Weakly Weekly

If there is one thing I can guarantee, it is that I will make mistakes. 

To avoid ubiquitous spelling errors, and offer quick corrections, I use this blog to post information, and email the link to everyone (I have over 1,100 parent email addresses). 

Of course, I cannot correct the spelling error in the title of the email...

Sigh.

 

Senior Privilege- NEW

Dear Parents & Guardians:

Medway High School has designed a Senior Privilege Procedure which will allow seniors who have a study hall scheduled first or last period to arrive to school late, at approximately 9:00 a.m., or leave early, at approximately 1:40 p.m. The purpose of this privilege is to permit seniors to practice the core value of responsibility.

Guidelines for the Senior Privilege Program:

1. Seniors must be passing all subjects at the end of each quarter. Grades are reviewed and privileges suspended or restored on the Monday following the date of report cards being issued.
2. This procedure is a privilege; it can be revoked by administration or parent at any time.
3. Those students arriving late to school in the morning must sign-in at a designated area outside the main office, and will report directly to the cafeteria. Students must be on time for the second period of the day.
4. Students must leave the school grounds immediately after signing out and not loiter on school grounds if leaving early.
5. Parents or guardians must sign a release form that releases the school of the responsibility of the student upon the student’s dismissal to school, or prior to the student’s arrival.
6. In the event that a student’s privilege has been revoked, student or parent-requested dismissals that include the designated privilege period will not be granted, unless a dismissal is administratively approved. If it is determined that a student is circumventing a privilege that has been revoked by being dismissed during what would have been a privilege period, the student will face school consequences.

This policy is set to begin the week of February 4, 2013, and will be reviewed at the end of each grading period.

If you have any questions concerning this program, please post a comment by clicking on the pencil (below)  for more information. You may do so anonymously, if you wish.

FAQ's can be found HERE.
As a treat to my loyal readers (both of you), you can print and bring the signed form to the main office to be among the first to be approved! You can obtain the form by clicking HERE.

New English Teacher

Mrs. Matondi, English Teacher and Department Chairperson, is retiring from MHS this week. Yesterday, at the end of the day, school staff and I held a reception to recognize the energy and success she has demonstrated in educating the children of Medway. She will be missed, and I wish her well in the next phase of her careers.

On the heels of this, I am pleased to introduce Mr. Chris Jacobs, who will be taking over her English classes. Boston-born and Newton-raised, he shares that he has developed a passion and talent for writing fiction and poetry by way of Brandeis University's acclaimed Creative Writing Program. After graduating in 2002, he tiptoed down education's professional periphery for some time, eventually taking a position as an SAT, ACT and GRE instructor for a test preparation company called The Princeton Review. Throughout his six full-time years with the company, he held a host of administrative titles, all of which were informed by his initial training as a teacher. After a 2010 partnership with Boston Public Schools struck a chord with his pedagogical roots, Chris decided to make the transition back into teaching in 2011 by earning his M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, which exposed him to a wide array of school systems. Though he currently resides in Dedham, Chris has spent the last few months embracing the challenges of being a long- and short-term substitute teacher for Randolph Public Schools. A strong proponent of the ideals of teaching all learners, Chris firmly believes that the best teachers never stop being learners themselves. He is overcome by the warm welcomes he has already received from much of the Medway crew, and incredibly excited to become a part of such an strong academic department.

Mr. Rubin will be temporarily assuming Mrs. Matondi's English department chair responsibilities.

Mandatory Parent Meeting Rescheduled

February 11 at 7 PM in the Medway High Auditorium. Staff members (and parents) who attended the student presentations agree that it is a 'Must See'.

Mandatory Parent Meeting To Be Rescheduled

Due to the impending potential for poor weather this evening, we will be rescheduling the mandatory parent night. As soon as the new date is set we will let you know.

Mid-Year Examinations Reminder

Just a reminder regarding Mid-Year examinations:

Thursday, Jan. 24: A Exam, 8:15-9:45; B Exam, 10:00-11:30.
Friday, Jan. 25: C Exam, 8:15-9:45; D Exam, 10:00-11:30.
Monday, Jan. 28: E Exam, 8:15-9:45; F Exam, 10:00-11:30.
Tuesday, Jan. 29: G Exam, 8:15-9:45; Make-up Exam, 10:00-11:30. 
Buses will need to be on site for early dismissal at 11:30 on Jan. 24, 25, and 28. 
On Jan. 29, bus pickup at the high school is at 9:45, as there is only one exam and a makeup period scheduled for that final day.  

If students arrive during a time when they do not have an exam, they can study in either the library or cafeteria. If students do not have an exam during the second session of the day, they can remain in the library or cafeteria until dismissal. 

Students may leave the building if they do not have a second exam, but they cannot remain on campus. 

Students should not be in the halls during exams.

There will be no lunch sold on exam days.
 

Big-Y Fundraiser Update

Earlier this year, I posted information regarding the Big-Y fundraiser. I am always looking to make sure we are transparent, and I just received an my monthly update on points we can apply towards school supplies. As you can see, all purchases are anonymous, yet very much appreciated. If you haven't completed the form to sign up, please check my blog posting on the process, by clicking HERE.


Congratulations Medway High School (ID: 7863)!

As of 01/16/2013 your school has earned a total of 3,400 Education Express points.
Your school currently has 3,400 points available.  There are 31 shoppers that have designated your school to receive their points.

Have you had a chance to distribute the program enrollment forms to parents?

If not, it's never too late to get more support for your school and earn even more educational supplies - FREE!

Through the Education Express Program, your school will continue earning points until January 1, 2014. That is correct 2014. And you have until February 28, 2014 to place a final order for your school.

Incident at Dance

Tonight, over 150 kids had fun at the dance, but a small number arrived under the influence of alcohol. Parents and an ambulance were called.

They are safe, and this incident, unfortunately, helps to explain my mandatory parent meeting.

I am not happy.

Final and Midyear Exam Details

Dear Parents and Students,

As you may be aware, we begin our mid-year exam schedule next week, on Thursday, January 24, 2013. We trust that our students will prepare for these important assessments and will work diligently toward succeeding on them.

During the days of mid-year exams, buses will pick up students at the normally scheduled times and depart the high school at 11:40, as each day will be a half-day. The only exception to this will be Tuesday, January 29, when buses will bring students home at 9:45, as the second period for that day is to allow for makeup examinations. Students staying for makeup exams will need to arrange their own transportation.

Each exam is planned for 90 minutes, and students are required to stay for the entire exam period. There is a break between the periods on the exam days of approximately 15 minutes.

If a student does not have an exam for a given period, likely because of a study hall, he or she would have three options should s/he wish to stay in the building:

1. S/he may sign in to the library for a quiet study or use of the computers. 
2. S/he may sign into the cafeteria for a group study.
3. S/he may go to the NHS tutoring room for support.

Students may leave the building each day, and either transport themselves home or get picked up by parents at the conclusion of the first exam period if they do not have a second exam, or if they do not wish to utilize the resources within the building. Students who leave cannot return until 11:40, and cannot loiter on campus.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Mandatory Parent Meeting

January 28, 2013

MANDATORY PARENT MEETING

Dear MHS Parents/Guardians,

As prom and semi-formal season approaches, concerns increase regarding the dangers of student drinking. While the Ring Dance and Prom are meant to be a night of celebration, in too many instances across the country, it ends in tragedy. Unfortunately, underage drinking and its consequences continue to be an issue in Medway and many other communities. Frequently, conversations between parent and teen on alcohol and drug use are awkward, as sensitive topics such as underage drinking and poor decision making are difficult for some families to thoroughly explore.

In an effort to raise community awareness and knowledge of youth substance use, as well as promote safe decisions by our students, the MHS School Council, Medway Police, and administration of Medway High School will host two evening programs, one in January and one in March. 

These night assemblies are open to all, but are mandatory for parents of students who wish to attend the Sophomore Ring Dance or Junior & Senion Prom. Parents/guardians of any student who may attend the ring dance and/or prom this spring must attend one of two programs scheduled. PLAN AHEAD! 

Attention grade 9 parents: Some grade 9 students attend the Ring Dance and proms. Please attend, even if you don't think your child will be attending.

The first opportunity is on Monday, January 28, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. invites you to a presentation on underage drinking and parent responsibility.  District Attorney Michael Morrissey and Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Rowe of the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office and attorney Richard L. Campbell of The Law Offices of Campbell, Campbell, Edwards and Conroy will educate parents and students on the  legal and tragic consequences of underage drinking.

Underage Substance Use

&

“BE A PARENT, NOT A PAL”
Understanding Legal Consequences & Social Host Laws

Monday, January 28, 2013

7:00 pm

Medway High School Auditorium

“Be a Parent, Not a Pal,” is presented by Campbell, Campbell, Edwards and Conroy, a nationally recognized firm of trial lawyers with offices in Boston, Philadelphia, and other cities in New England and New Jersey.   

If a parental-unit is unable to attend the presentation on Jan 28, there is limited availability at the student presentation on the morning of January 30. Contact Dr. Dias for details.

Addressing alcohol use and keeping youth safe is a community responsibility.  Please join us!

Supported by:

Dr. Doug Dias         Dot Pearl                             Mike Rubin                                      Rob Pearl

Principal                 Dean of Student Services     Dean of Academics & Activities    Athletic Director

MHS School Council:
Parents:                            Teachers:                 Students:
Kristen Diebus                 Marcell Foucre         Emma Kaeli
Teresa O'Connor              Donna Periera         Amanda Pollock
Karen Travers                  Aubrie Rojee            Cameron Swan

Medway Police Dept                Medway Fire Dept/
Chief Tingley                            Chief Lynch
Lt. Boultenhouse                     
Officer Don Grimes       

Parent Meeting Jan 28

MHS Parents, please keep Monday evening, January 28, 2013 open. We have an important presentation coming. More details will be distributed Monday or Tuesday!

Experiment/ Udated 1/14/13

I am trying a new way of communicating, and just clicked 'send' to the 1,241 high school email addresses in our Constant Contact database. My goal is to send this email every week, ideally Sunday evenings, to keep people informed on what is happening at Medway High. The email is really a set of links (including this blog) where important information would be posted. It is easier to send the links with updated information rather than cutting and pasting portions.

Please let me know how it works.

Update: 1/14/13
So it was sent again, and a few of the links at the top were dead. The ones at the bottom worked fine, though. Thank you to those that shared your thoughts- I did not publish them if you completed the form anonymously but included your name in the text.

I am going to try (again) to correct the links, and schedule it to be sent again on Sunday. I will see if it changes viewership. The recent email garnered 298 page views from the US (and 1 from Ireland).

Mid-Year Examination Schedule

MHS Mid-year Exam Schedule

2012/2013 Mid-year exam schedule:

Thursday, Jan. 24: A Exam, 8:15-9:45; B Exam, 10:00-11:30.
Friday, Jan. 25: C Exam, 8:15-9:45; D Exam, 10:00-11:30.
Monday, Jan. 28: E Exam, 8:15-9:45; F Exam, 10:00-11:30.
Tuesday, Jan. 29: G Exam, 8:15-9:45; Make-up Exam, 10:00-11:30. 

Buses will need to be on site for early dismissal at 11:30 on Jan. 24, 25, and 28. On Jan. 29, pickup at the high school is at 9:45, as there is only one exam and a makeup period scheduled for that final day.

Principal's Coffees January 9

There are two opportunities to meet with me and hear about the many wonderful things happening at MHS, both now and for the future.

These coffees (and chai) are sponsored by the Medway Home & School Association, Inc. Their web site can be found here: http://www.medwayshsa.org/

The first is in the morning: 7:30 -9:00 am, in the High School Main Office Conference Room
The second is in the evening: 7:00-8:30 pm, in the High School Library.

Please join us for an open and informal setting for questions and discussion about Medway High School.

I look forward to seeing you there!