DHS Community Update
May 21, 2021
Congratulations to Our Newest NHS Inductees
Greetings DHS Community Members:
This week, the Dartmouth High School community took another important step toward a return to normalcy by hosting the DHS National Honor Society Induction Ceremony. While the ceremony was modified to comply with public health guidelines, it allowed for us to celebrate, in-person the outstanding achievements of the newest members of the National Honor Society.
As I did last night, I offer both my congratulations as well as a challenge to each of our new inductees. The challenge is simple--be the type of NHS member who is not content with merely being able to claim membership on a resume. Instead, be the NHS member who takes to heart the four pillars of the National Honor Society. We need and are counting on young people who devote their lives to scholarship, character, leadership and service.
Finally, I'd like to congratulate and thank all members of the DHS community who make evenings like last night's possible for our school community. It truly takes all members of the community--students, parents, family members and of course the outstanding educators of Dartmouth High School, to do their part in order for our students to achieve success. I hope each member takes pride in their part of making last night possible.
I'd also like to recognize National Honor Society Co-Advisors Mrs. Lauren Enoksen and Mrs. Marcia Vieira for their leadership and hard work in planning and executing last night's ceremony. This year has been tremendously difficult and our advisors have done an excellent job in ensuring that modifications are made in order to ensure everyone's safety, all while also teaching full time. The effort and care that went into last night's ceremony is appreciated and deserving of our gratitude.
We look forward to continuing to transition back to as many in-person events as possible as we close out the school year and will continue to do our best to communicate expectations and safety guidelines as events get closer.
Sincerely and With Gratitude,
Ross Thibault
Principal
Please Support the Dartmouth Youth Commission
The Dartmouth Youth Commission kindly asks for our support in A Doublr Good Gourmet Popcorn Fundraiser which ends Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 5 p.m. All funds raised through this fundraiser will be used by the Dartmouth Youth Commission to provide support to youth and families in Dartmouth.
For additional information please click on the links below.
Maximizing Instruction Down the Stretch
As the school year winds down, our teachers have focused on maximizing instructional time with our students. We believe it is important given how disruptive the pandemic has been over the past 14 months, that each moment of in-person learning be devoted to helping our students transition back to in-person learning and that we attempt to ensure the essential curriculum concepts are covered with our students. As a result, there will be no cumulative, traditional final exams or end of year projects administered at Dartmouth High School this year. Please understand that many teachers do utilize project-based learning experiences with students; however, such projects occur largely in class and can be completed mostly in class.
Supporting Our Seniors to the Finish Line!
Each year, for a variety of reasons, some members of the senior class need some additional support in order to finish the year strong and earn their high school diploma. This year, Dartmouth High School is prepared to support our seniors in one of the following ways:
- Elimination of Final Exams/Projects: This year, given the pandemic and the fact that seniors will be transitioning back to in-person learning for the first time since March of 2020, we have opted not to have final exams and/or projects. Instead teachers will maximize time with their seniors between May 13th and the final day of school for seniors on May 28th.
- Extended Time: Some students may require additional time to complete or hand in assignments. Teachers have been flexible and compassionate all year and will continue to be. Seniors should have conversations with their teachers and should do their very best to complete all assignments on time.
- Credit Recovery: Some seniors may be in need of enrolling in a credit recovery course through the FLIP program. If a senior is in danger of failing a required course for the year, they should speak to a member of the Student Support Team (School Counselor, School Social Worker, AP, and/or Director of School Counseling) to discuss individual options.
- Summer School: Some seniors may need to complete summer school coursework in order to earn their high school diploma. If a student is expected to earn their diploma by the end of summer school they are permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony and will receive their actual diploma once they've completed summer school.
DHS 21 for 21: Senior Shout Outs
Below you can find Senior Shout Outs that have been posted to various school social media accounts including the Dartmouth High School Instagram account (@Dartmouthhs02748), Dartmouth High School's Twitter account (@DartmouthHS) and the Facebook Page for Dartmouth Public Schools. Additionally, the shout outs will be included in the weekly news shows produced by the Dartmouth TVMedia program.
Several shout outs will be shared each day between now and graduation. All seniors are encouraged to complete the form that was sent to them by Mr. Thibault earlier this week in order to ensure their personalized shout out is posted. Whether your future plans include continuing your education, entering directly into the workforce or enlisting in the armed services, we look forward to celebrating you!
DHS Video Yearbook
This year, the DHSTVmedia Program is working on producing a Video Yearbook for the Class of 2021. Mr. Perrotti and students working on the video yearbook project invite members of the Class of 2021 to share any photos or videos of memorable events at DHS that have occurred over the past four years. Students wishing to share video and/or photos for this project should use the link below. Please ensure any video/photo shared is from DHS and is school appropriate.
From the Desk of the Associate Principal
MCAS Exams
Biology MCAS
Biology MCAS will be administered to all freshmen on June 8th & 9th. This is the Legacy MCAS which is paper and pencil. More details regarding assigned testing rooms will follow in future Community Updates.
Advanced Placement Update
The first week of AP Digital Exams went seamlessly; students were prepared and all steps were completed before the exam administration. Please see the links provided below for information regarding the AP Digital Exams, AP Exam Room Assignments, the Digital Exam Setup, Check-In Calendar, and the AP Calendar At-A-Glance.Set Up
It is important that students complete the set-up for AP exams scheduled next week. Exam setup is a critical, time-sensitive step that loads a student's specific exam onto the computer they're going to test with. If a student doesn’t complete exam setup 1-3 days before exam day, they may not be able to test.The College Board will send a reminder to students when exam setup opens for their exam.
Lunch
Students who are scheduled to take a noon AP Digital and/or Paper and Pencil exam will need to report to their testing rooms by 11:15 AM. In order to provide students with lunch before the exam, students are to report to the cafeteria at 10:55 AM to purchase and/or eat their lunches before the exam.
School Counseling & Support Services Department Updates
Class of 2021 Updates
Complete Graduation Survey in Naviance - All students in the Class of 2021 received an email from Mrs. DaSilva to complete the Graduation Survey. To access the survey log into Naviance. Click on the About Me tab and then click on My Surveys. Students will then need to click on surveys not started. Finally click on DHS Graduation Survey and complete the survey. The survey must be completed by May 28th and this will allow your guidance counselor to send your final transcript to your correct post secondary school. Congratulations!
Let us know your post-secondary plans (college, workforce, military, GAP year, etc.) by filling out the Class of 2021 Post-Secondary Plans! We want to highlight your successes!
Scholarship Information for Seniors
All Scholarships are listed in Naviance. Login to Naviance once a week to see if there are any new scholarships. Click on colleges on the top right hand side; then click on scholarships and money link. Choose the second option scholarship list
Class of 2022 Updates
Class of 2022 if you have not had your junior meeting with your school counselor, please schedule one with them as soon as possible. It is a time to talk with your guidance counselor to talk about what your plans are after high school: Sign up to meet with your counselor during PASE or sign up for an appointment on your remote days with your counselor.
College Planning Night Class of 2022 - June 2nd 6:30 PM
Co-hosted by College Edge and Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative (SMEC)
For college-bound seniors, the summer offers an opportunity to slow down, get organized, and complete many of the college planning tasks in front of them. We're excited to share our Top Five To-Do List with students in this session! Parents, we also have something for you! We'll introduce you to a few essential financial aid tools, plus we'll share some insights about how to have "the money conversation" as a family. Clink link to join!
PSAT Scores have been released!
Grade 11 students who took the PSAT/NMSQT on January 26th your scores have been released by the College Board as of March 8th and you should have received an email from the College Board. Log in to the student score portal by clicking this link. Understanding your PSAT Score Report click to watch YouTube video. Also, all students should link their College Board accounts to Khan Academy for free help on how to improve their scores click to watch YouTube video on how to link.
Grade 10 students who took the PSAT 10 on April 15th or April 16th depending on your cohort assignment your scores have been released by the College Board as of May 14th and you should have received an email from the College Board. Log in to the student score portal by clicking this link. Understanding your PSAT Score Report click to watch YouTube video. Also, all students should link their College Board accounts to Khan Academy for free help on how to improve their scores click to watch YouTube video on how to link.
Information For All Grade Levels
Dual Enrollment Information
Bristol Community College and UMass Dartmouth dual enrollment information for the Fall Semester has been emailed to students in current grades 10 and 11. Dual Enrollment classes that are selected should be held after 2:03 PM due to our rotating schedule. Students will turn in their dual enrollment applications to their guidance counselor.
Webinars
Interviewing 101 - May 31st 4:00PM-5:30PM
Learn the dos and don'ts of the college interview. During this virtual session, you will hear best practices, learn how to prepare for your interview, and have a practice interview with a member of the admission team. Click link to register
MEFA Webinars - all webinars are free!
5 Ways High School Juniors Can Strengthen Their College Admissions Application - This interactive webinar for families of high school juniors with guest speaker Andrew Carter, Senior Associate Director of Admissions from College of the Holy Cross, will give tips on how students can put forward their best college admissions application. Click on link to view webinar dates.
Comparing College Loan Options - There's a lot to consider when borrowing a loan to pay for college. This webinar will help you differentiate among college loan options and better understand the true cost of borrowing. Click on link to view webinar dates.
Scholarship Resources
This website resource is made for high school students to access many scholarship opportunities/extracurricular competitions before entering college. The link is here to look for scholarships or competitions: https://www.scholarships4highschool.org/
Summer Jobs Information
2021 Summer Youthworks Program - This program connects young adults to summer employment and pays participants for 20 hours weekly at minimum wage for up to six weeks.
Must be 14-21 years old
Applications must be submitted by May 28th Click link to apply!
Positions are filled using a lottery system, so placement is not guaranteed.
School Social Workers Update
Scheduling a time to meet with one of the school social workers
Social workers are available during the school day to students and families. Students can sign up in Enriching Students to see a social worker during the PASE period or sign up with an appointment slot.
Free food boxes/meal resources
Free Meals for kids 18 and under at the New Bedford YMCA! The New Bedford YMCA is offering free fresh meal boxes (breakfast and lunch) on Wednesday (3 days of meals) and Saturdays (4 days of meals). No paperwork or pre-registration is necessary and the child/children do not need to be present for pick-up. Meals can be picked up at New Bedford YMCA Parking Lot 25 S. Water Street New Bedford, MA 02740.
Wednesdays - 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.*** (or until meals run out)
Saturdays - 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.*** (or until meals run out)
PACE Food Pantry - PACE continues to operate its own Food Bank, Monday through Friday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Please call the program at 508-999-9920 for information on how to access the Food Bank.
Updates from the DHS Virtual Learning Academy
Continue Making Progress: As a reminder, the "Actual Grade" is the Final Grade that students who have been in the VLA for multiple terms will be awarded at the end of the school year. In using this approach to grading, students have been assured maximum flexibility without penalty for completing coursework at a pace that worked for them. Students should continue to work toward completing each of their courses and if necessary should reach out to Jill Lenz with any questions they might have. Ms. Lenz can be reached by email at jilllenz@dartmouthschools.org.
VLA Testing Center: The VLA Testing Center continues to be open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday each week. In addition, students wishing to request to test on Monday or Wednesday may do so by emailing Mrs. Jill Lenz at jilllenz@dartmouthschools.org. VLA students are reminded, that unless there is an extenuating circumstance that has been approved, testing should be completed through a school-issued chromebook.
Remain Vigilant: VLA students need to remain vigilant in their studies; engage in their work 30 hours per week (6 hours per day). This time commitment is necessary to finish assigned coursework, earn strong grades and complete the credits required for a successful academic year. Students with low “Actual Grades” relative to their “Overall Grades” in Edgenuity are not putting enough time into their studies.
From the DHS Health Office
If your child is exhibiting cold-like symptoms or any other symptoms that mimic or include symptoms of COVID-19, please keep your child home and call your PCP for advice. If your child comes into school with symptoms of COVID-19, they will be isolated and parents will be called to pick up their child and to have their child evaluated by his/her PCP. If the PCP feels the symptoms are related to an illness other than COVID-19, a medical note must be written to the school indicating the diagnosis and when the child may return to school. In EVERY case, the child must have been fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning to school. Resources to support parents in monitoring symptoms are included below.
Thank You
Mr. Flint, Ms. Banville and the DHS Administrative Team would like to recognize and thank Engineering Teacher Mr. Sam Brodsky and past and present students, Michael Anderson (Class of 2020), Brian Leong (Class of 2020) and current Grade 10 student Zachariah Furtado for their work in creating a custom frame for the hand painted tribute (pictured above) to former Music Director Mr. Bill Kingsland who retired last year. The picture will be proudly displayed in the Music Department as a tribute to the many years of dedicated service Mr. Kingsland put in to the Dartmouth community. Again, many thanks to our students and Mr. Brodsky for their collaboration.
A Night Under the Stars Photos--Mare Studios
Mare photographers has provided a link for Seniors to view candid photographs taken during our A Night Under the Stars Class of 2021 Prom. If Seniors would like to view the photos, they can visit marestudiosandgallery.com and enter the password: DARProm2021
Reporting Student Absences, Tardiness & Dismissals
Attendance and academic success go hand-in-hand. We ask that parents continue to report known absences or tardiness to Dartmouth High School using the attendance line (508-961-2700 ext.1). In addition, parents are encouraged to submit medical notes and/or discuss illness related absences with Nurse Wildrick in order to ensure we are able to support your child's health and wellness. Nurse Wildrick can be reached at 508-961-2700 ext. 7420.
If your child needs to be dismissed we ask that you please email DHSdismissals@dartmouthschools.org as early as possible. This will allow us to maintain accurate attendance records.
DHS Grading Policy
Please be reminded, that students will be given an additional opportunity to demonstrate a deeper understanding or mastery of the standards-as driven by student need-after consultation with the teacher within one week after the return of a formative or summative assessment. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the PASE period to clarify any misunderstandings or misconceptions they may have, to practice or improve upon a standard or skill, etc. prior to their second attempt at demonstrating their mastery of the standards.
Food Services Update
As a reminder, all meals served in the Dartmouth Public Schools continue to be free for all students. We encourage students and families to take advantage of this benefit. Please note that students who wish to have breakfast should report directly to the cafeteria each morning.
21 for 21 Event: Drive-in Movie Night
This 21 for 21 Event is for members of the Class of 2021 only. We would like to thank the DHS After Prom Committee for sponsoring this event for members of the graduating class.
Friday, May 21, 2021, 07:30 PM
DHS Student Parking Lot
21 for 21 Event: Class of 2021 Rolling Parade/Rally
This rolling parade/rally is designed to honor members of the Class of 2021. The parade route is the same as last year's senior parade. It will kick-off from Dartmouth High School at 9:00 a.m. and will travel left out of the parking lot, over the bridge, through the village, up Russell Mills Road to Slocum Road and will end at Dartmouth Memorial Stadium. We encourage members of the community to show their support for the Class of 2021--a class defined by perseverance, grit and class!
We'd also like to thank our community partners--the Dartmouth Police Department as well as the Dartmouth Fire Departments for their support and assistance in ensuring the rolling parade is safe and honors the Class of 2021.
Sunday, May 23, 2021, 09:00 AM
DHS
Class of 2021 Last Day of School
The final day of classes for members of the Class of 2021 will be Friday, May 28, 2021. The following week students will have Senior End of Year Events during the day.
Friday, May 28, 2021, 07:30 AM
DHS
21 for 21 Event: Cap and Gown Distribution
All members of the Class of 2021 will receive their cap and gown beginning at 8 a.m. Seniors will then board a bus for the Senior Stroll event. Immediately following that will be Graduation Rehearsal.
Tuesday, Jun 1, 2021, 08:00 AM
Dartmouth High School, Bakerville Road, South Dartmouth, MA, USA
21 for 21 Event: Senior Stroll
Members of the Class of 2021 will board a bus for one final ride together. Each bus will report to one of the Elementary Schools where members of the Class of 2021 can take one final stroll through the halls of their elementary school before re-boarding the bus to Dartmouth Middle School. Once students have completed the final stroll we will conduct Graduation Rehearsal at Dartmouth Memorial Stadium.
Tuesday, Jun 1, 2021, 09:00 AM
Dartmouth High School, Bakerville Road, South Dartmouth, MA, USA
21 for 21 Event: Graduation Rehearsal
Tuesday, Jun 1, 2021, 10:30 AM
Dartmouth Memorial Football Stadium, Slocum Road, Dartmouth, MA, USA
21 for 21 Event: Scholarship and Awards Evening
Students receiving an award or scholarship will be invited to this special ceremony which will be held at Dartmouth High School in the Carlin Lynch Activity Center. Students being honored will be invited and will be permitted to bring a select number of guests who must pre-register for the event.
Wednesday, Jun 2, 2021, 06:00 PM
Dartmouth High School, Bakerville Road, South Dartmouth, MA, USA
21 for 21 Event: Senior Check-Out & Picnic
Seniors will check-out by turning in any outstanding Dartmouth High School property i.e. books, Chromebooks, uniforms, etc. Seniors will be issued all of their temporary student records once they've checked out, including any academic, special education and/or health records on file. Once seniors have checked out they are invited to remain for a Class of 2021 picnic which is being organized by the DHS After Prom Committee and sponsored by Jersey Mike's Subs.
Friday, Jun 4, 2021, 12:00 PM
Dartmouth High School
21 for 21 Event: Senior Sunset
The Class of 2021 will enjoy the sun and sand of Round Hill as the sun sets on their time as members of DHS while enjoying the music of DJ ABL.
Saturday, Jun 5, 2021, 07:15 PM
Round Hill Town Beach, Mishaum Point Road, Dartmouth, MA, USA
21 for 21 Event: Class of 2021 Commencement Exercises
The Class of 2021 Commencement Exercises are being planned to take place outdoors at Dartmouth Memorial Stadium on Sunday, June 6, 2021 at 1 p.m. with rain dates on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 1 p.m.
Sunday, Jun 6, 2021, 01:00 PM
Dartmouth Memorial Football Stadium, Slocum Road, Dartmouth, MA, USA
Dartmouth High School
Email: rossthibault@dartmouthschools.org
Website: dartmouth.school/domain/8
Location: 555 Bakerville Road, Dartmouth, MA, USA
Phone: 508-961-2700
Twitter: @DartmouthHS