DHS Community Update
April 16, 2021
Full Return, MCAS, AP, End of Year Events & More!
Greetings DHS Community Members:
Now that April vacation is upon us, this is the time of year at a high school that keeps educators up at night. It is a time of year when the weather improves, the end of the school year fast approaches, and end of year events make for long but exciting days. In continuing with the theme since last March, this year, the end of the year will not be our typical end of year, but we still have cause for optimism that brighter days, more normal days, are ahead of us.
We continue to plan for a full in-person return to school. We appreciate parents and guardians taking the time to complete the survey that we sent out to you. Having accurate data in regards to which of the two learning models you intend to select for your child is crucial to allowing us to finalize our plans for a full in-person return to school in May. While the exact date has not yet been finalized I am happy to report that because of the hard work and collaboration of many, DHS will be ready to open our doors to all students for live, in-person instruction five days per week once the date in May is finalized!
Once we return to school in-person five days per week, the hybrid model will no longer be available to students. The two models available will be full in-person or full virtual which will be conducted through Edgenuity as it has been all year. Only students who are required to quarantine or have a medical excuse will be permitted to join classes through Google Meet once this transition takes place.
In the weeks following April vacation, all Grade 10 students will be required to take the ELA and Mathematics MCAS exams. While we understand that many may take issue with the state moving forward with its plan to administer a high stakes, standardized test this year, please understand that we are confident that our students are as prepared as any in the commonwealth to be successful on the exams and we encourage all Grade 10 students to put their best foot forward as members of the Class of 2023 will be required to earn a 455 or higher on the ELA exam and earn a 469 or higher on the Math exam in order to fulfill the state's requirements to earn a high school diploma.
Students in Grade 9 will take the Biology MCAS Exam in the first week of June. All members of the Class of 2024 will be required to earn a 220 or higher on the Biology MCAS exam in order to meet the state's minimum STE requirement for a high school diploma while members of the Class of 2021, 2022, and 2023 must successfully complete a relevant high school course as defined by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Our Advanced Placement Students and Instructors have worked diligently all year despite the transitions and various learning models and are as prepared as any to be successful on the upcoming administration of the Advanced Placement Exams. We encourage all students to take the exam as we're confident that they will be successful. The administration of AP exams will take place from the first week of May through June 11th. Students should speak directly with their AP Teacher if they have questions about the AP Exam administration or can direct them to our AP Coordinator, Associate Principal Rachel Chavier at rachelchavier@dartmouthschools.org.
More exciting than any standardized testing are the many end of year events that we are planning. While we have looked forward to these events for many months, it is critically important that everyone understand events will look different than they have in the past. We will plan events that both comply with the public health and safety guidelines and honor our students. As events approach, we will communicate safety guidelines and restrictions as determined by the current guidance available at the time of the event.
Dartmouth's Finest, our annual variety show featuring many outstanding and talented members of the Class of 2021 officially kicked off the DHS 21 for the Class of 2021 campaign. The show was inclusive, positive and showcased our students' talent. We appreciate the efforts of Ms. Lassey and Mr. Lima to make the show possible and congratulate each of the seniors who competed!
The DHS 21 for 21 campaign continues with our Senior Shout Outs on Social Media. Members of the Class of 2021 were sent a form to complete. Once they've completed the form a personalized shout out is created for them and shared through the DHS Instagram, Twitter as well as through the DPS Facebook page. Recognizing that not everyone is on social media, we've also included the shout outs below. We will continue to share Senior Shout Outs through graduation day. We are proud of our seniors!
Finally, I hope everyone has a restful, relaxing April vacation.
Sincerely and With Gratitude,
Ross Thibault
Principal
DHS 21 for 21: Senior Shout Outs
Below you can find Senior Shout Outs that have been posted to various school social media accounts including the Dartmouth High School Instagram account (@Dartmouthhs02748), Dartmouth High School's Twitter account (@DartmouthHS) and the Facebook Page for Dartmouth Public Schools. Additionally, the shout outs will be included in the weekly news shows produced by the Dartmouth TVMedia program.
Several shout outs will be shared each day between now and graduation. All seniors are encouraged to complete the form that was sent to them by Mr. Thibault earlier this week in order to ensure their personalized shout out is posted. Whether your future plans include continuing your education, entering directly into the workforce or enlisting in the armed services, we look forward to celebrating you!
Ticket Sales for A Night Under the Stars
We are pleased to announce that ticket sales for A Night Under the Stars, DHS Celebration 2021, will begin on Monday, April 26th during PASE and after school. Please understand that, due to the pandemic and COVID regulations, ticket sales will look a little different this year. Tickets will be purchased in person, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Tickets are $50 per person.
Information to consider before your appointment:
All class dues must be paid prior to purchasing a ticket for Under the Stars. If you need to pay dues, we can collect your dues at this time. You will NOT be able to reserve a seat at the event, or purchase a ticket, unless you are prepared to pay your dues. If you have questions about what you owe prior to booking an appointment, please email Ms. Brittingham (jessicabrittingham@dartmouthschools.org)
You will be asked to select a ballroom/seat assignment when you purchase your ticket. Due to COVID regulations, there will only be six seats available per table, with a maximum of 100 seats available per room. Students will not be allowed to to purchase multiple seats or reserve tables for other students.
You will have a 5 minute time limit for your appointment, so you should have an idea of who you want to sit with prior to arrival.
You will not be allowed to change ballrooms at any time after your reservation is confirmed.
You will not be allowed to change ballrooms at the event.
Seat/ballroom selection is first come, first served; therefore, you should plan to purchase tickets as early as possible to ensure you are seated with your friends.
Tickets will NOT be sold the week of the event. The last day to purchase tickets if Friday, May 7th, during PASE only. Tickets will NOT be available after school on Friday, May 7th.
Any student experiencing financial hardship who wishes to attend should make an appointment with Ms. Chavier to discuss options available to ensure no student misses out.
To book an appointment to purchase tickets, follow the following link(s):
Class of 2021 Video Yearbook
We are currently working on the Class of 2021 Video Yearbook and are looking for memories from our seniors from their 4 years here at Dartmouth High School.
Please drop any photos or video moments that you would like included into the attached Google drive folder. Please make sure these memories were taken here at Dartmouth High School over the past 4 years.
Thank You,
Video Yearbook Crew
From the Desk of the Associate Principal
MCAS
ELA and Math MCAS will be administered to all sophomores. The window for the testing runs from May 3 - May 17. More details regarding the testing schedule will follow as we plan for a full return to school.
The Commissioner of Education is currently recommending to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Educations that the competency determination (CD) requirement be modified in English Language Arts and mathematics for students in the class of 2022 who have not yet earned their CD, in recognition of the missed testing opportunities for that class. As a result, the upcoming MCAS administration window scheduled to open on May 3 will no longer be required for current 11th graders. Seniors may still participate in the tests this spring to qualify for the Adams Scholarship and Koplik Certificate of Mastery. Juniors who do not participate this spring will be able to test for scholarship purposes during the retest period in the fall of 2021. If a junior would like to take the exam this spring for scholarship purposes, please contact rachelchavier@dartmouthschools.org by April 27th.
MCAS ELA and Math Infrastructure (dress rehearsal) Test
On Wednesday, April 28 (Cohort B) and Thursday, April 29 (Cohort A), we will be holding an infrastructure test during PASE. Please report to your testing room with your fully charged Chromebook. PASE period will be extended in order to accommodate the “dress rehearsal”, and will run from 8:30 - 9:30 am.
AP Exams
The Paper and Pencil Advanced Placement Exams are scheduled to take place from May 3 - May 17. Room assignments for exams will be shared with students who registered for the Paper & Pencil exams following April Break.
The 2021 AP Exam app will be pushed out to all AP students’ Chromebooks over vacation. Please open the APP from your desktop, double click the shortcut (the Acorn icon) to open the app. Confirm when you see a message asking if you’re sure you want to open the app and click OPEN. Log in when the app opens, log in with your College Board username and password. On April 16, practice sample questions will be available for students to practice and prepare for the digital exams which are scheduled to begin during Administration 2 May 18-May 28.
Students who selected a digital exam either during Administration 2 (May 18-May 28) or Administration 3 (June 1-June 11) will be invited to a PASE period with Ms. Chavier to review the steps needed to prepare and set up for the digital exams.
School Counseling & Support Services Department Updates
School Counseling Updates
Class of 2021 Updates
Let us know your post-secondary plans (college, workforce, military, GAP year, etc.) by filling out the Class of 2021 Post-Secondary Plans! We want to highlight your successes!
Scholarship Information for Seniors
All Scholarships are listed in Naviance. Login to Naviance once a week to see if there are any new scholarships. Click on colleges on the top right hand side; then click on scholarships and money link. Choose the second option scholarship list
Class of 2022 Updates
Class of 2022 if you have not had your junior meeting with your school counselor, please schedule one with them as soon as possible. It is a time to talk with your guidance counselor to talk about what your plans are after high school: Sign up to meet with your counselor during PASE or sign up for an appointment on your remote days with your counselor.
PSAT Scores have been released!
Grade 11 students who took the PSAT/NMSQT on January 26th your scores have been released by the College Board as of March 8th and you should have received an email from the College Board. Log in to the student score portal by clicking this link. Understanding your PSAT Score Report click to watch YouTube video. Also, all students should link their College Board accounts to Khan Academy for free help on how to improve their scores click to watch YouTube video on how to link.
UMass Lowell Junior Preview Day - Saturday, April 24th at 10:00AM For more information and to register. Here’s a preview of what they’ll be able to do:
Participate in live chats with faculty and current students
Discover our programs of study
Chat with admissions representatives and get tips about preparing their application
Learn more about financial aid options
Information for all grade levels
College Fairs
BigFuture Days College Fair - College Board is hosting their first-ever series of virtual college fairs called BigFuture™ Days. Sophomores and juniors are encouraged to sign up for a chance to connect directly with college admissions representatives and current college students. You'll have a chance to explore colleges in a way that's not overwhelming, ask questions about topics you want to learn about, and take action on key college planning steps. To register for the event sign up at cb.org/bigfuturedays.
BigFuture Day Midwest is on Sunday, April 18
BigFuture Day Southeast is on Thursday, April 29
NACAC - The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), founded in 1937, is an organization of nearly 14,000 professionals from around the world dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing postsecondary education. This year, the college fairs are online events. Click on the link for more information, and to register for the fair!
NEACA - New England Association for College Admission Counseling invites you to visit our virtual Spring College Fair. Admission Representatives from more than 180 Institutions will be available LIVE during the following dates and times: Wednesday, April 14th from 7-8:30 pm EST and/or Sunday, May 16th from 1-3:00 pm EST. Registration for the College Fair is required, but it is FREE! To register, please visit: https://neacac.swoogo.com/NEACACVirtual_Spring.
Should you have any questions along the way, please contact NEACAC at admin@neacac.org.
Dual Enrollment Information
Bristol Community College and UMass Dartmouth dual enrollment information for the Fall Semester has been emailed to students in current grades 10 and 11. Dual Enrollment classes that are selected should be held after 2:03PM due to our rotating schedule. Students will turn in their dual enrollment applications to their guidance counselor.
Local Webinars
Interviewing 101 - May 31st 4:00PM-5:30PM
Learn the dos and don'ts of the college interview. During this virtual session, you will hear best practices, learn how to prepare for your interview, and have a practice interview with a member of the admission team. Click link to register
Building Your Resume & Writing Your College Essay - April 15th 9:00AM-10:30AM
Join Assumption Admissions for an informative discussion on building your resume and writing your essay. During the virtual workshop, you will learn more about marketing your achievements, choosing the right essay topic for you, and preparing an application that stands out. Click link to register
Starting Your College Search - April 13th 9:00AM-10:30AM
Join Assumption Admissions for a virtual presentation on starting your college search, researching schools virtually, and discussing how to begin narrowing your list. You'll then ask questions to our panel of current Greyhounds during a live Q&A. Click link to register
MEFA Webinars - all webinars are free!
After the College Acceptance - This webinar provides valuable guidance for high school seniors who have received their college acceptance letters and financial aid offers and are trying to make the college decision. Topics include an overview of different types of financial aid, an explanation of how to calculate the balance due at each college, and methods for paying the college bill. Click on link to view webinar dates.
The Power of the U.Plan Prepaid Tuition Program - Learn the unique money-saving benefits of the U.Plan Prepaid Tuition Program, how your savings will grow even if your child attends college out of state, and the easy steps to enrollment. Click on link to view webinar dates.
Use MEFA Pathway's College Cost Calculator to Help Make an Informed Decision - Learn how students can use the College Cost Calculator in MEFA Pathway, MEFA's free college and career planning portal, to determine their personal cost at each college and university based on their financial aid received and other resources, which can help them make their college decision. Click on link to view webinar dates.
Using the College Cost Calculator - Learn how to use MEFA's College Cost Calculator when you receive financial aid offers to compare the aid you receive and determine your estimated college costs and balance due at each prospective college. Click on link to view webinar dates.
Attainable: The Massachusetts ABLE Savings Plan - In this webinar we will discuss the basics of an ABLE account as well as share some of the tax advantages that these accounts provide. Click on link to view webinar dates.
5 Ways High School Juniors Can Strengthen Their College Admissions Application - This interactive webinar for families of high school juniors with guest speaker Andrew Carter, Senior Associate Director of Admissions from College of the Holy Cross, will give tips on how students can put forward their best college admissions application. Click on link to view webinar dates.
Comparing College Loan Options - There's a lot to consider when borrowing a loan to pay for college. This webinar will help you differentiate among college loan options and better understand the true cost of borrowing. Click on link to view webinar dates.
SAT and ACT test registration deadlines
The SAT and ACT test registration dates and deadlines are listed in the community update to remind students of upcoming deadlines.
SAT test on June 5th - registration deadline is May 6th
ACT test on June 12th - registration deadline is May 7th
SAT Test Prep
Lentz & Lentz will be holding live virtual programs through Zoom for SAT Prep. Course will run on Saturday Mornings from 9:00AM-12:30PM starting on April 10th. A second course will be offered on Monday and Tuesday nights from 6:00-7:30PM starting on April 12th. To register and for more information call (845) 638-2826 or visit Lentzsatprep.com
Scholarship Resources
This website resource is made for high school students to access many scholarship opportunities/extracurricular competitions before entering college. The link is here to look for scholarships or competitions: https://www.scholarships4highschool.org/
School Social Workers Update
Highland Street's Spring Week - will be offering 20 free events, and 10 story walks throughout Massachusetts (Most events require pre-registration). Click on this link to find out more information!
Scheduling a time to meet with one of the school social workers
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.
Free food boxes/meal resources
Massachusetts Military Support Foundation continues to sponsor The Farmer's to Families Food Boxes program. Each food box contains 32 pounds of perishable and nonperishable food items including fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products and meat products. The program will run every Saturday, until April 10th (excluding March 27th). Families must register for the New Bedford site at https://mmsfi.org/farmers-to-families/. Families interested in learning some new recipes containing the food items included in the mealbox, please go to https://mmsfi4vets.info/recipes/ for a free recipe book!
Free Meals for kids 18 and under at the New Bedford YMCA! The New Bedford YMCA is offering free fresh meal boxes (breakfast and lunch) on Wednesday (3 days of meals) and Saturdays (4 days of meals). No paperwork or pre-registration is necessary and the child/children do not need to be present for pick-up. Meals can be picked up at New Bedford YMCA Parking Lot 25 S. Water Street New Bedford, MA 02740.
Wednesdays - 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.*** (or until meals run out)
Saturdays - 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.*** (or until meals run out)
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 the Food Bank.
Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) for the 2020-2021 School Year (Additional Food Funds for Students during COVID-19. You will get P-EBT if you qualify for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program AND are in a hybrid or fully remote learning. Get P-EBT help at Click here or call DTA Assistance Line 1-877-382-2363 (Press 6). For a replacement card: Click here
Updates from the DHS Virtual Learning Academy
Q3 Grades: Quarter 3 grades closed for VLA students on Monday morning (April 12th). As with previous quarters, students received “Actual” grade as reported by the Edgenuity Learning Platform.
Remain Vigilant: VLA students need to remain vigilant in their studies; engage in their work 30 hours per week (6 hours per day). This time commitment is necessary to finish assigned coursework, earn strong grades and complete the credits required for a successful academic year. Students with low “Actual Grades” relative to their “Overall Grades” in Edgenuity are not putting enough time into their studies.
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.
Class of 2023 and Class of 2024 Virtual 5k Fun Run!
Dust off those sneakers because the Classes of 2023 and 2024 we will be hosting a Virtual 5k Fun Run!
What is a Virtual 5k? It is simply a race that can be run (or walked) from any location you choose. You can run, jog, or walk on the road, on the trail, on the treadmill, at the gym, or on the track. You get to run your own race, at your own pace, and time it yourself. You can run alone or socially-distanced with a friend.
You have 2 weeks to complete the race. The race start date is May 1 and it ends on May 16.
You can learn more about the race, registration, how to print out your bib, and even post your finish time and a selfie on our race website. You may also scan the QR code attached to the flyer to access the site.
The first 50 DHS student and staff registrants will receive a DHS FUN RUN water bottle! Also, the three most “creative finish” selfies will be awarded a prize!
Please consider participating or making a donation to the classes. Also, feel free to share this information with family and friends via social media.
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.
Upcoming DHS Events
April Vacation
Friday, Apr 16, 2021, 02:15 PM
Dartmouth High School
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