MHS Newsletter
Your e-news source for Mansfield High School
From the Principal's Desk...
February 1, 2019
Hi All,
The MHS School Council met on January 14. We discussed the NEADS Program, the possibility of eliminating class rank, and shifting NHS application timelines.
NEADS- We're getting a service dog. Det. Wright answered many questions from the Council regarding the purpose of service dogs in schools and how they would be allowed to interact with students (short answer- Det. Wright will be in charge of the dog, no one has to interact with the dog, and you can pet the dog with permission). We don't know yet when we will receive our NEADS assigned dog... more to come on that.
Class Rank- Director of Guidance, Ms. Karidoyanes, presented on class rank and how it is presently regarded by colleges. The Council discussed at length the implications of eliminating class rank should we decide to move that direction in the future.
NHS- Per a request for feedback from our NHS advisors, the Council debated the value of shifting NHS application timelines to allow for students to apply at either the end of sophomore year or the very start of junior year. Presently, students are invited to apply in the spring of Junior and Senior year. All feedback was shared with the advisors.
At our next meeting we'll be discussing technology in the classroom and answering the key questions, "What does effective use of technology in the classroom look like to you? What has worked for you/your child/your students? What has not worked for you/your child/your students?". I invite your feedback to these question as well- what do you think?
Finally, just a reminder that report cards went home to all students today.
Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!
Best regards,
Mary Watkins
College Planning Night
Attention Classes of 2020 & 2021
On Wednesday, February 6th the guidance office will host the annual College Planning Night at 6:30 in the MHS Auditorium.
We will have representatives from Roger Williams University, Quinnipiac University, Boston College, Bentley University and Wheaton College here to discuss the ins and outs of the college admissions process.
We hope to see you and your parents there!
Wednesday, Feb 6, 2019, 06:30 PM
MHS Auditorium
Message from the Nurse's Office - Flu Season
We are experiencing typical numbers for illness throughout the district but want to remain diligent in reminding families that while the cold and flu season is upon us, it is very important to prevent the spread of germs. There are several things you can do to help keep you and everyone around you healthy.
1. It is NOT too late to get a flu shot. Flu activity can be expected out into the month of May so the CDC continues to recommend influenza vaccination as long as influenza viruses are circulating. If you have not already done it, GET YOUR FLU SHOT. You can contact your local primary care provider or go to any local pharmacy that provides them.
2. Wash your hands often. This is the number one way to reduce the spread of germs. Wash your hands in warm water and soap for at least 15 - 20 seconds. If you are not near a sink then try to have a supply of hand sanitizer available.
3. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Keep your hands away from your mouth and your nose. This keeps the spread of germs down.
4. Avoid close contact with others if they are ill.
5. Get plenty of sleep. Lack of sleep can have a significant impact on how the immune system functions. Your immune system helps to destroy germs that get into your body. Boosting your immune system helps your body fight germs better.
6. Eat healthy. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables supports your immune system and that's a lot easier than fighting off a cold or the flu.
7. Get up and exercise. Besides helping to keep your stress down and your heart healthy, exercise is also felt to boost the immune system.
Performing Arts
Band Fundraiser- Fresh Catch
Social Studies
Mock Trial
Business and Technology
Congratulations to the following Personal Finance students for achieving W!se Financial Literacy Certification: Kaelyn Archambault, Dylan Bosinger, Pablo Cruz, Ali Hachem, Jack Homsi, Paul Quinn, Joseph Riccio, Caden Riley, Jack Roberts, Jason See, and Samuel Stevens.
These students passed the nationally standardized certification exam by demonstrating mastery in Money, Budgeting, the Cost of Money, Banking, Credit, Insurance, Investing, Retirement Planning, and Financial Planning and Management.
Spring Sports Registration
Athletes, if you are interested in Boys or Girls Lacrosse, Boys or Girls Tennis, Baseball, or Softball, there will be a meeting February 11th at 6:00 pm in the auditorium!
After the general meeting we will break down into individual sports to meet with the coaches. Please hand in UPDATED physicals and payment. Parents and athletes are both strongly encouraged to attend.
For Girls or Boys Spring track, there will be a meeting at 2:00 pm after school in the cafeteria on Feb. 11th! Athletes are encouraged to attend and collect information about the spring season. Updated physicals and payment are also encouraged to be turned in at this meeting.
Monday, Feb 11, 2019, 06:00 PM
MHS Auditorium
MHS Educator Kevin Smith
All Night Party
Attention Senior Parents!
The next volunteer meeting for All Night Party 2019 will be held on February 7th at 6:30 in room 135. All are welcome!
Check out the ANP website:
https://mhsallnightparty.yolasite.com/
Please find the ANP donation form as a PDF below.
10th Annual Hearts for Hope/Fallon P. Finegan Memorial Scholarship Gala
The tenth annual Hearts for Hope/Fallon P. Finegan Memorial Scholarship Gala is being held on Saturday, March 2, 2019 from 6:30 pm to midnight at the Four Points Sheraton, Norwood.
The Hearts for Hope foundation was created in 2009 to assist families who are battling cystic fibrosis. Fallon Finegan, a former MHS student, lost her battle with CF in August, 2010. She was an avid member of the MHS girls basketball and soccer team.
The foundation has established a scholarship in Fallon's memory which will benefit from the gala. In total, since 2011, $57,000 in scholarships has been awarded to 40 Mansfield High School graduating students.
Tickets for the Gala are $75 and are available by visiting the Hearts for Hope website at www.heartsforhopefoundation.com or emailing jdavis820@comcast.net.
Donations of raffle and silent auction items are also appreciated.
Donations to the Fallon P. Finegan Memorial Scholarship can be sent payable to the Hearts for Hope Foundations, c/o Jayne Davis, 18 Bragg Road, Foxboro, 02035.
Yearbook
The 2019 Yearbook is only on sale for a few more days! Books will not be able for order after January 20. Don't miss out! Go to https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/index.cfm/general/homepage?portal=true
Celebrate your senior! Advertise your business! Be a part of Mansfield history! Buy an ad in the 2019 yearbook - Go to mansfieldhighschoolyearbook.com for information!
Message Regarding Assistance from Central Office
In Memoriam -- Lauri Baptiste
Last week, the MHS community lost an amazing person, Mrs. Lauri Baptiste, who spent her entire career of 30+ years serving the Mansfield Public Schools, with most of that time spent right here at Mansfield High School.
As an administrative assistant in the Main Office, Mrs. Baptiste was a kind, positive and gentle person who never lost her temper or patience, who maintained the highest standards of confidentiality in her work, and who could be relied upon for an encouraging word and, of course, loads of candy and chocolate.
She was and is loved, and will be dearly missed by all.
Key Dates for Your Calendar
Feb. 6 & 7- RETEST for Bio MCAS
Feb. 6- College Planning Night at 6:30PM
Feb. 8- JR/SR Solo Night
Feb. 11- Spring Sports Registration at 6PM
Feb. 18-22- Vacation
Bus Transportation 2018-2019
All bus transportation information, including forms and routes, is available on the District Home Page. Please click here: Bus Transportation.
About Us
Mary Watkins, Principal
Zachary Abrams, Assistant Director, Special Education
Abigail Barlas, Assistant Principal, Student Support Services
Joshua Fogel, Assistant Principal, Grades 10 & 12
Timothy Tichacek, Assistant Principal, Grades 9 &11
Email: firstname.lastname@mansfieldschools.com
Website: http://mhs.mansfieldschools.com/
Location: 250 East Street, Mansfield, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 261-7540
Twitter: @MHShornets