On Monday, December 2, 2024, we begin our annual toy drive in partnership with Debbie’s Treasure Chest (DTC). Students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to support underprivileged children in the Merrimack Valley by donating a new, unwrapped gift. Recommended donation items include: educational items, toys, board games, sporting goods, art supplies, jewelry, and makeup/beauty kits. Toys can be dropped off before Friday, December 13, 2024, in the Main Office or with Athletic Director Tom Ryan. Please consider donating to the annual DTC Toy Drive to help bring joy to hundreds of local children this holiday season.

JROTC Cadets recently placed third in marksmanship at their New Bedford High School competition. Their next MAP competition will take place Saturday, 14 December. Congrats Ranger JROTC!

On Friday December 6, 2024 members of the Methuen High School fine arts department spent time at Methuen Village connecting with senior citizens. We are so proud of our Rangers for being contributing members to our community.

Each month the students are given a specific prompt and select a MHS teacher of the month. Please join us in recognizing the teachers of the month for October, November, and December

Prompt: A staff member who made you feel welcome and excited to begin the school year in their class

Winner: Kristen DiGloria-ELA

Prompt: A staff member who provided extra learning opportunities beyond the classroom for you.

Winner: Diala Khoury-Math/ELE

Prompt: A teacher who taught you something new and interesting that you didn't know before

Winner: Jeffrey Bellistri-ELA

The Methuen Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) warmly invites you to join today! We are dedicated volunteers committed to supporting families of students with special needs. Connect with us for valuable resources and support.

Right now, we're excited to partner with our amazing PTOs to enhance and foster inclusivity at our school events. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers from each school to join our mission! Your involvement can truly make a difference in fostering a welcoming environment for all families.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please reach out to us at:

Email: methuensepac@gmail.com

Together, we can create a supportive community for all students and their families!

Methuen SEPAC

Special Education Parent Advisory Council

methuensepac@gmail.com

(978) 291-8258

We are seeking interested parents who would like to support our school improvement efforts by joining the MHS School Council. Massachusetts General Law requires that every school establish a school council, which is composed of the principal, parents, teachers, community members, and students. Membership of the school council should be broadly representative of the racial and ethnic diversity of the school building and community. The group is charged with adopting educational goals for the school, identifying the educational needs of students, reviewing the school budget, formulating a school improvement plan, and reviewing the student handbook. Click here to view detailed information about school councils as outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The MHS School Council meets periodically throughout the year with meetings being held at MHS from 2:15-3:15 p.m. The scheduled meeting dates for the 2024-2025 school year are:

• Thursday, January 30, 2025

• Thursday, March 6, 2025

• Thursday, April 3, 2025

• Thursday, May 15, 2025

If you are interested in joining the MHS School Council, please provide your information by completing this brief survey. If necessary, an election will be held providing parents the opportunity to select the school council parent members.

The Methuen School Committee is actively bargaining with the Methuen Education Association for Unit A (teachers) and Unit C (program assistants). In an effort to be transparent about the process and information being shared, there is a link on the MPS website titled collective bargaining updates. Methuen School Committee values all MPS educators and the need for fair and equitable contracts while working within the constraints of the MPS operating budget.

Please note that Friday, December 6, 2024, marks the midpoint of the second marking term. Families are encouraged to have frequent conversations about their student’s academic progress. Please do not hesitate to contact your student’s teacher(s), school 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.

Berkeley Auto School is offering driver’s education classes at MHS from December 17 through January 15. This program is available to MHS students only and participants must be at least 15.9 years old. Please reach out to Berkeley Auto School by phone at (978) 685-7701 or email at berkauto@gmail.com with any questions.

Schedule:

December 17, 18, 19 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. @ MHS

December 23 & 27 8:00 a.m. - 11: 00 a.m. (virtual)

January 7,8,9,14 & 15 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. @ MHS

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.

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.

Looking for updates on what's happening around MHS. Check out Methuen Minutes.

Episode 4

Episode 3

Episode 2

Episode 1

Our Town by Thornton Wilder is an American Classic and considered by some to be the best play ever written. It’s not hard to see why it's regarded so highly when this incredible play was written almost 87 years ago but its themes and postulations on the meaning of life still hold very true today. The play takes place in a fictional New Hampshire town called Grover’s Corners and follows the lives of a few residents; two families to be exact. While audiences fall in love with these characters, the play could’ve followed any pair of households in Grover’s Corners and they would feel the same wide range of emotions and attachments that they get from the Gibbs and Webb families. Every single person will find a scene or a line in this play that they will be able to relate to, and in Methuen, we are so excited to bring this classic to life this Winter season.

Show Dates:

Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, December 13, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

The MHS Credit for Life Fair, developed in partnership with the Merrimack Valley Credit Union, will be held on the morning of Friday, February 14 2025, in the Klimas Memorial Field House. Through their participation in the fair, senior students will be presented with real-life scenarios as they experience the successes and challenges of managing a personal budget. Fair organizers are seeking volunteers who have some financial savvy and are eager to support our students. Click here to sign up to help. Donations are accepted and are greatly appreciated. Click here for information about making a donation.

We are excited to support MHS Athletics throughout the winter 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!

Location: Easton, MA

Mascot: Ace the Skyhawk

GPA: 3.4; middle 50%: 3.14-3.68

SAT: Test blind, average range 1130-1280

ACT: Test blind, average range 24-29

Enrollment:

• Total enrollment: 2,491

• Undergraduates: 99%

• Graduates: 1%

Stonehill College offers over 100 majors, minors, and concentrations. This Catholic institution prides itself on service-centered learning that develops strong leaders and critical thinkers in every discipline. With a focus on hands-on, collaborative learning, Stonehill students engage in undergraduate research, internships/externships, community service, and activism, all which prepare them for successful careers and lives. 94% of recent Stonehill graduates report being employed, in top graduate programs, or engaged in postgraduate service within one year of graduating. Stonehill College also offers a robust study abroad program, offering programs in more than 20 countries.

Our Colleges:

• May School of Arts & Sciences

• All fields of study foster collaboration, innovation, and critical thinking

• Meehan School of Business

• Brand new, state-of-the-art $35 million business building that offers cutting edge technology and collaboration spaces

Student Life at Stonehill

Signature School Color: Purple

Mascot: Ace the Skyhawk

Religious Denomination: Catholic

• Student Organizations: 50+ Clubs and Organizations

• Athletics: Stonehill competes at the NCAA Division I level and is a member of the Northeast Conference (NEC).

• Teams: 21 NCAA Division I teams for men and women

• Club Sports: 18

• Intramural Sports: 9

Student Life at Stonehill

Website: Stonehill College

Fall Open Houses:

Join us to experience what it’s like to be a Skyhawk! Meet faculty, staff, and students, tour the campus, and learn about our academic programs, admission process, financial aid, study abroad options, and student life.

• Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 at 10 AM

• Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at 10 AM

Register for a Fall Open House

What do post electricians do?

Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

What tasks do electricians perform?

• Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.

• Place conduit, pipes, or tubing, inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas, and pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between boxes.

• Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.

• Use a variety of tools or equipment, such as power construction equipment, measuring devices, power tools, and testing equipment, such as oscilloscopes, ammeters, or test lamps.

What do electricians need to know?

Building and Construction

• Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Administration and Management

• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Mechanical

• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

What skills do electricians need?

Troubleshooting

• Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Repairing

• Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Critical Thinking

• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Median Yearly Income: $60,039

Income Percentile

Income Low (10%)$36,426

Median (50%)$60,039

High (90%)$107,383

Most Common Education Level: Certificate

High school diploma or less 32.89%

Certificate 61.71%

Some college 2.31%

Associate degree 1.79%

Bachelor's degree 0.00%

Master's or professional degree 1.31%

Doctoral degree or more 0.00%

Projected Job Growth: +8.58%

Looking for guidance on what college might be a good fit for you? How about a career that might interest you? Need financial support to help you get there? HERE is a great resource to help you get to YOUR BIG FUTURE! As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school counselor for more support.

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.

At Methuen High School we strive to connect our students with the college, careers that they are considering. With that we have begun to invite outside organizations into our school to promote their respective military branch, educational institution, and/or career field. HERE is a list of scheduled upcoming visits. Please make sure to check back as this is a working document.

Attention students in the classes of 2026 - 2028, Brown University offers a Pre-College Program designed for high school students to explore the challenges and opportunities of the college experience. You’ll enjoy the excitement and responsibility that comes from balancing challenging academics and enriching social activities—without the pressure of formal grades.

The 2025 Brown Pre-College application opens on January 15, 2025. Click on the Learn More to learn more on important details and specifics about the various programs offered, including our Application Checklist!

MHS Credit For Life Fair - Friday, February 14, 2025

Methuen High School in partnership with the Merrimack Valley Credit Union will be hosting the 6th annual Credit For Life Fair for our senior students on Friday February 14, 2025. The Credit For Life Fair will provide students with the opportunity to budget and make financial decisions through the lens of a young adult in their mid twenties. Please watch the following 2023 Credit for Life Video to get an idea of what the Credit For Life Fair is all about.

In anticipation for the Fair, we need all senior students to choose an occupation by Friday, December 20, 2024. This occupation will assign to you a monthly income that you will use to build a digital spending plan. To select an occupation please complete the Occupation Google Form shared in Google Classroom. Any student who does not choose an occupation will have one randomly assigned.

We are looking forward to providing this exciting opportunity for our seniors!

All information regarding the MHS Class of 2025 Yearbook, including guidelines and deadlines can be found in this document. For questions about the yearbook and senior photo submissions please contact the MHS Yearbook Advisor, Ms. Varasconi.

Graduation Preparation

Seniors were asked to complete an order form for their graduation cap and gown. The information on the order form is required in order to order the proper size gown for each student. Caps and gowns are provided at NO COST to the student. Please check in with your student to ensure they have completed the form shared in the Google Classroom. Orders will be placed on Friday, December 12, 2024.

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:

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)

The student newspaper club (The Blue & White) finished their first issue of the paper this week. Check it out HERE.

For more information how to connect to Infinite Campus, or how to update personal information, click HERE

Daily Schedule

Early Release Schedule

Two Hour Delay Schedule

Lunch Schedule

For more information on parking expectations and how to purchase a permit, click HERE.

For more information on bussing, parent drop-off, and pick-up, click HERE

For more information on student attendance, tardies, dismissal, and credit denial policies, please click HERE

MHS Handbook

MHS Website

MHS Program of Studies

MHS Twitter Page- @MPS_MethuenHigh

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.

Have a child that you are concerned may be experimenting with substances? HERE are some resources that may help with supporting our youth. For more information on resources/support that MHS may be able to provide, please reach out to their school counselor or grade level AP.

Addressing substance use without understanding the role of mental health is like solving half the puzzle. Often, when a student is struggling with one, the other follows. For many young people, substance use becomes a way to manage emotional challenges they can’t easily express. Please see the article The Impact of Mental Health on Youth Substance Abuse article for more information.

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.

• Counseling Department Services (English; Español)

• Counseling Department Overview (English; Español)

• Mental Health Screening FAQ for Students

• Student Mental Health Resources Organized by Topic

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

December 2024

Friday, December 6, 2024:

• Second Term Midpoint

Saturday, December 7, 2024:

• Senior Class Trip to NYC

Wednesday, December 11, 2024:

• Winter Choral Concert

Thursday, December 7-Saturday, December 14, 2024:

• Fall Play

Saturday, December 14, 2024:

• JROTC MAP Competition

Monday, December 16, 2024:

• Department Meetings

Wednesday, December 18, 2024:

• Connections

Thursday, December 19, 2024:

• Winter Band Concert

Friday, December 20, 2024:

• Early Release

Monday, December 23, 2024-Wednesday, January 1, 2025:

• Winter Break-No School

January 2025

Wednesday, January 1, 2025:

• New Years Day- All Buildings Closed

Thursday, January 2, 2025:

• School Resumes

Monday, January 6, 2025:

• ACCESS for ELLS Testing Window Opens
• MHS Faculty Meeting

Thursday, January 9, 2025:

• JROTC Archery Inaugural Regional Competitions
• Connections
• Senior Scholarship Night

Thursday, January 16, 2025:

• Junior Parent Night

Monday, January 20, 2025:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day- No School

Thursday, January 23, 2025:

• Connections

Friday, January 24, 2025:

• Second Term Ends

Monday, January 27, 2025:

• Department Meetings

February 2025

Monday, February 3, 2025:

• Science Fair

Tuesday, February 4-Wednesday, February 5, 2025:

• MCAS Science Retest

Thursday, February 6, 2025:

• JROTC Archery Inaugural Regional Competition
• Connections

Friday, February 7 , 2025:

• Vocational Technical Community College Career Fair
• Quinceanera Ball

Monday, February 10, 2025:

• Department Meetings

Friday, February 14, 2025:

• Credit for life fair
• Midpoint Term 3
• Early Release

Monday, February 17-Friday, February 21, 2025:

• Winter Recess-no school

Monday, February 17, 2025:

• Presidents Day-All school buildings closed

Monday, February 24, 2025:

• School resumes

Tuesday, February 25, 2025:

• Connections

Wednesday, February 26, 2025:

• District Choral Jamboree

Thursday, February 27, 2025:

• 9-12 Mid year assemblies
• Senior Class Trip-Pats Peak

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.