THE NAVIGATOR
January 13, 2023
Newsletter
Helping Children with Events in the News
In an effort to support families as they process information in the news media involving Cohasset, I am sharing the below link from Common Sense Media, with some additional resources included at the bottom of the article from the American Association of Psychologists:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/explaining-the-news-to-our-kids
Also, linked below is a good resource regarding how to talk to students about traumatic events. This resource comes from Riverside Trauma Center, who is currently working with Cohasset school faculty and staff to support them and to guide them on working with students. Riverside could potentially be available at a later date to work with families.
Talking with Your Children about Traumatic Events
Our primary goal is to maintain our routines for our students, as we support students, families, and staff. We always stress the importance of adhering to normal routines during all difficult times, as children find comfort in knowing that schools are safe and supportive.
Please be mindful that schools are required to respect student and staff confidentiality rights, which prohibit us from being able to disseminate confidential information to the public.
The District Website has a page dedicated to Social Emotional Learning and Wellness. Our schools are a resource to the Cohasset community, and our counselors, school psychologists, and social workers can support you and your child, if your child is in need of someone to talk to or to help process anything they have seen in the media or heard in school.
Please do not hesitate to contact principals or counselors if we can assist you in any way.
Here are a list of our counselors at each building:
Osgood: Dave Vinton dvinton@cohassetk12.org (adjustment counselor)
Deer Hill: Robyn Costa rcosta@cohassetk12.org (adjustment counselor)
Deer Hill and Osgood: Maeve Dullea mdullea@cohassetk12.org (adjustment counselor)
Deer Hill and Osgood: Alyson Doyle adoyle@cohassetk12.org (school psychologist)
CMS: Emily Manewal emanewal@cohassetk12.org (adjustment Counselor)
Allison Pearce apearce@cohassetk12.org (school psychologist)
CHS: Laura Struzziery lstruzziery@cohassetk12.org (lead counselor)
Leanne McCarthy lmccarthy@cohassetk12.org (high school adjustment counselor)
Kevin McGowan kmcgowan@cohassetk12.org (high school counselor)
Allison Battista abattista@cohassetk12.org (high school counselor)
Catlin Stromberg cstromberg@cohassetk12.org (school psychologist)
Robert Collins rcollins@cohassetk12.org (middle and high school social worker)
Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
MLK Breakfast
Dear Friends of Cohasset Diversity Committee,
Happy New Year 2023!
You are warmly invited to Cohasset’s upcoming 18th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast.
DATE: Monday, January 16, 2023
TIME: 9 - 11 a.m. (Breakfast served 9-10 a.m. with Program 10-11 a.m.)
PLACE: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Parish Hall
ADDRESS: 10 Summer St., Cohasset MA 02025
GUEST SPEAKER: Arthur Bembury, Executive Director of ‘Partakers’
PRICE: $5 per person / $15 per family / no one declined for lack of payment
The Cohasset Diversity Committee and the Cohasset Clergy are proud to sponsor the upcoming 18th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast. This year’s honored speaker is Arthur Bembury, Executive Director of ‘Partakers’, an amazing organization that advances the education of men and women in prison, helping to bridge the divide that separates those inside and outside of prison.
In conjunction with the 18th Annual MLK Breakfast, Cohasset’s Paul Pratt Memorial Library is sponsoring a town-wide read of “The Master Plan: My Journey from Life in Prison to a Life of Purpose’ by Chris Wilson, published in 2/5/2019. Copies of this illuminating book are available to borrow, prior or post the MLK Breakfast, to better understand the amazing good works of the ‘Partakers’ organization.
Cohasset Public Schools to Hold Inaugural Multi-Cultural Night at Cohasset High School and Cohasset Middle School on April 13, 2023, from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
The Cohasset Public Schools will have its first Multicultural Night on April 13, 2023, from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, throughout the Cohasset Middle and Cohasset High Schools. We are looking for individuals to help coordinate the evening. We will have a performance by the Origination Dance Company of Boston, as well as students from our schools. If you are interested, please contact, Aleisa Gittens-Carle, the METCO Director at agittens-carle@cohassetk12.org or Jenna Gibbons, CMS English teacher, at jgibbons@cohassetk12.org. We would like to have a member of the staff, or a parent representative from each school.
Cohasset Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Cohasset maintains a full-time facility for emergency operations called the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC (pictured above) is located the basement of the Deer Hill School building and maintains a separate entrance and parking from the schools. The EOC is routinely utilized in the event of a snowstorm, wide-spread power outage, or other event that requires a working space for multiple organizations to collaborate and to communicate.
Last week, the Cohasset Police held a press conference in the EOC to update relevant parties, including the media, about the status of the missing Cohasset resident. At no time did this activity impact our operations at the Deer Hill School. Cohasset police officers were on site directing traffic, and the superintendent and other relevant officials were present throughout the entire press conference, overseeing the operations of Deer Hill and ensuring that there was no disruption to the school day.
We thank the members of our community who called in to offer support and to ask questions. We always welcome this kind of interaction. If anyone has any questions about ongoing activities at the Deer Hill School, or in any of our school buildings, please contact the superintendent's office.
Volunteers Needed for CHS Credit for Life Fair
Cohasset High School’s Credit for Life Fair on Friday, February 10th from 8:30am-11am at CHS!
The Credit for Life Fair is an opportunity for this year’s senior class to learn about the importance of credit, budgeting, and money management after high school and as a young professional.
The goal of the fair is for students to learn to avoid negative financial impulses and to make informed decisions that will benefit their futures. We are looking for volunteers to work at the booths and help empower students in identifying their wants vs. what they can afford. It only works if we can collaborate with our business community to provide real-world examples and advice.
Businesses of all types are welcome! All booth materials will be provided and reviewed prior to the event. See the booth descriptions, the primary duty of each booth, and the option to sign up at the link below.
Please consider lending your time for this fun event, we cannot do it without you! If you have any questions, please reach out to Nicole Fitzgerald at nfitzgerald@cohassetk12.org.
Substitute Nurses Needed!
Cohasset Preschool Lottery 2023-2024
Cohasset Kindergarten Registration 2023-2024
Kindergarten Registration for the 2023-2024 School Year for children who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023. Kindergarten registration packets are available online at the Cohasset Public Schools website www.cohassetk12.org under the Osgood News section or may be picked up at the Joseph Osgood School. For more information, please call Joseph Osgood School at 781-383-6117.
There will be a Zoom Informational session for parents/ guardians on Tuesday, January 17, 2023@ 6:00pm
Zoom ID: 960 574 0738
Password: : 210soh
Kindergarten Registration will be held at the Joseph Osgood Elementary School, 210 Sohier Street, Cohasset, MA on:
Tuesday, January 24th from 10:00am - 12:00pm
Wednesday, January 25th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Thursday,January 26th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Friday, January 27th from 10:00am - 12:00pm
Thursday, February 2rd from 4:00pm -7:00pm
In order to register for kindergarten, please complete the following steps:
Step 1: Sign up for a registration time.
Please click HERE to sign up for a time to bring in your registration paperwork
Step 2: Please fill out the registration forms.
Step 3: Bring the completed registration forms with you to the Kindergarten Registration, along with the required documents listed below:
Birth Certificate
Proof of Residency
Immunizations/Most Recent Physical
Deposit of $500 for the full-day program made payable to: Cohasset Public Schools
Whether you are a new or returning family, we are excited to begin this journey with you and look forward to welcoming you to our Cohasset Public Schools family.
Reminders Regarding Our School Cancelation Process
Like weather forecasting, the school closing decision process is not a perfect science. However, I believe it is important for students and families 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 Cohasset Fire 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 and Cohasset Police 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.
Are Remote Days a Possibility this Year?
Remote days are not currently permitted as a substitution for in-person days by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
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 cancelation 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.
Letter From Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP), and Department of Public Health (DPH), regarding the importance of vaccination of children.
Thank you,
Patrick Sullivan, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Cohasset Public Schools
Budget Calendar for 2022-2023
Budget Priorities
MCAS Action Plan Presented to Cohasset School Committee
A Note Regarding Transportation
Mid terms and finals at CHS
From the CHS Newsletter
CHS Newsletter, The Spinnaker
Images of the Week
Deer Hill students sharing their knowledge of MLK to help with morning announcements as we celebrate Dr. King's legacy.
From the Deer Hill Newsletter
- "Last Wednesday, students were treated to an extra special lunch where they were served garlic bread and kale pesto. Not only was it delicious, but it was made using kale and pesto from the Deer Hill garden! Thank you to John Belber from Holly Hill, Deer Hill parent Dee Riley, and our kitchen staff for their joint effort!" - Principal Sullivan
CMS Band and Chorus played to a packed house Wednesday night... Fantastic performance by all!
Wonderful CMS Dance last Friday evening. Thank you to all who attended, chaperones, and supported the event.
CHS French Club celebrating L’Epiphanie and the history of the 3 Kings with a Kings Day Cake made by Keava Gamboa.
The Word of the Week at Osgood School is "Deluxe."
Our "Safe Routes to School" partners, through the Department of Transportation, visited Osgood this week. As Osgood was the 1,000 school to partner with "Safe Routes to School," they received a special commemorative vest and letter! We appreciate this important collaboration.
We love our Osgood students!
Sports Information
Cohasset Girls Varsity Basketball with a total team effort tonight vs a depleted but resilient Randolph squad. S. Chenette with 18 while Sophs Ella Otfinoski and Natalia Kluza step up big. Next up: Mashpee this Fri (tonight!)
Congratulations to Sarah Chanette, Patriot Ledger Girls Basketball Player of the Week!
Boys Basketball in Action Against Randolph (William Wassersug Photo)
"A little action from @CohassetSports wrestling at Scituate quad today. Nanbeel Bonifon with the pin against Duxbury!" - William Wassersug...Photo by William Wassersug
Wrestling with win over Durfee (William Wassersug Photo)
Co/No had a great meet on Sunday but fell short to NDA. Final score NDA 137.4 Co/No 134.85
Support Cohasset’s Volleyball Team for the Fall 2023
In the Fall of 2022, Cohasset HS volleyball hit the court for the FIRST TIME!
It's time to kick-off a new fundraising season!! Once again, an additional $20,000 must be privately raised to keep this team playing for a 2nd season. Over the past 2 years, an impressive group of volunteers from this High School community, successfully raised $13,500 at this Boston Volleyball Festival event alone. Again this year, Festival Organizers have approached us to help put courts together and break them down after the tournament, and they have increased our per-court payout; for 20 courts, $6,500 will go to our cause. That's 1/3 of our Season-2 fundraising needs!!
We need 48 volunteers on Wednesday, February 22nd and Sunday, March 5th, willing to commit 3 work hours (6hrs if volunteering both days), getting their hands dirty to help lay court flooring.
For students applying to the National Honor Society, your service hours will be recognized.
Parents bring your students and their siblings or grab some friends. Click on the following sign-up link: https://rebrand.ly/Volleyball2023
Questions? Email Laura Soderberg at Laura@Soderberg.ws. Thank you for your support.
Arts and Music Events Upcoming
CMS Winter Concert is on January 11 from 6:00pm-8:00pm.
We are excited for these events and more to come!
CHS Athletic Complex Update
We are excited for the new track. Here are some pictures showing the finished product!
Turf Renovation Underway
The turf replacement project at Alumni Stadium is underway! Access to the turf and track will be prohibited until further notice. This turf replacement project, along with the recently completed track, and stadium lights is a welcomed improvement to our athletic facilities. We are thankful for the school community and town support and understanding, as we work to provide the best facilities possible for our students and town.
Here are some pictures showing the progress.
Excessive Student Absence Notification
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 76 requires that each school notify parents and guardians if their student has five (5) or more unexcused school absences. Parents and guardians will receive a letter when their child has 5, 10, and/or 15+ days of unexcused absences. The letter will also include the number of unexcused tardies and unexcused early dismissals.
Absences will be excused under the following circumstances:
After a medical appointment documented with a note from the medical office
Illness or quarantine with a note from the appropriate medical office
Observance of a religious holiday
Bereavement or serious illness in family
Court appearance
A child may also be excused for other exceptional reasons with approval of the Principal or designee in accordance with the school committee policy and the regulations set in Chapter 76
Daily attendance is essential to a student's success. Missing a significant number of days of school has a detrimental effect on academic and social development. Therefore, each school will work with individual families to support student attendance.
Committee Updates
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Assistant Superintendent Leslie Scollins, Ed.D.
Curriculum Updates
Professional Development
January 13th afternoon is a half day of professional development for all staff.
CMS staff will continue their collaboration in creating culturally responsive teaching and the science department will focus on the implementation of the new curriculum OpenSciEd.
CHS is involved in the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Accreditation process.
Please see the professional development calendar below for more information about the professional development that is planned for the year.
Cohasset High School Vision of the Graduate
Student Opportunity Act (SOA)
The Student Opportunity Act (SOA) implements the recommendations of the 2015 Foundation Budget Review Commission and includes other provisions to benefit our public schools.
As part of the SOA, districts are required to submit three-year, evidence-based plans aimed at closing persistent disparities in achievement among student subgroups. The District submitted the SOA Plan in January 2021 and then sent the amended plan in March 2022. Please see the presentation below.
District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP) Revised
Cohasset Public Schools' Strategic Plan for 2021- 2024
Please Click on the Link Below to Access the Entire Strategic Plan
A Downloadable Version of the Calendar Can Be Found Below
Just a reminder that for the 2023 - 2024 School Year, the first day of school for students will be Wednesday, August 30 (before Labor Day). There will be no school for students or staff the Friday before Labor Day.
From Commissioner of Education Riley’s memo to Superintendents sent on August 15, 2022:
“The Commonwealth is not recommending universal mask requirements, surveillance testing of asymptomatic individuals, contact tracing, or test-to-stay testing in schools. Districts and schools are reminded that there is no longer any statewide masking mandate in schools (other than school health offices) and there is no testing requirement for schools.” We will continue to respect the right of individuals to wear masks at any time during the school day.
“Effective August 15, 2022, all students and staff in childcare, school in grades K-12, or participating in out-of-school time (OST) and recreational camp settings should follow the updated isolation and exposure guidance issued by DPH, in alignment with recently issued guidance from CDC. No asymptomatic person should be excluded from school as a result of exposure, regardless of vaccination status or exposure setting.”
An additional link on isolation and exposure guidance can be found here:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-isolation-and-exposure-guidance-for-the-general-public
We are a proud METCO District!
Cohasset Public Schools Vision of Equity
CPS Equity Vision Statement
BE THE CHANGE
Please visit our website for resources regarding the promotion of diversity.
Cohasset PSO Happenings
Cohasset Education Foundation (CEF)
RISE Program
Office of Student Services
UPDATES
Opening Letters and Information Regarding Multi-Tiered Student System of Supports (MTSS)
Multi-Tiered System of Supports
To Parents/Guardians of Cohasset Public Schools :
The Cohasset Public Schools believes in providing the highest quality of education for our students. This letter is to provide you with information about a three-tiered instructional approach we use to meet this goal, referred to as Multi Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
For MTSS, all students will participate in the core curriculum, with three levels (tiers) of interventions for students who demonstrate at-risk skills in general academics or behavior/social emotional areas. Each tier provides additional support beyond the core curriculum and instruction. All students receive formal and informal checks to measure their progress to determine if they are performing at an expected level. Behavioral and social emotional impacts are also monitored on a regular basis through the year.
● Tier One- As the largest tier, and the foundation for the entire framework, Tier 1 encompasses the entire school with core instruction and basic interventions. This structure helps to build positive relationships between staff and students. It includes proactive classroom strategies aimed at creating a supportive learning atmosphere. Teachers will use different strategies as universal supports within the core curriculum and instruction to address all student educational needs. These supports include but are not limited to items identified within the District Accommodation Plan (DCAP) and/or the School Accommodation Plans.
● Tier Two- Based on progress data, students who require more support than Tier One will be provided targeted interventions matched to their needs within the general classroom by the classroom teacher and/or support staff in the classroom. The Multi Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Team will track the student’s progress, and parents/guardians will receive ongoing progress data.
● Tier Three- Students who continue to require measures beyond Tier Two will receive more intensive individualized interventions at this level. Parents/guardians will be notified of these supports and receive ongoing progress data. After Tier Three implementation, students who continue to display limited progress may then be considered for further evaluation and services.
Our School is excited to take part in this process to improve educational outcomes for all students. As always, do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or myself if you have questions or concerns.
Respectfully,
___________________________
Barbara Cerwonka, M.Ed.
Director of Student Services
Child Find Notification
Be Sure to View the Information on the Student Services Web Page
SAFE HARBORS UPDATES
Latest Newsletter
Thank you to all of our counselors for their caring and selfless work throughout the District!
Osgood: Dave Vinton dvinton@cohassetk12.org (adjustment counselor)
Deer Hill: Robyn Costa rcosta@cohassetk12.org (adjustment counselor)
Deer Hill and Osgood: Maeve Dullea mdullea@cohassetk12.org (adjustment counselor)
Deer Hill and Osgood: Alyson Doyle adoyle@cohassetk12.org (school psychologist)
CMS: Emily Manewal emanewal@cohassetk12.org (adjustment Counselor)
Allison Pearce apearce@cohassetk12.org (school psychologist)
CHS: Laura Struzziery lstruzziery@cohassetk12.org (lead counselor)
Leanne McCarthy lmccarthy@cohassetk12.org (high school adjustment counselor)
Kevin McGowan kmcgowan@cohassetk12.org (high school counselor)
Allison Battista abattista@cohassetk12.org (high school counselor)
Catlin Stromberg cstromberg@cohassetk12.org (school psychologist)
Robert Collins rcollins@cohassetk12.org (middle and high school social worker)
Take Care of Yourself and Take Care of Each Other
Please click on the following link to access even more information on the Cohasset Public Schools Web Site.
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
You can also follow the entire leadership team on Twitter to see real-time updates.
Assistant Superintendent: @CPSAssistantSup
Joseph Osgood School: @JOsgoodppal
Deer Hill School: @DeerHillSchool
Cohasset Middle School: @comsprincipal
Cohasset High School: @CoHSPrincipal
We utilize both Aspen and Blackboard communications to inform families of important events, cancellations, and happenings.