"Away for the Day"
In July, students and families joined us to discuss our cell phone procedures. Teachers had asked for help -- they want to teach, not to battle cell phone use! With the goal of phone-free classrooms, we asked students and families to help us craft procedures that allow students to develop the ability to have their phones with them, but to resist the temptation to use them during class.
We know that this change will not be easy, but we believe that the increased focus, respect, and learning will be worth it. To help students, parents and guardians are asked not to call or text students during class time moving forward. If you need your student, please call 978-897-8891, and we will convey your message or have the student call you.
We will pilot the following "Away for the Day" procedures for 2024-2025:
- Phones are to be turned off and zipped away in students' bags between 7:45 and 2:05. No phones in class, hallways, or restrooms during class time. No phones as calculators, watches, music devices, research tools, etc.
- Students may quickly check their phones between classes if necessary, but must put them away before the class bell.
- Students may use their phones at their own designated lunch.
- In an emergency, students may ask any adult in the Main Office for permission to use their phone. If having a medical problem, students may go to the Nurse's Office and ask Nurse Janet for permission to use their phone.
- Students who do not follow the procedure will be given a clear magnetic case for their phone for the rest of the day, and their parents will be notified. If a student continues to violate the procedures, they will use the locking case for longer time periods. The phone will remain in the student's possession at all times, but the student will lose the privilege of using the device at lunch.
- Magnets to unlock the cases will be available in the Main Office, at dismissal, and during evacuation procedures.
- Data and feedback will be gathered, and the pilot will be reviewed each quarter.
Have you read a good book or two this summer? There's still time!
Each of our English teachers expects you to read this summer. It needs to be a book you haven't read before, and it needs to be appropriate for a student your age. Fiction, non-fiction, e-reader, audiobook -- it doesn't matter. Just read a book (or two, if you are taking Honors English).
For specific instructions on how to find a good book, document your summer reading, and complete the extra assignments for honors classes, please click on the teacher for your grade:
Grade 9 -- Ms. Steigerwald
Grade 10 -- Ms. Lind
Grade 11 -- Ms. Lind, Ms. Gerondeau
Grade 12 -- Mr. Luther, Ms. Gerondeau
If your student will be new to MHS this fall, please plan to attend the Freshman Barbecue. This is a fun evening designed for families. We invite all adults who support new students to attend!
In addition to a great burger buffet, parents and guardians will have a chance to meet some of the freshman teachers and support staff, to tour the building, and to visit information booths.
Meanwhile, students will meet upperclass mentors, will visit the classrooms on their schedule so they will know where to go on the first day, and will enjoy the burger buffet with old and new friends.
The PTO is a group of volunteer parents/guardians who collect food/goods and fundraise to support the high school students, faculty, and staff with appreciation events and enrichment opportunities. We need someone or a team of someones to step up and lead this crucial organization.
In addition to new leadership, we're always looking for volunteers and new ways to support our students, teachers, and parents. If you are ready to volunteer, or you have questions or suggestions, please contact us via our email at maynardhighpto@gmail.com
The mission of the Maynard Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is to work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of all children with special needs in the community.
Maynard SEPAC works in collaboration with MPS community members to:
· Promote a network of parents and forums to share information
· Advise the school district on special education programs, training needs, and policy
· Promote communication between PAC members; local, state and national organizations, councils and groups
· Promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion within the community
· Provide informational forums for parents, students, educators, and professionals
Joining is easy - any community member who attends a SEPAC meeting or event during the year is considered a voting member. There are many ways to contribute and we will work with you to identify something that works with your schedule and responsibilities.
Please reach out to our Public Outreach Coordinator Kim Baldasaro, sepacoutreach@maynard.k12.ma.us with any questions or for more information about joining.
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Look out for our Calendar of Events in upcoming newsletters!
