Titan Times - Jan 2023

This past month we have celebrated our students. The middle school danced their night away at their first Winter Formal, and our high schoolers planned and executed this year's first Homecoming. It was such a pleasure to enjoy our students in a safe place where they were able to bring their unique selves and have a great time.

This issue is overflowing with student work and creativity. Check out what our Titans have been up to in the weeks leading up to winter break and what they are currently working on this month.

[Middle School students celebrating Winter Formal]

In the world of Art and Music

Since last year students have been buzzing about the potential to create more events this year Through a coalition between the strongly formed student groups, with support from Principal Thomas, students were able to coordinate their decorations and bring their ideas to life to build a culture of school spirit

SGA worked diligently with Mr. Cutler Ms. Melchor & Ms. Ali tackling new ground with tenacity!

From this years exciting pep rally kick off to the homecoming to the upcoming winter assembly events on campus require a lot of hands on deck. If you are someone interested in supporting these events please contact SGA and Mr. Cutler or Ms.Ali. After making contact at this years Open House in September, parent and parent council member, Stephanie Planchart, lit up a Pinterest inspired entryway created for the 1st New Mission High School homecoming 2022 helping to transform the cafeteria.

Stephanie donated her time to come to the school on two occasions to support our students From bringing in table chair covers as well as specialized lighting equipment to compliment the DJs additional ambient lighting Stephanie is pictured above working with student Sophia Hallett to set up entrance A parent that is dedicated to our students experiences inside and outside the classroom, Stephanie returned after the event to break down. SGA, Culture Club and the Arts Department appreciate the kind of support you were able to provide for the event the students had an amazing time!!

In the world of Art and Music

DANCE RESIDENCY with Ramiro Vaughan

For the second year running, thanks to a partnership with Youth Audiences of America YAMA, our students have begun their second year of dance instruction with a renowned instructor Ramiro’s weekly visits with New Mission students will culminate in a performance showcase come February for Black History month.

Mural paiting with Mr. Powers

Mr Powers, our Art teacher has been working diligently He has hit the ground running with an installation to be completed on the ground floor of the building outside cafeteria hallways This student lead installation is composed of different cultural aspirations that make up our school community

Our students celebrated a great accomplishment this month as they completed a semester with Harvard Medical School for Health Sciences, receiving a certificate of completion. Congratulations Titans!!

This January our students were able to experience the world of Forensic Science. Check out the mysterious activity they were part of.

by Colin J.R. Flannagan

An endless desert. Flowing sands. Alone and hot. Forgotten and broken. That's what he was. Mael sat atop a dune watching the ever flowing sea. He didn't know how long he'd been here. He didn't know anything of his past. He was only given a name and the gift of language, writing, and reading. He had been used to this forever. He never felt hungry nor thirsty. He never felt sexual drive or anger or happiness or sorrow and despair. He didn't really know who he was. He never met other people. He only spoke to himself, never speaking aloud. His black hair danced with the wind as his tattered grey shirt and battered brown shorts followed closely behind, like ducks following their mother. His eyes were of a pristine, sapphire blue that gleamed when the sun reached noon. His face was fair and clean; his muscles toned and disciplined; his height imposing to the small creatures of the Wasteland.

Please remember to keep your student home if they are not feeling well, wash hands, keep safe distances. Please get your COVID and Flu vaccinations as well as your Booster. See the attached Winter illness Letters and translations.

COVID

If your student tests positive at home please call the school and let us know. In order to return to school after testing positive for COVID see the following protocol.

* Test on Day 5 (the day you test positive is considered Day zero). If the result is negative your student may return to school on Day 6 and wear a mask up to and including Day 10. If positive, remain home and test as often as you can and return when negative or return on Day 11, whichever comes first.

Please send in updated vaccination records if you have not done so already as well as an updated physical exam.

**Any Student that is playing a sport needs to have an updated physical exam. If your student has had COVID after the most recent exam he/she will need to be cleared to play. Please see the attached Return to play form.

Medications

If your student requires any medication at school please contact the School nurse and make a plan for medication drop off.

*Any students with Asthma should have an Asthma Action Plan at school from their Doctor as well as an extra inhaler in school for emergencies. Please send in asap if you have not already done so.

*Any student that requires an epi-pen for an allergy please send one into school with the action plan if you have not already done so.