Surely by now we’ve all heard about the new program called Talk About It that is being launched here at Pomperaug. This is a nationwide program in which students can send messages to selected faculty members about problems that they are having in an attempt to get help. The Phoenix talked to Mrs. Kosicki, the PHS Director of Guidance, to learn more about what our school is hoping to get out of this program.

As of February 22, the cafeteria will be selling “Grab and Go Box Lunches” at the snack line, and a bit at the deli as well. . .

The scholastic art awards began in 1923. Past winners include Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, and Joyce Carol Oates. Since then, the scholastic art awards have taken place every year. . .2

Regardless of age, there is always one thing (besides graduation) on a Pomperaug student’s mind: college. The idea of leaving home (finally), venturing off to a new place with all new friends, and experiencing both education and independence is both exciting and mind-boggling. However, before heading off, every student must endure the infamous “college process,” and in all honesty, it is one substantial journey that cannot begin early enough. No matter what your plans are for life after Pomperaug, approach college with an open mind, and take necessary steps in order to build a strong application that fulfills both requirements and recommendations!

This past summer, the Connecticut General Assembly passed An Act Concerning the Strengthening of School Bullying Laws, a law that expands on previous anti-bullying laws and, according the the state’s Commission on Children, “takes comprehensive steps to prevent bullying and ensure every child the right to learn in public school without fear of teasing, humiliation or assault.” As a result, Pomperaug, along with all other Connecticut public schools, is increasing its effort to stop bullying. . .

The state of Connecticut recently amended a piece of legislation that further helped to prevent bullying and other similar activities in schools. This law is designed to keep children and students in Connecticut safe from harassment. . .

Although it seems like Pomperaug Theatre Company’s successful play, Cassandra, just hit the blackbox, Mr. Doniger and PTC’s cast and crew are already preparing for the opening of their 2012 spring play. The weekend of May 4 to May 6, Pomperaug Theatre Company will showcase its production of Life on the Bowery, which is a comic melodrama set in the 1890s. According to Mr. Doniger, “Tim Kelly's Life On The Bowery or The Liar's Doom is an 1890s comic melodrama about a well-to-do New York City family and their acquaintances (both noble and nasty), greed, love, guilt, innocence, and heroism—all in the old-fashioned way—including a death-defying leap off the Brooklyn Bridge.” The play is expected to be very humorous and overplayed.

In February last year Borders declared its bankruptcy, and that as a result, it would be closing 200 stores nationwide, nearly a third of its branches. Selectman John Turk, Chairman of Southbury's Economic Development Commission, spoke to Southbury Patch at the time, stating the town's awareness of the bankruptcy, but also stating that it was not known if the Southbury branch would be among those that were closed. Later in the month, it was reported that the Southbury store would indeed be closing. . .

A disagreement seems to be facing our education system as to what we should be doing about our students these days. There are many differences in handling it and the CAPSS (the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents) feels like they have an idea about what they can do. . .