FRIDAY FOCUS
Monomoy Regional High School's Weekly Newsletter
Published: May 9, 2025
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Reminder: Appropriate Chromebook use and care
There is a troubling social media trend encouraging students to intentionally damage their school-issued Chromebooks by forcing metal objects such as paper clips, push pins, or pencil graphite into a port on the device. Not only can this destroy the device, but it also has the potential to create a safety hazard in the form of fire, smoke, and injury to students and staff. Any student who engages in this activity will face disciplinary consequences, and the family will be charged the full cost of a replacement device. Please take a moment to talk with your child about this issue and reinforce the importance of using school equipment safely and appropriately.
Monomoy Multilingual Parent Advisory Council: Monday, May 19
Sign up for the bus for next year!
In order to create appropriate bus routes and stops, families are asked to complete the online Aspen transportation form by May 30, 2025. Click here to log into your family Aspen account, and select 'Start a new Bus Verification.' Please note that you must complete the form for each student.
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
Kindergarten Registration NOW OPEN for 2025-2026!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
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Videos of recent MRHS events....
MRHS Spring Concert: Thursday, May 15
Senior All Arts Night: Thursday, May 22
Monomoy Special Olympics Game Day
Special Olympics Game Day was one for the books—a day bursting with cheers, teamwork, and unforgettable memories! From start to finish, it was pure joy and celebration of courage, kindness, and community spirit.
A big, joyful shout-out to all the amazing students who came out to cheer on and support our incredible Special Olympic athletes at today’s Camp Monomoy Special Olympics Game Day! The whole day overflowed with laughter, high-fives, happy hearts, and unforgettable moments of fun and celebration. You all made it truly magical!
Sandscript publishes "Celebrating Pleasant Bay"
Sandscript, our creative writing club, has just published our "Celebrating Pleasant Bay" booklets!! Many, many thanks to the Friends of Pleasant Bay for providing the funds to transport students to the Bay on that beautiful October morning and to pay for the printing. Copies of the booklet will soon be available in school and town libraries in the Monomoy district as well as in the Harwich and Chatham town halls.
SAIL students grow butterflies
The SAIL students grew their own butterflies! We got the caterpillars in early April as little babies. We learned all about the butterfly life cycle and watched each phase as it unfolded right before our eyes! A special shout out to Georgia and Vivian Latham for taking care of the caterpillars over April break and sending videos to us so we could watch their transformation! Today we let the butterflies go! It was bittersweet!
SHORE program hikes Pleasant Bay Woodlands
The SHORE program had another epic day on the trails with the incredible Andrea Higgins from Harwich Conservation Trust—filled with salamanders, birds, and frogs, along with gooey hands, plenty of laughter, and endless learning.
Check out the article written about our experience with nature: https://share.google/wUKUDA4hdwJiI0WAK
Monomoy Hope Squad's 2nd Annual Hope Week
Last week, the MRHS Hope Squad organized the 2nd annual Hope Week. Each day had a unique theme, from “Show Your Light” to “Be a Lifesaver.” Throughout the week, Hope Squad members interacted with students during lunch, creating a paper chain of hope where students shared what they like about themselves and how they feel (among other great activities!) Looking ahead, the Hope Squad is preparing for a Pickleball Fundraiser on May 10th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Brooks Park, followed by participating in the Suicide Awareness Walk on May 17th. Please consider donating to this cause through our Hope Squad team fundraising page!
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 7 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!
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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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
Upcoming MCAS Dates
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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Scholar Athlete of the Month: April
Harry Michaud
If you ever can't find Harry Michaud, there's no need to look far because he is most likely on the lacrosse field with a bucket of balls working on a way to improve his game. Despite only starting the sport his sophomore year, Harry is a strong, two-way midfielder who excels offensively, scoring 28 goals in the first 11 games of this season. As great of a lacrosse player as Harry is, he is an even better leader. He is consistently the first to arrive at practice, always last to leave, and constantly forcing his teammates to become better in the process. When you ask Harry's teachers about him, they often describe him as confident, respectful, and considerate. As a positive influence to the people around him, he pushes his peers in the classroom the same way he does on the field. Harry is a dedicated student with a 4.08 GPA who plans on attending Curry College next year as a biology major and a member of the men's lacrosse program. - Coach Chris Harlow
Alexa Ford
Alexa Ford is an exceptional junior, excelling both in the classroom and on the track. A dedicated scholar, she challenges herself with a rigorous course load while maintaining a 4.34 GPA.. Outside the classroom, Alexa shines as a standout athlete and respected leader on the track team, which she joined in 8th grade. Now a three-year team captain, she leads by example and with enthusiasm. Her athletic accomplishments include a personal record of 27.64 seconds in the 200m, earning second place against DY, improving her time by three seconds since freshman year, and qualifying her for States; a time of 1:03.29 minutes in the 400m, earning first place against Martha’s Vineyard with a remarkable ten-second improvement since 8th grade and qualifying her for States; and a personal record of 2:47.5 minutes in the 800m. Additionally, she helped her relay team secure fourth place at the New Bedford Invitational in the 4x100m relay with an impressive 52.38-second split and qualified her relay team for States. Alexa’s combination of academic excellence, athletic talent, leadership, and positive spirit makes her a truly outstanding student and teammate. - Coach Mary Hemeon
Athletics Schedule: Week of 5/12
Mon. 5/12
V/JV Softball @ 12:15
V/JV Baseball @ 2:00
Tues. 5/13
V Girls Lacrosse @ 2:45
V Girls Golf @ 2:45
Wed. 5/14
V/JV Softball @ 2:45
V Girls Tennis @ 3:00
Thurs. 5/15
V/JV Baseball @ 11:00am
V Sailing @ 1:00
V/JV Softball @ 2:00
V Girls Lacrosse @ 2:15
V Girls Golf @ 2:15
Fri. 5/16
V B&G Track @ 1:30
V Girls Tennis @ 2:30
Athletics Schedule: Week of 5/12
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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Lower Cape Figure Skating Show: Saturday, May 10 & Sunday, May 11
We are the Men Male Voice Choir Concert: Saturday, May 24
Monomoy HS Community Blood Drive: Wednesday, May 28
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