CB West High School
West Times Newsletter 3-15-2021
Antler Yearbook Information
Don't forget to reserve your child an Antler yearbook for this school year - books can be reserved until Friday April 30th, 2021. After that, they will only be sold on a first come, first serve basis. You can order books online 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!
If you are unsure if you ordered a yearbook yet, please check on your order status at https://www.jostens.com/help/orders/.
NEWS FROM THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
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.
VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIRS
Please visit our NEW Virtual College Fair webpage! Students who are starting to explore college options should take advantage of the many national, state, and local virtual college fairs that are occurring this spring. Click on one of the four icons to access events from National and PA fairs, or click on any of the regional or topic-specific fairs that may be listed on the page. Many fairs require pre-registration, so be sure to check dates for the upcoming events listed. Most fairs are free, and often include campus tours, program information, and interviews with current students, admissions reps and financial aid reps from the college.
SOPHOMORES:
PSAT 10
Due to COVID spacing restrictions, Sophomores were unable to take the PSAT earlier this year in October. To give our students the opportunity for SAT practice, the PSAT 10 will be offered to 10th grade students on Saturday, April 24th, 2021. This exam will be taken in-person at CB West high school, but with reduced testers in each room to keep in-line with social distancing guidelines. There are no alternative exam dates and registration is only open to West students.
College bound 10th grade students are encouraged to take the PSAT 10 to gain exposure to the SAT, an exam many colleges use when making admissions decisions. If students take both the PreACT and PSAT during 10th grade, they are able to focus exclusively on their preference during 11th grade (SAT or ACT). For details about the PSAT 10, please visit the CollegeBoard website.
REGISTRATION will be open from Friday, March 19th through Monday, April 19th (or until sold out). A survey was sent out to 10th grade parents to gauge interest, so we should have enough exams available; however, space is limited, please do not wait to register! To register, visit the MyPaymentsPlus (MPP) website. Please take note of the following registration tips:
- If this is the first time you are using MPP for any of your students, then you'll need to create a new account.
- If you created an account for use with an older sibling, then you’ll need to add the new student to your already existing account.
- You will need your student's school ID to create a new MPP account, or to add a new student to an existing account.
- There is a “forget your username or password” button if needed, but you should not create a new account if your forget your login information.
- The "PSAT 10 at CB West 2020-2021" will only appear as an activity you can register for after an 10th grade West student is added to your MPP account.
If your student plans on using accommodations associated with an IEP, you must email Mike Curtis (mcurtis@cbsd.org) after completing registration.
SENIORS:
- 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.
PROGRAM PLANNING:
- Verification Sheets will be available to view in student portals on March 26th. Students and parents should review the list of course requests, and contact counselors with any changes. All changes need to be made by March 31st, so there is time for students and families to consult with counselors and teachers about the most appropriate courses for next year.
- 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.
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.
From the Nurse
Each year, Pennsylvania requires schools to complete health screenings for students. We have begun this process and hope to complete as many students as possible during the remainder of the year.
If your student is virtual, you may contact the Nurse.
Once completed, height and weight measurements can be found on the Parent Portal. Parents/Guardians will be contacted following the screenings if there is a concern.
If you prefer that your child be exempted from the health screenings, please contact Mrs. Klein cklein@cbsd.org
Class of 2023 - Exclusion from Post Secondary Schools and Military Recruiters
Food Donations
The Sophomore Class Council will be collecting non-perishable food items to be donated to the CBSD Farmer’s Market. Drop-off tables will be in the lobby from March 15th to March 26th. Help out CB families and donate! Please reach out to Ms. Bremer or Ms. Barreiro with questions.
Congratulations Mrs. McDonald for being a Lifechanger of the Year nominee
We are so proud of Mrs. McDonald, Family and Consumer Sciences teacher, for all she does for our community. Please see the story and support Mrs. McDonald - Lifechanger of the Year nominee.
Attendance
We will be continuing to follow the same attendance policies and procedures as we typically do, outlined in the Pennsylvania Act 138 attendance policies and as described in our Student handbook. Importantly, attendance is compulsory and students are expected to be on time daily. Teachers will be taking attendance each block through Infinite Campus, our student management system. In the event that a student is late or absent, please email or call the CB West Attendance Office. If we do not receive notification and/or if an absence or lateness is not excused, attendance meetings and letters may be warranted.
5-Day In-Person Students
- If a student should be physically present in the building but is staying home, we require a communication from the parents or guardians following the guidelines for an excused absence (see guidelines below). Please email our attendance office at westattendance@cbsd.org. At the school level, this is the same as if students were in the building in a traditional sense because anytime a student is supposed to be here physically but is not, a note is required to excuse the absence. There are many reasons for this, which primarily fall under liability and safety, but it is also important for our state attendance records and for teacher lesson planning.
- If a student is not in school (but attending online) the initial absence code will be “absent” until we have a communication from the parent/guardian with a valid excuse per the School Board Policy guidelines below. The attendance code will be changed to “VP = Virtual Present” once we have the communication from the parent/guardian. When possible, we ask for the communication in advance of the absence so we can make sure the teachers are aware, and it also ensures us that parents/guardians have granted permission for their child to remain at home.
Virtual Students
- If a student does not attend class, the student will be marked absent until we receive the communication from parents with a valid excuse.
- Note – If a student logs in initially, but leaves the call or does not engage, the teachers will mark the student absent with a comment so parents can see this information and reach out to us as needed.
All Students - Excused Absences
Per CBSD School Board Policy 204, the following situations would be deemed as an excused absence from school:
- Illness or Quarantine
- Family emergency
- Death in the family
- Observance of religious holiday or events
- College/Postsecondary visits or Nonschool-sponsored educational trips (Requires prior approval via Request for Approved Absence for Family Travel Form)
- Other - please review CBSD Board Policy 204 for other potential circumstances
Grab and Go Meals
- Grab and Go breakfast will be available daily between 7:00 AM-7:25 AM at three locations: Lobby near the Court Street Café, in the cafeteria, and at the end of the “B” hallway.
- If you have Late Arrival, Grab and Go breakfast will be available outside of the lobby near the Court Street Café.
- Grab and Go lunch will be available daily between 1:15 PM – 1:30 PM at four locations: Lobby near the Court Street Café, in the athletics hallway, in the D hallway near the Security office, and at the end of the “B” hallway.
- If you have PM MBIT, Grab and Go bags are in cafeteria before leaving school.
- If you have Early Release, Grab and Go bags are in the lobby near the Court Street Café.
- Parents may also pick-up meals for students on Mondays and Thursdays from 10:30am - 12:00pm at the Faculty Parking Lot 'Bubble' entrance at CB West.
“West United” is on Instagram
We are excited to announce that “West United”, our equity and inclusion initiative, is on Instagram. CLICK HERE for updates and information about activities we are doing to celebrate all members of the CB West community!
Important Information for Seniors
As we are getting closer to the end of the year, please direct your attention to the Class of 2021 Page on the CB West website for important information for seniors. This is where we will house information about graduation, prom, end of year events, etc.
Senior Prom
We are excited to announce that the Senior Prom will be held in the evening on Saturday, May 8th at The Fuge, located in Warminster, PA. We are grateful for the input from our Senior Class Council members and we will continue to collaborate with them to make this a memorable experience for all seniors. The Fuge will have a large outdoor pavilion that will be used in addition to the inside ballroom. Certain aspects of the evening will have to be adjusted so that health and safety protocols are followed. This includes limiting the guests to only seniors at CB West to ensure that all members of the Class of 2021 who want to attend the Prom are able to do so. Additionally, because some features of the Prom will be outside, a rain date is necessary which will be in the evening on Wednesday, May 12th. Additional details will be forthcoming in future communication in the coming weeks.
Seniors! Cap & Gown Information
Balfour has been selected, once again, as the official supplier for caps and gowns for 2021. Please visit the link below to order these items by April 15th. Orders will be sent to CB West, and a date and time for pickup will be determined later this spring.
https://www.buildagrad.com/cbw - Click on the link to order!
Seniors! - PHEAA PAForward
PHEAA PAForward March webinar series will be on the following topics:
Borrowing for Education: which loan should I pick (what’s right for me)
As families receive their financial offer letters from schools and determine that education loans may be needed, they’ll find that there are many options to consider – including loans from the Dept of Education and private loan programs. Doing the research and knowing what to compare and consider will be important to overall education debt, keeping it affordable and finding the right fit. Join Daniel Wray and Linda Pacewicz of PHEAA PAForward in a 1 hour webinar to review the different options and details of education loans to assist in sorting out this information.
Register here (click ‘more’) for March 18th – 6:30 pm and/or March 23rd –Noon
Refinancing Education Debt – Is it right for you?
Join us for this informative one hour webinar on refinancing education debt. Current or previous students of any age with student loans may be overwhelmed with their current repayment options or are moving closer to the repayment phase and wonder if refinance may be a better solution. Join Linda Pacewicz and Daniel Wray of PHEAA PAForward to cover the pros and cons, availability of programs and help those interested in understanding more about this topic.
Register here (click ‘more’) for March 16 – Noon and/or March 25 – 6:30 pm
Contact Information:
Linda Pacewicz
PAForward Account Executive, East Region
PHEAA /Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency
570-592-1209 (phone/text) linda.pacewicz@pheaa.org
Senior Spotlights
Starting on March 1, the 2021 Senior Class Council will be highlighting seniors and their post-high school plans on the Instagram account @cbw21decisions. To be included in these Senior Spotlights, please Click Here to submit your information to class council.
Senior Mosaic
The Class of 2021 is excited to announce that they will be selling a fantastic keepsake this year for all seniors to purchase. The “Senior Mosaic” is a large picture that is made up of senior portrait thumbnails. More details will be coming soon. You will not want to miss the opportunity to purchase these!
Boomerang for March
MARCH #30 RESPONSIBILITY: Young person accepts and takes personal responsibility.
Book/Item Distribution and Return
Details of Regular Procedures: We will continue to 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).
- 3/18/21
- 4/8/21
- 4/29/21
- 5/13/21
- 5/27/21
- 6/10/21
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
March 24, 2021
April 21, 2021
ACTIVITIES FAIR!
Check out all that West has to offer by watching our Virtual Activities Fair.
CBSD Farmers Market at Barclay
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
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 FROM CB WEST STUDENTS
Congratulations
Carl DiGiorgio was a 5th Place winner at our 2020-2021 Wrestling State Tournament held at the Giant Center this past weekend (March 13th). Congratulations for being a 5th Place winner at the 215 lb. weight class in one of the toughest states known for wrestling. We are extremely proud of Carl’s accomplishment.
Also, another milestone is that Chris Cleland ended his season as state qualifier and reached his 100th win in early February. In wrestling, that is a big deal. Chris ended his career with 109 wins and will be enshrined with his name being added to a banner in the gym. Congratulations to Chris and to a great 4 year career in wrestling.
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