AGAWAM – The high school will add two Advanced Placement classes, as well as courses in arts, physical education and computer science, next year.

The Agawam School Committee approved the course of studies proposed by Agawam High School Principal James Blain at its Dec. 14 meeting. Also at the meeting, the board bade farewell to two long-serving members who chose not to run for re-election this year.

Blain said one of the new courses, AP human geography, is “the number one requested course for ninth grade, when you get to Advanced Placement.”

This course will not be limited to freshmen only, as it – like all Advanced Placement courses – is considered college-level material. Blain said it’s “exciting” to be expanding the number of AP classes at Agawam High School.

“It’s important to always look at our AP offerings because we want to make sure that all of our students are getting the courses that we believe they deserve,” he said.

The school will also offer AP psychology next year. AHS already offers a high school-level psychology course, but students have shown interest in a more challenging level. He said since the start of the pandemic, many students have become “more ingrained in habits of mind- and brain-based research.”

Blain said there are about eight students currently taking AP psychology through an online classroom.
He has an eye on adding another Advanced Placement course, in art, for the 2023-24 school year. First, he said, Agawam needs to start a second-level class, Drawing and Painting 2. That class will be taught by Amber Waters and will be a “gateway to an Advanced Placement art class the following year,” Blain said.

Fitness for Life will be the school’s third physical education offering.

“Fitness for Life should be a particularly popular one for students who want to exercise more not in the team sports, but more in a body fitness type of class,” Blain said. He said the teachers already have a curriculum ready.

One last elective joining the course schedule next year is Exploring Computer Science. Blain said a big focus for the school in the coming years will be developing its career-oriented “innovation pathways”: health care and social assistance, advanced manufacturing and engineering, and information technology. Blain said he is looking at up to four courses to be added to the IT pathway the following year, including hardware and software, Honors Network Technology, and cybersecurity and Honors Cybersecurity.

The School Committee voted unanimously in favor of the 2022-23 program of studies. For more information about innovation pathways, visit www.agawamed.org/o/ahs/page/innovation-pathways.

Bonavita, Mineo take bows

As this School Committee meeting was the last one of the 2020-21 term, Mayor William Sapelli recognized the two members that will not be returning in 2022. Carmino Mineo and Anthony Bonavita both chose not to run for re-election this year.

Sapelli thanked Mineo for his eight years of service on the School Committee and wished him luck in his future endeavors.

Sapelli also thanked Bonavita for his several years of service to the town of Agawam. Bonavita served 16 years on the School Committee and prior to that, served four years on the City Council.

Sapelli said, “We have a great group,” in reference to the School Committee. “Everyone has their own strengths and each one contributes. As a group, we don’t always agree, but we’re very cordial, and we accept others’ opinions, and we always get the job done.”

Each School Committee member shared a few words of encouragement and fond memories throughout their time with Mineo and Bonavita.

Sapelli presented both members with a departure gift: a school bell engraved with their names and dates of service. School Committee member Shelley Borgatti Reed explained handing out school bells is a tradition on the Agawam School Committee.

Mineo said, “It’s bittersweet up here. I came in at [age] 26 – no educational background. I want to thank all my colleagues that took me under their wing.” He acknowledged Bonavita and Sapelli in particular, for all their guidance and assistance, and said he has “nothing but great memories over the last eight years.”

“You guys know a big part of this was my father,” said Mineo, the son of the late City Councilor Joseph Mineo. “Growing up, I was reading City Council packets at the age of 10. I watched him on TV every Monday, and this was the first election without him. It was tough. There are a lot of personal reasons that I’m not running, but I just want to thank everybody,” including his wife and six-month-old daughter Mia who were in the audience.

Mineo also extended his gratitude to his supporters over the years.

“I don’t know if I’ll be up here again – we’ll see how I feel in two years – but it’s been a great experience. I know the School Committee is in good hands.”

Mineo expressed his trust in Superintendent Sheila Hoffman to run the schools properly, along with her assistant Alexis Ferioli, whom he called the “heart of the School Committee.”

Bonavita started by thanking his wife. He said she was responsible for his continued success in re-election due to her campaigning and networking in town.

He echoed Mineo’s praise for Ferioli and thanked her for all of her hard work. In addition, he thanked many people who work behind the scenes.

“I worked for four superintendents, and every one of them has been different, but they’ve been enjoyable to work with,” said Bonavita. Although they’ve all had their differences, he said they all have one thing in common: making sure they’re doing what’s best for the community.

Bonavita – who once ran for mayor himself – shared that he had worked with three different mayors, and especially valued his relationship with Sapelli.

“In my 20 years of service in public office, unfortunately, some of my closest friends are not with us right now,” said Bonavita. He added that he wishes they were here, as they remain in his mind. For instance, he mentioned two of his former campaign managers and friends, who also contributed to his success.

He said he chose not to run for re-election because his law practice requires too much of his time. Regarding a future return to the ballot, Bonavita said, “my wife says never, but I kind of say ‘never say never.’”

He thanked the School Committee for its open and honest conversations.

“I’ll see you in the future. I’ll see you around – I’m not going anywhere. Thank you very much,” said Bonavita.