PHA High School Newsletter
October 18th, 2024
Note from the Principal
Dear Families,
I hope this newsletter finds you well!
Please take some time to look at your student's updated Quarter 1 grades in Powerschool if you haven't yet. All Quarter 1 grades are now updated and you can see how your student is doing so far. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your student's Advisor or the teacher of the class that you're concerned about. Quarter 1 ends on November 1, so there is still time for students to improve those grades!
Please see below for more information about happenings in the High School, and for all resources related to supporting our PHAmilies please refer to the Family Central page on the PHA website!
Sincerely,
Christine Douglas
News & Updates
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!
SMILES Program coming to PHA - November 25-26-27
Our school has arranged for Smile Massachusetts to provide your child with dental care
right at our school. Best of all, there may be no cost to you if your child is on
MassHealth or Children’s Medical Security Plan.
By having your child seen by the dentist at school, you can keep them healthy, in school, and learning. Plus, it’s easy and convenient for you.
Simply fill out and sign the online permission form or contact Nurse Gaby if you'd like the paper version or for more information- gmendez@phacs.org
Counseling & College Counseling
College Counseling Updates for Families
Seniors
Financial Aid: Students will receive instruction in CCR class about key financial aid steps, so attendance is crucial! Students are responsible for researching and meeting their individual financial aid deadlines. Note that families will need 2023 tax documents to complete the following forms.
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 (English)
Ayuda Económica para la Universidad 101 2024 - MEFA (Spanish)
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.
Individual meetings: All seniors are assigned an individual college counselor and have received introductory emails with links to their counselor’s appointment calendar. Students are responsible for signing up for and attending these important meetings.
Grades 9, 10, & 11
Next week students in grades 9 and 10 will learn about the importance of GPA by playing the “GPA Game,” a fun, interactive game that will be led by Ms. Martin (gr. 9) and Mr. Costa (gr. 10) in Community Meetings. Advisories will then respond to circle prompts the following week to talk more about what they learned.
Juniors have created their resume, and reflected on their first two years of high school. They will be researching financial aid packages in the coming weeks to better understand the financial aid process for colleges.
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 & 12 Teacher
Family Engagement
7-12 Family Advisory Board
The next FAB meeting will be on November 20, 6:00-7:30 We hope you can join us!
Pre K- 12 PARENT & FAMILY FAB HOUR
Come learn and share about the latest PHA community events and activities, academics, and news. Bring your questions, experiences, and wisdom, and support other PHA families. Be part of this warm and welcoming virtual meeting space on the first Wednesday of each month* at 5:30 PM on Zoom: https://bit.ly/PHAFABhour Join the FAB Facebook group to receive reminders at https://www.facebook.com/groups/797596680394866
Mark your calendars: November 6, December 4, January 8, February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7, and June 4.
*Instead of January 1, 2025, we will meet on January 8, 2025.
Athletics
Fall Sports Playoffs are soon!
Keep an eye on the Athletics webpage to see if our fall teams qualify for MCSAO and/or MIAA post season play! Good luck to all of the athletes!
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.
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
Upcoming Dates/Events
PHA Fall Fest
Saturday, Oct 26, 2024, 12:00 PM
15 Webster Avenue, Somerville, MA, USA
Costume Spirit Day - fundraiser for the Class of 2025
Pay $2 to come in costume and support the fundraising efforts of the Senior Class!