NHS Principal News

Hello Clipper Families

First and foremost, I want to commend our senior class officers and advisors, Ms. Cochran and Ms. Martin, for all of the work that went into last week’s Homecoming. The event was definitely lively and provided a great way to close out our first full week of school.

Tonight’s message provides updates in the following areas:

PSAT Day – October 8

2026 Natl Merit Commended Students
2026 College Board National Recognition Honors
October 8 Details (For All Students)

School Safety Drill – October 9

Program Spotlight - Environmental Pathway

Have a great night and Go Clippers!

PSAT DAY - THURSDAY, OCT 8

2026 Natl Merit Commended Students and College Board National Recognition Honors

For the past four years, Newburyport High School has provided the PSAT to every sophomore and junior. This allows students to take this practice exam twice during their time at NHS.

The PSAT provides students and families with valuable information about academic strengths, areas for growth, and skills that can transfer to future academic and career experiences. Whether or not a student is planning to attend college, the assessment can be a valuable tool to help students and families better understand their strengths and begin conversations about future interests and opportunities.

Our students’ performance last year resulted in five students earning a National Merit Scholarship Program Letter of Commendation and another 25 students earning recognition through the College Board National Recognition Program. When you see these students (names to the side), be sure to extend your congratulations.

October 8 - Details (For All Students)

Grade 10 and 11

All sophomores and juniors will take the PSAT. Students should report to their testing rooms by 8:15 AM. Breakfast will be served in the cafeteria beginning at 7:45 AM.

Grade 9

All freshmen will participate in project-based learning activities with the Guidance and Wellness departments, as well as a motivational session with speaker Kevin Mecchella focused on decision-making and personal growth.

Grade 12

To accommodate PSAT testing and freshman activities, the school day for seniors will begin at 11:15 AM. Grade 12 ELA teachers are currently scheduling opportunities for seniors to come in between 8:15 and 11:00 AM to receive feedback and support on college essays, job cover letters, and resumes.

School Safety Drill – October 9

SCHOOL SAFETY – ALICE PREPARATION

In 2-weeks, our school will engage in safety training using ALICE protocols. In the event of a violent intruder, ALICE provides staff and students with options beyond simply locking down. The acronym stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate.

On October 5, teachers will review ALICE with students using this presentation.
During that week, classes will work through scenarios to practice how they might respond.
On October 9, with support from the Newburyport Police, we will conduct a drill and receive feedback.

REUNIFICATION SITE – The Hope Church, 11 Hale Street

The Hope Church will serve as the High School’s designated Reunification Site. A reunification site is a safe location where students and staff evacuate during an emergency and where families are directed to reunite with their children.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

Environmental Pathways

Part of the high school’s Improvement Plan is to rethink our programming and offer courses and pathways that help students connect their academic learning to practical career and life skills.

Tonight’s spotlight focuses on two courses that are part of our Environmental Pathway: Environmental Field Studies and Conservation Biology. In both classes, students have been busy collecting and analyzing data for different purposes.

In Environmental Field Studies, students have analyzed local water sources, developing their ability to make close observations of organisms and the components of their ecosystems.

In Conservation Biology, students have been breeding Monarch butterflies and learning how to study their physical characteristics to identify potential diseases that could impact large numbers of butterflies within the population. Once released, these butterflies will become part of a national study examining Monarch migration and breeding habits.

Additional pathways currently offered as part of our school programming include Advanced Manufacturing and Healthcare and Social Assistance. We are also currently applying for approval to add two additional pathways: Multimedia Broadcast and Early Education and Care.