Branagan’s Bulletin

Week of January 28 – February 1, 2019

Hello Sachems!  I hope you had a great weekend!  On Wednesday, you will begin a new chapter in your journey at MHS.  This new journey is the start of a new semester, which gives you a chance to have a fresh start and engage your goals for success.  I expect that each of you will be an active participant in the classroom.  I want you to raise the bar of your learning and attempt to reach the goals that you have set. Please remember, it is never too late to set some goals.  This semester will truly fly by…and I do not want you looking back at this year with regret.  Come on, Sachems…let’s get this done!  I am so proud of the work you are doing and I know that you can push yourself even further.  With that being said…I wish you the very best on your upcoming end of semester exams.  Here are a few items for the week ahead!

1. Sachem Shout-Out:
• Thank you to the members of the National Honor Society for sponsoring the Cocoa Cram as you helped prepare and guide many students toward success on their final exams.
• Thank you to the Middleborough High School GSA for a wonderful week of empowerment and support with the “No Name Calling Week”.  It was so good to see so many of our students and staff sign the banner in the cafeteria during the week of celebration.   Nice job, GSA.
• Thank you to the many AP English students who participated in the AP English Mock Exam on Saturday morning.  Job well done!
• Congratulations to Sydney Jutras and Carissa Chane for being selected to represent MHS at the annual Student Government Day program at the State House in April.  Well done!

2. Final Exams – January 28 & January 29, 2019:

·         Just a friendly reminder that MHS will hold Final Exams for all students beginning on Monday, January 28 & Tuesday, January 29, 2019.  Monday will be a full-day of school with exams being held in Block 1 & 2.  Tuesday will be a half-day of school with exams being held in Blocks 3 & 4.  Be reminded that dismissal for the high school only will be at 11:00am on Tuesday.  Wednesday, January 30, 2019 will begin the first day of Second Semester!

·         I wish you the very best on your exams!

3. MHS Open House – Wednesday, February 6, 2019
• The high school will host an open house as we begin second semester on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 from 6:30 – 8:00pm.  Please let your families know they will have an opportunity to meet your second semester teachers. 

4. Biology MCAS - February 6 & 7, 2019
• Just a reminder to our students who took Biology first semester that you will be sitting for the Biology MCAS Test on Wednesday and Thursday of next week!  Please wish our students well who are sitting for this very important exam this week. 
• For all students taking the Biology MCAS next week….be sure to connect with your Biology Teacher about review sessions this week after school.

5. 2019 – 2020 Scheduling – Last Call!!
• Attention all students in Grades 9 – 11.  The Aspen Portal will remain open for any student who has not entered the system to pick your classes for next year must do so by FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019. The portal will close at the end of the day on Friday. Please see your guidance counselor with any questions.

6. Winter Ball 2019 – Saturday, February 2, 2019
• Just a reminder that Winter Ball will be held on Saturday night.  Here are some reminders

                                          i.    Winter Ball - Saturday, February 2, 2019 - 7 – 10pm ~ MHS Gym

1.    Tickets will be on sale beginning January 28^th during all lunches from Mrs. Holmgren in the main office.  Also, if you are planning on bringing a guest from another school, you must complete the permission slip, which can be found in the main office.  Forms must be returned by THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2019!

7. Flower Day – February 14, 2019
• Just a reminder that Flower Day cards will be available beginning February 4, 2019 during all four lunches!  The cost to send a flower to a friend or classmate is $1.00!  You do not want to miss out on this MHS tradition!

8.  College Planning Night – Class of 2020 – Thursday, February 7, 2019

·         Part one of the College Planning Experience will be held on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at 6:30pm in the MHS Auditorium.  This is a very important evening for the members of the Class of 2020 and their parents/guardians.  Please do not miss out on this chance to get a jump-start on this very important process. 

·         Please reach out to your guidance counselor with any questions.  Looking forward to this journey for you!

     8.  The Mattress Fundraiser – February 9, 2019

·         The 5^th Annual Middleborough High School All Sports Boosters Association will be holding the annual Mattress Fundraiser in the MHS Gym on Saturday, February 9, 2019.  Please spread the word!!

     9.  Powderpuff Volleyball Game – February 1, 2019

·         Student Council will host the first annual Powderpuff Volleyball Game on Friday, February 1, 2019 at 3:00pm in the MHS Gym.  Come and watch the guys play volleyball.  There is still time to get a team together to play!  Please see Kyle Maloney or Nick Mello for more information. 

·         See you there!

     10.  Patriots Day – Friday, February 1, 2019

·         With the New England Patriots heading the Super Bowl it is only right to deck out the school with our Patriots Gear!  So, let’s get ready to celebrate the Super Bowl and wear your New England Patriots Gear on Friday!

11.  Home Winter Games of the Week:

• Monday, January 28

                                          i.    No Home Events

• Tuesday, January 29

                                          i.    Boys Basketball Vs. Norwell – Freshman – 3:30pm – MHS Gym

                                         ii.    Boys Basketball Vs. Norwell – JV – 5:00pm – MHS Gym

                                        iii.    Boys Basketball Vs. Norwell – Varsity – 6:30pm – MHS Gym

                                       iv.    Swimming and Diving Vs. Norwell – Varsity – 4:00pm – Burkland Pool

• Wednesday, January 30

                                          i.    Ice Hockey Vs. Abington – Varsity – 8:00pm – Bridgewater Ice Arena

• Thursday, January 31

                                          i.    Winter Track – South Shore League Championships – 4:30pm – Reggie Lewis Center

• Friday, February 1

                                          i.    Swimming and Diving – South Shore League Championships – 5:00pm – UMASS Dartmouth

                                         ii.    Gymnastics Vs. Cohasset – 6:30pm – Massachusetts Gymnastics Center – Pembroke

• Saturday, February 2

                                          i.    No Home Events

• Best of luck all of our teams this week with our many away games and meets!

Have a great week and be good to each other!   

Branagan J

We Are Sachems!

Branagan’s Bulletin

Week of January 21 – January 25, 2019

Hello Sachems!  I hope you had a great long weekend!  This past weekend was an awesome weekend to be a Sachem!  From the numerous sporting events this weekend, and the many victories for our teams….Sachem Pride was alive this weekend.  Also, without a doubt…the Fine Arts was truly alive at MHS.  A special note of congratulations of the cast and crew of “Thoroughly Modern Millie”.  The show this weekend was truly awesome.  The talent and energy on stage was evident from the moment the show began to the moment the curtain closed.  Well done, Sachems! 

This week is very important to our school as this week will serve as the final full week of Semester 1/Quarter II.   On Wednesday, January 30, 2019, we will begin the start of Second Semester and the start of new beginning for each of you!  I encourage you to assess your goals and ask yourself, “Am I meeting the goals that I set for myself this year?”  One of the great aspects of the new semester is that it is fresh start to begin creating new habits.  Your teachers have been asked to raise the bar in all levels and to prepare you for excellence.  Are you ready?  I wish each of you the very best for a great and rewarding semester.  Now, before the semester begins, we must complete this week STRONG as you complete your final exams in many of your courses on Monday and Tuesday of next week. I want to you remain focused, committed to excellence and know that you can find success if you dig deep.  I have confidence in you for excellence.  I wish you the very best on your final exams this week.   Be sure to FinishSTRONG!

1. Sachem Shout-Out:
• Thank you to the cast and crew of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” with a truly wonderful performance.  The show was awesome.  Thank you for sharing your talents with us. 
• Congratulations to Ryan Perry for his placement in the American Legion Oratorical Competition.  Job well done, Ryan!
• Thank you to the Student Council for their work in the planning of a pretty cool Winter Meltdown Week beginning on January 28^th.  Excellent collaboration at your meeting last week. 

2. Final Exams – January 28 & January 29, 2019:
• Just a friendly reminder that MHS will hold Final Exams for all students beginning on Monday, January 28 & Tuesday, January 29, 2019.  Monday will be a full-day of school with exams being held in Block 1 & 2.  Tuesday will be a half-day of school with exams being held in Blocks 3 & 4.  Be reminded that dismissal for the high school only will be at 11:00am on Tuesday, January 29^th.  Wednesday, January 30, 2019 will begin the first day of Second Semester!
• I wish you the very best on your exams!

3. Final Exam Preparation – The Cocoa Cram – January 23
• Just a reminder that the National Honor Society will be hosting their annual Cocoa Cram on Wednesday, January 23 at 2:00pm in the MHS Library.  Come and join NHS for an afternoon of final exam review and extra help if needed!  Snacks, and of course, hot cocoa will be served.  This event is free and will conclude at 3:30pm. 

4. MHS Open House - Wednesday, February 6, 2019
• The high school will host an open house as we begin second semester on Wednesday, February 6 from 6:30 – 8:00pm.  Please let your families know they will have an opportunity to meet your second semester teachers. 

5. Biology MCAS – February 6 & February 7, 2019
• Just a reminder to our freshmen who took Biology first semester that you will be sitting for the Biology MCAS Test very soon.  Mr. Dizel is finalizing very important information for each of you regarding your testing location for MCAS and other important reminders about this very important test.  You can locate your testing location in the main office and cafeteria.   Students who are taking Biology next semester and those in the year-long class will sit for their Biology MCAS in June. 

6. Scheduling – 2019 – 2020:
• Attention all members of the Class of 2020, 2021 and 2022…the online scheduling portal through Aspen will be closing on Friday, February 1, 2019 in the evening.  It is important to ensure that you have logged into Aspen to select your courses for the 2019-2020 school year.   Please see your guidance counselor with any questions regarding your schedule for next year.

7. AP Capstone Program  - Attention Class of 2022:
• Middleborough High School is very excited to offer a very unique opportunity at MHS.  For all current 9^th graders, please consider taking advantage of this very rigorous AP Program called AP Capstone!
• What is the AP Capstone?

                                          i.    AP Capstone is an innovative diploma program that helps you stand out in the college admission process by developing the critical skills needed to succeed in life.  Two NEW AP Courses – AP Seminar and AP Research will allow you to immerse yourself in topics that matter to you while developing the analytic, research, problem-solving, and communication skills that college seek in their applicants.  This challenging program helps you deepen your passion for learning, gives you greater confidence in your academic skills, and provides a broader perspective on your world (College Board)

• Please see your guidance counselor today to be a part of this very exciting program! 

10.  Program of Studies Night – Wednesday, January 23 – 6:00pm

·         The annual Program of Studies Night will be held on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at 6:00pm in then MHS Auditorium.  The evening will include and overview of the course offerings for next year.  Additionally, the academic department leaders will share the very exciting offerings being offered from their respective content areas.  You do not want to miss out on a chance to connect with your guidance counselors and department leaders to help guide your decision making. 

·         This event is open to all students and families in Grades 8 – 11. 

·         We hope to see you there!

     11.  GSA’s No Name Calling Week – January 21 – 25

·         The MHS GSA will be hosting their annual “No Name Calling Week”.  This is a week dedicated to ending our use of discriminating language in schools.  Our GSA is joining this national event and we are excited they are doing so.  Please stop by the table during all lunches to learn more and pledge your support by signing the banner to commit to putting kindness into action.

     12.  College Planning Night – Part 1 – Class of 2020

·         On February 7, 2019, at 6:30pm, the MHS Guidance Department will present College Planning Night for juniors and their Families – Where to Begin.  This is the first of three workshops on how bests to prepare for the college application process.  Please reach out to the MHS Guidance Department for more information and/or questions. 

·         We look forward to seeing you at this event!

     13.   Community Service Hours – Graduation Requirement

·         Just a friendly reminder for all students in the Class of 2020, 2021 and 2022.  Please be sure to check your school email for the important note regarding your community service hour requirement for graduation.  You can now log your collected hours into Aspen, which is awesome. Please be reminded that you must document 24 hours of community service before you graduate from MHS.

·         Please reach out to Mrs. McGurk in Room 127 or email at smcgurk@middleboro.k12.ma.us with any questions. 

     14.  Powderpuff Volleyball Tournament – February 1, 2019

·         Do not miss out on an exciting new event at MHS.  The Student Council will be hosting the first annual Powderpuff Volleyball Game on Friday, February 1, 2019 at 3:00pm in the MHS Gym.  The Girls Volleyball Team will serve as the coaches of the tournament.  Grab a team and complete the application and return to the main office no later than Friday, January 25, 2019.  Please see Mr. Branagan, Mr. Siciliano or Kyle Maloney with any questions. 

·         Get ready for a great afternoon of fun and Sachem Pride!

     15.  Winter Ball – February 2, 2019

·         Winter Ball is coming!  The annual celebration of the winter season will take place on Saturday, February 2, 2019 from 7:00 – 10:00pm in the MHS Gym. 

·         Tickets will go on sale beginning on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 during all four lunches.

·         Permission Slips for guests who do not attend MHS will be available beginning now from the main office.  All completed forms are due back to the main office no later than Thursday, January 31, 2019.  No Exceptions!

·         The cost per ticket is $10.00.  Get ready for a great night.

16. Home Winter Games of the Week:

a.    Monday, January 21

                                          i.    NO HOME EVENTS

b.   Tuesday, January 22

                                          i.    Girls Basketball Vs. Mashpee – JV – 5:00pm – MHS Gym

                                         ii.    Girls Basketball Vs. Mashpee – Varsity – 6:30pm – MHS Gym

                                        iii.    Swimming Vs. Rockland – Varsity – 4:00pm – Burkland Pool

c.    Wednesday, January 23

                                          i.    Wrestling Vs. Bristol-Plymouth – Varsity – 6:00pm – MHS Gym

                                         ii.    Ice Hockey Vs. Cohasset – Varsity – 4:00pm – Bridgewater Ice Arena

d.    Thursday, January 24

                                          i.    NO HOME EVENTS

e.    Friday, January 25

                                          i.    Boys Basketball Vs. Cohasset – JV – 5:00pm – MHS Gym

                                         ii.    Boys Basketball Vs. Cohasset – Varsity – 6:30pm – MHS Gym

f.     Sunday, January 27

                                          i.    Ice Hockey Vs. Norwell – Varsity – 5:00pm – Bridgewater Ice Arena

g.    Best of luck all of our teams this week with our many away games and meets!

Have a great week and be good to each other!

Branagan J

We Are Sachems!

Branagan’s Bulletin

Week of January 14 – January 18, 2019

Hello Sachems!  I hope you had a great weekend!  These next two weeks is a very important time in our year.  It will mark the mid-point of our year and the conclusion of the first semester classes.  I love this time of year!  It allows for the celebration of hard-work and dedication to your studies.  However, it also allows for reflection in areas of our studies that we struggled or were challenged beyond compare.  Please take some time this week to review your performance this semester…and chart your course of action as we prepare to begin a new semester on January 30, 2019.  I wish you the very best as you being the very important review work in your classes.   Be sure to engage in all review sessions, organize your notes and materials, and believe that you will FinishSTRONG.  We have a very busy week ahead…so, let’s go!

1. Sachem Shout-Out:
• Congratulations to the members of the Student Council who represented our school at the SEMASC Winter Conference, which was held at Attleborough High School on Thursday of last week.  The conference was awesome.  Job well done!
• Congratulations to the Girls Gymnastics team for their first win of the season.  Job well done.  
• A HUGE Congratulations to the three Unified Bocce Teams that participated in the MASC Unified Bocce Tournament with Special Olympics of Massachusetts.  The delegation from Middleborough rocked the tournament.  So proud of our athletes, our partners and the very spirited fans in the stands!  We Choose to Include at MHS!
• Thank you to the large number of MHS Students who participated in the AP Saturday Session for Math this past Saturday at MHS.  We hosted over 500 students from around the region at this event.  Our AP Math Students were awesome.  Thank you for representing our school.
• Congratulations to Devon Avilla, Joe Escolas, Sydney Montross and Josh Young for being named a John and Abigail Adams Scholar for the Class of 2019.  We are proud of you!
• Congratulations to Johnnie Harris for being named the ACTR Russian Scholar Laureate for 2018!  We are so proud of you, Johnnie!!
• Congratulations to all of the Winter Athletes for their incredible commitment to the Black and Orange.  It has been awesome watching your play each week!  Remain SachemSTRONG!

2. Final Exams – Monday, January 28 & Tuesday, January 29
• Just a reminder that our final examination days are quickly approaching and will here before you know it.
• Final Exams will be held on Monday, January 28 (Full Day) and Tuesday, January 29 (Half Day)
• Please be sure you begin your examination preparation so you are ready for these important benchmark exams.

3. Biology MCAS - February 6 & 7, 2019
• Just a reminder to our freshmen who took Biology first semester that you will be sitting for the Biology MCAS Test on Wednesday and Thursday, February 6 & 7, 2019.  Mr. Dizel will be sending out information to each of you regarding your testing location over the next few weeks along with other important reminders about this very important test. Students who are beginning Biology next semester and those in the year-long Biology class will sit for their Biology MCAS in June.

4. Scheduling - 2019 - 2020
• Just a reminder to all students in the Classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022, that the scheduling process for next year has officially begun.  Please be sure to log into Aspen to begin selecting the courses that you are looking to take next year.  Also, please know that your guidance counselors will be meeting with each of your over the next few weeks during your PE Classes to help with your scheduling needs. 
• On Thursday, January 17, 2019, you will receive all of the materials needed to begin the online scheduling process during a special advisory being held that day.  The online portal in Aspen will open to begin selecting your courses on Friday, January 18, 2019.    
• Please be sure to know that the portal for scheduling will officially close on Friday, February 1, 2019.
• Program of Studies Night will be held on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at 6:30pm in the Main Lobby of the high school.  Come and learn about the programs and offerings for the upcoming year. 
• Please contact your guidance counselor with any questions!

5.  Final Exam Cocoa Cram – Wednesday, January 23
• The National Honor Society will be hosting their annual Final Exam Cocoa Cram.  Come study and prepare for your exams with members of the NHS to help get you ready for your exams.  The event will be held in the MHS Library on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 from 2:00 – 3:30pm.  You do not want to miss this event.

6.  Winter Meltdown is Coming – January 28 – February 15
• The Student Council and Club US is working hard to ensure that our energy and school spirit is high as we approach February vacation.  Winter Meltdown is coming!  Get ready for a GREAT few weeks of spirit and Sachem Pride.  Be on the look-out for the numerous opportunities and events to bring our school together.
• The Annual Winter Ball, which will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2019 from 7:00 – 10:00pm in the MHS Gym.  Tickets will go on sale beginning January 21, 2019 for $10.00. 
• Guest permission slips will be available next week from the main office.

     7.  Music Department Presents – Thoroughly Modern Millie:

·         The MHS Music Department is in their final weeks for preparing for the annual musical that will take place on January 18 – 20, 2019.

·         Best of luck to the cast and crew for a very successful tech week!

·         Show Times:

o   Friday, January 18 – 7:00pm

o   Saturday, January 19 – 7:00pm

o   Sunday, January 20 – 7:00pm

§  The cost to attend is $10.00 Adult/$7.00 Student

     8.  Student Council Update:

·         Full Council Meeting – Wednesday, January 16 – 7:00pm – Cafeteria

    9.  Professional Development Day – Friday, January 18, 2019

·         Just a reminder that the next Professional Development Day for the MHS Faculty and Staff will take place on Friday, January 18, 2019.  Friday will be an early dismissal, with a release time of 11:30am on Friday. 

    10.  Anime Club Meeting – Tuesday, January 15, 2019

·         The next meeting of the Anime Club will be held on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at 2:00pm in Room 213.  Please see Mr. Coutinho with any questions.

     11. Home Winter Games of the Week:

• Monday, January 14

                                       i.    Boys/Girls Track Vs. Abington – Varsity – 6:00pm – Reggie Lewis Center

• Tuesday, January 15

                                       i.    Girls Basketball Vs. Abington – JV – 5:00pm – MHS Gym

                                      ii.    Girls Basketball Vs. Abington – Varsity – 6:30pm – MHS Gym

                                     iii.    Swimming Vs. Cohasset – Varsity – 4:00pm – Burkland Pool

• Wednesday, January 16

                                       i.    Wrestling Vs. Cohasset – Varsity – 7:00pm – MHS Gym

• Thursday, January 17

                                       i.    No Home Events

• Friday, January 18

                                       i.    Girls Basketball Vs. Hull – JV – 5:00pm – MHS Gym

                                      ii.    Girls Basketball Vs. Hull – Varsity – 6:30pm – MHS Gym

• Saturday, January 19

                                       i.    Ice Hockey Vs. East Bridgewater – Varsity – 12:30pm – Bridgewater Ice Arena

• Best of luck all of our teams this week with our many away games and meets!

Have a great week and be good to each other!

Branagan J

We Are Sachems!

                                                                                               

                                                            

Final Exam Schedule –

January 28 & 29, 2019

Block 1 & 2 Exams – Monday, January 28, 2019

·       Full Day of School

·       Dismissal at 1:50pm

Block 3 & 4 Exams – Tuesday, January 29, 2019

·       Half-Day of School (High School ONLY)

·       Dismissal at 11:00am