Apponequet Regional High School

Apponequet Regional High School
Address
100 Howland Road Lakeville , Plymouth County, Massachusetts , Massachusetts 02347 United States of America
Coordinates	41°47′33″N 70°58′58″W
Information
Type	Public Coeducational Open enrollment
Motto	Achievement, Resilience, Honor, Self-Advocacy
Founded	1957
Status	Open
School board	Freetown-Lakeville Regional School Committee
School district	Freetown-Lakeville Public Schools
Principal	Dr. Barbara Starkie
Faculty	60As of July 2018
Grades	9-12
Enrollment	727 (2018-19)
• Grade 9	154
• Grade 10	207
• Grade 11	174
• Grade 12	192
Classes offered	General / Secondary Education
Language	English
Hours in school day	7:10 AM - 1:43 PM (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) 7:10 AM - 12:43 PM (Wednesday)
Campus type	Rural
Color(s)	Navy Blue, White & Red
Song	Alma Mater
Athletics	MIAA - Division 3
Athletics conference	South Coast Conference
Mascot	Laker
Team name	Lakers
Rival	Old Rochester Regional
Accreditation	The New England Association of Schools & Colleges
National ranking	1364
SAT average	Total-1130 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing-570 Math-580 (2018)
Publication	Alembic
Newspaper	Laker Pride
Yearbook	Polarion
Communities served	Freetown, Assonet, and Lakeville
Website	https://www.freelake.org/schools/apponequet/

Apponequet Regional High School (informally known as Apponequet or ARHS), located at 100 Howland Road in Lakeville, Massachusetts opened September 21, 1959. Apponequet serves secondary academic education students from the towns of Freetown, Assonet, and Lakeville. It is the only high school within the Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District.

History

In the early 20th century many small towns in Massachusetts sent their older students to other cities' or towns' high schools on a tuition basis to avoid the cost of building and maintaining their own secondary facility. As towns with high schools grew, they became unable to provide tuition spaces, needing the space for their own students. This created the need for more high schools, as tuition contracts slowly began to expire and not be renewed.

The communities of Freetown, Berkley, Carver, Lakeville, and Rochester, Massachusetts formed a planning committee for a regional high school, as each town needed a location for its secondary school students. Carver dropped from the board in 1955 after forming a region with Plymouth, and the remaining towns voted. Freetown and Lakeville approved the school, while Berkley and Rochester did not. Berkley would go on to form a tuition agreement with Somerset, and Rochester formed a region with Marion and Mattapoisett (Old Rochester Regional).

On April 8, 1957, town meetings were held in Freetown and Lakeville on the issue of the two towns building and operating a high school together. The vote in Freetown was 140-22 in favor, and in Lakeville 160-90, also in favor.

Freetown appropriated $20,347 for the preliminary planning of the school, and Lakeville appropriated $18,152 as its share. Land for the school was given by Paul Leonard and Frank Mello on Howland Road in Lakeville. On September 10, 1957, Israel T. Almy, a Fall River architect used for the original Freetown Consolidated Elementary School, was selected as the architect for the school. Charles Sawyer was chosen to be the first principal for the school.

Apponequet Regional Jr./Sr. High School opened on September 21, 1959, with an initial enrollment of 610 students in grades 7 through 12, including students from Freetown and Lakeville and tuition students from Berkley and Middleboro. The facility originally housed a vocational school, the Apponequet Regional Vocational High School, in addition to the current academic program. Apponequet Voke admitted students in grades 9-12. Phased out in the early 1990s in favor of sending students to Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School in Rochester, the vocational program at Apponequet remains in several independent living classes.

With the building of the former George R. Austin Middle School in 1972, Apponequet became a senior-only high school, enrolling grades 9-12 in both the academic and vocational schools.

Major additions and renovations were completed in 1972 (8 classrooms), 1989 (9 classrooms, a new Library/Media Center, and a TV studio/choir room) and 2000 (two classrooms, an Art Room, a Lecture Hall/choir room, and extensive renovations throughout the building). The 2000 renovation was noted for the destruction of many murals throughout the building that had been designed by students in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

As of the 2018-2019 academic year, the administration consists of Principal Dr. Barbara Starkie, and Assistant Principals John Higgins and Kahlan Dessert.

Academics

Apponequet Regional High School currently has an enrollment of approximately 800 students in grades 9-12. The school's 83% graduation rate is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 86%. Apponequet provides currently 16 Advanced Placement classes that are offered to all students.

Currently, ARHS offers two foreign languages: Spanish and French. Both AP Classes are offered for each language.

Apponequet also participates in the Virtual High School. A program consisting of courses not traditionally offered at ARHS.

Advanced Placement

Apponequet Regional High School offers Advanced Placement courses in English Literature and Composition, English Language and Composition, European History, United States History, Psychology, Calculus, Biology, Physics, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Spanish, French and Studio Art. Students may also access AP courses through VHS.

A total of 354 Advanced Placement exams were administered to 200 students in May, 2018. Overall, 55% of all students in grades 11 and 12 took at least one AP exam, and 76% of the exams administered received scores of “3” or above. Students scored above state averages in 10 subject areas.

National Honor Society

The honor roll is comprised of students that have met high academic achievement standards. It is created when report cards are issued. There are three categories of academic honors: Highest Honors - no grade lower than an A High Honors - no grade lower than an A- Honors - no grade lower than a B.

Selection for Membership: A student who has achieved an academic average of 3.6 at the conclusion of his/her second or third year of study at ARHS is eligible for membership in the National Honor Society. The student will be notified in writing of his/her eligibility and will be invited to complete an application for admission. The application, reviewed by the National Honor Society Advisory Council, will provide the council with documentation of the student's leadership skills, high moral character and participation in at least 10 hours of school and community service.

Virtual High School

Virtual High School is an on-line/distance learning opportunity. Through VHS, students enroll in unique courses not traditionally available at ARHS. Students may earn up to 2.5 credits per semester or up to 5 credits per year and may choose from a catalog of semester and yearlong courses, including Honors, College Preparatory, and Advanced Placement. VHS classes take place entirely over the Internet and mirror the format of college courses. The structure of VHS courses requires productivity, initiative, and self-direction from students who will be entirely accountable and responsible for their own learning. Students enrolled in VHS report to the Library or another assigned space to attend class. However, students can complete their work at any time during the week, as long as work is posted by specified due dates. A site coordinator is available for assistance and distribution of materials and progress reports. Students are chosen on a first come first served basis with preference given to seniors and juniors. Students may not enroll in any VHS course that is currently being taught at ARHS. VHS courses count toward a student’s GPA and class rank. VHS courses also count toward fulfillment of the graduation requirements.

Graduation Requirements

All students in the Class of 2019 are required to earn 110 credits as well as earn a Competency Determination through participation in MCAS testing in order to graduate. All students in the Class of 2020 are required to earn 115 credits as well as earn a Competency Determination through participation in MCAS testing in order to graduate. All students in the Classes of 2021 and 2022 are required to earn 120 credits as well as earn a Competency Determination through participation in the Next Generation MCAS testing in order to graduate. In order to earn a Competency Determination, all students must score above a 240 on English Language Arts and Math MCAS exams or successfully complete an Educational Proficiency Plan (EPP) if their scores range between 220-238. In addition, all students must pass a Science MCAS with a score of 220 or better. Students in the Class of 2021 will be subject to any scoring requirements associated with the Next Generation MCAS.

Accreditation

Apponequet Regional High School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, a non-governmental, nationally recognized organization whose affiliated institutions include elementary schools through collegiate institutions offering post-graduate instruction. Accreditation of an institution by the New England Association indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality periodically applied through a peer group review process. An accredited school or college is one that has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.

Demographics

As of the 2018-19 school year, the enrollment at Apponequet is 727. Of those students, enrollment by Race/Ethnicity is as follows: African American 1.1%, Asian 1.1%, Hispanic 2.9%, Native American 0.3%, White 92.4%, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander 0.3%, Multi-Race, Non-Hispanic 1.9%.

Sports

Apponequet offers a variety of sports. Sports for the fall season consist of football, field hockey, golf, soccer, volleyball, cross country, and cheerleading. In the winter ice hockey, basketball, indoor track, and swimming are offered. Spring sports consist of baseball, softball, lacrosse, tennis, and outdoor track.

Apponequet's mascot is the Lakers. The word 'Apponequet' refers to the native tribe that formerly resided within the local area surrounding the school. Previously, the image used as the Laker mascot was a Native American chief and spear. These images were featured on the sports uniforms and clothing relating to the Lakers. However, this was replaced in recent times due to controversy over Native American mascots. Currently the Lakers have adopted the University of Arizona 'A' as their emblem on uniforms and clothing.

The Apponequet Athletic Boosters Club is a parent run organization that supports and funds athletics. They also provide senior athletes with a scholarship each year.

In the mid-to-late 1960s the school belonged to the South Shore League. It later removed itself to the Mayflower League for the 1970s and early 1980s, and finally joined the South Coast Conference upon its founding in 1986. The 2000 renovation, noted above, also updated the athletic complex, including the football field (Griffith Field), the gymnasium, several Baseball fields, a Softball field, six Tennis courts, and provisions for Soccer, Field Hockey and Ultimate Frisbee venues.

Swimming and Diving

The school boasts a Southern Conference Championship girls swim team and a separate two-time Southern Conference Championship boys swim team (2013 and 2014), both coached by Brett Pacheco. The girls and boys teams combined into a co-ed swim team in 2014 when they joined the South Coast Conference. Both teams went on to claim the South Coast Conference Championship titles in both 2015 and 2016. The boys swim team has remained undefeated in conference dual swim meets for the past four consecutive years (2013-2016). The swim teams practice at the George R. Austin Intermediate School pool.

Football

The school's traditional Thanksgiving Day football rival is Old Rochester Regional High School in Mattapoisett.

Home games feature cheerleaders, the marching band, and majorettes. Each group has their own performance during half time.

The football team has won the South Coast Conference Championship 5 times - 1997, 2001, 2004, 2008, 2010.

In 2008, the football team completed an undefeated regular season (11-0), won its first outright SCC Championship, and earned a spot in the EMass D-IIA Playoffs for the first time. Unfortunately, Apponequet was defeated in the first round by powerhouse Duxbury by a score of 31-13.

Cheerleading

The cheerleading squad is made up of students in grades 9 through 12. As an extra-curricular activity under the same rules as athletics Cheerleaders' important goals are to promote and uphold school spirit, maintain a sense of good sportsmanship among the student body and establish positive relationships between schools during athletic events. Cheerleaders are selected during the months of April and May and again in December. Cheerleaders from the previous year must try out for the upcoming squad. Tryouts are a mandatory part of being a cheerleader. Cheerleaders must have a responsibility to the squad and exhibit behavior that is expected of students who are ambassadors for their school.

In 2007 the Apponequet Cheerleading Squad was featured on the MTV reality show MADE.

Extracurricular activities

Apponequet offers a variety of extracurricular activities aside from sports. These include Art, Share, Travel Club, Band and Choir, DECA, Diversity Coalition, Drama Club, Engineering Club, Environmental Club, HOSA, GSA, Majorettes, Math Team, SHAPE, and student council.

Band

Apponequet instrumental ensembles consist of a concert band, jazz band, and a marching band. The bands are under the direction of Ed Ledwith. Each year students from Apponequet's band audition for various festivals put on by Massachusetts Music Educators Association and the Southeastern Massachusetts School Bandmasters Association. Apponequet's marching band performs each year at home football games with a halftime performance and in various local holiday parades. The concert band performs a winter and spring concert each year, as well as making other musical appearances. Apponequet's band has previously won regional and national competitions but in recent years has not competed.

Jazz Band

Jazz Ensemble is a performing group that rehearses one evening per week. Students learn how to perform music in various jazz styles, and practice their improvisation skills. The Jazz Ensemble performs at ARHS concerts and competition festivals, as well as local events.

Choir

Apponequet has five choral groups. One is the general concert choir, which is led by Ed Ledwith. Anyone can join the concert choir, and it rehearses during the school day. There are also three select choral groups. In order to be in these groups, one must try out at the beginning of the year. The Femmes are the women's group, Har-Men-Ized is the men's group, and the Sandpipers and Tribesmen, or S&T, are a combined group. All have won multiple awards at regional and national competitions under the leadership of the now retired, previous director, Denise Haskins. Apponequet also has a summer choir. The summer group meets once per week during the summer and performs at the beginning of August. All money raised is donated to the Apponequet Music Boosters, a fundraising group led by the devoted parents of the music students.

Several members of the Apponequet Choir have been recognized by the Massachusetts Music Educators Association over the years. Students have auditioned and earned acceptances into the Southeastern Massachusetts School Bandmasters Association Choruses, Southeastern Massachusetts Junior and Senior District Choruses, Massachusetts All State Choruses, and All Eastern Choruses.

On July 12, 2007 the Apponequet Summersing choir performed both The Star Spangled Banner and O Canada at Fenway Park for a Boston Red Sox game versus the Toronto Blue Jays.

• [1] YouTube Video of Fenway Performance.

DECA

DECA is an international association of high school marketing students. Students have the opportunity to develop leadership and marketing/management skills. Students compete at the Local, State, National, and International conferences.

Drama

Two productions are completed each school year. In the fall a play is performed and in the spring, a musical. Students who are academically eligible are welcome to try out for either production.

Environmental Club

The Environmental Club is a volunteer organization of students interested in environmental issues. Members of this group have volunteered for various community efforts to recycle and to beautify the local environment in Lakeville and Freetown. New activities for the group depend on students taking the initiative. All ARHS students are welcome to participate in this committee, which meets weekly throughout the year.

Majorettes

High School Band Majorettes participate in football games, band shows, pep rallies, parades, and other band activities. Majorettes are selected to the squad on the basis of their ability in the areas of twirling, marching, poise, and bearing, and grades. Auditions are held at the end of the school year.

Math Team

The Math Team is a competitive organization which is open to all students who demonstrate a proficiency and interest in mathematics. The team competes in the Southeastern Massachusetts Conference Math League which consists of 20 teams. There are four league meets, held once every 5 weeks from October through February, with a playoff meet in March and the State meet in April. Practice sessions are held once a week throughout the year. In addition, members have the opportunity to compete for scholarships via the Annual Worcester Polytech Math Contest, the Olympiad, and the American High School Math Exam.

Rainbow Alliance/Gay-Straight Alliance

The mission of the Rainbow Alliance and its members is to promote awareness of the diversity within gender identity and sexual orientation. We commit to maintain a safe and positive environment for all people indiscriminate of their differences. Members of the Rainbow Alliance self-identify as part of or ally to the LGBTQ community.

S.H.A.P.E.

S.H.A.P.E. (Support, Help, and Peer Education) is an organization dedicated to helping the school community and the community at large. This group is ideal for students who want to be a positive influence in society. The goal of this group is to develop and foster healthy attitudes about issues that face young people in society today. We provide a safe environment where students can voice their opinions about topics that affect their lives and the community. Members meet on a weekly basis to plan activities and programs to raise awareness about current issues. Training on local and state levels is provided to promote tolerance and diversity within the school community. In participating in these events, the students learn about teamwork and working towards a common goal.

Student Council

Apponequet participates in the Massachusetts Association of Student Councils (MASC) as well as The Southeastern Massachusetts Association of Student Councils (SEMASC). These organizations provide students with leadership workshops and conferences. The responsibility of the Student Council is to assist in managing the affairs in the school which effectively promote understanding among the student body, faculty and administration. The Student Council sponsors events to promote good citizenship and good sportsmanship among students. The Student Council sponsors such events as the Annual American Red Cross Blood Drive, pep rallies, and other spirit events. In addition to sponsoring spirit events, the Council oversees all student government elections. Members of the Student Council are also appointed to school-wide committees and have an opportunity to attend weekend “lockin” retreats with other student councils from Southeastern Massachusetts. The regional student council group SEMASC also holds fall and spring workshops for students to attend. The State group MASC holds an annual, three-day convention each spring. ARHS sends delegates to that convention as well. Each class elects three representatives to serve on the Council. In addition, two members are appointed by the Student Council Advisor, with the advice and consent of the administrator. The entire student body elects a President, VicePresident, Secretary, Treasurer, Public Relation and Historian for student council. Any student can become an honorary student council member after attending three meetings. The student council encourages all students to become involved in student government.

Post Graduation

Graduates receive a high school diploma. Many graduates continue their education at any college, university, or technical school. There were 187 students in the 2018 senior class. Approximately 90-95% of these students continued on to higher education. The Class of 2018 sent 62% of its members to four-year colleges and 30% to two-year colleges and trade schools.

Notable Alumni

Stephen R. Canessa - (1998) Massachusetts State Representative.

Casey Tebo - Television Film and Music Video Director, most notably for his work with Steven Tyler and other musicians.

Jackie Bruno - (2002) Miss Massachusetts 2008 and Miss USA finalist, American newscaster

External links

• Apponequet Regional High School > Home (Official Site)
• AlumniClass - Apponequet Regional (Alumni Site)