Five Things You Need to Know Today: April 5

1) Newsbit of the Day: The district's newest principal, Robert Murphy, will spend Tuesday in a transition day at what will be his new home away from home — Swampscott Middle School, said Superintendent Lynne Celli. The principal will spend the day with staff, the superintendent said. He is currently the principal at Pickering Middle school in Lynn, and will start his new job in Swampscott July 1.

2) Swampscott Scholars: teachers voted student Leanne Nisbet as the Quest for Student Excellence recipient for February. Leanne is known to teachers and fellow students as an all around team player — a helpful and respectful individual. Each month that school is in session the Swampscott Rotary Club awards a Quest for Excellence Certificate at their regular club luncheon meeting. Teachers choose a student who best demonstrates the true spirit of hard work, consistent effort, and exemplary school citizenship.

“Recipients of the Quest award aren’t just A students,” says Swampscott Rotarian Glenn Davids.  “They are positive role models and good citizens that always want to help others. The teachers are very proud of the students efforts for their “quest for excellence” and Rotary feels that this pride should be shared with the community.”

Check back with us for a report on the March recipient.

3) Swampscott Athletics: The Swampscott High girls tennis team lost a close match, 3-2, against Masconomet on Tuesday at the Forest Avenue courts.

Senior Captain Rita Tsokanis lost at 1st singles 6-0, 6-1

Freshman Anna Paptunavich lost at 2nd singles 6-0, 6-0

Senior Captain Tatum Pederson won at 3rd singles 4-6, 6-2, 6-2

Senior Ashley Petras and Sophomore Victoria Bauder lost at 1st doubles 6-0, 6-1

Senior Captains Alicia Coyle and Danica Villanueva won at 2nd doubles 6-2, 6-3
Coach Niña Rogers said it was a very competitive match.  Rita and Anna's matches were closer than the score indicated and the team had to make some last minute changes in doubles, the coach said. 

4) Weather Watch:  The National Weather Service is calling for a sunny day, with a high near 51 degrees.

5) Red Sox Watch: It's here. The Boston Red Sox play their first regular season game of the 2012 season today. It's in Detroit at 1 pm vs the mighty Tigers of Motown.