Martin Luther King Jr. was a visionary leader who championed equality, justice, and nonviolent protest. His tireless efforts helped shape the civil rights movement, inspiring generations to work towards a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect. This weekend and beyond, we honor his legacy and the ongoing fight for equality.

For a deeper look at his impact, check out these resources:

MLK I Have a Dream Speech

MLK: The Legacy

At the Methuen School Committee meeting held on Monday, January 13, 2025, senior Ella Benson was presented with the Career and Technical Education SOAR Award. The SOAR Award is given to one student per year in each subject area and serves to recognize remarkable academic success and commendable accomplishments. Congratulations, Ella.

For the ninth straight year, Methuen High School is participating in the national Poetry Out Loud (POL) competition. The event begins in English classes, with each student memorizing and reciting a poem they select from the POL database. This past Tuesday and Wednesday, class champions competed in the MHS semifinal contest, judged by a panel of English teachers using POL rubrics. The top 13 students move on to the MHS final competition, adjudicated by a panel of teachers and administrators. For the past six years, our MHS POL champions have qualified as Massachusetts POL state finalists. Special thank you to the English department and all volunteers for helping to bring the amazing event to life.

Upcoming contest dates:

• Tuesday, January 21 - MHS Poetry Out Loud Finals

• Saturday, March 8 - POL Regional Semi-Finals in Newburyport

• Sunday, March 16 - Massachusetts POL State Finals

Congratulations and best of luck to the following students competing in the MHS Poetry Out Loud Finals:

Joseph Ouellette, Grade 12

Cara Keegan, Grade 12

Gabrielle Larochel, Grade 11

Isabella Cerbone, Grade 12

Divier Ramos Delgado, Grade 12

Jacqueline Mastro, Grade 11

Veronica Curran, Grade 9

Yeniela Villaronga, Grade 10

Laura Wazen, Grade 10

Thomas Le, Grade 12

Kelvin Jaime Abreu, Grade 10

Malakai Denault, Grade 11

Anialyse Henriquez, Grade 10

The Methuen Scholarship Foundation is thrilled to announce its 34th Annual Scholarship Telethon Fundraiser, scheduled for March 18th and 19th in the Methuen High School Auditorium. This event will be televised on Comcast, Verizon, and Verizon HD.

Since 1973, the Foundation has proudly awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving Methuen High School seniors pursuing higher education. This reflects the strength of our community coming together to invest in the future of our students.

We are reaching out to local businesses, organizations, and individuals to support our fundraising initiatives by sponsoring the telethon or donating auction/raffle items for our fundraising events for the Senior Class of 2025.

Raffle and auction items will be featured in multiple events, including the Telethon, Music Bingo Night (to be held on May 3rd at the VFW Post 8349 in Methuen), and other fundraisers. Your contributions enhance these events and ensure we can continue providing vital scholarships.

All businesses that donate will be recognized during the Telethon and on social media. Viewers will be encouraged to support our generous contributors, showcasing your commitment to the Methuen community.

Donations can be mailed to:
Methuen Scholarship Foundation
P.O. Box 2005
Methuen, MA 01844

You can also email us to arrange a donation pickup. Should you have any questions, please reach out via email. Our Tax-Exempt ID is: 46-4500729

Thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of Methuen High School seniors.

Sincerely,

Ann Shapiro

Treasurer

Methuen Scholarship Foundation

Please note that Friday, January 25, 2025, marks the end of the second 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.

The third marking term and second semester begin on Monday, January 27, 2025. Students are reminded to view their second semester schedule in Infinite Campus as semester-long courses will change.

The thirty-ninth annual Methuen High School Science Fair will be held in the dining halls on Monday, February 3 from 8:15 to 10:15 a.m. and from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., with awards immediately following. The MHS Science Fair will showcase 90 projects from over 150 student participants who engaged in scientific inquiry to learn about science and the world around us. While effectively implementing the scientific method, students chose a scientific question to answer, formulated a hypothesis, and designed a well-controlled experiment. After summarizing the research in a written report, students performed the experiment and drew relevant conclusions. At this public exhibition, participants will articulate their results to classmates, teachers, parents, and community members. While learning about science is at the heart of the project, the science fair is a great way for our students to develop their critical thinking and communication skills through an active, hands-on learning experience. Our students and faculty thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you at this year’s MHS Science Fair.

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!

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.

Students,

Interested in showcasing your culture to the MHS community? Please fill out this form if you are interested in representing your culture at an in-school Multicultural Showcase on April 17, 2025. This will be an opportunity for you to share any aspect of your culture: arts/crafts, dance, music, clothing, cultural objects, information, language, performance, etc. This is NOT a final decision, we are looking to see which cultures could be represented by our student body. In an effort to give all students and cultures equal opportunity, we will be asking interested students/groups to submit a proposal in order to be considered for the showcase.

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Mascot: Joe and Josephine Bruin

Average accepted GPA: 3.93

• Average accepted SAT: Not required

• Average accepted ACT: Not required

Total Enrollment: 33,040

• Undergraduate students: 33,040

• Graduate students: 13,636

UCLA’s primary purpose as a public research university is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society.

To fulfill this mission, UCLA is committed to academic freedom in its fullest terms: We value open access to information, free and lively debate conducted with mutual respect for individuals, and freedom from intolerance. In all of our pursuits, we strive for excellence and diversity, recognizing that openness and inclusion produce true quality. These values underlie our three institutional responsibilities: education, research and public service.

Among our students, faculty and alumni, you will find some of the most recognized and decorated individuals in almost every field and arena. At UCLA, we take pride in our rich legacy of excellence and innovation, which is reflected in the exceptional achievements of our Bruins.

We are proud to be home to hundreds of recipients of prestigious awards including the Guggenheim and Sloan fellowships. These fellowships are granted to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and promise in their respective fields, spanning the arts, sciences and humanities. Our institution also boasts winners of the Fields Medal and the A.M. Turing Award, two of the highest honors in mathematics and computer science. These accolades underscore the intellectual rigor, groundbreaking research and transformative contributions that define UCLA as a public university. We are Bruins.

Student Life:

Clubs and Organizations: UCLA is a mosaic of culture and activity. With more than 1,200 clubs and student organizations, you’ll find ample opportunities to discover new interests and make friends with like-minded Bruins.

Sports and Recreation: Whether it’s for competition or simply for fun, students are active in just about every imaginable sport or recreational activity. With 15 multipurpose workout facilities and six pools spread throughout campus, UCLA Recreation sponsors instructional classes, an intramural sports program that consists of 30 leagues, tournaments, meets and special events, and 50 club sports. The UCLA Marina Aquatic Center, located in Marina Del Rey, offers instruction and equipment for rowing, kayaking, sailing, surfing, windsurfing and paddle boarding.

Arts and Performance: Every year more than 500,000 people flock to campus to take in more than 1,000 visual, performing and media arts events created by both professionals and gifted students. As a creator or a spectator, your artistic spirit will soar in UCLA’s thriving arts community, in the cultural capital of Los Angeles.

Volunteering and Service: Through the UCLA Volunteer Center, Bruins embody one of UCLA’s core values: service. Volunteer Day event kicks off the academic year with more than 5,000 Bruins serving at sites across Los Angeles. Throughout the year, Bruin volunteers partner with local organizations to support our community in a multitude of ways, from providing healthcare and services to the homeless to serving meals to veterans on Thanksgiving.

Be Well Bruin: UCLA is dedicated to creating and sustaining a healthy University community so students can achieve their personal and academic goals.

As a Bruin, you have access to a range of health and wellness services, from exceptional medical care and counseling to recreational activities, safety resources, peer advocacy, and more.

Through Be Well Bruin, you can learn about resources that support the whole U.

Colleges:

UCLA offers a vast array of degree programs and areas of study for both undergraduate and graduate students. With over 130 undergraduate majors and more than 90 graduate programs, your academic pursuits can be tailored to fit your personal and professional goals. You have the flexibility to study abroad, pursue a minor alongside your major or even earn dual degrees simultaneously. In many fields, you can even begin pursuing a master's degree while still completing your undergraduate studies.

Campus Tours:

What do Civil Engineers do?

Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.

What tasks do Civil Engineers perform?

• Direct engineering activities, ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, or other governmental regulations.

• Manage and direct the construction, operations, or maintenance activities at project site.

• Inspect project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety or sanitation standards.

• Compute load and grade requirements, water flow rates, or material stress factors to determine design specifications.

What do Civil Engineers need to know?

Design

• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Engineering and Technology

• Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

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.

What skills do Civil Engineers need?

Active Listening

• Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension

• Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Mathematics

• Using mathematics to solve problems.

Median Yearly Income: $95,600

Income Percentile

Income Low (10%)$61,611

Median (50%)$95,600

High (90%)$158,666

Most Common Education Level: Bachelors Degree

High school diploma or less 0.00%

Certificate 0.00%

Some college 0.00%

Associate degree 0.00%

Bachelor's degree 90.47%

Master's or professional degree 9.52%

Doctoral degree or more 0.00%

Projected Job Growth: +7.73%

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!

This document contains important information about Senior Week and other senior activities. There will be more detailed information provided as well as sign-up forms for each activity. Please take a moment to look it over and reach out with any questions you may have.

Only 141 more calendar days until graduation day!! Seniors…it will go by fast so get the grades and make the memories!!

The Methuen High School Senior Class of 2025 is organizing a ski/snowboarding/snow tubing trip to Pat's Peak in Henniker, New Hampshire. We will be leaving MHS on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 1:15 p.m. and should be returning at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Payment is due to Mr. Scammon's Room (room 1006) by Monday, January 27, 2025 at 2:00pm.

The price for this trip ranges from $65-$120 depending on equipment and options. Students can pay by cash or check payable to "Methuen High School Senior Class of 2025" and please put "Pat's Peak" and their ID number in the memo line.

Students can sign up for this trip by completing the form found in the Class of 2025 Google Classroom. Students should please open the MEDICAL RELEASE FORM from Pat's Peak, fill it out and attach it to the completed google form as a pdf. This needs to be done first before they can move forward.

There is also a cafeteria in the lodge (with the largest cookies you've ever seen) and the famous Unlawful Waffle House on the slopes. Students are able to bring their own food/snacks, but they can also make purchases there.

On Thursday January 9, 2025 MHS held its annual Senior Scholarship Information Night. If you missed it please check out the MHS Scholarship Process Information Sheet HERE, and the Class of 2025 Scholarship presentation HERE

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.

We are asking that all seniors please take a moment to check Infinite Campus and make sure that their name appears correctly in our system. This is what we will be using for their diploma and it is important that the name appears correctly. If there is a mistake in the name or the spelling, please email Mrs. Javier immediately (gajavier@methuen.k12.ma.us) so that it can be corrected.

If you are looking to make a contribution or know of someone who may be interested in making a contribution to the Methuen Scholarship Foundation, please check out the attached images on how to contribute a gift, and/or a monetary contribution.

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 6

Episode 5- Holiday Special

Episode 4

Episode 3

Episode 2

Episode 1

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.

For more information on Care Solace, watch this video HERE

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

January 2025

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

Thursday, February 6, 2025:

• JROTC Archery Inaugural Regional Competition
• Connections

Friday, February 7 , 2025:

• 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
• 9-12 Mid year assemblies

Thursday, February 27, 2025:

• Senior Class Trip-Pats Peak

March 2025

Monday, March 3, 2025:

• Faculty Meeting

Wednesday, March 5, 2025:

• Art Show

Thursday, March 6-Friday, March 7, 2025:

• ELA MCAS Retest

Saturday, March 8, 2025:

• SAT Exam
• Coffee House

Tuesday, March 11-Wednesday, March 12, 2025:

• Math MCAS Retest

Thursday, March 13, 2025:

• Connections

Saturday, March 15, 2025:

• JROTC Drill Competition
• Winterguard Friends & Family Show

Sunday, March 16, 2025:

• Winterguard Friends & Family Show

Monday, March 17, 2025:

• Department Meetings

Tuesday, March 18-Wednesday, March 19, 2025:

• Methuen Scholarship Foundation Telethon

Friday, March 21, 2025:

• Early Release - Professional Development

Tuesday, March 26 - Wednesday, March 27, 2025:

• Grade 10 ELA MCAS

Wednesday, March 27, 2025:

• District Band Jamboree

Thursday, March 28, 2025:

• MHS Connections

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.