Branagan’s Bulletin

Week of April 1 – April 5, 2019

Hello Sachems!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  I want to take an opportunity to congratulate and thank the Class of 2021 for an outstanding job on their MCAS test last week.  You work very hard each and every day, and I could not be prouder of you for your commitment to excellence.  We have a very busy week ahead as we enter the final week of Quarter3.  This week is a chance to organize, prepare and seek extra help so that you are ready for your exams next week.  I want each of you to finish strong and to feel accomplished!  I believe in you!  Here are few items for the upcoming week!

1. Sachem Shout-Out:
• To our Spring Athletes who are showing what Sachem Pride is all about!  The first of many games begin this week!  I can’t wait to see the Black and Orange leading the charge…on and off the field and court!
• Congratulations to Zach Silvia for his accomplishments in Basketball as you represented MHS at the Dave Cowens Award Dinner last week.
• Congratulations to Declan Hastings for taking a major step in his leadership journey as they will be running for office within the SEMASC Executive Board on Wednesday.  I know Declan will make Middleborough proud!
• Congratulations to the MHS Majorette Team on their place in the New England Championships last weekend. 

                                          i.    B Team – 3^rd Place

                                         ii.    Novice Team – 1^st Place

                                        iii.    A Team – 3^rd Place

                                       iv.    Open Team – 1^st Place – New England Champions

• Congratulations to Rachael Peterson who won the New England Majorette Scholarship for the Class of 2019.
• Congratulations to Dylan Tobiaz who will represent Middleborough High School this week as he is honored in Washington, D.C. as a National Winner of the Horatio Alger Scholarship.  We are so proud of you, Dylan!

2. Mid-Semester Exams – Monday, April 8 & Tuesday, April 9:
• Just a reminder that Mid-Semester Exams will take place on Monday and Tuesday of next week.  Block 1 & 2 exams will be administered on Monday, and the school day will end at 1:50pm.  Block 3 & 4 exams will be administered on Tuesday, and the school day will end at 11:00am. 
• Quarter 4 will begin on Wednesday, April 10, 2019.
• Quarter 3 Report Cards will be distributed on Friday, April 12, 2019.

3. Light It Up Blue – Tuesday, April 2
• Attention all MHS Students!  On Tuesday, April 2, 2019 please wear blue in honor of Autism Awareness Month! Make a $1.00 donation to the Middleborough Parent Advisory Council to help them continue their good work and programming for the Middleborough community. 

4. NHS Hosts – Mid-Semester Cocoa Cram – Tuesday, April 2:
• On Tuesday, April 2, 2019, the National Honor Society will host their very popular Mid-Semester Cocoa-Cram in the MHS Library.  Comes and get extra help from members of NHS or create a study group and have a few snacks and hot cocoa.  The event will be held in the MHS Library from 2:00 – 3:30pm.  Please see Mrs. Gleavy with any questions.

5. Student Council Officer Nominations
• Nomination papers to serve on the Student Council Executive Board for the 2019 – 2020 school year will be available beginning Monday, April 22 from the main office.  Begin thinking about running for many of the Student Council Executive Board positions for next year.

6. Class of 2019 -  Senior Trip to Florida
• There will be a very important meeting for all seniors attending the trip to Florida in a few weeks.  This meeting will take place on Monday, April 1, 2019 at 1:30pm in the MHS Library.  All seniors attending the trip should plan on attending this meeting.  The countdown has begun to a great week in Florida.

7. Music Department Heads to Washington, D.C. – April 3 – 7, 2019
• Best of luck to the Middleborough High School Music Department as they head to Washington, D.C. this week to compete in a Music Festival.  We are proud of you!  We know you are all going to do great.  Enjoy every moment of your trip!

8. Pop-Up Library – Tuesday, April 2, 2019
• The Middleborough Pop-Up Library will be awarding two $5.00 Dukin’ gift cards for the Trivia Raffle this Tuesday, April 2, 2019 during all lunches.  Stop by the tables to hand in your raffle slip and check out the books, DVD’s and video games.

9. Class of 2021 Pizza Bowl – Tuesday, April 2, 2019
• Come and support the Class of 2021 at their second annual Pizza Bowl on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 in the MHS Cafeteria.  For $10.00 come and sample 8 different slices of pizza and vote on the best pizza in Middleborough.  The event will be held from 6:00 – 8:00pm in the Cafeteria.  See you there!!

10. Home Games this week!
• Monday, April 1

                                          i.    Softball Vs. Durfee – Varsity – 4:00pm – Pierce Field

                                         ii.    Softball Vs. Durfee – JV – 4:00pm – Pierce Field

                                        iii.    Boys Lacrosse Vs. New Bedford – Varsity – 4:00pm – Battis Field

                                       iv.    Baseball Vs. Archbishop Williams – Freshmen – 4:00pm - MHS

• Tuesday, April 2

                                          i.    NO HOME EVENTS

• Wednesday, April 3

                                          i.    Girls Lacrosse Vs. Dighton-Rehoboth – Varsity – 4:00pm – Field of Dreams

                                         ii.    Girls Lacrosse Vs. Dighton-Rehoboth – JV – 4:00pm – Field of Dreams

                                        iii.    Softball Vs. New Bedford – Varsity – 4:00pm – Peirce Field

• Thursday, April 4

                                          i.    NO HOME EVENTS

• Friday, April 5

                                          i.    NO HOME EVENTS

• Good luck to all of our teams playing away this week!

Have a great week and be good to each other!   

Branagan J

We Are Sachems!

Branagan’s Bulletin

Week of March 25– March 29, 2019

Hello Sachems!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  This past week at MHS was quite exciting as the construction on the new Middleborough High School officially began.  Our campus is starting to look very different!!  I am so proud of the work that each of you are doing in your classes and it is amazing to think that Quarter 3 is almost over.  Keep working hard, Sachems!  This week is a very important week for the Class of 2021.  We believe in you and how you have the vision for excellence. I am confident that the Class of 2021 will make our school proud as you engage you’re your English MCAS Exams this week.  Here are a few items for the week ahead…

1. Sachem Shout-Out:
• Congratulations to the MHS Majorette Team for their outstanding performances as they head into the Championship Meet at Brockton High School on Sunday.  Bring home another Championship!  Your school is proud of you.  We look forward to celebrating the results. 
• Congratulations to Reece Marcal and Alex King who were named captains of the 2019-2020 Boys Basketball Team.  Our team is in good hands with two leaders like you.  Excellent!!
• Good luck to our spring athletes who begin their spring season with games and competition this week.  I love this time of year!  I can’t wait to see many of your games and meets! 
• Thank you for the close to 50 AP Science Students who attended their Mock Exam on Saturday morning.  So proud of your commitment to your advanced placement work!
• A note to appreciation for the close to the many students who attended the kick-off meeting for the That’s Entertainment 41!  I am very much looking forward to a great show in May!

2. MCAS Testing – English – March 26 – 27, 2019
• The Class of 2021 will be engaging in the very important MCAS Exam for English/Language Arts on Tuesday, March 26 – Wednesday, March 27, 2019. 
• Sophomores…please locate your testing room by reviewing the lists that can be found in the cafeteria and main lobby. 
• Sophomores…PLEASE be sure to have your laptop computer CHARGED and ready for testing on Tuesday and Wednesday morning.  Chargers can be purchased from the main office for $20.00 if you have lost your charger. 
• We believe in you and know you will do a great job on your MCAS Tests.  You always make us proud.

3. Mid-Semester Exams - Monday, April 8 & Tuesday, April 9, 2019
• Mid-semester exams will take place on Monday, April 8 and Tuesday, April 9, 2019.   It is my expectation that each of you will take these very important benchmark examinations seriously.  Dismissal on April 8^th will be at 1:50pm, and Tuesday, April 9^th at 11:00am.  I want each of you to study hard and prepare for these exams.  I am confident in your abilities and know if you dig deep inside of yourself…you will be successful.  I expect excellence out of each of you!

4. StartSTRONG Orientation Program - OL’s Needed!

·         Final call for any student interested in serving as an Orientation Leader for the Class of 2023 for the StartSTRONG Program in August.  Applications are available in the main office.  All completed applications are due back to Mr. Branagan no later than Friday, April 5, 2019.  Please see Mr. Branagan or Tori Warner with any questions. 

5. Attention Members of Student Council – 2019 MASC Summer Conference is coming soon!
• For all members of the Student Council.  You do not want to miss out on a wonderful experience this summer.  Attend the MASC Summer Leadership Conference from July 7 – 11, 2019 at Worcester State University.  Registration will open soon and fills very quickly.
• Literature regarding the conference can be picked up from Mr. Branagan in the main office. 

     9.  That’s Entertainment 41 Begins!

·         That’s Entertainment 41 continues with their next rehearsal that will held on Monday, March 25, 2019 at 2:00pm in the MHS Auditorium.  Can’t wait to see the show in late May!  It will be here before you know it!

     10. 2019 – 2020 Student Schedules - Verification Documents

·         Attention all students!!  On Monday during a brief advisory at 1:40pm you will receive your verification document for the classes that you signed up to take next year.  It is very important that you review the document and determine that the courses you signed up for are correct.  Please review the course, the level and the credits and be sure that everything is the way you want it.  Please remember…this is NOT your schedule…it is just the list of courses that you want to be scheduled for next year. 

·         If you have any changes, please indicate the change on the verification document and return it to your guidance counselor NO LATER than Monday, April 1, 2019.  If your verification document is correct, you will need to sign the document that it is all set and please return the form to the Guidance Office. 

·         Please see your guidance counselor with any questions.

     11.  Second Annual Pizza Bowl is Coming – April 2, 2019

·         The Class of 2021 is proud to present their Second Annual Pizza Bowl, which will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 from 6 – 8pm in the MHS Cafeteria.  You do not want to miss this!  Come and vote on the best pizza in Middleborough!

     12.  National College Fair – Class of 2020 – April 5, 2019

·         The National College Fair will be held on Friday, April 5, 2019 at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston.  This event is open to all juniors.  You must register with the Guidance Department and return your permission slip no later than Friday, March 29, 2019 to reserve a space on the school buses going to the National College Fair.  Please see your guidance counselor with any questions. 

     13.  Spread the Word to End the Word – Thursday, March 28

·         Student Council and Best Buddies will be hosting the yearly pledge to Spread the Word to End the Word.  The word retard(ed) hurts millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and friends.  We encourage all MHS students to take the pledge for the new R-Word….RESPECT.  We partner with Special Olympics of Massachusetts and we hope all students will sign our banner during all lunches on Thursday of this week.  Thank you to Best Buddies and Student Council for bringing this event to our school.

14.   Home Games This Week

• Monday

                                          i.    No Home Events

• Tuesday

                                          i.    No Home Events

• Wednesday

                                          i.    No Home Events

• Thursday

                                          i.    Baseball  Vs. Bishop Stang – 3:30pm – Freshmen – MHS

                                         ii.    Softball Vs. New Bedford – 4:00pm – Varsity – Peirce Field

                                        iii.    Softball Vs. New Bedford – 4:00pm – JV – Peirce Field

                                       iv.    Girls Tennis Vs. Bishop Stang – 3:30pm – Varsity – Camp Avoda

• Friday

                                          i.    Girls Lacrosse Vs. South Shore Tech. – 3:30pm – Varsity – Field of Dreams

Best of luck to the many away games and scrimmages taking place this week! 

Have a great week and be good to each other!   

Branagan J

We Are Sachems!

Branagan’s Bulletin

Week of March 18 – March 22, 2019

Hello Sachems!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  The month of March is flying and we are quickly approaching the mid-semester exams in April, which will be here before you know it!  I love this time of year as we begin the excitement of Spring Sports, the rehearsals of That’s Entertainment and the many celebrations that are ahead for academic excellence….it is so great to be a Sachem!  I want to take an opportunity to congratulate the Class of 2019 for an outstanding job with hosting the Harlem Wizards on Saturday evening in our gym.  The gym had an outstanding crowd and the senior class officers and the many volunteers provided a great night for so many in our community!  Well done, Seniors!!  Additionally, a note of sincere thanks to the Class of 2021 for doing a great job with the very important Infrastructure Test on Friday morning.  You were awesome.  We have a few items this week to bring to your attention…

1. Sachem Shout-Out:
• Congratulations to the MHS Majorettes for an outstanding competition on Sunday.   Our Novice Team placed 1^st.  The A Team placed 3^rd .  Special congratulations to the Open Class for taking 1^st place!  Be proud of your work and earning the Championship today.  On to the final meet at Brockton High School next Sunday.  Job Well Done!
• Best of luck to the many athletes who will begin their spring season on Monday!  We look forward to the many successes that lie ahead for all of our teams.  Sachem Pride!
• Congratulations to the many members of the Class of 2019 who submitted the many scholarship applications by the deadline.  Well done and thankful for your commitment to your future. 
• Congratulations to all of our winter athletes who finished their season on Monday with their annual winter sports banquet.  Thank you for your commitment to the Black and Orange. 

2. English MCAS Exams - March 26 – 27, 2019
• The Class of 2021 will begin their MCAS Assessments with the English MCAS Exam on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.  Our entire school community is confident in your ability to do well on this test.  I want each of you to take your time, get a good night sleep and eat a good breakfast each morning.  We believe in you!! 
• Please be reminded that this assessment is now COMPUTER-BASED and it is imperative your school issued laptop CHARGED.  If you lost your charger you can purchase one for $20.00 from the main office. 
• MCAS REVIEW SESSIONS – MARCH 18 & 19

                                          i.    The MHS English Department will be hosting informative MCAS Review Sessions on Monday, March 18 and Tuesday, March 19, 2019 from 2:00 – 3:00pm in the MHS Library.  Sophomores…you do not want to miss out on this.  We hope to see many of you at the Review Sessions.  Please reach out to your English teacher with any questions.

3.  StartSTRONG Program – Class of 2023:
• Applications to be an Orientation Leader for the StartSTRONG Program are now available in the main office.  All students in Grade 9 – 11 are eligible to apply!  The Orientation Leaders who are selected will have the important take of welcoming the Class of 2023 to MHS!  Do not miss out on a great opportunity!  The deadline to apply is Friday, April 5, 2019!!
• Please see Mr. Branagan or Tori Warner with any questions.

4. Professional Development Day - Friday, March 22

·         Just a reminder to all students that on Friday, March 22, 2019 the high school will dismiss at 11:30am for the day.  The MHS Faculty will be participating a very important workshops and meetings for the afternoon.

5.  Exciting Opportunities for the Class of 2020 – FINAL CALL!!
• The following exciting opportunities for the members of the Class of 2020

                                         i.    Boy’s State & Girl’s State

If you have a true interest in government and leadership, then you may want to sign up to be a nominee to represent MHS as the representative at the Boys State and Girls State Conference in June.

                                       ii.    Student Trooper Program

If you have an interest in Law Enforcement, you may want to consider being a candidate for the Student Trooper Program.

• Please see Mr. Branagan for more information.  These exciting opportunities are sponsored by the American Legion Post 64 of Middleborough!
• You must EMAIL Mr. Branagan immediately to reserve a spot for an interview by Friday, March 22, 2019.  If you have already communicated…you are all set.  Juniors…you do not want to miss out on these great opportunities.

6.  Massasoit Community College – On The Spot Admissions Day
• Attention Class of 2019:  MHS will be hosting Massasoit Community College for On the Spot Admissions on Monday, March 18, 2019 from 9:30am – 12:00pm in the MHS Guidance Office.  We wish our seniors interviewing well on Monday!

     

     7.  Rock Your Socks Day – Thursday, March 21

·         Ok Middleborough…let’s rock out our crazy socks for Worlds Down Syndrome Day by voluntarily wearing the craziest socks you own.  You can wear them, decorate them, wear them in your hair, arms…or of course, your feet.  By paying $1.00 you can truly make a difference.  Money will be collected before school and during all four lunches on Thursday. 

8.  Attention Parents/Guardians – Coffee with the Counselors – Tuesday, March 19

·         The next Coffee with the Counselors will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 9:30am in the MHS Guidance Office.  Please reach out to the Guidance Office with any questions.  We hope to see you there!

9.   Unified Track and Field – Partners Needed

·         The Unified Track and Field Team is still looking for a few Partners to join the Unified Track and Field Team this spring.  Anyone interested should see Mr. Sylvia or Ms. Laine as soon as possible.

10.  Budget Bites Program – Thursday, March 21

·         We are proud to welcome and exciting program and workshop to MHS on Thursday, March 21 during all four lunches.   Home alone?  Going to College? Always hungry?  There will be cooking workshop in Berry’s Corner during all four lunches.  You must register for the event by seeing Ms. Adelman, Mrs. Rufo or Mrs. Dyer.  An exciting event for sure!

11.   Student Council Updates

·         Executive Board Meeting – Monday, March 18 – 6:00pm

·         Full Council Meeting – Wednesday, March 20 – 7:00 – 8:30pm – MHS  Cafeteria

·         MASC SUMMER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE IS NOW OPEN TO REGISTER!  Come on, Student Council….you do not want to miss out on a great Student Council event and an event better leadership experience.  Camp will be held from July 7 – 11, 2019 at Worcester State University.  You can register by visiting www.mastuco.net   Camp materials can be picked up from Mr. Branagan or Mr. Siciliano.  You do not want to miss this, Student Council! 

12.  FamilySTRONG Meeting – Wednesday, March 20, 2019

·         The next meeting for FamilySTRONG will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at 6:00pm in the MHS Library.  Please reach out to Mrs. Tucker at ctucker@middleboro.k12.ma.us with any questions. 

    

Have a great week and be good to each other!   

Branagan J

We Are Sachems!

Branagan’s Bulletin

Week of March 11 – March 15, 2019

Hello Sachems!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  There is so much to celebrate at MHS this week!  So many of our students represented our high school with tremendous Sachem Pride and leadership this week!  As a principal, I am beyond proud of the accomplishments of all of you each and every day!  Please keep up the great work both inside and outside of the classroom!  Your hard work does not go unnoticed. 

Here are a few items this week to bring your attention for this week...

1. Sachem Shout-Out:
• Congratulations to the members of the Student Council for an outstanding representation at the annual state conference for Student Council.  The Student Council was named a Five Star Council and received the Gold Council of Excellence Award. Also, special congratulations to Anna DiBona for receiving the James Rokas Award for outstanding leadership. Finally, a special note of congrats and appreciation the 28 student council members who attended the state conference for plunging into the Atlantic Ocean to help raise money for Special Olympics.  It was great plunging with you all! 
• Congratulations to Shannon Hurley for taking a leap of faith to show the State of Massachusetts the true leader that she is.  Shannon ran for the State President for the Massachusetts Association of Student Councils (MASC) and she did an outstanding job.  Although, the election did not work the way we hoped…she led with grace and determination.  We are beyond proud of you, Shannon.  We are so lucky Shannon is a Sachem!
• Congratulations to Chase Holyoke for serving as the MASC State Delegate for the past year.  Your service to your school and state has been beyond compare.  Thank you for your leadership and being a Sachem!
• A special note of thanks and appreciation to Jake Stiner, Aaron Conley, Noah Miles, Aileen Peddie and Kaylee Tobin for their incredible talent as they served as the media crew for the MASC State Conference in Hyannis!  Check out their conference video on the TV Production website!  Outstanding job!
• Congratulations to Natalia Parkinson and the leaders of the Class of 2022 as they hosted a very successful Paint Night on Thursday evening.  Well done, Sachems!
• Congratulations to the members of the Band, Orchestra, Concert Choir and Sachem Singers for an outstanding night at the Pops Concert on Friday evening.  The celebration of the 350^th birthday of the Town of Middleborough was absolutely incredible.  The music and energy of our performance groups were incredible.  Additionally, congratulations to the Speech and Theatre Workshop and the Art Department for their contributions to the concert.  Job well done!
• Thank you to the many AP English Students who participated in their Saturday Session on Saturday morning.  Job Well Done!
• Congratulations to Jade Almodovar for being recognized by the College Board for her outstanding work on the PSAT Exam given in October.  Jade scored in the top 2.5% on the PSAT among all Hispanic and Latino test-takers in our region.  Well done, Jade!
• Congratulation to the MHS Winter Cheerleading Team as they represent our school on Sunday afternoon (March 10) at Tantasqua Regional High School.  We know you will compete for the love of the Black and Orange.  Updates to come as scores are posted Sunday evening.
• Best of luck to the MHS Majorette Team as they compete today at Seekonk High School.  We know you will represent the Black and Orange today!

2. ELA MCAS is coming - March 26 – 27, 2019
• The Class of 2021 will be participating in the ELA MCAS Exam on Tuesday, March 26 – Wednesday, March 27, 2019.  We are quite confident that our sophomores are ready for this very important assessment.  You can do it!  Be on the look-out this week for your testing location assignments that will be posted throughout the high school this week. 
• Please be reminded that this exam will be administered completely on-line as the paper MCAS Exam has been terminated for ELA and Mathematics.  It is vital that all sophomores PLEASE be sure that your laptop is charged and ready for the testing days. 
• All sophomores will engage in a very important Infrastructure Exam to all for a test-run for the MCAS on Friday, March 15, 2019 during Block 1.  More information to come for sophomores.  However, please be sure that you are charging your school-issued laptop each night.

3. Exciting Opportunities for the Class of 2020:
• The following exciting opportunities for the members of the Class of 2020

·   Boy’s State & Girl’s State

·         If you have a true interest in government and leadership, then you may want to sign up to be a nominee to represent MHS as the representative at the Boys State and Girls State Conference in June.

·   Student Trooper Program

·         If you have an interest in Law Enforcement, you may want to consider being a candidate for the Student Trooper Program.

• Please see Mr. Branagan for more information.  These exciting opportunities are sponsored by the American Legion Post 64 of Middleborough!
• You must sign-up with Mr. Branagan NO LATER than Friday, March 15, 2019 to be considered for either of these programs. 

4. StartSTRONG Program - Orientation Leaders:
• Just a reminder that StartSTRONG Orientation Leader applications will be available for pick-up beginning on Tuesday, March 12, 2019.  You do not want to miss out on welcoming the Class of 2023 to MHS!

5. Senior Class Trip to Florida Parent/Guardian Meeting – March 11
• Attention all seniors going to Florida!!  The important meeting for all seniors and parents/guardians attending the trip to Florida in April will be held on Monday, March 11 at 7:00pm in the MHS Auditorium. 
• Please reach out to Mr. Branagan with any questions and/or concerns. 
• Get ready for a great trip.

6. Science Café – Thursday, March 14 – 6:00pm
• The next Science Café will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 6:00pm in the MHS Library.  We welcome David Cavanaugh from the Middleborough-Lakeville Herring Fishery Commission to discuss the importance of the Herring in Middelborough. 

     7.  Winter Sports Celebration – Wednesday, March 13

·         The annual Winter Sports Celebration will take place on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 6:00pm in the MHS Auditorium.  We very much look forward to a great evening of celebrating our winter athletes.

     8.  Spring Sports Information Night – Thursday, March 14

·         Can you believe that Springs Sports are here?  The very important meeting for all spring athletes will take place on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 6:00pm in the MHS Auditorium.  Please see Mr. Sylvia with any questions or concerns.

     9.  Class of 2022 – Road to College Night – Tuesday, March 12, 2019

·         The MHS Guidance Department will be hosting a special evening for the parents/guardians for the Class of 2022 on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 6:30pm in the MHS Library.  The scope of the evening will be to review the Grade 9 PSAT Exam that all freshmen took in October.  All grade nine families received PSAT Scores in the mail over the last few weeks.  Please join us for an evening outlining the Road to College.  We hope to see you there.

·         Please reach out to the MHS Guidance Department with any questions. 

    10.  Pennies for Patients – Key Club:

·         The Key Club will be hosting their annual Pennies for Patients during the next four weeks.  Please be on the look-out for the donation boxes located throughout the school or see a member of the Key Club or Mr. Reynolds and Mrs. Snook with any questions.  Thank you, Key Club for supporting this very important cause.

     11.  Coffee with the Guidance Counselors – March 19

·         Mark your calendars!  Attention all MHS parents/guardians…the next Coffee with the Guidance Counselors will take place on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 9:30am in the MHS Guidance Office.  We hope you can join us. 

Have a great week and be good to each other!   

Branagan J

We Are Sachems!