Sunday, November 25, 2018


Branagan’s Bulletin
Week of November 26 – 30, 2018

I hope all of you had an amazing holiday and weekend!  I think Thanksgiving allows for each of us to appreciate the people in our lives who make a difference!  Thank you for making a difference in mine!  Last week was an outstanding representation of what Sachem Pride really is, and I thank each of you for being a part of that commitment to make our school incredible.  Clearly, for many of us…we truly made our school “home” last week with the many events to celebrate Spirit Week!   The spirit continued as the Sachems brought the Thanksgiving Game Trophy back to Middleborough with a great win over Carver.  We have a very busy week ahead…so, here we go!

  1. Sachem Shout-Out:
    • To the Student Council for an outstanding Spirit Week!  Every aspect of the events that you planned was flawless!  A special note to the juniors and seniors who participated in the Powder Puff Game last Monday for an outstanding commitment to making that event what it should be…fun!  It was a great night of celebration at Battis Field!
    • Thank you to our Football Team, Cheerleaders, and Band for an outstanding Thanksgiving Day Game at Carver High School.  Although, it was bitter cold…the pride of the Black and Orange arrived at Carver High School on Thursday.  Thank you for a great day! 
    • Thank you to Heidi Chretien, Chase Holyoke, Bridget Lynch and Logan  Duphily for running the pep rally on Tuesday!  It was great time.  Also, special congratulations to Heidi Chretien and Owen McCarthy for being named the 2018 Spirit King and Queen!  They truly represent the best of Sachem Spirit!
    • Congratulations to the Class of 2021 for winning the 2018 Spirit Banner competition!
    • Congratulations to the Class of 2022 for winning the Gym Decorating competition!  Great work!
    • Congratulations to Owen Kidd for being selected to Senior District Music Festival.  This is an outstanding accomplishment for you and your school is so proud of you!
    • Best of luck to the cast and crew of the Musical who began their rehearsals this past week for their show in late January.  We look forward to seeing each of you light up the stage. 
    • Congratulations to the MHS Football Team for an outstanding game on Thanksgiving!  The 27-6 final score against Carver was a perfect way to end a great season! The senior members of the team were absolutely outstanding examples of leaders in our school.  It has been a true honor to work with you over the last four years! 

  1. Winter Sports Begin – Love It:
    • The Winter Sports season will officially begin on Monday, November 26!  Please remember to all winter athletes that your Family ID account is established and completed before you can practice.  Please see Mr. Sylvia or email him at rsylvia@middleboro.k12.ma.us for more information.
    • I want to wish all of our winter athletes luck this season!  I expect great things from our athletes…not only do I hope for winning seasons and potential tournaments…but, I want academic excellence.  I can’t wait to come and see all of your play and compete! 

  1. The Spirit of Giving:
    • The Student Council is hosting their annual holiday celebrations that you may want to be a part of during this important time of year of giving. 
                                         i.    Sachem Santa’s - Sign-up to buy a gift for a child in need from our community beginning on Monday, December 3, 2018 during all four lunches.
                                       ii.    Food Drive - Bring in as many can-goods and other non-perishable food items to help the local food pantry in town.  Please drop your donations in the shopping carts located in the cafeteria.
                                      iii.    Holiday Helpers - Bring in holiday decorations and materials to decorate a tree as we sponsor families in town to help bring holiday cheer to their homes.

  1.  Key Club ~ Eat to Heat – Wednesday, December 5, 2018
    • It is with great pride to announce the annual Eat to Heat, sponsored by the MHS Key Club.   Come and support the Key Club as they raise money for families in need to keep them warn this winter.  Please see Ms. Adelman or Mr. Reynolds to make a reservation for you and your friends to share a great meal and to make a difference.  The event will take place in the MHS Cafeteria.


  1. Book Club Meeting – Monday, November 26, 2018
    • The next meeting of the MHS Book Club will be held on Monday, November 26, 2018 at 2:00pm in the MHS Library.  Please see Mrs. Phillips with any questions. 

  1. Progress Reports and Parent-Teacher Conferences – December 10, 2018
    • As we prepare to distribute Term 2 Progress Reports on Monday, December 10, 2018…I want each of you to make a promise to yourself for success.  I am very proud of each of you who made Honor Roll for Term 1; however, I want that number to be higher.  Motivate and stretch yourself farther than you think you can go.  I know you can do it. 
                                         i.    Progress Reports will be distributed on Monday, December 10th during a special advisory session on Monday at 1:40pm
                                       ii.    Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday, December 10th from 6:00 – 8:30pm at MHS.  Appointment Sheets will be distributed on Monday, December 3rdin all Block 1 classes so you can make appointments with your respective teachers.



Have a great week and be good to each other!   





Branagan J



We Are Sachems!

Sunday, November 18, 2018


Branagan’s Bulletin
Week of November 19 – 23, 2018

I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend!  I hope you are ready for a very exciting week as we pull out all of the stops to celebrate our SACHEM PRIDE!  I love this week of our school year and it is jammed-packed with so many opportunities to become involved in our school.  Also, this is week we will be celebrating Thanksgiving.  As I prepare the holiday with my family and friends…please know how much I look at each of you as if you were my own.  I will be giving thanks for the honor to be your principal and to work along side each of you to make our school even better.  Also, I give thanks for being able to learn from you and celebrate your many accomplishments!  I truly have the greatest job in the world.  So, thank you for allowing me this opportunity!   I wish each of you the happiest of Thanksgiving!  

  1. Sachem Shout-Out:
    • Congratulations to the student-athletes who represented MHS at the annual MIAA Sportsmanship Summit at Gillette Stadium on Friday.  Congratulations to Caitlin Swanson for being recognized for her writing submission to the 17th Annual MIAA Student Leadership Sportsmanship Essay Contest.  Her essay was incredible.  Additionally, congratulations to Megan Doherty and Sarah Bourget for producing a video of what sportsmanship means to our school.  Their video was recognized as an outstanding video by the MIAA
    • Thank you to the GSA for their “Giving Thanks” Program in the cafeteria this past week!  The display looks great. 
    • Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2019 who were recognized as a John and Abigail Adams Scholar because of their MCAS.  Well done, Sachems.

  1. Spirit Week 2018:  The GREATEST Week is here!
    • The annual Spirit Week is here!  You do not want to miss out
                                          i.    Monday:  America Day (theme).  Gym Decorating Competition in MHS Gym at 2:00pm – Come help your class prepare for the Pep Rally right after school.  Powder Puff Game begins at 6:00pm at Battis Field.  Admission is a donation to the Class of 2019 - Bonfire begins immediately following the powder puff game.  Do not miss a great evening!
                                         ii.    Tuesday:  Sachem Pride Day (theme) Pep Rally during Block 4. Dismissal at 1:50pm
                                        iii.    Wednesday:   No School
                                       iv.    Thursday:  Thanksgiving Football Game vs. Carver – 10:00am at Carver High School!


  1. Winter Sports Beginning Soon – November 26:
    • The Winter Sports season is upon us and we are very excited to get this exciting season started.  There is still time to sign-up to play any of the winter sports.  Please see Mr. Sylvia with any questions.  Be sure to complete your Family ID set-up before the try-outs begin!!


Have a great week and be good to each other!  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family & friends!



Branagan J                                                                           



We Are Sachems!

Monday, November 12, 2018


Branagan’s Bulletin
Week of November 12 – 16, 2018

I hope all of you had a wonderful long weekend!  It was such a great week to be a Sachem!  There were so many celebrations of your hard work and determination that truly show the spirit and pride of our school.  Some of the biggest highlights of the week came with the second annual 21st Century Learning Conference, which was held on Friday.  You engaged with the conference with such pride and commitment.  It was awesome to watch you learn, engage, participate in the many workshops and presentations.  Thank you for making every member of the faculty and staff proud on Friday...you rocked the conference. 
Also, BRAVO to the Speech and Theater Workshop for an outstanding job with the performance of “Our Town” this past weekend.  The cast and crew were amazing.  The acting, sound effects and the set were a testament to your commitment to making the fall show a tremendous success!
Lastly…Welcome to the first official week of Quarter II, so raise the bar even higher for yourself…because that is what Sachems do…continuing to grow!  We have a very busy week ahead…so, here we go!

  1. Sachem Shout-Out:
    • Congratulations to the MHS Cheerleaders for placing fifth in the South Division at the South Regional Competition on Sunday at Franklin High School.  Great job Sachems!!  You have had a great season and we are beyond proud of you!
    • Congratulations to the members of the MHS Cross Country Team who represented the Black and Orange at the Eastern Massachusetts League Championships.  We are so proud of the work you have done this year.
    • Thank you to the MHS Band for their participation in the Veteran’s Day events on Saturday at the Town Hall.  As always, you make us so proud.
    • Congratulations to the Unified Basketball Team for an outstanding, UNDEFEATED SEASON of basketball.  We are so proud all athletes and unified partners.  Well done, Sachems!
    • Congratulations to the Majorettes who appeared in the UMASS Band Day Event at Gillette Stadium on Saturday.  Well done!
    • Thank you to Natalia Parkinson, Lexi Bouldry, Sophia Ramos and Julie Mulloy who represented out school on Saturday morning at the final Open House for the 8th graders.  The morning was a complete success because of each of you.  Thank you for your help.
    • BRAVO to Speech and Theater Workshop for an outstanding performance of “Our Town” Job well done, STW!
    • Congratulations to Abby Wager who will represent MHS at the MIAA Recognition Breakfast for her outstanding season in Cross Country.  We are proud of you, Abby!


  1. Spirit Week 2018:  The GREATEST Week is almost here!!
    • The annual Spirit Week begins next week!  You do not want to miss out
                                          i.    Monday, November 19:  Gym Decorating – 2:00 – 4:00pm
                                         ii.    Monday, November 19:  Powder Puff and Bonfire begins at 6:00pm at Battis Field.
                                        iii.    Tuesday, November 20:  Pep Rally!!  J
                                       iv.    Wednesday, November 21:  NO SCHOOL
                                        v.    Thursday, November 22:  Thanksgiving Football Game vs. Carver at CARVER HIGH SCHOOL at 10:00am!
    • ATTENTION ALL JUNIORS AND SENIORS:  In order to participate in any part of the Powder Puff Game, you MUST complete the permission slip/packet no later than Friday, November 16.  Permissions Slips/Packet can be found in the main office.  There will be NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule.  Please complete all forms necessary to participate in the Powder Puff Game next Monday.

  1.  Spirit Banners are DUE:
    • Just a friendly reminder that Spirit Banners are due to no later than Friday, November 16th to the main office!  If you have any questions, please see your coach/advisor or Mr. Branagan with any questions.
  2. Student Council Updates:
    • Executive Board Meeting - Tuesday, November 13 – 6:00pm
    • Full Student Council Meeting - Wednesday, November 14 - 7:00pm
  1. Winter Sports Meeting – Thursday, November 15
    • The Winter Sports Meeting for all Winter Athletes will be held on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 6:00pm in the MHS Auditorium.  All students playing a winter sport must attend this meeting. 
    • Please reach out to Mr. Sylvia with any questions. 

  1.  Quarter I Report Cards Distributed – Friday, November 16:
    • Just a friendly reminder that Quarter I Report Cards will be distributed on Friday, November 16 at 1:40pm during a special advisory session at the end of the day. 


  1. FamilySTRONG Meeting – Wednesday, November 14
    • The FamilySTRONG Program will be hosting a very special and informative evening for all parents on Wednesday, November 14, 2018. We are honored to welcome Mr. Donald Kerr, Senior Manager for Student Lending for AAA Northeast.  Mr. Kerr will share important information regarding the FAFSA and the financial aid process.  We hope you can join the FamilySTRONG Team for this very informative and engaging evening.  We hope to see you there!

  1.  FutureSTRONG – Career of the Week
    • This week, MHS will focus on the career of Preschool and Kindergarten Teaching.  We will welcome Amanda Coelho, Owner and Teacher at Shepherd’s Path to come and talk about the road to this career.  Come and meet Mrs. Coelho on Friday during your lunch in the MHS Library. 
    • Please see Mrs. Miller in Guidance with any questions.


Have a great week and be good to each other!   





Branagan J



We Are Sachems!

Sunday, November 4, 2018


Branagan’s Bulletin
Week of November 5 – 9, 2018

I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend!  Next Monday, school will not be in session as we honor Veteran’s Day.  I hope to you will take a moment to reflect on why we celebrate Veteran’s Day and give thanks to those people in your life who have served or currently serve in our Nation’s Military.  We thank them for their service! This week we will mark the end of the first quarter with the engagement of your mid-semester examinations, which will take place on Wednesday and Thursday.  You are ready for these assessments, and I want you to be confident that you have learned STRONG and will make yourself proud of your accomplishment.  As we begin a new term, I want you to strive academically further than you ever thought you could go.  I believe in you!
Additionally, this on Friday of this week, we will welcome many special guests to our school as we engage in our second annual 21st Century Learning Conference.  Our school will take off on the Amazing Race of living in a 21st Century World.  Are you ready?  Excited for the week ahead. 

Here are few items for the week ahead:

  1. Sachem Shout-Out:
    • CONGRATULATIONS!!! To our Football Team for our outstanding win against Sharon on Friday evening!  Sachem Pride!! 
    • CONGRATULATIONS!!! To our Cheerleaders for qualifying for the South Regional Tournament next weekend!  Clearly…each of you cheered your heart out about your love for the Sachems!  Well done!  Regionas…here we come!
    • Wow…Just Wow!!  CONGRATULATION to the Girls Soccer Team for an incredible season.  Your game against Dighton-Rehoboth on Sunday was tremendous.  Beyond proud of this team!  You defined Sachem Pride on that field!
    • CONGRATULATIONS to the Volleyball Team for their outstanding win on Thursday against Norwell.  This team will now step into the Quarter-Finals for the South against Stoughton.  Well done!!
    • CONGRATULATIONS!!! To the Field Hockey Team for their outstanding job on Wednesday at their tournament game.  For the first time in decades…the Black and Orange made an appearance at this very important game.  So proud of this team.  We will be back!
    • CONGRATULATIONS to Hannah Melendy, Bella Ruggiero, Cami Morano and Tori Ulrich for being named South Shore League All Stars for Field Hockey. 
    • CONGRATULATIONS to Abbie Wager, Shae Gallagher, Alex Kirkpatrick and Paul Giovanoni for being named South Shore League All Stars for Cross Country.  Additionally, Abbie Wager was named the MVP for the entire league.
    • CONGRATULATIONS to the entire Cross Country Team for being named the 2018 South Shore League Sportsmanship Award.  So proud!
    • CONGATULATIONS to Cam Labree, Josh Young and Josh Savard for being named South Shore League All Stars for Boys Soccer
    • CONGATULATIONS to Jaida Corcoran, Emily Benson and Alexis VanderZeyde for being named South Shore League All Starts for Girls Soccer.  Also, a special note of congratulations to Alexi for being named an Eastern Mass All Star.
    • CONGRATULATIONS to Bridget Lynch, Madison Roberts and Danah Moore for being named South Shore League All Stars for Volleyball. 
    • CONGRATULATIONS to Colby Allen and Peter Hinko for being named South Shore League All Stars for Golf. 
    • CONGRATULATIONS!!! To the Math Team for their outstanding performance at their first meet of the season last week.  Job Well Done, Sachems!  A special note of celebration to Jade Almodovar and Angel Rees for their top scores in the meet on Thursday. 
    • Job well done to the many students who participated in the SAT Exams at MHS on Saturday.  Your hard work will pay off!  Proud of you and your commitment to excellence!

  1. Speech and Theatre Workshop Present – “Our Town” – November 9 & 10:
    • The MHS Speech and Theatre Workshop will present “Our Town” on Friday, November 9 & Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 7:00pm in the MHS Auditorium.  I can’t wait to see it!  I hope to see many students there supporting the STW!
    • I want to wish STW well with their very important technical week beginning on Monday!

  1. 21st Century Learning Conference – November 9, 2018
    • On Friday, November 9, 2018 – our entire school community will participate in our first 21st Century Learning Conference.  We have a wide variety of community partners coming to MHS to help each of you engage in the 21st Century world. 
    • All students will sign up for their respective workshops on Monday, November 5, 2018 during a special advisory in the afternoon.  Please be sure your laptops are ready to engage with the workshop selection.
    • More information will be coming out this week. 
    • Also, all seniors who are internships will report to MHS for the entire day for the Learning Conference.  Also, all Massasoit Students will be at MHS for the entire day.
    • Get ready for an amazing race!!

  1.  MCAS Re-Test - November  8 – 15, 2018
    • A note our small group of students taking part in the ELA and Math MCAS Re-test:
                                          i.    Math – November 8 & 9
                                         ii.    ELA – November 13, 14 & 15
    • We believe in you!

  1. Unified Basketball Game – HOME – Wednesday, November 7 – 4:00pm
    • The final home game of the season for Unified Basketball will take place on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at 4:00pm against
    • The theme of the game is Orange Power.  Come to the game in all ORANGE as we support our athletes with the energy and spirit to show our team that the Sachems are in full support for a potential undefeated season!  Let’s pack the gym!

  1. FamilySTRONG Meeting – Wednesday, November 14 – Mark Your Calendar
    • Please join FamilySTRONG for a very special presentation by Mr. Don Kerr from AAA.  Mr. Kerr is an expert on the very important process of completing the ever important FAFSA.  This session is of a particular interest to the Class of 2019.  The meeting begins at 6:00pm in the MHS Library.  We hope to see you there!

  1. Professional Development Day – Tuesday, November 6 – NO SCHOOL
    • Please be reminded that Tuesday, November 6, 2018 is a full-day professional day for the Middleborough Public Schools.  There is no school on Tuesday. 
    • Be sure you are using the day to study for your mid-semester exams.

  1. Winter Sports Meeting – Thursday, November 15, 2018 – Mark Your Calendar!
    • The Winter Sports Meeting for all athletes and parents/guardians will take place on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 6:00pm in the MHS Auditorium.  Please reach out to Mr. Sylvia with any questions.
    • Looking forward to a great season ahead!

  1. Mid-Semester Study Crunch – Monday, November 5, 2018
    • Attention all MHS Students…especially Grade 9 students!!  Please join us for the Mid-Semester Study Crunch on Monday, November 5, 2018 from 2:00 – 3:30pm in the MHS Library.  Come and work with members of the National Honor Society as they work to help prepare for mid-semester exams.  Hope you can join us!

  1. The Middleborough Science Café – Thursday, November 8
    • The next Science Café will take place on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at 6:00pm in the MHS Library.  The topic of the Science Café is Invaders – a look at insects and by Mr. Blake Dinius who is a Plymouth County Extension Entomologist.  Hope to see you there. 
    • Please see Mr. Harris in Room 314 with any questions.

  1. Spirit Week 2018:  Mark Your Calendar ~ The Countdown Begins
    • The annual Spirit Week begins in two weeks!  You do not want to miss out
                                          i.    Monday, November 19 -  Gym Decorating in Gym begins at 2:00pm
                                         ii.    Monday, November 19 – Powder Puff and Bonfire – 6:00pm at Battis Field
                                        iii.    Tuesday, November 20 – Pep Rally – Block 4
                                       iv.    Wednesday, November 21 – NO SCHOOL
                                        v.    Thursday, November 22 - Thanksgiving Football Game vs. Carver (At Carver)


  1.  Powder Puff Game – Attention Class of 2019 & 2020
    • Permission Slips to participate will be available beginning on Wednesday of this week from the main office in order to participate as a player, cheerleader and/or coach. 
    • All completed permission slips are due to Mr. Branagan no later than Friday, November 16, 2018. 
    • You will not play in the game without this permission slip completed and on file.

  1.  Mid-Semester Exams - November 7 & 8
    • We have two very important days that will be happening next week.  Please know that November 7th will be FULL Day of school and will include TWO mid-semester examinations.  November 8th will be an early release day (for the high school only) with a dismissal at 11:00am and will include TWO mid-semester exams.  The exam schedule is below.
    • DAY 1 ~ Regular School Day                                          
November 7, 2018 ~ BLACK Day                                  
                                          i.       Announcements ~ 7:20 to 7:25                        
   Block 1 ~ 7:25 to 8:55 (Exam~90 minutes)                  
               Passing 5 Minutes                               
   Block 2 ~ 9:00 to 10:30 (Exam~90 minutes)                       
               Passing 5 Minutes                                      
   Block 3 ~ 10:35 to 12:44                                       
          Lunch 1 ~ 10:35 to 11:05                                
               Passing 2 Minutes                            
          Lunch 2 ~ 11:07 to 11:37                                
               Passing 2 Minutes
              Lunch 3 ~ 11:39 to 12:09
               Passing 2 Minutes
              Lunch 4 ~ 12:11 to 12:41
               Passing 2 Minutes
   Block 4 ~ 12:43 to 1:50

DAY 2 ~ Early Release
November 8, 2018 ~ BLACK Day
Announcements ~ 7:20 to 7:30
   Block 3 ~ 7:30 to 9:00 (Exam~90 minutes)
          Break ~ 9:00 to 9:20
                   Restroom Break
                        Lunches sold in Cafeteria ~
                   Food may be eaten in Cafeteria or
                        Brought to Block 4 Classroom
   Block 4 ~ 9:30 to 11:00 (Exam~90 minutes)


  1.  Big Games This Week:
    • Sachem Volleyball will take on Stoughton on Monday, November 5 at 6:00pm at Stoughton High School for the Quarter-Final for the South.  It would be awesome to see many Sachems at Stoughton for this game!
    • Sachem Football will take on Berkley-Somerset on Friday, November 9 at Somerset-Berkley.  Kick-off time will be announced soon.
    • The Cross Country Team will take part in the Cross Country Divisional Championship Meet on Saturday, November 10, 2018 in Wrentham
    • The Cheerleaders will compete in the Regional/Sectional Competition on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at Franklin High School.

Have a great week and be good to each other!   





Branagan J


We Are Sachems!