‘13 Reasons Why’ causes controversy
Ducks of Algonquin ruffle some feathers page 4
consent rape suicide bullying
Girls’ golf swings successful season page 20
page 9
Harbinger The Algonquin
June 2017 vOL. 29 NO. 6
The Student Newspaper of Algonquin Regional High School 79 Bartlett street, Northborough MA 01532 | arhsharbinger.COM
Three administration members leave
Reform takes shape, administrative openings create windows for change
terrific teachers here who have high expectations but they’re willing to work with kids to meet Editors-in-Chief those expectations,” DiDomeniGraduation caps and sum- co said. DiDomenico has been inmer breeze fill the air, but the resignation and retirement of three volved in planning events and atadministrators has introduced tending to students’ needs during something new for faculty, stu- his years at Algonquin. “I’ve done everything from dents and the greater community: working with freshman teams uncertainty and change. Along with Principal Thom- to planning MCAS to planning as Mead and Assistant Princi- freshman orientations,” DiDopal Mel Laughton’s retirement menico said. “Now I’m involved with creating the master schedannounceule for next ments, Asyear. Of course sistant Prin- “[I hope the new you’re always cipal Paul putting out DiDomenico administration can] fires that come recently re- assume the leaderup or addresssigned from his role to ship with good inten- ing needs as they come up.” take a princi- tions, good patience D i D o pal position menico has in another and good listening.” found one district. With THOMAS MEAD aspect of his only one rePRINCIPAL role as assistant maining asprincipal to be sistant principarticularly repal from the four-person team, a new administration is emerging, warding: helping struggling indileaving the future of Algonquin viduals and their families. “One thing that I’ve always in new hands. appreciated about the assistant principal’s position is that you DiDomenico Resigns After 12 years as an assis- often deal with people who are tant principal, DiDomenico has in a crisis on some level- a crisis accepted the position of prin- in their family, a crisis in their cipal at Nashoba Regional High school life,” DiDomenico said. “It’s very gratifying to give serSchool in Bolton. “It’s going to be very exciting vice to someone when they’re in to lead my own school,” DiDo- that position.” DiDomenico believes that menico said. “They have a wondespite a new administration takderful faculty and I’m told there’s a really healthy culture there, so ing shape, the spirit and happiness throughout the school will I’m looking forward to it.” According to DiDomenico, not change. “At 1:58 the buses roll, kids he will miss many aspects of Algonquin including the student are all gone, and there’s always a culture and the quality of aca- group of kids still out in [H200] hall,” DiDomenico said. “That’s demics. “When I think about the a nice sign, that the kids genuineschool in general, I think about ly enjoy being here, and that joy the humor, the spirit and the gen- will remain.” erosity of the student body and the fact that there are some really Role of Administration With the selection of a new Cassidy wang & Paige morse
photo rebecca poretsky
Principal Thomas Mead, Assistant Principal Paul DiDomenico and Assistant Principal Mel Laughton (not pictured) will depart Algonquin at the end of this school year.
principal underway, Mead believes that the role of the principal, with the help of faculty and students, holds great power to make change in the school com-
munity. “[I get inspiration to make change] from two sources,” Mead said. “One is me, but the more important one is
that it comes from other people, from having a door open to students and teachers...”
Reform page 4
Walsh named principal, search for assistant principal continues Elissa GORMAN New principal News Editor Sara Pragluski Walsh, Ed.D Sara Pragluski Walsh, Ed.D will be fillposes during ing the role of principal in the upcoming her visit to school year of 2017-2018. Algonquin Walsh is the current principal of the on June 2.
Photo Rebecca Poretsky
Springfield High School of Science and Technology. According to an email sent to the school community by Superintendent Christine Johnson, the past two years of Walsh’s employment have seen significant improvement in terms of achievement and
student performance. “She helped it grow from one that was identified by State standards as underperforming to a school that is now recognized through multiple awards as obtaining high levels of success in all educational metrics including academics, participation, and school climate,” Johnson’s email stated. Walsh visited Algonquin on June 2 and met with students, teachers, and parents while familiarizing herself with Algonquin. Those who met with Walsh were encouraged to submit a survey of their feedback
to Johnson. “Dr. Walsh is described as a leader who sets the bar high for herself, her students and her educational team,” Johnson’s email stated. “She is an exceptional leader who is committed to inspiring others to reach beyond their own expectations.” One of the open assistant principal positions is in the early stages of being filled. Johnson is accepting applications until June 13. According to Johnson, the district hopes to continue the search for the other assistant principal position if budget allows.