MST Weekly Update

Good afternoon to all of our MST family members.

Week # 2 is completed and overall, the year is going very well. Our excellent 9th grade class is settling into the high school routine and our 10th, 11th and 12th grade students came back ready to learn. Most, if not all, of the scheduling issues that students had have been resolved thanks to the hard work of our school counselors. Any schedule changes from today on must be of an urgent nature and will be looked at on a case-by-case basis.

Over the summer, MST was recognized as the Gold Award winner for Vocational Schools as chosen by readers of the New Hampshire Union Leader. The Readers' Choice Awards are given out annually in a variety of categories including education. A very special thanks to all of our staff who do such a great job welcoming students from Manchester and surrounding towns into our outstanding school.

You can see all of the 2023 Reader's Choice selections here: https://manchesterunionleader-nh.newsmemory.com/?special=Readers+Choice

Tuesday September 19th is primary election day in Manchester. Several schools are used as polling places, so there is no school for students that day. A reminder of the way our Blue/White schedule works at MST. Monday is a White Day, so when the students return to school on Wednesday, it will be a Blue Day.

Several 11th grade students have 15 or more credits at the start of the year. For this group of students, the graduation requirement for Manchester is 20 credits which must include certain mandatory credits (4 English, 3 math, 2 science, 2.5 social studies, 1.5 PE/Health, etc). Students who meet all requirements after 3 years may elect to graduate early.

If a student thinks that they may want to graduate early, I must have a letter or email from a parent requesting a possible early graduation. This letter must specifically explain why they want their child to graduate early and include a plan for after graduation (continuing education, perusing a career, entering the military, etc.). This letter should be received at MST by November 15th. It is not a commitment; it is a request to be eligible to graduate early. If plans change and the decision is made to stay at MST for a 4th year, that is not a problem.

All students were given a packet of forms that needed to be completed, signed and returned to MST by now. These forms contain contact information, permissions, cell phone policies, insurance information, etc. If they have not been returned, please do so immediately. Phone calls or emails will be going out soon to all who have not turned them in.

All students enrolled in a CTE program must provide proof of accidental insurance in order to stay enrolled in the class. If you do not have an insurance policy, you can purchase a policy here:

https://www.mansd.org/page/student-accident-insurance

On September 20th, Southern New Hampshire University will host the 2023 NEACAC College Fair.

The fair provides students with the opportunity to learn more about colleges and universities. There will be over 150 schools represented. Please go onto the NEACAC website at www.neacac.org if you would like to see which schools will be participating.

Seniors and Juniors can pick up the permission form from in the Student Support Center or from anyone in guidance. The bus will leave at 8:50 and return by 11:30. Space is limited and preference will be given to Seniors.

We will be hosting a college 101 and a financial aid night during our open house on Oct. 4th.

Now is the time to start thinking about your post secondary plans.

Student picture day is scheduled for Wednesday, September 27th. Geskus Studios will be taking the pictures of all MST High School students. You may select a photo package if you wish to purchase one.

Open House for both MST High School and CTE will be held on Wednesday, October 4h from 6:00-8:00 PM. This night is for parents to visit, with their MST student, to hear about the expectations in each class. This is not a night to discuss indidual student progress.

There will be brief meetings for parents of 9th graders in the Brennan Center at 6:15 and 7:00. These meetings will be to explain competency grading so that you understand the first report card that will be issued in November.

Tuesday, September 19th-No School for Students, Election Day

Wednesday, September 20th-College Fair at SNHU

Wednesday, September 27th-Student Picture Day-Geskus Photography

Wednesday, October 4th-Open House from 6:00-8:00 PM

Friday, October 6th-No School for Students, Teacher Workshop Day

Monday, October 9th-No School for Students, Columbus Day

Tuesday, November 7th-No School for Students, Election Day

Thursday, November 9th-End of Quarter 1

Friday, November 11th-No School for Students, Veterans' Day Observed

That's all for this week! Have a great weekend.

Timothy Otis-Principal

Email: mst@mansd.org
Website: mst.mansd.org
Location: 100 Gerald Connors Circle, Manchester, NH, USA
Phone: 603-624-6490
Facebook: facebook.com/manchesterschooloftechnology

The mission of the Manchester School of Technology is to foster a safe and respectful learning environment while cultivating academic and technical competency, career success, and social awareness.