Principal's Message 1/8/23

Friday, 1/13; Half Day / District PD Day / 12:15 Dismissal

●         End of Quarter 2 / Semester 1

Monday, 1/16: School Closed / MLK Day

Tuesday - Friday, 1/17 - 1/20; Midterm & Final Exams / Half day Dismissals @ 12:15

Monday, 1/23; Start of Quarter 3 / Semester 2

On Monday, 1/9,  the new high school construction process will require a shared use of the Main School Driveway by construction vehicles and community member vehicles. 

The shared time frame will be between 8:30am - 2:30pm.

 A designated flag person will be visible to assist with any needed coordination of vehicles.

All students are required to take a midterm / final in all of their scheduled classes on the day and time of their scheduled assessment.

●        Exemptions are finals for seniors with an A- (90) or higher in overall class average and an attendance record of 3 absences or less for the Second Quarter.

All test days are early release days of 12:15pm with the final day of assessments a release time of 10:05AM, unless a student is making up any missed exams.

●        Lunch to go or stay and eat in the cafeteria will be available on all days.

Tuesday, 1/17

A and B block exams

8:15 - 10:05:  A block exam

10:05 - 10:25:  Testing break 

10:25 - 12:15: B block exam

Wednesday, 1/18

C and D block exams

8:15 - 10:05:  C block exam

10:05 - 10:25:  Testing break 

10:25 - 12:15: D block exam

Thursday, 1/19

E and F exams

8:15 - 10:05:  E block exam

10:05 - 10:25:  Testing break 

10:25 - 12:15: F block exam

Friday, 1/20

G and make up exams

8:15 - 10:05:  G block exam

10:05 - 10:25:  Testing break 

10:25 - 12:15: Make up exams

Stoneham High School believes that consistent daily attendance is an integral component of the learning process and for the academic and social growth of all students. We expect our students to be in school every day so as to learn content, develop skills, and establish routines and mindset for success beyond high school.

As stated above, daily attendance is expected; however, it is understood that life circumstances do occur that at times may require a school absence/s. With this in mind, Stoneham High School has adopted the DESE ten percent standard for what is considered chronic absenteeism (9 unexcused absences in Semester Course [90 schools days]; 18 unexcused absences in a Year Long Course [180 school days]).

A  student who has exceeded the minimum attendance standard may apply to the Attendance Review Board for a waiver of absences due to extenuating circumstances. The Attendance Review Board will review waiver requests and provide notification to the student and parent/guardian of the decision. Part of this process may require the student to participate in a meeting with the Attendance Review Board.

The attendance waiver request must be accompanied  by the appropriate/required documentation to support the request. All requests and documentation for an appeal must be  submitted to the main office no later than 2:45 P.M. on January 20, 2023.

Attendance Review Applications are available in the Main Office.

On Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, State Senator Jason Lewis will be visiting Stoneham High School  As a way to prepare his policy agenda for the new legislative session, he is coming to speak directly to student constituents about civic engagement and the work being done on Beacon Hill. The session will take place during Flex block and student participation is completely voluntary.  Students will have the opportunity to ask Senator Lewis questions and offer opinions on various policy initiatives. We are excited about this opportunity for students to engage directly with local political leaders and hope you will encourage them to participate.

Considering a Gap Year?

●        Reading Memorial High School is hosting a Gap Year Fair on Thursday January 19^th   from 6:00 - 8:30.  All are welcome! 

●        There will be over 30 programs represented at the fair plus a presentation beforehand (6:00 - 6:45) to share all the benefits of a gap year program.

●         You can get more details and register HERE. 

●        If you have questions about Gap Years in general, please reach out to your school counselor.

New SHS Construction Project

●        A week in pictures

○        Weekly Progress Report HERE

We have been lucky so far with winter weather, but we are New Englanders and we know that our luck will eventually run out with the winter weather we are accustomed to.  With that in mind, here are important reminders to allow for safe and efficient parking and traffic.

●        Driving

○        Drivers please  be extra cautious and aware and follow the posted and established parking and driving routes.  Winter weather impacts road conditions and visibility and adhering to established routes and expectations will only help in maintaining an efficient and safe traffic process.

●        Student Drop Off & Pick Up

○        Please remember that student drop off and pick up is required in the designated Drop Off  / Pick Up Area in the lower parking lot. The Drop Off  / Pick Up Area consists of white lined marked space before and after the staircase.  Please help with traffic flow by having your student exit or enter the car at any time your vehicle is stopped between the lines of the designated Drop Off  / Pick Up Area.

■        Student drop off / pick up in the upper parking lot, closest to the school, is not a designated Drop Off / Pick Up Area and is only for those individuals who have a physical necessity.

●        Student Parking

○        Unfortunately we have reached our student parking capacity, there are no more available student parking spaces.  At this time Student Parking is closed for any new drivers.

○        Non-registered drivers are not permitted to park on school grounds and any violators are subject to towing at the cost of the vehicle owner.

1)    SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The 2023 Mary Margaret Trant Nursing Scholarship was created in 2021 to assist worthy nursing school students with financial grants which may be applied towards the cost of tuition, books, and equipment.  Applicants must be accepted to an accredited nursing school.  The deadline for applying is May 1.  Please go to the Guidance Department to pick up an application.

2)    Senior Parents

●        Attend an upcoming FAFSA Day event for free assistance completing financial aid forms. 

●        All events are online, and an advisor will meet with you personally in a breakout room.

○        https://masfaa.org/fafsaday/

3)    FREE Saturday Exploratory Program for any student, grades 9-12, at Northeast Metro Tech

●        The program runs from 8-12, with a mid morning snack break (snack and water provided by Northeast).

●        This opportunity is a great way to learn hands-on interactive skills in a 

career-technical education environment. 

●        Sessions

○        Session 2:  1/14, 1/21.1/28,2/4 Business Technology, Cosmetology, Health Assisting, Robotics, Carpentry, Electrical, Metal Fabrication

○        Session 3:  2/11,2/18,3/4,3/11 Culinary Arts, Design and Visual Communications, Cosmetology, HVAC, Robotics, Carpentry, Auto Body, Dental Assisting, Health Assisting

●        See attachments for registration details.

○        Informational Brochure HERE

○        Application HERE

Please follow the attached link for most recent yearbook info and deadlines:  HERE