DHS Community Update
March 11, 2022
The Principal's Perspective: Don't be a Bystander...See something, say something!
Greetings DHS Community Members:
I hope this week's DHS Community Update finds you well. I wanted to provide a brief update from the memo that I sent earlier this week regarding a graffiti issue in one of our rest rooms. While it saddens me that such an incident could take place at DHS, it reminds us that we still have much work to do in our nation and in our community in order to ensure we are always building and maintaining an inclusive environment that is truly safe and supportive for all students.
As I said in the memo, it goes without saying that the Dartmouth Public Schools do not condone nor tolerate hateful, racist behavior. While the incident demonstrates that misguided and hateful beliefs exist, the level of cooperation and condemnation by the student body in response is commendable. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded, "The time is always right to do what is right."
In order to continue to build and maintain the positive, inclusive environment that Dartmouth High School is known for, all members of the community must continue to do what is right. This includes treating all members of the school community with respect, kindness, and compassion. It also means that when we see something, we say something. One of the most powerful tools we have to disrupt inappropriate behavior is to refuse to be a bystander to such behavior. Whether we are witness to behavior that is bullying, racist, or hateful in nature, each of us can say, "that's not right, we don't do that here." Then, report the concerning behavior to an administrator, teacher, counselor or trusted adult for follow up action to be taken.
Sincerely,
Ross A. Thibault
DHS Principal
DHS TV Media proudly presents three new productions this week. The first is the latest episode of DHNN, a weekly news broadcast produced by DHS students. In addition, we have the latest episode of student produced and directed Talk Show Ryanology with DHS TV Media student, Ryan Arruda. Finally, the next installment of Shea Talk with Mr. Shea talking with students about the upcoming variety show, Dartmouth's Finest.
ELA & Math MCAS Retest
The Room Assignments for the MCAS Retest are listed by student ID. Students who are taking the MCAS Retest must report directly to their testing room when they arrive on their testing days. The Retest will begin promptly at 7:30 am. Students must bring their fully charged Chromebook, a snack and drink for the break, and a book to read when they have finished the test.
The March MCAS Retest Schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, March 15, 2022: Math MCAS Retest Session 1
Wednesday, March 16, 2022: Math MCAS Retest Session 2
Future MCAS Dates
In preparation for the March 22 & 23 ELA MCAS administration for sophomores, we are running an infrastructure (dress rehearsal) on March 17th during an extended PASE period from 8:35-9:35 AM.
Students are to report to their testing rooms for PASE with their fully charged chromebooks. This will allow us to ensure that our technology is up and running and can support the MCAS exam as well as provide students with an opportunity to practice taking the computer based MCAS.
Please view the Infrastructure Room Assignments which will be the same rooms that students will be taking the ELA MCAS on March 22 & 23.
If you have any questions, please direct them to Associate Principal Ms. Chavier - rachelchavier@dartmouthschools.org
Please see the MCAS 2022 Schedule for ELA and Math MCAS Administration Dates.
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
Save the date! - MEFA College Admission Webinar on Thursday, March 24th at 12:00 PM. MEFA will review how to build a balanced list of colleges and the different components of the college application, including transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation
United States Merchant Marine Academy - Virtual Information Sessions with an Admissions Officer - Click here to schedule virtual session
Social Worker Updates
Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine website - The Mental Health Resources for Adolescents and Young Adults are online resources aimed specifically at adolescents and young adults. Click to access website resources
Town of Dartmouth Youth Advocate - The Youth Advocate is governed by the Youth Commission board and works directly with the youth and their family who are in need of support around issues that affect them and their family. Click here to access youth advocate information/resources on website
NHS Volleyball Tournament
Tuesday, Mar 15, 2022, 05:00 PM
Carlin Lynch Activity Center at DHS
Dartmouth's Finest
For the first time in 3 years, Dartmouth High School's annual variety show, Dartmouth's Finest will be performed in front of a live audience.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at all lunches beginning Monday, March 14, 2022 for $13 or at the door for $15. We anticipate this event will sell out so students are encouraged to get their tickets early!
Friday, Mar 18, 2022, 06:30 PM
Dartmouth High School
After Prom Parent Committee
All parents wishing to volunteer to work on this year's After Prom Committee are invited to attend this meeting. All are welcome as this is the very first meeting of the year.
Tuesday, Mar 22, 2022, 05:30 PM
DHS LMC
TEDxDHS
The event will be livestreamed and can be viewed using the video link below.
Friday, Apr 8, 2022, 07:30 AM
DHS
- Parents and guardians needing to dismiss their child from school for the day should email dhsdismissals@dartmouthschools.org in order to do so. Parents who email dismissal requests do not need to come into school.
- Anyone requiring technical assistance with their aspen account should email aspenhelp@dartmouthschools.org.