Cardinal Notes
information and reflection about Joseph Case High School
Volume 16, No. 29 *** April 13, 2020
Morning announcements for Monday, April 13
Continuing the sharing of original HAIKUs in tribute to National Poetry Month.
A reminder to all students, parents and Case families: please check your Google Classroom in ALL subjects every day. The work has transitioned beyond enrichment: all work assigned is meaningful and important to complete for a successful end to the school year, including graduation.
MCAS canceled for Spring 2020
MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on Friday evening:
MCAS
We previously requested and received a waiver from the federal requirement for annual statewide student assessment. Now, with the state legislation enacted, the MCAS testing requirement is waived for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.
As a result of these federal and state actions and in light of the on-going health crisis, I am cancelling this spring’s regular administration of grade-level MCAS tests for students in grades 3-10.
In addition, the legislation allows the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, upon my recommendation, to modify or waive the requirements of the competency determination for high school graduation in order to address disruptions caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 or the state of emergency. I am considering various options, and further guidance will be forthcoming.
Advanced Placement Exam Informational Opportunity for Students and Families
The webinar will provide information about the upcoming AP exams and tips for helping students prepare for the upcoming exams. Click here for information about the webinar.
Principal's Office Hours
Office hours continue this week.
I will be available in ten minutes slots from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, April 15 and 16. Students, families and teachers can reserve a slot by clicking on this link.
Please let me know the nature of the discussion, a phone number I can reach you at, and if you want to talk, text, ZOOM or FaceTime.
Updated Scholarship Information
Today's update is for the Mechanics Cooperative Bank Scholarship with a May 15 deadline.
Scholarship opportunities have been copied from the binders in guidance into PDF form and posted on the high school's website.
In the high school site, click Guidance Department.
Click Scholarships.
Click Additional Available Scholarships.
Scroll to the bottom the this past the statement THE PIETER SMIT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP WILL NOT BE OFFERED.
Scholarships are in three PDFs, beginning with the American Legion Post 303 Scholarship.
Grab and Go Breakfast/Lunch available
Last week, all school districts in Massachusetts under the 50 percent Free/Reduced eligibility threshold were finally given the approval from the USDA to provide "free" grab and go meals to children and teens.
With this great news and much work behind the scenes, the decision was made for Swansea to participate in this venture that will assist some of our most economically-challenged families at this time.
Grab and Go Breakfast (for the following day) and lunch meals will be available outside the front door of Joseph Case High School, which has been designated as a new emergency "open site". Pick up time is between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Verification of meal eligibility and student identification is not required, but Chartwells still needs to track the number of meals distributed.
All strict COVID-19 and child nutrition food safety guidelines will be followed. The plan is to offer this service until school reopens.
Grading during Terms 3 and 4
Term 3
All grades must be input to Aspen X2 by Tuesday, April 14 at noon. Report cards will be published electronically on Friday, April 17.
Term 4
Will reflect any remote learning assignment, effective Monday March 30.
Term will be assessed holistically: credit/no credit.
For grade 12 seniors: continue with Capstone minus the mandatory fine arts requirement. Planning on presentations with a May 4 return to school. Beyond that, TBD.
Transitioning to remote learning -- No school thru May 4 per order of the governor
April continues as National Poetry Month
Still looking for a few more original HAIKU poems to spotlight this month.
Your connected world
Knowledge awaits if you dare
You -- replete and rare
Justin Shay - teacher
Thanks for all of the student submissions recently. Keep them coming!! Please submit your ORIGINAL work via email at bmccann@swanseaschools.org .
***
One month ago, we were together at Joseph Case High School for the last time to date. So much has changed in a month.
Brian
About Joseph Case High School
Email: joseph.case@swanseaschools.org
Website: www.swanseaschools.org
Location: 70 School Street, Swansea, MA, United States
Phone: (508) 675-7483
Facebook: facebook.com/josephcasehs
Twitter: @josephcasehs