THE NAVIGATOR
March 3, 2023
Newsletter
Important Information from Cohasset Police Regarding Closing of Beach Street from 9:00AM - 2:00PM on March 7 & March 8. We do not anticipate this closing impacting our bus routes.
#TrafficAlert On 03/07/2023 and 03/08/2023 National Grid will have a tree removal company and crane working on Beach Street between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day. During that time, Beach Street will be completely closed due to critical work that needs to be done. Police Officers will be present to facilitate safety. The crane that is being used, is expected to take up the entire width of the road. If you live on Beach Street, we ask for your patience as you may not be able to leave depending on where the crane is located. Please know that the work is expected to begin after school bus pickup and is scheduled to stop before afternoon dismissal each day. Thank you for your understanding.
Cohasset Native, Astronaut Stephen Bowen, Makes History by Commanding International Space Station Mission
Images of the Week
Fabulous Curriculum Night at Joseph Osgood School, learning about Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in the classroom. Thank you to all who participated!
Cohasset Girls Soccer had a great visit on Thursday at the State House to recognize our State Champions! Thank you, Senator Patrick O'Connor, Representative Joan Meschino, and your staffs for making the event special for our girls soccer team!
"Grade 3 Mystery Unit collaboration... Thanks to Ms. Mosher's class for coming in and sharing your mystery knowledge with us.." - Principal Sullivan
"Math comes alive when we learn about money 💰… coins add up!' - Principal Farrell
"Check out the impressive 7th gr Spanish projects in the LC! Protecto: El Dormitorio" -Dr. Kate Salas, CMS Assistant Principal
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Assistant Superintendent Leslie Scollins, Ed.D.
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) District and School Report Cards
We are pleased to share the District and School Report Cards from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
The Massachusetts Report Cards help parents/guardians and the general public see where schools and districts are succeeding and where there is still work to do. This report card overview answers important questions about our school's performance. For the full report card containing additional data contact the school's principal or visit the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's website. The district and school reports are linked on the District Website.
Curriculum Updates
Please see below for the Academic Updates shared at the 3/1/2023 Cohasset School Committee Meeting
Curriculum Review Committee (CRC)
Assessment Updates
Winter Benchmark Assessments
MCAS Testing Dates Spring 2023
Cohasset High School
ELA Grade 10 March 28 & 29, 2023
Math Grade 10 May 16 & 17, 2023
Physics Grade 9 June 6 & 7, 2023
Cohasset Middle School
ELA Grades 6-8 April 3 & 4, 2023
Math Grades 6-8 May 9 & 10, 2023
Science Grade 8 May 18 & 19, 2023
Deer Hill Elementary School
ELA Grade 3 April 5 & 6, 2023
ELA Grades 4 & 5 April 10 & 11, 2023
Science Grade 5 May 8 & 9, 2023
Math Grade 3 May 16 & 17, 2023
Math Grade 4 & 5 May 18 & 19, 2023
MCAS Resources
MCAS Action Plan Presented to Cohasset School Committee
Committee Updates
Volunteer Committee
Wellness Committee
Professional Development
Please see the professional development calendar below for more information about the professional development that is planned for the year.
Sports Information
Due to weather concerns around the drive back to western Ma for Monument Mountain, tonight's girls basketball game is now going to be played at 4:30pm in th CHS Gymnasium. Come out and support your Skippers! Also, come cheer on Sarah Chenette as she closes in on 1,000 points!!!
MIAA D4 Boys Hockey Tournament First Round #12 Cohasset/Hull: 3 #21 Swampscott: 2 Final 2OT Cohasset/Hull advances to the Sweet 16!!
The Stage is Set! Next game: 7pm vs. Shawsheen Sunday 3/5 Hallenborg Ice Pavilion - Billerica
MIAA D4 B Basketball Tournament Preliminary Round #30 Cohasset: 57 #35 Maimonides: 65 Final Special THANK YOU to our seniors and families! Be Proud! Go Blue!
Congratulations to 9th Grader Robbie Blanchard who recently won an individual state championship in skiing. This is Cohasset's first skiing state championship in 35 years. Way to go, Robbie!!!
Cohasset Public Schools to Hold Inaugural Multi-Cultural Night at Cohasset High School and Cohasset Middle School on April 13, 2023, from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
The Cohasset Public Schools will have its first Multicultural Night on April 13, 2023, from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, throughout the Cohasset Middle and Cohasset High Schools. We are looking for individuals to help coordinate the evening. We will have a performance by the Origination Dance Company of Boston, as well as students from our schools. If you are interested, please contact, Aleisa Gittens-Carle, the METCO Director at agittens-carle@cohassetk12.org or Jenna Gibbons, CMS English teacher, at jgibbons@cohassetk12.org. We would like to have a member of the staff, or a parent representative from each school.
METCO Advocacy Day
Curriculum Night For In-Coming 9th Graders!
CHS Program of Studies!
Arts Information
Art Upcoming Events:
Recycled pARTS March 14th 6:30pm HS Caf
All School Chorus Concert March 22nd 6:00pm (students report at 5:00 for special practice) Deer Hill Gym
All School Band Concert March 23rd 6:00pm (students report at 5:00 for special practice) Middle/High Gym
All events are free and open to the public
Substitute Nurses Needed!
Cohasset Kindergarten Registration 2023-2024
Kindergarten Registration for the 2023-2024 School Year for children who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023. Kindergarten registration packets are available online at the Cohasset Public Schools website www.cohassetk12.org under the Osgood News section or may be picked up at the Joseph Osgood School. For more information, please call Joseph Osgood School at 781-383-6117.
Whether you are a new or returning family, we are excited to begin this journey with you and look forward to welcoming you to our Cohasset Public Schools family.
Reminders Regarding Our School Cancelation Process
Like weather forecasting, the school closing decision process is not a perfect science. However, I believe it is important for students and families to understand how it works. I hope this FAQ document answers your questions.
Who makes the decision about whether or not to close school?
As Superintendent, I am responsible for the final decision. I work with District staff to monitor state and local weather forecasts and consult with officials from the Department of Public Works, Cohasset Police, and Cohasset Fire who provide updates to me on snow removal operations, neighborhood road conditions, and any power outages.
What time do I make the call?
My goal is to make the decision to open, close, or delay by 5:45 A.M. or earlier if possible. I try not to wait any longer as families then have little time to make arrangements for childcare, and some of our staff may have already left for work. Also, while I know there is often an interest in having a decision the night before, a lot can change overnight. I will try my best to make a decision as early as possible.
What information is gathered to aid in the decision?
There are multiple factors used in deciding whether or not to close school. Information on road conditions, snow accumulation predictions, building conditions such as electricity and heat, parking lot conditions, air temperature and wind chill, and estimated times from the Department of Public Works and Cohasset Police as to when roads, walkways, and parking lots will be cleared of snow and ice are all considered. I also consider the number of children who walk to school and student drivers.
Are Remote Days a Possibility this Year?
Remote days are not currently permitted as a substitution for in-person days by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
What is a delayed opening?
Rather than close school for a whole day due to short-term weather situations, there may be days when the beginning of school will be delayed one hour, ninety minutes, or two hours. School will simply start later by the length of the delay. Bus pickup, therefore, will also occur later. For example, if your child is normally picked up at 6:55 A.M., during a two-hour delayed opening, your child will be picked up at 8:55 A. M. Lunch will still be available, and dismissal will be at the regularly scheduled times.
What happens to Pre School and Half Day Kindergarten during a delayed opening?
When a delayed opening is called, the Pre School and Half Day Kindergarten classes are cancelled.
What are parents’ / guardians' responsibilities?
The safety of your child is paramount. On days when weather conditions are questionable, but school remains open, parents are free to exercise discretion and keep children home from school. Parents of young drivers are asked to reinforce winter weather driving skills: allowing
extra travel time, reducing speed, and not worrying about being late.
How are days made up?
As per State regulations, students must attend school for a minimum of 180 days and the school year must end by June 30. If school is closed due to weather, the day will be made up at the end of the school year.
How do power outages affect the decision?
Inclement weather can affect the timeline for utility companies to restore electricity. If all school buildings have electricity, the goal will be to open school. Other factors also influence the decision, including whether a large number of neighborhoods are without power.
How is the public notified?
Announcements about school closings and delays are posted as outlined below. Please be advised that, depending upon the severity of the storm, school and district administration offices may also be closed in addition to cancelling classes for students.
· District website (www.cohassetk12.org)
· Twitter @SuperCohasset (I will usually tweet the cancelation first…so follow me If you want the early scoop)
· Black Board Connect Automated Telephone Notification Service (if operational)
· WBZ TV and Radio (Channel 4)
· WATD 95.9
· WHDH Channel 7 and 56
· WCVB Fox 25 and Channel 5
I will try to send periodic updates via Black Board Connect messages whenever possible should the storm extend for any period of time beyond the day or should the storm result in continued questionable community conditions.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Finance and Operations
Budget Calendar for 2022-2023
Budget Priorities
Cohasset High School Vision of the Graduate
CHS Athletic Complex Update
We are excited for the new track. Here are some pictures showing the finished product!
Turf Renovation Underway
The turf replacement project at Alumni Stadium is underway! Access to the turf and track will be prohibited until further notice. This turf replacement project, along with the recently completed track, and stadium lights is a welcomed improvement to our athletic facilities. We are thankful for the school community and town support and understanding, as we work to provide the best facilities possible for our students and town.
Here are some pictures showing the progress. The good weather has allowed us to make some progress!
Excessive Student Absence Notification
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 76 requires that each school notify parents and guardians if their student has five (5) or more unexcused school absences. Parents and guardians will receive a letter when their child has 5, 10, and/or 15+ days of unexcused absences. The letter will also include the number of unexcused tardies and unexcused early dismissals.
Absences will be excused under the following circumstances:
After a medical appointment documented with a note from the medical office
Illness or quarantine with a note from the appropriate medical office
Observance of a religious holiday
Bereavement or serious illness in family
Court appearance
A child may also be excused for other exceptional reasons with approval of the Principal or designee in accordance with the school committee policy and the regulations set in Chapter 76
Daily attendance is essential to a student's success. Missing a significant number of days of school has a detrimental effect on academic and social development. Therefore, each school will work with individual families to support student attendance.
Cohasset Public Schools' Strategic Plan for 2021- 2024
Please Click on the Link Below to Access the Entire Strategic Plan
We are a proud METCO District!
A Downloadable Version of the Calendar Can Be Found Below
Just a reminder that for the 2023 - 2024 School Year, the first day of school for students will be Wednesday, August 30 (before Labor Day). There will be no school for students or staff the Friday before Labor Day.
From Commissioner of Education Riley’s memo to Superintendents sent on August 15, 2022:
“The Commonwealth is not recommending universal mask requirements, surveillance testing of asymptomatic individuals, contact tracing, or test-to-stay testing in schools. Districts and schools are reminded that there is no longer any statewide masking mandate in schools (other than school health offices) and there is no testing requirement for schools.” We will continue to respect the right of individuals to wear masks at any time during the school day.
“Effective August 15, 2022, all students and staff in childcare, school in grades K-12, or participating in out-of-school time (OST) and recreational camp settings should follow the updated isolation and exposure guidance issued by DPH, in alignment with recently issued guidance from CDC. No asymptomatic person should be excluded from school as a result of exposure, regardless of vaccination status or exposure setting.”
An additional link on isolation and exposure guidance can be found here:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-isolation-and-exposure-guidance-for-the-general-public
Cohasset Public Schools Vision of Equity
CPS Equity Vision Statement
BE THE CHANGE
Please visit our website for resources regarding the promotion of diversity.
Cohasset PSO Happenings
On April 4th the Cohasset PSO will be hosting the Harlem Wizards for a night of fun and what is sure to be a very memorable game versus our very own Osgood and Deer Hill teachers and staff! Tickets go on sale February 27th at 8am.
Cohasset Education Foundation (CEF)
RISE Program
Office of Student Services
UPDATES
District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP) Revised
Opening Letters and Information Regarding Multi-Tiered Student System of Supports (MTSS)
Multi-Tiered System of Supports
To Parents/Guardians of Cohasset Public Schools :
The Cohasset Public Schools believes in providing the highest quality of education for our students. This letter is to provide you with information about a three-tiered instructional approach we use to meet this goal, referred to as Multi Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
For MTSS, all students will participate in the core curriculum, with three levels (tiers) of interventions for students who demonstrate at-risk skills in general academics or behavior/social emotional areas. Each tier provides additional support beyond the core curriculum and instruction. All students receive formal and informal checks to measure their progress to determine if they are performing at an expected level. Behavioral and social emotional impacts are also monitored on a regular basis through the year.
● Tier One- As the largest tier, and the foundation for the entire framework, Tier 1 encompasses the entire school with core instruction and basic interventions. This structure helps to build positive relationships between staff and students. It includes proactive classroom strategies aimed at creating a supportive learning atmosphere. Teachers will use different strategies as universal supports within the core curriculum and instruction to address all student educational needs. These supports include but are not limited to items identified within the District Accommodation Plan (DCAP) and/or the School Accommodation Plans.
● Tier Two- Based on progress data, students who require more support than Tier One will be provided targeted interventions matched to their needs within the general classroom by the classroom teacher and/or support staff in the classroom. The Multi Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Team will track the student’s progress, and parents/guardians will receive ongoing progress data.
● Tier Three- Students who continue to require measures beyond Tier Two will receive more intensive individualized interventions at this level. Parents/guardians will be notified of these supports and receive ongoing progress data. After Tier Three implementation, students who continue to display limited progress may then be considered for further evaluation and services.
Our School is excited to take part in this process to improve educational outcomes for all students. As always, do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or myself if you have questions or concerns.
Respectfully,
___________________________
Barbara Cerwonka, M.Ed.
Director of Student Services
Child Find Notification
Be Sure to View the Information on the Student Services Web Page
SAFE HARBORS UPDATES
Latest Newsletter
No matter what your goal is after graduation, you're going to need your ability to learn to get there. When present you chooses to use marijuana, you're putting future you at risk. Want to know how? Watch this PSA from Safe Harbor.
The time to talk to our children about Fentanyl is NOW Fentanyl is not just in the headlines; it is closer to your home and stronger than you realize. This is why we are hosting Wendy Woolcock head of DEA Special Operations Division in this upcoming FREE webinar next Tuesday, January 24th. She will share what she tells her own kids about Fentanyl and what she does as a parent to keep everyone around her protected. This webinar will also explain how teens are being targeted and getting access to Fentanyl as well as provides resources for parents, schools, and other organizations on education and prevention. IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND LIVE, REGISTER FOR A FREE RECORDING.
Thank you to all of our counselors for their caring and selfless work throughout the District!
Osgood: Dave Vinton dvinton@cohassetk12.org (adjustment counselor)
Deer Hill: Robyn Costa rcosta@cohassetk12.org (adjustment counselor)
Deer Hill and Osgood: Maeve Dullea mdullea@cohassetk12.org (adjustment counselor)
Deer Hill and Osgood: Alyson Doyle adoyle@cohassetk12.org (school psychologist)
CMS: Emily Manewal emanewal@cohassetk12.org (adjustment Counselor)
Allison Pearce apearce@cohassetk12.org (school psychologist)
CHS: Laura Struzziery lstruzziery@cohassetk12.org (lead counselor)
Leanne McCarthy lmccarthy@cohassetk12.org (high school adjustment counselor)
Kevin McGowan kmcgowan@cohassetk12.org (high school counselor)
Allison Battista abattista@cohassetk12.org (high school counselor)
Catlin Stromberg cstromberg@cohassetk12.org (school psychologist)
Robert Collins rcollins@cohassetk12.org (middle and high school social worker)
Take Care of Yourself and Take Care of Each Other
Please click on the following link to access even more information on the Cohasset Public Schools Web Site.
Please follow me on Twitter for daily updates from the Cohasset Public Schools
Email: psullivan@cohassetk12.org
Website: https://www.cohassetk12.org/
Phone: 781 383 6111
Twitter: @SuperCohasset
You can also follow the entire leadership team on Twitter to see real-time updates.
Assistant Superintendent: @CPSAssistantSup
Joseph Osgood School: @JOsgoodppal
Deer Hill School: @DeerHillSchool
Cohasset Middle School: @comsprincipal
Cohasset High School: @CoHSPrincipal
We utilize both Aspen and Blackboard communications to inform families of important events, cancellations, and happenings.