FRIDAY FOCUS

We appreciate your patience and flexibility as our towns undergo a variety of roadwork projects. You will find the most accurate and current information about road closures and detours on our town websites and on the social media pages of local public safety:

• Town of Harwich Website - this page has weekly updates from the contractors, along with detours and recommended school transportation pickup and dropoff spots
• Harwich Police Facebook Page
• Town of Chatham Website
• Chatham Police Facebook Page
  
  

These resources are also linked on our website. We ask that everyone be prepared for some slight delays as road construction projects continue in the coming weeks.

Monomoy Regional School District participates in the National School Lunch (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). As part of these programs, all schools offer healthy meals every school day at NO COST to the students, due to the implementation of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for school year 2026-2027. Students receive Breakfast and Lunch (1st meal) at school without having to pay a fee or submit a household application. Find more information on our Food Services website.

Monomoy's Principals and Assistant Principals play a critical role in the success of our students, staff, schools, and communities! October is National Principals Month, a great time to honor their leadership and dedication.

We want to hear from you! We know that Monomoy is filled with great people - here's your chance to help highlight them! Our Staff Shoutouts recognize a member of our team each month, and nominations are now open. While it's still early in the school year, we're sure there are Sharks who have gone above and beyond - go to www.monomoy.edu/staffshoutout and tell us about them.

As noted in our School Handbooks, Monomoy Regional School District is committed to developing a comprehensive program that provides support and services that address the five core competencies of social and emotional learning (SEL). This goal has been developed and supported by members of the school community in alignment with the district's strategic plan. The five core competencies of SEL are: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. In order to gain a better understanding of the needs of our students, assessment tools are used to obtain baseline data regarding the social and emotional competencies of the students in grades 3-12, including the SELIS and SSIS. These questionnaires are administered a few times a school year to collect data and identify trends. Data from student responses are collected and analyzed to assist in developing a strategy for implementing SEL throughout the curriculum as well as analyzing trends throughout the student body and school year. If you would like to opt your child out of participating in these questionnaires, please email Melissa Maguire at mmaguire@monomoy.edu by October 1, or within 30 days of enrollment.

We appreciate your cooperation as our bus drivers navigate their routes for this year. During the first two weeks of school, check the posted schedules periodically, as times may be slightly adjusted as students and/or stops are added or removed from routes. Please be at your stop at least 10 minutes ahead of pickup time, as traffic, student absences, and other factors may impact the bus arrival time.

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.

It's Hispanic Heritage Month! National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

• WHERE: MRHS Gym
• WHEN: Saturday, October 3 from 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
• TICKETS: You must purchase your ticket online. Please see Mrs. Oliver or Mrs. Carey if you need financial assistance.
• OUTSIDE GUEST PERMISSION SLIPS: If you are bringing a guest from another school you MUST fill out the Guest Permission Slip and return it to the Main Office by Friday, September 25. You can pick up the permission slips in the Main Office or outside of Mrs. Oliver's Room (A221).

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE:

https://www.msbtickets.com/monomoyregionalhighschool/event/MRHShomecoming2026

A big Shark Shoutout to Michelle Goode and her SAIL team for helping me with a project last week. They got the job done quickly and perfectly! 10/10, would hire again. -Mrs. Joy Jordan

The SHORE crew made cards and presented gift certificates to The Grateful Mug for all of their hard work and endless support to our building 💙

It was wonderful seeing so many parents and caregivers at Curriculum Night this week! Attendees not only visited classrooms and met with teachers, they enjoyed a performance from the Jazz Band and heard from a number of students about the wide variety of programs offered to our Sharks! Shoutout to the NHS and Peer Leadership student volunteers who helped with this important event.

What if learning Spanish were not just about learning new words, but about discovering new ways to understand the world? That is the idea behind this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month projects in our Spanish classrooms. Celebrated nationally from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the impact of Hispanic communities in the United States. In our classrooms, however, we wanted students to go beyond simply learning about Hispanic heritage.

Spanish II students took on the project They Changed the World. They began with a challenge: Find someone of Hispanic origin or heritage who made a real difference, and prove it. Instead of just collecting biographical facts, students were asked to think like researchers. What was happening in this person’s world? What problem did they face? What idea, invention, discovery, or action did they develop? And most importantly: What changed because of it? The goal was to move students beyond “Who is this person?” toward a much more powerful question: “How is the world different because this person existed?”. Through the process, students practiced research and critical-thinking skills while discovering Hispanic scientists, innovators, activists, artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, and changemakers whose stories deserve to be known.

Meanwhile, Spanish III Honors students explored with the project Wait… WHAT? I Didn’t Know That!, searching for surprising and lesser known facts about the Spanish speaking world. Their discoveries became colorful “¿Sabías que…?” (Did you know…?) posters featuring QR codes that allow visitors to hear the students themselves, speaking in both Spanish and English, share what they discovered.

So, the hallway display filled with these posters is more than something to look at, it is something to listen to, explore, and learn from.

Culture becomes more than facts in a textbook, and Spanish becomes more than a school subject. It becomes a tool for curiosity, communication, critical thinking, and connection. That is what we want our students to discover: learning another language gives them more than new words. It gives them another way to see the world.

We could not be prouder of what our students created. And we are only halfway through Hispanic Heritage Month, there is more to come!

To celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival (a traditional harvest festival in Chinese culture), MRHS Mandarin students made their own mooncakes with Ms. Jones. Making and sharing mooncakes is one of the hallmark traditions of this festival, as the round shape symbolizes unity, completeness, and harmony.

The SHORE Food Pantry at Monomoy Regional High School has been selected again as a nonprofit partner in the Stop & Shop Bloomin’ 4 Good Program! The SHORE Food Pantry will receive $1 for each $11.99 specially marked Bloomin’ 4 Good bouquet sold throughout the month of October 2026 at the East Harwich Stop & Shop location. The funds raised will help eliminate food insecurities for our Monomoy students, families, and community. Find more information on the food pantry at https://www.monomoy.edu/shore-food-pantry.

Monomoy Regional School District FRIENDS OF THE ARTS MEETING

• Wednesday, October 7 at 6:30 PM
• MRHS Room A139 (directly across from the main office)

OR

• Google Meet joining info: meet.google.com/ezx-sqee-jbg
• Join by phone: (US) +1 260-226-8971 / PIN: 739332582

The 10th Annual Residential Construction Career Day (RCCD) is on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Cape Cod Fairgrounds!

• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 from 7:30 - 1:30
• SIGN UP BY OCTOBER 5
• SEE MS. ARMSTRONG IN ROOM C115 FOR A PERMISSION SLIP!

Cape Cod Young Professionals is excited to invite students to apply to serve on our Board as Student Board members! This is an opportunity for students who could make a meaningful impact through their perspectives, ideas, and lived experiences, as well as students who would benefit from the support of the CCYP community while continuing to develop and apply their interpersonal and professional skills in another safe and trusted environment. Students can apply by completing the application directly.

Student Application Process

The application is here: https://ccyp.org/board-application. Please use Monomoy Regional High School for the COMPANY NAME.

Applications are due by October 15th.

CCYP Student Board Member Experience

To ensure a fulfilling experience, we ask each Student Board member to:

• Attend one Board meeting via Zoom. You are welcome to attend a second meeting if you would like.

• Choose one committee that interests you and get involved. We will agree on a level of involvement that works with your school, work, athletics and family responsibilities.

• Attend at least one CCYP in-person event. You are encouraged to bring a guest.

• Represent yourself. This is not simply about civic engagement and serving on the CCYP Board; it is about CCYP supporting, celebrating, and promoting your authentic self.

• Participate in a way that feels natural to you. Participation does not always mean speaking the most, maintaining constant eye contact, or sitting without fidgeting. Speak when you feel moved, write down a thought for later, or connect with a Board member you feel most comfortable approaching.

• Help maintain an environment of mutual respect. We respect your desire to make a positive impact, participate at your own pace, have your voice heard, and share your vision. In return, we ask you to extend that same respect to others.

CCYP provides a supportive environment where students can contribute and build professional connections by applying and strengthening their soft skills. This is also a great leadership experience to add to a resume!

Chatham’s Oktoberfest will be held Saturday, October 17, at Kate Gould Park, and the event organizers are looking for high school student volunteers to help make sure it’s a great day.

• Volunteers are needed to help set up the event spaces from approximately 7:30-10 a.m. on Saturday, October 17. This will include moving tables, setting up tents, and moving barricades, among other things.

• Enthusiastic volunteers are needed in the Kids Zone from approximately 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 17. This will include helping run events, playing games, and overseeing the activities.

• If you are interested, please email kristin@chathaminfo.com and cmaevents@chathaminfo.com. The event coordinators will share additional details with you at that point.

We look to build a strong school advisory council this year to guide our important work. A school council is a representative, school building-based committee that meets quarterly and is composed of the principal, parents, teachers, community members, and students. School councils are to assist principals in:

1. Adopting educational goals for the school that are consistent with local educational policies and statewide student performance standards

2. Identifying the educational needs of students attending the school

3. Reviewing the annual school building budget

4. Formulating a school improvement plan

5. Review the student handbook
   
   

If you are interested please send an email message to principal Jennifer Police at jpolice@monomoy.edu indicating your interest in serving on the school council.

ONLINE

• Go to: YBpay.com
• Enter code 9900727
• Enter student name & grade
• Order your yearbook!
  
  

IN-PERSON

• Cash or check (made out to MRSD)
• Deliver payment to the Main Office to Mrs. Francesconi
  
  

If you require financial assistance, please email Mrs. Francesconi at kfrancesconi@monomoy.edu

We have a small amount of 2026 yearbooks remaining from last year. They are for sale at a discounted price of $50 each. Please bring cash or check (made out to MRSD) to Mrs. Francesconi in the Main Office to get yours!

If you require financial assistance, please email Mrs. Francesconi at kfrancesconi@monomoy.edu

• Email your senior portrait to MRHSyearbook@monomoy.edu
• Email your baby photo to MRHSyearbook@monomoy.edu
• Submit your senior quote and paragraph on this Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBrGpKneepxJZgspXz6jRLXAEMvSyHKd4DoOuPs8lJ0v08bA/viewform?usp=publish-editor

There is STILL plenty of time to register for Monomoy's trip to Italy April 17-24, 2027. Interested in joining us for the trip of a lifetime? Check out the trip website: www.acis.com Trip ID: 351018 and Leader Name: Peters. Find the itinerary, cost, and way to register on that website. Questions? Email Mrs. Peters: speters@monomoy.edu

The pantry is open to everyone, and no sign-up is required. Families can simply drive up, fill their bags with the items they need, and take them home.

When & Where

• Date: Every Thursday
• Time: 9:15 AM–12:00 PM
• Location: Outside Mrs. Grogan's room by Building B, Door 4
  
  

Families are welcome to stop by during the pantry hours and take what they need ... no registration or appointment necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Shana Grogan at sgrogan@monomoy.edu.

In partnership with Stop & Shop, we look forward to supporting our families through the SHORE Food Pantry! 💓

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

MRHS students are marked present or absent for each class. Students who exceed 10% absence in classes are at risk for losing credit in that class. For example, students may lose credit if they have:

• 5 absences in a term course
• 9 absences in a semester course
• 18 absences in a full-year course

• By 9th grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th-grade test scores
• Chronically absent high school students had an average GPA of 2.8 vs. non-chronically absent classmates who had an average GPA of 3.5
• When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their academic prospects and chances for graduating

Monomoy is excited to offer free English classes for multilingual adults in our community. These classes would be held twice a week for four weeks, located at Monomoy Regional High School. We are hoping to gather information about how many people are interested, and about which nights of the week are most convenient. If you would like to participate in these classes, please complete the brief form on our website. We also wanted to share that the Massachusetts Department of Education offers free online academic and English language courses for adults, as well as GED courses.

MRHS is on Instagram at @monomoyhighschool!

✅ Open an account on StudentAid.gov and complete the FAFSA.

MEFA - the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority - will present to families on Monday, October 26 at 6 PM. Topics include FAFSA completion, While geared towards senior families, this event is open to everyone.

This presentation is VIRTUAL. Link to join: https://meet.google.com/wtn-mqti-rkp

College admissions reps visit the Guidance office regularly during Jawsome to meet students, answer questions, and provide information about their school. All students - including underclassmen - are strongly encouraged to attend. Register on Naviance!

• Monday, Oct 5: Mass Maritime Academy

• Tuesday, Oct 6: Lesley University

• Wednesday, Oct 7: University of Rhode Island

• Tuesday, Oct 13: UMass Boston

• Wednesday, Oct 14: Rollins College

• Thursday, Oct 15: College of Charleston

• Friday, Oct 16: College of the Holy Cross

MRHS provides the opportunity for all students in Grades 10 and 11 to take the PSATs in school. All students will be registered; students may opt out through conversation with their counselor.

• Grade 11: Wednesday, October 21 8:45-11:45 AM

• Grade 10: Wednesday, October 28 8:45-11:45 AM

The PSAT is an authentic and important practice for the SAT, and students receive personalized feedback on their performance to help improve their skills before taking the SAT. If your child is a junior, the PSAT offers them the opportunity to become eligible for National Merit Scholarships based on performance.

To learn more about the exam format, questions, and preparation, please visit PSAT.org

MEFA offers a range of resources for families in different stages of college financial planning. Visit MEFA.org to register for live webinars and to access resources based on age level. Upcoming events:

• Wednesday, October 7th, 6:30 PM: Saving for College

• Tuesday, October 13th, 12:00 PM: Ask an Expert Your CSS Profile Questions

• Wednesday, October 14th, 6:30 PM: Financial Aid 101

• Wednesday, October 21st, 4:00 PM: FAFSA Festival (support completing FAFSA)

The Annual All-Cape College Fair Day will be held at Barnstable High School on October 14, 2026 from 3:30-5:30. For up to date information, please look here.

https://thecisca.org/all-cape-college-day-information-for-students-and-families/

High school is a transition period where students move from direct supervision to self-direction. Use these three actionable strategies to coach your students towards independence while staying connected to their daily progress:

1. Build the “4 Questions” Daily Habit: What do I have to do? When will I do it? If I get stuck, what can I do? How is my current plan working?

2. Use Tech Tools as Talking Points: Review Aspen, Google Classroom, and MyFlex daily.

3. Executive Functioning Takes Practice: identify organizational systems, model and guide through management of your own daily tasks/competing demands, and embrace the learning process. Development of executive functioning is rarely linear!

Check out our full handout on using these strategies:

• Ways to Support Your Student's Success at Monomoy!
• Maneiras de Apoiar o Sucesso do Seu Estudante em Monomoy!
• ¡Maneras de apoyar el éxito de su estudiante en Monomoy!

Audrey Brewer, abrewer@monomoy.edu

Lindsay Ginnetty, lginnetty@monomoy.edu

Caitlyn Hall, chall@monomoy.edu

Jonathan Bennett, jbennett@monomoy.edu

Follow us on Instagram: @MonomoyGuidance

Wishing you health and safety, The MRHS Counseling Team

We are selling the Class of 2029 t-shirt again! In January when we host the Harlem Wizards, we hope that all student volunteers will be wearing their class shirt to show class pride. Didn't order one the first time? No worries -- orders are open now through the end of October via this form. Questions? Email Ms. Peters and Mr. Millen

Autumn is in the top of her class and a high honor student with a 4.76 GPA. She is in National Honor Society member and earned AP scholars of distinction. She earned the science and English book award as a junior. On the field she is a team captain who has started every game the last two years either on defense or more recently in the midfield. She also plays basketball and unified track. - Coach Jenn Peterson

Mon. 10/5

V/JV Field Hockey @ 11am

Tues. 10/6

V/JV Girls Soccer @ 11am

V Boys Golf @ 1:30

V Cross Country @ 2:30

Thurs. 10/8

V/JV Boys Soccer @ 1:45

HAVE FUN! PLAY GOLF! SUPPORT MONOMOY STUDENT ATHLETES!

All proceeds directly support Monomoy student athletes through scholarships, special equipment, and more!

WHERE: Cranberry Valley Golf Course, 183 Oak Street, Harwich MA 02645

WHEN: 12 p.m. Registration • 12:30 p.m. shotgun start

REGISTER: Register online OR make checks payable to MASBC and mail completed form and payment to Monomoy All Sports Booster Club, c/o Monomoy Regional High School, 75 Oak St., Harwich MA 02645. Remember that your sponsorship is tax-deductible! Tax ID 81-4866447

Register Here!

Order here: https://nausetscreenprinting.printavo.com/merch/monomoy-sharks

20% of all sales from our online merchandise store support the Monomoy All Sports Booster Club, helping fund athletic programs, equipment, and events.

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

To report your child's absence, tardy, or upcoming dismissal please use the following link:

https://mrhs.monomoy.edu/attendance

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