December has been busy here at the high school. From shows, service activities, and the start of winter sports to the many creative projects happening across the curriculum, students and our staff have been active and engaged with school.

First, I’d like to commend all the students who are part of our music program. Last week’s Winter Concert was awesome. With performances from the Guitar Program, Chorus, Orchestra, Dance Group, Band, and our very own rock band, Clippers Up, the show was a lot of fun. It was also great to see so many people come out to be a part of the event.

Next, I want to thank all of the students who volunteered at the high school’s Showcase back on the 7th. This event allows prospective students and their families to explore everything NHS has to offer. It was very cool to have over 100 students participate whether giving tours, managing activities tables, or being a part of presentations happening in the classrooms. A majority of the feedback received during and after the showcase centered around the positive energy and professionalism displayed by our students.

Last, I want to commend all our students on the positive behaviors they have exhibited in school and throughout our extra-curricular activities. Our students have served as strong ambassadors of our community.

Please see below for updates in the following areas:

• Understanding the Budget Process
• School Council
• Recent Student Service Highlights
• Waste Management and Recycling
• Service Credits
• Congratulations
• College and Career Center – Important Dates
• Advisory and Post-Secondary Plans
• Course Spotlight - FINANCIAL MATH
  
• Social Media Links – NHS Clubs - A Great Way to Learn About Upcoming Activities

During the month of November, the District offered presentations to help the public understand the budget process as well as offer feedback.

Here is a brief video that explains the process.

Please take some time to review the summary of the NHS School Council's Dec 12th Meeting. In the summary you will find the following:

• Updates to the School Improvement Plan
• Overview of a Dual Enrollment Trade Program Pilot
• Budget Considerations for Next School Year

Over the past 2 weekends, students’ part of the National Arts Honor Society have supported many local events across Newburyport. These events include holiday fairs and festivals. Feedback from the event organizers acknowledged the professionalism of our students and the joy they brought to many children and families.

The Leo’s Club is wrapping up their annual Toy Drive. Through the month, they have been collecting gifts for those in need. Thank you to everyone who has contributed.

The Interact Club which is our largest student organization has also been busy. They have supported many events in the community over the past month. Most recently, over 30 students helped out at the Salvation Army where they organized and wrapped gifts that will help enhance the holiday for over 500 families in the greater Newburyport area that are in need this year.

Thank you to Logan MacKnight for taking the lead around the December food drive here at the high school and the Bresnahan school. Also thank you to everyone who contributed. Over 275 pounds of food has been collected to help replenish the shelves of Our Neighbors Table.

We have many student groups who are helping to educate and improve how we manage waste at the high school. I want to thank the National Honor Society for the work they do to manage recycling. I also want to commend Sophia Franco who is currently working on a plan through her internship with ACES to help us develop stronger systems to ensure what is in the recycling bins is recyclable.

Here is a flyer created by Finn Deveney to highlight the importance of COMPOSTING. Last school year, the Environmental Club with support from the city, purchased bins to support sorting of trash during the lunches. We still have work to do in this area, but our students have made improvements with placing food waste into the compost bins.

Please consider this a reminder that for every 75 hours of logged service, students earn 2.5 credits on their transcript.

Recently students Shannon Brock, Sofie Lafranchise, and Aibhne Martino were invited to perform original poems as part of the Newburyport Choral Society winter concerts. This was quite the honor to recognize the creativity and emotion these students exhibit through their poetry.

During the showcase night, our athletics program hosted the annual National Letter of Intent Signing Night for exemplary students in the classroom and on the athletic fields. Congratulations to the following students and their families.

Owen Kreuz

Jack Sullivan

Kate Keller

Lily LeDuc

Olivia McDonald

Lilly Pons

Morgan Valeri

GREATER ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE PLANNING NIGHT

MARK YOUR CALENDAR – THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

Through the work of our College and Career Center, Newburyport High School will host the Greater Essex County College Planning Night on Thursday, Jan 25th from 6-8:00 PM in the auditorium. You are invited to attend our Greater Essex County College Planning Night.

Click here for more information. This is a great event for junior families; however, we encourage families from grades 9 and 10 to attend as well.

Also for families with students who may be considering options other than college for after high school, please mark March 5th at 1:30 in your calendars to attend, Future Pathways: Alternatives to Success Without a College Degree.

A main objective of our advisory program is to guide students in developing their plans for after high school. This Thursday, students will participate in their next session with their teacher advisor. Below shares the objectives for each grade level.

Also, seniors have already started solidifying their post-secondary plans. We encourage you to take a peek at the senior class instagram page where the class historians are doing the yearly posts!

Follow along:

@port_2024

https://www.instagram.com/port_2024

THURSDAY ADVISORY OBJECTIVES

Grade 9

Peer mentors will work with their grade 9 counterparts and help them process and roleplay strategies such as "self-talk" to help them navigate challenging situations.

Grade 10 + 11

Students will learn about resources available within our College and Career Center to help them with their post-secondary planning. Some of the resources students will learn about include: Naviance, Gap Year Programs, College Tour Planning. Here is a link to all of the resources our students and families have available to them.

Grade 12

Students will learn about resources and strategies available to help make affording college more manageable. This session includes financial aid information and tips for life after high school.

Our Math Department is excited to offer Financial Math for our students. Many upperclassmen elect to take this course where they learn about math used in finances of everyday life. Students experience real life scenarios that allow them to process financial decision making. From analyzing pay stubs to mapping the impact of credit cards and loans on monthly budgeting, students complete this course with an understanding of the language and math behind financing to help them make decisions in the future when it comes to managing money.

Here is a list of social media sites hosted by the many student organizations we have at Newburyport High School. This is a great way for your student to be aware of events or meetings happening in areas they may be interested in. Getting involved in a club or student organization is a great way for students to expand their social circles.