It’s Here! It’s Here! The MHS PTA sponsored Middle School Play, “Frozen, Jr.,” is holding a TWO DAY Audition Workshop on December 13 and December 14 6-8 pm in the MHS Auditorium. All interested students will perform- auditions are part of the learning process and to help find the best role for each student.

Activity Fees due December 14 (MHS PTA members get a discount if they are members before 12/1/22).

To sign up for the play, use the following link. For a paper form see attached.

THEY'RE HERE!! THEY'RE HERE!! The 2022-2023 MHS PTA Ornaments have arrived for presale. These ornaments are LIMITED EDITION!!! Price is $10/ornament and this INCLUDES personalization if you want it. Any order placed after November 20, will not be able to be personalized. Delivery will be after 12/5 and in plenty of time for holiday gifting!

This year’s ornament is a 3” silver shatterproof bulb with a Lion AND Cub design on the front. Perfect for our entire West Boylston School District!

Orders may be placed on the MHS PTA website at https://mapta-00256164.memberhub.com/

Paper forms are available for printing.

NOTE-we have a limited stock of last year's ornament as well. See website for ordering.

Registration for the MHS PTA's production of "Mary Poppins, Jr" has begun.  This year's activity fee is $30 for MHS PTA members that have submitted their membership before 12/1/21.  The activity fee will be $55 for non-members or those that submitted their membership after 12/1/21.

For registration use the following form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehPe0pQdgg6qTWMBXZH3QZOILwMROlKECoLu1dKh72NtrneA/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

For payment of activity fee online go to https://mapta-00256164.memberhub.com/store

Payment may also be made via cash or check and dropped off to the Main Office.  All checks to be payable to WB MHS PTA

NEW FOR THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR!!!

The WB MHS PTA is kicking off its First Annual Ornament Sale. The custom ornaments will be limited edition and each new school year will see a brand new design. Once the current year is sold out, they are gone.

This first year, we are kicking off with a 3" shatterproof bulb ornament with a white design on front. The design incorporates BOTH the Lion and the Cub so it's a perfect for families at either schools.

Orders placed November 15-December 3 will be $8/ornament with optional personalization for $1 per ornament. Orders placed after December 3rd will be $10/ornament and personalization will not be available. Order directly online at https://mapta-00256164.memberhub.com/ or you can print out the paper form attached and drop a check or cash off to the Main Office in an envelope addressed to the MHS PTA

What happens when your High School Junior or Senior comes to you and says they want to take a Gap Year? Go to a Trade School? They're Undecided? Or enter the Military? The thought of navigating non traditional post high school plans can seem unbelievably daunting for many families and for students as their peers talk about applications, essays and FAFSA's at the lunch table.  The WB MHS PTA, in an effort to add value to more MHS families, has collaborated on the October blog with some families of WB MHS graduates that pursued these alternate options. We asked them what it was like and their advice to future graduates/families.

GAP YEAR TO WORK - Margo Thompson

My son has difficulty making tough decisions right away so I spent a lot of time listening when he was in his Senior Year.  I did stress the importance of having a job, and thankfully, he really likes to work and already had a job during high school. He ultimately decided to take some time off to work and is now taking classes on a part time basis while still continuing to work. Because he worked and saved for that year, he is able to pay for all of the classes he is taking towards his degree without financial assistance.

Listening and letting them make the decisions is so important. Listen to their thoughts and ideas about their future.  Do not force or tell them what they should do/not do.  Help them work through their thoughts by offering suggestions or helping them research different options. There are a TON of post graduation options out there.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRANSFER TO A 4 YEAR SCHOOL - Wendy Milton

So, for both of my boys, the WB MHS Guidance Counselors talked with them but neither of them had an idea of where they wanted to go or what to do. One thing that struck me and helped me pick their brains was something that Major Edwards Art Teacher Leia Roberts asked me- “What are they excited about? What do they want to learn more about?” That spurred conversations between us that led to Quinsigamond Community College, as they were trying things out without the overbearing expense of a University. Jake enjoyed computers and was interested in criminology, hence Cybersecurity. Zach wants to help people, he needs to move and interact. He’s going to try Occupational Therapy. I have emphasized the importance of flexibility and that skill sets are what you take away and apply in as many places as you can to build on them.

After 2 years at Quinsigamond, Jake has now transferred to a Cybersecurity Bachelors Degree Program at Assumption College.  The transition was seamless and he now knows for sure what he wants to do while not having the expenses during that "explore" time at QCC.

TRADE SCHOOL - Christine Quirk

From the time our kids were little, we have had two rules for their post high school plans: You need to do something that will make you happy, and you need to be able to support yourself. 

We recognized that traditional, four-year college is not for every student. Our daughter Kristina was one of those students. Her passions and interests were always more artsy and creative than academic, and she had a particular interest in theatre. By the time she was in middle school, it was clear that she was interested in makeup and hair. 

During career day junior year, Kristina was able to attend a presentation from Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy in Worcester. We made an appointment to tour the school, and that was that. We were fortunate she found her “home” so quickly. 

We worked directly with a Toni & Guy Admissions Counselor that walked us through the admission process that included an application with WB MHS transcripts and financial aid. The school, like traditional college, uses the FAFSA  to help determine financial aid packages. We went to Mass Ed Co in Worcester for help in filling out the FAFSA. ** They were recommended to us by a family member and were extremely helpful.

If your student is interested in learning a trade, I would recommend looking into various programs and doing tours if possible. Also, speak to the financial advisors at these schools -- Kristina was eligible to apply for specific scholarships for hairdressing students. 

Kristina began her training full-time in September, but the school starts a new class at the beginning of each month. They also offer part time programs, so it was easy to choose what would fit Kristina’s needs and schedule. She is in her element -- engaged, excited, and on her way to a fulfilling career. 

UNDECIDED/GAP YEAR TO TRAVEL - Tammy Bourque

My daughter knew from the beginning of her Senior Year that she did not want to go to college immediately following High School. She didn’t know what she wanted to study and just felt the need for a break from the stress of academic life.  We saw that she was not emotionally ready for college, so when she came to us with her decision we were completely on board. Our biggest concern was, however, setting clear expectations so that the time off was productive and not spent idly watching YouTube or Netflix.  Her life goal is to travel and she is passionate about serving others so in the late fall of her Senior Year she began investigating structured Gap Year programs for humanitarian service. Because we were in the midst of the Covid pandemic, she was forced to pick a US domestic program, and that in hindsight, was the best thing she did.  She decided to use an educational based company that had a focus on her interests. As a result of her first trip - a month long Eco Conservation Backpacking Trip in the Colorado Rockies - she has developed some ideas for her future college course of study. She also discovered something about herself. She’s a hands on learner so as she looks to the future, colleges with a more hands on approach will better suit her learning style.  She is currently preparing to head out for a 3 month South American educational program with the same organization and Eco Conservation focus.  She really enjoyed the immersion education so she decided to stay with the same company and continue to learn while traveling.  This experience has given her the most astounding boost in her confidence level and she has demonstrated amazing personal growth.  We have no doubt, that she is now ready for the rigors of college life.  She definitely needed the time to gain independence, and figure out in what direction she would like to go for her future. The Gap Year company she ultimately chose fit her interests and she is looking forward to attending a college or university focusing on things like Environmental Science she studied in the US and South American programs.

If students want to pursue a Gap Year travel program, we recommend doing A LOT of research.  Make sure each company you look at is accredited with the Gap Year Association. Each company has their own focus…the company our daughter chose is educational based with a focus on sustainability and climate change. You need to investigate the program fit just as you would a college fit. College credit is sometimes available for additional fees in these programs.  This should be included in your research. The biggest thing to know is that you CANNOT USE some college savings plans (ie 529) for Gap Year programs through independent Gap Year companies, HOWEVER, some do provide Financial Aid that require a FAFSA submission.**  The other thing to know is that some companies have application and acceptance deadline policies similar to colleges. Our daughter’s program even required an interview during the Admissions process.  As a result, this cannot be a “last minute” option.

Military- Jennifer Nasuti

Matt and I discussed all options with Wil. We wanted him to do something that he was passionate about and that he would also excel at. We were fully supportive of whatever he wanted to do, but we also wanted to guide him in a direction he would be and most importantly, would FEEL proficient at. He was always passionate about the armed forces and serving our country. Three of my brothers and his grandfather, great-grandfather and one of his older cousins were all in the service. He is the first one either side of the family to be enlisted by the Marine Corp. Although he thought about college, he was unsure about navigating through another four years of school, as the first 12 were difficult enough for him! At the same time, he had very clear ideas about starting a business and was interested in pursuing this through schooling. He decided, with our guidance and support, that he would be able to make the best of both worlds by joining the Marine Corps and pursuing a trade through them. That would enable him to be successful in both ventures. We know he will benefit immensely from the Marines, just as they will benefit from his service, and he will have assistance and opportunities available to him after his service is completed. I absolutely would encourage the same thing for William, if we were to do it all over again. He has the passion to serve his country that his family members have had and he will get amazing benefits from doing so. As a mom sending my son off to boot camp, I have mixed emotions. I feel strongly about everything I have said however, I have moments of sheer panic and nausea, thinking about what that might mean during his deployment in any area, given the state of our nation and the nations we engage with. BUT, overall, I think that it's absolutely what is best for Wil and I would encourage other parents to be open minded to any "non-traditional" option their children consider after high school.

**Note- Trade Schools and some Gap Year companies do offer financial aid.  The WB MHS PTA recommends attending the Financial Aid Zoom programs offered by the MHS Guidance Department to learn more. If you wish to have 3rd party help in filling out the FAFSA, contact information for Mass Ed Co in Worcester is  508-754-6829 x3004, or eocworcester@massedco.org.

During this back to school MHS PTA membership drive, many ask the question "What does the Middle/High School PTA do?"  The answer is easy - A LOT!  

First, the Town of West Boylston is very lucky to have not one but TWO very active PTA organizations within our school district.  In Massachusetts, Middle/High School PTA organizations are extremely rare.  The PTA at Major Edwards is a separate entity from the Middle/High School PTA.  Membership in one does not mean membership in the other.  The mission of both organizations is to support the teachers and students at their respective school, however, how each approaches this is very different.  The needs of the students and teachers at the MHS are very different than the needs of those in the elementary school.  The two organizations do work together many times throughout the year and an example is the annual Teacher Appreciation Back to School Luncheon for the faculty of both schools.  Both organizations have been sponsoring this lunch the day before school starts for many years.

So what else does the MHS PTA do?  First of all, a membership helps provide the financial support to fund our programs, but meeting attendance and parent volunteers aren't as crucial. Most of our volunteers come from the students and student groups within our school.  For instance, when a Senior class member helps us with a particular fundraiser they are meeting a requirement for one of the scholarships that the MHS PTA gives out at graduation.  For students in other grades, this means meeting the community service requirements for their particular club like the National Honor Society.  The Middle School Student Council sells refreshments at the Middle School Play as a fundraising opportunity.  Students help us while we are helping them.  It’s a win/win situation.

In the past, the MHS PTA has sponsored Career Day for current high school students.  Professionals come in to make presentations on their particular career and students get introduced to different careers that may interest them. We sponsor the Middle School play every Spring.  This allows students in grades 6 - 8 the opportunity to experience the thrill of performing on stage, or working behind the scenes of a production, before they enter high school. We also provide up to 4 scholarships for seniors at graduation, pay for busses for field trips, help to support prom expenses, and teacher classroom requests. These are all things that the Middle/High School PTA supports.

Our goal for the 2021-2022 school year is to increase our membership so that the MHS PTA will be able to support more teacher requests for classroom materials, field trips, etc. well into the future. Your MHS PTA membership will help to financially support these goals.  Help us to support our teachers in providing a quality educational opportunity for the students at West Boylston Middle High School.

NEW FOR 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR!!! The MHS PTA has a website. Please visit our website for online membership payment and/or sign up for communications from the PTA. You can also find the the MHS PTA on social media. If you prefer the paper form, see the attachment below.

Website https://mapta-00256164.memberhub.com/

Monthly blog https://www.wbschools.com/WBMHS/Department/10-PTA

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wbmhspta

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/webo_mhs_pta/

Email wbmhspta@wbschools.com

If you would like to attend our meetings, they are bi-monthly and are 6:30pm-8:30pm in the MHS Media Center/Library. Dates for the 2021-2020 School Year are:

September 21, 2021

November 2, 2021

January 4, 2022

March 1, 2022

May 3, 2022

2019-2020 Board Members 

Co-Chairs: Tammy Bourque and Heidi Roemmele

Treasurer: Sue O'Brien

Secretary: TBD

Membership:  Karen Dorman

Teacher Representative:  Kelli McSweeney

2019-2020 Meeting Dates

September 17, 2019

November 5, 2019

January 7, 2020

March 3, 2020

May 5, 2020

Sign Ups for the Middle School Play -"Aladdin, Jr." are beginning.  Sign ups will be November 26 -  December 14, 2018.  The sign up form, along with full payment of activity fee for both actors and stage crew, should be brought into the MHS Main Office no later than December 14.  The sign up form is attached below.

Auditions will be January 9, 2019.  All students that sign up will get a part.  Students may choose to not sing during the audition process, however, it may affect their part.  Performances will be at 7:00pm on 4/5/19 and 2:00pm on 4/6/19.

Some things to remember before you make the COMMITMENT to the play - and this is a commitment not to be taken lightly.

1.  Tech Week will be MANDATORY attendance by all students involved in the play.  Tech Week (4/1/19 - 4/6/19) will consist of rehearsal EVERY NIGHT going, potentially, as late as 9:00pm.  If your child cannot commit to this, please do not sign up for the play.  The MHS spring coaches are aware of the play and are very understanding, however it will be your responsibility to inform all sports coaches/dance teachers/etc of this requirement.

2.  Every student must be able to attend at least one rehearsal per week on a regular basis.  We understand, and encourage, students in Middle School should be exploring their different interests so if they need to miss every Tuesday night rehearsal for dance/gymnastics/etc, we are willing to work with that, HOWEVER, if they do have one of these regularly occurring conflicts, it may potentially affect the part for which they are cast.

3.  Parents will be required to chaperone AT LEAST ONE rehearsal.

4..  Parents are required to attend a MANDATORY parents meeting the night of Auditions - January 9, 2019.

5.  Rehearsals this year will be Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00-7:30pm in the Auditorium.   After February Vacation our rehearsals will go to 8:00pm.

6.  The activity fee and completed sign up form is due on December 14, 2018.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Tammy Bourque

PTA Secretary and MS Play Director

The Middle/High School PTA would like to welcome you to the 2018-2019 Academic School Year.   We encourage all parents and teachers to become involved in the PTA by becoming a member.  During this back to school membership drive, many of us have gotten the question "What does the Middle/High School PTA do?"  The answer is easy - A LOT!  I'll start with some background information.

First of all, the Town of West Boylston is very lucky to have not one but two very active PTA organizations within our school district.  In Massachusetts, Middle/High School PTA organizations are extremely rare.  Secondly, the PTA at Major Edwards is a separate entity from the Middle/High School PTA.  Membership in one does not mean membership in the other.  The mission of both organizations is to support the teachers and students at their respective school, however, how each does that is different.  The needs of the students and teachers at the MHS are very different than the needs of those in an elementary school.  The two organizations do work together many times throughout the year and a recent example is the Teacher Appreciation Back to School Luncheon for the faculty of both schools that was held on August 28th.  Both organizations have been sponsoring this lunch the day before school starts for many years.

So what does the MHS PTA do?  First of all, membership includes the financial support to help us fund and support our programs, but meeting attendance and volunteerism aren't as crucial.  Most of our volunteers come in the form of student groups within our school.  For instance, when a Senior class member helps us with a particular fundraiser they are meeting a requirement for one of the scholarships that the PTA gives out at graduation.  For students in other classes, this means meeting the community service requirements for their particular club like the National Honor Society.  Student organizations sell refreshments at the Middle School Play as a fundraising opportunity.  The students help us while we are helping them.  This being said, there are times when we occasionally do need parent volunteers.

Every year in October, we sponsor Career Day for the current high school students.  Professionals make slide show presentations on their particular career but what makes this so special?  Each professional is paired with a student in Lynn Pelto's Visual Communications class and the student prepares the slide show presentation.  As a result the student gets their Adobe Certification.  Another example of the students helping us to help them!

We sponsor the Middle School play every Spring.  This allows students in grades 6 - 8 the opportunity to experience the thrill of performing on stage or working behind the scenes of a production before they have the chance to do it in high school.

Scholarships for seniors at graduation and teacher requests are additional things that the Middle/High School PTA supports.

Our goal for the 2018-2019 school year is to support more teacher requests for classroom materials, field trips, etc.  Your MHS PTA membership will help to support these goals.  Please consider helping us to support the teachers in providing a quality educational opportunity for the students at West Boylston Middle High School.

Please see the attached document for a membership form.  You can also find the PTA on Facebook at West Boylston Middle/High School PTA or you can email us wbmhspta@wbschools.com.

Below are the meeting dates for the 2018 - 2019 School Year.  All meetings begin at 6:30pm in the MHS Media Center.

September 11, 2018

November 6, 2018

January 8, 2019

March 5, 2019

May 7, 2019

These are the Alice in Wonderland songs without words.