MRHS Parent Newsletter
VOLUME 31, ISSUE NO. 2
P.E./HEALTH AND WELLNESS UPCOMING PROGRAMS AND GUEST SPEAKERS
The P.E. / Health Wellness department will be offering the following guest speakers and activities during the first semester. Any parents or guardians not wishing to have their son or daughter participate in these presentations or field trips should contact Mr. Orzech P.E. / Health Department Chairperson via email at morzech@hwrsd.org or by phone at 596-9011 ext. 6167
- Freshman P.E. / Health classes will be receiving a 2 week health program during the first semester called “Lifeskills Promoting Health and Personal Development”. Topics will include: The Value of Good Health, Decision Making for Health, Risk-Taking and Substance Abuse, The Media and Health, Managing Stress and other Emotions, Family Communication and Healthy Relationships and “Lifelines: A Suicide Prevention Program” which includes relevant facts and warning signs of suicide, recognizing and responding to troubled peers, intervention and help-seeking when suicidal behavior is recognized, identifying and knowing how to seek resources and helpful adults.
- Postural (Scoliosis) Screening will be performed by freshman Physical Education teacher’s during first semester.
- All first semester freshman classes will be participating in the American Heart Association CPR in Schools Training. By the end of class, all students will be able to perform hands-only CPR.
- All sophomores will participate in a 4 class Career Readiness Workshop. They will learn how to fill out job applications, create a resume, learn interview skills and participate in a mock interview.
- School Resource Officer Dan Menard will be working with the sophomore classes presenting Alcohol and Drug Awareness classes during Term 2.
- The sophomores and juniors will receive a series of 5-7 classes in human sexuality during the second quarter. Discussion topics include: the reproductive system anatomy and physiology review, sexually transmitted infections, effective communication and prevention of STI’s, gender identity, sexual orientation, healthy interpersonal relationships and HIV/AIDS. An HIV positive person will also speak to students about this disease.
- The junior and senior students will have an opportunity to participate in our Physical Education Bowling Unit. This will occur during Term 2 with dates set up by individual Physical Education teachers. Students will have an opportunity to bowl at Shaker Bowl in East Longmeadow during Physical Education classes. The cost is $7.00 for each bowling trip which includes (bowling, shoe rental and transportation). The classes will have an opportunity to bowl 2-3 times.
- The seniors will have an opportunity for a field trip to Empower Leadership and Adventure Center in Middletown, CT. The day will include zip lining through the upper forest canopy, traveling across sky bridges, cargo net climb and tree elements. The trip will occur on October 23rd or 24th. The cost of the trip is $55.00 per student which includes round trip transportation and admission to the center. The students will depart Minnechaug at 7:00 a.m. and return by 2:05 p.m.
- All first semester classes will be participating in Fitness Testing. The students are currently being tested on the following: 1. The Pacer (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run) 2. Curl-Up (Abdominal Strength and Endurance) 3. Push-Up (Upper Body Strength and Endurance) 4. Back-Saver Sit and Reach (Flexibility). The Post-Test will be conducted in January.
NOTES FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
October Athletic Department News:
The Athletic Department over the past few years has been doing some work with our coaches on Growth Mindset principles and Grit principles as we feel that the mental part of the game is just as important, if not more important to teach as are the skills of their sport. Our feeling is that if they can leave our program in 4 years with these mental skills, then they are ready to tackle any challenge or obstacle in their future. Below is the new mission of our department. Please read it and help us achieve this mission by supporting it at home as well. Let it spark conversations when they are frustrated, think they didn’t play well or just need a pick up. It works. Trust me.
The Mission of the Minnechaug Regional High School athletic department is to allow student athletes to develop within the principles of Growth Mindset and Grit. Participants and coaches within our program will be part of an environment that will foster personal and team growth within these principles. Through the “We are Chaug” motto, sportsmanship, integrity and self-discipline will be the cornerstone values that will be associated with our student-athletes. Participants in our program will maintain a standard of high academic performance while giving back to their community in varied community service projects.
Spectator Announcement: As we approach the heart of our athletic game schedule, I would like to bring some attention to important spectator information:
Parking: All parking for athletic events is in the back parking lot first and then park anywhere else there is a marked spot. If you are parked illegally, the police will ticket if they ride through. For night events on the stadium field, the maintenance lot is for officials, any handicap parking needs and visiting team buses. It is NOT for spectators.
Sidelines: At no point are there to be any parents on the sidelines near the teams. For night events in the stadium, all personnel not associated with the coaching staff (ie. Photographers) must have permission from Mr. Roy to be on the sidelines. For games that are being played inside the track, all spectators must remain OUTSIDE of the fence of the track. At no point should any spectator be on the track.
Fan Behavior: We have the best fans at Minnechaug. There is no question that everyone loves to watch our athletes do what they do best. With that comes the expectation that negative fan behavior either towards the team, coaches or officials will not be tolerated. My expectation for our athletes is one of respect while in competition and I have the same expectation for our spectators. Please do your part and keep it POSITIVE.
Adult Athletic Passes: Are you sick of waiting in line for night events? The Athletic Department is offering a discounted Adult pass which is good for ANY 12 charged home events at Minnechaug. Use the pass for football, soccer, basketball, wrestling, lacrosse, etc… The pass is $50 which is a $10 savings. If you are interested, please purchase at any ticket window or call us at 413-599-1831 or stop by our office.
MIAA App: The MIAA now has a “FREE” app for android users and IPhone users. You will have access to schedules, rosters, directions, important notifications that will be sent, schedule changes and more. To download the app, search MIAA in the app store or android store. This is a MUST GET as the world of athletics is ever changing. If you are a twitter and/or instagram user, you can also follow us on @chaugathletics. This is NOT just for the kids!
WINTER SPORTS REGISTRATION:
Winter sports registration will be open beginning October 15th on www.familyid.com with a deadline of November 16, 2018. Please register early. Winter season begins Monday, November 26, 2018. Tryout schedules will be posted on the athletic section the Minnechaug website in early November. All freshman who have not played a fall sport and all juniors who have not played a fall sport, MUST take the IMPACT test for concussions. You will be notified after registration if you need to take it and when the testing dates will be. Please be sure to check your email AFTER registration.NOTES FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE
EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to our Administrative Assistants:
Edna Lavoie
Maureen Trombly
Carol Thompson
Heather McCarthy
Cheryl Palm
Barbara Sibilia
for being selected as our Employees of the Month.
Their contributions to Minnechaug have extended above and beyond our expectations.
Thank you!
COUNSELING CENTER NEWS
FINE ARTS NEWS
MISCELLANEOUS
Connecting Countries Through Education
The Self Care Yoga Class is collecting donations to the support The New Hope School of Cambodia. Melissa Doe - P.E. teacher volunteered at the school over the summer. The children at this school come from extreme poverty and this could be one way to give back. We will be purchasing items such as pencils, books, bags, shipping cost, and other items on their wish list. Please contact Ms. Melissa Doe with any questions at mdoe@hwrsd.org.
CLASS COUNCIL - CLASS OF 2021
The Class of 2021 invites all members of the HWRSD Community to submit favorite recipes to our soon to be published Community Cookbook!! This is a fundraising activity that the Class Council hopes will bring together members of our community for a common purpose!
You may click on the link provided below to submit online. You may submit more than one recipe, but we can't promise you will have more than one published. The deadline for submitting recipes is Monday, November 5th.
The Class Council is planning on having the books published and available for sale by the spring semester Open House which is February 7, 2019.
Thank you in advance for all of your support
Class Council-Class of 2021
Recipe Submission Form for Class of 2021 Fundraiser
FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA
Attention all Fashionistas!
On Saturday, November 3rd, 2018 the Minnechaug Fashion club will hold the school’s first-ever Fashion Extravaganza in the Minnechaug Regional High School Cafeteria from 10: 00 am-12:00 pm!
The Fashion Extravaganza is a multi-consultant clothing and make-up sale event featuring a plethora of fashion booths including, Matilda Jane, Cabi, Lime Life Skin Care, and Make-up, Lipsense, Avon, and many different LULA ROE retailers. Also featured will be accessories and unique pieces made by the Minnechaug Regional High School Fashion Club.
At the event, you will find hundreds of your favorite pieces such as shirts, leggings, dresses, skirts, and kids clothing in high-quality fabrics. There will also be new and unique prints available on all racks.
Have trouble putting outfits together? No problem, the Fashion club will style you and help you shop for the perfect outfit for any occasion. Don’t delay; this is a one day sale and a portion of the proceeds will benefit The MRHS Fashion Club!
IMPORTANT OCTOBER DATES
15 New Hope Cambodia fundraiser thru 10/19
16 Band Fruit & Butter Braid Sale Begins (through Nov. 3)
16 Homecoming Voting at Lunches
17 Homecoming Voting at Lunches
18 Yearbook Photo Day for Music Groups and Staff Groups
18 Advisory Day Schedule
19 Yearbook Photo Day for Activities and Absentees
19 School Improvement Council Meeting, 3:30-5:00 pm, Rm A117
19 Homecoming Game/Band at Halftime
23 College Fair, 12-2pm, Gym
23 Progress Report Posting on Edline
25 Financial Aid Information Night 6:30 PM – 8 PM (Auditorium)
26 Home Football Game
27 Key Club Kids’ Halloween Night, 5:30-7:00 pm, Auditorium
30 NHS Induction Ceremony, 7-8pm, Auditorium
31 Early Release Day- PD for Staff