MHS Newsletter
Your e-news source for Mansfield High School
From the Principal's Desk...
October 4, 2019
Hi All,
Our first lock down drill of the year went very smoothly last Wednesday. During the drill, faculty took time to debrief with students on how best to secure their classrooms, and received questions and feedback from students.
One request that students have put out repeatedly for the last two years, and, again this year, is for us to run a drill during passing time between classes. We have not yet made a decision regarding this request and will be discussing it with the School Council. If we were to do it, we'd certainly announce it in advance and plan well so that no student or staff member is caught off guard. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any thoughts on this challenging topic.
Next, and on a more festive note, I'd like to make a plug for your attendance at Mansfield's first Fall Festival at Fulton Pond this weekend, TONIGHT, and Saturday afternoon.
Friday, October 4 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Enjoy FREE Ferris Wheel rides on "Big Ellie" while overlooking Fulton Pond. There will be Fire Cauldrons, Lantern Design and Launch, Fire Juggler Performances, and join the beat with Drums For All! All activities are FREE!
Saturday, October 5 from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Enjoy FREE Ferris Wheel rides on "Big Ellie", FREE Face Painting, FREE Pictures with Antique Cars, Copeland House Tours, and FREE llama petting. There will be local food and drink for sale, and an Arts and Craft fair with items for sale!
Finally, today in homeroom students received progress reports and school pictures (if purchased)- please ask for them! Remember, next Friday October 11th is a half day for students with buses leaving at 10:30AM and there is no school on Monday, October 14th for Columbus Day.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Best regards,
Mary Watkins
Financial Aid Night
The evening will by led by Susan Beard from the Department of Financial Aid at Wheaton College. Her presentation is highly informative, and while it is geared primarily toward senior parents, the information she shares is helpful to any parent who wishes to learn more about the financial aid process.
Wednesday, Oct 16, 2019, 06:30 PM
MHS Auditorium
MHS School Council 2019-2020
Dave Elsner
Susan Burns
Eileen Cooke
Lisa Guglielmi
Carolyn Deady
Mary Shannon
Jennifer Faber
Lalit Koul
Bill Deasy
Mark DeGirolamo
Tina Karidoyanes
TJ Guy
Karine Ayoub
The first meeting of the year will take place on Monday, October 7; please look for a report on the first meeting in our next newsletter.
IMPORTANT- AP Exam Registration
Friday, October 11th: Deadline to inform AP Coordinator of intent to take exams for students self-studying for AP exams
Friday, October 18th: Deadline to register for exams for students currently enrolled in MHS AP courses
Friday, November 8th: Deadline for ALL students to pay for all exams
This year the College Board changed the protocol for Advanced Placement test registration and the fee structure. Based on research conducted by College Board they have determined that students are more invested in their Advanced Placement classes and perform better on exams if they commit to taking the exam in the fall of the school year. College Board has also added an online platform with resources for students and faculty to help students prepare for AP exams in May.
In order to be in compliance with College Board rules and regulations, students will be signing up for their AP exams online in their respective AP classes. Students will have until October 18th to decide if they are taking the exam. By this deadline they will need to have input a "yes" or "no" in the College Board portal. Teachers in each AP class will review this process with their students. This is the first step of the process.
The second step is for students to pay for exams in the School Counseling Office (see Ms. MacKillop). The cost per exam is $94. Checks should be payable to Mansfield High School.
Different this year is the late/cancellation fee from College Board. After November 15th if students change their mind (either they decide that they want to take the test or decide not to take the test) College Board will assess a $40 fee per exam. After March 13th students may no longer decide to enroll in an exam; however, they may cancel the test as late as May.
For students who are preparing on their own for AP Exams not offered by Mansfield High School: Students are responsible for both the cost of the exam ($94 per exam) and the proctor fee ($90 per exam). Students must let Ms. Karidoyanes (in the School Counseling Office) know if they are planning to take an AP exam no later than Friday, October 11th. They will have until November 8th to pay for the exam. Any students who registers after November 15th will be assessed a $40 late fee per exam by the College Board.
Guidance Update
Class of 2020
In the upcoming months there will be several opportunities for SENIORS to meet with a variety of colleges visiting MHS. Seniors can us NAVIANCE to access the list of colleges coming to visit and should sign up at least a week in advance. If students need their password, they should schedule an appointment with their school counselor since this information can not be provided over the phone or through email. Each week we will be sharing important information with students through NAVIANCE so it is important to check email and NAVIANCE regularly.
Student Flu Clinic
Bring a health insurance card and be ready to fill out pre-screening consent forms.
Available to students and families ages 9 and older.
Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Check out the flyer below.
Wednesday, Oct 23, 2019, 06:00 PM
MHS Cafeteria
Golf
Cheerleading
"Voice of Democracy" Audio Essay Competition - Deadline October 31
Students, consider writing and recording an audio essay for the VFW's "Voice of Democracy" audio essay competition.
Theme: "What Makes America Great"
Deadline: October 31, 2019
Record and submit your original 3 to 5 minute essay -enter to win Audio Essay Competition Grand Prize scholarship of $30,000!
Visit http://www.vfw.org/VOD for more details!
The 2020 Yearbooks are on Sale NOW!
Go to https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/general/homepage?portal=true to order your book online.
Books are $73 but order before October 31st and get a $10 discount!
Everyone who orders before October 13th will be entered to win one of two $25 gift cards to Piezoni's.
Go to Mansfieldhighschoolyearbook.com for all your 2020 Yearbook information including senior photos and profiles, buying the book, placing a business or family ad and more.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
If you are parenting for the second time around please come and join us to meet supportive friends. This support group offers emotional support and provides guidance around local support services and tools necessary to navigate raising children.
Wednesday, Oct 9, 2019, 06:30 PM
Mansfield Council On Aging, Hope Street, Mansfield, MA, USA
Update to Building Supervision Hours- Cold Weather
In order to better ensure the safety of all students and staff by more closely regulating who accesses the building before and after school hours, school-wide building supervision for students will begin promptly at 7AM and end at 3PM.
Please provision for your child to arrive at school no earlier than 7AM since they will not have access to the building. Students walking to school or being dropped off who may need to wait a few minutes prior to the doors opening should dress appropriately for cold weather.
Thank you for observing these hours as we work to reduce risk and increase safety for all.
Key Dates for Your Calendar
Oct. 8-9- Yom Kippur
Oct. 11- 1/2 Day Early Release
Oct. 14- No School - Columbus Day
Oct. 16- Financial Aid Night, 6:30PM MHS Auditorium
Oct. 18- Homecoming Game
Oct. 24- Photo Retakes
Bus Transportation 2019-2020
All bus transportation information, including forms and routes, is available on the District Home Page. Please click here: Bus Transportation.
About Us
Mary Watkins, Principal
Zachary Abrams, Assistant Director, Special Education
Abigail Barlas, Assistant Principal, Student Support Services
James Schliefke, Assistant Principal, Grades 9 & 11
Timothy Tichacek, Assistant Principal, Grades 10 & 12
Email: firstname.lastname@mansfieldschools.com
Website: http://mhs.mansfieldschools.com/
Location: 250 East Street, Mansfield, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 261-7540
Twitter: @MHShornets