FRIDAY FOCUS

The MRSD Food Services Department wants to hear from students, parents/caregivers, and staff members -- share your feedback on the offerings in our cafeterias. Please take this brief, anonymous survey. The survey will close January 21, 2026. Thank you!

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Our school is currently experiencing an increase in influenza (flu) cases and flu-like illnesses. To protect our students and staff, we need your partnership in preventing further spread.

When to Keep Your Child Home:

• Fever: Temperature of 100.4°F (37.8°C) or higher.

• Vomiting or Diarrhea: Must be symptom-free for 24 hours.

• Flu Symptoms: Sudden fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, sore throat, or a hacking cough.

Do NOT Send Your Child to School If:

• You've given fever-reducing medicine (Tylenol/Motrin) to mask symptoms; they are still contagious.

• They are too unwell to participate in class.

Return to School Guidelines:

• Students must be fever-free for a full 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

• Symptoms should be significantly improving.

Prevention is Key:

• Handwashing: Wash hands frequently with soap and water.

• Cough Etiquette: Cover coughs/sneezes with an elbow or tissue.

• Stay Home: The best way to prevent the spread of germs.

• Flu Vaccine: Highly recommended for protection.

Thank you for helping us keep our school community healthy! Please the High School Health Office with any questions.

Congratulations to the December MRSD Staff Shoutout honoree, J. Wyatt Sullivan! Mr. Sullivan is a Grade 7 ELA teacher at Monomoy Regional Middle School, and has been nominated by multiple students -- here are some of their comments:

“He never judged where I came from or who I was, he focused on guiding me toward who I wanted to become.”

“He made us look at things in a different way and taught us so many things we will carry with us throughout life. He is an inspiration to all and he deserves all the recognition in this world.”

Each month, the district will feature 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 January are now open! Any staff members nominated previously can be nominated again, except for those already honored this year.

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.

Exams begin on Tuesday, January 20, during E Block (1:45-3:15). This is a FULL DAY of school.

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday will be half days for students, with two exams each day. If you do not have a midterm exam, your attendance is not required. However, to avoid interruptions during the exams, dismissals from school will take place at the end of each exam block.

Lastly, our food service staff will continue to offer grab-and-go lunch on the half days (prior to dismissal). Buses will depart promptly at noon.

Please reach out if you have any additional questions or concerns.

As students prepare for midterms next week, the Spirit Club arranged a visit from the Hearts & Paws Comfort Dogs! Petting cute pups is a great stress-reducer. 🐶

SAIL students have been learning about physical and chemical changes. This week they even made their own ice cream!

A group of MRHS students spent much of last week at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole as part of the High School Science Discovery Program! This 3-day residential course immersed students in current research focused on Adaptation & Evolution in Response to Environmental Challenges. Students engaged in hands-on field and laboratory experiences, including examining sea creatures, extracting DNA, and running gel electrophoresis on the DNA! Thanks to grant funding, this experience was entirely free for students.

Here are links to surveys being conducted by MRHS students to accumulate data for their AP Research studies. Please take one (or more!) of these to support these projects. All surveys are anonymous. Thank you! John Dickson

For all adults: Survey about attitudes toward the use of Artificial Intelligence in Law Enforcement

For women who gave birth in 2025: Survey about nutrition and well-being for recent mothers

For small business owners: Survey about materialistic values among small business owners

For all adults: Survey about coastal erosion perceptions

• Go to YBpay.lifetouch.com
• Enter code 9900726
• Enter your student info

If you require financial assistance to purchase a yearbook please reach out to Mrs. Katie Francesconi at kfrancesconi@monomoy.edu

Attention Class of 2026 caregivers: We still have senior ads available for purchase!

• 1/4 page ad is $25
• 1/2 page ad is $50
• Full page ad is $100

Purchase yours today and the yearbook team will design your ad in January. A great way to include a personal message to your senior and include more photos. Reach out to Mrs. Katie Francesconi if you have any questions.

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

MRHS is on Instagram at @monomoyhighschool!

The class of 2027 will be selling items at the Robotics tournament on Saturday, January 17. Please consider baking some cupcakes or cookies (or bringing some cold drinks).

We'd appreciate it if you could wrap items for individual sale (ziploc bags or plastic wrap).

Items can be brought to Guidance on Friday, January 16 or to school the day of the event.

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening participation. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Cape Cod Foundation will be presenting to the seniors on Tuesday, January 27 during Jawsome.

Please apply early - https://www.capecod.edu/apply/

Hello All- You will be receiving a letter towards the end of November. This message is to serve as advanced notice. Full payment will be expected by March 1, 2026.

All students enrolled in AP classes are expected to take the culminating exams in May 2026. Earning scores high enough on these tests could potentially lead to college credit. In addition, this exam takes the place of the course final. Exam fees are determined by the College Board; each exam is $99.00 (For those who are eligible based on household income, the cost is $40.00 per exam)

• One exam: $99.00

• Two exams: $198.00

• Three (or more) exams: $297.00

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

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!

The Monomoy Booster Club is hosting a Comedy Night Fundraiser to support our student-athletes! The event will be held Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Pelham House Resort. Find more information and get tickets at https://www.funny4funds.com/events/monomoy-booster-club-comedy-show-fundraiser/1636. We hope you can join us!

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

Seats are limited. Applications are required. Apply here: https://www.capecod.edu/nurse-assistant/

If you have questions, we’re here to help! Call Martina Groves-Williams, CNA Lead Instructor/Coordinator, at 774-330-4013 or email mgroveswilliams@capecod.edu.

Deadline to apply is January 30: https://www.bsheriff.net/FormCenter/Public-Forms-4/Public-Safety-Explorer-Program-49

Check out these offerings from Harwich Youth and Family Services!

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