Patch Farmingdale, NY --

Saturday night at Palmer's American Grille in Farmingdale will have a feeling of a day at the beach. 

We could use it, given the weather, and it's all to raise money for the American Cancer Society. 

Joe Mulligan, who with fellow Town of Oyster Bay lifeguards Brendan Mims, Frank LaMagna, Chris Hamilton and Tom Durnin, are organizing the fundraiser and will be running in the New York City St. Patrick's Day Half Marathon to raise money.

"We've known each other for 25 years," Mulligan said. "We wanted to run the half marathon and we were looking for an organization to raise money."

The group settled on the American Cancer Society because of how they've been touched by the disease.

"Different family and friends have been affected by the disease," said Mulligan whose mother Linda is a cancer survivor.

They're also honoring several lifeguards, including Rudy Fiorvanti, who lost his life to the disease, according to Mulligan.

"Rudy was a longtime lifeguard at TOBAY," he said. "He was a great role model and mentor to all of us."

They're also dedicating the race to cancer survivors Erica Lambert and Cynthia Florio, both former lifeguards at the beach.

Local cancer survivors Travis Chula, Brian Gallagher, Julia Wilson and Robert Trotta, are also inspiring the run as are Lynn Longley, Patricia Wallace and Theresa Platania who lost their lives to the disease.

In addition to the half marathon whch goes from Central Park to the South Street Seaport on Mar. 17, the group plans a big bash for Saturday's event at Palmer's, which runs from 1 p.m.. to 4 p.m.

"We're hoping to have about 200 to 300 people, we'll have a 5/50 raffle, prizes and a live band," Mulligan said.

It costs $10 at the door and will feature a buffet, $4 domestic pints and $5 for imports. 

The group hopes to raise about $6,500 to $10,000 for the American Cancer society.

For more information or to make a donation, contact Brendan Mims at kaitai@aol.com or *516-650-9515.* Reported by Patch 3 days ago.

Patch Centreville, VA --

*By Whitney Spicer, Capital News Service*

Critics of the transportation funding compromise reached by legislative negotiators say the plan would place a huge burden on Virginia taxpayers.

The Virginia House of Delegates on Friday passed House Bill 2313, which would raise about $900 million a year for transportation and transit projects.

The 98-page compromise must win approval the Senate before it can be signed into law by the governor. The legislative session ends Saturday. 

The new plan, which was hammered out by a 10-member conference committee over the past week, would potentially raise close to $900 million a year in transportation revenue.  It could be the first transportation funding overhaul in Virginia since 1986 if it passes this week.

The compromise would:

· Raise the state’s sales tax from the current 5 percent to 5.3 percent.
· Add a 3.5 percent motor fuel tax at the wholesale level and a 6 percent diesel tax. 
· It would eliminate the state’s 17.5-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax.
· Create regional authorities in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads that could raise funds independently to spend on transportation.

The transportation agreement also includes an Internet sales tax that would generate revenue for the state of Virginia under the Marketplace Equity Act. According to the transportation conference report, 57 percent of Internet sales tax revenue, or $183 million a year, would go toward transportation.

A clause in the agreement provides a contingency if Congress fails to pass the Marketplace Equity Act by January 2015. In this case, the wholesale tax on gas would rise from the proposed 3.5 percent to 5.1 percent.

“It deals with the economic engines of our state,” said Delegate Vivian Watts, D-Fairfax. She said the plan would ease congestion in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.

*Eliminating or Reducing Gas Tax Central to Debate*

Gov. Bob McDonnell hopes to wean Virginia off the gas tax, which he says is a declining revenue source because of more efficient cars.

“When we launched our effort to fix transportation, we called for decreasing Virginia’s reliance on the steadily decreasing transportation revenue source of the gas tax,” the governor said. “The plan agreed to today achieves that goal.”

According to McDonnell, the new plan would reduce the amount that Virginians pay at the pump by an estimated 6 cents per gallon. He said this would add up to almost $272 million per year saved by motorists.

But Democratic Sen. Richard Saslaw of Fairfax said the transportation compromise would not accomplish that goal.

“They haven’t really eliminated the gas tax at all. They’re just collecting it in a different manner. No one should be fooled by that,” said Saslaw, the Senate minority leader.

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli was among the growing number of conservatives who spoke out against the compromise, saying it "contemplates a massive tax increase."

“In these tough economic times, I do not believe Virginia’s middle-class families can afford massive tax increases, and I cannot support legislation that would ask the taxpayers to shoulder an even heavier burden than they are already carrying, especially when the government proposes to do so little belt tightening in other areas of the budget.”

Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, claimed the transportation bill would raise taxes by $6.1 billion over the next five years.

Fairfax Sen. Chap Petersen wrote on his blog that the bill was "the very opposite of fair, equitable and uniform."

"Instead, it’s a grotesque combination of tax cuts, tax rebates, tax increases, new taxes, old taxes which are phased out (and then reappear elsewhere), regional alliances, regional funds, regional goals, statewide goals, special projects, and exceptions to all the above.  All boiled into one report which will be voted on with zero public comment," he wrote. 

He continued: 



There are some benefits, such that there is new money dedicated to transportation, which allegedly obtains $800M in new statewide revenue by the out years.  Most of this is accomplished by raising the titling tax on vehicles, raising the sales tax to 5.3%, and then “replacing” the retail gas tax with a wholesale gas tax (don’t ask — the rationale is too lame to be worth explaining).

On top of that, regional plans with the sales tax rider and hotel taxes will add significant new regional revenues, up to $350 million in northern Virginia, which will be controlled up here (and not by the CTB).  As always, these “regional” taxes are not a good precedent.  We are becoming two Virginias — with two different tax rates.  Inevitably one half will rely on the other.



Patch Editor Erica R. Hendry reported for this story.

*
* Reported by Patch 2 days ago.

Patch Clarendon-Courthouse-Rosslyn, VA --

*By Whitney Spicer, Capital News Service*

Critics of the transportation funding compromise reached by legislative negotiators say the plan would place a huge burden on Virginia taxpayers.

The Virginia House of Delegates Friday passed House Bill 2313, which would raise about $900 million a year for transportation and transit projects. In the House, several members urged approval of the bill.

The 98-page compromise must win approval the Senate before it can be signed into law by the governor. The legislative session ends Saturday. 

The new plan, which was hammered out by a 10-member conference committee over the past week, would potentially raise close to $900 million a year in transportation revenue.  It could be the first transportation funding overhaul in Virginia since 1986 if it passes this week.

The compromise would:

· Raise the state’s sales tax from the current 5 percent to 5.3 percent.
· Add a 3.5 percent motor fuel tax at the wholesale level and a 6 percent diesel tax. 
· It would eliminate the state’s 17.5-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax.
· Create regional authorities in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads that could raise funds independently to spend on transportation.

The transportation agreement also includes an Internet sales tax that would generate revenue for the state of Virginia under the Marketplace Equity Act. According to the transportation conference report, 57 percent of Internet sales tax revenue, or $183 million a year, would go toward transportation.

A clause in the agreement provides a contingency if Congress fails to pass the Marketplace Equity Act by January 2015. In this case, the wholesale tax on gas would rise from the proposed 3.5 percent to 5.1 percent.

“It deals with the economic engines of our state,” said Delegate Vivian Watts, D-Fairfax. She said the plan would ease congestion in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.

*Eliminating or Reducing Gas Tax Central to Debate*

McDonnell hopes to wean Virginia off the gas tax, which he says is a declining revenue source because of more efficient cars.

“When we launched our effort to fix transportation, we called for decreasing Virginia’s reliance on the steadily decreasing transportation revenue source of the gas tax,” the governor said. “The plan agreed to today achieves that goal.”

According to McDonnell, the new plan would reduce the amount that Virginians pay at the pump by an estimated 6 cents per gallon. He said this would add up to almost $272 million per year saved by motorists.

But Democratic Sen. Richard Saslaw of Fairfax said the transportation compromise would not accomplish that goal.

“They haven’t really eliminated the gas tax at all. They’re just collecting it in a different manner. No one should be fooled by that,” said Saslaw, the Senate minority leader.

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli was among the growing number of conservatives who spoke out against the compromise, saying it "contemplates a massive tax increase."

“In these tough economic times, I do not believe Virginia’s middle-class families can afford massive tax increases, and I cannot support legislation that would ask the taxpayers to shoulder an even heavier burden than they are already carrying, especially when the government proposes to do so little belt tightening in other areas of the budget.”

Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, claimed the transportation bill would raise taxes by $6.1 billion over the next five years.

Fairfax Sen. Chap Petersen wrote on his blog that the bill was "the very opposite of fair, equitable and uniform."

"Instead, it’s a grotesque combination of tax cuts, tax rebates, tax increases, new taxes, old taxes which are phased out (and then reappear elsewhere), regional alliances, regional funds, regional goals, statewide goals, special projects, and exceptions to all the above.  All boiled into one report which will be voted on with zero public comment," he wrote. 

He continued: 



There are some benefits, such that there is new money dedicated to transportation, which allegedly obtains $800M in new statewide revenue by the out years.  Most of this is accomplished by raising the titling tax on vehicles, raising the sales tax to 5.3%, and then “replacing” the retail gas tax with a wholesale gas tax (don’t ask — the rationale is too lame to be worth explaining).

On top of that, regional plans with the sales tax rider and hotel taxes will add significant new regional revenues, up to $350 million in northern Virginia, which will be controlled up here (and not by the CTB).  As always, these “regional” taxes are not a good precedent.  We are becoming two Virginias — with two different tax rates.  Inevitably one half will rely on the other.



Patch Editor Erica R. Hendry reported for this story.

*See Also: *

*Governor’s Transportation Plan Hits Roadblock* Reported by Patch 2 days ago.

Patch Ashburn, VA --

*By Whitney Spicer*
*Capital News Service*

Critics of the transportation funding compromise reached by legislative negotiators say the plan would place a huge burden on Virginia taxpayers.

The Virginia House of Delegates Friday passed House Bill 2313, which would raise about $900 million a year for transportation and transit projects.

The 98-page compromise must win approval the Senate before it can be signed into law by the governor. The legislative session ends Saturday. 

The new plan, which was hammered out by a 10-member conference committee over the past week, would potentially raise close to $900 million a year in transportation revenue.  It could be the first transportation funding overhaul in Virginia since 1986 if it passes this week.

The compromise would:

· Raise the state’s sales tax from the current 5 percent to 5.3 percent.
· Add a 3.5 percent motor fuel tax at the wholesale level and a 6 percent diesel tax. 
· It would eliminate the state’s 17.5-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax.
· Create regional authorities in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads that could raise funds independently to spend on transportation.

The transportation agreement also includes an Internet sales tax that would generate revenue for the state of Virginia under the Marketplace Equity Act. According to the transportation conference report, 57 percent of Internet sales tax revenue, or $183 million a year, would go toward transportation.

A clause in the agreement provides a contingency if Congress fails to pass the Marketplace Equity Act by January 2015. In this case, the wholesale tax on gas would rise from the proposed 3.5 percent to 5.1 percent.

“It deals with the economic engines of our state,” said Delegate Vivian Watts, D-Fairfax. She said the plan would ease congestion in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.

*Eliminating or Reducing Gas Tax Central to Debate*

McDonnell hopes to wean Virginia off the gas tax, which he says is a declining revenue source because of more efficient cars.

“When we launched our effort to fix transportation, we called for decreasing Virginia’s reliance on the steadily decreasing transportation revenue source of the gas tax,” the governor said. “The plan agreed to today achieves that goal.”

According to McDonnell, the new plan would reduce the amount that Virginians pay at the pump by an estimated 6 cents per gallon. He said this would add up to almost $272 million per year saved by motorists.

But Democratic Sen. Richard Saslaw of Fairfax said the transportation compromise would not accomplish that goal.

“They haven’t really eliminated the gas tax at all. They’re just collecting it in a different manner. No one should be fooled by that,” said Saslaw, the Senate Democratic leader.

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli was among the growing number of conservatives who spoke out against the compromise, saying it "contemplates a massive tax increase."

“In these tough economic times, I do not believe Virginia’s middle-class families can afford massive tax increases, and I cannot support legislation that would ask the taxpayers to shoulder an even heavier burden than they are already carrying, especially when the government proposes to do so little belt tightening in other areas of the budget.”

Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, claimed the transportation bill would raise taxes by $6.1 billion over the next five years.

Members of Loudoun's General Assembly delegation were not in agreement about the bill.

Del. Thomas A. "Tag" Greason (R-32) wrote on his Facebook page: "Today's transportation vote in Richmond will effect every citizen in the Commonwealth...and if the Vote is successful, we will solidify Virginia as the best place to run a business and raise a family in the country."

Del. David Ramadan (R-87), on the other hand, wrote: "Very disappointed with 60-40 vote to pass the 'Compromise' Transportation Plan. Residents of the #HOD87 will now be double taxed."

Patch editors Erica R. Hendry and Dusty Smith reported for this story.

*See also:*

*House, Senate Reach Transportation Compromise*

*McDonnell Calls on Senate to Pass Roads Funding*

*Governor’s Transportation Plan Hits Roadblock*

*McDonnell's Transportation Bill Moves Forward
*

*McDonnell Plan Cuts Gas Tax, Raises Sales Tax*

*Speak Out: Will McDonnell's Tax Plan Help Virginia?* Reported by Patch 2 days ago.

Economist Erica L. Groshen, a Great Neck resident and former New York Federal Reserve Bank vice president, has assumed the helm of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the federal agency best known for its monthly employment report and consumer price surveys. It is part of the U.S. Department of Labor. Reported by Newsday 9 hours ago.

Patch Westhampton-Hampton Bays, NY --

*1. Water Safety Tip of the Week: Know Infant & Child CPR*

The Long Island Drowning Prevention Task Force said that parents, caregivers, grandparents or anyone watching children should know Infant & Child/Adult CPR.

*2. We Must Compromise to Prevent Harmful Budget Cuts*

Congressman Tim Bishop wrote that across-the-board budget cuts known as "sequestration" would hurt our economic recovery and middle class families.

*3. The East End, What is the Sequester, and What Will Happen Here?*

T.J. Clemente asks after four years of cuts, is there more that can be cut?

*4. An $85 Massage in the Hamptons? Start Here*

Southampton Hospital said whether you’re hoping to burn calories, to relax and rejuvenate, or to maximize your health, The Ed & Phyllis Davis Wellness Institute has something for everyone.

*5. Suffolk County Library Association Donates to Help Fire Victims*

**The Suffolk Cooperative Library System reported that it donated books and goods to help the victims of the February 8 fire in Huntington.

If you are interesting in starting a blog on Patch, e-mail Editor Erica Jackson at Erica.Jackson@Patch.com.

--------------------

*Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone every day with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.*

-------------------- Reported by Patch 10 hours ago.

Patch Westfield, NJ --

The following is Westfield Schools Superintendent Margaret Dolan's synopsis of the Westfield Board of Education meeting held Tuesday, Feb. 19 taken from the district's website: 

*2013-2014 PRELIMINARY BUDGET

*Business Administrator Dana Sullivan presented the 2013-2014 Preliminary Budget that was created with the following priorities:

· Class size
· Cost Effective Planning
· Enrollment Needs
· Literacy Initiative
· Security & Safety
· Special Education
· STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Programs
· Technology Initiative

The budget is preliminary since we have not yet received information on state aid, which is expected on February 28.  State aid has dropped dramatically since 25 years ago when it represented 11% of our budget. In 2012-2013 state aid was 3.89% of our total budget. This year there is new state software for budget purposes, of which we have received only a portion.  For planning purposes, districts have been told to assume that state aid will remain at the same level.  With state aid as an estimate (assuming the same amount as last year), the $96,402,166 preliminary budget includes:

· A total operating budget of $92,022,250 (a reduction from 2012-13, due to purchase orders for goods/services not yet received and additional fund balance and maintenance reserve this year for security and maintenance.)
· Local tax of $86,360,678, which represents a 2% increase in the tax levy – less than what the State allows.  In 2002 the local tax levy approached 9% and has been declining ever since.
· 80% allocated toward salaries and benefits, since education is labor intensive with the majority of the budget directed into the classroom
· Staffing changes based on enrollment and curriculum, which include:

· Intermediate Schools – Additional 4.4 teachers, 1 Resource Room teacher, 0.4 custodian
· Westfield High School – 0.2 additional Mandarin teacher
· Special Education – 1 self contained classroom teacher at Roosevelt, 1 self contained classroom teacher at Wilson, and 2 paraprofessionals (cost offset by decrease in out-of-district placements)

· First Grade – Reduction of 2 first grade teachers due to enrollment
· Westfield Cost Per Pupil, $11,666, is less than the state average of $13,290, and less than comparable school districts

There will be three more public meetings on the budget – March 5, 19 and 21.  The Public Hearing, at which time the Board is expected to adopt a final budget, is scheduled for March 21. 

*ASSESSING STUDENT GROWTH IN FINE ARTS*

Dr. Linda King, Supervisor of Visual & Performing Arts, gave a presentation entitled: Measuring Student Growth in Westfield’s Visual and Performing Arts (Curriculum Mapping, Benchmarks and Assessments). This included a detailed explanation of the on-going department initiative to apply curricular concepts and consistently monitor student growth. This is being done in accordance with the theories of Kim Marshall, whose teacher evaluation model was recently adopted by the district and is currently being piloted by Dr. King.

All visual and performing arts staff members formed professional learning communities in August according to their specific grade and subject specialization. These groups have met regularly to map their curricula with pacing guides, essential questions, benchmark standards, and lessons. Dr. King provided examples of some of these documents as part of her presentation. Much of the work in this area includes the development of assessment tools to prove student growth. Samples of paper tests and quizzes where shown, along with rubrics and centralized grading standards. Perhaps the most innovative of these tools, however, are those that employ technology. Dr. King shared several video clips of students using programs on computers, Smart Boards, and iPads. This included Smart Music, a program that “listens” to students playing instruments and scores note accuracy; Zondle, a quiz and game app that allows teachers to create questions and provides instant results; and Brainpop, a website that has numerous classroom applications for student interaction. Dr. King closed her presentation by explaining that her staff will continue to focus on curriculum mapping, benchmarks and assessments this year in order to best serve the students of Westfield while also providing experiences representing excellence in the arts.

*RECOGNIZING STUDENT MUSIC AWARDS*

Board President, Richard Mattessich congratulated Westfield High School students accepted to the 2013 Central Jersey Music Educators Association (CJMEA) Region II Ensembles: Clayton Beyert - Wind Ensemble; Jonathan Clancy and  Alex DiFabio, Symphonic Band; and Francis Wong, Orchestra. These students auditioned among hundreds of other students from throughout the Central New Jersey Region.  The Region II Orchestra performed on Sunday January 6 at Montgomery HS in Skillman, NJ. On Sunday, January 13, the wind/percussion students performed with their respective ensemble at Montgomery High School. On Saturday, January 19, these students auditioned for the New Jersey All-State Ensembles with hopes of joining the best musicians in the state at the New Jersey Music Educators Association Conference.

Mr. Mattessich also congratulated the following WHS students for being accepted into the 2013 Region II Chorus among 600 students who auditioned: Anna Bloomfield, Isabella Gelfand, Aidan Hughes, Hasitha Kakileti, Maddie Kevelson, Katherine Ko, Megan Pinna, and Melanie Snyder.The students performed on January 27th at the Monroe middle school.* 
*

The following students were recognized for being chosen in the very select All Eastern Choir: Liz Griesmer, Allie Hecht, Michael Kirkland, Matthew Lynn, and Jack Mustard. They will perform at the National Association for Music Education Conference in April. Cindy Xiao, violinist, will represent WHS and NJ in the All Eastern Orchestra.

John Brzozowski is the WHS choral teacher, Chris Vitale instructs the band students, and Raymond Wojcik teaches the students in the orchestra.

* PERSONNEL

*The Board accepted with regret the retirements of the following : Mary Beth Mansfield – Edison Intermediate School Nurse, who has served the children of Westfield for 25 years; Anthony Tomasso – Special Services – Learning Disabled Teacher, who has taught in Westfield for 37 years; Jacquelyn Stotler – Franklin School – 3^rd Grade Teacher, who has 18 years of teaching in Westfield; Robert Pasternak – WHS – Social Studies, who has taught in Westfield for 12 years; and William Gelber – Franklin School – Speech Language Specialist, who has provided service to Westfield students for 34 years.

*POLICIES*

The Board approved for second reading the following policies: 2240 – Controversial Issues; 5308 – Pupil Health Records; 5331 – Management of Life-Threatening Allergies in Schools; 6111- Special Education Medicaid Initiative (Semi) Program; 6510 – Payroll Authorization; 6830 – Audit and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report; 7422 – School Integrated Pest Management Plan; 2415.04 – Title I – District-wide Parental Involvement; 5111 – Eligibility of Resident/Nonresident Pupils; 5465 – Early Graduation; and 8464 – Missing Children.

The Board affirmed my decision on a HIB investigation.

*CURRICULUM

*The Board approved the following curriculum:  French 6, 7, & 8, and French I, II, and II Honors.  Copies are available in the Office of Instruction.



*FINANCE*

The Board accepted, with gratitude, the following gifts:

· From the Westfield Theatre Guild:  $3,600 to the Westfield Board of Education to be used toward Westfield Drama Department productions.
· From the Westfield Coalition for the Arts:  $700 for master classes to Westfield High School for demonstrating the use of a potter’s wheel; $1000 to be used for the new Westfield High School Winter Guard program; and $500 to be used for two guest clinicians to work with the Wind and Jazz ensembles, as they prepare for local festivals.

*AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

*Committee Chair Mitch Slater reported that the committee will meet on Friday to discuss website improvements, among other topics.  Mr. Slater, Ginny Leiz and Rosanne Kurstedt attended the recent TECHSPO conference to learn about new technology for schools.  Mr. Slater also presented at the conference on the topic of social media.  Paul Pineiro, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction; Brian Auker, Chief Technology Officer; and Arvin Vidal, Network Supervisor, were also in attendance.

*LIAISON REPORTS*

Ginny Leiz attended the Recreation Commission meeting which included discussion of improvements to Jefferson School’s field and the possibility of upgrading Tamaques Park tennis courts. 

At the Union County Educational Services Commission, Mrs. Leiz learned that there may be County students available for free technical support work in the summer. 

Rosanne Kurstedt attended both the Franklin and Roosevelt PTSO meetings, where fundraising and Board of Education topics were discussed. 

Gretchan Ohlig attended the Library Board meeting.  The Library had provided space for students to study for mid-terms.  She also was present at the PTC/PTO Presidents meeting, where the district budget was discussed and representatives from the Recreation Commission reviewed communication procedures with the schools. 

Lucy Biegler attended the PTO meeting at Tamaques, where teachers presented helpful information to parents on the literacy initiative.

*ANNOUNCEMENTS*

*PARENTING PROGRAMS

*

· The Counseling Departments at Edison and Roosevelt Intermediate Schools will be hosting the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s 15 Minute Child Breakprogram on Thursday, February 21, at 7pm at Edison School’s auditorium from 7 to 8 PM. The 15 Minute Child Break is a ONE HOUR multi-media presentation that will include the importance of the parent or caregiver’s role on substance abuse prevention; as well as how to talk to children about drugs, signs of use and abuse to look for, current terminology, and trends of use.  This presentation is an opportunity for all parents and caregivers in ALL schools to come out and find out the role they play and the power they have in preventing their children from abusing drugs and alcohol. 

· The WHS PTSO invites all Westfield parents to participate in a community event onWednesday, February 27, at 7:30 pm in the Westfield High School Cafeteria B*.  *The event is being held to make parents aware of the responsibilities, potential consequences and liabilities when knowingly or unknowingly hosting parties with alcohol or drugs on their property. Panelists will include: Westfield High School Principal Peter Renwick, Athletic Director Sandy Mamary, Coordinator of Counseling K-12 Maureen Mazzarese, and Prosecutor Tony Prieto.  Information will also be available from the WHS-PTSO.

*STEM ACTIVITIES FOR NATIONAL ENGINEERS’ WEEK*

All next week, our secondary schools will be engaged in activities designed to raise awareness about integrating the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Edison and Roosevelt Schools have prepared design challenges for students which culminate on February 28 with labs that will determine the effectiveness of their designs. At Westfield High School, Math and Science teachers have over two dozen activities planned. In addition to the activities, students will also enjoy guest speakers from a wide range of STEM fields including: neuroscience, genetic engineering, cryogenics and Chemistry. All the elementary schools have STEM activities planned in the coming weeks.

*SCHOOL SECURITY*

On Saturday, February 16, the Emergency Services Unit of the Westfield Police Department and administrators from our School District participated in an Active shooter drill at Westfield High School. The goal was to help school staff understand what to expect when law enforcement responds to a threatening situation at a school.   Following an informative presentation, the staff in attendance participated in building exercises. This information will be shared with all administrators.  We very much appreciate the continued cooperation of our local enforcement officers in our mutual goal of providing safety in our schools.* *

*KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION*

Lincoln School will hold an additional registration date on Thursday, February 28, from 1 – 3 PM for children who will become eligible for kindergarten in the 2013-2014 school year.  This applies to all children who are residents of Westfield reaching the age of 5 on or before October 1, 2013. Please call for an appointment at 908-789-4455. Information regarding documents that are required at registration is available at www.westfieldnjk12.org/lincoln. 

*INTERMEDIATE – FINE ARTS*

Congratulations to the following Intermediate students, who were accepted into the Central Jersey Music Educators Association Region II Ensembles. At Roosevelt Intermediate School, Erica Lawrence will participate in the Concert Band and Jack Butera, will be in the Percussion Ensemble.  At Edison Intermediate School, Alistair Kapadia, Dale Beyert, Sofia Gonzalez-Nolde, and Arthur Xiao have been selected to the Concert Band.

Congratulations to these Intermediate students for making the Central Jersey Music Educators Association Region II Orchestra: At Roosevelt, Charlotte Perez, Mira Yang, and Jane Krause; and at Edison, Amy Liang and Soo Min Chung.

Selected to the Region II Chorus for intermediate schools were Edison 8th grader Lucy Hale and RIS 7^th grader Leah Andrews. 

*INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS*

· On January 17th the Science Olympiad Team from Roosevelt Intermediate School competed at the regional competition at New Jersey Institute of Technology.  Roosevelt’s team placed 4th overall,  and the following students took home medals in the following events:

Justin Elbert and Christopher Hoerrner - 5th place Biology Blitz;

Esther Nam and Nick Walker - 5th Place Anatomy;

Jack Mieselman and Tommy Riley - 6th Place Disease Detectives;

Victoria Napolitano and Juliana Yang - 5th Place Dynamic Planet;

Angus Applegarth and Aaron Coleman - 4th Place Mission Possible;

Avery Wenta and Aaron Coleman - 5th Place Shock Value; and

Victoria Napolitano and Shannon Pyle - 6th Place Write it, Do it.

Congratulations to all of these students and their teacher, Jeffrey Robbins, as they progress to the state competition at Middlesex County College on Tuesday March 12th. 

 

· Edison and Roosevelt Intermediate Schools participated in the national movement of No Name Calling Week, designated for January 21 – 25 this year.  Throughout the schools, students found innovative ways to become involved, working with counselors and the entire student body on the impact of verbal bullying and strategies for coping with and putting an end to name calling.
· Eighth graders at Roosevelt Intermediate School in Westfield and Cedarbrook School in Plainfield wrapped up this year’s Plainfield Westfield Exchange Program on February 1.  Meeting in Roosevelt’s cafeteria, the students shared their opinions of the Steinbeck novel Of Mice and Men and one of its major themes: The struggle to achieve the American Dream.  The students from each school studied the novel for four weeks, which included two visits between schools to share ideas.  Roosevelt also established an online wiki for students from both schools to communicate between meetings. In addition to examining the connections between the novel and the world, the students were asked to reflect on what they learned from each other and each community during the exchange program.  Following the discussion period, the Plainfield 8^th graders remained for lunch and attended afternoon classes with their Westfield counterparts. Roosevelt Principal Stewart Cary noted the success of the program and the importance of our students learning at an early age the need to work together and understand varying points of view.

*ELEMENTARY*

· Fifth grade teacher Betsy Freeman has reported exciting STEM-related news at Franklin Elementary School. Three of her fifth grade students were recognized in the ePals-Smithsonian Invent-it Challenge. Hundreds of K-12 students from around the globe participated; their challenge was to find a real-world problem and come up with an invention to solve it. Dustin Paden was named Winner in the 9-11 age group for his Drip Gripper invention that recycles water.  Dustin will receive a scholarship to a one-week invention camp, some high-end LEGOs, and Smithsonian and ePals merchandise. Rachel Saxon received the Helping the Planet Award for her invention to help rescuers clean marine animals disabled during an oil spill. Matt Rock received the Helping People Award for conceiving his Shielded Wire invention that would reduce the number of downed wires and subsequent blackouts during storms.  Congratulations to these young inventors!
· The spelling bee final sponsored by the Junior Woman’s Club of Westfield was won by Mira Mehta, a fourth-grader at Wilson Elementary School. More than 100 students participated. Taking second place at the competition held January 28 at Westfield High School was Abbey Zidel, a Jefferson School fifth-grader, while third place was earned by Jake White, who is in fifth grade at Washington School. The runner-up, coming in fourth, was Maxwell Switlyk, a fifth-grader at Franklin School.
· Franklin Elementary School Nurse, Robin Ince, has been selected as a 2013 Woman of Excellence in the field of Health Education in Union County.  The award recognizes and honors annually women who reside and/or work in Union County and have distinguished themselves by making major contributions in their field. Robin began her career here in 2000 as a substitute nurse and since 2001 has been a School Nurse/Health Educator at Franklin School. She is a strong advocate in anti-smoking campaigns in the schools, with her students receiving awards at the state and national level for annual Tar Wars Poster contests.  We congratulate Mrs. Ince.

*SANDY RELIEF*

· Efforts continue by our faculty and students who are aiding those affected by Hurricane Sandy. In Monica Gundrum’s second grade class at Tamaques School, students raised $545 in the Give a Hand, Wear a Band bracelet sale for the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund. 

· The WHS Community Service Club served dinner to approximately 150 individuals at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Bay Head on Jan. 25 and again on Feb. 15. They also sat with children and adults and talked with them at length as dinner was served. According to WHS Community Service Club Advisor, “Our students were incredible.”  The service club also is going to deliver meals and toiletries to homeless individuals and other families in need in Newark on Feb. 23 and March 16 through our work with Bridges Outreach.

*ATHLETICS* 

· On Jan 27, the Boys and Girls Swim Teams both earned the Union County Championships. Senior Ellie Reinhardt, Juniors Sarah Cronin and Caroline Baldwin and Freshman Gwyn Devin broke the County and Westfield High School records for the 200 yard freestyle relay. On February 19, both the Girls and Boys Swim Teams competed for the State Semi Final and won!  They will swim for the State title on Saturday on The College of New Jersey.

· Peter Fagin tied the Group 4 State Indoor Track Meet Record with a 15 foot pole vault height to win the State Title on Saturday, February 16.  This is also a school indoor record.

· Last week, four Westfield High School student/athletes signed letters of intent to perspective colleges and universities.  They include: Meghan Reilly - Javelin, Lehigh University; Jake Heroux -Boys Soccer, Loyola; Shane Kronick - Boys Soccer, Penn State; and Henry Smith - Boys Soccer, Gettysburg.

*NEXT BOARD OF EDUCATION* *MEETING* will be held Tuesday, March 5, at 7:30 PM at 302 Elm Street.  We will continue our discussion of the 2013-2014 school district budget.

 

Margaret Dolan, Ed.D. Reported by Patch 3 days ago.

Patch Annandale, VA --

*By Whitney Spicer, Capital News Service*

Critics of the transportation funding compromise reached by legislative negotiators say Friday the plan would place a huge burden on Virginia taxpayers.

The Virginia House of Delegates Friday passed House Bill 2313, which would raise about $900 million a year for transportation and transit projects. In the House, several members urged approval of the bill.

The 98-page compromise must win approval the Senate before it can be signed into law by the governor. The legislative session ends Saturday. 

The new plan, which was hammered out by a 10-member conference committee over the past week, would potentially raise close to $900 million a year in transportation revenue.  It could be the first transportation funding overhaul in Virginia since 1986 if it passes this week.

The compromise would:

· Raise the state’s sales tax from the current 5 percent to 5.3 percent.
· Add a 3.5 percent motor fuel tax at the wholesale level and a 6 percent diesel tax. 
· It would eliminate the state’s 17.5-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax.
· Create regional authorities in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads that could raise funds independently to spend on transportation.

The transportation agreement also includes an Internet sales tax that would generate revenue for the state of Virginia under the Marketplace Equity Act. According to the transportation conference report, 57 percent of Internet sales tax revenue, or $183 million a year, would go toward transportation.

A clause in the agreement provides a contingency if Congress fails to pass the Marketplace Equity Act by January 2015. In this case, the wholesale tax on gas would rise from the proposed 3.5 percent to 5.1 percent.

“It deals with the economic engines of our state,” said Delegate Vivian Watts, D-Fairfax. She said the plan would ease congestion in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.

*Eliminating or Reducing Gas Tax Central to Debate*

Gov. Bob McDonnell hopes to wean Virginia off the gas tax, which he says is a declining revenue source because of more efficient cars.

“When we launched our effort to fix transportation, we called for decreasing Virginia’s reliance on the steadily decreasing transportation revenue source of the gas tax,” the governor said. “The plan agreed to today achieves that goal.”

According to McDonnell, the new plan would reduce the amount that Virginians pay at the pump by an estimated 6 cents per gallon. He said this would add up to almost $272 million per year saved by motorists.

But Democratic Sen. Richard Saslaw of Fairfax said the transportation compromise would not accomplish that goal.

“They haven’t really eliminated the gas tax at all. They’re just collecting it in a different manner. No one should be fooled by that,” said Saslaw, the Senate Democratic leader.

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli was among the growing number of conservatives who spoke out against the compromise, saying it "contemplates a massive tax increase."

“In these tough economic times, I do not believe Virginia’s middle-class families can afford massive tax increases, and I cannot support legislation that would ask the taxpayers to shoulder an even heavier burden than they are already carrying, especially when the government proposes to do so little belt tightening in other areas of the budget.”

Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, claimed the transportation bill would raise taxes by $6.1 billion over the next five years.

Fairfax Sen. Chap Petersen wrote on his blog that the bill was "the very opposite of fair, equitable and uniform."

"Instead, it’s a grotesque combination of tax cuts, tax rebates, tax increases, new taxes, old taxes which are phased out (and then reappear elsewhere), regional alliances, regional funds, regional goals, statewide goals, special projects, and exceptions to all the above.  All boiled into one report which will be voted on with zero public comment," he wrote. 

He continued: 



There are some benefits, such that there is new money dedicated to transportation, which allegedly obtains $800M in new statewide revenue by the out years.  Most of this is accomplished by raising the titling tax on vehicles, raising the sales tax to 5.3%, and then “replacing” the retail gas tax with a wholesale gas tax (don’t ask — the rationale is too lame to be worth explaining).

On top of that, regional plans with the sales tax rider and hotel taxes will add significant new regional revenues, up to $350 million in northern Virginia, which will be controlled up here (and not by the CTB).  As always, these “regional” taxes are not a good precedent.  We are becoming two Virginias — with two different tax rates.  Inevitably one half will rely on the other.



Patch Editor Erica R. Hendry reported for this story.

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*

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* Reported by Patch 3 days ago.

Patch Meriden, CT --

 

*Saturday, Feb. 16*

Rashsean Jackson, 25, of 228-1 Kensington Ave.; possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance over 4 oz., operating a drug factory, possession of a hallucinogenic, possession of a hallucinogenic with intent to sell, risk of injury to a minor, conspiracy (2 counts), criminal possession of a firearm (2 counts), criminal possession of a defense weapon, theft of firearm (2 counts), larceny

Erica Sutton, 27, of 228-1 Kensington Ave.; possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance over 4 oz., risk of injury to a minor

Gilberto Mojica, 32, of 13 Hamilton Court, Stamford; possession of a hallucinogenic with intent to sell, possession of a hallucinogenic

James Sutton, 29, of 118 Hall Ave.; possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell

Megan McLoughlin, 30, of 9 Twiss Street; unregistered motor vehicle

Steven Dunbar, 22, of 20 Oakland Drive, Waterbury; possession of marijuana

Leo Mumais, 53, of 57 Prospect Street; disorderly conduct

Erica Valentine, 19, of 35 Wilson Ave.; failure to avoid pedestrian, evading reponsibility

Wadell Broadhurst, 51, of 1185 Carroll Street, Brooklyn, New York; operating without a license

Erica Espada, 38, of 59 Prescott Street; evading operating without a license, following too closely

Reinaldo J. Hildago, 24, of 50 Union Street; burglary, larceny, conspiracy to commit burglary

Robert Joseph Day, 24, of 292 Britannia Streer; burglary, larceny, conspiracy to commit burglary, larceny

Thomas C. Rodriguez, 26, of 110 Sherman Ave.; violation of protective order

Bryan Sheehan, of 160 Summer Street; operating unregistered motor vehicle

Michael Higgins, of 37 Terrace Gardens; driving under the influence

Silvio Zafra, of 493 Madison Ave., Roselle Park, New Jersey; promoting prostitution, weapons in a motor vehicle

Aristides Montalvo, 24, of 167 Hobart Street; violation of a protectiver order, violation of a restraining order, disorderly conduct

Maurice L. Vereen, 28, of 100 Round Hill Road; failure to appear, possession with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, carrying a dangerous weapon

Mathew D. Johnson, 25, of unknown address, Meriden; criminal trespass, disorderly conduct Reported by Patch 20 hours ago.

Patch Westhampton-Hampton Bays, NY --

For those seeking work in the area - or those who are looking for a new job, or even a second job - check out the list of local job openings below. Also, the New York Department of Labor offers tips and links on its website.

Do you have an opening at your business you are trying to fill? Let us know. Email editor Erica Jackson at Erica.Jackson@Patch.com.

*Established Spa, Hampton Bays*

· *Title: *Massage Therapist
· *Duties/qualifications: *Part-time, must have license
· *Apply here*

*Substance Abuse Facility, Hampton Bays*

· *Title: *Per-Diem Nurse
· *Duties/qualifications: *Must be flexible and have an upbeat attitude
· *Apply here*

*Pre-School Summer Camp, Westhampton Beach*

· *Title: *Teacher's Assistant
· *Duties/qualifications: *Education major preferred
· *Apply here*

*Newsday, East End*

· *Title: *Delivery
· *Duties/qualifications: *Must work 7 days, early a.m.
· *Apply here*

*Pool Company, Westhampton*

· *Title: *Pool worker
· *Duties/qualifications: *No experience necessary, but must have truck
· *Apply here*

*High End Cabinetry, Speonk*

· *Title: Mill Work Draftsperson*
· *Duties/qualifications: Must be experienced, proficient in AutoCad*
· *Apply here*

--------------------

*Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone every day with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.*

-------------------- Reported by Patch 10 hours ago.

Patch Riverhead, NY --

For those seeking work in the area - or those who are looking for a new job, or even a second job - check out the list of local job openings below. Also, the New York Department of Labor offers tips and links on its website.

Do you have an opening at your business you are trying to fill? Let us know. Email Erica Jackson at Erica.Jackson@Patch.com.

*Sewing Store, Riverhead*

· *Title: *Tailor
· *Duties/qualifications: *Full-time for all aspects of sewing including repairs, alterations, adjustments, mending, creating.
· *Apply here*

*Salon, Riverhead*

· *Title: *Hairstyler
· *Duties/qualifications: *Following not necessary, busy walk-in, unisex salon.
· *Apply here*

*Lemon Tree, Riverhead *

· *Title: *Hairdresser
· *Duties/qualifications: *Experience and license a must
· *Apply here*

*Newsday, East End*

· *Title: *Delivery
· *Duties/qualifications: *Must work 7 days, early a.m.
· *Apply here*

*Outlets, Riverhead*

· *Title: *Store manager
· *Duties/qualifications: *Full-time, manage the sales, operational and personnel functions of the store to ensure maximum profitability and compliance with company procedures.
· *Apply here*

*Public Golf Course/Riverhead*

· *Title: *Female bartender
· *Duties/qualifications: *Lunch and outing shifts only, must be friendly
· *Apply here*

*Dentist Office/Riverhead*

· *Title: *Dental Assistant
· *Duties/qualifications: *Must have three years experience, hours are flexible
· *Apply here*

*Furniture Store/Jamesport*

· *Title: *Furniture upholsterer
· *Duties/qualifications: *Must experience, own tools and work 3 to 4 days a week.
· *Apply here* Reported by Patch 14 hours ago.

Patch North Fork, NY --

For those seeking work in the area - or those who are looking for a new job, or even a second job - check out the list of local job openings below. Also, the New York Department of Labor offers tips and links on its website.

Do you have an opening at your business you are trying to fill? Let us know. Email Erica Jackson at Erica.Jackson@Patch.com.

*Event Marketing Firm, Southold*

· *Title: *Intern
· *Duties/qualifications: *Part-time, college credits available, be bright and organized
· *Apply here*

*Health Services, Orient*

· *Title: *Companion/aid
· *Duties/qualifications: *Must have experience working with elderly.
· *Apply here*

*Gourmet Market, Greenport*

· *Title: *Manager, staff
· *Duties/qualifications: *Experienced, full-time, part-time available.
· *Apply here*

*Newsday, East End*

· *Title: *Delivery
· *Duties/qualifications: *Must work 7 days, early a.m.
· *Apply here*

*Winery, Mattituck*

· *Title: *Tasting room sales person
· *Duties/qualifications: *Full-time, must be professional
· *Apply here*

*Furniture Store/Jamesport*

· *Title: *Furniture upholsterer
· *Duties/qualifications: *Must experience, own tools and work 3 to 4 days a week.
· *Apply here* Reported by Patch 7 hours ago.

Now that it's February, we think it's pretty safe to assume you've given up on most of your New Years resolutions. Sure, you did pretty well for the first couple of weeks, but there just aren't enough hours in the day to do everything on your list. Starting your own business is exhilarating, but the one thing we always wish we had is more time. When you're spending hours on end in front of your computer and running from press opportunities to investor meetings, there's hardly room on your plate for anything outside of work. But a new year means taking a new approach, and now that we're a month into this one, it's time to refocus and recommit to those resolutions.

The key to staying healthy this year is finding balance in your life. The startup life is a busy one, and it's important to find at least a little personal time to keep you sane. Try to carve out just 30 minutes first thing in the morning or during lunch to get some exercise. See if there's a CrossFit or SoulCycle near you and head over for a short but effective workout; it will provide those must-needed endorphins to boost your mood and help you blow off some steam during a stressful workday. Better eating habits are also a key factor in staying healthy. We know it's just so easy to get delivery from that Thai place around the corner, but try packing a lunch a few days a week. Preparing your own food will help you survive on a startup budget. No time to wash and cut those veggies? We are obsessed with the vitamin-enriched juices from Blue Print Cleanse.

Another important resolution to hold on to -- strategize your savings. It can be tough to look the part while balancing your checkbook. As founders of a fashion-technology company, we do our best to stay on trend. Instead of spending all of your money on designer attire, try mixing your wardrobe with highs and lows. Check out Forever 21 or Zara for more affordable pieces that will keep your look current, and only splurge on those timeless pieces that will provide you with endless wear. Our team of sale gurus know exactly when and where we can get the best bang for our buck (perks of the job!) and with Hukkster, you too can track your favorite products and get notified when they go on sale, so you're shopping smart all year round.

Time flies, but commit to keeping yourself and your team motivated this year by taking the initiatives to set milestones and reflect on your accomplishments. It's easy to set those far reaching goals, but remember, every win is worth celebrating (even the small ones). It's about the journey, not the destination so take some time to enjoy the scenery especially when you're tackling new challenges or embarking on a new career. Plan a nice dinner with your team or treat yourself to a manicure to remind yourself and your colleagues that your hard work is paying off. Also keep a journal highlighting these accomplishments -- it's always fun to reflect on your year's highlights and know that those long hours at the office or time spent learning a new skill weren't all for nothing. Acknowledging your successes will inspire you to stay positive and remain focused on the path ahead.

We know you're busy, but that's no excuse for throwing in the towel on your New Year's Resolutions! Making these little changes will make a huge difference in how you feel. If you make the effort to take care of yourself, organize your spending and celebrate your successes, you're sure to walk through 2013 a little happier and a little richer, which is definitely worth celebrating!

Katie Finnegan and Erica Bell are the co-founders of online shopping concierge, Hukkster, which alerts shoppers when their favorite styles go on sale. Reported by Huffington Post 13 hours ago.

Patch Brookfield, WI --

Brookfield Central and Brookfield East high schools have released their Honor Roll list for the first and second term of the 2012-13 school year.

Students who have been named to the Honor Roll received a grade point average (GPA) with bonus points included of 3.25 or higher for both Term 1 and Term 2 or at least one term with an average of 3.25 or more for both terms earn for the 2012-13 school year.

These are the students:

*BCHS Grade 9: *Noah Abler, Joseph Addisu, Emily Albrecht, Claire Alderton, Natalie Alteri, Lauren Amundson, Madison Aprahamian, Emily Arnold, Lauren Arzbaecher, Rachel Baker, Anna Barry, Angela Borowski, Kiley Brauer, Kaitlyn Brayer, Sarah Brown, Andrew Bruggink, Lukas Buechel, Alison Burlage, Erica Calvache, Andrew Cao, Tabitha Capps, Ezedike Chioma, Michael Cobb, Ryan Conaway, Nicole Cottreau, Elizabeth DeLeon, Alex Dingeldein, Thomas Dircks, Jennifer Dobias, Michael Dragotta, Trevor Dralle, Joseph DuBois, Abigail Duncan, Ashley Elbert, Michaela Evanich, Benjamin Everson, Corinne Fales, Stephen Farrell, Joshua Fernandez, Claire Flatley, Carlos Flores Komatsu, Michael Fung, Emily Gaggioli, Raquel Galarza, Ariel Garchitorena, Anna Gardner, Emily Gervasi, Renee Glomski, Grant Goehrig, Audra Goelz, Jose Gomez, Krishna Gopal, Lindsey Grabowski, Spencer Gravenkamp, Jaida Green, Audrey Groneck, Maya Guadagni, Mark Hamilton, Ana Hansen, Elizabeth Haris, Natalie Hartwig, Allison Hartwig, Michael Hauser, William Heal, Aileen Herman, Sophia Hermann, Matthew Hickmann, Rachel Hirsch, Jason Hugo, Ryan Hutton, Rachel Illgen, Bruno Indig, Cassandra Jehly, Natalie Jerzak, Rachel Johnson, Marissa Jurasovich, Caitlin Kampschroer, Caitlin Kampshroer, Caitlin Kelley, Samantha Key, Saad Khan, Tiffany Kim, Yoojin Kim, Thomas Kindler, Andrew King, Steven Klein, Erich Knopp, Erika Koito, Rachel Kolb, Ana Kostovic, Maggie Krzyzak, Emma Kumer, Lucy Kwiatkowski, Emily Lambert, Vukashin Latinovich, Thomas Lazar, Angelina Ledezma, Alexandrea Lee, Thomas Lewis, Chenxuan Li, Alexander Liotta, Du Liu, Elisabeth Lonski, Rianne Malone, Ashleigh Manby, Natalia Manikowski, Cassidy Mazurek, Kaitlyn McGuire, Cooper McMorris, Katherine Mejchar, Trevor Mellone, Mitchell Meves, Logan Meyer, Regina Miles, Henry Mirsberger, Taylor Moon, Aliya Moore, John Murphy, Katy Neis, Sydney Nelson, Aaron Neustedter, Abigail Ng, Emily Oberst, Emily O'Brien, Tanner O'Gorman, Chukwuma Okoro, Kevin Olander, Natalie Olander, Marcus Oleson, Benjamin Olson, Daniel Owen, Dylan Pashke, Greta Patt, Alison Pearson, Alejandra Peralta-Werns, Courtney Petersen, Benjamin Peterson, Hope Peterson, Korinne Pfeifer, Victoria Piehl, Zoe Preuss, Shay Puidokas, Hannah Pyatetskiy, Samantha Ranney, Saloni Rao, Shreya Ravindran, Brendan Reed, Nicholas Reiels, Christopher Reisner, Zachary Rhiel, Nataly Rice, William Ritchie, Josliane Rivera-Hernandez, Tealin Robinson, Olivia Romant, Zach Rosploch, Nicholas Rozanski, Max Ryder, Patricia Ryou, Laura Schmit, John Schneider, Samuel Schreiner, Alexis Schweinert, Margaret Selkey, Jordan Seymour, Alexis Shah, Emma Shibilski, Justin Smith, Rylan Smolik, Amber Soik, Maya Sojkowski, Joshua Stamn, Molly Steinert, Justin Stollberg, Lucas Stormowski, Abigail Strebig, Sarah Stricker, Jaclynn Sutton, Mackenzie Swart, Saba Tahir, Danielle Thistle, Robyn Thompson, Kendra Tichelaar, Angela Toy, David Treis, Gunther Treis, John Turco, Anthony Uy, Manya Waldia, John Wallner, Helena Wedel, Karina Weltcheff, Nicole Wilcox, Alexander Wille, Daniel Williams, Kaitlyn Willms, Alexander Wistrom, Sophia Wolf, Cayden Wood, Annie Xiong, Zheng Yan, Alexandra Yavnilovitch, Alexandra Yavnitovitch, Sean Yun, and Tara Zembinski. 

*BCHS Grade 10:* Mitchell Ahmad, Zoya Ammar, Noah Antonneau, Teena Antony, Caroline Arnold, Jonathan Banach, Bradley Bartelt, Sasha Bauer, Jacob Benning, Valerie Blamer, Alyssa Borowski, Emma Brauer, Elizabeth Brucker, Rachel Bucholtz, Courtney Cain, Emily Cape, Corey Carlin, Maria Casey, Sean Casper, Lily Chen, Lauren Chiang, Anna Cleary, Elizabeth Cobb, Megan Cunningham, Veronica Daniel, Anne Davel, Naomi Dawood, Jenna DiMiceli, Joey Drees, Joseph Drees, Grace Dunn, John Dusing, Sarah ElMeanawy, Adam El-Meanawy, Duncan Favill, April Fehr, Sarah Fetzer, Colin Flanner, Gregory Friestedt, Margaret Gaggioli, Shawna Gloe, Lukas Harkins, Morgan Harlan, Abby Haynes, Austin Heckman, Matthew Heil, Adrienne Henricks, Victor Hernandez, Natalie Hilmer, Megan Hlava, Matthew Hodges, Mattias Hoehnen, Holly Hoeppner, Michael Horner-Ibler, Matthew Hsieh, Jason Hubler, Claire Jacobson, Jennifer Jarecki, Amritha Jayashankar, Tarun Jella, Karin Jorgensen, Nikole Kane, Benjamin Karbowski, Riley Keays, Aparna Keerthipati, Brennah Kentz, Suzy Kim, Ragashree Komandur Yilayavilli, Jene Kramer, Jene' Kramer, Rachel Krutz, Dawid Krynicki, Brett Kuehn, Brayden Kuptz, Joshua Kuse, Elise Landwehr, Kasey Ledvorowski, Daniel Lee, Young Lee, Hyuckjin Lee, Sharon Levy, Samuel Liu, Emily Lowerr, Jonah Lubsey, Molly Magnus, Jessica Marciniak, Sean Markey, Ricardo Matias, Jared Matthews, Neema Mbele, John McCloskey, Jordan Meyer, Brennan Mikell, Alaina Mueller, Christopher Mueller, Delaney Mulock, Keith Nakamura, David Nemcek, Erik Nesler, Tri Nguyen, Sarah Nies, Alec Nitka, Chisom Obasih, Elizabeth O'Brien, Chloe Olier, Abigail Olson, Meredith Paloucek, Magdalen Palzewicz, Brooke Parfrey, Sarah Patrick, Matthew Patterson, Leah Peavler, Kaitlyn Peksa, Nicholas Peters, Benjamin Peterson, Martin Petrovskis, Kamren Pfeifer, Annie Porritt, Dominic Porubsky, Elizabeth Protz, Landon Quinney, Emil Radisevic, Clarisse Rebancos, Advait Reddy, Kristin Reichert, Allison Retzlaff, Anna Riggert, Cecilia Risch, Abby Rose, Eryn Roznik, Michael Rufer, Santhosi Samudrala, Sushma Samudrala, Brooke Schlapman, Julia Schmidt, Zachary Schmidt, Daniel Schoen, Hannah Sekaran, Kylie Servidas, Courtney Severance, Megan Shilobrit, Jarred Shipman, Sarah Sorenson, Kathryn Stief, Taylor Thede, Julia Thistle, Riley Tsang, Hannah Uczen, Tyler VanHaren, Taylor Vraney, Royce Wagg, Nicole Wahlgren, Olivia Walleser, Amanda Walters, Sabrina Wang, Nathan Wang, Maximilian Webb, Lara Weiner, Megan Weiss, Stephen Wetter, Hannah William, Maxwell Wojcik, Martina Wolters, Gaochie Xiong, and Brian Zhu. 

*BCHS Grade 11:* Gwen Abler, Bryn Adams, Esha Afreen, Alexis Aghjian, Deepti Ajjampore, Sachal Ali, Vanessa Alwan, Akansha Ashokan, Andrea Bailey, Jenna Bales, Grace Barbee, Emma Barker, Aaron Bauer, Brooke Beihoff, LaTrese Benford, Natalie Benkowski, Katherine Bennett, Madalynn Benz, Emily Blackburn, Noel Bognar, Brian Borden, Jessica Bourdow, Ryan Cape, Angelyn Chartier, Danwei Chen, Christopher Ciccolini, Elizabeth Clappier, Thomas Consolazione, Mark Conti, Nicolas Costa, Jack Cox, Jackson Crowder, Margaret Davidson, Christian DeLeon, Rachel Dexheimer, Emilian Dobrev, Chase DuChateau, William Ehster, Jared Ernst, Noah Eyrise, Kayla Fehrmann, Christopher Fields, Samantha Fitzsenry, Elizabeth Flatley, Brandon Fong, Robert Fosdick, Peter Fox, Jennifer Fox, Anthony Fung, Alex Garchitorena, Angela Garimella, Megan Gaschke, Daniel Glomski, Quentin Goehrig, Kamya Gopal, Tyler Gray-Hoehn, Katie Grudnowski, Katie Gubbins, Anthony Gulotta, Aaron Hammond, Eric Harrigan, Emily Hartwig, Laura Hauser, Andrea Heil, Nicole Hinz, Matthew Hirsch, Aaron Hizmi, Kristen Hlava, Margaret Homa, Sarah Houchens, Jessica Jandrt, Brianna Jensen, So-Hyean Jeong, SoHyeon Jeong, Zamir Johl, Nicole Johnson, Hannah Johnson, Adam Jones, Spencer Kain, Madeline Karian, Alexandra Kelley, Leah Klingaman, Jack Knetter, Alexis Kohne, Connor Koscielniak, Sean Kostuch, Breanna Krzyzak, Danielle Kulpins, Riley LaChance, Leah Lee, Jasmine Lewis, Madison Linnihan, Deborah Liu, Lauren Locante, Gunnar Malensek, Jenna Mark, Neal Mathes, Matthew Maus, Grace McDonell, Dolan McGuire, Morgan Meilicke, Mitchell Mellone, Andrea Mertens, Michael Meves, Katelyn Mierow, Abigail Miller, Harshitha Mogallapalli, Tyler Moore, Kendall Morgan, Abigail Morgan, Jake Murray, Taylor Myricks, Iman Nadeem, Michael Nattinger, Josie Nordling, Austin Norton, Rachel Obertin, Chinyere Okoro, Rachel Oleson, Morgan Olsen, Jessica Olson, Rachel Paget, Shraddha Patel, Daniel Pearson, Eileen Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Jerome Piekarski, Lindsey Pipia, Julian Plant, John Plonske, Kaitlin Pokorny, Caleb Preuss, Brooke Price, Kennedy Puidokas, Steven Pulizos, Elizabeth Quigley, Collin Quinn, Chelsea Randall, Luke Rasmussen, Sahana Ravindran, Matthew Reiels, Jared Revolinski, Angela Rhiel, Victoria Rieves, Kevin Rindfleisch, Joseph Risch, Benjamin Rittler, Megan Rivard, Katelyn Robinson, Trinity Robinson, Ann Roeder, Kimberly Rohloff, Ashley Rossman, Rishi Sachdev, Anna Sage, Katherine Schleicher, Alexandra Schmidt, Jonathan Schmit, Meaghan Schneider, Andrew Schneider, Jacqueline Schuster, Bobbie Servi, Jesse Shane, Stephanie Siewert, Savannah Sippy, Kimberly Smith, Luke Sommerfeld, Nikita Sood, Margaret Stein, John Steindorf, Kathryn Stram, Kayla Stuart, Eleanor Stutt, Bobbie Sun, Camille Suro, Lance Tanel, Jeffrey Teng, Gabrielle Tierney, Gabriella Turelli, Austin Tyshynsky, Allison Uy, Connor Vafi, Matthew Verish, Edward Wajda, Terry Wallen, Alexander Wang, James Wartman, Amy Weber, Maura Wells, Lindsay Wright, Sheng Xiong, Betty Yuan, Yige Yuan, Dean Zheng, and Shaelyn Ziegler.

*BCHS Grade 12:* Katherine Ahrens, Sarah Albrecht, Simone Alsted, Stephen Ambrookian, Eric Anderson, Evan Behrens, Aviv Benhamo, Aviv Ben-Hamo, Katherine Bews, Derek Boggs, William Brauer, Megan Britt, Sarah Brunner, Kristin Bryden, Paige Budzinski, Melissa Buss, Elizabeth Cain, Nicole Carlin, Clare Casey, Austin Cebula, Nicole Cimbalnik, Alexandra Cobb, Mary DeChant, Casey Doyle, Christopher DuBois, Andrew Dusing, Allison Earl, Rachel Edwards, Samia El-Meanawy, Alissa Elwing,Cameron Ernst, Elissa Evanich, Claire Everson, Keegan Favill, Lauren Flatley, Sarah Fotsch, Kelsey Fox, Claire Francione, David Gaulke, Brianna Gohde, Larissa Gonzalez-Schwellinger, Hayley GrayHoehn, Anna Gruman, Jingfeng Guo, John Heal, Hannah Heckman, Zackary Heilman, Taylor Held, Casey Helm, Carolina Herrero, Sierra High, Carl Hirsch, Kyla Hoem, Morgan Hollowell, Nathan Hugo, Maria Ivanenkov, Amanda King, Kayla Kinnart, Taylor Knight, Joseph Knight, Lucas Kohne, Thomas Korslin, Pavle Kostovic, Alina Kozak, Olivia Kozminski, Dominika Krynicka, Amir Kucharski, Emily Kurtz, Annalee Kuse, Christopher Lara, David Lawton, Jessica Liban, Stephen Lin, Emily Lorentz, Griffin Lynch, James Madeline, Elsa Mahn, Thomas Markey, Peter Mattiacci, Kingshuk Mazumdar, Charlton McCoy, Evelyn McGregor, Jessica Meichtry, Erica Meier, Raymond Meyer, Matthew Michael, Caroline Morales, Nicole Nelson, James Nelson, Andrew Nemcek, Emma Nevermann, Sarah Nevsimal, Jennifer Niemann, Chikwe Obasih, Claire Obertin, Sara O'Connor, Noah Olander, Emily Olson, Morgan Orcholski, Christina Pappas, Scott Parnon, Brett Peavler, Corissa Pennow, Beth Pieper, Hailey Pipia, Jordan Plank, Veronica Porubsky, Nikil Prasad, Molly Protz, Grant Prudlow, Laura Radmer, Jacob Rave, Mackenzie Reid, Amanda Reisner, Robert Rossmiller, Sai-Suma Samudrala, John Scanlon, Alexander Scharding-Wilcox, Eric Schleicher, Jessica Schmeling, Jared Schmidt, Evan Schmitz, Natalie Schmitz, Kristen Schubilske, Lauren Schubilske, Lauren Schweitzer, Veronica Seher, Madeleine Severance, Dominic Sferra, Adam Shady, Andrew Shea, Connor Shipman, Ileana Smolik, Carly Sobrilsky, Samuel Soik, Daniel Sorenson, Kathryn Spiering, Robert Stadler, Elizabeth Stokelbusch, Emily Strack, Abigail Susko, Robert Szabo, Tasha Tang, Christine Tang, Abigail Taylor, Matthew Thomsen, Jeffrey Thurston, Caroline Treis, John Tzortzos, Ellen Van Schwartzenberg, Russell Vandenberg, Priya Varghese, T.J. Voelske, Alicia Vogel, Alainna Wagg, Alexander Walbrun, Elise Walleser, Nicole Wellenstein, Megan Wells, Jack Weltcheff, Kevin Wendelberger, Daniel Weston, and Elizabeth Zodrow.

*BEHS Grade 9: *Joseph Abolt, Joseph Adams, Alexandra Ahrens, Megan Albert, Justin Allen, Allie Amato, William Andrae, Stephen Andrusko, Lauren Arndt, Elliana Ashcroft, Isabella Auger, Malak Badwan, Arianna Banks, Emma Barbian, Kendall Barlow, William Bartkowski, Samantha Bartz-Kolp, Alaina Beau, Madison Bell, Mary Benetti, Oskars Berzin, Rolands Berzin, Kendra Bisping, Audrey Bohl, William Bowers, David Braun, Zachary Breider, Lisa Browne, Ellen Bruhn, Alexandria Bullen, Andrew Bullen, Michael Caliendo, Mario Carr, Dominic Cartier, Wendy Chu, Katherine Cobb, Aidan Collins, John Conway, Emily Cullen, Bridget Dalton, Jake Damico, Nicholas Davies, Claire Davis, Kelsey Davis, Maggie Dentino, Gabrielle DeValkenaere, Katja Diaz-Granados, Eileen Dickson, Erin Ditter, Sarah Drozdowicz, Jacob Dwinell, Jamie Edenharder, Alexis Falci, Cara Farrow, Elena Fayle, Sierra Fischer, Celeste Fohey, Douglas Francken, Jacob Frasch, Nina Galang, Stephanie Galfano, Sydney Garcia, Alexander Glynn, Abigail Gregg, Caitlin Greuel, Patrick Griffin, Gloria Grzybowski, Abigail Guenther, Tessa Guldan, Meredith Gustafson, Kerwin Hackett, Bridget Haessly, Jessa Hansen, Victoria Hansen, Kyle Hanson, Maria Harder, Erika Her, David Horneffer, Stephanie Howland, Alyssa Hults, Bailey Hutson, Ella Hyndiuk, Jacob Jahnke, Sydney Jahnke, Ashley Johnson, Anthony Kajuch, Sara Kalupa, Meghan Kane, Ian Karcher, Molly Kenton, Louise Kiekhofer, Ashlea Kielar, Zachary Kielar, Haley Knight, Ryan Kolsch, Hannah Kolt, Tomer Korabelnikov, Elise Kreger, Haley Kress, Erin Kreul, Patrick Krill, Nicholas Krueger, Amie Kusch, Grace Kusch, Nicholas Ladewig, Serena Lai, Victoria Lange, Megan Lappe, Emma Larson, Hannah Lein, Emily Leong, Andrew Lesar, Jennifer Lor, Kenneth Lor, Donovan Lutz, Ian Lynch, Ellen Mahoney, Mark Maier, Meghan Malloy, Samuel Malzewski, Sara Manjee, Ryanne Martin, Brittni May, Maighread McAvoy, Kelly McBride, Madison McDonald, Kaileigh McManus, Gabby Medved, Madeline Mihm, Mitchell Mikulsky, Mariah Miller, Frank Mistrioty, Michael Montross, Alexander Morateck, Lilia Mortensen, Lucas Moyer, Holly Muth, Jessica Nell, Samuel Neumann, Jesse Norman, Niyaz Nurbhasha, Marina O'Brien, Andrew Olsen, Cooper Olson, Calvin Osinga, Ellen Owen, Tyler Parker, Sarah Parr, Brady Perkins, Molly Perkins, Laura Peterson, Alexandar Plavsic, Luke Profio, Andrew Rakers, Timothy Reddy, Karli Redmann, Sami Retzlaff, Collin Rhoten, Trevor Ricci, Kilee Robertson, Alexander Roeschen, Aurora Ross, Connor Rumpit, Jasmine Sanchez, Thadd Sapa-Kotlarek, Helen Schlosser, Angela Schmidt, Matthew Schmude, Alison Schulz, McKenna Scott, Bridget Sheehy, Shazia Shergill, Alexandra Sinson, Daniel Smerz, Jakob Smith, Elizabeth Smurawa, Mark Stack, Kellie Stein, Hannah Stewart, Thomas Swittel, Matthew Szews, Alexander Tallmadge, Jacob Taylor, Konrad Temlitz, Pachia Thao, Cory Thiesen, Bridget Trimble, Nikola Tsakonas, Akaash Tumuluri, Olivia Twitchell, Avery Ulschmid, Heather Wehse, Sean Wei, Paul Weiskopf, Abigail Weisse, Benjamin Wellman, Georgette Wellnitz, Alexander Werchowski, Sarah Werking, Kaila Widmann, Jordan Wilhelm, Emma Woods, Mai Der Yang, Andrew Zhang, Vincent Zimmerman. 

*BEHS Grade 10: *Marks Abuls, Colin Adams, Nithin Alexander, Connor Allen, Patricia Altenbach, Peter Arndt, Anatalia Ashcroft, Hannah Aslin, Emily Bachmann, Carsten Balke, Alexander Banse, Jacob Bartosiak, Luke Bartsch, Christopher Bastin, Shannon Bayne, Christine Behling, Alyssa Beyer, Magd Bilal, Nina Bingen, Alyssa Boltik, Sarah Braker, Ali Brefka, Justin Brewer, Jenna Brockman, Elise Bruk, Petra Bryda, Richard Burns, Maria Cardenas, Mina Cardenas, Elizabeth Carollo, Kali Carrasco, Trace Carrasco, Tessa Carter, Kathryn Cayo, Steven Chamberlin, Michah Childs, Amanda Clark, Breana Collins, Joseph Creegan, Hannah Davidson, Claire Denton, Jane Desmond, Nicole Donovan, Joshua Duffrin, Tibor Duliskovich, James Engelhart, Matthew Epple, Abigail Evans, Austin Fenzl, Morgan Fiebig, Delphine Filliat, Madison Fitzpatrick, Noah Flees, Megan Foley, David Foster, Robert Foxgrover-Foley, Eileen Freres, Michael Fuchs, Michael Gitzlaff, Allison Glaudell, Mitchell Gleixner, Kellie Goodman, Leila Goodrum, Colin Grandlich, Amy Grisa, Christian Halfhide, Brianna Hart, Noah Haselow, Laila Hatab, Andrew Hepperla, Molly Higgins, Justin Hill, Gage Hockerman, Catherine Hoerig, Jacob Holiday, Andrew Holmes, Julia Jacob, Zachary Jaekl, Scott Janoska, Jaclyn Janowski, David Jeatran, Taylor Jenkins, Hantao Jing, Drew Johnson, Alexander Kaiser, Arya Kamrani, Caine Kandler, Simran Kaur, Meghan Keech, Michael Kemnitz, Tyler Kendler, Lindsay Kennedy, Jonathan Kidd, Sara Kirmis, Matthew Klassen, Chad Kluender, Hannah Kopplin, Alyssa Kosanke, Megan Kosanke, Dianne Kotsonis, Nathaniel Krakauer, Jamie Krause, Samuel Kreul, Timuthy Langlois, Andrea Lans, Kenn Larson, Megan Laughlin, Salvatore Lauria, Philip LeClaire, Sydney LeClaire, Cathy Liu, Sarah Liu, Kelsey Lorentz, Emma Lucas, Joshua Lukas, Alex Magestro, Angela Mahrt, Marne Manders, Winston Markusse, Benjamin Maro, Claudia Maro, Kyle Martin, Sara Martin, HaleyMassa, Evan Matchette, Josephine Mayhew, Madeleine McCann, Alexander McGuire, Alex McTaggart, Emma Megal, Daniel Meidl, Rachel Melin, KirsiMarie Merikoski, Anthony Michael, Robert Michael, Evan Mickey, Antonio Militello, Manasi Mohan, Abbie Neubauer, Grant Nordin, Rachel Novak, Nihal Nurbhasha, Conor O'Neill, Jacob Pagel, Regina Pagel, Christian Perry, Katelyn Petersen, Joseph Peterson, Morgan Pink, Kennedy Pipers, Natasha Plavsic, Kristen Powell, Morgan Precour, Emily Pritchard, Kathryn Radiske, Tahzeeb Rashid, Issiah Rau, Jack Rhead, Jessica Richards, Trishika Santebennur, Madelaine Sass, Joshua Schmirler, Graydon Schroeder, Thomas Schwarz, Rhianna Seibel, Katherine Seim, Apoorva Selvaraj, Christopher Selzer, Carley Semmelmann, Linzheng Shi, Christian Simon, Emma Sinclair, Christopher Smeltzer, Ellen Smogoleski, Sadie Spahn, Savannah Spahr, Allison Spencer, Julia Steen, Emma Steigerwald, Kristina Stojanovic, Andrey Stonebraker, Anthony Stonecipher, Noah Streich, Cameron Suino, Francesca Suino, Melinda Szabo, Henry Termuehlen, Ian Thompson, Katherine Totsky, Austin Toy, Angela Tsiampas, Haley Tushaus, Chatay Vang, Christopher Vitale, Thomas Voumard, Caroline Wahlen, Kelly Ward, Kathryn Watry, Jasmine Watson, Brendon Webber, Kayleigh Webber, Ryan Weiss, Brandon Werry, David Wertz, Adam Wessel, Jessica Westcott, Jared Wilgus, Taylor Wilkerson, Andrew Wirtz, Bradley Wolff, Matthew Wolff, Joshua Xiong, Kalina Zhong, Cameron Zoellick, Maxwell Zupke.

*BEHS Grade 11: *Monali Adhikari, Mahmoud Alchamaa, Kathryn Andrae, Erin Andrews, Ellen Arndt, Taylor Barlow, Allyson Bartelme, Archit Baskaran, Rosemary Bauer, Rychelle BedalovValde, Samuel Behling, George Black, Nicholas Bold, Harold Britton, Jacob Brown, Natalie Brown, Stephen Browne, Kathryn Burish, Dominic Carr, Bradley Carstens, Alyssa Carter, Kendall Casanova, Allison Chang, Andrew Charnesky, Adam Clauter, Brynna Conway, Sarah Cook, Zechariah Copeland-Hood, Felix Corwin, Dominic D'Amato, Zachary Damico, Erin Dati, Paige DeCicco, Jonas DeMuri-Siliunas, Sriyani Diaz-Granados, Rachel Dolney, Mai Lien Dombroe, Rachel Drozdowicz, Victoria Duarte, Ryan Dundun, Cal Durni, Jordan Engler, Richard Feng, Joseph Ferrari, Makenna Fiedler, Jacob Fostner, Ryan Franken, Rebecca Fronberry, Kate Galfano, Miranda Glembin, Marielle Glynn, Julie Golab, Hayley Griffin, Julie Grisa, Julia Guldan, Rachel Hafner, Cheyenne Hanley, Erika Hansen, Kathleen Hansen, Jacob Hanson, Joshua Hanson, Natalie Hanson, Glen Harold, Alisha Harper, Katherine Hartman, Evan Hauer, Aidan Haupt, Hope Heller, Eric Henschel, Christopher Her, Caroline Hildebrand, Kathryn Hoaglund, Grace Holzem, Kathryn Horneffer, Reggie Hot, Breanna Hults, Madeline Janick, Michael Jeatran, Ian Joda, Christy Johnson, Lauren Johnson, Andre Kalenak, Sydney Katuszonek, Zachary Kehoe, Courtney Kilian, Genevieve Klinker, Andrew Kluck, So Yeong Ko, Rachael Kohler, Leah Koppelmann, Ellen Kosmatka, Drew Krause, Katie Krugel, Rory Kuehn, Kaitlyn Kugler, Erin Kusch, Allyx Kvasnicka, Michael Lesar, Kayla Lewis, Maggie Lingle, Kelsey Linsmeier, Brittany Loepfe, Emma Lynch, Brianna Mathison, Jacob Matter, Benjamin McBride, Sean McCall, Kyle McClintock, Hailey McKenna, Eric Memmel, Tessa Meurer, Katerina Mikhailov, Kamith Mirissage, Raven Mrozek, Michael Mueller, Reese Mularz, Natalie Mussatto, Jenelle Myers, Lukas Myrold, Brittany Nowak, Edward Oakes, Nina Marie Offutt, Jordan Paterson, Heather Patterson, Lauren Patti, Jennifer Peck, Andrew Pelto, Francesca Pessarelli, Lindsay Powell, Noah Pulsifer, Thomas Putnam, Bryce Ries, Cecily Roberts, Megan Roidt, William Rosenberg, Jacob Rosenthal, Marie Sather, Kenneth Scharnick, Madeline Schlei, Rachelle Schmude, Natalie Schwan, Nicole Schwan, Hannah Shepherd, Grace Shore, Carly Smetana, Benjamin Smith, Gabriella Smurawa, Nathan Stack, Madeline Staff, Rebecca Stamm, Jessica Stephens, Kyle Stevlingson, Benjamin Stewart, William Sutton, Clara Temlitz, Illianna Termuehlen, Tommy Thor, Myah Trilling, Akshaya Trivedi, Mihir Trivedi, Samantha Van Rens, Matthew Verish, Anisha Verma, Daniel Viveros, Amanda Wahhab, Alexander Wang, Alice Wang, Jessica Wertz, Laura Wester, Allison Wilhelm, Carter Willey, Evan Wolfenden, Michael Xie, William Xiong, Allisun Young. 

*BEHS Grade 12: *Ellen Abolt, Karlis Abuls, Ethan Albert, Nicholas Alberti, Adam Aleiou, Brittany Allen, Ethan Auger, Charlotte Baptie, Emily Bartsch, Amy Bath, Joseph Bauer, Kelli Bauer, Caitlin Behling, James Bianco, Kaitlyn Bisping, Jakob Brecheisen, Joshua Breider, Erica Bridge, Jennifer Brostowitz, Katie Brown, Samuel Brunker, Rebecca Bukvich, Alexander Cagle, Thomas Carini, Haley Carter, Madeline Cartier, Shannon Cashin, Hannah Cawley, Livia Ciccalini, Timothy Corwin, Tiffany Dasher, Matthew Davis, Jessica Dayler, James Dentino, Zachary DeValkenaere, Robyn Di Giacinto, Mauriel Dismukes, Michael Eberle, Nialah Edari, Stephen Eilbes, Rae Farrow, Matthieu Filliat, Cheyenne Fischer, Edward Fitting, Matthew Flaschberger, Daniel Fohey, Michael Freigang, Miranda Frigerio, Vanessa Fritsch, Julie Fuerbringer, Callie Gallagher, Maria Gehred, Natalie Gehred, Matthew Geisberger, Andrew Geisinger, Joanna Geisler, Phillip Glapa, Andrew Gould, Keenan Griffin, Melissa Gustafson, Jacob Haertig, Isaiah Hall, Hafez Hanna, Carly Heberlein, Peter Held, Kaitlynn Hitchcock, Brea Hopgood, Mark Horvatin, Jessica Huang, Alina Hummer, Devon Hummer, Simone Hussussian, Sajid Jaber, Carter Jenkins, Adam Kaiser, John Kalupa, Nicholas Kanavas, Maxwell Karcher, Nora Katib, Claudia Keipper, John Kemnitz, Ariya Khalili, Grace Khimani, Maxwell Kittleson, Rachel Klawans, Colin Kluender, Lauren Knudsen, David Kollakowsky, Demetra Korkos, Alyse Korpela, Kaitlyn Kosanke, Benjamin Kosmider, Thomas Kotsonis, Devan Kreger, Katelyn Kreh, Jessica Kress, Danijela Krstic, Alyssa Krueger, Monica Krueger, Amir Kucharski, Kira Kuehl, Jensen Kuehn, Brittney Lachmund, Kwin Larson, Jordan Lawrence, John LeClaire, Crystal Lee, Lauren Lehmann, Kirsten Lein, Cole Leonovicz, Alexander Lessila, Rebecca Li, Jacob Lindstrom, Benjamin Lingeman, David Liu, Joshua Lo, Griffin Lynch, Olivia Lyster, Nicholas Magestro, Rachel Mahrt, Aliya Manjee, Elza Margolin, Michael Markusse, Spencer Martyniak, Erik Matchette, Devin McAvoy, Ryan McBride, Shannon McNeely, Peter Meidl, Andrew Meixner, John Meredith, Dennis Mistrioty, Anne Montross, Andrea Moyer, Sreedevi Nair, Daniel Neary, Rachel Nelson, Emily Newton, Molly Niemi, Calvin Norman, Michael Novak, Jillian Oliver, Chloe Olson, John Orgovan, Morgan Parker, Andrew Parr, Christine Pelto, Brigitte Potter, Preston Powers, Ryan Prazynski, Christina Prihoda, Clare Procknow, Madeleine Ramsey, Ashlee Rauth, Alexander Reddy, Matthew Redmond, Alexander Ritchie, Nathaniel Rockey, Kendyl Roedell, Holly Roozrokh, Ryan Rouse, James Sather, Rachel Schneider, Zachary Schober, Hailey Schuldt, Connor Schulz, Kathryn Schwarz, Christine Shi, Michael Sipek, Alexander Sobczak, Gregory Spicer, Collin Steen, Carley Stewart, Emma Sudar, Robert Szabo, Haley Taylor, Daniel Thompto, Ryan Toy, Kelli Trester, Lukas Trudell, Emily Utic, Caitlin Van Lith, Kristina Van Patten, Gao Ka Zoua Vang, Samantha Vento, Angela Verish, Ankita Verma, Lisa Vlach, Jake Walker, Jacqueline Wandt, Evan Weiss, Samantha Wellnitz, Laura Werking, Nora Whetter, Matthew Wilson, Kyle Wirtz, Michael Wolff, Will Wrobbel, Menong Xiong, Brandon Zakzesky, Betsy Zander, Emily Zantow. Reported by Patch 15 hours ago.

This is Derbyshire --

A SOCIAL worker said Mick Philpott became "annoyed and threatening" when she said the children he had with Lisa Willis were back with her.

Suzanne Eastwood said during a 25-minute meeting she had with Philpott and his wife, Mairead, the 56-year-old would "frequently" shout and point his finger at her when he did not get what he wanted.

She said she also felt like he was trying to say Ms Willis started the blaze that killed the six children and that at one point during their meeting he started to pretend to cry.

Ms Eastwood, who told Nottingham Crown Court she had worked as a social worker in Derby for 33 years, was giving evidence on Day 11 of the trial.

She said that after the fire, but before the Philpotts were arrested, she had a meeting with them, at Philpott's request, at her offices in Stanley Road, Alvaston.

She told the court: "We sat down in the room. There was me, a colleague, Mr and Mrs Philpott and Mr Philpott's son, Richard.

"I started the meeting by expressing my condolences for the loss of the six children. He started to talk about them, he was very calm and matter-of-fact about it all."

Richard Latham QC, prosecuting asked: "And what about Mrs Philpott?"

Ms Eastwood said: "There was no emotion, I was quite taken aback by that, I was quite surprised.

"He told me he wanted to see his children that he had with Lisa.

"I explained to him that they had been in foster care but that morning had been returned to their mother."

Mr Latham said: "What was his reaction?"

Ms Eastwood said: "He was really not happy about this. He pushed his chair back and started pointing his finger at me, leaning over Mrs Philpott.

"I was shocked.

"He said he no longer wanted to talk to me.

"He went from being calm to being annoyed and threatening.

"He sat back down and said by placing them back with Lisa I was placing them in danger.

"I got the impression that he thought Lisa had started the fire."

Ms Eastwood said she explained to Philpott that the children would remain with Ms Willis. She said: "He said Mairead was a better mother than Lisa.

"He wanted to know where the children were.

"He said he knew where they were and wanted transport to go and get them."

Ms Eastwood said that by the time the meeting was over she was unable to recall a single other meeting like it in her 33 years' experience.

She said: "I did think at one point he was going to cry.

"It was like he thought to himself 'I'd better cry at this point'."

Another witness to give evidence yesterday morning was Louise Quantick, who was a patient at the Royal Derby Hospital on the morning the children were brought in.

She told the court how she discharged herself from accident and emergency and saw the Philpotts outside having a cigarette.

Mr Latham said: "While you were standing near them, having a cigarette yourself, you heard him say something, didn't you?"

Miss Quantick, a health care assistant, said: "Yes."

Mr Latham said: "What was it?"

Miss Quantick said: "He said: "It was not meant to end like this'."

Also giving evidence yesterday was Superintendent Kate Meynell, the senior investigating officer in the case.

She told how she met Mr and Mrs Philpott at St Mary's Wharf police station in Derby on May 14, three days after the fire. She said as part of her role it was important that she met them, introduced herself and explained what her duties would be during the course of the investigation.

She said: "He (Philpott) said he wanted his five children that he had with Lisa Willis to live with them."

More neighbours who lived near the fire house at 18 Victory Road, Allenton, also spoke in the witness stand yesterday morning.

In a statement read in court, Erica Steadman, told how she was woken by smoke drifting into her bedroom on the morning of the fire. She said: "I was woken by the sound of a scream. It is a scream I will never forget."

PC Deborah Croxall told the court how she drove the Philpotts and Mrs Philpott's mother, Vera Duffy, from the Royal Derby Hospital to Birmingham Children's Hospital, when the oldest child to die, Duwayne, was transferred there on May 11.

She said: "They did not seem to appreciate how necessary it was for me to get them there as quickly as possible."

**THE PHILPOTT TRIAL: Visit our Philpott trial channel here for all related stories in the fire death case.* Reported by This is 8 hours ago.

Patch Clark-Garwood, NJ --

This release is from the Watchung Arts Center.

Clark's own Caroline Hoynowski has made it through to the semi-final round of the Watchung Arts Center's NJ Idol competition.

The 2013 NJ IDOL vocal competition is open to New Jersey residents ages 15—29 years of age performing all genres of music such as folk, country, pop, classical, gospel and rock. The mission of this event is to provide young local talents a venue to perform and an avenue in which to further their careers.

A panel of judges evaluates each contestant based on singing, musicality, appearance, and stage presence. The winner will receive $500 and the two runners-up will receive industry professional services prizes.

The top ten finalists will perform on *Saturday, March 2, at 8 p.m.* Come on out and support your favorite performer and participate in the audience judging. Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite. The contest began with auditions and was narrowed to 20 vocalists who moved on to the semi-finals on Friday, February 22, and Saturday, February 23. Contestants traveled from Blairstown, Clark, East Hanover, Freehold, Gillette, Hamilton, Madison, New Providence, North Brunswick, Princeton, Rahway, Ramsey, Summit, Tinton Falls, Union Beach, Warren, Watchung, West Orange, and Wyckoff.

The final ten were chosen following the completion of the semi-finals and include the following young talents:

Danielle Bellomo, East Hanover
Frederick “Freddie “ Bourne, Union Beach
Joseph Gatti, Princeton
*Caroline Hoynowski, Clark*
Erica Kottler, Warren
Carl Martin, North Brunswick
Allison McKenzie, Freehold
Elaine Kandace Moore, West Orange
Kristin Morosoff, Tinton Falls
Alice Tuberty-Vaughan, Gillette

The task of choosing the finalists was the job of four incredibly talented judges including recording artist Lisa Coppola, Entertainment Attorney Lou Takacs, Esq., and Songwriter/Producer/Manager Mark D. Conklin. Both the Watchung Arts Center and the judges would like to congratulate ALL the gifted vocalists who participated in the 2013 NJ IDOL. Reported by Patch 5 hours ago.

Patch Brookhaven, GA --


Officials from Atlanta Gas Light met with the public on Tuesday night to discuss the controversial regulator station that the company is building in DeKalb-Peachtree Airport's flight path.

The event was held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Clairmont Road.

In a story first reported here on Patch, AGL is replacing portions of its so-called Eastside Pipeline. It is also building a gas regulator pipeline station directly in DeKalb-Peachtree Airport's flight path, which has some residents worried about potential public safety issues.

"It's an interesting land-use conflict," State Representative Mary Margaret Oliver told Patch. "I'm glad there's a discussion going on, but people are unhappy for a reason. Safety issues are relevant."

AGL is constructing the gas regulator station near the intersection of Clairmont Road and Tanglewood Circle.

While AGL spokespersons say the station and pipeline are safe, some local residents say the company has not been forthcoming about addressing the concerns of local residents.

Ashford Park Civic Association board member Erica Mymudes said, "you know when everyone keeps saying 'it's great, it's great,' then you know it's not great." 

They also cite recent attacks on similar gas regulator stations in other parts of the nation. Last summer, a man attempted to blow up a Plano, Texas, gas regulator station, which led some residents to question the safety of such facilities. A pipeline safety expert later said that the explosion could have resulted in a deadly neighborhood catastrophe. Reported by Patch 3 hours ago.

Patch Yorktown-Somers, NY --

It runs in the family for Peggy Mulleady, her son Danny Mulleady and daughter Erica Michaud who say their volunteer work for the Mohegan Lake Volunteer Ambulance Corps is addicting and the three share a passion for it. 

The mother-son-daughter team visited Yorktown Head Start students on Tuesday to talk to them about what an EMT does and show them the different apparatus and devices inside the ambulance. Some children even got to hear a call that came through so EMTs could be dispatched for help. 

The visit was extra especial because Michaud's two son, Gavin, 3, and J.J., 5, are students at the preschool. 

"I like the ambulance," said J.J., who was gleaming after he got to sit inside the ambulance. 

Erica Michaud, who joined the Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps at age 14 before joining the Mohegan Lake Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the recipient of a Life Saving Award, said it was important for her to make children feel comfortable inside an ambulance.  

"Even though we might look scary, we are very friendly," she told children who sat inside the ambulance. "And we just want to help. Don't ever be afraid."

Danny Mulleady, a volunteer firefighter who also joined the ambulance corps when he was 14 years old, said he followed the foot steps of his family and enjoys being able to give back to his community. 

"We just do it because we love it," Peggy Mulleady, an EMT volunteer for more than two decades and the recipient of the Westchester County EMT of the Year award, said about volunteering. "We do this from our heart."

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Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Sign up for our newsletter Reported by Patch 2 hours ago.

Patch Warren, NJ --

Sometimes there's just not enough days to go around, but each week we'll give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family or just take some time for yourself.

Saturday night, make a date to join the fun at the Watchung Art Center's New Jersey Idol finals, where 10 performers from across the state—including Warren's Erica Kottler—will compete to win prizes including studio time, publicity and even a cash prize.

All of the participants are between 15 and 29 years of age, and will be judged by a panel including recording artist Lisa Coppola, Entertainment Attorney Lou Takacs, and songwriter-producer-manager Mark D. Conklin—and the audience. 

Mendham resident Jessie Villa won last year's competition.  

This year's contest began with auditions, which yielded a field of 20 semi-finalists who performed for the judges last weekend. The top ten advanced to Saturday's finals, and also include: Danielle Bellomo, East Hanover;  Frederick “Freddie” Bourne, Union Beach; Joseph Gatti, Princeton; Caroline Hoynowski, Clark; Carl Martin, North Brunswick; Allison McKenzie, Freehold; Elaine Kandace Moore, West Orange; Kristin Morosoff, Tinton Falls; and Alice Tuberty-Vaughan, of Gillette.

The first-place winner will receive a $500 cash prize provided by the Watchung Arts Center; second prize is a vocal and piano recording session to be mixed and mastered by producer Seth Alexander, of S.R.A. Studios, with musical accompaniment by John Korba, an associate conductor of "RENT" on Broadway, who performs with Phoebe Snow and Hall and Oates.

Third prize is a formal publicity portrait by Nancy Ori, in Berkeley Heights.

The top ten finalists will perform at 8 p.m.—come out and support your favorite performer and participate in the audience judging. 

Tickets can be purchased at http://2013njidolsfinals.eventbrite.com/.    

The Watchung Arts Center notes the event is not associated or affiliated with Fox Tv's "American Idol," its sponsors, producers or participants. Reported by Patch 41 minutes ago.

Patch Southampton, NY --

Douglas Elliman real estate firm honored its top agents and offices Monday night during an awards ceremony, and many of the top honors went to the Southampton area.

The title of Top Office of 2012 across the Long Island, Hamptons and Westchester regions went to Southampton, managed by Ray Smith. The Bridgehampton office, managed by Paul Brennan, was ranked number 2.

The top individual prize in the Hamptons, based on gross commission income, went to Lynda Packard, of the Southampton office. The top team based on GCI went to The Enzo Morabito Team, of the Bridgehampton office.

Rounding out the top five Hamptons sellers are Lynn November, Susan Hovdesven, Aaron Curti and Erica Grossman. The second through fifth place Hamptons teams are The Kang, Keogh and Agnello Team, William Wolff and Dennis DiCalogero, The Sanicola, Kohr and Troy Team, and Priscilla Garston and Alyra Hoffman.

“Our Long Island, Hamptons and Westchester agents have put forth an incredible amount of hard work and dedication this year, and we are so proud of all their accomplishments and continued success,” said Douglas Elliman President and CEO Dottie Herman. “Douglas Elliman remains at the top of the real estate industry due to their consistent and incredible performances.”

The awards ceremony took place at The Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. Reported by Patch 53 minutes ago.