MRHS FRIDAY FOCUS Weekly Newsletter
MRHS VOICE: Vision of Innovation, Creativity & Excellence
6th Edition October 23, 2105
Building Connections Through Communication
One of the most effective ways to promote student growth academically, behaviorally, and socially is through a partnership that bridges the school and home together. We'd like to share this weekly newsletter to keep families abreast of the amazing happenings at our school and pass on important information that will allow parents & students to maintain a positive connection with our school.
In addition, we'd like to connect with you through social media - please check out the following:
Monomoy in the Morning- Daily School News presented by our talented students in Mr. Cass' TV/Production Class - Follow from our school website by clicking link: http://www.monomoy.edu/page.cfm?p=1813
**We will also post our weekly Friday Focus digital Newsletter here**
Facebook:
- Friends of MRHS Facebook Group: Click link for details https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3-dWbYvFo4_Y0NOZUVqM1pfV1E/view?usp=sharing
Twitter:
- NEW: Monomoy Guidance Department: @monomoyguidance
- MRHS: @monomoyrhs
- Athletic Department: @monomoyathletic
- MRHS Fine Arts: @ArtsMRHS
- TV/Production: @Monomoyrhs-TV
- Monomoy Library: @Monomoylibrary
Principal blog:
National Arts Honor Society Inductees
Thursday evening, October 22, the MRHS National Art Honor Society held their Induction Ceremony at the Chatham Creative Art Center. Angela Mault, the Director of the art center was kind to host the event and will continue to support the Arts at MRHS. Linda Simonitch, the center's education liaison and former Chatham Art teacher was in attendance as well as Liane Biron, NAHS Advisor, Ms. Girolamo, Ms. Trull and Ms. Waystack. NAHS officers Grace Fernandes, Cassie Hall, Anna Milan, and Jenn Keim directed the entire event from procuring speaker/artist Ann Hart, hanging the Art exhibit, publicity, refreshments, organizing, speaking and presenting certificates to the new inductees. These young ladies did a fabulous job! Congratulations to the new NAHS members!
Also to be congratulated are Aleela Rose and Samantha Peckman for being awarded Art Internships.
They will be working with professional artists in their studios for 8 weeks. This will culminate with an exhibition this spring.
*Picture c/o Ms. Brenda Schofield-thank you
5 Quick Things - Our Way of Introducing our Terrific MRHS Staff!
Janice Lariviere, Special Education Department
1. I have a yellow lab who just ate a package from amazon.
2. My second cousin is Anton Dvorak who composed the New World Symphony.
3. I am a licensed psychotherapist with a practice in Hyannis.
4. I am the only one in my family ( including my mother – in – law) without a tattoo.
5. My son, Donnie, is in a rock band that tours the country.
Congratulations to our newly elected Grade 8 Class Officers- great choices kids!
Left to Right: Treasurer: Brandon Willis, President: Noah Concordia, Vice President: Sarah Babb & Secretary: Julianna Smith
Dialogue with the Principal
The Friends of Monomoy Regional High School will be hosting a special "Dialogue with the Principal" event on Tuesday, October 27th at 6:30 p.m. in the MRHS library. This is a great opportunity to connect with Principal Burkhead in an intimate setting and get your most pressing questions answered. Light refreshments will be served.
To help us plan for the evening, please confirm your attendance by e-mailing: FriendsMRHS@gmail.com
You can also confirm via the Facebook discussion thread in our Friends of MRHS group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MonomoyRegionalHighSchool/
If you're unable to attend, but have a pressing question - feel free to e-mail us or post it in the comments section below the Facebook announcement and we'll ask the question on your behalf. Then we'll post Principal Burkhead's answer in the reply section underneath your comment.
Hope to see you on October 27th!
Shark "Shout Outs" (SSO's) - MRHS's way of Appreciating the Great People here!
Hi Mr. Burkhead,
Wasn't that a great event last night (Harlem Wizards Game at MRHS)?
I'm writing this morning to tell you how impressed I am with Monomoy's students. In my game coverage and coverage of other school events, I have had the pleasure of meeting many of the school's students, all of whom have been delightfully personable, polite, witty, and a lot of fun to meet. High school can be such a challenging time for kids, which is why it's important that you and your staff know that you're doing a great job. It shows in the awesomeness of the kids, who are proving excellent ambassadors to the still-new school. I look forward to more great games and events, and the chance to know many more Monomoy Sharks.
My Best,
Kat Szmit
Cape Cod Chronicle Reporter - Sports/General/Features
P.S. It was especially cool to have the secretary of the senior class and her best friend (their names escape me...) introduce themselves to me last night.
Shout out to Sophomore Lauren Walsh! Lauren's poem, “26 Muscles,” has been chosen as a finalist in the MassPoetry “T” Poem Contest. MassPoetry puts winning poems on the walls of trains and train stations throughout the Boston area.
MassPoetry chose the finalists. Now, you can help Lauren win!
It’s easy! Just go to: http://masspoetry.org/contestvoting?
And scroll down to the Student-written poems. Just type in your name, email address, and “26 Muscles” as your favorite poem. They asked for “uplifting poems,” and Lauren certainly followed their directions. How wonderful it would be to have a Monomoy student win such an honor! Please vote!!
Ms. Forte-Doyle
I am writing this to from my e-mail so Miss Jessie will not see it when helping me with my work. I would like to give a big shout out to her for making my life both happy and easier! She makes my school days fun and is a most special person. Thanks in advance!
Shayne Luciano
Shout Out to AD Brendan Case- As a parent of three kids in the system and as a teacher, you are doing a great job! You deserve a shout out!
Bob Smeltzer
Big shark shout out to Mr. Dickson. The grade 8 elections would not have happened without all of his time and hard work. Thank you very much, the class of 2020.
Thank you,
Ms. Police & Ms. Creedon
Class of 2017 would like to send a shark shout-out to the community and merchants who were so generous in our Harlem Wizard's Fundraiser!
Class Officers – Alec Pavlakis, Ben Dube, Jack Watson, and Josh Goodrich
Class Advisors – Valerie Cote and Joanne Weekes
I would like to give a shark shout out to assistant principal Mike Martin for taking the time to pick up a small piece of paper on main street. It's not a big deal, but shows he cares, and it is the little things that people do that sometimes matters the most.
Another shout out goes to custodian Chris Johnson. He does a great job of keeping my room in top shape.
Bob Smeltzer
Homecoming Court 2015
Spirit Week ended with a fun filled Homecoming Dance. Congratulations to this year's court!
King - Nick Hardaway, Queen - Maddie Kelly
Prince - Sam Reed - (Not in photo) , Princess- Taylor Wilson = (Not in photo)
Duke - Jake Wisnieswski, Duchess - Abby Sullivan
Lord - Robbie Sieger, Lady - Maddie Pitts
Knight ( grade 8) - Liam Mawn, Dame ( grade 8) - Caitlin Lyons
Discussing the Issues in Health
Harlem Wizards Visit MRHS
“It was an awesome night!” This was the most repeated phrase from the spectators, players, volunteers and the Wizards themselves after their game in front of a packed gymnasium Wednesday night. They were hosted by the Class of 2017 whose goal was to raise funds for their prom. The Harlem Wizards did not disappoint the crowd and dazzled the house with their ball-handling and stunts as well as their on-court comedy. The Monomoy Sharks team, coached by our Principal, Mr. Bill Burkhead, represented all of the schools in our district and the crowd was filled with fans of all ages. The Harlem Wizards dedicate their talents to helping schools and non-profit organizations raise money for worthwhile causes and is was a very successful night for the Class of 2017. The Class appreciates and thank the many volunteers and staff who made this evening possible!
Music Department News
Greetings from the Fine and Performing Arts Department! We encourage you to check out our department website and especially our calendar of performances, rehearsals and events at www.mrhsarts.weebly.com/calendar
Are you following us on Twitter? @artsMRHS
Ms. Richard, MRHS Music teacher is ecstatic to be bringing a group of students to Cuba during February vacation! There are still places open to join us! Please go to www.eftours.com/1737337NW
to see the price and the AMAZING itinerary. The opportunity to register and join us ends October 23rd. If you have questions please e-mail Ms. Richard at rrichard@monomoy.edu
A Truly Collaborative Experience!
On a wet and stormy Friday, students from Sandscript and Art Club, along with one of Mrs. Doyle's Creative Writing classes, and Mrs. Trull's Advanced Methods and Advanced Photography classes went to visit the Edward Gorey House. A docent introduced everyone to Edward Gorey's colorful and creative life showing his art and memorabilia. Students then had the opportunity to write, sketch, and take photographs inside the house and on the grounds of the museum.
Library/Media Center News
There’s an App for that! There are two very important Apps that all Monomoy Sharks should know about. Noodle Tools is a suite of tools for note-taking, outlining, citation, and collaborative research and writing. The App is installed on the student Chromebooks. All of our 8th grade students will be visiting the library for training sessions in the upcoming weeks.
Mackin Via is an online platform where our students may access our eBooks and digital audiobooks. Students may use the link on the Library LibGuide to access Mackin Via. Chromebooks, tablets and smartphones also have an available App.
Ms. Wheaton has put together an instructions document to explain how to register for a MRHS student account in both Apps.
Best Latin/ALP Class Ever!
Animal Welfare Club News
The Animal Welfare Club met during our Enrichment Block on Wednesday and was visited by the “new” Animal Control Officer (ACO) in Chatham, Diane Buyers! Diane told club members how surprised she was to see the well-equipped kennel that our club has outfitted over the past eight years. She was also surprised to learn that the club also paid for animal medical care and food, and mentioned how wonderful it was that we have this facility to care for lost, abandoned, or stray animals in our area.
We discussed some of the upcoming activities that we will plan to raise funds for homeless animals, and considered some of the emergencies facing animal populations right now, such as farm animal abuse, horse slaughter and trophy hunting. At the end of our meeting Diane told the members that joining our club will be a very rewarding experience because animals have no voice and all members of this club can be their voice! All students are welcome (grades 8-12) to our next Animal Welfare Club meeting after school at 2:30 PM on Monday, November 2, in Team Room A164.
Anyone wishing to support the work of this club may do so by sending to: Monomoy Regional High School, Animal Welfare Club, c/o Paula McMahon, Advisor, 75 Oak Street, Harwich, MA 02645. If sending a donation, checks to Monomoy Regional School District (or MRSD) and write Animal Welfare Club in the memo line of the check. Correspondence to the club may also be emailed to: pkmcmahon@monomoy.edu Thank you!
Harwich Chamber of Commerce Presents - 1920's Speakeasy at MRHS
Breast Cancer Awareness
Many thanks to members of the Young Women’s Club, and a couple of their male friends, who joined Ms. Forte-Doyle at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Barnstable on Sunday, Oct. 18. We proudly wore the bras we decorated to celebrate breast health. Many thanks to Stefanie Speakman, Shauna’s mom, for taking photos.
Guidance Corner
Monomoy Guidance TEAM
Ms. Police, (A-F)
Mr. Gifford, Director (G-N)
Mr. Bennett (O-Z)
Are you interested in a Maritime Career? You could win a $1,000 Scholarship to attend a Sail Training Program. Visit http://www.tallshipsamerica.org for the National Maritime Sail training Scholarship Essay Contest paperwork and details. The deadline is October 28, 2015.
Upcoming College Visits to Guidance – next week:
Dean College-Guidance, 10/26/15 9:00 AM
Wentworth Institute of Technology-Guidance,10/26/15 10:30 AM
Endicott College-Guidance, 10/27/15 8:30 AM
US Army-Guidance,10/27/15 10:30 AM
Salve Regina University-Guidance, 10/28/15 8:30 AM
University of Maine-Guidance, 10/28/15 10:00 AM
University of New Hampshire-Auditorium, 10/29/15 8:30 AM
University of Maine at Farmington, Guidance-10/29/15 11:30 AM
Roger Williams University-Guidance, 10/30/15 10:15 AM
Congratulations to the grade 8/9 students for taking the first ever PSAT 8-9!
We had 81 students test who will be better prepared for the next PSAT and then the SAT down the road.
Thanks- The Guidance Team
Please check Naviance for updates and to sign up for the college visits!
They are also listed on the Guidance calendar which you can link to your personal google calendar!
The Guidance website is a great place to find information and links!
Follow us on Twitter @MonomoyGuidance!
Counseling Services Available through Gosnold:
Monomoy Regional High School would like to take this opportunity to inform you that Gosnold on Cape Cod will be offering counseling services at the Albro House in Harwich Center, next to Harwich Town Hall. This service is addition to services have been offered through the Town of Harwich Youth Counselor; Sheila House
Heidi Wilson, M.Ed. Mental Health Counseling, will be available to assist 8th-12th graders who require counseling services beginning next week, October 26th.
To take advantage of these services, please contact your child’s school counselor. Following an initial referral, if it is determined that ongoing counseling through Gosnold of Cape Cod would benefit your child, the counselor will set up a time to meet with you to obtain your formal consent to provide support services, get your signature on any necessary releases, and discuss insurance/payment options. Please note that no student will be denied services because of inability to pay or lack of insurance. Gosnold of Cape Cod offers a sliding fee scale in the event that your child is uninsured. If families are unable to pay, services will be covered by Gosnold.
We look forward to helping you keep your child healthy and successful in the community. If you have any questions, please call your child’s guidance counselor.
All Aboard! Marine Science Class meets Albatross
Today was a great day to be a SHARK out on the water! Students in Ms. Picariello/Ms. Morton’s Marine Science class boarded the Albatross fishing/research vessel and headed out of Sesuit Harbor in Dennis. Onboard, students put the finishing touches on the ocean drifters that they began building in the classroom and then deployed them in several locations. Attached to these drifters are sophisticated tracking devices that will allow us to track their location and movement in an effort to better understand the currents in Cape Cod Bay. The purpose of this study is to correlate ocean currents to recent sea turtle strandings on Cape Cod beaches over the past few winters. As part of this project, students will be working directly with scientists at the Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary to gather data over the next few months.
While on board, we were fortunate enough to observe a variety of marine organisms that we collected using various sampling techniques. Students identified several different species of fish and marine invertebrates and got a first hand look and feel for what it’s like to be a marine biologist conducting research. Special thanks to Jess from the Audubon as well as Captain Chip and his crew for allowing us the opportunity to get out on the water!
Navigating the Teenage Years, a parenting workshop with Cindy Horgan hosted by the First Congregational Church of Chatham
Many speak about how challenging and isolating it can be to raise teenagers. We have decided to address this need by offering a three-part workshop with parenting expert, Cindy Horgan. Each session will be held at the First Congregational Church of Chatham. 650 Main Street @ the rotary. There is no fee for this program but a recommended $10 donation will go towards the Cape Cod Children's Place.
Registration is not required but helpful. 508-945-0800, www.chathamcongregational.org, email: office@chathamcongregational.org
Monday, 10/19, 6:30-8:00 - Your teen's development and effective communication.
Monday, 11/2, 6:30-8:00 - Creating healthy boundaries.
Monday, 11/23, 6:30-8:00 – Raising resilient teens who are independent thinkers and coping when they make unsafe choices.
About Cindy: Cindy Horgan, Executive Director of the Cape Children's Place, has helped numerous families in the community through her role as a family advocate and as a teacher through her workshops, Raising Healthy Families. Cindy promotes a strength based philosophy model when engaging family and community members. She has her Bachelor's Degree from North Adams State College and a Master's in Education from Wheelock College, as well as a graduate certificate in Parent Education. She is married and the mother of five children.
Harwich Halloween Hospitality House
Saturday October 31st from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Harwich Youth & Family Services will be hosting a Harwich Halloween Hospitality House at the Albro House in Historic Harwich Center. All ghosts, goblins and night travelers of any age are welcome to stop by for light refreshment, rest and ghost stories. The Albro House is at 728 Main Street, next to Town Hall. Call Sheila House at (508) 430-7836 for more information. First responders welcome!
Follow MRHS on Twitter!
Website: https://twitter.com/MonomoyRHS
Twitter: @Monomoyrhs