On Monday, October 14, 2024, there is no school in observance of Columbus Day.

The Methuen/Tewksbury swim & dive team was at home for senior night and an MVC meet with NDA/Dracut. The Red Rangers came away with a 93-82 win. The big news of the day was that senior captain Sophia Ferrara not only won the diving but also set a new Methuen school record with a score of 242.20. Fellow senior Isaac Gillespie won the 100 freestyle, while Ethan Corthell took first place in both the 50 freestyle and 100 backstroke.

The win brings Methuen's record to 5-2 on the season.

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.

Si está interesado en asistir a un seminario web sobre medios sociales, consulte el folleto adjunto. El webinar está diseñado para familias de habla hispana.

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 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.

Berkeley Auto School is offering driver’s education classes at MHS from Tuesday, October 15 through Thursday, November 14. Classes run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 2:15 p.m. until 4:45 p.m. This program is available to MHS students only and participants must be at least 15.9 years old. Click here for more information. Please reach out to Berkeley Auto School by phone at (978) 685-7701 or email at berkauto@gmail.com with any questions.

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 14th

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!

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.

Location: East Greenwich, RI

GPA: 2.9

SAT: na

ACT: na

Enrollment:

Undergraduate students: 1800

Female: 41%

Male: 59%

Graduate students: 138

Total Enrollment: 1938

Academics:

At the New England Institute of Technology, you’ll find a diverse selection of vocational courses in trade-based careers. They also offer several part-time and online programs. Small classes, extensive support, cutting-edge laboratories, and flexible learning options have helped establish the New England Institute of Technology as one of the best technical colleges in New England.

Hands-on training and education in everything from Architecture and Automotive Technology to Veterinary Technology and Video Game Development and Design, granting certificates, Associate, Bachelor and Master Degrees.

Schedule a visit!

Student Life at NEIT:

Mascot: NEIT Tigers

Colors: Light blue and yellow

Athletics: New Esports club! Intramural and recreational sports, too!

Student Life: State of the art residence halls, a student center, fitness center, clubs… NEIT has it all.

Programs Offered

• Medical Assisting and Administration

• Practical Nurse

• Architectural Building Engineering Technology

• Interior Design

• Automotive Technology

• Marine Technology

• Business Management

• Criminal Justice

• Cyber security

• Civil Engineering Technology

• Electronics, Robotics, and Drones Technology

• Mechanical Engineering Technology

• Software Engineering and Web Development

• Nursing

• Occupational Therapy

• Respiratory Care

• Surgical Technology

• Paramedic Technology

• Health Sciences

• Building Construction

• Electrical Technology

• Facilities Management

• Refrigeration, Air-conditioning, and Heating

• Plumbing

• Welding

• Veterinary Technology

• Video Game Design

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.

All families should have frequent conversations about their student’s academic progress. To guide these conversations and monitor student attendance and grades, students and families are strongly encouraged to log in to Infinite Campus regularly. For support using and navigating IC, take a moment to review the Infinite Campus guide for parents and students. Please do not hesitate to contact your student’s teacher(s), school counselor, or associate principal with questions or concerns regarding your student's performance. 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.

Please see below for information about how to update personal information in IC:

• Change of Address - All address changes must be reported to the Family Resource Center.
• Change Phone Number or Email Address - Updates can be made in the IC Parent Portal or by contacting the MHS Main Office or Counseling Office:
• Email:
• Main Office Secretary Ellen Sicard - ensicard@methuen.k12.ma.us
• Main Office Secretary Margaret Sweeney - mtsweeney@methuen.k12.ma.us
• Counseling Office Secretary Mildred Fontanez - mdfontanez@methuen.k12.ma.us
• Phone: Main Office - (978) 722-6040 / Counseling Office - (978) 722-6045

Please contact your student’s counselor or associate principal with questions or concerns.

Daily Schedule

Early Release Schedule

Two Hour Delay Schedule

Lunch Schedule

It remains our school-wide expectation that students have their school ID on their person each day. Returning students should use their school ID from the 2023-2024 school year. All students will receive a new school ID after taking a photo on student picture day, which is scheduled for Friday, September 6, 2024. Students will continue to be asked to show their school ID at times during the regular school day and when attending extracurricular events and activities. Please communicate with the appropriate grade-level associate principal if you have any questions or concerns.

Students are required to register their vehicles and pay a fee for parking at Methuen High School. Detailed student parking information can be viewed in this document and the Student Parking FAQ document. Parking without a displayed permit (decal) is a violation and may result in the vehicle being

ticketed. As noted in the parking document, parking decals must be displayed on the driver’s side, back seat window. The decal must be visible and attached directly to the outside glass using the adhesive on the back of the sticker. Students should provide payment and necessary documentation in the Main Office. Please contact the MHS Main Office at (978) 722-6040 with questions.

Please view this letter from our Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Ian Gosselin for detailed transportation information. Families who are needing to request busing should contact the MHS Main Office at (978) 722-6040.

Students may be dropped off or picked up at the following locations: Be advised that there can be a lot of traffic in the mornings. Please plan accordingly when arriving to Methuen High School.

• MHS bus loop by the field house (not available during dismissal as buses will be lined up)
• MHS main entrance loop (when traveling on Ranger Rd. from Jackson St.)
• MHS faculty and student parking lot on Ranger Rd.
• Timony Grammar School lot by the MHS South House
• Nicholson Stadium lot (students use the path along Nicholson Stadium)

As a reminder, there is no left turn at the MHS main entrance loop.

The first block of the school day begins at 7:15 a.m. and it is the expectation that students are in class and prepared by that time. Mornings can be challenging and the traffic on Ranger Road and surrounding streets can be heavy. Students and families are encouraged to leave home with the intention of arriving at Methuen High School by 7:05 a.m. Students who arrive after 7:15 a.m. must sign in at the Main Office and will be marked tardy to school. A student’s fourth and subsequent unexcused tardy to school in a marking term will result in disciplinary action (i.e., office detention, Saturday detention). Tardiness to school will be excused for late buses and medical or emergency situations. Detailed information regarding student attendance can be viewed in the MHS Student Handbook. Please reach out to an associate principal and/or school counselor for support with student attendance.

Contact the MHS Main Office, (978) 722-6040 extension 2357, to report your student's absence from school. If the absence qualifies as an excused absence, documentation must be provided to the Nurses Office. Detailed information regarding student attendance can be viewed in the MHS Student Handbook. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your student's counselor or associate principal with questions or concerns regarding attendance.

Notifications will be sent via Infinite Campus to alert families of their student’s late arrival to school, dismissal, or full day absence from school. The notifications will be sent after the second block of the day to the families of students who arrive tardy (after 7:15 a.m.) and who are not present during the first two blocks, which indicates a full day absence. Please note that excessive unexcused tardies to school will result in disciplinary consequences and that excessive unexcused absences from classes will result in credit denial. Detailed information regarding student attendance can be viewed in the MHS Student Handbook. If your student’s attendance record is incorrect, please contact the Main Office at (978) 722-6040. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your student's teachers, counselor, or associate principal for support.

If you plan to dismiss your student from school, please have them bring a signed note to the Main Office in the morning that includes the time of dismissal, the reason for the dismissal, your student’s name and school ID number, and the phone number for a parent/guardian to confirm the dismissal. Providing a note in the morning before the start of school will prevent the need for the parent/guardian to come into the building at the time of dismissal. If the dismissal is unscheduled, please park in the visitor spaces located in front of the South House and enter the building at the Main Entrance. Please note that proper identification is required before access is granted to our Main Office and building.

Success in school is largely dependent on student attendance. At Methuen High School, we encourage all students who are healthy and well to attend school every day. A day out of school is valuable time lost in a student's academic, social, and emotional development. When a student is absent multiple days, the impact can be dramatic.

The MHS credit denial policy is designed to encourage students to attend school regularly by allowing no more than four unexcused absences per marking term. On the fifth unexcused absence from a class, students will be denied credit in the course for the term. If the absence qualifies as an excused absence, documentation must be provided to the Main Office. Students and families are expected to communicate with their teacher(s), counselor, and/or associate principal to discuss attendance concerns. Students may earn credit back by improving their attendance in the next term. Detailed information regarding the credit denial policy can be viewed in the MHS Student Handbook. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your student's counselor or associate principal with questions or concerns regarding attendance.

Families, community members, and guests are reminded to enter MHS through our Main Entrance. Upon entering the vestibule, Main Office Secretary Francesca Tapia will require guests to show proper identification before access is granted to our Main Office and building. Once in the Main Office, guests will be required to sign in. Secretaries Ellie Sicard, Margaret Sweeney, and Paula George are available for assistance in the Main Office, along with our bilingual parent liaison, Maria Montero. Our regular school day hours are 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. We hope our visitors feel welcome as we aim to make our building as safe and secure as possible.

All students are eligible for one free breakfast and lunch each day in the 2024-2025 school year. When picking up breakfast or lunch, students must enter their personal student ID. Students are not permitted to use another student's ID number at any time. A second meal (breakfast or lunch) or snack must be purchased using cash or the student’s school lunch account. Detailed information can be viewed by visiting the MPS School Nutrition Services Department website. Please contact Director of School Nutrition Services Bob Frati by email at rtfrati@methuen.k12.ma.us or by phone at (978) 722-6010 with questions or concerns.

Please read a message from our school nurses regarding the required meningococcal vaccination for grade eleven students. Please contact our school nurses with questions or concerns.

School Nurses

Students and families are encouraged to reach out to our school nurses with questions or concerns at any time. If your student is not feeling well, please do not send them to school.

Jennifer Sawyer (RN) jrsawyer@methuen.k12.ma.us (978) 722-6040 ext. 2318

Erin Heath (RN) enheath@methuen.k12.ma.us (978) 722-6040 ext. 2383

Evelyn Rodriguez (medical assistant) enrodriguez@methuen.k12.ma.us (978) 722-6040 ext. 2383

The MHS Nurses’ Office can also be reached directly by calling (978) 722-6050.

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

Monday, October 14, 2024:

• Columbus Day- Schools Closed

Tuesday, October 15, 2024:

• Connections

Thursday, October 17, 2024:

• Mathematics Olympiad Competition

Friday, October 18, 2024:

• Senior Class Photo

Saturday, October 19, 2024:

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

Monday, October 21, 2024:

• Red Ribbon Week

• NEASC Collaborative Conference Visit

• Department Meetings

Tuesday, October 22, 2024:

• Red Ribbon Week
• NEASC Collaborative Conference Visit

Wednesday, October 23, 2024:

• Red Ribbon Week- Wear Red Day
• Picture Retake

Thursday, October 24, 2024:

• Red Ribbon Week
• PSAT Administration

Friday, October 25, 2024:

• Early Release- Professional Development
• College and Career Fair

Saturday, October 26, 2024:

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

Wednesday, October 30, 2024:

• Connections

November 2024

Friday, November 1, 2024:

• First Term Ends

Saturday, November 2, 2024:

• SAT Exam

Sunday, November 3, 2024:

• NESBA Marching Band Finals (Lawrence)

Monday, November 4, 2024:

• Faculty Meeting

Tuesday, November 5, 2024:

• Election Day- No school students. Staff Professional Development

Wednesday, November 6, 2024:

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

Thursday, November 7, 2024:

• MCAS ELA Retest Session 2

Monday, November 11, 2024:

• Veterans Day- Schools Closed

Tuesday, November 12, 2024:

• MCAS Mathematics Retest Session 1

Wednesday, November 13, 2024:

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

Thursday, November 14, 2024:

• Connections

Saturday, November 23, 2024:

• JROTC MAP Competition (Revere)
• Santa Parade

Wednesday, November 27, 2024:

• Early Release

Thursday-Friday, November 28-29, 2024:

• Thanksgiving- Schools Closed

December 2024

Wednesday December 4, 2024:

• Connections

Friday, December 6, 2024:

• Second Term Midpoint

Saturday, December 7, 2024:

• Senior Class Trip to NYC

Wednesday, December 11, 2024:

• Winter Choral Concert

Thursday, December 7-Saturday, December 14, 2024:

• Fall Play

Saturday, December 14, 2024:

• JROTC MAP Competition

Monday, December 16, 2024:

• Department Meetings

Wednesday, December 18, 2024:

• Connections

Thursday, December 19, 2024:

• Winter Band Concert

Friday, December 20, 2024:

• Early Release

Monday, December 23, 2024-Wednesday, January 1, 2025:

• 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.