At the Methuen School Committee meeting held on Monday, December 9, 2024, senior Crystal Castro was presented with the History & Social Science SOAR Award. The SOAR Award is given to one student per year in each subject area and serves to recognize remarkable academic success and commendable accomplishments. Congratulations, Crystal.

On Wednesday, December 11, and Thursday, December 12 the MHS DECA club participated in the District 3 Conference held at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston North Shore. 200 MHS students competed against students from area schools in various business, finance, marketing, and accounting events. Congratulations to our students listed below who qualified for the Massachusetts DECA State Career Development Conference (SCDC) which will take place Feb 27-Mar 1 in Boston:

Click HERE for a link to the awards show.

Role Plays

3rd Place- Caden Ryan- Accounting Applications Series

7th Place- Aiden Cashman- Accounting Applications Series

6th Place- Adam Lambert- Business Finance Services

1st Place- Desmond Csizmadia, Dawyn Urbaez- Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making

6th Place- Jane Lawley- Business Services Marketing

6th Place- Lukas Dambauskas, Landen Girardi- Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making

7th Place- Benjamin Catarius, Gage Lanoue- Financial Services Team Decision Making

6th Place- Sofia Federico, Mehak Kalia- Marketing Management Team Decision Making

2nd Place- Jayden Hale- Principles of Entrepreneurship

6th Place- Milton Garcia- Principles of Entrepreneurship

3rd Place- Todd Herland- Principles of Finance

3rd Place- Ethan Foreman- Restaurant Food Service Management

7th Place- Zach Coppeta, Jackson LaPlante - Sports and Entertainment Team Decision Making

2nd Place- Zachary Anderson - Sports and Entertainment Marketing

6th Place- Robert Almonte- Sports and Entertainment Marketing

Written Papers

1st Place- Lily Giard, Callie Ryan, Maya Tourkantonis- Business Growth Plan

4th Place- Tayyab Afzal, Tanzim Mahmud, Amir Metry Samour - Business Growth Pan

6th Place- Ainsley Low, Ava Nartiff- Business Growth Plan

3rd Place- Ella Benson, Taylor Prokop- Business Solutions Project

7th Place- Crystal Merino, Gracye Neel, Gianna Sakelaris- Financial Literacy Project

4th Place- Catherine Billings Bennett , Alexa Martinez , Tessa Therrien- Franchise Business Plan

6th Place- Kelsey Dingle, Allie Letourneau- Hospitality & Tourism Operations

5th Place- Alvin Nguyen- Independent Business Plan

7th Place- Elias Castillo, Juan Polanco, Divier Ramos- Innovation Plan

2nd Place- Kelsey LaDuke , Shawn LaDuke, Kaya Sweder- Integrated Marketing Campaign- Product

3rd Place- Savannah AlShabab- Integrated Marketing Campaign- Product

2nd Place- Isabella Guarini / Alexa Hatziandreou- Integrated Marketing Campaign- Service

5th Place- Noah Colarusso, Michael Holloran , Thomas L- International Business Plan

7th Place- Elizabeth Descheneaux, Chloe Pickett- Sales Project

3rd Place- Taila Pedro, Bryanna Young, Sports and Entertainment Operations Research

Quiz Bowl

Benjamin Vecchi, Ariana Castello

This holiday season, MHS students stepped up to spread joy by volunteering at the annual tree lighting event. Partnering with the Administrative Assistant for the Recreation Department and MHS alumnus Cory Wheeler, the students helped bring festive cheer to the community. From setting up decorations to assisting with activities, their hard work and holiday spirit made the event a memorable one for all. Under the guidance of Mr. Wheeler, the students showcased their dedication to giving back, proving once again that MHS is filled with leaders who care about their community.

Callie Ryan reacts to the color change when Alanna Bistany puts a sample into the Bunsen burner flame. In Ms. Conner-Myers' chemistry class, students are experimenting with different metal salts to see the unique color each element emits when placed in the flame due to their unique electron configurations. Photo credits to Caroline Vecchi

Our little rangers program stopped by an MHS food for life class to hang with our high schoolers and decorate holiday cookies. We appreciate our Rangers being role models and creating positive memories for our future Rangers.

NHS scholars who were unable to attend last months induction ceremony due to their involvement in their respective teams MIAA tournament participated in a rescheduled NHS Induction Ceremony. We commend these NHS scholars for their commitment to scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

MHS, in partnership with Verizon, participated in the Student Solve Challenge alongside over 20 schools from across the state. In this competition, MHS students were paired with Verizon mentors and tasked with developing creative, inexpensive, and feasible solutions to real-world problems that Verizon is currently facing. At the event's conclusion, six winning teams were announced, with three MHS students—senior Gian Castro, junior Elijah Jean, and junior Dominic Melo—standing out above all others. Their team took first place overall. Congratulations to all participants, and special recognition to the first-place team for their outstanding achievement!

On Wednesday December 11, members of MHS choir performed their annual Winter Choral Concert at the Methuen Memorial Music Hall. The choir team performed holiday music in the beautiful facility, and even had crowd participation. Big shoutout to Mr. Woodard for his commitment to the students of the MHS music department.

The Methuen Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) warmly invites you to join today! We are dedicated volunteers committed to supporting families of students with special needs. Connect with us for valuable resources and support.

Right now, we're excited to partner with our amazing PTOs to enhance and foster inclusivity at our school events. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers from each school to join our mission! Your involvement can truly make a difference in fostering a welcoming environment for all families.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please reach out to us at:

Email: methuensepac@gmail.com

Together, we can create a supportive community for all students and their families!

Methuen SEPAC

Special Education Parent Advisory Council

methuensepac@gmail.com

(978) 291-8258

We are fortunate to have ten parents interested in participating in the MHS School Council. As a result, an election must be held to select the six parent members of the school council. To participate in the election process, parents of our student body are asked to complete this Google Form, which will be open until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024. Families are limited to one submission per MHS student. Detailed information about school councils can be found on the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website.

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 link on the MPS website titled collective bargaining updates. 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.

Berkeley Auto School is offering driver’s education classes at MHS from December 17 through January 15. 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:

December 17, 18, 19 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. @ MHS

December 23 & 27 8:00 a.m. - 11: 00 a.m. (virtual)

January 7,8,9,14 & 15 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. @ MHS

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 4

Episode 3

Episode 2

Episode 1

Our Town by Thornton Wilder is an American Classic and considered by some to be the best play ever written. It’s not hard to see why it's regarded so highly when this incredible play was written almost 87 years ago but its themes and postulations on the meaning of life still hold very true today. The play takes place in a fictional New Hampshire town called Grover’s Corners and follows the lives of a few residents; two families to be exact. While audiences fall in love with these characters, the play could’ve followed any pair of households in Grover’s Corners and they would feel the same wide range of emotions and attachments that they get from the Gibbs and Webb families. Every single person will find a scene or a line in this play that they will be able to relate to, and in Methuen, we are so excited to bring this classic to life this Winter season.

Show Dates:

Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, December 13, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

The MHS Credit for Life Fair, developed in partnership with the Merrimack Valley Credit Union, will be held on the morning of Friday, February 14 2025, in the Klimas Memorial Field House. Through their participation in the fair, senior students will be presented with real-life scenarios as they experience the successes and challenges of managing a personal budget. Fair organizers are seeking volunteers who have some financial savvy and are eager to support our students. Click here to sign up to help. Donations are accepted and are greatly appreciated. Click here for information about making a donation.

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!

Location: Washington, D.C

Mascot: Clawed Z. Eagle

GPA: 3.63-4.17

SAT: Test-optional, average range 1320-1450

ACT: Test blind, average range 29-33

Enrollment:

• Total enrollment: ~13,000

• Undergraduates: ~7,600

• Graduates: ~5,000

American University is a private research university that offers over 100 majors, minors, and concentrations across its 6 schools and colleges. This institution prides itself on inclusive excellence, ensuring that university policies are equitable and accessible for all students regardless of their background or identity. As the first carbon-neutral university in the United States, they are currently ranked #2 in the country for Green Colleges by the Princeton Review (2025). American University students are highly involved on campus and in the surrounding community. With its campus housed in our nation’s capital, it is no surprise that many AU students are politically active - the American University Student Government (AUSG) has been ranked as the most active student governing body in the United States. 91% of recent AU graduates report being employed, in top graduate programs, or both within 6 months of graduating. AU also offers a robust study abroad program that is ranked #4 in the country.

Our Undergraduate Colleges:

• College of Arts and Sciences

• Kogod School of Business

• School of International Service

• School of Communication

• School of Public Affairs

• School of Education

Student Life at American University

Signature School Color: Red, white, and blue

Mascot: Clawed Z. Eagle

Religious Denomination: N/A

• Student Organizations: 250 student-run clubs and organizations

• Athletics: American competes at the NCAA Division I level and is a member of the Patriot League.

• Teams: 14 NCAA Division I teams for men and women

• Club Sports: 23

• Intramural Sports: 8

Student Life at American

Website: American University

Preview Day:

Join us to experience what it’s like to be an Eagle! Meet faculty, staff, and students, tour the campus, and learn about our academic programs, admission process, financial aid, study abroad options, and student life.

• Sunday, February 16, 2025: 9:30 AM-3:15 PM

Register for Preview Day

Virtual Tour

What do police officers do?

Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.

What tasks do police officers perform?

• Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
• Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations.
• Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
• Render aid to accident victims and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.

What do police officers need to know?

Public Safety and Security

• Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Law and Government

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

English Language

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

What skills do police officers need?

Social Perceptiveness

• Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Speaking

• Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening

• Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Median Yearly Income: $72,260

Income Percentile

Income Low (10%)$45,148

Median (50%)$72,260

High (90%)$111,905

Most Common Education Level: High School Diploma or Less

High school diploma or less 40.40%

Certificate 21.31%

Some college 14.65%

Associate degree 17.09%

Bachelor's degree 6.56%

Master's or professional degree 0.00%

Doctoral degree or more 0.00%

Projected Job Growth: +4.75%

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!

MHS Credit For Life Fair - Friday, February 14, 2025

Methuen High School in partnership with the Merrimack Valley Credit Union will be hosting the 6th annual Credit For Life Fair for our senior students on Friday February 14, 2025. The Credit For Life Fair will provide students with the opportunity to budget and make financial decisions through the lens of a young adult in their mid twenties. Please watch the following 2023 Credit for Life Video to get an idea of what the Credit For Life Fair is all about.

In anticipation for the Fair, we need all senior students to choose an occupation by Friday, December 20, 2024. This occupation will assign to you a monthly income that you will use to build a digital spending plan. To select an occupation please complete the Occupation Google Form shared in Google Classroom. Any student who does not choose an occupation will have one randomly assigned.

We are looking forward to providing this exciting opportunity for our seniors!

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.

Graduation Preparation

Seniors were asked to complete an order form for their graduation cap and gown. The information on the order form is required in order to order the proper size gown for each student. Caps and gowns are provided at NO COST to the student. Please check in with your student to ensure they have completed the form shared in the Google Classroom. Orders will be placed on Friday, December 12, 2024.

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:

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)

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.

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 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

December 2024

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

January 2025

Wednesday, January 1, 2025:

• New Years Day- All Buildings Closed

Thursday, January 2, 2025:

• School Resumes

Monday, January 6, 2025:

• ACCESS for ELLS Testing Window Opens
• MHS Faculty Meeting

Thursday, January 9, 2025:

• JROTC Archery Inaugural Regional Competitions
• Connections
• Senior Scholarship Night

Thursday, January 16, 2025:

• Junior Parent Night

Monday, January 20, 2025:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day- No School

Thursday, January 23, 2025:

• Connections

Friday, January 24, 2025:

• Second Term Ends

Monday, January 27, 2025:

• Department Meetings

February 2025

Monday, February 3, 2025:

• Science Fair

Tuesday, February 4-Wednesday, February 5, 2025:

• MCAS Science Retest

Thursday, February 6, 2025:

• JROTC Archery Inaugural Regional Competition
• Connections

Friday, February 7 , 2025:

• Vocational Technical Community College Career Fair
• Quinceanera Ball

Monday, February 10, 2025:

• Department Meetings

Friday, February 14, 2025:

• Credit for life fair
• Midpoint Term 3
• Early Release

Monday, February 17-Friday, February 21, 2025:

• Winter Recess-no school

Monday, February 17, 2025:

• Presidents Day-All school buildings closed

Monday, February 24, 2025:

• School resumes

Tuesday, February 25, 2025:

• Connections

Wednesday, February 26, 2025:

• District Choral Jamboree

Thursday, February 27, 2025:

• 9-12 Mid year assemblies
• Senior Class Trip-Pats Peak

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.