Longtime Methuen Public School teacher and coach William James passed away on Tuesday October 15, 2024. Coach James touched the lives of hundreds of students, staff, and families as an educator for Methuen Public Schools. As the journey begins to mourn the loss of Coach James, MPS wants the Methuen community to know support is available during this challenging time. Counselors will be present at MHS ready to assist students, faculty, and staff. If you or someone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to visit/reach out to the school counseling office. Our counselors are there to answer your questions and provide support throughout the grieving process.

Experiencing or learning of a loss such as this may affect students and staff differently. We are here to help in any way that we can. Please do not hesitate to contact the school any time if we can further support you.

It may be helpful for parents/guardians to view this guide which provides suggestions for talking to adolescents about death. Students and families may also consider district provided resources for support throughout the year.

A Tribute to Bill James (Cataudella Funeral Home)

Methuen Legend Bill James was One of a Kind (CNHInews)

Methuen Coach, Larger than Life (Boston Globe)

At the Methuen School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, seniors Sloan Farrell and Milo Isaacs were presented with the English and Science SOAR Awards, respectively. The SOAR Award is given to one student per year in each subject area and serves to recognize remarkable academic success and commendable accomplishments. Congratulations, Sloan and Milo.

Special recognition is in order for the Ranger Boys Soccer team. The Ranger boys are 8-3-3 with 4 games remaining and are on a 10 game unbeaten streak! The boys have solidified the MVC 3 championship for the first time since 1985. In an interview with coach Henry Marin, he shared that he is proud of the hard work that his team has put into their successful season, and only plans to improve from here. Go Rangers!

On Monday October 21, and Tuesday October 22, 2024 the New England Association of Schools and Colleges will be visiting MHS. A team of 5 current and former educators from across New England will visit MHS to assess our schools facilities, review our self reflection, visit classrooms, and speak with all representatives from different stakeholder groups. As a school we are excited to have the visitors see all the great things that are happening at MHS, and are looking forward to feedback for improvement.

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 new link on the MPS website titled collective bargaining updates. This page will be updated as needed as negotiations continue. 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.

Interested in giving back to families in need? Consider making donations to the Methuen Public Schools backpack program. MPS provides families with food insecurity essential supplies. Non perishable supplies can be dropped off at any of the MPS schools or at our central office located at 9 Branch Street, Methuen MA 01844. For ideas on what is needed, please see the Amazon Wishlist. Thank you in advance for the support of our Ranger community.

Every year since 1988 the National Red Ribbon Campaign has celebrated Red Ribbon Week to focus the nation’s attention on encouraging our youth to remain drug free. Supporting this cause continues to be a priority at MHS. Each year, SADD chapters across the country celebrate Red Ribbon Week from October 23 to October 31. Events are planned for each school day to educate and remind students about the dangers of substance use and the long-term effect drugs can have on an individual and their entire family. The theme for this year’s Red Ribbon Week is: Life is a Movie. Film Drug Free.

Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), a group charged with healthy and responsible decision making, supports and organizes our annual Red Ribbon Week at MHS. The group of student leaders meet regularly with our SADD Advisor Dr. Aziz and MPS Drug and Alcohol Resource Coordinator Mr. Brouder to plan drug-free activities for students to participate in throughout the year.

• Thursday, October 10 SADD members began decorating classroom doors with the theme Life is a Movie. Film Drug Free. Doors will remain decorated until Thursday, November 9.

• Tuesday, October 15 the Connections lesson created by SADD leaders to emphasize the importance of healthy, responsible decision-making will be delivered during block 3.

• Tuesday, October 15 through Friday, October 18 SADD students will be selling apparel to prepare students for Wear Red Day.

• Monday, October 21 through Friday, October 25, information and reminders to make healthy choices will be shared during morning announcements.

• Wednesday, October 23 is Wear Red Day at MHS and students and staff are encouraged to wear red.

• A Red Ribbon Week celebration dinner will take place at the conclusion of the campaign, date TBD.

All students and families are encouraged to discuss the harmful effects of substance use. If a student, family member, or community member has questions, concerns, or information to share, please call (978) 722-6040. For more information about SADD and substance abuse, please visit the Drug & Alcohol Resource page. Together we can make a difference.

The week of Monday, October 21, 2024, MCAS Parent/Guardian Reports will be mailed home to families of students in the Class of 2026, Class of 2027, and Class of 2028. Families with questions or concerns about MCAS testing or graduation requirements should contact their student’s counselor or associate principal.

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:

September 25 (4:45-5:30)

October 30 (4:45-5:30)

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)

On Thursday, October 24, 2024, grade 10 and 11 students have the opportunity to participate in the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Please note this PSAT administration will be digital.

Grade 10 students and registered grade 11 students should complete a practice test. All families are encouraged to view a brief video about SAT preparation and to sign up for Official SAT Practice from the College Board and Khan Academy at khanacademy.org/sat.

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.

If you are interested in participating in the Field of Flags , please see information below or check out their site HERE

Please note that Friday, November 1 marks the end of the first marking term. Families are encouraged to have conversations about their student’s progress to date. Please do not hesitate to contact your student’s teacher(s), counselor, or associate principal with questions or concerns. As a reminder, students and families should log in to Infinite Campus daily to monitor student attendance and grades. For assistance with your IC account (username and password), contact Main Office Secretary Ellen Sicard by email at ensicard@methuen.k12.ma.us or by phone at (978) 722-6040.

O'Connor Studios will be back at MHS on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, to photograph students who were absent or not enrolled on picture day, which was held on Friday, September 6, 2024. Photos are taken for student and staff IDs and the yearbook.

See below for all athletic events taking place the week of October 20th

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!

Friday, October 25, 2024, is a scheduled early release day for professional development. The blocks for the day are 6, 2, 3, and 4. Please view this document, also available on the MHS website by clicking the MHS Resources tab, for early release information for the school year.

Friday, October 25, 2024

7:15 – 7:58 a.m. Block 6

8:03 – 8:47 a.m. Block 2

8:52 – 9:36 a.m. Block 3

9:41 – 10:25 a.m. Block 4

10:25 a.m. Dismissal

On Friday, October 25, 2024, from 9:30a.m. to 10:30a.m. the Klimas Memorial Field House, grade 12 students will attend our Colleges, Careers, and Community Service Fair put on by our School Counseling Department. The fair will support students in making informed decisions about their chosen postsecondary plans. All students are encouraged to view this list of suggested questions to prepare for conversations with the various representatives attending the fair.

All are invited to enjoy a day of bocce, Texas Roadhouse BBQ, and fun as the Methuen Scholarship Foundation presents its third annual Arthur Nicholson III Bocce Tournament fundraiser on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Sons of Italy in Methuen. Mr. Nick, a lifelong Ranger, was educated in the Methuen Public Schools where he later worked as a teacher and administrator for over forty-six years. He spent many years as principal of Methuen High School and will forever be remembered for his ability to be everywhere and know everyone. Mr. Nick consistently demonstrated his care, concern, and commitment to the students, staff, and community that he so loved. Your support of our Class of 2025 is greatly appreciated.

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.

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.

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

October 2024

• JROTC Raider Challenge (at Fort Devens)
• NESBA Marching Band Competition (at Reading)

• Red Ribbon Week

• NEASC Collaborative Conference Visit

• Department Meetings

Tuesday, October 22, 2024:

• Red Ribbon Week
• NEASC Collaborative Conference Visit

• Red Ribbon Week- Wear Red Day
• Picture Retake

• Red Ribbon Week
• PSAT Administration

• Early Release- Professional Development
• College and Career Fair

• JROTC Raider Challenge (at Fort Devens)
• NESBA Marching Band Competition (at Wakefield)

• Connections

November 2024

Friday, November 1, 2024:

• First Term Ends

• SAT Exam

• NESBA Marching Band Finals (Lawrence)

• Faculty Meeting

• Election Day- No school students. Staff Professional Development

• MCAS ELA Retest Session 1
• National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
• Science National Honor Society Induction Ceremony

• MCAS ELA Retest Session 2

• Veterans Day- Schools Closed

• MCAS Mathematics Retest Session 1

• MCAS Mathematics Retest Session 2
• Report Cards Posted to IC portal

• Connections

• JROTC MAP Competition (Revere)
• Santa Parade

• Early Release

• Thanksgiving- Schools Closed

December 2024

Wednesday December 4, 2024:

• Connections

• Second Term Midpoint

• Senior Class Trip to NYC

• Winter Choral Concert

• Fall Play

• JROTC MAP Competition

• Department Meetings

• Connections

• Winter Band Concert

• Early Release

• Winter Break-No School

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.