MHS Newsletter
Your e-news source for Mansfield High School
From the Principal's Desk...
March 15, 2019
Hi All,
ELA MCAS is just around the corner for Grade 10 students. Today, we held an MCAS infrastructure testing trial in order to rehearse for the actual testing days as we transition to computer-based testing - students and staff did an outstanding job! On Monday, March 25th all Grade 10 students will attend our annual MCAS kick-off assembly in the Auditorium (we'll review test security protocols and share some pointers for success); official ELA MCAS testing will take place on March 26th and 27th. Good luck, Sophomores!
This past Monday, the MHS School Council convened. During our meeting we discussed the following topics: instructional technology in the classroom as we plan for "one-to-one" (what works for you as a teacher, parent or student? what doesn't work?), and the direction we should head with our Business and Technology Department (in terms of course offerings and focus). The Council continues to discuss the topic of class rank. If you care to learn more, please take a look at this recent news article which explains why some local schools have made the decision to move away from class rank: https://www.patriotledger.com/news/20190308/local-high-schools-moving-away-from-traditional-class-rankings .
Finally, this past Wednesday evening over 231 parents and guardians turned out for our 8th Grade Parent Night- this was our largest showing ever! I want to thank the MHS Department Chairs, teachers, counselors, and students who attended, answered questions, and promoted all that we have to offer here at MHS. And, I especially want to thank the parents and guardians of our rising 8th grade students for your strong showing of support. Our collaborative efforts strengthen our school community and make MHS an outstanding place to learn and to work.
Thanks again, and have a great weekend!
Best regards,
Mary Watkins
Guidance
Local Scholarships for the Class of 2019
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. If you have any questions please see your counselor.
Parent Coffee Hours for the Class of 2020
The Guidance Department will host two junior parent “Coffee Hours,” where counselors will meet with smaller groups of parents to answer questions they may have about the college process.
Included in these sessions will be a panel of students from the senior class who have recently completed the college admissions process to provide insight about their experiences.
Each session will run from 7:30 am to 8:45 am. If you are interested, please contact Denise MacKillop in the guidance office at 508-261-7540 ext. 33105 to reserve a seat. You may also contact her via email at Denise.MacKillop@mansfieldschools.com.
The sessions will take place in the Library and the dates and hours are as follows:
Thursday, March 21st 7:30-8:45am
Friday, March 29th 7:30-8:45am
We hope that you are able to join us!
Mathematics
Math Team
Congratulations to the Math Team on their outstanding performance at last Thursday’s playoff
meet. Mansfield competed against the best teams in Southeastern Massachusetts and
qualified for the State Championships. Math Team members who participated in the SMML
Playoffs were: Justin Miller, Savi Hettiarachchi, Paxton Howard, Sethu Odayappan, Nilay
Pangrekar, Tika Naik, Nishanth Potturu, Peter Oldow, Sahiti Gaddam, and Nikhil Lankipalle.
Special congratulations to Nikhil Lankipalle who was recognized as a high scorer at the
competition. Congratulations Mathletes!
World Language
French Club
The MHS French Club celebrated Mardi Gras or "Fat Tuesday" after school with samples of traditional Francophone cuisine. Sophomores Deirdre Burke and Emmett Huiskamp made food samples for the club to try or "gouter". Deirdre presented her King's Cake, a traditional cinnamon cake for the occasion, symbolizing life and happiness, and Emmett presented 4 of the 5 traditional sauces of French cuisine served with fresh baguette. Special thanks to Sydney Busa for providing cookies. The club also listened to a presentation on adviser Mr. Sweet's recent trip to Guadeloupe, a French Caribbean island. The club viewed authentic photos and videos from Guadeloupe's celebration of Carnival. Any student may join the French Club if they are interested in learning more about the world, particularly Francophone culture! Meetings are the first Tuesday of the month, after school
Science
Environmental Issues
Last semester, students in Ms. Gentili's wildlife elective embarked on a letter writing campaign. They were instructed to research a wildlife environmental issue that they were passionate about and then to use that primary research to co-write influential letters to individuals that have the ability to help them bring awareness to these issues.
One group in particular wrote the most eloquent of letters about Palm Oil to non-other than the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (yes, Prince Harry and Megan Markle!!!)... and they received a response from Kensington Palace! Lily Tatusko, Megan Gillogly and Cadence Cordell wrote an incredible letter and had solid research to accompany their requests for the Royal Family to expand their relief efforts to the plight of the orangutan in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Congrats ladies- we're all a little star struck!
Performing Arts
STAGE FRIGHT!
Congratulations to the cast and crew of STAGE FRIGHT! They competed in the Preliminary Round of the METG High School Drama Festival on Sunday, March 3rd at Norwood High School. The show was selected to advance to the semi final round on March 16th (time and place TBD)! STAGE FRIGHT was written by MHS senior Serena Dunlap. Serena also co-directed the play with MHS senior Amanda Holbrook. Good luck!
Athletics
March Basketball Tournament
Wednesday, March 27 @ 6:30 p.m.
Come on out to watch Mansfield’s best battle it out for basketball supremacy. Eight teams, one will be crowned Mansfield’s finest. Featuring: Mansfield Police, Fire, students and teachers and our local community groups!
Yearbook
Key Dates for Your Calendar
March 20- All Band Concert
March 21- All Orchestra Concert
March 23- Percussion and Color Guard Home Show
March 25- MCAS Assembly for Grade 10
March 26 & 27- ELA MCAS for Grade 10
March 27- Boosters Basketball Game
March 29- Mr. Mansfield Competition
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