MHS Newsletter
Your e-news source for Mansfield High School
From the Principal's Desk...
October 8, 2018
Hi All,
I hope that you've enjoyed the weekend so far! My letter is a bit dense and I'm seeking your feedback on a number of topics, so I thank you in advance for reading!
Safety first.... our lockdown drill on 9/26 went smoothly. This past Thursday, during the half-day PD time, faculty received a refresher course on the 4Ls and then took time to debrief together with admin and Det. Wright. I shared with faculty the proposed security package presented at School Committee on 9/25, and staff provided their own feedback and recommendations regarding school safety. Many great ideas were discussed- notably, faculty relayed concerns and ideas brought to them directly by students (front loop safety, what to do if a drill occurs during passing time, what about the caf?). One thing everyone seems to agree on... the desire for an unannounced lockdown drill. How do you feel about that? Please write to me directly!
Next, I'd like to make another plug for your attendance at "The Truth About Vaping" this Wednesday, October 10th in the QMS Auditorium from 6:30-8:30PM. Many thanks to the QMS PAC for sponsoring and organizing - see below for more details. Again, the intended audience for this event is parents! We're working on finding some sort of auditorium-style presentation to bring to students directly (in addition to what is already being delivered via the health curriculum) but we haven't been able to find too much that is well geared toward a high school audience. If you are aware of a decent vaping presentation, please bring it to my attention asap.
Finally, admin sent a poll out to students regarding Homecoming during the first week of school after lots of Homecoming debate last year... results are in... students voted to keep the Homecoming Court (with a new voting system that allows students to choose whether or not they want their names to be considered), and also voted to convert traditional Homecoming week activities into a new MHS spirit week later in October (ideas for the week include a philanthropy drive, moving the Powder Puff game to the week, and adding a new homeroom session with community building activities, as well as the traditional rally and dress up days). Right now, our thinking is to really push the alumni aspect of Homecoming moving forward (after all, the point of Homecoming is for alumni to come home!). I would love any input here regarding an alumni event and fundraiser aligned with Homecoming in years to come- we'll definitely need community help/support with this.
Don't forget- students received progress reports this past Friday - please ask them about it. No school tomorrow (Monday).
Have a fabulous week!
Best regards,
Mary Watkins
"The Truth About Vaping"
Caron Treatment Centers' Student Assistance Program will provide an educational presentation on vaping and e-cigarettes open to any parents/community members in Mansfield. This program is intended for an adult audience.
Wednesday, Oct 10, 2018, 06:30 PM
QMS Auditorium
"Managing Anxiety in Children and Teens"
Mansfield SEPAC Meeting
Speaker: Christine Gardosik, LICSW
Tuesday, Oct 9, 2018, 06:30 PM
Jordan Jackson Elementary School, Multipurpose Room
MHS Girls Soccer Earns 13th Team Academic Award
The official award was just announced this week. The girls soccer team earned their 13th straight Team Academic Award from the United Coaches Assoc. The girls had a combined GPA of 3.62 last year. They were one of only 205 girls high school teams in the United States to win the award.
Here is the official blurb from the United Soccer Coaches Association and the link to the posting:https://unitedsoccercoaches.org/web/Awards/Recipients/2017-18_High_School_Team_Academic_Award_Winners.aspx.
"2017-18 High School Team Academic Award Winners
A total of 311 teams (106 boys, 205 girls) from throughout the United States have earned the United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award for exemplary performance in the classroom as a team during the 2017-18 academic year. Among these programs are 29 schools receiving honors for both their boys and girls teams.
To qualify for the award, the team must have a minimum grade point average of 3.25 for the entire academic year. The team GPA is determined by adding every player's GPA, then dividing by the number of players."
Congrats to MHS Girls Soccer and to Coach Kevin Smith!! This is a tremendous accomplishment and we are very proud of you!!
Spotlight on the Classroom: Marine Science
Students in Mrs. Gentili's new Marine Science elective are proud to display their dynamic 3D models on threatened sea life. Marine Science is offered at the honors level and is open to all students in grades 9-12. The elective provides students the opportunity to learn about marine diversity of life, habitats, oceanic processes, threats and stresses that our oceans are under.
Students work collaboratively in a research-based current issues curriculum that highlights conservation, preservation, interventions and solutions. Many units are presented in a project-based-learning model and students have choice to explore science presentations that are both media-driven, inquiry-based and influenced by art in order to demonstrate their mastery to essential questions.
Showcased on the second floor in one of the art display cases are several examples of student-created models of threatened marine life. Students were supplied a variety of materials and completed the projects almost entirely in class. Pairs of students collaborated in a peer-modeling approach where teams consisted of one upperclassman and one underclassman working alongside to research, design and create replicas for an oceanic animal of their choice accurately displayed in their natural habitat influenced by a current threat. The final products are engaging, creative and a wonderful display of project-based-learning combining science, conservancy and art.
"Voice of Democracy" Audio Essay Competition - Deadline October 31
Students, consider writing and recording an audio essay for the VFW's "Voice of Democracy" audio essay competition.
Theme: "Why My Vote Matters"
Record and submit your original 3 to 5 minute essay
Enter to win Audio Essay Competition Grand Prize scholarship of $30,000!
Visit http://www.vfw.org/VOD, or reach out to the Mansfield VFW, Voice of Democracy Chairman, at VFW Post 3264 at 61morrissey@comcast.net for more details.
Guidance Update
Class of 2019
In the upcoming months there will be several opportunities for SENIORS to meet with a variety of colleges visiting MHS. Seniors can us NAVIANCE to access the list of colleges coming to visit and should sign up at least a week in advance. If students need their password, they should schedule an appointment with their school counselor since this information can not be provided over the phone or through email. Each week we will be sharing important information with students through NAVIANCE so it is important to check email and NAVIANCE regularly.
You should also mark your calendars for Financial Aid Night on Wednesday, October 17th at 6:30pm in that auditorium.
Finally, during the summer a packet of material was sent to you including your child’s transcript, a list of important dates for seniors and a Parent Brag Sheet. If your child is applying to college for a deadline of November 15th or earlier your Brag Sheet is due back to the Guidance Office by October 1st. If your child has a deadline after November 15th Brag Sheets are due by October 15th.
If you have misplaced your Brag Sheets you child may pick one up in the Guidance Office.
Mansfield High School will be offering the PSAT on Saturday, October 13th.
Sophomores and juniors are invited to participate in the practice SAT test. We strongly encourage all of our sophomores and juniors who are thinking about attending college to participate in the PSAT this year to familiarize themselves with the test.
The cost of the test is $30. Bring cash or a check made payable to Mansfield High School to Mrs. MacKillop at the front desk in guidance to register. Late registration will be accepted based on test availability; there is a $3 late fee.
For juniors this exam is also the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The exam is only given in October, so there will not be another opportunity to take this test during the 2018-19 school year. If you have any questions about the PSAT please contact your child’s school counselor.
Marching Band
Bertucci’s – Wednesday, October 17th 11am – 9:30pm. Bertucci’s at Mansfield Crossing is hosting a Dining for Dollars event on Wednesday 10/17 from 11am-9:30pm to support the band and color guard programs. 25% of sales will be donated to the programs. Both Dine-in and carry out count toward this promotion. Thank you!
The 2019 Yearbook is now on sale!
Buy now and save $$$! Books are on sale for $63 until Halloween, October 31. Go to https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/index.cfm/general/homepage?portal=true
Senior Parents: Senior portraits and blurbs are due by October 31st. Please go to mansfieldhighschoolyearbook.com for more information and links for submitting.
Key Dates for Your Calendar
Oct. 8- No school (Columbus Day)
Oct. 11- English Learner's Night
Oct. 12- Homecoming Game
Oct. 13- PSATs at MHS
Oct. 14- Town Elections at MHS
Oct. 17- Financial Aid Night, 5:30PM MHS Auditorium
Oct. 18- Photo Retakes
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