Message from the Principal

The Cycle Schedule for this week is :

5/3 - B
5/4 - A
5/5 - B
5/6 - A
5/7 - B
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
 

March 2021

Greetings MHS Community,

On Monday, April 5, 2021 we will begin our In-Person or Virtual learning. There will no longer be Blue and Gold Cohorts. 

I would like to offer some reminders and suggestions.

Reminders:

  1. Complete the ezSCRN app questions each day you come to school and stay home, attend school virtually, if you are directed through the screening. If you need assistance with ezSCRN, please refer to our  ezSCRN Support Doc .
  2. Student drop off / pick up occurs in the rear of MHS ONLY. 
  3. Each student must have their temperature taken prior to entering the building.
  4. Upon entering the building, the student must report directly to their classroom. There are no lockers available for storage. 
  5. Everyone is required to wear a mask at all times.
  6. Face Shields will be handed out beginning April 5th and are to be worn as directed. Please refer to the  FAQ's regarding Face Shields .
  7. Lunch can only be eaten in our designated eating areas (Cafe / Library). 
  8. Social distancing of 6 feet is expected at all times (when possible). 
  9. Library, Junior Senior Lounge, and Computer Room are not available. 

  10. Suggestions:
    We are very excited to have you back in school with us! 
    Regards,  Matt Lawrence, Ed.D.
    #WeAreMHS

 
 

MHS News & Headlines

  • featured post

    Global Students hear Al Moskin Recount WWII

    Our Global History students had the rare opportunity to meet Al Moskin on a live Google Meet. Alan Moskin was drafted into the military service at the age of 18 and served in the United States Army during World War II (from September 1944 until August 1946). He was a member of the 66th Infantry, 71st Division, part of General George Patton’s 3rd Army. Listen to the recording to learn more about Moskin's experience and riveting story of liberating a concentration camp.

    MHS News & Headlines
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    Science National Honor Society - Apply Now

    Do you have a passion for science and community service? Then, apply to the Science National Honor Society! Below are some important links and deadlines.
      • Teacher recommendation requests are due by 5/7
      • Completed applications are due by 11:59 pm on 5/14
    Click here for More Information
    Click here To Apply
     
    Questions ?:  Email Mrs. Stephens at stephense@mahopac.org
    MHS News & Headlines
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    FIND YOUR CALM! NEW MHS VIRTUAL CALMING SITE!

    Dear MHS Community,

    During these difficult times we are all experiencing a wide range of emotions and reactions.  We understand that you may be feeling scared, confused, overwhelmed, angry, alone, or isolated - sometimes all at once.  Together, the Mahopac High School Climate Committee in collaboration with Mr. Zides, Mahopac Secondary Ed Tech Specialist, and Mr. Vanno, MHS School Counselor: We are launching the Mahopac High School Virtual Calming Site!  We created this site to give our students, staff, and families a virtual space to turn to when you need a break, or just want time to repair and rejuvenate.

    What is a Virtual Calming Site? A virtual calming site in an online collection of tools and strategies designed to help our students and staff manage challenging emotions and build resilience to face life’s challenges in healthy ways.  

    At the Mahopac High School Virtual Calming Site, you can find a variety of resources from mindfulness and guided meditation, visual relaxation, exercises and yoga,  sounds and music, mantras and motivation,  live animal cameras, art, coloring and creativity, puzzles and games, health, wellness and nutrition, Mahopac community resources, Smartphone Apps,  and even calming resources created and curated by our own MHS faculty, staff, and students. 

    Please take a moment of exploration and enjoy the Mahopac High School Virtual Calming Site. 

    LINK: Homepage of MHS Virtual Calming Site

    Find your calm!

    Thank you,

    April Ljumic, Assistant Principal

     

    Attachment: FINAL MHS VCS FLYER

    MHS News & Headlines
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    MHS Participates in National Prevention Week

    National Prevention Week begins next month on May 9. NPW is an annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness and action around substance use prevention and the promotion of positive mental health.

    This Saturday, April 24, Putnam is sponsoring a Medication Take Back Day in Carmel from 10am to 2pm, to provide our community a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs. The Surgeon General shares 5 tips on what else we can do to prevent opioid misuse.

    Last month, NYS passed the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, legalizing cannabis for adult use (21+). Many changes are ahead for us, but the risks for young people who begin using marijuana during adolescence has not changed. It is important that young people get accurate information from their caregivers, educators, and health providers, rather than marketing media messages alone.

    SAMHSA has a campaign “Talk. They Hear You.” that can help parents and caregivers with the conversations about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs. Check out their short PSA.

    Exercise and staying physically fit are contributing factors in maintaining our mental well being. The Hudson Valley chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention sponsors the “Hike for Hope” during the entire month of May. You can show support and snap a picture with their signs at the local hiking trails listed and post with #HVWCHike.

    MHS News & Headlines
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    Three MHS Students Recognized for Bettering our Community

    Congratulations to Seniors Jessica Caputo and Andrea Jenkins and Junior Marisa Caputo for being recognized by State Senator Peter Harckham for their leadership and commitment to bettering their communities. These courageous Mahopac students, along with members of Mahopac for Racial Justice, hosted the Rally and Protest against Racism that drew hundreds of residents and served as a forum for people to openly share their stories of racism that they have experienced here in Mahopac. We applaud these students and all of the award recipients for their Compassion, Problem Solving, Risk Taking, and Resilience!
     
    MHS News & Headlines
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    Cote Earns Scholastic Art Honorable Mention for Photography

    Holly Cote was recognized with Scholastic Art & Writing Award Honorable Mention for both of her photography submissions. The one of the dog looking into the pool is titled Curiosity and the one of the dog with the dirty face is titled Young.
     
    "I'm honored to be recognized by Scholastic Art Award for doing something that I love," she said when asked about the award. "I look forward to pursuing a degree in interior design where I can continue my passion for art!”
     
    Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious scholarship and recognition program for young artists and writers in grades 7–12 and serves as a launch pad for furthering students’ future success by providing them with access to scholarship programs and workshops, as well as the ability to have their work published and displayed in regional and national exhibitions.
     
    MHS News & Headlines
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    Mahopac Brings Home Six Awards from WESEF, Plus a Microscope!

    Congrats to the seven Mahopac High School students whose work was recognized at the Westchester Science & Engineering Fair (WESEF) and to all our students who participated!!  564 students from around the region participated in the virtual fair this year.  MHS sent seven projects and were awarded a total of six awards!

    “Please join me in congratulating all of the MHS Science Research students on their participation in the WESEF.  These students all upheld the MHS Core Values as they completed scientific research despite a global pandemic and I am so proud of all that they accomplished,” said MHS’ Science Research Advisor Elizabeth Stephens who worked with Mahopac’s Science Research program and credits shares her students’ success this year with all of Mahopac, “Thank you to MCSD for continuously supporting the scientific endeavors of our students, and to the entire Mahopac Community for consistently pushing our students to be the best that they can be.Congratulations to our winners and to all our seniors!”

    Alexander Gaspar and Andrea Settembrini: Recipient of the Leason Ellis Team Project Award
    Victoria Longo and Olivia Saturn: Recipient of the Critica Behavioral Science Achievement Award
    Renuka Muralidhar: Recipient of the United States Air Force Award
    Alexa Tyberg: Recipient of a 2nd Place Award in the category of Computer Science
    Maxwell Semegran: Recipient of the American Meteorological Society Award AND Recipient of the Teatown Young Environmentalist Award

    Additionally, MHS was the lucky recipient of a brand new, top of the line Stereo Microscope thanks to a generous donation by Carl Zeiss Microscopy!  

     

    Here's a complete list of Mahopac's WESEF Categories and Project Title submissions:

    Behavioral and Social Sciences

    Veronika Bilinkski and Kiarra Condon: "Analyzing the Change in Crime Rates Among Different Areas in New York Due to the Outbreak of Covid-19"

    Alexander Gaspar and Andrea Settembrini: "The Relationship of the Platforms Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram with Depression, Stress, and Anxiety in High School Students" (Recipient of the Leason Ellis Team Project Award)

    Victoria Longo and Olivia Saturn: "The Effects of Artificial and Natural Ambient Light on Short Term Memory" (Recipient of the Critica Behavioral Science Achievement Award)

    Nicole Silvagni: "Effect of Owners' Personality on Dogs' (Canis Lupus Familiaris) Behavior"

    Computer Science

    Renuka Muralidhar: "Modeling for Identifying Methane Emissions" (Recipient of the United States Air Force Award)

    Alexa Tyberg: "Investigating Channel-Adapted Bacon-Shor Quantum Error Correction Codes in a Realistic Setting" (Recipient of a 2nd Place Award in the category of Computer Science)

    Environmental Sciences

    Maxwell Semegran: "Aquatic Invasive Species Survey of Lake Mahopac" (Recipient of the American Meteorological Society Award and Recipient of the Teatown Young Environmentalist Award)

    MHS News & Headlines
  • featured post

    MHS Drama Company presents Charlotte's Web

    Grab your popcorn and get ready to be entertained by our amazing actors: MHS Drama Company 2021 - Charlotte's Web
     
    "Congratulations to the resilient members of the MHS Drama Company for not letting COVID stop them from producing Charlotte’s Web! They followed the rules and they got it done! Stay tuned for our Spring Musical!" -- Director Chris Purr
     
    Check out the fabulous playbill created by our talented students! Charlotte's Web 2021 Playbill
    MHS News & Headlines
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    Congratulations to our Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Presenters

    MHS Senior Science Research students Renuka Muralidhar, Maxwell Semegran,  Nicole Silvagni, Alexa Tyberg, Jaime Virola participated in the Eastern Regional Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) virtually on Saturday February 6th. JSHS is a prestigious competition that selects student speakers to present their research based on a written research paper and analysis of their work. 

     
    Renuka Muralidhar and Maxwell Semegran were each selected at the Eastern Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) competition to move on as poster presenters at the 36th Annual Upstate New York Junior Science and Humanities Symposium on March 10 and 11, 2021.
     
    Muralidhar explained why she chose the topic, Modeling for Identifying Methane Emissions, "Addressing climate change is a critical mission for my generation. While most problems relating to climate change are very complex and difficult to solve, it is possible to make a significant impact by cutting back methane emissions using scientific techniques." She was selected to move on in the  Chemistry, Biochemistry & Physical Sciences category.
     
    Maxwell Semegran's project Aquatic Invasive Species Survey of Lake Mahopac, was picked in the Environmental Sciences 1 category. "I chose to study invasive species in Lake Mahopac because of my longtime interest in environmental science, sparked by AP Environmental Science," he explained. "I first learned about the negative impacts of invasive species in this class, and I wanted to help raise local awareness about invasive species through my research project."

    "It is an honor for students to be selected for the Upstate competition as there are many more presenters than spots," said MHS Science Research advisor Elizabeth Stephens. I am sincerely grateful to all MHS faculty, staff and administration, who consistently support these amazing students."
     
    The Upstate New York Junior Science and Humanities Symposium is sponsored by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), AEOP, the University at Albany and corporate sponsors. The scholarships provided to the finalists at the symposium are made possible by the Army, Navy and Air Force. 
     
    The top five students from each region will compete in oral and poster presentations during the 59th annual National JSHS, which takes place April 14-17, also as a virtual competition. The Junior Science and Humanities Symposia (JSHS) Program is a tri-service – U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force – sponsored STEM competition which promotes original research and experimentation in the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at the high school level and publicly recognizes students for outstanding achievement. By connecting talented students, their teachers, and research professionals at affiliated symposia and by rewarding research excellence, JSHS aims to widen the pool of trained talent prepared to conduct research and development vital to our nation.
     
    MHS News & Headlines
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    Meet our 2020-2021 National Honor Society Inductees

    Congratulations to all of our exceptional National Honor Society Inductees. Meet them all in our virtual ceremony and learn about the 4 pillars of the society: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Character. 

     

     

    MHS News & Headlines
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    Letter Signing Day

    On November 20, parents, coaches, District administration, and teammates gathered on the turf - masked and socially distanced - to  celebrate our student-athletes’ commitment to playing at the collegiate level. The event was broadcast on LocalLive.

    Congratulations Shannon Becker (University Of Notre Dame/Softball), Brett Shane Crecco (Mercy College/Lacrosse), Krista Dietz (Pace University/Field Hockey), Gigi Genovese (Pace University/Lacrosse), Vincent Mariella (Susquehanna University/Baseball), Tatiana Moran (Mercy College/Lacrosse), John T. Nolan (Pace University/Lacrosse), Caitlyn O’Boyle (Tufts University/Basketball), Jack O’Connor (Suny Oneonta/Baseball), and Hailey Pereira (Bryant University/ Soccer)!

    MHS News & Headlines
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    MHS Staff Invited to Present at Regional Curriculum Council

    April Ljumic, High School Assistant Principal, and Kelley Posch, High School MHS LIFE and Math teacher have been selected to present a breakout session for the Putnam|Northern Westchester Curriculum Council’s Virtual Learning Regional Conference, which will be held via Zoom on Friday, December 4, 2020. April and Kelley are co-facilitating a break-out session entitled: “More Than Screens: Forming Lasting Relationships in a Virtual World” with Dan Novak and Catherine Leist from the Center for Environmental Education at PNW BOCES. In this session, teachers and administrators will focus on creating and fostering relationships built on trust in a hybrid and virtual setting. Mahopac High School’s “MHS LIFE” 9th grade program will be showcased for its work in building positive long-term relationships and its collaboration with the Center for Environmental Education of PNW BOCES to continue this great work in a virtual setting. Showcased practices are designed to build empathy, facilitate communication, and encourage lasting personal development and healthy relationships even through a screen. 

    "MHS Life Program is a robust and impactful course that each of our freshmen take, MHS Principal Dr. Matt Lawrence said.  "I am extremely proud that we have been asked to participate as presenters at the Regional Curriculum Council Professional Development Program."   
    MHS News & Headlines
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    Virola Invited to Participate in the National Hispanic Recognition Program

    Jaime Virola, Jr. scored in the top 2.5% on the PSAT/NMSQT among all Hispanic and Latino test takers in the region.  As a result, he has been invited to participate in the National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP). 

    “We are extremely proud that Jaime has been honored as part of the National Hispanic Recognition Program,” said MHS Principal Matt Lawrence. “This recognition celebrates his success thus far and the brightness of all that's ahead. Please join me in congratulating him on this outstanding academic achievement.”

    When he learned that he had been recognized, Virola said, “It is not about enduring the hard work, but about loving the work you do. You will be surprised how far anyone can travel if they enjoy the journey.”

    Participation in this program enables students to highlight their outstanding educational achievement to top colleges and universities. In a statement regarding NHRP, The College Board said, “Colleges know that students who have earned this recognition are some of the most talented across the country.

     

    MHS News & Headlines
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    October is LGBTQ History Month

    In celebration and recognition of LGBTQ history month, students in the MHS Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) wrote this history of their club to share with the Mahopac Community.

    In the spring of 2007, five Mahopac High School students had a vision of building a GSA club. 

    They started recruiting members, organized fundraisers, and presented their club plan to MOST and students at the health fair. The main goal was to be a group that was dependable, trustworthy, and act as a support system for all students. The club conducted round table discussions, jeopardy games, and performed a play focused on bullying in order to raise awareness. As GSA grew, the members took part in prideworks-a conference that brings the local LGBTQ+ community together. In addition, they hosted picnics with GSA organizations in the surrounding towns and took part in national events. The group really has taken pride in being involved on a school and community level. 

    To this day, GSA is a space for students to support each other and work together to bring awareness to the LGBTQ+ community. This has been done through events, fundraisers, round table discussions, and campaigns on a variety of issues affecting students across the country.  

    Below are current and former members of the LGBTQ+ community that have made a large, positive impact on society: 

    Dr. Renee Richards 
    (August 19, 1934)
    New York, NY
    Ophthalmologist and former tennis player 
    Now lives in Carmel, NY

    Dr. Richards became famous in the 1970’s for being a successful male tennis player who became a transgender woman. She went to court in order to compete as a woman and won. She is a very private, kind, and generous person.  Dr. Richards, a gifted eye surgeon, still practices medicine in Putnam County. She is 86 years old.

    Dr. Ben Barres 
    (September 13, 1954 - December 27, 2017)
    California
    Neurobiologist

    Ben Barres was a neuroscientist at Stanford University that revolutionized the field and helped figure out how the brain works. He was the first openly trans man offered membership to the National Academy of Science, which is very prestigious. He faced a lot of transphobia while working in the field, yet he kept going and did amazing things. 

    MHS News & Headlines
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    Congratulations MHS National Merit Scholars: Tyberg, Semegran, and DiTocco

    Max Semegran and Alexa Tyberg who were named Semifinalists and Angelo DiTocco for being named a National Commended Scholar in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Competition.

    Over 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. 

    Each of the students shared his and her reaction to the news. Max stated, “I am thankful to my parents, teachers, and the Mahopac High School administration for all their support. These incredible people facilitated an environment that allowed me to achieve this goal.” Alexa said , “I'd just like to say that I'm excited about National Merit and it was really cool to learn I had qualified for it.” Angelo said, “I didn't expect this to happen, but I appreciate the honor!"

    They received this distinction by scoring among the top 5% of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2021 scholarship program by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

    To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.

    Finalists will be announced in February 2021.

    MHS News & Headlines

  • Special Edition Spotlight: MHS Reopening

    Please enjoy this Spotlight especially for MHS Families about the reopening.

    https://youtu.be/cmNy5bjUnyY

    MHS News & Headlines

  • Join Max and Help Raise Funds to Battle Blood Cancer

    Max Semegran, a senior at the high school, has joined the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Student of the Year campaign to raise funds to battle blood cancer. Read Max's story below. 

    If you would like to donate to help Max reach his goal, please use this link: https://events.lls.org/ctwhv/CTWHVSOY21/jmelville

    Five words you never want to hear: “Your brother has blood cancer.” And yet, this was the reality that my family and I have faced the past two years as my brother, Ben, fought Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Fortunately, Ben recently finished his last round of chemotherapy and is in remission. From this experience I realized the great pain and suffering that cancer causes. I will use my brother's story as motivation as I participate in 2021 Students of the Year to help bring an end to blood cancer.

    I encourage you to join me in supporting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) by making a donation to my fundraising campaign. By donating to LLS, you support the many facets of LLS’s mission work from investing in groundbreaking research, providing education and support to patients, and advocating at the state and federal level for legislation to help those living with cancer. My appreciation for your support cannot be overstated — each and every dollar donated to LLS brings us closer to our goal to end blood cancer and makes an impact for cancer patients and their families.

    MHS News & Headlines

  • 2020-2021 One Page Calendar

    This Calendar includes school breaks, holidays, and color cohort days for the entire 2020-2021 school year. *Please refer to specific communications from schools for building specific changes and updates.* 

    MHS News & Headlines

  • Selections for the NYSSMA All-State Ensembles Announced

    Max Semegran has been chosen to participate in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State Festival. The festival will be held virtually.

    Over 7,000 student musicians from across the state compete for a spot in one of the eight All-State ensembles. Being named as a violinist is the result of an arduous process including performing scales, a solo or ensemble piece of choice from the designated NYSSMA repertoire, and a sight reading piece. The judges score and comment on the students' performances according to defined guidelines set by NYSSMA.

    “Participating in such a prestigious event significantly benefits students,” said Mahopac High School Orchestra Director Evan McGregor. “I truly wish Max could meet fellow musicians and perform to an in-person audience, but the experience still offers an opportunity to learn and play challenging material. Last year, Max was selected as an alternate but ultimately did not get selected to participate, so this year being able to participate as a full member of the All-State String Orchestra is particularly gratifying. I'm proud of the work he's done and I think a fine example of Mahopac's potential.”

    “In addition to earning a perfect ACT score, being named a National Merit Semifinalist, being a three season athlete, and now NYSSMA All-State, Max is a peer leader, brother, and community member,” said MHS Principal Matt Lawrence. “Over the years we’ve had the pleasure of watching him grow and flourish. We look forward to his All-State performance.”

    MHS News & Headlines

  • MHS Counselors Talk to Lohud About Coronavirus' Isolation, Uncertainty Affects on Students Mental Health

    Psychologist Eva Hecht and social worker Kristel Halton participate in the important conversation about high school students and mental health.

    Coronavirus: High school students stressed, sad, confused as dreams get dashed one by one

    MHS News & Headlines

  • Free time = Screen time?

    It’s not going to shock any of you with teens and tweens that your kids are rather obsessed with technology. But do you have a good handle on just how they’re engaged with different types of media and how much time they’re actively spending on their devices? USA Today

    Check out this infographic with highlights from the just released 2019 Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens.

    Kids' media preferences are changing, and one of the biggest changes is time spent watching online videos. More than twice as many young people watch videos every day than did in 2015, and the average time spent watching has roughly doubled. The shift from TV to online viewing means kids are often watching content alone, and there are fewer opportunities for shared experiences with family. This also means more time engaged with unregulated and unrated platforms like YouTube. PR Newswire

    MHS News & Headlines
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Quick Links

Parking Application for Seniors for 2020-2021

Attn. Seniors:

Please click on this link in order to complete the online senior parking application for 2020-21.  Be sure to check expiration dates on the documents you will need to upload.