FRIDAY FOCUS

Please complete the transportation form in the Aspen family portal to let us know whether or not your student will be riding the bus for the 2026-2027 school year. Submitting this information now will help us make sure we have the right number of buses, on the right routes, with the right stops! There is no need to sign up for the bus just in case, if you don’t think you’ll need it. If circumstances change, your student can always be added later. Please submit your responses as soon as possible, and no later than May 30. Find more information, as well as step-by-step directions with photos, on our website.

🎉Congratulations to Monomoy’s April Staff Shoutout honoree, Cristina Loureiro! Cristina is an IT Technician at Chatham Elementary School and Harwich Elementary School, and was nominated by her colleagues. Some of their comments include:

⭐Cristina has had a huge positive impact since starting this Fall. She can be frequently seen in hallways and is proactive when it comes to helping staff and students care for and troubleshoot Chromebooks, laptops, and Promethean Boards. If one teacher has an issue, then she fixes it and then goes into other classrooms with the same technology and fixes those, too. All in all, Cristina has improved our school's technology and helped both adults and children improve our knowledge about our technology, too. She is a great asset and we are lucky to have her!

⭐Cristina is always available to help with teacher and student issues related to IT. She is knowledgeable, fast, and friendly. We are all grateful to have a dependable, friendly, helpful IT staff member.

Each month, the district features a staff member in our Staff Shoutout series. Staff members can be nominated by students, parents/caregivers, and colleagues for outstanding positive contributions to our schools at www.monomoy.edu/staffshoutout. Nominations for May are now open! Any staff members nominated previously can be nominated again, except for those already honored this year.

Monomoy is excited to offer free English classes for multilingual adults in our community. These classes would be held twice a week for four weeks, located at Monomoy Regional High School. We are hoping to gather information about how many people are interested, and about which nights of the week are most convenient. If you would like to participate in these classes, please complete the brief form on our website. We also wanted to share that the Massachusetts Department of Education offers free online academic and English language courses for adults, as well as GED courses.

As work begins on Phase 1 on the Monomoy Middle School Renovation Project, with the siding and windows being replaced, we are planning for Phase 2 - replacing the roof. The roof replacement work is necessary to protect our Towns’ investment in the middle school and the work currently being done to install new windows and siding. The roof project must be approved at Town Meeting in both towns next month, and at the ballot, in order to move ahead. You can find Phase 1 project updates, Phase 2 information, and a number of frequently asked questions on our website.

With the upcoming retirement of Superintendent Scott Carpenter from Monomoy Regional School District, a committee of volunteers has been planning events to recognize this milestone - all members of the school community are invited to participate. There is additional information on the website here, as well as links to tickets and RSVP.

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.

• Tuesday, May 19: Grade 10–Math Session 1
• Wednesday, May 20: Grade 10–Math Session 2

--------------------

• Tuesday, June 2: Grade 9–Science Session 1
• Wednesday, June 3: Grade 9–Science Session 2

--------------------

• Thursday, June 4: Grade 8–Civics Session 1
• Friday, June 5: Grade 8–Civics Session 2

To use the inflatables during FinFest, every student must have a completed permission waiver on file. Students with signed waivers will receive a wristband on the morning of the event; please note that students without a wristband will not be permitted on the inflatables. All waivers must be submitted by May 22, 2026.Please fill out the waiver here.

If you would prefer a paper waiver, you can find one in the main office or outside Ms. Dennehy's classroom (A172).

If you have any questions, please contact the Spirit Committee advisor: Tammy Dennehy (tdennehy@monomoy.edu).

Yearbooks are scheduled to arrive in the middle of next week! Did you purchase yours yet? YEARBOOKS WILL SELL OUT! We only have 42 left.

Online ordering is now closed but we have yearbooks available for sale in person until supplies last!

If you would like to purchase a yearbook, please bring a $90 payment (cash or check made out to MRSD) to Mrs. Katie Francesconi in the Main Office. (Seniors' yearbooks are discounted to $80.) If you require financial assistance, please email me: kfrancesconi@monomoy.edu.

We hope you enjoy the 2026 yearbook!

Current 7th-11th graders are invited to travel with Monomoy to Italy for April Vacation 2027. Interested in learning more? Attend this Zoom info session, linked below. The current pricing -- listed at www.acis.com, Trip ID: 351018, Leader Name: Peters -- is valid through July 1st. Contact Ms. Peters with additional questions: speters@monomoy.edu

Sara Peters is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Italy Info Night
Time: May 19, 2026 06:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82877196431

Interested in knowing more about the London trip in April 2027? There will be an information meeting on Monday April 11th, at 6PM in A212. You can sign up for the information meeting at this registration website.

Information about the trip can be found on the trip itinerary. Any questions can be sent to jotto@monomoy.edu.

The Monomoy Early Childhood Council is teaming up with the Harwich Children’s Fund to promote early literacy, ensuring every child has the opportunity to own high-quality books. From May 29 to June 7, shoppers at participating bookstores can donate a new book in exchange for a prize drawing entry. The Monomoy Early Childhood Council needs volunteers to staff tables during peak hours (Friday–Sunday). Please review the slots on the online registration form and click the button to sign up. Keep an eye out for a follow-up email with additional details.

Last week, SAIL students and staff proudly hosted a Community Partnership Thank You Brunch to celebrate the incredible organizations and individuals who help make meaningful experiences possible for our students throughout the year. Everyone enjoyed a delicious brunch, wonderful conversation, and heartfelt gratitude for the connections built through these partnerships.

We were so excited to welcome representatives from the Chatham Fire Department, Chatham Orpheum, Liberty Commons, Brooks Library, Eldredge Library, and the Harwich Conservation Trust. Katie, the Activities Director from The Victorian, joined us and even brought along several of the residents our students regularly interact with. One special highlight of the morning was watching Janeese and Judy dancing together and sharing smiles during the event! We were also grateful to have Mr. Burke, who supports students at the school store, and the amazing cafeteria staff who work with our students each week, join the celebration.

While a few of our community partners were unable to attend, we have a special surprise planned for them next week. We are so thankful for all of the opportunities, friendships, and experiences our community partners provide for our SAIL students!

Is your child looking to take driver's ed lessons? The Rotary Club of Harwich-Dennis offers financial assistance to students who qualify. Speak to their guidance counselor for the application and more information.

https://amandanewcomb1.wixsite.com/mrhsvpa/sparkroom

We are looking forward to celebrating our Class of 2026 at their graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 6 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 2026 Senior Newsletter includes:

• Senior Obligations Checklist

• Graduation Ceremony Information

• Schedule of Upcoming Senior Events

• Senior Final Exam Schedule

Check out the MRHS Graduation website 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 2026!

We have added the Senior Stroll event information to the newsletter. This event will take place from 9:30-11:30am on Thursday, May 21.

Senior Spirit Week is hosted by the Class of 2026.

BBQ lunch is provided by the Chatham and Harwich Police & Fire Departments. Seniors will meet at Bank Street Beach at 11am. This is considered a school day; if you do not want to attend the beach day, you are expected to be in school that day. There is NO rain date.

Buses leave the high school at 9:30am!

Seniors' last day of school is Friday, May 22. Senior Final Exams begin on Tuesday, May 26.

Exams take place in the cafeteria from 8:45am-11:55am Tuesday, May 26 through Friday, May 29.

Even though seniors are done with classes, they are still welcome to attend the FinFest event! Seniors designated time is 12-1:30pm.

Hosted by the Freshmen: Class of 2029. 10am in the cafeteria.

MANDATORY rehearsal for all seniors. 10:30am-12pm.

Immediately following rehearsal, go to the Main Entrance lobby to pick up your school records and your caps and gowns. All school obligations must be met by this day before you can pick up your cap and gown.

A CAP AND GOWN HAS BEEN ORDERED FOR EVERY SENIOR!

6:30pm in the auditorium. Seniors will receive an invitation to the event if they are receiving an award or scholarship. Seniors attending should arrive by 6pm. Please RSVP to Mrs. Casey in the Guidance Office.

6pm - MRHS Athletic Turf Field

There are no admission tickets to the ceremony. All are welcome!

Seniors are expected to arrive at MRHS by 5:30pm and should be lined up by 5:45pm.

PRE-PAY OPTION & SIGN UP TO GET PHOTO NOTIFICATIONS

• Purchase an optional AdvancePay credit before the ceremony. This gives you free shipping on your order of $35+ after the event. Visit PhotoDay to get started!

• Once your event images are ready, please allow 2-3 business days for processing, you’ll receive a text when they are ready to view and order.

• Text 467142GY26 to 90738* or visit https://my.photoday.com/g and enter your phone number followed by your access code to get started.

• If purchased, your AdvancePay credit will be applied to your order! Just sign in with your phone number at check-out.

Learn more about the Monomoy SEPAC at https://www.monomoy.edu/parent-caregiver-resources/sepac

MRHS students are marked present or absent for each class. Students who exceed 10% absence in classes are at risk for losing credit in that class. For example, students may lose credit if they have:

• 5 absences in a term course
• 9 absences in a semester course
• 18 absences in a full-year course

• By 9th grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th-grade test scores
• Chronically absent high school students had an average GPA of 2.8 vs. non-chronically absent classmates who had an average GPA of 3.5
• When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their academic prospects and chances for graduating

MRHS is on Instagram at @monomoyhighschool!

Cape Cod Community College met with seniors on May 8 to assist with finalizing plans for fall enrollment. If your senior did not meet with an advisor, please follow up with their school counselor.

EMAILS! It is so important that students are checking their emails regularly, especially the seniors. The Monomoy email will be de-activated so please be encouraging seniors to update any colleges or scholarship sources to their personal email.

We are finally here! Thanks to the students for their diligent preparation and to our teachers for all that they do to guide our students throughout the year in our most challenging curriculum!

All students registered for exams are required to take them. All students should arrive with a charged Chromebook. It also helps to bring a Bag Lunch (or we will provide one) on exam day because testing typically overlaps with our lunch period.

AP US HISTORY EXAM ON TUES 5/19 begins at 12:00 noon. Students will be dismissed at 1130 for lunch and to report to their testing locations.

The posted schedule initially listed the exam as an 8:45 start!

Monday, May 18

Register here by Friday, May 22: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration

Members of the Children’s Cove Teen Task Force presented to Ms. Thompson’s classes and set up a lunch table display on May 8, 2026. Students talked to the middle school students about what online safety looks like and explained the services provided by Children’s Cove.

WORK PERMIT APPLICATION

The last step with the work permits is bringing the completed copy to the main office at the high school. Work Permits are needed between the ages of 14-17.

https://www.monomoy.edu/parent-caregiver-resources/work-permit-application

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

Mon. 5/18

V/JV Boys Lacrosse @ 11:15am

V Track and Field @ 12:15

V Girls Golf out all day

Tues. 5/19

V Girls Tennis @ 2:30

Unified Track @ 3:00

Wed. 5/20

V Baseball @ 1:15

V Girls Tennis @ 2:30

V Sailing out all day

Thurs. 5/21

V Softball @ 1:30

Fri. 5/22

V Baseball @ 2:00

V/JV Softball @ 2:45

The Monomoy All Sports Booster Club now has an online merchandise store!

Grab spirit wear for the whole family and support our student-athletes at the same time.

Shop now: https://nausetscreenprinting.printavo.com/merch/monomoy-sharks/

Every purchase helps support all Monomoy sports programs - thank you for backing our Sharks!

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

SUN Bucks applications are now open! SUN Bucks is a food benefit for families with children during the summer months, previously known as Summer EBT. SUN Bucks provides a $120 lump-sum summer benefit per school-aged child for income-eligible families. The program is administered by the state Department of Transitional Assistance in partnership with DESE and with assistance from schools. All enrolled students identified as meeting the income eligibility standards for free or reduced-price lunch during school year 2025-26, either through an NSLP household paper application or direct certification, are automatically eligible for SUN Bucks. Students identified as homeless, migrant, runaway or participating in Head Start are also automatically eligible. Students who do not meet the aforementioned criteria can apply for SUN Bucks benefits through DTA by visiting www.DTAConnect.com.

• at Veterans Park Beach, Hyannis
• Learn more & register: www.Sharingkindness.org/suicide-awareness-walk

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