DHS Community Update
February 11, 2022
The Principal's Perspective: Celebrating Black History Month
Greetings DHS Community Members:
It is hard to believe that we are already approaching mid-February. It seems as if the start of the school year was just yesterday and yet here we are already two weeks into the second semester of our school year. Time is certainly flying!
February is Black History Month. Over the past several years, Dartmouth High School and the Dartmouth Public Schools have worked to ensure that the histories, voices, stories and contributions of African Americans are embedded throughout the curriculum and celebrated throughout the school year. February provides an important opportunity to enhance our school's teaching of pivotal events and prominent figures in African American history. The picture above is of the recently unveiled bulletin board which highlights important contributions by prominent African American leaders and social activists and was created by Dartmouth High School Social Worker, Mrs. Kristianna Fontes-Callahan, who was assisted by DHS student Casen Chaves.
The board includes figures beyond the traditional leaders we think about such as MLK or Frederick Douglass and includes social activists, actors, and poet laureates such as Amanda Gorman who performed at last year's Presidential Inauguration. The board reaffirms the fact that African American contributions to America transcend the traditional narrative of struggle and strife to include significant contributions to all aspects of American life.
Additional activities planned to celebrate Black History Month include on-going announcements written and delivered by members of the DHS Multicultural Club as well as a PASE event being hosted by the Multicultural Club where students and faculty with come together to read and recite poetry and speeches of inspirational African Americans. Personally, I am looking forward to the event and plan to recite Langston Hughes' poem, Harlem while speaking to students about the cultural contributions made by Hughes.
The interactive bulletin board, our continuing commitment to diversify the voices and individuals represented and included in our curriculum, and the activities of our Multicultural Club remind us that Black History is American History!
Sincerely,
Ross A. Thibault
DHS Principal
Course Selection Process: A Collaborative Approach
It is that time of year again. It is time for students currently enrolled in grades 9-11 to select courses for the upcoming school year. At Dartmouth High School we invite and encourage students, parents and guardians, school counselors, teachers, and advisors to engage in the course selection process as partners in our students' success. When we work collaboratively students are able to make informed decisions about which courses to select based on their individual post-secondary goals and aspirations.
The graphic above illustrates a step by step approach to this collaborative process. Students and parents should review the Program of Studies carefully and should make note of any questions they might have. Students are then able to follow up with questions with the appropriate person prior to selecting their courses.
As students consider their courses for next year, they should be mindful of graduation requirements, their post-secondary plans or aspirations, as well as the opportunity to explore areas of potential interest. We encourage all students to take at-least 1 advanced course prior to graduation. Completing Advanced Placement (AP) or Project Lead the Way (PLTW) strengthens a student's transcript and supports the development of the skills and knowledge necessary to be college and career ready upon graduation.
We will adhere to the following timeline with respect to our Course Selection process:
February 11, 2022: Updated Program of Studies Published
February 16, 2022: Advisory Session on Course Selection Process & Course Selection Portal Opens
February 17, 2022 & February 18, 2022: Grade Level Assemblies Facilitated by School Counselors
March 2, 2022: Deadline for Grades 9-11 to enter course requests in ASPEN
AP Capstone Diploma: A Tremendous Opportunity
Dartmouth High School is proud to offer students the opportunity to earn an AP Capstone Diploma. Earning such a diploma provides many benefits to students, including a strengthened transcript and many potential college credits which can shorten the time necessary to earn a degree as well as save a significant amount of money.
The graphic above is a recommended pathway to an AP Capstone Diploma which culminates in AP Research. Next year, Dartmouth High School will seek to schedule students into an AP Research section based upon the area of interest the student expresses. In other words, students who wish to complete a research project related to science would be scheduled into a section that is taught by a Science Teacher. Students who wish to conduct research related to the humanities will be taught by an English Teacher while any research interests related to statistics or mathematical modeling, etc. will be taught by a Math teacher.
Any students or parents or guardians with questions about the AP Capstone Diploma should reach out to our AP Coordinator Ms. Rachel Chavier at rachelchavier@dartmouthschools.org or to English Lead Teacher Mr. Wilbur Higgins at wilburhiggins@dartmouthschools.org.
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 feature the latest example of an authentic media related project-based learning experience produced by DHS Media student Ben Smith featuring analysis and predictions of the upcoming Super Bowl along with the latest episode of Ryanology. In addition, episode 2 of Shea Talk as well as links to the upcoming School Committee meeting can be found below.
Final Opportunity for Grade 12 Students to Participate in MCAS Tests for Scholarship Purposes
In recognition of 2021 being a disrupted school year, DESE is permitting students in the classes of 2022 and 2023 (if testing for the first time, regardless of whether the students were MED or ABS in grade 10, or are new to a MA public school) to participate in the March 2022 MCAS retests for scholarship purposes. All students attempting to qualify for the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship and/or the Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery must have MCAS scores in ELA and Mathematics. (As a reminder, students in the class of 2022 were eligible for a modified Competency Determination, and many students did not participate in grade 10 ELA and Mathematics testing). Please note that the March retest is the final opportunity for students in the class of 2022 (current seniors) to participate in MCAS testing for scholarship purposes.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Associate Principal, Ms. Chavier, at rachelchavier@dartmouthpublicschools.org.
If your student would like to participate in the March Retest, please sign up by Friday, February 18, 2022.
Students who are required to take the MCAS Retest for their CD (competency determination) will be contacted by their guidance counselor and will receive an email from Ms. Chavier regarding details.
The March MCAS Retest Schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, March 9, 2022: ELA MCAS Retest Session 1
Thursday, March 10, 2022: ELA MCAS Retest Session 2
Tuesday, March 15, 2022: Math MCAS Retest Session 1
Wednesday, March 16, 2022: Math MCAS Retest Session 2
Future MCAS Dates
Please see the MCAS 2022 Schedule for ELA and Math MCAS Administration Dates.
AP Exam Fees
A gentle reminder for students who have not made their final payment for AP Exams. The balance for exams is due by February 19, 2022. Please visit the Town of Dartmouth website to make final payments. Students who have an exam balance received an invoice during the week of January 20th with the amount that is owed. If students or parents/guardians have questions, please contact rachelchavier@dartmouthschools.org.
Any exam that is ordered at this point, will have a $40 late fee in addition to the base exam fee. This fee doesn’t apply for students who transfer to Dartmouth High. It is also important to note that the College Board is not waiving cancellation fees this school year. Therefore, if an exam is not taken or canceled, a $40 cancellation fee will be charged.
We encourage all our AP students to sit for the exams; they have worked very diligently to prepare for the exam(s) all school year and deserve the opportunity to see the results of their dedication. If you are experiencing financial hardship and need assistance for the exam payment, please contact rachelchavier@dartmouthschools.org.
Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma Program
As we approach course selection time for the 2022-2023 year, it is important for students and parents/guardians to be aware of our AP Capstone Program. The AP Capstone is a diploma program based on two AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. These yearlong courses focus on developing college-level skills in research, critical thinking, presentation, and team collaboration - areas that are increasingly valued by colleges and universities.
Please see the resources below to help you understand the benefits of the Capstone Program, the opportunities for earning an AP Capstone Diploma or an AP Seminar and Research Certificate, and details about the program and how it works.
If you have any questions, please contact Associate Principal Rachel Chavier at rachelchavier@dartmouthschools.org
Earn the Seal of Biliteracy!
Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy
Dartmouth High School is proud to participate in the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy program offered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Since introducing the program at Dartmouth High School, over 25 students have earned the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy, 8 with Distinction.
WHAT: 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. There are 2 levels of distinction a student can achieve: Seal of Biliteracy and Seal of the Biliteracy with Distinction.
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 HERE by Wednesday, March 31, 2022.
Exams will be administered on April 12-April 16, 2022.
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.
School Counseling & Support Services Department Updates!
School Counseling Updates
Dynamy Open House on February 23rd 7:00PM
Does the reality of future planning feel overwhelming? Maybe you're not sure if you're ready for college just yet? Are you undecided on college plans or next steps? If this is YOU… Register for the open house to learn how Dynamy can prepare you for college, a career, and beyond! Join for a Program Overview and Live Q&A!
NACAC online college fairs! Click link to find out virtual college fairs!
Social Worker Updates
My Life. Stop. Breathe. Think. App - 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).Click to go to app!
Parent Information Network - The School of Hard Talks An InfoSession for Parents
February 15th 9:30am-10:30am Zoom Meeting ID 499-786-7302
Are you parenting a tween or teen?
Do you and your child feel frustrated by your conversations?
Let PIN help you build your parenting tool box.
Come to this information session to hear about a communication style called “motivational interviewing”.
Learn about a workshop series called School of Hard Talks.
For more information, please visit their website, www.pin.bamsi.org. Please RSVP by 2/14/22, please contact Catherine Martin at 508-947-8779, ext. 210 or pin@bamsi.org.
February Vacation Math Accelerated Academy Opportunity!
Dear Families,
Dartmouth Public Schools has received an Accelerated Academy Grant for Math from the Department of Education. This Math Acceleration Academy is a four day academic program designed to accelerate student learning through engaging, standards-aligned lessons that meet the specific academic needs of students participating in the program. The Math Academy focuses on a specific content area and students who attend the Academy receive the equivalent of approximately one extra month of learning in one week.
The Math Academy will take place at Quinn Elementary School from February 22nd-25th, 8am-1:00pm. *NO SCHOOL on MONDAY February 21st. Grab and go breakfast and lunch will be provided. There is no transportation for this program.
If you are interested in having your child attend the Math Accelerated Academy, please fill out the Math Accelerated Academy Form as soon as possible! Students must commit to all 4 days. Students will be selected using several data points.
If your child is selected for a slot, you will be notified by Monday February 14th. We will maintain a waiting list.
Please note that at the high school level, students currently enrolled in grade 9 or grade 10 are eligible to participate.
Please email Jen Clune, Academy Facilitator, at jenniferclune@dartmouthschools.org with any questions.
Dartmouth School Committee Meeting
Monday, Feb 14, 2022, 06:30 PM
Dartmouth High School, Bakerville Road, Dartmouth, MA, USA
Course Selection Process Advisory Session
Wednesday, Feb 16, 2022, 08:30 AM
Dartmouth High School
Course Selection Grade Level Assembly
Thursday, Feb 17, 2022, 08:30 AM
DHS
Course Selection Grade Level Assembly
Friday, Feb 18, 2022, 08:30 AM
DHS
February Vacation
Friday, Feb 18, 2022, 02:15 PM
Dartmouth Public Schools
Important Reminder: Masking is a MUST!
As we continue through the Omicron surge, please remember that everyone, faculty, students and staff MUST wear a mask while inside Dartmouth High School.
Masks should be worn snuggly covering the nose and mouth. We appreciate your cooperation in order to ensure we do not see any unnecessary transmission inside of school.
As a reminder, students and staff are encouraged to bring their own masks each day. We do have some available in the event of an emergency i.e. a mask breaks or is forgotten, but we are not supplying masks daily for students or staff.