CB West High School
West Times Newsletter 2-1-2021
NEWS FROM THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
This past week has been very sad and difficult for anyone who had the privilege of knowing or working with our friend and colleague, Dave Manners. It will be a very long time before we’re able to come to grips with what his loss really means to us individually, and to our Department, our students, and our entire West community. Dave’s gentle and calming manner helped to anchor all of us when things would get hectic, and he was always the first one to volunteer to assist students at West - or in other buildings - during times of need. Whether he was leading groups on mindfulness and stress management, or sharing his love of music with the Guitar Club he founded, or sharing stories of his family’s camping adventures, Dave’s selfless and genuine spirit made a real impact on everyone he knew.
In our office, Dave assumed the role of resident ‘meteorologist.’ He’d watch and analyze forecasts of impending storms, send us weather maps and updates, and then send out his final predictions for snow totals. And he was always right! While we won’t be able to get his predictions for this week’s storm, somehow, I think this is his way of letting us know that he’s still right here with us - in the silence and beauty of the falling snow.
On behalf of the entire Guidance Department, I’d like to express our deepest appreciation for outpouring of love and support we have received from our CB West families and community. We are so very grateful for the flowers, food, cards, prayers and well-wishes you have shared – they have truly kept us afloat this week. May we continue to hold each other up, and to celebrate the life and legacy of Dave Manners.
With gratitude, Lisa Corr
Social and Emotional Wellness Resources
As we continue to face challenges and navigate difficult times, we are including Social and Emotional Wellness Resources that may be helpful to our students, staff and families. Students and adults may display a range of thoughts and emotions when presented with various circumstances. We recommend to continue engaging in conversations with your child. As always, please reach out to your child’s counselor if you have questions or concerns.
Report Cards for first semester will be available on the Student Portal on Wednesday, February 10, 2021.
Pre-ACT for 10th Grade Students
The Pre-ACT is being offered to 10th grade students on Saturday, March 20th, 2021. This exam will be taken in-person at CB West, but with reduced testers in each room to meet social distancing guidelines. There are no alternative exam dates and registration is only open to CB West students. Students should be in their exam room before 7:45am, and plan for pickup around 11:45am on testing day. Room assignments will be posted outside of the Guidance office and emailed to parents after registration closes.
College-bound 10th grade students are encouraged to take the Pre-ACT to gain exposure to the ACT, an exam many colleges use when making admissions decisions. If students take both the Pre-ACT and PSAT during 10th grade, they can focus exclusively on their preference during 11th grade (SAT or ACT). For details about the Pre-ACT, please visit the ACT website.
Please visit the testing page of the West Guidance website for registration information: Guidance/School Psychologist / Testing: PSAT; SAT; Pre-ACT; ACT (cbsd.org).
PSAT 10
Due to COVID spacing restrictions, Sophomores were unable to take the PSAT earlier this year in October. The PSAT 10 will be offered to 10th grade students on Saturday, April 24th, 2021. More details will be provided as we get closer to the registration period for this exam.
Program Planning
Students must input their course requests into the Student Portal by 11 PM on Sunday, February 7th. Counselors will continue to inform students about the process:
- Juniors: Mrs. D’Alonzo will be joining all English classes (via Teams) this week to review the course registration process and to answer general questions.
- Sophomores: Students can view the Workshops offered in January by visiting the Class of 2023 Guidance page (scroll down to “Past Presentations”) where the Power Point Presentation and the Video session (about 45 minutes) are both posted for review.
- Junior and Sophomore counselors will be available to students during the months of February and March to review course selections, answer questions, and revise course requests. (While students will not be able to access their portal after February 7th, counselors can make any changes for students).
The process will end by April 2nd, so there is time for students and families to consult with counselors and teachers about the most appropriate courses for next year.
**Students who wish to meet with their counselor to discuss program planning should either remail them or use their QR codes to set up an appointment. **
Please refer to the Program Planning webpage for information, links, and resources, including the Program of Studies, Course Registration Instructions, the Course Selection Sheet, and a Block Scheduling Worksheet/Grid to plan out your courses.
Attention Seniors:
- Mid-Year Reports, containing your grades from courses completed in first semester, will automatically be sent to each college to which you have applied. You do not need to submit any forms requesting these to be sent out. Mid-Years will be sent as soon as possible after grades are posted to your transcripts in mid-February.
- Scholarship Info -- Please check Naviance regularly for information about national, regional, and local scholarships. (Once logged into Naviance, click Colleges > Scholarships and Money > Scholarship List.) The list can be sorted by deadline, or you can search for specific criteria which matches your intended major. This list will be updated frequently, with new scholarships added regularly. Please also go to the Scholarship page of the Guidance Website for information about how to use scholarship search services to find more opportunities.
Middle Bucks Institute of Technology (MBIT) is hosting two new virtual experiences for students who may be interested in attending MBIT next year. They can schedule a Live Virtual Tour, to observe programs and see the classroom experience (sign up HERE). Or, they can meet in a virtual meeting space with current students and MBIT teachers for Careers & Conversations (sign up Here). Some upcoming sessions include:
- February 3rd at 10:30 am: Arts and Communication Career Pathway
- February 10th at 10:30 am: Business, Finance and Information Technology Career Pathway
Please visit www.mbit.org for more information.
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 would benefit from a peer tutor, please have them contact their school counselor or Mrs. Bagnick at lbagnick@cbsd.org. We will assign tutors based on availability at the time.
Article #4 February 2021: Inspirational Videos
One of the first steps to selecting a career is to become aware of the many options available. In Central Bucks schools, our students begin that process through the Career Readiness related curriculum in elementary buildings (QUEST, Economics Project in Social Studies) and secondary buildings (Success Plan, Information Technology classes).
Here are two videos which might inspire that search for just the right career. Watch them with your children and listen to what they say about what they see in their future.
For younger students: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9TLZBZ3eo8&feature=youtu.be
For older students: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP89iBasyCE
For comments or questions, please contact Ginny Barrett at vbarrett@cbsd.org.
Inclement Weather
If inclement weather causes a delayed opening, please see the 2 Hour Delay Bell Schedule. Hybrid MBIT students will not be bused to MBIT and will remain at West. They will report to study hall when not in their classes at West, and work virtually with their MBIT courses/teachers. Additionally, if the weather requires the cancellation of in-person instruction, teachers will post asynchronous work for students unless otherwise communicated.
Back to School Night
Central Bucks High School West will host a virtual Back to School Night on February 18th at 7:00 PM for second semester classes. During this important event, teachers will explain the academic program, answer questions about the curriculum, and discuss what they expect from students. More details to follow.
Free Breakfast and Lunch
Aramark’s free breakfast and lunch program will continue for the remainder of the school year. Students can pick up food at various locations when in the school building. Curbside pickup will also continue to be available on Mondays and Thursdays from 10:30am-12pm.
Book/Item Distribution and Return
End of Semester
See details for end of semester book and item drop-off/pick up after the dates listed below.
Details of Regular Procedures: We will have a pick-up/drop off for 100% virtual students only on the dates listed below from 2:00pm-4:00pm in the CB West Cafeteria. Students who are participating 100% online will retrieve needed materials as communicated by teachers. Students can also return books or other curricular items by placing it 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.
Forthcoming Dates: The following are the Thursday dates for pick up and drop off of items mapped out through the remainder of the year (just in case and subject to change).
- 2/4/21
- 2/8/21 - pick up for beginning of semester/marking period
- 2/9/21 - pick up for beginning of semester/marking period
- 2/18/21
- 3/4/21
- 3/18/21
- 4/8/21
- 4/29/21
- 5/13/21
- 5/27/21
- 6/10/21
ITEM PICK UP FOR SEMESTER CHANGE
Item Pick-Up
Hybrid Students:
- Will get their books and materials on their hybrid days the week of 2/8 in class.
Virtual Students:
- Will come to the cafeteria to get their items from 2:00pm-5:30pm on 2/8, 2/9
Any Other Students
- Any virtual student who misses pick-up will have to schedule separately by emailing Mrs. Johnsen, School Safety Coordinator: ljohnsen@cbsd.org
- Any hybrid student who is not in school to get belongings will have to coordinate with teacher(s), who will leave items in the vestibule by the flagpole entrance. Student has to then come to get them.
CB West Parent Council
We look forward to continuing our partnership with parents through the 2020-2021 Central Bucks West Parent Council. Membership to the council is open to all interested CB West parents.
Meetings will be held virtually for the time being. Meetings begin at 9:00 AM and conclude at 10:30 AM.
Please note: If you are accessing the Teams link on an iPhone or Mac, you will need to download the Teams app first. The web version will not work for Safari. Learn more about Teams
Click here to join the meeting
February 24, 2021
March 24, 2021
April 21, 2021
Sophomores
The State of Pa. requires that all Juniors have a physical on file in the Health Office. As your student goes to the doctor for driver’s permits, working papers, etc., remember to turn in a copy of the physical. Physicals dated the first day of Sophomore year or later will be excepted as a Junior physical. If your child plays sports, this physical will count as well.
Juniors
Photo IDs and Picture Packets
'Online only' students should pick up their photo packets and IDs during one of the Item Pick-Up Days in the cafeteria or make arrangements with the receptionist for an alternate pick up date. 267-893-2500
Photo packets and IDs of any student who went to the studio to have their picture taken will be distributed to those students at CB West - pick up will not be at the studio. Online only students' photos will be put on individual placards in the cafeteria to be picked up during our scheduled Item Pick-Up Days and hybrid students will receive their items during one of their in-person school days.
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! Yearbook page on West website
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.
Good News About CB West Students
Book Drive Success!
Mila Acosta Morales is the President of our Future Teachers of America Club and initiated our first community outreach event to help support students in need. The book drive (pictured below...and there were a few pallets more) collected over 7,000 books for Project Home. They will sell the gently used books and the money will be used for families to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. The drive exceeded our goal by thousands! Well done Future Teachers of America!
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