Thursday, September 27, 2012

Galileo Testing

Hi everyone. Below is the text of a Connect-Ed message and corresponding email I'm sending to all freshmen and sophomore families this evening. Please let me know if you have any questions. I'm excited for this new venture as it promises to better prepare our students and allow us more immediate feedback to ensure we're targeting weaknesses and building on strengths PRIOR to MCAS. Take care!

Good evening, this is Dr. Linkenhoker, the Principal of Monson High School. I’m calling this evening to inform all parents that we are starting with our Galileo testing next week in all freshmen and sophomore Math, English, and Science courses. The district instituted the Galileo assessment in the middle school last year. This year, we’ve expanded to Quarry Hill and Monson High School. The purpose for this assessment is to provide valuable information on student growth during the school year. Having this data will allow teachers and administrators to review the results and make immediate instructional changes when needed to better support our students.

This is not unlike the athletic arena where as a coach we are charged with preparing our team for the championship game. In this case, the championship game is the annual MCAS testing in Math, English, and Science. Our teachers (i.e. coaches) work with our students throughout the year to build student skills with the goal being that all students are Advanced or Proficient when MCAS are administered. The flaw in previous years was that we never had our students play in any games before that championship game. We never truly knew throughout the year where our students stood so we could focus on weaknesses and build on strengths before that championship game. Galileo will be those so called games. We will garner information on strengths and weaknesses so we can better prepare our students prior to MCAS.

While Galileo is not a high-stakes test for our students, I am asking that as parents we encourage the students to focus and try hard. This is the only way we can truly know where they stand. The testing schedule will span over the next two weeks. Students will take the test in their specific Math, English, or Science courses so there is no impact on the other subjects. This test if completely computerized and the results will be available soon afterwards. The plan is for students to test three times during the course. These intervals will allow us to evaluate student growth and ensure we are successfully progressing towards Proficient and Advanced levels.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office. I appreciate the time and your support as we strive to provide the best possible education for your children.

Have a wonderful evening.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Fall Open House Reflection

Thank you to all families who attended our annual Fall Open House Last night. This is an important piece in building a strong and positive relationship with the school and your child's teachers. The following is the attendance data from the Open House:

Freshmen: 57% of families attended
Sophomores: 45% of families attended
Juniors: 37% of families attended
Seniors: 32% of families attended
Total: 44% of families attended

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, February 7, 2013. This will be our annual Spring Open House. I encourage all families to attend as your child will have all new courses and thus all new teachers then. If you attended last night then you should also attend on 2/7/13. If you weren't able to make it last night, I would highly recommend the Spring Open House.

Take care!

Target Taking Charge of Education

This morning I received a check from the store, Target, in the amount of $187.42. We received the check as part of Target's Take Charge of Education program. When customers use their "Red Card" when cashing out at Target they can state they want to participate in this program and assist Monson High School. By doing so, up to 1% of the purchases is donated to the school. This past year's contributions resulted in today's check.

I want to officially thank all of our MHS families and friends who participated over the past year. If you want more information about this program feel free to visit www.target.com/tcoe

Your willingness to support MHS will allow us to use this money to further support programming opportunities for our students.

Thank you!

Little Making a Big Impact

Congratulations to MHS Sophomore Rachel Little who was recently selected to represent New England on the Youth Preparedness Council. The YPC works with FEMA to discuss and prepare emergency response protocols.

There is a nice article chronicling Rachel's trip to Washington DC and her upcoming work with the Youth Preparedness Council. Check it out here.

The article mentions that Rachel wants to create a Community Emergency Response Team here at MHS. She and I spoke earlier this week to discuss ideas and next steps. If you're interested in helping Rachel out with this exciting opportunity feel free to contact me and I can make that connection.

Great job Rachel. You represent MHS and Monson well!

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

First Day of School

Below is the text of a Connect-Ed message scheduled for this evening. I believe this was one of the best first days here at MHS in a long time! I wish everyone continued success and a wonderful year! Please note in the Connect-Ed message that Open House is scheduled for next Thursday, September 6th from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Take care!

Good evening. This is Dr. Linkenhoker, the Principal of Monson High School. I’m calling tonight to share some important information with all families. First, I wish to thank the entire student body for an excellent first day. Our 1st Annual Kick Off Pep Rally was a great success. I appreciate everyone’s attention and spirit and again congratulate all students recognized this morning for making last term’s honor roll. I hope to recognize more students at our 2nd term Pep Rally to be scheduled in November.

Please mark next Thursday, September 6th on your calendars. This is our fall open house. Open House will run from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Parents will follow their child’s schedule along with having an opportunity to meet their child’s SAP advisor. This is a great evening where you can meet the teachers and learn about classroom expectations, assessment practices, etc.

And finally, I want to remind families that school lunch prices increased this year to $2.75. If you have any specific questions pertaining to the lunches please contact Mrs. Melody Gustafson, the Food Services Director, at Quarry Hill Community School.

Once again, the school year is off to a great start. I wish everyone an enjoyable and successful year. Please do not hesitate to contact the office with any questions. Take care and good night.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

1st Annual Kick Off Pep Rally

Below is the text of a Connect-Ed message being sent tonight to families who had students make the honor roll for the 4th term last year. We're beginning a new tradition this year in which we recoginize students on a quarterly basis who made the honor roll through a school-wide pep rally. This LINK is for the official schedule for next Wednesday's program.

Good evening. This is Dr. Linkenhoker, the Principal of Monson High School. I am calling tonight in regards to your son or daughter making the honor roll for the 4th term last year. We are starting a new tradition this year where we will hold quarterly pep rallies to recognize students who made the honor roll the previous term. Our first pep rally, to honor the 4th term awardees will be on the 1st day of school, next Wednesday. For an official schedule, please visit my blog at www.mhsprincipalblog.blogspot.com. Parents of awardees are welcome to join us in the gymnasium. Please arrive for 8:15am. Students will be called to the gymnasium at 8:25. The beginning of the program will be a traditional school-wide meeting with administration sharing important policies and expectations to the students. We will then transition to the pep-rally where we will introduce the entire MHS faculty and staff and then recognize the students who made the honor roll last term. I hope this is the start of a wonderful new tradition and I hope to see many of you here next Wednesday morning to celebrate your child’s success. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me via email: linkenhokera@monsonschools.com or phone: 413.267.4589. Take care and have a wonderful evening.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Freshmen Cookout!

The following is the text of a Connect-Ed message going out tonight to all freshmen and new students.

Good evening, this is Dr. Linkenhoker, the Principal of Monson High School. I am calling to remind all incoming freshmen that tomorrow night is our annual Freshmen and New Student Cookout and Orientation. I hope to see you and your family beginning at 6pm. I will be assisting with the grilling! Around 7pm we’ll transition to the orientation agenda in the gymnasium. Freshmen will receive their schedules and will have the opportunity to tour the building with their big sibling. Parents will remain in the gymnasium for a short presentation and Q&A. The evening will end with students receiving an ice-cream dessert by 8pm.

Also of note, Academic Planners and Monson High School tee-shirts will be available for sale tomorrow night by the class of 2015.

Take care and good night!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

New Student/Family Letter

Greetings! It's been a wonderful summer here at Monson High School with lots of planning going into this upcoming year. I'm excited for the start and am confident we're going to experience one of the best year's in history. I just finished a letter for all incoming freshmen and their families. A Connect-Ed message is also prepared for these families. I also wanted to include this letter here for everyone to see.

Expect more updates soon as we gear up for another year. Take care and enjoy the last few weeks of vacation!

Please click on this link to access the parent letter.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Equal Access Letter

I am sharing an Equal Access Letter that all families should review. The law protects students from being discriminated against or precluded from programs regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, limited English proficiency, sexual orientation, disability, or housing status.

If you feel your child has been targeted please contact my office or the Superintendent at your earliest opportunity. Thank you!

Thursday, June 7, 2012

MHS Going Virtual

Monson High School is moving to the 21st century in hopes of providing relevant educational opportunities for ALL students. As part of our Innovation School initiative and our Pillar Model, MHS is unveiling an online learning program that aims to support three distinct cohorts:

1. Students who wish to take their entire high school series of courses will have the opportunity to through curriculum offered by K12. These students will be considered Monson High School students and have the full benefits of face-to-face students with access to extra-curricular activites, athletics, guidance services, graduation, etc. Students will be required to be onsite a minimum of one day per week to ensure progress is occuring.

2. Face to face students may wish to compliment their existing traditional schedule with an online course. This opportunity is available to all students wanting an online class that is not offered at Monson High School. These online classes are offered through Aventa, a subset of K12.

3. An online credit recovery program will begin in July 2012. Students who have failed a class during the school year may opt to recover this lost credit through our online program. This is similar to traditional summer school and/or night school programs except that the courses are taught online and provide more flexibility to time and location. Monson residents will be charged $150 per course while non-residents may register for $175 per course. Courses are open year-round to better service students.

The Online Learning Flyer provides a general overview of our new programs. The Full-Time Flyer provides specific information on our K12 program. Feel free to contact Mr. Robert Bardwell at 413.267.4589 x1107 with any questions pertaining to our new online program. An informational evening for interested families will be held on June 19th, 2012 in the MHS cafeteria beginning at 7pm. I encourage all interested students and parents to attend!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Athletic Banquet

Here is the text of a Connect-Ed message going out tonight referencing tomorrow's Athletic Banquet. I hope to see everyone there!

Good evening, this is Dr. Linkenhoker, the Principal of Monson High School. The varsity athletic awards banquet will be held tomorrow night, Thursday June 7th. All students athletes that played on a varsity team will be receiving an award. There will be a dessert reception in the cafeteria beginning at 6:00pm, followed by the awards banquet at 7:00pm in the gymnasium.

Please feel free to contact Mrs. Sarah Shaw with any questions.

Take care and good night!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

MHS Graduation: Change of Location!

After viewing recent weather reports and consulting with our support staff, I have decided to relocate the ceremony to the Granite Valley Middle School Soccer Field. We will begin at 7pm and admission is open to the public. Please note the following details. Access to the red chairs on the field will be by ticket-only. However, there are not as many chairs as tickets so I recommend you arrive early to claim your seats. Access to the chairs will begin at 6pm with staff supervision. I would encourage people to bring a lawn-chair and/or blanket. Those not sitting in the red chairs can sit on the hill or other available areas. Attention graduates: we will hold tomorrow’s rehearsal in the MHS gymnasium. Please be prepared to start at 8:30am. Thursday’s rehearsal will be on the soccer field. I thank everyone for their cooperation and understanding. I believe an outdoor ceremony will be more enjoyable while also encouraging those without tickets to attend.

Friday, May 25, 2012

2012 Graduation Location

Good evening. This is Dr. Linkenhoker, the Principal of Monson High School. I want to inform everyone of my decision regarding the location of next Friday’s Graduation Ceremony. I have studied the weather for next Friday all week. Unfortunately the multiple sources I have been watching keep leaning towards a good chance of rain and/or showers.

In order to prepare for this momentous occasion, we must begin setting up this weekend. If I decide to be outside and then rain becomes more prominent we have no option of moving inside. Therefore, I am making the official decision that the 2012 MHS Graduation Ceremony will be held in the Monson High School Gymnasium beginning at 7pm. Because we are inside, we must limit admission by ticket only.

Graduating seniors will receive their allocated tickets on Thursday, May 31st after our final rehearsal. Those who wish to be part of the celebration, but do not have a ticket are invited to sit in our cafeteria. MPACT will provide a live-feed of the ceremony on a large screen in the cafeteria.

I thank you for your cooperation and I look forward to a wonderful senior week and graduation!

Take care and good night.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Junior College Prep Night

Below is the text of a Connect-Ed message scheduled to be sent to junior parents Wednesday night:

Good evening, this is Dr. Linkenhoker, the Principal of Monson High School.

The annual Junior College Prep Night will be held in the Monson High School cafetorium on Thursday, March 8 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The program will include an overview of the college admissions process. In addition, representatives from Springfield College, the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and Springfield Technical Community College will also be on hand to discuss the admissions requirements at various types of colleges.

The event is free and open to the public. All juniors and their family are encouraged to attend. Each family will receive a packet of important information regarding the college admission search timeline and application process. Refreshments will be served.

Thank you and have a wonderful evening.

MHS Course Selection Day

Below is the Connect-Ed message going out on Tuesday night pertaining to this year's course selection day:

Good evening, this is Dr. Linkenhoker, the Principal of Monson High School.

Today we conducted our annual course selection day. All students in grades 9-11 had already met with members of the counseling staff to prepare for course selection for the 2012-13 school year. Today, students received their course selection form during advisory and had an opportunity to discuss their requests with their advisor as well as receive recommendations from teachers. Students should have brought home their course selection form today to be signed by a parent/guardian and is to be returned to their first period teacher or the Guidance Office no later than this Thursday, March 8.

Please contact Mr. Bardwell (students with last names A-H) at 267.4589x1107 or email bardwellr@monsonschools.com or Ms. Conrad (students with last names I-Z) at 267.4589x1106 or email reede@monsonschools.com if you have any questions pertaining to the course selection process.

Thank you for your assistance in this most important activity.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Tuesday Night's Connect-Ed Message

Below is the text of a Connect-Ed message that will go to all MHS families tonight at 7pm. I hope to see everyone at the Open House Thursday night!

Good evening,

This is Dr. Linkenhoker, the Principal at Monson High School. I am calling tonight to remind all families that we are having our annual Spring Open House this Thursday night, February 16th. Parents should arrive at 6:30pm. As with our Fall Open House, parents and guardians will follow their child's schedule in order to meet each teacher and learn more about individual courses, learning expectations, and grading practices. I encourage everyone to attend this very important evening event.

I must note a slight change from a recent communication. I initially planned to conduct a presentation starting at 6pm Thursday night. Due to some other events I must postpone this presentation. Please simply arrive at 6:30pm and follow our typical Open House routines. For continued information please follow my blog at www.mhsprincipalblog.blogspot.com. Take care and have a wonderful evening.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Current Events @ MHS!

Greetings! A lot is happening within the confines of MHS. I'd like to share some of the upcoming events, dates, and new ideas that make MHS great.

1. As you know, our first semester ended with the two 1/2 days on January 26th and 27th. The 2nd semester began this past Monday, January 30th. I hope all students are settling into their new schedule and are finding their courses rigorous and engaging.

2. 2nd quarter report cards will be distributed next Thursday, February 9th. I encourage all families to review the report cards and have a quality conversation including celebrating the successes and creating new goals for this second semester.

3. Our 2nd Open House is scheduled for Thursday, February 16th. I will be offering a "State of the School" presentation in the cafeteria beginning at 6pm that evening. After the presentation our traditional Open House routines will commence at 6:40pm. I remind parents and guardians that on our long-block schedule this 2nd Open House is just as important as our fall Open House. Your children have new classes and teachers and the Open House is a wonderful opportunity to build those positive relationships as we work together to have another successful semester.

Many of you received notice of this new blog update through an email reminder. As part of our continuing quest to communicate more efficiently with our families I am trying utilize to our Connect-Ed system more frequently. Most of you know Connect-Ed through our school cancellation telephone calls and my evening reminder calls. I hope this email method increases the communication between school and home.

Feel free to leave a comment or contact me with questions and suggestions!

Until next time...

Thursday, January 26, 2012

MHS Student in the News!

I was so proud to read a recent article posted on http://www.masslive.com/ about one of our students Amanda Carrier. Amanda started a clothing drive as her confirmation project, but the project "took off" in the wake of the tornado. Here is the link to the wonderful article: http://www.masslive.com/living/index.ssf/2012/01/amanda_carriers_clothing_drive_in_monson_refocused_expanded_following_tornadoes.html

Congrats Amanda on a wonderful job. You sure helped the town of Monson!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Connect-Ed Message: 1st Semester Exams and 1/2 Days

Greetings,

Below is the text of a Connect-Ed message I am sending to the entire MHS community this evening.

Until next time...

Good evening,

This is Dr. Linkenhoker, the Principal at Monson High School. I am calling this evening to remind all families that this Thursday and Friday, January 26th and 27th are half days for our students. In addition to being half days, our first semester final exams will also be administered during these two days.

On Thursday, students will take exams in their B and C block classes. On Friday, students will take exams in their A and D block classes. Teachers have reminded students about this schedule already. I encourage families to reinforce this schedule and ensure students are well prepared to finish this semester on a positive note.

Monday, January 30th is the first day of our new semester. Students will report to homeroom at the beginning of the day and receive their second semester schedule. If students have conflicts with their schedule they should sign up in homeroom to meet with their appropriate school counselor. I wish everyone success this week as we wrap up our first semester and prepare to begin second semester next Monday.

Take care and have a wonderful evening.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Seeking Host Families for Foreign Exchange Students

Monson High School is anticipating some foreign exchange students for next school year. I find these experiences are not only life-changing for the foreign exchange student, but often provide a wonderful and rich experience for our students. Below is a blurb prepared by Sue French, the program coordinator for CCI. I encourage families who are willing to host a foreign exchange student to contact Sue at your earliest convenience.

There will be foreign exchange students coming to Monson High in the fall. CCI, The Center for Cultural Interchange, needs host families for these students. If interested in welcoming a student into your home to experience American life and to enrich your family by exposing them to a different culture please call me for the details.

Sue French
CCI Local Coordinator
413.348.2274

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Food Services Letter

Greetings,

Below is the script I am sending out this evening through Connect-Ed to all MHS families. It is in reference to an important letter we sent home with students today regarding their lunch services account. I am asking all parents and guardians to ask their children for this letter and reference it when dealing with the lunch program.

Feel free to call with any questions!

Until next time...

Good evening. This is Dr. Linkenhoker, the Principal of Monson High School. I am calling tonight to share a brief, but important message. Earlier today, we issued a letter to your son or daughter from our Food Services Department. This letter contains important information pertaining to your son or daughter's lunch program account. Please ask for this letter tonight.

Feel free to contact the Monson High School Main Office at 413.267.4589 or Food Services Department at 413.267.4160 with any questions regarding this letter.

Thank you for your time. Have a wonderful evening.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Happy New Year and Announcing the NEW Homework Helper!

Happy New Year to everyone! I'm sure I can speak for the vast majority in wishing you a healthy and successful 2012 and hope that we can avoid any more major weather-related events. With the New Year now upon us, I want to take just a moment and remind everyone that our first semester ends with the conclusion of our two half days on January 26th and 27th. Students will complete their final exams on those two half days and then begin the new semester on Monday, January 30th. I wish all students success as they complete their current coursework while preparing for those final assessments.

In light of the current schedule I also want to announce that we will not be providing mid-term progress reports as we have in the past. I encourage all students and families to view the updated Edline reports and communicate with teachers if there are concerns or questions before the end of the semester.

And finally, I am excited to announce that beginning today Monson High School will conduct an after school Homework Helper program. This new initiative, spearheaded by Mrs. Doherty-Lind, will provide an after school opportunity for students to gather and work on homework or study for quizzes and tests. The program will meet every Monday and Wednesday in the library while food and drinks will also be available. Student tutors will be attending to assist anyone. We expect the program will run until at least 3:00pm and perhaps longer if students are actively working on assignments or studying for an upcoming assessment. I hope this opportunity is found to be beneficial and productive for our students!

Until next time, take care and good luck as we wind down the first semester and wind up the new semester!