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WHAM 2024 Fall

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WHAMWHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE MET?The Met Class of 2025’s Path to SuccessPAGE 4PAGE 11Voting and Civics at the MetLessons in Boating and Personal GrowthPAGE 9PAGES 6 & 7Exploring the Real World

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What’sHAPPENING? 03DIRECTOR’S !CORNER04060911121415 2INTERNATIONAL VISITORSGETTING READY FOR LIFE AFTER METSAIL AWAY TO LEARNINGDECISION 2024OUTDOOR LEARNINGVOLUNTEERS NEEDED - GOLF!ADMISSIONS !OPEN HOUSE 08LEARNING IN THE REAL WORLDCongratulations to Matt Guertin, The Met's District Teacher of the Year! Your dedication, passion, and commitment to inspiring students every day have made a remarkable impact on our school community. We are proud to celebrate your achievements and grateful for the difference you make in the lives of our students.13HALLOWEEN AT THE MET1415PEACE STREET’S NEW MURALEXHIBITION REMINDER

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Dear Met Community, I am thrilled to welcome you all to another exciting school year at The Met! To our returning families, welcome back—we are so glad to have you with us again. And to our new families, especially our new 9th graders, welcome to the start of an incredible journey. You are now part of a community where each of you will chart your own path, develop your passions, and build a future that’s as unique as you are. For our new 9th graders, this is the start of your Met career, and what an adventure it will be! You’re joining a school that believes in the power of Real World Learning, where you’ll have the chance to learn both inside and outside of the classroom. From internships to community projects, we’re here to help you discover and develop your interests in ways that will take you far beyond the traditional school experience. Right now, our advisors and staff are hard at work setting up meaningful Real World Learning opportunities to make sure every student has a chance to learn, grow, and explore their passions. We’ve also had an exciting start to the school year with some incredible events. Recently, we hosted educators from the Netherlands, as part of our ongoing collaboration with Big Picture Learning’s global network. Their visit was a chance to share our work and learn from their experiences, strengthening the international ties that help us grow as a school. And before that, we welcomed a delegation of educators from China, bringing even more opportunities for global exchange. It’s a busy and exciting time here at The Met, and I am filled with pride and optimism as I look at all the incredible opportunities that lie ahead for our students and our community. Together, we will continue to grow, learn, and support one another on this journey. Here’s to a fantastic school year! Warmly, Nancy Diaz Director of Schools DIRECTOR’S CORNERNANCY DIAZ, DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS 3

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ECLIPSE WATCH 2024: HOW THE MET SAFELY ENJOYED THE SOLAR SPECTACLE 4As the Class of 2025 prepares to embark on their journey into adulthood, they are beginning the college application process. Applying to colleges is an exciting and transformative experience, allowing students to reflect on their personal growth and achievements at The Met. The Met’s individualized learning model has built a foundation for students to succeed beyond high school, providing real-life career experiences and preparing them thoroughly for this moment. Met staff members have been working with students to provide invaluable resources and support. Mary Beth (MB) Rodrigues, one of the Post-secondary Access Counselors (PAC) at The Met, is one of the key figures in this process. PACs work closely with students starting in their junior year, teaching them what they need to know to apply to colleges, pursue a trade, or find a job after graduation. During my interview with MB, she emphasized how crucial it is for guardians to support their students during this transition. As MB notes, it’s essential for parents/guardians to have conversations with their student to learn about their interests and discover ways to support them. Reflecting on the process, senior Thania Bello Cortez says, “What’s good about The Met is that it’s one student at a time. If I were in a regular school, the process would be a lot harder for me because I wouldn’t have somebody to run to 24/7 and say, ‘I need help with this,’ or ‘I don’t know how to do this.’ I think that’s what’s great about The Met—how they support students by being there when we need them.” PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE: HOW THE MET IS SUPPORTING THE CLASS OF 2025’S PATH TO SUCCESS BY KILEY VASQUEZ, UNITY SENIOR

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5From the moment students start at The Met, their advisors work with them to map out a four-year plan, providing each student with the resources they need to achieve their goals. Advisors often take their students on college visits to introduce them to college culture and encourage them to visit campuses independently. Senior Nevaeh Pierre-Louis says, “Visiting Howard was like a dream. Other than being at The Met, I have never been in a place where I felt like I instantly belonged.” College visits are a valuable way to get a feel for campus life in person. When asked for advice for underclassmen who will soon go through this process, senior Sabastian Vares says, “If you get stressed, make sure to talk to people. I feel like if someone gets overwhelmed, it’s because they’ve put themselves in a bubble. So talk to people because a lot of people are also going through similar experiences. Do your work on time, and focus more on your work when you get to senior year.” The Met not only prepares students for life beyond high school but empowers them to take charge of their paths with confidence and support. A RECENT COLLEGE VISIT FROM URI

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Adri and Vi at the URI Criminology DepartmentEast Bay at The Massachusetts State House Cole’s Advisory at the Botanical GardensAce at SMAST 6Sam’s Advisory at the RISD MuseumLEARNING IN THE REAL WORLDCara’s Advisory at the CLEE SRI Fall Forum

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Liz at Stewart HouseDae'Vien at Hall of GrafxLiberty at RI Computer MuseumRusbert at Rego's Auto Body Shop! Starling, Andrea and Jamir at FabNewport

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Sharing Our Practice with Educators Around the World: A Global Exchange at The MetRecently, The Met had the pleasure of hosting groups of educators from China and the Netherlands. These visits are important steps in our ongoing commitment to sharing our practices with educators from across the globe. These visits were not just an exchange of ideas, but a powerful reminder of how interconnected we are as a global learning community. Since Big Picture Learning's (BPL) founding over 25 years ago, we have seen a growing number of international educators adopt our "one student at a time" philosophy, helping to spread its impact to countries like Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Canada, Belize, Kenya, and the UK, among others. Our visitors provided us with a unique opportunity to reflect on our shared challenges and successes as educators. While our local contexts may vary, the core belief that every student deserves an education tailored to their individual interests and strengths unites us all. By sharing our practice with international colleagues, we not only contribute to a broader movement of personalized, community-based learning, but we also enrich our own practices with the diversity of perspectives and experiences that global collaboration brings. As we continue to open our doors to educators from around the world, we reaffirm our commitment to creating learning environments that are inclusive, adaptable, and transformative—where every student has the chance to thrive in their own way. At The Met, and throughout the Big Picture Learning network, we are proud to be part of a global movement that redefines what it means to educate, ensuring that our students—no matter where they are—are prepared not only for college or careers, but for life. 8

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NAVIGATING NEW WATERS: LESSONS IN BOATING AND PERSONAL GROWTH 9Recently, Jayden from Sky’s advisory shared a powerful reflection on the impact of his voyage with Sailing Ships Maine, highlighting how the trip shaped not only his perspective but also deepened his connection with classmates and mentors. Jayden’s words capture the essence of what The Met strives to instill in its students—courage, collaboration, and a commitment to self-discovery. “For this trip, the goal was to fully embrace the experience without letting outside concerns affect the mood or focus. With a positive mindset, any challenging moments were met with resilience, leading to a successful, enjoyable journey. Other goals included journaling key information to reference later and stepping out of comfort zones to connect with others. By staying open and engaged, it was possible to make a few new acquaintances along the way. Two big things I learned: First, the importance of documentation—or logging—on a boat. You have to record crucial information. The best logs not only keep detailed records of repairs, operations, and navigational routes but also include events and stories. This relates to me because I often lose track of things I need to remember, like daily tasks or important notes. It taught me the value of documenting my own “to-do” list so I won’t forget what I need to do. The second lesson was to take things one step at a time. Before getting underway, we had to hoist the anchor, clean the rope, store it below deck, hoist the mainsail, use the halyard, tie it off, then turn on the engine and hoist the jib. This process taught me that big goals, like starting a business, should be broken down into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. I was surprised by how much effort goes into getting a boat underway. For example, maintaining the jib requires upper body strength, making boating a challenging activity. I was also pleasantly surprised that waking up around 6 a.m. to get ready wasn’t as difficult as I expected. I am incredibly grateful for this amazing experience and for the opportunity to join the boat trip. I now have an unforgettable story to share with my family—and maybe even my future children—about one of my favorite moments: jumping into 50-degree water! Although it was freezing, it felt incredibly liberating, and I am so thankful I got to fully embrace the boat trip experience.”

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11Students at Public Street recently had the valuable experience of using real voting machines, deepening their understanding of the election process and the importance of civic engagement. Activities like this empower young people with knowledge about civic responsibilities, fostering a sense of duty and readiness for their future as active citizens. We extend our sincere thanks to the Secretary of State's Office for supporting this impactful event and helping prepare our students as informed future voters.DECISION 2024

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12At The Met, we recognize that physical activity and fresh air are more than just beneficial—they’re essential for both physical and mental health. Research consistently shows that time spent outdoors boosts focus, creativity, and emotional well-being. For students, this means not only better academic performance but also a foundation for a balanced, healthy life. With a range of fitness programs and outdoor learning opportunities, The Met fosters an environment where students are encouraged to connect with nature, strengthen their bodies, and cultivate mindfulness. Whether participating in group hikes, engaging in outdoor science experiments, or joining fitness initiatives, students gain the tools they need to lead active, fulfilling lives. Our aim is to inspire students to see wellness as an integral part of their academic and personal journey. By providing avenues for outdoor learning and active engagement, we equip them with lifelong skills, instilling a commitment to health, focus, and resilience that will serve them well beyond their high school years. BUILDING HEALTH AND WELLNESS THROUGH OUTDOOR LEARNING

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At the Met

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On Friday, November 1, our own Nancy Diaz and several students had the honor of joining Rhode Island Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green, Governor Dan McKee to celebrate Act II of the Art Reengages Talent in all Students (ARTS) grant initiative. The event, held at Hope High School for the Arts in Providence, highlighted the state’s commitment to funding artistic engagement opportunities for students across Rhode Island. At the Met, we are celebrating the recent renovation of the mural at our Peace Street Campus. This stunning new artwork was made possible through ARTS grant funding and is a powerful symbol of our school’s bright spirit. The mural project brought together our students and Met alumna Ysanel Torres, a celebrated mural artist, whose creativity helped bring our collective vision of growth and renewal to life. We extend our deepest thanks to Commissioner Infante-Green for her support in making this project possible. The new mural will stand as a proud reminder of the role art plays in enriching our school environment and fostering a sense of community and inspiration for everyone who walks through our doors. CELEBRATING OUR BEAUTIFUL NEW MURAL ON PEACE STREET

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We are thrilled to invite you to join us at from November 12-24 for your student’s exhibition. Each exhibition will be scheduled by your student’s advisor, who will share the specific date and time for your student’s presentation. Exhibitions are a cornerstone of The Met experience, offering students a chance to showcase their learning, growth, and accomplishments. Your presence is invaluable as it provides encouragement and reinforces the partnership between family, student, and school that is essential to each student’s success. Exhibitions are an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning journey, gain confidence, and receive meaningful feedback. We look forward to welcoming you to The Met to celebrate your student’s achievements together. YOU’RE INVITED TO CELEBRATE YOUR STUDENT’S EXHIBITION!

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HELP US FIND NEW STUDENTS & MENTORS It’s always recruitment season at the Met. We are always looking for new students. Share your stories of student success with your family, friends and neighbors. New students can get more information at - TheMetHighSchool.org/apply Mentors are so important to our school. Do you know professionals in the community who would make great Met mentors? Ask them to reach out to us on our website - TheMetHighSchool.org/mentorCAREER OPPORTUNITIES Met Bus Driver Met bus drivers provide transportation for high school students to internship sites, field trips, and various school-related activities as well as transportation to and from school for some students; and ensures the vehicles are in safe operating condition. To Apply: Please send your cover letter, resume and 2-3 references to: Email: careers@metmail.org Apply online: https://www.schoolspring.com or https://www.indeed.com Mail: The Met School, 325 Public Street, Providence, RI 02905, ATTN: Careers @ the Met Visit https://www.themethighschool.org/careers/ for more opportunities 171NW 7771NW 777101010

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Join us for our Open House to meet our dedicated staff andpassionate students. Learn more about our innovativeinternship program, student centered learning, and vibrantschool community. Whether you're a prospective student orparent, this is your chance to see firsthand how The Metprepares students for success in both college and career.OPEN HOUSEREGISTER NOWPlease visit our website at www.TheMetHighSchool.org/Admissions or call 752.2636 Open House for Newport Campus LocationAddress: 115 Girard Avenue, Newport, RI 02840Date: December 4, 2024 (Wednesday)Time: 5:30pm - 6:30pm (Includes a presentation that will begin at 5:30pm) Open House for Providence Campus LocationAddress: 325 Public St., Providence, RI 02905Date: December 5, 2024 (Thursday)Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm (Includes a presentation that will begin at 6:00pm) Tour for Newport Campus LocationAddress: 115 Girard Avenue, Newport, RI 02840Date: January 22, 2025 (Wednesday)Time: 5:00pm-6:00pmAll grades are welcome to attend the events! Application Opens November 19, 2024 @ 9amApplication ClosesMarch 13, 2025 @ 5pmLottery date is April 1, 2025.NEWPORTCAMPUSPROVIDENCECAMPUS

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19Public Street Campus The Met Public Street 325 Public Street Providence, RI 02905 Peace Street Campus The Met Peace Street School 362 Dexter Street Providence, RI 02907 East Bay !– Paul Crowley Campus The Met East Bay School 115 Girard Avenue Newport, RI 02840 /metschool MetHighSchoolThe inaugural East Bay Career Expo brought over 20 professionals from diverse fields to engage in informational interviews with our 9th-grade students, giving them a real-world audience to hone their professionalism skills. Students made valuable connections, envisioned new career paths, and even arranged shadow days, while professionals left inspired by the talent and promise of our youth.401-752-2600 TheMetHighSchool.org