Archived May 2023
Weekly Newsletter
May 26, 2023
Upcoming Events
5/29 - No School - Memorial Day
5/31 - MHS Class Day - 12:30pm on Welch Memorial Field
6/1 - MHS Graduation - 6pm on Welch Memorial Field
6/5 - Underclassmen Awards Ceremonies - 9:05am
6/6 & 6/7 - MCAS Biology (Grade 9)
6/9 & 6/12-14 - Final Exams
6/12 - Millis Boosters End of Year Celebration - 6pm
6/14 - Last Day of School
6/15 - 8/29 - Summer Break
8/30 - First Day of 2023-24 School Year
- NEWS FROM MHS -
Memorial Day in Millis
There will be no school on Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day. We will see everyone back at school on Tuesday, May 30.
June is Around the Corner
It's hard to believe, but with no snow days this year, we have only eight full school days left before we head into final exams on June 9. It has to be one of the earliest endings to the school year we've ever had, and we've got a packed schedule over the last two-plus weeks of school. When we return from the long weekend, we'll have our last advisory and flex block of the year, we will be graduating the Class of 2023 on Thursday night, preparing for underclassmen awards, readying our freshmen for the MCAS Biology exam, and reviewing for final exams. It will be a busy but enjoyable stretch for our students and staff as we wrap up the school year and prepare to enjoy some down time over the summer break.
Graduation is Thursday, June 1st
Grade 9 BIO MCAS June 6&7
The MCAS Biology tests will begin promptly at 8am each day, and student classroom assignments will be posted throughout the building (they will also be emailed to the students). Students should come in with their ChromeBooks fully charged each day. Though students have the entire school day to complete testing, each day of testing typically takes 2-3 hours.
Parents/Guardians are asked to make sure their students get a good night's sleep before each exam day, have a good breakfast, and get to school on time each day. We are confident that our students are well-prepared to be successful on these important exams. Thanks to parents/guardians for their support in helping students clear this graduation hurdle. Good luck to our 9th grade students as they take their MCAS Biology Exams on June 6 & 7!
Finals are Coming!
Below is the final exam schedule. Finals start on June 9 and end on June 14, which is also the last day of school for the 2022-23 school year. Please note - Students do not have to be present in school during a period in which they do not have a final exam. Students are welcome to come into school when they do not have an exam to study in the library.
There will be a bus that leaves the school at 12:20pm on June 9, 12, and 13, to drop students off after exams, or they may take their regular bus at 2:20pm. The cafeteria will be open following exams from 12:10-12:30pm for lunch and snacks. Wednesday, June 14, is an early release schedule, so buses will be ready at 10:55am. No lunch will be served on June 14.
June 9
Period 1 - 8-10:00
Period 2 - 10:10-12:10
June 12
Period 3 - 8-10:00
Period 4 - 10:10-12:10
June 13
Period 6 - 8-10:00
Period 7 - 10:10-12:10
June 14
Period 5 - 8-10:00
Makeups - 10:10-12:10
MHS Visits the Heritage Museum
Stoichiometry in Action
Egg Drop Contest
This week, the Honors Physics class was working on making containers for an egg drop competition they were holding for their class. They all had a dollar to “buy” materials for their contraptions, ranging from straws to garbage bags. The goal was to have the contraption land in a certain area, all the while protecting the egg from breaking. In the end, the contraptions were successful in keeping the egg safe. Drop by to see the designs in the physics room!
Mr. Kraby's Field Trip
Let's Get Out the Vote
Student Council elections are underway. Speeches and Elections will be held during Advisory on Tuesday, May 30th. Good luck to all our candidates!
Summer Reading is Open
Summer reading registration is now open. You can support the library and Park Street Books by purchasing the books with this order form: MHS Summer Reading Book Order
Students must register for one book (and only one book) via the link below. Most students registered already in advisory this week and should have an email confirming their registration.
MHS 2023 Summer Reading Registration All Books
Email Mr. Carter mcarter@millisschools.org with any questions.
Caption This Contest
School Year 2023-2024 Calendar Released
Bus Registration for 2023-24
Bus registration for SY23-24 is open and posted on our district website.
Senior Week Activities
Paintball
Tree Top Adventures
Cornhole Tournament 2023
Yearbook Ordering Info
DON’T FORGET TO ORDER YOUR 2023 YEARBOOK
https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/
Millis code is 5291
Any questions please contact sgraham@millisschools.org
Senior Project Presentations
The Class of 2023 Senior Project presentations are on YouTube. Check out on our Millis Memories channel.
Drama Club 2023-2024
Interested in joining the Drama Club for the 2023-2024 school year? This year, we will have a fall production and possibly compete in the METG (Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild) Festival. If you don’t want to act, there are other opportunities - organizing props, costumes, light, sound, and set design. Please contact Mrs. Bartley - vbartley@millisschools.org - for more information and to join the Drama Club Google Classroom!
~ Happening Around Millis ~
May 19, 2023
Quarter 4 Progress Reports Now Available / Final Exam Schedule
Below is the final exam schedule. Please note - Students do not have to be present in school during a period in which they do not have a final exam. Students are welcome to come in to school when they do not have an exam to study in the library.
June 9
Period 1 - 8-10:00
Period 2 - 10:10-12:10
June 12
Period 3 - 8-10:00
Period 4 - 10:10-12:10
June 13
Period 6 - 8-10:00
Period 7 - 10:10-12:10
June 14
Period 5 - 8-10:00
Makeups - 10:10-12:10
Music Day
Senior Project Presentations on YouTube
2023 Senior Signing Day Ceremony
Prom 2023
Rolling Rally 2023
Senior Bonfire 2023
Remember These Days
Seniors Last days at MHS in Pictures
~ Happening Around Millis ~
May 12, 2023
National Honor Society Induction
This past Tuesday, May 9, thirty-three members of the class of 2024 were inducted into the Millis High School Chapter of the National Honor Society. The National Honor Society recognizes students for excelling in the areas of scholarship, character, leadership, and community service. The evening was highlighted by speeches from the new inductees in which they thanked someone who has been especially influential in their lives. Congratulations to the newest members of NHS!
Pops 2023
MCAS Math Testing Next Week for Sophomores
The MCAS Math tests will begin promptly at 8am each day, and student classroom assignments will be posted throughout the building (they will also be emailed to the students). Students should come in with their ChromeBooks fully charged each day. Though students have the entire school day to complete testing, each day of testing typically takes 2-3 hours.
Parents/Guardians are asked to make sure their students get a good night's sleep before each exam day, have a good breakfast, and get to school on time each day. We are confident that our students are well-prepared to be successful on these important exams. Thanks to parents/guardians for their support in helping students clear this graduation hurdle. Good luck to our 10 students as they take their MCAS Math Exams next week!
The remaining schedule for MCAS Exams at MHS this year is as follows:
Math (Grade 10) - May 16 & 17
Biology (Grade 9) - June 6 & 7
Bus Evacuation Drills
Seniors Last Day of Classes
Gear Up for the Class of '23 Rolling Rally on 5/18!
Yearbook Orders are Open
2023 Yearbooks can be ordered through yearbookordercenter.com. The Millis Code is 5291. If you have any questions or haven’t picked up your yearbook from 2022 please contact sgraham@millisschools.org.
Mrs. Fitz' Class Celebrates the Seniors
~ Happening Around Millis ~
May 5, 2023
Millis High School 2022-23 Quarter Three Honor Roll Announced
Congratulations to the following students for making the 2022-23 Millis High School Honor Roll for Quarter Three. 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.
Students of the Month Announced
Grade 9 Nominees: David Lebak and Lexi Ryerson
Winner: David Lebak: "David's effort and performance have been consistently excellent throughout the year. He is thoroughly prepared for all assessments, is a strong writer, and is very insightful. He mixes these academic strengths with a sense of humor and a willingness to be involved in class discussions."
Grade 10 Nominees: Addison Loer and Lauren Malaquias
Winner: Addison Loer: "I've nominated her before and I will again for the same reasons. She is such a positive influence in the class. She is always smiling, enthusiastic and ready to learn."
Grade 11 Nominees: Izzy Doherty, Julianne Roy, Wilson Copice, and Ryan Berube
Winner: Julianne Roy: NOMINATED TWICE "Julianne has just completed teaching Python programming to the after school 5th grade Coding Club. She dedicated over 12 hours instructing 10 students how to generate computer graphics and apply mathematical concepts in computer programming. Students were engaged and had fun. Julianne's ability to articulate complex code simply was remarkable. More importantly she established relationships with each student that eased any anxieties and helped turn problems into learning opportunities." "Julianne just wrapped up an 11-week after school coding class for 5th graders at Clyde Brown that she organized and put the curriculum together for on her own! The kids took away a great deal from the classes, Julianne made wonderful connections with the students, was an incredible mentor to them, and the whole thing was simply amazing. As a senior project, this would be exemplary, and Julianne did it as a junior simply because she wanted to help these younger students learn about coding. Just fantastic work by her!"
Grade 12 Nominees: Joe Bouret, Katherine LaDuke, Ryan Petrush
Winner: Joe Bouret: "He is just an all around great kid who is consistently lightening the mood of our class. Sometimes it's hard to pinpoint why some kids are deserving of student of the month, but with Joe, it is just day after day being who he is and doing the right thing."
We couldn't get all of our winners and nominees for the picture, but managed to gather those available below. From left to right: Izzy Doherty, Addison Loer, Ryan Petrush, Joe Bouret, Katherine LaDuke, and David Lebak.
Millis High School is proud to announce the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for its graduating Class of 2023
Lilly Cassidy Named Valedictorian
Jack Burns Named Salutatorian
Senior Project Showcase
Kat LaDuke's New Day for Senior Project
~ More MHS Happenings ~
15TH ANNUAL SPRING GALA
Terpsichore will host their 15th Annual Spring Gala Performance tonight, May 5, at 7:00 PM in the MS/HS Auditorium. This year's performance features five ensemble pieces set to music by Enya, Greg Hale Jones, Kate Bush, A.R. Rahman, and Bear McCreary. Additionally, five of our seniors, Cynthia Arguijo, Mia Braccio, Amany Ferrimy, Maddie Miga, and Linsdsey Suereth, will each perform a solo to music ranging from Prokofiev to Carter Burwell. Tickets are $5.00 for adults, and $3.00 for students and seniors citizens.
13th Annual Battle of the Brains
This year’s AP US History class recently participated in the 13th Annual Battle of the Brains vs. Medway HS. Students were impressive on both teams in this friendly competition. We are proud to say that Mr. Fallon's class took home the title once again this year!
NHS Induction Ceremony Tuesday
National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
Tuesday, May 9th, at 6:30 PM
MHS Auditorium.
Pics from Monday's School-Wide Assembly and STEAM Scholars Capstone Project Presentations
Interview with a Senior
This week, Ms. Monaghan’s eighth grade students visited English classes and asked the seniors reflective questions about their time in high school.
Meet Mallory from Minding Your Mind
Check out her bio here and click the video to hear her words.
Attention Parents of the Class of 2026
Again this year, all Massachusetts school districts are required to include a substance use preventative screening as part of their annual mandated universal health-screening program. Our district will use the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) protocol with students in grade 9. The SBIRT protocol facilitates a one-on-one conversation between each student and a school nurse or counselor in an effort to prevent or at least delay the start of using harmful substances, such as alcohol and marijuana. This program focuses on reinforcing healthy decisions and addressing concerning behaviors around substance use with the goal of improving health, safety, and success in school.
According to the 2021 Metrowest Adolescent Health Survey:
54% of our Millis High School students reported having used alcohol (24.3% within the past 30 days)
24.7% reported having used marijuana (11.3% in the past 30 days)
33% reported using electronic vapor products (20.7% in the past 30 days)
5.2% reported misusing prescription drugs over their lifetime
These numbers are alarming. We view the SBIRT protocol as an important tool in reducing substance use/abuse.
We will use the CRAFFT+N screening interview, which is the most commonly used substance use screening tool for adolescents in Massachusetts. All screenings will be private conversations conducted in a confidential setting with one of the nurses or counselors trained in SBIRT screening. Students who are not using substances will have their healthy choices reinforced. The screener will provide feedback to any student who reports using substances or is determined to be at risk for future substance use. What your child tells the screener is confidential and will not be shared with any other person without the student’s prior written consent.
Please refer to M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 97(c) “any statement...made by a pupil during a verbal substance use disorder screening shall be considered confidential and shall not be disclosed by a person receiving the statement...except in cases of immediate medical emergency.” In this case, the screener and student will determine next steps together. Additionally, no written record of the results of this verbal screening is kept with information that identifies any individual student, and screening results will not be included in your child’s school record.
As with any school screening, you have the right to opt your child out of this screening. If you wish to opt out, please complete this Google Form by Friday, May 19. Please contact Lynn Molinari at (508) 376-7009 if you have any questions about this program. Additionally, screening is voluntary and students may choose not to answer any or all of the screening questions. Screenings will be conducted on May 23, 2023.
We encourage all parents/guardians to talk with their child about substance use. You can view the CRAFFT+N tool and other SBIRT resources on www.masbirt.org/schools website. Together, schools and parents can make a difference for the youth in our community.
~ Happening Around Millis ~
Attendance Line Contact Options
Options to Report Your Students Attendance
email: hsattendance@millisschools.org
Call: 508-376-7010 ~ press 1*
*PLEASE NOTE DISMISSALS CAN NOT BE CALLED IN.
PARENT/GUARDIAN MUST SEND A NOTE/EMAIL OR COME IN TO THE BUILDING TO DIRECTLY SIGN THEIR STUDENT OUT.
Dismissal Reminders
- Student brings a note from home and presents to the office first thing in the morning.
- Parent emails main office at hsattndance@millischools.org, student must still come to the office to get a dismissal pass.
- Parent comes in to school at dismissal time and completes a dismissal notice. Student will be called out of class at the time the parent comes in.
We are unable to accept phone calls or voicemail messages for dismissals. The hsattendance email can be used for all attendance notices.
Millis High School
Small School.. Big Family
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, Plain Street, Millis, MA, USA
Phone: 508-376-7010
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Millis-High-School-1743691028988870/
Twitter: @millishigh