THE NAVIGATOR
School Edition, October 18, 2019
Monthly Newsletter
Important Upcoming Events Mentioned in this Newsletter
October 22: (9:30AM - 11:00AM) SEPAC Presentation at the Joseph Osgood School, “A Spotlight on Early Education”
October 23 RESCHEDULED: (6:00PM - 7:00PM) Superintendent's Coffee to Discuss Change in School Start and Ending Times for 2020-2021 (Middle and High School Learning Commons
October 23 & October 24: Osgood and Deer Hill Parent /Guardian -Teacher Conferences (by appointment)
October 25: (8:00AM - 11:00AM) Credit for Life Fair in the Middle and High School Gymnasium (students only)
October 25: Trunk or Treat! Joseph Osgood School...more information forthcoming through PSO
October 26: (10:00AM - 11:30AM) METCO Host Family Information Session in the Joseph Osgood Library
By the End of October: Individual MCAS Reports for Students Mailed Home (exact date will be announced)
November 8 -11 Veterans Day Weekend: No Homework Weekend
Osgood and Deer Hill Fun Run
The video below is not in fast motion...these kids are just plain fast!
Cohasset Safe Schools Night
This presentation include a review of A.L.I.C.E. procedures by the Cohasset Police and a presentation of our Youth Risk Behavior Survey and "Hidden in Plain Sight," an educational experience that walked participants through a typical teenage bedroom. The inside of the bedroom is set up with drug paraphernalia “Hidden in Plain Sight.” This is interactive display/program offers adults insights into current trends in youth substance use, drug paraphernalia, concealment of illicit drugs & alcohol.
I have attached the presentation below for your review. Thank you to the over 30 parents / guardians, staff members, leaders and students who form the Cohasset Safe Schools Team.
SEL STEERING TEAM & LONG RANGE PLAN
Here is a draft of our Long Range Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Plan, which highlights where we have come from in the last two years and what we are hoping to accomplish this year for SEL throughout the District. The impact of this initiative is palpable in our classrooms and stands as a tribute to your work to care for the social and emotional needs of our students. Also, at the top of this plan is our District created SEL Definition and Vision. Great work, SEL Steering Team. The SEL Steering Team has teacher and educator representation from all of our buildings.
Superintendent's Coffee to Discuss School Start Times for 2020 - 2021: October 23 RESCHEDULED from 6:00PM - 7:00PM in the Learning Commons of the Middle and High School
Osgood and Deer Hill Parent / Guardian - Teacher Conferences...October 23 and October 24 by appointment
Credit for Life Fair at CHS!
CREDIT FOR LIFE FINANCIAL EDUCATION FAIR: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 FROM 8:00AM -11AM IN THE COHASSET MIDDLE SCHOOL & COHASSET HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM
“Credit for Life is a financial education fair that is a fun, interactive simulation of saving, spending, and budgeting based on career choices and lifestyle decisions. Student participants choose an occupation and make a variety of financial decisions, ranging from where to live and how to save for retirement to buying a television or owning a pet. This event will engage students in the various levels of financial decision making that they will face in their mid-20s. Students will experience the task of managing a budget while maintaining a balance between future needs and wants. The broader goal of all fairs is to help empower students to be proactive about their financial futures by beginning to develop solid personal finance habits. We need many volunteers to make this day a success! Volunteers for the booths are only needed 9-11am but are encouraged to join for the welcoming message and speaker at 8.
Ask how you can get involved by
contacting Nicole Wilson at nwilson@cohassetk12.org or Mary Corwin at maryjcorwin@gmail.com
TRUNK OR TREAT! JOSEPH OSGOOD SCHOOL: OCTOBER 25. MORE INFORMATION FORTHCOMING BY PSO
Homework Free Weekend Coming for Veterans Day Weekend
This year, in conjunction with Veterans Day, we are implementing a “homework free” weekend for students as a school district. We recognize that the social-emotional wellness of our students and staff is paramount, so in part, this is a small gesture to allow students time to enjoy a stress free weekend.
In addition, this time away from homework should allow our students and staff, and their families, to focus on the importance of recognizing Veterans Day. In lieu of homework, it is our hope that members of our school community will find the time to thank Veterans for their service to our country and to be involved in the town ceremonies regarding Veterans Day.
Process for Snow Days and Cancellations
It was a wild week with the cancellation and postponements. Thank you, All for your persevearance during this difficult weather week. Your enthusiasm for the students and understanding for their situations was inspiring.
Here are some reminders about what goes into school cancellation decisions
Like weather forecasting, the school closing decision process is not a perfect science. However, I believe it is important for students and parents to understand how it works. I hope this FAQ document answers your questions.
Who makes the decision about whether or not to close school?
As Superintendent, I am responsible for the final decision. I work with District staff to monitor state and local weather forecasts and consult with officials from the Department of Public Works, Cohasset Police, and the town manager who provide updates to me on snow removal operations, neighborhood road conditions, and any power outages.
What time do I make the call?
My goal is to make the decision to open, close, or delay by 5:45 A.M. or earlier if possible. I try not to wait any longer as families then have little time to make arrangements for childcare, and some of our staff may have already left for work. Also, while I know there is often an interest in having a decision the night before, a lot can change overnight. I will try my best to make a decision as early as possible.
What information is gathered to aid in the decision?
There are multiple factors used in deciding whether or not to close school. Information on road conditions, snow accumulation predictions, building conditions such as electricity and heat, parking lot conditions, air temperature and wind chill, and estimated times from the Department
of Public Works as to when roads, walkways, and parking lots will be cleared of snow and ice are all considered. I also consider the number of children who walk to school and student drivers.
What is a delayed opening?
Rather than close school for a whole day due to short-term weather situations, there may be days when the beginning of school will be delayed one hour, ninety minutes, or two hours. School will simply start later by the length of the delay. Bus pickup, therefore, will also occur later. For example, if your child is normally picked up at 6:55 A.M., during a two-hour delayed opening, your child will be picked up at 8:55 A. M. Lunch will still be available, and dismissal will be at the regularly scheduled times.
What happens to Pre School and Half Day Kindergarten during a delayed opening?
When a delayed opening is called, the Pre School and Half Day Kindergarten classes are cancelled.
What are parents’ / guardians' responsibilities?
The safety of your child is paramount. On days when weather conditions are questionable, but school remains open, parents are free to exercise discretion and keep children home from school. Parents of young drivers are asked to reinforce winter weather driving skills: allowing
extra travel time, reducing speed, and not worrying about being late.
How are days made up?
As per State regulations, students must attend school for a minimum of 180 days and the school year must end by June 30. If school is closed due to weather, the day will be made up at the end of the school year.
How do power outages affect the decision?
Inclement weather can affect the timeline for utility companies to restore electricity. If all school buildings have electricity, the goal will be to open school. Other factors also influence the decision, including whether a large number of neighborhoods are without power.
How is the public notified?
Announcements about school closings and delays are posted as outlined below. Please be advised that, depending upon the severity of the storm, school and district administration offices may also be closed in addition to cancelling classes for students.
· District website (www.cohassetk12.org)
· Twitter @SuperCohasset (I will usually tweet the cancellation first…so follow me If you want the early scoop)
· Black Board Connect Automated Telephone Notification Service (if operational)
· WBZ TV and Radio (Channel 4)
· WATD 95.9
· WHDH Channel 7 and 56
· WCVB Fox 25 and Channel 5
I will try to send periodic updates via Black Board Connect messages whenever possible should the storm extend for any period of time beyond the day or should the storm result in continued questionable community conditions.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Compass: Assistant Superintendent Leslie Scollins, Ed.D.
Evaluation Timeline Reminders
Here are the important dates related to the Evaluation Process.
November 1: Evaluator completes Educator Plans
November 15: Evaluator should complete first observation of each Educator (Non-PTS). Educators with PTS on a Two-Year Plan - Evaluator completes unannounced observation(s) any time during the 2-year evaluation cycle.
We will continue to work together to review the evaluation process to deepen our conversations about teaching and learning. Thank you for all your hard work to ensure that our students get the best education.
Data Teams
This week the weather caused a bit of chaos everywhere! Due to the day off yesterday, the MCAS Data Analysis day was cancelled at Deer Hill. We are in the process of rescheduling that day as well as scheduling MCAS Analysis days at the middle school and high school. As I wrote before, MCAS is just one way we assess student growth, but a valuable resource for the district, as a whole, to look at ways to improve teaching and learning. Amazing teaching and learning is already happening in this district. This is an opportunity to look for trends and patterns which can be used to enhance our practices.
From the Office of Mary Buchanan, Director of Student Services
Office of Student Services
Events and
Please visit our October 22nd SEPAC Presentation at the Joseph Osgood School, “A Spotlight on Early Education” from 9:30am -11:00am. Experts from the Joseph Osgood School will participate in a panel discussion with parents about important topics such as; Developmental Milestones, Academic Expectations, Social Skills Development, Sensory Regulation, Attention and Behavioral Expectations. The panel will also review some Calming Strategies, Gross and Fine Motor Skill Strategies, Communication Strategies and Sensory Regulation Strategies. Get some useful tips on routines or how to ask about your child’s day.
New Individualized Education Program (IEP): Cohasset has moved to Aspen for their Special Education Platform. The IEPs have a slightly different format to them. If you have questions about new IEPs that are being sent home after Team Meetings, please reach out to The Office of Student Services at 781-383-6104 with any questions.
METCO UPDATE
There is a meeting upcoming for any Deer Hill or Osgood families who would like to be Host Families on October 26 in the Osgood Cafeteria.
We are excited for Cohasset's 250th Celebration. Stay tuned in the coming months for updates regarding how Cohasset Public Schools is taking a part in this important celebration!
Trivia
Congratulations to Shawn Turner (High School Social Studies), last week's winner of the Navigator Trivia.
Name three songs and the artists that popularized those songs that use a word describing weather in a song title.
The first one to reply with the correct answer will get a free lunch.
Thank you to our amazing bus drivers for their work today and every day.
THANKS FOR A GREAT WEEK...CERTAINLY A WILD ONE. HAVE A NICE WEEKEND! Superintendent Patrick E. Sullivan, Ed.D.
Please follow me on Twitter for daily updates from the Cohasset Public Schools
Email: psullivan@cohassetk12.org
Website: https://www.cohassetk12.org/
Phone: 781 383 6111
Twitter: @SuperCohasset