Archived MHS December 2021
Weekly Newsletter
December 23, 2021
Upcoming Events
- 12/24-1/2 ~ No School ~ Winter Break
Happy New Year ~ 2022
- 1/3 ~ Return to School
- 1/14 ~ No School ~ Professional Learning Day for Staff
- 1/17 ~ No School ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- 1/20 ~ Peer Leaders Pop-Up Thrift Store
- 1/21 ~ End of Quarter Two
And We're On to 2022...
-- Mr. Awdycki
Staying Safe
As we’ve officially made it to the Winter Break, we ask that families exercise caution when spending time with family and friends. If you are traveling, please be aware of the current CDC recommendations:
Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and get tested if symptoms develop.
If not fully vaccinated, get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after returning from travel and self-quarantine for 7 days (even if the viral test is negative).
If not fully vaccinated and not tested, self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.
As you know from communication from the Superintendent’s office, as well as reports in the media, positive COVID cases have been on the rise the last few weeks. We want to remind you of the daily measures we take to ensure as safe a school environment as possible: air filters, surface sanitation, student seats 3 feet apart, ventilated classrooms, distanced lunches, and above all, masks. Please remind your student to do their part to ensure their own safety as well as the safety of the community.
This Week at MHS
National Honor Society Induction
MHS Winter Concert
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)
&
Harvard Medical School
regarding an important partnership with Millis High School for the new iDECIDE program, which includes an opt out link.
Chemistry Happenings
Chemistry classes and the ChemClub have been busy this week. In Chemistry I, students have been conducting flame tests in order to identify the metal ions present in solutions, applying some of the knowledge that Niels Bohr discovered a century ago.
In Chemistry II and ChemClub, students have been copper plating galvanized steel plates, dipping them in a bath of concentrated hydrochloric acid. The acid removes the zinc, thus allowing the copper to adhere to the exposed iron in the steel. This is a great application of redox reaction.
Chemistry II students also spent time this week making silver plated holiday ornaments they will bring home for the holidays. What a great way to apply scientific study and knowledge to a memorable real world product!
AP Lit Students Create Frankenstein
- "What kind of creature did they want to create?"
- "How did they think people would respond to it?"
- "What did they do that caused the creation so much anguish that it would seek revenge?"
Flex Block Sightings
Jay Donahue
AP Art
Snow Globes
Senior Projects In Progress
Winter Break Spirit Week
Students and staff celebrated our first-ever Winter Break Spirit Week to take us into the vacation. Each day students wore different themed clothing. Participation by students and staff was outstanding, and helped to brighten everyones spirits as we navigated through the last school week of 2021. Check out some of the pictures snapped throughout the week.
Pajama Day
Twinning Day
Country vs. Country Club Day
Ugly Sweater Day
Country vs Country Club Day
Country vs Country Club Day
Country vs Country Club Day
Country Clearly Won
Even the Staff Got Into the Spirit
MHS Welcomes New Career Coordinator
Hello! My name is Samantha Hilton and I am the new Career Coordinator at MHS. I am currently in my first year as a graduate student at the University of Massachusetts Boston pursuing my Master of Education (MEd) in School Counseling. I am also a former business professional.
Having years of experience in the business world, I understand the importance of what lies beyond high school. My goal is to help students plan for their future and learn more about opportunities available to them. Whether it be college, the workforce, a trade, or a life passion - my role is to give students access to resources to help them best succeed. So far we have partnered with several business professionals to come in to speak with our students on their success stories and advice they may have, as well as have built a partnership with the Millis Recreation Department showcasing their Teen Industry Series.
Additionally, in creating this community we hope to continue to build relationships with local businesses and professionals to create connections for our students. We have created a website to access that features helpful resources when entering the real world, links to websites and quizzes to help determine your next steps and so much more! See the link to the website below:
https://sites.google.com/view/mhscareercorner/career-workshops
When I am in my corner, stop by during study at the library to meet 1v1. If that time doesn't work, schedule a time to meet before or after school.
Please submit all requests, questions, or interest in participating to this email address: milliscareercenter@gmail.com
Fish are Friends
Millis Athletics Corner for Week of December 24th
Track & Field:
Boys and girls opened up their season last week vs Norton. Boys faced Dover-Sherborn on Tuesday, coming up short in both meets, but several impressive individual and team performances. Next meet for both teams will be after the New Year:
- 1/3/21 Girls vs DS 5:30pm @ Wheaton College
- 1/6/21 Boys vs Dedham 6:30pm @ Wheaton College
- 12/23 JV Home vs Medfield 3:30pm
- 12/28 Away vs Fitchburg 6:30pm
- 12/30 Away vs Acton-Boxborough 5:00pm
- 1/2 Home vs Ayer-Shirley 3:00pm (JV 1:30pm)
- 1/4 Varsity Home vs Medway (Fr/JV @ Medway)
- 1/7 V/JV Away @ Dedham (4:00pm/5:30pm)
- 12/23 Home vs Cristo Rey 6:30pm - POSTPONED
- 12/28 Home vs East Bridgewater 6:30pm (JV 5pm)
- 1/4 Varsity/JV Home vs Medway (Fr @ Medway)
- 1/7 Home vs Dedham (3:45pm/5pm/6:30pm)
End of Year Alumni Look Back
December 17, 2021
~ This Week at MHS ~
Quarter 2 Progress Reports Available
Second quarter progress reports are now available in PowerSchool. Parents may log into the parent portal via the school or district webpage to access their account and review current grades/comments. A reminder that quarter two ends on January 21.
Winter Break Spirit Week
Before we take off for Winter Break, we're closing out 2021 with a little fun.
Monday ~ 12/20 ~ Pajama Day
Tuesday ~ 12/21 ~ Twin Day
Wednesday ~ 12/22 ~ Country VS. Country Club Day
Thursday ~ 12/23 ~ Ugly Holiday Sweaters
Lunch game sign-ups are posted on the board next to the library and Ms. Copice’s room.
National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
MHS Winter Concert
~ The Latest News ~
The Crimson Post is Back
Staying COVID-Safe
As we’ve seen an uptick in positive COVID cases locally, it’s vital that we collectively re-commit ourselves to maintaining our COVID safety protocols. Please remind your students about the importance of proper mask-wearing at school.
With the holiday season approaching, we ask that families exercise caution when spending time with family and friends. If you are traveling, please be aware of the current CDC recommendations:
Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and get tested if symptoms develop
If not fully vaccinated get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after returning from travel and self-quarantine for 7 days (even if viral test is negative)
If not fully vaccinated and not tested, self-quarantine for 10 days after travel
Lydia Scanlon Selected to Perform
Junior bass clarinetist Lydia Scanlon has been selected to participate in the 2022 MMEA Eastern District Music Festival, and has also been invited to audition for a seat in the Mass All State Concert Band.
MHS Students On Set
School Safety Drills
Yesterday, in conjunction with Millis Middle School, we did a “Shelter in Place” drill during the school day. After the approximately 10-minute drill, the Administrative team met with Millis Police to debrief.
In the coming weeks, we will also be practicing a full “Lockdown” drill in the building. We'll post information about that in a future newsletter as we get closer to the date.
The safety of our students and school is always a top priority. While we hope to never activate any of these protocols, trainings such as these help prepare our staff and students in the event we experience an emergency situation. Thank you for your help and support as we work to ensure the safety of your children.
Emergency Contact Updates Needed
All families are required to update the information for each child. Over half of our student's files are not updated.
Please reach out to Jdavies@millisschools.org if you did not receive the email or if you have questions.
Armed Forces Release of Information
Here is the link to the Armed Forces Release of Information Opt Out form
LEO's Club
Millis Leo's are doing a Winter Gear Drive. Drop brand new winter hats and mittens and gently used winter coats in the boxes located in Mr.Caulfield's room, the hallway by the nurses office and the front office. Hats, coats and mittens will go to the local homeless shelters. Collection runs through January 31st. Questions or concerns contact Leah Abraham.
Peer Leaders
Thrift Shop Pop-Up
Did you receive any clothing as holiday gifts that you know you will never wear? Rather than hiding them in the back of your closet or dresser where they will collect dust for the next few years, consider donating them to the Peer Leaders Thrift Shop.
From now through the day of the event we are looking for donations of new or clean gently used clothing. Donations can be dropped off with either Mrs. Dunn or with Mr. Alconada. Remember to set aside a bag at home and encourage your family members to fill it up over the holiday break.
Girls Volleyball ~ Soul Warming Soup Fundraiser
This is the second year of our soul warming soup fundraiser. For every purchase of $16.50 a 2lb bag of soup will be donated to those in need. Millis Girls volleyball gets 50% of all proceeds. This fundraiser helps not only the girls volleyball program but the Millis/Medway food pantry. The dates are December 6th- February 28th. Here is the link.
https://donateabag.org/products/millishsgirlsvolleyball02054
Boys Soccer Fundraiser ~ Get Them While they Last
RENEE LUCAS
Engagement Manager
MHS Grad :: Class of 2014
Did you attend college?
I graduated from Bryant University in 2018 with a degree in Sociology. I had a few too many interests so I combined that with various minors in History, Human Resources, and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
What is your profession?
I work at the Boston Women’s Workforce Council as their Engagement Manager. We are a public-private partnership between the City of Boston and Mayor Wu and over 260 organizations in the Greater Boston area working to close the gender and racial wage gap. We do so by measuring, analyzing, and reporting on the gap every two years using employer-provided salary data. In between, we engage, educate, and share best practices amongst our partner organizations.
What skills do you find yourself needing the most at work?
Organization is probably the biggest skill I need at work. With so many organizations and contacts to keep track of, staying on top of all our communications is really important. In between the conversations, I manage our invoicing process and data measurement process. So second to organization, a good memory is key!
Do the skills and values that you learned at MHS help you in your professional life?
MHS definitely helped set me up for my career now. Coming from a small school, you gain a lot of support and encouragement from the teachers and faculty. That kind of encouragement empowered me to go to college and study the topics I liked, not just the ones that were best suited to get me a job. The combination of all my interests has led me to my current role. MHS helped me realize it’s important to study something you’re actually interested in. That’s how you’re going to make the most impact.
December 10, 2021
Midpoint of Quarter Two
November Students of the Month Announced
Congratulations to our November Student of the Month Nominees and Winners! It's a great honor to be recognized by the staff at MHS for your accomplishments and contributions to our classrooms and community. A special thank you to Millis Mobil for donating gift cards to our Student of the Month winners for the entire 2021-22 school year
Grade 9 Nominees: Addison Loer, Anthony Fraulo, Mauricio Olivares Cristancho, Annie Rollag, Daniel Delaney
Winner: Mauricio Olivares Christancho - "Mauricio has a contagious personality and has big dreams. He is only a freshman and already knows he wants to be a teacher one day. I have no doubt he is capable of achieving that goal."
Grade 10 Nominees: Julianne Roy, Wilson Copice, Olivia Matthews, Sophia Cellitti
Winner: Julianne Roy - "Julianne is an absolute pleasure to teach. She is kind, works hard and always has a smile on her face. She is one of those special students where the moment she walks through the door your day is made."
Grade 11 Nominees: Daisy Lyons, Maddie Miga, Mia Braccio, Mia Molinari, Lindsay Suereth
Winner: Mia Molinari - "Mia always has a smile on her face and always goes out of her way to be kind. Being a student athlete herself she always makes time to support her fellow classmates, showing up to all the games and being a positive leader."
Grade 12 Nominees: Cole Blumeneau, Cassidy Hickey, Jaden Adams, Dulce Abreu
Winner: Jaden Adams - "Jaden is such a gift to this school. She is so, so, so kind and an absolute joy to teach. It is apparent she puts 100% into all that she does, and she leads by example. She is a breath of fresh air in the classroom and wise beyond her years."
Lions Club Speech Contest
1st Quarter Honor Roll Announced!
Ella Completes TEC Internship
This week, Ella Bender received a Certificate of Recognition for her achievement and successful completion of The Education Cooperative’s Career Exploration Internship Program. Ella completed her internship under Dr. Raouf Khalil in the Division of Vascular Research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital this past summer.
The Education Cooperative (TEC) Internship Program is a selective career exploration placement program supporting junior and senior high school students and college students in the Boston Metrowest area. Participating in an internship is one of the best ways for students in high school and college to explore a career and gain work experience. An internship can either confirm a career interest or lead a student in a new direction. Any sophomores and juniors who are interested in participating in a TEC internship can find information at: https://tec-coop.org/career-exploration/internships/
Great job, Ella!
Chem Says Oh-Yeah!
Chemistry I students have been exploring chromatography techniques and using their new skills to identify what specific food dyes are in grape Kool-Aid. This lab experience will round out the class study of separation techniques.
AP Gov Welcomes Senator Rausch
State Senator Rebecca Rausch visited Ms. Ziemba’s AP US Government class on Thursday, December 9th. The Senator spoke to the class about the campaign and election process and her own personal experience, and took questions from students. It was a great experience and we are grateful for the Senator’s time and engagement.
Congrats Aiden / MHS Art Collection
Dumpster Day Fundraiser this Sunday
School Safety Drills
Next week, in conjunction with Millis Middle School, we will be doing a "Shelter in Place" drill during the school day. During this drill, all students not in classrooms will be directed to one, the hallways will be cleared, and all doors and windows will be locked. Students will not be allowed to leave their classrooms during the shelter in place drill. After locking the doors and windows in each classroom, instruction will continue as normal. Following a sweep of the building, we'll end the drill and continue the school day as normal. The administrative team will then meet to assess the drill and make any necessary adjustments moving forward. In the coming weeks, we will also be practicing a full lockdown drill in the building. We'll post information about that in a future newsletter as we get closer to the date.
The safety of our students and school is always a top priority. While we hope to never activate any of these protocols, trainings such as these help prepare our staff and students in the event we experience an emergency situation. Thank you for your help and support as we work to ensure the safety of your children.
PSAT Scores Available
On Monday afternoon, December 6, Millis High School Counselors, Riley Dunn and Megan McCarthy, met with students who took the PSAT in October. If students provided an email address on their answer sheets, they are able to immediately view scores after registering for a free College Board account at studentscores.collegeboard.org. If they did not provide an email address, they should register for an account at account.collegeboard.org.
The online score system gives students a host of great resources to help them decipher what their scores mean, tells them how they can improve their scores as they head toward taking the SAT this spring (for juniors), connects to Khan Academy, a free test prep resource available to all students, and provides free college and career search engines that will be valuable as students begin the college search process. If you have any questions about the scores or about how to access them, please feel free to contact the School Counseling Office at 508-376-7010.
MHS Staff Inadvertently "Twinning"
JED December Newsletter
Smash Bros. Club is Back
The Big M
The Big M podcast is LIVE! Episodes include sports talk, educational discussions, current events and much more! Subscribe to the student produced, teacher supported podcast on Spotify or Buzzsprout, click the logo to the right or here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1863484
Millis Athletics Corner
Winter sports schedule kicks off this week!
Girls varsity basketball opened the season Friday night with a 62-17 win over Somerville. The team is back in action on Tuesday, 12/14, against Norton. JV tips off at 5pm, followed by Varsity at 6:30pm.
Boys Hockey (Millis Students playing w/Bellingham or Hopedale)
12/11 - Bellingham @ Upper Cape 7:00pm
12/11 - Hopedale @ Grafton 7:40pm
12/14 - Hopedale @ St. Paul (Worcester) 6:20pm
12/15 - Bellingham vs. Dedham 8:00pm
Boys and Girls Track & Field
12/15 - vs. Norton @ Reggie Lewis 5:30pm
Boys Basketball
12/14 - V, JV & Fr. vs Norton 3:45pm/5:00pm/6:30pm
Live stream available on NFHS Network
MBTA Transportation Survey
The Framingham Community & Cultural Center (FCCC) is excited to announce that next month, January, 2022, we will add the Inter Academy MetroWest Boston soccer academy to our roster of programs! The Inter Academy MetroWest Boston soccer program will be held as a collaboration between FCCC and the world-renowned, elite soccer club, Inter Milan. FCCC and Inter Milan will work together to provide up to 400 children and youth ages 4-17 with exceptional soccer training guided by one of the most successful youth soccer clubs in the world! We are also pleased to announce that full scholarships, including starter kits/uniforms, will be provided on the basis of financial need. Click on the links below for additional information.
DAVID FERZOCO
Project Manager
MHS Grad :: Class of 2015
Did you attend college?
Yes, I went to Auburn University and majored in Political Science.
What is your profession?
I am a project manager at the Republican National Committee in Washington DC. In this role, I manage the execution of all company web products.
I moved to Washington DC in January 2019 for a position in The Trump Administration. In this role, I was responsible for assisting with the planning and execution of large-scale events at The White House including the 2019 White House Easter Egg Roll. Prior to joining the RNC, I served on President Trump’s 2020 campaign where I was able to assist in the execution of rallies and other campaign events.
What skills do you find yourself needing the most at work?
Teamwork and communication are hands down the two most valuable skills that you will need regardless of your career path. In my current role, I find myself juggling the needs of various internal stakeholders to make sure that their needs are being met in a timely fashion. In addition to this, I need to be mindful of the workload currently taken on by my team to ensure that we are able to meet the needs of the other departments.
I could go on forever about the logistical nightmare that is planning an event for the sitting President of the United States. Whether you are working with the President or with somebody in a different department, as cliche as it sounds, communication and teamwork are the keys to success.
Do the skills and values that you learned at MHS help you in your professional life?
I was given many opportunities throughout my four years at Millis to get involved in the community and give back and was encouraged to do so by both Ms. Ziemba and Mrs. Mannion. During high school, I volunteered on Governor Baker’s first campaign and interned for Representative Shawn Dooley who has become a close friend and mentor to me.
In addition to my political involvement, I became involved with a local nonprofit- Pitching in For Kids. It is through all of this community involvement that I ended up sitting at a desk in the East Wing of The White House.
I think the foundation that you have at the end of four years at MHS definitely sets you up for success, but ultimately it is up to you to run with it to get where you want to be. If I were to give advice to current MHS students, I would recommend saying yes to any and every opportunity that comes your way because you never know where it might take you. If you had told me on my last day of high school that my first job would be for the President of the United States I would not have believed you.
December 3, 2021
~ WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK ~
The Nutcracker Takes the Stage this Weekend!
This weekend the 13th Annual "The Nutcracker" graces the stage at Millis High School. This year’s production features seniors Dulce Abreu, Daniella Molinaro, and Ben Pudelka, as part of the over 125 Millis students from grades preK - 12 over its three day run. Each performance features a different cast of very dedicated performers.
The production runs about 90 minutes including an intermission. Tickets are $9.00 for adults and $7.00 for students and seniors (under 5 free but a possible lap sitter) and can be purchased at the door. All proceeds benefit Terpsichore the Millis MS/HS Dance Club. Audience members are required to be masked.
Performances are Friday December 3, at 7:00 PM, Saturday December 4, at 2:00 PM (right after the Holly Jolly Fair at The Church of Christ and done in plenty of time for Rec Center events), and Sunday, December 5, at 1:00 PM (again plenty of time for the Santa parade later in the day).
Please reach out to Stephanie Copice at scopice@millisschools.org subject line "Nutcracker" with any questions.
All audience members are required to be masked.
Picture Retakes ~ This Wednesday ~ Dec. 8
MHS Chorus and Band to Perform at the Santa Parade
"Out of My Mind" Author to Visit Next Week
~ EVERYTHING COMING UP AND IN THE NEWS ~
Aiden Mahoney Artist of the Week!!
Congratulations! Aiden22749 from Millis High School has been selected as Artsonia's 10th-12th "ARTIST OF THE WEEK" for November 28 - December 04. During the contest, Aiden22749 received 610 votes from website visitors! Be sure to check the Artsonia homepage at www.artsonia.com where you will see Aiden22749's artwork featured.
Jeans for a Cause
Smash Bros. Club
Athletics Corner
More Fall All-Stars...
Boys Soccer - Seniors Ben Pudelka and Anthony Coutts, were named TVL All-Stars. Anthony was also named to the Eastern Massachusetts Soccer Coaches' Association All-Star Team. Coach Jason O'Brien was named the Eastern Massachusetts Soccer Coaches' Association Division 5 Coach of the Year.
Girls Soccer - Senior Caroline Mundy was named a TVL All-Star. Senior Elle McClary and junior Devon Gatz earned TVL Honorable Mention Honors.
Cross Country - Sophomore Ben McCarthy and freshman Shealin Conroy earned TVL All-Star Honors.
Girls Volleyball - Juniors Maryn Cyr and Jane Connors each earned TVL All-Star Honors.
Girls Varsity Basketball Scrimmage
Hand Held Weights Needed
Attendance Line Email Address
hsattendance@millisschools.org
The Attendance Line email can be used to notify the office of all attendance issues.
Dismissal procedure reminder
Students should bring a note to the office in the morning to receive a pass to exit class.
- If a note does not come to school with the student, there are two options to have your student dismissed.
1. Email the attendance line a dismissal note.
You will need to contact your student and have them go to the office for a pass.
Please give as much notice as possible.
Teachers will not dismiss a student without a pass or notice from the office.
2. Come into the office and sign your student out*.
*Please note that we will get your student as quickly as possible, but calling them out of a class in this manner is disruptive for our teachers and other students.
Please reach out to Teri Bedard or Traci Macomber in the main office if you have questions.
~ HAPPENING AROUND MILLIS ~
MARISSA VOLPICELLI
Freelance Writer & Social Media Manager;
Digital Marketer at Splendor Digital
MHS Grad :: Class of 2010
Did you attend college? I graduated from San Diego State University in 2013 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. It’s a major where they let you combine different coursework and so my emphases were in Spanish, Theatre and Communication. What is your profession? I have a couple different professions at the moment. I work as a digital marketer with a boutique agency in LA called Splendor Digital, I’m a freelance social media manager and a freelance writer. What skills do you find yourself needing the most at work? Writing is my most used skill on a day to day basis but the ability to tap into my imagination and creative side are close seconds. A lot of my work revolves around bringing a vision to life through words and so being able to understand people and their perspectives is a really important skill as well. Do the skills and values that you learned at MHS help you in your professional life? Absolutely. More so than the obvious grammar lessons and Pythagorean theorem, the life lessons that occurred while at MHS have everything to do with how I handle myself in my career. I was always encouraged to try new things and to not be afraid of failure. My unique strengths were recognized and celebrated which helped me have the confidence to go after my dreams post graduation. Coach Grant, Dave Fallon, Mark Awdycki, and Danielle Mannion inspired me not only through their teaching, coaching and advice but also because you can tell that they love what they do. I make all of my important business decisions with this idea in mind. To love what I do changes everything about the way I show up for myself and for the people I’m working with. I’m extremely grateful to all of my MHS mentors and feel very fortunate to have gone to such an amazing high school.
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 Contacts
ATTENDANCE CALL OUT LINE
508-376-7010 ~ extension 713
508-376-7010 ~ press 1
School Counseling Booking Links
Do you need to make an appointment to see your School Counselor?
You Can Book Me is a quick way to make an appointment.
Mrs. Dunn ~ YouCanBookMe Link: https://rileydunn.youcanbook.me
Ms. McCarthy ~ YouCanBookMe Link: https://mmccarthy-2.youcanbook.me