Monday, September 14, 2020

Important Health Information & Upcoming Events

Hello,

I write to express my sincere gratitude to all members of the CC community for a successful week of in-person learning.  We are proud of how well our students adapted and complied with important safety measures.  It is imperative we remain consistent with protocols including proper hygiene, social distancing, and wearing masks.  

In light of recent events that occurred in a neighboring town, the Concord Board of Health, Superintendent of Schools, and high school administration wanted to communicate the importance of remaining vigilant. I share this cautionary tale without judgment, as this incident could take place in any town in Massachusetts.  

Nevertheless, it necessitates an important reminder for all students and families.  In order for in-person learning to remain successful, we can't let complacency set in, and actions outside of school can derail efforts in an instant.  Lincoln-Sudbury High School announced over the weekend they are postponing in-person learning for at least two weeks. It is a sobering reminder that events outside of school, more than ever, can impact how and when we attend school.  

This decision by the Sudbury Board of Health was a direct result of a large gathering of students at a residence over the weekend. LS is a friendly rival and frequent collaborator with members of our community. We work closely in many ways and sympathize with members of the LS community who worked tirelessly to ensure the school could open in-person. To have it derailed on the eve of their first day of school is most unfortunate.  

As noted on several occasions, we have a shared commitment and understanding that we need to work together, and take care of each other, in order for this endeavor to remain successful.  

Below I include a portion of the correspondence sent by Bella Wong, the Superintendent/High School Principal of Lincoln-Sudbury.   

"I am very disappointed to share that I learned this morning that there was a crowded indoor and outdoor student party Friday evening....a complete lack of safety precautions to protect against the spread of COVID. Police were called to the scene. An estimated number of 15 students ran into the woods. They collected names from 32 other individuals....at least 13 plus 15 (28) known to be on-site are unaccounted for. If these students had been identified they could be requested to be isolated from school, monitored, and tested.

The Sudbury Board of Health is stating that we must start school in remote learning for 14 days from the known incident." -Bella Wong

Below are a few reminders of important upcoming events.  Have a great week.

Michael J. Mastrullo
Principal

CCHS Athletics Webinar and FAQ
When: Sep 14, 2020, 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: CC Athletics Q&A

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://concordps.zoom.us/j/95477009111?pwd=ZE1FdStVUjVNZThScnlxZjhGQXZFdz09
Passcode: 355900
Athletics FAQ
Clarification: Guidance Counselor Calendly 
The Guidance Department will utilize Calendly for scheduling with students. Parents and Guardians should email their child's counselor to schedule an appointment. 

Back To School Night at CCHS

CCHS will host a Back to School night for parents/guardians on Thursday, 17 September.  The entire event will be held virtually via Zoom.  The event will start at 6:00PM for parents/guardians of 9th-grade students.   There will be an all-school presentation from 6:50-7:20, and then parents/guardians will proceed through their child's schedule.

A detailed schedule for the event is found here.  Please visit the Start of School website under the schedules tab for more information: Back to School Night Information.


College Guidance Network
We are thrilled to bring our families and students a new service offering as we head into the new school year.  CCHS has signed on with the College Guidance Network, a virtual programming network specializing in demystifying the college admissions process.  This programming aims to supplement the tremendous and crucial work of our guidance department.  

The first episode airing live next Wednesday, 16 September, at 7:00 PM ET. 

Students and families will only need the link and passcode included in the messaging below to access the live episode when it airs.  You can also share the "Add to Calendar" button with your contacts so they can add it directly to their family or personal calendars. 

The full ten-episode series will provide you with expert advice on the college admissions process. Topics include how to create a balanced school list, write a persuasive essay, and apply for financial aid.  We will even take you behind the scenes to see how admissions committees actually work! Take a closer look at the full schedule of programming and speakers on their programming page. 

The first episode will air live on Wednesday, 16 September, at 7:00 PM ET: "Admissions in the time of COVID" to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on college admissions with the most up-to-date details. 

Panelists: Katie Cassino, CEO of Hobsons (Naviance); Lee Coffin, Dean of Admissions at Dartmouth; Bob Bardwell, Executive Director of Massachusetts School Counselor Association; and Nick Ducoff, author of "Better Off After College," and Emily Roper-Doten, Dean of Admission & Financial Aid, Olin College of Engineering.


The discussion will include:

How families can make the best choices in a rapidly changing environment

Changes to the Common App

Changing test policies

The increasing importance of essays

Financial aid implications

How colleges' institutional incentives may affect families

The discussion will be moderated by Lana Wong, Communications Lead from The Education Commission. 

All you need to join the episode is the Zoom link and passcode below. You can also use the "Add to Calendar" button at the bottom of the email to add the event to your personal calendar. 


Zoom link to join the live webinar on 16 September

Passcode: 614954

You don't need to take any action to register or sign-up for the episodes; I will share the Zoom link with you to view each episode two weeks before the airing date so you can add them to your family calendar. The episodes will also be posted to the College Guidance Network website for later viewing. 


No comments:

Post a Comment