Update 12/19: Please Give Toys!

The Medway High School chapter of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) has asked me to post a reminder that there are two more days to bring in a new, unwrapped toy for their collection. They are a bit short of their goal and every little bit helps, so please give if you can.

Thank you MHS SADD club!

12/19/13 Update:
Our SADD Club handily achieved their goal of 500+ toys, and will personally be delivering the toys via bus today. Well done all!

Hour of Code is Here!

Hour of Code is Here! All MHS students will be participating this week, and I thank teachers in ALL subject areas for giving their precious class time for this worthwhile endeavor.

Got to Code.Org, click START, and go from there.

I am going to have my 10-year-old student do it tomorrow night. I'll let you know how it goes.

Orientation for Grade 8 Students and Parents Considering Private School

On evening of Monday, December 16, there will be a special presentation for current grade 8 students and their parents considering private school next year.  Historically, a few students from Medway attend private and parochial school, and of those, a significant portion returns to Medway High School. We are offering this special presentation so that the small number of parents and their student can make an informed decision regarding your child’s education.

On that night, you will hear about the rich learning opportunities offered by Medway High School, our successful and comprehensive athletic and extra-curricular programs, and impressive academic successes. The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. in the High School Main Foyer, and includes a guided tour of the school (so wear comfortable shoes). At the conclusion of the presentation there will be an opportunity to ask questions of current students and school administrators. The presentation and tour will conclude at approximately 7:45 p.m. 

For all grade 8 students, and their parents, who know they will be joining us as Medway High Mustangs, Class of 2017, need not attend the presentation on December 16. A separate and more detailed presentation will be offered later in the winter. Once that date is determined, it will be posted on this Blog and school website, emailed, and shared via Twitter.

Code Yellow Today

I just want to let you know that today we had to call a Code Yellow just before the start of school for a medical emergency. A Code Yellow is used to quickly and efficiently clear the hallways of students and staff so that administration and/or Crisis Team members may deal with a situation without excessive attention and unnecessary distractions. Another benefit is that it increases confidentiality for those involved. 

Staff and students were excellent in their response, and the EMT's and front office staff were able to quickly 'clear' the Code Yellow alert, and allow the school to return to normal operations before the start of first period. 

MSPEPAC Meeting Location Change

The Next MSEPAC meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, 12/10/13 is moved from the Medway HS Guidance Area to the Cole Room of the Medway Public Library.

The presentation and topic are timely, given my earlier post about stress:

Medway Special Education November Meeting Announcement

Please join us for a presentation by Dr. Allison Andrews

Families, Stress and Special Needs:

A Whole Family Approach

Date:     Wednesday November 13, 2013

Where:  Cole Room, Medway Public Library

Time:      7-9 pm

This presentation offers the opportunity to assess how you and your family are doing and the chance to slow down and spend some time thinking about what you need to thrive as a parent.  Practical strategies will be included.

Allison Andrews, PsyD is a mom and a clinical psychologist. Her practice is focused on supporting the well-being of the parents and families of children with special needs and includes psychotherapy for adults and parent coaching.  She brings a unique perspective to this work having grown up with a special needs sibling and now raising her own quirky kids. In other words, she is in it too and has been since she was a kid.   For more information and to read her blog, please go to her website: http://www.allisonandrewspsyd.com/blog/

Late Bus at Medway High

Parents asked, and we listened!
 
At our Open House in September, two parents asked about a late bus at MHS, which has not existed for quite a while. I followed up with the Dr. Evans and Mr. Verdolino, our superintendent and assistant superintendent, respectively, I am happy to report that, after some serious effort, we are starting a late bus this week.

A high School Late bus will begin picking students up every Wednesday and Thursday at 4:00pm from the High school beginning on December 4, 2013.

School Stress and Balance

School stress is a problem for many teens. Here is an NPR article (and audio link) to the piece: http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/12/02/246599742/school-stress-takes-a-toll-on-health-teens-and-parents-say 

The key, is balance, but students, particularly those that are scheduled into too many high-level classes, struggle to accomplish everything when it is combined with sports, clubs, volunteer work, tutoring, non-school activities, and a social life. The result is excessive stress and lack of sleep, which affects all that they do. During our course selection process this winter, you will hear us emphasize balance when deciding what courses and levels to take.

Ten years ago I made the mistake of working on my doctorate while welcoming a new child and managing an addition to our house that required us to move several towns away for 6 months. At the time I was also an assistant principal at a large high school, requiring about 60 hours of my time per week.

When a friend asked how I was able to do all of those things, I simply replied, 'Not well.' There were tasks that were rushed, and did not accurately represent my true ability, events that I arrived at late, and appointments that I had to reschedule. I missed time with my children that will never be recovered. My decision to 'do it all' put stress on my job, my family, and myself. I learned from it, and don't want our students to think that it is what life should be.

Please resist the temptation to 'do it all'. Balance your life to enjoy time with your family and friends. Your high school education is important, but needs to fit into a well-balanced life.

The Powderpuff

As with any school year, we are faced with the task of challenging decisions, many of which have implications beyond a handful of students. To that end, we ask for your support.

For the past several years, several female members of the junior and senior classes at Medway High School have participated in a football game, also known as a “Powderpuff” football game. Last year, we met at length with the participants, and, in the interest of safety, attempted to shift the game from a tackle football game without protective gear to a flag football game. We mandated the use of mouthguards, having anecdotally learned of head and mouth injuries sustained in previous contests. We provided two adult supervisors on the field to act as referees, and, finally, requested the game be a flag football game.

While last year’s participants begrudgingly agreed to don flags, wear the mouth-guards, and play by safer guidelines, the students quickly stopped using the mouth guards and rules, as well as follow the guidance of the adult officials provided, in favor of their traditional melee. In short, it became apparent that we could not guarantee the participants’ safety and that “tradition” would prevail.

As a result, we have decided to cease with sponsoring the game as a school-sanctioned event. As we consider our core values, which we continue to reiterate, it is difficult to endorse an activity that does not similarly endorse safety, respect, and responsibility.

We shared this information with students over a month ago, explaining our position, and there was, understandably disappointment.  We have heard that some students are considering playing the game as, I am told, it was originally- a friendly pick-up game between two grades. We wish them well, but cannot endorse or support their efforts.

We know that there are many students who were anticipating their participation in the event. We also know that our students are capable of finding other conscientious, productive ways to demonstrate their school spirit, their support of one another, and their collective enthusiasm in ways that are safe, responsible, and inclusive. We ask for and appreciate your support of creating an extended Medway High School community that espouses, endorses, and considers its Core Values in everything it does as we endeavor to create an ideal learning community.

The Hour of Code is Coming!

Dear Parents,
We live in a world surrounded by technology. And we know that whatever field our students choose to go into as adults, their ability to succeed will increasingly hinge on understanding how technology works. But only a tiny fraction of us are learning computer science, and less students are studying it than a decade ago.

That’s why our entire school joined in on the largest education event in history: The Hour of Code. During Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 9-15), every one of our students will be amongst over 2 million worldwide spending one hour learning the basics.

Our Hour of Code is a statement that Medway High School is ready to teach these foundational 21st century skills. To continue bringing programming activities to your students, we want to make our Hour of Code event huge. I encourage you to reach out to local media, share the news on your social media channels and consider hosting additional Hour of Code events in your outside of school, in the community.

This is a chance to change the future of education in Medway.
See http://hourofcode.org for details, and please help us spread the word.

More details will be issued after the Thanksgiving break.

Winter Sports Meeting & Registration

The 2013 Winter Sports meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 20 at 6:00 in the High School Auditorium. There will be a brief presentation from the Athletic Director and Trainer, followed by team sport meetings to go over practice schedules and expectations. Please click on this link to visit FamilyID and register: Winter Sports Registration

Science Olympiad Results

Congratulations to the Science Olympiad team, which competed at Oliver Ames last week in its first match-up of the season; in addition to the host school, B-R and Stoughton were also present. Some of the highlights:

• For the Scrambler event:
• Gold Medals went to John Eisenstadt and Devin Rose
• Silver Medals went to Jason Sutherland and Connor Galvani-Campbell
•  For Bungie:
• Silver Medals went to Erica Carbone and John Williams
•  For Anatomy and Physiology
• Gold Medals went to Lauren Getz and Alyssa Whitaker
• Silver Medal went to Alex Callahan
•  For Experimental Design:
• Silver Medals went to Ben Lagan and Kevin Torchia

In particular, kudos to Mr. Hoek, Mrs. Pereira and Mrs. Colace, who advise the Science O team. Great job, all!

Mr. Collins' English classes Service Project

Field Trip and Service Project!

Mr. Collins' English classes took a trip to the Community Farm as part of a service learning project!

 

Giving Project

The Peer Counselors and SADD would like your help in giving some families some extras for the Holiday Season! Next time you are shopping, don’t forget about your fellow Mustangs and community members in need. Here are some examples of items we are collecting:

• Scotch tape,
• wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, 
• ornaments

Gently used or new hats, mittens, scarves, jackets, slippers, pajamas, socks and other articles of clothing and toys for boys and girls:

Boys:

• Sports equipment (basketball, baseball, hockey, etc)
• toy trucks/cars
• dinosaur toys
• skateboard (and accessories),
• CDs or DVDs 
• board games
• books
• coloring book and crayons,
• anything else you think a boy may wish to have for the holidays

Girls:

• Dolls
• stuffed animals
• CDs or DVDs
•  nail polish, new make-up
• Craft kits
• board games
• jewelry
• books, coloring books and crayons,
• anything else you think a girl may wish to have for the holidays

54,670 Pageviews

I just notices that this Blog has hit 54,670 pageviews since its creation in August, 2012. That is an average of 3,600 views per month.

I am resisting the temptation to imagine that there are three people visiting this blog 40 times per day.

NHS Induction

I wish to congratulate the current and newest members of the MHS National Honor Society. The list of accomplishments by those in attendance was truly impressive, and amply demonstrate the qualities of both the Medway High and NHS.

A special thank you goes to Mr. Nassiff and the NHS leadership for crafting a thoughtful, solemn, and postive ceremony. Everyone I spoke with was impressed with the pacing, multimedia presentation, and personalization for the students.

Congratulations and Well Done!

10th Grade Health Screening

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As required by Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations, 105 CMR 200.000, I will be conducting hearing, vision, height, and weight screening for all 10^th grade students beginning the first week of December.  The screenings will be conducted during a health class with every effort made to protect privacy.  As always, you do have the option to “opt out” of the screenings.  Please notify me in writing by 11/27 if you wish to opt out of a certain screening.

There are new changes with 105 CMR 200.500 Height and Weight Measurements.  A letter informing you of your child’s body mass index will not be sent home this year.   

However, if your child does not meet the hearing and vision requirements, a letter for further evaluation and follow up in these areas will be sent home.

Please contact me if you have questions.

Sincerely,

Christine Babicz

School Nurse

88 Summer Street

Medway, MA 02053

508-533-6643 x5108

508-533-3246

cbabicz@medway.k12.ma.us

Medway Makes College Board AP Honor Roll for 3rd Time!

For 2013, only 437 Districts in the United States were recognized, with Massachusetts having 33 Districts earning this distinction.

Medway is one of only 3 Districts in the State to earn this distinction 3-years in a row!

In order to be awarded the AP District Honor Roll, Districts must:

1. Increase participation/access to AP by at least 4 percent in large districts, at least 6 percent in medium districts and at least 11 percent in small districts;
2. Ensure that the percentage of African American, Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian/Alaska Native students taking AP Exams did not decrease by more than 5 percent for large and medium districts or by more than 10 percent for small districts;
3. Improve performance levels when comparing the percentage of students in 2012 scoring a 3 or higher to those in 2010, unless the district has already attained a performance level in which more than 70 percent of the AP students are scoring a 3 or higher.

The full list from the College Board can be found here:
2011 Report can be found HERE.
2012 Report can be found HERE.
2013 Report can be found HERE.

Earning this distinction bolsters my belief that increased access to rigorous, high-quality education produces increased excellence.

Winter Sports Registration and Fall Playoff Updates

Fall Sports Playoff Update:

Field Hockey won in overtime on Sunday and will play away at Dover-Sherborn on Wednesday at 4:00 on November 6.

Boys Soccer will travel to Canton High School on Wednesday to play Martha's Vineyard at 4:30 on November 6.

Please join us at either of these two games and cheer on our Mustangs!

Winter Sports News:
Registration is now open for the winter sports season. Please visit FamilyID to register:
https://www.familyid.com/medway-schools/winter-2013-14-athletics--2?cobranded=true

Field Hockey and Soccer Playoff Games

From Mr. Pearl:

2013 Fall Sports Playoffs
10-31-2013

Field Hockey at Foxborough – Thursday, October 31, 2:30, Payson Field in Foxborough

Girls soccer vs. Diman Regional Vocational – Saturday at 4:00, Hanlon Field

Boys Soccer vs. Foxborough – Saturday at 6:00, Hanlon Field

Okay, Here's Something to Make You Laugh

Because you cannot laugh too much, and it has been too long since I posted anything involving the Muppets.

Parent-Teacher-Student Night

I'd like to thank all of the parents, students, and teachers for a wonderfully successful night.

I called the Red Sox to delay the start of tonight's game so we could finish our conferences. They didn't call back.

There were many, many positive comments shared by parents about the conversations with teachers, and there was a good n number of students represented.

A recap of statistics from the night:

Length of Night: 1 hour 55 minutes (I inserted a break in the middle)
Number of teachers present: 59
Number of parent appointments booked: 1075
Number of call-back requests: 149




Beverage Consumption Data:
                    Coffee    Tea     Chai
Parents:           5           2         6
Student           14          0         4
Principal          1           2          1

Again, thank you all for coming!

9th Grade Physical Examinations

A physical examination of the school child is the combined responsibility of the school and family.  Under M.G.L. c. 71, s. 57 and related amendments and regulations (105 CMR 200.000-200.920), a physical examination is required at this interval of your child's education.  The objectives to this health examination are to understand and follow up on health conditions that may adversely affect the student's well being and ability to learn.

Your family physician, who has a comprehensive knowledge of the health and immunization status of your child, should provide you a copy for your records.  Please forward this document to me after your child's physical examination.  Any physical exams done during eighth to ninth grade will be accepted. In addition, it is good practice to send in a copy every year!

Thank You in Advance

Christine Babicz

School Nurse