Solon Salutes

• Principal Update
• Dates to Remember
• Solon Salutes Shout Outs
• Reminders for the Class of 2024
• Athletics Update

Dear MHS Community,

We hope you had a wonderful long weekend. Our staff on Friday had a productive day. Our Instructional Assistants were at UES participating in de-escalation training. Our team at MHS used the day to discuss and continue to work on our revisions of the MHS Learning Expectations. Our hope is by February, we will have documents to share with students and caregivers.

The MRPS district continues progressing with the Equity Audit that started last school year. In November, Dr. Manning will return to conduct listening sessions with students, staff, and caregivers. We invite MHS caregivers to the MHS Library on November 3 at 5:00 p.m. to meet Dr. Manning and share their thoughts. MHS students and staff can speak with Dr. Manning at different times on November 1 and 2.

At the same time, MHS is providing Equity and Inclusion professional development for our staff, and our next set of dates are in November, January, March, and April or May during our faculty meetings and early release days.

We want to continue to improve our systems and have all students feel like they belong at MHS.

Hello, Juniors and Seniors,

This is a friendly reminder that we will review grades for privilege eligibility on October 16. It would be best to maintain or re-apply for privileges if you had a 3.0 or above in all courses. If you have below a 3.0 in any classes, you will be scheduled to meet with MHS Admin, a working lab will be added to your schedule, and you may lose the option to sign in and out during unscheduled times. You can always talk to us if you're worried about a class.

As Halloween is coming up again soon, here is what will be sent out to all students and caregivers across the district.

"As Halloween falls on a Tuesday this year and it is a school day, the MRPS's Administrators are communicating the expectations for the day. MRPS's Handbook states, "There shall be no school-initiated or -sanctioned formal or informal celebration or observance of religion, religious holidays or religious festivals." We have this in place to support all students from different backgrounds, beliefs, and socio-economic statuses. In accordance with our district handbook, each school will NOT be allowing costumes to be worn at school on Tuesday, October 31.

For those who choose to trick-or-treat and celebrate this holiday after school, stay safe and have a fun evening. Thank you in advance for your support."

-The MRPS Principals

"Before you discover what you love: fewer commitments, more experiments. After you discover what you love: fewer experiments, more commitments." James Clear

Sincerely,

Jason Gingold

• October 16 Egress Drill
• October 19 Fall Harvest Festival
• October 23 PSAT at MHS
• October 25 Picture Retake Day at MHS
• November 5-7 MHS Mails home Grades Update, end Quarter 1 2023
• November 9 Early Release, dismissal at 1:00 PM
• November 10 Conference Day
• November 15 Enrichment During Solon Block

2023-2024 District Calendar

2023-2024 Athletics Calendar

2023-2024 MHS Events Calendar

MHS 23-24 Student Handbook

MHS Cell Phone Policy 23-24

2023-2024 MHS Bell Schedule

MHS Program of Studies 2023-2024

MRPS 2023-2024 District Calendar\

MHS Links on the District Website

MRPS Athletics Website

Power School How to Access Student Grades Video

Where do I go for Solon Block?

Caregiver Handbook for Special Education Services

MHS Hazing, Harassment and Bullying Information: If you believe you have witnessed or experienced discrimination, bias-based harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, or bullying at MRPS, please report it to a school administrator as soon as possible. If you do not feel comfortable reporting in person, please complete this reporting form. If you have any questions, please get in touch with MRPS Director of Social Emotional Learning & Wellness, Jessica Murray, at jessicamurray@mpsvt.org or (802)505-0435.

PSATs at MHS- Monday, October 23, 2023 8:00-12:00

Reminder to 10th graders taking the test- please turn in payment ($18 cash or check made payable to MHS) by this Friday, 10/13, if you haven't done so already. Thank you!

Hello AP students and families/caregivers,

This is an email to give you some important information on AP exams. I know the exam is far away but students must commit to taking the exam by November 14th. Please read the below information carefully.

• Please make sure you have joined your AP classroom. This is the way we order exams.
• November 14th: Please let your teacher and/or Amanda Payne (AP Coordinator) know if you plan on taking the AP exam or not by this date: November 14th.
• Free: AP exams will not cost you anything this year. However, if you say "yes" to taking the exam by November 14th but then change your mind afterwards, there is a $40 cancellation fee.
• AP English and APUSH exams will be administered digitally this year using school issued Chromebooks.

Please connect with Amanda Payne if you have any questions or concerns.

MHS Conference Day is November 10th, 2023.
On November 1, caregivers will receive a link to PTCFAST, which is our sign-up platform for conferences.

Caregivers have until Midnight on November 8th to sign up. If you have questions please reach out to Val Belanger at 802-225-8000 or valerie@mpsvt.org

The Montpelier High School World Language Program has created a fund dedicated to helping students access educational travel during their time at MHS. We accept applications for the current academic year and the following summer every fall.

All MHS students can apply, regardless of whether they are studying a language or not. Students who have never traveled abroad with family or school (not including regional travel to Quebec) will be given priority over those who have. Students who demonstrate a clear, feasible plan and desire to travel and students of upper grades will also be given priority.

What are eligible expenses?

The primary goal of the travel equity fund is to help students access community-based experiences and immerse into a new culture. Eligible expenses are subject to case-by-case review.

• Transportation expenses

• Passport expenses

• Stipend for food and lodging

• Some program expenses

How to apply:

1. Preview the Application and gather necessary information.

2. Ask three teachers/administrators to complete the Recommendation form. Recommendations cannot come from the Travel Equity Fund committee members.

3. Complete the Application and submit it before November 1st, 2023.

4. Please see Brigitte Savard for questions. brigittesavard@mpsvt.org

AUGUST 25, 2023ANNOUNCEMENTS, EVENTS, FEATURED NEWS, HOME

NAMI Vermont, with other state community organizations, is bringing the documentary Anxious Nation to communities statewide beginning September 21. These screenings are free to the public thanks to a grant from the Vermont Community Foundation.

The events will feature a documentary screening, facilitated Q&A or panel discussions, and access to free mental health and suicide prevention resources. Screenings are made possible with the support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the United Way Mental Health Initiative, the Center for Health and Learning, Spectrum Youth & Family Services, Elevate Youth Services, the Central Vermont Prevention Coalition, and the Montpelier Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program.

Central Vermont's Fabulous YOUTH Musical Theatre Show Choir is BACK! This year, Montpelier High School’s Masque Theatre and Montpelier’s renowned Lost Nation Theater will join forces to offer this magical year-long musical theater performance opportunity for students in grades 6-8 (Junior Show Choir) and 9-12 (Senior Show Choir) right here in our capital city!

Co-directed by Molly Clark & Kianna Bromley, these two cohorts will build a staged repertoire of musical theater numbers to be performed at our end-of-season showcase. Triple threats are needed! If you love to sing, act, and dance - this is a space for you! Build friendships with students from Central Vermont who love Broadway, Glee, and movie musicals.

This year-long program takes place on Sunday afternoons from 4:30-7 p.m. starting October 15th and ending with an evening showcase performance on Sunday, May 12th.

To sign up and ask questions - please reach out to Kiannab@mpsvt.org!

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW for the MRPS Masque Theatre production of Urinetown: The Musical by Greg Kotis and Mark Hollmann. This satirical comedy is bound to get you laughing and hopefully questioning as it paints a ridiculous picture of our potentially resourceless future.

December 7th-9th at Montpelier High School

Is this show for kids?:

"There's no adult language or sexual innuendo, though there is some brief, cartoon violence when evil is inevitably punished. Urinetown's comedy extends far beyond toilet humor, as well; the lyrics and jokes are clever enough to appeal to adults, and clean enough for children younger than high school age." -bmgator.org

The MRPS Caregiver Council is composed of caregiver representatives from each school. They meet with the Superintendent, Director of Curriculum & Technology, Director of Student Services, Director of Social Emotional Learning & Wellness, and Communications Specialist on a monthly basis during the school year. Learn more about the Caregiver Council here. If you are interested in becoming an inaugural member of the MRPS Caregiver Council, please take a moment to fill out this form.

The MRPS School Board meets on bi-weekly Wednesday schedule. Find a summary of the last meeting and agendas for future meetings on the school board website.

MRPS administrators have been working to improve our website for students and families! Please check out the recent updates made to the curriculum, social emotional learning and wellness, and student support services webpages. Also, a reminder that all MHS air quality testing results are posted to our facilities webpage.