FRIDAY FOCUS
Monomoy Regional High School's Weekly Newsletter
Published: Friday, April 12th
Table of contents:
- Important Information
- MRHS News & Weekly Review
- School Calendar
- Community Events
- Counselors' Corner
- Athletics
- Shark Shoutouts!
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Enjoy your April Vacation!
There is NO SCHOOL from Monday, April 15th - Friday, April 19th for April Vacation.
We return to school on Monday, April 22nd. It will be a Day 1.
A letter for families:
Student Vaping, Marijuana, and Opioids - Risks and Resources
To: Superintendents, Charter School Leaders, and Principals
From: Monica Bharel, MD, MPH, Commissioner, Department of Public Health
Date: Friday, April 5, 2019
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School faculty and staff play a key role in educating, identifying needs, and providing support for referrals for students with substance use related problems as well as working with families to address these issues. The information below is meant to serve as a resource on how schools can address the increased use of vaping and marijuana as well as prevent the use of opioids. We would be grateful if you would also share this information with parents/guardians, and Parent Teacher Organization (PTOs), to include them in these efforts.
Vaping
To protect our youth from the health risks of tobacco and nicotine addiction, a new set of Massachusetts state laws dealing with the sale and use of traditional tobacco products and vaping products went into effect on December 31, 2018. These laws expanded "tobacco product" definition to include vaping products and prohibits anyone under the age of 21 from purchasing these products.
Electronic nicotine delivery systems are noncombustible tobacco products, and are known by many different names. They are sometimes called e-cigarettes, e-cigs, mods, vape pens, vapes, or JUULs. Most vaping devices contain and deliver nicotine. Nicotine use in early adolescence causes changes in the brain that make life-long addiction much more likely for young vape users. These devices are still very new, so many of the long-term health consequences of their use is not known. Still, mounting evidence shows that these devices are not harmless.
A new public awareness campaign aimed at youth, Different Product, Same Dangers, was created with input and feedback from young people across the state. Also, view a toolkit to address the use of e-cigarettes in schools and communities along with facts and information for parents.
Marijuana
Now that marijuana is legal in Massachusetts for adults 21 and older, parents and others may wonder how to talk to children and teens about marijuana, its increased availability, and its effects. Regular marijuana use by teens can affect memory and cause learning problems, aggression, anxiety, and increase risky behaviors. It is never too early to start having age-appropriate conversations with children and teens about the risks of marijuana.
Learn how marijuana can affect the body, mind, and health as well prevention resources.
Opioids
Another topic of concern of course is the opioid epidemic, which shows little sign of letting up across the country. We know that 2 out of 3 teens misusing prescription pain meds say they get them from family and/or friends, and some teens share their prescriptions or may sell them to peers and classmates.
A Massachusetts campaign focuses on increasing awareness in adults and parents about the power of talking with youth. We know from research that teens who talk with parents or other adult about opioids are less likely to misuse them.
If you have identified a child or family in need of treatment services, the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline is the statewide, public resource for finding substance use treatment and recovery services. Helpline services are free and confidential, and trained specialists can assist families in navigating the treatment system and available options. Visit the Helplineor call 800-327-5050.
A host of materials is available on our newly updated website, the Massachusetts Health Promotion Clearinghouse: www.mass.gov/maclearinghouse. We encourage all those who work with children and youth to visit the site and download our free materials on these and many other public health topics.
One additional note: if you have identified a child or family in need of treatment services, the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline is a confidential resource for finding substance use treatment and recovery services. Trained specialists can help families navigate the treatment system and available options. Visit https://helplinema.org/ or call 800-327-5050.
Thank you as always for helping to protect youth and keep the next generation safe from the harm of nicotine, marijuana, and opioid addiction. Should you have any questions, please contact Samantha Graham, Substance Use Prevention and Intervention Specialist at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. You may also contact Brian Jenney at the Department of Public Health.
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Message from Principal Burkhead: National Assistant Principals Week
A huge Shark Shout Out to our 2 amazing Assistant Principals - Janie Girolamo and Jen Police on National Assistant Principals Week!
We are extremely fortunate to have 2 of the best in the business and I can not say enough great things about each. I am truly blessed as principal.
Ms. Janie Girolamo, is a long-time veteran administrator who is the backbone of our school. She is passionate, ethical, bright, and loves what she does. I've never worked with a better administrator in my 25+ years in education.
Ms. Jen Police is in her first year and a rising star! She is a quick study, builds strong relationships, loves the students and staff she works with and is extremely hard working.
Please take the time to share how much we appreciate them here at MRHS!
MRHS Honor Roll for Quarter 3 2019
Congrats to all students who made the lists. Your hard work paid off!
National Art Honor Society Donates Soup Bowls for Hunger
The National Art Honor Society made and donated soup bowls for the annual Soup Bowls for Hunger event held on Wednesday, April 10th. Participants were treated to a supper of soup and bread and the gift of a handmade bowl to take home. The bowls are a reminder of the needs of our friends and neighbors on Cape Cod who are experiencing food insecurity and the Family Pantry of Cape Cod benefits from the funds raised to continue the fight against hunger on Cape Cod.
Unified Track & Field Team Holds First Meet
~ Mrs. Grogan, SHORE teacher
MRHS Teen Wellness Fair 2019: "Catch the Wellness Wave"
Monomoy SRO's Massey and Clarke had some fun with the students while educating them on the dangers of using drugs, alcohol, and vaping. The kids were able to use fatal vision goggles, which simulate the effects of motor skills, balance, coordination, reaction time, judgement and depth perception while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
A big thank you to the Peer Leadership Council for all of their hard work to make this event possible and by demonstrating a commitment to the health and well-being of our Monomoy school community!
MRHS Junior Prom 2019 Photos by Seaside Snapshots Photography
**PLEASE NOTE: Facebook compresses photos! If you'd like the full-size JPG of any of these images, please email kat@capecodchronicle.com or seasidesnapshots@gmail.com.**
Thank you Kat Szmit for the wonderful photos!
MRHS Students Head to China & Iceland for April Vacation!
Class of 2022: Harlem Wizard Kick-Off Month
This month is The Harlem Wizard Kick Off Month! The Class of 2022 will be hosting the Harlem Wizards again on October 17th and it's time to start planning their spectacular arrival! We are looking for sponsorships from local businesses. They will be displayed in our program, throughout the gym, and much more. They are $100 to purchase and the money goes directly to helping the class offset the price for the players to come. If you are interested in purchasing one, please make checks out to MRSD and return to Jackie Corrigan at the High School WITH a business card or logo.
TODAY is the LAST DAY to Buy Your Yearbook!
GO TO: www.ybpay.lifetouch.com
ENTER YEARBOOK ID CODE: 9900719
The online ordering will only be open until April 12th but please see Ms. Kelly after that deadline to see if there are any additional yearbooks for purchase!
'Ad Lucem' Quote of the Week
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The events listed below are Upcoming MRHS Events!
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Friday, April 12th
Last Day to Buy Your Yearbook
If you miss the April 12th deadline there may be more copies available for purchase with Ms. Kelly. Please email her (kakelly@monomoy.edu) or see her in the Main Office if you have any questions.
Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 19
NO SCHOOL: April Vacation
There is NO SCHOOL from Monday, April 15th - Friday, April 19 for April Vacation.
Enjoy your vacation!
We return to school on Monday,April 22nd. It will be a Day 1.
Wednesday, April 24th
Wednesday, May 1st
National School Principals Day
Thursday, May 2nd
1st Annual Monomoy High School Student Film Festival
LOCATION: MRHS Auditorium
Categories:
- Best Long Film (5-10 minutes)
- Best Short Film (up to 5 minutes)
- Best Rookie (up to 3 minutes) *Rookie category will be first time film makers and/or smart phone film)
Prizes and scholarships for the winners of each category. Prizes include gift card from the Knack, phone stabilizer, and gift cards from other local businesses.
Important Information:
Deadline is Friday April 26, 2019
- Films must be submitted on Google Drive to Mr. Cass (scass@monomoy.edu)
- No copyrighted music. Must use MRHS audio subscription (See Mr. Cass)
- Judges: Darby Lyons/Local Filmmaker, Sarah Colvin/Cape Media News, Tim Wood/Cape Cod Chronicle
- Films must be "classroom appropriate" as well as original (no recycled projects)
Monday, May 6th - Friday, May 10th
Teacher Appreciation Week
Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week and #ThankATeacher with us May 6-10, 2019!
Teachers change the lives of millions of children every day, and their work and impact extend far beyond the boundaries of the classroom—“Out of This World.”
They play a pivotal role in our children’s lives, inspiring a lifelong love of learning and discovery and making a difference in their well-being and long-term success.
Let’s show our thanks and gratitude to these stellar educators. Blast off with us during PTA Teacher Appreciation Week to #ThankATeacher for all that they do to help our children reach for the stars.
Wednesday, May 8th
Thursday, May 9th
Senior Arts Night
LOCATION: Art Show @ Lutz Gallery, Main STreet, Harwich Port // Concert @ Pilgrim Church, Harwich Port
Celebrate Monomoy's talented Seniors!
Tuesday, May 14th
Grade 8 MCAS: Mathematics
Thursday, May 16th
Grade 8 MCAS: Mathematics
Thursday, May 16th
Friday, May 17th
Senior Awards Night
LOCATION: MRHS Auditorium
This even is organized by the Class of 2019. Departments and teachers will be giving awards to seniors and a slideshow will be featured. All are welcome to attend!
Monday, May 20th
Senior Beach Day/BBQ
LOCATION: Bank Street Beach, Harwich
BBQ Provided by the Chatham and Harwich Police & Fire Departments. Seniors will meet at the beach at 11am. This is considered a school day, if you do not want to attend the beach day then you are expected to be in school that day. There is NO rain date.
Tuesday, May 21st through Thursday, May 23rd
Grade 8 MCAS: Science
Wednesday, May 22nd
Monday, May 27th
Wednesday, June 12th
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Mondays & Thursdays
Learn English for FREE!
Mondays and Thursdays at MRHS, 6pm-8pm
Hello, Hola,مرحبا, Bonjour, Xin chào, Bonjou,你好, Olá, नमस्ते, Здравейте,
Monomoy Regional School District
will teach English to adults for free.
enseñará inglés gratis a adultos.
اللغة الإنجليزية للكبار مجانًا سيعلم
enseignera l'anglais aux adultes gratuitement.
sẽ dạy tiếng Anh cho người lớn miễn phí
将免费为成人教授英语
vai ensinar Inglês para adultos gratuitamente.
ще преподава английски на възрастни безплатно.
अंग्रेजीलाई वयस्कृत गर्न वयस्कहरूलाई सिकाउनेछ।
Meet, reunirse,rencontrer, gặp, rankontre,遇到, Conheçer, मिलन, Среща
Ms. Mimi 774 209 9936
Thursday, May 2nd
UNBOUND III: ArtWeek at Cotuit Center for the Arts
TIME: 4pm
LOCATION: Cotuit Center for the Arts
Monomoy Dance Club 'The Mix' will be performing and leading workshops at the event!
UNBOUND III is an interactive and collaborative pop-up arts experience exploring personal and global themes, designed to be participatory and uncensored. The Center is an ArtWeek Partner in the MA ArtWeek creative festival, with events scheduled statewide from April 26 to May 5. UNBOUND III, here at the Center on the Mainstage and in the Gallery, will feature an evening of artists, dancers, poets, and musicians interacting with attendees.
Come and meet the artists as they create on the spot in response to the event, then make art of your own, write poetry, immerse yourself in a sound bath, dance with abandon, bang on a drum — come and explore UNBOUND.
Not to be missed, this one-of-a-kind, innovative, and FREE event is open to all.
Event includes a cash bar.
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Junior Planning Meetings
MRHS 2019 AP Exam Schedule
Course Scheduling
MRHS Counselors have met with students in assemblies at all grade levels (including grade 7) to review the course scheduling process for next year’s schedule. Each student will have an individual meeting with their counselor to ensure they have scheduled correctly for the upcoming year.
We are meeting currently with our rising seniors and meetings will culminate with our rising grade 9 students towards the end of May. If you have any questions regarding your student’s schedule please contact the appropriate counselor.
SEA Semester: Environmental Studies in Woods Hole & at Sea
Fall 2019 Gap Semester Programs
SEA offers two programs for students taking a gap year or who have been accepted to college as winter admits.
Not-for-credit: Atlantic Odyssey, offered for the first time in Fall 2019, is a 9-week program specifically tailored to students looking for an experiential learning opportunity without the pressure of academic assessment. In this non-credit-bearing program, students will develop leadership and teamwork skills as well as a deeper understanding of the scientific process and research practices at sea, all while crewing a sailing oceanographic research vessel from Woods Hole to the Caribbean.
Credit-bearing: Students who are seeking credit are welcome to enroll in our flagship SEA Semester: Ocean Exploration program, earning 17 transferable Boston University credits in 12 weeks, spending six weeks in Woods Hole and then six weeks on a sailing research voyage to the Caribbean.
Summer 2019 High School Programs
For nearly 30 years, SEA has welcomed high school students to Woods Hole and aboard our ships to learn more about the ocean environment.
Limited space is still available in some of our 2019 summer programs, SEASCape: SEA Science on the Cape and SEA Expedition. Both offer motivated high school students the opportunity to study the marine environment either on shore in Woods Hole, on Cape Cod, or at sea aboard our Atlantic sailing research vessel.
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Athletics Weekly Summary
Written by: Caroline Howard
Hey all you Shark fans… get up and clap your hands after a great week of athletics here at Monomoy High! We’ve seen rain storms, big trucks, and our new Unified track team kick off their season all in a matter of one week! Boy what a way to keep our Spring Sports season rolling ahead! So, let’s get right down to it, shall we!
On Sunday, our Athletic Department hosted a very special event for both the school and the community! This was the annual Mattress Sale, as well as the Touch-A-Truck event for the Jesse Nash Foundation! Not only were these a huge success, but created an overall great time for our tight-knit community! A big Shark Shoutout to our Student Ambassadors for the Athletic Department: Senior Jason Masiello, Junior Sarah Babb, and Sophomore Maggie Dever who put together a great event, as well as the Nash family! A huge thank you is in order for everyone who attended, as well as everyone who bought a mattress! I bet waking up in the morning is a tough thing to do now--and a big good luck!
Anyways, when Monday brought around heavy rain and wind, our Spring Sports teams would have to postpone their games and hit the gym! Folks, there is just some water our Sharks cannot swim in! However, that didn’t stop our Girls Lacrosse team from playing! The Girls Lacrosse team kicked us off with a big win over the DY Dolphins! Our Sharks showed spectacular offense, with quick passing and shooting in the circle! Way to show off your skills ladies! The overall score of the game was 12-4! Nice work ladies!
For Tuesday, our Spring Sports were back at it! Boys Lacrosse faced off against the ferocious Falmouth Academy Mariners. Boy was this a game! The offensive shots that the Sharks took, needless to say, must’ve had their goalie shaking in his boots! I would not want to be in that goal folks! The Sharks swam their way into victory and beat FA with a score of 9-1! Way to play Sharks!
Girls Lacrosse played their second game in a row for the week, and also played the Falmouth Academy Mariners. This was a close game, as the Sharks were just on their heels for most of the game! But unfortunately, we can’t win them all. The Sharks fell to the Mariners 13-9. Shake it off ladies, you’ll get them next time!
Tuesday also brought around a big win for the Girls Softball team against Sturgis East! The Sharks seemed to pitch right down the middle, and stepped right up to the plate as they walked away with a victory under their belts! The final score of the showdown was 19-3. A great win girls, nice job!
Boys Baseball also played a game against Sturgis East on Tuesday, and was it a close one at that! The Sharks showed great fielding and persistence, but just couldn’t manage to score enough runs in the end to beat Sturgis East. The final score of the ballgame was 5-3. Great effort boys!
As for the Girls Tennis team, they served up a big storm over Sturgis East and walked out with a win! Great matches were played by Hannah Marty and Ava Barbello! The final score of the matches were 4-1! Way to keep them on their toes Sharks!
For Boys Tennis, they also grabbed a win over Sturgis East on Tuesday! The boys showed a great tenacity on the court, and wow did it pay off! The Sharks took the win 5-0, and called it a day! Great matches boys, keep it up!
Girls Golf had a match against the Barnstable Red Raiders on Tuesday over at Eastward Ho! The girls gave the Red Raiders a run for their money, as the final score only came down to a few putts! But in the end, Barnstable took the win 3 ½ to the Sharks 2 ½ . Keep your chins, and your fins up ladies, nice work!
Monomoy Sailing had a big meet against Sturgis on Tuesday, as the Sharks had a close race! The Sharks showed off their skills and knowledge against Sturgis, but in the end, fell 3-1. Way to put it all out their sailors, you’ll get them next time!
On Wednesday, the Monomoy Unified Track team had their first meet against the Sandwich Blue Knights! The Sharks showed their perseverance, enthusiasm and pure love of life at the meet, that warmed every fan's heart! A very successful meet, as well as a very successful step forward for our school! Congratulations to all of our runners, you deserve it! Can’t wait for the rest of the season!
On Wednesday, the Sailing team was back at it again with a meet against Dartmouth and Bishop Stang. This was a tough race, but the Sharks pushed and gave it their all until they crossed the finish line! Unfortunately in the end, they fell to Dartmouth and Bishop Stang. But, great effort Sharks!
Boys Track had a big meet against Sturgis on Wednesday, and showed off their speed, hurdles, and throwing throughout the meet. In the end, the Sharks ran across the finish line to a victory! Way to go Sharks, nice work! Wednesday also brought around the Girls Track team meet against Sturgis! Unfortunately, the Sharks lost to Sturgis in a close series of events. But, there’s always next time Sharks, keep pushing!
Finally for Thursday, our Sharks had a couple of games to keep us busy. First, Girls Lacrosse had a huge victory over Cape Cod Academy 18-5. The girls showed a strong defense, great field vision, and passed the ball stick to stick! Way to work girls!
Boys Lacrosse also had a victory over Cape Cod Academy 15-9 on Thursday. The boys showed their strong offense, as well as displayed their fierce presence when it came to the physical side of the game. Overall, a great game played by the Sharks! Nice work!
Girls Softball tacked on another victory under their belt as they won over Saint John Paul 21-5 on Thursday. Great fielding plays were made by the Sharks early on, as well as great hitting that made it far back in the outfield! Way to go Sharks!
Boys Baseball grabbed a win over SJP also, with a score of 3-2! The boys showed their determination on the field, as well as over the plate as it was a close game. But in the end, the Sharks were the ones to take home a great win! Nice job boys!
Both Boys and Girls Tennis had tough matches against Sturgis West on Thursday. Both teams ended up falling 3-2, despite playing strong matches against their opponents. Hold your heads high Sharks, there are always more matches to play!
Finally on Thursday, the Girls Golf team tee-ed up at Eastward Ho! against the Nauset Warriors. A beautiful day brought around some beautiful golf from the Sharks, and the girls took the win 6-0 over Nauset! Great job girls!
Well folks, I believe I am getting carpal tunnel, and you are all probably getting a slight headache from the looks of this essay! But, as we all know, our Sharks are worth it! So, I hope everyone has a great vacation, and I’ll be back in no time! For now, I’m Caroline Howard and Go Sharks!
NEXT WEEK'S MRHS ATHLETIC SCHEDULE
ATHLETICS EARLY DISMISSALS FOR NEXT WEEK
Monday 4/22
Freshman Baseball @ 3:00
Tuesday 4/23
V/JV Softball @ 12:30
V/JV Baseball @ 12:30
V/JV Girls Lacrosse @ 1:45
V Boys Tennis @ 12:30
V Girls Golf @ 2:45
V Sailing @ 3:00
Thursday 4/25
V/JV Girls Lacrosse @ 3:00
V Boys Tennis @ 2:30
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- Extra big shout out to Ms Grogan and the SHORE program for starting the MRHS Food Pantry! What an amazing idea and so needed. I have spoken to some students who have used it and it truly brightens their life to know this resource exists. Way to go - turning our motto - Ad Lucem (to the light) - into actions!!!! -Mr. George Sowpel
- Shark Shout-out to the MRHS students who volunteered their time to offer childcare at the recent Chatham 365 Task Force public forums: Anna Bianco, Perry Comeau, Caroline Davock, Jenna Greco, Hannah Mitchell, Josh Poitras, and Kathleen Prescott! Their help was much appreciated, and it allowed a number of young families to attend the forum discussions. Thank you!! -Ms. Joy Jordan
- I'd love to send a Shark Shout out for the Prom Committee and the After-Prom Party Committee for making our evening such a memorable event. Every detail of the Prom was just exquisite! From the program and the ticket to the chocolates and the centerpieces, beautiful touches were everywhere. The location was elegant and the food was phenomenal. The thought and planning that went into the party was so touching. People made such an effort to make everything perfect. I had a wonderful time. -Abby Kelley
- Shark Shout Out to George Sowpel for all of his day-to-day assistance and support! You're the best, George! - Ms. Liz Hoff
- I just wanted to say how impressed I am with the support that athletes are showing for peers on other teams. I was at the track meet yesterday and took note of the number of students on the lacrosse, baseball, and softball teams that took time before and after practices to cheer on their friends on the track team. That's genuine sportsmanship. -Ms. Kat Szmit
- Shark Shout Out to Jessie Currie: She's such a kind and helpful person! In the cafeteria, she helps with the trash pick up sometimes, and if I need an errand done, Jessie is there without hesitation! -Ms. Lisa Forte-Doyle
- Shark Shout Out to Principal Burkhead for bringing to MRHS a special visit from award-winning author and poet, Yolande Clark-Jackson during our Jawsome Hour and Creative Writing class. -Ms. Lisa Forte-Doyle
Contact Us!
Email: mrhs@monomoy.edu
Website: https://www.monomoy.edu/Page/15
Location: 75 Oak Street, Harwich, MA, USA
Phone: 508-430-7200
Follow MRHS on Twitter!
Website: https://twitter.com/MonomoyRHS
Twitter: @MonomoyRHS