Canton to Fall Behind? : Full Day Kindergarten Left Out of the Proposed Budget

Authors note: The third and final paragraph is an editorial, if you’d rather not hear my opinion just read the first two paragraphs.

Last night, the Board of Education had on their plates the least savory of all topics: the budget.  Yet, with a sum of $25,295,533.86 being proposed, it is not something that can be pushed off to the side. Present at this meeting was a contingent of parents whose primary concern was a tuition change for the full day Kindergarten program.  Their position was compiled based on personal experience, the talk of the town, other districts, and some reviewing of the budget from previous years.  Upon not seeing the $120,000 line item necessary to fund the full day kindergarten at CBPS included in the proposal, the parents were visibly upset and took the opportunity to orate their grievances at the end of Superintendent Kevin Case’s proposed budget.  A parent highlighted that Canton views itself as a lighthouse district, a leader to other school systems around the state and the country. She also stressed that the “ability to attend full day kindergarten should not be based on income” as this fee does not show the forward thinking Canton embraces.  Another parent voiced concerns that “there are not fees for Honors, AP and other courses and courses at the High School so there should not be a charge for extended day.”  The parents also began questioning from a different angle, requesting more disclosure on grant money spending from open choice programs, concerned that if money could be spent on new technology, then money could also be spent on kindergarten students.  The real reason why this was a concern to parents at all is the fear that those that cannot afford, or do not attend, full day kindergarten will be at a disadvantage to those who do.  The parents believe that a decision like this divides the haves and have-nots.  Education of children falls at the top of the list for what most parents want for their child. Canton is a town whose middle and high school has been recognized many times for their achievements, however, parents who attended this open Board of Education meeting, (as all are free to attend) did not feel that their desires were being met.  One mother, citing a discussion she had with her child's teacher expressed that “she has to spend more time with her kid, so she doesn’t fall behind.” This fear of falling behind was the main driver of the parental presence Tuesday night.

These questions and concerns did not go unanswered; each was met by Superintendent Case. The mission of the Canton Public Schools begins with “ The Canton Public Schools unite with families and the community to provide challenging educational experiences and opportunities that develop the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional potential of our students.” Mr. Case stood by this mission that CBPS and all Canton schools strive to bring out the best in each student and ensure a good education is received by each and every student, regardless of whether the pupil is in half-day or full-day kindergarten.  He also specified that there is a process to waive the tuition for families applying for full-day kindergarten who are deemed unable to pay, making the opportunity available to all, regardless of income.  To the concern that there were no fees at higher level courses, he replied that there are fees for some classes, “not as much as extended day, but unfortunately students do need to pay for offerings beyond what is in the budget.”  Most importantly, Case reiterated that Canton provides an outstanding education, and that the decision to not offer tuition-free kindergarten hinges on three main points. First, that philosophically, some parents do not want to send their children to full day kindergarten. Second, that it is a large line item ($120,000 is no small sum), and lastly, that Cherry Brook Primary School does not have the space available to facilitate all students in a full-day program.  It is obvious that this has not been an easy decision for the Superintendent, but it has been a well thought out one, as with all budgetary decision in his 10 page proposed budget. He will be making stops around town to discuss his budget and more information will be at the bottom of this article so you can be informed.

From my personal perspective, I am concerned by the parent’s pressure on Mr. Case to provide full day Kindergarten free of cost. I acknowledge that our school systems were probably a main factor in their decision to live here, and most likely, parents paid a financial sacrifice to live here, and continue to pay as tax season rolls around every year.  The decision at hand is not just a financial one, but it encompasses much more; even more than perhaps what Mr. Case implied in his three main points. I am a product of half-day kindergarten, and I believe I turned out okay. I don’t have a problem with parents wanting their children to do better, and some teachers have found extended day to increase student achievement. I do have a problem with some of the reasoning behind their arguments. When one parent said that by not having their child in school they were forced to spend more time with their child in order to keep their child with their peers, I was shocked. First, this is Kindergarten, not a group of students jockeying for a spot at a top college; and secondly, needing to spend time with your child is not a problem. When I was younger, my father read to me every single night from when I was a baby to the fifth grade, or so. It is no accident how successful students are created. Even full day Kindergarten is only 6 hours, and that leaves at least another 8 hours of waking time that a student spends outside of school. Parents are teachers. The Board of Education and the town as a whole continues to support this idea by funding CPAT every year. This past summer I was at a soccer camp where I met a boy from a Scandinavian country, a country that outperforms the US in education ratings every year. He told me that he and his classmates didn’t begin formal schooling until he was 8. If this is the case, it appears that giving students in-school time, as much as possible as early as possible, may not be the key to success, as previously suggested. Full day kindergarten should not just be implemented for financial reasons to become some sort of glorified day care. The pros and cons must be thoroughly weighed before a decision is made.  The biggest impact can begin at home, instead of an attitude that every child must meet certain standards or risk falling behind. Let’s take action and nurture every child at home, not because they need to be on par, but because we want what is best for them. Let's turn the world into their classroom and inspire learning in everything, whether it is replacing bedtime TV shows with bedtime stories or turning off Kiss 95.7 and tuning into National Public Radio; take every opportunity possible. It has been decided that for now, full day Kindergarten is not in Canton’s future. Why don’t we leave the Education policy making to the professionals and make the most of the situation at hand.
- Justin Fortier Senior Canton High School
Budget Details can be found at:
http://www.cantonschools.org/budget.shtml

2/27 - 7:00 p.m. Special Board of Education Meeting – Public Budget Hearing 

Huge Home Victory for Boy's Basketball 63-59

In a nail-biting finish the Boy's Varsity Basketball squad proved their superiority over the Coventry Patriots Friday night.  The team rallied from a five-point deficit with minutes on the clock to a 51-51 draw to push the game into overtime. The rest is history, at least for a week or so. As the buzzer blared for the end of the 4 minute overtime period, the scoreboard read 63 Home - 59 Visitor, a comfortable lead by some student's standards, Will Briggs, a sophomore wearing a inflatable deer costume wanted to do a "Nah-nah-nah-nah Goodbye" chant with 30 seconds on the clock citing that a 3 point lead was "enough to win for sure."  Even though his fellow students dissuaded him from possibly jinx the game, it turned out that he in fact would be right, and the Coventry Patriots walked off to their cold bus in shame.
Will Briggs was not alone in dressing up for this occasion, a few seniors put together the costume theme to unify the crowd in a slightly different fashion than the previous blackouts and whiteouts. Student-Fans pulled out all the stops and came adorned in various inflatable costumes, a some other creative attires such as Pocahontas, a retro Tropics Jersey, The Crocodile Hunter, A Skier, A Knight, A toga-clad greek, and a handful of sombrero and poncho wearing friends from south of the border.

 The crowed kept alive the whole game never taking a seat, rallying the team though challenging times.
On the court there was an intensity like no other, Alex Daley a senior and co-captain of the team was relentless and tenacious with his defense, never giving his opponent more than an inch all game.  Ben Sullivan a junior put away two back to back three point shots early on to help give the warriors a nice cushion for most of the game. Despite not being able to convert many baskets in the first four minutes the Warriors set the tone for the intensity they would be playing at.  The team dominated possession, and  excelled defensively, but couldn't put in in the basket. Fortunately, that changed quickly and the first quarter wrapped up 16-5.  Throughout the second and third quarter the team played well and maintained the lead they established in the first quarter, closing out at 29-19 and 41-29 respectively.

The fourth quarter took a slightly different turn, an turn for the worst for the Canton fans. Coventry miraculously pulled it even to 46-46 then pulled ahead to 51.  Canton was down by five points, things di not look good for the Warriors.  By a string great plays Canton managed to bring it level and prevent the Patriots from scoring in the last 30 seconds.  As overtime came around tensions were high an the Coventry coach ripped off his tie in preparation for the heat Canton was about to bring.  2 points from Cam Lange, 4 points from Riley Hoffman the two star sophomores on the team set up a foundation for the Warriors.  The Coventry Patriots made the mistake of fouling senior Andrew Zukowski, 4 times and learned the hard way that "Z" does not crack under pressure, putting 6 in the net, and concreting the 63-59 win. Junior Co-captain Cam Daley was the lead scorer with 10 points, but this game was truly a team effort. For the seven boys that saw time on the court no one scored less than 6.

All in all, it was a game worth watching securing the boys a birth in the NCCC tournament.  Students are encouraged to make it out to the home games, as the players and coaches appreciate the home-court advantage.  Senior Terrence Brophy has been a key organizer for the School Spirit at the sporting events, if you are ever wondering when the next Wigwam will be forming, he is a great contact point.

Pre-game Analysis: Lewis Mills Spartans vs. Canton Warriors

At 6:30 tomorrow night the Canton High School parking lot will inevitably overflow as hundreds show up to take part in the christening of the new Track and Field complex (be sure to know there is auxillary parking at Millennium Field and CIS).  Stands have been brought in, and it can be assured that they will be filled.  CHS is abuzz with anticipation of the big game.  The Warriors (5-3) will take on the visiting Spartans (2-6), and undoubtedly beat them.  With all of the other fall sports sputtering out in the past couple weeks, football is the sole athletic team remaining and the whole school is getting behind them.  Many students have changed plans to ensure they will be able to make it to the under-the-lights event. Senior Danielle Chouinard spent days searching for a replacement and couldn't contain her excitement when her shift finally got covered.  Her jubilation is well justified as Friday night will truly be a night to remember.  It will not only be the first athletic event on the turf, but it will also be footballs first night game at home, in addition it will be the final home game that this legendary class of seniors will ever play.  There are just to many factors to justify staying away.
If you don't have plans tomorrow night, dress warmly and  head down to 76 Simonds Ave for the best night of Canton Sports this year.  Heck, even if you have something else, come anyway, football is far more important. Who knows, we might even get to see quarterback Eric Scott get that touchdown hes been running for all year.

Warriors on the Warpath: Boys Soccer Begins a State Tournament Run

Out under the lights in the small town of Moodus, the Canton Warriors beat the Nathan Hale-Ray Little Noises. Good thing because that is one weak school mascot name.  While it appears that their mascot is of Native American origin (which any Canton Warrior fan would obviously not object to), the name does not roll off the tongue well.  Their announcer seemed to be struggling a great deal, plus being called little anything is just emasculating.  Just imagine... give it up for the Canton... Little Warriors.  It just sounds like a midget football team.  This is the big leagues, High School soccer is some of the most physical futball that is played.

The first twenty minutes, were a nerve wracking time for the Warriors. Hale-Ray relentlessly drove the ball at the Canton net. Thankfully, sophomore keeper Josh Frigo had his best game of the season, he was quick on his feet and kept dozens of balls from reaching the back of the goal.  In fact, the entire Canton defense was essential to keeping the Warriors alive, as they struggled to come alive.  The first half ended 0-0. By that time, the boys were in full swing, knowing they had the capability to win.

In the first half, Riley Hollis, a junior defensemen had ripped a ball just inches above the crossbar, creating the closest chance for the Warriors all half .  This had been a trend all season for Hollis, a lot of near misses, but he just couldn't sink a good shot below the crossbar. At half time Assistant Coach John Manners told the team that "Hollis is due."  he must have had a crystal ball because 15 minutes into the second half Hollis blasted a shot into the net leaving the Little Noises's goalie stunned.

Unfortunately, Hale-Ray managed to retaliate after a few minutes, bringing it back to a level game. The game continued like this until the final whistle blew.

Overtime began at breakneck pace, both teams rallied their weary players to fight for a chance at Valley Regional High School in the second round. The Hale-Ray offense continued to assault the Canton net making some key plays of throw-ins. When Frigo couldn't get to the ball, either Nico Tuccillo or Jake Dupre cleared it out.  With each of the post-marking players making key saves on the line (using their feet of course).

It was Jake Dupre who was the hero of the team at the end of the day though.  Seven minutes into the first overtime period, he put away a shot off a skillful one touch, sending the ball careening just outside of the goalies fingertips.  The Canton crowd erupted, drowning out the Little Noises (pun intended).  The remaining thirteen minutes were a test of Canton's defensive ability, but the Warriors held strong and kept the opposition trailing by one all the way to the end.

Tomorrow, Thursday the 7th, is the showdown of the Warriors as the Canton Warriors take on the Valley Regional Warriors, in Deep River at 5:00 under the lights once again.

Huge Canton Win: Field Hockey beats Granby 1-0

It's going to be a warm winter in the wigwam this year, as the warriors added another pelt to their collection. The Warriors skinned the Granby Bears today, and it was a sweet victory.  It has been at least 4 years since Canton last beat Granby.

The Warriors had lost to the Bears earlier this year, 2-0, a game out on the new turf at Granby Memorial, a game that brought about more than just a loss on the scoreboard. Emily Chouinaird, a Senior, fractured her hand while playing but managed to play through the whole game. The next day her hand was immovable and swollen to twice its normal size.  With an initial diagnosis of being done for the season, she has persevered and managed to have in back to playing ability in half the time, getting some minutes in this recent Granby game. The coaches have been wary of her playing, but she feels one hundred percent and ready to go.

This game it was Junior Peyton Jackson who bore the knife against Granby, knocking the ball deep into the the back of the Granby game midway through the second half, a satisfying thud against the wood being drowned out by the cheers of Canton fans.   After the win she was ecstatic saying "we all played really well and worked together. After I scored I was shocked that it went in, and I was super excited, especially that we won the game!" Peyton and the whole team have every reason to be excited over this victory, it was truly a team effort.  In a team with mostly underclassmen the Seniors really stepped it up defensively to make sure that Sophomore Goalie Natalie Nardello did not have to face the ball.

Deirdre Kronschnabel a Senior on the team felt that "we deserved this win, the team has been waiting so long to beat Granby."  The other Seniors felt the same way. Captain Kylie Delos, who has played varsity all four years has waited 7 games to see Canton leave above Granby. Today was a perfect day for a win, both the Boys and Girls soccer team  made it to the entire second half and were there to share in the celebration.

The Granby Girls hung their heads and fought back tears as they walked up to their buses.  While ordinarily one might be sad for downtrodden girls, no compassion was coming from the Warrior camp.  The Canton girls are on a 6 game winning streak, locking in their place in the State Tournament with today's win.  The Granby Bears have had their reign in the NCCC, but now it is the time of the Warrior.  The momentum began with the plucking of the Avon Falcons, and continued through today with a the harvesting of the Granby Bears fur, but it most certainly wont end here.  It will not even end with the regular season games.  If the Warriors continue to play this well, they will not stop until they hold the Class S State Title in their hands.

Soccer Teams Make a Counterstrike

With 5-7 and 4-8 records, the Boys and Girls Soccer teams have not had the best season.  Yet they are making a comeback. With four games left in the season, every game matters, six and a half wins (tie counts as half) are needed to qualify for the State Tournament.

The Boys Team has been taking it by a game by game approach , Senior-Captain Ahmed Al-aqel emphasized that the team needed to "not worry about making states, just focus on playing the current game." That attitude, echoed by the other two Senior-Captains, Colin Martin and a Alex Daley seems to be working. In a game against Enfield last week the boys scored their first goal in 5 games, breaking an awful scoreless curse.  Some of the new found success can be attributed to Coach Bill Phelps's new line up. Early on in the season Daley (the second highest scorer, and highest assister last year) was put back on defense in hopes that he would be able to make a big impact, keeping the ball away from Sophomore-Keeper Josh Frigo's net.  That did not happen, and the Canton offense just couldn't score.  Now, Lucas Rich has moved into a starting defensive position, and Daley has moved up to the front line.  By having a three person offense instead of a four midfield and two forwards, Canton has found the back of the net six times in the past three games.  Not quite Jimmy Spatcher-era goal scoring, but it has sufficed.

The Lady Warriors have been improving their form as well.  Their past three games have been close, all within two goals.  A night  game in Enfield was a nail-biting loss, but allowed the girls to really discover how well they can play with each other. On Friday, they will play Suffield, a team that has conceded only a single goal all season.  Senior-Captain Erin Detorie is determined to make the Lady Wildcats leave Bowdoin field with another goal or two against them.  Coach Kevin Mckenna has even suggested a drastic 9-man offensive set up to make sure that this dream comes to fruition.  However, first and foremost they will be playing defensive to ensure the tie, but if Suffield manages to score on Canton, it will be open season for the girls to try and get a goal on the undefeated Lady Wildcats.

After both teams won against East Granby yesterday, they are fired up and excited for the remainder of  their regular season games.  Other than Suffield all the games will be a repeat match-up, sure to provide wild thrills.

Remaining Soccer Home games:

Fri., 10/18	Suffield	Home - Bowdoin Field (girls)	4:00 p.m.
Tue., 10/22	Coventry	Home - Bowdoin Field (boys)	4:00 p.m.
Fri., 10/25	Somers	Home - Bowdoin Field (girls)	4:00 p.m.
Mon., 10/28	SMSA	Home - Bowdoin Field  (boys)	4:00 p.m.

Warriors Triumph over Patriots a Second Year in a Row

In the closest game of the season to date, the Warriors chopped down the Coventry Patriots and added a new swath to the reservation land.  28-27 was the final score, the the Canton boys had the fans anxious even after the last seconds had drained from the clock.  With Coventry scoring a touch down on a 5 yard run into the end zone, the clock ran out, and it was up to the Coventry kicker to tie it up with the extra point.  The Canton defense rallied; putting pressure on the Coventry offense.  The placeholder who couldn't take the pressure let the ball slip and the pigskin bounced out from his grip and under a Warrior's diving body.  The game was over and the Canton Fans went wild.

Head coach Paul Philippon has
turned the Warriors into a
winning machine
(image via Canton Patch)

In the first quarter Canton took off to a great start. Cam Daley, junior multi-purpose player made the touchdown and Eddie "Meltdown" Melton made the extra point. Eddie would go on to make three more extra points that game, possessing the consistency that the Coventry special team just couldn't match. In years past, the Canton squad was one that would always go for the two point conversion, failing more often than not. Melton has become proficient as a sophomore, ensuring Canton's kicking success for the remainder of the season and the two years to come, provided that current Sophomore Matt Bangs can step up to fill Senior Jake Wood's role as the long snapper.  Parent Scott Daley, who never misses a game, couldn't speak more highly of Jake, "those field goals and extra points would never be possible without Wood, he snaps it perfectly every time." 

The second touchdown was just as fantastic as the first. Senior Keith Wilson received a pass out on the sidelines, tightly marked. He jerked quickly to the side evading the outstretched greasy fingers of the Coventry defense-man.  Wilson turned a foot gap into a 2 yard gap as he raced down the field, covering 30 yards in a blink of an eye. In an act of desperation a Coventry player dove, missing Wilson by inches and crashing face first into the ground. Not only was the poor Patriots head hurt, but his pride took a beating as well.

The events that followed left the Canton Fans and Players in a fit of worry. Coventry utilized its fantastic running game to capitalize on 3 touchdowns and 21 points.  Senior-Quarterback Eric Scott recognized the lethality of the Patriot's Offense, "there was no doubt we couldn't stop it."

Despite the inability to stop the Patriots, the old saying came through, the best defense is a great offense.  Dan Delos reminded the Canton fans of just that.  With a strong run through the opposition Delos's touchdown and Melton's extra point drew up the score to 21-21.

What happened next was unbelievable. After regaining possession, Canton made a drive toward the end zone.  When in range, on the final down, Junior Sebastian Gumbs made a 20 yard or so touch down pass to Jake Wood. That's right, not Eric Scott or even back-up Cam Dale,y but the receiver Seby Gumbs made the pass.  In a delightful series of events, Canton scored its second touchdown in the fourth quarter, rallying from a touchdown down to a touch down up.  The score was 28-21.

The rest is history. In an impressive drive, Coventry managed to score a final touchdown in under two minutes, but just couldn't match the Wood-Scott-Melton trio's consistency.  

In a side story, Canton High School provided a fan bus packed with students that provided a fan section, now known as the Tribe/ Wigwam depending who you talk to.  They went wild the whole game, cheering the 'C-town' and  "Lets go Canton" chants interspersed with some bubbly trial-runs of others.  A new tradition of using the "FSU-Seninole War Chant" or "Atlanta Chop" upon Canton touchdown was established at this game.  The students felt it melded nicely with the warrior theme.

Post-game the fan bus was in an ultra-mild fender-bender in the parking lot causing an hour or so delay while the police report was filed. No one was hurt and the fans were real troopers.  The biggest trooper of them all was Athletic-Director Dee Stephan, who took her own time to make sure the students could support the team.  If you see her in the halls or around town, be sure to thank her for all the work she has been doing.