FRIDAY FOCUS
Monomoy Regional High School's Weekly Newsletter
Published: January 26, 2024
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Postural Screenings - Grade 9
Postural Screening will take place February 12 - 16, 2024
Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L. c.71, s57) require that all public school students in grades five through nine be screened annually for the early detection of spinal problems.
The purpose of this screening program is to identify possible curvature of the spine in children. The screening test is very simple and can be performed in less than one minute. The screening consists of observations of the student’s back when standing and bending forward and will be conducted by a registered nurse. You will be contacted if there is any reason that warrants follow-up by your child’s health care provider.
Postural screening for 9th-grade students will take place during the week of February 12th in correlation with SBIRT screening. All students will be screened individually in a private setting in the health office. The entire back must be visible during the screening process. All students are asked to remove their shirts. Females should wear a bra or halter top to permit more accurate observation of the back.
If you choose not to have your child participate in the Postural Screening Program, please email mrhs_nurse@monomoy.edu prior to February 9, 2024. Please then follow up by ensuring that a current physical with postural screening is on file in the nurse's office.
Please feel free to contact your school nurses with any questions about postural screening.
Healthy regards,
Cheryl Dufault BSN, RN, NCSN
Sara Sears BSN, RN
Katie Savin BSN, RN
(508) 430-7200 x3
Bureau of Special Education Appeals
The Bureau of Special Education Appeals, which derives its authority from both federal and Massachusetts statutes and regulations (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; "IDEA"; MGL ch.71B; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) conducts due process hearings and renders Rulings and Decisions concerning eligibility, evaluation, placement, individualized education programs (IEP), provision of special education and procedural protections for students with disabilities.
- To join an Informational Session: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/mediation-and-facilitation-informational-sessions
- To learn about BSEA Mediation: https://www.mass.gov/mediation-at-the-bsea
- To learn about Hearings at the BSEA: https://www.mass.gov/due-process-hearings
Monomoy Expands Preschool Programming to Chatham Elementary School
Monomoy Regional School District will be expanding its early childhood education offerings by opening a morning integrated preschool session at Chatham Elementary School for the 2024-2025 school year, in addition to the existing program at Harwich Elementary School, Read more here.
Parenting Solutions Library
Monomoy's Portrait of a Graduate
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SHARK SHOUT OUT
- The SAIL Staff would like to recognize Suzie Sheeran as "Best Intern Ever!" for her dedication and devotion to the students in the SAIL classroom. Suzie has been an intern since September. In that time, she has facilitated a Jawsome, participated in the concert with our students and led all sorts of activities including arts and crafts, cooking, baking, and other daily living and pre-vocational activities with the students. She has truly gotten to know each and every student and has developed positive, life long friendships with them. These are some of our favorite pictures with Suzie!
Graphic Novel Winners
Students in the Graphic Novel class finished the course with the sharing of their own graphic novel stories about real life heroes and competed for book awards. Congratulations to these writers!
Pictured here are the winners:
- Best Illustrator- Imran Torres-Chughtai
- Best Adaptation- Aedan Leahy
- Best Overall- Marek Punty
MRHS Jazz Band & Chamber Ensemble Performance
On Thursday, January 25, the High School Jazz Band and Chamber Music Ensemble performed in front of the school committee during their meeting!
High School Robotics Team!
The Monomoy High School Robotics Team has been very busy this year. Led by coaches, Larry Souza and Rich Oldach, the MRHS Robotics team competed on Tuesday, January 23 and Thursday, January 24 at Dennis-Yarmouth High School. Now, they're preparing for another 2 competitions in early February!
COLOMBIAN STUDENT VISITED OUR HIGH SCHOOL
At the end of December, taking advantage of his holiday trip to explore the United States, Colombian student Carlos Juan Durán visited our school and participated in the regular schedule of a ninth-grade student for two days. During his visit, he made many friends and was impressed by the abundance of resources and organization at our school.
Carlos Juan (CJ, as his family and friends call him) lives in the beautiful historical city of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. When it was time to join Profe Berbeo's Spanish II class, CJ was interviewed in Spanish by the students with questions related to his personality and preferences. Later, an English conversation unfolded, where he openly answered questions about schools and life in Colombia, his hobbies, and opinions on various topics. Finally, the last day of his visit was his birthday, so students took the opportunity to sing "Happy Birthday" in Spanish to their new international pal.
CJ's involvement with Monomoy did not end with his visit. Last week, CJ connected via video conference from his town to one of our Spanish III Honors classes. The students had an entertaining conversation with him; he answered questions that everyone asked in Spanish and English, and based on the conversation, the students created a drawing and a composition about his likes and personality.
This has been a unique experience for CJ, who sent this message to everyone at the school:
"Monomoy Regional High School gave me a new experience in my life. Here in Colombia, I attend a school where the educational model is very different; those two days I spent there were among the best days of my vacation in the United States. I would like to thank Boden Mabile for showing me how things are in school, for helping me make friends, and for making my experience memorable.
Thanks to everyone who was with me and made me feel included. I would like to stay in touch with everyone in case I can come back someday, I'm sure I will. Thank you very much to the Principal, Mrs. Police, for temporarily accepting me into the school. Thanks to everyone for everything; you will be in my memories forever." - Carlos Juan
Prof. Berbeo is so happy and proud of our school and the kindness of all our students and staff. "Experiences like this give meaning to the work I do. It's not just about teaching Spanish but building relationships, leveraging the language to grow, seizing opportunities, enriching our knowledge of other cultures, and creating connections around the world. Thanks to CJ and thanks to all my students for their kindness, enthusiasm, and for motivating me every day. I am here for and because of you". - Profe.
For more news about the bilingual journey of our Monomoy students, please follow our Spanish Teachers' account on Instagram: @monomoyspeaksspanish ¡Nos vemos!
CJ with Profe's Spanish II class
CJ online from Cartagena with Spanish III Honors class
Portraits of Carlos Juan made by some of our talented students:
Monomoy HS Theater Company - Fall Production Photos
The Monomoy High School Theater Company put on an excellent production of "Night Chills" featuring four chilling tales by Edgar Allan Poe on November 9, 10 & 11. Enjoy these photos of the students working hard and rehearsing for the show!
Chinese New Year Celebration - MRHS Volunteers Needed!
Happy Chinese New Year!
Join us on Saturday, February 3rd to help celebrate the Lunar New Year! Learn to Play Mah Jong! Eat Delicious Food! Learn Chinese! And Have Fun!
We are looking for MRHS Students to volunteer and help with the event. This is a great opportunity to earn Community Service Hours! Contact Ms. Jones (mjones@monomoy.edu) to sign up!
FREE Yoga Classes for MRHS Students
Join us in the MRHS Library from 3:30 - 4:30 pm on select Tuesdays for Free Yoga Classes!
Students can take the Late Bus or get picked up afterward.
Classes are on the following dates:
- January 30
- February 6
- March 12, 19 & 26
- April 9 & 30
- May 7
Student Newspaper: The Bite
The Bite student newspaper is proud to present our Website!
Please peruse the articles written by our amazing student journalists, and check back frequently for updates!
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SENIORS - Scholarship Information
Seniors, there are SO MANY scholarship opportunities.
Take some time each week to check Naviance and apply for as many as you can!
Upcoming Scholarship Presentations
January 30, 2024 - Jawsome B - Cape Cod Foundation
February 6, 2024 - Jawsome A - Monomoy Dollars for Scholars Presentation
MCAS STE Retest Dates
Retest dates for MCAS Biology and Introductory Physics will be held on February 6 & 7
FREE Landscaping Maintenance Training Opportunity!
Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 31
Earn a national certificate from the National Association of Landscape Professionals after completing this free course at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School, Harwich. Apply Here!
- Start Date: February 9
- End Date: April 9
- Classes on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 4:30-8:30 pm.
Barnstable County Sheriff's Winter Youth Academy
During the February School Vacation at the Harwich Community Center from 8:30 am - 2:00 pm. This 4-day program will focus on self-control, respect, teamwork, integrity, and positive communication.
Space is limited, so all students should apply by February 7, 2024.
*There will be a similar Youth Academy over spring break**
2024 Aviation Scholarship Program
Application Deadline: February 9, 2024
Scholarship awards range from $2,500 to $14,000 for primary flight training, advanced ratings/certificates, aviation maintenance, and more.
Cape Cod Community College Updates
Virtual Parent/Guardian Zoom Info Night – “Community College & Debt Free Degrees”
Tuesday, February 13 from 7 - 8 p.m.
Location: Virtual via Zoom (registration required for link)
Please join members of the 4Cs Admission and Financial Aid teams on Zoom as we discuss the value and cost savings 4Cs delivers toward earning a college degree.
Academic Open Houses for High School Students
Wednesday, February 21 & Thursday, February 22 from 2 - 4 p.m.
Location: Cape Cod Community College, West Barnstable Campus
Explore your passions at 4Cs with over 80 exciting degrees and certificates, ranging from Aviation Maintenance Technology to Visual Arts and everything in between! Join us for two fantastic opportunities to discover how you can dive into what you love. During these events, you'll gain insights from 4Cs students, professors, and staff across various majors. Connect with our incredible faculty and engage in casual roundtable discussions with students who share your interests.
Register for one or both days! You can pick two “program” roundtables to attend on each day. Optional campus tour starts at 3:15 p.m.
Wednesday Feb. 21: Criminal Justice, English, Honors Program, Performing & Visual Arts, & Psychology
Thursday Feb. 22: Business, Engineering, Environmental Science, Information Technology
Don't Miss the Massachusetts Educators Rising Conference
Join us on Friday, March 1, for an inspiring day dedicated to future educators and teacher leaders. By partnering with Educators Rising, our goal is to support talented high school students and their teachers to help increase the diversity and quality of teachers in our region.
This conference will give you the opportunity to:
Gain new insights from breakout sessions
Network with peers from across the state
Encourage you to practice their teaching skills
Participate in skill-based competitions
Get motivated by keynotes from education experts
PLEASE SEE MS. ARMSTRONG, ROOM C115, TO REGISTER!
Follow us on Social Media!
TWITTER: @MonomoyGuidance
INSTAGRAM: @MonomoyGuidance
Wishing you health and safety,
The MRHS Counseling Team
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ATHLETIC SCHEDULE: Week of 1/29
ATHLETIC DISMISSALS: Week of 1/29
Tues. 1/30
- Fr. Boys Basketball @ 1:45
- JV Boys Basketball @ 1:45
- V Boys Basketball @ 1:45
Wed. 1/31
- V Girls Ice Hockey @ 11:45
Fri. 2/2
- JV Boys Basketball @ 2:30
Winter Season Sports: Online Ticket Sales!
All Home JV & Varsity Basketball Games will be sold online through MSB Tickets!
- They must be purchased in advance as there will be NO Cash option available.
- Basketball Season passes are available at the games for $30 Cash only by the Booster Club.
- Save this link to buy your tickets for upcoming games: MRHS -MSB Ticket Sales
- Tickets are $5 for general admission plus a small service fee.
- Monomoy Students get in for free with student ID.
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MRHS Performing Arts Department Calendar 2023-2024
Please click the link to see the MRHS Performing Arts Department Calendar 2023-2024
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Eldredge Public Library Youth Services Events- January 2024
Lower Cape Lacrosse - Registration NOW Open
Boys, Grades K-8 & Girls, Grades 1-8
Yarn Crafting for High Schoolers: Now - Feb. 12
- Monday's from 4 -5 pm
- Free and open to all skill levels
Music Bingo: Now - End of Year
- Tuesday nights between 6-8pm
- Free and for the whole family!
Community Talent Show: Jan. 26
- A family-friendly event at the Harwich Community Theater
- Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place
"Songbirds of Cape Cod: Jan. 28
- An all-female quartet of singers, songwriters and musicians are performing at the Cape Cod Museum of Art
- Buy Tickets Here
Underwater Robotics Used in Research: Feb. 1
- Listen to consultant and lecturer Eben Franks speak about underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROV) that have increased our understanding of the world's oceans.
- Buy Tickets Here
Youth Indoor Field Hockey: Feb. 1 - Mar. 14
- Grades K-7 games with skills & drills
- Registration now open at "Harwich Rec"
Adaptive Dance Program: Feb. 3
- Learn more about Dance Therapy 508's program, curriculum, and class offerings!
- Hyannis Community Center, 11am-12pm
Creative Drama Class: Feb. 8
- Learn theater skills through exercises, stories, and short plays!
- Grades 4-8
- Registration required
Valentine's Day Bingo: Feb. 13
- Free event with fun prizes
- Open to all ages
Spaghetti Dinner: Feb. 15
- Free community spaghetti dinner which includes: spaghetti with sauce, garlic bread, and drinks
- Served from 5:30-7:30 pm
Cape Cod Military Lecture: Feb. 23
- Topic: Iwo Jima
- An hour of informative and stories from lecturer, Joe Yukna
Parent Workshop Series: Mar. 5
- Next discussion is about grandparents having difficult conversations with children
Family Grief Groups
- 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month, 5:30-7:30pm
- Hyannis, MA (Venue disclosed upon registration)
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
- 3rd Tuesday of the month from 4:30-6:30pm
- Dinner and childcare provided
Cape Cod Foster Closet
- Open- Tuesdays from 9-11, Wednesdays from 2-4, and by appointment, call or text 508-514-7125
MRHS School Handbook
Click here to access the 2023-2024 School Handbook:
MRHS Attendance Form
To report your child's absence, tardy, or upcoming dismissal please use the following link:
Friday Focus Archive
Did you know? Past issues of the Friday Focus can be found on our website:
Contact Us!
Email: mrhs@monomoy.edu
Website: mrhs.monomoy.edu
Location: 75 Oak Street, Harwich, MA, USA
Phone: 508-430-7200
Monomoy News & Social Media
MRSD Latest News/Updates: https://www.monomoy.edu/our-district/latest-news
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MonomoySchools
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monomoyschools/
Official Monomoy Regional SD App: Download from App Store or Google Play.