Message from the Principal

Last week was a busy and exciting week at Massey Hill Classical and we have so much to celebrate!

• We successfully completed our Code Red Lockdown Practice Drill, and I appreciate our students and staff for taking this important safety practice seriously. Thank you to Mr. Gibson, our Safe School Coordinator, for coordinating our safety drills on campus this past month.
• Senior pictures also went smoothly, capturing another special milestone for our Class of 2027. Thank you to Ms. Canady and Mrs. McCabe for organizing this day. Reminder that November 12, 2026 is the senior make-up picture day.
• Congratulations to our seniors for winning the 2026 Powderpuff Game! It was a great game between our juniors and seniors. A heartfelt thank-you to our coaches and referees: Mr. McCabe, Mr. Czechowski, Mr. Heney, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Miller, and Mr. McPhail. I want to give a special shout out to Mr. Mose Harris IV, our parent volunteer/game announcer that evening. Thank you to our participants, families, and staff who came out to support and cheered everyone on.
• Last week, we also had an amazing orchestra performance! Congratulations to our students and orchestra director, Mrs. Cashwell, on an outstanding performance! Thank you to our special guests, The Massey Hill Classical Honors Chorus under the direction of Ms. Brittney Stephenson, our chorus teacher. A special shout out to our English Teacher, Mr. O'Neal, for a captivating dramatic reading of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart during the concert! This memorable blend of literature and music brought an extra touch of suspense and creativity to an already amazing evening of student talent. Thank you to our families and staff for supporting our students and helping us celebrate the arts at Massey Hill Classical.

This upcoming week, this is a reminder that there is no school for students on Monday, October 26th. The CCS Marching Band Showcase will be held at Grays Creek High School on October 27th and this is also the first day of the 2nd Quarter. Report cards will go home with students on Friday, October 30th.

Due to technical difficulties with the site/security beyond our control, we had to reschedule our ASVAB testing administration on campus. Students who signed up for ASVAB will test on Friday, October 30th.

Additionally, Pirate Olympics returns this Friday, October 30, 2026 with spooky-themed games, friendly competition, and plenty of Pirate spirit! Students may wear a plain orange, purple, or green shirt. Please remember to adhere to CCS and MHCHS dress code requirements and guidelines. Costumes are not permitted. October 30th is also the last day for students to wear pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Remember that participation is voluntary. Students who choose not to participate in the spirit day must be in regular school uniform attire.

Please take a moment to read this edition of The Pirate Press in its entirety, as it includes important updates, reminders, and opportunities to get involved. Thank you for your continued participation and support Each of you help make our Pirate community strong!

Sincerely,

Dr. Catherine Abraham-Johnson

Principal

Dear Massey Hill Classical Students, Parents, and Guardians,

Our AP Research students are working hard on their individual research projects, and several of them are collecting data through surveys. We ask for your help in supporting these young researchers by participating in their studies when eligible and encouraging others to do the same. Participation is an important part of the research process. The more people who take part in a study, the more data our students can collect as they investigate their research questions and develop their research skills. Below, you will find a brief description of each survey-based research project, provided by the student researcher, along with a link to the survey and its accompanying consent information.

Please note the following consent requirements:

• Students who are 18 or older: Parental consent is not required.

• Students under 18: Parent or guardian consent is required before participating. Please review and complete the consent form provided with the survey before your child participates.

Participation is voluntary, and we encourage everyone to review the information provided for each study before deciding whether to participate. Please follow the instructions included with each survey.

Thank you for helping our AP Research students take this important step in their academic journey! Your support means a great deal to our young researchers and helps them gain valuable experience conducting research and contributing to their fields of interest.

Please click on the attachment below for the survey links.

At Massey Hill Classical High School, we are proud of our military community! In honor of Veterans Day, we would like to recognize our families, teachers, and staff who have served, past or present, in the United States Armed Forces. We invite you to click on the link below and complete the google form with the requested information.

We will use the information shared to create a special recognition display and prepare messages of appreciation for our school community.

Participation is completely voluntary, and you are welcome to share only the information you feel comfortable having included in a school display. Please submit by November 4, 2026.

Thank you for your service and for allowing us the opportunity to recognize and honor you this Veterans Day!

Here is the link to submit your information: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduMhVAKeneZ-zpqMqUF3g6qkonfNXFzmmAZQWjGldrMhNA4w/viewform?usp=dialog

Ahoy, everyone! The Pirate Playmakers have some exciting news for the Hill! Tickets for Peter and the Starcatcher are officially on sale! So if you're ready for pirates,adventures, and a little Neverland magic, make sure to grab your tickets! The Show is on Novemeber 12 & 13th at 7PM in the Gym. You can purchase them on SchoolCashOnline, Face to face, or at lunch. But wait.... there's more! We're looking for students to join our crew by helping with concessions, handing out programs, or selling tickets. If you're interested, check out the QR Code down below (attached) or look at the theatre bulletin board located across from Mrs.Canady's room to sign up!

We are thrilled to celebrate 15 students from Massey Hill Classical High School for having the highest number of students selected for All-County Orchestra among all high schools in Cumberland County Schools!

Chelia Coachman

Shaylee Peterson

Sierra Bland

Sofia Hernandez-Manso

Ashlyn Nelson

Madison Quick

JosV Santz

Demaia Simmons

Na'Moni Crump

Ren Loglia

Nina Brodbeck

Saoirse Gatzke

Derrick Hughes

Sophia Miller (1st Chair Bassist)

Irvin Zuluaga Rivera

This outstanding accomplishment reflects our students’ talent, dedication, and countless hours of practice, along with the guidance Mrs. Cashwell, and encouragement of our families.

Key Club will hold their next meeting on 10/28/2026 in room 105 from 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. Please make sure your rides are here to pick you up on time. Thank you.

The Dungeons and Dragons/Gaming Club will meet in the cafeteria Wednesday October 28 and November 4 from 3:00 - 4:30.

The club will switch to meeting on Tuesdays in the cafeteria from 3:00 - 4:30 on Tuesday, November 10th. Come play board games or join a campaign. New members always welcome.

Massey Hill Pirates please help our SGA support Victory Junction, their state level charity. Please come get your dinner and 25% of proceeds will support Victory Junction. Learn more about Victory Junction here: https://victoryjunction.org/about/

Hope to see you all there!!

Battle of the Books: There will be a final interest meeting for Battle of the Books team meeting on Friday, November 13th in the Media Center at 3pm. It will last about 45 minutes. Make sure you are working on memorizing the authors and titles. We will go over author name pronunciation at the meeting and discuss any of the books you have finished. Please be working on Battle Questions. If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Dunn @ juliannedunn@ccs.k12.nc.us.

Get ready for the Pumpkin Carving Contest hosted by MHCHS International Thespian Society! It's time to show off your creativity and carving skills.Turn in $5 participation fee to Ms.Burks via schoolcashonline or in person. Deadline to turn in your pumpkin is October 28th! Don’t miss out on the chance to win some awesome prizes and show your spooky side!

Yearbooks are $70.00 until December 25, 2026. Price will increase to $75.00 after this date. Yearbooks can be purchased online at this link:

https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A05868210

Senior Ads can be created and purchased on Jostens using this link: Senior YB ads

Deadline for submitting ads is February 11, 2026.

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

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.