DHS Community Update
October 1, 2021
The Principal's Perspective: The Importance of Effective Effort
Greetings DHS Community Members:
As we continue to partner in support of the success of all students, it is important to consider what factors are predictive of and contribute to student success. As an educator, one of my core beliefs is that student success is largely determined NOT by innate ability but by consistently applying effective effort. The habit of applying effective effort on a consistent basis is often the difference between succeeding or failing on any given task, including learning.
As the year continues to move forward and academic demands and assignments ramp up, please help us in reinforcing the importance of giving effective effort on a daily basis. Effective effort as a concept was developed by Jeff Howard who emphasized the following:
- Time: Understanding that doing a job well requires an appropriate amount of time be spent on the particular task. Often times things done quickly aren't done well.
- Focus: Reducing distractions (i.e. television, checking social media, texting, etc.) while completing academic tasks. Contrary to popular belief "multi-tasking" is not a thing as our brains are truly only able to focus deeply on one task at a time.
- Strategies: If one approach isn't working trying alternative approaches can often lead to success. Sometimes, you may even need to try multiple alternatives until you find an approach that results in success.
- Resourcefulness: When you have tried multiple strategies and you are still stuck, soliciting assistance or help from an appropriate person is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of perseverance and commitment to being successful. Successful people do not just give up!
- Use of Feedback: Using responses and information from teachers to improve your work. In other words, the grade isn't nearly as important as the descriptive feedback provided by your teacher.
- Commitment: Being determined to complete all assignments and to taking pride in every assignment that you turn in.
If you're unsure about the importance of effective effort, just look around this weekend and you'll see it on full display right here in the Dartmouth community. In fact, when I think about effective effort, I often think about our student-athletes, our student-musicians, our Theatre Company, our Robotics Team--the list could go on and on. You'll notice, each of these programs or teams are very different and each successful--why? The success of each of these programs is a direct result of the effective effort given by the teachers, coaches, and students in each of the programs.
I hope everyone has an excellent weekend!
Sincerely,
Ross A. Thibault
Principal
DHS TV Media Presents
In each DHS Community Update we will bring you the latest material produced by DHS students in the DHS TV Media Production Program. This week we continue with a series being produced that introduces the newest members of the DHS Faculty and Staff to our community. This week, DHS TV Media is excited to introduce DHS Wellness Teacher Ms. Nicole Simas and DHS World Language Teacher Mr. Nathan Carvahlo.
Marine Science Specimen Collection
Scenes from DHS Classrooms
Mrs. Cohen's Anatomy Hall of Humans
We ask that students, parents and guardians remain vigilant and communicative with our school nurses. Specifically, please remember:
- Everyone at Dartmouth High School must wear a mask while inside Dartmouth High School. Masks should be three-ply and fit snuggly over the mouth and nose. Gaiters, bandannas and masks with side vents are not permitted. Please note that this mandate was extended by the Commissioner of Education to at least November.
- Everyone is encouraged to maintain excellent hand hygiene. Hand sanitizing stations are located throughout the building including in common areas and classrooms and students and staff are encouraged to wash their hands frequently throughout the day.
- If a student is not feeling well please do not send them to school. If you have a question about whether or not to send your child to school please reach out to one of our nurses first!
Complete the Test & Stay Consent Form!
Dartmouth High School is set to begin our Test and Stay program; however, we need your help.
As Dr. Gifford explained in a previous Superintendent's Update, "Test and Stay allows students who have had close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 while at school to stay in school if the student is not showing symptoms. Instead of needing to quarantine and miss school, these students will take a daily rapid test while they remain in school as long as they are not symptomatic. Students participate in test and stay for seven days after they may have been exposed."
In order for students to participate in this program and avoid having to quarantine while being non-symptomatic, we must have consent to test through the CIC Health COVID-19 Testing program. Please be aware that the test will be conducted by a Dartmouth Public Schools Nurse who has been trained to administer the test and would be conducted on site at Dartmouth High School prior to the start of school.
In order to reduce the loss of school time, we ask that all parents interested in this option complete the consent form using the link below. Please note, students for whom we do not have consent can not be tested through this program.
Teen Artist Internship Program
The New Bedford Art Museum/Art Works! recently announced that they are accepting applications for the 18th annual free Teen Artist Internship Program. The goal of the program is to inspire and educate high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a career in the visual arts. Students accepted into the program are mentored by local artists and have the opportunity to have their own artwork displayed at the NBAM for an exhibition.
Those students who are interested in applying may find an application by clicking the button below.
AP Update
We are excited to prepare our students for the AP exams which will be paper and pencil this spring. It is the expectation of all Dartmouth High School students enrolled in an AP course that they take the corresponding AP exam in the spring.
It is important to note that the College Board is not waiving cancelation fees this school year. Therefore, if an exam is not taken or cancelled, a $40 cancellation fee will be charged.
Please visit the Town of Dartmouth website to make payment by the following due dates. If you have any questions or concerns, please email rachelchavier@dartmouthschools.org.
Deadline dates: $40.00 deposit (non refundable) per exam must be made by November 5, 2021. If you receive Free/Reduced lunch a $10.00 deposit per exam must be made. Balance is due by February 18, 2022. You may pay in full by November 5th if you choose. Students who may be experiencing financial hardship should speak directly with DHS AP Coordinator Rachel Chavier as we do not want financial challenges to be the reason a student does not take an AP exam. Ms. Chavier can be reached at rachelchavier@dartmouthschools.org or by phone at 508-961-2700 ext. 7410.
PSAT/NMSQT
PSATs will be administered to sophomores and juniors on October 13th. Students will report directly to their testing rooms upon arrival. Students may bring a drink and a light snack for the break. Testing starts at 7:30 AM and ends at 11:35 AM. All sophomores and juniors received a PSAT Study Guide curing our last advisory which includes a practice test If your student did not receive a study guide, please have them stop by Ms. Chavier’s office for one.
This Weekend: Free PSAT Prep Offered by Kaplan
With the PSAT only two weeks away, we’d like to remind students of the upcoming Free PSAT Prep Live sessions that Kaplan is running this weekend.
This completely free online experience will bring students live, interactive lessons with a team of expert PSAT teachers. In each two-hour session they’ll cover key topics on the exam, go over practice problems, and gain confidence for test day. The first test session is designed to focus on major strategies to tackle each of the sections on the PSAT, and the second session to emphasize practice.
MCAS Retest
We will be administering the MCAS Retest in November. The dates are as follows:
Math Retest - November 9 & 10
ELA Retest - November 16 & 17
Students who did not pass MCAS ELA and/or Math last year, will be required to take the test. They will receive notification beforehand.
MCAS Sign-Ups For Seniors, Class of 2022
Students in the class of 2022, our current seniors, are waived from taking the exam if they have passed the requisite courses. However, if a senior, currently in the Class of 2022, would like to take the Math & ELA MCAS to be eligible for scholarships or the Seal of Biliteracy, please sign up.
SAT Prep
Join Mrs. Church in B26 during PASE on Tuesdays starting on October 5 to start reviewing for the Spring SATs. We will work on targeted skills weekly to strengthen your understanding and increase your scores. Come as often as you'd like. Drop ins are welcome.
Fill out this form by Monday each week to be scheduled in Enriching Students.
School Counseling & Support Services Department Updates!
School Counseling Updates
ASVAB - December 10th at Dartmouth High School
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a well-respected aptitude test developed by the Department of Defense. The ASVAB measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success. The four categories tested are verbal, math, technical and spatial and science. Students should see their guidance counselor to sign up for the ASVAB.
MEFA’s Webinar on College Financing - Need to learn about financial aid? The trusted experts at MEFA are hosting FREE college financing webinars once per week beginning Tuesday, Sept 21st through Thursday, Nov 18th. Webinars will occur during both daytime and evening hours, and feature industry experts, both from within MEFA and from colleges and organizations across Massachusetts. Spanish and Chinese options are available. Register for a webinar at mefa.org/events.
Future Friday for October 8th - Building your resume
Students A-Ma should sign up in Pase under Mr. Jeghers
Students Mb-Z should sign up in Pase under Mr. Wright
New England Tech open house - Saturday, OCtober 16th 10am-1pm
Event Highlights:
Find out how we create a learning environment centered around YOU through our faculty, advisors, coaching, and tutoring, all supporting you in achieving your dream career.
Visualize where you will learn hands-on from industry experts in small class sizes by visiting your academic program of interest through faculty-led demonstrations & tours of our real-world simulation labs.
Explore our campuses to see what your typical day will be as a student at NEIT, from activities and clubs, sports and esports, and many other student-centered spaces designed for collaboration or quiet time.
Register Now to attend the Fall Open House!
School Social Worker Updates
From Dream Out Loud: We are still currently recruiting for our FREE Fall Creative Careers Program for middle and high school youth who are interested in songwriting, digital music production, creative writing, illustration, graphic design and participating in jam sessions with other musicians.
Classes start on October 5, 2021 and will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:00pm - 5:00pm, and 6:00pm - 8:00pm through December 2nd.
Space is extremely limited. The application deadline is Saturday, October 2nd by 4pm.
Adherence to all COVID 19 regulations and social distancing guidelines will be mandatory to be eligible for enrollment.
You can mail completed applications to Dream Out Loud, 1 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford MA 02740, fax to (508) 990-9088, or email to information@dreamoutloudnow.org.
Community Service Opportunity!
Are you in need of Community Service Hours or looking to give back? The Parks and Recreation Program at Town Hall will be hosting a Trunk or Treat at the Fire Station in Padanaram on Saturday, October 30th from 5-6:30 pm. Volunteers are needed to decorate their trunks and/or cars and give out candy to children. All candy would be provided by the fire station. Volunteers need only to show up, pop your decorated trunk and pass out candy. Please rsvp to Rebecca Amaral ramaral@town.dartmouth.ma.us asap if you are interested.
DHS College Fair
Dartmouth High School will once again host its annual College Fair inside the Carlin Lynch Activity Center.
Tuesday, Oct 5, 2021, 08:30 AM
Carlin Lynch Activity Center
Early Release Professional Development Day
Dartmouth Public Schools will have an Early Release Day on October 6th for professional development. Students will be dismissed from DHS at 11:35 a.m. and will have access to a grab and go lunch to take with them at dismissal.
Wednesday, Oct 6, 2021, 11:30 AM
Dartmouth Public Schools
DHS Activities Expo
We encourage all students to get connected to DHS beyond just academics. During all three lunches, a club/activity expo will be held for all students to explore the different clubs/activities currently offered at DHS. Students should know, there is always the possibility of starting a new club at DHS as well!
Thursday, Oct 7, 2021, 11:30 AM
Carlin Lynch Activity Center
Bus Evacuation Drill
Dartmouth High School will conduct our annual Bus Evacuation drill on the morning of Wednesday, October 20, 2021. Students should dress appropriately as they will be asked to exit out the rear emergency exit door.