The Navigator - February 2025

February 14: International Night, 6pm

February 17-21: Winter Break - No School

February 25: Winter Sports Awards Night, 6pm

February 27: Bath Tech Open House, 5:30pm

March 3-13: Dental Clinic

March 5: 8th Grade Student & Parent Night, 5pm

March 5: Fine Arts Night, 6:30pm

March 14: Professional Development Day - No School

March 21 & 22: Spring Play, Puffs

March 27 & 28: Parent/Teacher Conferences - 1/2 day for Students

March 28: Mid-Semester Grades Close

By the time you read this, Morse will have held our first-semester recognition assembly, which celebrates the accomplishments of our students over the past semester. This assembly is when we celebrate the top ten GPAs in our senior class (after 7 semesters), the MPAs Principal’s Award, winter athletics, accomplishments in the arts, and so much more. This is a nice way to recognize our students before we leave each other for a week. This year we are trying something a little different by having the assembly in the gym and immediately following it with a staff vs. unified basketball game. This all takes place in the final hour before we leave for February break!

The Morse International Night is TONIGHT from 6:00 - 8:00 in the Student Commons and Montgomery Theater. This is always a great time for sharing cultures, food, art, and much more. This is a free event that is open to everyone.

Morse students and staff will soon start a well-deserved break for February vacation. Winter athletics will finish during the break and we will celebrate our winter athletes on the evening of February 25th in the Montgomery Theater. It will soon be March which is a period that is, largely, between athletic seasons, and we fill the month with events during a time when many students have more opportunities to participate.

The Morse Ping Pong club has restarted! The club meets each Thursday directly after school in the student commons. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of skill level. Morse will also form a volleyball team for the purpose of skill building, competition, and fun. Volleyball will occur between the end of the winter sports season and the beginning of the spring season. See Mr. Pelletier for more information.

Looking ahead, Morse will host our annual Fine Arts Night on March 5th at 6:30 PM. This is a wonderful evening when we celebrate the Morse students who excel in the fine arts and performing arts. Instrumental and choral groups will perform along with a music theater performance.

March 10th & 11th is our annual Freshman Awareness Program. This year we will hold a 2-day program when we pause regular academics, take the ninth-grade class off campus, and spend the day focusing on resiliency, goals, and obstacles that can get in the way of their goals. This year we will hold the program in two locations: one day at Hyde School and another day on the Bowdoin campus. We are unsure how long this program has existed at Morse, but it has been going strong for at least thirty-five years. Like me, I am sure many of our parents remember your days in freshman (or sophomore) awareness!

Spring parent-teacher conferences are about a month away, they will be held on March 27th and 28th. Parents/Guardians should look for emailed invitations from each of their student’s teachers at noon on February 28th. Parents are welcome to schedule in-person or remote conferences; these conferences tend to fill up quickly, so you may want to set a reminder to check your email on February 28th.

As the Morse class of 2025 formalizes their plans for next year, I encourage seniors to put their plans on the board in the student services office. The board is starting to fill with college acceptances, military service appointments, and employment plans. It is very exciting to see all the places that the class of 2025 will go next.

Meanwhile, our underclassmen are also starting to look ahead. Morse teachers have made recommendations for their current students and individual meetings are occurring between students and their school counselors. The transition process has also begun with our eighth-graders at BMS and WCS. The process of turning student requests into a master schedule for next year is a large endeavor. Students will have their class schedule for next year before the end of this semester; however, we need to start this process now to put all of the pieces together before then.

Sophomores may also be interested in applying for a half-day program at Bath Tech. All sophomores have attended a Bath Tech informational session already and applications are available in Morse’s student services department.

The Montgomery Theater is busy with rehearsals, set creation, and other preparations for our spring play, Puffs. Mrs. Coleman reports that her cast and crew are working hard to create another memorable production for our community. Please plan to attend the play, which runs on the evenings of March 21 and 22.

Finally, I would like to speak a little more about RSU 1’s new cell phone policy, now that we have one semester behind us and can start looking at the potential effects of this change. Data is always challenging to meaningfully correlate in education, as we are dealing with human beings, and many factors go into each of our successes and challenges, especially in the adolescent years. It is also important to remember that at least 25% of our student body turns over each school year. Keeping all of these disclaimers in mind, I would like to point out that during the first semester of this school year, Morse had just under half of the school suspensions as compared to the same period last year. Although we have not calculated a school-wide change in academic performances, we have seen a positive change in some important classes and with some students. Again, I am not claiming that RSU 1’s cell phone policy is the sole contribution to these positive shifts; however, I am sure that this shift is good for our students’ education and social-emotional development. I continue to ask and thank you for your support.

I hope you all have an enjoyable February vacation.

Sincerely,

Eric Varney

Principal

Please call 443-8250 (option 1) to leave a message with the Attendance Secretary. You may also send an email to Ms. Orr at korr@rsu1.org.

Bonjour/Hola!

My name is Mr. (or Monsieur or Señor) Jackson and I am so very thrilled to be joining the Morse High School team! I come to MHS from a near-decade of teaching French in Caribou; Aroostook County. I have also taught French at the university level and have organized several student trips to Québec in my time at Caribou High School. Alongside my regular French classes, I was the Diversity Club (GSTA) advisor as well as the World Languages Club advisor. To see MHS offering the same outlets for students gives me great hope and reminds me of why we do what we do: we open the doors to the future, whatever that may look like. I love learning languages, traveling, playing guitar, and spending time with my fiancé and dog. We love traveling and exploring; we can't wait to discover all that Bath and the midcoast has to offer!

Morse and Bath Tech are both well-represented. Check it out below!

Our Winter Athletics season is coming to a close. We are in the final week. Indoor Track, Wrestling, Unified Basketball and Swimming will close out the Shipbuilders’ Winter during the school vacation week! The community support this Winter has been incredible. The athletes, coaches and myself appreciate everyone who has come out to cheer on our ‘Builders!

This Winter saw 3 new Varsity head coaches take over. Coach Beth Carlton (Girls Basketball), Coach Steve Stewart (Boys Basketball) and Coach Spencer Hallowell (Swimming) all began their Varsity coaching experience at Morse. Each of them have made incredible progress in developing the culture within the program and found new success in the pool and on the courts.

All of our programs found some success this winter. It has been great to see our athletes and coaches compete at a high level and represent our community the right way. Some highlights are below:

• Boys Basketball finished the season 11th of 15 in the Class B South. Their playoff fate came down to the last games of the season. We saw great growth out of the boys and the future is bright for this program.

• Girls Basketball went from 2 wins a year ago to 7 wins this season. The excitement for the girls is high looking forward.

• Cheering qualified for the MPA Class B State championships once again. They placed 14th of 16 teams competing (nearly 40 total in Class B Statewide). The team was also recognized as the MPA Class B South Sportsmanship Award recipient! This is a direct reflection of the outstanding reputation of everyone involved in the program.

• Indoor Track saw several school records and conference records be broken during the season! Senior Shealyn Brochu broke the KVAC Record in the One Mile Run! At the KVAC Championships, the girls placed 3rd and the boys placed 4th. Both teams will compete at the MPA Class B State Championships on Monday, February 17th at Bates College.

• Our wrestling program had a tremendous season after graduating a high number of athletes. Our young team has battled all season to progress and improve each week. Senior Jason Rowan earned his 100th win of his career in his last match ever at Morse High School - on Senior Day! Freshman Jayden Wight, Senior Kaidin Webster and Jason Rowan all qualified for the MPA Class B State Championships taking place on Saturday February 15th at The Colisee in Lewiston.

• Our Girls Swimming team has seen great success this Winter in the pool. Our girls have a small team in numbers but have battled to a nice season. They finished 3rd of 10 teams at the KVAC Championships. The girls will take part in the MPA Class B State Championships on Monday, February 17th at Bowdoin College.

• Our Boys Swimming team has seen unprecedented success thus far in the pool. The boys have shattered 5 school records, 2 state records and many athletes have broken into the Morse Top 10 for every event. The boys team won their fourth straight KVAC Championship in dominating fashion and Senior Gaffney McDonough was named the Swimmer of the Meet! The boys will take part in the MPA Class B State Championships on Tuesday, February 18th at Bowdoin College.

Spring sports are right around the corner so please make sure to sign up using the Arbiter Sports link! Some sports will begin on Monday, March 24th and some will start on Monday, March 31st. We will be hosting a Spring Sports meeting on Tuesday, March 18th at Morse High School. This meeting will allow all families and athletes to meet with their coaches and get more information. Look for more details on this meeting soon!

Go Shipbuilders!

Andrew Pelletier

Athletic Director

VISIT US ONLINE

Seniors, Class of 2025

• This Niche article has some good tips for Seniors awaiting college admission decisions.

• We maintain a scholarship list organized by deadline date that is updated weekly.

• Financial Aid:

• The 2025-2026 FAFSA is available. Colleges, universities, & trade schools require this form. Seniors are encouraged to complete it if their post-Morse plans include attending college or a training program. Completing the form allows students to be considered for financial aid including grants & scholarships.

• The CSS Profile is an additional financial aid form required by some colleges.

Juniors, Class of 2026

• Student Services held a Post-Secondary information night for juniors and families in late November and visited junior English classes to share resources with students including a copy of their high school transcript. We have started junior meetings to check in with students about their plans after Morse.

• Standardized Tests Morse hosts the SAT & ACT here are upcoming dates:

• Financial Aid Night - Save the Date: Find out what you need to know to apply for financial aid to help pay for college. Jessica Whittier with the Finance Authority of Maine will present at the Morse Montgomery Theater on March 26th at 6 pm.

• Dirigo State is a civic education and leadership program for Maine high school juniors. It takes place at Colby College in Waterville June 15-20th. If you have interest in attending & representing Morse, please complete this short survey: https://bit.ly/DirigoSif The local American legion sponsors Morse juniors to attend free of charge. Participating in Dirigo State offers leadership development, connections within the state, & scholarship opportunities.

Sophomores, Class of 2027

• Four sophomore leadership camps take place in May and June in Maine. A leadership camp can be a life-changing experience. Sophomores are encouraged to consider the opportunities listed on this survey: https://bit.ly/MHS27lead and indicate their interest in participating.

• Maine Youth Leadership is FREE and takes place May 15th to May 18th, 2025 at the University of Southern Maine

• Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership costs $300 and takes place June 13-15, 2025 at the University of Maine Farmington

• Rotary Youth Leadership Award is FREE to students through the local fundraising of Rotary and Interact and takes place June 22-25, 2025 at Camp Hinds in Raymond, Maine

• SELF-made Engineering Leaders of the Future is a FREE program @ UMaine and will likely take place June 22-25, 2025 "Connecting young rural girls to STEM careers through research, mentoring and community service in forest bio-products"

• The survey also has a question promoting the opportunity to run for the State School Board Student Representative for District 1. Application deadline 2/28/25.

• March 27th is a half day for students. We will administer an optional, free online PSAT for grade 10 students that day. The test will start at 11:30 and conclude by 2 pm. Sophomores interested in taking the test are asked to sign up on this online form: https://bit.ly/MPSAT10 Taking the PSAT 10 provides students with information about their college readiness and helps them practice to take the SAT as a junior. FMI: https://psat.org/digital

Freshmen, Class of 2028

• March 27th is a half day for students. We will administer an optional, free online PSAT 8/9 for grade 9 students that day. The test will start at 11:30 and conclude by 2 pm. Freshmen interested in taking the test are asked to sign up on this form: https://bit.ly/MPSAT9 Taking the PSAT 10 provides students with information about their college readiness and helps them practice to take the SAT as a junior. FMI: http://psat.org/digital-8-9

Ten Morse High School students participated in this year's District III Honors Band and Chorus Festival, held at Mt. Ararat Middle School on January 31st and February 1st. These students auditioned and qualified for the various ensembles, and prepared an amazing show on the evening of February 1st.

Student participants include: Anderson Brown, Lillian Curtis, Avery Doak, and Gracious Emery in the band; Gray Kettell and Wesley Leeman in the Tenor/Bass Chorus; Charlotte Bickford, Megan Cressey, Maisie Mains, and Willow Perkins in the Soprano/Alto chorus.

Scholastic Art Awards is a regional and nation-wide competition for young artists and writers. This year Ren Kauffunger received a Gold award for his Charcoal drawing and Haley Bergeron received a Silver award for her coffee filter dress. Their works can be seen on display this month at Maine College of Art. Congratulations to Ren and Haley!

Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic by Matt Cox.

For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs... who just happened to be there too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world.

Performances are Friday, March 21 and Saturday, March 22, 2025

Two options for ordering a yearbook:

• Online through Jostens until February 28
• Cash/Check made payable to Morse High School by visiting Mrs. Barter in the Health Center

The December/January newsletter can be viewed here.

Instagram @MorseOutingClub

Google Classroom join code 4kk2bgl

Upcoming Outings:

• March 13-15th Medawisla Lodge Trip (at capacity)

• April 11-13th Acadia Trip

• April 28-May 2 Screen Free Week

• May 16-18 Teens to Trails Adventure Bound Rafting & Camping (The Forks)

Sara’s scholarship offers a free multi-day outdoor adventure with: Chewonki, Rippleffect, or Trout Unlimited. Scholarship winners can choose a trip to try backpacking, sea kayaking, canoeing, or fly fishing! This scholarship is available to any Sophomore at any Teens to Trails registered school. Students don’t need to be Outing Club members to apply. All gear required for the trip will be provided as part of the scholarship. Deadline to apply is March 7th.

Interact is a community service club. We meet on Thursday mornings in the Fishbowl. All students are welcome. We are hosting a blood drive on Friday, March 7th from 9 am - 2 pm. Students age 16 and up can register to donate. Families are also welcome to donate.

“Students don’t benefit from more time indoors, and I wanted to offer them a mindset shift through walking outside,” Trundy said. “I wanted to give them my attention and ear if they want it and be a trusted adult they know they can speak to when they’re ready.”

Read the full article here.

In mid-December all Freshmen received new and faster Chromebooks that they’ll keep until the end of senior year. They feature great hard shell protective covers, which means we’re only giving out padded carry cases by request. If your student refused a padded case when they received their new Chromebook, they can continue using their old one, or request one at the technology help desk in the Morse library.

Students should not remove the hard covers from their Chromebook. A common source of damage is from Chromebooks placed in an overstuffed backpack and then tossed around. The covers won’t protect from this type of damage. Thank you for your help, and enjoy your new Chromebooks!

The 50 year class of 1975 is busy planning for their big reunion in June and raising money for the Morse High School Scholarship Fund through the Blue and White Golf Classic.

Morse High School is fortunate to have one of the oldest, largest, and most active public-school alumni associations in the country. The Alumni Scholarship Fund manages funds that each spring award scholarships for Morse High graduates planning to continue their education. The class of 2024 has received 85 awards totaling $294,525.

In addition to these scholarships, through the generous donations of area businesses, elementary school groups, private funds, families, statewide and national scholarships, 78 additional awards totaling $515,778.71 were granted.

The class of 2024 received awards totaling $810,303 to continue their education in 2-year, 4-year and other certified programs.

The Morse High School Scholarship Fund began in 1959 with a $200 gift. Supporting the MHSSF since 2002 our golf tournament has raised $756,000+. This event is our only active fundraiser. With the help of 144 Golfers and 115 Sponsors last year's golf outing raised $40,500+. FMI or to make a donation check out the Blue and White Golf Classic.

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