What a great and inspiring day we had at NHS. Our upperclassmen participated in programming facilitated by motivational speaker Ed Gerety. He focused students on the personal impact of a growth mindset and the value of setting goals. Additionally, he helped students recognize the value of extending gratitude to those who have supported them to this point in their lives. I’d like to thank Blake Parker, Logan Jones, and Angus Webster for their participation and modeling during the presentation.

 For our freshmen, the IGNITE Peer Mentors ran sessions to further support their transition into high school and ensure all students feel connected and part of the school community. The engagement level of our grade 9 students was awesome, and I’m excited to have them for the next 4 years as we work to continuously improve our school.

 I’d like to commend all our IGNITE Peer Mentors for the work they took on this week to prepare for this day. They are helping us develop a culture grounded in student leadership, character, growth, and a sense of belonging. Their energy and enthusiasm has been contagious and I love the new motto they have brought to the forefront, CLIPPERS UP!

 Also, thank you to Ms. Lynne Cote, Ms. Katherine Mailhiot, Ms. Jill Moran, Ms. Stephanie Phillips, Ms. Lori. Solazzo and Mr. John Trask for their work in this week's mentor training and programming.

Please see below for other updates around:

• Upcoming Events
• Congratulations
• Course Spotlight
• Student Trip to Hawaii
• NEF Events to Know

• Club Fair – Student Council is hosting its annual Club Fair the week of September 26. Clubs will have tables in the cafeteria during each of the 3 lunches this week so students can learn about different activities they can get involved in. Some new clubs that have been recently added to our program include the Red Cross Club and the Game Club. We encourage all students to be part of an activity during their time in high school.

• BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT will take place Thursday, September 21st. This will begin with a presentation in the auditorium at 5:30 PM by the high school administrative team and starting at 6:00 PM, parents and guardians will follow their student’s schedules.

• College & Career Fair - We are hosting the Greater Essex County College & Career Fair in the NHS Gym on Wednesday, September 27th from 6pm-7:30pm. HERE is the list of colleges and community organizations attending and it will be updated weekly.

• Here is a link to other upcoming events to have on your radar.

This past summer, members of the High School English department reimagined assessment, developing a portfolio system to showcase student formative and summative learning in areas of literacy: reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language. Grade 9 and Grade 11 students will have the opportunity throughout the year to demonstrate skill development, identify strengths, and target areas of growth as they reflect on their learning against the Massachusetts Framework Standards, while also developing a comprehensive portfolio of work to carry with them through their educational journey as they encompass our Portrait of a Graduate.

Congratulations to Nadia Toth. She was recently invited to participate in WGBH’s Outspoken Saturday. As always, her poetry and readings convey great emotion and depth.

This year we have adopted the theme of “Sweep the Ship,” meaning to take care of our school and each other. I’d like to commend students who have recently been caught "sweeping our ship."

The students below stayed after last week’s football game on their own to clear the student section of the bleachers:

Cooper Grant

• Martin DeJesus
• Henry Walker
• Michael Dunphy
• Sean Gasbarro
• Evan Lagueux

 Also, I’d like to commend Gweneth Hoffman who had been seen picking trash left on the driveway as she came into school in the morning.

I'm hoping we will continue to build off the momentum the above students have started.

Attend a virtual meeting about the Spring 2024 tour to Hawaii for your student. If your student is interested, please be sure to register through this link. This is an amazing opportunity for your student to learn more about our country, gain new perspectives, get out of their comfort zone and build skills for the future. Join us for the chance to enroll and go over everything about the trip including:

· What we’ll see and do

· Travel logistics

· Safety and flexibility

· How to earn high school or college credit

· Affordable payment options and more

 When: Tuesday September 19th at 7:00 P.M.

Where: Zoom! To attend, make sure to register through this link.

Questions? Email me: jmoran@newburyport.k12.ma.us

The Newburyport Education Foundation is a tremendous partner for the Newburyport Public Schools. From supporting our Dual Enrollment and Pathways Program to funding a state-of-the-art fitness center as well as providing financial support for families with the 1:1 iPad Program and helping us bring professional-grade technology into the Arts program, the foundation is a testament to how the Newburyport community supports its schools.

Please see below for some upcoming dates to have in your calendar as well as opportunities to get involved and meet other members of the community.

• NEF Auction Volunteer Meet & Greet: Tuesday September 19th, 7p at the Port Tavern, click here for invite

• Save the date: 2023 NEF Lighthouse Auction, click here for invite

• Sign-up to help with a class donation, click here to find your class