NHHS Bids Farewell to Beloved Administrative Assistant Jean McFarland After Four Decades of Service to Families/Students/Staff
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Ms. Jean McFarland worked for the North Haven school system for nearly 40 years, with 11 and a half years spent at the middle school. During that time she became a much trusted and beloved member of the NH school communities. She was supportive and dedicated, always doing what is right for teachers and students. As a child and family advocate, Jean dedicated herself to many humanitarian causes that were enormously impactful to town residents in need. Ms. McFarland retired to care for her six month old granddaughter. She also has two other granddaughters who are 21 and 22 years old who are currently attending Central/Eastern CT Universities. In addition, Jean has countless nieces, nephews and a countless number of dear friends to whom she dedicates herself.
In a statement, McFarland says, "I have enjoyed my years at North Haven and appreciate and cherish the many friendships I have made."
When asked to share sentiments/memories of McFarland, many discussed the variety of ways she touched lives with her kindness, sense of humor, generosity and commitment to the NH community
Tricia Harkins:
"I would love to share and show gratitude to Jean for all the help and guidance she has given me over the years - as a teacher, advisor and a mom. She is so much more than a secretary, she is another figure and a force of strength and dedication. She will be missed but never really gone - always in my heart."
Lauren ViVenzio:
"I am so appreciative of Jean's support with Reason for the Season each year! After showing me the ropes of what we do almost eight years ago, she continued to accept gifts from staff and provide them with receipts. She helped me to stay organized and was so helpful sending out reminders throughout December. I will truly miss her!"
Wendy Wade:
"I have shared many experiences with Jean over the years. Jean is kind, attentive, supportive, and sensitive. I will certainly miss seeing her in the building, however I am thrilled for her to explore the next part of her journey as she looks forward to spending time with her grandchildren."
Daniel O’Brien:
"Jean McFarland is the heart and soul of the second floor. She's a constant source of wisdom, insight, organization, support, and good humor. She's a fierce advocate for teachers and deeply respects both our time and what we do. Jean gets it done, and we will all miss her and be poorer for her absence."
Federico Fiondella and Family:
"I just wanted to say that in all of the years that I have known Jean, the words kindness and compassion quickly come to mind. For staff members and students alike...Jean always found time to say hello and to check on us. A huge thank you to Jean for her years of service. She will certainly be missed by all of us!"
Carissa Somody:
"Jean kept me in business up here in IT! All joking aside, she knows I will miss her dearly but am so lucky to call her my friend!"
Jenn Fiore:
"Each day, Jean walked down to pick me up at the guidance office so we could leave the building together. I will miss my friend coming in at the end of the day. It's the only time I got to see her and chit chat."
Diana Blythe:
"Jean has been a loyal and dedicated member of the NHHS community. She consistently handled people/situations with care, integrity, and common sense. She enabled us to do our best work by providing valuable support and assistance. Jean's "voice" of reason was rooted in wisdom and came from the heart... she'll be dearly missed."
Dr. Russ Dallai:
"Jean McFarland has been a staple of North Haven High School for decades. I met Mrs. McFarland when I was a student teacher in 1993. She was a resource to everyone even then. Throughout the years, her commitment to the students and staff at NHHS continued and grow, making her an indispensable member of our school community.
She is already missed, though we are happy for her well-earned retirement. I know that I speak for my colleagues when I say that we wish her nothing but continued happiness with her family."
Mr. Tom Bushnell:
"Mrs. McFarland always went out of her way to make everyone at NHHS feel welcomed. Her door was always open....she knew everyone, and everyone knew her. Mrs. McFarland was always available to students and staff to lend a helping hand or offer advice, always with a smile, a laugh, or well wishes. Sometimes I still leave my office to tell her something- a joke or a family update- and then, much to my chagrin, I remember that she has retired. Mrs. McFarland brightened everyone's day. We will all miss her."
NHHS Welcomes Our New Quinnipiac Interns!
Mr. Sean Doyle
Mr. Sean Doyle
Mr. Sean Doyle is our new science intern! He is currently a student-teacher for Mrs. Wong's L1, L2, and L3 Biology classes. He has earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Quinnipiac University, and is now working towards his Master of Arts in Teaching at Quinnipiac as well. Outside of school, Doyle is a singer. He has preformed at Carnegie Hall, the Notre Dame Basilica, and the White House! In the future, Doyle will become certified in Biology, Chemistry, and General Science, and plans to return to his home state of New Jersey to teach!
Welcome Mr. Doyle and best of luck in the future!
Mr. Drew Barbieri
Mr. Drew Barbieri
Mr. Drew Barbieri is currently teaching Algebra 1 at North Haven High School. Before he attended Quinnipiac, Barbieri went to Mark T Sheehan High School in Wallingford. He is now coaching the high school basketball team, as well as a travel basketball team in the Spring called CT Reign. In his free time, Barbieri plays basketball, and is a big fan of the Red Sox, Dallas Cowboys, and Miami Heat. He likes to play board and card games with his friends, and has competed in a few Fortnite Competitive tournaments. Barbieri is proud of his perseverance in completing college math courses and of his ability to create the CT Reign from the ground up. In the future, Barbieri plans to teach at North Haven High School, but if not here, then somewhere else local in Connecticut.
We wish you the best in your academic and sports endeavors!
Travel with the Phoenix: Destination...Italy!
By: Sophiea Runlett
This winter, the Phoenix is going to be visiting Italy. Italy is a country in Southern Europe where the romance language, Italian, is spoken. A romance language is a language that has diverged from Vulgar Latin during historical times. The major romance languages are Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian. The Italian language is a mix of Latin, Spanish, and French and began to diverge from Latin around the 5th century after the fall of the Roman Empire.
Italy was formerly known as “Italia,” also its name in Italian. This name existed before the founding of Rome. Since then, the territory has dramatically enlarged in the past 3,000 years, yet the most significant enlargement occurred during the Roman age through land confiscation. Now, Italy is 116,631 mi squared, and tourists love every mile of it.
The most popular places to visit in Italy are Rome, Florence, and Venice, though there are some hidden gems such as Procida, Mantua, and Cefalú. These areas are best known for their rich history, authentic architecture, and beautiful landscapes.
In Rome, the Colosseum lies. The Colosseum is the largest ancient amphitheater ever built, and to this day, no one has built an amphitheater that beats the size of the Colosseum. Back in ancient times, the building was used for animal hunts, prisoner executions, and gladiatorial combat. This wasn’t all that was interesting about the Colosseum, however. It could seat up to 80,000 people. This was good to fit the people to be entertained by the various activities and contests. The contests sometimes lasted up to 100 days.
The Colosseum is just east of the Roman Forum, another ancient building. Unlike the Colosseum, the Roman Forum was used as a location for important religious, political, and social activities. It is even believed by Historians that people first started publicly meeting in the Forum in 500 B.C. when the Republic was originally founded. Julius Caesar, a Roman dictator, was cremated, and his remains were buried at the Roman Forum. A temple was built on top of them.
One thing that frequently comes up with the thought of Italy is the food, specifically pasta and pizza. Well, the pasta that now has a savory taste was once sweet. Italians used to, and still do, add sugar to their sauce. It is a long tradition. The margarita pizza originated in Naples and was named after the Queen at the time, Queen Margherita. The pizza was made to resemble the flag colors red, green, and white, with the sauce (red), basil (green), and cheese (white).
Italy is a very interesting place with a long history and fun facts. The famous character, Pinocchio, is an Italian character and was first published in an Italian newspaper around 1880. Not only did they invent Pinocchio, but they also invented eyeglasses in the 13th century, usually worn by monks. Italy has done a lot for the world of inventing and is a renowned global center of art, music, literature, and so much more. It is a must-see place to put on your list!
"Haunted Bookstore" Offers a Night of Fun: Open Mic Night Invites Students and Staff to Share Musical and Theatrical Talents
Left to right: Aidan Cimini (Alumnus, Class of 2024) , Nora Murdzek, Lorelai Moylan, Laila Dennison
Left to right: Mr. Lawrence DiBernardo, Mr. Chris Moore
Jack Giaquinto strummed the night away
Left to right: Juliet Sharma, Nora Murdzek
NHMS and NHHS Students Kaylee Chiaraluce and Nick DeSorbo Win DAR Good Citizens Awards
From left to right: Kaylee Chiaraluce and Nick DeSorbo
Kaylee Chiaraluce's award signifies how proud she is to be an American citizen. To earn this award, teachers nominated well-rounded students whom they felt best demonstrated American patriotism. Three chosen students were asked to write autobiographies that highlighted how much they value others, how they show equity in their everyday lives, and what the statement, "Better me, Better you, Better us," means to them. Winning this award means a great deal to Kaylee, given that her father served in the army. Kaylee's family and friends are proud of her well-deserved accomplishment and we congratulate her!
Congratulations also goes out to Nick Desorbo who was recently honored with the DAR Good Citizen Award! The award recognizes high school seniors who possess the qualities of leadership, dependability, service, and patriotism in their communities. Nick was selected as winner by his teachers and the NHHS community. Nick says, "I am so honored to have received this scholarship and to have made a positive impact in my community."
Preschoolers Invite Students and Staff to Enjoy their Thanksgiving Parade
Click the video below and full screen to watch the festivities and fun!
My Movie 13.MOVNHHS Welcomes a New Program: Cafe 101
Cafe 101 is a Life Skills Program where students use their teamwork and interpersonal skills to prepare and sell coffee beverages to staff around the building. Thank you to those who participated for spreading holiday cheer, and a special thanks to Mrs. Speeg for providing the students with wonderful aprons.
From left to right: Isaiah Perez-Rivera, Dante Chiappetta, Matthew Lengvinis, Fabrizio Fiondella, and Maddie Lipinski provide quality products and reliable service with smiles! We'll drink to that~
Connecticut State Representative, David Yaccarino, Provides Insight into the World of Local and National Politics
Republican member of the Connecticut House of Representative's 86th District, David Yaccarino, visited Mr. Brian Smith's Civics class to discuss town and national related economic and political issues. Students engaged in enlightening conversations concerning immigration, climate change, taxes, etc., by utilizing the material that was covered in class. The goal of Yaccarino's visit was to encourage and support our next generation of informed citizens.
Mr. Peter Sagnella's Visions of Nature Class Gets Inspired by Sleeping Giant's Natural Beauty
Field trip provides opportunity for students to develop appreciation for literature's greatest muse!
Nighthawk School Mascot Visits A Very Excited Class of Preschoolers!
What a perfect way to help tiny friends connect fondly with their school community: Who wants hugs?
Senior Breakfast Unites Students and Community Members to Feast, Interact and Enjoy
Festive tradition continues to feature spirited fun, fine dining and celebratory performances
All the senior-citizens enjoyed hearing the carols sung by One Voice.
Members of One Voice sing carols with the preschoolers for all the guests to hear!
L to R: Chelsea Chin-Mook, John Bimonte, and Aaron Brown worked under the guidance of Culinary teacher Ms. Traci Planinshek, to bake fresh and delicious goodies for the occasion. The selection included various coffee cakes, breads, scones and lovely decorated holiday cookies.
L to R: Director of Student Services, Anthony Mastriano, Superintendent, Patrick Stirk, Assistant Superintendent, Melinda McKenna, and Chief Operating Officer for Business & Operations, Christian Strickland visited with students and community members.
Left to right: NHHS Seniors Kevin Parker, Molly Martin, and Matt McDonough enjoy an amazing breakfast and other festivities with their grandparents. The long-standing NHHS event offers musical entertainment and holiday cheer drawing crowds each year to celebrate family ties, community friendships and student talents.
Thank you to all the Chartwells employees for preparing an amazing full breakfast! Under the professional leadership of Salvatore Rizzo (center) Director of Dining Services for the NH School District, from left, Judy Halkovetz and Gail Dudek received words of praise and appreciation.
Principal Russ Dallai welcomes grandparents and community members to the breakfast!
NH Art Honor Society members sell raffle tickets to raise funds for humanitarian causes
Course Selection Night Welcomes Future High School Students To Explore Program and Activity Options
The event allowed NHMS students who recently registered for HS classes to make informed best choices
Left to right: Members of the Art Deparment: Mrs. Brittany Hansen, Mrs. Wendy Wade, Mrs. Katherine Fountain, Mrs. Diana Blythe shared examples of student work and discussed available classes for Art/Humanities/STEM credit.
Eighth graders and their families enjoyed learning about different programs, activities, extracurriculars, and classes offered at the HS.
Teachers and students were on hand to answer questions and share information.
(L to R): Members of the Music Department: Ms. Susan Oakley and Ms. Sarah Iadarola are joined by sophomore Alex Cardenas and display photos of their student performances
(L to R): Members of the Technology Education program, Mr. Chris Johnson and Mr. Mark Fagan displayed some exciting aspects of their program and chatted with families about projects.
Members of the National Honor Society supported the event by folding programs that featured the various aspects of Course Selection Night including courses available to incoming freshmen.
(L to R): Members of the World Language department in attendance included Ms. Julie Buonasora, Ms. Nancy Schreiber, Ms. Mengwen Ren, Ms. Carla Destefanis, Coordinator, Ms. Alessandra Brownell.
(L to R): Guidance counselors: Mr. Michael Mirabello, Ms.Samantha Stowe, Ms. Melissa Chiarelli, Ms. Laura Sangster share information with students to help them plan out their high school careers.
(L to R): 6-12 Math Coordinator, Mr. Joseph Romanelli and Mrs. Larissa Opramolla attended to discuss the HS Math program/courses including tutoring options and required classes.
(L to R): Members of the English Department attended including Mr. Chris Moore, Mr. Dan O'Brien, English Department Coordinator Mr. Devin Mannion. They discussed requirements and elective options available to upperclassmen.
(L to R): Members of the Science Department in attendance included Coordinator, Ms. Paris Godbout, Dr. Lisa Ball-Goodrich, and Mr. David Jacob. They displayed some of their students enjoying a science class.
(L to R): Members of the Social Studies Department from left: Ms. Carly Ross, Social Studies Coordinator K-12 Ms. Jalanne Metz, and Ms. Trisha Harkins discuss required HS Social Studies courses such as World Issues, US History, and Civics/AP Gov as well as other class options.
(L to R): Members of the CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) program Isabella Crouch, Scarlett Russek, and Lily Schupp discuss information and skills learned from instructor, Ms. Marion Avitable who also offers guidance and insights based on her RN expertise.
(L to R): Business Department teacher, Mr. Stephen Bevins, discusses the benefits of taking business classes with student, Christian Moro-Gordian. The program also includes courses such as Business Law and Personal Finance.
(L to R): Members of the Career and Technical Education programs include Child Development teacher, Ms. Michele DeGiacomo, Family Consumer Science teachers, Ms. Kathryn Speeg and Ms. Traci Planinshek. They are joined by student, Jamari Hull. Visitors were offered delicious soup samples.
HS Librarian Mr. Anthony Giordano and his mini assistant chat with Mr. Justin Falcon, Media teacher and producer of NHETV productions responsible for Advisory Video Announcement.
Students Move Towards Health and Saftey
Mr. Fazzuoli's Project Adventure Program and Ms. Maher's PE Classes Offer Lessons in Focus, Trust, Endurance, and Fitness Through Challenging Climbs and Monitored Exercise and Activities
Advanced Sewing Students Transform Toilet Paper into Magnificent Wedding Dresses
Students taught by fashion teacher Mrs. Kathryn Speeg created delicately stunning and intricate wedding dresses from only toilet paper and pins! Here come the brides~
League of Women's Voters' Host Annual Hamden-North Haven Discussion
Junior Editor, Matthew Campbell, attended and reports on the day's events and those in attendance
One January 25, 2025, the League of Women Voters’ (LMV) of Hamden-North Haven held their annual event where local legislators were able to meet civilians face to face for a breakfast. The LMV is a non-profit, bipartisan group that has been around for 20 to 30 years and this event is one of their biggest of the year. This event is held to allow people an opportunity to meet with local legislators and ask questions surrounding a variety of topics.
At this most recent event, Senator Jorge Cabrera, Senator Martin Looney, Representative Josh Elliott, Representative Laurie Sweet, Representative Mary Welander, Representative Steven B. Winter, and Representative David Yaccarino were all in attendance. The event lasted for about two hours. The first hour was focused on a panel discussion. Legislators were asked the same questions and were each given the opportunity to answer individually, in front of the entire audience.
The first question asked to each legislator was what they promoted and what change they wanted to see. Senator Jorge Cabrera was the first to answer during this round. He stated, “Hamden is in a budget year.” He further talked about how the cost of living, prescription drug prices, and education are the biggest focuses for Hamden and also North Haven. All of the legislators agreed that these are big issues amongst our communities and are working to improve these problems. The legislators agreed, however, that there is a caveat to this as they do not know about the federal cuts yet. This is crucial information to know as Representative Josh Elliott stated that there is a “Reluctance to pass bills” due to the unknown cuts coming in from D.C.
A bill that was recently passed stated that housing is now a human right in Hamden. This is possibly the only town in Connecticut that passed such a law and is a good first step towards fixing this not only statewide, but nationwide issue.
Other important topics that were mentioned were the environment and new ways of energy and the housing crisis. The issue on energy was then discussed by Representative David Yaccarino. He said, “I believe in nuclear energy and renewable energy to a point.” None of the other legislators had any concrete answers to this statement, but assured the people attending the event there would be some advancements in this category of “law making” in the future.
The final question that was asked to the panel was about voter turnout. All the legislators agreed that voter turnout has been steadily declining for years. Senator Looney stated that, “There is a real danger to our core.” The panel then continued with this discussion and turned to solutions such as early voting and absentee voting, which has shed some light on this issue that overcasts our country.
To close out the event, the legislators then walked around to each table of attendees and sat down to answer personal questions that the community had to ask. Each table was able to talk to the legislators face to face. The hope was to grow relations between our government and the people who run, with the civilians that their bills and laws directly affect.
The League of Women Voters’ hopes that this event will inspire the younger generation in attendance to step up for their country and cast their votes. They also wanted to give the community an opportunity to meet and directly talk with the legislators who represent them in state and local government.
Photos below: Local area politicians spoke to a packed audience about topics relevant to Connecticut.
Important topics discussed included the environment, new ways of producing energy and the CT housing crisis with Representative David Yaccarino weighing in on future use of nuclear and renewable energy.
NHHS Celebrates the Holiday Season With an Ugly Sweater Contest During Lunch Waves
From Left to Right: Allen Ramirez, Brenna Wilson, Mr. Jacobs, Juliet Batick, Grant Grotzke, Unisha Khondoker, Michael Russo
Art Student Ambassadors Discuss Program and Share Experiences with NHMS 8th Graders
Students from the NHHS art program visits middle school art classes to share their experiences from their time in high school. This annual event helps promote and strengthen our art program as upcoming freshmen are inspired to continue to develop their artistic abilities throughout high school.
Advanced Clay Students Explore Materials and Techniques Using Crushed Stained Glass to Create Luminous Possibilities
Ava Shamett crushes stained glass to add to the glazing process of her enclosed form. The material is mixed with clear glaze and applied to a flat surface where it melts in a large heated oven known as a kiln to create lovely results.
Ceramic Design student, Gianna Terryn, visits with Advanced Clay students in anticipation of taking the class next year. Senior Ava Shamett discusses methods used to create unique art vessels and other highlights of the program.
After being fired in the kiln, students open their enclosed forms to reveal the result of their crushed stained glass application. Ceramic design student, Leila Sweet, chose to create a colorful "tasty treat"!
Math Teachers Celebrate "Twin Day" in Matching Flannels
Math experts in stylish "geometrics" are "proof" that clothing "coordinates" add up to just "plaid" adorable
L to R: Ms. Larissa Opramolla, Mr. Dominic Esposito, Mr. Dan Hughes, Ms. Susan Mitchell, and Ms. Stephanie Gaulin. It all "adds up" to reflect the wonderful creative talents possessed by the Math Department!
Ms. Tricia Harkins' Meditation Club invites Students and Staff to Quiet their Minds and Become the Highest Version of Themselves
Social Studies teacher Tricia Harkins has another passion outside of teaching that she gracioulsy shares with NHHS staff and students. She gives insight into why she started the Meditation Club and what her goals are for those who participate:
"I began the Meditation Club because meditation has changed my life for the better and I know it will do the same for all who participate. Meditation allows you the opportunity to get to know yourself and thus aligns you with the highest version of yourself - allowing you to achieve all that you desire. Meditation helps you to become aware of your thoughts so that you are, with time and practice, able to control what you do with your thoughts. My hope is that more and more people turn to meditation to quiet their minds and achieve their greatest endeavors."
Harkins discusses various breathing techniques and uses imagery to induce a calm mindset among participants who often close their eyes and practice ways to stay positive.
Harkins' weekly meditation sessions are held in room 202 after school. She invites all interested staff and students to stop by and check out the benefits.
NHHS Staff Host a Baby Shower for Mrs. Amy Raup
Staff members celebrate with food, refreshments, and gifts as Raup prepares to go on maternity leave
NHHS Art Awareness Day
Ceramic and Drawing and Painting students continue to work on their projects during lunch waves in order to raise awareness of the art courses.
Michaela Dest displays her skill on the pottery wheel as an Independent Study ceramics student.
Art students, Ava Proto and Isabella Scalesse, use different mediums to create pieces for their Advanced Placement drawing and painting course.
Hanako Moffat creates a piece using pastels as an Advanced Placement drawing and painting student.
Students converse and appreciate the artistic talents of their peers.
Advanced Photography Class uses Student Models to Participate in "Top Photographer" Photo Shoot
Student Models from left to right: Leilani Melbourne, Alexa Wargo, Gabriella Keeney, Isabella Scalesse
Snap for the day...
...and scoot away
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