2009-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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MASHPEE HIGH SCHOOL Mashpee High School concluded its thirteenth year of existence, and 2008-2009 was its first full academic year as a four-year high school. Mashpee Middle School now encompasses grades 7- 8, while Mashpee High School contains all grade 9-12 students. The Mashpee High School Class of 2009, the tenth graduating class in MHS history, graduated 133 students whose postgraduate plans are as follows: 54% are attending four year colleges, 30% are attending two year colleges, 3% are attending proprietary schools, 5% are delaying their decisions, 5% have enlisted in the military, and 3% are pursuing other career/employment opportunities. Mashpee High School graduates remained very competitive in the college admissions process. Demanding economic circumstances prompted many students to focus their attention on public institutions, and many were also active in seeking scholarships. Graduates were accepted to 88 different colleges and universities, and some of the choices for further education include American University, Assumption College, Boston University, Brandeis University, Clemson University, Curry College, Drew University, Elmira College, Emerson College, Endicott College, Fitchburg State College, Framingham State College, James Madison University, Lesley University, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Merrimack College, Montserrat College, Northeastern University, Oregon State University, Pace University, Plymouth State University, St. Anselm's College, St. Michael's College, Stonehill University, Suffolk University, Temple University, UMASS — Amherst, UMASS — Boston, UMASS — Dartmouth, University of Connecticut, University of Hartford, University of Rhode Island, University of Tampa, Vermont Technical College, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Westfield State College, and Wheaton College. MHS students were waitlisted at Harvard University, Syracuse University, and Tufts University, to name a few. Members of the Class of 2009 are also proudly serving in the US Marines, US Navy, and US Air Force. Projections from graduates indicate that they were offered more than $4,000,000 in scholarships and grants over the next four years, and there was an additional $83,750 offered in local scholarships. Also, based on their performance in MCAS, 36 MHS seniors earned the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship that entitles them to four years free tuition at state colleges. Valedictorian Celia Cataldo and Salutatorian Nicole Vachon led the class academically and gave inspirational speeches to their classmates at the commencement ceremonies. Students also garnered numerous awards and recognition both in and out of school. For example, Alan James was named Massachusetts Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year. As academics remained the focus of the school, Mashpee High School moved to the model of a "Professional Learning Community" with a focus on learning, collaboration, and results. All departments collaborated as PLC's as they continued to revise their curricula, instructional strategies, and assessments in a standards-based environment. In math specially designed "labs" continue to supplement the classroom curriculum and instruction in algebra and geometry and offer students increased opportunities in project based learning. In English, teachers continued to expand student understanding and performance in reading, writing, and presenting, with a particular emphasis on critical thinking skills as SAT preparation was incorporated into the curriculum. The Science Department continued the integration of theory and technology and expanded offerings in areas such as AP Environmental Science and the Natural History of Cape Cod. The History/Social Science Department continued the transition to a modified U.S. History sequence that now covers two years to help them better prepare for the MCAS. Senior Seminar 176