CB West High School
West Times Newsletter 10.12.2020
NEWS FROM THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
The Central Bucks West Tutoring Academy will continue to provide Peer Tutoring on a virtual platform. There are several tutors available for academic help in many core classes. If your student is in need of peer tutoring, please have them contact their school counselor or Mrs. Bagnick at lbagnick@cbsd.org. We will assign tutors based on availability at the time.
Virtual College Exploration Program
All PA students have access to the Keystone Virtual College Exploration Program. The Program gives students virtual access to over 300 sessions, covering topics about colleges, careers, and the skilled trades. You may register for as many sessions as you’d like, and these are live, interactive sessions with college admissions counselors and other professionals. See our College Information Page for more information, including the session schedule and registration links.
Attention Seniors
Forget the STEPS for applying/sending transcripts? Visit the College Application Process page.
Need some help applying to College or sending transcripts? Every Thursday at 2pm, Mr. Curtis and Mrs. Dallam are available for "drop in" help! This is open to all students, and will occur weekly using the same link (see below):
+1 412-219-4136 United States, Pittsburgh (Toll)
Conference ID: 970 805 317#
Attention Juniors
Thinking about college? Planning your career? Check out the PACAC Keystone Virtual College Exploration program, details listed above, as well as on our College Information Page. Also, be sure to visit our Class of 2022 page for your junior testing schedule and timeline.
District Financial Aid Info Session
The CBSD Financial Aid Info Session will take place virtually on Monday, October 19, 2020 at 6:30 PM. The presenter will be Fran McKeown from PHEAA (PA. Higher Education Assistance Agency). This presentation provides an early understanding of the financial decisions students need to make concerning higher education. Topics include higher education costs, the types of financial aid available, and how to apply for financial aid. There will be an opportunity for Q&A at the end of the presentation. Students must REGISTER AT THIS LINK, and they will be sent an invitation/link to join the real-time event.
We will also be holding a virtual FAFSA WORKSHOP on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 6:30 PM. This will help students and families who want more information about how to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This workshop will also be presented by Fran McKeown from PHEAA, and she will take questions at the end. Students must REGISTER AT THIS LINK, and they will be sent an invitation/link to join the real-time event.
Additional financial aid information and resources are posted on the Guidance Financial Aid webpage.
Social/Emotional Wellness
The Guidance Department will provide resources throughout the year to support students’ social and emotional health. Mr. Manners, one of our 11th grade counselors, plans to run an online Stress Reduction Program, available to all students. This 6-week Mindfulness based program will be offered this fall through the Teams platform and is designed to assist students with stress, attention, and overall quality of life. Enrollment is ongoing -- Students interested in participating in this program should contact Mr. Manners directly at dmanners@cbsd.org.
Parent Drop Off/Pick Up
When dropping off and/or picking up your child in the Main Parking Lot, please make sure you pull into the “nook” right by the steps that leads up to the entrance. This will allow for traffic to flow more effectively and safely. Thank you
Breakfast and Lunch Grab and Go
Breakfast and lunch will be available at no charge until December 31, 2020 to students at CB West.
Grab and Go breakfast will be available daily between 7:00 AM-7:25 AM at two locations: Court Street Café and in the cafeteria
Grab and Go lunch will be available daily between 1:15 PM – 1:30 PM at three locations: Court Street Café, F147 by the attendance office, and in the hallway by the Security office close to the MacFarlane Lane exit.
If you have Early Release, Grab and Go bags are in the D hallway near the security office/back of cafeteria area before exiting onto MacFarlane Lane.
On Tuesdays and Fridays, students may take breakfast and lunches for the three school days they are learning online.
Parents may also pick up meals for students on Mondays and Thursdays, from 10:30 AM -12:00 PM, at the Faculty Parking Lot “Bubble” entrance at CB West.
The Central Bucks School District and Aramark are committed to providing students with the tools they need to succeed, including nutritious meals they can enjoy at no charge. No applications are needed!
Daily Announcements
Stay up-to-date on the latest information at CB West. Go to our 'Daily Announcements' page on our CB West website listed under 'School Links' - please click here.
Attendance
We had reports that students are emailing teachers and counselors if they are staying home and/or switching placements from Hybrid to Online. We realize that it may seem easier (and appreciate our students being advocates and communicating) but in terms of attendance, here are the protocols we need to follow:
Hybrid Students - In Person Days
- If a student should be physically present in the building and staying home, we do need this communication to come from the parents or guardians. Please email our attendance office at westattendance@cbsd.org. At the school level, this is the same as if students were in a traditional sense because any time a student is supposed to be here physically, they need an “excuse note.” There are many reasons for this, which primarily fall under liability and safety, but it is also important for our state attendance records and the planning for teachers. If a student is not in school (but even attending online) the initial absence code will be “absent” until we have a communication from parents. The attendance code will be changed to “VP = Virtual Present” once we have the communication from the parent/guardian. We do ask for the communication in advance of the absence so we can enter this in advance so teachers are aware and it also ensures us that parents and guardians are aware that the student is at home and has permission.
Online Students - Students all Virtual or Hybrid Students on Virtual Days
- If a student does not attend class, the student will be marked absent until we receive the communication from parents.
- Note – If a student logs in initially, but leaves the call or does not engage, the teachers will mark the student absent with a comment so parents can see this information and reach out to us as needed.
Safe2Say
S2SS is an anonymous reporting system designed to help students and staff to recognize the warning signs and signals of individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others.
Find details about the program HERE - Safe2Say
AP Exam Information for 1st Semester
If your child is currently taking an Advanced Placement class, please take time to read the following message:
On Monday, September 21st, teachers helped students “digitally activate” (join) their classes in their AP accounts. This allows students to access resources from College Board. Students then have until October 30th to elect to take the AP exam in May of 2021. If your student chooses to take the exam, he/she must then register and make payment via My Payments Plus by October 30th. Information regarding My Payments Plus is below and will also be shared with your child in their AP class.
Registration/Deadline:
To register for your AP Examinations, please visit www.mypaymentsplus.com
by Friday, October 30th, 2020. All registrations for 1st semester and full year AP courses must be completed by Friday, October 30th. Through this site, you will be able to view all available exams and make AP exam payments for all students in the same household in one transaction.
- If you do not already have a My Payments Plus account, follow the on-screen instructions to create one.
- If you already have a My Payments Plus account, be sure to “Add” each student who will be taking an AP exam.
- Please note that exams must be taken on the College Board scheduled day.
- When registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation number. Please record and save your confirmation number.
Payment/Additional Fees: The cost is $100 per exam, which includes the registration fee.
**PLEASE NOTE the following additional fees that will be applied after the October 30th deadline for 1st semester classes:
*Cancellation Fee: $0 (for 2020-21 school year only)
*Late Registration Fee: $40.00
Withdrawing from an exam:
If you are no longer able to take an exam for which you have already registered, an email or letter from a parent/guardian to Mrs. Bagnick, our AP Coordinator, in Guidance (Lbagnick@cbsd.org) is required at least 48 hours prior to the exam. Your maximum refund will be $95 per exam.
Financial Aid:
Students who qualify for the free/reduced lunch program are eligible for a reduced exam fee. The adjusted fee will be reflected in your My Payments Plus account when you log in.
Technical support:
If you experience technical issues with your account, or forget your login or password, please contact My Payments Plus, Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM at (877) 237-0946.
If your child is taking an Advanced Placement class second semester, communication will be shared in January in preparation for the March deadline. Please do not register for those tests until that time.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Bagnick, our AP Coordinator, at lbagnick@cbsd.org.
Book/Item Distribution and Return
Until further notice, we will designate select Thursdays from 2:00pm-4:00pm in the CB West Cafeteria for students who are participating online to retrieve needed materials as communicated by teachers. Students can also return books or other curricular items by placing items in a labeled bin. Please park in the Junior lot off of MacFarlane Lane and enter the cafeteria. Please wear a mask and keep 6 feet social distancing at all times. Only 1 person per family may come into the building. Please bring a bag or bookbag to carry your items.
Process: Please find your placard, take the items under the placard, and leave the placard on the table at your spot.
Important: Please leave all name labels on any and all items given to you. This will be essential when you return items.
Larger Items: Teachers will communicate with you if you have larger items to pick up. Large items will be labeled with your name and will be in the back of the cafeteria in the large-item section.
Dates: The following are the Thursday dates for pick up and drop off of items mapped out through December (just in case and subject to change).
- 10/15/20
- 10/29/20
- 11/12/20
- 11/19/20
- 12/10/20
- 12/17/20
Picture Day
CB West will hold picture day for our in-building, hybrid Sophomores, Juniors, and newly enrolled Seniors on Monday, October 19, Tuesday, October 20, Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23. Students will be scheduled by alphabet and will independently come down to the auditorium during the scheduled time. (There will not be an announcement.) Students should adhere to all face covering and social distancing guidelines set forth by the school.
Students who are participating 100% virtually can come to the CB West Auditorium to get their pictures taken on Wednesday, October 21 between from 1:00pm-6:00pm. All students must wear face coverings and maintain social distancing at 6 feet. Only the student may come into the building.
Any student who misses their appointment and/or did not have the opportunity to get their pictures taken in-school can make an appointment to have their picture taken in the studio. Please contact C and C Studios: 302 West Butler Avenue, Doylestown PA. 18901, (215) 345-1851, candcphotostudios@verizon.net to do so.
Students who do not get their pictures taken will be issued updated student ID’s with their picture from last year on it.
Administration has worked closely with our photography company, C and C Studios, to ensure that all procedures adhere to the guidelines of the Health and Safety Plan.
Antler Yearbook Information
Don't forget to reserve your child an Antler yearbook for this school year. Due to COVID, we will only be accepting online orders, at www.jostens.com . Don't delay - last year we completely sold out of yearbooks - be sure to reserve your child's high school memories today! Seniors Only - Visit the Antler website for Baby Photo information. https://www.cbsd.org/Domain/476
Parents of Seniors- The Antler Yearbook needs YOUR help!
We want this year’s seniors to get the recognition they deserve! Do you have a senior who has excelled in the arts, community service, music, athletics or has a special interest or hobby? Do you have a photo of your senior on their first day of kindergarten AND the first day of their senior year? If so, please send photos and information about your senior to sferraro@cbsd.org with your student’s name in the subject line! *Please note that we cannot guarantee that every submission will be included.
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FROM PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has revised the immunization requirements for students.
The state law immunization requirement must be completed by November 10, 2020.
Please click here for further details.
If the student is in the middle of a series and it is too soon for the next dose, the parents must provide the school nurse with a plan for immunizations (signed by a health care provider) within the first 5 days. If the student has incomplete immunizations and no medical plan, the student will be excluded from school.
You may check your child’s school immunization record by logging onto the parent portal through the district website at this link or by consulting with your child’s physician.
Children’s Health Insurance Program
CHIP is Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program for uninsured children and teens up to age 19.
Click on the link for more information about CHIP.
About Us
Website: http://www.cbsd.org/Domain/30
Location: 375 West Court Street, Doylestown, PA, United States
Phone: 267.893.2500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbschools
Twitter: @CBWestHS