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!