A Public School Dedicated to Academic and Artistic Excellence
PVPA is a regional public charter school serving 400 students grades 7-12, from over 60 towns throughout Western Massachusetts. We seek to connect the creative process with critical thinking to inspire a love of learning. As a charter school, the work we do informs educational policy at local, state and national levels.
For Parents
- About PVPA
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Academic Support
At PVPA, we want each of our students to be successful in school and to go on to a fulfilling college experience.
The Academic Support Department contributes to these goals by:
- establishing a positive learning environment,
- identifying and implementing services that address each student’s individual learning style, strengths, and challenges
- fostering feelings of empowerment that help students advocate on their own behalf and assume responsibility for their own learning.
Students who have IEP’s and 504 Accommodation Plans are provided, according to their needs, classroom accommodations that include style of presentation and modification of assignments, one-on-one and group academic and organizational support, or specialized instruction as set forth in an IEP. Students may schedule themselves for academic support up to the amount of time called for in their IEP.
It has been surprising the number of students who come to us with plans who have learned that they can only be successful when they are being told by an adult what to do and how to do it. Unfortunately, much of what passes for special education in public education does a disservice to the capabilities that students have by telling them that they are disabled. We believe that this can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Our guiding mission at PVPA is to help students become more independent. We work with students to assume responsibility, not avoid it.
During the Academic Support period, the academic support staff work with each student in a personal way to ensure that the student is getting the exact support he or she needs. It is our belief that through this individual approach our students feel respected and are empowered in their learning.
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Board Of Trustees
Marianna Alvarado Student Representative
Evalena Black Student Representative
Timothy Brown Teacher/Staff Representative
erin feldman Teacher/Staff Representative
Kim Hicks Parent Member
Bailey Jackson Community Member
Jonathan Kane Community Member
Lisa Kowalski Student Representative
Sheila Mulholland Parent Member
Mary Clare Powell Community Member
Hannah Sokoloff-Rubin Student Representative
Will Szal Community Member
Ralph Tropeano Parent Member
Paul Weinberg President / Community Member
Kyle Woodcock Student Representative- Minutes
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Meetings
For meeting dates and times, see the Board & Committee Meeting calendar.
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Departments
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Administrative Departments
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Student Services
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Admissions
Admission to PVPA is by lottery. New applicants must file an application by the deadline.
Application deadlines will be posted on the online School Calendar.
The deadline for the 2012-2013 applications was January 6, 2012. PVPA does not accept application past the deadline. Applications for the 2013-2014 school year will be available the first week of November.
The lottery for the 2012-2013 school year will take place on February 10, 2012 at the school, located at 15 Mulligan Drive, South Hadley.
PVPA does not hold auditions. New applicants are encouraged to demonstrate interest in the performing arts at January admissions meetings. In order for an applicant to be scheduled for a demonstration, an application must first be submitted by the deadline. Applicants and their parents are then contacted to schedule an admissions meeting .
Click here to see the Non-Discrimination Policy.
Click here for info about educational rights of children with disabilities.For more information:
- See the Frequently Asked Questions regarding Admissions
- email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- or call 413.552.1580 ext. 114.
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Employment Opportunities
For teaching positions, please send letter of interest and resume to:
PVPA Charter Public School
Office of Teaching and Learning
15 Mulligan Drive
South Hadley, MA 01075 - Health
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Student Services
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Academic Departments
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History & Social Science
Department description here.
A couple of sentences about the department. -
Mathematics
Our mission is to teach students to think, speak, and write mathematically. Embracing the mission of the school, we will foster a positive attitude towards mathematics and imbue students with an appreciation of its power, beauty and relevance.
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Science
The science department offers courses in major scientific fields of study including biology, ecology, chemistry, physics, engineering, astronomy, geology, and various other classes. The courses focus on developing problem-solving strategies through experimental and project-based activities and are considered laboratory sciences unless otherwise noted in the course description. Courses that are year-long include seventh grade science; eighth grade science; ninth grade science; biology; chemistry; and physics. Other courses may be year-long or semester-long. See the course descriptions for details.
Each course adheres to the Massachusetts Science and Engineering State Frameworks and prepares students for the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests in grades 8 and 10. In the sophomore year of high school (grade 10) students take the Science and Technology/Engineering Exam as part of the MCAS test. The content of the exam reflects the course that the student is currently taking in the sophomore year. For example, a student taking biology in year 10 will take the biology MCAS exam in June of that academic year.
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English & Language Arts
The goal of the language arts department is to help students develop critical thinking, an effective writing process, and strong skills in comprehension, interpretation, expression, and communication. To this end, we offer courses which integrate writing, the study of literature, and the exploration of themes relevant to our student body and to our times.
In grades 7 – 10, students take required year-long courses which allow them to practice and demonstrate specific skill sets according to grade level and individual need. These courses also prepare our students for the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests in grades 7, 8, and 10 .
In grades 11 and 12, we offer students a series of one-semester electives for mixed age groupings. These courses prepare students for college level work and give them the opportunity to pursue individual interests and projects. See course catalogue for more complete details. -
World Language
Our goal is to offer a core sequence of study in French, Spanish and American Sign Language which will help students develop a sense of confidence in using the language while laying groundwork for fluency. By using an integrated curriculum that challenges them to blend creative and critical thinking into their work, and that provides numerous options for student-directed learning, we hope to empower students to use all of the resources at their disposal to take responsibility for their own learning. We will guide students by using innovative forms of assessment that allow students to demonstrate competence and mastery through a variety of learning styles and modes of expression.
- All students should become proficient in at least one language in addition to English by the time they graduate from high school. Students should be able to speak, read, write and understand the world language they study.
- Language acquisition is a lifelong process.
- Effective world language programs integrate the study of language with the study of culture, which includes daily life, history, literature, visual arts, mathematics and science. In this way, world language programs create natural links to all other disciplines.
- Assessment of student learning is an integral component of effective world language instruction.
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History & Social Science
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Performing Arts Departments
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Theater
In referencing the main objective of a playwright, the Roman poet Horace wrote:
“A bard will wish to teach or to please
Or as tertium quid, do both of these.”The PVPA Theater Department is dedicated to providing an enriching and engaging education both on and off the stage. Our aim is to combine classes which focus on the history, theory, literature, and cultural significance of theater with classes in performance, technique, and the creative process. We teach to students of all levels, from those who have no experience to those who are looking for advanced theater training. It is our belief that every student should have a chance to develop artistically and perform, and that the pursuit of a theater education is an exceptional way to developing critical and creative thinking skills.
Each year, PVPA produces a vibrant mix of performances and projects and throughout the Pioneer Valley. We perform two mainstage plays and a large-scale musical at the Academy of Music, a beautifully renovated opera house in downtown Northampton. In-house performances include one-act plays, student generated work, and the comic stylings of “Headgear”, our sketch troupe. The Theater Department regularly hosts visiting artists and performance troupes from around the world, some of which provide master classes. Additionally, our Children’s Theater, Commedia Dell’Arte, and Massachusetts Theater Guild troupes get a chance to “take the show on the road” with winter tours to local festivals and performances at area schools.
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Music
PVPA's Music Department seeks to provide a safe, supportive, and exciting environment for students to explore their creative side, and offers an outlet for young musicians of all skill levels. We strive to offer a broad exposure to the basics as well as more advanced pursuits for students who seek additional challenges. It is our belief that every student should have the opportunity to sing, play, AND learn about music. Students may choose from introductory classes in theory, technique, history, and performance. Once they have explored these areas they are encouraged to try a class in something they have never experienced before, including our offerings in world music, or auditioning for upper level groups.
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Dance
"Beginning with the first breath and ending with the last, humans move, and from the expressive urges of that movement, dance is born. If life is movement, then the art of that movement is dance. "
Charles B. Fowler, Dance as Education"Dance is thought made visible."
Alonso King, Director LinesBalletWhat is Dance?
In every culture, dance uses movement to express and communicate myths, rituals, stories, beliefs, and information to others. Education in dance trains the student to use the body to convey meaning through the language of form, shape, rhythm, energy, space, and movement. Dance communicates in ways that are physical, visceral, affective, symbolic, and intellectual. Dance includes forms that are social and theatrical, sacred and secular, popular and esoteric, historical and contemporary: folk dance, ballet, modern dance, jazz, and tap.What is the Mission of Dance at PVPA?
The mission of the Dance Department at PVPA is to expose and guide students in the study of dance as an art form and as a tool for health, education, entertainment, multicultural awareness and personal growth. The department serves two basic populations: those who are serious about dance as a possible future career, and those who wish to learn exciting and healthful ways to move their bodies. We offer a sequence of classes that train students from a beginner through more advanced level in a number of our dance forms, and provide performance outlets through informal showings and several dance companies. - VAPA
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Theater
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Athletics
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Student Activities
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Mock Trial Team
Mock Trial is a competitive Massachusetts interscholastic competition sponsored by the Massachusetts Bar Association. The students act as attorney and witnesses in a Mock Trial in a real courtroom with attorneys or Massachusetts judges evaluating their performance. Each opening statement and closing argument, each direct and cross-examination and each witness performance is scored on a 1-10 basis. The winner of the trial is the team that gets the most number of points.
PVPA has a tradition of excellence in Mock Trial since the team was started in 1996. The team has won the state championship in 2005 and last year in 2011, the only charter school and the only school from Western Massachusetts to ever do so.
From 2004-2011 the team has either won the state championship or been in the finals six out of those eight years.
- Student Newspaper
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Mock Trial Team
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Administrative Departments
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Events & Performances
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Videos
Got videos of PVPA performances? Let us know!
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Tickets
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Videos
- Faculty
- Friday Notes ♫
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Friends of PVPA
The Friends of PVPA was founded in 2004 to provide the resources necessary to help PVPA in fulfilling its academic and performing arts missions. The Friends serve as the primary fundraising organization for PVPA to support the annual budget needs for all of PVPA's programs as well as special projects.
In December 2005 - with the generous assistance of hundreds of loyal supporters of PVPA - The Friends completed the purchase of PVPA’s campus and facilities in South Hadley.
Contributions to The Friends are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Our Federal Identification Number is: 20-2281886.
The Friends accepts cash gifts and credit cards as well as:
* Gifts of publicly traded stock.
* Corporate matching gifts from your or your spouse’s employer.
* Grants from private/family foundations and donor advised funds.
All donations made to The Friends are regularly transferred directly to PVPA to fulfill our donors’ gift intentions. Donors to The Friends of PVPA become members of The Backstage Club.
For assistance or to make a donation please contact:
Mary Cantler
The Friends of PVPA
15 Mulligan Drive
South Hadley, MA 01075
413-552-1596 - Homework
- Library
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Parents
- Forms For Parents
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Transportation
If you need to form a carpool, get a ride to a rehearsal, schedule a group meeting, ask for volunteers, or remind folks about a performance, please join PVPAnetwork, a non-moderated listserv hosted by Yahoo! Groups.
Click here to get started on PVPAnetwork.
PVPAnetwork is not a discussion board and should not be used for jokes, pass-around emails, attachments or offensive messages. Always include your name in your message and please remember to use the reply button responsibly. The list administrator can terminate any user who does not abide by these guidelines.
- Lunch
- Resources For Parents
- Technology
- Students
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