Archived MHS January 2022
Weekly Newsletter
January 28, 2022
Upcoming Events
- 1/31 ~ Report Cards Scheduled to be Issued at End of School Day
- 2/10 ~ Virtual Junior College Planning & Admissions Panel Night 6:30pm on Zoom
- 2/11 ~ SOUPer Bowl Ends
- 2/11 ~ Millis Music Cabaret Night 7pm
- 2/21 - 2/25 ~ No School ~ February Break
- 3/4 ~ Mid-Point of Quarter Three
3/22 - 3/23 ~ MCAS English Language Arts (Grade 10)
5/17 - 5/18 ~ MCAS Math (Grade 10)
6/7 - 6/8 ~ MCAS Biology (Grade 9)
~ This Week at MHS ~
AP Gov Transforms into Senate Chamber
Artistic Licenses Earned
Chem II Students Shape Glass
Krystal Flynt working on her senior project mural.
Flex Block In Action
Alumni Renee Lucas Featured Talk During Flex
Flex Fun
Staff Trivia Challenge Weekly Winners
Chloe Verrochi and Maddie Miga!!
New MPS Covid Testing Protocol Information
Please read the following info out of the Superintendent’s office
regarding an update to our Covid testing protocols:
Millis Public Schools, in accordance with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Department of Public Health (DPH), is updating our COVID-19 Testing Program, effective the week of January 31. We are opting into an at-home testing program that will increase testing of our participating students and staff, regardless of vaccination status. For more information about this update to the statewide testing program, please click here.
The at-home testing option will begin during the week of January 31, 2022. In addition to this new at-home antigen test option, we will conduct symptomatic testing as appropriate during the week. As part of this shift in the program, we are discontinuing Test and Stay and contact tracing for in-school close contacts. This means that if your student is a potential contact in school, they may continue to come to school and do not have to be quarantined if they are not experiencing any symptoms. We ask that families continuously monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and contact your school’s nurse if your student is experiencing symptoms. This new at-home testing opportunity is voluntary and only those who opt-in will receive tests. We strongly encourage you to fill out the online form to have your student(s) participate in the program.
MHS/Jed Foundation Mental Health Focus Group - Parents/Caregivers Needed!
As part of the assessment phase, the Jed Foundation will be hosting a 60-minute parent/caregiver focus group to learn more about the emotional health of MHS. They also use this focus group to get to know community members and learn more about the needs of our community. Your voice matters! Jed will keep identifiers confidential and only share themes they have learned so your identity will be protected.
The focus group will be held on Wednesday, February 16, from 4-5 pm via Zoom. If you are interested, please register by Monday, February 15 by clicking here.
School Safety Drills
This past week in advisories, we students and staff discussed what they would do in the event the school was put into a "Lockdown". In the coming weeks, we will 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.
Junior College Planning & Admissions Panel Night
The School Counseling Office is excited to announce that our Virtual Junior College Planning & Admissions Panel Night for junior students and parents will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2022, starting at 6:30pm on Zoom.
The school counselors will begin the night with a brief presentation on the college planning process followed by a college admissions panel presentation. Representatives from Boston College, Suffolk University, UMass Amherst, and Massachusetts Bay Community College, are expected to be on hand to discuss the college admissions process and take questions from parents and students.
Though we'd love to be meeting with all of you in person, due to current circumstances we'll be hosting our night live on Zoom. You need to register ahead of time for the evening, and can do so by going to the following link: https://millisschools-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMocOivqTotHdw2J6jI1QHKJ0iJMZNMwo0a After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. For those of you unable to make it, we will provide a recording of the night in the School Counseling area of the Millis High School website following the event (hs.millisps.org/for_students/counseling).
This promises to be a great night you don’t want to miss, where both parents and students will take away a host of useful information as our juniors begin the college process. Please contact the School Counseling Office at 508-376-7010 with any questions. We look forward to seeing you all on February 10th!
2021-22 MCAS Schedule & Tutoring
As we move into the second half of the school year, we continue to prepare our students for this year's MCAS Exams, and wanted to update you on the upcoming schedule. Students in the Class of 2024 (sophomores) will be taking MCAS exams in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math this year, while students in the Class of 2025 (freshmen) will be taking the MCAS Biology Exam. These exams, sponsored by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), are part of the competency determination required for students to graduate from Millis High School. All exams will be computer-based this year.
In addition to preparing our students in the classroom, we are in the process of identifying students in need of extra tutoring support, and will be mailing home letters in the coming weeks with a contract for tutoring. If you receive one of these letters and would like your child to take part in the tutoring support (which we strongly encourage), please return the contract to the main high school office as soon as possible. The schedule for MCAS Exams at MHS is as follows:
English Language Arts (Grade 10) - March 22 & 23
Math (Grade 10) - May 17 & 18
Biology (Grade 9) - June 7 & 8
MONDAY DEADLINE
~ Happening Around Millis ~
January 29th
January 31st
Open Now ~ April 1st
February 19th
SAMANTHA HILTON
Learning Facilitator, Graduate Student
MHS Class of 2010
Did you attend college?
I attended UMass Amherst and graduated with a degree in Communications. After years of being a business professional, I left my role at New Balance Athletics as a Training and Development Specialist and decided to make a change and shift toward my dream career. I am currently a first-year graduate student at UMass Boston pursuing my Master of Education (MEd) in School Counseling.
What is your profession?
I am a Learning Facilitator/Long-Term Sub at Millis High School while I pursue my degree full-time. I am also the Career Coordinator where I partner with students to help them 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.
What skills do you find yourself needing the most at work?
Both empathy and compassion are paramount. You hear it all the time growing up but treating others the way you want to be treated is something I really try to embody in all my interactions. Also, recognizing that we all come from different walks of life and to respect and empathize with all human experiences. When fostering and building relationships these skills are important in helping establish trust and mutual respect. It is something that I not only use in my professional life but personally as well.
Do the skills and values that you learned at MHS help you in your professional life?
It has been full circle coming back to Millis over ten years later. In high school I don’t think I appreciated the little things as much as I do now. I didn’t realize then how passing in a homework assignment wasn’t a painful task but meeting a deadline. I didn’t realize how showing up to school on time wasn’t a burden forcing me to wake up early, rather following through on a commitment I made to myself. How being on time is not only important to me, but to the people taking time out of their day as well. In high school I didn’t realize all that is taught, assigned, and encouraged are life skills that would later set me up for success in both my college and professional careers. I was held accountable to be the best I can be and for that I am so grateful.
The culture at this school is special. I feel so fortunate being able to come back and call former teachers and mentors as peers and colleagues. So much of who I am – loyal, empathetic, determined, optimistic, positive – all of these traits were encouraged during my time here. I can confidently say that without the people at this school I would not be the person that I am today. Everything that I learned here, the good and the bad, have been fundamental in my development to get me to where I am. I feel extremely fortunate for this opportunity and to be able to learn once again from this incredible staff years later.
January 21, 2022
~ This Week at MHS ~
Important Update on COVID Testing Protocols
It’s feeling like we’re turning a corner in the latest surge of COVID cases. We will continue to implement all our mitigation strategies to keep students safe and our school open for business, but we do have news to share about a change around COVID testing.
Please read the following info out of the Superintendent’s office
regarding an update to our Covid testing protocols:
Millis Public Schools, in accordance with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Department of Public Health (DPH), is updating our COVID-19 Testing Program, effective the week of January 31. We are opting into an at-home testing program that will increase testing of our participating students and staff, regardless of vaccination status. For more information about this update to the statewide testing program, please click here.
The at-home testing option will begin during the week of January 31, 2022. In addition to this new at-home antigen test option, we will conduct symptomatic testing as appropriate during the week. As part of this shift in the program, we are discontinuing Test and Stay and contact tracing for in-school close contacts. This means that if your student is a potential contact in school, they may continue to come to school and do not have to be quarantined if they are not experiencing any symptoms. We ask that families continuously monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and contact your school’s nurse if your student is experiencing symptoms. This new at-home testing opportunity is voluntary and only those who opt-in will receive tests. We strongly encourage you to fill out the online form to have your student(s) participate in the program.
MHS/Jed Foundation Mental Health Focus Group - Parents/Caregivers Needed!
As part of the assessment phase, the Jed Foundation will be hosting a 60-minute parent/caregiver focus group to learn more about the emotional health of MHS. They also use this focus group to get to know community members and learn more about the needs of our community. Your voice matters! Jed will keep identifiers confidential and only share themes they have learned so your identity will be protected.
The focus group will be held on Wednesday, February 16, from 4-5 pm via Zoom. If you are interested, please register by Monday, February 15 by clicking here.
Game Inventors in Spanish Immersion
Peer Leaders Pull off Successful Thrift Shop Pop Up
Rostow Cup Champions Crowned
Library Receives Grant
GRAPHIC AREA Renovation!
The Middle/High School library received a grant from the Norfolk County Teachers Association to help revitalize the graphic/manga area. This grant included purchase of posters, bookmarks, pictures, wall decorations and drawing materials to invite and encourage students to come to the library and enjoy this area.
Thank you NCTA for the grant! The students are enjoying this renovated area of the library!
Flexing to End the Term
Trivia Challenge - Week Two
Rachel Geddes
Class Challenge Update!
The Juniors came on strong in week two. The Seniors are still in the lead, but there is plenty of time for any grade to win. Freshmen and Sophomores your teacher just might be the correct answer. So don't forget to ask. Challenge will run through term 3.
SOUPer Bowl for the Food Pantry
Ms. Young & Mrs. Divver's Advisories are collecting Soup for the Super Bowl, now through February 11th. Donations are for the Millis Food Pantry. Please bring any non-perishable canned/boxed food (does not need to be just soup) to the library, room 120 (Ms. Young's room) or drop in the HS Office.
Everyone is welcome to do this - including Middle School! Mrs. Divver will be happy to pick up donations from Middle School classrooms on Friday's.
Dress up in your game day jersey on February 11th. Photo op in the cafeteria.
UPDATE!! New Spectator Policy
~ Happenings Around Millis ~
January 22nd
January 23rd
Michele Wong
Sr. Associate, Grants Management and Program Evaluation
MHS Grad :: Class of 2009
Did you attend college?
Yes, I went to UCONN for my freshman year and quickly realized that I couldn’t picture myself there for another 3 years. I transferred to Northeastern University for my sophomore year and majored in Communication Studies and minored in Business Administration. I enrolled in Northeastern’s 5-year Co-Op Education program which allows students to take 6-month Co-Ops – we take a semester off of school and work full time at an internship for 6 months to gain real world experience. I did 2 Co-Ops – 1 at the Boston Red Sox and 1 at WilmerHale, a corporate law firm. I also studied abroad in Italy my junior year.
What is your profession?
My career is in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Corporate social responsibility is a way of describing how companies measure and control their impact on society through philanthropy, volunteerism, environmental/sustainability efforts and ethical labor practices. I work on the Global Philanthropy team at New Balance. New Balance Foundation grants $8 million each year to community organizations. I assist non-profits through the grant application process, distribute funds and evaluate their programs.
What skills do you find yourself needing the most at work?
Teamwork and project management are skills that I use the most often. Our offices are currently closed so we are all working remotely. These skills along with frequent communication have been especially important during this time. We have a small team of 5 people all doing different but intertwined work. Staying updated on everyone's work allows you to adapt your own workflows and priorities to meet the needs of the team. I also use Excel and a grant management system a lot in my day to day.
Do the skills and values that you learned at MHS help you in your professional life?
Absolutely. MHS taught me the importance of agility and adaptability. Being from a small school and having played on HS sports teams as a middle schooler, I quickly recognized the need (and benefits) to learn multiple positions/roles. You see it in our teachers and administrators too who often double as a coach, mentor, club leader, class advisor. They all wear multiple hats. Now, working on a small team, there is always a need to jump into something and fill any gaps to get the job done. This willingness and eagerness to learn and do more has enabled me to grow and advance within my career.
MHS also ingrained how important relationships and community are. It really does take a village – to raise someone, to grow a career or a successful business. New Balance gives back to the communities where associates live and work. It's important to our company that the communities we do business in are also being supported and uplifted. It's really important to me to give back in any way that I can - I try to accept as many informational interview requests and help connect people as much as I can. So if you're interested in CSR, feel free to find me on LinkedIn!
January 14, 2022
Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
~ This Week at MHS ~
Faculty Professional Learning Day
Today, your Millis Middle and High School educators embarked on a full-day of workshops and training on anti-bias work, creating and maintaining a gender-inclusive school climate, and continuing development towards culturally responsive teaching practices. This essential work is part of our action steps toward our District Equity goals, and helps continue to move our schools along the path of equity and inclusion.
Chem Happenings
Step One
Step Two
Heat to provide the energy necessary for the zinc metal to deposit on the copper of the penny.
Step Three
Step Four
Heat a zinced penny to allow the copper and zinc to mix.
Results
Students in Action
A&P Dissection Day
MHS Trivia Challenge
Active Minds All School Assembly
February 8th Virtual Info Session Announced
Last Chance to Donate to Thrift Store
Service Learning Deadline January 21st
School Safety Drills
In the coming weeks, we will 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.
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
The ASVAB test is a heavily researched and well-respected aptitude test developed by the Department of Defense. It measures a young adult's strengths and potential for success in military training.
Please see Mrs. Harkey in the School Counseling Office to sign up.
Terpsichore
Terpsichore has started its winter/spring season of dance, which will culminate in the Spring Dance Recital on May 6. They are teaching Ballet on Monday and Wednesday nights, and running a contemporary dance class on Wednesdays and Fridays after school. Additionally there is a turning class on every other Tuesday. All of these classes are free to students in grades 6-12 in the Millis Public Schools.
In addition to their classes, they are rehearsing five pieces for the ensemble including works to the music of Prokofiev, Bartok, Alanis Morrisette, Daft Punk, and The Andrew Oldham Orchestra. There are four groups of students working on their own choreography for the show as well.
If you have a student in grades 6-12 who is interested in getting involved, it is not too late. Reach out to Stephanie Copice, scopice@millisschoools.org or just have them stop by room 109 in the high school.
Photos courtesy of Adriana Arguijo Photography - Romanian Folk Dances (bartok) & Tron (Daft Punk)
UPDATE ~ New Tri-Valley League Spectator Policy
~ Happening Around Millis ~
January 15th
January 19th
JESSE RICKER
PTC
Operations Specialist
MHS Grad :: Class of 2013
Did you attend college?
Yes, I attended Quinnipiac University and graduated with my Bachelors degree in Legal Studies. After graduating I went back to Quinnipiac where I also received my MBA.
What is your profession?
I work in Channel Operations as an Analyst/Specialist within our greater Revenue Operations Team, and am based out of PTC’s Global HQ in Boston’s Seaport Office. I have been working at PTC for the past 3 years. PTC develops Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality/IoT software for a wide variety of companies in a greater effort to help drive digital transformation.
What skills do you find yourself needing the most at work?
Analytics, problem solving and interpersonal skills are just a few that have been key for me. Excel, Salesforce, JIRA, etc. are important hard skills that I have learned on the job, but can be learned and refined through a coachable mindset.
Do the skills and values that you learned at MHS help you in your professional life?
MHS taught me the importance of being a member of a team and a community - something that translates into almost any job I can think of. Much of what you learn may be on the job, so having a strong foundation to build on is key, and something I can attribute to MHS.
January 7, 2022
December Students of the Month Announced
Grade 9 Nominees:
Andrew Griffith, Katilin Richards, Christian Amaral, and James Duggan
Winner: Andrew Griffith: "Andrew is a very hard worker and diligent student. He is a quiet presence in the classroom but always attentive, participative when called on and respectful. Andrew is friendly and inclusive with peers. Andrew's phone is never out when it shouldn't be and is always completing his assignments using his class time well"
Grade 10 Nominees:
Genesis Figueroa, Izzy Doherty, Rayssa Olivera, Scarlett Ruggieri
Winner: Rayssa Olivera: "Rayssa is a mature student whose daily participation benefits the entire class. She steps out of her comfort zone to maximize her learning. She makes great points during class discussions, volunteers to read aloud, and gives every assignment an honest effort. Rayysa's approach to learning is commendable and should be reinforced."
Grade 11 Nominees:
Daisy Lyons and Mia Braccio
Winner: Daisy Lyons: "Daisy is always prepared, always curious and always willing to help her classmates. She demonstrates a genuine excitement and interest in what we are doing in class and I look forward to seeing her each day."
Grade 12 Nominees:
Colin Streck and Rondell Copeland
Winner: Colin Streck: "Colin is an amazing member of our school community. He performs, runs, volunteers, leads by example, and he is interested in learning and growing not just as a student but also as a person. He is open to feedback and works to incorporate in what he is doing and overall he is just a really nice person."
Winter Illnesses and COVID Numbers
We’ve all seen the rapid increase in COVID numbers throughout the nation and the Commonwealth. Local numbers are always available via the Millis Public Schools Covid Dashboard linked here.
Please be aware of the following reminders from our School Nursing Staff, who have been working overtime to ensure the health and safety of your children. We'd be lost without them!
Winter is a time for many illnesses including the stomach bug, flu, strep and COVID. Please follow the reminders below:
If your student has a fever, diarrhea or they are vomiting, please keep them home from school until they are symptom free for 24 hours.
If your student tests positive for COVID on any test (home test, etc.) please keep them home from school and in isolation for 5 days. Please let the school nurse know this information so that we can support you with next steps.
If you have a family member who tests positive for COVID and who lives in your home, please keep any other students home as well. Please let the school nurse know this information.
The positive individual should be isolated for 5 days and wear a mask for 10 days following the onset of symptoms.
The remaining family members (unless they are fully vaccinated) would be considered a close contact and should also remain in quarantine.
Guest Speaker January 11th
On Tuesday January 11th, Millis High School will be welcoming Carli Bushoven to give a presentation to our students on suicide prevention and reducing the stigma around mental health. Carli tragically lost her younger sister, Madison Holleran, to suicide on January 17, 2014. Beautiful, athletic, kind, and smart, Madison was thought by many to have “had it all.” Her death came as a shock to not only her family, but her friends, community, and people across the country – and became the catalyst for the NYTimes bestselling book “What Made Maddy Run?“ by Kate Fagan. Shortly after Maddy’s death, Carli helped form the Madison Holleran Foundation in an effort to keep Madison’s memory alive and to support others who are struggling with mental illness. Passionate for suicide awareness and prevention, Carli shares Madison’s story in an effort to inspire others to speak out about their mental health struggles and end the stigma that prevented her sister from getting the help that she needed when she needed it.
Counselors from the high school will be on hand both during and following the presentation to talk with and support any students who may need it. In addition to the presentation, students will be asked to complete a brief screening tool in which they will include their name, if they are currently struggling with thoughts of self harm, and whether or not they would like to speak to a counseling department member.
If for some reason you would like to opt your child out of either the presentation or the screening, or both, please contact Erin Sullivan at 508-376-7010 x639 esullivan@millisschools.org or Megan McCarthy at 508-376-7010 x626 mmccarthy@millisschools.org.
Communication is Key
As expected, the number of students out of school has increased. It is very important that the main office be contacted each day to update us on your student's attendance for the day. You can email us at:
hsattendance@millisschools.org
or call the attendance line each day. We have one dedicated nurse for both the high school and middle school and her focus needs to be on the health and well being of all our students. Your help in communicating attendance through the main office is appreciated.
High School Parents
Please reach out to Jdavies@millisschools.org if you did not receive the email or if you have questions. She will forward the link to complete the required information.
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
Armed Forces Release of Information
Here is the link to the Armed Forces Release of Information Opt Out form
~ Happening Around Millis ~
January 8th
January 9th
SHANNON BURNS
Construction Superintendent
MHS Grad: Class of 2014
Did you attend college?
Yes, I graduated from Keene State College where I studied Safety and Occupational Health Applied Sciences and Business Management, with a minor in Economics and an Architecture concentration.
What is your profession?
I am a Construction Superintendent for AECOM Tishman/Hunt. I work as a supervisor overseeing the building of commercial construction projects. This involves understanding civil engineering structures, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components; while coordinating with trades and clients to deliver a building in a safe and timely manner.
What skills do you find yourself needing the most at work?
The skills I find most important would be critical thinking and the ability to problem-solve and communicate effectively.
Do the skills and values that you learned at MHS help you in your professional life?
There are many skills and values I developed at MHS that translate to my career. For instance, work ethic, and the willingness to work hard towards your goals were ingrained at MHS. I was aided and pushed toward achieving success with the support of my teachers, counselors, and classmates. I also received support in my personal life that allowed me to focus on my studies, and succeed in a classroom setting.
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
Options to Call in Attedance
hsattendance@millisschools.org
or
508-376-7010 ~ extension 713
or
508-376-7010 ~ press 1