Upper Moreland High School
UMHS Newsletter, January 2021 Vol. 4
Second Chance Learning will Replace Midterm Exams
Attendance
On Blended Wednesdays a separate Google Form will continue to be emailed to students. Students must complete this form in order to be counted as present each Wednesday. The form will be sent at 7:30 am and is expected to be completed by each student before 11:59 am. Please refer to the Purple and Gold calendar for more information.
- All Virtual where students learn from home 5 days a week.
- Group A Hybrid where students learn at school on Monday & Tuesday and learn at home Wednesday, Thursday & Friday.
- Group B Hybrid where students learn at school on Thursday & Friday and learn at home Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday.
- * Student assignment to Hybrid A or B is determined based on the number of students in each of the courses.
As we approach the new year and the end of the 2nd Marking Period, many of you may be considering a change from Hybrid to Virtual or a change from Virtual to Hybrid for the beginning of Semester 2. If you are considering a change, please complete one of the forms below for each of your students.
- To switch your student from virtual to hybrid, please complete this FORM. Please note: this request form must be completed by January 11, 2021, and the change will become effective January 25, 2021.
- To switch your student from hybrid to virtual, please complete this FORM. Please note, if you make this change, your student must remain in virtual until Tuesday, April 6.
*You will also have the opportunity to change to hybrid for Marking Period 4,
this request must be made prior to March 15.
If you would like to check your learning location, or have questions please email pmcdermott@umtsd.org, or call UMHS 215-830-1500
- Use the picture below to decide if you should go to the school building each day.
- Bring your mask and an extra.
- Bring earbuds or earphones, they will help especially during intervention and extension periods.
- Bring your charged Chromebook.
- All breakfasts and lunches are free at school this year.
- If you would like to have a school lunch, check out the lunch menu, you will be asked before block 1 what lunch you want if you are buying.
Remember to report any absences
January 4 - Select students will return to UMHS, All other students will return to Virtual Learning.
January 11 & 12 - All special education and Group A Hybrid students will return to the building while all virtual and Group B students learn from home.
January 13 - All Group A, Group B, and All Virtual students will follow the Asynchronous Blended Learning Wednesday schedule.
January 14 & 15 - Group B Hybrid students will return to the building while all virtual and Group A students learn from home.
It is important to note that these days are all full-day scheduled days and that students in school and at home are expected to participate synchronously for classes with their cameras on.
Entering and Exiting the Building
Arrival
- Students who come to school on the bus will continue to be dropped off in the 800 parking lot area. However, students may enter from any door off of the 800 parking lot.
- Students who are dropped off by car in the morning will continue to utilize the Main Entrance to the high school as well as the entrance to the Fine Arts wing. Students should not gather in small groups and remain socially distanced as they enter.
- Students who drive to school that park in A Lot will also use the Main Entrance to the high school as well as the entrance to the Fine Arts wing. Those students who park in D Lot may utilize any door off of the 800 parking lot to enter the building.
Students are reminded that they should have their mask on as they exit either the bus or their car. This is essential!
Dismissal
- Students who come to school on the bus will be dismissed at the end of the day over the loudspeaker one bus at a time. Students will wait in their 4th Block class until their bus is called to dismiss;
- Those that drive or walk to school will be dismissed first and will be done so by hallway or area throughout the building announced over the loudspeaker;
- Students who are being picked up by a parent or guardian will be dismissed after those that drive over the loudspeaker by hallway or area throughout the building.
These measures are in place so that students and staff are safe during this transition time. Students will need to be patient during dismissal and wait appropriately in their classroom until they are dismissed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and ensure that we are able to keep our schools safe and open for students.
Coming to School by Car
Coming to School by Bus
Cameras On
If you are having technical difficulties, please reach out to Family Tech.
When visiting the nurse, lavatory or other group area
In the Classroom
Cafeteria
- Students will sit six feet apart and face the same direction in the cafeteria;
- As students enter the cafeteria they must first find a seat at a desk. Students will then be called by row to obtain their lunch from the lunch line;
- Students are not permitted to walk around the cafeteria and must ask for permission to use the lavatory to limit the number of students in the restroom at one time;
- Students may remove their masks when they are eating only. They must put their masks back on as soon as they are finished;
- An administrator will call each row to dispose of trash toward the end of the lunch period;
- Students will be dismissed by row back to their classrooms.
Masks
A good mask has a double layer of washable, breathable fabric that helps keep the wearer from spreading potentially infected droplets into the air. A bandanna tied around the face does not work as well as a mask because it is open at the bottom. A gaiter (a tube of thin, stretchy knit fabric that can be worn around the neck and pulled up to cover the nose and mouth) is usually too thin to provide adequate protection. Likewise, masks with exhalation valves can allow your droplets to escape into the air. None of these three types of face coverings works as well as a proper face mask.
The Upper Moreland Township School District will not permit bandanas, gaiters, or masks with exhalation valves to be worn by students, staff members or visitors at our schools.
Mask Etiquette
Lavatory
- Classrooms will be assigned the use of the closest lavatory to their location. Students will not be allowed to use any lavatory they wish;
- Only one student will be permitted out of the classroom at a time to use the lavatory;
- Students will be required to sign out of the classroom and indicate the time they are leaving the classroom. Students will then need to also sign back into the classroom and indicate the time of their return for contact tracing purposes if necessary.
- Students who do not follow these instructions are subject to the consequences found in the Student Code of Conduct under Level 1 responses.
It is recommended that high school students practice safe social distancing in all lavatories throughout the building. Students are encouraged to wash their hands appropriately, utilize hand sanitizer where available, and use the restroom only when truly necessary.
Visiting the School Nurse
Hallways
Students will keep their masks covering their mouths and noses when walking in the hallways. Maintaining a social distance of six feet is essential in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for everyone.
Students will move from area to area directly while maintaining social distance. For all of our safety, we will not linger in the hallways. Students should report directly to their scheduled block class or the cafeteria if they are assigned lunch at that time.
Senior Privilege
Please complete the Senior Privilege Request Form if you are a senior with a study hall in your schedule. Senior privilege means students who are eligible do not have to attend their study hall in the UMHS school building.
Eligibility:
1- Students are responsible for following altered schedules (i.e. half-day schedule, early dismissal schedule, bear block schedule, etc.) and should report to school at the correct time. Failure to do so can result in loss of senior privilege.
2- Grades must be maintained at or above a 70% in all courses. Senior privilege can be revoked if grades fall below a 70%, at which time the student will report to study hall in the library.
3- Students are responsible for upholding the Student Code of Conduct. Discipline infractions, unexcused latenesses, or unexcused absences can affect your eligibility for Senior Privilege.
4- Students need a parent/guardian to approve this form by typing their name as an electronic signature.
Senior Awards and Scholarships
The UMHS Senior Awards and Scholarships applications are open Monday, January 4, 2021 through Thursday, February 4, 2021 (11:59PM) on the school counseling webpage. Students are encouraged to review the two-step application process, scholarship criteria and submission deadlines. All students in the Class of 2021 are eligible to apply for these prestigious honors.
Step 1: 500-Word Essay submitted by GoogleForm
Students will need to submit a 500-word essay explaining the student's accomplishments while in High School (Academic, Athletics, the Arts, & Community Service), the student's future plans after graduation, and conclude with why the student believes he/she is deserving of recognition.
Step 2: Individual Scholarship/Award Application submitted by GoogleForm for each scholarship/award.
Students will also need to complete the online link using their school email account to nominate themselves for specific scholarships and awards. All scholarship criteria are described in the attached document below.
The UMHS Scholarship committee will then review the student’s essay (step 1) and scholarship criteria (step 2) to select a recipient for each award. Recipients will be notified in May and invited to participate in the Senior Awards ceremony on June 3, 2021. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Franczkowski directly at sfranczkowski@umtsd.org
Blended Wednesday
Teachers will be available by department at assigned times throughout the day. Students are encouraged to meet with their teachers as needed during these assigned time periods. They can access their teachers through the office hours link.
For up to the minute updates on Upper Moreland athletics, activities, and fine arts, please visit https://www.umtsd.org/domain/628 to view special announcements regarding the sports seasons, clubs, and the contact information for our coaches and instructors.