on the world.”
Here at MCCPS, Chef Laura DeSantis and her cre-
ative kitchen staff daily produce good, healthy, tasty
food from scratch. Many students study cooking during
Enrichment, and are involved in growing beautiful food
plants in garden plots adjacent to the school building.
By virtue of the care and thought gone into nutrition,
health and wellness here at MCCPS, students already
think about food in deep and complex ways.
Fiachra flies.
• 7th grader Peter Slattery took first in the boys’
400m with a time of 1 minute, 3 seconds.
• In the long jump, 8th grader Johnny Lopes took
first place with a jump of 15 feet, and 8th grad-
er Carolyn Claveau took first place with a jump
of 11 feet.
• In the shot put, 6th grader Carly Hood took
first place with a throw of 20 feet, 11.25 inches,
and 8th grader F.J. Murphy took first place with
a throw of 25 feet, 9.75 inches.
3
O Canada
Mr. Barry blogs from the North
BY JEFF BARRY
On Wednesday, the 8th grade class arrived in
Montreal and the kids suited up for a ride down the
Lechine Rapids. Each jet boat had a 350 HP Volvo
diesel engine capable of hitting 60 mph on open
water. We took a ride down some serious waves …
nary a stitch was dry (or warm) by docking. We
headed into the city for dinner at Buffet Kim Foo, a
mega all-you-can-eat situation that pleased the kids
to no end. I warned them never to stand between a
buffet table and me.
On Thursday, we met our guide for a tour of
Montreal. We saw monuments, parks, and buildings
dating from the 1600’s to modern times. Our first
stop was the Notre Dame Basilica that dates back to
1824. The interior is filled with hand-carved, gold-
leaf artwork and dozens of stained glass windows.
We visited Olympic Park, with its iconic leaning
tower, site of the ’76 Olympics. A ride up the exteri-
or in a glass elevator brought us to an amazing view
of the city. We checked out the Olympic swimming
and diving facility. Next door is the Biodome – con-
verted from the Olympic bike track into a multi-
environment divided into 4 ecoscapes and home to
over 4,300 different animals. We headed north to
Old Quebec City for a nice
dinner.
On Saturday, we visited
Montmorency Falls, surround-
ing Québec City. The Falls cas-
cade from a height of 270 feet
(100 feet higher than Niagara
Falls) where the Montmorency
and St. Lawrence rivers meet.
From a bridge directly over the
Falls we got a close-up view of
the awesome power of nature.
We crossed to the Isle of
Orleans, where Canada's
strawberries are produced. Students (and Ms. Haley) prepare for a wild ride.
We continued onto Ste-Anne-
de-Beaupré and the town’s majestic double-spired songs, and games. The students learned about the
basilica, which was rebuilt on the same spot many history of maple syrup production, played spoons,
times. Although the present basilica was consecrated and participated in a traditional Canadian folk
only 30 years ago, worshippers have credited the dance.
shrine with miraculous cures since it was first built On Sunday, our final stop was the Observatoire
in 1658. 17th-century sailors believed that St. Anne de la Capitale, atop the tallest building in the city.
protected them from shipwrecks. We dined at the From this ideal vantage point, we were able to see
Sugar Shack, in the hearty manner of early French- sweeping views of the city and review many of the
Canadian loggers. Set deep in the pine forests, we sites we had seen during the preceding days. It was
had a memorable evening of traditional feasting, a fitting end to a terrific trip.

Grade 4 Grade
Grade 4 students “trav-
eled” to Canada, and took
a brief “journey” to
Mexico, focusing on geog-
raphy, history and culture.
They have also studied
Ancient China, reading the
Chinese folktale,“A Grain
of Rice,” and developed a
script based on such.
Students also composed
couplets, haikus and free
verse. In Reading, students
focused on folktales with
a spotlight on American
tales such as John Henry
and Pecos Bill.
E x h i b i t i o n P r e v i e w – Wo r k & We l l n e s s
5 Grade
Grade 5 students have “Gone
Green,” growing and caring
for edible plants, document-
ing conditions and growth
with photos. Students will
prepare and serve food using
their plants at an Exhibition
dinner theater. Entertain-
ment will be the 5th grade’s
version of “Are You Smarter
than a Fifth Grader?” Be
prepared to be stumped!
Students studied 18th centu-
ry artists specializing in
botanical prints and created
their own prints. They also
researched westward expan-
sion and created simple
machines.
6 Grade
Grade 6 students have
become baseball consult-
ants for a MLB team and
will display real-time data
for the 2009 season using
spreadsheets. Guests will
be challenged to a hand-
made mathematical base-
ball game. Students inter-
viewed an adult about
how baseball has affected
his/her life and produced
a piece of historical fiction
based on this. Students
wrote position papers on
international players,
designed baseball cards
in French, created original
logo stencils for team
t-shirts, and learned Take
Me Out to the Ballgame!”
for the keyboard.
7 Grade
Grade 7 math students are
participating in the
Olympics with events
including the rock wall, the
shot put, the forty-yard
dash, discus, and hurdles.
They are charting their
abilities, setting goals, and
predicting and estimating
ways to increase endurance
and stamina. They also cre-
ated a wellness wheel, set-
ting goals for fitness, nutri-
tion, social/emotional
health, and overall student
wellness. Students have
become experts on Greek
and Roman celebrities and
will present the ideas, lega-
cies, and achievements of
these visionaries.
8
Grade 8 students have been
“Reflecting Back and Looking
Forward” while working on
the creation of a portfolio of
writing to be followed with a
public speaking presentation.
This project is the culmina-
tion of the students’ time at
MCCPS as they reflect on
their learning and growth.
Writings include a gradua-
tion speech, three poems, an
Autobiography as a Math
Student, a Diary as an Eater,
and a persuasive and genetic
essay. They will practice their
presentations during morn-
ing Community Meetings
leading up to Exhibition and
graduation.

4 W H AT ’ S N EW ( S ) AT M CC PS — J U N E 2 0 0 9
An Extraordinary Year From the Desk
We Have Many Accomplishments to Celebrate! of Mr.S.
reetings! May was
BY NINA CULLEN-HAMZEH G Teen Self-Esteem
Month, so I wanted to
Board News
Our Strategic Plan was adopted by the Board of pass on tips for helping
Trustees and embraced by the community. A bifurcat- children recognize and
ed leadership model was approved by the Board, and appreciate themselves.
a two-year contract was extended to the Academic Healthy self-esteem is a
Director (no more interim!). New members were child’s armor against the
added to the Board of Trustees, the Finance and challenges of the world.
Governance Committees. The Board endorsed the
Kids who feel good about themselves have an
recommendation of the Blue Ribbon Expansion Task
easier time handling conflicts and resisting nega-
Force to add two sections of 3rd grade, and we met
tive pressures.They smile more, enjoy life more,
with the owner of the building to discuss the use of Sixth grade students enjoyed a week at the
additional space. The annual auction and other and find ways to be more realistic and optimistic.
environmental camp, Nature's Classroom, in
fundraising efforts have been successful. Greenfield, New Hampshire. By contrast, kids with low self-esteem are more
likely to be anxious, isolated, self-critical, and have
Educational Community etc.) Foreign language was reinstated for 4th & 5th a low frustration tolerance.
MCCPS was included in a professional develop- grades. The gym was repainted. The HVAC units As educators and parents, we help students
ment day hosted by Marblehead Public Schools. A were cleaned, and the leaks in Community Room become confident, curious and courteous. In con-
second graduate course was offered at MCCPS were repaired. Grants from the van Otterloo Family
junction with KidsHealth.org, here are some tips
through Endicott College. We hosted an Expanded Foundation and the Friends of the Marblehead
Learning Time Study Tour that was attended by for promoting healthy self-esteem:
Public Schools will enable us to create an outdoor
Newburyport Public Schools and several charter 1. Watch what you say. Kids are very sensitive to
learning experience for 7th & 8th graders.
schools. The Friends of Marblehead Public Schools The Outdoor Classroom is flourishing, our organ- parents’words. Remember to praise your child not
funded our 1st musical, and the Magna Charter was ic vegetable garden was expanded, and our ‘green’ only for a job well done, but also for effort and
resurrected – three issues this year! and recycling efforts have been enhanced. determination. Reward desire and completion
instead of outcome.
Bustling School Thank You!
2. Be a positive role model. If you are excessive-
We have been at full enrollment all year with a Many thanks to everyone who has invested in us
waiting list at every grade level. The children enjoyed ly harsh, pessimistic, or unrealistic about your abili-
with time, money, expertise, or goodwill. Your enthu-
several field trips (Peabody Essex Museum, the ICA, ties and limitations, your child may naturally mir-
siasm, dedication, and generosity have enabled us to
Nature’s Classroom, the Museum of Science, Canada, enjoy an extraordinary year! ror your lead. Nurture your own self-esteem.
3. Identify and redirect your child’s inaccurate
beliefs. It is important for parents to identify kids’
P TO N e w s irrational beliefs about themselves, whether they
are about perfection, attractiveness, ability, etc.
By virtue of our roles as parents and teachers, we are all members of the MCCPS Parent Teacher
Organization. Our PTO has existed for just over two years and we’ve been busy. Help children be more realistic in evaluating them-
selves.
Our mission is to enhance the connection between school, home, and community, and is an 4. Be spontaneous and affectionate.Your love
opportunity to enrich all of our lives. We welcome new families to the school, compile and dis-
will boost your child’s self-esteem. Give hugs and
tribute the school directory, and provide monthly opportunities for parents to come together
tell your kid(s) how proud you are of them.
to plan events, address relevant issues such as internet safety and high school transition,
Frequent and honest praise is essential in fostering
and socialize. We provide support, congratulations, and thanks to teachers during Teacher
Appreciation Week and throughout the year. We oversee the gift book program that brings an honest and clear self-image.
new reading material into the classrooms, support the outdoor classroom, and assist with 5. Create a safe and loving home environment.
grant writing. We oversee PTO enrichment weeks including the film festival, arranging for Kids who do not feel safe at home will suffer
speakers, and host a community service day where the students make treats for abandoned immensely from low self-esteem. A child who is
animals, gift bags for the homeless, and cards for our armed forces. We coordinate events exposed to repeated fighting and arguing can
for Spirit Week. become depressed and withdrawn.Watch for
As we said, we’ve been busy and as with every new venture, we’re still learning and have problems in school, trouble with peers, and any
endured. We have, however, persevered and endured. We’ve said it before (and we’ll say it other hints of personal difficulty. Deal with these
again): this is not your “mother’s PTO,” so please come find out what we’re about and get issues sensitively and swiftly, and always respect
involved. your child’s perceptions.

Have a wonderful summer. See you in September! Take care, Mr. Stonecipher

W H AT ’ S N EW ( S ) AT M CC PS — J U N E 2 0 0 9 5
MAGNA CH RTER
SOON-TO-BE HAPPEN I NGS

“Next year, MCCPS

will be 15 years old,
and we will have
plenty to celebrate.
Thank you for
being a part of
our community!
— Nina Cullen-Hamzeh

MAGNA CHARTER June 2009

What’s New(s) at MCCPS

“Our students Dear MCCPS Families and Friends,
enjoy a remark- We’re all aware that our country is struggling
able educational financially, and likely we all have a relative, friend,
or neighbor who has been hard hit by the economic
experience that downturn. Municipalities are scrambling to find the
routinely results funds to maintain services, and schools will not be
immune to the inevitable cuts. Just recently, as a
in high levels of result of the FY10 projected numbers from the
student achieve- state, Dr. Argenziano and I were directed by the
MCCPS Finance Committee to cut over $100,000
ment.” from next year’s budget (we’re hoping that the 2nd
— Nina Cullen-Hamzeh quarter funding will be better). The cuts hurt, but
we’re not discouraged.
Our students enjoy a remarkable educational
experience that routinely results in high levels of
student achievement. On the recent Satisfaction
Survey, our parents stated that they feel welcome,
valued, and respected. Our faculty continues to
devote themselves tirelessly to ever-improving the
program they offer to students. Our Board is com-
mitted to nurturing our community and growing
our school.
Sound optimistic? Absolutely! Through the gen-
erosity of the van Otterloo Family Foundation and
the Friends of the Marblehead Public Schools, we
will create a new outdoor learning experience for
7th & 8th graders. Spanish will be expanded into
6th grade. An overnight is in the works for 7th
grade, strings and choral programs are expected,
and our next musical is sure to wow everyone. Our
fund raising, grant writing, and friend building
efforts will be expanded, and with your help, we’ll
be better than ever.
Next year, MCCPS will be 15 years old, and we
will have plenty to celebrate. Thank you for being a
part of our community!
Sincerely,
Nina Cullen-Hamzeh
Academic Director