FRIDAY FOCUS

Over the past few months, the Monomoy Working Group has begun to meet regularly, with the location of the meetings rotating between our two towns. At the first meeting, I was elected Chair of the group, and my School Committee colleague Ryan Edwards was elected Vice Chair. I am excited to be a part of this process and look forward to broad engagement around supporting our excellent school district.

We are entering into this process with open minds, and make no presumption about the outcome. Dr. Millen and Mr. MacMillan have provided us with a great deal of detailed data to help us learn and understand the myriad issues at hand. The Working Group will continue to review information before making any recommendations or changes.

Objectives: In our most recent meeting, we finalized our objectives:

1. Evaluate and analyze how the existing assessment formula affects each member town, and provide a clear, data-driven rationale for any proposed modifications.
2. Maintain transparent ongoing communication with the community regarding the working group’s progress and findings.
3. Optimize in-district student retention while upholding its excellence and rigorous operational standards.
4. Achieve balanced resource allocation by maximizing student capacity across all grades.

We are committed to ensuring that the process is undertaken transparently and without predetermination. I welcome input from our community, so if you have any questions or comments, please email me at brad.schiff@monomoy.edu. Stay tuned for our next update!

~Brad Schiff, Chair, Monomoy Regional School Committee, and Chair, Monomoy Regional Agreement Working Group

Resources and additional information:

• Town of Chatham website

• Agendas/minutes for meetings held in Chatham

• Video recordings of meetings held in Chatham

• Town of Harwich website

• Agendas/minutes for meetings held in Harwich

• Video recordings of meetings held in Harwich

• MRSD School Committee website

Community partners including Children’s Cove, Barnstable County, the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office, Monomoy Regional School District, and the towns of Chatham and Harwich are coming together to offer information and education to parents and caregivers on digital safety for young people. The event, titled Keeping Kids Safe Online: Learn how to navigate safety discussions, will be held on November 4, 2026 at 5:30 p.m at Brooks Free Library in Harwich and on November 9, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Chatham Community Center. Both sessions will share the same information, so attendees can select the one that better suits their needs. Childcare will be available at both sessions. Registration is requested for these events:

• Harwich, 11/4/26, Registration Link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/sqqptp0XjK
• Chatham, 11/9/26, Registration Link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/8uRAbkC6vE

Parents, caregivers, and anyone engaged with youth are encouraged to attend this important conversation.

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.

"Charity is one of the first faces when students get off the bus in the morning as they grab breakfast, and she greets every student with a genuine smile. She knows children's preferences, and even though there is a large group of students getting breakfast, she never makes anyone feel rushed. This compassion continues into lunch service as she makes every Shark feel valued and appreciated. Even in brief interactions, one can see that Charity values each and every student in the building. Charity's positivity extends to her interactions with coworkers throughout the building as she helps everyone find a smile."

Way to go, Charity!

Who will you nominate for October? Click here to recognize one of our staff members for going above and beyond!

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.

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.

https://www.artsfoundation.org/news/gifts-at-work-igniting-a-spark-in-the-next-generation

The Rotary Club of Harwich-Dennis appreciates the help from the Monomoy Interact Club students. Pictured here (L-R) Betsy Casey (advisor), Breonna Mody, Leila Spencer, Maddie McCauley, Mila Spencer (from Nauset), Davion Dawkins, and Mike Patterson. Not pictured: Colin Cote, Dante Rossetti, Callie Meader, and Zachary Shields.

Do you want to help animals? Animal Welfare Club is currently taking donations for the MSPCA! Boxes are located at the front entrance and outside the cafeteria. Pet food, treats, litter, thin linens, toys, etc. Please refer to the acceptable and non acceptable list to see what can be donated! Any concerns can be emailed to Ms. Howe at bhowe@monomoy.edu. Our club meets every Day4 during Jawsome A… New members always welcome!

MRSD is collaborating with a number of local organizations to host a parent/caregiver education event on digital safety. The group would like to offer childcare to attendees. If you are available to help with childcare on either or both of these dates, please email jjordan@monomoy.edu - thank you!!

• Harwich, Wednesday, November 4, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Brooks Free Library
• Chatham, Monday, November 9, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Chatham Community Center

Are you looking for something fun to do during the Thanksgiving break and earn community service credit at the same time? If so, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History on Route 6A in Brewster is seeking volunteers ages 16 or older to serve as docents during the Thanksgiving holiday. The dates are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 27, 28, and 29. The shifts can be for two or four hours. Most students have found this very engaging, and several have applied to the museum and been hired. Please see Ms. Armstrong in Room C115 if you would like more information or would like to volunteer.

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! 💓

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.

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!

The Advanced Placement Program at MRHS gives students the chance to tackle college-level work while they are still in high school and to potentially earn college credit and/or placement.

This year, 209 students from all grade levels will sit for an unprecedented 520 AP Exams spread across 21 different academic subjects. There will be more information to follow including the MRHS May exam schedule along with a letter requesting payment for exams.

If your senior is applying Early Action to college on November 1st, ensure they have done the following:

🔲 Requested letters of recommendation from teachers on Naviance for all schools.

🔲 Notify their counselor once applications are submitted - students do not need to wait for letters. Once their application is ready, they can submit it.

What Happens After a Student Submits Applications?

• Counselors send letters of recommendation, transcripts, and school materials to colleges via Naviance. It takes colleges time to review and match school materials with individual applications, so there may be a delay in portal updates.
• Students may need to complete additional requirements on their college portals after submitting applications, ie. STARS, honors programs essays, SAT score submissions.
• Students & families should complete the FAFSA.

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. Students should register on Naviance.

Upcoming visits:

• Monday, Nov 2: Roger Williams University
• Tuesday, Nov 3: Keene State
• Wednesday, Nov 4: Rivier University
• Thursday, Nov 5: Johnson & Wales Providence
• Friday, Nov 6: Plymouth State
• Tuesday, Nov 10: Cape Cod Community College
• Tuesday, Nov 10: Fisher College
• Thursday, Nov 12: University of Hartford
• Friday, Nov 13: Bridgewater State
• Tuesday, Nov 17: University of New Haven
• Wednesday, Nov 18: U.S. Air Force
• Tuesday, Nov 24: Maine College of Art & Design

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.

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

Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Ice Hockey, Boys and Girls Indoor Track, Cheerleading

1. Meet The Coaches Night is Monday November 23rd at 6:00pm in the MRHS Auditorium
2. The first day of practices and tryouts is Monday November 30th (Practice schedules will be posted to the MRHS Athletics website and coaches will provide)
3. All student-athletes must be registered on Arbiter Registration prior to the first day of practices/tryouts. Arbiter Registration is open. Here is the link to the high school registration page. https://students.arbitersports.com/monomoy-regional-school-district/high-school-winter-2026-2027-athletics-registration
4. All student-athletes must have an up to date physical on file with the school nurse. They can be emailed to the school nurses and/or our Head Athletic Trainer Taylor Sliney at tsliney@monomoy.edu.
5. All student-athletes must have an up to date SWAY Test with Taylor prior to the first practice. You can reach out to Taylor to schedule it.
6. All student-athletes must complete the free online Concussion in Sports and Implicit Bias courses at nfhslearn.com and send the certificates to tsliney@monomoy.edu.
7. All student-athletes must complete a pre-participation head injury form and return it to Taylor prior to the first practice. The form is attached.

Mon. 11/2

Unified Basketball @ 1:30

Fr. Boys Soccer @ 2:30

V/JV Boys Soccer @ 2:30

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