Model UN Conference

News Update - February 5, 2024

Medfield High School

February 5, 2024

Image from Medfield’s Inaugural Model UN Conference

THIS WEEK:
February 5 - Day 6   E-A-Flex-C-F
February 6 - Day 7   A-B-D-G-E
February 7 - HALF DAY - 11:10 DISMISSAL A-G
February 8 - Day 8   B-Flex-D-C-F
February 9 - Day 1   C-A-Flex-E-G

LOOKING AHEAD:
February 12 - Day 2   E-B-D-G-F
February 13 - Day 3   A-Flex-D-F-C
February 14 - Day 4   B-A-Flex-G-E
February 15 - Day 5   C-B-D-F-G
February 16 - Day 6   E-A-Flex-C-F

NOTABLE DATES
February 9 - AAPPL Testing (Spanish only)
February 9 - A Capella Night
February 13 - Chris Herren Presentation for Grades 11/12

HELPFUL INFORMATION:

HANDBOOK HIGHLIGHT #22

SCHOOL SAFETY PROTOCOLS

Maintaining the safety of our students and staff is the most important role we have as a school. Several times a year we partner with the Medfield Police Department and Medfield Fire Department to conduct both “safety drills” and “fire drills” in all of our schools. A safety drill involves students and teachers following specific classroom/school protocols that provide a safe environment in case of an emergency, such as an unauthorized person in the school building. A fire drill involves students and teachers exiting the building to an assigned area at a safe distance. Both of these drills involve protocols developed in collaboration with the Medfield Police or Medfield Fire.

There are situations when a school may need to implement a “shelter-in-place” protocol in the entire school or a section of the school. A shelter in place is not a lockdown. Students will remain in the room, the class will continue to function normally, students and staff are not permitted in the halls, and no one will be allowed in or out of the building while the shelter in place is happening. Shelter in place would be called if a medical emergency is taking place in the school or if a potentially dangerous event is happening in close proximity to the school.

For more information, please visit the MHS Student Handbook.

FROM THE SCHOOL COUNSELING OFFICE

Military Representative Visits

A representative from the U.S. Marine Corps will be visiting the School Counseling Office on Friday, February 16th during Flex A and B (10:09-11:16). 

A representative from the U.S. Navy will be visiting the School Counseling Office on Monday, March 4th during Flex A and B (10:09-11:16). 

Students interested in hearing about the opportunities and benefits the military has to offer are encouraged to attend.  Students interested please sign up in MFL under 'College Visits'.

HERREN TALKS

We are excited to announce that Chris Herren will be visiting Medfield High School on February 13 during the Flex period to address our 11th and 12th graders. Chris Herren, an exceptional basketball player, gained fame in his hometown of Fall River, MA, and continued his basketball journey at Boston College and Fresno State. After two NBA seasons, including one with the Boston Celtics, and seven seasons playing overseas, he faced adversity due to the challenges of addiction.

Since August 1, 2008, Chris has been on the path to recovery, supported by his family and friends. Now, he shares his inspiring journey with the aim of making a positive impact on the lives of others. We extend our gratitude to the Medfield PTO and Medfield Outreach for making this presentation possible.

   

FROM THE ART DEPARTMENT

Artworks from MHS artists, Bailey Mead (senior) & Natasha Huss (junior), have been selected for a UMass Dartmouth online exhibition. Emerging Young Artists & Designers is a highly competitive online juried exhibition, which celebrates the exceptional artistic merit of New England’s high school students. EYAD 2024 received submissions from over 800 young artists, from which the juror, Associate Dean Ann Kim, selected 200 works for the exhibition. The result is an online showcase that offers an inspiring glimpse into the unique perspectives of New England's young talents. The EYAD 2024 exhibit may be viewed here.

Bailey Mead, Reach, ceramic

Natasha Huss, Dreamers, digital art

CAFE READ-A-LATTE

The MHS Library is excited to announce the details for Café Read-a-Latte 2024! Café Read-a-Latte is a time for students to visit the LMC and get some relaxing downtime by visiting different stations with book/ reading themes. Every student at MHS will get to visit our celebration of books and reading during their English classes– and possibly, Flex. 

In order to make this year successful, we are looking for your help! There are two ways to help if you are interested: 

  1. We are looking for a few volunteers to help us oversee/ restock the stations in the Library. IF you are interested in this, you must have a CORI on file with the Medfield Public Schools (within the last year). It only takes a few minutes if you stop by the front office at MHS or Central Office (3rd floor) with your driver's license.

  2. Every student will get a free beverage and snack during their visit, so we are looking for snack and beverage donations.

*Non-perishable items can be dropped off anytime prior to our kickoff (2/27) & perishable items (fruit) can be dropped off during the week 2/27-3/4. You can leave them in the front office at MHS– or have your student deliver directly to the LMC.

Sign up for everything HERE

Thank you so much for helping us make this a special experience for every student at MHS! 
Email Kerry Cowell with any questions!

FROM THE MODEL UN

Medfield proudly hosted its inaugural Model UN conference this past weekend, bringing together talented young minds to engage in thought-provoking discussions on global issues. 

A heartfelt thank you to Co-Secretary Generals  Julie Karam and Mia Remington, guest speakers State Representatives Denise Garlick and Marcus Vaughn, all participants, organizers, and volunteers whose dedication made Medfield's first Model UN conference a resounding success. Your collective efforts created an enriching environment, fostering intellectual growth and global awareness!

CLASS OF 2024 FUNDRAISER

The Class of 2024 is hosting their last ever fundraiser of Medfield 9x12" pennants for $12. This fundraiser is to help support class initiatives for the rest of the year. The GOOGLE ORDER FORM will be open until 2/16 and checks can be dropped off through the first set of double doors on the bookshelf at the High School.

THE MATH CENTER IS OPEN

Exciting news! The Math Center will be open during Q3 for Flex 1B & 4B. The Math Center will be staffed by Mr. Kraemer (and also students in upper-level math courses) and will be an alternative opportunity for students to receive extra support in math during the school day. Students can sign up in MFL. Questions -- check in with your math teacher!

FROM THE THEATRE SOCIETY

Poster Design by Junior, Natasha Huss 

MHS Spring Play: Puffs

Have you ever been reading a book and wished the author would elaborate more on the smaller characters? Or found yourself rooting for the underdog who supports the lead, but never feels the warmth of the limelight for themself? If you answered YES, then Medfield High School Theatre Society’s production of PUFFS is just the show for you.   

PUFFS, Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years At A Certain School of Magic and Magic, takes place at a pretty famous school with some pretty famous students and alums…but our show isn’t about them. Let’s say.. it’s a play in a place you may know, but people you do not. PUFFS follows three delightful young wizards who did not have famous parents or an evil Dark Lord constantly trying to kill them. Wayne Hopkins, the endearingly ordinary wizard and hero of our story, who loves video games, pop music, and movies. Megan Jones, moody, goth, sarcastic, angry…your typical teenager. And Oliver Rivers, a math prodigy who is very sad to learn this school has no math classes. There’s also a whole host of other hilarious characters who create chaos as our three friends navigate the many twists and turns of life as young wizards. They may start out as just boring “Puffs” but they become so much more. 

We cordially invite you to join us as our show navigates seven years of dueling, slumber parties, balls, Death Buddies, and friendship. Perfect for lovers of both magic and tales of underdogs rising to the occasion.

PUFFS celebrates themes of friendship, acceptance and the importance of loyalty in a world where some people seem to care more about popularity and winning. Recommended for thirteen and up for some light innuendo, but use your own discretion. 

To purchase tickets: https://www.ticketsource.us/medfield-high-school-theatre-society

DATES: March 1 &  2 
TIME: 7:00 PM
LOCATION: MHS Auditorium

Follow us on Instagram + Facebook:  @medfielddrama

“Puffs (Two Act for Young Wizards)” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com 
PUFFS, Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years At A Certain School of Magic and Magic by Matt Cox  

SCIENCE OPPORTUNITIES

Join us in Wonderland - a 48-hour high school programming event in the Greater Boston area hosted by Hack Club, a non-profit empowering students to code. Happening mid-February, Wonderland is fostering a space for students to freely create with their peers. From combining Python cat gif libraries with receipt printers, or old keyboards with RC cars, your students can let their imaginations run wild in Wonderland!

Wonderland is open to all high school students of any programming background, and it is completely free and fully supervised by background checked mentors. We'd be thrilled to welcome students from MHS to be part of this event!

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2024 Hilleman Student Essay Contest
What scientific issue would you take on if given the chance, and why?

What if your life’s work led to saving 8 million lives every year? Virologist Maurice R. Hilleman dreamed of a world free from the ravages of infectious diseases. Through his contributions to over half of the routine vaccines that young children receive today, Dr. Hilleman put us closer to that goal than we had ever been before.

The annual Maurice R. Hilleman Essay Contest celebrates Dr. Hilleman's remarkable legacy by inviting students in grades 6 to 12* from the U.S. and Canada to learn about Dr. Hilleman and reflect on a scientific issue they would work to address and why.

More details about the 2024 Maurice R. Hilleman Essay Contest are available at HillemanFilm.com.

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Gender Representation in Tech club GRiT is a student-led club at Concord Academy that organizes and hosts an annual tech conference designed to promote gender equity in the STEM world. While all individuals are welcome at this conference, our goal is to create an open space for female and genderqueer students to explore their interests in tech. We welcome all students grades 6 through 12 (ages 12-19), regardless of previous experience. 

The 2024 GRiT conference will take place on April 20, 2024, from 1-3:30 pm at Concord Academy (166 Main St, Concord, MA 01742). The conference will consist of two workshop blocks with workshops hosted by CA alums and other non-males in the tech industry. Students will be able to choose the workshop they wish to attend through a form sent to them prior to the conference. 

As examples of workshops, our 2023 conference hosted workshops regarding navigating the tech world as a WOC, an introduction to creating more accessible technology, how to use technology and psychology to discover your own work style, and more! 

Free registration link HERE  

For more information on this conference and previous conferences, please visit our website: https://sites.google.com/concordacademy.org/grit/home

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Get ready for the April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse!

The eclipse may overlap with dismissal for many Massachusetts schools. We recommend preparing students to safely experience the eclipse. Comprehensive information related to the eclipse is available on our new eclipse resource site. Visit NASA’s website for comprehensive information about the eclipse. Free eclipse glasses for families! Solareclipse.us is sponsoring 1 free pair of glasses per household. You will need to order by February 8th, 2024 to allow time to ship. 

FROM MCPE

Volunteer with MCPE and make a difference for our kids and schools!
Are you looking for a way to give back to Medfield Public Schools?
Join the Medfield Coalition for Public Education!

MCPE is an independent, non-profit organization funded to provide system-wide support and academic enrichment for the Medfield Public Schools through grants for the development of innovative programs, curriculum, and enrichment. MCPE is led by a volunteer board that works throughout the school year to organize community-wide fundraising events and make grants to teachers and staff at all five Medfield Public Schools.

We’re recruiting new board members to start in the 2024-25 school year! If you are interested in becoming an MCPE board member, we would love to hear from you. We're looking for candidates who can commit to a 3-year term, attend board meetings once a month (Sept-June), and have an active interest in enriching kids' education in Medfield schools. All skill sets are welcome, and we strive to have a board with diverse backgrounds.

Learn more and apply here: https://www.medfieldcoalition....

SAVE THE DATE:

  • Early March – March Madness bracket pool benefitting MCPE!

  • Monday, March 18 – Spelling Bee for Wheelock and Dale students!

  • Mid-May – MCPE's Blue Ribbon Recognition Program gives you the chance to honor a Medfield teacher or staff member who has made a positive impact in a student's life and show your appreciation!

FROM SEPAC

We are halfway through our Cards for a Cause fundraiser. Thank you to everyone who's ordered a box of cards. We need 37 more orders to hit our goal by February 14th. Each box contains 30 (or more!) high-quality, hand-embellished cards for $30.00 that, if purchased from a store, would easily cost $4-7 each. Save money now and time later. It's a great deal for a great cause! The money raised will fund our scholarships, awarded to graduating seniors, and help us offer more workshops and events—order here: https://www.kidsbookfort.com/orgs/sepac  Put “Medfield SEPAC” in the rep name field. For any questions, please contact sepac@email.medfield.net. Thank you for your ongoing support! 

Please mark your calendars for our spring Workshops: 

  • 2/13 Technology Safety with School Resource Officers Hart and Manganello, 7 pm, Blake Middle School Library. SEPAC Board meeting after. 

  • 3/12 NEW IEP Process with Director of Student Services Mary Bruhl, 7 pm, Blake Middle School Library. SEPAC Board meeting after. 

  • 4/23 Executive Function with Ali Spidalieri, M.Ed BCBA, 7 pm, Blake Middle School Library. SEPAC Board meeting after. 

Details are always available on our website! Our workshops and board meetings offer childcare, and a remote link can be made available if you'd like. Our workshops and board meetings are open to EVERYONE. You do not need a child on an IEP or 504 to attend. RSVP to SEPAC@email.medfield.net We hope to see you there! 

Our Parent Connection groups are off to a great start. Here are some upcoming dates: 

  • ADHD, 2/5, 3/4, 4/1, 7 pm Medfield Public Safety Building 
  • Down Syndrome, 2/15, 3/21, 4/18 11:30 am Medfield Public Library 
  • Dyslexia + Language-Based Learning Disabilities - first meeting Feb 7th, 7 pm Medfield Public Safety Building 
  • ASD - please respond to the doodle poll to determine the first meeting date. 
  • Mental Health - get in touch to join.

Our parent connection groups are limited to parents and caregivers of children with the corresponding diagnosis. Please email sepac@email.medfield.net with questions or to join a group. 

Follow Us! 
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FROM THE ALL NIGHT GRAD PARTY

Please save the date for the Senior Fashion Show on March 23rd in the MHS Auditorium. (Dress rehearsal on March 21st.)

This is such a fun event for the Seniors and allows family and friends to come and celebrate their student. It’s a relaxed format, the students can wear whatever they feel comfortable in. There are categories too with fun themes.

Tickets will be on sale soon - so watch this space!

The Fashion Show is the one of the main fundraisers for the All Night Grad Party.

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To ALL SENIOR FAMILIES:

We’re in full force creating the party of the year to celebrate the Class of 2024’s Graduation!! As you know, it literally takes a village and we need your help to make it an incredible experience for your Seniors.

If you are not familiar, it’s an 8 hour party on the day of Graduation (June 1st) full of incredible fun while being in a SAFE environment. The time flies as there is SO much for the Graduates to do throughout the night. They will be entertained, there will be games, there will be food and refreshments throughout the night and decorations that transform the school so it’s unrecognizable.

As you can imagine this takes much planning, expense, and rolled up sleeves. 

The average cost per student has been worked out to be $200 each. But to allow ALL students to attend, no matter their means, we rely totally on donations, there are no tickets. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to enable us to keep this successful Medfield tradition alive and as amazing as the kids have experienced in previous years.

To make your donation or find out more about how you can help up, please visit www.medfieldangp.com. 

All Senior donations receive a CLASS OF 2024 CAR MAGNET as a thank you!!!

Please email if you have any questions: angpmedfield@gmail.com
Thank you!!!
Patty Borteck and Janie Boylan
ANGP Co-Chairs

If you haven't taken a second yet to pre-order a yearbook copy now while supplies last, please do so ASAP. Luckily, the price has been frozen at $95 for the rest of this school year, which is a good deal since the final price has long been $100. Here is the ordering link.


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COMMUNITY NOTICES
Please visit our district website for community notices and announcements.
https://www.medfield.net/o/medfield-public-schools/browse/103792

To submit items to the MHS WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE, please email Maura Fitzgerald at mfitzgerald@email.medfield.net by 8:00 AM on Monday mornings. If you would like to submit photos or flyers, please convert to .jpg files.