Week of September 21

This last week the class of 2018 worked with the folks from Adventure In Adventure Out on team building and breaking  down the barriers that often times prevent us from reaching our true potential.  It was also a time to reflect on just how many feelings and ideas we often share with those around us but keep inside.

It was a great way to spend a beautiful September day and I am already looking forward to bringing the program back next year to the high school.  The students truly enjoyed themselves and many reported to me that they got a lot out of the experience.  This amazing day was made possible by the generous contributions of the Monson Cultural Council and the PTSA.  I am extremely grateful for their support.  I have truly been humbled by the support the community has consistently shown our schools and students.  When the community is behind its schools the possibilities are limitless. Thanks again to everybody that made this wonderful event possible.

To learn more about Adventure In Adventure out you can visit the website.

Week of September 14th

It was an exciting and action packed week at the high school as a number of community events took place.

On Friday, we hosted the first of two annual blood drives in the gym.  Ms. Evans put together a great event that will had a number of staff and students stepping up for a great cause.  Thank you Ms. Evans!

A big thank you also goes out to Sara Szado and the Monson Athletic Boosters for putting on some great soccer games under the lights on Thursday and Friday night.  I am happy to report that both the boys and girls won and continue to be very competitive in their conferences.

On Saturday, the weather was gorgeous for the PTSA as they hosted the second annual Fall Fair.  It was  a great family event that drew a number of people in from the community.  I particularly enjoyed the band from my perch in the jail cell for the A-Team as we raised money for the PTSA.  My kids are already looking forward to next year and the bounce house!

Saturday night the Student Council hosted the Fall Black Light and Neon Dance.  The kids had a great time and I learned that Mrs. Webster has no rival on the dance floor!

Week of September 7th

The first five day week of the school year is behind us and things continue to go well at the high school.  I was happy to meet many families at our Open House last Thursday night as I believe strong partnerships between school and home drive student success.

Congratulations are in order for our first group of athletes of the week.  For the week of September 1st, it was Varsity Boys Golfer Colton North.  For the week of September 8th, the honor was shared by Girls Soccer Players Senior Mikaela Rouette and Freshman Shannon Jalbert.  Nice work guys!

Friday we had  some beautiful fall weather and Mr. Kozikowski's AP English classes went out in the courtyard to find some inspiration in nature.  Mrs. Maloney's SAP group also enjoyed some time outside soaking in the gorgeous weather and shooting hoops.  At the end of the day, Mr. Fletcher's Environmental Science class could be found behind the building searching for samples.  I have been reflecting a lot over the weekend about how fortunate we are as a community to have such a beautiful campus that blends perfectly with the natural environment around us.  I am excited for the foliage!

Speaking of enjoying the fall weather, I hope you all join us at the Fall Fair next Saturday afternoon at Quarry Hill.  I am hopeful that some of you will help bail me out of jail as the PTSA has informed me that the Principals from each of the buildings will be locked up for charity.  See you there!

Week of August 31st

Another fantastic week is in the books for the Mustangs.  Competitions began for the fall athletic season and our student athletes are off to a great start.  The Golf team won their home opener match against Saint Mary's Parish.  Girls Varsity Soccer played a terrific home opener in front of a great crowd at Rogers Field, besting Lennox 5-0.  Boys Varsity Soccer had an impressive 2-2 draw on the road against last year's State Champions, West Springfield.  Palmer Football also won their home opener 31-14.

Many of our students were also involved this weekend in the Monson Summer Theatre's production of the musical Footloose.  If you did not make it to one of this week's shows, you can still catch the performance next Friday or Saturday in the Granite Valley Auditorium.

The Student Council held their first meeting of the week this year and were happy to report that students are very pleased with the reopening of the School Store during lunches.  They also decided to move the Fall Welcome Back Dance to September 20th.

Please don't forget the High School Open House is this Thursday, September 11th at 6:00 pm; I look forward to seeing many of you there.  Please also remember that the Fall Fair is Saturday, September 20th from 2:00-6:00 pm, see you there!

Week of August 24th

The school year got off to a fantastic start on Wednesday with an all school assembly to ring in the new year.

Both the faculty and the students were excited and happy to hear about the return of several great programs for this year.  The smell of fresh cut wood permeates the hallways as the wood shop has come back to life under the guidance of our new Industrial Arts teacher Mr. Kielbasa.  Up on the first floor, Mrs. Berouard and her seniors are getting the cooking classroom back in order to begin working on culinary delights as Cooking and Nutrition return to the curriculum after a nearly three year absence.

During lunch, students are once again able to check out the school store for pride wear and classroom supplies.  The newly minted seniors of the class of 2015 enjoyed the beautiful weather while eating lunch out in the courtyard and the freshman class of 2018 have done a great job of learning the routines and the lay out of the high school.

Out on our athletic fields, running trails, and Quabog Country Club, our fall athletes continue to prepare for the competition as the fall sports season officially begins this week.  My family and I are especially looking forward to taking in the soccer games Friday afternoon!  Don't forget to follow me on twitter for live updates from the sidelines this Friday and all season long @mustangpride2.