CB West High School
West Times Newsletter 1-25-2021
NEWS FROM THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
Social and Emotional Wellness Resources
As we continue to face challenges and navigate difficult times, we are including Social and Emotional Wellness Resources that may be helpful to our students, staff and families. Students and adults may display a range of thoughts and emotions when presented with various circumstances. We recommend to continue engaging in conversations with your child. As always, please reach out to your child’s counselor if you have questions or concerns.
Report Cards for first semester will be available on the Student Portal on Wednesday, February 10, 2021.
Program Planning
Program Planning is in full swing, and the Portal is NOW OPEN for students to enter their course requests! It will close on Sunday, February 7th. Counselors will be informing students about the process:
- Junior Counselors will be joining all English classes (via Teams), both this semester and at the very beginning of 2nd semester, to review the course registration process and to answer general questions.
- Sophomore Counselors hosted three workshops during the week of January 11th to explain the process. If your student was unable to join these workshops, they can visit the Class of 2023 Guidance page (scroll down to “Past Presentations”) where the Power Point Presentation and the Video session (about 45 minutes) are both posted for review.
- Junior and Sophomore counselors will be available to students during the months of January, February, and March to review course selections, answer questions, and revise course requests. (While students will not be able to access their portal after February 7th, counselors can make any changes for students).
The process will end by April 2nd, so there is time for students and families to consult with counselors and teachers about the most appropriate courses for next year.
**Students who wish to meet with their counselor to discuss program planning should either email them or use their QR codes to set up an appointment. **
Please refer to the Program Planning webpage for information, links, and resources, including the Program of Studies, Course Registration Instructions, the Course Selection Sheet, and a Block Scheduling Worksheet/Grid to plan out your courses.
Attention Seniors:
- Mid-Year Reports, containing your grades from courses completed in first semester, will automatically be sent to each college to which you have applied. You do not need to submit any forms requesting these to be sent out. Mid-Years will be sent as soon as possible after grades are posted to your transcripts in mid-February.
- Scholarship Info -- Please check Naviance regularly for information about national, regional, and local scholarships. (Once logged into Naviance, click Colleges > Scholarships and Money > Scholarship List.) The list can be sorted by deadline, or you can search for specific criteria which matches your intended major. This list will be updated frequently, with new scholarships added regularly. Please also go to the Scholarship page of the Guidance Website for information about how to use scholarship search services to find more opportunities.
Middle Bucks Institute of Technology (MBIT) is hosting two new virtual experiences for students who may be interested in attending MBIT next year. They can schedule a Live Virtual Tour, to observe programs and see the classroom experience (sign up HERE). Or, they can meet in a virtual meeting space with current students and MBIT teachers for Careers & Conversations (sign up Here). Some upcoming sessions include:
- January 27th at 10:30 am: Science and Health Career Pathway
- February 3rd at 10:30 am: Arts and Communication Career Pathway
- February 10th at 10:30 am: Business, Finance and Information Technology Career Pathway
Please visit www.mbit.org for more information.
The Central Bucks West Tutoring Academy will continue to provide Peer Tutoring on a virtual platform. There are several tutors available for academic help in many core classes. If your student would benefit from a peer tutor, please have them contact their school counselor or Mrs. Bagnick at lbagnick@cbsd.org. We will assign tutors based on availability at the time.
Article #3 January 2021 Finding Your Spark
Wouldn’t it be great if we all knew what our “spark” was as a young child. For some that is the case, but for others, the time spent discovering their spark can be an adventure. As a parent, do you know your spark? When did you discover your spark? Understanding the concept of spark yourself is beneficial in discussing the idea with your child. Typically, 60% of children can identify their spark by the time they are 12 years old. This may or may not be the case for your child(ren). To encourage this discovery, find an opportunity when you and your child can have alone time to talk about it (e.g., driving in the car). Here are some helpful questions to start the conversation from the book Sparks by Peter L Benson, PhD (2008):
- What makes you jump out of bed in the morning?
- What makes you dread getting out of bed in the morning? (Eliminating ideas can be as important as discovery.)
- What day is your favorite day of the week? Why?
- If you could spend the whole day doing something you chose to do, what would that be?
- What makes you really happy?
- Who are your adult role models?
Among the most common sparks reported by children are the creative arts, athletics, and learning. Some children find their sparks in areas that are less common. It may be hard for some children, especially teenagers, to do something that few others do. It is important that we encourage our children to find their own spark and path.
For comments or questions, please contact Ginny Barrett at vbarrett@cbsd.org.
January 28th
Thursday, January 28th was originally scheduled to be a synchronous day. However, it has been changed to be a virtual asynchronous day at the high school for all Hybrid 1, Hybrid 2 and 100% Online Students. This will allow staff and students time to work on make-up/conflicts and other end of course items.
Final Exam Schedule
For the last several weeks we have been actively discussing our approach to final exams. While student learning will always be the focus of our work, we would be remiss if we did not recognize the unique and trying circumstances that this school year has presented, and adapt. The administration has worked with Curriculum Supervisors and teachers to reframe our approach to final exams. We recognize that the hybrid and virtual models have presented unique challenges during the pandemic. Teachers know best what students have learned and what they may be ready to demonstrate mastery of in a cumulative manner. The schedule for final exams is below:
Final exams will be administered during the instructional block within the typical schedule. Depending on the exam date, students may be taking the exam in person as a Hybrid 1 or Hybrid 2 student or virtually if a 100% online student.
- Monday, January 25th: World Languages speaking and AP Computer Science finals
- Tuesday, January 26th: Specials and AP Psychology and AP Comparative Government finals
- Wednesday, January 27th: Math and Science finals
- Thursday, January 28th: Conflicts/Make-Ups - Asynchronous Day
- Friday, January 29th: Review of exams (Early Dismissal)
End of Marking Period
The last day of the second marking period is Friday, January 29th and is an early dismissal day for students.
Back to School Night
Central Bucks High School West will host a virtual Back to School Night on February 18th at 7:00 PM for second semester classes. During this important event, teachers will explain the academic program, answer questions about the curriculum, and discuss what they expect from students. More details to follow.
CBSD Farmers Market at Barclay
CBSD Farmers Market at Barclay will take place on Wednesday, 1/27 from 4-5 PM. Produce, eggs, milk, dairy, bread, and groceries. The market runs every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. All are welcome and if you know of another CB family in need, please share!
Free Breakfast and Lunch
Aramark’s free breakfast and lunch program will continue for the remainder of the school year. Students can pick up food at various locations when in the school building. Curbside pickup will also continue to be available on Mondays and Thursdays from 10:30am-12pm.
Book/Item Distribution and Return
End of Semester
See details for end of semester book and item drop-off/pick up after the dates listed below.
Details of Regular Procedures: We will have a pick-up/drop off for 100% virtual students only on the dates listed below from 2:00pm-4:00pm in the CB West Cafeteria. Students who are participating 100% online will retrieve needed materials as communicated by teachers. Students can also return books or other curricular items by placing it in a labeled bin. Please park in the Junior lot off of MacFarlane Lane and enter the cafeteria. Please wear a mask and keep 6 feet social distancing at all times. Only 1 person per family may come into the building. Please bring a bag or bookbag to carry your items.
Process: Please find your placard, take the items under the placard, and leave the placard on the table at your spot.
Important: Please leave all name labels on any and all items given to you. This will be essential when you return items.
Larger Items: Teachers will communicate with you if you have larger items to pick up. Large items will be labeled with your name and will be in the back of the cafeteria in the large-item section.
Forthcoming Dates: The following are the Thursday dates for pick up and drop off of items mapped out through the remainder of the year (just in case and subject to change).
- 1/26/21 - end of semester - drop off only
- 1/27/21 - end of semester - drop off only
- 1/28/21 - end of semester - drop off only
- 2/4/21
- 2/8/21 - pick up for beginning of semester/marking period
- 2/9/21 - pick up for beginning of semester/marking period
- 2/18/21
- 3/4/21
- 3/18/21
- 4/8/21
- 4/29/21
- 5/13/21
- 5/27/21
- 6/10/21
ITEM DROP-OFF AND PICK UP FOR SEMESTER CHANGE
Item Drop-Off
Hybrid Students:
- Drop off on their hybrid days the week of 1/25 in class.
Virtual Students:
- Drop off in the cafeteria from 2:00pm-4:00pm on 1/26, 1/27, 1/28
- Students place books on the designated subject area tables
Item Pick-Up
Hybrid Students:
- Will get their books and materials on their hybrid days the week of 2/8 in class.
Virtual Students:
- Will come to the cafeteria to get their items from 2:00pm-5:30pm on 2/8, 2/9
Any Other Students
- Any virtual student who misses pick-up will have to schedule separately by emailing Mrs. Johnsen, School Safety Coordinator: ljohnsen@cbsd.org
- Any hybrid student who is not in school to get belongings will have to coordinate with teacher(s), who will leave items in the vestibule by the flagpole entrance. Student has to then come to get them.
CB West Parent Council
We look forward to continuing our partnership with parents through the 2020-2021 Central Bucks West Parent Council. Membership to the council is open to all interested CB West parents.
Meetings will be held virtually for the time being. Meetings begin at 9:00 AM and conclude at 10:30 AM.
Please note: If you are accessing the Teams link on an iPhone or Mac, you will need to download the Teams app first. The web version will not work for Safari. Learn more about Teams
Click here to join the meeting
February 24, 2021
March 24, 2021
April 21, 2021
Nominate a Student for a Boomerang Award!
Sophomores
The State of Pa. requires that all Juniors have a physical on file in the Health Office. As your student goes to the doctor for driver’s permits, working papers, etc., remember to turn in a copy of the physical. Physicals dated the first day of Sophomore year or later will be excepted as a Junior physical. If your child plays sports, this physical will count as well.
Juniors
Photo IDs and Picture Packets
All IDs and photo packets have been handed out to hybrid students, including those that did not have their pictures taken (last year's photo was used). 'Online only' students will need to come to school during one of the item pick-up/drop-off days or make arrangements with the receptionist for an alternate pick up date. 267-893-2500
Questions about a photo packet or ID?
- Call C & C Studios: 215-345-1851
- Email C & C Studios: www.candcphotostudios@verizon.net
Antler Yearbook Information
Don't forget to reserve your child an Antler yearbook for this school year. Due to COVID, we will only be accepting online orders, at www.jostens.com . Don't delay - last year we completely sold out of yearbooks - be sure to reserve your child's high school memories today! Yearbook page on West website
Children’s Health Insurance Program
CHIP is Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program for uninsured children and teens up to age 19.
Click on the link for more information about CHIP.
Good News About CB West Students
Chloe Timburg makes Pole Vault History
Congratulations, Mock Trial Team
The Mock Trial Team has won their first two rounds of the competition against Holy Ghost Prep and Lenape. We are so proud of them!
Team members who competed: Julian Rosenfeld, Emmerson Kettler, Vidya Balaji, Emma Herwig, Julian Kim, Jack Matott, Isabella (Ruby) Scupp, Paree Pasi, Cynthia Hu, Hailey Gatter
About Us
Website: http://www.cbsd.org/Domain/30
Location: 375 West Court Street, Doylestown, PA, United States
Phone: 267.893.2500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbschools
Twitter: @CBWestHS