Branagan's Bulletin
Special Edition - Covid-19
Week of April 27 - May 1, 2020
I hope this note finds you well and coming off a great weekend. Saturday truly felt like spring!! I hope you were able to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. It was so exciting to see the many celebrations of Sachem Pride this weekend. A shout-out to the Girls Lacrosse Team for their outstanding celebration of the senior members of the team. The Lacrosse Parade looked AWESOME! Well done, ladies!
Also, traveling around our beautiful town delivering Senior Signs was really quite fun. To see the many smiles of our seniors and families made the day and experience even more special.
As you know, our school closure will extend through the end of the school year. This news was very upsetting for sure. However, although our school is shuttered...teaching and learning is not. We have an exciting week ahead of Distance Learning ahead. I deeply appreciate your engagement with your teachers.
Keep your eye on the prize!
Here are a few items for the week ahead:
Proud of you!
Bran
Quarter 3 Closes - Friday, May 1, 2020
Just a friendly reminder that Quarter 3 will officially close on Friday, May 1, 2020. I have included some important elements from my correspondence to all students and families that was sent on Thursday, April 23, 2020
Quarter 3 for all students (Grades 9 – 12) will close on Friday, May 1, 2020
The last day of academic classes was Thursday, March 12, 2020. Teachers will only use graded assignments up to that day of school to calculate the Quarter 3 grade.
During the time of school closure, which began on Friday, March 13, 2020 no new material was graded or counted towards the Quarter 3 average.
During the time of school closure teachers allowed and encouraged students to complete missing assignments, redo pre-existing assignments and do extra work on content that was previously taught during Quarter 3. The school community has been notified through numerous communications about the opportunity to engage in make-up work. The Quarter 3 grade will not be calculated lower than the average as of March 12, 2020.
The passing grade for Quarter 3 will be dropped from a 60% to a 50%, which will allow for more students to meet the passing threshold. We have created a new numerical equivalent for Quarter 3 grades only. The distribution for Quarter 3 grades are as follows:
- A Range 88-100 % {A- 88-91%, A 92-96%, A+ 97-100%}
- B Range 75-87% {B- 75-78%, B 79-83%, B+ 84-87%}
- C Range 62-74% {C- 62-65%, C 66-70%, C+ 71-74%}
- D Range 50-61% {D- 50-53%, D 54-57%, D+ 58-61%}
- F – 49% or lower
Teachers will issue an “incomplete” for Quarter 3 if it is warranted and will be based on teacher discretion.
For 45-day elective classes, the end of Quarter 3 would mark a progress report grade. Students will be issued a “Progress Grade/Comment” on the Quarter 3 Report Card
We will send Quarter 3 Report Cards electronically the week of May 11, 2020.
I know you will finish Quarter 3 this week...STRONG!!
Distance Learning Protocols - Week 4
As we begin this week, I want to take an opportunity to remind each of you of the expectations for this week in regard to our Distance Learning Protocols.
- It is important to check your email from each of your teachers every Monday morning to review all assignments and virtual meeting times.
- Create a daily schedule for yourself. Be sure to outline what each day looks like in regard to assignments and potential meetings with your teachers.
- Your teachers have worked hard to create learning opportunities for you to keep your mind sharp during the closure. Please complete all assignments and be mindful of due dates. Please note that many of your teachers have assigned due dates at the end of the week for your flexibility.
- It is expected that you are completing all assignments. Although you are not receiving a "letter grade" during this time, it is imperative that you are engaging and completing the assigned work.
- All assignments will be noted in the Aspen Gradebook, which means...if you complete the assignment and your teacher felt is was in good form...it will be noted with a COM (Complete) in Aspen. If you do not do the assignment it will be noted with a INC (Incomplete).
- It is important that you are completing all of the assignments that are given.
Thank you for your cooperation and meeting the expectations that have been established at this time.
Distance Learning Assignments - Mathematics - Week of April 27 - May 1, 2020
Weekly Distance Learning Assignments for Mathematics
Department Chair - Mrs. Miles - vmiles@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Distance Learning Assignments - English - Week of April 27 - May 1, 2020
Please see the assignments from the MHS English Department. Any questions...please reach out to your English Teacher.
English 1
- Please check your Google Classroom and Email from Your Grade 9 English Teacher
English 2
- Please check your Google Classroom and Email from Your Grade 10 English Teacher
English 3
English 4
Gothic Literature
Department Chair - Mrs. MacLeod - jmacleod@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Distance Learning Assignments - Science & Technology - Week of April 27 - May 1, 2020
Assignments for the Week:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Physics
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Project Lead the Way
- All Technology Courses
- TV Production
- All Science Electives
Here is the link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_WhFaRSatcnUWGnNzh9wfv9NHslbv2AtPiSZcIh3pW0/edit
Department Chair - Mr. Roensch - kroensch@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Distance Learning Assignments - History - Week of April 27 - May 1, 2020
Weekly Assignments are located here:
MHS HSS Department Extended Learning Opportunities Week of 04.27.20 - 05.01.20
Department Chair - Mr. Osgood - mosgood@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Distance Learning Assignments - World Language - Week of April 27 - May 1, 2020
Here are your assignments for the week:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sDz8BihrWrzx9NmWhBgwMRNDxnQj1gJqKvTHPCVJmJU/edit
Department Chair - Mr. Kinney - skinney@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Distance Learning Assignments - Fine Arts - Week of April 27 - May 1, 2020
Here are your assignments for the week:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12OYuooEwGA2nGmNOH1scB7DR75n_hBTbzk4N73pDU8k/edit
Department Chair - Mrs. Duggan - dduggan1@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Distance Learning Assignments - Physical Education - Week of April 27 - May 1, 2020
- Please check your Google Classroom and Email for information from Mr. Kingman, Mrs. Morano and Mr. Morocco.
Athletic Director - Mr. Sylvia - rsylvia@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Some Cool Ideas from Mrs. Phillips - MHS Librarian
Please check out some cool opportunities from the MHS Library:
A Note from Mrs. Phillips:
Sick of so much screen time? Download an audiobook to your phone or other device! Students and staff can borrow ebooks and audiobooks for free with Sora, using your school login and password. (Password is all lowercase, even if it normally uses capital letters.) This slide presentation walks you through how to access them. Most of the titles on Sora are like regular library books, once someone checks one out, other readers/listeners have to wait until they return the book or the loan period ends before they can check it out. You can place a hold, and you will be notified when the book is available. Another way to get more books and audiobooks is by adding your public library card to your Sora account. If you don't have one or can't find it, you can get an ecard that is good for 60 days on the Middleboro Public Library website.
Advanced Placement Exams - Let the preparation begin!
As you know, College Board is launching a considerable amount of tutorials to help with your review for your upcoming AP Exams, which will begin in May. Please be sure to check out this link to a tremendous amount of review videos to help with your preparation.
Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/user/advancedplacement?SFMC_cid=EM298257-&rid=47395444
Student Practice Questions
Students now have access in their MyAP Account to Topic Questions that will help them prepare for the exam. These questions do not require assignment from teachers, and are available to “Exam Only” students as well.
Please reach out to your AP Teacher or Ash Baron at abaron@middleboro.k12.ma.us with any questions. AP Exams begins on Monday, May 11, 2020
You got this!
Koplik - Certificate of Mastery - Class of 2020 - Last Call!
If you were told last year that you are eligible for the Koplik Certificate of Mastery, the deadline of May 1, 2020 is quickly approaching. If you intend to submit the application (and supporting documents) for this award, please scan everything and email to me by May 1, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. If you cannot scan at home, please take a picture of each document and email the pictures to me instead.
What do I need to scan and send to Mrs. Beirne?
- Koplik application-please complete this one page document (do not worry about fillling in your SASID #).
- MCAS scores from ELA, Math, and Biology (or Physics if you transferred) from Grade 9 or Grade 10.
- AP scores or SAT SUBJECT test scores if required.
- Massasoit transcript or other college attended if required.
- Proof of "Other Accomplishments" per the Koplik criteria.
Please email Mrs. Beirne with any questions Her email: abeirne@middleboro.k12.ma.us
New Scholarship - Attention Class of 2020 - Deadline to Apply - April 30, 2020
Community Service Hours - A Note from Mrs. McGurk
While you are at home the next month or so, I encourage you all, especially seniors who have not completed their 24 service hours, to engage in one of the letter writing opportunities below.
There are a lot of people feeling anxious or bored and isolated and a letter could provide them with much needed contact. You can share some things about your life and current situation, express empathy for their current lack of social interactions, and let them know that people are thinking of them.
Soldiers’ Angels: Write letters to our military members stationed overseas! Contact: Irene Wise at imw2000@comcast.net
Middleborough Council on Aging (COA): Volunteers deliver 160 meals everyday to residents who cannot go out and would love to include letters to lift spirits. You can write letters with large script and email to smcgurk@middleboro.k12.ma.us who will get them to the COA for delivery.
Shaw, Nemasket, & Oak Hill Centers: Write letters to patients in a healthcare center. These vulnerable residents are not allowed to have visitors for as long as the crisis lasts. You can share some things about yourself, your own experiences hunkering down, and let them know that their community remembers them. Send letters to smcgurk@middleboro.k12.ma.us who will get them to the healthcare centers for delivery.
Make Masks for Healthcare Professionals - Watch this video to learn how. Please email Mrs. Tumavicus at mtumavicus@middleboro.k12.ma.us once you complete your masks and she can help you with getting them to medical professionals in need.
Each letter will earn you one hour of Community Service credit. Ms. Wise and Mrs. McGurk will keep track of the letters and input your hours. If you want to know more about the Community Service requirement follow this link https://www.middleboro.k12.ma.us/domain/1022.
Feel free to email me with any questions! smcgurk@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Thank you for spreading cheer to those in need of it! - Mrs. McGurk
MHS Student Council - "Middleborough is Thinking of You" Project - Last Call!!
Dear Middleborough Students and Families,
The Middleborough High School Student Council is looking to create a community service project during a time of uncertainty. The project is to make a video for people in need within Middleborough, living in designated communities throughout our town. The video will include short video clips, letters, art pieces, cards, etc. that we are collecting from you! The goal of creating this video is to show the people living in these elderly communities that “Middleborough is Thinking of You”. This project is a great way for you and your family to do something good for the community and stay busy at home.
Submissions May Include:
· Short videos
· Art pieces
· Photographs
· Cards
· Letters
· Any other creative pieces!!
Content of Submissions Can Include:
· Thank you messages
· Hopeful messages
· Slogans
· Health promotions
· Simple greetings
· Representations of the Middleborough Community
· Anything that shows these people that Middleborough sticks together and is here for everyone in the community!
If you would like to submit something to be included in our video project, please send it as an attachment and send it to SSiciliano@middleboro.k12.ma.us
StartSTRONG Orientation - August 18 & 19, 2020
Mr. Branagan - pbranagan@middleboro.k12.ma.us OR
Maggie Desrosiers at 21desrosiersmargaretl@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Come and be a part of a great team to help make our incoming freshmen excited about their start at MHS!
WellnessSTRONG - Important Resources for you!
Please consider the following:
Office Hours:
Please reach out to our school adjustment counselors:
Joelle Maczko, jmaczko@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Mary Tumavicus, mtumavicus@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Jason Carroll, jcarroll@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Office hours are being held for 1:1 counseling sessions or general check in’s via online venues and cell phones. If you are experiencing an emergency crisis, please call 911. It is important to our mental health to remain connected to others, to use coping skills to manage the stress and angst we are all experiencing, and to seek support when needed. Please use the support that’s available to you and your classmates. We’re all in this together!
Opportunities for this week - April 27 - May 1, 2020:
- Many students have remarked on their change in sleep schedules. This may be due to a change in routine or perhaps it's difficult to relax your mind and body at night. Here is some information about sleep that you may find helpful.
- LINK: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/sleep-strategies-kids
- Also, here is a BINGO sheet with ideas for creating Calm and Connection. You can use this as a BINGO game or for some more ideas on coping.
- LINK: https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/sites/62981/themes/1691562/downloads/7S3VEEFeRlaTLHDm61Q4_Bingo_for_Calm_and_Connection_Coping_with_Coronavirus.pdf
Please reach out if you need support or would like to check in with a counselor for any reason. Be well!
Middleborough Nurse's Update - April 2020
Great information provided by the amazing Nurses of Middleborough Public Schools.
Hello Middleborough Community,
As the nursing staff for the Middleborough Public Schools we are writing to let you all know that we are here to help during these very challenging times. Below we have included some tips and resources for staying safe and healthy during our extended closure. We have also included our contact information in case you might have a question about your child or if we can be of assistance in some way. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to text or call or email.
MECC - Lori Johnson (774) 384-5440 lori_johnson@middleboro.k12.ma.us
MKG - Kelly Santos (774) 384-5435 kellysantos@middleboro.k12.ma.us
HBB - Laurie Perkins (774) 384-5434 lperkins@middleboro.k12.ma.us
NMS - Karen Betram (774) 384-5431 kbertram@middleboro.k12.ma.us
MHS - Jen Garanito (774) 384-5430 jgaranito@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Tips For Staying Healthy…..We ALL Need To Do Our Part!
We all want to be with our friends and family but if we all stick to these important guidelines, we will all be able to get back to "normal" sooner.
Stay home
Maintain social distance - keep at least 6ft away from other people
Wash hands. If soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
Cover our cough/sneeze with a tissue and throw it in the trash. If a tissue is not available, cough/sneeze in your elbow.
Do not gather in crowds. we all want to be with our friends and family, but if we all stick to these important guidelines, we will all be able to get back to "normal" sooner.
If you have to go to work, keep your germs at work and be sure to cover up, wash your hands and change your clothes when you get home.
Think positive - enjoy the time with your family (we aren't stuck at home, we are SAFE at home)
Only refer to trusted resources for information such as http://www.mass.gov/covid19
Take care of your emotional health and help others do the same. Call 2-1-1 and choose the CALL2TALK option if needed and read below for more info on dealing with anxiety.
Tips For Managing Anxiety in Children
Watch for behavior changes in your child
Not all children respond to stress in the same way.
Some common changes to watch for include
Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
Excessive worry or sadness
Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
Difficulty with attention and concentration
Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
Unexplained headaches or body pain
Ways to support your child:
Keep routines in place
Even if you are home all day, setting and sticking to a regular schedule is important. To help reduce stress, kids should get up, eat and go to bed at normal times. Children, especially younger ones or those who are anxious, benefit from predictability.
Be creative about exercise and activities
Try new activities such as doing a puzzle or having family game time in the evening. Try rock painting with positive phrases or turning them into animals. Build in activities that help everyone get some exercise. Take a daily family walk or bike ride or do yoga — great ways to let kids burn off energy and make sure everyone is staying active. Many schools have remote learning at this time and being involved in your child’s learning can help reduce stress in the household.
Managing Anxiety
How we manage our anxiety has a big impact on our kids. For the moments when you feel anxiety, try to talk about it in a place that is not within earshot of the child. Try to take a break, whether that includes taking a shower, meditating or just having a step outside. If you have a partner at home, have an agreement that you’ll trade off when it comes to childcare. Be vocal about what you need and if you need a break. Trading off responsibilities ensures that way everyone gets a break and some breathing room.
Limit consumption of news
Although staying informed is important, it can lead to increased anxiety. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand. Talking to children in a clear, reasonable way about what’s going on is the best way to help them understand. Try a TV or social media break, or follow content that helps take your mind off the crisis, whether its about nature, baking or arts and crafts.
Stay in touch virtually
Socializing will help in regulating you and your child’s mood and help you stay grounded. Using FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, or even phone calls and texting can help people feel less alone. You can try having family members video chat and read a bedtime story to your child or even have a videochat with multiple members at the same time.
Don’t be so hard on yourself
Remember that you are not alone. Be reasonable and kind to yourself. Routine is important but rigidity can be harmful. We can give ourselves license to relax and not try to model perfection. It may be better to let another episode of their favorite show play so you can catch up on bills or have a minute to decompress. Remind yourself and your children that this situation is unique and strict rules and boundaries can be reintroduced when things go back to normal.
Content Sources:
Jacobson, Rae, and Child Mind Institute. “Supporting Kids During the Coronavirus Crisis.” Child Mind Institute, 2020, childmind.org/article/supporting-kids-during-the-covid-19-crisis/.
“Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 Apr. 2020,www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html.
Also, a friendly reminder from our awesome Nurse at MHS...Mrs. Garanito:
DON"T BRING YOUR GERMS HOME FROM WORK!!
When you're done with your shift:
- Dispose of your gloves properly.
- Wash your hands and forearms well with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, paying close attention to underneath your fingernails and rings.
- Dry hands well with a clean paper towel which you can now use to grasp the door handle and open the door. Dispose of properly.
- Wipe your door handles and steering wheel often.
- If you can leave a spare pair of shoes in the car, change out of your work shoes there. If not, leave your work shoes by the door at home.
- Change out of your work clothes and put them right into the wash if you can. If not, designate a place to fold or hang them neatly out of the way.
- Wash your hands again.
- Take a nice warm shower, put on your most comfortable clothes and relax...
You guys are AWESOME!
Work Permits - Middleborough High School Students ONLY!
If you are in need of a work permit, please do the following:
- Email Mrs. Holmgren at mholmgren@middleboro.k12.ma.us AND myself pbranagan@middleboro.k12.ma.us and we will walk you through the process.
- You will need to have the actual job application and the ability to send a copy of the application electronically.
We will do our very best to accommodate your request.
Character Strong - Week of April 27 - May 1, 2020
- Engage in the Character Dare for this week (See Below)
- Engage in the weekly Family Character Dare (See Below)
Character Dare
Family Character Dare
SachemSTRONG
Paul Branagan
Email: pbranagan@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Website: www.middleboro.k12.ma.us
Location: 71 East Grove Street, Middleborough, MA.
Phone: 508-946-2010
Facebook: facebook.com/MiddleboroughHighSchool
Twitter: @principalbran