On Wednesday, October 30th, SADD students across the whole district gathered to celebrate the end of Red Ribbon Week by joining for a pizza dinner and a pumpkin painting party! Thank you to everyone who supported Red Ribbon Week across the Methuen Public Schools!

MHS students and staff hit the road on Tuesday October 29, and Wednesday October 30 to visit the 4 grammar schools. During our visit we presented all the great happenings at Methuen High School to our future Rangers. With a goal of supporting the students of MPS to make an informed decision, by understanding that no matter what aspirations they have for themselves after high school, MHS can help them get there. We appreciate very much the 4 grammar schools for hosting us. Please see one of our promotional videos HERE that was created by MHS Senior Jonathan Labelle.

Tuesday, November 5, 2024, is Election Day and there will be no school for students. Faculty and staff will participate in professional development.

The November 2024 MCAS ELA and Mathematics Retests are scheduled for early-November (see dates below). Click here to view DESE’s webpage containing information about Massachusetts graduation and competency determination requirements. Students scheduled for testing have been notified and a letter has been sent home. Families with questions about MCAS testing should contact their student’s counselor.

November 2024 MCAS Retest Dates:

● MCAS ELA Retests - Wednesday, November 6, 2024, & Thursday, November 7, 2024

● MCAS Mathematics Retests - Tuesday, November 12, 2024, & Wednesday, November 13, 2024

● 2024-2025 Statewide Testing Schedule

Please see the following reminders for students taking the November 2024 MCAS Retests:

● If your iPad is damaged, it must be turned in to the Tech Office located in the Media Center as soon as possible.

● Make sure your iPad iOS is updated to the latest version.

● Bring your iPad to school fully charged each day.

● Ask your English and math teachers questions about MCAS testing.

● View information about test design and development.

● Practice online at home so you are familiar with the testing format.

On Veterans Day we celebrate the service of all U.S. military veterans. Students and staff are reminded to honor and remember the heroes who served in defense of our nation. Thank you to all service members who made sacrifices to protect the freedoms we enjoy each day.

First term report cards will be posted for students and parents/guardians in Infinite Campus on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. The report card can be found in the portal by selecting the Documents option from the menu on the left side of the screen (see image here). All families are encouraged to review and discuss the attendance summary and grades displayed on the report card. Please contact your student’s teacher(s), school counselor, or associate principal with questions or concerns. 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 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.

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:

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)

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.

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.

Our Rangers are entering tournament play. For updated information on tournament schedules as they are released, please visit the Ranger Athletic Schedule or the MIAA website for more information as the playoff schedule/format comes out.

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!

Location: Kingston, Rhode Island

Mascot: Rhody the Ram

• Signature School Colors: Ocean Blue and White

Average accepted GPA: Approximately 3.4

• Average accepted SAT: Around 1180

• Average accepted ACT: Approximately 25

Total Enrollment: About 18,000 total students

• Undergraduate students: Approximately 16,000

• Graduate students: Around 2,000

Sept. 10, 2024—The University of Rhode Island was ranked the No. 1 public university in New England and the 35th-best public university nationally in the most recent ranking released by the Wall Street Journal.

Colleges: The university comprises several colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Engineering, College of Health Sciences, and College of the Environment and Life Sciences, among others.

Student Life: The university offers a vibrant student life with numerous activities, events, and organizations that cater to a diverse student body. There are more than 120 clubs and organizations, ranging from academic and professional groups to cultural and recreational clubs.

Athletics: URI is a Division I NCAA member and belongs to the Atlantic 10 Conference for all sports except football, which competes in the Colonial Athletic Association.URI also has 17 club teams and a wide range of options for intramural competition.

Register here for student led campus tours.

Summary:

Prospective students may find the University of Rhode Island an appealing choice due to its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and diverse student organizations. With a picturesque location in Kingston, Rhode Island, students can enjoy a blend of academic rigor and recreational opportunities. The university's commitment to research, community engagement, and a supportive environment fosters personal and professional growth. Additionally, the active athletics program and numerous clubs provide ample opportunities for involvement and connection, making URI a well-rounded institution for higher education.

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.

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

November 2024

Friday, November 1, 2024:

• First Term Ends

Saturday, November 2, 2024:

• SAT Exam

Sunday, November 3, 2024:

• NESBA Marching Band Finals (Lawrence)

Monday, November 4, 2024:

• Faculty Meeting

Tuesday, November 5, 2024:

• Election Day- No school students. Staff Professional Development

Wednesday, November 6, 2024:

• MCAS ELA Retest Session 1
• National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
• Science National Honor Society Induction Ceremony

Thursday, November 7, 2024:

• MCAS ELA Retest Session 2

Monday, November 11, 2024:

• Veterans Day- Schools Closed

Tuesday, November 12, 2024:

• MCAS Mathematics Retest Session 1

Wednesday, November 13, 2024:

• MCAS Mathematics Retest Session 2
• Report Cards Posted to IC portal

Thursday, November 14, 2024:

• Connections

Saturday, November 23, 2024:

• JROTC MAP Competition (Revere)
• Santa Parade

Wednesday, November 27, 2024:

• Early Release

Thursday-Friday, November 28-29, 2024:

• Thanksgiving- Schools Closed

December 2024

Wednesday December 4, 2024:

• Connections

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

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.