DHS Community Update
October 12, 2021
The Principal's Perspective: Addressing the Latest Tik Tok Challenge
Greetings DHS Community Members:
This week I write about the latest social media challenge that educators across the United States finds ourselves having to address which is the devious licks phenomenon on Tik Tok. If you aren't familiar with devious licks, it is essentially a monthly challenge on Tik Tok that encourages school-aged young people to do devious things while on video which then gets posted to Tik Tok. In fact, it encourages young people to engage in criminal behavior on video, as last month's devious licks challenge was to vandalize school rest rooms and this month's challenge is to slap a teacher on the butt.
Parents reading about this for the first time are likely to be as disgusted as I was when I first learned about it (at least I hope that is the general response), but for our adolescents who are still developing their ability to make sound decisions, they may not grasp the full ramifications of engaging in such activities.
So, I thought I would take the opportunity here to remind all students, and to ask all parents, to discuss with their child the consequences that will ensue for any student who makes the decision to assault any educator, especially any educator at Dartmouth High School.
First, slapping or touching any educator--teacher, counselor, nurse, teaching assistant, secretary, food service personnel, custodian or anyone else employed by the Dartmouth Public Schools, will not be tolerated. If a student were to engage in such activity, not only would they face disciplinary consequences for assault and battery, but they would also face criminal charges as well.
Fortunately, most, if not all of our students understand that these TikTok challenges cross the line of human decency and are in obvious conflict with the expectations we hold for all members of the Dartmouth High School community. It goes without saying that this is a trend on TikTok which we do not support and again ask parents to discuss with their children the impact that such trends have on our school community and the serious nature of engaging in such criminal activity.
Links to two recent articles published in the USA Today regarding the matter are included for anyone who wishes to read more about this matter, the impact it is having on school communities and on students who are being arrested for engaging in such behavior all across the nation. I'd encourage all to take note of the headline of one of the articles--"'Devious licks' asks students via TikTok to 'smack a staff member.' The nation's teachers are feeling burnt out." and to discuss with your children that educators deserve our respect and to be treated better than to now have to worry about whether or not one of their students is going to engage in the latest TikTok challenge.
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly regarding this matter.
I hope everyone had an excellent long weekend with the opportunity for some rest and relaxation.
Sincerely,
Ross A. Thibault
Principal
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.
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.
Teen Artist Internship Program
The New Bedford Art Museum/Art Works! recently announced that they are accepting applications for the 18th annual free Teen Artist Internship Program. The goal of the program is to inspire and educate high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a career in the visual arts. Students accepted into the program are mentored by local artists and have the opportunity to have their own artwork displayed at the NBAM for an exhibition.
Those students who are interested in applying may find an application by clicking the button below.
AP Update
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.
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.
PSAT/NMSQT
PSATs will be administered to sophomores and juniors on October 13th. Students will report directly to their testing rooms upon arrival. Students may bring a drink and a light snack for the break. It is also advised for students to bring a calculator for the Math Session (with calculator). Testing starts at 7:30 AM and ends at 11:35 AM. All sophomores and juniors received a PSAT Study Guide during our last advisory which includes a practice test If your student did not receive a study guide, please have them stop by Ms. Chavier’s office for one.
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.
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
Class of 2022 - GPA and Class Rank have been updated. Students are able to access this information through their Naviance username and password.
Future Friday for October 15th - Scholarships and Financial Aid
Students A-Ma should sign up in Pase under Mr. Jeghers
Students Mb-Z should sign up in Pase under Mr. Wright
FAFSA form is now available as of October 1st! Click here to access the FAFSA website.
UMASS Dartmouth - College Now/START program
The College Now/START program is excited to begin accepting student applications for our Fall 2022 cohort through our alternative admissions at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Due to the program’s limited space for incoming students; applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early and complete an in-person meeting with our admissions team prior to April 1st, 2022. Students interested in the College Now/START Program can apply by using the UMassD online application or the Common Application. Please note when completing the application, students must select either College Now (COLNW) or START (START) as their 1st choice of major and second choice should be their major of interest.
Students interested in applying to the College Now Program must be either a U. S. citizen or a permanent U. S. resident for at least one year and cannot exceed 24 transferable college credits. Applicants should also satisfy one of the following criteria:
(1) Be of low-income status, as defined by federal guidelines and/or
(2) Be first generation college bound
School Social Worker Updates
Elevate LGBTQ+ Youth - Supporting the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth and families in the South Coast of Massachusetts. For more information about Elevate LGBTQ+ Youth, contact eileen@sclgbtqnetwork.org, call (774) 775-2656, or visit sclgbtqnetwork.org/elevate-youth.
TYPE OF SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR LGBTQ+ YOUTH/YOUNG ADULTS
We help you succeed as an LGBTQ+ individual with programs related to:
• Building meaningful family relationships
• Social groups and activities
• Health and wellness activities
• Life skills assessments
• HiSet (GED) and college enrollment assistance
• Job preparedness training—résumé writing, interviewing skills
• Financial literacy—how to write a check, buy a car, rent an apartment
• Referrals and resources
• Homelessness diversion
TYPE OF SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR FAMILIES
We facilitate conversations around challenging topics such as:
• What it means for your child to be LGBTQ+
• Who will support your child in school with their identity
• How to talk to your friends about your child transitioning
• How to keep your child safe
• What are your legal rights as a parent or guardian
• How to prepare your child for adulthood
• Specialized resources in the medical and mental healthcare fields
Community Service Opportunity!
Are you in need of Community Service Hours or looking to give back? The Parks and Recreation Program at Town Hall will be hosting a Trunk or Treat at the Fire Station in Padanaram on Saturday, October 30th from 5-6:30 pm. Volunteers are needed to decorate their trunks and/or cars and give out candy to children. All candy would be provided by the fire station. Volunteers need only to show up, pop your decorated trunk and pass out candy. Please rsvp to Rebecca Amaral ramaral@town.dartmouth.ma.us asap if you are interested.
PSAT/NMSQT Exam Administration
Wednesday, Oct 13, 2021, 07:30 AM
Dartmouth High School, Bakerville Road, Dartmouth, MA, USA
Bus Evacuation Drill
Dartmouth High School will conduct our annual Bus Evacuation drill on the morning of Wednesday, October 20, 2021. Students should dress appropriately as they will be asked to exit out the rear emergency exit door.