• 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

Dear Families,

I hope this newsletter finds you well! We are very much looking forward to Exhibition Night next week and hope that you're planning to join us! Your students have been preparing their exhibitions during Advisory time and will do a dress rehearsal next Wednesday to be ready for the big night on Thursday, March 14, 5:30-7:00PM!

This is the first time that we're holding this event again in the evening after several years of having it during the school day since the COVID years. All students in grades 7-12 will be exhibiting a project that they have completed this year. Families are highly encouraged to attend!

Please read on to learn about another exciting event for 8th grade families and to review upcoming MCAS Exam dates for grades 7-10, and please remember that Monday, March 11 there is no school for a teacher professional develoment day!

Wishing you all the best,

Christine Douglas

cdouglas@phacs.org

For all resources related to supporting our PHAmilies please see our the Family Central page on the PHA website!

We are excited to start planning for your children’s transition to our High School this fall and would like to invite you to a Zoom meeting on:

Thursday, March 21, 20024 at 5:30pm (zoom link to be sent out soon)

At the meeting, you will get to know me, and meet a few current 9th grade students. We will provide you with an overview of what your student will learn and experience in our unique 9th Grade Academy as well their entire high school career, and outline a few highlights that differentiate PHA from other high schools. You will further have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Please also note that on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, your 8th grader will visit the high school, be introduced to key faculty members, and participate in a high school student panel.

I look forward to meeting you on March 21!

High School

10th Grade ELA- March 26 & 27

10th Grade Math- May 21 & 22

9th Grade STE (biology)- June 4 & 5

Middle School

7th & 8th Grade ELA - April 24 & 25

8th Grade STE (science) - May 7 & 8

7th & 8th Grade Math - May 15 & 16

School Supplies

Purchase and drop off School Supplies for your campus based on their Amazon Wish List:

• Middle & High School Wishlist (7th-12th Grade) - They really need electric pencil sharpeners.

ANXIETY IN CHILDREN - Recording and Slides of Dr. Johnson’s Presentation

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.

Important FAFSA information for senior families

The rollout of the new FAFSA has been challenging to say the least. Our seniors have been working diligently to prepare and submit their financial aid applications and, in many cases, are waiting patiently for their applications to be processed.

Last week, the 3 college counselors went to Ms. Martin’s class and conferenced with individual students. At this point, over 60% of seniors have tried to complete the FAFSA, and we have not seen a single FAFSA processed. Unfortunately, the only thing to do in this case is wait until the many glitches and problems have been fixed by the government. We understand that this is scary and nerve-wracking for families and we are here to support as needed. Please have a conversation with your child, if you haven’t already, and ask them where their FAFSA process stands. You can contact Ms. McElligott, Mr. Costa, or Ms. Martin with any additional questions and our wonderful team of family liaisons is also available to support. Additionally, MEFA, a trusted financial aid resource, offers families drop in support and you can learn more about that here.

One other piece of information that we have learned and want to share: parents who do not have an SSN have been unable to create an FSA ID and complete the parent section of the FAFSA. When the problems are fixed, parents without SSNs will be able to complete the FAFSA, but cannot at this time. Please note that the error messages that you may have received can be unclear, and be assured that this is not the fault of students or their families and is an unfortunate glitch that is happening with the FAFSA form.

Other information for senior families:

At this point in the year, over 80% of seniors have applied to at least one college, and almost half have received at least one acceptance to colleges and universities across New England, and other parts of the country such as New York, New Jersey, Michigan, and Colorado!

Information for junior families

This semester, juniors are participating in a semester-long College & Career Readiness class, taught by Mr. Costa. Last week, they reviewed their transcripts by looking through their past grades, and learned more about the graduation requirements for PHA.

Erin McElligott, Director of College & School Counseling; Alumni Support

Devan Martin, College Counselor, CCR 12 Teacher

Leo Costa, College Counselor, CCR 11 & 12 Teacher

Congratulations to all of our winter athletes for successful seasons! We're very proud that our Varsity Girls Basketball Team won the championship in the MCSAO this year! Congratulations to the team and coaches! Good luck to the Middle School Boys as they also compete in the MCSAO Boys Middle School Championship tonight at 5:30- at Pioneer Saugus!

Spring sports tryouts begin on March 18!

Boys Volleyball

Girls Softball

Co-ed Track

Please email Mr, Lerner with any questions- glerner@phacs.org

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

• General PHA Meals Program Information can be found here.

• Please note that families are no longer required to pre-prder meals!

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