ARCHIVED MHS February 2024
Small School...Big Family
February 16, 2024
Upcoming Events
2/17 - Spanish immersion Buddy Read
2/19-23 - February Vacation Week
2/28 - Middle-High School Building Project Community Forum (info below)
3/1 - Midterm of Quarter 3
3/1 - Comedy Cancels Cancer Fundraiser for Aedan Wetherbee 8pm (MHS Auditorium)
3/2 - Spanish Immersion Buddy Read
3/2 - METG Drama Festival Competition at Norwood HS
3/11 - No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
3/16 - Spanish Immersion Buddy Read
3/26 & 3/27 - MCAS ELA (10th graders)
3/29 - Early Release (10:55am) / Quarter 3 Ends
Congratulations to our Quarter 2 Honor Roll students:
Congratulations to the following students for making the 2023-24 Millis High School Honor Roll for Quarter Two. Students earning High Honors carried all grades of A- or better, while students earning Honors carried all grades that were A's and B's.
Grade 12 High Honors
Bassett, Hailey Rose
Blanchette, Troy David
Copice, Wilson Sydney
Corcoran, Declan Van
Hastings, Lucian
Jewett, Isabelle Rose
Joe, Sarah Kristin
Kale, Manasi Amod
Legere, Ava Nanine
Oliveira, Rayssa Guimaraes
Ryan, Jack Joseph
Sisto, Lucy Ana
Steiner, Emily Rose
Zarnofsky, Paige Alena
Grade 12 Honors
Berube, Ryan Dennis
Breslau, Ryan Ward
Carr, Mia Dorothy
Caulfield, Ivra Riley
Chansky, Malachi Franklin Louis
Charlebois, Grace Catherine
Doherty, Isabella Frances
Ferzoco, Mark Richard
Figueroa, Genesis Vanessa
Goes, Manuel Nmn
Gordon, Andrew James
Hart, Adam Francis
Herrlein, Marissa Elizabeth
Hill, Nicholas Adam
Johnson, Arijus Timothy
Leussis, Emelia Bianca
Ludwig, Aidan Joseph
Martone, Madilyn Nicole
Mathews, Olivia Florence-Jean
McCarthy, Benjamin Nathaniel
Miller, Andrew Christopher
Patel, Dhyey Amitkumar
Pillai, Aditya Sethumadhavan
Powers, Abigail Rose
Rice, Kyra Evelyn
Rodick, Andrew Robinson
Roy, Julianne
Rubalcaba, Sophia Julianne
Ruo, Victoria Lynne
Saegh, Mason Gardner
Santos, John Stephen
Schneiderat, Macy Mcguiggin
Scolponeti, Jennifer Marie
Skerry, Emily Florence
Villacis, Adriana Michelle
Walsh, Falyn Rose
Wasselley, Joyce Milad Ayad
Whooten, Annika Kristine
Works, Julia Fay
Grade 11 High Honors
Briones, Isabella Marie
Conroy, Shealin Irene
Cyr, Macy T
Doherty, Maggie Elizabeth
Ferguson, William James
Fiala, Andrew Marc
Fong, Olivia Elizabeth
Gerasimov, Sasha Dmitrievich
Goldstein, Johanna Chihiro
Loer, Addison Campbell
Lopes, Thaynara Silva
Mahoney, Conor Jackson
Malaquias, Lauren Elizabeth
Medvedeva, Vera
Rollag, Anne Elizabeth
Ryan, Declan Philip
Scolponeti, Nicholas Anthony
Stapels, Amelia Danielle
Grade 11 Honors
Adams, Madison Claire
Breslau, Ramsey Leigh
Chandler, Emma Grace
Delaney, Daniel Kenneth Van
Delaney, Kiyra Rowena Ruth
Duggan, James Constantine
Fraulo, Anthony Dimitrios
Gatz, Meredith Grace
Gerrish, Eliza Rose
Greeno, Raven Mae
Hohman, Nicholas James
Kiggen, Henry Joseph
Leach, Emilia Kelly
Manning, Logan Patrick
Molloy, Norene Elizabeth
Morse, Andrew John Lamb
Olivares, Mauricio Andres
Ortiz, Devan Sachin
Richards, Kaitlyn Marie
Ruo, Emily Sophia-Eileen
Shepardson, Talon Michael
Sparks, Daniel Joseph
Sugrue, Aidan James
Sullivan, Kevin Michael
Sullivan, Riley Elizabeth
Wallace, Abby Grace
Zangari, Joseph Michael
Grade 10 High Honors
Cranton, David Brian
Ferguson, Mia Grace
Kerstens, Simone Nmn
Krusz, Devan Paul
Lebak, David John-Paul
McGuire, Dylan Francis
Mulkern, Keara Ann
Silvia, Rylee Shaye
Steiner, Madeline Paige
Streck, Taryn Mackenzie
Young, Mia Dorothy
Grade 10 Honors
Arian, Marina H
Avakian, Alexandra Kate
Banks, Corinne Michaela
Ensminger, Rylee Marie
Fournier, Jason Banks
Fuentes, Leyna Therese
Gordon, Alivia Lorraine
Gregg, Liam Ryan
Halloran, Pat Christopher
Higgins, Grace Anne
Koronios, Nicoletta Savina
Kramer, Gabrielle Marie
Lauria, Nicole Hallie
McGhee, Noah William
Migaly, Jasmin Ehab
Nirenberg, Jenna Louise
O'Connell, Chace Thomas
Parikh, Aaron Advait
Powers, Oliver Maxwell
Ryerson, Lexie Emily Hunter
Scannell, Nora Sweet
Schaad, Isabella Rose
Smith, Charlie Wallace
Sparks, Zoe Elizabeth
Tobin, Michael Roland
Grade 9 High Honors
Alan, Phoebe Beatrice
Calo-Tufts, Gabriel Joseph
Caulfield, Owen Michael
Connors, Anne Katherine
Donahue, James Gregory
Gallon, Kate Alexis
Glynn, Liyla Mae
Hohman, Olivia Rose
Ingraham, Macy Maryanne
Joe, Caden Brandon
Kaye, Abigail Madeline
Kramer, Jessica Lynn
Leach, Hayden Phillips
Leussis, William Joseph
Maher, Ella Marie
Malaquias, Sarah Rose
Martin, Taney Noble
Martino, Raina Idella Grace
Miller, Lucy Celeste
O'Toole, Sydney Noel
Richards, Ethan James
Rollag, David Lester
Roman, Hannah Ellen
Roy, Nicholas Michel
Sieczkiewicz, Klara Grace
Skerry, Alexis Kinsey
Termini, Liam Aiden
Zammarchi, Juniper Ann
Grade 9 Honors
Antony, Irene Bernadette-Bahaa
Azzouz, Siena Janine
Barisano, Franco James
Brynczka, Kevin Jude
Carter, Jack Jackson
Charlebois, Ella Rae
Doherty, Nora Grace
Ellis, Alicia Rose
Ferreira, Flavio Miguel Oliveira
Fuentes, Lucy Marie
Galeon, Cassandra Roelene
Gerrish, Layne David
Grattan, Thomas Paul
Heneghan, Grace Catherine
Hubbell, Avery Samantha
Ingoldsby, Braden Mark
Jackson, Finn
Kitchens, Jackson Allen
Kraby, Liam Brian
Kruszewski, Devin Piotr
Leussler, Nathan Samuel
Loer, Harrison Stockdale
Ludwig, Brendan Robert
Martin, Sarah Amoroso
Matti, Alyssa Marie
Muscatello, Jeff Philip
Noonan, Matthew Elvis
Rand, Molly Elizabeth
Ryan, Noah Daniel
Shepardson, Blake Matthew
Spies, Rio Amelia
Sullivan, Erin Mae
Vaccaro, Benjamin Rafael
January Students Students of the Month Announced
Grade 9 Nominees: Owen Caulfield and Klara Sieczkiewicz
Winner: Klara Sieczkiewicz: "Klara brings it every day in class. She has a great work ethic and participates actively in class discussions. She also has a great sense of humor."
Grade 10 Nominees: Eloa Souza, Jenna Nirenberg, and Zoe Sparks
Winner: Eloa Souza: "Eloa not only is always on task while in class, but she is willing to be vulnerable and ask questions and has gone out of her way to be kind and look out for others"
Grade 11 Nominees: Abby Wallace, Hedia Louati, and Ramsey Breslau
Winner: Abby Wallace: "Abby never takes a 'day off'. She is disciplined, intelligent and a role model for other students."
Grade 12 Nominees: Grace Charlebois, Madilyn Martone, Jennifer Scolponeti, Jaime Conrad
Winner: Jennifer Scolponetti: "Jennifer always has a smile on her face and comes in with a positive attitude each and every day."
Klara, Abby, Grace, Jennifer, Madilyn, Zoe, and Jenna
Winter Spirit Week & Pep Rally
This past week was a fun one at MHS, as the student council planned out a Winter Spirit week for students and staff, with our second annual Winter Pep Rally capping off the day on Friday. Enjoy some pictures below from our pep rally, courtesy of our photographer extraordinaire, Mrs. Graham.
Middle-High School Building Project Community Forum
The Millis School Building Committee and Millis Public Schools are excited to invite all interested community members to the first virtual community forum regarding the Millis Middle-High School building project on Wednesday, February 28, from 7:00-8:30 PM. At this meeting, viewers will have an opportunity to meet representatives from the School Building Committee, Owner’s Project Manager (OPM), Vertex Companies, and representatives from the Project Designer, Tappé Architects. The presentation will also include the background of the need for this project, important timelines, and the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Feasibility Study Process. The community forum will review the existing conditions of the building and discuss the design and visioning process of the project. There will be an opportunity for viewers to ask questions about the project via a webinar chat feature.
We look forward to this first community forum as an opportunity for the community to be introduced to the project team and informed about the MSBA process. Additionally, community members may keep up to date throughout the entire process by accessing the project website at https://www.millisschoolproject.com/
Viewers may access the Community Forum on February 28 at 7:00pm via zoom link: https://millisschools-org.zoom.us/j/86764223256.
Valentine's Day
On behalf of the entire staff, we want to say a big thank you to the the MS/HS Home School Association for the Valentine’s treats this past Wednesday!
MERIT Grants Awarded
Thanks to the generosity of The Millis Educational Resource Initiatives Team (MERIT), three grants have recently been awarded to Millis High School staff. Science teacher, Stephanie Copice, was awarded the funds to purchase classroom copies of the book, Rust the Longest War, by Johathan Waldman, as a resource for her Materials Science class. Art teacher, Amy Radcilffe, received the funds necessary to turn the drawings and designs of her middle and high school students into a professionally printed coloring book. The coloring book will be distributed to current and incoming kindergarten students to help inspire a love and appreciation for art. Finally, English teacher and drama club advisor, Victoria Bartley, received a grant to help support the Millis High School Drama Club's upcoming performance in the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild High School Drama Festival Competition. This is the second year the club has participated in the competition, and the funds will not only help this year's production, but hopefully help establish this as a regular part of the drama club activities each year. We are incredibly appreciative of the work MERIT puts in to raise funds and to review all the grant requests each year. These funds go a long way toward supporting students, staff and all of the schools here in our district. If you are interested in learning more about MERIT and how you can help support this important organization for our schools, check out their website for more information.
Presidents on Trial
Students in Ms. Ziemba’s 9th grade US History classes put the first three US presidents on trial during the annual U.S History vs The Presidency. Students were tasked with either prosecuting or defending Presidents Washington, Adams, and Jefferson while the other students served as the jury. While Presidents Washington and Adams were found not guilty, President Jefferson was found guilty on both charges of bad leadership and bad character in all classes.
School & District Report Cards Issued
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has issued the annual report cards for the Millis Public School District and our District Schools. Please click on the links below to see the reports snd the letter which was sent our last week.
District & School Report Card letter
Cabaret Night
Last Friday, February 9th, the Millis HS Band and Chorus hosted its annual Cabaret Night. This Broadway themed night was MC’d by seniors Wilson Copice and Thidavanh Keomorokot and featured selections from Les Mis, Phantom, Sound of Music, Hair and many others, performed by the band and chorus, under the direction of Janice Norton and Mark Femino respectively.
Earth Systems/ Oceanography
Earth Systems students spent this week presenting their marine organism projects which they have been researching since November. Students had the option of creating food webs, life cycles, model habitats, and 3D interior models and exterior models to accompany their presentations. The presentations of abiotic and biotic ecosystem components ties together all of the units studied during the first semester Oceanography class. Art students were able to create paper maché models while other students created model habitats using Minecraft.
Rebuilding The Dance Program In Millis Post-Pandemic
After the loss of the ability to have indoor club activities due to Covid-19 many extracurriculars have suffered. Some clubs have seen numbers diminish, and this is especially true in the arts. Terpsichore, the Millis Middle and High School Dance Club, has been trying to rebuild after taking a hit from the pandemic.
Senior Kristen Kelly has used this predicament as the impetus for her senior project. She is teaching a free dance class to interested fifth graders in order to encourage participation in Terpsichore. She is the co-president of Terpsichore and has been a part of the club since she was in fifth grade (back in the days when grade 5 was in the MS building).
Kristen teaches the dance classes every week on Thursday with about 12 dancers. The grade 5 students have also been learning choreography to one of the pieces that will be performed in this year’s annual Spring Show. This piece is called Romanian Folk Dance, and it will give the dancers a taste of what Terpsichore is all about, if they choose to continue in this club, which we hope they will! If you have questions or are interested in getting your grade 5 student involved, reach out to Kristen Kelly at krikel24@millisschools.org
Art News
Three Millis High School students just had their artwork selected for the Massachusetts Amazing Emerging Artist Recognitions Exhibit. This is a competitive juried show for grade 9 -12 students of Massachusetts Art Education Association members. The virtual show will be posted on the MAEA website on March 18, in celebration of Youth Art Month.
Congratulations to:
Senior Emily Steiner for her piece, “AnxieTease”:
And senior Lucian Hastings, for “Trip to the Aquarium”:
Law Classes Visit MCI Norfolk
This past Thursday and Friday, Mr. Kraby's Law classes visited MCI-Norfolk for an educational program. MCI-Norfolk is the largest medium security level facility in Massachusetts, housing criminally sentenced males. A panel of inmates spoke to the students about the poor choices they made and the consequences they are now paying for them. This is an annual trip for Mr. Kraby's classes and an educational, eye opening and moving experience for all involved. Below is a picture of one of the classes outside the facility.
Spanish Reading and Conversation Opportunity
For her senior project, Isabella Doherty is organizing a Spanish 'Buddy Reading' program at the Millis Public Library. Juniors and Seniors able to read Spanish to younger students should contact Isabella. All information is on the flyer below.
For his Senior Project, Ben McCarthy is organizing a 5K fundraiser and a prize drawing to benefit The Jimmy Fund with some fantastic prizes donated by the Millis community:
Please help - call for decor items
My name is Annika Whooten and for my senior project I am redecorating/designing our school adjustment counselor, Mrs. Sullivan’s room, and our school nurse, Mrs. Molinari’s, quiet back room, using free, gently used (or new) items. I am looking for really any furniture/decor, but more specifically for more seating, a small table, a rug, pillows, iPhone chargers, and/or wall decor. If you have anything you are willing to donate, please feel free to reach out to me via email at akwhooten24@gmail.com. Thank you so much!
Looking For Service Hours For Term 4?
The Theater Group of Millis is looking for some help with their costuming for the March production of the Wizard of Oz. The times during the day are flexible and the required skill is broad and includes the ability to cut fabric, use a hot glue gun, sew, and steam. If you are interested check your google homeroom/advisory classroom for more details, or talk with Ms. Copice or Mr. Femino. Sign up here.
February is Black History Month
During the month of February, it is the perfect time to honor and celebrate the significance of Black History Month. This annual observance, which originated in the United States, is also recognized as African-American History Month. It offers a splendid opportunity to delve deeper into the vast and remarkable heritage of Black culture, accomplishments, and contributions that have shaped history.
During this special month, we take a collective journey to acknowledge and appreciate the important achievements, resilience, and struggles of Black individuals throughout time. The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum have cultivated some great resources to educate and celebrate Black history month at: www.blackhistorymonth.gov.
Comedy Cancels Cancer
The students of Millis High School are asking for your help! We are raising funds to help our 15 year old classmate as he bravely fights cancer.
Laughter is the best medicine!
Thank You for Your Support!
Any questions please email Michelle Panciocco mpanciocco@millisschools.org Shannon Graham sgraham@millisschools.org Beth Morrill bmorrill@millisschools.org
~ Happening Around Millis ~
The New Millis Recreation Spring & Summer 2024 Brochure Is Now Available.
February 9, 2024
Tonight is Cabaret Night!
The Millis HS Band and Chorus is hosting its annual Cabaret Night, tonight, Friday, February 9, at 7:00 pm in the cafeteria. This Broadway themed night, MC’d by seniors Wilson Copice and Thidavanh Keomorokot, will feature selections from Les Mis, Phantom, Sound of Music, Hair and many others, performed by the band and chorus, under the direction of Janice Norton and Mark Femino respectively. The cost of admission is $10.00 for adults, and $5.00 for students and can be paid at the door. Included in that admission is wonderful music and snacks. Additional dessert items can be purchased at the bake sale table. Questions can be directed to the Music Parents President Anne Tyner, at atyner@millisschools.org.
College Planning & Admissions Panel for Junior Students and Parents - Recap
The School Counseling Office hosted our College Planning & Admissions Panel Night for junior students and parents on Thursday, February 8th, at the Millis Public Library. The school counselors began the night with a brief presentation on the college planning process followed by a college admissions panel presentation. Representatives from Boston College, Suffolk University, UMass Amherst, and Massachusetts Bay Community College discussed the college admissions process and took questions from parents and students. If you missed it, please feel free to check out the powerpoint presentation and read through the College Planning Guide for the Class of 2025. Please contact the School Counseling Office at 508-376-7010 or email your student’s counselor with any questions.
Class of 2025 Counselor Contact Information:
For children whose last names fall between Adams-Joseph:
Mrs. Riley Dunn
For children whose last names fall between Kiggen-Zangari:
Ms. Nicole Moore
National School Counseling Week
This past week, we celebrated National School Counseling week at MHS. We are extremely fortunate to have an amazing school counseling team that supports and encourages our students as they navigate their high school years. This week allowed us to thank them for their dedication and hard work, and to recognize the significant impact that school counselors have in aiding students during their schooling years. We salute our school counseling staff for all they do, including our School Counselors, Riley Dunn and Nicole Moore, Bridge Program Counselor, Olivia Zitoli, School Adjustment Counselors, Erin Sullivan and Kelsey Flynn, and our School Counseling Administrative Assistant, Erika Harkey.
Children's Literature Students visit CFB
Ms. Fillebrown's Children’s Literature students started their routine visits to the CFB kindergarten classes this week. They brought a variety of children’s books to read with them and helped the kindergarteners find their own books to enjoy!
Materials Science Explores The World of Ceramics
Ms. Copice's students have been comparing natural ceramic, such as clay, to more industrial ceramics, such as silicon carbide, in terms of structure, properties and uses. This culminated in a collaboration between Materials Science and our new high school Art Teacher, Amy Radcliffe, where class shifted to the art room this week so students could experience and work with natural clay. For many, this is their first hands-on art class since seventh grade. They will now follow up by exploring the chemical changes that result from firing green pottery.
The Sophomore Research Project (SRP) 2024
The SRP is a collaborative effort amongst the teachers of math, science, ELA and history at the sophomore level. The students are guided through the process of developing an original argument on a topic of their choosing that culminates with a research paper and presentation in the late spring. The students work with the teachers of the different content areas to develop topics, research questions, thesis, graphic organizers, papers, and presentations. Along the way, each student is mentored by one specific teacher to personalize the experience.
The project kicked off last week as science teachers introduced the timeline of the project, and are now helping the students develop topic ideas using a lesson around the work of the first African American to receive a PhD in chemistry, Dr. St. Elmo Brady. The lesson then developed into a topic brainstorm with a feedback carousel in the hallway where students were able to read each other's ideas from period to period and provide suggestions or ask clarifying questions. As we continue to celebrate Black History Month this February, studying the work of Dr. St. Elmo Brady was a perfect way to begin the SRP process. You can learn more about Dr. St. Elmo Brady here. (Dr. St. Elmo Brady Image above from ACS.org)
Next week is Spirit week!
Students, please show your school spirit by wearing the following on these days:
Monday: Dress to Unimpress (Pajama Day)
Tuesday: Hawaiian Day
Wednesday: On Wednesdays We Wear Pink
Thursday: Millis Pride Day
Friday: Rochambeau (Hosted by Mock Trial): Students and staff can purchase colorful bead necklaces on Thursday 2/15 during lunch and wear them on Friday 2/16. Throughout the day, anyone with a bead necklace can challenge another person with a bead necklace to a game of rock, paper, scissors. If you win... you take the other person's beads. The goal is to have the most beads around your neck by the end of the day!
Happy Lunar New Year!
Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year) happens this year on February 10, and with it the transition to the Year of the Dragon. A happy Lunar New Year to all those who celebrate!
STEAM Scholar Applications Are Open
The STEAM Scholar Application for members of the Class of 2026 is now open. The STEAM Scholars program is designed to provide Millis students with programming that allows them to focus their studies on the STEAM Disciplines. Review this presentation for more information including the mission of the program and program requirements. Interested students should enroll in the STEAM Scholar Application Google Classroom and complete the application materials by Friday, February 16, at 4:00pm. Questions can be directed to Ms. Stephanie Copice at scopice@millisschools.org, subject line “STEAM Scholars”.
Global Scholars 21st Century Program Applications Now Open
The application is now open for members of the Class of 2026 to apply to the Global Scholars 21st Century Program (GS21) at Millis High School. The goal of the Global Scholars Program is to help promote global competence, a key twenty-first century skill. Through interdisciplinary academic study, community service and international travel, participants will increase their global awareness, heighten their appreciation of diversity, and enlarge their capacity to work and contribute in an increasingly interconnected world. Review this presentation for more information including the mission of the program and program requirements. Interested students should enroll in the Global Scholars Google Classroom, and complete the application materials by Friday, February 16, at 4:00pm. Questions can be directed to either Mr. Fallon at dfallon@millisschools.org, Mrs. Ames at sames@millisschools.org, or Ms. Ziemba at mziemba@millisschools.org.
Samaritans Presentations
The teen years are marked by a roller coaster of emotions-difficult for teens, their parents and educators. It is easy to misread depression as normal adolescent turmoil; however, depression (among the most common forms of mental illnesses) appears to be occurring at a much earlier age, and the past decade has seen teen suicide rates double. The pandemic certainly complicated things even more. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people, ages 10-24. Youth can feel immense pressure from harassment on social media, difficult coursework, unhealthy friendships and relationships, bullying, and many other stressors. Unfortunately, many young people struggle to reach out for help, in part because of the stigma associated with suicide and mental illness.
To proactively address this issue, Millis High School is offering a youth workshop during the school day delivered by the Samaritans on February 12th, for sophomores and juniors. Samaritans has provided lifesaving suicide prevention services in Massachusetts for 48 years. Their vision is to have a world without suicide. The core values of the Samaritans, in which they base their programming are courage, hope, integrity, belonging, befriending, equity, and inclusion. Their youth workshops aim to help students understand their emotions and feel less alone. Students discuss suicide myths, prevention strategies, self-care and coping, identifying trusted adults, and what to do when they or a friend needs help.
Our goals in participating in this program are straightforward:
To help our students understand that depression is a treatable illness, and help them assess whether or not they may have symptoms consistent with depression
To explain that suicide is a preventable tragedy that often occurs as a result of untreated depression
To provide students training in how to identify serious depression and potential suicidality in a friend
To impress upon teens that they can help themselves or a friend by taking the simple step of talking to a responsible adult about their concerns
At the end of the workshop, all students will be asked by Millis High School counseling staff to complete a brief screener where they indicate whether or not they are currently struggling with depressed feelings and if they would like to talk with a counselor about a concern they have for either themselves or a friend.
If you DO NOT wish to have your child participate in either the presentation, the screener, or both, please email either Erin Sullivan, esullivan@millisschools.org, Riley Dunn rdunn@millisschools.org, or Nicole Moore nmoore@millisschools.org. If we do not hear from you, we will assume that your child has your permission to participate.
Say Something Anonymous Reporting System
Dear Millis Community Members,
As a school district, we are committed to creating and sustaining a comprehensive, coordinated effort to improve the overall safety and well-being of our students, educators, administrators, and the community at large.
To do this, we believe this must involve community-wide programs and initiatives involving parents, teachers, administrators, local law enforcement, mental health and wellness professionals, and elected officials to take meaningful action to protect our students.
I am happy to announce the district-wide launch of the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS). We trained all of our students last Friday, and are now officially live with the program. This program teaches students, teachers, and administrators how to recognize warning signals and threats, on social media, in school, or in their community, of individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and Say Something to a trusted adult OR use its anonymous reporting system. Specifically, the program educates students and adult participants to:
- Recognize the signs and threats of at-risk behaviors
- Take every sign and signal seriously and act quickly to get help by talking to a trusted adult, OR
- Report it anonymously to the SS-ARS 24/7/365 Crisis Center via a mobile app, website, or telephone hotline
- Respond to and manage the submitted tips using a tip management system overseen by a designated school team
- Sustain the curriculum and awareness via student clubs, in-school activities and call-to-action weeks
Our students are often aware of the problems their peers are facing, so we must empower them to recognize the danger signs and give them the tools to help each other with the assistance of trained and caring adults. As you know, most conversations are taking place on social media, therefore it is critical that we teach our students to look out for one another as these digital conversations are taking place. SS-ARS teaches them what to look for in text, video and photos while empowering them to act quickly to help a fellow student. The program also teaches students to recognize at-risk behaviors in friends and classmates at school and in their local community.
The SS-ARS program is provided by Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a nation-wide non-profit organization. SHP’s programs are in 50 states – with 14,000+ schools and over 12 million students and adults trained. They have a track record, reputation, and knowledge of how to work effectively with kids, parents, and teachers to improve school safety and culture. The program is age-appropriate and research-based. To date, SS-ARS and other SHP prevention programs have helped stop multiple school shootings, suicides, and gun threats, The program has reduced bullying and cyberbullying, intervened upon cutting, drug use, and other violent acts. We know this program will do the same for our district.
To learn more about the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System click here. To submit a tip, click here. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call, or email me directly at mawdycki@millisschools.org.
Sincerely,
Mark Awdycki
Principal
Host a Spanish Classroom Assistant
Would you enjoy sharing your home with our incoming Spanish Consular Classroom Assistant beginning in late August?
Each year, the Spanish government makes it possible for Millis to host a language and cultural assistant through their international exchange program.
The consular assistant arrives in late August and stays until the end of the school year, sharing the Spanish language and culture with students in our immersion and non-immersion classes on the elementary and secondary level while also learning about the culture of the United States through both the classroom and homestay experiences. Please let us know if you are interested! If you have a preference of gender, we may be able to accommodate that.
A number of Millis families have shared their homes with consular assistants over the past decade; all that is required is a private bedroom for the student, breakfast and dinner, and wireless access. The family would also be responsible for picking up the student at Logan Airport in late August.The homestay is designed as a cultural exchange experience and does not include childcare or household responsibilities.
The district provides bus transportation to school each day and lunch in one of our cafeterias. Students hold medical insurance and have had a full series of vaccinations. All assistants are non-smoking. They are eager to share their language and culture with a family!
Please contact the district's main office at 508-376-7000 X 619 if you would be interested in hosting this coming school year.
Robert Mullaney, Superintendent
Adult Women’s Safety Seminar of 2024
Millis Police's first Adult Women’s Safety Seminar of 2024 is coming up in February and serves as a great way to strengthen your personal safety knowledge. This dynamic event centers on empowering discussions, designed to enhance your skills for improved self-protection. No physical activity or practice will take place during the seminar.
Thursday, February 29th
6-8 PM
Millis Police Department, 1003 Main Street, Millis, MA 02054
Hosted by Officer Zitoli, this seminar covers risk reduction, trusting your intuition and situational awareness. Reserve your spot by emailing czitoli@millisma.gov.
February 2, 2024
Congratulations to the Millis Mock Trial Team
The Millis Mock Trial Team crushed their competition this week. The prosecution defeated Medfield in their final case. Witnesses Annie Rollag, Izzy Doherty, and Lindzey Murillo performed wonderfully in their roles. Attorneys Mauricio Olivares and Kevin Brynczka delivered impressive opening and closing statements and along with Macy Cyr, Maggie Doherty, and Nora Molloy’s strong direct and cross examinations, the team was victorious. The team is already pumped for next year’s competition!
College Planning & Admissions Panel Night for Junior Students and Parents- February 8th
The School Counseling Office is excited to announce that our College Planning & Admissions Panel Night for junior students and parents will be held on Thursday, February 8th, starting at 6:00 pm at the Millis Public Library in the Roche Bros Room.
The school counselors will begin the night with a brief presentation on the college planning process followed by a college admissions panel presentation. Representatives from Boston College, Suffolk University, UMass Amherst, and Massachusetts Bay Community College are expected to be on hand to discuss the college admissions process and take questions from parents and students.
For those of you unable to make it, we will provide a recording of the night in the School Counseling area of the Millis High School website following the event: (hs.millisps.org/for_students/counseling).
This promises to be a great night you don’t want to miss, where both parents and students will take away a host of useful information as our juniors begin the college process. Please contact the School Counseling Office at 508-376-7010 with any questions. We look forward to seeing you all on February 8th!
Sincerely,
Riley Dunn & Nicole Moore
Millis High School Counseling Department
Class of 2025 Fundraiser
Please help support the Millis High School Class of 2025 by eating at Chipotle on February 3rd from 5:00-9:00 PM in Medway! Show the cashier a digital or paper flyer prior to paying OR order online and pick up Chipotle by using the Promo Code LE3RGD2 on the Chipotle app or website.
Class of 2025 Movie Night Fundraiser
The Millis Class of 2025 is excited to host a movie night on Friday, February 2nd! This night will be hosted by the Class of 2025 student council in the Clyde Brown cafeteria from 6-8 PM for children in kindergarten to 5th grade. Concessions will be sold ($1-$2 each) and adult supervision will be provided. Cash and venmo will be accepted, and please email Rachel Hayden (rhayden@millisschools.org) with any questions! Sign up here.
2023-24 MCAS Schedule & Tutoring
As we move into the second half of the school year, we continue to prepare our students for this year's MCAS Exams, and want to update you on the upcoming schedule. Students in the Class of 2026 (sophomores) will be taking MCAS exams in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math this year, while students in the Class of 2027 (freshmen) will be taking the MCAS Biology Exam. These exams, sponsored by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), are part of the competency determination required for students to graduate from Millis High School. All exams will be computer-based this year.
In addition to preparing our students in the classroom, we have been identifying students in need of extra tutoring support, and recently mailed home letters containing contracts for tutoring. MCAS English Language Arts tutoring will began in Flex Block this past week, and MCAS Math tutoring will be starting at the beginning of February. If you receive one of these letters and would like your child to take part in the tutoring support (which we strongly encourage), please return the contract to the main high school office as soon as possible. The schedule for MCAS Exams at MHS is as follows:
English Language Arts (Grade 10) - March 26 & 27
Math (Grade 10) - May 21 & 22
Biology (Grade 9) - June 4 & 5
MPY Announces New Parenting Solutions Library
Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) is pleased to announce its new, free MPY Parenting Solutions Library. To date, over 2,200 videos have been borrowed. MPY is offering the MPY Parenting Solutions Library in partnership with Peace At Home Parenting Solutions, a non-profit located in Mansfield, Connecticut. Peace At Home Parenting Solutions is a dynamic hub of trusted knowledge and compassionate support that inspires parents to create positive change for their children, their families and themselves. Through this new partnership, MPY is pleased to offer proven resources to help students’ families thrive.
Peace At Home Parenting Solutions specializes in empowering parents with evidence-based strategies to foster nurturing connections that safeguard their children's mental well-being. When parents grasp the interconnection between the brain, body, and behavior, they experience reduced stress levels, resulting in less stress for their children.
The Peace At Home Parenting Solutions team, comprised of experts with advanced degrees, stays abreast of the latest advancements in child development. With more than 30 specialists focused on child and adolescent development, including specific issues such as difficulties in school, mental health challenges, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ identity formation, handling racism, navigating grief, and other matters parents and our partners identify. These experts present easy-to-use strategies for long-lasting change.
Parents can watch or just listen to experts who get right to the point solving big and small challenges. The 24 library presentations focus on the topics below. Each presentation includes a 10-minute videos and handouts.
· Inspire School Success for Elementary, Middle and High School Students
· Parenting Principles for Progress Not Perfection
· Mental Health Knowledge and Skills
· Support Your Anxious Child Library
· ADHD and Autism: How to Help Your Child Thrive
The Home Parenting Library may easily be accessed using the link on MPY’s home page (www.mpyinc.org). No log in or passcode is needed. Please contact MPY Executive Director Margie Daniels at margie@mpyinc.org with questions.
Medfield Offers Parent Connection Groups
The Medfield SEPAC is offering Parent Connection Groups in response to feedback in meetings and after-meeting surveys that parents and caregivers would like to connect with others whose loved ones share a diagnosis. A SEPAC parent volunteer will coordinate each, focusing on a different diagnosis. Our parent volunteers are not professional facilitators or therapists so it’s important to note that these are not facilitated support groups, simply a gathering of parents sharing their own experiences. These informal groups will connect parents and caregivers of children of all ages with the specific diagnosis to share experiences and resources.
Our Parent Connection Group, focusing on Down Syndrome, will hold its meetings from the third Thursday of the month until May 2024 (2/15, 3/21, 4/18, 5/16). These meetings are in person from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Medfield Public Library. If you want to join this group, please get in touch with Michelle, this group's parent volunteer, at mebrien@gmail.com.
We are forming groups for the following diagnoses: ADHD (met 1/8 will meet monthly), Dyslexia + LBLD, Autism Spectrum (1st meeting planning underway), and Mental Health. But we need YOU! There are no groups without your participation. If you want to join one of these groups, please email sepac@email.medfield.net to connect with our parent volunteers for more information.
Got Talent????
We are planning a student talent show in April and want YOU to perform! Go to your Google Classroom and complete the Google Form. The grade that has the most acts participating will be rewarded with 1/4 of the night's profits.
Some ideas for potential performances:
Musical acts
Skits imitating your favorite teachers!
Dance performances
Lip-syncing
Comedy stand-up routines
Hula-hooping contest
Poetry slams
Rap battles
Magic tricks
... pretty much anything else you can think of!
Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
Hello Families and Guardians,
As a crucial part of our commitment to fostering open communication and collaboration between parents, teachers, and the school community, we want to remind you about the existence and importance of our Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC).
Our SEPAC continues to be led by Mary Calo and Scott Humphries, who are both parents within the district. A SEPAC is an important part of any school district and town. A SEPAC provides direct input to school district leaders about policies, programs, practices, and services that have an impact on students with disabilities and their families. Its purpose is to advise, advocate, and offer guidance, not to decide policy. An effective SEPAC can increase the proactive, productive involvement of families by inviting their input in ways that can be used to shape local special education policy. Mary, Scott and I are dedicated to working together to create a solid bridge between the school district and families. In addition, each school has a parent liaison. If you have questions for the SEPAC members or are interested in attending meetings, please contact Mary and Scott at: millissepaccc1@gmail.com and millissepaccc2@gmail.com
Thank you,
Nealy
Nealy Koumanelis-Urquhart
Director of Student Support Services
Millis Public Schools
P: (508) 906- 3521 E: nurquhart@millischools.org
7 Park Road, Millis, MA 02054
Community Workshops
Some new community workshops are now available at Chris' Corner:
ATTENDANCE POLICIES
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Tardies
If your student is going to be late to school, a parent/guardian must contact the office, by or before 8AM. The office can be reached one of the following ways:
Attendance line: 508-906-3713
Attendance email: hsattendance@millisschools.org
or you may send your student in with a note
If we don’t hear from a parent/guardian, the tardy will be unexcused. Upon arrival at school, the student should go directly to the office and sign in.
Dismissals
If your student needs to be dismissed, a parent/guardian must send their student in with a note or email the office at hsattendance@millisschools.org, listing the dismissal time and reason. Just a reminder that driving hours should not be scheduled during the school day, and do not constitute excused time away from school.
Phone calls for dismissals are not permitted.
Students are expected to check in with the office to confirm their dismissal and receive a pass. If we do not receive a note, a parent or guardian must come into the office to sign their student out at the time of dismissal. Please make every effort to adhere to this dismissal policy to minimize disruptions to class time. Please also be mindful of how a dismissal may impact your student’s eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities.
- Activities Eligibility Dismissal: If your student is involved in extracurricular activities and needs to be dismissed during the school day, they will need to provide a note from the place of their appointment (not a parental note) so they remain eligible to play or practice.
- Medical Dismissal: Any student requesting to leave for any kind of medical reason must go through the nurse’s office.
- Emergency Dismissal: In the event of a true emergency, a parent/guardian should contact the office. Every attempt will be made to expedite the dismissal. Please note, driving hours scheduled during the school day are not considered an emergency nor excusable under any circumstance. Every effort should be made to complete these hours outside of school hours.
Absence
If your student needs to be absent from school, a parent/guardian must notify the office via the attendance line at 508-906-3713 or by emailing hsattendance@millisschools.org as close to 8:00 AM as possible. If we don’t hear from a parent/guardian, the absence is unexcused and the student will be marked as truant. Attendance at school is incredibly important, and every effort possible should be made to maintain regular attendance at the high school.
SCHOOL COUNSELING
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School Counselor Assignments
Mrs. Riley Dunn (rdunn@millisschools.org)
Grade 9 (2027): Abreu - Kitchens
Grade 10 (2026): Arian - Lauria
Grade 11 (2025): Adams - Joseph
Grade 12 (2024): Athanasi - Keomorokot
Ms. Nicole Moore (nmoore@millisschools.org)
Grade 9 (2027): Kraby - Zammarchi
Grade 10 (2026): Lebak - Young
Grade 11 (2025): Kaslosky - Zangari
Grade 12 (2024): Legere - Zarnofsky
Millis High School
Small School.. Big Family
MHS Vision of a Graduate
Communication * Collaboration * Critical Thinking * Character
The Millis Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, gender identity, religion, national origins, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.
Website: https://hs.millisps.org/
Location: Millis High School, 245 Plain Street, Millis, MA, USA
Phone: 508-376-7010
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Millis-High-School-1743691028988870/
Twitter: @millishigh
Instagram: @millishigh