MHS STUDENT & FAMILY NEWSLETTER
Monday, April 27, 2026 - Friday, May 1, 2026
RSU 57 & Massabesic High School
"Preparing students for success in an ever-changing world."
Hello Mustang Nation,
Welcome back from April Break as we shift our focus to the final chapter of this school year. The final 6 weeks for Seniors, and 8 weeks (roughly) for underclassmen will fly by with numerous events and activities marking our calendars over the next two months. It is more important than ever for students to be applying their best effort to stay current with their school work, and to work hard at demonstrating their very best in the classroom and on campus with academic credits on the line. The energy for the final chapter of the school year can increase with the excitement of events, sports, nicer weather, etc, but we also need to continue to focus on quality academic efforts and school-appropriate conduct. Linked below in this newsletter is a document titled "End-of-Year Important Dates & Events"- be sure to check it out and keep it open on your phone/computer to stay up to date will all the latest and greatest happenings at MHS. Also linked below is Episode 1 of the "Saddle Up Student Podcast" where students from our Journalism and Podcasting class have put together a wonderful production of all things MHS - students skill and expertise on display!
Wednesday, May 13 is an Early Release Day when we will be administering the state-required NWEA to Grade 9 & Grade 10 students. It is important that our students try their very best on that day as this is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate their learning over the course of the school year. I will be meeting with both Grade 9 & Grade 10 prior to the testing event to discuss more information as it relates to the assessment. On that same morning, Grade 11 & 12 students will be offered academic study halls and opportunities to catch up/get ahead in their work. As a token of our appreciation, we will have Kona Ice of York County joining us on campus that day to provide a tasty treat to students and staff (no cost for students/staff). Grade 11 & 12 students will be able to visit the truck during the earlier part of the morning while Grade 9/10 students are testing, and following the conclusion of testing the Grade 9/10 students will be able to partake.
School Bus Driver Appreciation Day is TODAY, actually, but we support and celebrate our drivers each and every day. The thousands of miles they travel per day is what makes it possible for our students to attend school and participate in the academic and extracurricular programming we have to offer. Thank you to ALL our drivers!
Over the break Administrative Professionals Day also passed, and since we were not in session we will look to celebrate four individuals in our school this coming week. Mrs. Liane Renaud & Ms. Kaitlyn Ouellette in the main office, Mrs. Marie Proctor in the Guidance Office, and Mr. Zach Picard in the Athletic Department work tirelessly to support the students, staff, and community in our school operations. There is not task too little or too small for these individuals and they take their responsibilities seriously. I am continually impressed with the care and dedication they apply to their roles, and to the friendly service they provide to our students and staff. Please join me in celebrating them this week - students, be sure to pop into the Main Office/Guidance Office/Athletic Office to offer a kind word if you so desire!
This Friday, May 1 is also School Lunch Hero Day where we celebrate the efforts of our Nutrition Department. We are grateful to these many individuals who arrive at school very early each day to ensure that our students and staff are set up for the day with tasty and healthy choices for both breakfast and lunch. This service is such a vital part of school operations to keep us all going - be sure to thank our Nutrition Department when you see them next!
PROM TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Monday, April 27 - Friday, May 8 tickets will be on sale during lunch blocks.
In case the first edition of this newsletter snuck past you, it is important to share that I will be resigning as Principal of Massabesic High School at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year. It has been the honor of my career to be chosen to lead MHS and work with such dedicated individuals over the past four years. As life and experience often teaches us, family becomes increasingly more important as the years go by. Admittedly, and somewhat abashedly, it has taken me most of my adult life to fully realize how very important my family is to my overall happiness and health. With both my parents and my wife’s parents residing in Northern Maine, I’ve become increasingly mindful of the importance of family proximity. A rare opportunity has arisen that allows me to live and work near both families, and provide care and support for both families—a serendipitous timing that I feel a strong responsibility to embrace. Prioritizing this time with them is a personal imperative I cannot overlook. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here. I have been continuously impressed with the students and families in the MHS community who strive to grow and succeed - Mustang Nation is indeed STRONG. Leaving the MHS school community is a bittersweet transition, yet I depart with absolute confidence in the talented and dedicated staff who remain - their commitment to the vital mission of student preparation is what makes this school special. I wish nothing but continued success and forward progress for MHS students, staff, and the overall school community.
Morning Meetings this Week:
Tuesday, 04.28.26
The Resiliency Project (Mrs. Desjardins, Room 43)
Class of 2026 Meeting (Auditorium w/Ms. Prentiss & Mr. Durham)
Envirothon Meeting (Mrs. Carroll & Ms. Pennell)
Zero Waste Club (Mr. Nduaguibe)
Thursday, 04.30.26
Culture Cohort (Mrs. Desjardins & Mr. Thurlow - New Caf)
NJROTC Meeting (Captain Howell & Chief Lipp)
Zero Waste Club (Mr. Nduaguibe)
As a reminder, our Green/White day rotation for this week is below:
Monday, 04.27.26 - GREEN
Tuesday, 04.28.26 - WHITE
Wednesday, 04.30.26 - GREEN
Thursday, 04.31.26 - WHITE
Friday, 05.01.26 - GREEN
Take care,
-Mr. Thurlow
You are always welcome to call our Main Office at (207) 247-3141, schedule a meeting, or email members of our administrative team members directly (emails listed below):
