Senator's
Student Support Spotlight
Dear Students in Grades 7-12,
Welcome to the latest edition of the Senator's Student Support Spotlight Newsletter! We hope you had a fantastic start to the new semester and are ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. In this edition, we bring you guidance, tips, and resources to help you thrive academically and personally.
January Highlights:
1. Goal Setting for Success:
Reflect on your achievements from the past semester.
Set realistic academic and personal goals for the coming months.
Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks.
2. Mid-Year Review:
Evaluate your academic performance.
Identify areas for improvement and create a plan to address them.
Seek support from teachers, counselors, or tutors if needed.
3. Time Management Tips:
Use a planner or digital tools to organize your schedule.
Prioritize tasks and assignments to stay on top of deadlines.
Incorporate breaks and self-care into your daily routine.
4. College and Career Exploration:
Research potential career paths and college options.
Attend virtual college fairs or information sessions.
Schedule meetings with your school's career counselor for guidance.
February Highlights:
1. Black History Month:
Explore and celebrate the achievements of Black leaders in history.
Engage in discussions and educational activities related to Black History Month.
2. Valentine's Day Self-Love:
Take time to appreciate and care for yourself.
Reflect on personal accomplishments and strengths.
Share positive affirmations with friends and family.
3. Course Selection for Next Year:
Review available courses for the upcoming academic year.
Consult with teachers, parents, and counselors for guidance.
Consider your academic interests and future goals.
4. Test Preparation:
If applicable, start preparing for upcoming standardized tests.
Create a study schedule and utilize online resources.
Reach out to teachers for additional support and study tips.
General Tips And Srategies:
Stay connected with classmates through virtual study groups or clubs.
Reach out to teachers if you need clarification on assignments or concepts.
Practice self-care to maintain a healthy balance between academics and well-being.
Remember, your education journey is unique, and every step forward is a success. If you have specific questions or need additional support, don't hesitate to reach out to your teachers, counselors, or school staff.
Mahar News and Announcements
January/Febuary 2024
8th Grade News: Three 8th-grade students served as the Ambassadors to Project 351, the statewide leadership/community service organization, in Boston on Saturday, January 13th. They attended a town meeting with Governor Maura Healey and US Senator Ed Markey. Our students, Lola Robideau, Haiden Willard, and Kaylee Nolette worked with other 8th graders across the state and provided people with food, blankets, and hygiene kits.
All current 9th Grade Students will be meeting with their Guidance Counselor over the next several weeks to start going over your course selections sheets and start to build your schedule for your Sophomore year!
During the spring semester, sophomores will participate in a series of guidance sessions with their counselor in their sophomore health class. Career development is our overarching theme for sophomore year and students will complete a series of comprehensive interest inventories to explore possible future occupations. Naviance, our college and career platform, will house the outcomes of the career assessments and students will be provided handouts as well.
A Reminder To Sophomores
MCAS INFO:
In late March, you will take the English MCAS exam.
In mid-May you will take the Mathematics MCAS exam.
If you still need to take the Science MCAS test, then you will take that in early June.
Please see Ms. Mahaney in Student Services if you have any questions about the MCAS
Please be on the lookout for an invitation to see Ms. Mahaney about reviewing your course selection sheet for your schedule. I will be meeting with each sophomore individually to review your courses for your junior year!
Clothing Drive
We will be hosting a Children's Clothing Drive to benefit Cradles to Crayons from March 18th-26th. Please drop off lightly used (or new) clothes in the designated bins in the school offices or in Student Services.
JUNIOR NEWS
Be sure that you are aware of your grades and attendance via Power School. We will continue to offer absence recovery after school Tuesday- Thursday (except Wed half days), as well as after school tutoring. Please keep updated on your absences and grades!
Student Services has already been in most health classes at the end of January to present our Scheduling Workshops. There are many exciting opportunities next year! I have recently sent the presentation slides here, as well as the Program of Studies for 24-25, via email to junior students, parents and guardians for reference.
We will be meeting one to one with all juniors to discuss your scheduling plans and future plans over the next couple of months, before we input your scheduling requests into PowerSchool.
Later, in February through April, we will be in your classes to give workshops on planning for after high school including how to complete college applications, how to apply for financial aid, resources for going into a career right after high school, and to discuss military career options.
Speaking of life after high school, if you are planning to apply to a four year college, consider signing up for a spring SAT! There are testing dates in March, May and June. While many Massachusetts public colleges are SAT optional for admissions, some merit scholarships at public schools, and some private and out of state public schools are reinstating their SAT or ACT admissions requirements. You need to register several weeks in advance to secure a spot. Here is the link to register: https://mysat.collegeboard.org/login If you have an account from taking the PSAT, simply sign in; if you did not take the PSAT, you will need to click "create an account". If you are financially eligible for free or reduced lunch, contact Ms. McKenna to get a fee waiver. Need help? Please contact your guidance counselor for assistance!
Mahar will be holding a Post Secondary Planning Evening this spring, (date change from presentation announcement) on Wednesday evening, March 27th, at 6 pm. This event will be packed full of information with plenty of time for questions and answers at the end, as well! More information will be coming - please save the date!!
During our postsecondary planning workshop next week, I will be sharing information about a fabulous summer opportunity at Baystate Franklin Medical Center for juniors interested in careers in medicine!
SENIOR NEWS
During the second semester, you will need to be extra sure your grades and attendance are where you need them for graduation and for your future plans! We will continue to offer absence recovery after school from 2-4 Tuesdays-Thursdays (except Wed half days)as well as after school tutoring. Be attentive in checking your Power School attendance if you have been absent or tardy a few days or more, so you can make up for the absences! Remember, we accept medical documentation within the first 10 days of an absence - which removes those hours from your total!
Be sure to turn in your 35 hour School to Work form as soon as possible! Don't have them? Pick them up in Student Services! Time is getting tight for completing these hours if you have not done so. Need help? Contact Ms. McKenna right away!
If you are planning to attend a four year college in the fall, be sure you are checking your college portals to make sure your colleges are not waiting for any materials!
College bound? If you have not filled out your FAFSA, now is the time to do it! After a bumpy start, many families have successfully submitted their FAFSA materials. Did you know that MWCC offers FAFSA help for students and families, even if you don't plan to attend the Mount?! Here is the signup link: https://mwcc.edu/admissions/fafsa-fridays/
If you are planning to attend a four year college in the fall, be sure that you are aware of the enrollment deposit procedure at your future school! Most four year colleges and universities require that you fill out a specific form (often called an "intent to enroll" form but your school may have a slightly different title) and to put down a deposit (usually anywhere from $200-$500) to hold your spot by May 1st! Be sure to take this important step to save your place.
If you are planning to attend a 2 year college, you will want to follow the instructions on your acceptance packet to sign up and register for classes.
College/Military T Shirt Day is scheduled for Friday, May 3rd! Have plans for the future that include college or military enlistment? Here is your chance to "show" your plans!
An important note on college admissions! It wouldn't be a college admissions season if qualified high school students did not get some denial letters from their top pick colleges! Did you know that Justice Antonin Scalia, the actors Tina Fey and Tom Hanks, former Presidents Harry Truman and Barack Obama, Warren Buffett , Steven Speilberg and many, many more were turned down by their top pick colleges.. and went on to alternative colleges and fabulous careers! Need a boost? Read: https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704211704575139891390595962 for the low down on putting denial letters into perspective!
Want to go into a construction career? More information coming soon about Construction Day Career Day happening May 2nd! This is a great, hands- on trip!