Flag Status

I am asked, on occasion, why our flag is at half-staff, so I've located a widget that will indicate the flag's proper status, and reason for it being at half staff.

Dec 29, 2013
I just found an error in the widget script, and corrected it. I should work now.

Announcement at 9:30 am today

Attention teachers and students, please forgive this interruption. This is Dr. Dias. Over the past week, we have all tried to come to terms with the unthinkable act of violence that took place one week ago.  The governor has asked all schools in the Commonwealth to take a moment to reflect on the lives lost and stand in solidarity with the families and loved ones of the victims. I ask that you all rise for a moment of quiet reflection as we look forward to the day when these tragedies are absent from the world we know.

Thank you.

And on a personal note, I wish you all a safe, restful, and enjoyable vacation, Solstice, Christmas, Mohaarem, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, & New Years. 

I look forward to seeing you all back on January 2.

Big Y Fundraiser

If you normally shop at Big Y, you can help MHS without doing anything different!

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, neighbor or businessperson, there's an exciting new way to help Medway High obtain school supplies. The Big Y Education Express Program is designed to benefit our school – and you! Every time you shop, just look for items marked with the Education Express school bus logo. You'll save money on those items while you earn points for Medway High School – it's that easy. Please know that we do not receive any money through your participation. Your purchases earn us points that we can exchanged for educational supplies.

It's Easy and Free.
Sign Up Today!

The program is as simple as 1-2-3.

1. Join the program.
   Link your Express Savings Club^® or Silver Savings Club^® card to the school or your choice and start earning points by signing up online at bigy.com/educationexpress.com, at the cash register or fill out an enrollment form at the Customer Service Desk. We've already partially completed an enrollment form for Medway High, which can be opened and printed by clicking HERE or cutting and pasting this link into your browser: https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B0r34Gxbtj_7Ym5xY2VXM0NTS3c
2. Shop as you normal.
   Look for items throughout our stores marked with the Education Express school bus logo. Purchase these products to earn points for the school of your choice. You can even track your individual contribution by logging onto myBigY or Big Y's Facebook page. 
3. We redeem points for  educational supplies – FREE.

FYI- We do not receive any information from Big Y about shoppers, other than a monthly point total and number of participants. For example, I just got an email stating that we have 14 contributors for a total of 1,400 points. Thank you!

Thank you!

Dr. Dias

Quiet Day

I just want to follow up with you on how the day went, as I promised in yesterday's posting. School administrators met with department heads, and we spent extra time checking in with teachers and being visible in the building throughout the day. All department heads, and the two deans, report that yesterday appeared to be a typical day. I received a few positive comments from staff regarding the morning announcement (posted below), wherein I acknowledged the tragedy that occurred in Newtown, CT.

Tragedy in Schools

To help MHS parents and community know what is going on in school today, this is what I sent to to teachers before school. Also, I convened the MHS Crisis Team to review our procedures on keeping kids safe. Administration and department coordinators will be vigilant and visible today and in the days ahead. I am asking department coordinators to provide me with a 'pulse' of the school, and I will pass along their observations later today.


Good morning, everyone.

I am so incredibly saddened recognizing, that, as a school community, we grieve with the families and community of Newtown, Ct.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they continue to deal with this senseless tragedy.

On Friday, Dr. Evans sent a letter to families to assist them in dealing with this tragedy.  The letter is attached in case you did not see it. [if any parents did not receive the letter, please let me know- Dr. Dias]

This morning, during announcements, we will conduct a moment of silence to remember the victims of this shooting.  We will also remind students of the adults in the building they can seek out should they have questions or if they are struggling with the events on Friday. Please remember that when events like this occur, students may respond in a variety of ways.  We should do our best to offer them support as necessary, while engaging in as regular a school day as possible. The Social Studies Department is collaborating together to discuss this event as described below.

As recommended by the National Association of School Psychologists, we need to be mindful of the content of conversations that we have with each other in front of students, and limit their exposure to vengeful, hateful, and angry comments that might be misunderstood.

Finally, events like this always remind us of the importance of school security.  Please continue to follow the established procedures and reacquaint yourself  our lock-down procedure.  In the coming days and weeks, we will review our security procedures to ensure that we are as safe as possible at Medway High School.

The information below is from the paper, A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope, released by the National Association of School Psychologists.

Tips for Parents and Teachers:
Whenever a national tragedy occurs, such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters, children, like many people, may be confused or frightened. Most likely they will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react.~ Parents and school personnel can help children cope first and foremost by establishing a sense of safety and security. As more information becomes available, adults can continue to help children work through their emotions and perhaps even use the process as a learning experience.
All Adults Should:

1. Model calm and control.~ Children take their emotional cues from the significant adults in their lives. Avoid appearing anxious or frightened.
2. Reassure children that they are safe~and (if true) so are the other important adults in their lives. Depending on the situation, point out factors that help insure their immediate safety and that of their community.
3. Remind them that trustworthy people are in charge.~ Explain that the government emergency workers, police, firefighters, doctors, and the military are helping people who are hurt and are working to ensure that no further tragedies occur.
4. Let children know that it is okay to feel upset.~ Explain that all feelings are okay when a tragedy like this occurs.~ Let children talk about their feelings and help put them into perspective.~ Even anger is okay, but children may need help and patience from adults to assist them in expressing these feelings appropriately.
5. Observe children’s emotional state.~ Depending on their age, children may not express their concerns verbally. Changes in behavior, appetite, and sleep patterns can also indicate a child’s level of grief, anxiety or discomfort.~ Children will express their emotions differently. There is no right or wrong way to feel or express grief.~
6. Look for children at greater risk.~ Children who have had a past traumatic experience or personal loss, suffer from depression or other mental illness, or with special needs may be at greater risk for severe reactions than others.~ Be particularly observant for those who may be at risk of suicide.~ Seek the help of mental health professional if you are at all concerned.
7. Tell children the truth. Don’t try to pretend the event has not occurred or that it is not serious.~ Children are smart.~ They will be more worried if they think you are too afraid to tell them what is happening.
8. Stick to the facts.~ Don’t embellish or speculate about what has happened and what might happen. Don’t dwell on the scale or scope of the tragedy, particularly with young children.
9. Keep your explanations developmentally appropriate.~Upper middle school and high school~students will have strong and varying opinions about the causes of violence and threats to safety in schools and society.~ They will share concrete suggestions about how to make school safer and how to prevent tragedies in society. They will be more committed to doing something to help the victims and affected community.~~For all children, encourage them to verbalize their thoughts and feelings. Be a good listener!
10. Monitor your own stress level.~~Don’t ignore your own feelings of anxiety, grief, and anger. Talking to friends, family members, religious leaders, and mental health counselors can help. It is okay to let your children know that you are sad, but that you believe things will get better. You will be better able to support your children if you can express your own emotions in a productive manner. Get appropriate sleep, nutrition, and exercise.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

School Announcement
This is Dr. Dias, your principal. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
[read pledge]
Please remain standing for a moment of silence to remember the victims of the tragedy that occurred on Friday in Newton, Ct.

Thank you, you may be seated.

Our thoughts are with the families and community of Newtown, Ct. as they deal with this unspeakable tragedy.  Many of us are, understandably, very sad about the events that took place.  If you are upset and need someone to talk to, please know that our guidance staff: Mrs. Pearl, Mrs. O'Byrne, Ms. Lisk, Mrs. Ford, Ms. Kitka, and Mrs. Cumming are here and available to speak with you.   

Please know that we have many procedures in place to keep the students and faculty of Medway High School safe.  If you have any concerns, please share them with one of your teachers, your guidance counselor, Mrs. Pearl, Mr. Rubin, or me.

Thank you.

Body Mass Index

From Mrs. Butler, our school nurse:
Schools in Massachusetts are mandated by the State to conduct Body Mass Index (BMI) screenings on students in grades 1, 4, 7 and 10.  This screening will be done at the High School during the month of December.  After measuring your child’s height and weight, the BMI will be calculated and results sent to you in a confidential manner.  Parents/guardians may request in writing if they do not want their child to participate.  Please contact the school nurse to discuss this or any other issue.  Resources about healthy living are available on our school district web site
http://www.medwayschools.org/studentsparents/default.htm

I encourage everyone to visit the site.

Medway Home and School Fundraiser

Medway Secondary Home & School Association FALL FUNDRAISER

“CASH AND CARDS COUNTDOWN RAFFLE”

MSHSA is holding a raffle for its fall fundraiser.  Each student in the Middle and High Schools will receive 6 raffle calendars. For every 5 calendars sold, you receive one free.   Please make every effort to sell all five as this is a major fundraiser for MSHSA.  Proceeds will enable us to continue our wide variety of programs, and to ensure that events like Middle & High School Scholastic Awards, Scholarship Night, In-school programs, and After Prom don’t disappear.

•  Calendars cost $10.00 each and participants have 10 chances to win. 
• Checks are to be made payable to:  MSHSA
• Customers complete the bottom tear away section.  Submit this portion only. 
• The top is to remain with the calendar for your customer to keep.
• Return all slips and money to your school by December 7^th.  Each office will have a collection bin.
•  Names will be placed into a container and a winner will be drawn each of the 10 days of the raffle.
• Prizes will be mailed immediately to winners.
• Additional calendars may be obtained at the MSHSA website:  www.medwayshsa.org
• If you have any questions, please email us at MedwaySHSA@gmail.com

A $50.00 cash prize will be awarded to the student who sells the most calendars (ties settled by random drawing).  In addition, each student who sells all five assigned calendars will be entered into a random drawing for a $25.00 cash prize.

All calendar records and money MUST be returned to the High School Main Office by December 7^th as the drawings begin December 10^th.

Thank you for your support!  Best of luck to everyone!

FYI Regarding Summer Street

This was read over the PA at the end of school today.

Attention Students and Staff,

Due to construction at the end of the high school main entrance, this afternoon all vehicles should leave though the back entrance, which is normally locked. To access this egress, drivers should use the access road, which begins next to the gymnasium. At the back of the school, near the cafeteria, turn right onto the dirt road. At the end of the road, turn left for Summer Street, or right for Winthrop Street, which will take you to Route 109. We do not expect any traffic issues tomorrow morning.

He Flu Away From School

Please pardon the silly title for this post, but I just missed lunch.

Seriously, I want to pass on a note from Mrs. Butler, our nurse:

The timing of flu is very unpredictable and can vary from season to season. Flu activity most commonly peaks in January and February however, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May. The following is a check list provided by the Department of Public Health for families and schools.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Department of Public Health
Flu Symptom Check List for Families and Schools
The symptoms of influenza (flu) include fever, cough, sore throat, and sometimes body aches,
headache, chills and feeling tired. Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting. The most
important thing that you can do to keep flu from spreading in the community is to keep your sick
child at home.
Use the following check list to help decide if you or someone in your family may have the flu:
~Yes~ ~No~Does your child have a cough?
~Yes~ ~No~Does your child have a sore throat?
~Yes~ ~No~Does your child have a headache, body aches or chills?
~Yes~ ~No~Does your child have vomiting or diarrhea?
~Yes~ ~No Does your child have a fever of 100 degrees or more?
For more information about how to take a temperature, there is a “Fever Fact
Sheet” at http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/cdc/flu/fever-factsheet.pdf

SHOULD I KEEP MY CHILD HOME?
If you checked yes to
•~fever of 100 degrees or more
and
•~cough or sore throat
your child has an influenza-like illness.~Keep your child home until they are fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medications .

If you checked “yes” to only one of the questions above, or if your child is ill with other
symptoms, keep your child at home at least one day to observe for other symptoms. If other
symptoms develop, use the check list questions again to decide whether to continue keep the child
home. Send your child back to school after he or she has been completely well for 24 hours.

When should my child go to the doctor?
Call your doctor or seek medical care if your child has trouble breathing, has behavior changes
like increased restlessness, anxiety and irritability, or isn’t drinking enough fluids. Be alert for
skin rashes, dehydration or any other signs that your child is more uncomfortable than you would
expect with the flu.

For much more information about caring for people with flu-like illness at home,
please see the 33-page “Flu What You Can Do: Caring for People at Home”
booklets which are posted on the MDPH website, or can be ordered by calling
617-983-6800. The booklets are available in English, Chinese, Vietnamese,
Haitian Creole, Spanish and Portuguese.
For more information and on-going updates:
Massachusetts Department of Public Health information line: 211
Massachusetts Department of Public Health influenza website:

Also, the State tracks weekly influenza contraction (is that the proper use of the word?). Here is the most recent:
http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/h1n1-swine-flu/

Thank you

Many people have heard me speak on my beliefs on teaching. When I entered this field, I admit that I was extremely proud of the fact that I was joining what I consider 'the most noble of professions'. Over the years, my pride in our shared vocation has not wavered, but has become more nuanced. Twenty years ago, I saw three distinct groups- teachers, students, and parents (administration remained a mystery for almost a decade). Over the years, however, I have changed whom I consider as a 'teacher'. I now include coaches and advisors, who give their time to promote and support an activity of shared interest. I also include support staff, who are critical to the operations of a school, including counselors, secretaries, nurses, paraprofessionals, cafeteria, custodians and maintenance workers. While their interactions with students are not as scheduled as classroom teachers, every day they are provided with an opportunity to teach students through their actions and accomplishments, Parents, who are our students' first teachers, are constantly charged with the frightening and thrilling task of sustaining their child through the myriad of challenges and joys that life provides. Lately (and finally), I include students. Learning from peers is incredibly powerful, and while I would like to think that all of what they learn is making them a better person, sometimes they learn from their friend's or acquaintance's failures.

To all of you who have the incredible joy of being a teacher, the most noble of vocations, on this weekend set aside for such purpose, I give thanks.

Sincerely

Dr. Douglas Dias
Very Proud Principal of Medway High School

Feed the Fish

Go ahead and click in the fish-tank to feed the fish. It's very soothing...

Powderpuff?

Another tradition at Medway High, I have learned, is the Powder-puff Football game, which takes place on the Monday before Thanksgiving. As described, it is a good-natured game of touch-football between junior and senior girls. Male students coach and referee the game, and student and parents pay to enjoy the event.

I am also told that the players do not wear helmets, shoulder or shin pads, or other protective gear, and with the exception of a few administrators and staff manning the gate, adults or staff do not supervise the students

You can probably see where I am going with this...

It has been reported that there are relatively few injuries, and the game can quickly shift from 'touch-football' to 'shove-football' and, at times, 'tackle'. Without helmets or pads. Should I presume that all players are wearing mouth-guards?

I have a saying that I apply to situations when I am trying to determine if I should intervene in events where there has been few issues: "It's not a problem. Until it is."  Admittedly, I have not heard tales of broken bones, chipped teeth, or blackened eyes. Unfortunately, I have see all of this occur at such games, and owe it to our kids, and the town (in the form of liability), to take necessary steps to help ensure that students are safe.

No- I am not cancelling the game. However, I cannot allow students to tackle each other at a school event unless there is proper protections. No- I am not providing helmets to students, either. Football can be played safely if modified in such a way to keep .

I am, however, changing some of the expectations:

1. Flag football, not touch football. It is easier to officiate and safer to play.
2. Adults assisting the boys in officiating.

I have directed Mr. Rubin and Mr. Christie to coordinate and inform the students of these changes. 

There may be some students and parents who are upset about these changes, and if any parents would like to take on the the responsibility for the game, please contact me immediately.

I do feel badly that these changes are last-minute, but they are necessary. Safety is always my first priority, and also strongly recommend that all players obtain and wear mouth guards. 

Game is at 7:00 pm. Tickets on sale at the gate.

Girls and Women in Sports Essay Contest

Sixth Annual GWS Day Essay Contest

Entry Invitation and Guidelines
Students from all MIAA member schools are encouraged to submit essays reflecting on the day’s theme, Girls in Sports: an Investment in the Future, by addressing the question:

How will your experiences as a female athlete serve you in your future?

• First Place:  $500 and the opportunity to read the winning essay at Girls and Women in Sport Day, February 1, 2013 at Faneuil Hall in Boston.
• Second Place:  $300
• Third Place:  $200
• Finalist essays will be published in a booklet to be distributed that day.

Contest Guidelines:  Contest is open to all students in Grades 9-12 at MIAA Member Schools.   Essays must not exceed 500 words.  Longer entries will be disqualified.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION:   End of the school day on Friday, November 30, 2012

Submit to:
MIAA Girls and Women in Sport Essay Contest
Attn:  Jan Martin
33 Forge Parkway
Franklin, MA  02038

Alternately, essays may be emailed to [ mailto:jmartin@miaa.net ]jmartin@miaa.net or faxed to 508-541-9888
PLEASE INCLUDE NAME, SCHOOL AND EMAIL ON YOUR ENTRY!

Student Blood Drive

The Annual National Honor Society sponsored Blood Drive will be held in the MHS Gymnasium on Monday, November 19 from 8:30-2:00.

Students can sign up at lunch today and on Friday. Walk-ins are also welcome.

The Blood Drive is open to all eligible students. To be eligible to donate a 17 year old student must weigh 110 lbs.  16 year old students must weigh 130 pounds.  16 year old students will also need the permission of parents/guardians.  This form will be available during the sign-up process.

All students must have a picture id.  Student ids are acceptable. 

Please persuade your child to participate in this worthy cause and to help encourage a lifetime of donations.

Thank you.

National Honor Society

Cheer on Our Student-Athletes at State Comeptitions!

Medway High School Cheerleaders are competing in the MSSAA 2012 Fall Cheerleading State Championship 3:00 pm Sunday, November 18, 2012at Shrewsbury High School.
For more information- go HERE:  http://mssaa.org/contentm/easy_pages/view.php?page_id=11&sid=35&menu_id=27

Medway Boy's Varsity Soccer is facing Groton-Dunstable in the Division II State Championship game at Worcester State College on November 17 at 5:30 pm. 

Please come and cheer on our students!

MHS Earns Honors from College Board

In a release from the Massachusetts Department of Education, officials announced that 46 Massachusetts public school districts were named to the College Board's 2012 AP District Honor Roll for expanding access to Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum and maintaining or improving the percent of students scoring 3 or higher.

Dr. Dias, principal of Medway High School (MHS) pointed out that MHS is one of 9 public schools in Massachusetts that have earned this award for more than one year. “I am pleased, but not surprised, by this recognition,” said Dias. “We push students to enroll in challenging courses, such as AP, which exposes them to the academic rigor necessary for college.” In 2012, 237 MHS students took 16 different AP subject exams with a total of 510 total exams administered. This number of tested students represents almost 40% of eligible students (in grades 10-12).

According to the College Board, more school districts from Massachusetts earned a spot on the honor roll than any other state in the nation. A total of 539 districts across the U.S. and Canada were selected for the 3rd annual AP Honor Roll.

"I am proud of our students and teachers for continued progress in boosting participation and performance on AP exams," said Governor Deval Patrick. "We will continue to expand our efforts to help even more students enroll in these rigorous college preparatory courses that will help prepare them for success in the classroom and beyond."

"Today's news is an affirmation of our commitment to expanding access to high quality educational programs for our students," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. "The AP exam is a key indicator of a student's future success, and I am thrilled to see more districts offering students options for rigorous coursework."

"I congratulate these school districts for their efforts to expand access to, and success in, coursework that signals readiness for a college level curriculum," said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester. "In Massachusetts, we are encouraging our schools to upgrade their program of study so that all students are ready for success beyond high school. The Commonwealth's status of being the state with the most AP honor roll awardees is evidence of progress toward this goal."

"It is encouraging to see an increasing number of districts offering AP course options and more and more students taking and succeeding in these courses," said Education Secretary Paul Reville. "We must now accelerate our efforts to ensure all students are taking advantage of challenging coursework that will prepare them for success in college and career."

The Patrick-Murray Administration and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education have developed a number of initiatives to ensure that all students are prepared for success in college and career and have the necessary skills to fill open jobs in Massachusetts and our increasingly global economy. Governor Patrick has begun to implement a plan to unify the state's fifteen community colleges into a strengthened statewide system responsive to both local and statewide employer needs. 

The Governor's Gateway Cities Education Agenda has also focused attention on early career education as a means to better connect what students are learning in the classroom to meaningful employment beyond school. Through these initiatives and others, the Administration is setting new expectations for college and career readiness that will align the Commonwealth's educational system with those of competitor nations around the world.

In June 2012, a task force of the state's leading educators, employers, and academic labor experts issued a report that included a set of recommendations to ensure that every student graduates from high school ready to pursue the next steps on the path to a successful career or post-secondary education. 

AP is a rigorous academic program that offers more than 30 courses in a wide range of subjects and college-level assessments developed and scored by college and university faculty members and experienced AP teachers. According to the College Board, a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam represents the score point that is predictive of college success and college graduation.

Citation: http://www.doe.mass.edu/news/news.aspx?id=7117

Grade 10 Vision & Hearing Tests

Parents of students in Grade 10,

Vision and Hearing tests are mandated by Massachusetts State Laws for all students in Grade 10. Screenings at the High School will be done on 11/30, 12/3 and 12/4/12. If your child does not pass this basic screening a letter will be sent home asking you to follow-up with your child's physician and/or other appropriate specialist.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at  #508-533-6643 ext. 5108

Denise Butler, BSN, RN

New Afternoon Traffic Pattern

Dear MHS Parents, Guardians, and Students,

Changes to afternoon car and bus pick-up.

At the end of the school day, numerous cars are waiting for students in the driveway, restricting traffic flow. Beginning Tuesday, November 6, between 2:00 and 2:35, parents should take the first right turn on the driveway into the school (prior to the flagpole). Following the signs, parents should drive around the building and wait at the front of the building, near the blue crosswalk. The map, below, shows the path.

Signs are in place to help guide parents, and administration will be outside to assist with directions.

This change is intended to allow for a safer egress for students and vehicles in the time immediately after school. This new traffic pattern will allow the buses to use the loop in front of the building, as designed.

These changes for for afternoon pick-up only. Morning drop-off of students will remain the same, with parents using the loop in front of the building.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Dias at ddias@medway.k12.ma.us or Officer Grimes at grimes@medwaypolice.com

MHS Students Commended by College Board

MEDWAY HIGH SCHOOL RECOGNIZES COMMENDED STUDENTS IN THE 2013 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Dr. Douglas Dias, principal of Medway High School, announced today that senior students Anna Donovan, Emma Kaeli and Nicolce Kirby have been named as Commended Students in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program. A letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corportation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by Dr. Dias to these scholastically talented seniors at the October 18 School Committee Meeting.

Commended Students placed among the top five percent of the more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2013 competition by taking the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).  About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise.

“Recognizing academically talented students plays a fundamental role in the advancement of educational excellend within our nation,” commented an NMSC spokesperson. “The young people recognized as Commended Students represent some of the best and brightest minds in the country as demonstrated by their outstanding performance in our highly competitive program. We sincerely hope this recognition will provide them with additional educational outlets and motivate them in pursuit of academic achievement.”

Past recipients were presented with their Commendation Letters in the principal’s office, but Dr. Dias commented on the change in venue, stating “I decided to recognize these students before the Medway School Committee to remind us all that academic success shows in our students far more than numbers can convey. Having three MHS seniors as the top five percent of students in the U.S. participating in the PSAT is an achievement that should be openly celebrated.”

771 Appointments Scheduled

There are 771 appointments scheduled for Parent/Teacher Conference Night on October 23, 2012. If you want to meet with your child's teacher on that night, sign up quickly, as some teacher's are close to fully booked!

To set up an account, go here: http://medwayhs.schoolappointments.com/
and click on the Register tab.

Medway teacher, kids have mission to Costa Rica

Medway teacher, kids have mission to Costa Rica

Falmouth pair charged with hosting drinking party

Falmouth pair charged with hosting drinking party

Good. While a $9,000 fine and a permanent criminal record are relatively minor consequences, it sends an important message: Adults should never, ever, provide alcohol to anyone's children at their home. Nor should they condone it.

'Skip' Day

I have heard a rumor that there is a senior ‘skip’ day scheduled and I want to clarify any inaccuracies about how the school responds to such incidents using the lens of our community core value of Responsibility.

First, as principal, I have a responsibility to ensure that students are provided with an education, and as such, want to make explicitly clear that Medway High School neither sponsors or sanctions students skipping school. We want our students to be safe, and while some may not participate in dangerous behavior, too many decide it is okay to engage in risky behavior.

Students missing class creates a burden for teachers, who plan their lessons with the expectation that every student is present. Student absences result in missed learning, including tests and quizzes. Tests and quizzes missed due to unapproved absences result in a grade of zero, which can have a devastating effect on a term grade.

Parents, please allow your son or daughter to take responsibility for their actions. Do not call the school, claiming that they are sick or have a doctor’s appointment requiring them to miss all or part of the day when this is not true. You are their first, and greatest, teacher, and such actions can lead students to believe that it is okay to intentionally mislead. We are not questioning your moral authority to teach your children, but ask you to work with us in teaching students that decisions have consequences, and, as adults, we should allow them to take responsibility for their actions.

            I have met many students in my first month at MHS, and have been truly impressed with the maturity and responsibility each has demonstrated. I want to be explicitly clear to you, as you deserve nothing less, and share that your decision to skip school may result in loss of grades and extra-curricular privileges. Simply stated, we want you here! Seniors who decide to skip school today will not be allowed to participate in athletics or the senior boat cruise this weekend. Future skip days will result in other sanctions as well.

I always welcome suggestions on how to make our school a better place, and would like to give greater, more meaningful responsibility to students capable of such burden. Please let me know your thoughts.

Medway officials happy with MCAS scores

Medway officials happy with MCAS scores

Powerful

Watch this. Then make everyone you love watch it.

Too many people are missing loved ones when they could so easily still be with us...

Stay safe. Drive safe. Please. 

Open House

Tonight was our annual Open House at Medway High School. I was excited to meet many parents, and show off the quality of our educational program and the people to make it happen. At the end of the presentation for parents at the beginning of the night, my enthusiasm got the best of me, and I decided to memorialize the event. 

Parents are always taking pictures of their kids at school, so how about a video clip of parents? Well I will edit it a bit when I get the chance, but here it is, only hours old. The HD video is a wopping 71Mb. If it doesn't work, I will fix it this weekend. I would do it now, but I am tired, and want to go home...

Out To Sea

With the successful completion of today's mandatory start-of-the-school-year short-term evacuation drill (formerly known as a fire drill), we are out to sea!

The regular schedule is now in place, although there appears to be a problem with the bells- the program is running properly, but they are not ringing. The secretaries in the main office have been ringing them manually, but they have other responsibilities. The building is only eight years old, but the hard work of the custodial and maintenance staff, coupled with the attention by teachers and respect of students, makes it look brand new. Oddly, the 'computerized' bell system is very reminiscent of my experiences in high-school computer programming. In 1981. I did not know that 2-digit LED readouts, as a means of entering data, still existed. There is even a Blaupunkt car receiver built into the console, complete with detachable face-plate and CD player. Wow.

Coincidentally, I have experience with this particular bell schedule, but it was many, many years ago. Wish us luck. If the bells suddenly change from a soothing bong-bong to Hell's Bells by the band AC/DC, you know I am working on them...

Off The Dock

A ship's voyage begins when she weigh's anchor, casts off her lines and pulls away from the dock. When I worked on merchant ships, it was an exciting, stressful, and anxious time. It meant the beginning of a new adventure, with unexpected wonders and hardships interspersed with an occasional bout of sea-sickness. While unknown shores and weather lay ahead, I was comforted by the faith I had  in my colorful and skilled colleagues and our sturdy, well-designed ship.

Today, the first day of school for students, and I had the same feeling. While I have taken this voyage many times in my multiple careers, it is my first as captain of MHS. I am onboard a new vessel with a professional and dedicated crew as we commence the yearly transport of our extremely valuable cargo- the children of Medway. 

The day started outside, in the glorious sun in the front of the school. Our school Deans, Mrs. Pearl and Mr. Rubin, joined Dr. Evans, Officer Grimes, and me in welcoming students.

When pulling off the dock, many things must happen at the right time and in the correct sequence. Mistakes happen, and, hopefully, are small enough to be quickly corrected. Large errors can create havoc, and delays the voyage. A skilled crew, with seasoned officers, keeps small mistakes from escalating into something larger. 

There were a few minor glitches today- a gremlin in our scheduling software and a slight lunch delay, but Mrs. Pearl and Mr. Rubin were quick to identify the problem, find a solution, and communicate it to staff and students, who demonstrated an important trait of a professional: flexibility.

Throughout the day Mrs. Pearl, Mr. Rubin, and I spend as much time as we could in classrooms, watching teachers introduce themselves to their students. For some of these classroom walk-through's were joined by our Director of Curriculum and Instruction as well as our Assistant Superintendent. I look forward to having them in our building again.  Mr. Pearl, our athletic director, and many, many staff members, were in the halls during passing times, helping students get to their intended 

Guidance was busy, but quiet. One staff member stated that it was the smoothest opening of school in her 22-year career. Wow! 

I was able to meet some students today, and managed to get lost as I attempted to help a new student find his class. I am sure the room numbering system made sense to someone during the design of the school, and if they are smart, they will not admit it. It is easier to memorize the name and location of the classroom teachers, as the seemingly random room numbers only seem to breed confusion. 

Toward the end of the day I was able to sit in my office to review and respond to the several-dozen waiting emails. I checked in with Dr. Pires, principal of the middle school, to see how his day went. He had the challenge of pulling off the dock while his ship is still being built. I've been through two school building projects, and can appreciate the stress. Not surprisingly, however, he had everything well in hand. 

Tomorrow is a new day, and while we are off the dock, we are still in the channel leading to open ocean. I don't know what tomorrow may bring, but the professionalism, attitude, and energy of the Medway teachers was thrilling to witness. 

After a very busy summer, but now we are off the dock, in the channel, and headed toward the sea buoy that marks open water. While I am tired, and should go to bed. I am still excited about tomorrow.  Like many captains, I can't wait to get back on the ship's bridge. 

Medway Faculty Definition of Professionalism

Yesterday was the first Medway High staff meeting of the year. I invited secretaries and paraprofessionals to join teachers and administrators in an activity to help energize us for the coming year as well as help norm us on what the traits exhibited by us all in our role of professional educator at Medway High.

The ten groups created their own lists, and presented each to the assemblage.  I typed up the entire list, consisting of over 250 words, and created the Wordle, below. The larger the word, the more frequent it was in the list. Based on what I have seen and learned about Medway, there are no surprises. I am proud to be joining the school as principal!

And now for some Music!

Here is a truly impressive video by Ok Go. It is a single shot, with all performers playing their instruments- no lip syncing or soundtrack. Apparently, the band saw the Notre Dame University Marching Band perform one of their songs and they collaborated on the above video. The band has many other videos, almost all of which were done in a single shoot. Here are two of my favorites- the complexity of each, and the problems they had to solve to make the video work boggles the mind.

And how you train dogs to do this is amazing...

Star Wars

As an admitted Start Wars fan, this made me laugh:

I will publish and credit the person who writes the best description of this for non-Star Wars fans. Simply click on the comment link, below.

Finish Your Summer Reading!