Friday, February 28, 2025 marks the halfway point of the 3rd marking period. Please be advised that all student grades can be found in our infinite campus parent portal. It is strongly recommended that you monitor student grades throughout the marking period and connect with their specific teacher, school counselor, or associate principal if you have any questions or concerns with regards to student performance. If you need any assistance with logging into infinite campus, please reach out to main office secretary Ellie Sicard at (978) 722-6040 x2371 or ensicard@methuen.k12.ma.us

On Tuesday February 25 seniors took a trip to Pats Peak ski mountain in NH for a night a skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Thank you to the senior class advisors for the work they did to make this a fun event for our senior class.

On Wednesday, February 26, Methuen High School had the pleasure of welcoming students from across the district to the Arthur Nicholson III auditorium to perform their Choral Jamboree. Students showed up looking beautiful and handsome, and did a great job with their performance. Thank you to the fine arts department and all volunteers that helped to make this event a success.

We are pleased to offer Methuen High School juniors and seniors the no-cost opportunity to earn the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy. Eligibility for the State Seal of Biliteracy is based on student demonstration of proficiency in English and any other language. Testing at MHS is scheduled for the week of Monday, March 10, 2025. For detailed information, please view our letter and the DESE website. Interested juniors and seniors should fill out this Google Form by Monday, March 3, 2025. Please reach out to World Language Department Chair Laura Enright (laenright@methuen.k12.ma.us) or ELE Department Chair Christine Staugler (cestaugler@methuen.k12.ma.us) with questions.

Below are the MHS Athletics Spring Sports Tryout Schedule for the 2025 Season. For more information, please see the contact information for the teams coach or reach out to MHS Athletic Director Tom Ryan at tsryan@methuen.k12.ma.us

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has published the 2024 school and district report cards, which contain information about school and district performance on a variety of measures. Visit the website and search for the school or district. These report cards are now available in multiple languages using the drop-down menu.

The MCAS test was recently voted to no longer count towards attainment of the state of Massachusetts competency determination standards. Any former student in the MHS class of 2003-2024 who did not earn a diploma as a result of not meeting expectations for competency determination, is eligible to apply for a transcript review. Upon review if they met Methuen Public Schools updated expectations for competency determination, they will be eligible for a class of 2025 diploma. For more information on the expectations for competency determination or how to apply for a transcript review, click HERE.

Our Rangers are entering tournament play. For updated information on tournament schedules as they are released, please visit the Ranger Athletic Schedule or the MIAA website for more information as the playoff schedule/format comes out.

We are excited to support MHS Athletics throughout the winter 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!

The Methuen Scholarship Foundation is thrilled to announce its 34th Annual Scholarship Telethon Fundraiser, scheduled for March 18th and 19th in the Methuen High School Auditorium. This event will be televised on Comcast, Verizon, and Verizon HD.

Since 1973, the Foundation has proudly awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving Methuen High School seniors pursuing higher education. This reflects the strength of our community coming together to invest in the future of our students.

We are reaching out to local businesses, organizations, and individuals to support our fundraising initiatives by sponsoring the telethon or donating auction/raffle items for our fundraising events for the Senior Class of 2025.

Raffle and auction items will be featured in multiple events, including the Telethon, Music Bingo Night (to be held on May 3rd at the VFW Post 8349 in Methuen), and other fundraisers. Your contributions enhance these events and ensure we can continue providing vital scholarships.

All businesses that donate will be recognized during the Telethon and on social media. Viewers will be encouraged to support our generous contributors, showcasing your commitment to the Methuen community.

Donations can be mailed to:
Methuen Scholarship Foundation
P.O. Box 2005
Methuen, MA 01844

You can also email us to arrange a donation pickup. Should you have any questions, please reach out via email. Our Tax-Exempt ID is: 46-4500729

Thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of Methuen High School seniors.

Sincerely,

Ann Shapiro

Treasurer

Methuen Scholarship Foundation

Students,

Interested in showcasing your culture to the MHS community? Please fill out this form if you are interested in representing your culture at an in-school Multicultural Showcase on April 17, 2025. This will be an opportunity for you to share any aspect of your culture: arts/crafts, dance, music, clothing, cultural objects, information, language, performance, etc. This is NOT a final decision, we are looking to see which cultures could be represented by our student body. In an effort to give all students and cultures equal opportunity, we will be asking interested students/groups to submit a proposal in order to be considered for the showcase.

Berkeley Auto School is offering driver’s education classes at MHS from March 4 through March 27. This program is available to MHS students only and participants must be at least 15.9 years old. Please reach out to Berkeley Auto School by phone at (978) 685-7701 or email at berkauto@gmail.com with any questions.

Schedule:

March 4, 5, 6, 2pm-5pm

March 11, 13, 2pm-5pm

March 18, 19, 20 2pm-5pm

March 25, 27, 2pm-5pm

Location: Buzzards Bay, MA

Mascot: Buccaneers

Colors: Maritime Blue and Insignia Gold

Minimum GPA: 3.3

SAT: na

ACT: na

Enrollment:

Undergraduate students: 1,271

Female: 14.4%

Male: 85.6%

Graduate students: 91

Total Enrollment: 1362

Academics:

The seven majors offered at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy are

Marine Transportation (MTRA)

Marine Engineering (MENG)

International Maritime Business (IMBU)

Energy Systems Engineering (ESE)

Facilities Engineering (FENG)

Emergency Management (EM)

Marine Science Safety and Environmental Protection (MSSEP)

Student Life at SNHU:

The Regiment:

All residential students are members of the Academy's Regiment of Cadets. Within the Regiment, cadets supervise other cadets in a broad variety of activities, including the orientation of freshmen, room inspections, Morning Formation, daily cleaning stations, study hours, sea term planning and shipboard responsibilities. Students who seek to enroll in the Facilities Engineering or the Emergency Management programs as non-uniformed commuter students must apply in writing for admission to that status.

Academy freshmen, called "Youngies" (short for "young ladies and gentlemen"), arrive at the Academy in mid-August for Orientation, a two-week military-style indoctrination program that is physically and mentally demanding. It encompasses regimental training, military drill, and physical fitness. It also serves as an introduction to shipboard/maritime safety, nomenclature, and customs. The indoctrination period and cadet candidate program is essential to the preparation for the youngies' first semester at sea (sea term) in January.

After Orientation, the academic year begins. For the rest of their first academic year as fourth class cadets, Youngies continue to be required to adhere to stringent rules affecting many aspects of their daily life.

Second class cadets (juniors) are designated Squad Leaders and are in charge of the training of the Youngies. First class cadets (seniors) hold cadet officer positions within the regiment and/or aboard the training ship.

Sea Term:

T.S. Patriot State

All aboard for Sea Term!

Sea Term is a six-week, hands-on voyage. Cadets enrolled in Marine Engineering and Marine Transportation must complete at least four Sea Terms that typically take place in January and February between academic terms. Sea Term affords cadets the opportunity to rotate through class and laboratory training. This training ranges from ship operations, maintenance, watch standing, to drills.

The various ports of call offer time to relax and unwind. Setting sail presents opportunities to develop independence and self-confidence. All majors may have the opportunity to participate in a Sea Term pending space availability and their goals within their specific major.

Activities:

The Commandant’s Office, also known as Student Services, helps maintain an enriching cultural and social environment at the Academy. Rigorous academics and structure are balanced by a wide variety of extracurricular activities including clubs, organizations, and both on and off campus events.

Athletics: DIII Varsity Sports

Women’s Men’s

Cross Country Baseball

Lacrosse Cross Country

Rowing Football

Sailing Lacrosse

Soccer Rowing

Softball Sailing

Track & Field Soccer

Volleyball Track & Field

What do Web Developers do?

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

What tasks do Web Developers perform?

• Write supporting code for Web applications or Web sites.

• Design, build, or maintain Web sites, using authoring or scripting languages, content creation tools, management tools, and digital media.

• Back up files from Web sites to local directories for instant recovery in case of problems.

• Select programming languages, design tools, or applications.

What do Web Developers need to know?

Computers and Electronics

• Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

English Language

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Mathematics

• Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

What skills do Web Developers need?

Programming

• Writing computer programs for various purposes.

Critical Thinking

• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension

• Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Median Yearly Income: $79,025

Income Percentile

Income Low (10%)$41,539

Median (50%)$79,025

High (90%)$155,729

Most Common Education Level: Bachelor's degree

High school diploma or less 12.50%

Certificate 16.67%

Some college 4.17%

Associate degree 16.67%

Bachelor's degree 50.00%

Master's or professional degree 0.00%

Doctoral degree or more 0.00%

Projected Job Growth: +13.44%

Looking for guidance on what college might be a good fit for you? How about a career that might interest you? Need financial support to help you get there? HERE is a great resource to help you get to YOUR BIG FUTURE! As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school counselor for more support.

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.

At Methuen High School we strive to connect our students with the college, careers that they are considering. With that we have begun to invite outside organizations into our school to promote their respective military branch, educational institution, and/or career field. HERE is a list of scheduled upcoming visits. Please make sure to check back as this is a working document.

Attention students in the classes of 2026 - 2028, Brown University offers a Pre-College Program designed for high school students to explore the challenges and opportunities of the college experience. You’ll enjoy the excitement and responsibility that comes from balancing challenging academics and enriching social activities—without the pressure of formal grades.

The 2025 Brown Pre-College application opens on January 15, 2025. Click on the Learn More to learn more on important details and specifics about the various programs offered, including our Application Checklist!

The Methuen Scholarship Foundation raises thousands of dollars each year to award directly to the senior class! This year as part of the MSF's annual Telethon that will be broadcasted live on Tuesday, March 18 and Wednesday, March 19 from 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., we will be creating a video that highlights each member of the class of 2025. Check out this example video clip!

We are asking for each member of the senior class to submit a 15-20 second video that includes a few of the following about themselves:

• your full name

• clubs or activities you participate in

• post secondary plans - college major/what you will be studying, technical training/program you plan to enrolling in, schools you will be or would like to attend, military commitments and/or job goals

• a thank you/shoutout to a teacher, family member or coach

When recording please keep in mind to:

• leave two seconds at the beginning and end of your video to help with our editing

• Hold your camera horizontally

• have the camera in landscape(left to right) not in portrait (long up and down)

• speak loudly and clearly

• avoid unnecessary camera movement & zooming

• have another person do the recording or position the camera away from you slightly, avoid holding your phone or iPad out with your arm

Once complete, submit your video directly to Mrs. Javier at gajavier@methuen.k12.ma.us or on the designated Google Classroom

Are you looking for scholarship opportunities? Are you a rock star in Math? Check out this opportunity to earn a scholarship through the Association of Teachers of Mathematics in Massachusetts.

This document contains important information about Senior Week and other senior activities. There will be more detailed information provided as well as sign-up forms for each activity. Please take a moment to look it over and reach out with any questions you may have.

Only 141 more calendar days until graduation day!! Seniors…it will go by fast so get the grades and make the memories!!

On Thursday January 9, 2025 MHS held its annual Senior Scholarship Information Night. If you missed it please check out the MHS Scholarship Process Information Sheet HERE, and the Class of 2025 Scholarship presentation HERE

All information regarding the MHS Class of 2025 Yearbook, including guidelines and deadlines can be found in this document. For questions about the yearbook and senior photo submissions please contact the MHS Yearbook Advisor, Ms. Varasconi.

We are asking that all seniors please take a moment to check Infinite Campus and make sure that their name appears correctly in our system. This is what we will be using for their diploma and it is important that the name appears correctly. If there is a mistake in the name or the spelling, please email Mrs. Javier immediately (gajavier@methuen.k12.ma.us) so that it can be corrected.

If you are looking to make a contribution or know of someone who may be interested in making a contribution to the Methuen Scholarship Foundation, please check out the attached images on how to contribute a gift, and/or a monetary contribution.

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.

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.

Looking for updates on what's happening around MHS. Check out Methuen Minutes.

Episode 8

Episode 7

Episode 6

Episode 5- Holiday Special

Episode 4

Episode 3

Episode 2

Episode 1

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:

March 26 (4:45-5:30)

April 30 (4:45-5:30)

May 28 (4:45-5:30)

The student newspaper club (The Blue & White) finished their first issue of the paper this week. Check it out HERE.

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.

For more information on Care Solace, watch this video HERE

Have a child that you are concerned may be experimenting with substances? HERE are some resources that may help with supporting our youth. For more information on resources/support that MHS may be able to provide, please reach out to their school counselor or grade level AP.

Addressing substance use without understanding the role of mental health is like solving half the puzzle. Often, when a student is struggling with one, the other follows. For many young people, substance use becomes a way to manage emotional challenges they can’t easily express. Please see the article The Impact of Mental Health on Youth Substance Abuse article for more information.

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 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

February 2025

Friday, February 28, 2025:

• Midpoint Semester 3

March 2025

Monday, March 3, 2025:

• Faculty Meeting

Wednesday, March 5, 2025:

• Art Show

Saturday, March 8, 2025:

• SAT Exam
• Coffee House

Thursday, March 13, 2025:

• Connections

Saturday, March 15, 2025:

• JROTC Drill Competition
• Winterguard Friends & Family Show
• AP Science Mock Exam

Sunday, March 16, 2025:

• Winterguard Friends & Family Show

Monday, March 17, 2025:

• Department Meetings

Tuesday, March 18-Wednesday, March 19, 2025:

• Methuen Scholarship Foundation Telethon

Friday, March 21, 2025:

• Early Release - Professional Development

Saturday, March 22, 2025:

• AP Science & Math Mock Exams

Tuesday, March 25 - Wednesday, March 26, 2025:

• Grade 10 ELA MCAS

Wednesday, March 26, 2025:

• District Band Jamboree

Thursday, March 27, 2025:

• MHS Connections
• MHS Future Freshman Night

Friday, March 28, 2025:

• JROTC Military Ball

April 2025

Thursday, April 3, 2025:

• MHS Thinkfast Interactive Safe Driving Assembly (Juniors)

Thursday, April 3-Saturday April 5, 2025:

• MHS Spring Musical

Friday, April 4, 2025:

• End of Marking Period 3

Saturday, April 4, 2025:

• JROTC Drill Competition

Monday, April 7, 2025:

• Faculty Meeting

Tuesday, April 8, 2025:

• MHS Connections

Thursday, April 10, 2025:

• MHS Junior Prom

Wednesday, April 16, 2025:

• MHS Report Cards Released

Thursday, April 17, 2025:

• MHS Multicultural Festival
• MHS Early Release (Professional Development)

Friday, April 18, 2025:

• Good Friday-No School

Monday, April 21-Friday April 25, 2025:

• MHS Spring Recess- No School

Monday, April 28, 2025:

• MHS School Resumes

Wednesday, April 20, 2025:

• MHS Connections

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.