Message from the Principal

This past week, we had a successful Club Fair Day where our students had the opportunity to meet with different club representatives. Additionally, our school community came together to honor and remember the lives lost, the heroes, and all those affected by the events of September 11, 2001. Students and staff observed a schoolwide moment of silence as a meaningful tribute and reminder that we will never forget.

In this edition of The Pirate Press, you will find the following information:

• ACT TruScore – Mastery Prep assessment information for our 11th-grade students and where/when to report for testing.
• Senior Events this week.
• Ms. Grevel’s Counselor’s Corner for September, which includes valuable information about scholarships, college application deadlines, and other important opportunities
• SGA - Pirate Olympics Form (please review and return form as soon as possible)
• Upcoming safety drills
• Late check-in reminders
• Updated Student Clubs/Organization information and interest meetings
• Homecoming information, dress code, and guest information

This is a reminder that we will have our first Paideia Seminar this week on Sept. 17th. Our school will follow the 60 Minute GLA Schedule. Additionally, Sept. 22 is a two-hour early release day for students and staff professional learning afternoon. The MHCHS Early Release and School Delay Bell Schedule is shared below for your reference.

Thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,

Dr. Catherine Abraham-Johnson

Principal

September 17 - Seminar (Follow 60 Minute GLA Schedule)

September 18 - Test: Mastery Prep (Juniors); Senior Sunrise @ 6:30; Check-In Meeting (Seniors) @ 9:00 a.m.

September 22 - Student 2 Hour Early Release

September 24 - Progress Reports go home

September 25 - Pirate Olympics (Follow 60 Minute End of Day GLA)

September 29 - Senior Parent Meeting in Media Center @ 6:30 p.m.

Senior Sunrise is scheduled for September 18th at 6:30 a.m. If you have any questions about Senior Sunrise, reach out to your SGA rep.

There will be a very important Senior Check-In Meeting with Mrs. Grantham, AIG Teacher, and Ms. Grevel, School Counselor from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. in the Cafeteria. They will go over college applications, Common App, and other important information to make senior year a success! An announcement will be made on the intercom when it is time to report to the cafeteria.

All Juniors should report to the Gym at 7:40 AM for testing. Testing will be complete by the end of 2nd Period.

Mastery Prep ACT Review is a targeted preparation program designed to help students strengthen the skills and strategies needed for success on the ACT. Students will review key content areas, practice ACT-style questions, analyze their performance, and develop test-taking strategies.

As part of the review, students will complete a TruScore Practice Assessment, which provides an ACT-style testing experience and helps identify individual strengths and areas for improvement. Results will be used to guide focused review and preparation.

Please review the September Edition of The Counselor's Corner created by Ms. Grevel.

We encourage students and parents/guardians to read the newsletter together and pay close attention to important deadlines and opportunities. Staying informed is an important part of preparing for success beyond high school.

Pirate Olympics waivers were distributed late last week. 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!

The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment, we will be conducting several safety drills in the coming weeks. 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. We will also be participating in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill. This drill is where students will shelter in place, cover, and hold on to something sturdy. Lastly, our school will 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.

Specific dates for the earthquake and "code red" lockdown drill will be shared with you soon so that you know when they are taking place. 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.

Each student may check in TWICE EACH NINE-WEEK PERIOD WITHOUT PENALTY. Subsequent late check-ins will result in administrative referral as outlined below.

Late check-ins will not carry over to subsequent semesters. The ONLY exception will be for students checking in with a legitimate doctor’s note, court document, or death in family documentation (not a parent note). Driving students with excessive tardies as determined by the principal may lose the privilege of parking on school grounds. Excessive late check-ins (as outlined in CCS Board policy) may result in attendance probation and a recommendation from the principal to the student assignment office that the student be exited from the choice program.

We will hold our first meeting on Tuesday, 9/15, in room 305 from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. All current members and anyone interested can attend.

Attention, NHS Members! This is a reminder that we are still collecting money for T-shirts if you want one, but we've made some changes to the due date. T-Shirts are still $15 and can only be paid through cash or check. We've extended the due date to next Friday. So if you would like a t-shirt, the money is due before the beginning of 3rd pd. Just a reminder to please turn your money in to Ms. Hunter either during 1st pd, one of the lunches, or after school.

NHS members meeting will be held in the cafeteria on Friday, September 18, 2026. We will start promptly at 3pm; please have rides here for pick up at 3:30. See you then!

Interested in leadership, STEM, and exciting state/national competitions? Join us for the Technology Student Association (TSA) Interest Meeting!

Date: Tuesday, September 15th

Time: Immediately after school until 4 pm

Location: Room 306

Come learn what TSA is all about, meet the officers, and find out how you can get involved. See you there!

Key Club will be meeting September 14th will be in room 105 from 3:00 to 3:30.

Think fast. Speak up. Make your voice heard!

Join us for the Speech & Debate Club Interest Meeting and discover how you can compete, perform, debate, and build skills that go far beyond the classroom.

Thursday, September 17, 2026

3:00–3:45 PM

No experience needed — just bring your voice and your ideas!

Come see what Speech & Debate is all about!

The Art Club will have it's first meeting on 9/18/2026 from 2:50 till 3:45 in room 411. All students that are interested are welcome to attend. Please make prior arrangements for your ride home at 3:45.

Do you love to read? Do you enjoy talking about books? Then join all your fellow book lovers at The Silent Book Club Interest Meeting on Tuesday, September 15th in the Media Center immediately after school. Please have rides available by 4 pm. Any questions can go to Mrs. Dunn at juliannedunn@ccs.k12.nc.us

Skate Night for Victory Junction: On Thursday, September 17th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, MHCHS SGA will host a Skate night at the Roundabout Skating Center located at 115 Skateway Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304 (71st Location). It is $8 admission and $2 for skate rentals. All proceeds for this event will go to Victory Junction. Please click this link https://victoryjunction.org/about-vj/ for more information about the fabulous things going on at Victory Junction. Please contact Mrs.Dunn at juliannedunn@ccs.k12.nc.us with any questions.

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.

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.

After the tremendous success of our 100th Anniversary Celebration and inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony in 2025, we are excited to continue honoring the proud history and lasting legacy of Massey Hill.

During last year’s celebration, we proudly recognized our inaugural 2025 Hall of Fame inductees:

• Earl “Moose” Butler
• Tony Chavonne
• La’Shanda Renee Hawkins
• Larry Lancaster
• Stacey Park Milbern
• Terry Luck
• Ronnie Luck
• Jacquelyn "Jackie" Smith Warner

Each inductee represents the excellence, service, leadership, and lasting impact that have shaped Massey Hill and its community.

We are pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2nd Annual Massey Hill Hall of Fame!

The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Massey Hill High School, Massey Hill Classical High School, and/or the greater Massey Hill community. By honoring their achievements, service, leadership, and lasting impact, we preserve our rich history while providing inspiring examples for future generations.

We invite alumni, families, staff, and community members to nominate a deserving individual for this distinguished honor. Please provide detailed information about the nominee’s accomplishments, contributions, character, and connection to the Massey Hill community.

There are three (3) ways to submit your nominations:

1. Print the nomination form (attached below) and it can be mailed to:

Dr. Catherine Abraham-Johnson

Massey Hill Classical High School

1062 Southern Ave.

Fayetteville, NC 28306

2. Print the nomination form and submit it via email. The email to send the nomination to is: catherineabraham-johnson@ccs.k12.nc.us

*In the Subject, please type: Hall of Fame Nomination

3. Complete the Nomination Form online (click on the link): Massey Hill Hall of Fame Nomination 2026

*You may also use your phone to Scan the QR Code Nomination Form below:

All nominations must be submitted by October 24, 2026.

Submitting a nomination does not guarantee induction. All eligible nominations will be carefully reviewed according to the established Hall of Fame selection criteria. The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be on December 5, 2026 at the Oral History Event that will take place at Massey Hill Classical High School.

Thank you for helping us celebrate the individuals whose dedication and accomplishments have strengthened the legacy of Massey Hill. We look forward to recognizing another exceptional class of Hall of Fame inductees.

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.

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

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.