DHS Community Update
November 26, 2020
Happy Thanksgiving!
Greetings DHS Community Members:
On behalf of the Dartmouth High School Administrative Team, I hope that all members of the Dartmouth High School Community, students, faculty and staff, parents and community members are able to enjoy a happy, healthy Thanksgiving. Despite the challenging year that 2020 has thrown at us, we continue to be a community with much to be grateful for. So, from my family to yours, may you have a happy, healthy Thanksgiving!
With Appreciation & Gratitude,
Ross A. Thibault
Principal
From the Desk of the Associate Principal
Advanced Placement/Mass Insight
Study Session #1 for students in Math AP courses will run virtually throughout the week of January 4-10; more details regarding the schedule will follow in the future. Taking advantage of the Mass Insight sessions builds confidence and prepares students for the exam in May.
MCAS Update
Based on DESE’s latest update regarding MCAS, we are administering ELA and Math MCAS starting January 14, 2021 for all juniors and for any senior who has not yet earned their Competency Determination (CD) required for graduation.
Please see the tentative MCAS Schedule. Students in the Class of 2022 may opt to take the MCAS exam in the spring; however it is not encouraged as students will have limited retake opportunities if they opt out of the January administration.
If you wish to have your child opt out of the January administration of the exam, please contact Associate Principal, Rachel Chavier by email at rchavier@dartmouthschools.org or by phone at 508-961-2700 ext. 7410.
Clubs & Activities
Lots of great experiences for students who are involved in our Clubs and Activities. Please visit our Get Plugged In at DHS Update Newsletter.
Student Retakes and Make-up Photos
Mare studios will be at DHS on December 10 (Cohort A) & December 11 (Cohort B) for Photo Retakes & Make-ups. Students will be notified of their scheduled time.
School Counseling & Support Services Department Updates
School Counseling Updates
Seniors - Class of 2021 please check for Scholarships in Naviance.
Click on colleges on the top right hand side; then click on scholarships and money link. Choose the second option scholarship list.
Future Fridays Topics for December 4th - College Applications Q&A and Scholarships. Sign up in Enriching Students under Guidance.
UMass Dartmouth upcoming virtual events:
Daily live chats with Admissions New sessions added to include representatives from Financial Aid, Housing/Dining, Career Center, International Program Office, Athletics, Student Life, and the Frederick Douglass Unity House.
College live chats Representatives from our five colleges will be available to discuss programs and available opportunities.
College of Engineering Open House and information sessions Students will have the opportunity to explore the college’s programs and hear from faculty and current students.
As part of UMass Dartmouth commitment to helping students navigate the college search process, they will continue to add events. An up-to-date list of virtual events is available at click this link.
The SAT and ACT test registration dates and deadlines are listed in the community update to remind students of upcoming deadlines.
SAT test on March 13th - registration deadline is February 12th
ACT test on February 6th - registration deadline is January 8th
College Planning For Parents: a proactive approach. Students and parents have more control over the college admissions process than they think they do. A presentation by Kerry Lynch and Leanne Soulard of College Edge in Dartmouth, sponsored by SMEC, about the ways you can help your student maximize the high school experience with an eye toward the future.
December 1st, 2020 at 6:30 PM Zoom Meeting Link
Class of 2021 - College Virtual Visits with Admission Representatives are listed on Naviance. Students will register through Naviance to attend the virtual visits. All College Virtual Visits are held during the PASE period.
November 30th - Merrimack College
December 1st - University of Vermont
December 3rd - Bridgewater State University
School Social Workers and School Psychologist Update
Social workers are available during the school day to students and families. Students can sign up in Enriching Students to see a social worker during the PASE period or sign up with an appointment slot.
PACE Food Pantry - PACE continues to operate its own Food Bank, Monday through Friday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Please call the program at 508-999-9920 for information on how to access our Food Bank
Updates from the DHS Virtual Learning Academy
A Note from Mr. Gill
I’m thankful to the families of our VLA students who continue to support DHS remote learners during difficult circumstances. I ask that all VLA students remain vigilant in their studies; and engage in their work 30 hours per week (6 hours per day); this commitment is necessary to finish assigned coursework, earn strong grades and complete the credits required for a successful year. We have found that students with low “Actual Grades” in Edgenuity relative to their “Overall Grades” are not putting enough time into their studies and as a result are at-risk for not completing all of their coursework which will result in a lower grade than they would earn if they complete the course.
Yearbook Photos--2nd Opportunity To Be Included
As we have messaged from the start of the school year, VLA students are Dartmouth High School students. As a result, we want you to be part of the yearbook.
VLA students who have not had their yearbook photos taken will be scheduled to come to school on December 10th and 11th during the school’s makeup picture day. We will be practicing all safety measures (mask-wearing, social distancing and excellent hand hygiene), and hope that all scheduled students will attend; additional details will follow.
If any student, parent or guardian has any questions about the VLA they should email Mr. Gill at richardgill@dartmouthschools.org.
From the DHS Health Office
If your child is exhibiting cold-like symptoms or any other symptoms that mimic or include symptoms of COVID-19, please keep your child home and call your PCP for advice. If your child comes into school with symptoms of COVID-19, they will be isolated and parents will be called to pick up their child and to have their child evaluated by his/her PCP. If the PCP feels the symptoms are related to an illness other than COVID-19, a medical note must be written to the school indicating the diagnosis and when the child may return to school. In EVERY case, the child must have been fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning to school. Resources to support parents in monitoring symptoms are included below.
Also, as a reminder, the state of Massachusetts is requiring additional vaccinations for all students enrolled in public schools. For a complete list of the updated vaccination requirements please see the link below as the vaccination requirements must be met by December 31, 2020.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Club
The Dartmouth High School Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Club met for the first time on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Students committed to celebrating diversity with the goal of building a more inclusive, equitable community are welcome to join. In order to sign up, students should complete the sign up form by clicking on the embedded link below. The next meeting of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Club will take place during the PASE period on Monday, November 30, 2020.
Any questions regarding the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Club should be directed to Mr. Thibault at rossthibault@dartmouthschools.org.
Homework Hangout has started virtually and will run after school from 2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. This fantastic support is supervised by DHS Teacher Mrs. True and provides students an opportunity to receive support from peer tutors. In order to take advantage of this opportunity, students should utilize the following link: Homework Hangout Meet Link.
LMC To Begin Opening After School
We are happy to announce that our Library Media Center will once again remain open to students beyond the school day. Students who would like to visit the LMC after school hours MUST schedule ahead of time through Enriching Students as capacity is limited in order to comply with all COVID-19 safety guidance. Students who are not signed up in Enriching Students may not be permitted to the LMC if capacity has been reached.
The extended hours for the LMC will begin on Monday, October 26, 2020 and will be open from 2:15 p.m. until 3:25 p.m.
Please note that free bus transportation is available on a reservation only basis on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Students MUST reserve a seat on the late bus at least one day prior to the requested date.
Reporting Student Absences, Tardiness & Dismissals
Attendance and academic success go hand-in-hand. We ask that parents continue to report known absences or tardiness to Dartmouth High School using the attendance line (508-961-2700 ext.1). In addition, parents are encouraged to submit medical notes and/or discuss illness related absences with Nurse Wildrick in order to ensure we are able to support your child's health and wellness. Nurse Wildrick can be reached at 508-961-2700 ext. 7420.
If your child needs to be dismissed we ask that you please email DHSdismissals@dartmouthschools.org as early as possible. This will allow us to maintain accurate attendance records.
Dartmouth High School
Email: rossthibault@dartmouthschools.org
Website: dartmouth.school/domain/8
Location: 555 Bakerville Road, Dartmouth, MA, USA
Phone: 508-961-2700
Twitter: @DartmouthHS