Monday, August 31, 2020

Important Reminders: 9th-Grade Orientation, Parking, Open Campus, & Materials Return

All,

I hope this finds you well.  As a follow up to Principal Mastrullo's blog last week, I write with a few reminders.


Parking
If you are interested in obtaining a parking spot for the 2020-2021 academic year, tomorrow (Sept 1, 11:59 pm) is the deadline to sign up.  You can find all information here are this site:

Open Campus
Tomorrow is also the deadline to submit the open/off-campus permission to ensure that students are all set at the start of the year.  You can find more information here:

Materials Return
All students would return any materials from the 2019-2020 academic year on Tuesday or Wednesday from 10:00AM - 12:30PM.  You can find more information here
Materials Collection




Saturday, August 29, 2020

Start of School Website, Handbook, Materials Pick-Up, Athletics Update, & Traffic Pattern


All,

I write to provide pertinent information on the upcoming school year that is necessary to prepare for a most unusual year on the horizon; however, we are not immune, and it is impossible to ignore national events, and we, as noted in my 8/22 Blog Post, stand united in our rebuke of racism in any form. We look forward to getting back-to-school to support our Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC).  

A tremendous effort put forth by dozens of members of our community to ensure the opening of school, and due to the unique nature of this pending school year, these efforts consumed so much of our time and energy.  This required tireless efforts and focused energy, but this will not get in the way of the vital work, which is led by our District Cultural Competency and Anti-Racism Committee This work includes a tireless and relentless pursuit of a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive school environment where all members feel recognized, respected, and valued.  

We must do our part to help with the long-lasting, sustainable change that is needed. It requires dialogue, action, along with our energy, and resources.  We need to do everything we can to play our part in improving our school, the towns it serves, and beyond.  

Please read on for essential updates on the upcoming school year.  Be well.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Mastrullo
Principal


I want to thank all members of our school community who helped prepare for the upcoming school year.  A special thank you to the two Assistant Principals, Brian Miller and Katie Stahl, for their significant efforts during this challenging time. 

CCHS Opening of School Website
As promised,  I share a Start of School Website that houses essential information.  


Previous Blog Posts


Athletics Update
By Aaron Joncas, Athletic Director

Dear Students and Parents, 

I write with an update regarding fall athletics. As you may have seen, the Governor's Office and the MIAA voted to allow the following high school sports this fall: golf, cross-country, field hockey, girls' volleyball, and soccer. However, several decisions need to be made before we have the green light at CCHS. The only certainty is that high school athletics will look much different than in previous years. 

  • The DCL voted to move Girls' Volleyball to the Fall 2 season. The main factors in this decision were concerns about the safety of indoor sports and the lack of gym space throughout the league due to gyms being used as classrooms, overflow cafeteria space, and community centers. This news is understandably disappointing for volleyball players. Please know that we exhausted every option to play this season, but it simply could not be done. 
  • The MIAA released sport-specific modifications today, which you can review here
  • Now that the modifications are available, each district will review plans with the administrative team and school committee to determine if athletics can be conducted safely
  • If plans are approved at the local level, the Dual County League will finalize scheduling. 
While the MIAA voted to start the fall season on September 18th, the DCL voted to start on September 21st in observance of Rosh Hashanah. Therefore, registration on FamilyID will remain open through September 7th. Please note that the state law regarding physicals remains in effect - exams are good for 13 months to the date and must be conducted in-person for students to participate in athletics (physicals administered on 9/1/19 expire 10/1/20, for example). Physical exams can be emailed to Aaron Joncas, Athletic Director, at ajoncas@concordcarlisle.org, and Lisa Koski, School Nurse, at lkoski@concordcarlisle.org. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance. 

Sincerely,
 Aaron Joncas






Reminder (Returning Student Materials)
For all CCHS students, there will be an opportunity to return all books and materials from the 2019-2020 School year.
When: Mon 8/31, Tues 9/1, Wed 9/2
Time: 10:00am-12:30pm
Students - Please put a Sticky Note (or tape a piece of paper) on the outside of EACH Book/Item being returned, in ONE bag, with the following information:
Student Name, YOG and Teacher Name
Drop off will be outside, at the Front Entrance of the school. Please drive up and a staff member will take items from the car, masks need to be worn at that time.
 If you are not able to make one of these drop-off days, please plan to bring all of your materials to be returned on the first day of school. Thank you!
2020 Yearbook orders 
YOG '21, '22, and '23 can pick up their 2020 yearbooks during materials return as well

New CCHS Traffic Pattern













Monday, August 24, 2020

Returning Materials, Open Campus, Parking, Community Service & Bell Schedules

Dear Students and Parent/Guardians,

As noted in my previous Blog Post, we will continue to provide updates for students and families to help you prepare for the upcoming school year.  Further, we will house all correspondence in one spot for your convenience and future reference.  A link to that website will accompany our next update.  Have a great day!

Sincerely,

Michael J. Mastrullo

Katie Stahl

Brian Miller


Returning Student Materials

For all CCHS students, there will be an opportunity to return all books and materials from the 2019-2020 School year.

When: Mon 8/31, Tues 9/1, Wed 9/2

Time: 10:00am-12:30pm

Students - Please put a Sticky Note (or tape a piece of paper) on the outside of EACH Book/Item being returned, in ONE bag, with the following information:

Student Name, YOG and Teacher Name

Drop off will be outside, at the Front Entrance of the school. Please drive up and a staff member will take items from the car, masks need to be worn at that time.

 If you are not able to make one of these drop-off days, please plan to bring all of your materials to be returned on the first day of school. Thank you!

2020 Yearbook orders 

YOG '21, '22, and '23 can pick up their 2020 yearbooks during materials return as well


Information on Parking, Open Campus & Community Service

Parking, Open Campus, Community Service 2020-2021


Bell & Student Cohort Schedule

Concord Carlisle High School 2020-2021 Bell Schedule

Concord Carlisle High School Student Cohort Calendar

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Community Expectations, Student Schedules, Safety Protocols & More

August 2020

 Dear Students and Families,

Entering my fifth year at CCHS, I write to offer a warm welcome to you and your family.  It is my sincere hope you have braved this difficult time and made the best of a most challenging situation. 

Until March, last year was similar to previous ones. Academic achievements and remarkable performances in all venues. By most accounts, it was a typical year, and with the benefit of hindsight, I feel guilty for all I took for granted.  

A global pandemic stopped us in our tracks. National and international events required us to think deeply about our values as a school, and deep self-reflection on how we all can positively contribute to making a difference in our community. 

Many of our BIPOC students courageously spoke out about their mixed experiences in our community.  We view this as an opportunity to elevate the voices of our students and community members. We need to lean into the work and not shy away from difficult but necessary conversations about the negative impact of systemic racism in our society. To redress inequities all schools and entities must look within, self-reflect, and seek institutional change where it is needed.  

Through forums, webinars, and surveys, we heard the feedback, and some ideas raised relate to work already underway by our Cultural Competency and Anti-Racism Task Force.  This work continues and we welcome the challenge. 

This summer I witnessed the extraordinary work of administrators, staff, and faculty members.  Earnest engagement in issues of race and equality, earnest efforts seeking professional growth to improve a hybrid teaching model, earnest efforts, and rigorous planning to open the school for in-person learning. I am impressed by the collective efforts of our community.  We are eager and will be ready to welcome everyone back in just a few weeks. 

It is quite likely this correspondence will lead to more questions.  Please be patient and anticipate timely communication as we march towards the first day of school.  Be well!

Sincerely,

 

Micheal J. Mastrullo

2020-2021 Students Schedules

Students can log-in to Aspen to view their schedule.  

  • If the room number says "virtual" your teacher is working remotely.  All students will access those classes via Zoom.  More details regarding virtual classes will arrive over the next few weeks.
  • Please note, all other room numbers are likely to change. Traditional class sizes were capped at 15 students, so larger classes were moved to large classrooms to accommodate numbers greater than 15 students.  
  • Due to class size constraints, please note that scheduling changes will occur on a limited basis.  Guidance counselors worked to make all necessary changes at the end of last year, so the typical add/drop period will be restricted during the 2020-2021 school year.  Some changes are inevitable, but due to class size constraints, there will be fewer than in previous years.  Please connect with your guidance counselor to discuss modifying your schedule.  

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS

A critical component of our ability to open successfully and manage a hybrid school schedule is a commitment to a shared responsibility for safety, and strict adherence to expectations and safety protocols that members of our community will practice daily. Tremendous effort and planning put forth to secure in-person learning, and successfully executing a safe return requires cooperation and shared commitment to the community. 

Because COVID-19 infects individuals by spreading across and within close community networks, all members of the CCHS community must enter into a shared obligation and commitment to act prudently, safely, and follow CCHS and public health directives. Utilizing guidance from DESE, DPH, CDC, and the Concord Department of Health, we adopted standards and protocols to promote our community’s collective well-being.

 It is not one mitigation strategy, but combining all these strategies will substantially reduce the risk of transmission. In other words, establishing a culture of health and safety in our schools that focuses on regularly enforcing these essential practices is more important than any one measure.

Contract

To attend CCHS, all community members must sign a contract and pledge to adhere to the accompanying standards and protocols. Students and staff’s ability to access our campus for in-person learning and events is conditional on adherence to the rules and protocols put in place.  Any student who cannot meet these expectations will be required to carry out all or part of the semester remotely.  Further, all members of the CCHS community must recognize that these standards and protocols may change at the direction of the School or state, local, or federal health organizations. We all agree to abide by these changes.  All safety protocols need to be followed during the school day regardless of whether on school grounds, school-sponsored events, the school bus, or when off campus during a free period or lunchtime. 

Self-Assessment

Students and staff will honestly complete a self-assessment in Aspen before entering campus each day. 

  • Students and staff will monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 and immediately report any such symptoms to the school nurse.  
  • Students/families who do not complete the self-assessment form each day will be prohibited from entering the school.  
  • We expect students to be fully transparent about their symptoms. Students will not be penalized for missing in-person classes. 
  • Students must not discourage other students from disclosing their symptoms. 
  • Students will participate willingly and immediately in a wellness check if requested by a faculty or staff member.  


Hygiene

Students and staff will wash their hands frequently, wearing clean masks, and follow other best practices of hygiene, including any disinfecting protocols requested of them in the classroom. 

Masks

Students and staff will wear a face mask or facial covering in all indoor spaces, including the bus, and in outdoor spaces when physical distancing of 6 feet between individuals is not possible. The mask must be compliant with district regulations.  

Traffic Patterns/Campus Access

Students and staff will follow all prescribed traffic patterns to enter, exit, and travel within buildings. Students will only access the campus as explicitly defined and permitted by the school on remote learning days. If able, we encourage students to walk or ride a bike to school.  

COVID-19 Testing

Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 will follow requirements as determined by the board of health. Students and staff will engage truthfully in a contact tracing interview to identify those at risk of becoming infected.  If another health care provider conducts the test, students and staff are expected to immediately share information with the Concord Board of Health and the school nurse.   

Students and staff who are deemed contacts of a person who tests positive for COVID-19 will follow quarantine procedures determined by the Concord Board of Health. Only the Board of Health determines who is considered a contact.

Physical Distancing

Physical distancing is a critical component in mitigating the transmission of the virus. Schools should aim for a physical distance of 6 feet when feasible. During meals, mask breaks, and other times when masks are not worn, 6 feet is the minimum distance allowed. From a facilities and operations perspective, it is essential to understand how these minimum requirements will affect space layouts and movement protocols.

Symptoms

 STAY HOME  if any of the following symptoms are present. Our collective health relies, in part, on individual attention and responsibility. Note that some symptoms of COVID-19 are the same as the flu or a bad cold; please do not assume it is another condition. When in doubt, stay home.    

Please STAY HOME if you have any of the symptoms listed. 

Below is the full list of symptoms for which caregivers should monitor their children, and staff should monitor themselves:   

Fever (100.° Fahrenheit or higher), chills, or shaking chills

Cough (not due to other known cause, such as a chronic cough)

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

New loss of taste or smell

Sore throat

Headache when in combination with other symptoms

Muscle aches or body aches

Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Fatigue, when in combination with other symptoms

Nasal congestion or runny nose (not due to other known causes, such as allergies) combined with other symptoms

 If staff or students have any of these symptoms, they must get a test for active COVID-19 infection before returning to school. As noted, it is imperative that anyone showing symptoms remain home, and students will not be penalized for missing school. 

Open Campus/Free Periods/In-Person Students with Remote Teachers

With parental permission, all juniors and seniors will have open campus.  With parental consent, all students with a free period are allowed to leave school and work from home.  Students with free periods first and last period are allowed to arrive later or leave early.  Underclassmen are required to remain on campus for lunch unless dismissed from school.  Some educators are teaching all of their classes virtually.  For circumstances such as this, there are designated areas in school students will report to for class.  Students are encouraged to bring headphones.  We have purchased headphones for students who forget them or do not have a pair. Admittedly, these are of lesser quality, similar to earbuds utilized by airlines.


Thursday, August 20, 2020

9th-Grade Orientation Information & Laptop Distribution

Attention Rising 9th-Graders and Guardians

We eagerly anticipate your arrival at CCHS.  It will be different, that you know, but what will not be different is all the people dedicated to making your transition to high school and your experience over the next four years as rewarding and fruitful as possible—this being with a warm welcome from students and staff during 9th-Grade Orientation.  I include a letter from your orientation leader below.  

Lastly, for those who did not have the opportunity to receive their laptop, there is another opportunity on September 1 from 9:00 am - 11:00 am.  If you have questions, please contact Joel Schofield at jschofield@concordcarlisle.org.

Please look for future updates regarding the start of school.  

Sincerely,


Michael J. Mastrullo
Principal


Dear Class of 2024,

 

As some of you may know, your first days at CCHS will be a little different than the normal school day.  We have organized a Grade 9 Orientation in order to familiarize you with the school and ease you into your first year of high school.  On the day of Orientation, there will be members of the Class of 2021 and 2022 who will serve as Orientation leaders to provide you support and guidance.  


During the day, the leaders will help “orient” you with CCHS and allow you to meet fellow 9th graders in addition to 11th and 12th graders.  Our goal by the end of the orientation is to make every 9th grader comfortable for their first day of classes. 


This year we will have an in-person and remote orientation option for those learning remotely this fall. Grade 9 Orientation will occur on. 

  • Wednesday, September 2 for last name A-K


  • Thursday, September 3, for last name L-Z, and all students who have chosen to participate in the virtual option. 


  • For our virtual students, we will be sending a zoom link in the coming days.


Grade 9 Orientation will begin at 9:00 am and end at 11:30 am.


Check-In And Drop Off Location

  1. Students will check-in near the main entrance.

  2. This is the drop-off location for students arriving by car.

If you are not familiar with the campus, you can access the main entrance by driving to the upper turf fields. After entering the parking lot, drive to the left-hand corner of the school to access the one-way road which leads to the main entrance and upper turf fields.


Additional Details


  • A large portion of the day will be outside. 

  • Students must wear masks, and we strongly encourage you to wear sunscreen and “active” clothes (T-shirts, sneakers, and shorts or pants).  

  • We would also suggest that you avoid sandals and skirts, and in general “nicer” clothing. 

  • Upon arriving at the school at 9:00 am, please check-in outside the main lobby and where you will be directed to your assigned group and leaders. 

  • Those with allergies and any medical concerns should touch base with the school nurse before the 2nd. 

  • You DO NOT need a backpack or school supplies on this day; however, you will need a mask, water bottle, and any other snacks or personal items.

  • If you do have severe allergies, asthma, or other particular health concerns, we recommend that you carry your Epi-pen, inhaler, and other supplies with you throughout the day.  

  • Please notify the school nurse (can leave a message on x 7500 or stop in room 207) and be sure to let your leaders know your health concerns at the beginning of the day so we can help prevent any complications and you can get immediate help if needed. 


If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email Ms. Bruno: hbruno@concordcarlisle.org or the student leader captains Akshaya Seetharam: aseetharam21@concordcarlisle.org or Cole Siefer: csiefer21@concordcarlisle.org



We look forward to seeing you on either the 2nd or the 3rd! 



Enjoy the rest of your summer! 


Sincerely,



Hanna Bruno

Grade 9 Orientation Leader


Hybrid School Opening & Athletics Update

All,

I hope this email finds you well.  As you are likely aware, the School Committee voted for a hybrid school schedule.  We will share timely updates over the next several weeks to provide all necessary information so students, parents, and staff are well-informed as we begin the school year.  I appreciate your patience, and please know that countless hours have been invested this summer to open our school with all safety precautions in place.  

Yesterday, the MIAA provided preliminary guidelines for fall athletics.  I share this information below.  For additional information, please contact Aaron Joncas, Concord-Carlisle Athletic Director at: ajoncas@concordcarlisle.org

Athletics Update by Aaron Joncas

Yesterday the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) issued preliminary guidelines to schools regarding fall sports. We are grateful for the opportunity to explore athletics at CCHS this fall when school reopens with our school administration, school committee, and local health officials. 


In the weeks ahead, we will review all safety protocols and provide updates about which sports can be played safely and equitably in our hybrid reopening plan. It is notable that the MIAA ruled that teams cannot conduct any school-sponsored athletics until September 18th to allow schools time for careful consideration. We will communicate with you as the process moves forward. Thank you for your continued support and patience. 



The MIAA Board of Directors met on August 19, 2020 to address the formal recommendations from the MIAA COVID-19 Task Force regarding Education Athletics for the 2020-21 school year. 
CLICK HERE for the press release.  

Sunday, August 16, 2020

Important Update For Rising 9th-Graders: Laptop Distribution

Dear Member of the CCHS Class of 2024 and Family,

It is with great excitement that we welcome you and your family to Concord Carlisle High School. At CCHS, we are committed to helping all of our students as they strive for and meet high levels of academic and personal growth. While we know this year has been filled with a lot of change, we are eager to guide you through this transition as you join the CCHS community.

The 2020-2021 school year marks the beginning of the Ninth-Grade Academy, which is outlined in great detail in our January Correspondence.  Developed by dedicated educators with extensive experience teaching ninth-graders, our model strives to ensure rising ninth-graders can seamlessly adapt to their new learning environment. There are four cohorts consisting of individual teams of educators and counselors working earnestly to create an emotionally healthy, socially inclusive, and academically supportive first-year experience for our 9th-grade students. Our team model will add another dimension to the sense of community that makes us Concord-Carlisle Regional High School.

Over the coming weeks, we plan to share additional details about the beginning of ninth grade, including an opportunity for a self-guided tour of the school and information pertaining to 9th-grade orientation.


We know these unprecedented times come with many unknowns, but we are eager to meet you and help guide you through the transition to high school.



Laptop Distribution

Your child has a beautiful, school issued Apple laptop computer assigned to them for the 2020-2021 school year.  It is our desire to issue as many as possible next week; however, we recognize some students cannot make it to the school on the assigned date.  For those who cannot make it on Wednesday, we plan to offer future guidance after we determine how many students cannot make it on the designated day.


You can retrieve the laptop Wednesday, August 19th at CCHS. In order to retrieve your laptop, please fill out this release form by Monday, August 17th at 3pm. On Tuesday, we will release your scheduled time to retrieve the laptop with all the necessary instructions. 


All 9th-grade students will borrow an Apple laptop from the school. There is no cost to do so.

There is no longer an option for students to use their own personal devices even if it is an Apple product.  There are numerous reasons for this policy.  Although not an exhaustive list, I include a few worthy of note. 


  • A school-issued laptop allows all students throughout both middle and high school to have a consistent educational experience with regard to technology.  

  • We provide a high-quality computer for all students.

  • This guarantees our laptop program aligns with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recommendations/requirements for school testing technology.

  • We can provide full technical support for your student regardless of whether they participate on-site or virtually.  


A few additional details. 

  • Former CMS students need to return their laptops from middle school to receive their new high school laptops.  The computers are repurposed, and we cannot issue a new laptop until the older one is returned.  

  • All laptops have the necessary education apps for the year. 

Please feel free to contact us at cchs1to1@concordcarlilse.org with any questions. 



 Sincerely, 




Michael Mastrullo

Principal

CCHS

Sunday, August 2, 2020

Roadmap To Reopening (Meeting Link)


As a follow-up to the rollout of the Roadmap to Reopening, we are offering an information session for high school parents on Monday at 1 pm.  We will provide an overview of the plans made to date, reference the plans to be made in August, and answer your questions. The session will be recorded and posted if you are unable to attend.  The Zoom link is found below.  


You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Aug 3, 2020 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: CCHS Parents

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Passcode: 857868
Or iPhone one-tap : 
    US: +13017158592,,95960320473#,,,,,,0#,,857868#  or +13126266799,,95960320473#,,,,,,0#,,857868# 
Or Telephone:
    Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
        US: +1 301 715 8592  or +1 312 626 6799  or +1 929 205 6099  or +1 253 215 8782  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 669 900 6833 
Webinar ID: 959 6032 0473
Passcode: 857868
    International numbers available: https://concordps.zoom.us/u/abbyjC31h2