MHS STUDENT & FAMILY NEWSLETTER

RSU 57 & Massabesic High School

"Preparing students for success in an ever-changing world."

Hello Mustang Nation,

Welcome to the final MHS Student & Family Newsletter of the 2025-2026 school year. Newsletters will resume at some point near the end of the summer as a way to keep students and families updated on all the happenings at MHS. I am incredibly excited for Mrs. Penney as she assumes the role on July 1 - she will be a fantastic high school principal with her formidable experience and skillset. We have been working closely over the last few weeks to ensure a smooth transition for the coming school year. Of course, MHS is fortunate to have Mr. Lavertu and Mr. Fryzlewicz to maintain forward momentum for our school community - these two gentlemen have worked tirelessly to create an environment of inclusion and accountability for our staff and students. Their work is greatly appreciated and I believe strongly their approaches will compliment Mrs. Penney's leadership nicely.

As I remarked a few months back, it has been the honor of my career to lead Massabesic High School. Our students and our families, at the very core, believe that great things come from hard work and dedication. I greatly respect these values that are demonstrated in our six communities. Although it is bittersweet for our family to be moving on, I find solace when considering the future of Mustang Nation. You have immense strength in the power of this community and I believe you are poised to become even stronger in the years ahead. I wish you all a wonderful summer full of relaxation and fun.

With gratitude,

-Mr. Thurlow

MHS created the STANGS Award to recognize students who exemplify being Supportive, Trustworthy, Accountable, Nice, Grateful, & Self-Motivated. Congratulations to recent award winners: Rising 10th Grader Aquinnah Vivian, Rising 11th grade Lauren Arsenault, & Rising 12th grader Madelyn Todd.

Students in the Journalism & Podcasting Class at MHS are pleased to bring you a student-created & student-produced podcast of the latest and greatest at MHS. Tune in using the link below - truly impressive!

Is it too late to buy a yearbook?

No. It is not too late.

Yearbooks can be purchased on jostens.com. This online opportunity will remain open until approximately June 4th; follow the path for Massabesic, Waterboro, High school, yearbook. After this date we can accept money (cash or check) and place the order for anyone who would like to still order a book. The money goes right into the MHS Yearbook account and goes to covering the cost of producing/printing the book.

*Signature booklets will be available to students who have a purchased book recorded. I am able to check a purchase report list, if anyone is not sure.

*Just see/email me. The yearbooks are $90, even.

Will books arrive before school ends?

No, they will arrive at the High School the first week of August. There will be a sign in front of the school signaling they are here. For the past 4 years, our MHS yearbooks have covered the entire year, for the whole school; including all 3 sport seasons, events, academics, etc. through graduation. The last pages are finished the weekend after the graduation ceremonies, and the book goes off to the printers. Not every school has this benefit. They have their senior year recorded thru Fall and Winter only, and then Spring events (PROM, Sports ,Graduation) is from the previous school year. This is where MHS stands out. The Book usually arrives, at the High school, the first full week of August. They are then inspected, counted, and sorted then distributed to families/students.

Expected dates and time for 2026 pick-up:

August 7th-Friday, 8th-Saturday and 9th-Sunday

Friday, August 7th: 3pm-7pm

Saturday, August 8th: 10am-2pm

Sunday, August 9th: 1pm-5pm

*Please contact for questions, or issues: heidifryzlewicz@rsu57.org

**Once you've received your book, in August, if you are not satisfied we can only refund money for a returned, undamaged/unmarked book.

Thank you for your purchase!

Dear Families of Massabesic High School,

Pending school board approval, the MHS Culture Club is heading to the Big Apple! We are thrilled to invite students on an unforgettable three-day cultural experience to New York City from March 12th to March 14th, 2027.

This trip is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience world-class arts, history, and city life alongside their peers.

Trip Highlights

• Broadway: Take in the magic of a live Broadway show.

• Times Square: Experience the neon lights and energy of the heart of NYC.

• Central Park: Enjoy a scenic stroll through the city's most iconic green space.

• American Museum of Natural History: Explore world-renowned exhibits and scientific wonders.

Key Details & Registration

• Dates: March 12th – 14th, 2027

• Estimated Cost: Approximately $700

• Sign-ups Open: Thursday, June 11th, 2026

How to Secure a Spot: > Spaces are strictly limited. To reserve your student's seat, you must submit both a completed permission form and a $100 deposit starting June 11th. Permission Forms will become available on June 11th, cash or check is accepted (checks can be made payable to MHS Culture Club.)

More information will be sent in an email on June 11th, which will include the permission form needed to sign up, or students can pick one up in MHS Room 36.

Permission forms and deposit submission can be dropped off with Mrs. Carroll in MHS Room 36 or at the High School Main Office.

Don't let your student miss out on this incredible adventure! If you have any questions, please reach out to Katherine Carroll at katherinecarroll@rsu57.org.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Katherine Carroll

MHS Culture Club Advisor

As we shift our focus to the 2026–2027 school year, an important change is occurring in our Guidance Department that we believe will provide a stronger, more cohesive experience for our students.

Starting next school year, our four school counselors will transition to alphabetical caseloads rather than the current grade-level system.

Enhanced Support in Upper Grades: By balancing the caseloads evenly, our counselors will have more dedicated, in-depth time to guide and support students through the critical junior and senior years (college applications, career planning, and post-secondary transitions).

Collaborative Teamwork: An alphabetical structure allows our counseling team to better collaborate, cross-train, and support one another on school-wide initiatives, ensuring no student's needs are missed.

We are confident that this structural shift will maximize the care and attention each student receives. Keep an eye out for a follow-up communication later this summer detailing the specific supports from your individual school counselors.

Alphabetical Counselor Breakdown:

Mrs. Curtis: A-D

Mr. Rodgers: E-K

Mrs. Cryer: L-P

Ms. Kearney: Q-Z

MHS is proud to expand our partnership with Josten's (think letterman jackets, graduation gear, etc.) to offer an MHS Mascot Shop for lots of great MHS Gear. Please check out the shop using the link below. This site will be available all year long.

Thursday, August 27 - Open Houses for All Schools in RSU 57

Monday, August 31 - First day of School for Grades 1-9 & SRTC Students

Tuesday, September 1 - All Students Return (1st day of school for Gr. 10-12)

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):