October 23, 2026
Headliners
First Marking Term Ends - Friday, October 30, 2026
Please note that Friday, October 30 marks the end of the first marking term. Families are encouraged to have conversations about their student’s progress to date. Please do not hesitate to contact your student’s teacher(s), counselor, or associate principal with questions or concerns. As a reminder, students and families should log in to Infinite Campus daily to monitor student attendance and grades. For assistance with your IC account (username and password), contact Main Office Secretary Ellen Sicard by email at ensicard@methuen.k12.ma.us or by phone at (978) 722-6040.
Colleges, Careers, and Community Service Fair - Thursday, October 30, 2025
On Thursday, October 22, members of the Class of 2027 participated in the Colleges, Careers, and Community Service Fair hosted by our School Counseling Department. The goal of the fair was to help students make informed decisions about their postsecondary plans and explore the many opportunities available to them after graduation.
More than 50 colleges and universities, representatives from the armed forces, and over 20 career, vocational, technical, and trade programs were on hand to share information and help our Rangers discover where their road might take them next.
A special thank-you to our School Counseling Department for organizing this outstanding event, to all of our community partners for volunteering their time and expertise, and to our Ranger scholars for taking advantage of this valuable opportunity to plan for their futures.
Go Rangers!
Field Hockey Take Home MVC Crown
Congratulations to coach Connolly, staff, and Ranger student athletes on their Field Hockey MVC Championship!
Go Rangers!
Boys Cross Country are MVC Champs
Congratulations to Coach Alliette, staff, and Ranger student athletes on becoming 2026 Cross Country Championship!
Go Rangers!
Chef Spotlight
Congratulations to Oscar Garcia class of 2027!
SENIOR NIGHTS FALL 2026
GIRLS SOCCER: Monday, 10/26 vs Reading 6pm
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: Tuesday, 10/27 vs Sharon 5pm
FIELD HOCKEY: Wednesday, 10/28 vs Woburn 6pm
BOYS SOCCER: Thursday, 10/29 vs Melrose 5pm
Electronics Reminder and Update
The Methuen High School learning community would like to express our sincere gratitude to the students who have prioritized maximizing their learning by putting away their personal electronic devices during instructional time. We appreciate the many students who have been receptive, supportive, and understanding of our expectations.
However, we still have work to do. Staff continue to spend a significant amount of instructional time reminding students to put their devices away, resulting in lost learning opportunities.
Next week, we will continue to remind students of our expectations and reinforce the importance of maximizing every minute of instructional time. Simply put, personal electronic devices should be put away bell to bell during instructional time. This expectation also applies to students in the hallways during instructional periods.
While many schools have moved toward full-day bans on personal electronic devices, Methuen High School remains committed to supporting the appropriate use of technology through an “It Can Wait” approach. Our current policy allows students to use their devices during passing time and lunch, while prioritizing learning during instructional periods.
Beginning the first week of November, our administrative team will begin enforcing the following procedure for students who have their personal electronic devices out during instructional time:
First Offense: The device will be confiscated by an administrator and may be picked up by the student at the end of the school day.
Second Offense: The device will be confiscated by an administrator and must be picked up by a parent/guardian.
Third Offense: The device will be confiscated by an administrator, must be picked up by a parent/guardian, & student will no longer be permitted to bring or use personal electronic devices at school for the remainder of the school year.
Please Note: Any instance of taking pictures or recording other students immediately results in a "third offense" result.
We ask that students and families review these expectations carefully so that everyone understands the importance of keeping personal electronic devices away during instructional time and the consequences for failing to do so.
Thank you in advance for your continued support as we work together to minimize distractions, protect instructional time, and prioritize the learning experience of every Ranger.
Red Ribbon Week
Every year since 1988 the National Red Ribbon Campaign has celebrated Red Ribbon Week to focus the nation’s attention on encouraging our youth to remain drug free. Supporting this cause continues to be a priority at MHS. Each year, SADD chapters across the country celebrate Red Ribbon Week from October 23 to October 31. Events are planned for each school day to educate and remind students about the dangers of substance use and the long-term effect drugs can have on an individual and their entire family. The theme for this year’s Red Ribbon Week is: Make A Difference. Be A Hero. Stay Drug Free.
Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), a group charged with healthy and responsible decision making, supports and organizes our annual Red Ribbon Week at MHS. The group of student leaders meet regularly with our SADD Advisor Dr. Aziz and MPS Drug and Alcohol Resource Coordinator Mr. Brouder to plan drug-free activities for students to participate in throughout the year.
Monday, October 26 through Friday, October 30, information and reminders to make healthy choices will be shared during morning announcements.
Wednesday, October 28 is Wear Red Day at MHS and students and staff are encouraged to wear red.
All students and families are encouraged to discuss the harmful effects of substance use. If a student, family member, or community member has questions, concerns, or information to share, please call (978) 722-6040. For more information about SADD and substance abuse, please visit the Drug & Alcohol Resource page. Together we can make a difference.
Superintendent Search
Thank you to everyone who spoke with representatives from Zeal Education Group during parent-teacher conferences and attended the Town Hall meeting focused on the future of Methuen Public Schools and the selection of a superintendent of schools.
As we move through the first stage of the superintendent search, we continue to gather community input to help inform the process.
Please take a moment to scan the QR codes and share your thoughts. Your voice matters!
MHS School Council
We are seeking interested parents who would like to support our school improvement efforts by joining the MHS School Council. Massachusetts General Law requires that every school establish a school council, which is composed of the principal, parents, teachers, community members, and students. Membership of the school council should be broadly representative of the racial and ethnic diversity of the school building and community. The group is charged with adopting educational goals for the school, identifying the educational needs of students, reviewing the school budget, formulating a school improvement plan, and reviewing the student handbook. Click here to view detailed information about school councils as outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
The MHS School Council meets periodically throughout the year with meetings being held at MHS from 2:15-3:15 p.m. The scheduled meeting dates for the 2026-2027 school year are:
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Thursday, December 17, 2026
Thursday, January 14, 2027
Thursday, February 11, 2027
Thursday, March 18, 2027
Thursday, April 22, 2027
Thursday, May 13, 2027
If you are interested in joining the MHS School Council, please provide your information by completing this brief survey. If necessary, an election will be held providing parents the opportunity to select the school council parent members.
Electronics Policy- Please Review With Your Children
Electronics Policy- Please Review With Your Children
All electronics including cellphones, smartwatches, and headphones are to be away during instructional time. Teachers have been provided clear pocket holders. Best practice would be to store electronics in the provided pocket holder. This is a students best method for ensuring that the electronics do not come out during instructional time. If electronics do not go into the pocket holder they should remain away for the duration of the period. This includes if students leave the room on a pass. If electronics are out for any reason, teachers have been instructed to assign a teacher detention and to communicate with parents/guardians. During transitions and lunches we are okay with students using their electronics so long as it is done so responsibly. This means at no point should students be taking video's, or pictures, and/or making social media posts, and one headphone should be out so that students can hear staff in the event that they need to speak to them. Teachers have been reviewing all expectations over the past few days to support student understanding of these very essential expectations. We want to reiterate that while many schools are going to full electronics bans in schools. That is not how we want things to be for our students. Our goal is for everyone to use technology appropriately, and with our 1-1 iPad initiative, there is no reason for personal electronics to be out during instructional periods. We appreciate your understanding on why this is important, and we appreciate students cooperation with following this policy so that teachers can provide your children with the learning opportunities that they deserve free of the distractions that come with technology.
2026-2027 Yearbook Information
Overview
The Methuen High School yearbook captures the life and times of the student body with hundreds of photographs of academic accomplishments, clubs and activities, sports, and special events. Students on the yearbook staff, under the direction of the advisor, Ms. Varasconi, learn the value of teamwork and gain valuable experience in photography, journalism, design, sales, advertising, promotion, and public relations.
Important Dates and Information
- The deadline for ordering a 2026-27 yearbook is Sunday, April 11, 2027.
- The cost of the yearbook is $50.00
- Students have the option to customize their yearbook with a name placard and icons for an additional fee
- To order a yearbook go to ybpay.lifetouch.com OR
- CLICK HERE for a direct link to order a yearbook
- Passcode: 15502927
Senior Quotes
Due date: Friday, January 15, 2027.
A link to complete a senior biography is available HERE and is available to seniors in their Google Classroom under Yearbook Information.
Senior Photograph
Due date: Friday, January 15, 2027
A link to submit a senior photo is available HERE and is available to seniors in their Google Classroom under Yearbook Information.
Photograph must be at minimum 320 dpi
Students who do not submit their image through the form will not have their photo included
all photos must be vertical; no horizonals accepted
school appropriate dress code only
Accepted file types: jpegs, jpg, and png
Rename your photo prior to uploading; use the following format: STUDENT LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME
Senior Congratulatory Advertisements & Baby Photographs
Yearbook Pick Up
Juniors, Sophomores and Freshman can pick up their yearbooks from Ms. Varasconi in L022 in June; students will receive an email to pick theirs up when they are available
Contact Us
For more information or questions about the yearbook please email Ms. Varasconi at jevarasconi@methuen.k12.ma.us
Upcoming Events
Literacy if the Foundation of Learning
School Counseling Department events for Students and Families in the Class of 2027
Scholarship Information Night- Thursday November 19, 2026 6:00-7:00
Scholarship Information Night for Seniors and their families on Thursday November 19, 2026 from 6:00-7:00 p.m in the Arthur Nicholson III Auditorium.
Attendance at Fall Events - Spectator Expectations
We are excited to support MHS Athletics throughout the fall months. When attending events, please adhere to the following expectations:
- Cheer positively for the Rangers and be respectful of the coaches, opponents, officials, and guests.
- Inappropriate language and behavior will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the event.
- Backpacks are not allowed. If there is a need to bring a bag, it may be subject to search.
- If you leave the facility, you may not reenter.
- School rules apply for all MHS students attending school-sponsored, extracurricular events, whether at MHS or another location. Violations of the MHS code of conduct, as outlined in the student handbook, may result in disciplinary consequences.
We look forward to an enjoyable season. Go Rangers!
College and Career Highlight
University of Connecticut
Location: Storrs, Connecticut
Enrollment: 32,000 students
Average GPA not published
SAT: 1320-1460
ACT : 29-34
Testing policy: UConn is test-optional; confirm the current policy for the specific application cycle.
Academic Overview
UConn offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across areas including business, engineering, nursing, agriculture, education, health sciences, and the liberal arts. As a major research university, it provides opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, study abroad, and hands-on learning. Students can explore more than 100 majors and connect with faculty through academic departments and specialized programs. Some programs, including nursing and engineering, have additional admission expectations, so students should research requirements for their intended major.
Student Life Summary
UConn offers a classic residential college experience with more than 700 clubs and organizations, 21 NCAA Division I athletic teams, and a strong campus identity built around the Huskies. Students can get involved in club sports, student government, cultural organizations, Greek life, volunteer opportunities, and campus traditions. The Storrs campus has residence halls, dining facilities, recreation spaces, and nearby Downtown Storrs, with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. For students who enjoy school spirit and an active campus community, UConn offers plenty of ways to get involved.
How to Set Up an In-Person or Virtual Tour
- Book a general campus tour: Visit UConn's official Storrs campus visit page to check available dates and register.
Explore a specific academic area: Look for an academic tour focused on your intended school or college.
Plan a high school group visit: Schools serving students in grades 9–12 can request a group tour through the UConn Group Visit Program. Groups generally need at least 10 participants.
Try a virtual or self-guided visit: Visit the official campus tour page for additional ways to explore.
Contact the visitors center: Email tours@uconn.edu or call 860-486-4900 with questions about scheduling.
Water/Wastewater Engineers
What do Water/Wastewater Engineers do?
Design or oversee projects involving provision of potable water, disposal of wastewater and sewage, or prevention of flood-related damage. Prepare environmental documentation for water resources, regulatory program compliance, data management and analysis, and field work. Perform hydraulic modeling and pipeline design.
What tasks do Water/Wastewater Engineers perform?
- Provide technical direction or supervision to junior engineers, engineering or computer-aided design (CAD) technicians, or other technical personnel.
- Review and critique proposals, plans, or designs related to water or wastewater treatment systems.
- Design domestic or industrial water or wastewater treatment plants, including advanced facilities with sequencing batch reactors (SBR), membranes, lift stations, headworks, surge overflow basins, ultraviolet disinfection systems, aerobic digesters, sludge lagoons, or control buildings.
- Evaluate the operation and maintenance of water or wastewater systems to identify ways to improve their efficiency.
What do Water/Wastewater Engineers need to know?
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
What skills do Water/Wastewater Engineers need?
Reading Comprehension
- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Judgment and Decision Making
- Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Critical Thinking
- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Salaries
Low (10th percentile): ~$64,123
Median (50th percentile): ~$99,531
High (90th percentile): ~$170,102
Projected Job Growth: +5.86%
Education:
High school diploma or less: 0.00%
Certificate: 0.00%
Some college: 0.00%
Associate degree: 0.00%
Bachelors degree: 69.57%
Masters or professional degree: 30.44%
Doctoral degree or more: 0.00%
Resources for Families
Academic Support Center Is Back - Open After School
Beginning Monday, October 5, the Academic Support Center (ASC) is available for students to get extra help/tutoring to complete their coursework. The ASC, staffed with certified MHS teachers, will be open from 2:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Thursday in the Media Center. Students who desire a quiet space to complete assignments individually may also access the center. All students are encouraged to have conversations with their teachers about completing assignments and utilizing the ASC.
Infinite Campus
For more information how to connect to Infinite Campus, or how to update personal information, click HERE
Student Parking-Purchase Permits
For more information on parking expectations and how to purchase a permit, click HERE.
Student Absences, Tardies, Dismissals, Credit Denial
For more information on student attendance, tardies, dismissal, and credit denial policies, please click HERE
Additional Resources
ATTENTION ALL SENIOR FAMILIES - FAFSA IS NOW OPEN!
FAFSA for the 2027–28 year is NOW OPEN. It usually takes about 15–30 minutes to complete — we encourage families applying to college or trade schools to submit early. Find details in the attached handout HERE.
Methuen Minutes Are BACK!
The MHS Ranger Multimedia Production and Broadcasting classes produce biweekly Methuen Minutes episodes, which serve as a creative alternative to traditional morning announcements. These videos showcase the various happenings at MHS from the perspective of our students. Additionally, they allow students to apply the technical skills they learn in class, creating engaging content that connects with the MHS community in a fun and meaningful way.
AP Exams- Fees Due
AP Exam fees are due Friday, October 16th. The cost is $105 per exam. Payments may be made by cash, money order, or check (payable to Methuen High School) and should be brought to Ms. Peña or Ms. Coady in the School Counseling Office.
If a student or family has questions or concerns regarding payment, please encourage them to reach out to their school counselor. We are happy to assist.
Transportation Update
New Family App for Bus Transportation Updates
The app will provide families with convenient, real-time updates about their child’s school bus—so they don’t have to guess, wait, or call the school.
Real-time bus tracking, including bus coverage changes
Alerts when the bus arrives or is running late
We encourage all families who use MPS regular bus transportation to download the app and enable notifications so they can stay informed throughout the school year.
More information about downloading and using the Family App can be found on the MPS Transportation Page. Setup guides are translated in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Vietnamese.
Care Solace - 24/7/365 Mental Health Care Coordination Service
Methuen Public Schools has secured a resource to support matching students, staff, and their families to mental health services. Care Solace draws on a national database of mental health providers and manages complete coordination of the service matching process all the way through to intake. Support is available in multiple languages for all forms of insurance 24/7/365.
This service can be accessed confidentially without informing any MPS staff. Click here to access the Methuen webpage to search for mental health services and begin the matching process. Students under the age of 18 will need the consent of their caregivers to begin the process of accessing mental health services.
The family letters, available in English and Spanish, describe how individuals can initiate a referral. Thank you for partnering with MPS as we work to ensure all students and families receive quality and timely support.
School Counseling Department - Information and Supports for Students
Every student at MHS can access support from the School Counseling Department for problems large and small. Counselors do not only assist students with postsecondary planning and academics. All school counselors are licensed professionals who provide free, confidential counseling services to students to address mental health concerns, personal problems, conflicts, and crises. If a student is struggling with a personal issue, needs help supporting a friend, or simply needs advice about how to manage a stressful situation, please reach out to the School Counseling Department. Families are encouraged to reach out to counseling staff to request support for their student (including group and individual counseling services), request assistance navigating difficult situations and family crises, and learn about how to access community resources. Counselors are available throughout the school day and can be contacted in person and through email. Students can simply visit the counseling office or reach out in any way they feel comfortable and a counselor will provide the help they are looking for.
MHS Counseling Department - Opening of School Caregiver Announcements
HERE is information/dates for the Universal Mental Health Screening as well as information/dates for two Mental Health Literacy and Social Emotional Learning Activities we will be offering Methuen High School students during the 2026 -2027 school year.
Associate Principals
Please do not hesitate to reach out to the appropriate grade-level associate principal for assistance. Communication along with a strong partnership between families and the school will provide students with the necessary support system to be successful throughout high school.
Kristen Thomas - Grade 12 AP knthomas@methuen.k12.ma.us (978) 722-6040 ext. 2623
Matthew Curran - Grade 11 AP mwcurran@methuen.k12.ma.us (978) 722-6040 ext. 2363
Jackie Rubino - Grade 10 AP jerubino@methuen.k12.ma.us (978) 722-6040 ext. 2362
Kevin O’Loughlin - Grade 9 AP knoloughlin@methuen.k12.ma.us (978) 722-6040 ext. 2669
MHS School Master Calendar
October
Saturday, October 24, 2026:- MHS JROTC Drill Competition
- MHS Red Ribbon Week
- MHS Wear Red Day
- MHS First Term Ends
District News
Methuen Public Schools Employment Opportunities
Are you interested in supporting our students by working in the Methuen Public Schools? Click here to view employment opportunities. Please contact Director of Human Resources Colleen McCarthy by email at cnmccarthy@methuen.k12.ma.us or by phone at (978) 722-6013 with questions.