Greetings Mustangs!
Where did February go? I can’t believe we are already into the month of March with daylight savings time coming right up next weekend (03/12). I don’t know about you, but I’m about done with the snow. Looking forward to the longer days and warmer weather that I hope will be coming our way soon!
Any student who had a grade below a 2.5 in any class was notified last week of their status and were asked to develop/complete a plan of action with their teacher(s) before the next grade check which will take place on/around 03/14. Students are STRONGLY encouraged to connect with their teachers if they have any questions, concerns, or just want an academic update. Students and parents are encouraged to utilize the Infinite Campus portal, and if you have any questions after doing that, please connect with the teacher(s) directly as they can best explain why a grade is what it is.
One Act Play: Our Drama Team is looking forward to participating in this year’s One Act Play taking place next Friday and Saturday (03/10 & 03/11) at the Skowhegan High School. The MA Team will be performing at 3:30pm on 03/11. We want to wish them the very best!
Academic Decathlon: Due to the snowstorm on Saturday, the Academic Decathlon that MA was scheduled to host had to be moved to Saturday (03/18) from 8:00 - 5:00.
Recognition Assembly: Our next Recognition Assembly will take place on the next early release day (Thursday - 03/16) from 10:20 - 10:40.
Workshop Day: For planning purposes, there will be no school on Friday (03/17) as we will be having a workshop day for staff.
Winter Carnival 2023: Each class held their first meeting last Friday (03/03) to begin the participation sign-ups for the various activities scheduled to take place during Winter Carnival week (03/20 - 03/24). The Winter Carnival Dance & Social will take place on Thursday (03/23) from 7:00pm - 10:00pm. Guest permission forms can be picked up at the Main Office and must be returned by the close of school on Monday (03/20). If you have any questions about Winter Carnival - 2023, please see you grade level student representatives or you can see Mr. Pascarella or Ms. Menice (MASG Advisors). Best of luck to all classes; be safe; and have fun!
NHS Update: Facial Hair February is officially over! We raised $100 to help those in need in our community. We did not get to our goal of $200, however, you will see those teachers willing to shave regardless, with the pirate style! Thank you so much to all those who donated to this cause and a special thank you to those staff members who participated. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Any Sophomore or Junior who is academically eligible to receive an application to apply for our National Honor Society will be receiving their application on 03/13. All applications must be returned no later than 03/27. If you have any questions, please see our NHS Advisor (Mrs. Arsenault).
ASVAB Testing: Sophomores will be taking the ASVAB Test on Thursday (03/09). The ASVAB test is a standardized test that reveals areas of strength and ability in science, math, and language. It provides career exploration information; links achievement with interests; assists in planning your high school curriculum, including work-related courses; helps to identify potential career pathways; and does NOT obligate students to join the military. Having said that, just as some colleges require students to take the SATs as a requirement for consideration, IF a student has an interest in going into any branch of the military, they are required to take the ASVAB and score a minimum score as defined by each branch of service. For more information, please feel free to contact our Guidance Department.
Guidance News:
There have been several new scholarships added to the document this week! Please check out the scholarship document! It is loaded with free money for seniors! Please reach out to Mrs. Knowlton for help or more information.
The Course Selection Process for the 2023-24 school year began with a Round Robin activity on Friday (02/17) for students to learn more about the courses we are hoping to offer next school year. Students were expected to complete an online course request form as well as a hard copy registration form that a parent/guardian needs to sign. Both forms need to be returned ASAP as we are in the process of building our schedule for next school year.
Consider Engineering is a challenging and rewarding four-day overnight summer program for high school juniors to get a taste of college life and what it takes to be an engineer.
Be one of 108 students from Maine and around the U.S. invited to spend four days at the University of Maine participating in exciting engineering experiments, problem-solving challenges, and great networking with faculty, practicing engineers, and fellow campers—at no cost to you.
This program is offered three times in July to groups of 36 students who have completed their junior year of study, excel in math and science, and demonstrate communication and leadership skills. This free-of-charge educational and inspiring program is competitive, with only half the applicants gaining admission. On-campus food and lodging is included.
If you have questions please see the email from Mrs. Knowlton.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE OUTDOORS! The Katahdin Area Council is looking to hire 50 enthusiastic camp staff members to serve at one of the premier resident Camps in all of New England. Camp Roosevelt...Are you built for scouting? See Mrs. Knowlton’s email for more information.
Senior grades will close for the purpose of determining Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and Summa Cum Laude for graduation purposes and the honors banquet on Friday, April 7, 2023. Teachers will have until Wednesday, April 12, 2023, to finalize and post grades for seniors, and seniors will be notified of their standing on Thursday, April 13, 2023. If you have more questions see Mrs. Knowlton.
Civil Rights Team: Our school 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! Bullying is NEVER OK, and has NO place at MA. If you or someone you know is experiencing any type of bullying or harassment (directly or indirectly), please let a teacher, staff member, or administrator know immediately. We take great pride in maintaining a school environment in which ALL students and staff can feel safe and secure. As it’s been said before, “If you ignore it, you approve it.” Please join me in making our school a bully-free zone. Thank you!
Anti-Bullying Quote of the Week: “Each of us deserves the freedom to pursue our own version of happiness. No one deserves to be bullied.” – Barack Obama
TRAVEL OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT AND MEETING DATE: Mrs. Arsenault, Monmouth Academy English teacher, is pleased to announce our next European trip to "Amsterdam and Paris" in the spring of 2024. There are already several students and parents on the trip, but there is still room for more to join this exciting adventure. There will be an informational Parent, Student, and Teacher meeting via Google Meet for all those interested on Tuesday (03/21) at 6:30pm. Students entering grades 9-12, parents, and teachers are welcome to travel. Please email Mrs. Arsenault at carsenault@kidsrsu.org and a link to the meeting will be sent to you.
Athletics: Our Winter Sports Recognition Night will be held on Thursday (03/09) beginning at 6:00pm. We will begin this celebration with all student athletes, parents, coaches, and community members in the Gym and will then break out into individual team rooms. If you have any questions, please contact our Athletic Director, Mr. Bell.
The Spring sports season is just around the corner! Any student interested in participating in a Spring sport must be academically eligible and must have a current physical on file. Please see Mr. Bell with any questions about Spring sports and/or check-in with your coach. Coaches will be reaching out to those students who signed up to participate soon.
That’s it for this week’s newsletter. I hope you all have a great week! Take care and stay well.
Respectfully,
Mr. Ted Finn, Principal