![Logo](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/835d/thumb-afd119e9378d6b18cd662897e4605cf3.jpeg)
PHA Middle & High School Newsletter
May 17, 2024
- To translate this newsletter please click TRANSLATE on the right side of this page
- Para traducir este boletín, haga clic en TRANSLATE en el lado derecho de esta página
- Para traduzir este boletim informativo clique em TRANSLATE no lado direito desta página
- Pou ou ka tradwi lèt nouvèl sa a klike sou TRANSLATE sou bò dwat paj sa a
Note From The Principal
Dear Families,
I hope this email finds you well!
We are excited to be in the last month or so of school! Please check out the lists below of activities that your students can expect.
I'd especially like to invite families of Freshmen (9) and Seniors (12) to consider attending our end of year exhibitions at those grade levels. Seniors will be completing their Graduate Portfolio Defenses during the week of June 3. This is their very last exhibition in high school where they share why they know that they are ready for success in college through reflection on two academic projects as well as other experiences throughout high school that have helped them develop their social emotional learning skills. Your senior will be assigned a presentation time that week and we encourage to also attend this celebration of their learning and time at PHA!
Our 9th graders are completing an innovative and engaging interdisciplinary project in their English and Biology classes and will be presenting them at a special evening event on June 17th, 4:30-6:30 at Warehouse XI in Somerville ! This space is an art gallery space where families can walk through and see all of the 9th grade project including your own student! WE're very excited about this opportunity and the 9th graders will be working very hard on the projects, and will be excited to show off their learning!
All the best,
Christine Douglas
For all resources related to supporting our PHAmilies please see our the Family Central page on the PHA website!
Remaining Spring MCAS Exam Dates
High School
10th Grade Math- May 21 & 22
9th Grade STE (biology)- June 4 & 5
Family Engagement
TAKE THE ANNUAL FAMILY SURVEY TODAY!
YOUR OPINIONS MATTER!
Please take 15-20 minutes to share your opinions with us about PHA. CLICK HERE to begin your survey. We hope to hear from at least 150 parents in Grades 7-12.
THANK YOU for making International Night 2024 and Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week both a big success!
CLICK HERE to see our INTERNATIONAL NIGHT 2024 Photo & Video Album!
JUNE 7: PHA Middle School Family Breakfast
8:30-9:30 AM
50 Essex Street, Cambridge
Get to know our teachers, staff, and of course other families! Hosted by Middle School Director Ben Spencer and Dean of Students Jacques Faublas
PARENTING STRATEGIES TO HELP OUR TEENS THRIVE
Watch the latest (April 3, 2024) Parent Webinar from Cartwheel on "Helping Our Pre-Teens and Teens Thrive: Parenting Strategies for the Adolescent Years" by CLICKING HERE.
Family Advisory Board
The NEXT FAB [FAMILY ADVISORY BOARD] FORUM for Grades 7-12 FAMILIES on May 30, 6:00-7:30 PM on ZOOM
Join other parents and families of PHA Middle and High Schoolers to hear school news and updates from our Principals. Ask questions and share your experiences with campus leadership and community. Zoom link will be provided by email and text.
WEEKLY WEDNESDAY Parent & Family FAB HOUR for PreK-12 FAMILIES, EVERY WEDNESDAY at 5:30 PM on ZOOM
FAB (Family Advisory Board) HOUR is a virtual gathering for families with kids in PreKindergarten through 12th Grade to discuss all aspects of PHA, build community and support among families, and deepen our connections with teachers and staff. Zoom link will be provided by email and text.
Spring Dates
We will continue to update these lists throughout May!
June 3 & 4- 8th Graders to the New England Aquarium
June 4- Athletics Awards Night, 5:00, High School Cafeteria
June 14- 8th Grade to Canobie Lake Park
June 18- Last Day of School & 8th Grade Graduation Families encouraged to attend!
High School
9th Grade
May 21 & 22- Math MCAS
May 27th- Memorial Day- no school
June 4- Athletics Awards Night, 5:00, High School Cafeteria
June 4 & 5- Biology MCAS
June 17- 9th Grade Final Exhibitions, 4:30-6:30 @ Warehouse XI in Somerville Families encouraged to attend!
June 18- Last Day of School for Students- Final Awards Community Meeting
10th Grade
May 15- AP Computer Science Principles Exam
May 27th- Memorial Day- no school
June 4- Athletics Awards Night, 5:00, High School Cafeteria
June 7- 10th Grade Gateway Exhibitions
June 18- Last Day of School for Students- Final Awards Community Meeting
Collegiate Institute
Juniors
May 27th- Memorial Day- no school
May 31st- Last Day of Collegiate Institute Classes/End of Q4
June 4- Athletics Awards Night, 5:00, High School Cafeteria
Week of June 3-7- Half Days for Juniors - Junior Journey Prep Week,- juniors dismissed at 11:45
June 10- Junior Journey Trips depart and return either on 6/14 or 6/15
June 18- Last Day of School for Students- Junior Journey Personal Growth Project Presentations and Final Quarter Awards
Seniors
May 20th- Senior Send Off Event - all seniors attend this event sponsored by the Charter School Consortium, held at Wentworth (info shared in CCR12 class)
May 27th- Memorial Day- no school
May 31st- Last Day of Collegiate Institute Classes/End of Q4
June- 3-6- Senior Graduate Portfolio Defense dates (seniors only come in to school when they are scheduled to present) Family members encouraged to attend!
June 4- Athletics Awards Night, 5:00, High School Cafeteria
Thursday, June 6- ALL REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION MUST BE COMPLETED BY JUNE 6 AT 3:00pm IN ORDER FOR YOU TO RECEIVE YOUR DIPLOMA ON JUNE 9,
Friday, June 7- Graduation Rehearsal, 1:00 at Kresge Auditorium, MIT (MANDATORY FOR PARTICIPATION IN GRADUATION CEREMONY)
Sunday, June 9- Graduation!!! Ceremony begins promptly at 5:00PM, all graduates should arrive by 3:30!
Counseling and College Counseling
Counseling Updates
High School Families
Research has shown that students who can identify a trusted adult at school are more successful, both academically and emotionally. This year students responded to a survey, once in the fall and once last week, to see how many could identify an adult they felt they connected to. Last week’s results showed that the percentage of students who reported that they could identify an adult they were connected to increased from 80% to 82%. The percentage of 9th graders who could identify an adult increased from 75% to 93% and for 10th graders, the percentages increased from 76% to 85%. Building positive relationships with students continues to be a priority at PHA and we plan to expand our plans to ensure connections next year as well.
Middle School Families
May is Mental Health Awareness month. Students were asked to think of and share one action that they can take today, this week, or this month, to support their mental well-being. They were provided with some strategies in Advisory as well, such as showing compassion for self, going for a walk, journaling, focusing on positivity, and staying connected. School counselors at PHA work with all students, and are encouraged to reach out for support any time!
End of Year Testing
As the end of the year approaches, students in grades 7-12 will take many tests such as final exams, MCAS, and AP exams. Last week in the middle school during Advisory, students were given time to talk through their test anxiety and/or any worries about MCAS. They were also provided with several test taking tips and strategies. Counselors are always available to chat with students individually, or in small groups, about these topics as well!
Best wishes for a healthy spring!
Erin McElligott, Director of College & School Counseling, Alumni Support
Nan Young, HS Counselor
Annika Hudson, MS Counselor
Dana Naliboff, MS/HS School Psychologist
College Counseling Updates
Senior Families
Students have begun making their final choices and several seniors have submitted deposits to colleges and universities across the country, including:
Boston University, Bryant University, Bunker Hill CC, CO School of Mines, CU Boulder, Howard University, Johns Hopkins University, Kean University, Salem State University, Swarthmore College, Tufts University, UMass, and Wentworth Institute of Technology
More information about depositing: Typically, seniors have to make a deposit to secure their spot at their preferred college by May 1st. Because of the FAFSA delays this year, some schools have moved their deposit deadlines to later in May or June 1st. It is the student’s responsibility to research the deposit deadlines of the schools they’ve been accepted to and plan accordingly. College counselors are happy to meet with students to discuss their options. It is strongly encouraged that seniors review all of their financial aid award letters before making their final choice.
Senior Send Off: On Monday, 5/20, the senior class will join seniors from other area charter schools at Wentworth Inst. of Technology for a celebratory event that will include a keynote speaker, alumni panel, raffle items, and the opportunity to connect with other students who are attending the same colleges and programs. Seniors will report to period 1 and advisory, and will then travel to WIT; they will be dismissed for the day at 1:00 from the Send Off.
Junior Families
This semester, juniors are participating in a weekly, semester-long College & Career Readiness class, taught by Mr. Costa. Juniors have recently begun working on the first draft of their college essay. This includes brainstorming ideas, free writing, and constructing a well thought out essay. Students will have the opportunity to revise their essays several times before submitting them as part of their college applications in the 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
Enrichment Opportunities
Athletics
Athletics Award Night is June 4 at 5:00! We look forward to seeing all student-athletes there!
Please email Mr, Lerner with any questions- glerner@phacs.org
Health Office
Any student who will be entering 7th or 10th grade must provide an updated physical exam and immunization record for re-enrollment. In addition ALL STUDENTS need to have an updated physical exam on file with the nurse in order to participate in field trips off campus.
You may submit the physicals by email to: nurses@phacs.org
Thanks so much for your attention to this!
-PHA's Nursing Team
Meals Information
Please note that families are no longer required to pre-prder meals!
Contact Information for Administrative Team
Michele Quinlan- 7-12 Administrative Assistant- mquinlan@phacs.org
Dominga Soto- 7-12 Administrative Assistant - dsoto@phacs.org
Christine Douglas-7-12 Principal- cdouglas@phacs.org
Ben Spencer- Middle School Assistant Principal bspencer@phacs.org
Jacques Faublas jfaublas@phacs.org
Amy Dickson- High School Assistant Principal for STEM- adickson@phacs.org
Holly Fritz-High School Assistant Principal for Arts & Humanities- hfritz@phacs.org
Patrick Nolan- 9-12 Dean of Students- pnolan@phacs.org
High School Front Desk- 617-284-7921
Middle School Front Desk- 617-284-7920
If your student is absent or late to school, please contact us to excuse the absence/tardy::
7-12 Absence Phone Line- 617-284-7990
Email Michele Quinlan for grades 9-12: mquinlan@phacs.org