MHS Newsletter
Your e-news source for Mansfield High School
From the Principal's Desk...
January 4, 2019
Hi All,
I hope you had a great vacation week and a Happy New Year!
I'm passing along a letter from Superintendent Murphy currently posted on the district homepage regarding winter weather. In preparation for the "deep freeze" months, please read below...
"Dear Families,
It is the time of year when, once again, we need to stay advised of weather forecasts and the potential impact on whether to cancel or delay school. Like weather forecasting, the school closing-decision process is not a perfect science. However, it is important for families to understand how it works. Please see the frequently asked questions below:
The Superintendent of Schools, in consultation with the Director of Facilities, Mansfield's Department of Public Works, the Highway Department, and Mansfield Police officials make the final decision by 5:45am or earlier. If made later, parents have little time to make arrangements for childcare, and some school district staff may have already left for work.
What information is gathered to aid in the decision?
There are multiple factors used in deciding whether or not to close school. (road conditions, snow accumulation predictions, building conditions such as electricity and heat, parking lot conditions, air temperature and wind chill, and estimated times from the Department of Public Works as to when roads, walkways, and parking lots will be cleared of snow and ice)
How is the information acquired?
District staff monitors state and local weather forecasts. The Department of Public Works and Mansfield Police officials provide updates on neighborhood road conditions.
What are parents’ responsibilities?
The safety of your child is paramount. On days when weather conditions are questionable, but school remains open, parents are free to exercise discretion and keep children home from school. Parents of young drivers are asked to reinforce winter weather driving skills: allowing extra travel time, reducing speed, and not worrying about being late.
How are days made-up?
As per State regulations, students must attend school for a minimum of 180 days and the school year must end by June 30. If school is closed due to weather, the day will be made-up at the end of the school year.
How do power outages affect the decision?
Inclement weather can affect the timeline for utility companies to restore electricity. If all school buildings have electricity, the goal will be to open school. Other factors also influence the decision, including whether a number of neighborhoods are without power.
What is a delayed opening?
Rather than close school for a whole day due to short-term weather situations, there may be days when the beginning of school will be delayed one hour, ninety minutes, or two hours. School will simply start later by the length of the delay. Bus pickup, therefore, will also occur later. For example, if your child is normally picked up at 8:35am, during a one hour delayed opening he/she will be picked up at 9:35am. Lunch will still be available and dismissal will be at the regularly scheduled times.
How is the public notified?
Announcements about school closings and delays are posted as outlined below. Please be advised that, depending upon the severity of the storm, school and district administration offices may also be closed in addition to cancelling classes for students.
- District website (www.mansfieldschools.com)
- School Messenger phone call ("robo-call") and email
- Facebook (Mansfield Public Schools) and Twitter (@TmmMPS)
- Massachusetts Television: WBZ-Ch. 4, WCVB-Ch. 5, WHDH-Ch. 7
- Rhode Island television: WJAR TV 10, WPRI TV 12, ABC TV6
Sincerely,
Teresa Murphy
Superintendent"
Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!
Best regards,
Mary Watkins
All Night Party
Yearbook
The 2019 Yearbook is only on sale for a few more days! Additional books may not be available in May so 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!
Key Dates for Your Calendar
Jan. 21- Martin Luther King Jr. Day, No School
Jan. 22-25- Semester 1 Exams
Jan. 25- End of Q2
Jan. 28- Start of Q3
Jan. 30- 1/2 Day for MHS Students; PD Day for Staff
Feb. 1- Locker clean out; Q2 report cards distributed
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