The ongoing rain has not dampened the exciting happenings taking place across the school. As we head into the final months, many recognition ceremonies will take place especially as we start to celebrate our soon-to-be graduates.

Tonight is the National Honor Society Induction ceremony. I’d like to commend all of our inductees on their accomplishment. This student run ceremony is a great acknowledgement of the academic growth and service our students accomplish over the years. Thank you to advisor Ken Cole for his work to make the ceremony happen. Also thank you to Mayor Reardon, Asst. Superintendent Lisa Marie Ippolito, and guest speaker Mr. Tim Mahan for their remarks to our students.

I would also like to give a shout out to our student body. At the end of last week's Junior Prom, which had over 240 students, the DJ sought me out after the event. He commented on how impressed he was with the overall behavior of our students. He noted how our students displayed a level of respect and gratitude well beyond other schools he has worked events for. I shared this compliment with our student earlier this week and wanted to pass it along in tonight's message home. I continue to feel very grateful to serve as the principal for Newburyport High School.

Please see below for updates in the following areas:

• State Innovation Pathways – Application Accepted
• Student Government Day at the State House
• College and Career Center Tip of the Week
• All Sports Boosters – Student Ambassadors
• Global Citizenship Program – 6 Seniors Completing Their Capstone
• SAT PREP and ESL Classes
• Mission Sox and Service Credit

Last week, we were notified by Acting Commissioner Russell D. Johnston that Newburyport has been accepted into the state's Innovation Pathway Program for the Environmental Sector. "Innovation Pathways are designed to create strong partnerships with employers to expose students to career options, and help them develop knowledge and skills related to a particular field before they graduate high school." I'm appreciative of the time and hardwork Ms. Lauren Gee, Dr. Erin Hobbs, Mr. Aaron Ribaudo-Smith, and Asst. Supt. LisaMarie Ippolito took on to complete this application. I would also like to thank all of the members of the school council who have offered feedback throughout this process. It is our intention to apply for additional pathways over the next couple years. These included Advanced Manufacturing, Information Sciences, Health Care and Social Assistance, Business and Finance, and Clean Energy.

Reflecting on a day of impactful engagement at the Massachusetts State House for Students Government Day. Our NHS senior Rebekah DeOliveira and junior Katherine Daignault participated in a simulated Joint Committee Hearing and Executive Session in the esteemed House Chamber, collaborating with Senator Jason Lewis and Representative David Rogers. In-depth discussions and debates centered around Senate Bill 311 and House Bill 1261, focusing on education diversity and affordable higher education. Following the session, students engaged in a "Lunch and Learn" with Elected Officials in the vibrant setting of the Hall of Flags. Concluding the event with fervor, students convened in a Legislature Formal Session, exchanging insights with peers from across the state on the proposed bills. This immersive experience has empowered our future leaders with firsthand knowledge of the legislative process. As we continue to strengthen our student government structure at NHS, we will be sure to take advantage of more opportunities such as the aforementioned provided by the state.

See Mr. Smith's College and Career Center Tip of the Week here. It highlights the Government Day experience and the importance of getting involved. Be sure to follow the College and Career Center on instagram for weekly tips.

I would like to commend students, Tyler Chorebanian, Morgan Felts, Colin Fuller, and Ella Loomes for serving as the NHS All Sports Boosters first student ambassadors. These ambassadors will support student voices at the boosters' meetings and help build school spirit and come up with creative ways to positively impact the "Clipper Experience." We are very fortunate to have an organization that focuses on supporting all of our teams while also helping us to continue our growth in school culture and climate. The All Sports Boosters is another example of how the Newburyport community works collaboratively and supports the experience for students and teachers in its schools.

The Global Citizenship Certification Program has done well this year with six seniors each completing a capstone project focused on an area of personal interest and earning dual credit with Southern NH University. Congratulations to seniors: Shannon Brock, Sophia Franco, Zoe Kakuba, Bridgette Mellet, Brela Paveo, and Alex Sullivan on being the pioneers for this program.

Global Citizenship develops a student's awareness of world issues, empathy for others, open mindedness, leadership, curiosity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration to name a few.

A student participating in G.L.O.B.A.L. will:

• Demonstrate proficiency and confidence in a second language
• Attain knowledge of – and show an appreciation for – cultural differences
• Engage in community service with open-mindedness and humility
• Contribute with energy and spirit to the GCP community of learners
• Share their expertise and enthusiasm with the broader Newburyport Community
• Achieve personal growth through reflection
• Strive to realize their full potential to lead as global citizens

To learn more about the Global Citizenship Certification Program please check out this link.

Registration is open for the SAT Preparation course run through the Newburyport Adult and Community Education program. Please see this flyer for more information or see the course registration links below.

English and Math SAT Prep Registration

The Mission Sox collection is in full swing. This will continue through May 9. See the flyer below for more information.

Here at NHS students can earn transcript credit for their logged service hours. 75 hours of logged and approved service counts as 2.5 credits and 150 hours of logged and approved service counts as 5.0 credits.