Highlander Times

Hello, Students, Families, and Staff -

Happy almost Spring! We are headed rapidly to the final part of the school year. Spring Sports are starting, and Quarter 4 begins in just a few short weeks (April 7). We are also headed into MCAS season, which starts next week with English Language Arts (ELA) testing for all 10th graders. In light of last November’s Ballot Question 2, it’s important to mention that MCAS is still required and important. Participation in MCAS is required by federal and state law , and SHS is still held accountable by the state for participation rates and achievement and growth. MCAS scores are also used for the State Seal of Biliteracy and two state scholarships. More importantly, the MCAS provides a summative snapshot on how students are doing academically. Although the data does not tell the whole story, it is valuable and valid as we continue to strengthen academic excellence for all in SPS.

The special schedule for MCAS is below. Please help us make sure all 10th graders attend and participate. Students in grades 9, 11, and 12 will have a late start on March 25 and 26 (classes start at 11:30; arrive at 11 for lunch), and 10th graders will be dismissed at 11 after their exam (lunch provided 11:00-11:30).

9th grade SBIRT testing: From March 31-April 4, school health staff will conduct a state-mandated screening with ninth graders for drug and alcohol abuse called SBIRT – Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment. SBIRT consists of a five minute “motivational interview” with each student designed to encourage healthy behavior. Students will be asked about alcohol, nicotine, tobacco, vaping, and drug use. No information is kept that could a identify a student and results are not shared unless there is an immediate safety threat. As with any health screening, you can opt your child out of this process by filling out this on-line form https://forms.gle/CMgCBxuDKjveT8p68 or by contacting your school nurse. For more information about SBIRT, please visit: www.masbirt.org/schools.

Thank you,

Principal Kersten

Girls’ basketball had a fantastic season, finishing with a 13-8 record, winning the Greater Boston League Championship for the first time in 11 years, and qualifying for the MIAA Tournament! They lost 64-29 to Silver Lake Regional High School in a hard-fought game in the preliminary round. Their hard work, determination, and teamwork were on full display all season long. With such a strong foundation in place, the future of the program remains bright with a talented group of underclassmen. GBL All-Stars: Regan Antonelli, Nora Gamache, and Dyanna Grant Johnson; Coach of the Year: Ricardo Bonhomme

The swim team had a record of 7-3-1 and had 10 GBL All-Stars, a huge accomplishment for the team. The league voted senior Julian Zielinkski as both the boys’ team MVP and the league MVP, a great achievement for him and the program. GBL All Stars: Julian Zielinski, Charlotte Johnson, Elle Gys, Oliver Wicks, Coco Brown, Madeleine Zucca, Van Easter, Soleil Bryant, Odin Evenhus, Lillis Ekbladh

The boys’ basketball team had a season full of grit and resilience, showing their determination all year. After a tough 1-7 start, they battled back, turned their season around, and earned a spot in the MIAA State Tournament with a record of 10-11. Although the boys lost 64-45 to a strong Hopkinton High School team in the preliminary round, their perseverance and hard work paid off, making this a season to be proud of. GBL All-Star: Thomas Griffin and Julian Goodridge

The boys' ice hockey team (11-11) showcased tremendous toughness all season long, making it a year to remember. Two standout players, Chris Cassesso and Matthew DeAngelis, reached an incredible milestone, both joining the 100-point club—an outstanding achievement! The team’s hard work earned them a spot in the MIAA Tournament, where they hosted Assabet Valley Regional High School in the preliminary round and secured an exciting 3-2 victory. Advancing to the Round of 32, they faced off against #2 seed Medfield, battling hard but ultimately falling 8-1 in a tough matchup. GBL All-Stars: Chris Cassesso, Matthew DeAngelis, Timmy Jones

Girls’ indoor track finished with a record of 6-1, capping capping another very strong season with a great core of runners. Fifteen girls qualified for the MIAA D3 championship meet. The team finished #1 or #2 in 55m, hurdles, 1000m, mile, shot put, high jump, 4x400m, 4x200m, and 4x800m. SHS girls ran the best time in a decade with a rousing wire-to-wire victory in the signature 4x400m relay event that closed out the GBL championships meet! GBL All-Star: Annabelle Scheider, Annika Bok, Anika Johnson, McCartney Reedy, Delia Ricardson, Marissa Luxama, Olivia Scamman, Eva Meli; Coach of the Year: Dave Dickerson

Boys indoor track (also 6-1) had another very strong season with a mix of both upper and underclassmen. The team was once again atop the GBL. Six boys qualify for the MIAA D3 championship meet. The team completed the GBL season as #1 in 55m, hurdles, long jump, 600m, and high Jump. Boys’ GBL MVP, Kerby Luxama, tied the all-time GBL record for the 55m dash and won three events. GBL All-Stars: Kerby Luxama (MVP), Jackson Love, Emmett Easton, Robert Leoni, Jake Barczi, and Mashruf Mahin

After a strong fall season, the cheer team continued their success this winter, placing second at the 2025 GBL competition. The team also came in sixth place at the regional competition at Billerica Memorial High School.

The MSBA is asking for feedback on our new building. Please share your thoughts by answering questions on this short survey. Thank you.

The multicultural fair committee is seeking donations of the following art supplies for students’ project boards: markers, construction paper, glue sticks, acrylic paint tubes, and paint brushes. Please reach out to Ms. Albrecht, school counselor, at kalbrecht@k12.somerville.ma.us if interested in donating.

The SFLC is looking for donations of new and/or gently used gloves to help our students through the winter months. We have given out over thirty winter jackets so thank you to everyone who donated! We are also looking for men's dress shoes and button up white dress shirts to assist students with appropriate clothing for prom, graduation, and job interviews. There is a donation box in the main entrance of the high school.

Somerville Municipal Scholarships - Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville Municipal Scholarship Committee are excited to announce the award of 7 scholarships to Somerville residents who are currently graduating in the Class of 2025 and plan to attend an accredited post-secondary institution. Students apply online. The application is due March 31, 2025. https://www.somervillema.gov/somerville-municipal-scholarship-2025

• A 21+ community event sponsored by the Somerville Parent Teacher Student Association
• Saturday, March 22nd, 7PM-11:00PM
• Dante Club, 5 Dante Terrace, Somerville
• Live music performance by Jimmy Plunkett
• Cash bar
• Light food available
• Tickets: $25.00, but those who cannot afford full price can choose to pay less ticket purchase link: https://bit.ly/3EvrPNG

Proceeds will support Somerville High School youth by providing food gift cards and covering costs of caps, gowns, and prom tickets for those who need help.

Gift baskets with goodies from many local businesses will be raffled at the event. Raffle tickets are available at the event or via the above link. Raffle ticket prices: One ticket: $3/Three tix: $5/Seven tix: $10

Can't make it to the event? Donate directly to the PTSA at this link https://venmo.com/u/SHSPTSA1

The PTSA event planners could use some additional help with logistics, including decorating Dante Club and prettifying the gift baskets full of goodies. Please join our next event planning meeting via Zoom, Monday, February 24th at 8:00PM: https://mit.zoom.us/j/94059269030 If can’t make the meeting but want to help with planning, email Laura Beretsky at beretsky@yahoo.com.

• March 17-21: Prom tickets on sale during all three lunches
• March 22: PTA fundraiser for the senior class
• March 24: Senior Class Picture 10:30 am
• March 25: SAT school day for juniors 8am-11am
• March 25: 10th grade MCAS ELA session 1 + math mock AP exams
• March 26: 10th grade MCAS ELA session 2 + math mock AP exams
• March 28: Student Staff Basketball Game 1:00pm
• March 31: Spring sports registration closes
• March 31: 9th grade SBIRT testing in social studies classes
• March 31: Student/staff basketball game
• April 1-4: 9th grade SBIRT testing in Social Studies classes
• April 4: Last Day of Quarter 3 - grades close
• April 5: College and Career Day at SHS 8am-1pm
• April 9: SHS School Improvement Council 6:30-8:00pm
• April 10: Parent/Guardian Conferences 3:00-5:00 pm
• April 13-17: Last chance to buy Prom Tickets
• April 17: Multicultural Fair
• April 18-25: April Break - No School - building Closed April 18 and April 21

The SHS robotics team did very well at the 2025 Greater Boston FIRST Robotics Tournament and won the Judge's Award at the Granite State Tournament. At present, they are the number one team in New England and should be invited to the New England District Championships in Springfield. SHS educator and coach, Laura Peters, educator Sylvain Lebrun, Innovation Specialist Jason Behrens, other CTE educators, and many volunteers have helped the students reach new heights. You may see videos from the Greater Boston competition here. Go Highlanders!

On Friday, March 7, SomerStars captivating audiences with the talents of our very own SHS students. There was classical, pop, and folk music from around the globe. Each act took the stage, vying for top honors with prizes awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. There were student and staff judges, and this year we had a live student house band and hosts! It was a true celebration of talent and creativity.

From the district newsletter: Congratulations Somerville High School Quiz Team! They defeated Milton Academy 380 to 260 and now advance to the Quarterfinals. Watch the entire match against Milton Academy here. And don't forget to watch the next match, which airs on April 12. Go #SHSHighlanders! Photo credit: © Elizabeth Friar/GBH

Last Thursday through Saturday, the Highlander Theatre Company presented their Spring production of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing over four public performances and one special student matinee for over 200 SPS middle school students. Congratulation to the cast and crew of Much Ado!

On Thursday, March 13, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., the Empty Bowls Project took place at SHS. It was a simple community meal of soup and bread to help remind people of the members of our community who are facing food insecurity. Attendees chose a handmade ceramic bowl made by SHS student ceramic artists and filled it with delicious soups from local restaurants before taking the bowl home to keep! Funds raised benefit Project Soup through the Greater Somerville Homeless Coalition. The event was open to the public.

Students in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) department collaborated with student leadership council to design and construct a mobile announcement center. Senior drafting student Martins Obiapuna worked with the student council, Principal Kersten, and carpentry students to complete a CAD drawing that was used as a guide for the project build.

Using that design, senior carpentry students Kaeden Jones and Josue Guevara Alvarado selected materials that would be durable enough to withstand daily use. Senior welding student Jose Aguilar Guilen, assisted by making brackets to make the announcement center mobile.

This community project is one example of how career and technical education prepares students with the skills to be effective communicators, positive teammates, and active citizens that care about individuals and the community.