Branagan's Bulletin
Special Edition - Covid-19
Week of June 1 - 5, 2020
I hope you had a wonderful weekend! It is hard to believe that we are in the month of June and counting the days to the close of the 2019 - 2020 school year. It certainly has been a year to remember!
It is important to keep your focus over the next few weeks as we countdown to the final day of school. It is important to FinishSTRONG!
This week would have been the celebration of the Class of 2020 with their annual Senior Week. We will celebrate this class during this week to the very best of our ability. We have some exciting things planned for the Class of 2020. We are so proud of this class for making the commitment to FinishSTRONG!
Here are a few items for the week ahead!
Have a great week!
Bran
Quarter 4 Reminders!
As we navigate Quarter 4...please keep in mind the following expectations for the final quarter of the school year.
- Quarter 4 will begin on May 4, 2020 and end on June 18, 2020 for students in grades 9 through 11.
- Each individual assignment will receive a score of “credit” or “no credit”; no letter grades will be issued for assignments during Quarter 4. Each assignment is expected to be completed--they are not “optional” unless otherwise noted by your teacher.
- All assignments for Quarter 4 will count toward students’ final quarter grade of “Credit” or “No Credit.” Letter grades will not be issued for a Quarter 4 grade this year.
- Following direct guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) teachers will begin to engage all students with new course content.
- The high school protocols for Quarter 4 are in concert with the Updated Extended Learning Plan that was shared with the Middleborough Community on Friday, May 1, 2020 by the school district.
- Assignments will continue to be posted on a weekly basis, often being posted on Monday and due by Friday each week.
- Students in need of assistance should connect with the appropriate staff person. If there is any question as to whom that may be, students should contact either Mrs. Jameson or Mr. Dizel via email at djameson@middleboro.k12.ma.us or adizel@middleboro.k12.ma.us for guidance.
I know you will do amazing things this quarter. It is very important that you complete all of our assigned work each week. Your teachers are working very hard for you and it is important you do your very best to work hard for each of them. I know you can do it!!
I wish you the very best for a wonderful Quarter 4.
Future Signing Day - Week of June 1 - 5, 2020
Final call for Future Signing Day! This week, you will take your place on the FinishedSTRONG Wall in the Main Lobby. So, whether college, military or the work force is in your view after graduation...please sure to complete the google form and send in a picture of yourself so you can take your place on the wall.
Here is the link to enter your information: (Please copy and past the link into a new window in order for it to open)
Distance Learning Assignments - Mathematics - Week of June 1 - 5, 2020
Link to your assignments for this week:
Department Chair - Mrs. Miles - vmiles@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Distance Learning Assignments - English - Week of June 1 - 5, 2020
Please see the assignments from the MHS English Department. Any questions...please reach out to your English Teacher.
Link to your assignments for this week:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BEbExgcOlNP4PBs_pj_6Rhykhdvwpl_kMSI5gkHUdRs/edit?ts=5eac737e
Department Chair - Mrs. MacLeod - jmacleod@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Distance Learning Assignments - Science & Technology - Week of June 1 - 5, 2020
Link to your assignments for this week:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q0zxGi3oCNalia_Lz32jrfUWd1hKYLjoYf37Vrc_7BU/edit?ts=5eccfc50
Department Chair - Mr. Roensch - kroensch@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Distance Learning Assignments - History - Week of June 1 - 5, 2020
Link to your assignments for this week:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13YR15XR9nQjWz9JsTqybGN0Qgd__wxfdFqohcM_5Em8/edit
Department Chair - Mr. Osgood - mosgood@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Distance Learning Assignments - World Language - Week of June 1 - 5, 2020
Link to your assignments for this week:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1biAFUXc38qlCAJFGTGEboscIKqoJDSPiDCKm7H1Jt8A/edit?ts=5ed107a4
Department Chair - Mr. Kinney - skinney@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Distance Learning Assignments - Fine Arts - Week of June 1 - 5, 2020
Link to your assignments for this week:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zUE9ezE5A94prGKuBuL5SKIIhmTqqVkxAeH47wdZnsU/edit?ts=5eaee659
Department Chair - Mrs. Duggan - dduggan1@middleboro.k12.ma.us
Distance Learning Assignments - Physical Education - Week of June 1 - 5, 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.
Want to read or listen to a book with friends? Check out this link:
And don’t forget to download this week’s free audiobooks at https://www.audiobooksync.com
Class of 2021 - Senior Internships - Important Information
Please see the note from Mrs. Miller in regard to securing your Senior Internship for next year.
If you are interested in a senior internship next year, but did NOT submit your yellow Internship Interest Form prior to the school closure on March 12th, you need to email Mrs. Tammy Miller at millert@middleboro.k12.ma.us the following information as soon as possible:
- Your preferred email address and cell#
- Will you have transportation available to you in September? If not, will you have transportation available to you in January?
- Where and with whom would you like to intern, OR what are your future career interests ...1st choice, 2nd choice, 3rd choice.
Please keep in-mind that the internship process can be a competitive one, and often times potential sites will request a resume and interview from students prior to making a final decision. Also, due to these unprecedented times, it is unclear when businesses will return to "normal" operations and be able to accept student interns. Mrs. Miller is cautiously optimistic that she can provide meaningful internship experiences, but your patience and flexibility may be needed.
Class of 2020 - Graduation Parade - Saturday, June 6
Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 6th as we will celebrate the day you were scheduled to graduate!!
Please decorate your car, wear your cap and gown and be at MHS no later than 10:15am to be lined up to parade through Middleborough to celebrate your completion of high school. You did it! The parade will begin promptly at 10:30am, which would have been the time our graduation ceremony was to begin!
This event is set up with social distancing considerations for all participants. We kindly ask that parents/guardians or non-graduate drive their senior to this event and be the driver for the parade. We want all of our seniors to celebrate as a passenger. Thank you for your help and consideration with this!!
Class of 2020 - Cap and Gown Distribution Day - June 5, 2020
Class of 2020 - Car Decorating Competition - June 5, 2020
Class of 2020 - School Material Drop- Off Days - June 1 - 4
Student Belongings Pick-Up Days - June 1 - 4
The high school will be open for students who need to access the school to get any personal belongings that might have been left behind when the school closed in March. Perhaps items from your gym/athletic locker, band room, or other location?
The school will be accessible from 1:00 - 3:00pm on Monday, June 1 - Thursday, June 4. This time frame is of particular focus for the Class of 2020. However, any underclassman needing to get personal belongings may come to the campus during that time.
DIRECTIONS:
- Accessing the school will happen from the MHS Gym. Please park in the Gym Parking Lot and remain in your car until you are invited into the school.
- We kindly ask that you wear a face mask for covering before entering the school.
For Grades 9 - 11...we will offer this opportunity again the week of June 15th. Please be on the lookout for more information and times.
Student Council Executive Board Nominations - Due June 5, 2020
The nomination process has begun to elect the 2020 - 2021 Executive Board for the MHS Student Council.
If you are interested in running for one of the many positions on the Executive Board, please check out the MHS Student Council Instragram Page for more information regarding each of the positions.
The nomination form can be completed here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1axHwHwLOEIyiIS5mqXIsZzaujCiJyODwMjYtUjDJl6o/edit?ts=5ec58141
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.
NEW COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY: CRADLES TO CRAYONS!
Cradles to Crayons: Create handmade cards for needy children in MA about
going back to school and offer encouraging words. These cards will be added to care packages and collected when we are back at school.
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
Attention MHS Student Council
You can register for FREE at www.nascconference.org
It would be great to have a group from MHS attend this summer.
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!
NEW RESOURCES FOR THIS WEEK - JUNE 1 - 5, 2020
This is an AMAZINGLY comprehensive resource with videos on tons of topics related to mental health and overall wellness. It's considered a digital education on mental health related topics. Check it out!
If you're struggling with grasping the new reality that we've entered into, the term "radical acceptance" may be helpful to you. It's a term coined through DBT and this article does a nice job of explaining that and how mindfulness can be helpful right now. https://hopeway.org/blog/radical-acceptance
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 - May 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 and Middleborough Residents
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 June 1 - 5, 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
We are 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