August / September Newsletter
Chestnut TAG Middle School
Principals Corner
Hello, TAG Students and Families.
As we enter into a new school year, I am more determined than ever to meet the needs of all students, despite the challenges of remote learning. Our administrators spent their summer building systems for remote learning that will make tracking student attendance and participation in classes, more easily monitored by parents. We also invested a great deal of resources and time in strengthening our teachers’ ability to engage students remotely. This year we will have live remote lessons from 7:35 -3:20 (with breaks built in). Students will have the support of live teachers all day while completing their work.
We have mastered software applications that will make a big difference for teachers to be able to monitor students’ live completion of work. In each class we will also have an extra teacher present to help support students in breakout rooms or in navigating technology. Teachers will upload grades twice a week so parents can monitor progress.
We have also established a Primary Person model. While in remote learning, we will not have Advisory because we wanted to optimize academic learning time. But we want to make sure that every student and family has one staff member who they can reach anytime. Your child’s Primary Person will be in touch with you to establish the best ways to communicate with you. This person will be able to assist with any technology challenges your child has, including helping you access a laptop replacement, or for any other questions and supports needed. They will be available at any time during the school day and during after school help hours.
As always, we want your input and feedback on our policies and procedures. To this end we will be hosting a TAG Parent Technology Night Wed, Aug 26th @ 6pm on Zoom, (the link will be at (www.chestnuttag.com) where you can learn and practice navigating the tools your child will use, and tools you can use to monitor their work and attendance this year. I look forward to seeing you all there.
Sincerely,
Declan
Principal Declan O’Connor, Ed.D.
Impact Prep @ Chestnut Middle School
&
Chestnut Middle School, Talented and Gifted
Mrs. Staine- Guidance Counselor
Mr. Vanasse Guidance Counselor
Mr. Salas- Student Support
Guidance
We are the ChestnutTag sharks. This year we are introducing new character traits, administrators and teachers are looking for students to learn the new traits and demonstrate them throughout remote learning. Look out for the traits below.
Resources for parents:
Mental Health and Wellbeing https://sites.google.com/arlington.k12.ma.us/mentalhealthandwellbeing/partners?authuser=0
Network Care of Massachusetts:
https://massachusetts.networkofcare.org/mh/
Want to connect with us, take this quick survey:
6th Grade Orientation
Tuesday, Sep 8, 2020, 12:00 PM
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6th Grade Orientation
Tuesday, Sep 8, 2020, 04:00 PM
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7th and 8th Grade Open House
Tuesday, Sep 8, 2020, 03:30 PM
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All Grades Dress Rehearsal
Monday, Sep 14, 2020, 09:00 AM
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Chestnut Talented and Gifted Middle
Website: www.chestnuttag.com
Location: 355 Plainfield Street, Springfield, MA, USA
Phone: 413-750-2333
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Chestnuttagmiddleschool