Who is Ms. Cook?
Welcome! You may be wondering, "Who is Ms. Cook?" Let me tell you. I am the youngest in a family of six children, all born in New Jersey. I moved in 8th grade to England, and attended the American School in London for HS. Then I went on to Springfield College to study PE and Health. Since graduation in 1987 I have taught in Hardwick MA, Hadley and South Hadley. I was hired in 1996 to be the District Health Coordinator and since then have moved into teaching MS health. I love my job and love watching your children grow.
Please read about two of our students!
Young resident Chad McKenna saves life of friend with heimlich maneuver
By Kristin Will
Staff Writer, kwill@turley.com
SOUTH HADLEY - His quick reaction and skills learned from Michael E. Smith Middle School’s health and wellness classes allowed 13-year-old Chad McKenna to save the life of friend and peer, 11-year-old Matt Grochowalski.
During December vacation, the two were hanging out at McKenna’s house. According to McKenna, the two boys were laying down on the ground eating everlasting gobstoppers. All of a sudden, Grochowalski began to choke on the candy. “I turned to him and I did the choking sign,” said Grochowalski. “He came over to me, picked me up and did the heimlich.”
The procedure, as well as the choking sign, are taught during the school’s health and wellness classes. “I just kept doing it to him,” said McKenna, until the gobstopper was out of Grochowalski’s mouth. When Grochowalski showed him the universal sign for choking, which is to put one’s hands to the throat, Mckenna knew it was serious. “He never really jokes about that,” said McKenna.
Both boys are quiet individuals, and did not make a big deal about the incident after it happened. When asking her son what he had done that day, Patty McKenna said Chad nonchalantly said he had saved Grochowalski from choking. “I asked him, ‘How did you know what to do?’ and he said, ‘Health class, Mom.’” Patty, a nurse, thought she was the only one in their household who knew how to perform the heimlich maneuver. “I’m impressed,” she said. “I’m very proud of him. I know that I’m safe.”
On Friday, April 8 at the Michael E. Smith Middle School, an assembly was held to honor McKenna. To loud whoops, hollers and many rounds of applause, he was presented with a commendation from Jennifer L. Meith representing the State Fire Marshall. McKenna is one of approximately 200 youths to receive a “Young Hero” t- shirt. Also joining him on stage were Michael E. Smith Middle School Principal Erica Faginski-Stark, Fire District 1 Chief Robert Authier, Captain Leonard Pietras and Fire District 2 Captain William Selkirk.
Selkirk said in his 32-year career, he has witnessed many people unwilling to step into similar situations and take action. “It’s great that you stepped up and did something,” he told McKenna. Authier agreed. “This young man really did step up. For someone to understand and know what to do in that situation, it’s amazing.”
Grochowalski’s father, Brian, said he was extremely relieved McKenna knew what to do. “I think it was great,” he said. In regard to the curriculum taught in the school’s health and wellness classes, he said, “It’s definitely better training than when I was a kid. I didn’t learn this until I was in high school.”
The person whom is most grateful for McKenna’s knowledge is Grochowalski himself. “I’m really happy,” said Grochowalski. “If he didn’t [know what to do] I wouldn’t be here right now.”
