Bearcat Necessities 1/22/2021
Monroe High School - 17001 Tester Road, Monroe, WA 98272
Translate into another language
District Plan for Inclement Weather
Make sure your contact information is up-to-date!
It is very important that all families make sure all of their contact information is up-to-date with the school office. In the event of school delays and cancelations, or other emergencies, we need to be able to contact all of our families. When there are urgent messages to share with families, they are sent out via email and phone call. Messages are also posted on the district website, Facebook and Twitter.
If you would like to opt-in to also receive text messages, please send a text message of "Y" or "Yes" to our school's short code number, 67587. You can opt out of these messages any time by simply replying to oue of our messages with "Stop".
Inclement Weather Procedures Reminder
Now that winter is upon us, we wanted to remind you of our inclement weather procedures. Even though it is an unusual school year, we will be following our typical inclement weather procedures just as any other school year. This means that if road conditions are deemed unsafe, we will be delaying or canceling school for that day, including distance learning. Canceled school days may need to be made up at the end of the school year.
While the majority of our students are currently in a distance learning model, we have many staff and students reporting to our buildings every day. Buses are running daily, transporting our preschool, kindergarten and other small groups of students to and from school; many of our teachers continue to work onsite in order to utilize district technology & internet; and many more employees report to work daily in order to provide necessary services to students. Our top priority is always the safety of staff and students when making decisions related to inclement weather and upholding our typical procedures will allow us to keep staff and students safe in the event of unsafe road conditions.
We recognize that canceled school days may disrupt family schedules and that the school year may have to be extended. The decision to close schools in the event of inclement weather is not an easy one and many factors are taken into consideration when making such a decision. It is important to understand that the road conditions of our entire district are taken into account when a delay or closure decision is made. The roads in one part of our district may be clear while other areas are struggling with snow and/or ice and we are unable to close some schools in the district while leaving other schools open.
How the decision to delay or close schools is made:
To help make the best possible decision, weather forecasts are consistently monitored and district staff drive our bus routes to evaluate road and parking lot conditions. We make every effort to make decisions regarding closings or delays in the evening, understanding that parents need time to make arrangements for the following day. However, if the forecast is uncertain and still developing, we wait to get the latest forecast and assess actual road conditions early in the morning. Morning decisions will be announced by 5 a.m. Additionally, if a delayed opening has been announced the night before, and the forecast or conditions worsen overnight, we may need to update the status in the morning and announce that all schools will be closed for the day.
Depending on the winter weather conditions, one of the following four options is decided:
- Schools start on time (no messages will be shared)
- Schools start on time with limited bus service
- Schools start two hours late (no a.m. preschool, no out-of-district transportation) - a delay would only be utilized if/when students and staff return to full days of in-person learning
- Schools are closed (When schools are closed, all after school activities and evening facility use are also canceled.)
If schools are delayed or closed, information will be shared through the following communication channels:
- Email and robocall: An email and automated phone call will go out to all staff and families. Please make sure your contact information is up to date in Family Access to ensure you receive these notifications. Families who have 'unsubscribed' from district emails and/or automated calls will not receive these notifications.
- Text message: A text message will be sent only to those families who have opted-in to receive texts from the district. Learn how to opt-in here.
- District website: A message will be posted to the front page of our district website.
- Social media: Messages will be posted to the district Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.
- School schedule hotline: 360-804-2950
We will not send or post messages if schedules are normal. No news means that schools are open.
Snow bus routes are posted on the district website, here.
MHS Distance Learning Daily Schedule
MHS Safety Update
We have been working on what it will look like when students return to campus, and at a comprehensive high school, there are a lot of moving parts to consider. Before the break, we had multiple brainstorming sessions with our staff where many pertinent questions were asked and different ideas were shared. Above all, our focus is maintained on safety and learning. All decision-making aligns with current DOH and OSPI guidance for reopening which clearly outlines that high school students can begin coming back when our case number/100,000/14 days reaches 200 or less. This past week it was over 400. In the meantime, we continue to fine-tune our safety plans, ensure signage is ordered and placed and prepare communication for students, families and staff for when the day comes. Each building has an administrator who serves as the building COVID supervisor. For MHS, that's Mrs. Siemers, one of our Assistant Principals. She meets weekly with a small team of staff who discuss new changes (and trust us, this is constantly changing) to the system, share updates on any cases of students and/or staff who have tested positive and other pertinent information. She also meets weekly with the group of building COVID supervisors from each building in the district and a team of central office administrators to ensure consistency is occurring across buildings. We know this...when we get the green light, MHS will be ready!
MHS Athletics-In Person General Conditioning Workouts Starting February 1st!
- Completion of the MHS Athletics Conditioning google form that can be accessed by clicking on the link embedded.
- Completion of waivers on Family Access for "In Person General Conditioning Workouts"
All requirements must be completed by January 26th at 11:59pm.
Athletic Director Siemers hosted an informational webinar that covered what in-person, general conditioning workouts will look like, the requirements and safety protocols, as well as a pathway to return to our competition seasons. There is so much information out there causing a lot of confusion so if you missed it, you can watch the recording here:
Please contact the Athletics Office at 360-804-4511 with any questions or concerns.
Second Semester Schedule Changes due Thursday January 28th by 3pm
MHS Semester 2 Schedule Change Request Form
Schedule changes will be considered for the following reasons:
- The student is not in the correct class level (i.e. Student is in a class they've already taken or needs before moving on.)
- Graduation requirement needed this year (Applies only to seniors.)
- Class is not what student put on original selection sheet as the first choice or one of their alternatives (please note that some classes are being collapsed due to our current situation so a class assigned may not be on a student original selection list and will not be able to be changed.)
World Language Competency Credit Testing-Website open!
In the Monroe School District, we value the power of biliteracy. Our students can develop their language skills by earning credit on the World Language Competency Credit test through Avant Assessment. You can learn more information on our website by clicking on the following link:
MSD World Language Competency Credit
An email will be shared with students and families on February 8th with information on how students can earn up to four credits through World Language Competency Credit testing.
MAP Growth testing-February 8th
If you've got questions you can contact MSD Director of Curriculum and Assessment, Niall Trimble at trimblen@monroe.wednet.edu.
The Arc / Snohomish County
Prevention for Parents
Happy New Year! A new Year for Mental Health: Self-Care for Wellness
2020 is now behind us! The pandemic forced us all to change the way we communicate with one another and also changed the way we go about our daily lives. Self-care in these times are vital to make through each day as best we can. Though the pandemic has upended many parts of our lives, mental health remains an important component. We have strengthened our resilience and put some practices in place that we might want to keep around. If you or your child haven't implemented a self-care routine, it's never too late to begin. Here's how to get started:
1:Create a self-care plan (check out the video link below).
What are the activities or practices that make you feel good? Make a list
2: Identify your goals around well-ness or self-care.
How often do you want to practice self-care? What activities do you want to implement on a regular basis
3. Decide how you'll be kept accountable.
Will a friend check on you? Will you do activities with other people? Are you (as a parent) able to follow up with your child?
4. Keep going if you slip up!
It's okay to miss a day of exercise or skip a couple hours of sleep every now and then. It's just about doing your best. It may feel like one more thing to add to your day, but we are actually more productive when we take care of ourselves. Encourage your child to develop these habits now- they'll pay off in the long run
A short video explaining a self-care plan and why it is important
Need some extra support? Reach out to your school counselor or contact Stephanie Phillips at (360) 804-453 or email her at phillipss@monroe.wednet.edu. We are all here to help you all succeed and make the most of this school year.
Sources of Strength - Online Small Group
What: This group will meet to help ensure that during this rough time no one gets so overwhelmed or hopeless that they want to give up. The purpose of this group is to provide an opportunity for students to spread Hope, Help, and Strength with one another and engage with people they may not know outside of the group space.
Why: To spread Hope by focusing on stories of strength, rather than on stories of trauma.
Who: 9th-12th grade students
When: Fridays @ 1:30-2:00 for 9 weeks beginning January 15th
Where: on ZOOM
Email Raylin Lucey luceyr@monroe.wednet.edu for more information.
Upcoming Workshops Through the Pacer Center
1) Ways to Help Your Teen Stay Organized
Date: Thursday, January 28, 2021
Time: 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM Central Standard Time
Do you know a teen who struggles with keeping track of their schoolwork, managing their time, and staying on-task? These are called executive functioning skills. Learn about technologies that can help middle and secondary students (grades 7 – 12) develop these skills. This virtual workshop is brought to you by MN Statewide Family Engagement Center and PACER's Simon Technology Center.
Location: Online Web Streaming
Register for this workshop
(Links to an external site.)
2) Tech for Girls Club : Mad Scientist: Chemistry Experiments
Date: Saturday, January 30, 2021
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Join us to conduct experiments using common household items! In this workshop, girls will learn about the scientific method and make hypotheses about what happens when you mix certain items together. Girls will also make a rainbow using milk and create their own slime! Zoom access links for this workshop will be emailed to participants the week of the virtual meeting.
Location: Online Web Streaming
Check out a library book from the MHS library
Did you know you may log in to your MHS library account and request a book? The library page is located on the school district website under the Students tab. http://destiny.monroe.wednet.edu/
Log in to your account using your school username and password. Go to Catalog and select Destiny Discover to view books. Once you locate a book, click the hold button to request the book. You may request more than one book. Contact Ms. Conklin if you need log in assistance.
You may email requests and make pick-up arrangements by contacting Ms.Conklin at conklinj@monroe.wednet.edu
Bearcat Pride
Bearcat Spirit runs deep! Make sure to show your Bearcat Pride in everything you do!
Join us for Our next meeting after the holidays
Date: February 10, 2021
Time: 7:00 pm
Virtual: Link will be provided closer to date
During these unprecedented times we are challenged to find new ways to continue to support our school - Stay tuned on ways you can help us fund 5 Senior Scholarships!
We want to hear from you! Do you have ideas? Questions? Concerns? Let us know. You can find us here….
Facebook:
@Monroe Bearcat Pride Parent Teacher Group
Email:
Counseling Corner
TRANSCRIPTS: Do you need a transcript for your college applications? You can request them from Ms. Hutson in the Counseling Center at hutsonh@monroe.wednet.edu. If you have applied through the Coalition Application or Common Application your counselor will send those through those application processes.
APPOINTMENTS: If you need an appointment with your counselor you can email them directly or Ms Hutson. They can meet through zoom or a phone call.
RUNNING START STUDENTS: If you need your Enrollment Verification Form signed you can scan it and email it to your counselor. Please give them 72 hours for a signature. You should be checking your school email regularly. Important information will come to you through that (senior information, HS&B information, etc). If you need your login and password please contact Ms. Hutson.
CORRECT ADDRESS?: We have had a large number of Quarter 1 report cards returned because of wrong addresses. Please check your Skyward account to see if we have your current address. If not you can email Helen Hutson in the Counseling Office at hutsonh@monroe.wednet.edu with your current address and we will get it updated. Thanks!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE COUNSELING CENTER!
MHS Career & College Center
Career & College Center Website
Where Are You At In The Career & College Process? Let's Talk!
Make An Appointment with the MHS Career & College Ready Specialist
Click to schedule an appointment here.
What Careers Might Be A Good Fit For Me?
Connect your interests with a career by taking a quiz and learn more about potential careers that match with your results.
**How To Approach Paying For College**
Are you wondering how to approach paying for College or just want help with the process? Take a look at our How To Help Pay For College virtual event. Explore tools to apply for funds to support costs of attending college including Introduction to FAFSA/WAFSA, A walk through the FAFSA line by line, Scholarship Information, Financial Aid Calculator that helps estimate college costs for the upcoming year. Click here to access the virtual event. Need one-on-one support through this process? Make an appointment with the Career & College Ready Specialist here.
College Planning Tips For Juniors Part I
Tulane University Admission Blog/Webinar
For most high school juniors across the country and the world, January signifies two things: the beginning of the second semester and the unofficial start of ‘The Process.’ Don’t let that stress you out too much, though. Now’s a good time to just reserve a little bit of mental space for getting acclimated with this crazy process of college admission. I’ve posted a great webinar geared at juniors and…
Orca (Ocean Research College Academy) Running Start Information Session
High School Juniors and Seniors can be eligible to earn two years of free tuition
through Running Start. Learn more about the innovative ORCA program at the upcoming virtual information sessions:
Thursday, January 28 (6m)
Thursday, March 4 (6pm)
Thursday, April 15 (6pm)
Join Zoom Meeting at 6pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81425080828
Everett Communication College Information Session
January 26th | 05:00pm: Criminal Justice Info Session
January 28th | 10:30am: Workforce Funding Info Session
January 28th | 06:00pm: ORCA Info Session
Everett Community College Virtual Tours
College Bound Resource Fair for Students with Disabilities
Saturday, February 6th - 9 AM-12:30 PM Online
This unique event was created specifically for people with disabilities who aspire to become college students and the families and educators in their lives. Click here to learn more.
Curious about DigiPen Institute of Technology?
Multiple sessions beginning on January 27th
Join one of their information sessions including Degree Program Deep Dive Series, Funding Your Education and Application Workshop.
Ocean Career Series - Seattle Aquarium
January 27, February 3 and February 10 at 3:30pm Pacific
Join us for this free, virtual, three-week series to learn about career paths in the marine and ocean sciences with expert members of our staff!
$CHOLARSHIP HIGHLIGHT$
A Scholarship is financial support awarded to a student, based on a variety of criteria. Scholarships and grants are funds for college that do not need to be paid back. Sounds great right! Learn more here.
Full ride scholarship that covers tuition, room, board, & expenses for 4 years of undergraduate study. Can be used at any accredited U.S. college or university. Open to any HS junior who plans to enroll in college in the fall of 2022 and is an American citizen or legal permanent resident. Coolidge scholars are selected based primarily on academic excellence. Secondary criteria include: interest in public policy, appreciation for the values Pres. Coolidge championed as well as humility and service. A complete description of the scholarships criteria is available at https://coolidgescholars.org/ The application requires that applicants read President Coolidge's Autobiography and complete a few other reading assignments. Deadline has been extended to February 24
The Blue Ribbon Scholarship Program
The Washington State Fair Foundation is pleased to present over $120,000 in scholarship opportunities to students residing in Washington State this year. Students only need to submit one application for all our scholarships offered online. Deadline 2/5/2020 https://www.thefair.com/foundation/scholarships/
Other Helpful Tools
You've Been Accepted To College, Now What?
January 27th & 28th
You’ve spent a lot of time and hard work completing admission applications, taking tests and writing essays to get accepted into colleges. Congratulations on your accomplishments! Please join a discussion to learn about the next steps in your college journey. This webinar will help you understand critical points with making your college decision.
-Additional research about campus and community options
-Factors for choosing a college
-How to complete the financial aid process
-Comparing financial aid offers
-What to do if you need more money
-Finding scholarships
-Your to do list once you make your college decision
1st Step In Paying For College
FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid
The FAFSA/WAFSA are the first and very important step in obtaining financial aid for college. The FAFSA opened up to seniors October 1st. Now is the time to APPLY! Click here to get started!
SENIOR $CHOLARSHIP HIGHLIGHT$
A Scholarship is financial support awarded to a student, based on a variety of criteria. Scholarships and grants are funds for college that do not need to be paid back. Sounds great right! Learn more here.
Monroe Public Schools Foundation Scholarship
This application is open to any Class of 2021 Graduating Senior within the Monroe School District. All Monroe High School, Leaders In Learning and Sky Valley Education Center graduating seniors are encouraged to apply. When you apply through this application, you open the door to many local community organizations, service and non-profits, businesses, School Administration, Staff, PTO/PTA, family memorial scholarships and individuals who want to give the gift of education through scholarships. Apply here https://monroepsf.submittable.com/submit. Due February 22nd
Monroe Public Schools Foundation Senior Scholarship
Pandemic EBT Emergency School Meals Program or P-EBT.
Due to COVID-19 school closures, families enrolled in school may be eligible to get help with food benefits. These food benefits are called Pandemic EBT Emergency School Meals Program or P-EBT.
School Offices
Our school office remains closed to the general public. We recognize there are needs that require in-person meetings. On-site visits are allowed by appointment only and require a
pre-scheduled meeting. If you are in need of an in-person meeting, please contact the Main Office by calling 360-804-4500 Option #9 to schedule. All visitors will be required to answer a set of questions to ensure it is safe to have them on campus. For their appointment, visitors are required to wear a cloth mask and are required to sign in and out while on campus.
Who's Who at MHS
Brett Wille- willeb@monroe.wednet.edu
Principal
Shannon Tarrach - tarrachs@monroe.wednet.edu
Assistant Principal
Jeannette Siemers - siemersj@monroe.wednet.edu
Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
Hugo Molina - molinah@monroe.wednet.edu
Assistant Principal
Melissa Myers - myersme@monroe.wednet.edu
Office Manager - 360-804-4502
Oscar Partida - partidao@monroe.wednet.edu
Main Line - Front Desk - (360) 804-4500
Janet Smith -smithja@monroe.wednet.edu
Attendance -(360) 804-4501
Michelle Gallik - gallikm@monroe.wednet.edu
Office Support - Financial Office/ASB - (360) 804-4513
Tara Weyrick- weyrickt@monroe.wednet.edu
Office Support - Athletics - (360) 804-4511
Denise Palmer - palmerd@monroe.wednet.edu
Registrar - (360) 804-4524
Helen Hutson - hutsonh@monroe.wednet.edu
Office Support - Counseling - (360) 804-4503
Michelle Dickinson - dickinsonm@monroe.wednet.edu
Success Coordinator / Career Center - (360) 804-4507
Geneva Padilla - padillag@monroe.wednet.edu
Health Room RN/ (360) 804-4532