FRIDAY FOCUS

The Monomoy Regional School Committee has announced the three finalists for the Superintendent position: Vanessa Beauchaine, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for Wrentham Public Schools, David Thomson, Ed.D., Interim Superintendent of Schools for Wilmington Public Schools, and Robin Millen, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Monomoy Regional School District. Find more information about the candidates on our website. Staff, students, families, and community members will have the opportunity to meet the finalists on Monday, December 15, and Tuesday, December 16. Attendees will be able to provide feedback after each meet and greet session. The School Committee values public input and encourages those interested to be a part of this process.

We want to hear from you! Students and families, tell us about a staff member who has gone above and beyond by nominating them for a Staff Shoutout at https://www.monomoy.edu/staffshoutout.

Our district is a member of the Federation for Children with Special Needs and we have access to monthly workshops under an All-Access Pass. You can find the full calendar of events, as well as links to register, at https://fcsn.org/events/. You can register for multiple workshops at that link. Once registered, you will receive a link for the virtual session.

Learn more about the Monomoy SEPAC at https://www.monomoy.edu/sepac

Monday: A Day at the Lodge, are you the type to go out and ski or would you rather cozy up by the fire with a good book? Dress in your best ski gear or coziest clothes!

Tuesday: Santa vs Grinch, wear red if you love santa and green if you love the grinch!

Wednesday: Baby it's Cold Outside, wear your ugly sweaters!

Thursday: Channel your Flannel, stay cozy in your cutest flannel!

Friday: Twas the Night Before Break, wear your favorite holiday pajamas!

The Animal Welfare Club recently zoomed with Maryland SPCA Volunteer of the Month, Erin Healey, to talk about legislative issues that help animals. Erin was recently instrumental in overturning the Breed Banning law in her county. She encouraged us to make our voices fight for animals. We also learned about the sad histories of her two rescued pitbulls and enjoyed meeting them over the zoom call. Thank you Erin!

The SAIL students began their weekly Friday visits—also known as “Time with Teens”—with some of the patients at Liberty Commons today! Everyone spent time getting to know one another, creating festive holiday paintings, enjoying gingerbread cake baked by the SAIL students, and sharing the most heartwarming conversations.

Seeing the interactions between the students and patients was truly special. A wonderful time was had by all—students, staff, and patients alike! We are so excited to end our Fridays together with our new friends each week!

Many thanks to the MRHS students who volunteered at the Harwich PTO's Holiday Bazaar last weeked - they helped make it a very special event for the children in our community!

Thanks to Maria Eduarda Lopes, Sean Needham, Courtney Barry, Briella Hollis, Jillian Dittrich, Eva Leahey, Payton MacRoberts, Emory Hines, Aedan Leahey, Sarah Groves, Patrick Jordan, Ella Cutter, Paige Morris, Teagan Lebedevitch, Marco-Dean Hart, Natalie Sims, Tessa Grodzicki, Nick Garneau, Ben Hager, Hanadi Rezk, Madison Gray, Abigail Meyer, Myla Wilder, Owen Wilder, Julia Mador, Megan Gabri, Lauren Gabri, Zoey MacBride, Maggie Powers, Shelby Currie, Simona Chilikova, and Thomas Chase.

On Saturday December 6, 2025, eighth grader Jude Strimaitis successfully auditioned for Junior Southeast Music Festival on the bass clarinet. He received the highest score, and is playing in the orchestra as the first chair bass clarinet. The music department is THRILLED for Jude and his opportunity to perform in March of 2026!

Congratulations to students Stella Seufert (1st prize), Rory Shortis (2nd prize), and Luke Wise (3rd prize) for winning Dunkin gift cards in the Animal Welfare Club's PET PHOTO CONTEST!! We'd also like to recognize the students whose pet photos won Honorable Mention: Isabella Hardy, Arden Gingras, and Ava Larocco.

Staff members also won prizes: Ms. Gummow (1st), Ms. Ginnetty (2nd), and Ms. Casey (3rd). Honorable Mention: Ms. Oliver, Ms. Mruz, and Mr. Dickson.

Students from Monomoy's Interact Club visited the Harwich Council on Aging to bring some holiday cheer during their annual luncheon. The students filled the room with festive spirit as they sang Christmas carols, handed out homemade cards, shared laughter and even played a few lively rounds of bingo. Their visit brightened the day for everyone in attendance and the students celebrated the simple joy of giving back during the holiday season.

Thank you to Lisa Forte-Doyle, Kerri Robinson and Rose Richard for sharing your festive hats and Grinch costume.

• Go to YBpay.lifetouch.com
• Enter code 9900726
• Enter your student info

If you require financial assistance to purchase a yearbook please reach out to Mrs. Katie Francesconi at kfrancesconi@monomoy.edu

Attention Class of 2026 caregivers: We still have senior ads available for purchase!

• 1/4 page ad is $25
• 1/2 page ad is $50
• Full page ad is $100

Purchase yours today and the yearbook team will design your ad in January. A great way to include a personal message to your senior and include more photos. Reach out to Mrs. Katie Francesconi if you have any questions.

MRHS is on Instagram at @monomoyhighschool!

Sign up to be a vendor: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3-qR8lBDqRzlpdkJ9qlgaTmDlwEewjXMRYqubqw_dQsu46A/viewform?pli=1

Please apply early - https://www.capecod.edu/apply/

You will be receiving invites electronically for a meeting with your child’s school counselor to discuss planning for life after high school. If the time does not work, please contact Mrs. Casey at bcasey@monomoy.edu

Hello All- You will be receiving a letter towards the end of November. This message is to serve as advanced notice. Full payment will be expected by March 1, 2026.

All students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the culminating exams in May 2026. Earning scores high enough on these tests could potentially lead to college credit. In addition, this exam takes the place of the course final. Exam fees are determined by the College Board; each exam is $99.00 (For those who are eligible based on household income, the cost is $40.00 per exam)

• One exam: $99.00

• Two exams: $198.00

• Three (or more) exams: $297.00

Audrey Brewer, Grade 8, abrewer@monomoy.edu

Lindsay Ginnetty, Instructional Leader, Grades 9-12 (last names A-F), lginnetty@monomoy.edu

Caitlyn Hall, Grades 9-12 (last names G-N), chall@monomoy.edu

Jonathan Bennett, Grades 9-12 (last names O-Z), jbennett@monomoy.edu

Follow us on Instagram: @MonomoyGuidance

Wishing you health and safety, The MRHS Counseling Team

Tues. 12/16

V/JV Girls Basketball @ 11:15

V Indoor Track @ 12:30

Fri. 12/19

V Indoor Track @ 12:30

Fr. Boys Basketball @ 1:45

The Monomoy Booster Club is hosting a Comedy Night Fundraiser to support our student-athletes! The event will be held Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Pelham House Resort. Find more information and get tickets at https://www.funny4funds.com/events/monomoy-booster-club-comedy-show-fundraiser/1636. We hope you can join us!

Follow us on Instagram for game results, scores, updates, and more!: @monomoyathletics

Check out these offerings from Harwich Youth and Family Services!

To report your child's absence, tardy, or upcoming dismissal please use the following link:

https://mrhs.monomoy.edu/attendance

Did you know? Past issues of the Friday Focus can be found on our website:

https://mrhs.monomoy.edu/news/friday-focus

Monomoy Regional High School operations and activities are guided by Monomoy Regional School District policies and school-specific procedures. The MRHS Handbook is a resource for families and students, providing information and guidelines for a variety of topics. If you have additional questions not covered here, contact MRHS at (508) 430-7200.

https://mrhs.monomoy.edu/parent-caregiver-resources/school-handbook

Email: mrhs@monomoy.edu
Website: mrhs.monomoy.edu
Location: 75 Oak Street, Harwich, MA, USA
Phone: 508-430-7200

MRSD Latest News/Updates: https://www.monomoy.edu/our-district/latest-news

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monomoyschools

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monomoyregion

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@monomoyschools

Official Monomoy Regional SD App: Download from App Store or Google Play