DHS Community Update
November 1, 2021
The Principal's Perspective: Finish Strong!
Greetings DHS Community Members:
It isn't that often that we end up with a school cancellation in October! Last week brought a powerful Nor'easter that knocked power out and trees down across the region. As a homeowner who experienced the unfortunate loss of power and suffered property damage as the result of a downed tree I fully appreciate all of the efforts that were made to be in school the following day--both by our students as well as our faculty and staff. I know it wasn't easy, but it was appreciated.
Related to the school cancellation, I wanted to remind all members of the community that the end of Term 1 is fast approaching. As a result of the school cancellation, the new date for the end of Term 1 is Friday, November 5, 2021. While we can not control how we started the term at this point, we can still control how we finish the term.
I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to all of our student-athletes who wrapped up regular season play over the past week. Each of our programs had what could be defined as a successful season. I'd like to especially congratulate the following programs:
- Girls Soccer on earning a share of the SEC Championship as Co-Champions
- Field Hockey on earning an SEC Championship
- Volleyball on earning an SEC Championship
I'd also like to congratulate members of the Marching Band and Color Guard who had another outstanding performance this weekend earning a score of 99.2 and earning a NESBA Division V Championship. We are extremely proud of all of our student-athletes, student-musicians and their coaches and instructors.
I encourage all members of the Dartmouth High School, whether it is finishing term 1 or finishing a season in the playoffs to do your very best, put your maximum effort in, and finish strong!
Sincerely,
Ross A. Thibault
Principal
Support Our Yearbook Order Today!
Students, parents and guardians are invited to utilize the links below to support this year's DHS Yearbook. Below you can find helpful links to:
- Order your copy of this year's yearbook
- Place an ad highlighting a student
- Place a business ad in support of the yearbook
Any questions should be directed to DHS Yearbook Adviser Mrs. Grieve at jessegrieve@dartmouthschools.org.
Changes to Morning Arrival Window
I want to thank everyone who has been patient and understanding with morning arrival at DHS. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, the volume of traffic in the morning between 7:15 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. has resulted in a number of students being late to their first period class which is disruptive to teaching and learning. As a result, effective Monday, October 18th the following changes are being implemented:
- Students may now be dropped off starting as early as 6:45 a.m.
- Students entering the building between 6:45 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. will be permitted to report to either the Carlin Lynch Activity Center or the Library Media Center--both of which will be supervised.
- Students with academic related activities to complete should report to the LMC.
- Students wishing to shoot hoops, walk the track or engage in other physical activities should report to the Carlin Lynch Activity Center.
- Students entering the building between 6:45 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. MUST report to one of these two locations and will NOT be permitted to roam the building.
We hope that by allowing for early arrival we can reduce the volume of traffic between 7:15 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.
The Dartmouth High School Administrative Team recently met with the Class of 2022 Officers and Advisers to plan the Homecoming Dance as well as to plan upcoming spirit week. We will be announcing our Spirit Week Themes and additional information later this week!
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 edition of Dartmouth High News Now--the weekly news broadcast produced by Dartmouth High School students as part of our tv/media courses. This week's show features a spotlight on the Butterfly Garden created by Mrs. KP and our PALS Program.
We ask that students, parents and guardians remain vigilant and communicative with our school nurses. Specifically, please remember:
- Everyone at Dartmouth High School must wear a mask while inside Dartmouth High School. Masks should be three-ply and fit snuggly over the mouth and nose. Gaiters, bandannas and masks with side vents are not permitted. Please note that this mandate was extended by the Commissioner of Education to at least November.
- Everyone is encouraged to maintain excellent hand hygiene. Hand sanitizing stations are located throughout the building including in common areas and classrooms and students and staff are encouraged to wash their hands frequently throughout the day.
- If a student is not feeling well please do not send them to school. If you have a question about whether or not to send your child to school please reach out to one of our nurses first!
Complete the Test & Stay Consent Form!
Dartmouth High School is set to begin our Test and Stay program; however, we need your help.
As Dr. Gifford explained in a previous Superintendent's Update, "Test and Stay allows students who have had close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 while at school to stay in school if the student is not showing symptoms. Instead of needing to quarantine and miss school, these students will take a daily rapid test while they remain in school as long as they are not symptomatic. Students participate in test and stay for seven days after they may have been exposed."
In order for students to participate in this program and avoid having to quarantine while being non-symptomatic, we must have consent to test through the CIC Health COVID-19 Testing program. Please be aware that the test will be conducted by a Dartmouth Public Schools Nurse who has been trained to administer the test and would be conducted on site at Dartmouth High School prior to the start of school.
In order to reduce the loss of school time, we ask that all parents interested in this option complete the consent form using the link below. Please note, students for whom we do not have consent can not be tested through this program.
MCAS Retest
We will be administering the MCAS Retest in November. The dates are as follows:
Math Retest - November 9 & 10
ELA Retest - November 16 & 17
Students who did not pass MCAS ELA and/or Math last year, will be required to take the test. They will receive notification beforehand.
MCAS Sign-Ups For Seniors, Class of 2022
Students in the class of 2022, our current seniors, are waived from taking the exam if they have passed the requisite courses. However, if a senior, currently in the Class of 2022, would like to take the Math & ELA MCAS to be eligible for scholarships or the Seal of Biliteracy, please sign up.
AP Update: Exam Deposits Due by November 5, 2021
We are excited to prepare our students for the AP exams which will be paper and pencil this spring. It is the expectation of all Dartmouth High School students enrolled in an AP course that they take the corresponding AP exam in the spring.
It is important to note that the College Board is not waiving cancelation fees this school year. Therefore, if an exam is not taken or cancelled, a $40 cancellation fee will be charged.
If you have not joined your AP class using your JOIN CODE, an exam will not be ordered for you. If you register after November 5, there will be a fee to order the exam. Please join your AP class today!
Please visit the Town of Dartmouth website to make payment by the following due dates. If you have any questions or concerns, please email rachelchavier@dartmouthschools.org.
Deadline dates: $40.00 deposit (non refundable) per exam must be made by November 5, 2021. If you receive Free/Reduced lunch a $10.00 deposit per exam must be made. Balance is due by February 18, 2022. You may pay in full by November 5th if you choose. Students who may be experiencing financial hardship should speak directly with DHS AP Coordinator Rachel Chavier as we do not want financial challenges to be the reason a student does not take an AP exam. Ms. Chavier can be reached at rachelchavier@dartmouthschools.org or by phone at 508-961-2700 ext. 7410.
SAT Prep
Join Mrs. Church in B26 during PASE on Tuesdays starting on October 5 to start reviewing for the Spring SATs. We will work on targeted skills weekly to strengthen your understanding and increase your scores. Come as often as you'd like. Drop ins are welcome.
Fill out this form by Monday each week to be scheduled in Enriching Students.
School Counseling & Support Services Department Updates!
School Counseling Updates
Future Friday for November 5th - Common Application Q & A help
Students A-Ma should sign up in Pase under Mr. Jeghers
Students Mb-Z should sign up in Pase under Mr. Wright
MEFA’s Webinar Series on College Financing
Need to learn about financial aid? The trusted experts at MEFA are hosting FREE college financing webinars every week through Thursday, Nov 18th. Webinars will occur during both daytime and evening hours, and feature industry experts, both from within MEFA and from colleges and organizations across Massachusetts. Register for a webinar at mefa.org/events.
Sallie Mae - Scholarships: Finding Free Money for College Virtual Event
Wednesday, November 3rd 7PM Register Now!
Thursday, November 4th 8PM Register Now!
Our free Scholarship Search connects students to scholarship opportunities based on their hobbies and interests. The database now has over 6 million scholarships worth up to $30 billion in free money for college.
Transcript requests for College Applications should be completed ten days prior to your admission deadline. Please make sure the College/University is also listed in Naviance under the schools you are applying to.
Term one will now close on Friday, November 5th due to the school closure on Wednesday, October 27th.
Are you interested in healthcare? Do you seek to make a difference in your community?
With more than 100 programs offered, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) offers students many exciting and rewarding career opportunities. Learn more through our program finder with information on all of our offerings.
School Social Worker Updates
School Social Workers are available to meet with any student during the school day. Please reach out to your alphabet assigned social worker if you need support. School Social Workers are available on the A -- level. Mrs. Callahan - Room A10, Mrs. Gleicher - A36, Mrs. Thomas - A21, Ms. Holmes - A26
End of Term 1
Due to the school cancellation on October 27, 2021, the new end of term 1 is November 5, 2021.
Friday, Nov 5, 2021, 02:15 PM
Dartmouth High School
DHS PTO Meeting
Dartmouth High School PTO will be hosting a monthly meeting on November 3, 2021 at Dartmouth High School in the Library Media Center. A presentation will be made by the DHS School Counseling Department on the services provided to all students with respect to post-secondary planning i.e. college search and application process, career interest inventories, etc.
All parents are welcome to attend.