April 22, 2024
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 18
Closer to the Eclipse
EHS Teachers Head to the Sky for Historic Occasion
EHS Teachers Head to the Sky for Historic Occasion
Everett High School (EHS) teachers Neil Plotnick and Sarah Morrissey experienced the solar eclipse from the skies above New England, thanks to their membership in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) education team.
“It was an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Plotnick, who joined eight educators on the aerial excursion on Monday, April 8, 2024. The journey began with a flight from Beverly Airport to Bangor International Airport. From there, the teachers boarded four plans in sets of two and flew northeast and then due west along the line of totality. At approximately 8,000 feet, Ms. Morrissey and Mr. Plotnick enjoyed unforgettable views of the total eclipse.
“The entire horizon for 360 degrees looked like dawn with orange skies and darkness all around,” Plotnick said. “Jupiter, which would normally be obscured by the sun's brightness, appeared as a very bright star just a bit below the sun from our viewpoint.”
The EHS duo was flown by pilot Charles Dale, who skillfully maneuvered a Cessna 182 through a series of 360-degree turns and banks, giving his passengers views of the eclipse from various angles. Dale is an Air Force ROTC graduate currently employed as a systems engineer for the Air Force.
The CAP education program provides professional education for its members. Teachers can join for a modest one-time fee which renews at no charge every year. CAP provides free STEM resources to teachers, including a robotics program currently being utilized by Mr. Plotnick’s students.
“It was an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Plotnick, who joined eight educators on the aerial excursion on Monday, April 8, 2024. The journey began with a flight from Beverly Airport to Bangor International Airport. From there, the teachers boarded four plans in sets of two and flew northeast and then due west along the line of totality. At approximately 8,000 feet, Ms. Morrissey and Mr. Plotnick enjoyed unforgettable views of the total eclipse.
“The entire horizon for 360 degrees looked like dawn with orange skies and darkness all around,” Plotnick said. “Jupiter, which would normally be obscured by the sun's brightness, appeared as a very bright star just a bit below the sun from our viewpoint.”
The EHS duo was flown by pilot Charles Dale, who skillfully maneuvered a Cessna 182 through a series of 360-degree turns and banks, giving his passengers views of the eclipse from various angles. Dale is an Air Force ROTC graduate currently employed as a systems engineer for the Air Force.
The CAP education program provides professional education for its members. Teachers can join for a modest one-time fee which renews at no charge every year. CAP provides free STEM resources to teachers, including a robotics program currently being utilized by Mr. Plotnick’s students.
More from Eclipse Day
From the Whittier School
Pictured above are Whittier School students, who viewed the solar eclipse following dismissal on Monday, April 8, 2024. The students, who used special sunglasses to view the eclipse, made observations and discussed what they witnessed. Thanks to Principal Mike McLucas and Assistant Principal Cari Fidalgo for extending this opportunity to our students.
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At the State House
EHS Artists Showcased as Part of ‘Envision’ Exhibit
A group of talented Everett High School (EHS) artists were featured at a special exhibition inside the Massachusetts State House. Called “Envision,” the exhibition showcased a wide range of mediums and artistic visions.
Participating artists included:
Shyann Ambersley
Mirelly Anjos De Lima
Yaneli Cruz
Makayla DaSilva
Emma Iarossi
Zayda Pontoriero
Litzi Rivera Euceda
Alisson Solis Deras
Nathalia Catalunia
Yaneli Cruz
Qoing Chen
Mona DeSilva
Cecia Cruz
Anne Souza
Sophia Melo
The works on display ranged from ethereal spirit animal paintings to observational still-life paintings, landscapes, crochet tapestry, imaginative paintings, three-dimensional sculptures, and hand-stitched embroidery. “Envision” launched with an Opening Reception on Monday, April 8, giving students the chance to talk about their work with Senator DiDomenico, School Committee member Marcony Almeida-Barros, State House officials, and guests. They discussed their inspiration, creative process, and the importance of art in their lives.
The exhibit concluded on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
Click HERE for More Photos from the “Envision” Exhibition
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Music, On a Grand Scale
String Concerts Set for April 30 and May 2
String Concerts Set for April 30 and May 2
Everett Public Schools (EPS) music educators and their students are tuning up for the district’s annual String Night performances, a two-night extravaganza featuring more than 470 musicians in grades K-12.
This year’s show is called “Heroes and Villains: An Adventure Around the Globe.” Students in grades K-3 will take the stage on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, while 4-12 graders will perform on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Both shows begin at 6 p.m. in the Everett High School Center for the Performing Arts. “Our music program is thriving at all levels, and these concerts illustrate that fact in a manner that brings great joy to our students, families, and community,” said Superintendent William Hart.
Music teachers Maciej Kaczmarek, Anna Polska, and Kelsey Devlin are directing “Heroes and Villains.” The program features pieces from a wide range of countries and cultures, reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of the EPS student body and its string musicians. Selections include “Nepali Folk Song,” “Haitian Lullaby,” “Kye Kye Kule” from Ghana, “Swallowtail Jig” from Ireland, and “El Torito Pinto” from El Salvador.
This year’s show is called “Heroes and Villains: An Adventure Around the Globe.” Students in grades K-3 will take the stage on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, while 4-12 graders will perform on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Both shows begin at 6 p.m. in the Everett High School Center for the Performing Arts. “Our music program is thriving at all levels, and these concerts illustrate that fact in a manner that brings great joy to our students, families, and community,” said Superintendent William Hart.
Music teachers Maciej Kaczmarek, Anna Polska, and Kelsey Devlin are directing “Heroes and Villains.” The program features pieces from a wide range of countries and cultures, reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of the EPS student body and its string musicians. Selections include “Nepali Folk Song,” “Haitian Lullaby,” “Kye Kye Kule” from Ghana, “Swallowtail Jig” from Ireland, and “El Torito Pinto” from El Salvador.