Bronco Bulletin
Keefe Regional Technical School
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August 28, 2020
Welcome back from your KT building admin team!
Message from Superintendent, Mr. Jon Evans that was sent on Thursday, August 27, 2020 to the entire school community:
To All Members of The Keefe Tech Community,
As you may be aware, in last night’s Department of Public Health report, which lists COVID statistics by city/town, Framingham was listed as a “Red” community. This designation is based on the average daily number of cases per 100,000 people. Because of the location of our building, and the breakdown of our student population, we have been directed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to follow Framingham data for our district. This is certainly not what we were hoping to see at this point in the year, but we are hopeful that things will improve in the future weekly reports.
On Monday, we have a plan for teachers to begin preparing for a year that will include both in-person and remote instruction. Since these are the components of our current hybrid model, this planning will help us prepare for any scenario that follows.
Based on this recent report, we are required to have all of our traditional Fall Sports, which include Football, Soccer, Girl’s Volleyball, Cross Country and Golf, move to the new “Fall 2” season. The “Fall 2” season is scheduled for late winter/early spring. We will be joining many other schools in this schedule, and have hope and optimism that our Fall Athletes will be able to thrive in this opportunity.
Following a review of next week’s statistics, which will be released on Wednesday evening, we will be in a better position to make a decision on how we start the year. I can assure you that any decision we make will be made with the safety of our community as our top priority. As a parent myself, I realize that this uncertainty is frustrating.
We are planning a parent information session for next Thursday, September 3rd at 7PM. A link will be posted on our website, and we will be sending a reminder early next week.
I realize that this has been an extremely challenging time for our families. It has been a difficult time for members of our faculty and staff as well. While I sincerely wish that the last six months could have been different, I continue to be inspired by the team at Keefe Tech. Between now and the start of the school year for students, we will be working hard to prepare the best possible experience for whatever format is needed.
I apologize for the inconvenience and uncertainty caused by this unprecedented
situation that is beyond our control.
Sincerely,
Jon Evans
Welcome message from Principal, Dr. Shannon Snow:
Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year! I hope all students and families have enjoyed their summer break and are ready to start the new school year. Our entire school community has been working hard this spring and summer to welcome students back, and to welcome the class of 2024 to Keefe Tech.
We know many things will look different this school year. Currently, we are working on instructional videos to assist students and families prepare for the new school year, we have planned class meetings to welcome students back and explain new expectations, and we are planning sessions for parents to share information about Google Classroom and using Zoom. Most importantly, we are all honing our expertise to offer a robust educational experience for all students.
It is especially important that we have a way to communicate with all families. If you do not currently receive emails from us, I strongly encourage you to send your email address with the name of your student to Jan Clark at jclark@jpkeefehs.org. Having this information will allow us to quickly share information with all of you. Please visit the Keefe Tech website to see a calendar of events, meetings and other important information. Students – please continue to check and use your Keefe Tech email addresses.
We are all eager to take on this new school year together, and look forward to the adventure that lies ahead.
Upcoming Events:
Monday, August 31, 2020 - Faculty Returns
Monday, August 31, 2020 - School Committee Meeting at 7:00 PM. Click the link below for more information: https://keefetechorg.finalsite.com/about/public-meeting-information
Thursday, September 3 - Virtual Parent Information Session at 7:00 PM:
Topic: Parent Information Session
Time: Sep 3, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81670209152
Meeting ID: 816 7020 9152
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kPGVWhMKy
Wednesday, September 9th - Class of 2023 at 10:00 AM:
Topic: Class of 2023 - Virtual Welcome Back Meeting
Time: Sep 9, 2020 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81297079641?pwd=QWsrQlhvdkhPSFZYQ1htNWVibXdkdz09
Meeting ID: 812 9707 9641
Passcode: 450455
Wednesday, September 9th - Class of 2021 at 1:00 PM
Topic: Class of 2021 - Virtual Welcome Back Meeting
Time: Sep 9, 2020 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81066736827?pwd=V1g1VmZsNGc0dG1ISmdwZHl1RjZXZz09
Meeting ID: 810 6673 6827
Passcode: 927873
Thursday, September 10th - Class of 2022 at 1:00 PM
Topic: Class of 2022 - Virtual Welcome Back Mtg
Time: Sep 10, 2020 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83670067772?pwd=alZFVFFBMGtUanlCRXBLQ05VcFJ3UT09
Meeting ID: 836 7006 7772
Passcode: 405992
Freshman Orientation - Class of 2024:
We are are planning for grade 9 orientation to take place on Monday, September 14th and 15th. At this time the format of the orientation will depend on the final reopening plans for the school. For right now, we are asking that grade 9 students plan to block off time in the morning on those days. If we are able to run an on-campus event our buses will be running with regular pick-up times, getting students to Keefe Tech by 7:25 AM. We would conclude the program by 10:00 AM. This would include an alpha split of students last names A-L coming in on Monday, September 14th and students last names M-Z coming in on Tuesday, September 15th.
If we are running a remote event we will share a zoom link with incoming students and families and a breakdown of presentations. We will also communicate if we are able to have some options for families to pick up any materials that would have been given out at Keefe Tech, including technology. Session topics that we are planning to review regardless of the format are:
- New health and safety protocols
Career exploratory
How to be successful at Keefe Tech
School climate/student expectations
Understanding your schedule and the hybrid model and/or remote learning model
Wednesday, September 16 - First day of school for all students - Remote Learning Day
Thursday, September 17* - First in person day for hybrid students last names M - Z (Blue Day)
Monday, September 21* - First in person day for hybrid students last names A - L (Orange Day)
*Please note that these are on campus start days if we are able to reopen with our planned hybrid model
Monday, September 21 - School Committee Meeting at 7:00PM. Click the link below for more information: https://keefetechorg.finalsite.com/about/public-meeting-information
Monday, September 28 - No School - Yom Kippur
Students Schedules for the 2020-2021 School Year:
Parents/guardians - If you do not have an iparent account, follow this link for information on how to sign up. This is definitely the school year to make sure you do this! https://keefetechorg.finalsite.com/students-parents/ipass-login
If you already have an istudent or iparent account go here to sign in: https://ipassweb.harrisschool.solutions/school/kts/syslogin.html
For any grade 10, 11 or 12 student who does not remember their password to istudent use the forgot password function.
After logging into iParent/iStudent with your UserID, click on the + Plus sign next to iParent/iStudent and click Schedule Rotation to see the first term schedule.
For incoming grade 9 students: You will be getting login information regarding your istudent accounts. The format will depend on what we do for orientation. For now, have your parent/guardian create an iparent account so you can view your schedule.
Questions about your schedule?
Please reach out to your School Counselor if you have any questions regarding your classes for the 2020-21 school year. You can do this beginning next week by emailing, calling or filing our a Counselor Request Form and selecting schedule concerns. Counselor contact information can be found below in the School Counseling section or on the school website at: https://keefetechorg.finalsite.com/departments/school-counseling
Please note that our add/drop period will close on Wednesday, September 30, 2020.
Wednesday Remote Learning Schedule:
2020-2021 Bus Routes:
2020-2021 School Calendar:
Information on IT Support:
Their direct line is 508-416-2390 (x390 if in the building) and email address is IT@jpkeefehs.org
Support requests can be sent at other times as needed. The times above are specific regarding quicker response times.
School Breakfast/Lunch Information for the 2020-21 School Year
Keefe Regional Technical School students have the opportunity to participate the Community Eligibility Provision program (CEP). CEP allows schools to offer both breakfast and lunch at no charge to all students! This means there is no application process for school lunch this year. There is also no need to create a school bucks account, because breakfast and lunch is free to all students. Letters below share more details.
Current plan for curbside pick-up for hybrid learning plan:
Summer Reading - You still have time!
Please make sure that you are on top of your summer reading!
Students have a list of books from which to choose; however, they may, in fact, read any high school level book they want. If a student does not want to read from our suggested list, please see the websites we provided for further ideas, or contact any English teacher.
- All students enrolled in a Keefe Tech English class are expected to read at least one book from the list below on the link, or any other high school level book. However, we encourage you to read multiple books throughout the summer.
- All students will be expected to write about your summer reading upon the opening of school in the fall, whether we open in person or do remote learning.
- The purpose of writing about your book is to provide a writing sample for your English teacher and to determine how you are able to compose your thoughts about a book you have read. Your writing will not be part of a term 1 grade.
Welcome back from KT Academics!
From Mrs. Swasey:
Even though the school year schedule may be unique, we couldn't be more excited to connect for 2020-2021!
This year is sure to be engaging as your teachers have worked very hard over the summer participating in professional development, preparing lessons, videos and activities for your return to KT!
We are pleased to continue offering our traditional academic courses, in addition to a number of new classes, including Portuguese II, Fusion Fitness, AP Psychology, Biotechnology, and a new ELA curriculum for seniors!
We are so proud of the work you have accomplished thus far! We encourage you to stay connected with us and we can't wait to see you soon!
Wishing all of our KT Bronos a fantastic school year!
New Academic Teachers for the 2020-21 School Year!
Welcome Ms. Osber!
Stephanie Osber
Social Studies Department
Master’s Degree in Teaching from Boston University
Bachelor’s Degree in History and Psychology from American University
First year of teaching
Welcome Mr. Dubos!
Austin Dubos
Health/PE Department
Master’s Degree in Applied Human Development
Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations from York College of Pennsylvania
First year of teaching
Welcome Ms. Blain!
Kelly Blain
ESL Department
Bachelor’s Degree in Foreign Language from Berry College
This year will be her 15th year in education, comes to us from the Worcester Public Schools
Welcome Mr. Glynn!
William Glynn
Math Department
Bachelor’s Degree from Providence College where he majored in Mathematics
First year of teaching
Welcome Ms. Weber!
Heidi Weber
Math Department
Master’s Degree in Teaching from Simmons College
Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from UNH
This year will be her 25th year in education, comes to us from the Newton Public Schools
Welcome Ms. Avery!
Special Education Department
Master’s Degree in Special Education from American International College
Bachelor’s Degree Framingham State University
Ms. Avery joined us as a faculty member at Keefe Tech this past winter for about 6 weeks before we went remote. Prior to that Ms. Avery joined us from Ashland Public Schools. We are excited to welcome her back in her first full year as part of our Special Education Department!
Welcome back from KT Career and Tech!
From Mr. McIntosh:
I am looking forward to getting back into the technical programs to see our staff and students. We have so many exciting upgrades taking place in all of our technical programs that I cannot wait to see the new projects and assignments that are waiting for students.
I am also looking forward to working with our staff and students to develop and share supporting activities to help prepare students to maximize the in-person learning opportunities that they have this school year. This year will be a time of trying new things and adjusting to what is in front of us. As I like to say, Life is not about what happens to you, it is about how you react.
New CTE Faculty for the 2020-2021 School Year!
Welcome Mr. Lowe!
Sean Lowe
Culinary Arts Department
Graduate of Montachusett Regional Vocational School's Culinary Arts Program
This is Mr. Lowe's first year as a teacher after working many years at the Food Service Director at Monty Tech Vocational High School.
Welcome (back) Ms. Collins!
Donna Collins
Culinary Arts Department
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Hospitality Management from Endicott College
This will be Donna's first year as a teacher after serving in a number of roles here at Keefe Tech.
Welcome back the Keefe Tech School Counseling Department!
We hope that everyone was able to enjoy time with family and friends this summer. Your School Counselors are very excited to welcome you back to Keefe Tech and help all students plan for a successful 2020-2021 school year. As the school year begins, we will be sharing information with students individually and by class.
We are also very excited to welcome a 4th School Counselor to our department this year! Ms. Sarah Cupertino will be joining us most recently from her role as a district Social Worker for Milford Public Schools. An email went home to families if there was a change in School Counselor. You can view copies of the letters with the links below:
Welcome Ms. Cupterino!
School Counseling Department
Master's Degree in Education from Cambridge College
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Framingham State University
Joining us from Milford Public School where she was employed as district social worker
Counselor Change Letter - English:
Carta de Mudança de Conselheiro
Carta de cambio de consejero
Updates to Counselor Caseloads for the 2020-2021 School Year:
Things you can expect from your School Counselors over the next few weeks:
- Welcome videos sent to student emails
- New ways to get in contact with them (we are putting our counselor meeting request form online)
- Invitation to guidance google classroom based on your grade level
- Individual connections with students and families
MassBay Online Courses:
MassBay Community College is offering online courses just for high school students! These courses have a cost associated with them and are operating all online. Please see the link below for more information: https://www.massbay.edu/courses-for-high-school-students
There is still time to enroll: Application Deadline is September 3rd!
Attention Class of 2021:
Welcome to your senior year of high school! Your School Counselors are here to help you start thinking about your future and what life looks like after Keefe Tech. Since there are a couple extra weeks before the school year officially starts, there is a lot you can do to start preparing. We are including some helpful information to review below.
A few basic tips for success!
- Start your college list on Naviance - you can share this with your counselor
- Check out college websites and see what schools are doing for tours - are they virtual, driving through campus ones with narration, small on-campus tours - schedule your visits!
- Check out the admission's pages on the colleges and universities that you are interested in
- Start and finish your college essays before the school year begins
Updated Information Regarding Standardized Testing for the Class of 2021 - Recent Announcements & Resources - August 2020
List of Test Optional Colleges (as of 8/16/2020)
For students wishing to pursue athletics in college:
NCAA Announces Flexibility for Initial Eligibility 2021-2022 (8/17/2020)
Recent publications signed by College Admission Deans and Administrators:
NACAC Pledge: Test-Optional Means Test-Optional
Care Counts in Crisis: College Admissions Deans Respond to COVID-19
If you would like to see an informative presentation by Adam Ingersoll of Compass Prep:
Video: The Current State of College Admission Testing (8/6/2020)
Virtual College Tours/Fairs
A few websites to check out regarding virtual college tours/fairs:
- https://www.virtualcollegefairs.org/ upcoming Virtual College Fairs: 9/13; 10/12; 10/18; 11/8
- https://www.youvisit.com/collegesearch/
- https://campustours.com/
- https://www.ecampustours.com/
- Framingham State visits - here is an example of what school's are doing: https://www.framingham.edu/admissions-and-aid/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/undergraduate-campus-visit/undergraduate-campus-visit
- UMASS Amherst - virtual visits: https://yes.umass.edu/portal/virtual_student_guided_visits?_ga=2.162434492.1042432132.1592327165-829407169.1590775254
Standardized Testing
Though we know SAT and ACT have test dates set up for the fall, we still don't know what the availability of test centers will be around our area. If you've registered for either the SAT or ACT, that's great, but we want to make sure you don't panic if your test center for some reason is closed or a test date doesn't run. It is likely the number of test optional schools will continue to grow with the uncertainty around being able to offer these standardized tests in the fall.
- SAT website: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat
- ACT website: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html
- Keefe Tech's School Code is: 220854
Resources from our School Nurses
All upper class (grade 10, 11 and 12) students will receive a new copy of our health form (orange form) that needs to be updated and sent it. This is something we need a copy of every single school year.
Questions or concerns can be directed to our Health Office beginning next week using the number 508.416.2263 or by emailing bveale@jpkeefehs.org and mwade@jpkeefehs.org
Lots of resources for families to review below!
COVID-19 Resources - August 2020
De los CDC: cómo usar una máscara de manera segura
COVID-19 Symtoms
Sintomas do COVID-19 - Português
Síntomas COVID-19 - Español
From the CDC - how to manage your COVID symptoms at home:
Do CDC - como gerenciar seus sintomas COVID em casa:
De los CDC - cómo manejar sus síntomas de COVID en casa:
Athletics - Fall Sports Update
The status of fall sports has been a difficult decision to finalize, and it has not been taken lightly. Countless hours have been spent researching the various possibilities, and we have come to the agreement that fall sports will be postponed. Fall student-athletes will instead participate in a “Fall 2” season during the months of March and April. In order to accommodate this change due to COVID-19, spring sports will begin later than normal to create room for this additional ‘season.’ Many vocational high schools across the state have decided to follow this same guidance, so please know that we are not alone.
We have followed guidance from central Massachusetts sports committees, and this decision has been evolving throughout the past couple weeks. As mentioned, this has been an extremely difficult decision, but we feel that it is in the best interest of our student-athletes. Please continue to stay safe and healthy during these unprecedented times, and we look forward to the upcoming ‘Fall 2’ season.
Community Resources and Events
CS Driving School - Fall 2020 Virtual Class Schedule
Comcast Internet Essentials Program:
The “Internet Essentials Partnership Program” is designed to help accelerate Internet adoption at a critical time. It offers households low-cost, broadband Internet service for $9.95/month, the option to purchase a heavily subsidized computer, and multiple options for digital literacy training. Today, Comcast also announced it is giving all Internet Essentials customers its innovative xFi platform, which enables parents to control and manage their children’s WiFi connected devices.
The initiative builds on Comcast’s recent announcement that it will continue to offer, through the end of 2020, all new Internet Essentials customers two months of free Internet service and it will forgive back debt due so more families can apply.
With so many families at home, parents and caregivers need controls to manage their home WiFi connection and their children’s devices. Access to xFi, which is a simple, digital dashboard that enables customers to set up and manage their home WiFi, families can see what devices are connected, set safe-browsing modes so children can only access age-appropriate content, get notifications about activity on their home WiFi, and have the ability to pause devices for dinner or bedtime.
The program also includes two months of free Internet service for new Internet Essentials customers.
Mental Health Resources
Partnership with Interface Referral Serive:
The William James College INTERFACE Referral Service, offered through our Freedman Center, is an outpatient mental health and wellness referral Helpline available Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm, at 888-244-6843 (toll free). This is a free, confidential referral service for all residents and public school students in Hopkinton and Natick, public school students of Holliston as well as students from Ashland and Framingham attending Keefe Tech.
Callers are matched with licensed outpatient mental health providers from our extensive database, on average, within 2 weeks of their call to INTERFACE. Each referral best meets the specialty needs, insurance or fee requirement, location and availability needs of the caller.
For more information: visit their Facebook page @InterfaceReferralService or our website at interface.williamjames.edu
Keefe Regional Technical School
Website: keefetech.org
Location: 750 Winter Street, Framingham, MA, United States
Phone: 508-416-2100
Facebook: facebook.com/keefetech