High School Open House for 8^th Grade Families

Masconomet High School will be hosting an Open House for families of current 8^th grade students on November 30 from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.  Families who attend will learn about the High School’s academic program, student services and athletic and extracurricular programs.  The program will begin in the Auditorium.

Middle School Parent Coffee on 12/1

I would like to welcome you to join us for our new once a month Friday coffee chat with the Superintendent as well as the building principal.  Our next Middle School Coffee will take place on Friday, December 1.  We hope that these sessions are a way for you to learn more about what is happening within the Masco community while also allowing you to ask questions.  All parent coffees will be held from 8:30-9:30 AM. We look forward to seeing you. 

Antisemitism: Educate to Stop the Hate and Build Community

On Tuesday, December 12, 2023 Masconomet will be hosting a free interactive program for students in Grades 7-12 and Staff in the Masconomet Middle School Auditorium from 2:20p.m.- 3:50p.m.  As this program is being held after school, late bus transportation will be available for students who choose to participate. The program is sponsored by the Lappin and Cummings Foundations and will be facilitated by Deborah Coltin, MEd., MA. Antisemitism:  Educate to Stop the Hate and Build Community is a supportive forum for students and staff to explore antisemitism and share experiences and concerns with the opportunity to build community by considering what students can do individually and collectively to stop the hate.  Thanks to Middle School Counselor Jessica Goldberg for organizing this event.

Masconomet Hosts Holocaust Photography Exhibit

In collaboration with Salem State Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies and supported by a generous grant from the Massachusetts Department of Education, the Masconomet Regional School District is pleased to host a temporary photography exhibit by artist Richard Wiesel, “Evidence and Artifact:  Documenting the Holocaust Through Images”.  

The exhibit showcases ten objects that were left behind after the liberation of the Ravensbrück and Sachsenhausen women’s concentration camps in Germany.  The objects tell the stories of the horror and atrocity of the camps, but also of the resilience and humanity of the prisoners.  Each object is carefully contextualized and allows the viewer to contemplate and reflect on the Holocaust and build historical perspective on genocide.

The exhibit will be available to students, staff and community members through the month of December.  Salem State University staff and professors will be conducting workshops around the images with 11th grade history students who will be studying World War II and the Holocaust, as well as students taking Stories of World War II, a popular elective in the Social Studies Department.

The exhibit is being generously funded by the DESE Genocide Education Grant received by the Masconomet Social Studies Department last year. Thanks to Social Studies Department Head Eva Urban Hughes for her work securing and directing the DESE Genocide Education Grant and arranging for this exhibition.

Pictured above: Eva Urban Hughes: Social Studies Department Head, The Salem State Center for Genocide and Holocaust Studies:  Mathew- Museum Studies Grad Student, Regina- Research Associate,  and Chris Mauriello- Center Director

Turf Field Design Update

On Tuesday, November 21, the Turf Field Design Team met with our architects from Stantec to discuss HVAC, mechanical and equipment needs for the press box and restroom/concession building.  The Design Team will be meeting again in December to review construction design drawings and to review and select the type of synthetic turf and infill.  We will also be holding a public session with the Team from Stantec, including their expert on PFAS chemicals in January.  Stantec also plans on providing us with detailed cost estimates during the last week in January.

Stantec is also working on permitting the project.  They plan on submitting the Notice of Intent and associated documents to the Boxford Conservation Commission in late December and will be attending meetings with the Boxford Conservation Commission and Boxford Planning Board in January.

For more school-specific info, please see the High School Principal’s Masco Memo and the Middle School Principal’s Weekly Update.

High School Parent Coffee on 10/27

We would like to welcome you to join us for our new once a month Friday coffee chat with the Superintendent as well as the building principal.  Our next High School Coffee will take place on Friday, October 27.  We hope that these sessions are a way for you to learn more about what is happening within the Masco community while also allowing you to ask questions.  All parent coffees will be held from 8:30-9:30 AM on the dates listed below.  We look forward to seeing you. 

We have coffees set up for each school. The High School meetings will take place in the High School Library and the Middle School meetings take place in the Middle School Library. Please check in with a valid ID, at the Main Office of each respective school when you arrive before proceeding to the library.

Youth Risk Behavior Survey Administered on 11/8

On Wednesday, November 8, Masco Middle and High School students will be participating in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The anonymous, self-reported results identify strengths, weaknesses, normative behaviors, perceptions and misperceptions to inform and guide prevention education, as well as serve as a tool to engage in conversations with our youth, families, community members, partners and organizations.

Participation is voluntary and anonymous; no names will ever be collected, used, or reported. The survey will ask about risk and protective factors including: substance use activity; behaviors related to intentional and unintentional injuries; eating habits and physical activity; sexual health; student’s feeling of school and community connectedness; resistance strategies; use of social media; bullying behaviors; and student’s perceptions of norms and risky behaviors. Find past years’ survey data at: tritowncouncil.org/coalition.

If you DO NOT want your child to participate, please print and return this form no later than Monday, November 6, 2023. Thank you for your cooperation with this important research effort.

For more school-specific info, please see the High School Principal’s Masco Memo and the Middle School Principal’s Weekly Update.

National Merit Scholarship Commended Students

Principal Katie DiNardo announced last week that Nora Achille, John Mroczek, Jenna Lindsay, Allison Hoag, Daniel Spofford, Gwedolyn Moon, and Caroline Troake were named Commended Students in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. Commended Students place among the top 50,000 students in the nation that took the 2022 Preliminary PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). “Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”

High School Drama Production:  The Miracle Worker

This year’s dramatic presentation is based on the true story of a young deaf and blind girl, Helen Keller, and her dedicated teacher Annie Sullivan, who struggles to reach into Helen’s isolation and bring her into contact with the outside world.  Tickets will be sold at the door for $10.

Turf Field Task Force Update

Our team met with the designers from Stantec on October 5^th.  At this meeting, we reviewed the latest schematic design for the project, including two turf fields, a concession/restroom building, press box and seating for Field #1, and seating for Field #2.  The next step in the process is for the designers to create “design to build” documents.  We will be meeting again in November.

High School French Exchange

From Monday, October 16^th to Friday, October 27^th, a group of 18 students and 2 teachers from Rennes, France, will be visiting the Tri-Town. The students are paired with juniors and seniors from Masco. We have many activities planned for them, including field trips, lectures, and presentations in various English and Social Studies classes.  Thanks to World Language Teachers Deidra Boucher and Ryan Quadros for organizing this event.

Strategic Plan Draft and Survey

Over the past year, Masconomet has been engaged in developing a Strategic Plan to guide our improvement efforts for the next 3-5 years. A team of representatives from the Masconomet Community, including teachers, administrators, and parents have been meeting regularly over the past year to guide this process. This Working Team has developed the attached draft Strategic Plan based on information gathered from the Masconomet community and is now in the process of soliciting feedback to further refine and focus the plan. The Working Team is asking the community at large to provide feedback on the draft Strategic Plan by completing a survey, accessed through the link below by October 15th. 

The Draft Strategic Plan is available at:  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17a-y9sj3pxAEemAB-FthZ6VgyGfBVK0T/view?usp=share_link

QR Code to access draft Strategic Plan:

Survey Link – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PlanFeedback

QR code for Survey & Plan Feedback:

The Working Team will review the results of the surveys and revise the draft as needed.  A final draft of the Strategic Plan will be submitted to the School Committee and Superintendent in late Fall, and will inform the budgeting process for the ‘24-‘25 school year.

Thank you in advance for lending your insights into this important process.

Administration Coffees

We would like to welcome you to join us for our new once a month Friday coffee chat with the Superintendent as well as the building principal.  Our October Middle School Coffee will take place on Friday, October 20^th and our October High School Coffee will be on Friday, October 27^th.  We hope that these sessions are a way for you to learn more about what is happening within the Masco community while also allowing you to ask questions.  All parent coffees will be held from 8:30-9:30 AM on the dates listed below.  We look forward to seeing you. 

We have coffees set up for each school. The High School meetings will take place in the High School Library and the Middle School meetings take place in the Middle School Library. Please check in with a valid ID, at the Main Office of each respective school when you arrive before proceeding to the library.

For more school-specific info, please see the High School Principal’s Masco Memo and the Middle School Principal’s Weekly Update.

Strategic Plan Draft and Survey

Over the past year, Masconomet has been engaged in developing a Strategic Plan to guide our improvement efforts for the next 3-5 years. A team of representatives from the Masconomet Community, including teachers, administrators, and parents have been meeting regularly over the past year to guide this process. This Working Team has developed the attached draft Strategic Plan based on information gathered from the Masconomet community and is now in the process of soliciting feedback to further refine and focus the plan. The Working Team is asking the community at large to provide feedback on the draft Strategic Plan by completing a survey, accessed through the link below by October 15th.

The Draft Strategic Plan is available at:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/17a-y9sj3pxAEemAB-FthZ6VgyGfBVK0T/view?usp=share_link

QR Code to access draft Strategic Plan:

Survey Link – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PlanFeedback

QR code for Survey & Plan Feedback:

The Working Team will review the results of the surveys and revise the draft as needed.  A final draft of the Strategic Plan will be submitted to the School Committee and Superintendent in late Fall, and will inform the budgeting process for the ‘24-‘25 school year.

Thank you in advance for lending your insights into this important process.

Administration Coffees

We would like to welcome you to join us for our new once a month Friday coffee chat with the Superintendent as well as the building principal.  Our first High School Coffee will take place on Friday, September 22^nd and our first Middle School Coffee will be on Friday, September 29^th.  We hope that these sessions are a way for you to learn more about what is happening within the Masco community while also allowing you to ask questions.  All parent coffees will be held from 8:30-9:30 AM on the dates listed below.  We look forward to seeing you. 

We have coffees set up for each school. The High School meetings will take place in the High School Library and the Middle School meetings take place in the Middle School Library. Please check in with a valid ID, at the Main Office of each respective school when you arrive before proceeding to the library.

Multi-Lingual Family Welcome

Masconomet will be hosting a Multilingual Family Welcome event in the cafeteria on Tuesday, October 3rd from 6:00-7:00 pm.  World Language Department Head and ELL Coordinator Jeanne O’Hearn is planning this event in collaboration with Karyn Pierog, the Tri-Town ELL Coordinator.  Invitations will be sent this week to 81 families representing current and former English Learner students as well as families who have requested translation and/or interpreter services in grades K-12.

Masco Music Parents Recycling Event

Do you have old computers or broken electronics cluttering up your home or office? What about those old, unwanted appliances taking up space in your garage or basement? Here is your chance to responsibly recycle them. Bring your items to us and an enthusiastic music student or parent volunteer will safely unload your vehicle.  The Recycling event will be held in front of Masconomet Middle School on Saturday, September 23^rd from 9 -12.  Your tax-deductible donation supports the music programs and music students at the Masconomet Middle and High Schools.  For more information please go to: https://storage.googleapis.com/pt05-2/messages/attachments/6e2d2323f8aefbe14b777a1d12ef4385/Electronics_Recycling_Flyer_Fall_2023_%25282%2529.pdf

Turf Field Planning Group Update

The Masconomet Turf Field Planning Group, which is made up of School Committee Member Joe McLean, Turf Up Masco Representative Sara Guido, Athletic Director John Daileanes, Asst. Superintendent Jeff Sands and me, met on Tuesday, September 12 at Central Office.  At this meeting the Turf Field Planning Group met with our architects from Stantec to review five possible options for the design.  The main differences in the options presented were regarding the placement and size of the support building that is part of the project.  After discussing the potential benefits and drawbacks of the presented options, we came to an agreement on one option that our architects will put to drawings.  As we discussed the project, it became clear to us that the site is constrained by the parking lot, JV baseball field and the Ipswich River.  We asked the architects to consider ways to open the space so it would not feel too constrained.  We have another meeting with the team from Stantec scheduled for the first week of October.

High School Activities Fair

Last Friday, the High School held its annual Activities Fair for 9^th Grade students.  The Activities Fair is run by our Peer Leaders Group and is an opportunity for our new 9^th grade students to learn about the athletic programs and clubs offered to students at the High School.  Student representatives from the clubs and sports were available to meet with 9^th grade students, answer any questions they had about a club or sport and to collect contact information so 9^th grade students could receive information about club meetings.  All of the clubs and sports also contributed to a “Masco Offerings” slideshow, which can be viewed HERE.  Thanks to High School English Teacher and Peer Leader Advisor, Mike Kelsen for his work in organizing this event.

Upcoming Events

High School

• September 7: Back to School Night, 6pm
• September 7&8: Picture Day, During School Day
• September 15: 9th Grade Activity Fair, During School Day
• September 22: Coffee with HS Principal and Superintendent, 8:30am

Middle School

• September 13: Picture Day, During School Day

• September 14: Back to School Night, 6pm
• September 29: Coffee with MS Principal and Superintendent, 8:30a

Opening Week of School

The Masconomet Regional School District opened the 2023-2024 school year on Monday August 28^th with the return of faculty and staff.  We began the morning of August 28th with our All-District Meeting.  We kicked off the meeting with a photo show of our faculty’s favorite summer memories.  We were then were reminded of the impact of our teachers on our students by High School Senior and Student Council President Revati Nargund. We welcomed our new faculty and staff see below), and recognized faculty earning Professional Teacher and Master Teacher Status.  Our Keynote Presentation for the morning was given by Hakan Sotiroglu, who is the CEO and Founder of XR Terra, a firm dedicated to training people to develop code for virtual-reality environments.  Hakan’s remarks explored the knowledge and skills our students will need to be successful in a future where virtual experiences will seamlessly integrate into our daily lives.  Hakan also discussed the types of schools we will need in order to teach students to be successful in this future.  Hakan’s remarks were a jumping off point for our development of a Masconomet Portrait of a Learner, which will identify the knowledge, skills and dispositions our students will need in order to be successful.  We will be devoting 10 professional development Wednesdays to this task beginning in October.  After our Opening Meeting, or faculty participated in building and department meetings, a training on the educator evaluation system and had time to complete annual compliance training and classroom preparation. 

On the Tuesday, August 29^th, we welcomed our incoming 7^th and 9^th grade students for orientation.  Incoming Grade 9 student activities were led by our Peer Leaders and 7^th grade activities by the Middle School Faculty.  Students participated in “scavenger hunts” to learn the layouts of their respective schools, team-building activities with their new classmates and met their new teachers.  The morning is a great Masconomet tradition that allows our new 7^th and 9^th grade students to acclimate into their new schools the following day.

All students in Grades 7-12 returned to school on Wednesday, August 30^th for a shortened day where they met with their new teachers.  After students left the building, faculty participated in safety training.  Following the ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) system, faculty viewed a training video prepared by Director of Safety and Security Mike Hughes and then participated in active scenarios where they were required to practice enhanced lockdowns and barricade in place.  Our Middle and High School students will be participating in safety training during the month of September.

On Thursday, August 31^st, we ran a “Monday” class rotation schedule in order to make up for the day lost due to the Monday Labor Day Holiday.  We will be doing adjustments like this to our schedule throughout the year to even out the classes that would normally be missed because of Monday holidays.

Welcome to Our New Faculty Members

I am happy to welcome the following new faculty members to the Masconomet Community:

We currently have openings for High School English and Middle School Special Education Teachers due to resignations in late August.

SEPAC Scoop

The Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) Scoop for September 2023

As the 2022-2023 school year come to a close, I’d like to recognize the members of the Masconomet Faculty and Staff who are retiring this year. Together, these new retirees represent 135 years of experience touching the lives of thousands of Masconomet students. Thank you to all our retirees and best wishes as you enter the next phase of your careers!

I would also like to wish the entire Masconomet community a happy and safe summer!

Sincerely,

Michael M. Harvey, Ed.D.

2023 Masconomet Retirees

Sandra Dearborn

Sandy Dearborn is retiring after 28 years as a Mathematics Teacher at Masconomet Middle School.  Sandy came to Masconomet in 1995 after teaching for two years at Amesbury Middle School.  At Masconomet Middle School, she also served as the Chieftain Trophy Advisor.  She also served as the President of the Masconomet Teachers Association for over 20 years.

Susan Micus

Sue Micus was hired as a Family and Consumer Education Teacher at Masconomet Middle School in 1996, after completing her student teaching practicum in the Middle School Social Studies Department the previous year.  Her position was part-time for 1996 and became full-time in 1997.  Sue was able to bring her prior education and experience as a Registered Nurse to enrich her heath and consumer education lessons for her students.  In 2006, Sue was appointed to the role of “Health Education Coordinator,” which she held through the end of the 2019-2020 school year. 

Helder Quadros

Helder Quadros has worked at Masconomet as a Multi-Purpose Facilities Technician (MPFT) since January of 2012.  For the past 11 years, Helder has put his extensive skills to work in keeping up our facilities and grounds. 

Deborah Silva

Deb Silva was hired at Masconomet in July of 2000 as a “Word Processing Manager.”  In June of 2002, Deb transferred to become an Administrative Assistant at Masconomet Middle School.  For the next 21 years, Deb was the smiling face that greeted everyone who entered Masconomet Middle School Main Office.  During her time at Masconomet, Deb also served as the District’s Substitute Coordinator, and a Student Activity Treasurer.

Margaret Smith

Meg Smith came to Masconomet after teaching for three years at the Landmark School in Beverly, MA.  She was hired at Masconomet in August of 2003 as a Tutor in the Middle School Learning Center and moved into a Special Education Teacher Position at Masconomet High School in for the 2004-2005 school year.  In her time as a Special Education Teacher, Meg specialized in working with students with language-based learning disabilities and reading difficulties.  Meg also worked at Masconomet’s Special Education Summer Program and served as the Advisor to Masconomet’s Best Buddies Program. 

Thomas Trevenen

Tom Trevenen was originally hired by Masconomet in 1997 as a “Permanent Substitute.”  In January of 1998, Tom was re-assigned to a paraprofessional tutor position in the Learning Center.  The following August, Tom was appointed as an English Teacher at Masconomet High School.  Prior to coming to Masconomet, Tom worked for several parochial schools in New York and New Jersey for 17 years.  Tom also taught in Masconomet’s Summer Program, and advised the High School Poetry Club.  

Both finalists for the position of Principal of Masconomet, Katie DiNardo and Dan Hudder, completed their on-site interviews at Masconomet this week. During their visit the candidates met with district administration, high school students, high school leadership, department heads, and the high school faculty. Both candidates also participated in public interviews held via Zoom for parents and interested members of the community. Everyone who met with the candidates has been asked to complete a feedback form that I will use to help me make my final decision.

The public interviews were recorded so interested members of the community who were unable to attend can view the videos and submit feedback. Both videos are posted below.

The feedback form can be accessed at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqHi0ib6J7FVsKWuYHeLUqG7neZbP-LgIdCQtCIAlBI5Gzbw/viewform?usp=sf_link

For more information on the candidates, please go to https://mascosuper.school.blog/2023/05/02/masconomet-high-school-principal-finalists-2/

Katie DiNardo’s Public Interview, May 16, 2023

Dan Hudder’s Public Interview, May 18, 2023

I am pleased to announce the two finalists for the position of Principal of Masconomet Regional High School.  Our search process began with the advertisement of the position on March 13, 2023, with a closing date of April 7, 2023.  Semi-finalists were invited to Masconomet for interviews on April 25^th and 27^th.  At the end of these two days of interviews, the Interview Committee forwarded the names of two finalists for the position.  I would like to thank our Interview Committee, consisting of High School Junior Reagan Boyd, School Adjustment Counselor Kristen Duffy, Guidance Counselor Robin Wildman, Science Teacher Chris Love, Special Education Team Chair Marie Bridges, English Department Head Meagan Hildebrand, Director of Information Technology Vin Ruocco, High School Parents Jocelyn Almy-Testa and John Maynard, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Lynne Bennett, Middle School Principal Phil McManus, and School Committee Chair Tasha Cooper for giving their time and insight to this very important process.

Our next step in the High School Principal Search process will be to invite our two finalists for on-site interviews at Masconomet on May 16^th and May 18^th.  Both finalists will spend the day meeting with different constituent groups at the school and will complete the day with a question-and-answer session for parents and interested members of the public held at 7:00 PM via Zoom.  Everyone who meets with the candidates will be invited to submit written feedback that I will use to help inform my decision in selecting our next High School Principal.  I hope to be able to announce our next principal by the beginning of June with an anticipated start date of July 1^st.

The finalists are:

Katie DiNardo has served as the Upper House Assistant Principal at Masconomet since July of 2012.  In this role, she chairs Student Support Team Meetings and collaborates with adjustment and guidance counselors to assist students in Grades 11 and 12 who are at risk, oversees student attendance and discipline for Grades 11 and 12, and supports the High School Principal in the daily operation of the school.  Katie is also currently the Coordinator of Masconomet’s Student Internship Program.  Prior to coming to Masconomet, Katie was an Assistant Principal in Gloucester and Watertown High Schools.  She began her career in public education as a Guidance Counselor at Watertown High School.  Katie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from The College of Wooster, a Master’s Degree in Education and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Administration from Cambridge College.  She also has completed a Certificate of School Management and Leadership from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education and Business School.  Her full resume can be viewed here.  Katie’s onsite interview will be on May 16^th.  Her public interview will be conducted that evening via Zoom at 7:00 PM at the following link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86757950054?pwd=dGN4K2QrMk5ack5OdGh0Zm9TL3k3QT09

Daniel Hudder is currently an Assistant Principal at Bedford High School in Bedford, MA, a position he has held since July of 2018.  In this role, Dan is responsible for a monitoring the progress and overseeing interventions for a caseload of 425 students, working with building administration to co-lead professional development, and working with Department Heads to supervise faculty and develop curriculum.  Prior to his work in Bedford, Dan was the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at South Middlesex Regional Vocational Technical School in Framingham, MA, and the English Department Head at Franklin High School in Franklin, MA.  Prior to becoming an administrator, Dan taught English at Needham High School in Needham, MA and at The William J. Gaynor School and Stuyvesant High School in New York City.  Dan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Education from New York University, a Master’s Degree in American Studies from The University of Massachusetts at Boston, and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from Endicott College.  His full resume can be viewed here.  Dan will be visiting Masconomet on May 18^th.  His public interview will be conducted via Zoom at 7:00 PM that evening at the following link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89404767912?pwd=OUI1NEU0UGJjTXQ4RjFpZm1aTmEwUT09