
Weymouth High School
Sunday Message - 6/26/2022
Reminders & Announcements
- Monday, June 27 is a D Day
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR GRADE 8 STUDENTS, WHO WERE PROMOTED THIS PAST WEEK AND WE WELCOME THE CLASS OF 2026 OFFICIALLY TO WHS. THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR GRADE 8 TEACHERS AND STAFF, AND DEAN MR. AMOROSO AND ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL PAULHUS FOR THEIR WONDERFUL WORK THIS YEAR!
CONGRATULATIONS to Mrs.Rebecca Paulhus for being named Associate Principal of Weymouth High for next year as she joins Mrs Monahan in what is an exciting time for Weymouth High.Their leadership, parternship and vision will help take WHS to even greater heights!
Summer Reading - 2022/2023
- Click on this LINK to view the Summer Reading List and Requirements for the 2022/2023 School Year. This is a requirement and each grade level will have an assignment/assessment in the first few weeks of September.
Scheduling for 2022/2023
- Click on this LINK to view information on how to view requests for scheduling for next year. Schedules will be finalized and available mid August.
Planning Purposes - Last Day of School - June 2023
For future planning purposes, the last day of school for the 2023 school year is June 27, 2023. This does include 5 snow days, which as we know, we used all 5 snow days this school year, plus 1 additional day. Please do not make any summer plans until at least after June 27 as absences during finals have to be approved by administration in order for students to take the exam at a later date.
Also for Final Exams, please know that we reverse the order from Mid Year Exams. The first day of exams will be periods 7 and 6 and the last day will be period 1.
A Message from Principal Strauss
Good afternoon everyone within our WHS community,
It is hard to believe that this is the last Sunday Message for the 2022-23 school year and for me as Principal of this wonderful school community. Before I end with what is really a beautiful reminder of the living with JOY, I want to say thank you to everyone who has reached out wishing my family and I well, as we journey to this new opportunity as Superintendent. Your multiple words, notes, phone calls and well wishes have meant the world to us. And just as importantly, I want to thank everyone over the past five years who has supported us, pushed us, questioned us, thanked us, made us reflect and helped us all work on behalf of our wonderful students and finally I must wish Mrs Monahan well on her well deserved appointment as the next Weymouth High School Principal. She will be outstanding!
As you break for summer, it is my sincere hope that random acts of kindness are not so random anymore, that we refute those who use social media and email to denounce and bully and that the premise of the movie, Pay It Forward, lives deeply in our mind. Kindness to one is kindness to all, just as injustice to one is injustice to all.
Many years ago I heard this story and realized first with amazing mentors who talked to us about the importance of inner reflection and the belief that we are all interconnected so our decisions affect others, and then repeatedly over the years that effective decision making is vital to growth. Doing nothing, making excuses, saying we are too busy, “or wait till next school year” or even worse, “that something is not my problem” is not a decision. It is a fear of moving forward, of being reflective of potentially realizing our responsibility and our fear of growing or potentially failing. We become afraid of failing which prevents the ability to grow; for with failure comes growth. I hope that in this era of change that we each think of this artist and what was lost by waiting. We do not always have another day to make a difference - we cannot let it be too late.
“Once upon a time, there was a girl who could do anything in the world she wanted. All she had to do was choose something and focus. So, one day she sat down in front of a blank canvas and began to paint. Every stroke was more perfect than the next, slowly and gracefully converging to build a flawless masterpiece. And when she eventually finished painting, she stared proudly at her work and smiled.
It was obvious to the clouds and the stars, who were always watching over her, that she had a gift. She was an artist. And she knew it too. She felt it in every fiber of her being. But a few moments after she finished painting, she got anxious and quickly stood up. Because she realized that while she had the ability to do anything in the world she wanted to do, yet due to her indecisions, that her life was simply spending her time moving paint around on a piece of canvas.
She felt like there was so much more in the world to see and do - so many options. And if she ultimately decided to do something else with her life, then all the time she spent painting would be a waste. So she glanced at her masterpiece one last time, and walked out the door into the moonlight. And as she walked, she thought, and then she walked some more.
While she was walking, she didn’t notice the clouds and the stars in the sky who were trying to signal her, because she was preoccupied with an important decision she had to make. She had to choose one thing to do out of all the possibilities in the world. Should she practice medicine? Or design buildings? Or teach children? She was utterly stumped.
Twenty-five years later, the girl began to cry. Because she realized she had been walking for so long, and that over the years she had become so enamored by everything that she could do - the endless array of possibilities - that she hadn’t done anything meaningful at all. And she learned, at last, that life isn’t about possibility - anything is possible. Life is about making a decision - deciding to do something that moves you and brings you joy! THAT IS The key
So the girl, who was no longer a girl, purchased some canvas and paint from a local craft store, drove to a nearby park, and began to paint. One stroke gracefully led into the next just as it had so many moons ago. And as she smiled, she continued painting through the day and into the night because she had finally made a decision. And there was still some time left to revel in the magic that life is all about”. Author Unknown
Doing nothing is doing something and since we know that kindness comes back to us twofold and indecision, fear or anger come back to us ten fold the solution is easy. We must decide that today is the day to make decisions that are transparent, that are filled with hope, with some fear and without malice. No one is too busy.
We must look inward, find peace, letting go of what we cannot control, thinking beyond our comfort zone and doing everything with transparency, with thought and with lenses that reach far beyond our narrow scope. We all need to see more, to be more, to do more, so that every child, every human being can be given the absolute opportunity to thrive, to succeed, to paint their mosaic as beautifully as they can!
I have always been so proud as so many people within this community reflect, look inward, redirect their comfort zone in order to make change for themselves and to help our students be able to make healthy and positive decisions during a time of uncertainty. From Principal Monahan and Associate Principal Paulhus, Deans, Teachers, Directors, Assistant Directors, Counselors,ESP's, Secreatries, IT, Library Staff, SRO, Nurses, Coaches, Advisors, School Committee, Central Office, Child Care Workers, Cafeteria, Maintenance and Custodial Staff as well as our town employees, community partners, elected officials and business owners, it is clear that kindness, collaboration, transparency and courageous conversations is at the forefront of the help our students find their WHY and their JOY!.
Although those listed above incessantly build lasting memories with our students that will carry them for lifetime and it is not being done simply because it is their job, we must never forget that the daily work is being done because they care so deeply! This is how growth takes place - together, with transparency and immediacy so that we can all begin painting, in our own way the life everyone deserves. We cannot be like that young lady who took twenty five years to decide. We do not have that time.
It is my hope that this week brings you peace, reflection and HOPE! HOPE that we are on a road to emotional, physical and where appropriate economic revival. And may you be left with this thought
“WE must never lose our ability to see the world as a child does- with HOPE, with wonder and with trust. Yet, it is up to us as adults to ensure that ALL children NEVER lose their hope - after all, we are their guides, protectors and voices!”
May your summer be filled with HOPE, with JOY, with APPRECIATION and the understanding that someone along the way has helped your student to succeed and that is the greatest joy an educator can know so I encourage you to let them know.
Be safe, be healthy, and most of all be KIND and AT PEACE,
I am humbled to say thank you for all your kindness and support and wish WPS and WHS the best always!
Alan
CLASS OF 2022
Graduation pictures are now up! Please click on THIS LINK to view and purchase pictures.
CLASS OF 2023
College Application Video
- Juniors and Parents of Juniors Considering College after High School - please click on this LINK to check out a video from WHS Counseling Services that describes the college application process, introduces some new software we will be using to assist with the process and provides the next steps to focus on now.
If you have any questions, please contact me at michael.mcleod@weymouthschools.org.
CLASS OF 2024
If you have any questions, please contact me at 781/337-7500, ext. 25150 or jennifer.mendicino@weymouthschools.org.
CLASS OF 2025
Follow the Class Officers for the Class of 2025 on Instagram for announcements, information on fundraisers, and other fun stuff! Follow them now at whs.officers2025
CLASS OF 2026
8th Grade Important End of Year Dates
Monday, June 27 - Half Day for students - 10:45 am dismissal
Tuesday, June 28 - Half Day - Last Day of School 9 am dismissal
ATHLETICS
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR DIVISION 2 STATE CHAMPION RUGBY TEAM!!!!!!
Summer Weight Room
Summer Weight Room will be open starting on July 6. The hours are below:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
8 -10 am - Junior and Senior Girls
10 -12 pm - Freshman and Sophomore Girls
1 - 3 pm - Freshman and Sophomore Boys
3 - 5 pm - Junior and Senior boys
5 - 6 pm - Make up lifts
Everyone must be registered and everyone must have a current physical on file Click on this LINK to register.
CTE
Application Deadline
Our CTE Application deadline for Fall 2022 has passed. At this time we are accepting applications for our waitlist.
Please review our new Admission Policy which can be found here WHS CTE Admissions Policy.
Applications should be completed ONLINE and can be found on the WHS website under ACADEMICS and ABOUT CTE or by following this link WHS CTE Application
COMMUNITY SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
COMMUNITY SERVICE IS a graduation requirement. - 10 hours per year!
Distracted Driving Online Survey
Distractology- The science of distracted driving. Students will complete the online challenge by going to the website: www.distractology.com/program/NorfolkDATRC
Upon completion students will print the completion form (or take a screenshot of the completion form) and bring it to Mr. Sullivan in Maroon Guidance to have their Community Service Activity Form signed and earn 1 hour of Community Service. This opportunity will be available until the end of the 2021-2022 school year. More information is available in the WHS library.
Shifting Gears: The Blunt Truth about Marijuana and Driving
AAA Northeast is pleased to offer this program that brings the facts about marijuana impairment and driving performance to teens at or near driving age. You might have heard that people who recently consumed THC – the chemical in marijuana that gets you high – can drive safely. Or that marijuana is nowhere near as dangerous as alcohol when it comes to driving. Maybe someone you know has even said they drive better while high. They might feel more relaxed and less anxious. And that would be safer, right?
At AAA, we’ve been studying this topic for years and know the latest facts and research. When you’re done with this program, you’ll know how to answer these questions. You’ll also be challenged to re-think your notions about what being a safe driver really means and develop strategies to avoid putting yourself in a dangerous situation.
Completing the Shifting Gears Challenge
View the following video presentation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ihZ1WvSWPI
Complete the following post-video form: Shifting Gears post-program form https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Vk_MDKwNpUKm9kZzh-WGwImR0ERXaLZHvnP7zdHk5btUOVZRM0RDQzIzRUhUOUZRTjBDNFRFVUlFVC4u
After completing the form, you will receive your proof of participation via email. Your email address will be kept private and will not be shared or used for any purpose other than confirmation of completion.
Schools with 100 participants earn 10 points.
Each student who completes the challenge will earn 1 Community Service hour. Each student needs to either print the completion form or email it to brendan.sullivan@weymouthschool.org and then follow up with Mr. Sullivan in Maroon Guidance to have their Community Service form signed. Thank you.
Check in the Library for more ongoing Community Service Opportunities. If you have any questions, please see Mr. Strauss, Ms. Monahan or your dean.
General Information:
Technology Internship Opportunity
Weymouth Public Schools is looking for (5) student interns to work over the summer to deploy various technology equipment. The position is from 7/6 - 8/19/22. Click on this LINK if you are interested in more information.
New Weymouth Information Hub
- Be sure to check out the New Weymouth Information Hub. It is an easy way to find Opportunities and Resources! The Hub will include items such as Monthly Update, Community Service, Continuing Education, Training, Employment Events, Fundraising, Resources, Scholarships, SCP Directory, SCP Discounts & Coupons, WHS CTE Community Programs. Click on the link below.
Weymouth Information Hub: https://www.smore.com/8cq0d
Online Payments
Weymouth Public Schools now has the ability to pay fees online. Click on this LINK your payments.
Parking
Parking stickers are required to park on campus. Students who do not have a sticker were issued warnings the past 2 weeks. Students who do not have a sticker may be towed.
Student IDs
All students were given a student ID and they must have this ID on them. Students who check in tardy and do not have an ID may receive detention.
Checking Student's Attendance
Please click on this LINK for directions on how to access students' attendance.
If there is an error, please reach out to your child’s teacher.
If questions arise after the parent portal has been reviewed regarding CLASS attendance, please contact the teacher directly.
Parents/Guardians must call or email the school in the morning to alert the appropriate Attendance Secretary of your child’s absence.
Renee Vitello - Grade 8 - Ext 25107 - renee.vitello@weymouthps.org
Diane Padula - Grades 9 - 12 - Ext 25102 - diane.padula@weymouthps.org
Homeroom
Homeroom is required.
If your student is in the building and does not attend Homeroom, you will receive detentions and calls home.
Homeroom is not optional and it impacts your school records.
Dismissals
Dismissals require a minimum of a 2-hour notice prior to dismissal time to the appropriate attendance secretary.
We cannot accommodate Immediate dismissal unless it is an emergency situation and your student's Dean has been contacted.
Parents/Guardians can dismiss students at door # 36 with proper identification and MUST be listed in the students contact in Aspen.
Dismissal hours are between 8:00 am and 1:45 pm. No dismissal will be processed after 1:45 pm.
If a parent is dismissing a student at door # 36 for a 1:45 pm dismissal time, please arrive no later than 1:30 pm to allow security time to process.
COVID Medical Questions
All Covid related issues are to be reported directly to the nursing staff.
Email - whsnurse@weymouthps.org
Phone - 781-337-7500, Ext. 25124
Fax - 781-340-2565
Documented/Excused Absence - Doctor’s Note
Absence validated by a doctor’s note provided documentation is submitted within one week of the absence. After the fourth not documented/unexcused absence in a quarter, a doctor’s note must be provided to excuse further absences. (pg 64, WHS Handbook)
Student Obligations
Student Obligation Notices are now available in Aspen, Parent and Student Portal.
WPS Opportunities & Resources
To view the WPS Opportunities and Resources, please click on this LINK.
Sideline Online Store
If you are looking for Wildcat gear for people of all ages, visit our Sideline Store. You will be able to find blankets, hats, polo’s, sweats, bags, stadium chairs, drinkware, baby clothes from vendors such as Badger, New Era, Gildan, Nike and Sport Tek. A small portion of each sale will come back to WHS and all orders are sent to wherever you would like them to go!
https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/massachusetts/southweymouth/weymouth-high-school
Guidance
College Application Video
Juniors and Parents of Juniors Considering College after High School - please click on this LINK to check out a video from WHS Counseling Services that describes the college application process, introduces some new software we will be using to assist with the process and provides the next steps to focus on now.Health Services
COVID Medical Questions
All Covid related issues are to be reported directly to the nursing staff.
Email - whsnurse@weymouthps.org
Phone - 781-337-7500, Ext. 25124
Fax - 781-340-2565
Library
End of Year Library Hours
- The Library will be closed on Tuesday, 6/21 during Block 3.
Please note that the last day of Homework Hotspot was 6/16. The library will be open from 7:15 - 2:30 pm through Wednesday, 6/22. It will be open to students from 7:15 -11 am during final exams. Students must sign in during school hours.
Finals in the Library
Do you have a study and nowhere to go during finals? Sign up with the regular library study pass form (bit.ly/library-SIP) for coloring, puzzles, legos, and quiet relaxation in the library! Sign ups open one day at a time for the following day. There will also be a dedicated silent study area. Charlee, the community resource dog will visit most blocks. Students must check in when they arrive. Space may be limited.
Return Your Library Books!
All library books were due Friday, 6/17 at the latest. Please return your books! Any books not returned will result in an obligation. There are no late fees and any obligations will be cleared for books that have been returned to the library. If you need more time, stop by the library or email whs-library@weymouthps.org to make arrangements.
Summer Book Check Out
Need books for the summer? Ask about summer book check out!
Weymouth High School
Karen Monahan, Associate Principal
Rebecca Paulhus, Associate Principal
Website: https://www.weymouthschools.org/weymouth-high-school
Location: Weymouth High School,Wildcat Way, Weymouth, MA, USA
Phone: 781-337-7500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weymouthpublicschools/
Twitter: @WeymouthHSpride
Thank you Weymouth PD!
Important Links
ATHLETICS
FOOD SERVICES
GENERAL INFORMATION
GUIDANCE
HEALTH
TECHNOLOGY
TRANSPORTATION
WEYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
District Information
COVID-19 Updates & Protocols:
Masks: Effective Monday, February 28 masks will be optional in all Weymouth Public Schools, pre-K through Grade 12, for all staff, students and visitors. Any individual who chooses to continue to wear a mask in school, including those who are at a higher risk of contracting COVID, will be supported in that choice.
At-Home Testing Resources:
- Opt-In Form for students and staff
- WPS At-Home Testing Information & FAQs
- About the Test: iHealth is a 15-minute at-home rapid antigen test
- Video: How to Administer an At-Home COVID Test
- Text Guide: How Do I Administer an At-Home COVID test?
- Coming Soon! Submit Positive Test Results - This is where you'll report a positive test result from your school administered at-home weekly test.
District Links
Important Links
- District Calendar - School Committee approved holidays, vacations, tems and staff development
- Tech Support for Families - Submit a ticket for support. Reminder* be sure to update your child’s Chrome OS on the weekends, often and early!
- WPS Opportunities Resources - Family and community resources
- Special Education Parent Advisory Council - Meeting Dates
- Champions Before and After School Care - 781-812-8735 or lolee@discoverchampions.com
- Aspen Family Portal - Student Attendance, Contact Info & Communications or Locate Your Child's Report Card or Special Education Report
- Blackboard Communications - Opt In and Opt Out Instructions
- Town Wide Parent Council - Meets the Second Tuesday of Each Month
- Volunteer to Become a Parent/Guardian/Caregiver ELL Immigrant Liaison