Cardinal Notes
information and reflection about Joseph Case High School
Volume 11, No. 13 *** March 24, 2015
Welcome to my blog!
One of my takeaways from a recent national conference in San Diego was that our school's newsletter for the past 11 years -- Cardinal Notes -- would be better served in a blog format. Not only is the publication more professional in its aesthetic, a blog can track readership, provide analytical feedback, and seamlessly be published on the school's social media. This issue of Cardinal Notes is my first electronic foray. I appreciate your gentle feedback.
MCAS - ELA
Sophomores will be assessed March 24-26 in ELA for the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System's annual test. I visited all grade 10 English classes yesterday to review local and state protocol, while urging each student to reach for the advanced level of achievement.
State Drama Finals
Joseph Case High School will compete in the state finals of the Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild's annual high school drama festival this weekend. Case is scheduled to perform its production of Dalton Trumbo's Johnny Got His Gun on Saturday, March 28 at 3 p.m., in Boston's Back Bay Auditorium at the John Hancock Building. Case will be defending its state title having won last year for the production Anatomy of Gray. Good luck to to Mr. Marcello and his award-winning cast and crew.
Case Arts Night
What a tremendous success last Saturday's Arts Night was at the high school. Featured above is senior Emily Scherny's "Conservative Sun," a favorite of mine from last weekend's show. How impressive it is to bear witness to our many visual artists, musicians and thespians! Below is just a sampling of some additional talent on display at Arts Night. My sincere thanks to Mrs. Blair, Mrs. Hall, Mr. Cordeiro and Mr. Marcello for facilitating this annual event.
Cory Nunes displays his Visual Design project.
Music courtesy of Sweaters for the Elderly
Julia Barboza and Rihanna
Program of Studies 2015-2016
Case High's annual Program of Studies has been published in two places on the high school's website. You can access a PDF of the document from a tab on the left side of the homepage, or as an Information Item on From the Principal's Desk. New this year are expanded AP offerings, honors options in English for grade 9 and 10, and an expanded career pathways section that reflects student voice culled during our advisory program. Students will be registering for classes electronically prior to April vacation. details of this process will be announced in the next advisory on April 1.
Case High's AP Night
The date of an upcoming Case High AP Night is being finalized at present. All students who plan to enroll in our expanded AP program will be invited with their families should plan on attending this one-hour event. The high school also welcomes all interested students in grades 8-11 and their families to see how Joseph Case High School's Advanced Placement offerings plan to expand in scope and membership in the next three years. The high school is grateful for the support of the school committee, Superintendent Bob Monteiro and Massachusetts Insight Education for partnering with us to make our existing AP program even stronger.
Parent Professional Development - Twitter 101
As a parent, would you like a keener awareness of your child's social media? Interested in seeing how your child portrays him/herself on Twitter? Please join me at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8 as I host a Twitter 101 opportunity for our Case families. You can sign up for an account here. We will highlight some of Twitter's functions, model how to Tweet, and finally how to view your child's digital footprint. Pre-registration is limited to 21 families. RSVP with Pauline Simmons at psimmons@swanseaschools.org by April 7. Don't be left behind -- become a connected parent.
Term III rolling dates
A reminder that Term III closes for seniors this Friday, March 27. Term III for underclassmen closes Thursday, April 2. All Term III report cards will be published electronically at the close of the school day on Friday, April 10.
Last day of school - June 18
Another reminder to Case families that June 18 is the last scheduled day of school this year. As stated numerous times this school year (beginning in August), no family should make vacation plans before June 19.
In closing
It's going to be a learning curve using a new medium for this newsletter. If nothing else, our ascendency up the digital ladder models risk-taking to our stakeholders. You are never too old to try something new. I am hoping that future editions continue to grow reflectively while documenting our school's year-long journey.
Cheers!
Brian
Cheers!
Brian
(progress to date on Tolstoy’s War and Peace: 81% complete – p. 1045 out of 1275 pgs!)
About Joseph Case High School
Email: joseph.case@swanseaschools.org
Website: casehigh.swanseaschools.org
Location: 70 School Street, Swansea, MA, United States
Phone: (508) 675-7483
Twitter: @josephcasehs