Branagan's Bulletin
Special Edition - Covid-19
Week of March 23 - 27, 2020
I hope this note finds you well and adjusting to the new normal that seems to be impacting each and every one of us. This past week was quite stressful as your school worked to change how we engage teaching and learning within hours and days. It was quite surreal. I truly hope that you and your family and friends are practicing social distancing and remaining healthy and safe.
This Special Edition of Branagan's Bulletin will be shared every Monday morning to help with important updates regarding our school community. I will do my best to keep you posted on very important developments through email, social media and through this publication.
As always, it is important to remain #SachemSTRONG
Extended Learning
Here are a few reminders and suggestions regarding the importance of learning during this time:
- It is important to create a new daily schedule that allows for a balance of family time, self-care, exercise and time to simply be. However, it is important to work in time to keep up with the many enrichment or review activities that your amazing teachers have provided for you to do. Playing video games all day is not an option. Perhaps focus on school work for a few hours each morning and then again in the afternoon. Allow your evening to be for you and perhaps family and friends.
- Be sure to be checking your school email accounts daily as your teachers may be sending important updates about their respective classes. Your teachers are checking emails continually each weekday...and maybe even weekends, too!
- Keep your mind sharp! Be sure to connect with your respective online classrooms as teachers are possibly posting opportunities for a personalized learning experience.
- No new material will be presented during the time of closure. However, this time may allow for you to focus on aspects of your studies that you have found challenging and may need more attention. Spend time researching, practicing and building the important skills that you know need some focus. The work over the next few weeks is about enrichment, reinforcement and exploration.
- Keep the eye on the prize.
Community Service Hours
I know our Nursing Homes and Health Care Facilities could use some positive and encouraging notes and letters. Be sure to check out the page!
Winter School and Credit Recovery Program
Keep the eye on the prize, Sachems!
Guidance Department Newsletter
2020 - 2021 Academic Schedule
During our time of closure, we are still working on building the Master Schedule for next year. On March 9th, each of you received your Schedule Verification Sheet that showed all the courses that you selected and would be scheduled for next year. Please take a moment to do the following:
- Please review the courses that you have registered for and be sure it is what you are looking to take next year.
- Please scan or email your guidance counselor with any changes that you would like to make and they would be happy to help you.
- If everything on your Verification Sheet is in good form....please let your Guidance Counselor know.
- Mrs. Beirne - abeirne@middleboro.k12.ma.us
- Ash Baron - abaron@middleboro.k12.ma.us
- Mr. Goldman - sgoldman@middleboro.k12.ma.us
- Our Guidance Counselors will continue to work with students on their verification sheets upon our return to school if needed.
Important Items
- MCAS Testing has been postponed for this year through a directive from the Federal Government. We are waiting on guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for next steps. We will keep you posted.
- The College Board has shared some significant changes in regard to the AP Testing this spring. We are working on navigating this now. Your AP Teachers will be meeting virtually this week to begin our planning. Please keep working on your review of the already learned content. Reinforce the areas of your study that may need some attention during this time. More to come!
- For all students enrolled in the Project Lead the Way Programs - we received word very late last week that they will be suspending all assessments for Biomedical Science, Engineering and Computer Science. Our wonderful PLTW Teachers are working on the next steps. More to come here as well.
- Spring Sports is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 27, 2020. All spring athletes should be exercising and getting ready for the spring season. Fingers crossed, Sachems!
- Mid-Semester Exams that were scheduled for April 6 & 7, 2020 have been cancelled.
- At this time....Quarter III will end on Friday, April 17, 2020.
Character Strong - Week of March 23 - 27, 2020
- Engage in the daily Kindness Challenges that will continue to be shared on all of our social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and Instragram)
- Engage in the weekly Family Character Dare (See Below)
- I am excited to introduce a new aspect of Character Strong with the launch of the Compliment Creations. Please enjoy.
Character Strong - Compliment Creations
SachemSTRONG
Paul Branagan
Email: pbranagan@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Website: www.middleboro.k12.ma.us
Location: 71 East Grove Street, Middleborough, MA.
Phone: 508-946-2010
Facebook: facebook.com/MiddleboroughHighSchool
Twitter: @principalbran