Dear Massey Hill Classical Students and Families,

This past week, we are excited to share that our school successfully completed its first schoolwide Paideia Seminar, led by our outstanding Paideia Student Ambassadors! Students across grade levels came together to think critically, share perspectives, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Great job to our ambassadors and all students who participated. Last week, our juniors completed the Mastery Prep Assessment, an important step in preparing for the ACT and strengthening college and career readiness. Our seniors also enjoyed Senior Sunrise, a memorable opportunity to come together and celebrate the beginning of their final year at Massey Hill Classical High School!

In this edition of The Pirate Press, please read the Safety Drill Update that contains important dates of our Earthquake Drill and Code Red Lockdown Safety Drill. Additionally, progress reports will be sent home this week. Please review your student’s grades and academic progress. If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact your student’s teachers.

This is a reminder that September 22nd is a Two-Hour Early Release day for students and staff professional learning afternoon. Please follow the 2 Hour Early Release Schedule found in The MHCHS Early Release and School Delay Bell Schedule (shared below for your reference). All students must be picked up by 12:50 p.m. on September 22, 2026.

We will have our first Pirate Olympics this week on Sept.25th. Our school will follow the Pirate Olympics 60 Minute End of Day GLA Schedule (review the Bell Schedule attached) on Sept. 25th. Please turn in your completed waiver as soon as possible so you can join the fun!

Thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,

Dr. Catherine Abraham-Johnson

Principal

Safety Drill Update

In order to maintain a safe environment for our children, it is necessary that we practice our emergency safety drills that are designed to exercise our procedures on campus.

Every month, our school completes the monthly fire drill in which all students and staff follow our fire drill procedures.

Additionally, we will be participating in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill. This drill is where students will shelter in place, cover, and hold on to something sturdy. The MHCHS Earthquake Drill will be on October 15, 2026.

Lastly, we will also be conducting a "Code Red" lockdown drill. A "Code Red" lockdown is defined as high alert status used when there is an immediate danger in the school or on property. The "Code Red" Lockdown Drill will be on October 19, 2026. A letter will also go home with your child on Monday, September 21, 2026 with additional information.

Each drill will be explained to students beforehand so they understand the procedures and the importance of taking them seriously. Please know that these are only practice drills and not in response to any immediate concerns.

We encourage you to talk with your child about the drills and reassure them that this is simply a way to help keep everyone safe. If you have any questions about our Safety Drills, please reach out to Mr. John Gibson, our Safe School Coordinator.

Pirate Olympics Waiver Form

Reminder

Pirate Olympics waivers have been distributed. Pirate Olympics is a schoolwide intramural competition between classes featuring fun, field day-style activities in the gym.

Completed forms are slowly making their way back to the Media Center, where SGA is creating the list of students approved to participate. If we do not have your completed waiver, you will not be allowed to participate.

If you need another copy, please use the link provided or pick up a physical form in the Media Center. The form must be printed, signed, and returned. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.

Our first Pirate Olympics will be held on Friday, September 25. Please turn in your completed waiver as soon as possible so you can join the fun!

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2026-27 Pirate Olympic Waiver Form.pdf

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Student Clubs/Organization

Dungeons and Dragons Club

Come join the Dungeons and Dragons and Gaming Club!!! If you have ever played Dungeons and Dragons or have wanted to see what it is after watching Stranger Things, come by room 301! All levels welcome! The club also plays different strategy board games as well. First meeting is Wednesday September 23 from 3-4 in Mr. Edwards' room 301

Science Olympiad

There will be a Science Olympiad Interest meeting on Thursday, September 24th in Ms. Emami's room (room 401 in the science building).

National History Day

National History Day is having our interest meeting next Friday (Sept 25th) from 3-4pm in room 305 (aka Mr.Czechowski's room). There, we'll go more in depth into what NHD is and start thinking about project creation. If you are unable to attend, don't worry, you can still be a part of NHD! The slideshow used in the meeting is already posted on the Canvas page.

Homecoming 2026

Homecoming 2026 Reminders

Step back into 1920 Old Hollywood for MHCHS Homecoming 2026. The dance will be on Friday, October 9, from 7 to 10 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.

Update: 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 juliannedunn@ccs.k12.nc.us. After Sept. 19th, please turn all applications only to Mrs. Kennedy at the front office until Sept. 25th. You may reach Mrs. Kennedy at oliviakennedy@ccs.k12.nc.us if you have any questions.

The MHCHS Homecoming Dress Code and Guest Guidelines are attached below.

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MHCHS Homecoming Dress Code and Guest Guidelines 2026-2027.pdf

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Homecoming Song Request

Song list: Would you like a favorite song played at Homecoming? Please take a moment to scan the QR code on the flyer below this announcement and request it. Help DJ Cash Cash be ready to help you all have a great time at the Dance on Friday, October 9th.

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Homecoming 2026 Song Request.pdf

Hall of Fame Nomination Form 2026 (Paper Copy Form).pdf

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2026-2027 MHCHS Uniform Dress Code

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.

Online Uniform Store

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

Counselor's Corner

MHCHS 2026-2027 Student & Parent Handbook

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.

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