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