MHS Newsletter
Your e-news source for Mansfield High School
From the Principal's Desk...
September 19, 2019
Hi All,
Please join me in welcoming our new Assistant Principal, Jim Schliefke, to the MHS community. Mr. Schliefke comes to us from the Science Department at Horace Mann Middle School in Franklin. He earned his B.A. and M.Ed. from Framingham State University, as well as an additional M.Ed.in Education Administration from Endicott College. Mr. Schliefke formally started on Tuesday, though you may have seen him at our 1st home football game or on Curriculum Night this past Thursday. We are very excited to have him join our administrative team!
As part of our ongoing safety training at MHS, students should expect an unannounced lockdown drill in the upcoming weeks. During our drills, teachers review the 4Ls with students and engage in discussion about creatively securing their classroom space. Drills are short- no more than 10 minutes start to finish- and regular instruction resumes immediately after. We are very careful to clearly announce (multiple times) that we are running a drill so that no one is confused.
I want to remind students and parents that this coming Wednesday, September 25th is a half day for students with buses leaving at 10:30AM. In addition, Club Fair will be taking place this coming Thursday and Friday, September 26th and 27th during all four lunches in the Main Lobby in front of the Caf. Students, here's an opportunity to get involved- grab a flyer, ask a few questions, sign up for more info- no commitment required!
Finally, to our students and families observing religious holidays in the coming weeks, please know that staff are attentive to building and district policies for homework and assessments on/around those days. Please refer to the student handbook if you have questions regarding the expectations. I wish students, staff and parents who are celebrating the holidays a peaceful and reflective spiritual season.
Have a great weekend!
Best regards,
Mary Watkins
IMPORTANT- AP Exam Registration
Friday, October 18th: Deadline to register for exams for students currently enrolled in MHS AP courses
Friday, October 11th: Deadline to inform AP Coordinator of intent to take exams for students self-studying for AP exams
Friday, November 8th: Deadline for ALL students to pay for all exams
This year the College Board changed the protocol for Advanced Placement test registration and the fee structure. Based on research conducted by College Board they have determined that students are more invested in their Advanced Placement classes and perform better on exams if they commit to taking the exam in the fall of the school year. College Board has also added an online platform with resources for students and faculty to help students prepare for AP exams in May.
In order to be in compliance with College Board rules and regulations, students will be signing up for their AP exams online in their respective AP classes. Students will have until October 18th to decide if they are taking the exam. By this deadline they will need to have input a "yes" or "no" in the College Board portal. Teachers in each AP class will review this process with their students. This is the first step of the process.
The second step is for students to pay for exams in the School Counseling Office (see Ms. MacKillop). The cost per exam is $94. Checks should be payable to Mansfield High School.
Different this year is the late/cancellation fee from College Board. After November 15th if students change their mind (either they decide that they want to take the test or decide not to take the test) College Board will assess a $40 fee per exam. After March 13th students may no longer decide to enroll in an exam; however, they may cancel the test as late as May.
For students who are preparing on their own for AP Exams not offered by Mansfield High School: Students are responsible for both the cost of the exam ($94 per exam) and the proctor fee ($90 per exam). Students must let Ms. Karidoyanes (in the School Counseling Office) know if they are planning to take an AP exam no later than Friday, October 11th. They will have until November 8th to pay for the exam. Any students who registers after November 15th will be assessed a $40 late fee per exam by the College Board.
All students who are currently enrolled in Advanced Placement classes at MHS will receive a letter to bring home to their parents/guardians by September 27th.
Guidance Updates
Class of 2020
Mark your calendars for Financial Aid Night on Wednesday, October 16th at 6:30pm in that auditorium.
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 11th.
If you have misplaced your Brag Sheets you child may pick one up in the Guidance Office.
Student Flu Clinic
Bring a health insurance card and be ready to fill out pre-screening consent forms.
Available to students and families ages 9 and older.
Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Check out the flyer below.
Wednesday, Oct 23, 2019, 06:00 PM
MHS Cafeteria
Girls Soccer Fundraiser
Please check out the flyer below!
Mansfield All Sports Boosters- Annual Comedy Night
Where: Mansfield Holiday Inn
When: Saturday, November 2
Time: Doors Open at 6:30
Go to www.mhs-athletics.com/boosters.html for more information
"Voice of Democracy" VFW Essay Contest
Students, consider writing and recording an audio essay for the VFW's "Voice of Democracy" audio essay competition.
Theme: "What Makes America Great"
Deadline: October 31, 2019
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 for more details!
Update to Building Supervision Hours
In order to better ensure the safety of all students and staff by more closely regulating who accesses the building before and after school hours, school-wide building supervision for students will begin promptly at 7AM and end at 3PM.
Please provision for your child to arrive at school no earlier than 7AM since they will not have access to the building.
Thank you for observing these hours as we work to reduce risk and increase safety for all.
Key Dates for Your Calendar
Sept. 25- 1/2 day for students; PD day for staff
Sept. 26 & 27- Club Fair at all four lunches
Sept. 29-Oct. 1- Rosh Hashanah
Oct. 2- Winter Sports Registration at 6PM
Oct. 4- Q1 Progress Reports distributed in Home Room
Oct. 5- SATs at MHS
Bus Transportation 2019-2020
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
Jim Schliefke, Assistant Principal
Timothy Tichacek, Assistant Principal
Email: firstname.lastname@mansfieldschools.com
Website: http://mhs.mansfieldschools.com/
Location: 250 East Street, Mansfield, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 261-7540
Twitter: @MHShornets