The Navigator - September 2024
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Welcome to the first edition of the ‘24-’25 Navigator. We are shifting to a monthly publication this year, from the quarterly model that we have done for a long time (generations?). Hopefully, this model will keep us all a little more informed of all the great things that are happening at Morse.
It is hard to believe that we have been in school for a month! The school opening has been lively and positive for the most part. Fall athletics are in full swing; even the theater and many clubs have had their initial meetings. Summer is in the rearview mirror and we are looking forward to the events of the school year, including spirit week, which kicks off next week!
Morse has welcomed a few new faculty and staff members to start this school year. Some of the staff are helping us temporarily, while others are starting the next stage of their career with us. This includes:
Frank Burns, Math Teacher
Matt Gordon, Music Teacher & Band Director
Shelley Nutter, Math Teacher
Peg Nulle, World Language Teacher
Kennedy Orr, Ed. Tech
Britney Merrill, Social Worker
Michelle Baker, Ed Tech.
I am fortunate to have the opportunity to move around the building during the school day and am able to see the great work already being accomplished in Morse classrooms. I am happy to report that we have had 47 new students enroll at Morse during the months of August and September, bringing our current enrollment up to ~620. Classes are fairly full and students are making some good early progress.
Every school year has its own challenges and one of this year’s challenges is the successful shift to a cell phone and smartwatch-free environment. Although it is still early, I am amazed at how our school has changed to an environment that is free of the influences of smartphones and social media. Teachers report a much higher level of engagement with assignments, fewer
bathroom breaks, and less general distraction in the classroom. The student commons is much more active as students speak with each other at lunch tables. We have seen more card games and even a few students listening to mixtapes on retro Walkmen! I know that this new policy is not universally loved and some students are struggling more than others. We are offering a group support session with a school counselor and social worker for students who are struggling with the time away from their personal technologies.
Morse and Bath Tech held our annual open house last Thursday evening. The Morse Student Services Team also hosted a post-secondary planning session for senior students and families in the Montgomery Theater. Morse will hold our first round of Parent-Teacher conferences during the week of Thanksgiving; please look for an invitation in your email around the first of November. These emails will include information on how to make an appointment to meet with your student’s teachers.
We have many more exciting events on the horizon at Morse this fall, most of which will be found in this edition of the Navigator. Enjoy!
Eric Varney
A MESSAGE FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Hello Morse,
Updated on RSU1 Cell Phone/Smartwatch Policy
I would like to thank all students, parents, and guardians for your support as we roll out the new cell phone policy. I know this has not been easy for all students and families and has required some level of adjustment. That being said, teachers are reporting seeing a huge improvement in the level of engagement and discussion in the classroom. We are also seeing students communicate more and spend quality time with each other in the cafeteria during lunch time. We have seen an increase in students requesting playing cards and learning several new card games. Staff have also really enjoyed seeing students reading more and engaging in other activities such as origami, creating art and there has been much more studying happening during study hall. Just a reminder that the expectation is that cell phones are either in the Yondr pouch or left at home or in the student’s car (which several students are reporting doing each day). Students who do not follow the cell phone policy will have increasing consequences as detailed in the chart below.
Thursday, October 10
The students at Morse High School will be engaged in a variety of different activities on Thursday, October 10. Our newest Shipbuilders, the freshman class of 2028, will be participating in our Community Service Day. They will be placed in a variety of settings and have a full day to give back. Mr. Bishop will be sending home a letter with more information as we get closer to this date. Our sophomore class will be taking the state mandated Maine Through Year Testing. Juniors have the choice of either taking the PSATs, ACT WorkKeys or spending the day in their Bath Tech programming. Juniors were sent a google form and made their choice based on their educational plan. Seniors will be off site for this day with a Post Secondary planning day. Students may engage in activities such as college visits, exploring career paths or exploring technical programs. If you have any questions about this you can reach out to your student’s school counselor. A more detailed letter about this day can be found here.
Devon Gallice
GRADE 9 COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY
On Thursday, October 10, the freshmen class will be heading off to various local organizations and institutions as part of our annual Community Service Day. Students will depart from Morse at approximately 9:00 and will return to the school at 12:30. Upon returning, students will reflect upon their day of service and will be dismissed at 2:05. This is a great opportunity for our students to experience the positive impact that giving back to the community can have on society. Students will be working alongside teachers and community volunteers in an effort to help others. Students will be placed in a group and will visit one of the following sites for the day:
Bath Area Food Bank
Bath City Hall
Bath Community Forestry Committee
Bath Housing
Bath Senior Center
Bath YMCA
Chocolate Church
Fisher-Mitchell School
Georgetown Community Center
Growing to Give
Maine's First Ship
Maine Maritime Museum
MHS Slideshow
Midcoast Hospital
Midcoast Youth Center & Bath Skate Park
Patten Free Library
Phippsburg Elementary
Phippsburg Land Trust
Plant Home
Reid State Park
Sagadahoc Preservation
Tedford Shelter
West Bath School
Woolwich Central School
If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Cam Bishop (cbishop@rsu1.org).
NEWS FROM THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
Hello Shipbuilders!
Our Fall athletics season is off to a terrific start! The athletes are working hard to put themselves in a position to have a great Fall. A few quick highlights during the first month!
- Our Boys and Girls Cross Country teams are having a great beginning to their seasons. Both teams have been consistently in the top three in their races. Junior Levi Riggs has won two races - Camden Hills and at Medomak Valley!
- Our Boys Soccer team is off to a 6-0 start! At print, they are the #1 team in Class B south.
- Our Girls Soccer team is off to a 4-1-1 start! At print, they are the #3 team in Class B South.
- Our Golf program has been blistering on the course. They are currently 9-1 and are top of the KVAC B South division!
It is an exciting time to be a Shipbuilder on and off the fields. Our K-Section has been incredibly supportive of our athletes and we are under two weeks away from Spirit Week! Some important details about Spirit Week are below!
- Dates: September 30th through October 5th
- Spirit Week Themes: See below!
- Events During Spirit Week: There will be a number of athletic and student led events during the week. Please look for an email with the FULL schedule of events this Friday!
- Homecoming Dance: The homecoming dance will take place on Saturday, October 5th from 7-9pm in the gymnasium at Morse High School
- Please note that you must be in school on Friday to be able to attend the dance on Saturday.
We hope that all students will participate during Spirit Week! It is a great opportunity to represent your class and enjoy time with a friendly competition against the other grades!
Have a great rest of your Fall and please come out and support your Shipbuilders!!!
Andrew Pelletier
Athletic Director
Spirit Week Themes
Monday: Mainah Day
Tuesday: Holiday Wear Day
Wednesday: Twin Day
NEWS FROM THE STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Visit us online: http://bit.ly/MHSstudentservices
Class of 2025
Senior Parent Night recap: Here is a link to the presentation and handouts.
Scholarship List: We maintain a scholarship list that is updated weekly. Scholarships are listed by the deadline date.
October 1: The CSS Profile becomes available for Class of 2025 families who may need to file this form for financial aid for education after high school. Not all colleges require this form.
December 1: The 2025-2026 FAFSA will become available for seniors and their families. All colleges, universities, and trade schools require this financial aid form.
Juniors & Seniors
Morse is hosting an ASVAB test on October 28th sign up with your School Counselor. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is a test used by the military to help with job placement. It can be helpful for students exploring direct enlistment, ROTC scholarships, and any student interested in learning more about which careers they would find success in.
All Students
Hyde School is hosting the 11th Annual Maine Youth Leadership Day on Oct 24th, 9 AM- 1:30. The Keynote is American Idol participant Julia Gagnon. The schedule includes an opening keynote speech- break out into workshop groups for the morning -Lunch -and wrap up with a 2nd keynote address. Students interested in attending please contact Mrs. Trundy by Oct 4th.Considering college after Morse or just looking for a way to stay active in high school? RaiseMe offers you an incentivized way to explore colleges and track your activities. For each activity you track, you’ll receive a micro scholarship offer which may later equal scholarship at participating colleges. https://www.raise.me/join/1016673764
Advanced Placement Program
Morse has had a perennially outstanding AP program and our 2024 scores are quite impressive. I am including a summary of the scores below which are something that we should be proud of:
110 Morse students took 1 or more of 16 AP tests for a total of 230 AP exams. The test averages below are helpful to see how our students perform in relation to the state and global averages. Of note, this is the second consecutive year that every AP course offered at Morse has had an average score above the state and global average.
Biology 10 students average 4.4 (state 3.15/ global 3.15)
Calculus AB 19 students average 3.63 (state 3.04/ global 3.22)
Computer Science A 1 students average 2.0 (state 3.26/ global 3.18) (AP4ME)
Studio Art 4 students average 3.75 (state 3.25/ global 3.42)
English Language & Composition 28 students average 2.96 (state 2.95/ global 2.79)
English Literature & Composition 24 students average 3.63 (state 3.35/ Global 3.16)
Environmental Science 10 students average 2.80 (state 2.99/ global 2.80)
Human Geography 32 students average score of 3.53 (state 2.88/ global 2.83)
Physics I 4 students average score 3.75 (state 2.52/ global 2.59) new to Morse in 23-24
Precalculus 20 students average 4.05 (state 3.58/ global 3.42) new to Morse in 23-24
Research 8 students average 3.63 (state 3.51/ global 3.35)
Seminar 19 students average 3.58 (state 3.44/ global 3.21)
Spanish Language 1 student score 5 (state 3.00/ global 3.54) (AP4ME)
Statistics 10 students average 3.50 (state 2.86/ global 2.96)
US History 27 students average 3.85 (state 3.32/ Global 3.23)
World History 13 students average 3.85 (state 2.99/ global 3.11)
AP Scholar/AP Capstone Diploma
52 students earned the AP Scholar award (24 with Distinction/ 5 with honor ) - including 24 rising seniors and 1 rising junior.
6 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma this testing year (5 in the Class of 2024 and 1 in the Class of 2025) In total 7 students in the class of 2024 earned the AP Capstone Diploma.
7 Students earned the AP Capstone Certificate (in total 9 members of the class of 2024 earned this recognition.
Impact
We continue to hear great stories from Alum who have benefitted from the Morse AP program in one or more of the following ways:
Goal attainment in admission to the college of their choice
Academic confidence within their first college course
College credit: Members of the class of 2024 are eligible for an estimated 330 credits for the AP scores they earned within AP classes at the institutions they plan to attend. This breaks out into approx 110 college courses. The average sticker price of college credit is $738. Having taken AP courses at Morse may save the current seniors an estimated $243,540.
Advanced academic standing that translated into an earlier graduation date
The ability to double-major
The ability to take part in an enrichment semester
We are sharing this data as we are sometimes asked about the value of AP exams and we think these statistics are valuable to cite. The rigors of an AP course are not for everyone but it can be a good fit for students while simultaneously preparing them for their future academic and work endeavors.
BUS INFORMATION
RSU 1 contracts with First Student to provide free transportation between school and home for all students residing in an RSU 1 community (Bath, Woolwich, Arrowsic, Phippsburg) who would like to take advantage of this opportunity. The communities of Georgetown and West Bath contract with Bath Bus Service to provide the same services. Our bus service is intended for students to travel to/from home and school. Special requests are not permitted, such as to travel to their after-school jobs. First Student Bus Routes can be found here.
Please let us know if you ride the bus by filling out this quick form.
Please contact the Main Office for any busing questions or concerns.
SAFETY REMINDER
Oncoming traffic from the Morse entrance has the right of way. Drivers turning left after student drop off need to yield to oncoming cars, please. Thank you for keeping everyone safe!
NEWS FROM THE HEALTH CENTER
LincolnHealth’s School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) are permanent health centers within schools offering convenient and confidential primary health services including integrated medical and behavioral health and prevention services. They are a collaboration between the school, the community and LincolnHealth. SBHCs may also provide care to school staff.
SBHCs are staffed by licensed behavioral health clinicians, nurse practitioners, certified medical assistants and a physician serving medical director.
To enroll: LincolnHealth School Based Health Center Enrollment Form - Formstack
To request an appointment: Call 207-443-8250, stop into one of our office locations, or click the link LincolnHealth School Based Health Center Appointments - Formstack
Critical Information about Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
Maine is currently facing significantly heightened risks of mosquito-borne illnesses,
including West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Jamestown Canyon Virus.
In recent weeks, the Maine CDC has reported:
West Nile virus (WNV) in 15 wild birds and in one human
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus in 4 horses, 2 emus, 1 llama, and 1 wild turkey
Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV) in 4 mosquito pools (groups of up to 50 mosquitoes regularly tested as part of routine surveillance)
These viruses are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and typically present with flu-like symptoms in humans.
Maine CDC has identified the following counties as being high risk: Cumberland, Kennebec, Penobscot, Somerset, and Waldo counties. All other counties are at an elevated risk at this time.
To protect students, staff, and families during outdoor activities, effective prevention
strategies are essential. The risk of getting a mosquito-borne disease is highest from dusk to dawn and when temperatures are above 50°F (especially above 60°F), since this is when mosquitoes are most active. Risk from mosquito bites is expected to continue until two hard frosts kill the mosquitoes this fall/winter. The best way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquito bites.
Prevention Measures:
Use Repellents: Apply EPA-approved repellents on exposed skin (such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus).
When possible wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Remove standing water where mosquitoes breed.
Make sure your screens are tight and free of holes.
Dental Clinic
Brighter Maine Smiles will once again be offering preventative treatment at Morse High School this school year. The service is offered to those who do not regularly see a dentist or do not have a dental home. MaineCare insurance is accepted. The cost for services without insurance is $65.
Please complete and return the form or use the QR code to link to the form. It must be completed no later than October 3, 2024. Services will begin the week of October 7, 2024.
If you have any questions you can call the School Nurse, Katrina Barter at Morse High School, 207-443-8250 or email kbarter@rsu1.org.
Flu Vaccine
In partnership with Lincoln Health and the Family Care Center, influenza vaccinations will be offered to Morse High School students on October 30th. This will be a one-day flu clinic. If you would like to have your student receive the flu vaccine at school, we must have your permission slip returned to the school as soon as possible.
Please read the vaccination information sheets at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/flu.pdf
If you would like your student to receive the influenza vaccination, please complete the Health Screen & Permission form on the back of this letter and return it to the school as soon as possible. This form must be filled out completely or we will be unable to give your student the immunization at school.
The flu vaccine itself is offered at no charge to students under 18. There will be a small administration fee charged to your insurance. A personal charge may be incurred if not covered by insurance but you will not be held responsible for this fee.
This will be the only day flu shots are offered at the school.
For information about flu and the vaccine go to www.maineflu.gov, www.flu.gov, or http://www.cdc.gov/flu
For questions about the flu vaccine, call the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention (Maine CDC) at 1-800-867-4775, Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For questions about the vaccine clinic at our school, please call Tasha Suttmeier in the Health Center at 207-443-8250 Option 3.
THE CLIPPER YEARBOOK
The annual yearbook, The Clipper, sells out every spring.
Check this off your to-do list before your student starts school, and save $5.00!
Use this link and purchase your yearbook: 2024/25 Yearbook
(select "yearbook", "buy your yearbook", and enter "Morse high school" as your school name)
Thank you,
Johnna Stanton
Yearbook Adviser
CLUB CORNER
The Morse Outing Club
October 18-20 Outing Club is headed to Camden State Park to meet up with Teens to Trails and other Outing Clubs for the October Rendezvous. We’ll tent, hike, and enjoy good food and campfires. Sign-up with Mrs. Trundy
October 25 evening outing to Woodward Point Preserve in Brunswick for a campfire and star gazing!
Outing Club meets before school on Friday mornings at 7:15 in the courtyard -use the door under the middle stairwell. If rain - meet in the fishbowl. All students are welcome.
Find us online on Instagram @MorseOutingClub and Google Classroom: join code 4kk2bgl
The Morse Interact Club
The Purple Pinky Event at Morse is on Friday, October 25th. For a suggested donation of $1, students can have their pinky painted purple and raise money and awareness towards Rotary’s Polio eradication efforts.
SPOTTED AROUND MHS
The English Department gets together before the September 19th Open House to chat about their summer reads:
Uno with friends at lunch:
A MESSAGE FROM THE BHSAA
The next meeting of the BHSAA/MHS Alumni Association will be October 9, 2024 at 6 PM in the Fishbowl. The agenda will include plans for the 2025 Alumni Weekend June 6th-8th. All class agents are encouraged to attend.
We are actively seeking new membership on the standing committee. This year marks the 134th year of the Alumni Association, please consider joining us to keep the Shipbuilder Spirit going strong.
MORSE HIGH SCHOOL FOOD PANTRY
Serving students for 17 years, the Morse High School Food Pantry is located in the Morse Library. The food pantry provides services to approximately 85 students per day.
We are in need of canned goods, snack foods (individually packaged), and personal hygiene items. If you would like to donate to the Morse High School Food Pantry, the following is a list of suggested food and personal hygiene items:
Applesauce
Canned Fruit
Canned Vegetables
Soup
Pretzels
Nutri-Grain® Bars
Granola Bars
Peanut Butter Crackers
Goldfish®
Cheez-Its®
Animal Crackers
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Deodorant
Dental floss
Feminine hygiene products (tampons; sanitary pads/napkins)
Questions? Please contact Dawn Lee (dlee@rsu1.org) or Brenda Fagan (bfagan@rsu1.org), Morse High School Library, 443-8250, extension 1080. Thank you!
PATTEN FREE LIBRARY
The Patten Free Library is looking for a new design for t-shirts, bags, water bottles, and more! The contest is open to all ages and styles and the winning design will be featured on new merchandise coming this fall. There are no design requirements, just show your library love!
Our area has an impressive community of artists and based on the caliber of pieces from last year’s Tiny Art Show we know we will get some amazing submissions. This is an exciting chance for us to collaborate with our community to show off what the Library means to them.
The winner will receive one piece of merchandise with the new design as a thank you gift when available.
Submissions are accepted September 16 through October 19 via the link below.
COMMUNITY FLYERS
If you need to call your student out sick...
Please call 443-8250 (option 1) to leave a message with the Attendance Secretary. You may also send an email to hlevasseur@rsu1.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 30-October 5: Homecoming Week
October 5: Homecoming Dance
October 11: Professional Development Day - No School
October 14: Indigenous Peoples' Day - No School
October 28: Picture Retake Day
November 5: Professional Development Day - No School
November 11: Veteran's Day - No School
November 22 & 23: 95th Annual MoHiBa
November 27-29: Thanksgiving Break - No School