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Weymouth High School
Sunday Message - 6/19/2022
Reminders & Announcements
- Tuesday, June 21 is a G Day
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BOYS RUGBY TEAM WHO YESTERDAY AT CURRY COLLEGE WON THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP 48-28 over HANOVER in front of a packed stadium. And Thank you to the Weymouth PD for the escort home for our team!
Emergency Response Training
On Tuesday, June 21st, during Period 3, we plan to work with all students (and staff) to review preparations for our emergency response to a dangerous situation involving an intruder. While statistically, there is a low probability of an event like this happening and schools are still one of the safest places for a child to be, we are all well aware that these circumstances are encountered and it is necessary for us to prepare for these unsettling situations. We have adopted ALICE training and have continued to get our staff and students more comfortable and responsive to the ALICE model. Your child will watch a video (Weymouth Wildcat Media) and go over a slide show that discusses rally points for exiting the campus. Students will then practice evacuating the building. All students will stay on campus for this training.
If you feel it would benefit discussing this with your child ahead of time, please do so. We will also be available if you have questions or concerns. Thank you.
Planning Purposes - Last Day of School - June 2023
For future planning purposes, the last day of school for the 2023 school year is June 27, 2023. This does include 5 snow days, which as we know, we used all 5 snow days this school year, plus 1 additional day. Please do not make any summer plans until at least after June 27 as absences during finals have to be approved by administration in order for students to take the exam at a later date.
Also for Final Exams, please know that we reverse the order from Mid Year Exams. The first day of exams will be periods 7 and 6 and the last day will be period 1.
Concerning Student Conflicts
Recent incidents at WHS have tarnished our culture of positivity, inclusiveness, and school pride. These incidents are highly impactful on our school culture which is why we respond swiftly as a team. WHS is taking a proactive approach in responding to these incidents, including working with the Weymouth Police School Resource Officers.
It is our intention to be as clear as possible in stating that Weymouth Public Schools, and
Weymouth Police Department School Resource Officers (SROs), have no tolerance for any student(s) who participate in these assaults in any way including encouraging, recording and posting the videos on social media. Please also understand that those who antagonize or begin a conflict where a fight ensues are also responsible even if they did not fight back. WHS and the Weymouth Police have and will continue to hold these students to the highest degree possible of school discipline including suspension, expulsion and/or charges by the Weymouth Police Department.
Administration and staff, with support from our SROs, are focused on safety and are actively monitoring areas of concern. We are proactively increasing our school wide intervention systems including class meetings to discuss behavior expectations and implementing a positive system to encourage reporting of possible fighting or violence. In addition, WHS Administration is working closely with the district Safety and Social Emotional Learning Director to analyze and make recommendations to improve our school culture.
We hope you will take a moment to talk with your student(s) about the serious nature of these incidents. It's not okay to fight or assault each other, nor is it okay to encourage this behavior, or worse, stand by and film it. We continue to instill positive values so that our young people can learn and grow while also taking ownership in fostering a safe and respectful school environment.
Vaping Concerns
- Over the past months, despite the positivity of winter ending and masks finally becoming optional, Weymouth High and schools across the nation are finding an alarming uptick in the use of vapes and in particular vaping products with THC. This addictive and dangerous behavior is a community conversation that we must all address in support of our students and families and we must ALL be vigilant in having conversations and knowing what our students are doing. We are including some community resources to have conversations and to recognize symptoms and concerns. WPS Support & Resource Directory
- If you are interested in helping to determine the next steps in creating community conversations on ways Weymouth can collaborate to address and find solutions to supporting our students please send an email to either Alan.strauss@weymouthps.org or Karen.Monahan@Weymouthps.org
Please remember to speak to your student about seeing/hearing something and confidentially saying something to an adult as we are diligently trying to mitigate restroom vandalism and discipline those responsible.
Social Probation
As we approach the end of the school year, there are a variety of events that we are excited to host here at school, as well as off campus events. We want to remind everyone that we will be enforcing social probation for any student that violates any of our Handbook policies.
As Weymouth High School students (Grades 8-12), you represent our student body and all that we stand for here. Our Code of Conduct is in place and students are expected to act with appropriate behavior at all times. Violations or disregard for school rules will lead to disciplinary actions such as detention, ISS, and external suspension. Social probation will be added to the above, which means students on social probation could be prohibited from attending events below. Violations include, but are not limited to, cutting multiple classes, vaping, fighting/play fighting (physical and verbal), inappropriate behavior in the cafeteria, use of offensive and/or hate speech to students or staff, any student pranks and any other infraction listed in the handbook.
Over the course of the next 12 weeks we will have events for Grades 8-12 and every one of them is a privilege that we want to extend to every interested student. These events are a privilege not a right.
These events include:Athletic/Social events as a spectator
Freshman/Sophomore Dance
8th Grade Dance
Violations or disregard for school rules will lead to disciplinary actions. You can access our handbook here: WHS Handbook 2021-2022
Freshman/Sophomore Semi
Weymouth High School Honor Wall
A Message from Principal Strauss
Good afternoon everyone within our WHS community,
A very happy Father's Day to every Dad, Stepdad, Foster Dad, Uncle, Grandfather, older brother and everyone( including all the women taking on dual roles) who work to be a role model and a source of inspiration to their children or someone's else child. I encourage each of you to understand and embrace the powerful impact you have had- thank you!
Our role models regardless of gender have taught us that it is important that we finish things strong. For our students, it is important that they finish the remainder of this year strong, engaged in class and focused on successfully preparing for final exams. Every opportunity is an opportunity to learn while reinforcing positive habits of focus, engagement and working until the day or year is over.
The story below by Paul Smith is one of my favorites that a student-athlete of mine shared with our team many years ago. It is a microcosm of the life that is coming for all of us - either finishing what we start with as much effort as we can or choosing the opposite - the easy way. I hope it resonates with you in some way.
“Mexico City is a world away from the East African country of Tanzania, where John Stephen Akhwari lived. But that’s exactly where he found himself in October 1968, representing his country in the Summer Olympic Games as a marathon runner. Unfortunately, Akhwari suffered a fall during the race. And it wasn’t a gentle tumble on a grassy knoll. He fell hard on rough concrete, badly cutting his right leg and injuring his knee. Medical personnel arrived quickly and bandaged his wounds. But the knee required more treatment than they were prepared for in the street. He needed to go to the hospital. But against their advice, Akhwari instead stood up and started off down the road behind the rest of the runners.
Given the severity of his injuries, he couldn’t run at his normal pace. With a combination of jogging, hobbling, and walking, he pushed ahead. At 2:20:26 into the race, Mamo Walde of Ethiopia crossed the finish line in first place. Most of the remaining competitors finished within a few minutes. Akhwari was nowhere close.
An hour later, the Olympic stadium had only a few thousand people left in it. The marathon was the last event of the day and the sun had already set. Mexico City was brutal on the marathon runners. At over 7,400 feet in altitude, the air has 23 percent less oxygen than at sea level. As a result, 17 of the 74 runners failed to finish the race that day. Akhwari, bloodied and injured, was determined to not be one of them.
Followed by a police escort, and clearly in great pain, Akhwari finally arrived and limped his way onto the track, his loosening bandages dangling from his leg. As the diminished crowd cheered in awe and disbelief, John Stephen Akhwari made his way around the track and crossed the finish line at 3:25:27, in last place. The few remaining reporters rushed onto the field to ask him why he continued running in his condition. He responded simply,
My country didn’t send me 5,000 miles to start this race. They sent me 5,000 miles to finish it. Whatever we do we “must finish strong”
Despite coming in last place, it was Akhwari’s picture that was in the paper the next day. And it was his story that was being talked about all over the world. His dedication became an inspiration to millions, and earned him the title “King without a crown.” To this day, his story is legendary among Olympic athletes and non-athletes alike.
The Lesson - “Yes, it’s an inspiring story,” you might protest. “But I’m not running a marathon. How can that story help me?” I’m not a marathon runner, either. But I use it all the time. Here’s one example. At most places of work there are people who are leaving, ending their position, transferring to the next position or getting antsy to start a long awaited vacation. People make calendars, count down days or find out what their next job will be two or three months in advance. Inevitably, when that happens for some, they begin to emotionally and mentally detach from their current responsibilities and start thinking about what’s next. Facing the challenge of keeping focused on their current job until it’s time to leave is not difficult for some, but very difficult for others.
Having faced that challenge many times, I often tell the story of John Stephen Akhwari. The point I explain afterward is that once your next assignment is announced, others know you’re emotionally compromised. They know you’re “running injured”. But they also know the difference between a starter and a finisher. If you slack off these last three months, a few people might forgive you out of sympathy. But if you want to build a life and positive reputation that will last a long time, finish strong. People always notice.” Paul Smith
Our students need to finish this last week strong as it is lesson that will guide them forever!
Thank you Associate Principals and soon Principal Mrs. Monahan and Mrs Paulhus, Deans, Directors, Assistant Directors, Faculty, Administrative Assistants, ESP’s, Counselors, Coaches, Nurses, IT and Library Staff, SRO and Charlee, Security, Maintenance, Custodial and Food Service Staff, as well as Central Office, School Committee, Town Officials, First Responders and our Community Partners most of whom are finishing strong, not counting down the days and modeling excellence for our students until the very last exam a week from Tuesday.
May your week be filled with warmth, kindness, laughter.
Be healthy, be happy and be… in peace
Alan Strauss, Principal
CLASS OF 2022
Graduation pictures are now up! Please click on THIS LINK to view and purchase pictures.
CLASS OF 2023
Class of 2023 Update
On Thursday, June 16, WHS celebrated our soon-to-be Senior Class of 2023 at our annual Junior to Senior Step Up Picnic! The cookout was a resounding success with students enjoying delicious burgers cooked by Class Dean, Michael McLeod and served by Associate Principal, Karen Monahan and CTE Director, Julieanne Gamache. The students enjoyed playing basketball, volleyball, Kan Jam, cornhole, Spike Ball and playing cards. The music was blasting, and the vibe was pure joy! The picnic was such a huge hit with everyone wearing their LA2T DANC3 t-shirts and taking pictures in the Weymouth 400th chair!
Speaking of shirts, we are happy to report that we SOLD OUT of shirts this year! However, we are placing one more T-shirt order for the Senior Slogan LA2T DANC3. Students must pay ($15) by Friday, June 24 via cash or check in an envelope marked clearly with the student's t-shirt size, the student's name AND the student's school email address. Payments can be made in the Gold Office, or dropped into the Drop Box outside the Gold Office at the Main Gold Entrance, or dropped off to a Security person at the Security Entrance by the Gold Cafe. Please note that delivery and distribution of this last order will be in September 2022 when the students return for their Senior Year.
Finally, we have a very limited amount of sweatpants available to sell RIGHT NOW! We will not be placing another order for sweatpants, so please let us know if you want a pair - FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED! They're Jerzees Super Sweat brand, 50/50 blend, with full sized pockets and a drawstring on the inside of the pant. Students report that they are worth the $35 cost and are super cozy! Maybe not the best summer wear, but plan ahead for cooler months and don't miss out! They are MEN'S SIZES and run ROOMY! To order the sweatpants, please email Jr Class Advisor, Nicole LoPorto, nicole.loporto@weymouthps.org (students may pick the sweatpants up in Room 2007 before the end of the school year - during Finals are okay).
Please click on the LINK to get the order form for a t-shirt.
College Application Video
- Juniors and Parents of Juniors Considering College after High School - please click on this LINK to check out a video from WHS Counseling Services that describes the college application process, introduces some new software we will be using to assist with the process and provides the next steps to focus on now.
Class Dues
Remember to pay Class dues! Please turn in your dues to the GOLD OFFICE. Below is a break down of class dues:
Freshman year: $15
Sophomore year: $15
Junior Year: $40
Students can check if they owe dues on their aspen under “My Info” and then click on “My Details” then click on “Obligations.” If there is an amount next to “Previous Years Dues” that is what is owed.
Also please complete Community Service Hours.
Social Probation can result in the loss of the privilege to attend school activities.
REMEMBER TO SIGN INTO STUDY!
If you have any questions, please contact me at michael.mcleod@weymouthschools.org.
CLASS OF 2024
CLASS OF 2024
If you have any questions, please contact me at 781/337-7500, ext. 25150 or jennifer.mendicino@weymouthschools.org.
CLASS OF 2025
CLASS OF 2025
Follow the Class Officers for the Class of 2025 on Instagram for announcements, information on fundraisers, and other fun stuff! Follow them now at whs.officers2025
CLASS OF 2026
CLASS of 2026
8th Grade Important End of Year Dates
Thursday, June 23 - Promotion Ceremony for Harmony, Gratitude, and Kindness at 9:30 am
(ALL students will return to Homeroom following the ceremony and will be dismissed from there at 10:45 am)
Thursday, June 23 - Half Day for students - 10:45 am dismissal
Thursday, June 23 - 8th Grade Dance - 6 - 8 pm
All students must be pick up at 8 pm. No students will be allowed to leave early.
The location of the dance has been changed to the GOLD CAFETERIA.
Students will enter/exit through Door #36.
No bags or backpacks are allowed.
Every student will be breathalyzed prior to entry.
Water donations for the 8th Grade Dance can be dropped off at Door #14. - Ask for Ms. Vitello
Friday, June 24 - Half Day for students -10:45 am dismissal
Friday, June 24 - Promotion Ceremony for Courage and Dream at 9:30 am
(ALL students will return to Homeroom following the ceremony and will be dismissed from there at 10:45 am)
Monday, June 27 - Half Day for students - 10:45 am dismissal
Tuesday, June 28 - Half Day - Last Day of School 9 am dismissal
ATHLETICS
Boys' Cross Country Interest Meeting
There will be a brief meeting on Tuesday, 6/21 @ 2:15 pm in Room 205 (Maroon Building) for anyone interested in participating on the Weymouth Boys' Cross Country Team. If you cannot make the meeting but are interested in competing, please see Coach Connolly (Room 205) or email him (john.connolly@weymouthps.org).
Summer Weight Room
Summer Weight Room will be open starting on July 6. Hours will be posted next Sunday - 6/26.
CTE
Application Deadline
Our CTE Application deadline for Fall 2022 has passed. At this time we are accepting applications for our waitlist.
Please review our new Admission Policy which can be found here WHS CTE Admissions Policy.
Applications should be completed ONLINE and can be found on the WHS website under ACADEMICS and ABOUT CTE or by following this link WHS CTE Application
COMMUNITY SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
COMMUNITY SERVICE IS a graduation requirement. - 10 hours per year!
Distracted Driving Online Survey
Distractology- The science of distracted driving. Students will complete the online challenge by going to the website: www.distractology.com/program/NorfolkDATRC
Upon completion students will print the completion form (or take a screenshot of the completion form) and bring it to Mr. Sullivan in Maroon Guidance to have their Community Service Activity Form signed and earn 1 hour of Community Service. This opportunity will be available until the end of the 2021-2022 school year. More information is available in the WHS library.
Shifting Gears: The Blunt Truth about Marijuana and Driving
AAA Northeast is pleased to offer this program that brings the facts about marijuana impairment and driving performance to teens at or near driving age. You might have heard that people who recently consumed THC – the chemical in marijuana that gets you high – can drive safely. Or that marijuana is nowhere near as dangerous as alcohol when it comes to driving. Maybe someone you know has even said they drive better while high. They might feel more relaxed and less anxious. And that would be safer, right?
At AAA, we’ve been studying this topic for years and know the latest facts and research. When you’re done with this program, you’ll know how to answer these questions. You’ll also be challenged to re-think your notions about what being a safe driver really means and develop strategies to avoid putting yourself in a dangerous situation.
Completing the Shifting Gears Challenge
View the following video presentation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ihZ1WvSWPI
Complete the following post-video form: Shifting Gears post-program form https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Vk_MDKwNpUKm9kZzh-WGwImR0ERXaLZHvnP7zdHk5btUOVZRM0RDQzIzRUhUOUZRTjBDNFRFVUlFVC4u
After completing the form, you will receive your proof of participation via email. Your email address will be kept private and will not be shared or used for any purpose other than confirmation of completion.
Schools with 100 participants earn 10 points.
Each student who completes the challenge will earn 1 Community Service hour. Each student needs to either print the completion form or email it to brendan.sullivan@weymouthschool.org and then follow up with Mr. Sullivan in Maroon Guidance to have their Community Service form signed. Thank you.
Check in the Library for more ongoing Community Service Opportunities. If you have any questions, please see Mr. Strauss, Ms. Monahan or your dean.
General Information:
Technology Internship Opportunity
Weymouth Public Schools is looking for (5) student interns to work over the summer to deploy various technology equipment. The position is from 7/6 - 8/19/22. Click on this LINK if you are interested in more information.
New Weymouth Information Hub
- Be sure to check out the New Weymouth Information Hub. It is an easy way to find Opportunities and Resources! The Hub will include items such as Monthly Update, Community Service, Continuing Education, Training, Employment Events, Fundraising, Resources, Scholarships, SCP Directory, SCP Discounts & Coupons, WHS CTE Community Programs. Click on the link below.
Weymouth Information Hub: https://www.smore.com/8cq0d
Online Payments
Weymouth Public Schools now has the ability to pay fees online. Click on this LINK your payments.
Parking
Parking stickers are required to park on campus. Students who do not have a sticker were issued warnings the past 2 weeks. Students who do not have a sticker may be towed.
Student IDs
All students were given a student ID and they must have this ID on them. Students who check in tardy and do not have an ID may receive detention.
Checking Student's Attendance
Please click on this LINK for directions on how to access students' attendance.
If there is an error, please reach out to your child’s teacher.
If questions arise after the parent portal has been reviewed regarding CLASS attendance, please contact the teacher directly.
Parents/Guardians must call or email the school in the morning to alert the appropriate Attendance Secretary of your child’s absence.
Renee Vitello - Grade 8 - Ext 25107 - renee.vitello@weymouthps.org
Diane Padula - Grades 9 - 12 - Ext 25102 - diane.padula@weymouthps.org
Homeroom
Homeroom is required.
If your student is in the building and does not attend Homeroom, you will receive detentions and calls home.
Homeroom is not optional and it impacts your school records.
Dismissals
Dismissals require a minimum of a 2-hour notice prior to dismissal time to the appropriate attendance secretary.
We cannot accommodate Immediate dismissal unless it is an emergency situation and your student's Dean has been contacted.
Parents/Guardians can dismiss students at door # 36 with proper identification and MUST be listed in the students contact in Aspen.
Dismissal hours are between 8:00 am and 1:45 pm. No dismissal will be processed after 1:45 pm.
If a parent is dismissing a student at door # 36 for a 1:45 pm dismissal time, please arrive no later than 1:30 pm to allow security time to process.
COVID Medical Questions
All Covid related issues are to be reported directly to the nursing staff.
Email - whsnurse@weymouthps.org
Phone - 781-337-7500, Ext. 25124
Fax - 781-340-2565
Documented/Excused Absence - Doctor’s Note
Absence validated by a doctor’s note provided documentation is submitted within one week of the absence. After the fourth not documented/unexcused absence in a quarter, a doctor’s note must be provided to excuse further absences. (pg 64, WHS Handbook)
Student Obligations
Student Obligation Notices are now available in Aspen, Parent and Student Portal.
WPS Opportunities & Resources
To view the WPS Opportunities and Resources, please click on this LINK.
Sideline Online Store
If you are looking for Wildcat gear for people of all ages, visit our Sideline Store. You will be able to find blankets, hats, polo’s, sweats, bags, stadium chairs, drinkware, baby clothes from vendors such as Badger, New Era, Gildan, Nike and Sport Tek. A small portion of each sale will come back to WHS and all orders are sent to wherever you would like them to go!
https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/massachusetts/southweymouth/weymouth-high-school
Guidance
College Application Video
Juniors and Parents of Juniors Considering College after High School - please click on this LINK to check out a video from WHS Counseling Services that describes the college application process, introduces some new software we will be using to assist with the process and provides the next steps to focus on now.Health Services
COVID Medical Questions
All Covid related issues are to be reported directly to the nursing staff.
Email - whsnurse@weymouthps.org
Phone - 781-337-7500, Ext. 25124
Fax - 781-340-2565
Library
End of Year Library Hours
- The Library will be closed on Tuesday, 6/21 during Block 3.
Please note that the last day of Homework Hotspot was 6/16. The library will be open from 7:15 - 2:30 pm through Wednesday, 6/22. It will be open to students from 7:15 -11 am during final exams. Students must sign in during school hours.
Finals in the Library
Do you have a study and nowhere to go during finals? Sign up with the regular library study pass form (bit.ly/library-SIP) for coloring, puzzles, legos, and quiet relaxation in the library! Sign ups open one day at a time for the following day. There will also be a dedicated silent study area. Charlee, the community resource dog will visit most blocks. Students must check in when they arrive. Space may be limited.
Return Your Library Books!
All library books were due Friday, 6/17 at the latest. Please return your books! Any books not returned will result in an obligation. There are no late fees and any obligations will be cleared for books that have been returned to the library. If you need more time, stop by the library or email whs-library@weymouthps.org to make arrangements.
Summer Book Check Out
Need books for the summer? Ask about summer book check out!
Weymouth High School
Karen Monahan, Associate Principal
Rebecca Paulhus, Associate Principal
Website: https://www.weymouthschools.org/weymouth-high-school
Location: Weymouth High School,Wildcat Way, Weymouth, MA, USA
Phone: 781-337-7500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weymouthpublicschools/
Twitter: @WeymouthHSpride
Thank you Weymouth PD!
Important Links
ATHLETICS
FOOD SERVICES
GENERAL INFORMATION
GUIDANCE
HEALTH
TECHNOLOGY
TRANSPORTATION
WEYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
District Information
COVID-19 Updates & Protocols:
Masks: Effective Monday, February 28 masks will be optional in all Weymouth Public Schools, pre-K through Grade 12, for all staff, students and visitors. Any individual who chooses to continue to wear a mask in school, including those who are at a higher risk of contracting COVID, will be supported in that choice.
At-Home Testing Resources:
- Opt-In Form for students and staff
- WPS At-Home Testing Information & FAQs
- About the Test: iHealth is a 15-minute at-home rapid antigen test
- Video: How to Administer an At-Home COVID Test
- Text Guide: How Do I Administer an At-Home COVID test?
- Coming Soon! Submit Positive Test Results - This is where you'll report a positive test result from your school administered at-home weekly test.
District Links
Important Links
- District Calendar - School Committee approved holidays, vacations, tems and staff development
- Tech Support for Families - Submit a ticket for support. Reminder* be sure to update your child’s Chrome OS on the weekends, often and early!
- WPS Opportunities Resources - Family and community resources
- Special Education Parent Advisory Council - Meeting Dates
- Champions Before and After School Care - 781-812-8735 or lolee@discoverchampions.com
- Aspen Family Portal - Student Attendance, Contact Info & Communications or Locate Your Child's Report Card or Special Education Report
- Blackboard Communications - Opt In and Opt Out Instructions
- Town Wide Parent Council - Meets the Second Tuesday of Each Month
- Volunteer to Become a Parent/Guardian/Caregiver ELL Immigrant Liaison