The MA Express!

Greetings Mustangs!

We have 4.5 school days remaining until the April break! Progress reports were mailed out on Friday (04/08), and Parent/Teacher Conferences (which will be done remotely) are scheduled for this coming Thursday (04/14) between 4:00pm - 5:00pm and 5:30pm - 8:00pm.  We sent out a second notice to parents/guardians about these conferences (via IC) last Friday.  If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact the Main Office at (207)933-4416.

Congratulations!  I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize and congratulate the Monmouth Academy - Class of 2022 Valedictorian (Alexa Allen) and Salutatorian (Averi Beaudoin)!  Both students were notified of this news (as was the Class of 2022) on Friday - 04/08.  This is quite the accomplishment and we want both Alexa and Averi to know how VERY proud we are of them!

I also want to thank the Portland Sea Dogs for recognizing a group of MA students who were identified as being “Most Improved” by their teachers.  In addition, the Sea Dogs also recognized a group of faculty and staff for going above and beyond throughout this school year.  These students and staff members received a complimentary ticket to a Sea Dog game and will be recognized at the game on their ticket for this accomplishment.  Job well done! 

Class Meetings:  We have received confirmation that the District Attorney for Kennebec County along with her lead prosecutor and the Monmouth Chief of Police will be doing a presentation for our students on Tuesday (04/12) at the following times (in the MA Gym): 8:00 - 8:40 = Grades 7 & 8; 8:45 - 9:25 = Grades 9 & 11; 9:30 - 10:20 = Grades 10 & 12. This assembly will be addressing issues such as bullying; cyberbullying; and the abuse/misuse of technology and the internet.  We believe this assembly is very important and we hope it will go a long way in making students more aware of the consequences (beyond school) for their actions should they choose to engage in inappropriate behaviors.

MOBY: I am excited to announce that the School Board has approved the MOBY trip as presented by Mr. Schultz at last Thursday’s Board meeting. Grade 9 will leave on Monday (05/16) and will return by 2:30 on Wednesday (05/18).  Grade 10 will leave on Wednesday (05/18) and will return by 2:30 on Friday (05/20).  More information about this trip will be passed out sometime after the April break; but I wanted you to be aware that (assuming things with Covid continue to go as they have been these past few weeks), this is what is being planned for the week of 05/16.  Stay tuned!

Guidance Update:

New - Dirigo State: The American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State have joined together to create DIRIGO STATE. DIRIGO STATE is the first coed, American Legion Family-sponsored program nationwide. DIRIGO STATE encompasses all the same aspects of the individual Boys and Girls State programs but gives the delegate a more realistic approach to real-life application of the political process. We continue in our excellence to teach Maine students the importance of our American way of life. DIRIGO STATE is a unique summertime educational program that does not emphasize classroom lectures and textbook learning. Instead, it focuses on experiential learning in a model state, complete with governing bodies and elected public officials. Students will spend a week participating in the same political and governmental process as citizens and public officials of the State of Maine.  For more information, please connect with Mrs. Knowlton.

Civil Rights Team:   The next Civil Rights Team meeting is scheduled for Monday (04/11) at 2:30 in the Art Room. Our team is part of the Maine Civil Rights Team Project (CRTP) whose mission is to increase the safety of elementary, middle, and high school students by reducing bias-motivated behaviors and harassment in our schools.  ALL students are invited and encouraged to be part of this team!  For more information, please connect with Ms. Darrell and/or Mr. Shain.

Say NO to Bullying!  Quote of the week: “ Strong people stand up for themselves; but  the strongest people stand up for others.” If you are experiencing bullying directly or if you see it happening to someone else, please report it to a staff member or administrator immediately.  Thank you!

Early Release:  For planning purposes, our next early release day will be this coming Friday - 04/15.

Students will be dismissed at approximately 11:30; and there will be no CATC that day. The schedule for Friday will be as follows: Periods 1 - 3 followed by lunch/advisory for grades 9 & 10; Periods 1 - 3 followed by advisory/lunch for grades 11 & 12.  Dismissal will be at approx. 11:30.  CATC students and any Junior or Senior with privileges may be dismissed at 10:30 on Friday.

Pool Testing:  Will continue this week; however it will take place on Tuesday afternoon - 04/12 (time TBD) for those students & staff who are registered.  Testing will take place on the stage and the office will announce when the CNA is ready.

Dates to Note:

04/11 =  White Day

04/12 =  Maroon Day

04/13 =  White Day

04/14 =  Maroon Day (Remote Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:00 - 5:00 & 5:30 - 8:00)

04/15 =  Modified White Day (see schedule above)

That’s it for this week’s edition of The MA Express!.  I hope you all have a GREAT week and a safe, enjoyable April vacation. Take care and stay well.

Respectfully,

Mr. Ted Finn, Principal