First-ever ‘Meet the Principal Night’ at Malden High School is a big success

MHS Principal Chris Mastrangelo delivers valuable information to incoming and other new students, parents and caregivers

By Steve Freker

One of the big “reveals” of the evening was the Malden High School annual theme for the upcoming school year: “Let’s Make it Happen”. MHS Principal Chris Mastrangelo certainly followed through on that sentiment Wednesday night.

From MBTA “Charlie Cards” to Advanced Placement courses, from before school soccer to the consequences of being late for school.

You name it. Just about anything that an incoming student and their parent or caregiver might want to know was explained and discussed at a well-attended, first-ever “Meet the Principal Night” at Malden High School Wednesday night.

It was a first for eighth-year MHS Principal Chris Mastrangelo, who is also in his 32nd year as an educator and administrator combined.

As far as “first” impressions go, it was a big success, Mastrangelo said. Close to 150 were in attendance, including incoming ninth-grade students, other new students and transfers, and many parents and caregivers.

“Considering how busy everyone is at this time of year— especially students and their families who are getting ready for the start of school next week, I really did not know what to expect for attendance,” Mastrangelo said. “I have to say I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into the cafeteria and well over 100 people were sitting there.”

Mastrangelo went through about a 25-minute presentation which included details about Opening Day, next week on Wednesday, August 28, when all students in Grades 1-12 are slated to report for the first day of school for the 2024-2025 school year.

All Malden Public Schools students have been on summer break since June 15 and are concluding 10 weeks off from classes next week.

Malden High students must report by 7:45 a.m. to their homerooms for a Morning Meeting session and then begin their four, 80-minute period day. The school day concludes at 2:15 p.m.

Next week’s schedule for Malden High students and all Malden Public Schools students in grades 1-12, includes a full day on Wednesday and Thursday, August 28 and 29. Then there is no school on Friday, August 30 or on Labor Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, August 31, Sunday, September 1 and no school on the Labor Day holiday, September 2.

Malden Public Schools students also have no school on Tuesday, September 3 as educators and staff have a Professional Development Day. All students and staff return to classes on Wednesday, September 4 for a full day.

On Wednesday night, parents, caregivers and students used a 35-minute question-answer period well, as MHS Principal Mastrangelo fielded every one, ranging from coursework choices, to student dismissal policies to eligibility requirements for participation in sports teams and school clubs and organizations.

“This was the first time we have held this event and we will definitely do it again next year, especially considering the great turnout,” Mastrangelo said. “The parents and caregivers came up with some great questions and it was wonderful to be able to see so many new faces who are as excited as me and my staff about the start of the new school year.”

“It was very informative and well worth attending tonight,” said Felice D’Anna, whose son Nicholas is an incoming Malden High School ninth-grader. “The communication has been excellent all summer from the school and the principal told us that will continue, all great to hear.”

Mastrangelo told those in attendance that more detailed back to school and other information on the Malden Public Schools and Malden High School is available on the district website: www.maldenps.org

“We appreciate all the positive support we have received from Mayor Christenson, the Malden School Committee and Superintendent Sippel this summer and we know that will continue,” Mastrangelo said.

“All of us at Malden High School are all looking forward to an exciting school year and this event will help us get off to a great start,” Mastrangelo said.