MHS Newsletter
Your e-news source for Mansfield High School
From the Principal's Desk...
November 1, 2019
Hi All,
This past Tuesday night I presented to School Committee a review of our Spring 2019 MCAS scores and accountability results.
Last year was one of transition relative to MCAS at MHS and throughout the state- Grade 10 students were the first to take the Next-Generation (Next-Gen), computer-based MCAS tests in both ELA and Mathematics. The new Next-Gen tests are more challenging - the tests have shifted away from measuring minimum competency and moved toward measuring true college and career readiness.
I’m pleased to report that MHS continues to perform very well and that our Science scores have even improved. In ELA and Mathematics, 79% of students scored Exceeding Expectations or Meeting Expectations (Next-Gen tests); in Science, 87% of students scored Advanced or Proficient (Legacy test). Overall, MHS received a ranking of “Substantial Progress Toward Meeting Targets."
Science is quick to follow ELA and Mathematics in the transition to Next-Gen, computer-based testing. While last year’s 9th graders took the Legacy Biology test on paper, this year’s 9th graders will take the Next-Gen Biology test on the computer. That is to say, this spring, all three testing subjects will have transitioned to Next-Gen, computer-based tests. I am very proud of our students and staff for the tremendous effort they put forth last year- you did the hard work and it shows. Congratulations!
Just a reminder that next Wednesday, November 6th is a half day for students with a 10:30AM dismissal- faculty and staff will be engaged in professional development for the remainder of the day.
World Language Induction Night is taking place Thursday, November 7th at 7PM in the Auditorium. I invite parents/guardians, families, and friends to come support and celebrate our students who have committed to and excelled at the study of a World Language. Please note that 1st Quarter also ends on the 7th and that report cards will be coming soon!
Finally, Monday, November 11th is Veteran's Day, and school will be closed for the holiday.
To our students, staff, and families with relatives who are serving at home and overseas, we thank you for your sacrifice and we thank them for their service.
Have a fabulous weekend!
Best regards,
Mary Watkins
Class of 2020
There continue to 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.
Class of 2021
Class of 2022
The sophomore class is looking for your help!
We are currently selling Mansfield umbrellas as a fun and fashionable way to raise money! Funds raised will go directly to the class of 2022 and will be used for future events. We appreciate your support and thank you for contributing to the class of 2022! Items can be found by going to https://www.customink.com/fundraising/mhs22 . All orders must be placed by November 15th and items will ship the first week of December.
In addition, you can support the Sophomore Class by enjoying dinner at the Stoneforge Grill in Easton on Monday, November 4th starting at 4:00 PM. When you order, just mention to your waiter or waitress that you are there for the Mansfield High School Class of 2022 Dine & Donate event.
Thank you in advance for your support!"
Visual Arts
Students in Advanced and Photography II worked with Mr Wright, SRO and Bentley to photograph a calendar for 2020. The calendar will be used as a fundraiser for NEADS.
The proceeds from this calendar will be used to name/sponsor a NEADS service dog
so we can pay this awesome experience forward to another person or community.
Calendars will be on sale during lunch and through Mr Wright. Don’t miss out, they won’t last long!!!
Mathematics
Students in Mrs. Elofson's Introduction to Programming class have been learning about web development and digital citizenship and completed their website designs last week using HTML and CSS coding.
Students in Mrs. Elofson's Introduction to Engineering 1 class have been using computer-aided design (CAD) techniques and the engineering design process as they work toward innovative solutions in the organizer design challenge. Five teams of students are working on different design solutions for assorted markets and may be visiting other classrooms later this month to get feedback on their designs.
Science
Students from MHS and JJ extended their learning about vanishing honey bees, colony collapse disorder and decreasing Monarch populations into the community, and received a valuable and authentic experience at solutions-based conservation, while at the same time seeing for themselves how kids can really make a difference!
Social Studies
Edward Kennedy Institute
Students from Mr. Caisse’s American History II classes participated in a simulation program at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in Boston. The Kennedy Institute is an interactive museum devoted to teaching students about the history and legislative functions of the United States Senate. Students were assigned the role of a current United States Senator and worked to develop a comprehensive immigration reform bill. Students worked within the EMK Institute’s full scale replica of the Senate chambers.
Business and Technology
Thank you for any of the following items:
- clean baby food jars
- t-shirts
- leftover fabric
MHS Student Featured in "Design Thinking" Article
MHS's Shreya Ahuja was recently interviewed for a patent and design thinking article by the prestigious Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
Check out the article here:
https://kwhs.wharton.upenn.edu/2019/10/what-is-design-thinking/
Congratulations, Shreya!
Performing Arts
Press Release:
Mansfield High School Drama Department to present the play, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
On November 15th & 16th at 7pm, Mansfield High School drama students will perform the 2015 Tony Award Winning Best Play, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME based on the novel by Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens.
The New York Times hailed this thrilling play as “a phenomenal combination of storytelling and spectacle”.
At seven minutes after midnight, fifteen year old Christopher Boone (Zachary Morrison) finds his neighbor’s dog, Wellington, stabbed to death on the front lawn. Christopher, fearing that the police are suspicious of him, goes on a mission to find the real murderer. He interviews his neighbors, keeping track of the facts in a special book for a school project. Although Christopher is highly intelligent when it comes to math and science, he has difficulty interacting with strangers and gets overwhelmed by loud noises. Moreover, he abhors human touch and has a terrible fear of strangers. Having never traveled beyond his own block, Christopher anxiously ventures out to the city streets of London to discover the truth about Wellington and about family secrets his parents have hid for years.
In addition to Zachary, the cast includes Amelia Allen (Mrs. Shears), Kayla Bradley (Siobhan), Arturo Romero (Ed), Maria Papoulidis (Judy), Faith Alves (Mrs. Alexander), Brendan Robinson (Roger), and ensemble members Alexandra Bramley, Eric Holts, Jerry Ridlen and a brief appearance by Mansfield’s favorite dog, Bentley!
This production contains strobe lighting, high intensity lighting and video effects, as well as loud sound effects. The play is suitable for children 12+.
General admission tickets will be available at the door, forty five minutes prior to curtain, at Mansfield High School $10 for students and $12 for adults.
Check out the fantastic cast below!
AP Exam Registration
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.
Mansfield All Sports Boosters- ANNUAL COMEDY NIGHT
Where: Mansfield Holiday Inn
When: Saturday, November 2
Time: Doors Open at 6:30
Comedy Night featuring Al Parks and headliner Dan Crohn
$30 per person or reserve a table of 8 for $240
Go to www.mhs-athletics.com for more information and purchase tickets
Yearbooks are on Sale NOW!
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 a book will receive a free "Join the Vibe" bracelet while supplies last.
Senior portraits and blurbs are due Thursday October 31. Seniors who would like to have their photo taken by a yearbook staff member should see Ms. Martinelli before Thursday.
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.
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
Nov. 6- 1/2 Day for Students; ELA MCAS Retest
Nov. 7- Q1 Ends; ELA MCAS Retest; World Language Induction Ceremony at 7PM
Nov. 8- Start Q2; ELA MCAS Retest
Nov. 11- Veteran's Day- No School
Nov. 13- Math MCAS Retest
Nov. 14- Math MCAS Retest
Nov. 15- Fall Play at 7PM
Nov. 16- Fall Play at 7PM
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