Archived MHS September 2022
Weekly Newsletter
September 30, 2022
Upcoming Events
10/6 - Faculty Variety Show - 7pm
10/6 - Midpoint of Quarter 1
10/7 - No School Students - Teachers Only
10/10 - No School - Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day
10/15 - PSAT Testing - 7:45am
10/15 - Pre-ACT Testing - 8:45am
10/24-10/28 - Homecoming Spirit Week
10/28 - Homecoming Football Game vs. Bellingham - 7pm
National Merit Commended Student Announced
Senior Lilly Cassidy has been named a Commended Student in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), which conducts the program, was presented to this scholastically talented senior at our Student Council assembly this past Wednesday. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2023 competition by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).
“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. Congratulations, Lilly!
2022 ADVANCED PLACEMENT SCHOLAR AWARD RECIPIENTS
A total of 30 Millis High School students have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams during the 2021-2022 school year. The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP Exams. To see the official announcement and the names of all Millis AP Scholars click the link below.
Open House 2022
Grand Opening of The Mohawk Trail
Stuco Hosts First Assembly of the Year
Faculty Variety Show Oct. 6th
MHS Band Rocks Friday Night Football in Millis!
MHS Chorus News
The Millis High School Chorus is going to sing God Bless America at the Providence Bruins game on Saturday, October 8th, at 7PM.
Armed Forces Release of Information Notice
Pursuant to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Millis High School is required to provide, upon request, the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of current students to the armed forces' recruiters and institutions of higher education who request them unless the student and/or parent/guardian has submitted a request indicating that such information is not to be released. If a student or that student's parent/guardian does not want such information to be released, they must notify the principal in writing. You only need to fill out this form if you DO NOT want information shared with armed forces recruiters and institutions of higher learning.
Here is the link to the Armed Forces Release of Information Opt Out form
Mr. Bigelow’s English class playing vocabulary Jenga
click Below to Read KYLECARES Newsletter
Clubs Showcase 2022
Career Corner is Back Open
September 23, 2022
Open House ~ Thursday, September 29th ~ 6:30pm
This year's Millis High School Open House will be September 29, from 6:30-8:30pm.
We will meet in the Auditorium at 6:30pm and then you will proceed to follow your student's schedule from periods 1-7. You will have the opportunity to meet your student's teachers, find out about course curriculum, learn about classroom expectations, and get a glimpse into the day of your student.
Please note, this is not a time for individual conferences, but should you want to set up a meeting with a teacher to discuss your student, you will have the opportunity to do so at this evening. Your student should bring home a filled in schedule of their classes for you to follow for the evening. A blank schedule is available here. We look forward to seeing everyone on September 29!
MHS Wins College Success Award
Our school is one of only 1,742 public high schools in the nation to win this year's Award, which is based on college preparation and postsecondary data shared by the state. This is the second straight year, and third time in five years Millis High School has been selected for this honor. Congratulations to our students, staff and community for earning this prestigious award!
Environmental Science Students Get into the Environment
Senior Parents Night 2022
Click Below to Read the September Edition of the International Spanish Academy Newsletter
New Club Alert - Active Minds
Last year, speaker Jim Johnson came to Millis High School to talk about his son Kyle’s suicide. A devastating tragedy within his family as well as the community, the Johnson family decided to take action and honor Kyle’s wishes to help other people with mental health. “Kyle often spoke about not only his own OCD, anxiety, and depression, but he also talked about the high volume of other teens and young adults in high schools and colleges who struggle with mental health challenges every day.” Johnson explained how his family has created an organization called KyleCares in support of youth mental health.
Here at Millis High School, many students did not hesitate to take action to support their peers. At the end of the 21-22 school year we got to work in starting our own ActiveMinds Chapter within the school. “Active Minds is the nation’s premier nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness and education for young adults.” Students, with support from the faculty, applied for a grant to receive funds and resources to raise awareness of adolescent mental health. Needless to say, we got the grant, and we thank Jim Johnson and the KyleCares organization for their support in securing the funding for our Active Minds chapter.
With the new school year beginning, we have had many students and faculty join who are eager to participate in this effort. September is National Suicide Month, so we want to not only spread awareness within the school, but throughout the Millis Community as well. During the course of this year we will be putting out resources in the newsletter for easy access, and of course around the school as well.
We hope to create a welcoming and safe environment for all students. We want to make mental health a priority within our community and we invite you to help with improving these efforts for our school and town. Please give us a follow on instagram @activemindsmillis for more information and updates! Thank you.
September 16, 2022
Class of 2026 - Student Council
Elections were held today for the Class of 2026, which fittingly coincided with our celebration of Constitution Day! After speeches were presented, all students voted for their class officers for freshmen year. Congratulations to all students that took a chance and ran for leadership positions!
The results are in...
Co Presidents Mirian Arian & Isabella Schaad
Co Vice-Presidents Regan Dilorio & Nicoletta Koronios
Secretary Nicole Lauria
Class Reps Gabby Kramer, Oliver Powers, Sophia White
REMINDER This Thursday, September 22 Senior Parent College Planning/Financial Aid Night
The Millis High School Counseling Department would like to invite parents and students in the Class of 2023 to Senior Parent College Planning and Financial Aid Night on Thursday, September 22, at 6:00pm in the High School Auditorium.
Millis High school counselors, Riley Dunn and Nicole Moore, will kick the night off with a presentation from 6:00-6:45pm that will explain the post-secondary/college planning process. After their presentation, a representative from the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (http://www.mefa.org), will be on hand to give an overview of the financial aid process, including types of financial aid, how to apply, and determining financing options for your family. You will be able to access the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) beginning on October 1, so this is a great opportunity to get your questions answered about this important process.
Thank you, and we look forward to seeing many of you on September 22!
Riley Dunn and Nicole Moore
Millis High School Counselors
The Week in Snaps
Mohawk Council
The Mohawk Council is pleased to announce that the Mohawk Trail is almost complete! The trail is located near the football practice field. Students, staff and community members are invited to attend the dedication ceremony on 9/28 at 11am.
September 9, 2022
School Calendar Update
Ice Cream Here!
JED Resources to Start the New Year
Attention Parents/Guardians of Juniors
Millis High School will be offering the PSAT-NMSQT to juniors on Saturday, October 15th, starting at 8am. Students should arrive by 7:45am to find their room assignments, and come prepared with several number two pencils and a calculator. The exam requires approximately 3 ½ hours. Students may expect to finish between 11:30am-12pm. All students will be dismissed at the same time.
The PSAT, or Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, is a “practice” version of the SAT, one of two college entrance exams available to students. It is an excellent predictor of how a student will score on the SAT. The PSAT helps prepare our juniors for the SAT, which they will be taking this coming Spring. The PSAT/NMSQT will help students better understand their abilities, determine eligibility for national scholarships and recognition programs, and enable them to receive information directly from colleges. We recommend that all juniors take the PSAT.
Students will be given registration forms on Monday, September 12th, to bring home with them. In order to register for the exam, the bottom of the registration form along with $30 in cash should be returned to Mrs. Harkey in the School Counseling Office by Friday, September 16th.
Attention Parents/Guardians of Sophomores
Millis High School will be offering the Pre-ACT to sophomores on Saturday, October 15th, starting at 9am. Students should arrive by 8:45am to find their room assignments, and come prepared with several number two pencils and a calculator. The Pre-ACT is a practice ACT, one of the two college entrance exams available to students. No preparation is required for the Pre-ACT. The Pre-ACT is a multiple choice test consisting of questions in English, Math, Reading, and Science. The exam requires approximately 2 1/2 hours, so students should expect to finish between 11:30am-12pm. All students will be dismissed at the same time.
Students will be given registration forms on Monday, September 12th, to bring home with them. In order to register for the exam, the bottom of the registration form along with $30 in cash should be returned to Mrs. Harkey in the School Counseling Office by Friday, September 16th.
Get Enough Sleep
Set a target number of hours you want to get for a few nights—ideally between nine and 10, but at least eight.
Get off all screens a half hour before you want to be asleep, which will help your body wind down.
Use a sleep app to track when you fall asleep and wake up.
Pick A Person
- Think of one person you really trust and like to talk to—friend, parent, teacher, coach, school counselor—and plan to check in with them each week to share ups and downs and trouble-shoot challenges as they come up.
Find Your People
Check out clubs or activities that interest you to find a built-in group with whom you have at least one thing in common.
Volunteer through your school or in the community.
Tutor students in other grades.
Take time to get to know people in your classes.
Establish Small Rituals
- Write in a journal.
- Take stock of your schedule and tasks.
- Listen to music.
- Take a walk outside.
- Read positive affirmations.
- Spend quality time with family members (including pets!).
Build In a Daily Stress Relieving Activity
Practice breathing exercises
Meditate with an app for five minutes.
Listen to music with nothing else distracting you.
Sing at the top of your lungs.
Dance in your room.
Do anything else you enjoy that brings you into the present moment.
Find a Physical Activity you Actually Like to Do
Walk with a friend or while listening to music or a favorite podcast.
Try yoga, dance fitness, or other online exercise videos.
Play physical or dance games on your gaming console.
Get Organized
- It can be easy to feel overwhelmed when you don’t know where to start. Spending a little time getting organized before school and making a plan for how you will stay on top of assignments and make time for work can relieve any stress you may be feeling.
Know Who You Can Go to When You're Struggling
Your school counselors
Therapists that your friends or family recommends.
The Teen Line, at 800-252-8336, will connect you to a trained peer counselor
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741 for a free, confidential conversation with a trained mental health counselor.
Lunch Clubs are Starting Up
The LEOs will have their first meeting Monday, September 12th
- First lunch in Mr. Bigelow's room
- Second lunch in Mr. Caulfield's room
Drama Club Auditions
New Club Alert
Starting Friday, Sept 16th
A Days
Both Lunches
In the Library
~ Opportunities Around Millis ~
Internet Safety
Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online
The United States Attorney’s Office is hosting a virtual Internet safety presentation for parents the evening of Tuesday, September 20th from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. The presentation, entitled Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents will bring awareness to the dangers of the internet, including gaming and social media platforms that predators use to groom children with the intent of exploiting them sexually online or for an in person meeting. The presentation will focus on prevention by educating parents and community members how to help keep children safe online. We will be covering the following topics:
Social Media 101 & Digital Footprint
Cyberbullying
Sexting
Gaming
Victim Support
Protecting Against Online Predation
The presentation is free. Registration is required.
Cub Scouts
September 2, 2022
Welcome Back!!
Millis High School Climbs Up the List!
Earlier this week, Boston Magazine released its list of the Best Public High Schools in Greater Boston. This year, Millis High School ranked 22nd out of 151 high schools in the greater Boston area (a jump from 34th last year)! Congratulations to all teachers, along with the students, and staffs of CFB and MMS, for being recognized for the incredible education you give our students here in Millis. For the second straight year, MHS was also on Boston Magazine's Top 10 list for Bang for Your Housing Buck.
This is a testament to the hard work and dedication our teachers put in to personalize learning for all the students in Millis, and to the daily efforts they make to ensure our students have one of the best public educations in the state! It also speaks volumes to the support our students and schools receive from our families and the entire Millis community. Let's keep climbing!
Welcome Ms. Moore!
Back to the Classroom Pics
Back to the Classroom
Back to the Classroom
Back to the Classroom
District Getting Ready for 2022
Our Building Principals
Start of School Info
School Calendar with Letter Days
Free and Reduced Meals and Fees Information
We will once again utilize the "Drop Off" table outside the main office for all items your student asked you to drop off after the start of school. Please log your students name and the item.
Insurance for Chromebooks is suggested and the information can be accessed below.
2022-23 MHS Parent/Student Handbook
Attendance
Tardies
If your student is going to be late to school, a parent/guardian must contact the office, by or before 8AM. The office can be reached one of the following ways:
508-906-3713
hsattendance@millisschools.org
or you may send your student in with a note
If we don’t hear from a parent/guardian, the tardy will be unexcused. Upon arrival at school, the student should go directly to the office and sign in.
Dismissal
If your student needs to be dismissed, a parent/guardian must send their student in with a note or email the office at hsattendance@millisschools.org, listing the dismissal time and reason. Just a reminder that driving hours should not be scheduled during the school day, and do not constitute excused time away from school.
Phone calls for dismissals are not permitted.
Students are expected to check in with the office to confirm their dismissal and receive a pass. If we do not receive a note, a parent or guardian must come into the office to sign their student out at the time of dismissal. Please make every effort to adhere to this dismissal policy to minimize disruptions to class time. Please also be mindful of how a dismissal may impact your student’s eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities.
Activities Eligibility Dismissal:
If your student is involved in extracurricular activities and needs to be dismissed during the school day, they will need to provide a note from the place of their appointment (not a parental note) so they remain eligible to play or practice.
Medical Dismissal:
Any student requesting to leave for a medical reason must go through the nurse’s office.
Emergency Dismissal:
In the event of a true emergency, a parent/guardian should contact the office. Every attempt will be made to expedite the dismissal. Please note, driving hours scheduled during the school day are not considered an emergency nor excusable under any circumstance. Every effort should be made to complete these hours outside of school hours.
Absence
If your student needs to be absent from school, a parent/guardian must notify the office via the attendance line at 508-906-3713 or by emailing hsattendance@millisschools.org as close to 8:00 AM as possible. If we don’t hear from a parent/guardian, the absence is unexcused and the student will be marked as truant. Attendance at school is incredibly important, and every effort possible should be made to maintain regular attendance at the high school.
Back to School Backpacks and Supplies
Drama Club Reminder
Interested in getting involved in the High School Drama Club? Then come to the informational meeting in Room 116 on Tuesday, September 6th, at 2:30pm. Auditions will be held on September 13th and 14th. Please contact Mrs. Bartley for more information.
Class of 2023 Fundraiser - Ice Cream!
Terpichore Nutcracker Registration
Coming in the Next Newsletter..... The Sports Page
Girls Volleyball
Girls Soccer
Boys Soccer
Boys and Girls Cross Country
Golf
Schedules are Subject to Change....please check arbi
~ Happening Around Millis ~
Protect Your EBT!
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
Attendance Line Contact Options
Options to Report Your Students Attendance
hsattendance@millisschools.org
or
508-376-7010 ~ extension 713*
or
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.
Faculty Variety Show Oct. 6th
The Faculty Variety Show is back! It will be held on October 6th at 7:00 PM in the High/Middle School auditorium. Admission will be $5 per person. All proceeds go to the G.R.I.T. scholarship fund.
Armed Forces Release of Information
Pursuant to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Millis High School is required to provide, upon request, the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of current students to the armed forces' recruiters and institutions of higher education who request them unless the student and/or parent/guardian has submitted a request indicating that such information is not to be released. If a student or that student's parent/guardian does not want such information to be released, they must notify the principal in writing. You only need to fill out this form if you DO NOT want information shared with armed forces recruiters and institutions of higher learning.
Here is the link to the Armed Forces Release of Information Opt Out form