It was great to welcome everyone back this week. During the vacation, 30 of our students and 5 teachers spent their time on a cultural exchange trip to Cuba. This was a tremendous experience as they immersed themselves in the culture and history of the country. I'd like to thank our chaperones, Lisa Zaleski, Mary Rakoski, Aileen Maconi, Matt LaChapelle and Tom Abrams for making this experience possible, and I'd like to acknowledge the students who participated. They served as strong ambassadors of the Newburyport community and we should all be proud.

Please see below for topics part of tonight's message.

• School Council - Handbook and Policy Discussion Update
• Academic Honors Night
• Supporting the Environment from Across the District
• Congratulations and Good Luck
• Sports Gear Collection - This Saturday

Here is a link to the summary of the April 9 School Council Meeting.

Over the past 3 meetings, the council has discussed policies that had been requested for review either by school administration, the faculty council, student council, and/or parents. Below are the policies that have changed from this discussion. The council approved of these changes at the April 9th meeting.

• School Use of Breathalyzers
• MIAA Chemical Health
• Spectators at School Events
• Attendance for Participation in Extracurricular Activities
• Attendance Policy: Reduction of Unexcused Absences from 9 to 7 For a Student to Lose Credit in a Course
• School Nurse Dismissal Guidelines

In March, the council started a conversation around whether Dual Enrollment courses should have the same weight as an AP course. Based on this discussion and the feedback received after the March meeting, the council continued the discussion at the April 9th meeting using the following prompt:

What parameters might the council recommend for taking dual enrollment courses at NHS?

This link will take you directly to the summary of this discussion at the April 9th meeting. Using this conversation, I will develop a proposal for dual enrollment courses and present this at the May meeting.

Next Wednesday at 7:00 PM will be our Academic Honors Night. Outside of graduation, this is one of our larger ceremonies of the year. This event recognizes the academic accomplishments of our students and during the ceremony, the senior class Valedictorian, Salutatorian, the Bresnahan School Athlete, and the Newburyport Scholar Artist address all those in attendance. Also at this ceremony, our North Shore Scholars representatives and students who have earned the State's Seal of Biliteracy will be recognized alongside all of the students who have earned an academic key. This is a great evening in recognition of scholarship.

Please see below for this year’s speakers.

• Senior Class Valedictorian – Audrey Loughran - Introduction by Lillian LeDuc
• Senior Class Salutatorian – Aimon Fadil - Introduction by Stephen D'Ambrosio
• Bresnahan Scholar Athlete – Lauren Brennan - Introduction by Katherine Keller
• Newburyport Scholar Artist – Bristol Banovic - Introduction by Julia Schena

2024 North Shore Scholars

Bristol Banovic - Emma Cowles - Aimon Fadil - Oliver Levans - Audrey Loughran - Elizabeth Metsker - Olivia Murphy - Marla Olsen - Nolan Smith - Kyla Wilson

Students from across the school system have been busy doing their part to educate others and participate in activities to help the environment.

• The NHS Youth Chamber of Commerce is working with the Nbpt Chamber of Commerce on a series of events to raise awareness about the state of the Merrimack River. The first event is being held this coming Sunday, the Port Clean Water Festival. See this flyer created by student Grace O'Malley promoting this event. Details are also below.

Sunday April 28th from 1-5 at Brown's wharf

Live Music, face painting (by NHS art students)

Free ice cream form Michaels "Lobster Shack"

• Before the vacation, members from our Environmental Club presented to 8th graders around recycling and composting.

• Students from the Nock Middle School have also started their Black Earth Fundraiser. This is a great way to help fund the 8th grade trip scholarship while also supporting the environment. Here is a flyer with more information.

• Students from the Bresnahan school recently shared this video with all of us to further demonstrate our work as a school community to take on practices to protect the environment. Responsibility to the Earth 2024

Congratulations to our adjustment counselor, Ms. Carly Fair. She is one of this year's recipients of the Asset Builder Award. Ms. Fair for many years has been a great support and advocate for our students. As students have shared, she is a valuable resource to the school and community. She is always able to help students talk through and process tricky social situations. The Asset Builders Award recognizes individuals who are supporting young people through their work or character. Nominated by members of the community, the recipients create relationships with youth in the city that are positive, encouraging, supporting and empowering.

Congratulations to Lucy Cameron, Caden Eiserman, Claire Fehlner, Nora Geerlings, Zoe Kakuba, Pirya Kaur, Sofie LaFranchise, Rourke Lee, Sasha Leydon, Fiona Marino, Bridgette Mellet, Sean Miles, Michelle Seznec, Jack Sherman, and Nolan Smith for taking time to prepare and present.

Women in Sports is partnering with Gear to Share this Saturday, April 27 from 10 - 2 in front of the high school to collect gently used gear, which will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club.