
Hornet Happenings
MERHS Newsletter
It’s hard to believe we’re entering the final stretch of the school year — and what a stretch it is! May and June are filled with exciting milestones: AP exams (May 5–16), Grade 10 MCAS (May 20–21), and Science MCAS (June 4–5). Please note: there will be no early release on June 4 for MERHS ONLY — instead, MERHS will have an early release on June 17.
We’re also looking forward to celebrating our students at Awards & Scholarship Night on May 28 at 6:00 PM, Prom on May 29 at Willowdale, Baccalaureate on June 5 at 6:00 PM, and of course, Graduation on June 6 at 4:00 PM.
It’s a joyful and meaningful time of year! Thank you for your continued support.
Respectfully,
Julie Sgroi
Principal
DECA Accolades
Manchester Essex DECA had an awesome experience at ICDC in Orlando, with students competing across multiple categories at the elite international level. Special congratulations to Rachel Gallant, who earned recognition on stage for her performance in Principles of Hospitality and Tourism.
Social Studies News
Media Literacy and Civic Action Project
Civic Action Projects are underway! Research topics have been chosen and students have been working hard to collect as many sources as possible for their bibliographies. Next, students will survey their peers, write a formal proposal with goals, action steps and benchmarks. Once proposals are approved students will begin the action portion of their project, interviewing stakeholders and completing their planned action steps. Notable topics include—graduation requirements, sports fundraising, zoning laws regarding business, affordable housing, poverty in North Shore communities, and mental health.
Seniors Henry Stevens and Aisling Twombly attended Student Government Day at the State House on April 4. Student representatives from schools across the Commonwealth came together in an experiential learning activity. According to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, "The goal of this event is to provide an immersive experience in the state legislative process by allowing students to engage with representatives and empowering them to voice their own informed views on current legislation. Students will assemble at the State House to replicate activities of the General Court (Massachusetts State Legislature) by debating and voting on legislation.
SCORE Update
Below are some glowing comments of our senior interns from their S.C.O.R.E. supervisors. The interns are making great first impressions!
Spaulding Ed Fund: "off to a good start...we loved his ideas for the video interviews"
Allied Health: "doing a great job. On time and hard working....a huge help the last two weeks."
Beverly YMCA Early Learning Program: "We are happy to have her."
Cell Signaling Technology: “I'm very pleased with her progress so far. She is inquisitive, driven and a quick learner. It has been a great experience getting to work with her during her SCORE internship.”
Kelly Auto: "We're going to help him set up a career here [after high school]"
1623 Studios: “She is doing an outstanding job in her internship with us so far. In addition to the training we’ve provided in video production, editing, scripting, and social media, she’s taken initiative on a number of independent projects…”
Essex Council on Aging: “I just wanted to say it is an honor to have her, everyone loves her and she is a breath of fresh air. She is the most kind, hardworking, and delightful young lady.”
ELA News
Students in English 10H are working on a “Book Club” project as a capstone to their unit on Huckleberry Finn. In small groups, students have chosen one of ten contemporary novels, each of which shares thematic connections with Huck but through a more modern lens. Students will ultimately create a presentation in which they consider whether their chosen book should be taught instead of Huck Finn, in addition to Huck Finn, or not at all. In doing so, they will be required to specifically address various controversies that surround Huckleberry Finn and the way that their book relates and responds to these issues.
Visual & Performing Arts News
The High School Band and Chorus presented their spring concert on April 10th, featuring performances by the Concert Band, Jazz Band, Chorus, and Soundwaves. The program included a wide range of musical selections, from Queen and David Bowie to Rusted Root, The Cranberries, Disney classics, and James Bond themes.
Also, Open Mic Night on April 16th was a huge success!
Congratulations!
Golden Hornet Fundraiser!
Honor a MERSD teacher, staff member, or coach with a Golden Hornet!
The end of the school year is approaching and Teacher Appreciation Week kicks off May 5. Now is the perfect time to recognize an MERSD teacher, staff member, or coach who made a difference this year. Think of the teachers who inspired our students, the coaches who pushed our athletes, the staff members who supported our families. Let’s say thank you with a Golden Hornet!
With your $10 donation to Spaulding Education Fund, your Golden Hornet honoree will receive a Golden Hornet pin, a personalized dedication badge, and a certificate reflecting your words of gratitude. Donations are used to fund future Spaulding grants to MERSD faculty, staff, and students.
Golden Hornets can be dedicated online until May 28, and will be available ON-SITE from Tuesday May 20 through Friday May 23 the Middle/High School entrance from 7:10 - 7:50 am. In-person payment can be with cash or Venmo.
Thank you for your support and for recognizing the wonderful people who make MERSD a wonderful place!
Integrated Monitoring Review
Please click on the image for an important notice about a special education audit from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.