Thank you for entrusting Methuen Public Schools to educate your child/children this school year. We will continue to promote a culture of belonging and inclusion by organizing ourselves to provide our students what they need, when they need it, to ensure mastery of essential learning outcomes.

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.

As we kick off the month of September, we want to share with families that the month of September is Attendance Awareness Month! Our slogan is “Be Present. Be Powerful.”

Attendance has a direct impact on students academic success, and their mental health. Studies show that students who attend school regularly, achieve higher levels of success. By being here every day, students are setting themselves up for great achievements and making the most out of their education. Chronic absenteeism can be a symptom of mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or stress, and it can also cause these issues to worsen. When students are absent, they miss out on the support and engagement they can find at school, which can lead to social isolation and academic struggle. Chronic absenteeism also leads to lower self-esteem and feelings of disconnection from others, which can reinforce mental health issues and lead to more absences. Students may also develop anxiety about falling behind and feeling out of touch with their peers.

So let’s embrace this month with a commitment to attend school each day and be fully engaged in our learning. Remember, being present means you’re powerful in shaping your future!

Let’s make September a month of great attendance and incredible accomplishments.

If your child is struggling with their attendance to school, please reach out to their school counselor, and grade level associate principal for available resources.

FAMILY RESOURCE

Reminder Friday, August 30 and Monday, September 2, there is no school in observance of Labor Day. We wish all faculty, staff, students, and families a wonderful long weekend. Please note that on Tuesday, September 3, students will begin following the regular daily schedule.

On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, opening of school documents (listed below) were distributed to students. Please sign the necessary forms and have your student return them to their first block teacher by Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

• Permission to Publish & Student Handbook Acknowledgment (English/Spanish)
• Permission for Over the Counter Medications (English/Spanish)
• Medication Administration (English/Spanish)

Grade-level assemblies will be held next week on Wednesday and Thursday. During each assembly, students will be provided pertinent information for student safety and success throughout the school year.

• Freshmen - Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 8:18 a.m. (Block 4)

• Sophomores - Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 10:28 a.m. (Block 6)

• Juniors - Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 8:18 a.m. (Block 5)

• Seniors - Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 10:28 a.m. (Block 2)

O'Connor Studios will be at MHS on Friday, September 6, 2024, for picture day. Photos will be taken in the Klimas Memorial Field House for student and staff IDs and the yearbook. For information on how to order pictures for your child click HERE.

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.

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.

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.

Click here to view MHS Athletics tryout information for fall 2024. Students who wish to try out and participate in a fall sport must register and have a current physical on file with the Athletic Office. Visit methuenrangers.com for more information about Methuen Ranger athletics. Please do not hesitate to contact Interim Athletic Director Thomas Ryan by email at tsryan@methuen.k12.ma.us or by phone at (978) 722-6043 with questions or concerns.

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

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.

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.