Hornet Happenings

Biology MCAS for 9th graders June 2nd and June 3rd

June 3rd is NOT an early release day for MERHS students. Our early release day is June 22nd.

After completing their exam, AP United States History students are designing historically themed road trips across the United States. Themes include the Civil Rights Movement, Presidential History, the Civil War, the American Revolution, and classified locations.

9th graders in World History read All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Remarque as part of their unit on World War I and illustrated chapters.

AP U.S. Government students are using their post-test time to prepare for the next chapter of their academic journey. Students recently completed presentations on colleges of their choosing, helping both themselves and their classmates learn about the wide range of opportunities available across the U.S. and Europe. Presentations included information about campus size, location, climate, academic programs, and overall student experience.

United States History I students are in the process of creating a Museum of the American West. Students are conducting independent research on an assigned topic and building an exhibit around an artifact connected to that topic. Topics include the Age of the Cowboys, Legends of the American West, and the development of the Transcontinental Railroad, just to name to a few.

CLASS OF 2027 COLLEGE ESSAY WORKSHOP

We are happy to announce that we bringing back our College Essay Workshop in June before you take off for the summer. At this workshop we will talk about what makes a strong essay, have resources to help you determine a topic, and help you brainstorm the best way to share your story. The college essay, for some, can be the most tedious part of the application process. Fall of your senior year is an exciting time, but very busy, so if you can get started on your essay (or even finish it) before school starts, you will be happy to have checked a task off your list!

The goal of this workshop is for you to come away with, at least, a topic to write about and written down, organized notes on what you want incorporated into your essay. You could even get started on a rough draft! Getting started in half the battle, so let us help you!

Where: High School Learning Commons

When: Monday, June 22nd, 11:30-2:30 PM

This is a drop-in session, you do not need to stay for the full time. Here is a link to sign up and let us know you will be attending: College Essay Workshop

Can't attend? Set up a meeting with your counselor before you leave for the summer and we can help you brainstorm some topics and get you started!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: We will be hosting our College Bootcamp on Friday, August 21st from 9AM-12PM in the MERHS Cafeteria. At this event we will help you set up your Common App accounts and work with you to complete as much of it as time allows. We will also have time to discuss your essays, any supplementals or additional questions you may have. Last year, students were able to complete the entire general portion of the application during this session and got working on their college specific questions. The more you can get done before the first day of school, the more at ease you will feel! I will send out a sign up for this event in the summer.

FAMILY BRAG SHEET

Hello Families!

Below is a Family Brag Sheet you all to share information with us about your child that can help us paint the most all encompassing picture of them for our recommendation letters. This brag sheet is meant for you to highlight your child's strengths, achievements, personality traits, and unique qualities from a family perspective.

2027 Family Brag Sheet

2025-2026 Yearbook are HERE! If you would like to purchase a yearbook, please see Ms. Brown in room B310. The price for yearbooks is $80 (cash or check written to MERHS Yearbook).

Join us at the MERHS Speech and Debate Team Mock- Debate Fundraiser!

Wednesday, June 10 from 6–8pm in the school auditorium.

The night includes:

• A live student-led mock Public Forum debate on the topic of Sports Betting Regulations

• A raise-the-paddle fundraiser, helps us meet our goal!

• Light refreshments

This event is open to families, community members, and especially middle school students who want to see what Speech & Debate is all about and get ready to join the team next year.

The program is gaining real traction and re-building for longevity. We're anticipating 20 students competing next year across Public Forum debate and Speech events, with a schedule of approximately 15 tournaments and a Northeast travel invitational for our most experienced competitors. It's an exciting moment for this program — and your support this June helps make that growth sustainable.

We're aiming to raise $12,000 to cover tournament fees, travel, preparation materials, and the hospitality that keeps a team feeling like a team — so every student can participate fully regardless of their background.

Can't make it in person on June 10? Online donations are also welcome.

Hop to see you June 10! Contact Sally Berkowitz, berkowitzs@mersd.org with any questions!