On Wednesday, November 20, 2024 the Athletic Department celebrated the fall sports season with the annual Fall Awards Night in the MHS Auditorium. The awards night highlighted all the accomplishments and accolades of all sports during the fall season. The night began by recognizing the All-Conference selections for each sport. It was then followed by every head coach highlighting all the hard work put in by their respective teams and each handed out team awards.

Here are all the teams and the coaches who all shared how proud they were to work with our student athletes.

Unified Basketball Ms. Pam Bryant

Girls Soccer Mr. Orazio Finocchiaro

Girls Field Hockey Ms. Kristen Swales

Boys Golf Mr. Bill Blackwell

Cheerleading Ms. Lauren Leopold

Girls/Boys Swimming Mr. Jason Smith

Boys Cross Country Mr. Kevin Alliette

Girls Cross Country Ms. Joann Lanari

Girls Volleyball Mr. Matt Twomey

Boys Soccer Mr. Henry Marin

Football Mr. Tom Ryan

Each coach also made a point to give a note of gratitude to the school administration, the custodians, the stadium workers, game day workers and administrative assistants.

Other awards and accolades were giving out to Chloe Pickett, MVC2 Player of the Year (Field Hockey), Courtnee Pickles, Player of Year (Girls Soccer), Courtnee Pickles All time leading scorer with 71 Goals, Andy Rodriguez and Dylan Gavin EMASS All Star Team (Boys Soccer), Courtnee Pickles and Kiera Fitzpatrick EMASS All Star Team (Girls Soccer), and Coach Matt Twomey 250 Wins (Girls Volleyball)

The night concluded with both the soccer and football teams taking their pictures with their first league trophies since 1985 and 1992 respectively.

On Thursday November 21, 2024 our ALPHA program had its first annual Friendsgiving event. Students/staff of the ALPHA program, families, and any other staff members that the ALPHA students wanted to send their appreciation to were invited to the MHS cafeteria for speeches, a delicious spread of food, and a moment that the students of the ALPHA program could share a note of appreciation for someone who always stuck by them and helped them equate school to success. We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to ALPHA Coordinators Jennifer Sakelaris & Kimberly Nguyen-Lara, ALPHA Teachers Amanda Aziz, Marcus Maldonado, Celcey Nilsson, & Ryan Sheehy, and ALPHA Support Staff Lori Aliano, Bridgett Doucette, Jessica Tapia, & Belen Tournas.

Methuen High School junior Cooper Ireland recently created a slideshow and presented it to his peers in the BIPOC club. He made this slideshow because he was raised within the Cherokee culture by a Cherokee family and wanted to share his culture and history with his peers. His efforts are right in alignment with November being National American Indian Heritage Month. The MHS community thanks Cooper for his commitment to educating the students of Methuen High School on his culture. Feel free to check out his presentation HERE.

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.

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.

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

Episode 3

Episode 2

Episode 1

2024-2025 Methuen High School Winter Athletic Tryout/Start Dates

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:

352 Lafayette St.

Salem, MA 01970

Contact:

Main: 978.542.6000

Admissions: 978.542.5170

admissions@salemstate.edu

Apply now: Salem State Application

Enrollment: Undergraduate: 4,853, Graduate: 1,396, Total Enrollment: 6,239

Located just 15 miles north of Boston in the historic seacoast city of Salem, Massachusetts, Salem State has: Five campuses on 115 acres, Six residence halls housing more than 2,500 students. Salem State offers 32 undergraduate degree programs in the liberal arts, human services and business, along with graduate programs that provide degrees in 24 fields and a continuing education division that offers both credit and non-credit programs.

Majors and Programs: Link here

Undergraduate Degree:

Business, BS

Criminal Justice, BS

Education: Early Education and Care, BS

Fire Science Administration, BS

Healthcare Studies, BS

Healthcare Studies and Spanish, BS

Liberal Studies, BLS

Nursing BSN, LPN/BSN

Occupational Health Studies, BS

Psychology BA, BS

Social Work, BSW

Sport and Movement Science, exercise science concentration, BS

Athletics: Intercollegiate Sports:

• Baseball (m)

• Basketball (m/w)

• Field Hockey (w)

• Golf (m)

• Ice Hockey (m/w)

• Lacrosse (m/w)

• Soccer (m/w)

• Softball (w)

• Tennis (m/w)

• Volleyball (w)

Campus tours are Monday through Friday: Campus tours link

Save the Date for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 Open Houses

• Sunday, October 20, 2024 (8 am-12 pm) (There's no time like October to explore the magic of Salem)

• Saturday, November 16, 2024 (8 am-12 pm)

• Saturday, May 3, 2025 (8 am-12 pm)

What do Registered Nurses do?

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

What tasks do Registered Nurses perform?

• • Record patients' medical information and vital signs.

  • Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.

  • Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.

  • Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.

What do Registered Nurses need to know?

• Psychology

  Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

• Customer and Personal Service

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Medicine and Dentistry

  Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

What skills do Registered Nurses need?

• Social Perceptiveness

  Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

• 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.

• Speaking

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Median Yearly Income: $85,887

Income Percentile

Income Low (10%)$63,348

Median (50%)$85,887

High (90%)$133,152

Most Common Education Level: Bachelor's degree

High school diploma or less 0.76%

Certificate 22.50%

Some college 0.00%

Associate degree 19.39%

Bachelor's degree 55.92%

Master's or professional degree 1.43%

Doctoral degree or more 0.00%

Projected Job Growth: +7.41%

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.

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!

Please see attached flyer if your child is interested in participating in the Methuen Youth Basketball High School League.

Evaluations are being held on Sunday 12/1 @ MHS from 12:30-2:30

Team selections Sun 12/8

Games start Sun 12/15

*To Register go to:

WWW.METHUENBASKETBALL.COM

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

November 2024

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

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

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.