Principal's Newsletter
From the Desk of Russ Booth
October 25th, 2026
Good afternoon MHS Families,
It was another busy week at MHS. Thank you to all who attended our annual Financial Aid Night on Wednesday. For those who couldn't make it, the slide deck from the evening will be sent out to senior families soon. This week, the MHS Tri-M will host our Annual Haunted Hallways event. It is always a great time, welcoming in our elementary students to MHS for some good trick-or-treating fun, and a concert to end the evening.
As we wrap up October and move into November, there are a few reminders to share with everyone. School will not be in session on Tuesday, November 3rd to support a full day Professional Development Day for staff.
Another reminder, the first quarter at MHS ends on Friday, November 6th. Students still have 2 weeks to make up assignments and get support if they need to improve their grade. Families can check their child's progress through the family portal and reach out directly to any teachers with any questions they have.
One last reminder, we are sending our new emergency forms to families we have yet to receive a response from. If you have already returned your emergency form at the start of the school year, you will not receive one.
I hope everyone enjoys the remainder of the weekend. Be sure to look below for a few other highlights and reminders from the week.
Senior Corner:
Class of 2027 Senior Families:
The 2027 Yearbook is now on sale. If you order before October 31st you'll save $10! Go to https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/general/homepage?portal=true . Our school number is 5468
Seniors! Senior portraits and blurbs are due by October 31st. Links for submission and information can be found under the student publication link on the MHS website.
We are also collecting "senior flashbacks!" We'd love to see old photos of groups of students at events, sports, etc. Flashback photos can be emailed to yearbook@mansfieldschools.com
The yearbook staff is cleaning out the closets and we have several old books from 2004-2015. If you're interested in one please email Ms.Martinelli at jennifer.martinelli@mansfieldschools.com
Athletics Update:
It was another busy week for Hornet Athletics, with several exciting performances and accomplishments! Boys Cross Country earned a close 26-30 victory over North Attleboro, while Field Hockey picked up an impressive 2-0 shutout win over Stoughton. Congratulations to our Golf team on an outstanding season, finishing third overall in the Hockomock League! Girls Soccer battled one of the top teams in Division 2, King Philip, to a 1-1 tie before falling to Franklin, while Boys Soccer fought hard in a narrow 1-0 loss to Franklin. Volleyball faced a challenging week against strong Hockomock competition, pushing both Foxboro and North Attleboro to five sets and competing against one of the state's top teams in Oliver Ames.
Our Unified Basketball team had a fantastic week with three exciting games against Foxboro, Oliver Ames, and North Attleboro, continuing to showcase the teamwork, inclusion, and sportsmanship that make this program so special. Football took on Canton Friday night, pulling out a thrilling victory 19-14. Our Cheerleading team also kicked off its competition season at Scituate High School, working toward qualifying for sectional and state competitions. Best of luck to all our Hornets as they continue their fall seasons!
Transitions Counseling Services:
We are excited to partner with Transitions Counseling Services, Inc. to offer convenient, in-school counseling opportunities for our students.
If you are interested in services for your child, please contact the school counseling office or scan the QR code on the flyer to complete the referral form. A member of the Transitions staff will follow up with you within 48 hours of your submission.
MCAS Information for Families with Students in Grades 4 through 12
The MCAS Family Portal now contains final score reports for spring 2026 testing. On September 10, 2026, a communication was sent to parents/guardians designated as CONTACT 1 with instructions on how to access the MCAS Family Portal. That communication is linked below for your reference.
MHS Attendance Email:
This email is monitored daily, and families can send daily absence notifications, excusal notes, and dismissal notes. Please be sure to include the first and last name of your student, as well as your name and contact number when sending the email.
We encourage families to use the MHSattendance@mansfieldschools.com email to make attendance related communication easier.
Late Bus Reminder:
Late bus routes are posted in the main lobby, and any student can also ask questions in the main office prior to the bus leaving.
Student Drop-Off:
Students can be dropped off each morning in either the main parking lot next to the gym (door 9) or auditorium (door 5), or in the front bus loop after the buses exit at 7:15am. For those dropping off in the bus loop, please pull forward as far as possible to utilize either door 24 or door 1. Please use the map with door locations to support a smooth drop off for everyone entering the building each morning.
After School Support and Expectations:
Students are welcome to stay after school for extra curricular activities and academic support. Students staying after school for clubs, extra help, or other extra curricular activities must be with a teacher or coach they are staying after for. Students may also utilize the library after school as long as it is open. Once a student is done with their after school activity, they must report to the lobby to wait for their ride. Students who need to take the late bus must also report to the lobby to wait, and leave through the front entrance when reporting to the bus.
District Calendar:
The district school calendar is linked below at the bottom of the newsletter throughout the school year. It has also been linked here for families to review. Please note, the last day of school is currently listed as June 17th, 2027. Any snow days during the year will push the last day of school into the following week. Students will have final exams during the last week of school, and snow days will push these exam dates back. Please take possible snow days into consideration when planning end of year trips, as this could have an impact on your student taking a final exam over the summer.
Important Dates:
November 3rd - No School
November 11th - No School
November 25th - Half Day, Thanksgiving Break
November 26th-27th - No School
December 24th - January 3rd - No School, Winter Break
Local Food Resources and SNAP Benefits
The following information was included in Superintendent McKeon's weekly newsletter, and we want to be sure all MHS families have access to the same information and links should your family need them. Any family in need of support is encouraged to contact the Main Office at the high school, and a member of our administrative team will be happy to provide support. Please see the links below as needed:
MPS Food Services Website
https://www.mansfieldschools.com/o/mps/page/food-services
Mansfield Food Pantry
https://www.mansfieldfoodpantry.org/
WestSide Benevolent Circle
Town of Mansfield Social Services Department
https://mansfieldma.com/175/Social-Services-Fuel-AssistanceHockomock YMCA Food Access
https://www.hockymca.org/food-access/
Hebron Food Pantry
Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline
https://projectbread.org/foodsource-hotline
MPS Website - Financial Assistance Information
https://www.mansfieldschools.com/o/mps/page/financial-assistance
Donations Support Mansfield Food Pantry
Donations Support Mansfield Food Pantry
Update to CORI Process:
Mansfield Public Schools is returning to the previous practice of having CORI's verified at the school level. Anyone needing to complete a CORI will be able to bring their completed form and a state issued photo ID to MHS during school hours and have their forms verified. Forms can also be taken to the HR Department in the Town Hall during normal operating hours.
This updated process will begin in the coming weeks, and we will provide more information once the updated process will begin.
Volunteering and Visiting Mansfield Public Schools
Volunteers and visitors must provide identification when entering the school. The ID will be processed through the Raptor system which checks the Sexual Offender Registry. Any findings must be addressed before the individual is able to volunteer or visit.
Mental Health Resources for Students
The state of Massachusetts has designed a website called HandHold to support families of school-aged students focused on the area of mental health. Families can click the link provided for more information on the supports available.
Various Vaping Resources
In an effort to combat the ongoing challenge of vaping within our school (and others), please take a look at and utilize the various resources provided below to learn more about vaping in order to start/continue the conversation with your child. Making progress in this area is a group effort, and we want to provide support for families at home with these resources.
General Info:
Vaping and the impact of Covid
Information on Quitting:
District Vision, Mission, and Core Values
District Vision
The Mansfield Public Schools will foster an environment where all students share a sense of belonging and experience academic and personal growth. We will inspire and empower active and engaged learners, citizens, innovators, and communicators.
District Mission
The Mansfield Public Schools supports each student so they feel recognized and valued. All students are empowered academically, socially, and emotionally so they can reach their maximum potential.
Core Values
Belonging
We build a supportive and understanding community through kindness, respect, and empathy.
Collaboration
We work together, share ideas, respect each other, and celebrate our achievements as a community.
Curiosity
We question, explore, and discover in order to foster a love of learning, not just for school but for life.
Integrity
We are honest and do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
Resilience
We adapt and grow in the face of adversity, always persevering and continuing to try.
Community Backpack:
Families are encouraged to view our Community Backpack to view fliers that have been approved for school distribution. You can view this page by clicking above or by going to mansfieldschools.com, choosing MENU and selecting the link under the Students and Families section.
About Us
Mr. Russ Booth - Principal
Ms. Lisa Giuliano - Assistant Principal, Grades 10 & 12
Nicholas Schlierf, Ph.D - Assistant Principal, Grades 9 & 11
Eric Bruinooge, Ph.D - Director of Secondary Special Education
Mr. Tim Selmon - Athletic Director
Email: russ.booth@mansfieldschools.com
Website: https://mhs.mansfieldschools.com/
Location: 250 East Street, Mansfield, MA, USA
Phone: 508-261-7540
Twitter: @MHSHornets