THE NAVIGATOR
School Edition, October 11, 2019
Monthly Newsletter
Important Upcoming Events Mentioned in this Newsletter
October 15: (6:30PM - 8:00PM) Cohasset Safe Schools Night in the Middle and High School Auditorium
October 16: (9:00AM - 1:30PM...Principals will communicate exact times for each grade-level) Deer Hill and Osgood Fun Run
October 17: (6:00PM - 7:00PM) Superintendent's Coffee to Discuss Change in School Start and Ending Times for 2020-2021 (Middle and High School Learning Commons
October 22: (9:30AM - 11:00AM) SEPAC Presentation at the Joseph Osgood School, “A Spotlight on Early Education”
October 23 & October 24: Osgood and Deer Hill Parent /Guardian -Teacher Conferences (by appointment)
October 25: (8:00AM - 11:00AM) Credit for Life Fair in the Middle and High School Gymnasium (students only)
October 25: Trunk or Treat! Joseph Osgood School...more information forthcoming through PSO
October 26: (10:00AM - 11:30AM)METCO Host Family Information Session in the Joseph Osgood Library
By the End of October: Individual MCAS Reports for Students Mailed Home (exact date will be announced)
ASA Sports Anti-Bullying Program Visits Cohasset High School and Cohasset Middle School
The ASA High School Tour visited Cohasset High School and Cohasset Middle School as part of our bullying prevention efforts. The ASA is a high-energy action sports circuit that visits cities across the United States supporting the Anti-Defamation League’s No Place for Hate Campaign and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. ASA brings in five of the world’s top professional skateboarders, inline skaters and BMX riders from the X Games to perform on a state-of-the-art half-pipe and jump box, while an emcee delivers an educational message in a fun, positive and interactive fashion.
The show was a great success and involved some very brave teacher volunteers, as is evidenced by Russ Sears (High School Science) and his nerves of steel (see below). Thanks to everyone who helped bring this program to us, and thank you to Russ for being a great sport.
Mindful Moment for Seventh Grade Students
Superintendent's Coffee to Discuss School Start Times for 2020 - 2021: October 17 from 6:00PM - 7:00PM in the Learning Commons of the Middle and High School
Safe Schools Night Planned for October 15 from 6:30PM - 8:00PM in the Middle and High School Auditorium
This presentation will include a review of A.L.I.C.E. procedures by the Cohasset Police and a presentation of our Youth Risk Behavior Survey. We will also look at safety through the "eyes of the student" in the areas of social-emotional learning and wellness, building security and protective measures, promoting a safe and inclusive culture and bullying procedure and bullying prevention from a District and school perspective . Here is a description of the Mission of each of our subcommittee. A big thank you goes out to the over 30 leaders, students, parents / guardians and educators who are on this important district-wide team.
Social-Emotional Learning and Wellness Subcommittee: This subcommittee will address the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and wellness needs of our school community. The work of this group will include advising our practices / programs at the school level concerning SEL and advising our efforts to help address the wellness needs of students, staff, and families. This subcommittee will include work on creating or strengthening structures that help educate regarding and protect from addiction.
Building Security and Protective Measures Subcommittee: This subcommittee will review our building safety protocols and our procedures for handling a crisis, threat, or critical incident. This committee will collaborate with police, fire, and emergency service providers when needed during the review of these protocols and procedures.
Promoting a Safe and Inclusive Culture Subcommittee: This subcommittee will look to promote ways to ensure stakeholders collaborate to create a culture that is sensitive to the diverse needs of the members of our school community (including the needs of those students who have experienced trauma). This subcommittee will ensure that the culture of each school is inclusive and that our structures and practices are representative of the diverse needs of the school community.
Safe Schools Bullying Procedure Review Subcommittee: This subcommittee will review our current policy and procedures regarding the reporting, intervention and prevention of bullying.
Communication and Action Planning Subcommittee: This subcommittee will create structures to communicate the work of all subcommittees to the stakeholders in the Cohasset School Community (providing one collective voice for the team). This subcommittee will also create structures to gather input from the community.
Hidden in Plain Sight Exhibit at Safe Schools Night
During the upcoming Safe Schools Presentation in the middle school and high school auditorium on October 15 from 6:30PM – 8:00PM, Safe Harbors will be presenting Hidden in Plain Sight, an educational experience that walks participants through a typical teenage bedroom. The inside of the bedroom is set up with drug paraphernalia “Hidden in Plain Sight.” This is an interactive display/program that offers adults insights into current trends in youth substance use, drug paraphernalia, concealment of illicit drugs & alcohol.
Osgood and Deer Hill Parent / Guardian - Teacher Conferences...October 23 and October 24 by appointment
Credit for Life Fair at CHS!
CREDIT FOR LIFE FINANCIAL EDUCATION FAIR: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 FROM 8:00AM -11AM IN THE COHASSET MIDDLE SCHOOL & COHASSET HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM
“Credit for Life is a financial education fair that is a fun, interactive simulation of saving, spending, and budgeting based on career choices and lifestyle decisions. Student participants choose an occupation and make a variety of financial decisions, ranging from where to live and how to save for retirement to buying a television or owning a pet. This event will engage students in the various levels of financial decision making that they will face in their mid-20s. Students will experience the task of managing a budget while maintaining a balance between future needs and wants. The broader goal of all fairs is to help empower students to be proactive about their financial futures by beginning to develop solid personal finance habits. We need many volunteers to make this day a success! Volunteers for the booths are only needed 9-11am but are encouraged to join for the welcoming message and speaker at 8.
Ask how you can get involved by
contacting Nicole Wilson at nwilson@cohassetk12.org or Mary Corwin at maryjcorwin@gmail.com
TRUNK OR TREAT! JOSEPH OSGOOD SCHOOL: OCTOBER 25. MORE INFORMATION FORTHCOMING BY PSO
Osgood and Deer Hill Fun Run
Homework Free Weekend Coming for Veterans Day Weekend
This year, in conjunction with Veterans Day, we are implementing a “homework free” weekend for students as a school district. We recognize that the social-emotional wellness of our students and staff is paramount, so in part, this is a small gesture to allow students time to enjoy a stress free weekend.
In addition, this time away from homework should allow our students and staff, and their families, to focus on the importance of recognizing Veterans Day. In lieu of homework, it is our hope that members of our school community will find the time to thank Veterans for their service to our country and to be involved in the town ceremonies regarding Veterans Day.
Process for Snow Days and Cancellations
Although the nice weather is still here, inevitably winter will be upon us. Like weather forecasting, the school closing decision process is not a perfect science. However, I believe it is important for students and parents to understand how it works. I hope this FAQ document answers your questions.
Who makes the decision about whether or not to close school?
As Superintendent, I am responsible for the final decision. I work with District staff to monitor state and local weather forecasts and consult with officials from the Department of Public Works, Cohasset Police, and the town manager who provide updates to me on snow removal operations, neighborhood road conditions, and any power outages.
What time do I make the call?
My goal is to make the decision to open, close, or delay by 5:45 A.M. or earlier if possible. I try not to wait any longer as families then have little time to make arrangements for childcare, and some of our staff may have already left for work. Also, while I know there is often an interest in having a decision the night before, a lot can change overnight. I will try my best to make a decision as early as possible.
What information is gathered to aid in the decision?
There are multiple factors used in deciding whether or not to close school. Information on road conditions, snow accumulation predictions, building conditions such as electricity and heat, parking lot conditions, air temperature and wind chill, and estimated times from the Department
of Public Works as to when roads, walkways, and parking lots will be cleared of snow and ice are all considered. I also consider the number of children who walk to school and student drivers.
What is a delayed opening?
Rather than close school for a whole day due to short-term weather situations, there may be days when the beginning of school will be delayed one hour, ninety minutes, or two hours. School will simply start later by the length of the delay. Bus pickup, therefore, will also occur later. For example, if your child is normally picked up at 6:55 A.M., during a two-hour delayed opening, your child will be picked up at 8:55 A. M. Lunch will still be available, and dismissal will be at the regularly scheduled times.
What happens to Pre School and Half Day Kindergarten during a delayed opening?
When a delayed opening is called, the Pre School and Half Day Kindergarten classes are cancelled.
What are parents’ / guardians' responsibilities?
The safety of your child is paramount. On days when weather conditions are questionable, but school remains open, parents are free to exercise discretion and keep children home from school. Parents of young drivers are asked to reinforce winter weather driving skills: allowing
extra travel time, reducing speed, and not worrying about being late.
How are days made up?
As per State regulations, students must attend school for a minimum of 180 days and the school year must end by June 30. If school is closed due to weather, the day will be made up at the end of the school year.
How do power outages affect the decision?
Inclement weather can affect the timeline for utility companies to restore electricity. If all school buildings have electricity, the goal will be to open school. Other factors also influence the decision, including whether a large number of neighborhoods are without power.
How is the public notified?
Announcements about school closings and delays are posted as outlined below. Please be advised that, depending upon the severity of the storm, school and district administration offices may also be closed in addition to cancelling classes for students.
· District website (www.cohassetk12.org)
· Twitter @SuperCohasset (I will usually tweet the cancellation first…so follow me If you want the early scoop)
· Black Board Connect Automated Telephone Notification Service (if operational)
· WBZ TV and Radio (Channel 4)
· WATD 95.9
· WHDH Channel 7 and 56
· WCVB Fox 25 and Channel 5
I will try to send periodic updates via Black Board Connect messages whenever possible should the storm extend for any period of time beyond the day or should the storm result in continued questionable community conditions.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Compass: Assistant Superintendent Leslie Scollins, Ed.D.
Evaluation Timeline Reminders
Here are the important dates related to the Evaluation Process.
November 1: Evaluator completes Educator Plans
November 15: Evaluator should complete first observation of each Educator (Non-PTS). Educators with PTS on a Two-Year Plan - Evaluator completes unannounced observation(s) any time during the 2-year evaluation cycle.
We will continue to work together to review the evaluation process to deepen our conversations about teaching and learning. Thank you for all your hard work to ensure that our students get the best education.
2019 MCAS Results
Data Teams
Deer Hill professional staff will be meeting with Data Consultant, Laura Tilton, on October 17th to review and analyze the 2019 MCAS student data. As I wrote before, MCAS is just one way we assess student growth, but a valuable resource for the district, as a whole, to look at ways to improve teaching and learning.
LEARNING WALKS
The leadership team went on the first official Learning Walk at the Osgood School on October 8th. I want to give a huge THANK YOU to Principal Farrell and the JOS staff for welcoming us into their classrooms. It was a wonderful morning. I couldn't help but smile as I walked through the classrooms witnessing the happiness on both students and staff.
From the Office of Mary Buchanan, Director of Student Services
Office of Student Services
Events and Happenings in October:
SEPAC Informational and Support Coffee on October 9 from 10:00am-12:00pm. Location: Meeting Room, Paul Pratt Library. A gathering for parents of children on an IEP or Section 504 Plan. Talk with parents, learn more about SEPAC, and learn how to be involved.
Please visit our October 22nd SEPAC Presentation at the Joseph Osgood School, “A Spotlight on Early Education” from 9:30am -11:00am. Experts from the Joseph Osgood School will participate in a panel discussion with parents about important topics such as; Developmental Milestones, Academic Expectations, Social Skills Development, Sensory Regulation, Attention and Behavioral Expectations. The panel will also review some Calming Strategies, Gross and Fine Motor Skill Strategies, Communication Strategies and Sensory Regulation Strategies. Get some useful tips on routines or how to ask about your child’s day.
New Individualized Education Program (IEP): Cohasset has moved to Aspen for their Special Education Platform. The IEPs have a slightly different format to them. If you have questions about new IEPs that are being sent home after Team Meetings, please reach out to The Office of Student Services at 781-383-6104 with any questions.
METCO UPDATE
There is a meeting upcoming for any Deer Hill or Osgood families who would like to be Host Families on October 26 in the Osgood Cafeteria.
Congratulations to our AP Scholars who were recognized at a ceremony at last night's School Committee Meeting. Pictured are those celebrated scholars who were able to attend.
We are excited for Cohasset's 250th Celebration. Stay tuned in the coming months for updates regarding how Cohasset Public Schools is taking a part in this important celebration!
Trivia
What are the names of Cohasset's three most prominent beaches?
The first one to reply with the correct answer will get a free lunch.
THANKS FOR A GREAT WEEK, AND HAVE A WONDERFUL LONG WEEKEND! Superintendent Patrick E. Sullivan, Ed.D.
Please follow me on Twitter for daily updates from the Cohasset Public Schools
Email: psullivan@cohassetk12.org
Website: https://www.cohassetk12.org/
Phone: 781 383 6111
Twitter: @SuperCohasset