DHS Community Update
March 12, 2021
Planning for an Eventual Full Return to School
Greetings DHS Community Members:
As many parents are likely aware, the Commissioner of Education, Jeffrey Riley, this week announced his phased in plan to return all students to in-person learning over the coming month at the elementary and middle school levels but did not provide a detailed timeline of when this would take place at the high school level. I want to let all members of the DHS Community, faculty, students, parents and staff know that the DHS Administrative Team and District Leadership Team continue to review the guidance provided by the state and will continue to plan for what a full return of students would look like, including at the high school level.
In our efforts to plan for a full return, the district has sent out a survey to all parents relative to whether or not you will send your child to school in a full return to school. I ask all high school parents to please complete the survey as the information is immensely important to us as we continue to plan for the eventual full return to school.
As this planning is underway, I also encourage parents to ensure students are attending school in-person when they are scheduled to do so, unless they are not feeling well. Our teachers have been extremely flexible this year and continue to do their best to support all students; however, when students remain home on days they are scheduled to be in school, it impacts lesson plans, etc. We appreciate everyone's cooperation as we continue to navigate this ever evolving educational landscape the best that we can.
With gratitude and appreciation,
Ross Thibault
Principal
Course Selection for School Year 2021-2022
Course selection for School Year 2021-2022 has begun. Course requests should be completed in ASPEN by March 12th.
School Counselors are available to meet with students if they have course selection questions. To schedule an appointment with the school counselor, click on the appropriate link below:
A-Da Mr. McGrath Appointment Slots
Db-L Ms. Fitzgerald Appointment Slots
M-Ra Ms. Heath Appointment Slots
Rb-Z Mr. Wright Appointment Slots
Literate in a Second Language? Earn the Seal of Biliteracy Today!
Dartmouth High is proud to participate in the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy program. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) states that the Seal of Biliteracy is an official designation from the State of Massachusetts that recognizes graduates who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other language. Upon graduation, districts affix the insignia to the physical diploma, to the electronic transcripts, or both. They are 2 levels of distinction: Seal of Biliteracy and Seal of the Biliteracy with Distinction.
WHAT: The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to students who demonstrate literacy in two or more languages, a target language as well as English.
WHO: Students who meet the criteria will receive the Seal of Biliteracy or the Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction upon graduation.
HOW: The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has outlined the criteria students must meet to earn this award. To measure proficiency in English, students must earn a qualifying score on the ELA MCAS. To measure proficiency in the target language, students must earn a qualifying score on a state-approved assessment (AAPPL Exam/ AP Spanish Exam/NEWL Exam)
WHEN: Deadlines and testing windows.
Submit Registration Form via google form by Wednesday, March 31, 2021
April 12-April 16: Exams will be administered. Cost of the exam will be funded by Dartmouth Public Schools
WHERE: All testing will take place in the DHS Language Lab (C-12 ).Please contact World Language Lead Teacher Hilaria Sousa at hilariasousa@dartmouthschools.org with any questions.
From the Desk of the Associate Principal
Advanced Placement Exams
AP students attended our AP Virtual Assembly during their PASE period this week. Students were provided with information regarding the upcoming AP exams. Please see the attached presentation for the information that was shared with them. In addition to the presentation, we are sharing an AP Exam 2021 At-A-Glance document with you.
Students will select the exam administration date that works best for them as our sophomores and juniors will be taking MCAS ELA and Math in May and would like to offer them the option of selecting the session that best suits their needs.
Advanced Placement AP Science Mock Exams
The AP Science mock exams will be available for students in AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science and AP Physics during the week of March 15-March 21. The mock exams will take place after school or on the weekend, but they will not be taking place during the regular school day so as to avoid students missing multiple classes. Students will be provided with a passcode to give them access to the mock exam and will have a number of options to choose from for when they actually sit for it. Students will have the option of sitting for the entire 3 hour exam, or they may choose to sit for two 90-minute sessions and do the multiple choice and free response portions of the exam at separate times. Students are encouraged to block out a three hour period of time to better simulate the actual exam, but they will not be required to do so given the many competing interests and responsibilities that they have during afternoons, evenings and weekends. Students are encouraged to participate in this valuable experience as it will build confidence for the AP exams in the future.
If you have any questions regarding the Mock Exam please contact peterbangs@dartmouthschools.org.
Yearbook Update
As a result of the COVID pandemic and a vote of the Class of 2021, a decision was made to extend the yearbook delivery to early July. This decision was made in hopes of capturing more images of school year activities to be placed in the yearbook.
Orders for yearbooks are still being accepted.
If you have any questions, please contact donnaflor@dartmouthschools.org
School Counseling & Support Services Department 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.
MEFA Webinars
Helping Families Understand Financial Aid Offers - Webinar on March 30th at 2:00PM to learn all you need to know about the different types of financial aid available, how to best calculate the balance due at every school, and methods that families can use to pay the college bill balance. Click to register for the webinar.
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
College Fairs
NEACAC is the New England Association of College and Admission Counseling, and they offer one of the best college fairs for students. This year, the college fairs are online events. NEACAC is hosting four college fairs this spring, one each month through May. Click on the link for more information, and to register for the fair!
Class of 2022 Updates
Class of 2022 it is time to schedule an appointment 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.
MEFA Webinars
Helping Families Understand Financial Aid Offers - Webinar on March 30th at 2:00PM to learn all you need to know about the different types of financial aid available, how to best calculate the balance due at every school, and methods that families can use to pay the college bill balance. Click to register for the webinar.
Saving for College - An overview of the Massachusetts college savings plans and the benefits they provide to families. Webinar will be held on March 18th at 2:00PM to review those plans, as well as general guidance on college savings strategies. Click to register for the webinar.
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 West + Southwest is on Tuesday, March 30
BigFuture Day Midwest is on Sunday, April 18
BigFuture Day Southeast is on Thursday, April 29
NEACAC is the New England Association of College and Admission Counseling, and they offer one of the best college fairs for students. This year, the college fairs are online events. NEACAC is hosting four college fairs this spring, one each month through May. Click on the link for more information, and to register for the fair!
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
Class of 2023 Updates
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 West + Southwest is on Tuesday, March 30
BigFuture Day Midwest is on Sunday, April 18
BigFuture Day Southeast is on Thursday, April 29
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 May 8th - registration deadline is April 8th
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
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.
Parent Discussion Group Zoom Meeting - Thursday, March 18th 6:00-7:15PM
MassSupport is happy to invite you to join a free Parent Orientation discussion group hosted by the Dartmouth Youth Advocate. The Parent Orientation discussion group will be facilitated by a MassSupport clinician who is not affiliated with the Dartmouth Youth Commission. This Parent Orientation discussion group is open to all parents/guardians/caregivers of Dartmouth school age children. To register for this Parent Orientation please click on the link below.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItc-2ppjgiEt1S1rrN1D6pvlQtHIlyv1wZ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you have any questions, please reach out to:
MassSupport’s Elizabeth Rego, Southeast Team Lead at erego@riversidecc.org.
Padlet Update
New app named, My Life. Stop. Breathe. Think. - The app My Life. Stop. Breathe. Think. helps you navigate life’s ups and downs through personalized mindfulness activities. Many activities are free (in-app purchases are available). https://my.life/
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
Unfinished Semester One Electives: All semester 1 courses have closed and grades have been awarded. Students who received an F in their courses earned no credit the course and will have to retake the course if it is a graduation requirement. Every VLA student who had not yet completed a course received a personal phone call from Mrs. Lenz this week to explain this policy. School administrators will consider requests for exceptions to this rule if there is an extraordinary circumstance preventing the student from completing their courses. Requests for exceptions should be sent to the student’s Assistant Principal, Mr. Gill or Mr. Martin.
Course Selections for 2021/22: VLA students need to complete their course requests for the 2021/22 school year. The school’s Program of Studies has been posted to the VLA Google Classroom, as have grade-specific slideshows explaining the process. Also, school administrators will facilitate a virtual Advisory session on Tuesday, March 8th at (12:30PM) to discuss the course selection process with VLA students.
Outreach: Mrs. Lenz continues to make daily attendance calls to parents of VLA students who don’t log in to the Edgenuity learning platform. School guidance counselors, social workers and Assistant Principals also continue their outreach and support efforts. If you have concerns about your VLA student, don’t hesitate to call and touch base to ask for help.
Concerned Parent: Are you concerned about your student’s progress? The Edgenuity Family Portal gives you access to a robust set of reporting tools including progress reports and session logs. If you would like access, you need an access code; please e-mail Mr. Gill (righardgill@dartmouthschools.org) to request one.
Testing: the VLA Testing Center is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9:30 - 11:30.
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.
Any questions specific to the VLA should be directed to Assistant Principal Richard Gill at richardgill@dartmouthschools.org.
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.
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