DHS Community Update
April 9, 2021
Full Return to In-Person Learning at DHS
Greetings DHS Community Members:
As mentioned in previous communications, Dartmouth High School is preparing for an eventual return to full, in-person learning for our students. The guidance put out by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has not yet specified a date for when the full return to school will take place at the high school level, but members of the DHS Community should be aware that planning is already fully underway.
In order to assist us in our planning there is an important survey that was sent out via email to all DHS parents and guardians this morning to select an educational model (full in-person or full virtual) for their child for the remainder of the school year at DHS. Parents and/or guardians are asked to complete the survey for each of their children enrolled at Dartmouth High School as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, April 16, 2021.
It is important to understand that our current hybrid model of learning will no longer be an option. Instead, students will attend school in-person five days per week OR will attend school virtually each day. Students who choose to attend school in-person are expected to attend school everyday unless they are ill and should not plan on being able to attend through Google Meet as that option will be reserved only for students who are out due to medical reasons. Additionally, students who opt for the full virtual model should plan on completing coursework through Edgenuity for the remainder of the school year.
Students who are currently enrolled in our Virtual Learning Academy have the option to return to school in-person; however, students will continue their coursework in Edgenuity for the remainder of the school year. It is important that students in the VLA opting to return to school understand that they will not be enrolled in classes with live instruction from DHS teachers though supports will be available to them.
In closing, we appreciate your cooperation and support as we continue to plan for this important next step as we continue to move closer to some sense of normalcy in very challenging times. We look forward to being able to welcome our students back to school on a full-time basis in the near future.
Sincerely,
Ross Thibault
Principal
Four DHS Artists Selected to Exhibit Work at New Bedford Art Museum
The New Bedford Art Museum's Teen Artist Internship Program opened a new exhibit Passage of Time on April 8th featuring several original works of art created by Dartmouth High School Art Club members Gabriella Arruda, Meghan Camaro, Mia Carter and Julia Gilchrest. The exhibit will remain open from April 8th through May 30th. Congratulations to each of the outstanding artists selected to have their work on display as part of this exciting exhibit and especially to Julia Gilchrest who created the promotional flyer for the art exhibit.
If you're interested in learning more about this tremendous program, please visit the following link: https://newbedfordart.org/taip/.
From the Desk of the Associate Principal
PSAT10:
The PSAT10 testing schedule is as follows:
1. Thursday, April 15: Cohort B, VLA (Virtual Learning Academy), and Cohort A/B (students who attend everyday)
2. Friday, April 16 for Cohort A
On your scheduled testing day, please report to the cafeteria at 7:15 AM. If you are a student who receives accommodations such as extended time, you will be taking the test in another room, but you need to report to the cafeteria first.
Testing is scheduled to take place from 7:30 AM - 11:25 AM. Please report to school on time.
You will report to your fourth and fifth period classes following the test administration.
Please bring the following:
1. Number 2 pencils
2. Approved calculator for Math Test - Calculator portion of the test only
3. Snack and drink (Please remember that we are a "not free" school so no snacks with nuts; snack and drink will be placed under desk during testing)
On testing day, you will be asked to power off your cell phone and place it in a paper bag which will be placed under your seat while testing.
You can access Khan Academy (satpractice.org) for free, personalized online practice tailored to your strengths and areas where you may need help. Also, you can find additional practice materials, including 2 full length practice tests, on psat.org/practice.
MCAS
ELA and Math MCAS will be administered to all sophomores. The window for the testing runs from May 3 - May 17. More details regarding the testing schedule will follow as we plan for a full return to school.
The Commissioner of Education is currently recommending to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Educations that the competency determination (CD) requirement be modified in English Language Arts and mathematics for students in the class of 2022 who have not yet earned their CD, in recognition of the missed testing opportunities for that class. As a result, the upcoming MCAS administration window scheduled to open on May 3 will no longer be required for current 11th graders. Seniors may still participate in the tests this spring to qualify for the Adams Scholarship and Koplik Certificate of Mastery. Juniors who do not participate this spring will be able to test for scholarship purposes during the retest period in the fall of 2021.
Advanced Placement Exams
Advanced Placement students have signed up for their AP exams and will be receiving more information regarding the various test administrations and what specifically will be needed for the digital exams.
The Paper and Pencil AP exams will be administered from May 3 - May 17. Students who signed up for this test session will receive detailed instructions regarding the exam rooms and testing protocols.
School Counseling & Support Services Department Updates
School Counseling Updates
Class of 2021 Updates
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!
If you have not had your senior meeting with your school counselor, please schedule one with them as soon as possible.
Scholarship Information
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.
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.
UMass Lowell Junior Preview Day - Saturday, April 24th at 10:00AM For more information and to register.
Here’s a preview of what they’ll be able to do:
Participate in live chats with faculty and current students
Discover our programs of study
Chat with admissions representatives and get tips about preparing their application
Learn more about financial aid options
Information for all grade levels
College Fairs-BigFuture Days College Fair - College Board is hosting their first-ever series of virtual college fairs called BigFuture™ Days. Sophomores and juniors are encouraged to sign up for a chance to connect directly with college admissions representatives and current college students. You'll have a chance to explore colleges in a way that's not overwhelming, ask questions about topics you want to learn about, and take action on key college planning steps. To register for the event sign up at cb.org/bigfuturedays.
BigFuture Day Midwest is on Sunday, April 18
BigFuture Day Southeast is on Thursday, April 29
NACAC - The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), founded in 1937, is an organization of nearly 14,000 professionals from around the world dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing postsecondary education. This year, the college fairs are online events. Click on the link for more information, and to register for the fair!
NEACA - New England Association for College Admission Counseling invites you to visit our virtual Spring College Fair. Admission Representatives from more than 180 Institutions will be available LIVE during the following dates and times: Wednesday, April 14th from 7-8:30 pm EST and/or Sunday, May 16th from 1-3:00 pm EST. Registration for the College Fair is required, but it is FREE! To register, please visit: https://neacac.swoogo.com/NEACACVirtual_Spring.
Should you have any questions along the way, please contact NEACAC at admin@neacac.org.
Local 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
Building Your Resume & Writing Your College Essay - April 15th 9:00AM-10:30AM
Join Assumption Admissions for an informative discussion on building your resume and writing your essay. During the virtual workshop, you will learn more about marketing your achievements, choosing the right essay topic for you, and preparing an application that stands out. Click link to register
Starting Your College Search - April 13th 9:00AM-10:30AM
Join Assumption Admissions for a virtual presentation on starting your college search, researching schools virtually, and discussing how to begin narrowing your list. You'll then ask questions to our panel of current Greyhounds during a live Q&A. Click link to register
MEFA Webinars
After the College Acceptance - This webinar provides valuable guidance for high school seniors who have received their college acceptance letters and financial aid offers and are trying to make the college decision. Topics include an overview of different types of financial aid, an explanation of how to calculate the balance due at each college, and methods for paying the college bill. Click on link to view webinar dates.
The Power of the U.Plan Prepaid Tuition Program - Learn the unique money-saving benefits of the U.Plan Prepaid Tuition Program, how your savings will grow even if your child attends college out of state, and the easy steps to enrollment. Click on link to view webinar dates.
Use MEFA Pathway's College Cost Calculator to Help Make an Informed Decision - Learn how students can use the College Cost Calculator in MEFA Pathway, MEFA's free college and career planning portal, to determine their personal cost at each college and university based on their financial aid received and other resources, which can help them make their college decision. Click on link to view webinar dates.
Using the College Cost Calculator - Learn how to use MEFA's College Cost Calculator when you receive financial aid offers to compare the aid you receive and determine your estimated college costs and balance due at each prospective college. Click on link to view webinar dates.
Attainable: The Massachusetts ABLE Savings Plan - In this webinar we will discuss the basics of an ABLE account as well as share some of the tax advantages that these accounts provide. Click on link to view webinar dates.
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.
SAT and ACT test registration deadlines
The SAT and ACT test registration dates and deadlines are listed in the community update to remind students of upcoming deadlines.
SAT test on June 5th - registration deadline is May 6th
ACT test on June 12th - registration deadline is May 7th
SAT Test Prep
Lentz & Lentz will be holding live virtual programs through Zoom for SAT Prep. Course will run on Saturday Mornings from 9:00AM-12:30PM starting on April 10th. A second course will be offered on Monday and Tuesday nights from 6:00-7:30PM starting on April 12th. To register and for more information call (845) 638-2826 or visit Lentzsatprep.com
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/
School Social Workers Update
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
Massachusetts Military Support Foundation continues to sponsor The Farmer's to Families Food Boxes program. Each food box contains 32 pounds of perishable and nonperishable food items including fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products and meat products. The program will run every Saturday, until April 10th (excluding March 27th). Families must register for the New Bedford site at https://mmsfi.org/farmers-to-families/. Families interested in learning some new recipes containing the food items included in the mealbox, please go to https://mmsfi4vets.info/recipes/ for a free recipe book!
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.
Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) for the 2020-2021 School Year (Additional Food Funds for Students during COVID-19. You will get P-EBT if you qualify for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program AND are in a hybrid or fully remote learning. Get P-EBT help at Click here or call DTA Assistance Line 1-877-382-2363 (Press 6). For a replacement card: Click here
Updates from the DHS Virtual Learning Academy
Q3 Grades: Quarter 3 grades will close for VLA students this Monday morning (April 12th). As with previous quarters, students will receive the “Actual” grade as reported by the Edgenuity Learning Platform.
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.
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.
Upcoming DHS Events
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