Bystanders push car off woman in Norton crash

   NORTON - Bystanders helped to push a car off of a 55-year-old Taunton driver after her car rolled over Thursday on Interstate 495 in Norton.

The accident occurred at 12:14 p.m. about a mile south of the exit for Route 140.

The 2001 Ford Explorer rolled over after veering off the southbound side of the highway, pinning the driver, Patricia Comperchio.

Norton Fire Capt. Benton Keene III said when firefighters arrived, the car was upright.

"What happened was bystanders rolled the car because it was on the torso of the female," Keene said. "They were able to put it back on four wheels."

Firefighters then used hydraulic equipment to cut Comperchio out of the car.

Teacher Contract Ratified — 2% Increase

New World Language Coordinator supports early introduction to foreign language

by Muriel Kramer

March 1, 2013 — The School Committee last night voted to ratify a new three year contract with Hopkinton Teachers that, according to School Committee Chairwoman Nancy Alvarez Burdick, “includes a modest wage increase for our valued professionals”; the contract includes a 2% wage increase each year.  The School Committee voted unanimously in favor of the contract. Town Manager Norman Khumalo was on hand for the vote, and his was the lone vote against accepting the contract. 

                Speaking before the vote, SC member Rebecca Robak who served as a member of the negotiation team said, “We all know Hopkinton is known for our strong schools… We need to be sure to negotiate a contract that’s fiscally responsible and values our teachers.”  She noted that Hopkinton’s average salary is ranked 66^th in the State.  “We’re not overpaying our teachers, but we are certainly competitive.”

                Interim Superintendent of Schools Steve Hiersche commented that the contract process was fair but certainly not easy.  He asserted that it was a good process but difficult and expressed appreciation that all parties had worked together respectfully.  “The successes we see (in the schools) are in large part due to a very stable teaching staff.”

                The SC also voted unanimously to support the recommendations of Khumalo and Hiersche for community representatives on the Elementary School Building committee; the four candidates that will be recommended to the Selectmen at their next meeting for inclusion on the ESBC are Mike Shepard, Joe Markey, John Weaver and Rob Nickerson.  Shepard has experience as a teacher as well as with educational facilities, the MSBA process and construction.  Markey has land use experience and is passionate about supporting the elementary schools.  Weaver has architectural, engineering and construction experience; lastly, Nickerson has communication and marketing experience.  Hiersche spoke enthusiastically about the pool of applicants and was happy to report that all candidates even those not formally on the committee stand ready to participate and support the process going forward.

                Ralph Dumas reported that there was a high level of early interest in the Elmwood School roof project.  In response to a question from Robak, he did comment that it was unlikely that solar panels would be included in that project.

                Marilyn Miracle, Hopkinton’s new World Language Coordinator, gave a presentation highlighting some of our current successes and speaking to goals as outlined in Hopkinton’s Strategic Plan.  The goals included in the strategic plan are as follows:

1)      By June 2014, the School District will increase its foreign language offerings at the middle school and elementary levels.

2)      By June 2014, 75% of high school students will complete 3 years of foreign language, which include in-person or cross cultural experience with a goal of attaining at least an intermediate proficiency level.

3)      By June 2014, 10% of high school students will complete 2 years of study of a critical language (Mandarin Chinese or Arabic as examples).

                 Miracle was happy to see that the Strategic Plan highlighted proficiency in the goals.  She commented that research supports that earlier introduction greatly increases a student’s opportunities for proficiency in foreign language study.  “We are surrounded by schools that offer immersion as well as k-12 world language instruction because they know that early world language instruction is what works best.”  Possible solutions she proposed include offering Spanish and French to our elementary teachers, changing our future hiring practices to hire elementary teachers that also minored in a language, using the most talented high school students to facilitate learning at the elementary level and possibly offering classes at cost after school.

                Miracle also highlighted the value of real life cross-cultural experiences to enhance proficiency.  “Hopkinton High School could become a leader in this area by making study tours a one-credit course…It’s not enough to travel – you need to reflect on where you’ve been, what you’ve seen and what that means to you.  Giving students credit for this experience lends depth to the experience.”  She also suggested the SC consider using the F1 student visa account in part to fund scholarships for these types of experiences for students otherwise not able to take advantage of them for financial reasons.

                She also addressed the difficulty in achieving proficiency in “critical languages” like Mandarin or Arabic.  According to Miracle sources support that achieving proficiency in Spanish or French requires 575 to 600 hours of study, Mandarin or Arabic proficiency requires 2,200 hours.  “If the district is seriously interested in developing proficiency in Mandarin, it needs to be the language we start in the elementary [schools], preferably in kindergarten.” 

                She wrapped up her comments addressing the need for a functional language lab at the high school and middle school.  Currently the software we own is not compatible with the Mac computers at the schools.  She asked the SC to consider purchasing new software possibly with funds from the F1 Visa account.

HCA Call for Art for Arts in Bloom Exhibition

HOPKINTON, MA (February 28, 2013) --- The Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA) is issuing a call for art for its annual Arts in Bloom  exhibition that will take place May 3 – 24 at the HCA Gallery, 98 Hayden Rowe Street.  Arts in Bloom is an annual, juried exhibit that showcases new and exciting work created by artists living and working in New England.  The Hopkinton Garden Club will once again be providing one-of-a-kind floral arrangements to complement the prize-winning artwork.  Works do not have to have a floral component but should reflect this theme in imagery, color, design or conceptual elements.

This year’s exhibition is being juried by Joanna Fink of the Alpha Gallery in Boston.  The Alpha Gallery was featured in the Boston Globe’s “Best Shows of 2012” art gallery article.  Cash awards totaling $1,000 will be distributed. Submissions will be accepted at the HCA on April 21 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on April 22 and 23 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

“This year the Arts in Bloom exhibit is going to be a stop on the Culture in Bloom tour by Metrowest Tours, which will give artists much greater exposure,” said Kris Waldman, artist director of the HCA.  “We are looking forward to celebrating spring through the creativity shown in these inspired art pieces.”

All 2D media, including photography, as well as 3D work that can be hung on a wall and does not protrude more than 10 inches will be accepted.  More information and a link to online registration are available at www.hopartscenter.org .

GOVERNOR PATRICK ANNOUNCES NEW ONLINE TOOL TO SHOW BENEFITS OF INVESTING IN HOPKINTON AND COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH

BOSTON - Thursday, February 28, 2013 – Governor Deval Patrick yesterday unveiled an online map tool that shows members of the public, in real terms, what investing in growth and opportunity will mean for their communities.

“This tool will help people see exactly what to expect in their own backyard as part of the investments we’ve proposed,” said Governor Patrick. “Meaningful investments in education and transportation today will significantly improve our economic future both in the short term and for generations to come.”

Each map outlines transportation projects in every community that would be funded under the Governor’s FY14 budget proposal, as well as the additional Chapter 70 education funding and support for public colleges and universities communities can expect to receive under the Governor’s investment plan. The maps also show how many children in each community are on the waitlist for early education and care programs. As part of the Governor’s investment plan, the 30,000 child waitlist for early education and care programs across the state would be eliminated.

Under the Governor’s proposed budget, Hopkinton would receive $88,700 in additional Chapter 70 education funding, for a total of almost $5.8 million in Chapter 70 funding in FY14. The South Middlesex school district would receive $818,781 in additional Chapter 70 education funding, for a total of almost $4.1 million in Chapter 70 funding in FY14. Governor’s plan would also move the 18 children currently on the waitlist for early education programs in Hopkinton off of the waitlist and into high-quality early education programs. In addition to these education investments, Hopkinton would receive $959,188 in funding for transportation and infrastructure projects in FY14, increasing to almost $3.2 million over the next 10 years.

Governor Patrick has challenged members of the public to ask themselves what kind of Commonwealth we want and need for our time and the generations to come, and these maps demonstrate exactly how bold investment now will build a stronger Commonwealth in the near term and for future generations.
“As we continue to discuss the importance of making strategic investments to grow our Commonwealth, this new online tool serves as another resource for residents to understand how investments in education and transportation will directly impact them and their cities and towns,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray.

Each of the 400 maps in total, representing both Senate and House districts, can be found at www.mass.gov/governor/choosegrowth . There are two maps per district – one displaying transportation investments and one displaying education investments in each community.

Governor Patrick’s budget plan includes a $1 billion annual investment in the Commonwealth’s transportation system to maintain the current transportation assets we have today and launch a number of high-impact transportation projects across Massachusetts that, if built, will create thousands of jobs and spur economic development across the Commonwealth. The plan also includes a $550 million investment in education, reaching $1 billion over four years, to provide universal access to high quality early education for children across the state, from birth through age five; fully fund K-12 education and allow for extended school days in high-need schools; make college more affordable and accessible for high school graduates; and allow our community colleges to expand their efforts to provide students with the knowledge and skill training needed to succeed in the workplace.

Following the announcement of this plan in his State of the Commonwealth address, Governor Patrick has been traveling across the state making the case for business leaders, educators, local elected officials and members of the public about the importance of investing now in education, innovation and infrastructure to spur job creation and unlock opportunity in every corner of the Commonwealth. For more information on the Governor’s investment plan visit www.mass.gov/governor/choosegrowth .

(Text contributed by Governor's Office. Photo: Eric Haynes / Governor's Office)

Hopkinton High School Drama Ensemble Presents:

 Uncommon Nonsense

An original play written, performed and directed by HHS students

March 7, 8 & 9

Hopkinton High School Auditorium

The Hopkinton High School Drama Ensemble proudly presents the original play, Uncommon Nonsense. This production is an educational theater experiment in which 43 students collaborated to write, perform and direct the play.

The story follows an eighteen-year old Alice (of Wonderland fame) who is trapped in a play where she encounters various analogues of Lewis Carroll’s most well known characters.  This dramatic comedy skillfully tells of Alice’s journey to self-discovery.

Valerie von Rosenvinge, director of the HHS drama program, launched this student-focused endeavor in December.  According to Ms. Von Rosenvinge, “I wanted to support my students by providing an opportunity for them to develop and hone their creativity, innovation and collaborative abilities.” According to von Rosenvinge,  “These are qualities identified by major corporations as aptitudes they seek in new hires, yet are not easily measured by AP exams or standardized tests.” 

“It has been a very interesting process,” continued von Rosenvinge, “and the
students have risen to the task and created a brilliant piece of theatre."

While each of the 43 participants has been involved with the writing process, there are seven who have worked extensively together in bringing this story to life. They are: Ben Card (senior), Leah Raczynski (senior), Liam Horsman (senior), Alex Graham (senior), Cody Johnson (senior), Alex Kirshy (senior), Brent: Leibowitz (freshman).

Performances will be Thursday, March 7 at 4 pm and Friday, March 8 & Saturday, March 9 at 7:30 pm at the Hopkinton High School Auditorium. Tickets are $8 for students and seniors, $10 adults.

~ Ruth Cote

Steven Young to Represent the MetroWest YMCA in the Boston Marathon

FRAMINGHAM, MA - The MetroWest YMCA is pleased to announce that Steven Young of Framingham has been selected to represent the MetroWest YMCA with our first invitational entry number to the Boston Marathon on April 15^th. Steve stated that he wanted to run for the Y because “the Y has been there for me”. Steve’s daughter Lyia participates in the Y’s before and after school programs and loves gymnastics at the Y.  “My wife, Tamika, is in the military and without the Y’s programs it would be hard for us. And Lyia’s made lots of friends at the MetroWest Y too”, Steve said.

Originally from Dorchester, Steve started running in middle school and has never stopped. He has been training for the Marathon before work and during weekends. Steve is committed to raising $4,000 for the Y’s Partners With Youth campaign for financial assistance and would welcome your support. If you are interested in sponsoring Steve, go to www.metrowestymca.org, “donate now” and make a donation in Steve’s honor.