MHS Newsletter
Your news source for Mansfield High School
From the Principal's Desk...
April 16, 2021
Dear MHS Parents and Guardians,
As we gear up to welcome students back to the building every day, I'd like to clarify how students who have been identified by our nurses for quarantine/isolation protocols will receive their education.
Teachers will provide, at a minimum, asynchronous instruction to students who are in quarantine/isolation. For asynchronous sessions, teachers will hold a Google Meet at the beginning of the session for the purposes of establishing the expectations for learning, student questions, accessing materials, and attendance taking. Teachers may select the types of tasks that will best meet the needs of the students working remotely.
Some students and families have become comfortable with the remote aspect of school, and we have found that some students have periodically chosen to remain at home and log into their Google Classroom/Chromebook in lieu of coming to school on their in-person day. (Please note, I am NOT referring to students in the Virtual Remote Cohort, but rather those in the hybrid/daily model). The District is now focused on the proven in-person learning model. As a result, we are limiting access to remote classroom instruction for most.
Our goal is to transition students from the hybrid model to the full in-person learning environment now, in order to lay the foundations for a successful and more normal start to school next year.
I have outlined the schedule for the week of April 26th below. Enjoy the vacation time, and we look forward to bringing students together again on April 28th.
Best,
Mary Watkins
Principal
Updated Travel Advisory
Effective Monday, March 22, the MA Travel Order will be replaced with a Travel Advisory which will be enforced in MPS.
After consultation with Mansfield’s COVID-19 Task Force, our board of health will require staff and students of MPS to produce documentation of post-travel testing to comply with guidelines from the Massachusetts Travel Advisory as stated below. Testing is required for all destinations. There are no longer specific high risk areas of travel. MPS will also follow these additional modifications:
We will continue to accept parent/guardian post-travel tests from an unvaccinated parent/guardian for students less than ten years of age. If all parents/guardians who have traveled with the students under ten years are vaccinated, the students need to have their own COVID-19 test before returning to school.
Mansfield Public Schools will accept FDA EUA-approved molecular SARS-CoV2 tests including the PCR and Abbott ID NOW COVID-19 test, and antigen tests for return from travel.
If your student is out of school while waiting for post-travel test results or are in a post travel-quarantine, please contact your school nurses who can initiate instructional delivery from classroom teachers.
Guidance is changing quickly but we need to adhere to standards that will provide the best protection for our entire school community. We understand the challenges associated with testing and we appreciate your compliance with the travel guidance. Consideration will be given to changing travel requirements for MPS as vaccination rates increase and our quarantine numbers stabilize.
Schedule for the Week of April 26th-30th
April 27- Full Remote Day for Grades 9, 10, and 12 as well as students in Grade 11 who are not taking the SAT; all Grade 11 students registered for the SAT should report to their testing rooms at MHS by 7:25AM.
April 28th- Return to Full In-Person all grades
April 29th- Full In-Person all grades
April 30th- Full In-Person all grades
SATs
On Tuesday, April 27th all registered juniors will need to bring the following items to the test:
- At least two number two pencils with soft erasers. NO pens and NO mechanical pencils.
- A calculator for the calculator portion of the math test if you wish to use one (a calculator is not required- questions are designed to be completed without a calculator). Calculators will not be provided.
- Photo ID. You may use a license or school-issued ID.
Class of 2021- Post Secondary Plan Survey
Seniors, we need to know what you are doing next year and need you to update your NAVIANCE account no later than Friday, May 7th.
If you plan to attend a 2 or 4 year college after graduation, please make sure that you are updating your NAVIANCE account with the school you plan on attending. THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT AS IT IS THE ONLY WAY WE KNOW WHICH SCHOOL YOU PLAN TO ATTEND AND WHERE TO SEND YOUR FINAL TRANSCRIPT!
Updating your NAVIANCE account is easy!
1. Log into your account
2. From the home screen select "Colleges I'm applying to"
3. Scroll to the bottom of your college list
4. Under "College that I am attending"
a. Select your school from the dropdown menu
5. Then click the update button!
Additionally we need to know about the decisions from the colleges you applied to so that it helps future MHS students as you were aided by the information of your predecessors. When you are in the "Colleges I'm Applying " please update the decisions from your school (accepted, denied, waitlist).
If you have different plans for after high school please let us know what you are doing even if you are still undecided by completing this survey Post Secondary Plan Survey
As always if you have specific questions or concerns regarding school or post high school plans your school counselor is always available to help out! Please contact your counselor and let them know how they can assist you.
Class of 2021
Cap, Gown & Graduation Photo Payment - $26
At this time we are collecting payment for your senior’s cap, gown, tassel and graduation photo. The photo will be taken at the graduation ceremony and mailed home in July. The cap and gown are yours to keep.
Payment of $26 can be made by check or money order payable to “Mansfield High School” and dropped off by your student at the Main Office, or mailed to us. Please include your senior’s name with the payment.
Online payment - is also an option, for a fee. On our website, go to the Parent Tab => Online Payments => Unipay Link => select “Student Activity” then “High School Student Activity”. Please be sure to enter “Cap & Gown” in the “Activity” field.
Graduation Gowns
Senior parents and guardians- if your child has not yet entered their height for grad gown measurement, please enter it here. Thank you!
Local Scholarships
The Mansfield Local Scholarships are now available through Naviance. Please do not miss out on this great opportunity to access scholarship funds to help support your college education. We are so fortunate to have so many generous sponsors across the Mansfield community that value the opportunity to support our students. Seniors have received an email from the School Counseling Office reminding them of this important opportunity and instructions for accessing transcripts and recommendations if needed. If you have any questions please see reach out to your child's counselor.
Senior Celebration Donations
Donations are requested for the Class of 2021 for the Senior Celebration Fund! The suggested donation per Senior student is $35.00.
If you wish to donate, you may do so online, or via check mailed to Mansfield High School, with "Senior Celebration" noted on the Memo line. Online donations can be made via the UniPay Link on the District website, for a fee (accepting electronic check and credit/debit card payments, except Visa):
Click here for the High School Student Activity Unipay link. Be sure to type "Senior Celebration" in the "Activity" field.
Thank you for your contributions!! Keep Updated with Senior Activities and Volunteering on Facebook at the group Mansfield Class 2021 Celebration our Seniors.
Lawn Signs
Please click on the PDF below (under the Tech Fundraiser) to learn how to order a lawn sign for a graduating senior! Order forms are due by April 16th.
MHS Senior Lawn Signs and We Support Signs will be distributed on the following days and times:
- Saturday, April 17 – 2:00 – 3:30pm
- Saturday, April 24 10:00 – 11:30am
- Wednesday May 5 1:45pm - 3pm (after school)
The Saturday pick ups will be in the white tent in the front of the school (next to the front door) to drive up and pick up the signs you ordered for your student and any We Support signs. May 5th pick up near the Field Hockey field on the side of the school.
Tech Fundraiser
Available for order April 10th - April 25th
Show your Hornet pride and get this awesome tech gear while it’s hot!
Makes a great gift for Grads, Teachers or any Mansfield Students.
Thank you for your support of the Class of 2021!
Hockomock Model Senate 2021
The 53th Hockomock Model Senate was hosted by Franklin High School (virtually) on April 13th and 14th. 50 student delegates from Oliver Ames, Foxboro, Mansfield, North Attleboro, and Franklin participated.
Representative Jeff Roy (Norfolk) opened the Model Senate by discussing with students the legislative process and his experience working in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
Over 45 bills were debated in committees on the first day and 12 bills debated by the full senate using parliamentary procedure.
Hockomock Model Senate Delegation 2021 (pictured below)
Hilary Cross
Danielle Donovan
Kailash Elumalai
Sagar Koul
James Li
Luis Martinez Santana
Pratham Tallam
Best Buddies
April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance month, with World Autism Day celebrated annually on April 2nd. This April, in honor of autism acceptance and appreciation, MHS Best Buddies invites the entire district to participate in our Autism Acceptance Paper Infinity Chain project!
The rainbow infinity symbol represents the autism spectrum by reflecting the diversity of the autistic experience and the autistic community. The chain symbolizes our community by representing our alliance for autism acceptance, kindness and inclusion.
MHS Best Buddies is encouraging all Mansfield Public Schools students and faculty to contribute a link to our paper infinity chain, inspired by autism acceptance. Students can get involved in the project by:
Reading the information provided on the Autism Acceptance Project template to learn more about autism.
Reflecting on the ideas of autism acceptance by coloring the autism acceptance infinity ribbon.
Committing to autism acceptance by signing, decorating, and cutting out the paper chain link at the bottom of the template. The links will be added to our school community infinity chains, to be displayed throughout the school district.
Chain templates (printed on colorful paper!) are available for pick up in Room 123 or on the table outside the main office throughout the month of April. Finished slips should be returned to the designated basket in room 123 or the main office by the end of the month, April 30th. Students in the Virtual Remote Cohort and/or students unable to pick-up and drop-off papers at school can print out the Autism Acceptance Project template.
Email Best Buddies Chapter President, Lulu Cavicchi, at lcavicchi21@mansfieldschools.com for more information about digital templates and submission.
From the Nurses
We would like to remind families that while the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has relaxed recommendations for in school distancing, we will still be following the Massachusetts Department of Health quarantine guidelines. A close contact continues to be an individual who has been exposed to a positive case for a cumulative time of 15 minutes or more in 24 hours at less than six feet. An important part of keeping quarantines to a minimum will be continuing with our strategy for managing student and household illness.
If your student is out for quarantine or isolation, your school nurse will initiate instructional delivery from classroom teachers.
Managing Student and Household Illness:
Now, more than ever, we need families to be aware of the health of their family and continue to keep students home when they are not feeling well.
Continue to use the Symptom Screening Checklist.
Communicate with your pediatrician with symptom concerns and discuss the need for testing.
Call or email your school nurses as your initial school contact with concerns of illness. They will communicate with your student's teachers and administration if necessary.
We are entering the season where asthma and allergies can start to flare up. We need to be aware that simple symptoms such as a scratchy throat or congestion in combination with another symptom may be indicative of COVID-19 and should not be ignored.
SCHOOL NURSE CONTACT:
Roland Green Pre-School (508) 261-1561
Fax: (508) 261-7415
Debora.Wirth@mansfieldschools.com
Robinson Elementary School (508)261-7387
Fax: (508) 261-7389
Sue.McGinley@mansfieldschools.com or Tammy.Rozelle@mansfieldschools.com
Jordan/Jackson Elementary School (508) 261-7520
Fax: (508) 261-7522
Kristin.Haskell@mansfieldschools.com or Betsy.Johnston@mansfieldschools.com
Qualters Middle School (508) 261-7530
Fax: (508) 261-7374
Lisa.Anderson@mansfieldschools.com or Elayne.Brown@mansfieldschools.com
Mansfield High School (508) 261-7540
Fax: (508) 261-7416
Christine.Harrison@mansfieldschools.com or Betsy.Savoie@mansfieldschools.com
MHS Choir
Check out the new MHS Choir website- we can't sing together at MHS, but we can sing at home!!
From the Health Office
Contact betsy.savoie@mansfieldschools.com to report any illness, COVID diagnosis or that your student was identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID. We continue to put together the pieces of the puzzle and this information is essential in giving us a better handle on keeping our school community safe and healthy.
Student Mental Health Support
Housing Help
The state Department of Housing and Community Development has centralized information about resources for families struggling to make rent or mortgage payments due to COVID-19. Please use this link for more information. www.mass.gov/covidhousinghelp
Breakfast and Lunch at No Cost
Breakfast and lunch at no cost to families has been extended through June 2021. In addition, Grab and Go Meals are available for pick-up every Wednesday from 3-4pm at Mansfield High School. Please see the links below for additional information.
https://sites.google.com/mansfieldschools.com/covid-19/nutrition?authuser=0
Key Dates for Your Calendar
April 19-23- April Vacation
April 27- SATs at MHS for registered Juniors; remote day for all others
April 28- Return to Full In-Person
Bus Information
Please click on the link to watch Thursday's presentation addressing transportation:
About Us
Mary Watkins, Principal
Zachary Abrams, Assistant Director, Special Education
Abigail Barlas, Assistant Principal, Student Support Services
James Schliefke, 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