The Navigator - February 2024
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
I hope this edition of The Navigator finds you all well and enjoying the heart of the winter months here on the midcoast.
Semester-1 report cards are in the mail. The semester change is a great time for students and families to celebrate successes of the hard work that students have put in this school year and look for areas of improvement for the remainder of the year. This is a good time to set new long and short term goals for academic success, personal wellness, and/or social goals.
Many students may be relieved that mid-term exams are behind them. These mid-term exams were the first cumulative exams and projects for most of our grade-nine students. Although stressful, our hope is that these exams provide a worthwhile experience that will help build Morse students’ skills and confidence towards future academic success. Cumulative assessments and certification exams are part of most career paths after high school and we hope that having these foundational experiences will help for future endeavors.
The December recognition assembly seems like a distant memory at this point; however, we were able to recognize students for a variety of reasons, including the DAR Good Citizen of the Year, which is awarded annually to a graduating senior who is voted on during a two-part process by teachers and students. Delaney Crews earned this year’s DAR Good Citizen award for Morse. Senior Josiah Keller was also recognized at our assembly, as the City of Bath chose him as the youth project of the year for his work filming our athletic programs. Case Jacobs was chosen by the student council (SCLC) as the student of the quarter for his persistent efforts and performance in the classroom and the playing fields at Morse. Congratulations to all of these outstanding students. Our next recognition assembly will be held on February 16th.
The winter athletic season is in full swing, with many programs finding regular-season success and high hopes for the postseason. This includes another successful season for swimming, with both boys’ and girls’ teams posting numerous new top-ten team records and hopes to finish among the top Class B teams in Maine. Indoor track and field has over 40 participants and is also contending for a top finish in Class B States. The Morse Wrestling program has also had a successful early season, with high participation and one of the top class B teams in the state. February will be an exciting month as we see how our teams finish their seasons.
Morse’s instrumental and choral groups had a wonderful holiday concert in December, featuring challenging and beautiful pieces performed by our talented students. There is a feeling of the calm before the storm in the Montgomery Theater, with much anticipation and planning for our spring musical. Auditions are behind us and the cast and crew are rehearsing and constructing daily in the theater, including Saturdays! This year’s musical is Freaky Friday, and we are all looking forward to another fantastic performance on April 5th and 6th. We will also hold our annual Fine Art Night on March 6th, featuring performing arts in the theater as well as many fine art displays.
As a reminder, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) will conduct our decennial accreditation visit in late March. This visit is the final step in our 10-year accreditation process, where educators from other schools will take an independent look at Morse and explore our strengths and areas of growth. The Morse Faculty has been working for nearly two years on this accreditation and we are almost ready to welcome the visiting team to 826 Shipbuilder Drive.
Spring Parent-Teacher conferences are not too far away, being held on March 21st and 22nd. Morse families will receive invitations via email in early March to participate either in-person or online.
As the Morse class of 2024 starts to formalize their plans for next year, I encourage students to place their finalized plan on the board in the student services office. Whether students are planning to attend a two or four-year school, move directly to the workforce, or enlist into military service, we all love to see your plans!
Our underclassmen are also starting to look ahead; Morse teachers have made recommendations for their current students and individual meetings will occur in March to start making plans for next year. Students entering grades 11 or 12 who are interested in participating in a vocational program will also have an opportunity to apply for a spot in one of the Bath Tech programs soon.
Exciting news: Morse will be providing our very own professional development in order for other Maine schools to learn what we have done to create an inclusive unified champion school. Please feel free to spread the word about this outstanding professional development opportunity that we will conduct in early March.
Sincerely,
Eric Varney
Principal
NEWS FROM THE STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Visit us online: http://bit.ly/MHSstudentservices
Course Registration: School Counselors are presenting in English classes about course registration. We will meet with students on an individual basis for 2024-2025 course registration beginning the week of February 12 to check over their course requests and answer any individual questions. Please talk with your student about their courses requests. Here are a few resources to help in the selection process:
JMG (Morris) - 9-12
Early College - 9-12
Yearbook - by application
AP CAPSTONE (includes 2 courses Seminar & Research 10-12)
AP4ME (10-12) – online APs not offered @ MHS; free; sign up online in March
ELO Extended Learning Opportunities (11, 12)
Bath Tech (11-12) – Accepting applications now (due March 27) Open House for students and families Thursday, February 8th @ 5:30 pm
NEW COURSES AT MORSE 24-25!
806 A.P. 3-D ART & DESIGN - 1 Credit
an introductory college-level three-dimensional design course. Students refine and apply 3-D skills to ideas they develop throughout the course. The course focuses on 3 skills; Inquiry and investigation, Making through practice, experimentation and revision, and Communication and reflection for the portfolio submission to the College Board.
PREREQUISITES: Combination of Ceramic 1&2 and/or Sculpture & ceramics
943 BASIC PIANO II - .5 Credit
This class meets in the piano lab, allowing students to practice individually within a group setting. Students need to have taken Basic Piano or prior musical experience such as private piano lessons to take this class. This class will be a continuation of Basic Piano and will cover more advanced musical literacy skills (note reading), chords and scales, reading a lead sheet, and other basic music theory such as time signature and key signatures. Individual instruction occurs several times a week in conjunction with self-directed practice sessions.
PREREQUISITES: Basic Piano I or permission of instructor
956 BASIC GUITAR II - .5 Credit
A continuation of basic guitar. Students need instructor recommendation. There will be intense scale and theory study. Challenging music and written material will be provided by the instructor. Students will be required to read music, chords and tablature by the end of the course. This is a student driven class, 50% of the class time will be dedicated to practicing and preparing music. Practicing will also be required outside of class.
PREREQUISITES: Basic Guitar I or permission of instructor
ADULTING 101 - .5 Credit
This class will include basic life skills and responsibilities that arise when you leave high school. This includes managing money, navigating taxes, having a food budget, simple meals to prepare, fitness, mental health, time management, stress management, housing, relationships and tasks we sometimes missed out on learning: laundry, snail mail, how to tie a tie, hygiene, and effective communication. Also, other topics can be added as they arise. Open to grade 11 & 12.
IMPORTANT DATES
Freshmen:
March 21st is a half day for students. We are offering an optional, free online PSAT 8/9 for grade 9 students that day. The test will start at 11:30 and conclude by 2 pm. Freshmen interested in taking the test are asked to sign up on by Feb 8th using this form:https://bit.ly/MPSAT9 Taking the PSAT 10 provides students with information about their college readiness and helps them practice to take the SAT as a junior. FMI: http://psat.org/digital-8-9
Sophomores:
March 21st is a half day for students. We are offering an optional, free online PSAT for grade 10 students that day. The test will start at 11:30 and conclude by 2 pm. Sophomores interested in taking the test are asked to sign up on by Feb 8th using this form:https://bit.ly/MPSAT10 Taking the PSAT 10 provides students with information about their college readiness and helps them practice to take the SAT as a junior. FMI: https://psat.org/digital
Juniors:
THIS PAGE on the Student Services website is dedicated to resources for juniors.
If you student is planning to apply to attend college after high school, they may want or need to take a standardized test. Here is some information about dates to keep in mind:
Seniors:
FAFSA: Seniors need to complete their 2024-2025 FAFSA online now at www.fafsa.gov The Free Application for Federal Student Aid may qualify students for grants, scholarship, and federal need-based financial aid. This money can be used at a 2 and 4 years colleges, and certification programs. We are hosting a FAFSA completion lab for Morse seniors and their families on Thursday, February 7th at 6pm in room 204. Representatives from the Finance Authority of maine will be here to talk students and families through filing the FAFSA. Click HERE FMI about this event and what to bring.
Senior Meetings: Current seniors will meet with their assigned School Counselor beginning the week of April 8th. The purpose of this meeting is to review post-secondary plans. Seniors should bring copies of their financial aid award letters from colleges, a copy of their FAFSA with SAI (Student Aid Index), and any questions about their post-secondary plans.
Scholarships: Morse has a binder of scholarship application in student services. You can also see a list on line organized by deadline. If you need help applying for scholarships, please come and see us.
MORSE DRAMA & THEATER
Morse Drama presents Freaky Friday A New Musical
Friday, April 5th at 7pm
Saturday April 6th at 2pm
Saturday, April 6th at 7pm
Montgomery Theater
$5/students & seniors // $10 adults
When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. Freaky Friday, a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, is a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic. By spending a day in each other's shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another's struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter.
Check out Morse Drama’s new (& in progress) website for more details, updates, and ways you can support!
CREDIT PATHWAYS PROGRAM
What has CPP been up to? Check out their most recent newsletter for more info!
FINE ARTS NIGHT
A celebration of music, theater and visual art created by Morse High School students.
March 6, 2024
6:30pm
All are welcome!
FREE
Performing Arts Boosters
The next meeting of the Performing Arts Boosters is scheduled for Monday, February 26 at 5:00 pm in Room 195 (The Music Room). The group will be discussing support around Fine Arts Night, Jazz Night, and the spring musical.
The Performing Arts Boosters is a parent/teacher group that supports the Music and Drama programs at Morse High School. It is open to any parents of students in Concert Band, Jazz Band, Rock Band, Chorus, Mixed Choir, Musical Theater, Guitar and Piano classes, any of the Theater classes, Stage Crew and plays and the musical.
THE CLIPPER YEARBOOK
It is time to order your 2023-24 Yearbook!
Final Chance for guaranteed Yearbook and online orders (we sold out last year!): 1/27-2/28
- $50 for Yearbook
- No personalization or icons offered
After 2/28
- $50 for Yearbook
- No online orders (see Mrs. Barter in Room 140)
- Yearbooks only available until sold out
Yearbooks can be ordered online at jostensyearbooks.com or students may bring a check or cash to Mrs. Barter in Room 140.
MORSE INTERACT CLUB
The Morse Interact Club in a partnership with the Bath Rotary Clubs is hosting a lunch fundraiser to send sophomore students to leadership camps this June. For $10 you can purchase a lunch to be delivered within the wider Bath area in support of this effort. Lunches will be delivered on Friday, March 8th. You can choose the sandwich from a selection of ham, turkey or veggie.
*Please use this form to sign up: https://bit.ly/Lunch4Ldrs
MORSE INTERNATIONAL CLUB
The Morse High School International Club and local Girl Scouts invite you to the second annual International Night evening of cultural exchange on Friday, February 16th, 2024. Each country represented will have a tabletop display presented by exchange students and Girl Scouts from local troops. Performances of instrumental music, song and dance will take place in the nearby performance auditorium.
Nearly 20 countries will be represented!
Date: Friday, February 16th, 2024
Time: 6:00-8:00PM
Location: Morse High School/Bath Tech, 826 Shipbuilder Drive, Bath, ME 04530
Cost: This event is free and open to the public.
MORSE HIGH SCHOOL FOOD PANTRY
Serving students for 16 years, the Morse High School Food Pantry is located in the Morse Library. The food pantry provides services to approximately 85 students per day.
We are in need of canned goods, snack foods (individually packaged), and personal hygiene items. If you would like to donate to the Morse High School Food Pantry, the following is a list of suggested food and personal hygiene items:
Applesauce
Canned Fruit
Canned Vegetables
Soup
Pretzels
Nutri-Grain® Bars
Granola Bars
Peanut Butter Crackers
Goldfish®
Cheez-Its®
Animal Crackers
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Deodorant
Dental floss
Feminine hygiene products (tampons; sanitary pads/napkins)
Questions? Please contact Dawn Lee (dlee@rsu1.org) or Brenda Fagan (bfagan@rsu1.org), Morse High School Library, 443-8250, extension 1080. Thank you!
CLASS OF 2024 PROJECT GRADUATION
SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CENTER
Additional Health Services are available at Morse High School through a partnership with RSU 1 and LincolnHealth.
RSU 1 has partnered with LincolnHealth to begin offering expanded school-based health services at Morse. These services may include:
Treatment of acute, chronic, and injury-related health conditions
Well-child checks
Immunizations
Behavioral health treatment
Reproductive health
Oral health
Services are provided by an onsite Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) employed through LincolnHealth. Services are provided in an effort to improve access to health care for youth and staff in schools in a safe, supportive, and confidential way. All major insurances and MaineCare are accepted and sliding fee scales and other payment support are available. Students and staff do not need to be regular patients of LincolnHealth/Maine Health to be seen at the Morse School-Based Health Center. LincolnHealth will work with your primary care office for referrals as needed.
You will need to be registered with LincolnHealth to be seen at Morse School-Based Health Center. You can register online and request appointments by clicking here. If you have questions about the services being provided you can contact Tasha in the Morse Health Center by emailing nsuttmeier@rsu1.org or by calling 207-443-8250 option 2.
VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION
RSU 1 is now using an electronic Volunteer Registration process. If you are interested in volunteering at one of our schools, please complete the registration form here: RSU 1 Volunteer Registration Form, 2023-2024.
Anyone who is interested in volunteering in RSU 1 schools are asked to complete the Volunteer Registration Form. Please follow the instructions on the form carefully. These forms are completed on a yearly basis to generate a new volunteer list for the RSU 1 district for each school year. Please allow one week prior to a field trip or event for processing.
COMMUNITY INFO & FLYERS
The Maine Maritime Museum has several free upcoming programs for families and students. More information can be found on the RSU 1 Community Programs page.
If you need to call your student out sick...
Please call 443-8250 (option 1) to speak with the Attendance Secretary, Heidi Levasseur. You may also send an email to hlevasseur@rsu1.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 19-23: February Break, no school
February 28: Winter Sports Awards Night, 6pm
March 6: Fine Arts Night, 6:30pm
March 7: Unified State Conference
March 15: Professional Development Day, no school
March 21: Parent/Teacher Conferences, 1/2 day of school
March 22: Parent/Teacher Conferences, 1/2 day of school
March 29: Mid-semester 2 grades close