I hope this letter finds you well and excited to have your child start a new school year. We are making final preparations for the beginning of school, and we are looking forward to welcoming all students back on Thursday, September 7th and seeing Grade 9 and new students during their orientation day on Wednesday, September 6th.

Over the first 2 days of school, we have adjusted the schedule so that students can reacclimate to school, both academically and socially. On Sept 7th and 8th, students will have time to meet with their advisors, review and practice school and class routines, participate in grade level assemblies, and learn about school year goals. They will also cycle through all of their classes and review course syllabi and objectives.

Also supporting a successful start of the school year, on Friday, Sept. 15, we have planned a special schedule. Students in grades 10, 11, and 12 will participate in a workshop around growth mind-set and goal setting led by motivational speaker Ed Gerety. Our grade 9 students on this day will continue their orientation to NHS with support of their assigned peer mentors.

Finally, we will continue to build our sense of community by holding our first rally of the school year on Friday, Sept. 22.

Our intent is to ensure all students have a great start to school that propels them towards a fun and successful year marked by their own growth and achievement.

Please take time to read the information below. You will find updates on:

• Important Dates to Know,

• Forms and Materials to be Completed or Reviewed,

• Technology Access

• School Year Calendar

• Guidance Counselor Assignments,

• Social Media to Follow-us, and

• the School Council.

Have a great night and Go Clippers!

Recognizing how quickly calendars fill-up once summer ends, I wanted to provide you with some dates of interest. Please click on this 2023/24 Important Dates Link to see this information. Also don’t forget to follow us on various social media accounts.

The beginning of school involves the collection of important student information. Please use this link to view the materials you will need to complete and return or just review. You will also be able to access all forms on the “Forms” tab on the high school website.

ALL OTHER: For general technology issues, please send an email to: support@newburyport.k12.ma.us. Please include your full name, the full name of your student, their graduation year, and the school they're currently attending.

Here is a link to the school year daily schedule rotation in Google Calendar. Please have your student join the calendar. If their notifications are set to “on,” this will notify them of the daily schedule rotation and give them access to adjusted schedules that happen at certain times of the school year.

Please click on this link to view your students’ counselor assignment.

Also, as a reminder, if there are any issues or concerns with a student’s schedule please email schedule@newburyport.k12.ma.us . Students have until September 22nd when they return to school to meet with their counselors for schedule changes that include being under-enrolled or enrolled in the wrong classes.

The school council is responsible for providing input into the high school’s improvement plan, budget and student handbook. The council consists of the building principals, parents, teachers, community members, and students.

Last school year, Anya Brunnick, Laurie Kench, and Stacey Gijsbers served as the parent representatives on the council. Laurie and Stacey will continue with their 2-year term and Anya’s seat will be open as she has completed her 2-year commitment.

If you are interested in running for a seat on the School Council, please complete this nomination form by Thursday, Sept 7 at 5:00 PM. If necessary, an election will take place in mid-September.

Thank you, Anya, for your time spent on the council over the past 2 years.