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!