Jacobs Elementary School

Hull Elementary School Works with iRobot as Part of STEM Learning

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Hull Public Schools
Michael F. Devine, Superintendent
180 Harborview Road
Hull, MA 02045

For Immediate Release

Monday, Jan. 14, 2019

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Hull Elementary School Works with iRobot as Part of STEM Learning

HULL — To kick off the month of January and reignite students’ passion for learning following their holiday break, Jacobs Elementary School brought in a member of iRobot for a series of demonstrations and activities.

On Jan. 4, students gathered for a school-wide assembly, organized by technology teacher Kerrie Ryan and led by iRobot engineer Andy String.

Based out of Bedford, iRobot has been in business for nearly 30 years, selling more than 20 million robots and developing technology that has saved lives, helped the environment and even inspired NASA.

During his presentation, String spoke to students for nearly an hour, sharing videos and engaging them in demonstrations with the Roomba vacuum. He asked students questions like “what is a robot?” and shared information about the PackBot robot, which is used by U.S. troops overseas.

“Students were highly engaged during the presentation, with the majority of students volunteering to ask and answer questions at appropriate times during the assembly,” Principal Christine Cappadona said. “Their curiosity remained strong throughout the day as students and staff could be heard talking about robotics in the halls, at recess and during lunch. It truly was an enriching experience for all.”

As an advocate for iRobot’s STEM outreach program, String travels around the state to visit students and share how each machine encompasses various aspects of science, technology, engineering and math.

Following his presentation, String held 30-minute workshops for every first and second grade homeroom, where students sat in a circle and watched as he ran two different robots and talked about why they behave differently to solve the same problem.

Students then gathered around a table where they had the opportunity to take robots apart, pass around various pieces, and discuss how the pieces function and the differences between a navigating robot and a non-navigating robot.

“My favorite part of the workshop was seeing the machine that squirted water,” said first grade student Delaney McAuliffe. “Touching the parts was cool too!”

“I like seeing all the stuff inside in the robot,” added first grade student Christian Silva. “I also liked when it bumped into us!”

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Jacobs School Students Participate in 10th Annual Turkey Trot

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Hull Public Schools
Michael F. Devine, Superintendent
180 Harborview Road
Hull, MA 02045

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Jacobs School Students Participate in 10th Annual Turkey Trot

HULL — To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Turkey Trot at Lillian M. Jacobs Elementary School, students, faculty and staff came together to participate in and reflect upon a number of annual traditions.

On Wednesday, Nov. 21, students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade began their day by gathering in the gymnasium for a rally to show off their Pirate Pride. Then, fourth and fifth grade students set off on a 1.2 mile race, completing two laps around the streets surrounding the school while the other students cheered them on as they rounded the school.

The Turkey Trot first started in September 2009 — a brain child of Principal Christine Cappadona and Assistant Principal Kyle Shaw, which brought fifth grade students together for some friendly competition. The entry fee to participate was a donation of canned goods.

Over the years, the race has become a Thanksgiving custom for the elementary school that has seen numerous highlights and traditions born out of the event.

In 2010, the Jacobs School expanded the race to include fourth grade students, doubling the size of the event. Again, in order to help those in need, students collected canned goods.

Since its inception, students participating in the Turkey Trot have donated more than 15,000 canned goods to the local food pantry, Wellspring. This year alone, students collected 1,328 canned goods for the drive. Deborah McCarthy’s fifth grade homeroom won the drive, collecting the most cans and earning a dodge ball game for the class.

In 2012, fifth grade student Lauren Anastos won the Turkey Trot, setting a course record. To this day, she is the only female runner to win the Turkey Trot. The following year, her brother, Hayden Anastos, broke her record. 

Also in 2012, the “National Anthem” was sung by the entire school for the first time right before the race, as is customary before all major sporting events. It has been sung before each race since.

Every year, the Jacobs School also picks a song that serves as the theme of the rally and motivation for runners. This year students chose “Try Everything” by Shakira.

The event would not be complete without someone donning the famed Turkey costume, which various administrators and teachers have traded off wearing over the years. This year, Reading Specialist Jessica Buonagurio wore it, serving as the mascot for the day. 

In a festive version of pin the tail on the donkey, Secretary Katy Rae Abatuno pinned the feather on the turkey, winning every classroom an extra five minutes of recess.

“Many traditions have been established over the last 10 years that have made the Turkey Trot what it is today,” Assistant Principal Shaw said. “Some have evolved and others have changed, and that will continue over the next 10 years, but it’s the memories created in time that are most important.”

The winners of this year’s 1.2-mile race were:

Fifth grade boys:

  • First Place – Isaiah Green (overall winner among all students)
  • Second Place – Asher Hermann
  • Third Place – Matthew Thomas

Fifth grade girls:

  • First Place – Leah Frady
  • Second Place – Matti Driscoll
  • Third Place – Maggie Mullen

Fourth grade boys:

  • First Place – Nate Tiani
  • Second Place – Jack MacNeil
  • Third Place – Tegan Bellew

Fourth grade girls:

  • First Place – Meghan Duran
  • Second Place – Emma Lees
  • Third Place – Calista Wyman

“The fourth and fifth grade students worked really hard during their training for the Turkey Trot in PE and outside of school,” said Physical Education teacher Keryn Leonard. “All students did a great job and finished the 1.2 mile race. The entire Jacobs School is so proud of them for their hard work!”

Green, the overall winner, was awarded a first place ribbon and hat donated by SportTobin.

“I was happy and excited when I won the Turkey Trot,” he said.

Following the race, an awards celebration for all participants and their families was held in the gym. All students received a certificate of completion and a finisher’s medal.

Additionally, the top three boys and girls from each grade received a ribbon and a winter hat or headband. The hats and headbands were provided by SportTobin, and the medals and ribbons were donated by the Hull PTO.

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*Media Advisory* Hull Public Schools Announce Upcoming Winter Concerts

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Hull Public Schools
Michael F. Devine, Superintendent
180 Harborview Road
Hull, MA 02045

For Immediate Release

Friday, Dec. 8, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

*Media Advisory*

Hull Public Schools Announce Upcoming Winter Concerts

Students at Memorial Middle School in Hull perform at last year’s Winter Chorus Concert. (Courtesy photo)

HULL — Superintendent Michael F. Devine is pleased to announce the upcoming winter concerts that will take place at the Hull elementary, middle and high schools this month.

“Our students have been working really hard on their songs this year and we invite loved ones and the public to come see and hear the great performances they will be putting on,” Superintendent Devine said. “This annual tradition is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season.”

Lillian M. Jacobs Elementary School, 180 Harborview Road

Thursday, Dec. 14:

  • 9 a.m. – Preschoolers, kindergartners, first graders and second graders will be performing. As is the annual tradition, kindergartners will don red reindeer noses and sing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
  • 1:30 p.m. – Students in grades three through five will each sing two songs, including “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Frosty the Snowman” and “Feliz Navidad.”

Due to space and parking limitations, attendance will be limited limited to family members of students.

Memorial Middle School, 81 Central Ave.

Thursday, Dec. 14:

  • 7 p.m. – The Winter Band Concert features the sixth grade band, jazz band and concert band. The jazz band will play “Groovin’ Hard,” a hard-swinging shuffle made popular by legendary drummer Buddy Rich. The sixth grade band will be playing holiday favorites like “Up on the Housetop” and “Jingle Bells.” The concert band will be performing a selection titled “Windsor Overture” and also a lively medley of traditional Hanukkah music in the piece “A Celebration of Hanukkah.”

Tuesday, Dec. 19:

  • 7 p.m. – The Winter Chorus Concert will be put on by the sixth grade chorus and concert choir. The chorus will singing the songs “Snowflake Carol” and “Colors of Winter.” The concert choir will open their portion of the concert with “Winter Pathetique,” with lyrics set to one of Beethoven’s most popular piano sonatas. They will also be singing “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”  The concert will conclude with the annual tradition of a “Winter Wonderland” sing-along with both choirs and the audience.

Both concerts are open to the public and admission is free.

Hull High School, 180 Main St.

Wednesday, Dec. 20

  • 7 p.m. – The Hull High School band will be performing their annual Holiday Concert in the Joseph C. Doniger Auditorium. Students from Piano and Music Technology classes will be spotlighted during the concert.

The concert is free and open to the public.

Students at Memorial Middle School in Hull perform at last year’s Winter Chorus Concert. (Courtesy photo)
Students at Memorial Middle School in Hull perform at last year’s Winter Chorus Concert. (Courtesy photo)

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