Branagan's Bulletin
Special Edition - Covid-19
Week of April 13 -17, 2020
I hope this note finds you well and coming off a wonderful holiday weekend despite the circumstances. It was a beautiful weekend to get outside and enjoy the weather. I hope you were able to get some fresh air.
As you know, the Governor has shared that the next few weeks could potentially be quite challenging for our Commonwealth. It is vital that you are practicing social distancing and paying close attention to the stay at home advisory that is in place.
Over the last few days, I have received a few emails about returning to school on May 4th. Please know...as of right now...I am keeping focus on May 4th with our hopeful return. We must think positive! We are all in this together!
Today, we enter Week 2 of our Distance Learning Protocols. Your teachers are working very hard to engage and connect with you. Be sure to attend their virtual meetings, office hours and complete all assignments. They are counting on you!
Here are a few things for the week ahead for your planning.
#StaySTRONG
Bran
Distance Learning Protocols - Week 2
As we begin this week, I want to take an opportunity to remind each of you of the expectations for this week in regard to our Distance Learning Protocols.
- It is important to check your email from each of your teachers every Monday morning to review all assignments and virtual meeting times.
- Create a daily schedule for yourself. Be sure to outline what each day looks like in regard to assignments and potential meetings with your teachers.
- Your teachers have worked hard to create learning opportunities for you to keep your mind sharp during the closure. Please complete all assignments and be mindful of due dates. Please note that many of your teachers have assigned due dates at the end of the week for your flexibility.
- It is expected that you are completing all assignments. Although you are not receiving a "letter grade" during this time, it is imperative that you are engaging and completing the assigned work.
- All assignments will be noted in the Aspen Gradebook, which means...if you complete the assignment and your teacher felt is was in good form...it will be noted with a COM (Complete) in Aspen. If you do not do the assignment it will be noted with a INC (Incomplete). These assignments have been created to serve as the bridge to our return on May 4, 2020.
- It is important that you are completing all of the assignments that are given.
Thank you for your cooperation and meeting the expectations that have been established at this time.
Distance Learning Assignments - Mathematics - Week of April 13 - 17, 2020
Weekly Distance Learning Assignments for Mathematics
Department Chair - Mrs. Miles - vmiles@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Distance Learning Assignments - English - Week of April 13-17, 2020
Please see the assignments from the MHS English Department. Any questions...please reach out to your English Teacher.
English 1
- Please check your Google Classroom and Email from Your Grade 9 English Teacher
English 2
- Please check your Google Classroom and Email from Your Grade 10 English Teacher
English 3
English 4
Gothic Literature
Department Chair - Mrs. MacLeod - jmacleod@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Distance Learning Assignments - Science & Technology - Week of April 13-17, 2020
Assignments for the Week:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Physics
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Project Lead the Way
- All Technology Courses
- TV Production
- All Science Electives
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b0_AKeZNsUJ0uocm2tX-u7lFJwEqnFTwv6D16id0bb0/edit?ts=5e925b92
Department Chair - Mr. Roensch - kroensch@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Distance Learning Assignments - History - Week of April 13-17, 2020
Weekly Assignments are located here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gH3dHCcNt4X-VpbryUUjQSBejBoOeFoD14AS7hCaiqY/edit?ts=5e8fa855
Department Chair - Mr. Osgood - mosgood@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Distance Learning Assignments - World Language - Week of April 13-17, 2020
Here are your assignments for the week:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12simvJ7fkHZnSxMlKKR8LCRY8yO5O2JcRT3lQXvWJao/edit?ts=5e905fd9
Department Chair - Mr. Kinney - skinney@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Distance Learning Assignments - Fine Arts - Week of April 13-17, 2020
Here are your assignments for the week:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12OYuooEwGA2nGmNOH1scB7DR75n_hBTbzk4N73pDU8k/edit
Department Chair - Mrs. Duggan - dduggan1@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Distance Learning Assignments - Physical Education - Week of April 13-17, 2020
- Please check your Google Classroom and Email for information from Mr. Kingman, Mrs. Morano and Mr. Morocco.
Athletic Director - Mr. Sylvia - rsylvia@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Important Update - April Vacation Week - April 20 - 24, 2020
Please make note of these important changes in the school calendar!
Advanced Placement Exams - Let the preparation begin!
As you know, College Board is launching a considerable amount of tutorials to help with your review for your upcoming AP Exams, which will begin in May. Please be sure to check out this link to a tremendous amount of review videos to help with your preparation.
Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/user/advancedplacement?SFMC_cid=EM298257-&rid=47395444
You got this!
Junior Prom Update - Class of 2021
Please see the letter from your Class Executive Board in regard to the Junior Prom that is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2020
Dear Class of 2021,
First and foremost, we hope that you and your families are all doing well throughout this time of uncertainty. We would like to thank all the students, parents, teachers, and members of our community that have come together and offered endless support of one another. Our Junior Prom was scheduled to be held on May 9, 2020, at the Town Hall. Unfortunately, due to the current circumstances, we will be postponing our Junior Prom until the upcoming fall of 2020. Despite the change in date, we have envisioned our fall Prom to be a unifying event that will kick off the new school year, celebrating our transition from Juniors to Seniors. We will be working hard throughout these next few months to provide everyone with as much new information and support as possible. Ultimately, our board believes that the Class of 2021 has worked extremely hard all year and should be able to celebrate this accomplishment with one another. Please stay safe and stay tuned for more updates to come!
Thank you,
2021 Class Officers
A note of thanks and appreciation to the Class of 2021 Executive Board for their leadership and perseverance during this most unprecedented time. Your resolve to ensure a celebration for the Class of 2021 in the fall is outstanding. Beyond excited to see how this event takes shape. Now more than ever, Juniors....it is time to StaySTRONG
Koplik - Certificate of Mastery - Class of 2020
If you were told last year that you are eligible for the Koplik Certificate of Mastery, the deadline of May 1, 2020 is quickly approaching. If you intend to submit the application (and supporting documents) for this award, please scan everything and email to me by May 1, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. If you cannot scan at home, please take a picture of each document and email the pictures to me instead.
What do I need to scan and send to Mrs. Beirne?
- Koplik application-please complete this one page document (do not worry about fillling in your SASID #).
- MCAS scores from ELA, Math, and Biology (or Physics if you transferred) from Grade 9 or Grade 10.
- AP scores or SAT SUBJECT test scores if required.
- Massasoit transcript or other college attended if required.
- Proof of "Other Accomplishments" per the Koplik criteria.
Please email Mrs. Beirne with any questions Her email: abeirne@middleboro.k12.ma.us
New Scholarship - Attention Class of 2020
Community Service Hours - A Note from Mrs. McGurk
While you are at home the next month or so, I encourage you all, especially seniors who have not completed their 24 service hours, to engage in one of the letter writing opportunities below.
There are a lot of people feeling anxious or bored and isolated and a letter could provide them with much needed contact. You can share some things about your life and current situation, express empathy for their current lack of social interactions, and let them know that people are thinking of them.
Soldiers’ Angels: Write letters to our military members stationed overseas! Contact: Irene Wise at imw2000@comcast.net
Middleborough Council on Aging (COA): Volunteers deliver 160 meals everyday to residents who cannot go out and would love to include letters to lift spirits. You can write letters with large script and email to smcgurk@middleboro.k12.ma.us who will get them to the COA for delivery.
Shaw, Nemasket, & Oak Hill Centers: Write letters to patients in a healthcare center. These vulnerable residents are not allowed to have visitors for as long as the crisis lasts. You can share some things about yourself, your own experiences hunkering down, and let them know that their community remembers them. Send letters to smcgurk@middleboro.k12.ma.us who will get them to the healthcare centers for delivery.
Make Masks for Healthcare Professionals - Watch this video to learn how. Please email Mrs. Tumavicus at mtumavicus@middleboro.k12.ma.us once you complete your masks and she can help you with getting them to medical professionals in need.
Each letter will earn you one hour of Community Service credit. Ms. Wise and I will keep track of the letters and input your hours. If you want to know more about the Community Service requirement follow this link https://www.middleboro.k12.ma.us/domain/1022.
Feel free to email me with any questions! smcgurk@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Thank you for spreading cheer to those in need of it! - Mrs. McGurk
Winter School and Credit Recovery Program
Keep the eye on the prize, Sachems!
WellnessSTRONG - Important Resources for you!
Please consider the following:
Office Hours:
Please reach out to our school adjustment counselors:
Joelle Maczko, jmaczko@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Mary Tumavicus, mtumavicus@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Jason Carroll, jcarroll@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Office hours are being held for 1:1 counseling sessions or general check in’s via online venues and cell phones. If you are experiencing an emergency crisis, please call 911. It is important to our mental health to remain connected to others, to use coping skills to manage the stress and angst we are all experiencing, and to seek support when needed. Please use the support that’s available to you and your classmates. We’re all in this together!
Opportunities for this week:
As we are beginning our 5th week of being out of school, many are struggling with continued anxiety possibly accompanied by sleeplessness and irritability. Please know that this is normal given the extreme situations we are living through right now. The article linked in below explains some ideas for how to manage these symptoms. Perhaps this can be helpful to you or someone you know. Remember to stay connected to one and other and reach out if you need any types of supports. We're all here for you!
Please reach out if you need support or would like to check in with a counselor for any reason. Be well!
Middleborough Nurse's Update - Week of April 13 - 17, 2020
Great information provided by the amazing Nurses of Middleborough Public Schools.
Hello Middleborough Community,
As the nursing staff for the Middleborough Public Schools we are writing to let you all know that we are here to help during these very challenging times. Below we have included some tips and resources for staying safe and healthy during our extended closure. We have also included our contact information in case you might have a question about your child or if we can be of assistance in some way. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to text or call or email.
MECC - Lori Johnson (774) 384-5440 lori_johnson@middleboro.k12.ma.us
MKG - Kelly Santos (774) 384-5435 kellysantos@middleboro.k12.ma.us
HBB - Laurie Perkins (774) 384-5434 lperkins@middleboro.k12.ma.us
NMS - Karen Betram (774) 384-5431 kbertram@middleboro.k12.ma.us
MHS - Jen Garanito (774) 384-5430 jgaranito@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Tips For Staying Healthy…..We ALL Need To Do Our Part!
We all want to be with our friends and family but if we all stick to these important guidelines, we will all be able to get back to "normal" sooner.
Stay home
Maintain social distance - keep at least 6ft away from other people
Wash hands. If soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
Cover our cough/sneeze with a tissue and throw it in the trash. If a tissue is not available, cough/sneeze in your elbow.
Do not gather in crowds. we all want to be with our friends and family, but if we all stick to these important guidelines, we will all be able to get back to "normal" sooner.
If you have to go to work, keep your germs at work and be sure to cover up, wash your hands and change your clothes when you get home.
Think positive - enjoy the time with your family (we aren't stuck at home, we are SAFE at home)
Only refer to trusted resources for information such as http://www.mass.gov/covid19
Take care of your emotional health and help others do the same. Call 2-1-1 and choose the CALL2TALK option if needed and read below for more info on dealing with anxiety.
Tips For Managing Anxiety in Children
Watch for behavior changes in your child
Not all children respond to stress in the same way.
Some common changes to watch for include
Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
Excessive worry or sadness
Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
Difficulty with attention and concentration
Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
Unexplained headaches or body pain
Ways to support your child:
Keep routines in place
Even if you are home all day, setting and sticking to a regular schedule is important. To help reduce stress, kids should get up, eat and go to bed at normal times. Children, especially younger ones or those who are anxious, benefit from predictability.
Be creative about exercise and activities
Try new activities such as doing a puzzle or having family game time in the evening. Try rock painting with positive phrases or turning them into animals. Build in activities that help everyone get some exercise. Take a daily family walk or bike ride or do yoga — great ways to let kids burn off energy and make sure everyone is staying active. Many schools have remote learning at this time and being involved in your child’s learning can help reduce stress in the household.
Managing Anxiety
How we manage our anxiety has a big impact on our kids. For the moments when you feel anxiety, try to talk about it in a place that is not within earshot of the child. Try to take a break, whether that includes taking a shower, meditating or just having a step outside. If you have a partner at home, have an agreement that you’ll trade off when it comes to childcare. Be vocal about what you need and if you need a break. Trading off responsibilities ensures that way everyone gets a break and some breathing room.
Limit consumption of news
Although staying informed is important, it can lead to increased anxiety. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand. Talking to children in a clear, reasonable way about what’s going on is the best way to help them understand. Try a TV or social media break, or follow content that helps take your mind off the crisis, whether its about nature, baking or arts and crafts.
Stay in touch virtually
Socializing will help in regulating you and your child’s mood and help you stay grounded. Using FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, or even phone calls and texting can help people feel less alone. You can try having family members video chat and read a bedtime story to your child or even have a videochat with multiple members at the same time.
Don’t be so hard on yourself
Remember that you are not alone. Be reasonable and kind to yourself. Routine is important but rigidity can be harmful. We can give ourselves license to relax and not try to model perfection. It may be better to let another episode of their favorite show play so you can catch up on bills or have a minute to decompress. Remind yourself and your children that this situation is unique and strict rules and boundaries can be reintroduced when things go back to normal.
Content Sources:
Jacobson, Rae, and Child Mind Institute. “Supporting Kids During the Coronavirus Crisis.” Child Mind Institute, 2020, childmind.org/article/supporting-kids-during-the-covid-19-crisis/.
“Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 Apr. 2020,www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html.
Also, a friendly reminder from our awesome Nurse at MHS...Mrs. Garanito:
DON"T BRING YOUR GERMS HOME FROM WORK!!
When you're done with your shift:
- Dispose of your gloves properly.
- Wash your hands and forearms well with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, paying close attention to underneath your fingernails and rings.
- Dry hands well with a clean paper towel which you can now use to grasp the door handle and open the door. Dispose of properly.
- Wipe your door handles and steering wheel often.
- If you can leave a spare pair of shoes in the car, change out of your work shoes there. If not, leave your work shoes by the door at home.
- Change out of your work clothes and put them right into the wash if you can. If not, designate a place to fold or hang them neatly out of the way.
- Wash your hands again.
- Take a nice warm shower, put on your most comfortable clothes and relax...
You guys are AWESOME!
Work Permits - Middleborough High School Students ONLY!
If you are in need of a work permit, please do the following:
- Email Mrs. Holmgren at mholmgren@middleboro.k12.ma.us AND myself pbranagan@middleboro.k12.ma.us and we will walk you through the process.
- You will need to have the actual job application and the ability to send a copy of the application electronically.
We will do our very best to accommodate your request.
Character Strong - Week of April 13-17, 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)
Family Character Dare
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