Message from the Principal

We have officially completed our first week of the 2026–2027 school year, and what a wonderful start it has been! Thank you for helping us make this first week smooth, successful, and positive.

This past week, our students participated in their first back-to-school pep rally in the gym where we welcomed our seniors with a grand entrance! School admin also met with each grade level to reiterate expectations, rules, and guidelines at Massey Hill Classical High School. Our school counselor and graduation coordinator met with our seniors to go over graduation information and college application/scholarship planning.

In this edition of the Pirate Press, you will find important information about Carpool Update to ensure that our students are safe during drop-off and dismissal. Additionally, you will find a link to our school counselor's monthly newsletter, cafeteria/Child Nutrition information, and a link to CCS Online Back to School Guide for many of our families who are new to CCS. You will also find information about student club and interest meetings that will be held at different times in the next few weeks. For our senior parents/guardians, please take a moment to read about the required senior parent meeting that will take place on September 29th. Lastly, we are excited to share our Homecoming Dance information. Please make sure to read the flyer and the attached link that contains the Homecoming Dress Code and Guest Guidelines.

We know the first week comes with adjustments, new routines, and plenty of moving pieces, and we appreciate your patience, communication, and partnership as we work together to establish strong routines and expectations. A special thank-you to our faculty and staff for their hard work, flexibility, and commitment to making sure our students feel welcomed, supported, and ready to learn.

We are off to a strong start! Let's continue to make this a year of excellence, growth, and opportunity.

With excitement and appreciation,

Dr. Catherine Abraham-Johnson

Principal

September 7 - Student/Staff Holiday - No School

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

September 17 - Seminar (GLA Schedule)

September 18 - Test: Mastery Prep

September 22 - Student 2 Hour Early Release

September 24 - Progress Reports go home

September 25 - Pirate Olympics (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.

All students will continue to report to GLA at the beginning of each day until September 4, 2026.

To ensure that all students and families know our bell schedule for the first ten days of school, please review the attachment. The attachment provides a day by day bell schedule from August 24th through September 4th.

It is imperative that all students report to school on time and be present at GLA as attendance will be taken.

After September 4th, our campus will follow our regular bell schedule.

Here are a couple of important expectations that we need parents to help us with. Adherence to these expectations will help us ensure the safety of our staff and students.

• Students may only be dropped off between the dumpsters and the crosswalk in front of the science building in the morning.
• Students may start exiting vehicles at 7:10 a.m.
• Students arriving between 7:10 - 7:33 must report to either the gym or the cafeteria.
• Students going to breakfast should exit their vehicle on the right and proceed to enter the main building via the crosswalk between the Science building and the main building. Students may not enter breakfast via the side doors to the cafeteria. Students may only report to the cafeteria if they are eating breakfast.
• Students who report to the gym should exit their vehicle and walk alongside the back fence to the back entrance to the gym. Students should not be walking in the traffic lines at all.
• Students should only cross in designated painted crosswalks.
• Parents may not park in the parking lots to let their students out unless they have business to attend to in the school office.
• In the AM, parents may not pull out of the first and third lanes for any reason. The middle lane is not used during morning drop-off. In the afternoon pick-up, parents may use the middle lane to pull around parents that are still waiting for their students to exit the building.

Adherence to these expectations will ensure that everyone remains safe and also ensure that our car line moves as quickly as possible.

Please contact Mr. John Gibson, our Safe School Coordinator, if you have any questions.

Please take a few minutes to review the attached edition of The Counselor’s Corner. This newsletter is a valuable resource filled with important information and opportunities to help our students stay informed, prepared, and on track for success.

📖 Study Habits & Academic Success
💰 Scholarships & Financial Opportunities
🎓 College Applications & Planning
📅 Important Dates & Deadlines
📌 Resources and Opportunities for Students

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

Please read the Driver's Ed information below:

Registration Link:
https://www.ccs.k12.nc.us/o/ccs/page/registration

Driver Education Registration Information

Registration Window:

• Now Open
  

• Closes: September 07, 2026 at 8:00 PM

• September 21 – October 16, 2026

Virtual Classes
Virtual classes are available to students from Cumberland International, Cross Creek, Cumberland Virtual Academy, Cumberland Polytechnic, Massey Hill High School, Reid Ross High School, homeschools, charter and private schools.

Virtual class times will vary by instructor. Schedules will be emailed one week before classes begin.

For the 2026-2027 school year, breakfast will be served at no cost to students, however, there will be a charge for lunch. Free and reduced priced lunch is available to students who qualify. Parents may put money on the student’s account. The link to the CCS Child Nutrition link is below for your convenience.

The following are rules and regulations are to be observed while in the cafeteria:

• Seniors may move to the front of the line (MHCHS Tradition - Senior Privilege).

• Seniors can leave 2 minutes early for lunch (MHCHS Tradition - Senior Privilege).

• All food, whether brought from home or purchased at school, will be consumed in the cafeteria.

• Vending machines in the cafeteria will be available for student use during lunchtime. Students are not permitted to use the vending machine throughout the day except during their scheduled lunchtime.

Interested in playing Powder Puff Football this year?

All junior and senior girls are invited to a brief interest meeting:

Tuesday, September 1

3:00 PM

Room 305

The meeting will last approximately 10–15 minutes. Come learn more about the team, schedule, and what you need to do to participate.

Anyone interested in running for an SGA position for this year, please attend a mandatory meeting on Wednesday, September 2nd, after school at 3pm in the media center.

We need all Freshman positions: President, Vice-President, and class representatives. For Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors we have class representative positions open. All information about running for offices will be discussed at this time. If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Dunn or email her at juliannedunn@ccs.k12.nc.us

National Honor Society will hold its 1st membership meeting on Friday, September 4, 2026, in the cafeteria right after school. Students should be picked up by 3:30 p.m.

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.

Key Club will be holding their first interest meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in the Media Center from 3:00 to 3:45. Please make sure your ride is here on time to pick you up after our meeting.

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

Do you like frozen yogurt during these hot summer days? The Hill's International Thespian Society is hosting a fundraiser at Sweet Frogs on 4191 Sycamore Road on September 4th from 4:00-8:00 PM. We hope to see you there!

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.

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.

Our new Social Worker, Ms. Jasmine Shepherd, would like to share information about The Salvation Army - Angel Tree Registration. If you have any questions and wish to reach out to our social worker, her email address is: jasmineshepherd@ccs.k12.nc.us

Angel Tree Registration Opens September 1, 2026

The Salvation Army of the Sandhills will accept 2026 Angel Tree applications from September 1–October 31 for children 17 and younger.

Documents Needed:

Photo ID for all adults in the household

For each child: birth certificate, Medicaid card, or immunization record

Proof of household income

Proof of living expenses (rent/mortgage and utilities)

Legal guardianship documentation, if applicable

Families will also need each child’s clothing, coat, and shoe sizes and 3–4 Christmas wishes.

📸 Tip: Take clear photos of all documents before applying so they are ready to upload.

Important: Applications must be completed in full. Incomplete applications may not receive follow-up due to the high volume. Families will be notified if approved.

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.