Greetings Mustangs!
Can you believe we are already into December?! I spent most of this past weekend decorating and getting into the holiday spirit with family and friends. As of this newsletter, we have 13 school days remaining in 2021, so let’s make the most of our time together between now and December 23rd. If you are having any academic difficulties or concerns, please reach out to your teacher(s) for support. If you just need someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to connect with Ms. Knowlton (Guidance); Mr. Bell (Dean & AD); or myself. We are here for you!
Attendance Matters! We understand that there will be times when a student is unable to come to school. Reasons include being sick (to include being put out due to being a close contact); a planned family absence; religious obligations; a pre-planned college visit; or bereavement. These are all considered excused absences. Having said that, unlike unexcused absences that can lead up to what is known as truancy, any absence (excused or unexcused) contributes to what the State of Maine considers as chronic absenteeism. By definition, chronic absenteeism is defined as missing at least 10 percent of days in a school year for any reason, including excused and unexcused absences. In a school year, that's approximately 18 total missed school days. I want to make sure we have an open line of communication between the school and your home, which is why I’ve asked our Guidance Department to send out a letter to the parent/guardian of any student who meets that definition of being chronically absent. It is my hope that we can work together to develop a plan that will ensure students are attending school. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need assistance or if you have any questions or concerns about this matter. Note: If you are feeling ill, please see the health screener link below. Yes, attendance matters, but the safety and well being of every student is just as important so if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Thanks!
Health Screener: Are you feeling unwell and debating on whether or not you should come to school? Please consider the following: Just this past week, we had seven positive cases at MA resulting in students being placed in full quarantine status for being close contacts. If you are feeling ill, please click on the following health screener link: https://5il.co/zwfy and stay home for yourself and for the sake of others. Thanks!
Masks & Seating Charts: Students are reminded that masks are required in all school facilities and on all school transportation vehicles (before, during, and after school hours). The mask must be covering both your mouth AND nose. Teachers are required to maintain accurate seating charts and students need to sit where they have been assigned to sit in the event that we have to do a close contact tracing. Students are also expected to sit in an assigned seat during their lunch block. Your cooperation with these expectations is GREATLY appreciated!
Welcome to MA! Please join me in welcoming a new Ed Tech to MA, Ms. Tanya Ducharme.
Academic Eligibility: Just a reminder that athletic eligibility checks will take place on Monday (12/06). This was originally scheduled for last Monday (11/29) but due to Thanksgiving break and the 8 days of remote learning prior to that, we decided to move the eligibility checks up by one week to 12/06. We will still run the academic eligibility checks on 12/13 as scheduled. Please see Mr. Bell with any questions.
Attention Senior Parents! I’m looking to put together a group of parents from the Class of 2022 to help plan Project Graduation. Although 95% of my time since arriving at MA about a month ago has been dealing with Covid-related business, I’d like to start thinking about the upcoming semester which will include Graduation and Project Grad! I will be sending out a Zoom invite to meet with any interested Senior parent at 6:30pm on Tuesday (01/04). This initial meeting should be no longer than 45 minutes.
Yearbook Update: Have you purchased a yearbook yet? Are you looking for a holiday gift idea? Yearbooks are still on sale! The total is $55, but the price goes up on December 23rd. Order today to lock in your price. Purchases can be made by bringing money to Dr. Ross or going to yearbookforever.com and searching for Monmouth Academy. Email eross@kidsrsu.org with any questions!
MA Athlete Recognitions: Brosnan Comeau was selected to the First Team and as the Boys Regional Runner of the Year. Alexa Allen was selected to the First Team and as the Girls Regional Runner of the Year. This is the first time in the history of the Sun Journal that both the boys and girls Runners of the Year were from the same school! Ostin Smith made Second Team and Ethan Nagle was awarded an Honorable Mention for the boys. Allyson Lewis made First Team; Holly Hunt made Second Team; and Mackenzie Grant earned an Honorable Mention for the girls. The selection was from among all schools in the area to include EL, Lewiston, Leavitt, Mt. Blue, Lisbon, Mt. Abram and Winthrop to mention a few. Additionally, the Maine Track and Cross Country Coaches Association selected Alexa Allen and Brosnan Comeau to the All State Second Team! Congratulations to our Cross Country runners. Job well done!
MASG & FBLA: Both organizations would like to thank all who supported the Citrus Fundraiser. The MASG will be completing the mural in the gym within the next couple of weeks.
Guidance Department Update: Seniors are encouraged to check out this 2021-2022 scholarship document. If you have not submitted your FAFSA you still have time to do this! Let Mrs. Knowlton know if you need any help.
Stuff the Bus! Monmouth Memorial School has challenged Monmouth Academy to see who can gather the most donated goods to Stuff the Bus! Please donate non-perishable food items to your advisory groups. This is taking place this month. As always, your support and generosity is greatly appreciated!
Dates to Note:
12/10 = Early Release
12/22 = Last Day of School - 2021!
12/23 - 01/02 = Winter/Holiday Break
01/04 = Project Grad Meeting (via Zoom; 6:30pm for Senior parents)
That concludes this week’s edition of The MA Express!. Take care and stay well.
Respectfully,
Mr. Ted Finn, Principal