

Ranger Weekly Message
October 25, 2024

Headliners
First Marking Term Ends - Friday, November 1, 2024
Please note that Friday, November 1 marks the end of the first marking term. Families are encouraged to have conversations about their student’s progress to date. Please do not hesitate to contact your student’s teacher(s), counselor, or associate principal with questions or concerns. As a reminder, students and families should log in to Infinite Campus daily to monitor student attendance and grades. For assistance with your IC account (username and password), contact Main Office Secretary Ellen Sicard by email at ensicard@methuen.k12.ma.us or by phone at (978) 722-6040.
Clubs and Activities Highlight- Sewing Club
The sewing club gathered for their weekly club meeting to work on their projects with the sewing machines and crocheting. Big shout out to Ms. Symonds who advises the sewing club. He dedication outside of the classroom provides opportunities for MHS students to interact/make connections with their peers, while engaging in fun activities.
Announcements/Reminders
Support the MPS Backpack Program
Interested in giving back to families in need? Consider making donations to the Methuen Public Schools backpack program. MPS provides families with food insecurity essential supplies. Non perishable supplies can be dropped off at any of the MPS schools or at our central office located at 9 Branch Street, Methuen MA 01844. For ideas on what is needed, please see the Amazon Wishlist. Thank you in advance for the support of our Ranger community.
Academic Support Center Is Back - Open After School
The Academic Support Center (ASC) is available for students to get extra help/tutoring to complete their coursework. The ASC, staffed with certified MHS teachers, will be open from 2:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Thursday in the Media Center. Students who desire a quiet space to complete assignments individually may also access the center. All students are encouraged to have conversations with their teachers about completing assignments and utilizing the ASC.
Mental Health Parent & Student Advisory Council (MHPSAC)
Seeking New Members
The Mental Health Parent & Student Advisory Council was formed in order to give students and
parents a voice regarding the mental health initiative in Methuen. The goals of the MHPSAC will
be to identify steps to reduce stigma related to mental health problems, promote health and
wellbeing through increased awareness and prevention, improve students’ access to and use of
mental health services and supports, and continue to strengthen and unify our community
regarding mental health awareness and access to quality services and supports.
Interested students and parents/guardians are encouraged to join these monthly, virtual
sessions to engage in discussion and collaborative planning that will guide the continued design
and implementation of social emotional and mental health services and supports across
Methuen Public Schools. This year, we are especially interested in expanding membership of
the council to include students and caregivers in grades 5-8.
If you are interested in joining the Mental Health Parent & Student Advisory Council, please
email John Crocker, Director of School Mental Health & Behavioral Services at
jncrocker@methuen.k12.ma.us. The meeting dates and times for the 24-25 school year are
listed below:
October 30 (4:45-5:30)
December 4 (4:45-5:30)
January 29 (4:45-5:30)
February 26 (4:45-5:30)
March 26 (4:45-5:30)
April 30 (4:45-5:30)
May 28 (4:45-5:30)
Electronics Policy- Please Review With Your Children
All electronics including cellphones, smartwatches, and headphones are to be away during instructional time. Teachers have been provided clear pocket holders. Best practice would be to store electronics in the provided pocket holder. This is a students best method for ensuring that the electronics do not come out during instructional time. If electronics do not go into the pocket holder they should remain away for the duration of the period. This includes if students leave the room on a pass. If electronics are out for any reason, teachers have been instructed to assign a teacher detention and to communicate with parents/guardians. During transitions and lunches we are okay with students using their electronics so long as it is done so responsibly. This means at no point should students be taking video's, or pictures, and/or making social media posts, and one headphone should be out so that students can hear staff in the event that they need to speak to them. Teachers have been reviewing all expectations over the past few days to support student understanding of these very essential expectations. We want to reiterate that while many schools are going to full electronics bans in schools. That is not how we want things to be for our students. Our goal is for everyone to use technology appropriately, and with our 1-1 iPad initiative, there is no reason for personal electronics to be out during instructional periods. We appreciate your understanding on why this is important, and we appreciate students cooperation with following this policy so that teachers can provide your children with the learning opportunities that they deserve free of the distractions that come with technology.
Field of Flags
If you are interested in participating in the Field of Flags , please see information below or check out their site HERE
Upcoming Events
Athletics- Week Ahead Athletics Schedule
See below for all athletic events taking place the week of October 28th
Attendance at Fall Events - Spectator Expectations
We are excited to support MHS Athletics throughout the fall months. When attending events, please adhere to the following expectations:
- Cheer positively for the Rangers and be respectful of the coaches, opponents, officials, and guests.
- Inappropriate language and behavior will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the event.
- Backpacks are not allowed. If there is a need to bring a bag, it may be subject to search.
- If you leave the facility, you may not reenter.
- School rules apply for all MHS students attending school-sponsored, extracurricular events, whether at MHS or another location. Violations of the MHS code of conduct, as outlined in the student handbook, may result in disciplinary consequences.
We look forward to an enjoyable season. Go Rangers!
Arthur Nicholson III Bocce Tournament - Saturday, November 2, 2024
All are invited to enjoy a day of bocce, Texas Roadhouse BBQ, and fun as the Methuen Scholarship Foundation presents its third annual Arthur Nicholson III Bocce Tournament fundraiser on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Sons of Italy in Methuen. Mr. Nick, a lifelong Ranger, was educated in the Methuen Public Schools where he later worked as a teacher and administrator for over forty-six years. He spent many years as principal of Methuen High School and will forever be remembered for his ability to be everywhere and know everyone. Mr. Nick consistently demonstrated his care, concern, and commitment to the students, staff, and community that he so loved. Your support of our Class of 2025 is greatly appreciated.
College and Career Highlight
Nashua Community College
Location: Nashua, NH
Enrollment:
Academic Year Fall 2023 had 1,292 students, 73% part-time and 27% full-time.
Student Profile:
Gender - 54% female/45% male.
Age - Average 25 years, ranging from 14 to 70 years with 66% of students under 25 years.
Ethnicity - White: 60%, Hispanic/Latino: 21%, Black/African American: 6%, Asian: 5%
Admissions Information:
NCC has a rolling open-admission policy to anyone with a high school diploma or GED.
If you want to attend college, you’re welcome at NCC. No application deadlines. Enrolling is easy. NCC offers a variety of affordable programs—including associate degrees, certificates, community and corporate education, employment-ready programs, and online courses—all designed to prepare you for a better future.
NCC At A Glance:
NCC offers 34 associate degree and 20 certificate programs covering careers in business, industry and transportation, health sciences and services, STEM, social services, and liberal arts.
Student Clubs and Organizations:
Students at NCC have been most enthusiastic in organizing their own activities guided by faculty advisors. Student activities are similar to those found at other Community Colleges and are based upon student interest. Student Clubs and Organizations Pamphlet 2022
Transfer Program Information:
NCC partners with four-year colleges and universities to offer transfer opportunities to students looking to earn their bachelor’s degree after NCC. Graduates have successfully transferred to more than 500 four-year colleges and universities!
Honors Program Information:
Students in the Honors Program benefit from more challenging classes, which help engage high performing students and prepare them to transfer to four-year programs. Watch this video to learn more.
Exploratory Liberal Arts Program:
NCC offers an exploratory liberal arts program which provides tools and resources necessary for selecting a college major in preparation for transfer to a four-year college with an identified career pathway based on your interests and aptitudes. In the meantime, you will work to successfully complete an A.A. or certificate program within four full-time semesters.
The next open house is
November 18, 2024 from 5-7pm. Register here! There are also information sessions available all year.
CALLING ALL RANGERS: Our Rangers are Going Places
Seniors,
We would love to highlight where you are committing to for college. Please share your admittance letter with main office secretary Ellie Sicard and we will get you added to our newsletter.
Resources for Families
Infinite Campus
For more information how to connect to Infinite Campus, or how to update personal information, click HERE
Student Parking- Purchase Permits
For more information on parking expectations and how to purchase a permit, click HERE.
Buses, Parent Drop-off, and Pick-up
For more information on bussing, parent drop-off, and pick-up, click HERE
Student Absences, Tardies, Dismissals, Credit Denial
For more information on student attendance, tardies, dismissal, and credit denial policies, please click HERE
Additional Resources
Care Solace - 24/7/365 Mental Health Care Coordination Service
Methuen Public Schools has secured a resource to support matching students, staff, and their families to mental health services. Care Solace draws on a national database of mental health providers and manages complete coordination of the service matching process all the way through to intake. Support is available in multiple languages for all forms of insurance 24/7/365.
This service can be accessed confidentially without informing any MPS staff. Click here to access the Methuen webpage to search for mental health services and begin the matching process. Students under the age of 18 will need the consent of their caregivers to begin the process of accessing mental health services.
The family letters, available in English and Spanish, describe how individuals can initiate a referral. Thank you for partnering with MPS as we work to ensure all students and families receive quality and timely support.
Resources for supporting students at risk of substance use
School Counseling Department - Information and Supports for Students
Every student at MHS can access support from the School Counseling Department for problems large and small. Counselors do not only assist students with postsecondary planning and academics. All school counselors are licensed professionals who provide free, confidential counseling services to students to address mental health concerns, personal problems, conflicts, and crises. If a student is struggling with a personal issue, needs help supporting a friend, or simply needs advice about how to manage a stressful situation, please reach out to the School Counseling Department. Families are encouraged to reach out to counseling staff to request support for their student (including group and individual counseling services), request assistance navigating difficult situations and family crises, and learn about how to access community resources. Counselors are available throughout the school day and can be contacted in person and through email. Students can simply visit the counseling office or reach out in any way they feel comfortable and a counselor will provide the help they are looking for.
Associate Principals
Please do not hesitate to reach out to the appropriate grade-level associate principal for assistance. Communication along with a strong partnership between families and the school will provide students with the necessary support system to be successful throughout high school.
Glenda Javier - Grade 12 AP gajavier@methuen.k12.ma.us (978) 722-6040 ext. 2623
Matthew Curran - Interim Grade 11 AP mwcurran@methuen.k12.ma.us (978) 722-6040 ext. 2363
Jackie Rubino - Grade 10 AP jerubino@methuen.k12.ma.us (978) 722-6040 ext. 2362
Kevin O’Loughlin - Grade 9 AP knoloughlin@methuen.k12.ma.us (978) 722-6040 ext. 2669
MHS School Calendar
October 2024
Saturday, October 26, 2024:- JROTC Raider Challenge (at Fort Devens)
- NESBA Marching Band Competition (at Wakefield)
- Connections
November 2024
Friday, November 1, 2024:
- First Term Ends
- SAT Exam
- NESBA Marching Band Finals (Lawrence)
- Faculty Meeting
- Election Day- No school students. Staff Professional Development
- MCAS ELA Retest Session 1
- National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
- Science National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
- MCAS ELA Retest Session 2
- Veterans Day- Schools Closed
- MCAS Mathematics Retest Session 1
- MCAS Mathematics Retest Session 2
- Report Cards Posted to IC portal
- Connections
- JROTC MAP Competition (Revere)
- Santa Parade
- Early Release
- Thanksgiving- Schools Closed
December 2024
Wednesday December 4, 2024:
- Connections
- Second Term Midpoint
- Senior Class Trip to NYC
- Winter Choral Concert
- Fall Play
- JROTC MAP Competition
- Department Meetings
- Connections
- Winter Band Concert
- Early Release
- Winter Break-No School
District News
Methuen Public Schools Employment Opportunities
Are you interested in supporting our students by working in the Methuen Public Schools? Click here to view employment opportunities. Please contact Director of Human Resources Colleen McCarthy by email at cnmccarthy@methuen.k12.ma.us or by phone at (978) 722-6013 with questions.