NHS Principal News

I hope this letter finds you well and excited to have your child start a new school year. We are making final preparations for the beginning of school, and we are looking forward to welcoming all students back on Wednesday, September 2nd and seeing Grade 9 and new students during their orientation day on Tuesday, September 1st.

Over the first 2 days of school, we have adjusted the schedule so that students can re-acclimate to school, both academically and socially. On Sept 2nd and 3rd, students will have time to meet with their advisors, review and practice school and class routines, participate in grade level assemblies, and learn about school year goals. They will also cycle through all of their classes and review course syllabi and objectives. Our 3-day rotating schedule will begin on Tuesday, September 8th and our first rally of the school year will happen on October 2nd.

Overall, our intent is to ensure all students have a great start to school that propels them towards a productive and successful year marked by their own growth and achievement.

Please take time to read the information below. You will find updates on:

• Important Dates to Know

• Forms and Materials to be Completed or Reviewed

• Technology Access

• Guidance Counselor Assignments

• Summer Reading Reminder

• School Council

• School Year Calendar

• Initial Athletics Schedule

• Fall Performing Arts Orientation Night
  
• Senior Portrait Information

• Social Media to Follow-us

Have a Great Night and Go Clippers!

Recognizing how quickly calendars fill-up once summer ends, I wanted to provide you with some dates of interest. Please click on this 2026/27 Important Dates Link to see this information.

Also don’t forget to follow us on various social media accounts.

On August 18, you will have access to your Family Connection account through a link on your Aspen X2 homepage after you log in. (A Reminder Message Will Be Sent on Aug 18)

Once you access your Family Connection account, you will be prompted to complete the Annual Verification Form. This form allows you to review and update your emergency contact information, verify your address, update guardian information, and review other important student information.

Your Family Connection account will also provide access to the following forms and resources:

• Clipper Compass (NHS Student Handbook)

• Photo Restriction Opt-Out Form

• Military/College Recruiter Opt-Out Form

Confidential Health Form – Mailed to Your Home Address

A printed copy of your student's Confidential Health Form will be mailed to your home address through USPS. Please complete and return the hard copy to the school. Students may bring the completed form to the Newburyport High School Main Office when they return to school.

Additional Information For Families to Review Before the Start of School

• School Day Attendance Protocols

• Food Service Information and Applications

• School Insurance Sheet

• School Day Photo Information

• Senior Portrait Information

• ASPEN: For issues regarding Aspen, please send an email to: aspen@newburyport.k12.ma.us. Please include your full name, the full name of your student, their graduation year, and the school they're currently attending.

• ALL OTHER: For general technology issues, please send an email to: support@newburyport.k12.ma.us or submit a ticket at this link. Please include your full name, the full name of your student, their graduation year, and the school they're currently attending.

• Please click on this link to view your students’ counselor assignment.

• Also, as a reminder, if there are any issues or concerns with a student’s schedule please email schedule@newburyport.k12.ma.us between now and September 2nd.

• Students have until September 18th to meet with their counselors regarding schedule changes due to under-enrollment or incorrect class placement. To do so, they must email their counselor to schedule an appointment.

  
  

Information for summer reading can be found on the library portion of our website. As always, we encourage students to read beyond what is expected for the summer.

Summer Reading One-Pager (All Grades with Assignments Linked)

The School Council is responsible for providing input into the high school’s improvement plan, budget and student handbook. The council consists of the building principals, parents, teachers, community members, and students.

Last school year, Amber Barbere, Jeanne Coffey, and Erin Seaton served as the parent representatives on the council. Jeanne and Erin have completed their 2 year term and Amber will continue on to her 2nd term in this cycle.

If you are interested in running for a seat on the School Council, please complete this nomination form by Thursday, Sept 3 at 5:00 PM. If necessary, an election will take place in mid-September.

I'm extremely appreciative of the time Amber, Jeanne, and Erin have spent on the council. They have provided great input to the work we are doing at the high school.

Here is a link to the school year daily schedule rotation in Google Calendar. Please have your student join the calendar. An email invite to join the calendar has been sent to their school email address.

This calendar provides the daily rotation and updates students of any schedule changes that may happen during the school year. By turning their calendar notifications to "ON," students will receive a message each morning of the day in the schedule rotation.

With the athletics season starting in a few days, below is a

document that shares initial practices for each of the fall sports teams. Coaches for each of their respective sports have also shared practice and tryout information as well.

Initial Practices and Try-out Information

Alongside athletics, we have a thriving performing arts program. Here is registration information for Dance, Chorus, and the Fall Play (Romeo and Juliet).

Fall Performing Arts Registration

Performing Arts Orientation Night Information

Aug 31 (5:00 - 7:00 PM)

Orientation night is for all Newburyport High School students planning on participating in Theatre, Dance, Band, Orchestra, Chorus/A Cappell–or those wanting more information. The evening will consist of a Q & A, which we welcome parents to attend; followed by our inaugural Performing Arts Honors Society Induction and culminating in an audition workshop for the fall production: Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet.