Concord-Carlisle Unified Track and Field

Concord-Carlisle Unified Track and Field

Dear Students and Parents:

We are excited to announce our participation in Unified Sports with the introduction of our Unified Track and Field program this spring. Unified Sports is in conjunction with the Special Olympics.  As stated on their website, “Special Olympics is dedicated to promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences. Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.  In Unified Sports, teams are made up of people of similar age and ability. That makes practices more fun and games more challenging and exciting for all.  Having sport in common is just one more way that preconceptions and false ideas are swept away.” 

Please watch this short video to learn more about Unified Sports

Please click on the link below to register for Unified Track & Field:

Family ID for Unified Track & Field
  

UNIFIED TRACK DETAILS

• Unified Track begins on April 28th

• The team is a Co-Ed team

• A 50/50 ratio of students with and without IDD (intellectual developmental disabilities) 

• Once the competitive season starts, practices are held two times per week from 2:45 pm to 4:00 pm at CCHS or Emerson track

• Four practice meets (typically 2 home, 2 away) followed by a district qualifier and then a State Championship for those individuals who qualify. 

• Students are not paired; they are teammates who mentor and coach each other as they train and compete together 

• Competition is based on students of similar athletic ability in heats/flights 

• All students’ performances count and potentially contribute to the team’s success, not just the fastest runners and longest throwers 

• Unified Track is organized by the MIAA in association with the Special Olympics 

• A user fee of  $150 is required for registration/participation. 

Chorus Music Videos, St. Patricks Day Luncheon, Julia Zipoli Thanks Staff, Eagle Scouts, & More

It is with great pleasure that I share some highlights showcasing our impressive students. More information regarding all students returning on April 26th and end-of-year activities is forthcoming. Thank you for all of your support!

CCHS Chorus Music Videos

Click here to view the video.

Click here to view the video.

St. Patrick's Day Luncheon

 Arden Trudeau, Shree Khanolkar, and members of the student government helped organize the St. Patrick's Day luncheon.

The event was a hit! The senior citizens loved seeing everyone outside at the high school when they came by to pick up their bagged meal. Overall, we had a blast and when we were wrapping up the event.

I think events like this really show that something as simple as running a St. Patrick's day corn beef pickup/delivery service can positively affect our community (especially during this unprecedented time).

 

CCHS' Julia Zipoli Thanks Staff with Tacos

Hello everyone! My name is Julia Zipoli. In May of 2020, I founded Caring for the Frontlines - Concord and Carlisle to show appreciation for the town's frontline workers. I raised $6,500 and have thanked over 850 essential workers (if you would like to see pictures and more specifics about my project, feel free to check out my website - https://caringforthefrontl.wixsite.com/caring4thefrontlines).

Now, it is my goal to thank every CCHS employee for their essential work throughout the pandemic. I am extremely grateful to all of my teachers! In addition to the teachers, CCHS would not have been so successful in their reopening plans without the teamwork of the administration, the teachers, the tutor, the nurses, the maintenance staff, and every other employee in the building. Your continued hard work has kept the schools open. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed and I would like to recognize you all for it!

CCHS Students Attain Rank of Eagle Scout

The following young men from Massachusetts' Spirit of Adventure Council, Troop 132, in Concord, MA recently attained the rank of Eagle Scout:

• Nolan Roberts 
• Kevin O'Neil
• Simon Cadavid

Concord Carlisle High School Seniors Nolan Roberts, Kevin O'Neil, and Simon Cadavid recently earned their Eagle Scout Rank.  Eagle Scout is the highest achievement attainable in the Boy Scouts of America. Since its inception in 1911, only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank. Requirements involve a lengthy review process after earning at least 21 merit badges and completing an Eagle Project. Nolan's Concord community project involved setting up a bike repair station at the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail.  For his project, Kevin built 3 Little Free Libraries, one of them at Thoreau Farm. Simon's project involved building and installing 4 Kestrel Nesting Boxes in open fields around town, such as the one near CCHS. 

These projects encompass the Scout oath and law through their service to the local community, representing something bigger than the Scouts who planned them. They will remain useful to our town for years to come, and hopefully inspire others to give back to our community.

Important: Response Needed for In-Person Learning Decision

Dear CCHS Community,

I hope this letter finds you and your family doing well.  We are grateful for all your support during the most challenging times.  I write with important information that requires you to respond in a timely manner.  Please read this letter carefully and complete the selection form in Aspen.  

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recently issued a mandate followed by a timeline for students to return to full-time, in-person learning.  As a result, the Concord-Carlisle Regional School Committee voted to resume in-person, full-time learning for CCHS students starting Monday, April 26th. 

Due to state guidance, beginning April 26th students/families have two options to consider for the remainder of the school year. Students can attend school in-person, full-time 5 days per week or students can learn remotely. There will be no hybrid option following April Break.  

While we are still working out many logistics that we will communicate soon, I am writing with details allowing for a more informed decision.  Deciding what option of learning is best for the student/family is an important decision, so we encourage you to weigh the options carefully and respond no later than March 24th at 8:00AM.  

• Learning Mode Selection Form: Parents/Guardians will select from two options.
1. Learning remotely
2. Learning in-person, full-time. (5 days per week, full days) 

• The Learning Mode Selection Form: 
• The form is located in Aspen under the COVID screener completed by parents each morning. (As noted above, there is no hybrid option after April break.) 
• Complete the learning mode selection form by Wednesday, March 24th at 8:00am

Here is a link to Aspen. Under Announcements, you will see a series of links (see sample image below). In Aspen, click the link that says:  "Click here to select your CCHS student's spring learning mode".

Physical Distancing

Students will be less than six feet in classrooms, but they will not be closer than three feet. Students and staff members are to remain six feet apart.  During lunch, when students are unmasked, the minimum distance between students remains six feet.

Attendance

• Starting April 26th, students will attend class in their designated mode of learning (either in-person or remote) every day of the week. Students may not toggle between the learning modes.  
• Attendance exceptions will remain for students who are in quarantine/isolation or if a student is unable to attend school per an excusable reason in the Student Handbook. 
• Fully remote learners and students quarantined can livestream into classrooms. 
• If a student is not going to be in their expected mode of learning, they must notify the high school either by phone or email. (978-318-1400 or cchsattendance@concordcarlisle.org).

Parking & Transportation

There are few positive bi-products related to COVID-19, but the pandemic did alleviate parking issues at CCHS. The return of all students requires a change to our current plan. The plan is as follows.  

• We are returning to the old seniority system that accommodated seniors before juniors. Seniors sharing spots with their classmates will need to move to another location. We will communicate additional details in April.  
• After April break juniors cannot park on campus from April 26th through June 4th unless there are spots remaining after all senior requests are satisfied. We will communicate additional details in April.  
• Juniors may park on campus from June 7 through the end of the academic year. 
• For juniors impacted by this change, we are offering a pro-rated price reduction next year. 
• I understand this is a significant disruption for juniors currently parking on campus. Unfortunately, there is no alternative at this time. Juniors can still drive to school but will need to find parking off-campus unless there are spots remaining after senior requests are satisfied.  
• We are still working on various transportation logistics, including bus transportation and parent pick-up/drop-off. For bus ridership, please keep an eye out.

Tents

We have secured four tents that will be delivered and set up on campus later this month. These tents will provide additional seating in which students can eat lunch. Furthermore, they can serve as outdoor classroom spaces when not being used for lunch.

Schedule

Given that each student will only be in one mode of learning (in-person or remote) every day of the week, we can simplify our schedule.  

• Starting April 26, every week will be a maroon week
• Bell schedule

AP Exams and MCAS

While not directly related, everything is intertwined, and I draw your attention to previous blog posts regarding AP Exams and MCAS.

As we finalize more decisions, we will communicate them in the coming days and weeks. 

A Note From The Principal

The tragic news of the mass shootings in Atlanta is heartbreaking.  It comes in the wake of recent violence against Asian Americans.  As a school community, we remain steadfast and committed to condemning all acts of hate, racism, and violence. We stand in solidarity and support all members of our community, particularly Asian, Asian American, and Asian Pacific Islanders who are deeply impacted by this unspeakable tragedy.  

According to the Anti-Defamation League, we continue to witness a steady increase in hate crimes. The most recent senseless, killings undoubtedly leave students, staff, and families shaken. This is an unwanted reminder that life is fragile and evil exists in the world. 

We remain committed to working towards tolerance, acceptance, and our stated goal of all members of our community feeling safe and welcome.  Let us support each other in these difficult times and encourage those impacted to get help and utilize systems of support both at school and outside of school. 

Spring MCAS Testing For Juniors and Sophomores

Parents/Guardians & Students,

As you are likely aware, the 10th-grade MCAS test administrations in English Language Arts (ELA), Math, and Science were placed on hold last school year due to a gubernatorial order that all schools conduct learning remotely. 

“Make-up” testing for current 11th graders, initially planned for January of 2021, was placed on hold in December due to high COVID positivity rates across the state of Massachusetts. 

Below I include the most recent guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).  The following criteria will determine competency determinations for MCAS testing in ELA, Math, and Science.  

• English Language Arts: Students need to earn a score of 472 or higher on the MCAS ELA exam. [Students in the class of 2021 may also show competency with a passing grade in an MCAS-aligned high school course.] 

• Math: Students need to earn a score of 486 or higher on the MCAS Mathematics exam [Students in the class of 2021 can also show competency with a passing grade in an MCAS-aligned high school course.] 

• Science & Technology: Students need to earn a score of 220 or higher on the Science Exam or a passing grade in an MCAS-aligned high school Science course (Physics, Biology, Chemistry). The latter will be the method used at CCHS for all of our students in YOG 2021, 2022, and 2023. 

The 2021 CCHS timeline of testing will be as follows: 

Dates	Exam	YOG
May 5th & 6th	ELA	Current 10th & 11th Graders (YOG 2022 & 2023)
May 19th & 20th	Math	Current 10th & 11th Graders (YOG 2022 & 2023)

Testing will be computer-based and on-site at CCHS. At this time, offsite testing is not permitted by DESE. As noted above, the state has extended a “modified competency determination” in all three subjects for students in the year of graduation 2021 who have not already demonstrated competency.

On exam days, only students who are testing will attend school in-person.  Normal bus transportation will be provided for these students. Due to COVID restrictions, we cannot offer in-person learning alongside MCAS testing. Students who are not testing will learn remotely.  Grades 9 and 12 will learn remotely the entire day.  Grades 10 and 11 will be dismissed after their testing on Wednesdays and will resume in-person learning after MCAS testing on Thursdays. 

Standard COVID safety measures will remain in effect. Parents and guardians of fully-remote learners may feel some apprehension about a seated test this Spring.  Parents and guardians can opt their students out of taking the examination this year, but there is no opt-out from MCAS competency as a graduation requirement in Massachusetts. Opting out of a test administration reduces the number of chances a student has to meet competency and therefore increases the possibility that a student may not graduate “on schedule” with his/her/their intended year of graduation. 

We recognize this is a difficult decision for some families to make, but we encourage all students to sit for the exams as scheduled. If you have thoughtfully considered the implications and have a student in YOG 2022 or YOG 2023 who wishes to opt-out of the Spring 2021 MCAS administration, please fill out this form.

The form will be live/available through April 16th, 2021. You can expect us to reach out with more logistical information closer to the days of testing in May.

AP Exams Spring Testing Information

In May and June, The College Board will administer full-length Advanced Placement exams in all AP courses.  The College Board is offering schools a variety of testing options including traditional paper tests taken in school and digital exams taken at home or in school. 

We have a confluence of events and state mandates creating challenges under COVID restrictions. Our primary responsibility is to keep all students and staff safe when planning. We are currently planning for increased numbers for in-person learning while simultaneously planning for AP and MCAS exams, which overlap this year.  

These factors influenced the AP exam schedule included below.  As you will see, we will be offering the vast majority of our exams during Administration 2.

Friday, March 12 is the last day to sign-up to take an AP exam.  After this date, we are unable to order additional exams.  Please use the following link to register for your exam(s): https://user.totalregistration.net/AP/220645.  Please complete any order by noon on March 12 so we can place the order correctly by the end of the day.  

The official testing schedule for CCHS is available here.  (Please note, we are still finalizing the scheduling for the AP Spanish Exam.  We are awaiting additional guidelines and we will announce the Spanish exam date by April 1.)

Important to note: 

• If any student is not comfortable sitting for a traditional in-person exam in a group setting and that is the format of the test, they will be able to take a digital exam at home during Administration 3 (June 1  - June 10)  - if one is available in that particular course.  

• There are no digital options for World Language exams. These exams must be taken in-person at CCHS.

• Students who select to take an exam on the alternate date must notify Ms. Dunne and Mrs. Talpey. (adunne@concordcarlisle.org, mtalpey@concordcarlisle.org)

• If a student has two exams scheduled at the exact same time, they will need to take one of them digitally during Administration 3 (June 1 - June 10).  Please contact Ms. Dunne and Ms. Talpey to make arrangements if you are in a double-booked situation

•  If students choose not to take an AP exam, there is no fee to cancel an exam.  Please email Ms. Dunne and Mrs. Talpey if a student chooses to cancel their exam.

Digital Exams Information:

• Digital exams will begin precisely at the noted start time and students should plan to log in 30 minutes prior. 

• Digital exams must be taken on a desktop computer, or laptop; they cannot be accessed by phone. 

• Students will not be allowed to return to answered questions or move back-and-forth between unanswered questions on a digital exam.

 

• Digital exams will not include questions that can be answered with internet searches, textbooks, notes, study guides, or similar material.

 

• A digital practice exam will be available in April. 

 

• More technical guidance is expected in early March. 

The 2021 AP® Exam Terms and Conditions are now available to review at cb.org/apexamterms.  This agreement details the rules and policies students must follow related to taking 2021 AP Exams, whether they take paper and pencil exams in school or digital exams in school or at home. Please email Ms. Dunne and Mrs. Talpey. (adunne@concordcarlisle.org, mtalpey@concordcarlisle.org) with any questions regarding AP Exams. Sincerely, Michael Mastrullo Principal Concord Carlisle High School

True Becker Competes in American Ninja Warrior, Athletics Update, and National Merit Scholarship Recipients

Recently we surpassed the 100th day of school. As we approach the first anniversary of the pandemic in this country, there is hope that the future will be better. Harkening back to March and April of 2020, I barely remember anything but the pandemic. Those months were likely filled with great triumphs and terrible tragedies across the globe. Still, most are forgotten or overshadowed by the daily crush of grim events that marked the tragedies of the pandemic that still burdens us today. 

There is hope.  COVID-19 united against it a world of scientists. Perhaps a bit lost in the chorus of frustrations related to vaccine distribution is the remarkable win this represents for science and humanity. 

Perhaps to temper expectations, but when this crisis began, I recall learning that that mumps vaccine was the quickest ever developed at four years. I am not minimizing the valid frustrations with the rollout of the vaccine, but the very fact we are in a position to complain is nothing short of amazing. 

Employing the royal "we," I dare say "we" are victims of our own success. The constant news flow highlighting the astounding achievements emanating from the science and technology community leaves us no longer easily impressed.  

For example, I am often lost without a GPS, and NASA scientists launched a car-sized rover in July 2020 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and landed it on Mars in February 2021. Landing a car on Mars and developing a vaccine to address a global pandemic in roughly a year is a testament to scientific progress and to the human spirit of overcoming challenges.  It is impressive, and so are the students highlighted below. I have little doubt they will make similar contributions to humanity that will impact the lives of many.  

Upcoming March Dates

• Wednesday, March 3 - Virtual Day for all students (SAT testing day)
• Monday, March 8 - PD Day (no school students)
• Week of March 22 - Repeat Gold Week (Cohort B students in school on 3/24)
• Friday, March 26 - PD Day (no school students)

Senior True Becker Competes on American Ninja Warrior

Senior True Becker was one of a select group of teens chosen to compete on Season 13 of NBC's American Ninja Warrior. True has been competing in Ninja Warrior for five years and is a former Young Adult World Champion for the National Ninja League. He is leading the league in points this season competing in the adult elite division and became a sponsored athlete in January. True will be heading to Tacoma, Washington in early April for the first round of filming and competition for American Ninja Warrior. Good luck!

Athletics Update

I am beyond thrilled that another successful season of athletics recently ended, and a new one has begun.  Thank you to AD, Aaron Joncas,  all the coaches, student-athletes, and to the parent community for making it possible. Not an exhaustive list, but below are some highlights from last sports season.  

• Boys Basketball: Won 3 straight vs. Weston and Waltham to finish the season. Team advanced to the DCL finals, losing to Newton South 66-52. Sr. Tyler Jameau became just the 4th player in program history to score over 1000 points, achieving the milestone in the championship game. Photo attached. 

• Girls Basketball: Finished the season 12-3 overall and won the DCL Large Championship with a victory on the road at Acton-Boxboro. A photo of team captains L-R attached (Nicole Celi, Emma McCollum, Haley Newcomb, Kori Barach and Anna Brooks)

• Boys Hockey: Finished 4-4-4 and lost in the DCL Final to Waltham, 5-3. Jr. Dane Carter notched his 100th point this season. 

• Girls Hockey: Finished 4-4-2 and beat Walham 4-3 in sudden death OT to win the DCL Title. OT goal was scored by 9th grade Mairead Campbell on a blistering slapshot. 

• Boys Alpine Ski was paced by All-League skiers Paul Connolly and Will Scheffel. They finished the season 3-3-1 overall. Will finished 5th overall in the Men's Slalom All-League race. 

• Girls Alpine Ski was led by All-League performers Sarah Creamer and Siena Triola. They finished 2-5 overall. Sarah finished 1st overall in the Women's Slalom All-League race. Photo attached L-R (Emma Nerrow, Siena Triola, Julia Fortier, Sarah Creamer, Isabella Neal)

• Boys Nordic, Girls Nordic Ski: Both teams continued their recent stretch of dominance, capturing the Mass Bay West League Titles in convincing fashion. 

• Girls Swim and Dive: Finished 2-3 in the very competitive DCL, swimming all their meets virtually against other schools. 9th grader Alana Leen was impressive in her debut season, setting several school records. 

• Boys Swim and Dive finished 1-5 overall and was paced by All-American diver Charlie Reichle.  

• Fencing was not able to participate in its traditional number of meets due to covid, but the team was led by James Reilly, Nicola Hunt, and Isabel Dinardo. 

National Merit Scholarship Program

Over 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2019 PSAT. 34,000 are commended students and 15,000 are National Merit Finalists. An impressive accomplishment from our impressive students.