NHS Principal News

This week Newburyport High School participated in its Decennial Accreditation Visit. Eight educators from across New England spent three full days at our school. They visited classrooms, spoke with students, faculty, and community members, and gathered data to evaluate our school against the Standards of Accreditation, which include:

Learning Culture
Student Learning
Professional Practices
Learning Support
Learning Resources

I want to thank our faculty, staff, students, and community for the tremendous support shown during this process. I look forward to the team’s feedback as we continue to grow and strengthen Newburyport High School.

Last, I want to celebrate our students. The visiting team repeatedly shared how impressed they were with our students’ ability to engage in meaningful conversation, ask thoughtful questions, and present themselves with a high level of professionalism. This was a true point of pride for our school.

Please consider the rest of tonight's message a reminder of upcoming events:

Homecoming - Oct 3 - Tickets ($15) Available for Purchase During Lunch (Reminder NHS Breathalyzes Students Upon Entry to School Dances)
PSAT Day – Oct 9
School Safety Drill – Oct 10
Red Cross Club - CPR Certification Session for the Community
Shout-Out

Have a great night and Go Clippers!

Thursday, October 9

On October 9, all sophomores and juniors will take the PSAT.

Grade 9 students will participate in activities with the Guidance and Wellness departments, including a motivational session with Kevin Mecchella on decision-making and personal growth. Be sure to see the information regarding Kevin Mechhella's message below.

To accommodate testing and freshman activities, the school day for seniors will begin at 11:50 AM.

See below for how seniors can use the morning to their advantage.

Seniors have several options for how to use the morning:

Option 1: College Visit Day or Job Shadow

Seniors may use this day to visit colleges.
Please complete this form by Monday, October 6.
Students visiting colleges during school hours will be considered excused from classes. They must bring proof of their visit to school the next day to have their absence excused. This can be a copy of their registration for a school tour and information session.

Option 2: College Essay Consultations

Senior English teachers will be available from 8:15–11:30 AM to provide essay support.
Seniors can register for a consultation directly with their English teacher.

Option 3: Late Arrival

Seniors who do not attend a college visit, job shadow or essay workshop will begin their school day at 11:50 AM.

SCHOOL SAFETY – ALICE PREPARATION

Over the next few 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 6, 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 10, 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.

NOV 8 - 10:15 - NOON @ NHS

The NHS Red Cross Club continues to push forward with their objective to increase access to CPR certification. Last school year, 11 students part of the club became certified CPR instructors and run classes to help restaurants have at least one employee trained in CPR.

On Saturday, November 8, from 10:15 AM to 12:00 PM, the club will host a community CPR training at Newburyport High School. The cost is $45 per person, which covers the certification processing fee and supports the club’s initiative to provide free CPR training to Newburyport restaurants.

We are grateful to the Jeff Stone Foundation, Institution for Savings, and Newburyport Development for their generous donations, which help make these community trainings possible.

To learn more, read Maddie Jackman’s Letter to the Editor and visit the club’s website to explore their mission and ongoing efforts.

Congratulations to the Golf Team. On Monday evening during the their win over Hamilton-Wenham, the team set a course record at the Rowley Country Club with a score of 199. Way to go.

Also a special shout-out to our NHS Football Team, who traveled together to Curry College this past weekend to support several NHS alumni playing in the game. Their team spirit highlighted the importance of maintaining connections beyond high school and serving as proud ambassadors for NHS.