HINGHAM HIGHway :::: HHS Newsletter
April 12, 2024
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In the final days before spring break…
HHS continued its tradition of excellence in the National History Day competition at Saturday’s Massachusetts History Day. Topping off the honors was Matt Cummings ‘25, who won second place in the Individual Website category for his project, “American Turning Point: The Battle of Saratoga.” This outstanding achievement earned him a trip to the national competition in Washington, D.C. in June. Other HHS award winners, all juniors, included Lily Dong, who received an honorable mention in the Individual Documentary, and Sergio Munoz Albors and Herbert Seto, who received an honorable mention in the Group Performance category. Congratulations to all 17 students who made HHS proud at the state competition!
68 of our music students returned from a four-day trip to Disney World, where they participated in a soundtrack recording workshop led by Disney clinicians.
All ninth grade students met with their Ninth Grade Advisory groups on Monday morning.
Members of our “Breathe Out” club concluded a series of presentations about mental health and suicide awareness to ninth grade students on Tuesday.
The HHS chapter of the National Honor Society held its annual induction ceremony on Tuesday evening.
Max Papaleoni '24 won the Photo of the Week award. This is Max's record-tying 16th win. This is a record that dates back 9 years. Congratulations, Max! It's time to vote in this week's survey.
Looking ahead:
Most HHS seniors will participate in the annual “Harbormen Helping Hingham” day of community service throughout the day today.
For the first time ever, HHS will administer the School Day SAT to 142 juniors this morning.
Members of the GSA and allies will recognize the annual “Day of Silence'' today.
34 students and six chaperones will depart on a trip to France and Spain this afternoon.
School vacation will begin at the close of school today, and classes will resume on Monday 4/22.
The HHS art department will host a week-long advanced art exhibit in Room 103 from Monday 4/22 through Friday 4/26. Members of the public are welcome to view the K-12 art show on Thursday 4/25 from 6 - 8 PM in the HHS cafeteria.
The HHS School Council will continue its work on the School Improvement Plan on Wednesday 4/24 at 5 PM.
HHS will host the annual Town Meeting on the evening of Wednesday 4/24.
As we approach Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the Hingham Health Department has planned several events in conjunction with the Plymouth County Suicide Prevention Coalition.You can learn more about these events on the town website.
The Student Council is planning a lip sync contest on Thursday 5/2 at 6:30 PM. Students who wish to participate can sign up online. Proceeds will benefit Maddie’s Promise and the Anna Quinlivan Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Although course selection is now behind us, there is still time for HHS students to explore participation in the Global Citizenship Program or one of our other “Pathways” programs in Fine Arts of Technology Engineering next year.
Students looking for local community service opportunities can find many of them at this website.
Can you help HHS, the 2024 AFS-USA Global School of the Year Award, continue earning its reputation for excellence in global education? Welcome Lea from Sweden into your home during the next school year! Lea, 17, is the oldest of three children in her family. She's very creative and enjoys painting, drawing, cooking, baking, crocheting, and hand crafts. At school she’s in an arts program that focuses on graphic design and visual arts. She’s quite talented and has included pictures of her artwork in her application! She also does near-professional level cake decorating! Lea is likely to join the HHS Drama Club, since she's had some experience initiating, casting, and directing a play in her home school. She enjoys skiing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends; and she’s known to put on dinner parties and organize gatherings! Lea was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of ten, and, despite challenges along the way, she has managed to do well in school with technology assists and extra help. HHS is eager to support her as needed. For more information, please contact AFS volunteer Deb Gallagher at 781-264-6769 or dgAFS@yahoo.com.
Hingham CARES invites all HHS parents to complete this survey about youth substance use in our community.
The Hingham METCO program, in partnership with the Hingham Unity Council and Hingham Public Schools PTOs would like to invite you to join us for the Hingham METCO Nubian Square Walking Tour being held on Saturday 5/4 from 10 AM - 1 PM. We are encouraging all Hingham METCO students and families to come out and explore the history of Boston with our Hingham resident students and families. This walking tour is a time for both communities to come together and learn about the historical relevance of African American culture in the Boston area. Please register all family members by clicking this link if you plan to attend. Free lunch will be available to all directly after the tour ends at METCO headquarters. Please come out and join us!
A message from Cleaner Greener Hingham: “Cleaner Greener Hingham Day is coming on April 27, 2024, from 9 - 11 AM! Gather your friends and family and help us make this annual tradition a success. Sign up using this link to clean up one of the many beautiful spots in Hingham. Please note that the DPW will not be providing trash bags and gloves this year, so please bring your own supplies. Once you have completed your cleanup, please email DPWAdmin@hingham-ma.gov to have your bagged trash picked up. And remember to post any photos on your school or Hingham Facebook pages using the hashtag #CleanerGreenerHinghamDay. Thank you for keeping our town clean!”
A message from the Hingham Education Foundation: “Back by popular demand, the Hingham Education Foundation is once again launching Hingham Hi5s, an easy and impactful way to thank our incredible HPS faculty and staff. From teachers to bus drivers, food service workers to nurses…..Who has had a positive impact on your child? Honor an HPS faculty, staff or administrator today by clicking the link below and submitting a quick and easy Hi5 nomination and $20 donation. HEF board members will then deliver a Hingham Hi5 token of appreciation with a note of gratitude to the honoree. There is no limit on the number of Hi5s that you can give! Click here to give someone special a Hi5!”
A message being shared in all Hingham Public Schools newsletters across the district:
This year, HPS has been selected by DESE to participate in a required comprehensive district review. For a full description of DESE’s comprehensive district review process, please see the attached overview letter. As part of the review process, DESE representatives will be on site during the week of April 22-26th to conduct focus groups and classroom observations. DESE representatives will conduct a virtual parent/caregiver focus group on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 6:30-7:30 PM to gather perspectives on communication with families, opportunities for family involvement and leadership, opportunities for students within the district, and more. If you are interested in joining, please register ahead of time at the attached link.
Finally, as noted in recent newsletters, our counseling department has developed a new infographic that summarizes the many supports available to HHS students. Be sure to check it out.
The daily notices and full school calendar can always be viewed on the HHS website. Look for details on the website and in our weekly PTO newsletter.
Principal Swanson
New Pottery by Lily Murray
Ms. Papuga says, "What an interesting and engaging surreal sculpture by Lily Murray! Lily is a student who only started in September and grew fast. I am so pleased to watch her process and so proud of the results! The arts are special place where students look inward, attune to themselves, open channels of creativity, and have access to infinite possibilities. It’s also a place where students gain autonomy and confidence as they persevere and problem solve.
Adelia Strong
Members of the HHS Unity Project gathered before school on Wednesday to discuss ways HHS can support "Adelia Strong," a cause that should galvanize our whole community.
National Honor Society
A view from the stage at the NHS induction ceremony, where South School principal, Mrs. Eastwood, shared the wisdom and inspiration that has made her one of our town's most beloved figures throughout an amazing career.
Boys' Volleyball
Thanks to Coach Nugent and the rest of these history makers, the HHS gym hosted its FIRST EVER boys' varsity volleyball match last week!
Student Council Visits Whitman-Hanson
Opry joined the HHS Student Council for a road trip to Whitman-Hanson Regional High School last week. Together, they shared and learned about best practices that work for student leaders and comfort dogs alike!