DHS Community Update
January 14, 2022
The Principal's Perspective: Living Up to the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Greetings DHS Community Members:
This weekend is Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. For many, this weekend provides an extra day of respite, perhaps even a chance to get away briefly to ski or enjoy some other recreational activity. While all of these activities are well worth the benefit to our mental well-being, it is also important that we recognize this weekend is about much more than just an extra-day off from school or work.
On Monday we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. which was signed into law as a federal holiday in 1983 and was first observed in 1986. The history of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day itself is a reminder of the challenges we still face as a nation. After 15 years of struggle to get the legacy of Dr. King celebrated via a national holiday, it was another 17 years before it was finally observed by every state in our nation.
Today, our nation would do well to learn from and strive toward living up to the legacy of Dr. King. Dr. King envisioned a nation where individuals are judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. A nation where all individuals are treated equitably and in an inclusive manner. In fact, one of the strengths of Dartmouth High School, in my view, is the inclusive school environment that our students, faculty and staff maintain on a daily basis. With that being said, I encourage all members of the school community to take a moment this long weekend and to reflect upon Dr. King's legacy and to think about what more we can do, as a community, to continue to maintain and strive toward Dr. King's inclusive vision.
Wishing all a happy, healthy, Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.
Sincerely,
Ross A. Thibault
Principal
Complete the Test & Stay Consent Form!
Dartmouth High School has been operating the Test and Stay program throughout the fall whenever students are deemed close contacts. Students who are deemed to be close contacts are notified directly and students who remain asymptomatic and whose parents have completed the consent form (located below) are able to participate in the test and stay program.
Students participating in the test and stay protocol report to school before the start of the school day and take a rapid antigen test. Results are provided in approximately 15 minutes and students who test negative are allowed to remain in school. Students who test positive are then advised in regards to the quarantine timeline based upon their specific circumstance.
In order to reduce the loss of school time, we ask that all parents interested in this option complete the consent form using the link below. Please note, students for whom we do not have consent can not be tested through this program.
A Friendly Reminder: Masks are a MUST!
Across our area of the state we see an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. All students, faculty and staff are expected to wear a mask at all times when inside Dartmouth High School.
Masks should be worn snuggly covering the nose and mouth. We appreciate your cooperation in order to ensure we do not see any unnecessary transmission inside of school.
As a reminder, students and staff are encouraged to bring their own masks each day. We do have some available in the event of an emergency i.e. a mask breaks or is forgotten, but we are not supplying masks daily for students or staff.
DHS TV Media Presents
In each DHS Community Update we will bring you the latest material produced by DHS students in the DHS TV Media Production Program. This week we feature the latest edition of Dartmouth High News Now--the weekly news broadcast produced by Dartmouth High School students as well as links to two live-stream broadcasts of Girls Basketball.
MCAS Update
Dartmouth High School will administer the MCAS Biology exam on February 2 & 3 to students who need to take the exam because they did not take it last year as a freshman or if they did not pass the exam last year. If students find themselves in this situation, and they are not enrolled in a Biology class this year, they should take the exam in February. If students are enrolled in chemistry this year and have to take MCAS, the option to take the Chemistry MCAS will be offered to students; however, it is advised to take the Biology in February first.
The science department is running MCAS Biology Review Sessions to help prepare students for the exam. Students who need to take the exam have been scheduled in Enriching Students to attend these sessions during their PASE period on Tuesdays. The remainder of the sessions will run until February 1 a day before the exam. Students who have attended the sessions have appreciated the review and feel confident to take the exam in February.
Please note, the February exam is the Legacy Test which is paper based. This will be the last paper based MCAS test administration. The spring exam will be the Next Generation computer based exam.
Students in the classes of 2022 and 2023 are eligible for the modified CD in STE and are not required to take the exam.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email rachelchavier@dartmouthschools.org.
Please see the MCAS 2022 Schedule for ELA and Math MCAS Administration Dates.
Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma Program
As we approach course selection time for the 2022-2023 year, it is important for students and parents/guardians to be aware of our AP Capstone Program. The AP Capstone is a diploma program based on two AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. These yearlong courses focus on developing college-level skills in research, critical thinking, presentation, and team collaboration - areas that are increasingly valued by colleges and universities.
Please see the resources below to help you understand the benefits of the Capstone Program, the opportunities for earning an AP Capstone Diploma or an AP Seminar and Research Certificate, and details about the program and how it works.
If you have any questions, please contact Associate Principal Rachel Chavier at rachelchavier@dartmouthschools.org
AP Capstone Resources
School Counseling & Support Services Department Updates!
School Counseling Updates
Lentz & Lentz Virtual SAT Review - Interactive class conducted via zoom.
This is to prepare students for the March, May or June SAT. Tuition is $430.
Lentz & Lentz SAT Prep is offering a sixteen-session, 24- hour professional online virtual SAT prep program to prepare Dartmouth students for the SAT. This comprehensive, 90-minute per session, individualized program is geared to assist bright, average, and underachieving students.
Class time is split equally between English and math, covering all facets of the exam.
To Register: Click here Questions, please call : (845) 638-2826
Social Worker Updates
Every Tuesday, the Dartmouth YMCA will be hosting the Full Plate Project starting at 3:00PM. The Full Plate Project provides any household in need a pre–packaged box of groceries that include a variety of nonperishable items, as well as fresh produce and meats (when available). All are welcomed to take advantage of this free program and no registration is required. This drive-thru program is first come, first serve. Everyone is asked to wear a mask and no photo ID is required. Participants will be asked to provide basic information including zip code and number of people living in their household. Y Community Market locations are open to all Southcoast residents, you do not need to be a YMCA member! Markets typically last an hour and half or less when food runs out, which happens often.