FRIDAY FOCUS

School is closed on Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day. We wish all of our families a safe weekend of relaxation, reflection, and community. Tuesday will be a Day 3 in the MRHS calendar.

Monomoy Regional School District is seeking tutors to support elementary, middle, and high school students. These are paid positions with a flexible schedule (typically before or after school) that is set between the tutor, student, and family. The rate is $39.04 per hour, plus 20 minutes of paid planning time for every hour of tutoring. To apply, complete the Tutor Information Form on the Monomoy website. Contact Faith Rushnak at frushnak@monomoy.edu with any questions.

Please complete the transportation form in the Aspen family portal to let us know whether or not your student will be riding the bus for the 2026-2027 school year. Submitting this information now will help us make sure we have the right number of buses, on the right routes, with the right stops! There is no need to sign up for the bus just in case, if you don’t think you’ll need it. If circumstances change, your student can always be added later. Please submit your responses as soon as possible, and no later than May 30. Find more information, as well as step-by-step directions with photos, on our website.

Each month, the district features a staff member in our Staff Shoutout series. Staff members can be nominated by students, parents/caregivers, and colleagues for outstanding positive contributions to our schools at www.monomoy.edu/staffshoutout. Nominations for May are now open! Any staff members nominated previously can be nominated again, except for those already honored this year.

Monomoy is excited to offer free English classes for multilingual adults in our community. These classes would be held twice a week for four weeks, located at Monomoy Regional High School. We are hoping to gather information about how many people are interested, and about which nights of the week are most convenient. If you would like to participate in these classes, please complete the brief form on our website. We also wanted to share that the Massachusetts Department of Education offers free online academic and English language courses for adults, as well as GED courses.

As work begins on Phase 1 on the Monomoy Middle School Renovation Project, with the siding and windows being replaced, we are planning for Phase 2 - replacing the roof. The roof replacement work is necessary to protect our Towns’ investment in the middle school and the work currently being done to install new windows and siding. The roof project must be approved at Town Meeting in both towns next month, and at the ballot, in order to move ahead. You can find Phase 1 project updates, Phase 2 information, and a number of frequently asked questions on our website.

With the upcoming retirement of Superintendent Scott Carpenter from Monomoy Regional School District, a committee of volunteers has been planning events to recognize this milestone - all members of the school community are invited to participate. There is additional information on the website here, as well as links to tickets and RSVP.

Our district is a member of the Federation for Children with Special Needs and we have access to monthly workshops under an All-Access Pass. You can find the full calendar of events, as well as links to register, at https://fcsn.org/events/. You can register for multiple workshops at that link. Once registered, you will receive a link for the virtual session.

• Tuesday, June 2: Grade 9–Science Session 1
• Wednesday, June 3: Grade 9–Science Session 2

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• Thursday, June 4: Grade 8–Civics Session 1
• Friday, June 5: Grade 8–Civics Session 2

To use the inflatables during FinFest, every student must have a completed permission waiver on file. Students with signed waivers will receive a wristband on the morning of the event; please note that students without a wristband will not be permitted on the inflatables. All waivers must be submitted by TODAY May 22, 2026. Please fill out the waiver here.

If you would prefer a paper waiver, you can find one in the main office or outside Ms. Dennehy's classroom (A172).

If you have any questions, please contact the Spirit Committee advisor: Tammy Dennehy (tdennehy@monomoy.edu).

The Monomoy Regional High School Theater Company is proud to present William Shakespeare's timeless tragedy of ambition and prophecy. Join us for a special outdoor production of Macbeth set against the natural backdrop of our campus.

Performance Dates & Time

• Wednesday, June 3, 2026
• Friday, June 5, 2026
• All performances begin at 6:00 PM
• The performances will be held at the outdoor Amphitheater, located directly outside of the school Library.

Admission

There are no tickets required for these performances. We will be accepting free-will offerings to support the Friends of the Arts (FOTA). Your generous donations help provide essential grants for props, costuming, and student theater initiatives.

Yearbooks are scheduled to arrive in the middle of next week! Did you purchase yours yet? YEARBOOKS WILL SELL OUT! We only have 31 left.

Online ordering is now closed but we have yearbooks available for sale in person until supplies last!

If you would like to purchase a yearbook, please bring a $90 payment (cash or check made out to MRSD) to Mrs. Katie Francesconi in the Main Office. (Seniors' yearbooks are discounted to $80.) If you require financial assistance, please email me: kfrancesconi@monomoy.edu.

We hope you enjoy the 2026 yearbook!

The Monomoy Regional High School chapter of the National Honor Society has inducted its newest members - congratulations to the students in the Class of 2027 and 2028 who achieved this impressive recognition!

https://www.monomoy.edu/post-details/~board/latest-news/post/monomoy-regional-high-school-inducts-newest-members-of-the-national-honor-society

The Cape & Islands League celebrated its first annual Cape & Islands League Scholar Athlete Awards on May 17, 2026, where each member school selected a male and female Scholar Athlete of the Year. Monomoy Regional High School seniors Patrick Jordan and Abrielle Long were selected to receive Monomoy's inaugural 2025-2026 Cape and Islands League Scholar Athlete of the Year Awards. Patrick is a three-sport honor student, playing soccer, indoor track, and outdoor track, and plans to continue his education at Providence College. Abrielle is a three-sport honor student playing soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, and plans to continue her education at Salve Regina University. In addition, Monomoy alumni Emma Mawn (MRHS Class of 2018) delivered the keynote speech at the ceremony. Mawn is currently the assistant coach for Saint Anselm field hockey and was previously the Head Coach of the Nichols College field hockey program.

The Monomoy Senior Stroll is a special chance for our graduating Sharks to visit the schools and educators that guided them along the way, and to show our younger students what it means to be a part of the Monomoy family! The cheers, high-fives, signs, and hugs made for a great day for the MRHS Class of 2026. Special thanks to the Harwich PTO for supplying the sashes for our soon-to-be graduates!

Our high school students planning on careers in education participated in a Future Teacher Signing Ceremony! They have interned in classrooms this year and plan to become educators -- we hope to welcome them back as employees one day.

Last Saturday, members from the Hope Squad and the National Honor Society came together to participate and volunteer at the Sharing Kindness Suicide Awareness Walk. It was a beautiful day of sunshine, kindness, and hope. Our MRHS students shone as young leaders in this important work to break the stigma and bring awareness to mental health challenges.

Unified PE and SAIL students enjoyed a lovely field trip to Mid Cape Athletic Club where they participated in a tennis lesson. They also stopped for lunch and ordered their own food and paid with their own money, practicing important life skills! A good time was had by all! Pictured with Coach Brandon Cutter - who is also the New England Tennis Pro of the Year.

Over the past couple of weeks in our SAIL classroom, we have shared many remarkable moments with our two-week-old ducklings. They truly could not be any more adorable or enjoyable!

On Wednesday, we took advantage of the beautiful weather with a visit to the Chatham Fish Pier. Students thoroughly enjoyed strolling along the beach, observing horseshoe crabs, jellyfish, and seashells. Although we kept a close watch for seals, none made an appearance during our visit.

After exploring the fish pier, students enjoyed a snack at the Chatham Lighthouse. To conclude the day, SAIL students collaborated with their Unified PE buddies to help landscape and water newly planted trees at Island Pond Cemetery. It was a meaningful and rewarding way to end a wonderful day together.

The Animal Welfare Club recently celebrated their seniors for their years of service to the club: our President Arden Gingras and fabulous Isabella Hardy. Both have been wonderful veteran members of the club! We celebrated with Fritz and Officer Clarke!

Adulting 101 and Unified PE classes went on field trips to Island Pond and Holy Trinity Cemeteries with Robyn Kelley of Harwich Cemetery services. Chelsea Cunningham and Jake Wisniewski brought their classes into the community for some community service. The students went on May 11, May 18 and May 20 to both cemeteries where they replaced Veteran flags and medallions and helped clean garden beds before Memorial Day!

It was a great time giving back to the community and a few town employees who are veterans lended a hand and thanked our students for their time. It was an honor to watch the kids receive praise and honor our veterans of Harwich first hand!

Interested in knowing more about the London trip in April 2027? There will be an information meeting on Monday April 11th, at 6PM in A212. You can sign up for the information meeting at this registration website.

Information about the trip can be found on the trip itinerary. Any questions can be sent to jotto@monomoy.edu.

The Monomoy Early Childhood Council is teaming up with the Harwich Children’s Fund to promote early literacy, ensuring every child has the opportunity to own high-quality books. From May 29 to June 7, shoppers at participating bookstores can donate a new book in exchange for a prize drawing entry. The Monomoy Early Childhood Council needs volunteers to staff tables during peak hours (Friday–Sunday). Please review the slots on the online registration form and click the button to sign up. Keep an eye out for a follow-up email with additional details.

Is your child looking to take driver's ed lessons? The Rotary Club of Harwich-Dennis offers financial assistance to students who qualify. Speak to their guidance counselor for the application and more information.

https://amandanewcomb1.wixsite.com/mrhsvpa/sparkroom

We are looking forward to celebrating our Class of 2026 at their graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 6 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 2026 Senior Newsletter includes:

• Senior Obligations Checklist

• Graduation Ceremony Information

• Schedule of Upcoming Senior Events

• Senior Final Exam Schedule

Check out the MRHS Graduation website 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 2026!

Exams take place in the cafeteria from 8:45am-11:55am Tuesday, May 26 through Friday, May 29.

Even though seniors are done with classes, they are still welcome to attend the FinFest event! Seniors designated time is 12-1:30pm.

Hosted by the Freshmen: Class of 2029. 10am in the cafeteria.

MANDATORY rehearsal for all seniors. 10:30am-12pm.

Immediately following rehearsal, go to the Main Entrance lobby to pick up your school records and your caps and gowns. All school obligations must be met by this day before you can pick up your cap and gown.

A CAP AND GOWN HAS BEEN ORDERED FOR EVERY SENIOR!

6:30pm in the auditorium. Seniors will receive an invitation to the event if they are receiving an award or scholarship. Seniors attending should arrive by 6pm. Please RSVP to Mrs. Casey in the Guidance Office.

6pm - MRHS Athletic Turf Field

There are no admission tickets to the ceremony. All are welcome!

Seniors are expected to arrive at MRHS by 5:30pm and should be lined up by 5:45pm.

PRE-PAY OPTION & SIGN UP TO GET PHOTO NOTIFICATIONS

• Purchase an optional AdvancePay credit before the ceremony. This gives you free shipping on your order of $35+ after the event. Visit PhotoDay to get started!

• Once your event images are ready, please allow 2-3 business days for processing, you’ll receive a text when they are ready to view and order.

• Text 467142GY26 to 90738* or visit https://my.photoday.com/g and enter your phone number followed by your access code to get started.

• If purchased, your AdvancePay credit will be applied to your order! Just sign in with your phone number at check-out.

Learn more about the Monomoy SEPAC at https://www.monomoy.edu/parent-caregiver-resources/sepac

MRHS students are marked present or absent for each class. Students who exceed 10% absence in classes are at risk for losing credit in that class. For example, students may lose credit if they have:

• 5 absences in a term course
• 9 absences in a semester course
• 18 absences in a full-year course

• By 9th grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th-grade test scores
• Chronically absent high school students had an average GPA of 2.8 vs. non-chronically absent classmates who had an average GPA of 3.5
• When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their academic prospects and chances for graduating

MRHS is on Instagram at @monomoyhighschool!

EMAILS! It is so important that students are checking their emails regularly, especially the seniors. The Monomoy email will be de-activated so please be encouraging seniors to update any colleges or scholarship sources to their personal email.

Register here by Friday, May 22: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration

WORK PERMIT APPLICATION

The last step with the work permits is bringing the completed copy to the main office at the high school. Work Permits are needed between the ages of 14-17.

https://www.monomoy.edu/parent-caregiver-resources/work-permit-application

Audrey Brewer, Grade 8, abrewer@monomoy.edu

Lindsay Ginnetty, Instructional Leader, Grades 9-12 (last names A-F), lginnetty@monomoy.edu

Caitlyn Hall, Grades 9-12 (last names G-N), chall@monomoy.edu

Jonathan Bennett, Grades 9-12 (last names O-Z), jbennett@monomoy.edu

Follow us on Instagram: @MonomoyGuidance

Wishing you health and safety, The MRHS Counseling Team

Zay-Dah joined the track and field team as a junior. She worked hard last year and became an essential member of our 5th place girls 4x100 relay team. This year, she joined indoor track and field and won the 55m and 4x200 at our league meet, then went on to states and finished 9th in the 55m. This outdoor season, Zay-Dah has stepped up to a new level. She is currently #34 and #26 in MA in the 100 and 200 and D6 #4 and #3. She's also a member of our D6 #4 4x100 and #1 4x400. Zay-Dah is a conscientious athlete who always has a positive attitude. She works hard, but never brags or tries to draw any attention to herself or her success. She is reliable and always willing to do whatever the team needs. She plans to go to Wheaton College next year and run D3 Track and Field. - Coach Adam Syty

Emmett is a leader in the classroom and on the lacrosse field. Academically he carries a 3.7 gpa while taking 6 AP classes, and has achieved honors through the past 2 years. He is the driving force of our defense averaging over 3 ground balls and 2 caused turnovers per game. Although a defender, Emmett also has 2 goals this year with only 4 shots on net.

Wed. 5/27

V Sailing @ Nantucket out - ALL DAY

V Girls Golf - ALL DAY

Thurs. 5/28

V Outdoor Track @ D6 State Meet @ Westfield State at 10:15

The Monomoy All Sports Booster Club now has an online merchandise store!

Grab spirit wear for the whole family and support our student-athletes at the same time.

Shop now: https://nausetscreenprinting.printavo.com/merch/monomoy-sharks/

Every purchase helps support all Monomoy sports programs - thank you for backing our Sharks!

Follow us on Instagram for game results, scores, updates, and more!: @monomoyathletics

SUN Bucks applications are now open! SUN Bucks is a food benefit for families with children during the summer months, previously known as Summer EBT. SUN Bucks provides a $120 lump-sum summer benefit per school-aged child for income-eligible families. The program is administered by the state Department of Transitional Assistance in partnership with DESE and with assistance from schools. All enrolled students identified as meeting the income eligibility standards for free or reduced-price lunch during school year 2025-26, either through an NSLP household paper application or direct certification, are automatically eligible for SUN Bucks. Students identified as homeless, migrant, runaway or participating in Head Start are also automatically eligible. Students who do not meet the aforementioned criteria can apply for SUN Bucks benefits through DTA by visiting www.DTAConnect.com.

YOU can make an immediate difference in the life of a foster child.

Donate here: https://capecodfostercloset.org/donate-to-the-cape-cod-foster-closet/

We are actively seeking donations for our annual Celebrate Summer Giveaway. Please check out our Target Wishlist and consider purchasing an item for a child in foster or kinship care.

Our general needs include short sleeve pajamas, sneakers of all sizes, and shorts for teens in sizes men’s XS-3XL. Our ongoing needs can be purchased on our Amazon Wishlist or by shopping at your favorite store!

Please call or text us with any questions 508-514-7125.

Please Note: as of May 2026 we are NOT accepting donations of infant/toddler furniture.

To report your child's absence, tardy, or upcoming dismissal please use the following link:

https://mrhs.monomoy.edu/attendance

Did you know? Past issues of the Friday Focus can be found on our website:

https://mrhs.monomoy.edu/news/friday-focus

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

Email: mrhs@monomoy.edu
Website: mrhs.monomoy.edu
Location: 75 Oak Street, Harwich, MA, USA
Phone: 508-430-7200

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