HINGHAMHIGH SCHOOL
17 Union Street
Hingham, Massachusetts 02043
(781) 741-1560
Freshman and New Student Orientation and Notes of Interest
August, 2017
Dear ninth-graders and new students:
Welcome to HinghamHigh School! As a member of the Class of 2021, you will find that this year will bring with it many new experiences. We are hopeful you will grow both intellectually and socially while enjoying every aspect of life at a great “Blue Ribbon” and “Green Ribbon” high school!
You probably have many questions and some concerns about the start of the year. I have tried to highlight the things that may be new or different from your middle school experience. This letter and the orientation program on Thursday, August 31, are designed to help address some of these concerns. Please see the next page for the time schedule for the ninth-grade orientation. We look forward to seeing you on this special day.
Your first weeks at Hingham High School will be exciting even if they’re a little bit confusing. Settle into your classes quickly and get the most from our staff and facilities. Pay attention to all announcements about clubs and activities. Ninth-grade students are most welcome and encouraged to join. Get involved, work hard, and have a good time! The Class of 2021 has a strong reputation. We can’t wait to meet you!
* * * * *
Dear Parents:
We welcome your son or daughter to Hingham High School. If this is your first experience as the parent of a high school student, you probably have some concerns and apprehensions. Some of your questions may be answered on the pages that follow. Others may be resolved by a phone call or personal contact. The best prescription for a successful year for your student includes a large measure of interest combined with an open line of communication among parents, students and the school.
There are many ways you can stay in touch with the school and your child’s teachers. We have a website (hinghamschools.com) that contains a wealth of information ranging from the student handbook to athletic schedules.
I send notices and important information by email through our Aspen X2 database. Please make sure your email address is correct. Any revisions can be directed to the main office. In late August, you will receive a calendar that lists the dates of important events that will be held throughout the year. Monthly you will be emailed a newsletter highlighting school events and the accomplishments of our students. To facilitate direct communication with the staff, everyone has voicemail and email. The extensions and addresses are listed on our website. Please do not hesitate to contact anyone on staff if you have a question or concern.
This year will bring many new experiences for you and your ninth-grader. He or she will be exposed to some new freedoms and will be expected to assume new responsibilities. There may be mistakes along the way, but these are normal, healthy, and even beneficial if learning follows.
We are proud of our staff and programs at HinghamHigh School. I personally look forward to working with you and all members of the Class of 2021 over the next four years. This is an exciting stage in their lives, and I am thrilled to be part of it. Please feel free to contact me at any time during the year.
Sincerely,
Richard Swanson
Principal
Hingham High School
17 Union Street
Hingham, MA 02403
Freshman and New Student Orientation Program - Thursday, August 31
During the course of this day, you will have a chance to meet many fellow classmates, school personnel, and student leaders; to familiarize yourself with the building; and to follow your schedule. We will end the day by taking the first official picture of the Class of 2021. This is a day you do not want to miss!
The following is a schedule of the day’s activities.
Transportation for bus students: See the bus schedule in the local newspaper for your scheduled pick-up time and
stop assignments.
8:00 a.m.Welcome assembly in the auditorium
Meet the principal, assistant principals, school counselors, class advisor, president of thestudent council,
and other student leaders. A video about life at H.H.S. made by our ownstudents will be shown.
9:00 a.m.Meetings with school counselors
Students will meet in break-out groups with their own counselors. Groups will meet in the following rooms:
Ms. RodriguezCounseling A - Bennett
Ms. Gawel103Beyer- Donnelly
Ms. Krall197Donohue- Ierardi
Ms. McPeck193Jack-Meissner
Ms. GeorgeAuditoriumMelanson-Rinaldi
Ms. RapozaAuditoriumRizzo- Wiley
Ms. SaveryAuditoriumWilliams-Z
9:30 a.m.Walk through of class schedule
Each class will meet for ten minutes. This will give you the opportunity to meet your teachers and
learn about the courses you will be taking. Remember to bring your class schedule!
10:45 a.m.Small group meetings
In a small group to which you will be assigned, you will get to know your freshman advisor and some of your fellow students before lunch.
11:30 a.m.Lunch
No need to bring lunch; we will provide it compliments of the Hingham High School P.T.O.
11:55 p.m.Activities presentations
Representatives from clubs and teams will be available in the gym to provide information about their
organization to any interested students.
12:15 p.m.Class photo
12:30 p.m.Buses depart
First Day of School - Tuesday, September 5
The first day of school will begin with super homeroom; check the listings for room assignments posted in the main hallway. Students will receive the StudentHandbook/Discipline Code,a contact information sheet and health card. These forms need to be completed and returned by Friday, September 8. Please remember to bring your class schedule with you on the first day. We will begin with a day 1 schedule on September 5.
The regular school day starts at 8:00 a.m. Students must be in their class by this time in order to avoid being marked absent and/or tardy. The day ends at 2:32 p.m. Classes are 57 minutes in length. Students will be assigned to one of three lunches (24 minutes) between 11:06 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The lunch schedule will be announced. If a student forgets something at home, he/she will not be called to the office unless it is an emergency.Students should be responsible for checking in at the main office to see if an item has been dropped off for them.
Parents are encouraged to review the Student Handbook/ Discipline Code carefully and communicate any questions or concerns with the school. The Student Handbook/Discipline Code will be distributed on the first day of school and students and parents will be asked to sign for them. Please make sure your student returns the handbook receipt by Friday, September 8. These handbooks should be kept forfuture reference.
Administration
Hingham High School has a principal, Mr. Richard Swanson, and two assistant principals. Mrs. Jennifer Henriksen works with students whose last names begin with the letters A through K, and Mr. Collin Shattuck works with students whose last names begin with the letters L through Z. Their job has many facets. Depending on the circumstances, they counsel, advise, discipline, and administer regulations. They are also assigned a number of other administrative and supervisory responsibilities.
School Counselors
School counselors are assigned for four years. The assignments are made alphabetically. The counselors will meet with the students during the orientation program, and they will also visit with students throughout the year. They will be eager to get to know you.
Attendance
Good attendance is one of the school's primary concerns. Only the most serious of reasons should prevent a student from attending school and being on time. Telephone calls may be made to the homes of absentees and parents will be notified by mail in the event of any class cuts. Individual class attendance is reported quarterly on the report cards and although there may be some legitimate discrepancies from class to class (field trips, dismissals, etc.), pronounced irregularities merit parental concern. If your student must be absent, dismissed or tardy, please provide him/her with a note. All notes should be given to the assistant principals’ secretary, Mrs. Player. Home and school must work together to encourage attitudes of responsibility, good attendance and punctuality. Please note attendance rules in the handbook.
Dress
Students are expected to dress appropriately for school. Clothing that may be educationally disruptive or distracting to students and/or staff is unacceptable. Clothing that is strapless, backless, low cut, see-through or that reveals the midriff is not allowed. Any apparel or item with a message advocating violence, weapons, alcohol, other drugs, or illegal behavior, or expressing vulgarity, or regarded by the administration as dangerous or adversely impacting the educational process may not be worn in school or at school events or activities. Health regulations require that shoes be worn at all times in a public building.
Head coverings such as hats, hoods, and visors are not to be worn in the school building. Students must remove such head coverings when they enter the building and keep the coverings off until they exit the building. Head coverings should not be carried but rather stored in a book bag or locker. An administrator is the only person who may make an exemption to this policy.
Lockers and Valuables
Every student is assigned his or her own locker. These lockers are provided for the convenience of the students. The school reserves the right to inspect lockers at any time. Because students are responsible for their own personal belongings as well as school-issued textbooks, the school strongly recommends and encourages students to padlock their lockers. Money and all other valuables should be kept at home. In exceptional cases, valuables may be left in the main office. The Hingham Public Schools is not responsible for items lost or stolen from lockers. Students in physical education classes and athletes involved in interscholastic sports should never leave valuables in an unlocked locker!
School Supplies
There is no published list of required school supplies at Hingham High School. If items are required, individual teachers will inform students on the orientation day or the first day of class.
Report Cards
Report cards will be issued quarterly. The Aspen X2 portal is updated regularly. All teachers will have current grades posted at the midterm of each quarter.
Discipline
Written communication will follow serious disciplinary problems.
Telephone Numbers
We welcome your interest and concern. The HinghamHigh School office may be reached by calling (781) 741-1560. The guidance extension is 2116. The assistant principals are available to answer questions and/or concerns about students. Their extension is 2001. Messages are not delivered to students in class, and we ask that you limit such requests to emergenciesonly.
IMPORTANT DATESMonday, August 28Fall Sports Preseason Workshop for parents and athletes – 7:00 p.m.
MONDAY, August 28School Pictures – Photographer will mail the schedule. Agenda books will be
(CORRECTED DATE)soldfor $8 each and available in the main office after this date. Exact cash or a check made payable to HHS PTO would be greatly appreciated.
Thursday, September7Principal’s Coffee for parents of ninth graders and new students, 6:00 p.m. in room 103.PTO meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 12Ninth Grade Parents’ Night - 7:00 p.m.
The parents of ninth-graders meet with school administrators and the school
counselors in the auditorium.
Thursday, September 28Open House- 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. This will be an opportunity for parents to meet teachers and hear about the course of study and teacherexpectations; bring your son/daughter’sschedule.
Thursday, October 5Parent/Principal and Counselor Coffee – 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. - room 103
Thursday, October 5P.T.O. meeting at 9:30 a.m. - room 103
Tuesday, October 10Student/Principal Forum at 2:40 p.m. – room 103
PLEASE NOTECounselors will be available to correct errors and omissions only in student schedules either by email or in person, depending upon the particular need. If you have a question or scheduling issue that does not necessitate you coming into the counseling office, you may simply email your individual counselor. Any emails which are received by Friday, August 18, will be addressed and you will receive a response from your counselor on or before Wednesday, August 23. If you need to meet with your counselor in person, the counselors will be available on August 24from 8:30 – 1:30. No appointments are necessary. Parents and students will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Counselors will only be dealing with errors or omissions at that time. Please note that changes will be especially challenging this year as many classes are already at full capacity. School counselor email addresses are as follows:
Heather Rodriguez ~ essica Gawel ~
KellyMcPeck ~ Cheryl Rapoza ~
Erin Krall ~ athleen Savery ~
Bianca George ~
Homecoming Schedule of Events
Friday, October 20 ~ Homecoming School Rally
6:30 p.m. (Friday, October 20) Girls Volleyball vs Quincy High School
Saturday, October 21 ~ Homecoming Sports Events
9:00 a.m. Field Hockey vs Whitman-Hanson Regional High School
11:00 a.m. Girls Soccer vs Duxbury
1:00 p.m. Boys Soccer vs Duxbury
3:00 p.m. Football vsDuxbury
Rev 8/11/2017