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!
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Monday, December 9, 2013
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.
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.
Friday, December 6, 2013
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.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
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:
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/
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
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
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.
Monday, December 2, 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 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.
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