DHS Community Update
January 21, 2022
The Principal's Perspective: The Power of Inclusion
Greetings DHS Community Members:
Given that this week began with Martin Luther King Day, it is fitting that Dartmouth High School engaged in activities that highlight the power of inclusion. Dartmouth Public Schools and Dartmouth High School have earned a reputation as being excellent schools for all students. The manner in which inclusion is valued within our school is truly a pillar upon which our school is built. This week, Dartmouth High School was reminded of the power and importance of inclusion in two different ways.
First, on Tuesday afternoon, Dartmouth High School was notified by the College Board that we had earned the College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award. This award is given in recognition of schools that achieve a high female representation in AP Computer Science coursework. This award was made possible by the collective efforts of many different individuals, including our Computer Science teachers, Mr. Bosworth, Mr. Guillotte and Ms. Hill--all of whom have completed Project Lead the Way training, and all of whom have been committed to increasing the enrollment of female students in computer science coursework. Female representation in computer science and STEM-related careers in the United States continues to lag behind their male peers nationally, and as a result of our efforts at DHS, we have done our part to shrink the gender gap in computer science and STEM coursework.
On Wednesday, Dartmouth High School reaffirmed our commitment to inclusion by hosting Landon Callahan, a guest presenter from the Safe and Supportive Schools initiative co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Commission on LGBTQ Youth. Mr. Callahan met with members of Dartmouth High School's GSA Club, GSA Advisor, and members of administration. The session provided members of the GSA the opportunity to share areas of strength and areas where DHS can look to improve with respect to ensuring all students have a safe, supportive school environment where all can thrive. After meeting with members of the GSA, Mr. Callahan provided a powerful presentation focused on providing educators the knowledge and confidence necessary to support all students in their inclusive classrooms, including our LGBTQ+ students. We plan to continue this work by inviting Landon back to work with our Administrative and School Counseling teams in order to ensure we continue to maintain a school that is truly safe and supportive of all students.
As we continue our school year and journey together, Dartmouth High School remains committed to building and maintaining a school environment that is inclusive, equitable and celebrates the diversity that makes Dartmouth High School a special place to learn and to teach. We will continue to take action to help eliminate gaps in educational outcomes for students who have been historically marginalized and in doing so, will continue to build upon the exceptional foundation that has been laid through inclusive programs that are well established at Dartmouth High School such as our Best Buddies and Unified programs, the Multicultural Club and more. We are indeed better together!
Sincerely,
Ross A. Thibault
Principal
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Changes Coming to Dartmouth Public Schools COVID-19 Testing Program
Dr. Gifford announced today that the Dartmouth Public Schools will be updating its COVID-19 Testing Program in accordance with recent guidance provided by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Department of Public Health (DPH). It is anticipated that the changes will go into effect during the week of January 31, 2022. In addition to providing the at-home antigen testing option, DPS will continue with in school symptomatic testing but Test and Stay and contact tracing for in-school close contacts will end at that time. Only students who have opted-in will be eligible to participate in the at-home testing option. We encourage all parents/guardians to opt-in by completing the form that is linked below. A form does need to be completed for each child you have enrolled in Dartmouth Public Schools.
Attention All DHS Parents & Guardians: Please Review & Update Information in the Update Portal
Each year it is important that we update critical information in the Update Portal. Please take a minute to review and update as necessary important information located in the Update Portal. Additionally, we ask that you please review and sign-off on policies and student handbooks.
The Update Portal can also be used for updating parent/guardian contact information, emergency contact information, medical information and social restrictions. Primary mailing address and student name cannot be changed through this portal. Please contact the DPS Registrar at 508-997-3391 to update either mailing address or student name.
To access the portal please enter your username which is your student's 6 digit ASPEN ID and your password which is your student's 8-digit date of birth including hash lines (mm/dd/yyyy).
Any questions regarding the Update Portal should be directed to the Technology Department by emailing techsupport@dartmouthschools.org.
Dartmouth Education Foundation 10th Annual Spelling Bee
The Dartmouth Education Foundation will be hosting its 10th Annual Spelling Bee on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at the Dartmouth High School Auditorium from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. The form to sponsor a flight, a team, or to enter a team is linked below. The Dartmouth Education Foundation is extremely supportive of our school each year providing funds to purchase equipment, technology, and other items that enhance the educational experience of our students. We hope you'll participate as this is the main fundraiser each year.
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 final edition of Dartmouth High News Now for Semester 1 as well as the latest edition of Ryanology. In the upcoming events section we share the link to Monday evening's School Committee Meeting.
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.
Students who are taking the February 2 & 3 Biology MCAS must report directly to their testing rooms when they arrive. Students may use a calculator, but it is not required. We ask that students bring their own calculator; however, we will have some available if needed. Students may bring a drink and a snack for the break. The exam will start promptly at 7:45 a.m. The exam should be completed by 11:30 a.m. just in time for lunch. However, if a student needs more time, he/she may work on the test until 2:03 p.m.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email rachelchavier@dartmouthschools.org.
Final Opportunity for Grade 12 Students to Participate in MCAS Tests for Scholarship Purposes
In recognition of 2021 being a disrupted school year, DESE is permitting students in the classes of 2022 and 2023 (if testing for the first time, regardless of whether the students were MED or ABS in grade 10, or are new to a MA public school) to participate in the March 2022 MCAS retests for scholarship purposes. All students attempting to qualify for the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship and/or the Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery must have MCAS scores in ELA and Mathematics. (As a reminder, students in the class of 2022 were eligible for a modified Competency Determination, and many students did not participate in grade 10 ELA and Mathematics testing). Please note that the March retest is the final opportunity for students in the class of 2022 (current seniors) to participate in MCAS testing for scholarship purposes.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Associate Principal, Ms. Chavier, at rachelchavier@dartmouthpublicschools.org.
If your student would like to participate in the March Retest, please sign up by Friday, January 21, 2022.
The March MCAS Retest Schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, March 9, 2022: ELA MCAS Retest Session 1
Thursday, March 10, 2022: ELA MCAS Retest Session 2
Tuesday, March 15, 2022: Math MCAS Retest Session 1
Wednesday, March 16, 2022: Math MCAS Retest Session 2
Future MCAS Dates
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
Earn the Seal of Biliteracy!
Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy
Dartmouth High School is proud to participate in the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy program offered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Since introducing the program at Dartmouth High School, over 25 students have earned the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy, 8 with Distinction.
WHAT: The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) states that the Seal of Biliteracy is an official designation from the State of Massachusetts that recognizes graduates who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other language. Upon graduation, districts affix the insignia to the physical diploma, to the electronic transcripts, or both. There are 2 levels of distinction a student can achieve: Seal of Biliteracy and Seal of the Biliteracy with Distinction.
WHO: Students who meet the criteria will receive the Seal of Biliteracy or the Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction upon graduation.
HOW: The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has outlined the criteria students must meet to earn this award. To measure proficiency in English, students must earn a qualifying score on the ELA MCAS. To measure proficiency in the target language, students must earn a qualifying score on a state-approved assessment (AAPPL Exam/ AP Spanish Exam/NEWL Exam).
WHEN: Deadlines and testing windows.
Submit REGISTRATION FORM HERE by Wednesday, March 31, 2022.
Exams will be administered on April 12-April 16, 2022.
Cost of the exam will be funded by Dartmouth Public Schools.
WHERE: All testing will take place in the DHS Language Lab (C-12 ). Please contact World Language Lead Teacher Hilaria Sousa at hilariasousa@dartmouthschools.org with any questions.
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.
End of Term 2 (Semester 1)
Monday, Jan 24, 2022, 02:30 PM
DHS
School Committee Meeting
Monday, Jan 24, 2022, 06:30 PM
Dartmouth High School, Bakerville Road, Dartmouth, MA, USA
Start of Term 3 (Semester 2)
Tuesday, Jan 25, 2022, 07:30 AM
DHS
Important Reminder: Masking is a MUST!
As we continue through the Omicron surge, please remember that everyone, faculty, students and staff MUST wear a mask while 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.