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 31^st 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.

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 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.

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...

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!

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.