Board of Education
Matthew Dean
Diane Gordon
Margie Mitchell
Pam Parker
Royce Peterson
Boynton High School, Camden Community Day & Alternative Programs
Principal – Michael J. Madalinski February 2008 - Volume 1 – Edition 5 Superintendent – Dr. Rhonda Farber
Please join the entire Boynton staff in congratulating Robert Sumpter for being selected as the December Student of the Month. Congratulations also go out to Mayra Flores for being selected as the January Student of the Month. Mayra and Robert were introduced to the entire student body during the video announcements on Wednesday, January 30. They both received a plaque, a backpack and a gift certificate to Starbucks. They also have their names engraved on a perpetual plaque in the Boynton lobby.
Students of the Month are selected by the staff. The criteria used for selection are attendance, academic progress, and citizenship. The staff members recognize the importance of this honor and spend a lot of time discussing the qualities of each candidate.
On Wednesday, January 30, the entire Boynton student body watched a panel discussion and video about the consequences of driving under the influence. The panel consisted of a district attorney, a police officer, a trauma surgeon and a moderator. The panel members met in room 10 and the discussion was shown to each classroom on the closed-circuit television network. Students had the opportunity to write down questions, which were gathered and answered by the members of the panel.
The Teen & Family Counseling Center (TFCC) in Campbell is offering low-cost clinic services every afternoon and evening. Additionally, you may make arrangements for services on weekends by appointment. For an appointment, visit the TFCC website at www.teenfamilycounseling.org or call the TFCC at 370-9990 ext. 23#.
The Boynton leadership students have sponsored many events this year. The activities included: holiday grams, pie eating contest, mascot contest, pajama day, sack races, haunted house and a canned-food drive. The students have also participated in the WASC process by spending a day with the members of the faculty leadership team to give input into what they believe are issues that need to be addressed.
Conflict is a natural part of life. As long as people have different needs and opinions, they will disagree. Your student will have conflicts with his or her siblings, peers, friends, teachers, and with you. The important thing is learning how to resolve conflict in a calm manner. Below is one example of a step-by-step guide for solving problems.
Look on the bright side. The next time you are arguing with your teen, try to remind yourself that non-violent conflict isn’t always bad. It gives everyone a chance to understand each other’s feelings or opinions about an issue. If you work with your teen to solve the conflict, or to “agree to disagree” your child will learn an important lesson.
Set the stage. When conflict begins, realize that the emotional aspect can lead to escalation. Find a way to call a “timeout” so that everyone can calm down. When everyone is calmer, find a place to talk privately.
Open the dialogue. Getting any teenager to talk can be difficult. Use encouraging words when coaxing your teen into opening up. Acknowledge that everyone is upset and that you only want to work out a solution.
Listen to your teenager’s opinion. As your teen talks, listen to find out what’s really bothering him or her. Make eye contact and actively listen. Try not to interrupt to ask questions, or to argue. You might be surprised to find out the real reason for the conflict.
Explain your side. As you share your thoughts, don’t blame your teen. If you do, she or he won’t listen.
Brainstorm solutions. Work with your teen to come up with a solution that will work for both of you. Allow your teen to come up with solutions, even if they are not realistic. Discuss which solutions will not work and which solutions are safe and appropriate. Make sure that your student understands the expectation and the consequence of the solution.
Upcoming Events
Friday, March 14
Minimum Day – End of Progress Period
Sunday, March 30 – Wednesday, April 2, 2008
WASC Accreditation Team Visits
Graduation Ceremony
Thursday, June 12 – 2:00 p.m.
Boynton Quad