November 6, 2020

Dear MHS Students and Families,

Please find a few key updates:

• MCAS testing in ELA and Math will be administered to the Class of 2022 (Jrs.) in January 2021 and to the Class of 2023 (Sophs.) in May 2021. While all other classes are exempt from Biology MCAS testing, the Class of 2024 will be required to sit for the Biology test in June 2021. We'll share more information regarding MCAS testing as it comes to us from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

• Q1 closes today, and Q2 begins on Monday, November 9th. Q1 report cards will be made available in Aspen X2 on Monday, November 16th. We will notify you via email as soon as the portal is open on the 16th. The portal will remain open for report card access for two weeks.

• Vote for parent/guardian reps to join the MHS School Council. We have two positions open on the Council for a two year term - a ballot with information about the candidates will be shared (via Google form) on Monday. Please look for it and vote! The School Council provides input to the Principal on budget planning, programming, the handbook and the curriculum accommodation plan.

• Mark your calendars for Teacher Conferences on December 1st and 2nd- more details regarding scheduling appointments to come.

• Also, mark your calendars for Student Photos on the following days:

Tuesday, Dec 8th - during school- 9, 10 & 11- Daily/Hybrid students w/last names L-Z
Thursday, Dec 10th - 3-5pm - VRC students

I want to encourage all parents and guardians to participate in a webinar hosted by McLean School Consultation Services on November 18th regarding how best to support your high school student during COVID-19. The webinar is limited to MHS parents/guardians only. McLean has presented to MHS teachers on two occasions already, and I feel confident that you will find the information useful. Please see below for more information.

Finally, congrats to the MHS Golf Team and the MHS Girls Cross Country Team on their league championships! Way to go Hornets!

Have a great weekend!

Best regards,

Mary Watkins

Principal

Parents/Guardians, let's help make this a great year for our students! If you are interested in volunteering your time to support a variety of student and school-wide needs (materials distribution, holiday season decorations, fundraising support for grade levels, etc.) please sign up here https://forms.gle/t7VgdkSPsBcQTUTz5

Please contact Alexandra Piccirilli at mansfieldhsparents@gmail.com with any questions.

Attention Sophomore Class:

You have the opportunity to travel to Croatia in the Summer of 2022 with Mr. McGovern!

Mr. McGovern has been leading our student travel club for 16 years and he’s so excited to share this experience with all of you. There has been a lot of interest already so please RSVP at the link below to attend the virtual meeting on Monday, November 9th @ 6PM. See the pdf flyer below for more information.

RSVP Here: https://bit.ly/2TDRI2V

Did you know there is a website that can help your student with basic questions about many of the digital resources used at MPS?

The MPS Student and Family Digital Resources Website is designed with students and families in mind. Here you will find How To Guides and Video Tutorials on digital products like Google Classroom and Screencastify, and helpful tips on using everyday tech like Gmail and Google Meet.

The website can be found under the Student or Parent tab of your school’s website. As we create additional resources throughout the year, we would love to hear from you! Is there a How to Guide or Video Tutorial for a digital resource you would like to see added to our site? Please let us know by clicking HERE.

Looking for some new Mansfield Hornets gear to keep you warm in these cold months? The Class of 2022 has got you covered! Mansfield apparel will be sold online as a fun and fashionable way to raise money! Hoodies, crewnecks, and long sleeved shirts are being sold and orders will be sent directly to your home. Click the link below to see our store. Please remember that all orders must be placed by November 13th.

We appreciate your support and thank you for contributing to the Class of 2022!

https://www.customink.com/fundraising/classof22

Governor Baker has issued a new state mandate which requires all school aged students to be vaccinated against the Seasonal Flu before January 1.

If your student has received their vaccine please forward that document in any one of the following ways:

By email (a picture of the document or attachment is acceptable) :

christine.harrison@mansfieldschools.com

By regular mail:

250 East Street Attention : Nurses office

By Fax:

508-261-7416

Please call the Nurse's office at 508-261-7540 x 33111 with any questions.

The state Department of Housing and Community Development has centralized information about resources for families struggling to make rent or mortgage payments due to COVID-19. Please use this link for more information. www.mass.gov/covidhousinghelp

Illness Management

Please see the Daily Self Symptom Screening Checklist which needs to be reviewed every morning before sending your student to school. If your student does not feel well and stays home, please monitor their symptoms. If your student is having concerning symptoms, please contact your physician for guidance.

If your student is not feeling well:

1. Stay home and call your physician for guidance regarding concerning symptoms

2. Physician may diagnose an illness and may or may not refer student for a COVID-19 test

3. Inform your school nurse of absence, diagnosis, and/or testing

4. Student may return per our back to school guidelines(fever free for 24 hrs without use of medication and an improvement in symptoms) and a negative COVID-19 test if one was ordered by a physician

5. If COVID-19 test is positive, please call your school nurse for individual instructions

Communication is key in making sure information is shared in a timely manner so contacts can be identified and informed. If at any time during this school year, your student is identified as a close contact to a positive case and is placed in quarantine, please call your school nurse for individual instructions. Please do not hesitate to call your school nurse with information or with any questions.

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-

Please see the MPS Return to School Flowchart for a quick reference guide.

SCHOOL NURSE CONTACT:

Roland Green Pre-School (508) 261-1561

Fax: (508) 261-7415

Debora.Wirth@mansfieldschools.com

Robinson Elementary School (508)261-7387

Fax: (508) 261-7389

Sue.McGinley@mansfieldschools.com or Tammy.Rozelle@mansfieldschools.com

Jordan/Jackson Elementary School (508) 261-7520

Fax: (508) 261-7522

Kristin.Haskell@mansfieldschools.com or Betsy.Johnston@mansfieldschools.com

Qualters Middle School (508) 261-7530

Fax: (508) 261-7374

Lisa.Anderson@mansfieldschools.com or Elayne.Brown@mansfieldschools.com

Mansfield High School (508) 261-7540

Fax: (508) 261-7416

Christine.Harrison@mansfieldschools.com or Betsy.Savoie@mansfieldschools.com

This is a very different year but the show will go on! Work on the 2021 Yearbook has started and we are looking forward to capturing this unique year. Order before Halloween and save $! Go to https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/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.

We're also looking for photos! Sports practices, students working on projects at home, etc! Send them to yearbook@mansfieldschools.com

Mansfield Public Schools is seeking responsible individuals to fill these positions immediately. Openings available in all schools. Flexible schedule.

Please see the PDF below for more information.