Message from the Principal

The results are in, and Massey Hill Classical High School Excellence is shining brighter than ever!

We are incredibly proud of our students, teachers, and staff for their hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. These impressive results reflect the high expectations, meaningful learning, and strong sense of community that define Pirate Excellence.

To our students: Your determination, perseverance, and commitment to learning made this success possible.

To our teachers and staff: Thank you for believing in our students, supporting their growth, and giving your very best each day.

To our families and community partners: Thank you for your continued encouragement, trust, and support. Your partnership plays an essential role in the success of our students and school.

This achievement belongs to our entire Pirate family! Together, we will continue building on our success and showing that Excellence is the Standard at Massey Hill Classical High School.

Congratulations, Pirates! Let’s keep the momentum going!

We have successfully completed our first two weeks of school!

This is a reminder that there is no school on Monday, September 7th. All students return Tuesday, September 8th. Upon our return on campus, all students will report directly to their First Period class - not GLA.

This past week, we completed our first fire drill of the school year. Please know that fire drills are held each month. There will be other safety drills that will be held throughout the school year which you will be informed about. By this time, all students should have an assigned locker. Friday was the last day to carry backpacks. All students must have a locker. If you have any questions about any of our safety drills and lockers, please reach out to our Safe School Coordinator, Mr. John Gibson at johngibson@ccs.k12.nc.us.

In this edition of The Pirate Press, you will find the 2026–2027 Bell Schedule attached for your reference. This edition also includes important information regarding:

• ACT TruScore – Mastery Prep for our 11th-grade students
• High School State Assessments, including important testing information
• Ms. Grevel’s Counselor’s Corner for September, which includes valuable information about scholarships, college application deadlines, and other important opportunities
• Updated Student Clubs/Organization information
• Homecoming information, dress code, and guest information
• The last attachment of The Pirate Press contains Early Release and School Delay Bell Schedule for your reference.

Please take time to carefully review The Pirate Press each week so that you and your student remain informed about important announcements, deadlines, events, and opportunities happening on our campus.

Thank you for staying connected and informed, Pirates!

With excitement and appreciation,

Dr. Catherine Abraham-Johnson

Principal

September 7 - Student/Staff Holiday - No School

September 10 - Club Day during Treasure Time (Follow 60 Minute GLA Schedule)

September 17 - Seminar (Follow 60 Minute GLA Schedule)

September 18 - Test: Mastery Prep (Juniors)/ Check-In Meeting (Seniors)

September 22 - Student 2 Hour Early Release

September 24 - Progress Reports go home

September 25 - Pirate Olympics (Follow 60 Minute End of Day GLA)

September 29 - Senior Parent Meeting in Media Center @ 6:30 p.m.

Regular school day office hours are from 7:00-3:30 p.m.

Daily Bell times are from 7:40-2:50 p.m.

Starting Tuesday, September 8, 2026, students will no longer report to GLA first thing in the morning. Students will begin reporting to their First Period class and follow the Regular Bell Schedule.

On Thursday, September 10th, our school will host Student Club Day during Treasure Time. On that day, our school will follow the 60 Minute GLA Schedule.

Please review our Regular Bell Schedule attached. In the attachment, you will also see different bell schedules when we have our GLA, Seminar, and Pirate Olympics.

We are excited to share that our students will participate in enrichment activities designed to support learning, build community, and encourage growth in a variety of areas. Students will engage in:

• Pirate Olympics – Fun and engaging physical activities that promote teamwork, healthy competition, and school spirit.

• Paideia Seminar (led by Student Ambassadors) – Student-centered discussions that strengthen critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Treasure Time – Targeted support where students receive additional academic assistance and enrichment opportunities.

These enrichment experiences are an important part of our school culture and help us provide a well-rounded education that goes beyond the classroom. We look forward to seeing our students grow academically, socially, and physically through these monthly events.

Attached below is our Regular Bell Schedule and GLA Treasure Time/Seminar/Pirate Olympics Schedule.

Please review the September Edition of The Counselor's Corner created by Ms. Grevel.

We encourage students and parents/guardians to read the newsletter together and pay close attention to important deadlines and opportunities. Staying informed is an important part of preparing for success beyond high school.

Attention Senior Parents and Families!

Please save the date for our Required Senior Parent Meeting, where we will cover all things related to graduation and the senior year experience.

📅 Date: September 29, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Media Center

During this important meeting, we will review graduation requirements, important senior deadlines, graduation expectations, ceremony details, cap and gown information, senior activities, and other important information to help ensure your senior is prepared to successfully cross the stage!

Parent/guardian attendance is required. There will be important information shared that all senior families need to know. More details and reminders will be shared as we get closer to the meeting.

Looking ahead, there will be another required Senior Parent Meeting in March 2027 as we get closer to graduation. The date and time will be shared at a later date. If you have any questions about the senior parent meeting, please reach out to our Graduation Coordinator, Mr. Ryan Cashwell at ryancashwell@ccs.k12.nc.us

11th Grade Parents/Guardians,

We need to inform you that all Juniors at Massey Hill Classical High School will take the TruScore ACT practice test through Mastery Prep on September 18, 2026. This practice test is designed to give students a preview of the ACT and assess their readiness for this important college admissions exam.

What is the TruScore ACT Practice Test?
The TruScore ACT practice test is a comprehensive assessment that mirrors the content and format of the official ACT exam. It covers the same subject areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning, helping students become familiar with the types of questions they will encounter. The results provide valuable insight into their current performance and indicate areas where they may need additional focus and practice. Additional focus and practice sessions will be offered to students.

Why is this important?
The results of this practice test will help us identify students who may need additional support in preparing for the official ACT. This practice test allows us to offer targeted instruction and resources to those students who need extra practice in specific subject areas.

We encourage all students to take this opportunity seriously, as it will help them gauge where they stand and how they can improve before taking the official ACT in March 2027. Specific dates will be provided as it gets closer to testing time.

If you have any questions about the TruScore ACT practice test or how the results will be used to support your student, please feel free to contact Ms. Lakeisha McCabe, our Assistant Principal/Testing Coordinator.

We have many new families from out of state or new to Cumberland County Schools who may not be familiar with the different state assessments that our students will be taking. To ensure that our students and families are informed, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and federally required assessments are listed below.

• End-of-Course (EOC) assessments in English II, NC Math 1, NC Math 3, and Biology

• ACT (grade 11)

• Pre-ACT (grade 10)

• ACT WorkKeys

EOC (End of Course Tests)

• Tests are given the last 5 days of the semester (1st Semester EOC Testing is January 11 -15, 2027; 2nd Semester EOC Testing is May 24-28, 2027)

• Tests are given for English II, Math 1, Math 3, and Biology.

• Students enrolled in these classes for credit must take the appropriate EOC at the conclusion of the course.

• English and Math Tests are aligned with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Biology is aligned to the North Carolina Essential Standards for Science.

• English II contains multiple choice and constructed response items.

• Math 1 includes both calculator active and inactive sections. It is also comprised of both multiple choice and technology-enhanced items.

• Math 3 is entirely calculator active and is comprised of multiple choice and technology-enhanced items.

• Biology includes multiple choice and technology-enhanced items.

• Results from the EOC are required to be used as 20% of the final course grade.

PreACT

• Administered annually to all eligible 10th graders

• Simulates the ACT in a shorter test form offering testing in English, reading, math, and science

• Predicts future success on the ACT

• Identifies particular strengths and weaknesses for discussions on academic supports, curriculum gaps, and/or advanced placement

ACT

• Administered annually to all students enrolled in 11th grade in the Spring

• Evaluates college and career readiness in English, reading, math, and science

• Utilized for college admissions, placements, and scholarships

• Path to increase access to postsecondary and workforce opportunities

ACT WorkKeys

• Required for all eligible Career and Technical Education (CTE) Concentrators

• Assessments include Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents

• Applied Math Test measures critical thinking, mathematical reasoning and problem solving techniques for the workplace

• Graphic Literacy measures skills needed to locate, synthesize, and utilize information from workplace graphics

• Workplace Documents measures the skills people use to read workplace documents and utilize that information to make job related decisions and solve problems.

• Nationally recognized certificate provides employers with information on skill levels of potential employees.

If you have any questions about assessments, please reach out to our Assistant Principal/Testing Coordinator, Mrs. Lakeisha McCabe at lakeishamccabe@ccs.k12.nc.us.

Active Minds is holding their first interest meeting on Wednesday, September 9th 2026 from 3:00 to 3:30 in the Media Center. All who are interested in finding out what Active Minds is all about are welcome.

Battle of the Books: There will be an interest meeting for Battle of the Books team meeting is Friday, September 11th in the Media Center. It will last about 45 minutes. We will talk about the expectations and all the exciting books on the list this year. If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Dunn @ juliannedunn@ccs.k12.nc.us.

The Art Club will have it's first meeting on 9/18/2026 from 2:50 till 3:45 in room 411. All students that are interested are welcome to attend. Please make prior arrangements for your ride home at 3:45.

Do you love to read? Do you enjoy talking about books? Then join all your fellow book lovers at The Silent Book Club Interest Meeting on Tuesday, September 15th in the Media Center immediately after school. Please have rides available by 4 pm. Any questions can go to Mrs. Dunn at juliannedunn@ccs.k12.nc.us

Skate Night for Victory Junction: On Thursday, September 17th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, MHCHS SGA will host a Skate night at the Roundabout Skating Center located at 115 Skateway Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304 (71st Location). It is $8 admission and $2 for skate rentals. All proceeds for this event will go to Victory Junction. Please click this link https://victoryjunction.org/about-vj/ for more information about the fabulous things going on at Victory Junction. Please contact Mrs.Dunn at juliannedunn@ccs.k12.nc.us with any questions.

Calling all singers! Calling all music lovers! Do you love to sing? Want to perform, make new friends, and be part of something amazing?

Then come check out Gospel Choir! 🌟

Join us for a Choir Interest Meeting on in Room #103 Thursday, September 10, from 3:00–3:15 PM.

Come hear what choir is all about, meet us, and find out how YOU can be part of the sound!

See. Ms. Stephenson if you have any additional questions.

Don’t just listen to the music—BE the music!

We can’t wait to see you there!

Step back into 1920 Old Hollywood for MHCHS Homecoming 2026.

The dance will be on Friday, October 9, from 7:00 - 10:00 pm in the cafeteria. The dance is semi-formal. DJ Cash Cash will be supplying the music. Cost is $20 dollars per person. You can pay at School Cash Online now through the dance or in person during lunches starting Monday, September 21st.

Guests are allowed and guest applications are available in the media center and must be turned into Mrs.Dunn (Media Center) or Mrs. Kennedy (Front Office - Ground Floor) by the end of the day at 2:50 p.m. on Friday, September 25th. If you have any questions please email Mrs. Dunn at juliannedunn@ccs.k12.nc.us.

The MHCHS Homecoming Dress Code and Guest Guidelines are attached below.

Maintaining a consistent and appropriate uniform dress code helps promote a positive and focused learning environment for all students. In order to support this, the following uniform dress code is as follows:

DRESS CODE:

MHCHS has been approved as a uniform code of dress school since its founding in 1998.

In general, MHCHS staff has discretion in making judgments relating to the appropriateness of dress in the school environment. Appropriate dress and uniform is necessary in order to maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and safety. Massey Hill Classical High School is focused on learning and the staff and administration are committed to providing a safe, orderly learning environment for all students. In order to support this, the following uniform dress code will be enforced:

Monday through Thursday Dress Code:

• Tops - Students must wear either solid color collared polo shirts or solid color collared button downs (long sleeve or short sleeve). Collars must be visible under outerwear (i.e. plain crewneck sweatshirts, sweaters, etc.). Permitted colors are Black, Navy, Hunter or Forest Green, White, or Light Gray.

• Bottoms - Students must wear solid color pants. Permitted colors are Black, Navy or Khaki. Pants must be dress/chino/slacks or comparable style. Cargo/carpenter pants and sweatpants are not permitted. Blue jeans/denim material and spandex material are not permitted.

• Non-bulky outerwear (jackets similar to those available for purchase through the school, fleece vests, cardigans, sweaters, solid-colored crewneck sweatshirts, and school/vendor purchased or issued letterman jackets) can be worn throughout the day. Such outerwear must be solid-color in Black, Navy, Hunter or Forest Green, White, or Gray.

• Bulky outerwear (i.e. bubble jackets, etc.) may be worn to and from school, but should remain in the student’s locker during the school day.

• For school safety and security purposes, hoodies and garments with a hood are not allowed. The only exception is the current senior hoodie (26-27 school year) which may be worn by current seniors only.

• Leggings/tights are permitted under skirts. Leggings must be neutral (black, white, navy, or khaki) solid color tights. Leggings/tights may not be worn in the place of pants/shorts/skirts.

• Skirts, shorts, and dresses must be worn in a manner that prevents the display of undergarments. The hemlines of these garments should not exceed three inches above the knees. If the hemline falls within three inches above the knee, it must be accompanied by underlying garments such as bike shorts, non-transparent leggings, stockings, or shorts that extend below the three-inch mark above the knee.

• Shoes may be any color, however they must have a closed toe and closed heel. Crocs, slides, and slippers are not permitted. Additionally, no shoes with a greater than a two inch heel or platform may be worn.

Friday Dress code:

• Blue or black jeans without holes may be worn only on Fridays with an accompanying school shirt. Permitted school shirts include uniform shirts (Monday through Thursday dress), MHCHS shirts (purchased through MHCHS), MHCHS student club/organization shirts, and *Sports shirts/jerseys will be permitted on Fridays. *Sports shirts/jerseys must be from the student’s home high school and the student must be a current member of the team and/or activity, including during the off-season.

PE Uniforms, Backpacks, and Bags:

• Physical Education (PE) Uniforms: Students in Health/PE must wear appropriate attire as directed by the teacher at the start of the semester. Uniform items may be purchased from the school and or any vendor of a parent’s choosing as long as the student’s dress complies with the attire policy of the class.

• All backpacks must stay in lockers. They will not be permitted in the classrooms. Students may have a personal bag that is no larger than 11” x 14”.

• School ordering information for MHCHS optional uniform items will be sent out as soon as possible and posted on the school website.

Students are prohibited from wearing clothing, jewelry, or other articles of personal appearance which:

● Depict profanity, vulgarity, obscenity, or violence;

● Promote use or abuse of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol;

● May create a threat to the health or safety of the student or others;

● Are associated with intimidation, violence or violent groups and about which students have been notified, or

● May create a significant risk of disruption to the educational process or to the operation of the school

The following specific items are also not permitted:

1. Clothing worn in such a manner so as to reveal underwear

2. Bare feet, bedroom slippers

3. See-through, mesh garments

4. Clothing that is excessively baggy or tight

5. Pajamas

6. Sunglasses worn inside school building

7. Sagging pants

8. Jeans with holes

9. Bare midriff shirts

10. Strapless or backless shirts

11. Tanktops

12. Shorts, skirts or dresses above mid-thigh.

13. Attire with messages or illustrations that are lewd, indecent, or vulgar or that advertise any product or service not permitted by law to minors

14. Any adornment such as chains or spikes

15. Bandanas

16. Any other article of appearance that is physically revealing or provocative.

17. Hats, hoodies on your head, bonnets, scarves, ski masks, or any other non-religious headwear (Massey Hill Classical will make the necessary accommodations for religious types of headgear or head coverings that would be otherwise restricted.)

*You do not have to buy uniform items through the school as long as they comply with the school’s uniform dress code. Additional options to purchase uniforms will also be shared soon.

This new online store provides families with a convenient way to purchase approved school uniform items throughout the school year. Please note that purchasing uniforms through the online store is optional. Families may continue to purchase approved uniform items from other retailers as long as they comply with the school’s uniform dress code requirements.

Here is the store link: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/Ybzj6eNd8p

We are excited to build a strong and supportive PTA community at Massey Hill Classical High School!

The PTA provides an opportunity for parents, guardians, teachers, staff, and community members to work together to support our students, school programs, and school community. Please complete this brief form to let us know about your interest in becoming involved.

Please see this link for the PTA Interest Form.

Please read the MHCHSH 2026-2027 Student and Parent Handbook attached below. This will remain in The Pirate Press throughout the school year and will also be found on the school website.