FRIDAY FOCUS
Monomoy Regional High School's Weekly Newsletter
Published: May 2, 2025
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Happy School Lunch Hero Day!
Monomoy Multilingual Parent Advisory Council: Monday, May 19
We are hiring a Business Teacher: Apply Now!
Monomoy Regional Middle School Restoration Project
Members of the Monomoy Regional Middle School Building Committee – parents, community members, and construction experts – share more information about the upcoming renovation project at Monomoy Regional Middle School in this video. Learn more at www.monomoy.edu/mrmsreno
Pups Pre-Kindergarten at Chatham Elementary School
Kindergarten Registration NOW OPEN for 2025-2026!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
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MRHS Multicultural Fair
Monomoy Sharks celebrated our heritages and cultures on Friday, April 18th!!! Our annual Multicultural Fair was, once again, a huge success!! Many thanks to Principal Police for her support and enthusiasm. Many thanks to the teachers who hosted a table and many many thanks to Ryanna and the custodians who helped set up and clean up afterwards. Great job by Mimi van der Burg, Joanne Weekes, and the Diversity Club for a job well done! Enjoy the photos taken by Joy Jordan.
SHORE Program
What an exciting week it was for the SHORE Program! As we counted down the days to vacation, our students had been incredibly busy making connections, exploring new places, and sharing their voices in powerful ways. We kicked off the week by meeting new friends at the monthly Post-Grad social in Barnstable, followed by an unforgettable behind-the-scenes adventure at Chatham Bars Inn where we got to see the kitchen in action!
The highlight of the week, though, was presenting at the DCF professional development day. Our students did an amazing job explaining what it’s like living in a neurodivergent world—sharing stories, cracking jokes, and even getting over 50 DCF staff members up and dancing to “The Grateful Mug,” an original song written by our very own Grace Jodice. What a way to head into break!
See the full presentation here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JiVvTH4ju806Px1APNfASE3FToI_aXY1/view?usp=sharing
Digital Mindfulness and Online Safety Workshop Replay
Monomoy recently had a visit from Richard Guerry of the Institute for Responsible Online and Cellphone Communication, thanks to our collaboration with Children's Cove -- he spoke to students in Grade 3-7, raising awareness about digital mindfulness and online safety, and he also held an evening session for parents and caregivers. If you'd like to access the important material Guerry shared, the information for the workshop replay is below:
Visit: https://www.iroc2.org/655.html
Username: MSDMA
Password: Community
Note: It is highly recommended that the videos provided for Students & Parents are previewed before showing them to children under 11.
A Delicious Lesson: Spanish Students Practice Real-Life Communication
The week before spring break, Spanish classes enjoyed a flavorful, hands-on cultural experience that brought their learning to life! As part of our Unit 5B – El Restaurante, students participated in a two-day interactive activity designed to build confidence and fluency in real-world Spanish communication.
On Wednesday, April 16, we welcomed the owner of The Heart of the Sea, a local restaurant with a Latin American menu, into our classroom. Students placed their food orders entirely in Spanish, choosing from specially designed Latin snack combos. It was incredible to see them navigate the menu, ask questions, and express themselves with clarity and enthusiasm. The room was filled with energy and the real-world challenge made the learning meaningful and fun.
The next day, on Thursday, April 17, the restaurant returned with the orders, and students enjoyed their meals while engaging in a conversation with the restaurant owner. It was an opportunity to connect language, culture, and people in one authentic experience.
I am incredibly proud of how our students embraced this activity — they demonstrated not only their growing Spanish skills but also empathy, curiosity, and confidence.
A heartfelt thank you to The Heart of the Sea for partnering with us so generously, and to the MRHS community and families for supporting this initiative. Experiences like this remind us how powerful it is to learn a language through culture, connection, and joy. ¡Buen provecho!
2025 Yearbooks have arrived!
Please pick up your yearbook in the Main Office.
If you did not order a yearbook online you can still buy one in person! There are ONLY 15 yearbooks left to purchase! Yearbooks are $90 each and you must bring cash or check (made out to: MRSD) to buy one. First come, first served.
If you need financial assistance to purchase a yearbook please email Mrs. Francesconi (kfrancesoni@monomoy.edu).
SENIORS
2025 Senior Graduation Newsletter & Senior Calendar
Dear Graduating Seniors, Parents, and Caregivers,
We are looking forward to celebrating our Class of 2025 at their graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 7 at 6:00 PM on the MRHS Turf Field. We have included detailed information for our seniors and their families regarding end-of-year responsibilities, schedules, and graduation event details. Please review this important information and let us know if you have any questions.
The 2025 Senior Newsletter includes:
- Senior Obligations Checklist
- Graduation Ceremony Information
- Schedule of Upcoming Senior Events
- Senior Final Exam Schedule
Check out the MRHS Graduation webpage for this information and any updates as the end of the year approaches.
Please do not hesitate to contact the school with any questions. We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2025!
Senior Dates to Remember
- Monday, May 19 - Friday, May 23: Senior Spirit Week
- Wednesday, May 21: Senior Stroll
- Thursday, May 22: last day of classes
- Friday, May 23: Senior Beach Day & Red Sox trip
- Tuesday, May 27 - Friday, May 30: Final Exams
- Friday, May 30: FinFest
- Wednesday, June 4th: MANDATORY Graduation Rehearsal #1
- Thursday, June 5th: Senior Breakfast, MANDATORY Graduation Rehearsal #2, & Convocation
- Saturday, June 7th: GRADUATION!
Work Permits
Getting a job this summer? If you are between 14-17 years old, you need a work permit! Pick one up in guidance, get it filled out, then bring it back to the main office DURING JAWSOME!
Italy Trip 2026 Info Meeting: Wednesday, May 7
Monomoy is travelling to Italy in February! You are invited to attend an informational meeting about the trip on Wednesday, May 7th at 6pm at MRHS in room A217. Trip itinerary, pricing, and more can be found at www.acis.com using the trip code 351018. Please contact Mrs. Peters with questions (speters@monomoy.edu).
Monomoy District Special Olympics: Thursday, May 8
We are thrilled to invite you to the Monomoy District Special Olympics, a day dedicated to celebrating the abilities, achievements, and spirit of our incredible athletes!
- Date: Thursday, May 8
- Time: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Location: MRHS
Join us as our athletes take to the field with determination, sportsmanship, and joy. This inspiring event brings together students, families, and the community to support inclusion, perseverance, and the power of sport.
We encourage families, friends, and supporters to come out, cheer, and be part of this unforgettable experience! Stay tuned for more details as the date approaches.
Let’s make this a day of encouragement, achievement, and fun!
Reach out to Shana Grogan @ sgrogan@monomoy.edu if you are interested in volunteering or if you have any questions.
Join MRHS Hope Squad's Suicide Awareness Walk team: Sunday, May 17
I’m reaching out to invite you to participate in the Suicide Awareness Walk on Saturday, May 17th, an event aimed at raising money for Sharing Kindness. This cause is especially meaningful for us here on Cape Cod, where the suicide rate is higher than anywhere else in Massachusetts.
Sharing Kindness, along with grief support and community education, also plays a vital role in supporting the MRHS Hope Squad, funding the curriculum we use, and providing frequent consultation and support as we grow the visibility of our Hope Squad. The Monomoy Hope Squad will be kicking off fundraising efforts for the walk, so keep an eye out for them!
MRHS Hope Squad Fundraising Link
Please consider joining us on the walk, donating using our link, or sharing the link with friends and loved ones who might be interested in donating to this amazing nonprofit.
Weight Room: Spring Schedule
Outer Cape Health Services Navigator School-Based Service Site
MRHS has joined with Outer Cape Health Services to offer additional support to our school community. This new project aims to increase access to community supports and clinical services for students and their families. The service will provide onsite access to OCHS navigator services and tele-behavioral and telemedicine appointments. The school-based OCHS Navigator will work alongside school personnel to help students and families to access locally-based services and resources. The Navigator program will support students in connecting to the resources that they need to improve health, wellness, and academic engagement. Navigators will provide customized case management services, ensuring that students and families are connected to the supports that they need. To learn more, click here or speak to the school's nurses or counselors.
Sharing Kindness: School-Based Grief Support Group
Dear Families,
I am writing to share some important information about an initiative that Sharing Kindness is offering our district: a school-based peer grief support group.
We all recognize that the loss of a significant person—whether a family member, friend, or other close individual—can be a deeply challenging and life-altering experience. For children, youth, and teens, the impact of grief can be even more profound, as they navigate their feelings and try to understand their emotions, often without fully knowing how to process such intense pain. Whether the loss occurred recently or years ago, the grieving process is complex, and every individual experiences it differently.
While grief can be isolating, it is crucial for children to know they are not alone. A peer grief support group at school provides a safe, empathic, confidential space where children can connect with others who have experienced similar losses. In these groups, they can openly express their emotions, share their stories, and realize their feelings are valid. Talking to peers who truly understand can foster healing, build resilience, and help children feel supported as they work through their grief.
A school-based support group also benefits children by offering guidance from trained facilitators (a licensed clinician and a trained volunteer) who can help them navigate the difficult emotions that often accompany grief. These groups allow for an open dialogue where coping skills and healthy emotional expression are explored, which can have a lasting, positive impact on their mental well-being. This setting allows your child to be supported in a familiar and comfortable environment.
We know grief doesn't have a timeline, and it can resurface at unexpected moments. Participation in a peer grief support group gives your child access to ongoing support, helping them feel less alone in their journey.
As parents and caregivers, you play an irreplaceable role in supporting your child through this time, but it can be difficult to know how to help them process their grief as you are navigating your own. A school-based support group offers an additional layer of support, which can complement the love and care you provide at home. I strongly encourage you to consider the benefits of a peer grief support group for your child. It could be an invaluable step toward helping them understand and process their emotions in a healthy, supportive way.
If you have any questions or would like more information about the program, please don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can provide your child with the care and understanding they need during this challenging time.
Kathleen Shine-O'Brien, M.A., LMHC
EMDR trained therapist
Director of Clincial & Community Services
Sharing Kindness
Bags of groceries available on Fridays
The Diversity Club, with the help of donations from the community, Stop and Shop, and Google . Org Teen Mental Health Initiative, can distribute individual bags of food on Fridays. They are handed out at the end of the day and are available to anyone who needs them. Pick up in the Main Office lobby as you are heading out to your bus!
SHORE Food Pantry
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Young Women's Club hosting Mother's Day Tea Party: Sunday, May 4
Class of 2027 Car Wash: Sunday, May 4
Class of 2028 Knockout Pizza Fundraiser: Thursday, May 8
Hope Squad Pickleball Tournament: Saturday, May 10
Mark your calendars and sign up for the Hope Squad Pickleball Tournament on May 10th from 1-4 pm at Brook's Park. $10 to play and all proceeds will be donated to Sharing Kindness. Should be a fun time!
Sign up here or use the QR code on the flier.
Friends of the Arts (FOTA)
Monomoy Regional Schools Friends of the Arts 2025 Online Auction
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AP Exams
AP Exam Countdown
The countdown is on! There are only a few more days to prepare for the start of exam season. Students have their exam schedule and are actively preparing in class for the culminating exams. Good luck on your test preparation.
Thanks,
Mr. Bennett - AP Coordinator
AP Exam Payments - URGENT!
There are several students who have yet to pay for their AP exam(s). You have received periodic reminders regarding this. Please be sure to submit the payment ASAP. If an exam is left unpaid, the student will still be required to take the exam and we will have to collect the fees after that. Please contact me directly with any questions….jbennett@monomoy.edu
AP Kick-Off Breakfast
All students, teachers and proctors are invited to a kick-off breakfast at 8:00 am on the first day of exams Monday, May 5th. The menu includes scrambled eggs, waffles, sausage patties and fresh fruit coffee, tea and juice. We hope to see everyone there!
Upcoming MCAS Dates
MATH: Grade 8
Session 1: May 6
Session 2: May 7
SCIENCE: Grade 8
Session 1: May 15
Session 2: May 16
MATH: Grade 10
Session 1: May 20
Session 2: May 21
CIVICS: Grade 8
June 2
Physics and some Biology: Grade 9
Session 1: June 4
Session 2: June 5
ATTENTION Online Learners:
This is a reminder (again) to all of our seniors taking required online coursework. You have less than five weeks to complete a course that is required for you to graduate.
For all other students, remember you are expected to finish your course by 6/19. Unless pre-approved by your counselor, all courses must be completed by the end of the school year or you will be withdrawn from your course.
Please make sure not to wait until the last minute…..
Scheduling
The Aspen Portal is open to students through vacation week to request courses for the 2025-2026 school year. Please encourage your students to identify requests and then they will meet with their counselor to review over the course of the next few weeks.
College Board
There are two dates left for SATs for this year. Students need to register through the College Board to sign up. Do not delay!
Service Academy Information Night: Friday, May 9
Cape Cod Family Resource Center
Sharing Kindness Events
Cape Cod Children's Place Program Offerings
https://capecodchildrensplace.com/program-offerings/ - click on the link for the interactive calendar!
Follow us on Social Media!
INSTAGRAM: @MonomoyGuidance
Wishing you health and safety,
The MRHS Counseling Team
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Athletics Schedule: Week of 5/5
Mon. 5/5
V Boys Tennis @ 2:15
Tues. 5/6
JV Baseball @ 2:30
V Girls Golf @ 2:30
V/JV Girls Lacrosse @ 2:45
Wed. 5/7
V/JV Softball @ 2:15
V Girls Tennis @ 3:00
V Boys and Girls Track @ 3:00
Thurs. 5/8
V Sailing @ 12:15
Unified Track @ 2:15
V Boys Lacrosse @ 2:30
Fri. 5/9
V Boys Tennis @ 2:00
V Baseball @ 2:15
Fr. Baseball @ 2:30
Athletics Schedule: Week of 5/5
MASBC Mattress Fundraiser: Saturday, May 10
Our 8th Annual Monomoy All Sports Booster Club Mattress Fundraiser is LESS THAN 6 weeks away on Saturday May 10th from 10-4 in the MRHS Gym!
PLEASE SAVE THE DATE & SHARE!!!
Do you or someone you know need to replace a mattress in their home? How many of us are sleeping on a mattress that's past its prime? The truth is, many people in our town are overdue for an upgrade. If you're one of them, don't miss our Mattress Fundraiser! With top brands including PURPLE, Beautyrest Black, Therapedic, Tranquility Sleep Systems and more, unbeatable prices, and all proceeds going to a great cause, it's the perfect time to invest in better sleep.
Please see attached flyers, join our FACEBOOK page, and forward to everyone you know. What is a Mattress Fundraiser? https://vimeo.com/WhatIsaMattressFundraiser
It's just like shopping at the stores, just at the school! Better prices than your retail stores, all for a great cause! SHARE OUR emails AND TALK IT UP WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY! EVERYONE YOU KNOW SLEEPS ON A MATTRESS, SO TELL EVERYONE!!!!
Thank you for your time.
M.A.S.B.C
Monomoy All Sports Booster Club Merch Store is open!
Click here to access the Monomoy All Sports Booster Club's merch store: https://monomoy-merch.printify.me/products
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Airplane and Flight Intro at Chatham Airport: Saturday, May 3
Lower Cape Figure Skating Show: Saturday, May 10 & Sunday, May 11
MRHS Attendance Form
To report your child's absence, tardy, or upcoming dismissal please use the following link:
Friday Focus Archive
Did you know? Past issues of the Friday Focus can be found on our website:
MRHS Student/Parent Handbook
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
Contact Us!
Email: mrhs@monomoy.edu
Website: mrhs.monomoy.edu
Location: 75 Oak Street, Harwich, MA, USA
Phone: 508-430-7200
Monomoy News & Social Media
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