PHA High School Newsletter
November 15, 2024
Note from the Principal
Dear Families,
I hope this newsletter finds you well! As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your partnership as we together work with your children. On behalf of the entire faculty, we appreciate you and wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving time with your families!
Please read on for updates and information from the high school.
Sincerely,
Christine Douglas
News & Updates
PHA votes!
As a leadup to the Presidential election several of our classes were deeply engaged in units of learning about our country's political system and the election. Our 10th graders completed various identity and election related- work in their US History and English classes, culminating with the creation of personal "zines" that included excerpts from their writing from unit one about their identities and their beliefs about what it means to be American. The zines were presented with a ribbon cutting ceremony in the newly created zine section of the library. All students in grades 7-12 can now see their zines on display!
Our AP US Government and Politics class is doing a mock election in class for their elections unit. Students held a "Washington Insider's Ball" on Friday, November 1 where they introduced themselves in their roles (Presidential nominees, campaign managers, lobbyists, press members, etc.), and gave elevator pitches to visitors to the classroom who represented different voting blocks and states. Their election is happening today (November 15) in class, and they are interested in seeing if their vote follow the national election trend or not. According to their polling, it looks like the Democratic candidate has been steadily in the lead throughout their campaigns.
Finally some of our seniors voted for the first time in the national election! We're so proud of them for taking their civic duty seriously!
See photos of both of these classes and the various events below!
High School Three Year School Improvement Plan
Thank you to those who attended the recent Family Summit in person or virtually! At the summit, our district leaders shared that each campus has developed a Three Year School Improvement Plan, and the Principals each shared some plan highlights and related family engagement initiatives from their campuses. If you are interested in seeing the High School Plan in its entirety, you can click on the link below. All of the campus plans are also to be posted on the PHA website.
The Children's Room Coming to PHA- November 25
Each year we are fortunate to partner with The Children's Room of Arlington, and this year they will be visiting the High School on November 25. The Children's Room is dedicated to "creating safe, supportive communities so that no child, teen, or family has to grieve alone." Each student will have the opportunity to attend their tabling event during lunch or Advisory on that day and learn more about what The Children's Room has to offer!
Counseling & College Counseling Updates for Families
Seniors & Financial Aid
FAFSA: The department will run a family event to support the completion of FAFSA, the main financial aid application used by all colleges. The FAFSA will be available on December 1st this year, so expect to hear more about the event later in the fall. MEFA, a trusted financial aid resource, also offers several webinars for families and these can be found at the links below.
Financial Aid 101 2024-25 - MEFA
CSS Profile: This is an additional financial aid form that is required by many colleges, and it is currently available. Students with Early Action/Early Decision admissions deadlines should be completing this now, if applicable. CSS Profile is managed by College Board, and a list of schools that require this form can be found here.
*Note that families will need 2023 tax documents to complete these forms; students are responsible for keeping track of and meeting their own deadlines.
Grades 9, 10, & 11
In late October, students in grades 9 and 10 learned about the importance of GPA by playing the “GPA Game,” a fun, interactive game led by Ms. Martin (gr. 9) and Mr. Costa (gr. 10) in Community Meetings. Advisories then responded to circle prompts asking students to self-reflect on their own grades and think of ways to improve their student skills. They were also encouraged to email the college counselors with any questions!
Juniors have learned about financial aid and researched financial aid packages to better understand the process for college. Students will be entering a 12-week SAT prep unit after Thanksgiving break with the goal of taking the official SAT in March.
Best wishes for a healthy fall!
Erin McElligott, Director of College & School Counseling; Alumni Support
Devan Martin, College Counselor, CCR 12 Teacher
Leo Costa, College Counselor, CCR 11 Teacher
Family Engagement
GIVE THANKS to our PHA TEACHERS & STAFF on Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Teacher Appreciation
Each year, families drop off treats, coffee, apple cider, and cocoa for our teachers and staff in their Teacher Lounges. The Middle School Teachers Lounge is in the basement level of the Middle School; and the High School Teachers Lounge is on the 4th floor of the High School. CLICK HERE (or below) to sign up to bring a homemade or store-bought breakfast treat for our educators or help organize the Lounges: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044EA8A62DABFE3-53077749-giving
7-12 Family Advisory Board
FAB [FAMILY ADVISORY BOARD] FORUM for 7th-12th Grade Families on Zoom
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
6:00-7:30 PM
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81422274666pwd=8e5r3a14z9n3FWjqqNiEjW6iEMcoau.1
Don’t miss this important opportunity to hear directly from our Principals, staff, and families about how we can best support our student’s success. Be involved at PHA!
Athletics
Winter Sports Tryouts
Basketball tryouts will begin on Monday, December 2nd! As a reminder students must have an up to date physical (within the last 13 months) on file with the school nurse to register. Also, academic eligibility for the winder season is based on Quarter 1 grades and attendance!
Contact Geoff Lerner, Athletic Director, with any athletics related questions- glerner@phacs.org
Contact Info for Administrative Staff
High School Main Office- 617-284-7921
Middle School Main Office- 617-284-7920
If your student is absent or late to school, please contact us to excuse the absence/tardy::
Absence Phone Line- 617-284-7990
Michele Quinlan- Administrative Assistant- mquinlan@phacs.org
Dominga Soto- Administrative Assistant - dsoto@phacs.org
Christine Douglas- Principal- cdouglas@phacs.org
Holly Fritz-- Assistant Principal hfritz@phacs.org
Patrick Nolan- Dean of Students- pnolan@phacs.org
Erin McElligott- Director of Counseling and College Counseling- emcelligott@phacs.org
Geoff Lerner- Athletic Director- glerner@phacs.org