FRIDAY FOCUS
Monomoy Regional High School's Weekly Newsletter
Published: April 4, 2025
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Parent University on Digital Safety & Mindfulness: Tuesday, April 15
April is Autism Awareness Month!
Transportation Update
Starting March 31, the first phase of road work for the placement of sewers will begin on Route 39 in East Harwich. Our Transportation Coordinator is in frequent contact with the construction team in order to minimize disruptions to school bus routes. Moving forward, if there are any specific changes to bus stops or routes, our Transportation Coordinator will contact those families directly. It is recommended that anyone traveling in this area allow for extra time, as through traffic will be detoured while the road work is underway.
Pups Pre-Kindergarten at Chatham Elementary School
Kindergarten Registration NOW OPEN for 2025-2026!
Bus Drivers Needed!
A great way to make some extra money and stay on your child's school day schedule. Bus drivers needed for large and small bus transportation. All training is provided by the Collaborative. For more information, please speak with Lisa Stobbart at 508-420-6950
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SENIORS
2025 Senior Graduation Newsletter & Senior Calendar
Dear Graduating Seniors, Parents, and Caregivers,
We are looking forward to celebrating our Class of 2025 at their graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 7 at 6:00 PM on the MRHS Turf Field. We have included detailed information for our seniors and their families regarding end-of-year responsibilities, schedules, and graduation event details. Please review this important information and let us know if you have any questions.
The 2025 Senior Newsletter includes:
- Senior Obligations Checklist
- Graduation Ceremony Information
- Schedule of Upcoming Senior Events
- Senior Final Exam Schedule
Check out the MRHS Graduation webpage for this information and any updates as the end of the year approaches.
Please do not hesitate to contact the school with any questions. We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2025!
Senior Updates #4 from Class Advisors
Click here to read your senior updates from your class advisors. Lots of important info!:
SENIOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS: After Prom Committee needs your help!
Our MRHS After Prom Party event will take place on April 11, 2025. It is being held at the Chatham Community Center from 10:45 PM to 5:00 AM. We need the help of our fellow Class of 2025 parents/caregivers to put on a great event for our seniors! Please sign up to help at this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054DA9AE2CA6FFC52-55517007-mrhs
Interns of the Week
Chace Robbins
I would say that the most enjoyable aspect of my internship at that Housing Prevention Council would have to be the people that I work with. Working with Jenna Moore is an extreme privilege as she is one of the hardest workers I have ever met. Her assertive attitude towards work never conflicts with her treatment and respect of others. I thoroughly enjoy every task she gives me whether it is making copies or getting donations from local businesses. Jenna is not the only incredible person that I work with. The entire office as a whole works tirelessly to ensure people are provided with a place to sleep and call home. I am incredibly proud to be a part of HPC.
Caleb Escher
Featured Superstars!
The Cape Abilities newsletter featured the SHORE students during one of their Pre-ETS Program visits to Cape Cod 5 in their spring newsletter.
April Fools' Day Plunge for the Hubbard Family
Beginning in 2008, members of the Chatham Fire Department have taken part in an April Fools’ Day “plunge” at one of our local beaches. Each year, we swim and raise money in support of a different local individual or family.
This year marks the 18 th year that the April Fools from Chatham Fire have led the community into the frigid waters. The Chatham Firefighters have done an outstanding job of rallying the community behind some amazingly brave people. This year, we will swim for the Hubbard Family - John, Jack, Shannon, and Maggie.
On October 13, 2024, while the Hubbards were vacationing at a rental home in Clinton, New York, a fire broke out in the home. Tragically, Shannon and their one-year-old daughter Maggie lost their lives as a result. Shannon was a beloved educator in the Monomoy School District, most recently working at the Chatham Elementary School. John Hubbard, a Dennis Police Patrolman, and their 3-year-old son Jack survived the fire. Please join the April Fools of Chatham Fire at Hardings Beach in Chatham on Sunday, April 6 th at 1 pm for an icy plunge into Nantucket Sound and consider donating to support the Hubbard Family during this challenging time. We hope to make this our biggest and best swim yet. Swimmers and spectators are welcome. There is no better way to slam the door on the winter season than to take your first refreshing dip of the year!
Donations of all amounts are graciously accepted. T-shirts will be available for $25 prior to the event and any remaining will be sold at the swim. A free post-swim BBQ will be held at the Chatham VFW immediately following the swim.
If you would like to donate but are not able to attend, you may donate online via the “April Fools Plunge for Hubbard Family” GoFundMe page, or cash and checks will be collected at the swim or may be sent to:
April Fools
Chatham Fire Department
135 Depot Rd.
Chatham, MA 02633
(508) 945-2324
Thank you,
Justin Tavano
Chatham Fire Department
Event Coordinator
Youth Arts Month at MRHS - HIGHLIGHTS
Youth Arts Month Highlights Slideshow
Please want the Youth Arts Month 2025 Highlights youtube video below!
Sandscript is preparing their National Poetry Month Celebration
Here are just some of the activities they're planning:
- Sandscript will attend Bourne High School's Poetry Celebration on April 8. Professional Poet and Monomoy teacher, John Bonani will join us as we attend workshops, lectures, and slams.
- Sandscript and Eldredge Library in Chatham are hosting an Open Mic with Pizza Night on Thursday, April 10 from 5:30 - 7:00. All are welcome!! Participants might earn extra credit in their ELA classes.
- AND FINALLY!!! Sandscript is hosting a morning announcement Poetry Contest!!! Poems that were submitted previously will be read on the morning announcements by members of Sandscript. The whole student body will be invited to score the day's poem. Top three winners will win gift card prizes and certificates.
Pops Concert: Thursday, April 10
MRHS Annual Multicultural Fair: Friday, April 18
Monomoy District Special Olympics: Thursday, May 8
We are thrilled to invite you to the Monomoy District Special Olympics, a day dedicated to celebrating the abilities, achievements, and spirit of our incredible athletes!
- Date: Thursday, May 8
- Time: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Location: MRHS
Join us as our athletes take to the field with determination, sportsmanship, and joy. This inspiring event brings together students, families, and the community to support inclusion, perseverance, and the power of sport.
We encourage families, friends, and supporters to come out, cheer, and be part of this unforgettable experience! Stay tuned for more details as the date approaches.
Let’s make this a day of encouragement, achievement, and fun!
Reach out to Shana Grogan @ sgrogan@monomoy.edu if you are interested in volunteering or if you have any questions.
Join MRHS Hope Squad's Sharing Kindness Suicide Awareness Walk team
I’m reaching out to invite you to participate in the Suicide Awareness Walk on Saturday, May 17th, an event aimed at raising money for Sharing Kindness. This cause is especially meaningful for us here on Cape Cod, where the suicide rate is higher than anywhere else in Massachusetts.
Sharing Kindness, along with grief support and community education, also plays a vital role in supporting the MRHS Hope Squad, funding the curriculum we use, and providing frequent consultation and support as we grow the visibility of our Hope Squad. The Monomoy Hope Squad will be kicking off fundraising efforts for the walk, so keep an eye out for them!
MRHS Hope Squad Fundraising Link
Please consider joining us on the walk, donating using our link, or sharing the link with friends and loved ones who might be interested in donating to this amazing nonprofit.
Weight Room: Spring Schedule
Cape Cod Museum of Art Through Young Eyes Student Art Exhibition
MRHS Artists:
- Emma Eldredge
- Emma Barker
- Jack Credit
- Scarlett O'Malley
- Olliver Tadema-Wielandt
- Isabella Bellefeuille
- Amalia Decastro
- Vincent Ferrer
- Madelyn Legendre
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Please join us for the reception:
In-Person Reception: Saturday, March 29th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Exhibition Dates: March 27th - May 18th, 2025
Museum Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm & Sunday 12 pm – 4 pm
Order your 2025 yearbook!
If you need financial assistance to purchase a yearbook please email Mrs. Francesconi (kfrancesoni@monomoy.edu).
Outer Cape Health Services Navigator School-Based Service Site
MRHS has joined with Outer Cape Health Services to offer additional support to our school community. This new project aims to increase access to community supports and clinical services for students and their families. The service will provide onsite access to OCHS navigator services and tele-behavioral and telemedicine appointments. The school-based OCHS Navigator will work alongside school personnel to help students and families to access locally-based services and resources. The Navigator program will support students in connecting to the resources that they need to improve health, wellness, and academic engagement. Navigators will provide customized case management services, ensuring that students and families are connected to the supports that they need. To learn more, click here or speak to the school's nurses or counselors.
Sharing Kindness: School-Based Grief Support Group
Dear Families,
I am writing to share some important information about an initiative that Sharing Kindness is offering our district: a school-based peer grief support group.
We all recognize that the loss of a significant person—whether a family member, friend, or other close individual—can be a deeply challenging and life-altering experience. For children, youth, and teens, the impact of grief can be even more profound, as they navigate their feelings and try to understand their emotions, often without fully knowing how to process such intense pain. Whether the loss occurred recently or years ago, the grieving process is complex, and every individual experiences it differently.
While grief can be isolating, it is crucial for children to know they are not alone. A peer grief support group at school provides a safe, empathic, confidential space where children can connect with others who have experienced similar losses. In these groups, they can openly express their emotions, share their stories, and realize their feelings are valid. Talking to peers who truly understand can foster healing, build resilience, and help children feel supported as they work through their grief.
A school-based support group also benefits children by offering guidance from trained facilitators (a licensed clinician and a trained volunteer) who can help them navigate the difficult emotions that often accompany grief. These groups allow for an open dialogue where coping skills and healthy emotional expression are explored, which can have a lasting, positive impact on their mental well-being. This setting allows your child to be supported in a familiar and comfortable environment.
We know grief doesn't have a timeline, and it can resurface at unexpected moments. Participation in a peer grief support group gives your child access to ongoing support, helping them feel less alone in their journey.
As parents and caregivers, you play an irreplaceable role in supporting your child through this time, but it can be difficult to know how to help them process their grief as you are navigating your own. A school-based support group offers an additional layer of support, which can complement the love and care you provide at home. I strongly encourage you to consider the benefits of a peer grief support group for your child. It could be an invaluable step toward helping them understand and process their emotions in a healthy, supportive way.
If you have any questions or would like more information about the program, please don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can provide your child with the care and understanding they need during this challenging time.
Kathleen Shine-O'Brien, M.A., LMHC
EMDR trained therapist
Director of Clincial & Community Services
Sharing Kindness
Bags of groceries available on Fridays
The Diversity Club, with the help of donations from the community, Stop and Shop, and Google . Org Teen Mental Health Initiative, can distribute individual bags of food on Fridays. They are handed out at the end of the day and are available to anyone who needs them. Pick up in the Main Office lobby as you are heading out to your bus!
SHORE Food Pantry
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Harlem Wizards Game: Friday, April 4
The Class of 2027 is hosting our biggest fundraiser on April 4 in the high school gym. The Famous Harlem Wizards will be playing a basketball game with music, tricks and lots of laughs against a team of Monomoy Sharks.
The doors open at 5:30 and the game starts at 6:30 pm. We hope to see you on April 4!
Ticket URL:
https://www.harlemwizards.com/tickets/harwich
Custom Video URL:
Young Women's Club hosting Mother's Day Tea Party: Sunday, May 4
Friends of the Arts (FOTA)
Monomoy Regional Schools Friends of the Arts 2025 Online Auction
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Work Permits
Getting a job this summer? If you are between 14-17 years old, you need a work permit! Pick one up in guidance, get it filled out, then bring it back to the main office DURING JAWSOME!
Upcoming MCAS Dates
ELA: Grade 8
Session 1: April 15
Session 2: April 16
MATH: Grade 8
Session 1: May 6
Session 2: May 7
SCIENCE: Grade 8
Session 1: May 15
Session 2: May 16
MATH: Grade 10
Session 1: May 20
Session 2: May 21
CIVICS: Grade 8
June 2
Physics and some Biology: Grade 9
Session 1: June 4
Session 2: June 5
Scholarships
Seniors need to be actively working on scholarships. Scholarships that MRHS is notified of are posted in Naviance.
AP Exam Schedule
Service Academy Information Night: Friday, May 9
Summer of Science at 4Cs 2025
Cape Cod Family Resource Center
Sharing Kindness Events
Cape Cod Children's Place Program Offerings
https://capecodchildrensplace.com/program-offerings/ - click on the link for the interactive calendar!
Follow us on Social Media!
INSTAGRAM: @MonomoyGuidance
Wishing you health and safety,
The MRHS Counseling Team
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Athletic Schedule: Week of 4/7
Athletic Dismissals: Week of 4/7
Mon. 4/7
V Softball @ 2:15
V Girls Tennis @ 2:30
V/JV Baseball @ 2:45
Tues. 4/8
V Girls Golf @ 11am
V Boys Tennis @ 1:30
V Girls Lacrosse @ 2:15
Unified Track @ 2:30
Wed. 4/9
V Girls Tennis @ 11am
V Softball @ 1:45
V Boys and Girls Track @ 2:45
Thurs. 4/10
V Baseball @ 2:15
V Boys Lacrosse @ 2:45
Monomoy All Sports Booster Club Merch Store is open!
Click here to access the Monomoy All Sports Booster Club's merch store: https://monomoy-merch.printify.me/products
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Public Safety Explorers Program
MRHS Attendance Form
To report your child's absence, tardy, or upcoming dismissal please use the following link:
Friday Focus Archive
Did you know? Past issues of the Friday Focus can be found on our website:
MRHS Student/Parent Handbook
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
Contact Us!
Email: mrhs@monomoy.edu
Website: mrhs.monomoy.edu
Location: 75 Oak Street, Harwich, MA, USA
Phone: 508-430-7200
Monomoy News & Social Media
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