DHS Community Update
September 10, 2021
The Principal's Perspective: Remembering 9/11
Greetings DHS Community Members:
We are already through two weeks of the 2021-2022 school year. As we head into week 3, I hope we can all take time to remember and honor the significance of the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks against the United States. At the present moment in our nation's history, we would be well-served to reembrace that spirit of unity that existed in the wake of 9/11/2001.
This morning, the entire school paused for a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks as well as in honor of our first responders and the men and women of the armed services who have bravely served and sacrificed for our country.
Just prior to our moment of silence, I had the honor and privilege of sharing the impact that the 9/11 attacks had on Dartmouth High School by recalling the story of Leah Oliver, a Dartmouth High School graduate, member of our Student Council and a three-sport athlete who was at work on the 96th floor of the World Trade Center when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the building. While Leah was lost on that tragic day, her memory lives on in the form of a memorial located in front of our building by the steps leading to the student parking lot, a memorial that was originally created by the Law Enforcement Club in 2002 and that is currently maintained by our Horticulture class. Additionally, each year, the Leah Oliver Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a deserving member of the graduating class in memory of Leah.
May we continue to remember Leah, all the victims of 9/11, our heroic first responders, and members of our armed services and may we continue to embrace one another as members of our community, and our nation, in the spirit of unity that was forged 20 years ago in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Sincerely,
Ross A. Thibault
Principal
We are happy to report that we have had outstanding cooperation and compliance with respect to COVID-19 safety protocols at Dartmouth High School. We ask that students, parents and guardians remain vigilant and communicative with our school nurses. Specifically, please remember:
- Everyone at Dartmouth High School must wear a mask while inside Dartmouth High School. Masks should be three-ply and fit snuggly over the mouth and nose. Gaiters, bandannas and masks with side vents are not permitted.
- Everyone is encouraged to maintain excellent hand hygiene. Hand sanitizing stations are located throughout the building including in common areas and classrooms and students and staff are encouraged to wash their hands frequently throughout the day.
- If a student is not feeling well please do not send them to school. If you have a question about whether or not to send your child to school please reach out to one of our nurses first!
- The district is also working to finalize test and stay protocols and will share additional details as soon as they've been finalized.
DHS TV Media Presents
In each DHS Community Update we will bring you the latest material produced by DHS students in the DHS TV Media Production Program. This week we begin with a series being produced that introduces the newest members of the DHS Faculty and Staff to our community starting with one of our new School Social Workers, Ms. Gleicher.
Grab and Go Lunches Now Available On Early-Release Day
Starting on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, a grab and go lunch will be available for all high school students at dismissal. We encourage all students to take advantage of the opportunity to access nutritious food.
Advanced Placement
Students who are enrolled in an Advanced Placement course should be in the process of joining their classes using the Join Code provided to them by their AP teachers.
We encourage students to use these instructions when joining their AP classes. All AP students need to join their AP classes by Friday, September 17th. This process registers students for the AP Exams in the spring.
PSAT/NMSQT Exam
All sophomores and juniors will be taking the PSAT on Wednesday, October 13th starting at 7:30 AM. This is the perfect opportunity for sophomores to prepare for the SATs. For our juniors, the PSAT/NMSQT qualifies them for the National Merit Scholarship. More details will follow regarding testing rooms and preparation.
Congratulations to Our AP Capstone Diploma and AP Seminar & Research Recipients
Over the past several years, Dartmouth High School has made a concerted effort to grow and expand our Advanced Placement program as we believe all students are capable of achieving at high levels when provided quality instruction and appropriate levels of support. Our focus has been on expanding access and opportunities for all students to our most rigorous courses in order to provide them the opportunity to demonstrate their college and career readiness.
Part of our efforts have included offering AP Research and Seminar as well as AP Capstone. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students to develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are critical to academic success while empowering students to take ownership of their learning.
To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional AP Exams. To receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. Students are increasingly participating in the AP Capstone program. Over 2,000 schools participated in the AP Capstone program worldwide during the 2020-21 school year, when approximately 11,900 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma and 7,700 earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.
The following Dartmouth High School students have earned the AP Capstone Diploma by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on 4 additional AP Exams.
Class of 2022
Amelia A. Ablett
Feyza Achilova
Maeve L. Carrigg
Leah Y. Choubah
Evan J. Garcia
John H. Kertscher
Elizabeth A. McKinley
Justin P. Silva
Kaitlin M. Silva
Sophia E. Waite
Colin L. Zhu
Class of 2021
Lyah K. Esplana
Sarah A. Hartman
Alexander M. Jacquart
Reese T. Leconte
Mackenzie M. Lima
Theresa Ng
Lauren Nielson
Kathryn G. Reno
Jason H. Silva
Jason S. Silva
The following students were awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research.
Class of 2022
Robert J. August
Ava M. Cafasso
Emma G. Fernandes
Shanti R. Goncalves
Lauren V. Novo
Karley G. Richard
Molly E. Rioux
Abby L. Rogers
Katherine E. Smith
Emma C. Tetrault
Class of 2021
Mia F. Clark
Audrey E. French
Rachel Y. Lin
Please join us in congratulating each of these students on their outstanding accomplishment. Additionally, we would like to thank and congratulate all of our teachers who have supported these students along the way, especially English Lead Teacher Mr. Wilbur Higgins who has been instrumental in making these opportunities available for our students.
Change of Schedule Requests
Students who would like to explore the possibility of changing a course in their current schedule are reminded that the deadline to make schedule changes is Friday, September 17, 2021. Any student who needs to make such a request should do so through their School Counselor. Students may sign up to meet with their School Counselor during the PASE period, may email their School Counselor or schedule an alternative time to meet to discuss their options. After September 17, 2021, schedule changes will not be allowed unless there are extenuating circumstances which will be considered by administration on a case by case basis.
On Wednesday, September 15, 2021, Dartmouth High School will host Summer Reading book discussions. Students have been emailed with room locations that they should report to during the PASE period to participate in their Summer Reading book discussion. Any student who did not sign up to complete Summer Reading will report to the Dining Hall and will participate in a text-based discussion of an article that will be assigned at the start of the PASE period.
If there are any questions students may email the sponsor of their Summer Reading book or email Mr. Higgins at wilburhiggins@dartmouthschools.org.
Back-to-School Bash
A fun-filled Back-to-School Bash will be held prior to the start of the opening home Football game against Bishop Stang. All DHS students are invited to attend the event free of charge. The event will include lawn games, inflatables, free food, a DJ and much more. DHS students who attend the Back-to-School Bash will be allowed to enter the football game free of charge at 6:45 p.m.
Friday, Sep 10, 2021, 05:30 PM
Dartmouth Middle School, Slocum Road, Dartmouth, MA, USA
Dartmouth School Committee Meeting
Monday, Sep 13, 2021, 06:30 PM
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Early Release Day
The first Early Release Professional Development Day will take place on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. All students will be dismissed from Dartmouth High School at 11:35 a.m.