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.    

 

A Message From the Principal

Late last evening, a CCHS teacher made us aware of a racially insensitive incident that occurred during a class yesterday. A student placed an inappropriate racial image on a presentation accessible and visible to all students in that class.  

Our school communities at Concord Carlisle High School and Concord Public Schools remain steadfast in our zero-tolerance policy for acts of hatred, racism, discrimination, and bigotry.  We condemn all expressions of hate regardless of intent or the medium utilized. 

We must remain a school community committed to celebrating diversity and ensuring a school culture that is inclusive and respectful for all students and staff. We must be a place where students and staff are free to learn in a safe and welcoming environment. 

To that end, we have prioritized efforts to create a collaborative and inclusive culture by undertaking appropriate strategic initiatives that includes, among other things, developing a shared understanding of what diversity means in our schools and creating culturally responsive curriculums. Today is a reminder that there is more work to do.

Black History Month, Student-Athlete Webinar, Gabriela Braceras, Emma Kerimo, Iris Bergman & More

It is early February, and a homework-free vacation is but six school days away. February brings us a slice of Americana, known as the Super Bowl. The game features a familiar face at quarterback playing on an unfamiliar team. Feelings across New England regarding Tom Brady's departure from the Patriots are met with mixed emotions. Some fans view his departure as a betrayal, while others feel the Patriots let him go. 

Whether you are indifferent to the game and its outcome, or if you find yourself firmly entrenched in one of the New England fan camps outlined above, it is hard not to marvel at his success, passion, commitment, work ethic, and determination. 

Two decades ago Tom Brady was the 199th pick in the NFL draft. That is worth mentioning because the vast majority of players selected that late in the draft do not last three years, let alone have 20 years of dominance. He is playing in his 10th Super Bowl, which is more than all other franchises save the Patriots, and if he wins the game, he will have more Super Bowl rings than any other team, not person, team in the NFL. His humility is laudable and the hallmark of his remarkable career is a great lesson for students.  Hard work, dedication, and commitment are the main ingredients of success. 

He will square off against the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that features Patrick Mahomes who is much younger and arguably the most talented QB in the NFL at the moment. It is worth noting that Patrick Mahomes was in kindergarten when Tom Brady played in his first Super Bowl. I look forward to watching the game with my two girls. I will enjoy watching Patrick Mahomes, but I am definitely rooting for Tom Brady.  

More importantly, February features the annual observance of Black History Month. Celebrating Black History month requires we reflect as a country and recognize the lasting impact of slavery, systemic racism, and oppression. 

Black History Month is more than reckoning with the worst elements of our nation's past. It is a time to celebrate the achievements and significant contributions of black scientists, educators, politicians, musicians, writers, entrepreneurs, athletes, and all the other areas that have influenced our country and humanity. The reality is too many of these contributions were not celebrated, recognized, or even acknowledged for years or decades. 

I am proud of members of our student body who continue to work hard at creating a school where everyone feels part of our community. Members of the Activism Club, Intersections Club, and Black Student Union are working on a project to celebrate Black History Month through a multi-media visual display to "showcase black artists and notable figures." I look forward to sharing pictures soon. 

Another student-led project is assembling nearly 60 flags representing the demographics of the student body. The project aims to ensure that everyone feels represented and respected in our school community. Although the project is not done, I want to thank everyone who contributed to this project we are all proud of.  

Black History Month Film Festival

At this pivotal moment in our nation's history, The Boston Globe honors films and filmmakers documenting the Black experience and the continued plight of systemic racism in the United States. 

Please follow the link below to join us throughout the month of February we stream and discuss newly-released films alongside time-honored classics. 

https://blackhistorymonthfilmfestival.splashthat.com/?et_rid=804199562&s_campaign=fastforward:newsletter

Congratulations Gabriela Braceres, Emma Kerimo, and Iris Bergman

Concord Carlisle student-athletes competing at the next level!

Gabriela will play field hockey at Dartmouth. She was a 2020 Boston Herald All-Scholastic, a DCL All-Star in 2019 and 2020, and the team's leading scorer this fall. Gabriela is a multi-sport athlete who is also captain and leading scorer of the CC Girls Ice Hockey team.

Emma will run at Dartmouth next year. She runs Cross-Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track for CC and is a 3-season captain. She was 2nd in the state and a XC Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic in 2019. A 4-year DCL All-Star in XC and DCL All-Star in both Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field. She was a member of the state championship teams for XC in 2017 and 2019 and Indoor Track in 2019.

Iris will be attending Yale University and running for the Bulldogs. She runs Cross-Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track for CC and is a 3-season captain. She is a multi-event school record holder in track and field. A 4x DCL All-Star in XC and multi-year DCL All-Star in both Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field. She was a member of the state championship teams in XC in 2017 and 2019 and Indoor Track in 2019.

CC  Students Named in All-Decade Massachusetts Swimming and Diving Teams

The Boston Herald posted an  All-Decade Massachusetts Girls Swim Team

Four Concord Carlisle alum made the list (more than any other team):

Sloane Brazina ‘11

Meghan O’Brien ‘15

Katherine O’Shea ‘16

Libby Poulin ‘19

The Boston Herald posted an  All-Decade Massachusetts Boys Swimming and Diving Team

Two Concord Carlisle alum and one current student made the list:

Drew Andre ‘12,

Sean O’Brien ‘12

Charlie Reichle, ‘21, Current Captain

Student-Athletes Post-Secondary Planning Webinar

Wednesday, February 10th, 12:30 pm

On February 10th at 12:30pm, Caryn Boffoli Haskins (former CCHS counselor and college coach) and Alison Nowicki will offer a webinar giving an overview of the college admissions process for student-athletes.  Learn about how athletics plays a role in the admissions process, timelines, particular NCAA rules, how to communicate with college coaches, get exposure, etc..  In addition, you will get a sense of what life is like as a student-athlete at Div. I, II, and III institutions.  

When: Feb 10, 2021 12:30 PM 

Topic: Student-Athletes; Post-Secondary Planning 

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://concordps.zoom.us/j/94504204251?pwd=L0NNd01pU3BIT3lpUjRoZWRXTzRnQT09

NAMI Affiliate's Upcoming College Panel Webinar

Monday, March 8, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. The webinar’s panel of college administrators, and a recent college graduate who experienced mental health challenges in college, encourage transition-age families to start conversations about mental health before students leave home. It is prudent to understand privacy laws, what can be communicated by college administrations, and that colleges differ in supports.  Students, parents/guardians welcome. Presented by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Central Middlesex. Co-sponsored by the Acton-Boxborough United Way and the Mystic Valley Behavioral Health Coalition. 

Attendees must register in advance for this webinar at namicentralmiddlesex.org.  Attendance will be limited and registrations via the NAMI Central Middlesex website will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Questions may be submitted in advance to nami.cmsx@gmail.com.

Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program

I’m so excited to share a quick update that Girls Who Code’s FREE Summer Immersion Program (SIP) will be virtual again in 2021! We want to invite you to learn more about the program and invite your 9th-11th grade girls and non-binary students to apply.

Here at Girls Who Code, we care deeply about serving students who are underrepresented in the technology field and equipping them with technical skills and an enriching experience in STEM. We are especially committed to serving marginalized communities that lack access to technology and coding programs.

What is SIP?

SIP is an experience of a lifetime hosted by our corporate partners like AT&T, Goldman Sachs, Disney, and more. 

• SIP is a 2-week virtual program with staggered rounds throughout the summer.
• Participation is 100% free. We also provide need-based tech access support and need-based stipends of up to $300 for those who qualify. 
• Applications are now open! Our early acceptance deadline is coming up soon in mid-February.

Eligibility:

Students must:

• Identify as female, non-binary, or gender non-conforming
• Be a rising sophomore, junior or senior (current 9th-11th grader)
• Be able to commit to the entire 2-week program

• Students can participate whether they are complete beginners or already have some computer science experience

How can you receive additional resources for your students?

Sign up here for an informational call with me, Nakisa Glover, to learn more about the program and ask any questions you may have.

If none of the options work for you, please let me know and I’d be happy to coordinate a different time that does. 

How can you get started? 

Share this blurb with your students:

Apply to Girls Who Code’s Virtual Summer Immersion Program (SIP) for an unforgettable summer experience! During this FREE 2-week virtual program, you'll learn the computer science skills you need to make an impact, get an inside look into the tech field, and join a supportive lifelong sisterhood — all while being virtually hosted by influential companies, like Twitter, AT&T, Bank of America, Walmart, and more.

Current 9th -11th grade girls and non-binary students are eligible to apply. SIP is 100% free and need-based stipends of up to $300 are available for those who qualify. Low tech? No tech? No problem! Girls Who Code is there to support you!

Applications open in mid-January! Fill out the application today at girlswhocode.com/sipapply or learn more in a webinar.

Nakisa Glover

Summer Immersion Program Recruiter

nakisa.glover@girlswhocode.com

girlswhocode.com

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