NHS Principal Communications - March 30, 2023

Hello Clipper Families,

First and foremost, I want to commend all of our sophomores for the hard work they put in this week while taking the MCAS.  In walking around the past few days, it’s clear students maximized their time as they persevered through the test.  

In tonight’s message, you will find: 

  • The March 7, School Council Meeting Summary
  • April 4th Internship, Career and Job Fair During Clipper Block
  • 1:1 iPAD Program – Examples of Use from the Pilot Program
  • Composting
  • High School Happenings and Student Accomplishments
  • SPOTLIGHT – Elements of Musical Theater – Fiddler on the Roof Production

 

SCHOOL COUNCIL UPDATE

The school council met on March 7.  Here is a link to the meeting summary.  During the meeting, the team started its review of the Clipper Compass Handbook.  If there are policies you would like the council to review, please complete this form.  

 

1:1 iPAD PROGRAM

Several teachers have been piloting iPADs in the classroom over the past few months.  Recently, Chemistry Teacher Dom Masi shared to the school committee how student use of the device has enhanced the learning experience and products of his students.  Here is a link to his presentation.

For more information and to register your student for the iPad Program, click here.

Here is the FAQ about the program.

 

COMPOSTING AT THE HIGH SCHOOL

In the coming weeks, students will sort their waste during lunch time to include composting.  Before we begin, our science department will be reviewing a presentation that has been prepared by students in our Environmental Club.  I want to commend all of the students who have worked to make this happen, with special thanks to club officers Olivia Barbera and Dylan Davis as well as their advisor Graciela Cummins.   Here is a link to the presentation the students created and the teachers will share next week.   Additionally, I want to thank the City of Newburyport for providing the grant to purchase the bins that will support this effort and minimize mixing of trash into the compost.  

 

UPDATE FROM THE COLLEGE AND CAREER CENTER

  • The spring Internship - Career - Job Fair will happen at NHS on Tuesday, April 4th during Clipper Block.  This is a great opportunity for students to learn about different internship and summer job opportunities. 

 

  • Here is a link to the recording of the MEFA Junior College Planning Night session that took place earlier this month.  Even if your student is in grade 9 or 10, the presentation gives some insight towards planning for time after high school.  

 

HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

INTERACT CLUB

The following students from the Interact Club participated in last week’s PTO Sponsored Read-A-Thon at the Molin School.  Thank you to the PTO for offering our students this opportunity to serve as role-models for their younger peers and to promote the joy of reading.

Lauren Brennan, Carragh Casellini, Ruby Field, Carson Keller, Katherine Keller, Payton Keller, Emma MacIsaac, Catherine Melnick,Brela Pavao, Ella Santos, Georgia Smith, Ava Suchecki, and Alexandra Sullivan

INTERNATIONAL CULTURE CLUB

Last Thursday, our International Culture Club organized the first International Cultural Festival for Newburyport Public Schools.  Students shared presentations around their ethnic and cultural backgrounds.  There were also impressive displays, such as our international student program, art from around the world, and multicultural literature from across the District.  

The International Culture Club has been very busy this school year.  Due to their efforts, we now offer the NHS G.L.O.B.A.L Citizenship Program.   Be sure to click on the link to learn more about it.  Thank you to all of the students who are part of the club and their advisor, Aileen Maconi.

INVESTMENT CLUB

Alongside managing a portfolio sponsored through NEF, students who are part of the Investment Club are also participating in the Massachusetts Stock Market Game.  There is still one month to go, and the Newburyport team is currently 36th out of over 1300 teams across Massachusetts.   Kudos to the club and their advisor, Mr. McCarthy.

NATIONAL ART HONOR SOCIETY SENIOR ART DISPLAY

Thank you to the Newburyport Art Association for hosting an exhibit of artwork by senior members of the National Art Honor Society over the past week.  The creativity of our student artists is inspiring.

FRIENDSHIP BLOCK

Gus Gustafson, Kate Pomeroy, Piper Allard and Sophia Hartford who are part of the CLIPS (Clipper Leadership in Practice and Service) program, have started a Friendship-block that meets during Monday Clipper Blocks.  The purpose of the Friendship block is to help students build connections with each other and make new friends in the building.  The student leaders have activities planned to help students who attend to break the ice. 

AQUAPONICS

Recently, students in Dr. Hobb’s Aquaponics class went down to the Bresnahan School to help put together Hydroponics towers for their elementary-aged peers. A big thanks for this work goes to Simone Chabot, Emma Keefe, Rebekah DeOliveira, Isabella Gemme, Wyatte Hastings, and Aida Gross.

 

OTHER REMINDERS FOR SERVICE AND GETTING INVOLVED

BEACH CLEAN-UP – APRIL 7TH – CLICK FOR INFORMATION   - Here is a recent article about the clean-up.

MISSION SOX - A project run by students called "Mission Sox" is kicking off on March 30th with their first sock drive. Please bring in new socks in any size, color, or style and drop them off in the collection boxes which will be located in the high school's main office, library, class officer's classrooms, as well as throughout the city. These will be donated to local homeless shelters. Follow the Instagram which is @missionsox to stay updated on the drive and don't forget to bring in socks from March 30th - May 1st!  Students Isla and Jackson DeVivo are coordinators for this collection.

 

COURSE SPOTLIGHT

Students part of Elements of Musical Theater have been hard at work this semester preparing the production of Fiddler On The Roof.  Through this course, students experience the full gamut of producing a show.  It allows them to explore music, dance, voice, character, and technical elements through the production process.  There is something for every learner in this program.

Be sure to come see Fiddler on the Roof.  Opening Night is tomorrow at 7:00 PM