Wednesday, November 11, 2020

A Heartfelt Thank You on Veterans Day

Wednesday, 11 November

At the request of my daughters, today we spent some time at the cemetery unearthing and cleaning headstones of military veterans. Among the many we cleaned was my grandfather, Thomas Yates.

Thomas was an Army Veteran who parachuted into France on 5 June 1945. The day before D-Day. I have often wondered how he felt boarding the plane. Surrounded by scared men to his left and right, what was going through his mind as he shuffled to the door, jumped from the plan, and floated to the ground? He was wounded in the war but survived.  His brother-in-law, Frances Connolly, drowned the following day, D-Day no less, during the invasion of Normandy.   

My father served in the Army, as did his father, and my Uncle David (son of Thomas Yates) earned a Purple Heart in Vietnam.  


I was too young to thank my grandfathers for their service, and I never told my uncle that I was grateful and proud. Opportunities missed, so thank you, Henry, thank you, Tom, thank you, David, thank you, James. I am humbled by their service, and their sacrifice, along with all members of the armed forces, reminds me that my perceived hardships border on petty and pale in comparison. Even during the trials and tribulations of 2020. 

A heartfelt thank you to all Veterans, and their families, for their sacrifice. It is not just about the men and women in uniform. Lest one forget the enormous sacrifice of all members of a military family. 

Republicans and Democrats are more divided along ideological lines than at any point in my lifetime. Regardless of what side of the aisle you align yourself with politically, let us all unite in sharing our gratitude for our nation's Veterans.  

The great Winston Churchill once said, "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few." A fitting quote on 11 November.  

With Gratitude,


Michael J. Mastrullo

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Ways for Students to Get Extra Help/A Note Sent to Students & Staff

I share information on how students can access extra help, and a brief note I sent to all students and staff this morning.  I hope you have a great day.  

Email to Students and Staff

Not surprising to wake up this morning and realize we still do not have a winner in the presidential election. The outcome might not be decided for days. Whether you care deeply about or are indifferent to the outcome, you cannot control the result. With a finite amount of energy to give, I suggest you focus it elsewhere as the country waits for an outcome to the election. 

I include my blog from yesterday as a reminder of the expectations. Today school will operate normally, and I will reiterate that respect and tolerance will remain at the top of our priority list. All CCHS community members, regardless of their political affiliation, regardless of their political enthusiasm, or political indifference, will be made to feel safe, welcome, and respected today, tomorrow, and beyond. 

If anything is to be celebrated today, it is the fact that our Democracy, our Constitutional Republic, is so ingrained that we nearly take it for granted. The right to vote in our country is sacred, and it is not lost on me that this election year coincides with the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The 1920 Constitutional Amendment was hundreds of years late, but it cemented Women's Natural born right to vote. Something to be celebrated on this day! Be well.


3 November Principal's Blog

Presidential Election 2020 & The CCHS Community


Extra Help For Students












Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Presidential Election 2020 & The CCHS Community

The 2020 Presidential election illuminates a deep division in American society.  Discussing politics with friends, family members, or even strangers, is a delicate matter that, if not handled gently, can ruin a Thanksgiving dinner quicker than a burnt turkey.   The delicate nature of these conversations is not new or atypical, but nothing in 2020 seems typical, including the presidential election. 


This election is emotionally charged, featuring individuals with passionate positions on both ends of the political spectrum that are well-entrenched. Sometimes, those emotions do not reveal our best selves.  


I have no intention, nor do I have the ability, to eloquently compose something capable of relieving well-grounded anxieties about the presidential election.  The reality is, one-side of the political aisle will be disappointed, and one will be jubilant. 


Our political affiliations do not define who we are as human beings; however, how we handle the aftermath of the election will provide a glimpse of our character.  


It is normal to be happy or disappointed with presidential election outcomes. How these emotions are processed and expressed matters, so if you are pleased with the result, express that happiness with humbleness and proper etiquette. If the outcome saddens you, express that sadness in a healthy way and not in a manner that demeans or belittles others.  It is easy to act appropriately when victorious, but the real judge of one's character can best be determined when exposed to defeat. 


The tumultuous nature of the current political environment is undeniable, but it is not the first presidential election to highlight deep national divisions.  Our country is far from perfect, but one of the United States of America's hallmarks is every four years, we hold an election for the Presidency.  Power is not seized by revolution or by a military coup, but rather a democratic process that allows all citizens of voting age in this country to exercise their right to vote.


This year has been among the most challenging in recent memory, but this country has witnessed and persevered through challenges that at the time seemed insurmountable.  


Remember that students and staff, just like you, sat in schools across this country during immensely challenging times where the fabric of the country seemed destined to break.  


Imagine the years leading up to and after the Civil War; WWI, coupled with the 1918 flu pandemic; the desperate years of the Great Depression; WWII; the Civil Rights movement; these are but a few examples where our country's resolve was tested, and it seemed destined to break us. Our country made it through these challenging times, and we will make it through this one.  Take solace knowing that we are a country of laws, and our Constitution is the world's longest surviving written charter of government.


I make no predictions on the outcome, but I do know and expect that all members of the Concord Carlisle community will be treated with dignity and made to feel safe regardless of the outcome.  Respect need not and will not be deferred on 3 November.  


We can all agree that a community united by a respect for human differences is one we aspire to, and those differences include political beliefs.  Do your best to wake up every day with the intention of contributing to the well-being of others, and remember that the shortest distance between two people is laughter. 


Sincerely,


Michael Mastrullo


Friday, October 30, 2020

Halloween Weekend Warning, Kicks-for-Cancer, Theater Under the Stars & More

All,

With sincere gratitude, I write to express how thankful we are for all the efforts made to this point by members of the CCHS school community for this school year to be successful.  

Seven short months ago, it would have been inconceivable to consider that one of the major, albeit unofficial, metrics used to evaluate a school's success is whether or not they are learning in-person.  

If someone stopped me at Open House 2019 and asked that I answer the question highlighting the major reasons CCHS is among the best public school in the state and beyond, and if my response to that question was, "well, we are learning in person.  Are we not?" That answer in 2019 would border on insanity, and in 2020 it is an unofficial measure of success.  Clearly, we are more than simply open.  Our students and staff have risen to immense challenges and persevered through them.  Be proud!  

I write with cautious optimism about our future and with concern for the impending Halloween weekend. I have written on several occasions outlining the fragility of the current learning environment. We need not look far to discover schools recently closed due to large gatherings.

 We celebrate our ability to remain open on the eve of November; however, it is of momentary utility if we cannot hold on to all that is gained to this point. 

We can agree that in-person learning is best, so I urge most earnestly that you will weigh my words with care and refrain from engaging in any actions that might endanger the safety of others, and force a school closure.

For the greater good, we must make small sacrifices to ensure we remain open.  Temporarily forgoing large gatherings might seem like too large a sacrifice from the eyes of a teenager, but with the benefit of hindsight and distance from my teenage years, I can assure you the sacrifice is small, particularly when weighed against the ramifications for the 1500 individuals who come to CCHS over the course of a school week.  

Please make good decisions that keep us safe and allow us to remain open and retain a modicum of normalcy until this pandemic passes.  I do hope your weekend is filled with laughs and smiles.  

Warmly,


Michael J. Mastrullo

Principal


Please read on for highlights from Theater, Kicks-for-Cancer, and more.

6 October Blog Post



Kicks-For-Cancer

Like just about everything in our lives, Kicks-for- Cancer weekend looked different this year, but the fact that it even existed is a testament to the will of those responsible for making it happen. The enthusiasm demonstrated by our student-athletes was on full display. With a beautiful fall day as the backdrop, the morning began with a slew of volunteers decorating field entrances and providing students with a special atmosphere synonymous with this annual event.

On the fields, the boys and girls soccer programs wore their bright pink jerseys to raise awareness about breast cancer while our opponents from Lincoln-Sudbury donned the teal jerseys for ovarian cancer. The rivalry between schools on the pitch is always fierce, but both teams are united in their love and support of the name on the back of the jersey, which honors a loved one's courageous battle with cancer.

In addition to soccer, CCHS hosted the boys and girls Cross-Country teams from LS on Saturday on our redesigned course that traverses the entire campus. The runners and supporters along the course added to the day's festivities and spirit as they competed in the perimeter of the soccer fields.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to the Kicks-for-Cancer committee for their tireless efforts. Coordinating the details for this year's event required creativity, patience, hours of sacrifice, and a sense of humor. A special thank you to coaches and student-athletes to represent the best of our athletic program with leadership and humility. 

Field hockey technically did not have a role in KFC this year due to COVID-19 scheduling issues. Typically, we host Lexington and play the Sticks for Cancer game and participate in a Best Buddies at LHS.  This year non-league games are not allowed, so playing Lexington was not an option. The field hockey traveled to LS and secured a victory. 

I want to thank all members of our athletic program for making this season a safe one.  It took lots of effort and care, but it was, by and large, a success.  

A special thank you to Athletic Director, Aaron Joncas.  His tireless efforts have paid off, and even another surgery on an aging knee did not dampen his enthusiasm or derail our sports programs in any way.  Well done, Mr. Joncas.  




CC Theatre Under the Stars

We all long for normalcy during a year filled with so very little "normal."  CC Theatre Under the Stars provided a few hours over a few days of normal.  It was an amazing event. All the credit in the world goes to the cast and crew, the Director, Melissa Charych, the captain of all things, Ned Roos, and everyone else who contributed to the successful performances.

Last week, the CC Theatre crew and cast proudly presented an evening of five student-directed (including one student-written) one-act plays outdoors in our very first CC Theatre Under the Stars. A talented trio of CCHS Band trombone players opened the evening. 

Up to the very last minute, when high winds whipped through the amphitheater, we were faced with challenges, and, at every turn, students took the initiative and collaborated to meet them. Throughout the experience, the students brought the very best of themselves: leadership, gratitude, compassion, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. Here’s to the magic of high school theatre! Well done, all!





Extra Help Available for All Students


National Honors Society Support

If a student wants an NHS tutor, they can contact Madeleine Pooler directly or have one of their teachers reach out. 


The student and tutor connect to determine whether they want to meet in-person or virtually, where they would like to meet, and what time of day (before/after school, during free blocks).


Wednesday Afternoon Tutor Support

Students can access an additional support system utilizing our amazing CCHS tutors from 11:35-2:41 every Wednesday.  Students can attend either in person or virtually. 


SSERC & MARC Tutoring Support

We are also offering extra-help for all students through the SSERC and MARC.


There is no sign-up needed; however, tutors may turn students away if the numbers attending exceed the health and safety guidelines.  


SPED Program Tutoring

Currently, we are offering supports for our Special Education students through our various Special Ed. Programs (WRAP, LEAP, Harbor, Bridge, Alt Pro, and Pathways).


*Please note that LEAP (room 308) and BRIDGE (room 301) tutors set up individual zoom links, so students are encouraged to reach out to their teachers or LEAP / BRIDGE staff to do so unless they intend to come in for in-person support. 



Grade Dates & No Homework Nights












Friday, October 16, 2020

Kicks For Cancer, Field Hockey Captains, CC Theatre, Picture Day, On-Line Transcript Access & More

It is difficult to believe, but it is mid-October.  We opened the doors this fall filled with hope, cautious optimism, and a tremendous amount of uncertainty. Each day brings new challenges to solve, and a community-wide effort to sustain a successful opening.  Never one to shy away from a challenge, but 2020 has provided plenty to test our resolve and resourcefulness.  In an effort to make this the most daunting year in the last 50, we are in the midst of the final weeks of a bitterly contested election contest. I am eager for the election to be in the rearview. I make no predictions on the outcome, nor the aftermath, but I do know that our students regardless of political affiliation will rise to the challenge, and maintain proper decorum.  Respect need not and will not be deferred on 3 November.  

There are few things I enjoy more than watching high school students perform for our school. High school athletics, theatre, music, and the arts are not immune to changes imposed by the pandemic, but watching our students run around in their chosen sport this fall has brought me joy.  It is what they want to do and I am so glad they are.  I am equally excited about the upcoming Theatre production.  A team of students and staff led by CCHS Director and teacher Melissa Charych continues their preparation for an upcoming show.  I can't wait.  

Wishing you all a fantastic fall weekend!

Michael J. Mastrullo


Field Hockey Captain Video

Varsity field hockey captains typically use the annual parent social event as an opportunity to share their experiences in the program. The pandemic canceled the event, but it did not stop the field hockey captains from sharing their stories.

Please take a moment to watch the video made by 2020 captains Julia Clarke, Courtney Piper, and Emily Stone. Well Done!

Picture Day

Pictures will take place outside in a designated area on Monday, October 19, Cohort A, and Tuesday, October 20, Cohort B. Rain Date - Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23.  For order information Click Here and 2020 COVID Protocol 



2019 Photo Taken by William Owen

CC Theatre

CC Theatre proudly presents CC Theatre Under the Stars, an outdoor evening of five one-act plays about identity and relationships, who we are and how we relate to one another.  Performances will take place Thursday 10/22, Friday 10/23, and Saturday 10/24 (rain date Sunday 10/25) at 7:00pm outside in the CCHS amphitheater. Tickets will be available on the CC Theatre website cc-theatre.com. 

All audience members should wear masks and maintain social distance throughout the entire performance. Content warning: Some plays contain mature language and content that may be considered inappropriate for children ages 12 and under.





Kicks For Cancer

Kicks for Cancer Virtual 2020 has launched and needs your support!  Although our lawn signs are sold out, we still need your help.  Please join the Kicks Team and make a donation today.  Read the compelling stories of the individuals we are honoring this year as we raise critical funds for cancer research:  www.kicksforcancer1.org

Parent Coffee Meeting (Virtual) With CCHS Administration

Please join us on Monday from 10:15 - 11:15 for a parent coffee meeting. I am sorry to say that holding the meeting virtually requires you provide your own coffee, but I am hopeful the virtual meeting provides greater accessibility. The meeting is informal, conversational, and allows us to answer any questions you might have.

Michael Mastrullo is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting https://concordps.zoom.us/j/94149803624?pwd=bmZpWERjNjV6MFdMbjhuMFgwalArUT09 Meeting ID: 941 4980 3624 Passcode: 009199 One tap mobile +13126266799,,94149803624# US (Chicago) +19292056099,,94149803624# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 941 4980 3624 Find your local number: https://concordps.zoom.us/u/auUThGEpa


Access your Transcript from Aspen Portal

Thanks to the great work of the IT and Guidance departments, all students are now able to access their unofficial transcript report from their Aspen accounts.  Please use this access to obtain this report.

You will log into your Aspen portal, click on My Info top tab, the transcript side tab, and then you will find the Unofficial Transcript under the reports menu.

Detailed instructions can be found here.


Friday, October 9, 2020

Health Update: 9 October

Dear Students & Families,

I write to provide a brief update related to an earlier communication from Dr. Hunter.  Contract tracing is complete, and families of students with a risk of exposure have been notified.  I appreciate the efforts of all involved.  

Never perfect and always room for improvement, but everyone worked with urgency and care. The situation is stressful for all involved, but none more than those directly impacted. I urge everyone to avoid unnecessary attempts to determine who tested positive, and who is considered a contact.  They deserve privacy and compassion during a most stressful time.  

Unless notified differently from a coach, athletic practices and games scheduled for today and this weekend can resume as planned.  For details regarding today and next week, Dr. Hunter will host a webinar with Concord Health Officials at 4:00p.m.  Details below.

Lastly, I include a blog post shared on 6 October. The fragility of this situation remains and today arrived with proof we don't need or want, but it does serve as a reminder that we must remain vigilant and steadfast to our collective safety, and that includes the message in my previous blog.  

Lastly, I want to thank the community for the tremendous support we have witnessed since this all began in the spring.  Words can't describe how grateful I am.  Thank you.  Stay safe.


With Gratitude,


Michael J. Mastrullo


6 October Blog

Important Health and Safety Information: Preventing Large Gatherings & Out-of-State Travel


Correspondence From Dr. Hunter

October 9, 2020

Dear Families:

I wanted to provide an update.  As you know, we have plans in place for this scenario and have a comprehensive plan in place to sanitize the school, inform families whose students were at risk of exposure or in close contact, and support the affected family as they navigate this stressful experience. 

Our student body and staff have been closely adhering to the safety protocols including mask-wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing. We are grateful to our families for their continued efforts to keep students home at the first sign of symptoms. These measures, taken in combination, greatly reduce the risk of additional transmission.  

Parents of students who were in close contact with the CCHS community member will be notified privately over the next several hours. We still await information as to the possible case at Peabody. Should we receive a positive test, we will notify those who are close contacts there as well.

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  In addition to regular updates via email, we are hosting a webinar with the Concord Health Officials at 4 p.m. this afternoon. The zoom link is found below. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Best,

Laurie

 

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Oct 9, 2020 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Parent Forum

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://concordps.zoom.us/j/92081860259?pwd=SytrRzJaRVpvU21yZ0h5TkdjUTd5dz09
Passcode: 213347
Or iPhone one-tap : 
    US: +13126266799,,92081860259#,,,,,,0#,,213347#  or +19292056099,,92081860259#,,,,,,0#,,213347# 
Or Telephone:
    Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
        US: +1 312 626 6799  or +1 929 205 6099  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 669 900 6833  or +1 253 215 8782 
Webinar ID: 920 8186 0259
Passcode: 213347
    International numbers available: https://concordps.zoom.us/u/akqeJYhup

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Important Health and Safety Information: Preventing Large Gatherings & Out-of-State Travel

All,

I write to express gratitude and to share concerns we harbor.  Extending my sincere gratitude to all members of the CC community for a successful open of in-person learning.  The students have been fantastic.  We are proud of how well our students adapted and complied with essential safety measures.  Further, I marvel at how well school staff has adapted to a challenging learning environment.  It is impressive and inspiring.  

In-person learning remains the desired outcome, and our shared responsibility to ensure it continues exists in perpetuity.  Like most of what we see around us, nothing is impervious to change or improvement.  In terms of improvement, we need social distancing during mask breaks to improve.  

Often if you really want something, you will find a way, and if you don't, you find an excuse.  The vast majority want in-person learning, and we need to remain vigilant and continue to sacrifice for the sake of the broader community.  Attending sporting events, large concerts, and traveling without a modicum of concern for individuals beyond your inner circle are on hold for all of us.  

Simple, rudimentary measures remain an essential part of our collective well-being, including proper hygiene, social distancing, and wearing masks.  With the long weekend on the horizon, it serves as an opportune time to remind community members and students to avoid organizing, attending, and facilitating large gatherings.

Large Gatherings

 In a 14 September Blog PostI highlighted concerns we harbor based on events in neighboring towns.  Those concerns remain. As we witnessed in several towns in Massachusetts, one large gathering will likely lead to a fully remote learning environment for an extended period of time.  The towns who did deal with parties with large numbers of students attending had to learn remotely, postpone sports, and disrupt the lives of thousands of people while putting countless people at risk.  

We celebrate the success of the open, but we need to remain vigilant and recognize the fragility of the situation.  Without learning names, we were alerted to planned parties this coming weekend.  We typically do not chase rumors, and we certainly are not in the business of telling parents/guardians how to raise their children, but what we are saying is we need everyone to comply with local, state, and federal regulations that forbid large gatherings.  

If parents/guardians are traveling and leaving older children home, we respectfully request protocols are in place to ensure conditions are not conducive to students gathering in large numbers.   

During the pandemic, so much of our "normal" life is beyond our control.  Outside events and forces dictate much of our life.  Many realms are beyond the power of forecast at the moment; we must take advantage of what we can control and forecast.  Preventing large gatherings are within our control, and what we can control we must take advantage of.  Just as different components of nature need to work in concert for a healthy ecosystem, we need to work together as a school community to ensure a safe learning environment that includes in-person learning. We are grateful for your efforts and vigilance.  

Sincerely,


Michael J. Mastrullo
Principal


Out-of-State Travel Protocols
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order#lower-risk-states-



Michael J. Mastrullo
Principal

Monday, September 28, 2020

College Admissions Q&A, Financial Aid Webinars, & Applying to College During a Pandemic

College Admissions Q&A

By Alison Nowicki

The Guidance & Counseling Department is hosting a College Admissions Q&A session for students and parents in the Class of 2021.  Our special guest is Drew Carter, Senior Associate Director of Admissions, who is eager to answer your questions about testing, admissions in the time of COVID, and anything else on your mind.  Join us Wednesday, September 30th at 1pm!  To help us plan, please submit your questions ahead of time on this form

 

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.

When: Sep 30, 2020 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Topic: My WebinarCollege Admissions Q&A with Drew Carter, The College of the Holy Cross

 

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://concordps.zoom.us/j/94983094263?pwd=c1p3bFdsM3JkbTNhNWhtWXdHcndEdz09

Passcode: 863114

 

Or iPhone one-tap :

    US: +13017158592,,94983094263#  or +13126266799,,94983094263#

 

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: 949 8309 4263

  International numbers available: https://concordps.zoom.us/u/adoby53Aj2

 

 

 

College Guidance Network

Student Perspectives on Applying to College During a Pandemic

September 30, 2020 at 7:00 PM ET 

This week's episode takes a look at the college application process from the student perspective. Three seniors from Massachusetts high schools will be joined by the dean of admissions from Dartmouth and a Boston-area college counselor to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of the admissions process in the midst of a pandemic. Please share this information with your families. On this episode, parents and college-bound students will learn:

  • How to assess campus fit and vibe via virtual engagement
  • Early versus Regular Decision options
  • Making the most of talents and interests as extracurricular activities are disrupted by remote school schedules
  • Perspectives on standardized testing as  optional this year
  • Advice on framing a personal narrative through the essay

Moderator Lee Coffin, Dean of Admissions at Dartmouth College joined by Meredith Reynolds, Associate Director of College Guidance at The Roxbury Latin School in Boston, Massachusetts. 


Bob Bardwell, Executive Director, Mass School Counseling Association will join Lee and Meredith to answer your questions during live Q&A.

 

To view a full list of upcoming episodes and view archived episodes, visit our programming page.  


When
September 30 | 7:00 PM ET

Free Financial Aid Application Webinars 

The Massachusetts Education Financing Authority  (MEFA) will not be doing school-based presentations this year, however, they are offering webinars covering different aspects of the financial aid application process.   Please use the link below to view the list of upcoming events, including Understanding the FAFSA on September 28th and the CSS Profile on September 29th.  

 

There are also several webinars that provide information and clarity on the entire financial aid application process.  For the Class of 2021 families, the financial aid application process begins on October 1st, so we encourage you to utilize these free resources as much as needed.

https://www.mefa.org/events

 


Thursday, September 17, 2020

Important Back-to-School Night Details & Free Financial Aid Application Webinars

 Back to School Night - Reminder


As a reminder, tonight (Thurs, 9/17) is Back to School night for CCHS.  The program will begin at 6:00pm for parents/guardians of 9th graders.  The night features an all-school presentation from 6:50 - 7:20 PM.  You can view the all-school presentation at: https://concordps.zoom.us/j/94480280271?pwd=L1NwNmo0UThKeThLR2RSM1M4SjRCdz09


The school’s webinar account has a limit of 1000 simultaneous viewers.  So, if you are unable to gain access via the link above, the Minute Man Network will also be live streaming the all-school presentation at https://www.minuteman.media/2408/Education or you can watch on local channel 99 from 6:50 - 7:20PM.


The full schedule for the evening can be found here.  It is our suggestion that you make a copy of that schedule for each of your children and use this table to identify the zoom links for the appropriate teachers.  Identifying the links ahead of time will create a smoother experience this evening.


To avoid confusion, please ask your student for information regarding their schedule.  If that is not possible, you can log into Aspen.  For the most part, we will be following the Monday schedule shown in the Matrix schedule; however, given that G block does not meet on Monday’s we will need to insert the G block from Tuesday.  This graphic will help you identify which classes you will be attending tonight and the order in which you will do so.


As a reminder, all 9th-grade parents will attend a presentation from their academy teachers from 6:00 - 6:45 PM (links: 1. Willow, 2. Maple, 3. Oak, 4. Elm).  During this time, they will hear from the team’s English, math, science, and social studies teachers along with the guidance counselors and special education teachers associated with each team.  Therefore, 9th-grade parents will not attend their student’s English, math, science, or social studies classes from 7:22 - 8:56 and they will just have some free time during these blocks.


Finally, all parents with students in Rivers and Revolutions will use this link starting at 7:34 PM through the end of the evening.


We look forward to seeing you this evening and highlighting some of the great work at CCHS.


Free Financial Aid Application Webinars 

The Massachusetts Education Financing Authority  (MEFA) will not be doing school-based presentations this year, however, they are offering webinars covering different aspects of the financial aid application process.   Please use the link below to view the list of upcoming events, including Understanding the FAFSA on September 24th and the CSS Profile on September 29th.  


There are also several webinars that provide information and clarity on the entire financial aid application process.  For the Class of 2021 families, the financial aid application process begins on October 1st, so we encourage you to utilize these free resources as much as needed.

https://www.mefa.org/events