The Big Blue Blast
The Official Newsletter of Swampscott High School
November 1, 2019
- Quarter One Grades Close: November 1
- Quarter Two Begins: November 4
- No School, Teacher Professional Development Day: November 5
- MCAS Re-test November 6, 7, 8
- Quarter One Grades Posted on Aspen X2 : November 8
- Veteran's Day No School: November 11
- Parent Conferences: November 12, 1-4 PM and 6-8 PM
Parent Conferences
On Monday, November 4, I will be sharing a link via email for parent-conference sign ups. Once shared, parents and families will be able to sign up to meet with their student's teachers during the afternoon or evening of November 12.
ADL Assembly
On October 29, our ADL members led a whole-school assembly featuring senior Samantha Dowd. The assembly featured a screening of Samantha's film focusing on her experience as a student with ASD. I am tremendously proud of Sami, the panel, and our student audience who asked excellent questions. We all learned a great deal from the assembly.
Spanish Exchange Program
Students from Spain are visiting our school in September 2020 for about 10 days. We are looking for host families. If you are interested, please, see señora Baralt for more information. Her email address is baralt@swampscott.k12.ma.us
From the Guidance Department
HARVARD RESEARCH STUDY:
Dear parents and guardians,
We are partnering with Harvard researchers (a Swampscott resident and friend of Mrs. Zotto-Barnum) for a research study about machine learning. Participation would take place during school, and is completely voluntary for students. Because this is a research study, you have the ability to opt-out of the study if you would not like your child to participate. All results are anonymous and research related insights will be shared with SHS> These opt-out requests are due before 11/8/19. Here is the link for opting out:
https://forms.gle/iSgTFWC5nms31xat8
More information about the study is at the link above, and in the graphic below.
The first major COLLEGE APPLICATION deadline has passed!!!
As of November 1st, over 80 students have submitted an EA or ED application. In fact, 406 applications have been submitted to colleges for the early deadlines.
EVENT REMINDERS:
11/7/19: 11AM ON THE SPOT ADMISSIONS EVENT WITH NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE. Please see your counselor or Mrs. Brown for a copy of your transcript. Click here to see some of their academic offerings and available certificate programs.
FAFSA DAY: THIS SUNDAY 11/3 AT SALEM HIGH SCHOOL
COLLEGE VISITS: FOR SENIOR STUDENTS
Admissions reps from over 75 colleges are coming to SHS to see YOU. The list of scheduled visits is on Naviance and posted in the Guidance suite. This is an awesome opportunity for you to meet with admissions officers from schools you are interested in, get to know more about the school, programs, campus organizations, etc. Perhaps the most crucial element to these visits is that the admissions officers who come are usually the ones who read and make decisions on your application. So, this is your chance to make a strong first impression, have your questions answered, and engage with the admissions team!!! See Mrs. Brown for a pass. Visits will take place in the guidance office.
Click here for complete list through the end of this month..
Students can register through Naviance, which is helpful because students get an automatic email reminder.
UPCOMING COLLEGE VISITS
11/4/19 9:00 AM
Framingham State University
11/4/19 10:30 AM
Westfield State University
11/6/19 9:00 AM
Saint Joseph's College-ME
11/6/19 10:30 AM
Curry College
11/7/19 9:00 AM
Thomas College
11/7/19 10:30 AM
Rivier University
11/8/19 9:00 AM
Lesley University
11/8/19 10:30 AM
University of Delaware
NEASC PARTICIPATION
Dear parents and guardians,
We would like to invite you to participate in a discussion with the visiting team from NEASC--the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.As described on their website, “The NEASC Commission on Public Schools (NEASC-CPS) accredits K-12 public schools in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. We assist public schools through an ongoing cycle of self-reflection, peer review, school improvement, and monitoring to ensure all students experience a high quality education.” As part of this accreditation process, your student input and perspective is strongly valued.
We would like to invite you to participate in a parent/guardian oriented discussion with the visiting team from NEASC on NOVEMBER 18th from 12pm-1pm.
Please complete this FORM to let us know of your interest and availability.
We are hoping that at least 10-15 parents/guardians will participate. You will be contacted for confirmation on your participation.
Again, your feedback and perspective is critical to the accreditation process.
Thank you for your consideration!
The SHS NEASC TEAM