THE NAVIGATOR
January 26, 2024
Newsletter
Images of the Week
CHS Students share their Marine Science Research Projects. These classes work with the Cohasset Center for Student Coastal Research (CCSCR) and address real world issues that impact our coast.
Superintendent, Dr. Sullivan, greets Deer Hill students at the School Committee Meeting at Deer Hill.
School Committee Meeting Spotlight on Excellence at Deer Hill School highlighted Deer Teams which are cross grade level teams that meet monthly to foster strong relationships between teachers and children through reading a common book. Thank you to the PSO for funding all the books!
Deer Hill Happenings from DH Newsletter
Our 2023/‘24 annual appeal letter just started to hit Cohasset mailboxes. Be on the lookout for yours soon if you haven’t received it yet! 📬 👀
Opportunities for Staff, Students and Families
Massachusetts Partnership For Youth
Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) is pleased to announce its new MPY Parenting Solutions Library. The MPY Parenting Solutions Library is offered at no charge, in partnership with Peace At Home Parenting Solutions, a non-profit located in Mansfield, Connecticut. Peace At Home Parenting Solutions is a dynamic hub of trusted knowledge and compassionate support that inspires parents to create positive change for their children, their families and themselves. Through this new partnership, MPY is pleased to offer proven resources to help students’ families thrive.
Peace At Home Parenting Solutions specializes in empowering parents with evidence-based strategies to foster nurturing connections that safeguard their children's mental well-being. The trainings are presented by experts with advanced degrees and the trainings focus on child and adolescent development, including difficulties in school, mental health challenges, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ identity formation, racism, and grief. These trainings present easy-to-use strategies for long-lasting change.
FREE 24 Home Parent Video Presentations
- Inspire School Success for Elementary, Middle and High School Students
- Parenting Principles for Progress Not Perfection
- Mental Health Knowledge and Skills
- Support Your Anxious Child Library
- ADHA and Autism: How to Help Your Child Thrive
The Home Parenting Solutions Library may easily be accessed using the link on the MPY's home page or clicking this link. No log in or passcode is needed.
METCO HQ and REI Committee Workshop Offerings
METCO HQ and its REI Committee have partnered with Dr. Darnisa Amante-Jackson and Dr. Lee Teitel to offer practical skills in holding productive and persuasive conversations about racial equity with various constituencies. Talking to peers about METCO 2.0—and more generally, about race, equity and integration—can be hard. To realize the vision of METCO 2.0—that every student in a METCO district receives an inclusive, equitable and antiracist education—requires deep change for all of us: for METCO directors, district leaders and HQ, but also for parents, community leaders, students, and school committee members. These sessions are designed to help navigate polarized environments, have conversations about difficult topics, and further the mission of METCO 2.0.
There are several two-part Thursday/Monday Zoom workshops coming up. You will also find upcoming dates in the registration link for the following groups and are welcome to sign up ahead of time for these as well:
· School Leaders, Staff, & Teachers
· School Committees
· Community allies, racial equity groups, METCO supporters
· Parents (parents of both METCO and suburban students)
· Students (METCO students and resident students from the METCO district
Updated 2023 - 2024 School District Calendar
With the Monday, December 19 cancellation of school due to the storm, our new last day of school is June 13. Please click on the image below to access the updated calendar, which is also on the District Web Page.
Credit for Life Fair 2024
CHS Credit for Life Fair
Friday, February 9, 2024
The Credit for Life Fair returns to CHS! Credit for Life is an opportunity for this year’s senior class to learn about the importance of credit, budgeting, and money management after high school and as a young professional.
The goal of the fair is for students to learn to avoid negative financial impulses and to make informed decisions that will benefit their futures.
We are looking for volunteers to work at the booths and help empower students in identifying their wants vs. what they can afford. All booth materials will be provided and reviewed prior to the event. Panel Discussion 8:30 am-9:30 am Fair Booths 9:30 am-11:00 am
Volunteer Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45ADAC23A4F5C25-46738734-credit#/
Please consider lending your time for this fun event, we cannot do it without you! If you have any questions, please reach out to Nicole Fitzgerald at nfitzgerald@cohassetk12.org.
See The Anchor's article for more information from last year's fair! https://cohassetanchor.com/chs-students-learn-money-management-skills-as-they-prepare-for-life-after-high-school/
February 16, 2023 By Carol Britton Meyer
Kindergarten Registration Now Open
Please click on the image below to access the Joseph Osgood Kindergarten Registration
Joseph Osgood Integrated Preschool Registration Information Letter
MCAS Action Plan Presented to Cohasset School Committee
Thank you to Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Leslie Scollins and to Director of Data, Evaluation, and Curriculum, Rock Roberts, for their great work in creating and presenting the MCAS Action Plan at the 12/6/2023 Cohasset School Committee Meeting. Thank you to all educators who play a role in analyzing the data and in creating and implementing this plan.
School Cancelation Procedures
Like weather forecasting, the school closing decision process is not a perfect science. However, I believe it is important for students and families to understand how it works. I hope this FAQ document answers your questions.
Who makes the decision about whether or not to close school?
As Superintendent, I am responsible for the final decision. I work with District staff to monitor state and local weather forecasts and consult with officials from the Department of Public Works, Cohasset Police, and Cohasset Fire who provide updates to me on snow removal operations, neighborhood road conditions, and any power outages.
What time do I make the call?
My goal is to make the decision to open, close, or delay by 5:45 A.M. or earlier if possible. I try not to wait any longer as families then have little time to make arrangements for childcare, and some of our staff may have already left for work. Also, while I know there is often an interest in having a decision the night before, a lot can change overnight. I will try my best to make a decision as early as possible.
What information is gathered to aid in the decision?
There are multiple factors used in deciding whether or not to close school. Information on road conditions, snow accumulation predictions, building conditions such as electricity and heat, parking lot conditions, air temperature and wind chill, and estimated times from the Department of Public Works and Cohasset Police as to when roads, walkways, and parking lots will be cleared of snow and ice are all considered. I also consider the number of children who walk to school and student drivers.
Are Remote Days a Possibility this Year?
Remote days are not currently permitted as a substitution for in-person days by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
What is a delayed opening?
Rather than close school for a whole day due to short-term weather situations, there may be days when the beginning of school will be delayed one hour, ninety minutes, or two hours. School will simply start later by the length of the delay. Bus pickup, therefore, will also occur later. For example, if your child is normally picked up at 7:35 A.M., during a two-hour delayed opening, your child will be picked up at 9:35 A. M. Lunch will still be available, and dismissal will be at the regularly scheduled times.
What happens to Pre School and Half Day Kindergarten during a delayed opening?
When a delayed opening is called, the Pre School and Half Day Kindergarten classes are cancelled.
What are parents’ / guardians' responsibilities?
The safety of your child is paramount. On days when weather conditions are questionable, but school remains open, parents are free to exercise discretion and keep children home from school. Parents of young drivers are asked to reinforce winter weather driving skills: allowing
extra travel time, reducing speed, and not worrying about being late.
How are days made up?
As per State regulations, students must attend school for a minimum of 180 days and the school year must end by June 30. If school is closed due to weather, the day will be made up at the end of the school year.
How do power outages affect the decision?
Inclement weather can affect the timeline for utility companies to restore electricity. If all school buildings have electricity, the goal will be to open school. Other factors also influence the decision, including whether a large number of neighborhoods are without power.
How is the public notified?
Announcements about school closings and delays are posted as outlined below. Please be advised that, depending upon the severity of the storm, school and district administration offices may also be closed in addition to cancelling classes for students.
· District website (www.cohassetk12.org)
· Twitter @SuperCohasset (I will usually tweet the cancelation first…so follow me If you want the early scoop)
· Black Board Connect Automated Telephone Notification Service (if operational)
· WBZ TV and Radio (Channel 4)
· WATD 95.9
· WHDH Channel 7 and 56
· WCVB Fox 25 and Channel 5
I will try to send periodic updates via Black Board Connect messages whenever possible should the storm extend for any period of time beyond the day or should the storm result in continued questionable community conditions.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
A great day at the 33rd Cohasset Invitational Wrestling Tournament. Skipper Dean Livermore won the 165lb Championship.
Congrats to the Froio Family of Cohasset who were honored as a Massachusetts Wrestling Hall of Fame Family!
Cohasset wrestling with a great team win over Rockland! Special THANK YOU to our seniors & families! (Photo by Dan Leahy.)
Amazing accomplishment from Luke Dunham on Saturday in game vs Sandwich. A hat trick and 100 points! Hard work pays off! (Photo by Dan Leahy.)
Fabulous Swim Team and Swim Team Seniors!
Click on the image below for updated Power Rankings
Sports Information
Cohasset High School Recognized for Advanced Placement Excellence
College Culture: Percent of students in the graduating class who took an AP exam at any point in high school, regardless of score.
College Credit: Percent of students in the graduating class who scored 3B on any AP Exam in high school.
College Optimization: Percent of students in the graduating class who took 5 or more AP Exams in high school, where at least 1 exam was taken in 9th or 10th grade.
Thank you to all who support our successful AP program.
Cohasset Public Schools Ranks #2 in State in Reaching Targets on 2023 MCAS and Deer Hill and Cohasset High School recognized as schools of distinction by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
Further accolades for MCAS performance place Deer Hill Elementary School and Cohasset High School as two of the 66 schools in the Commonwealth who were recognized for exceptional growth or achievement under the state's accountability system, which takes into account MCAS scores and other measures. This honor is a complete team effort and certainly reflects the good work happening at Osgood and CMS, as well.
MCAS Analysis and Responsibilities of the Director of Data, Evaluation, and Curriculum (DEC) by Rock Roberts, DEC., presented at the 11/1/2023 Cohasset School Committee Meeting.
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Assistant Superintendent Leslie Scollins, Ed.D.
Assessments
Winter assessments in ELA and Math will begin this month for grades K-8. Family reports will be available on February 15th.
MCAS 2024 Schedule
High School
ELA: March 26 & 27 (Grade 10)
Math: May 21 & 22 (Grade 10)
Physics: June 4 & 5 (Grade 9)
Middle School
ELA: April 1 & 2 (Grades 6-8)
Math: May 16 & 17 (Grades 6-8)
Science: May 7 & 8 (Grade 8 only)
Civics Field Test: May 23 7 24 (Grade 8 only)
Deer Hill Elementary
ELA: April 3 & 4 (Grade 3)
ELA: April 8 & 9 (Grades 4 & 5)
Math: May 15 & 16 (Grade 3)
Math: May 13 & 14 (Grades 4 & 5)
Science: May 7 & 8 (Grade 5 only)
Curriculum Updates
Please see the Professional Development Calendar below for more information about the professional development for this year.
Cohasset Public Schools' Strategic Plan for 2021- 2024
Please Click on the Link Below to Access the Entire Strategic Plan
Cohasset High School Vision of the Graduate
Other Major Focus Points
School Improvement Plans for 2023-2024
Finance and Operations Updates
For Employees:
We continue to update our school website. Please visit the Human Resource page located within the Finance and Operations Department. There you will find lots of exciting information for staff including training videos for Aspen, Aesop as well as updated employee forms. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see on the HR page, please email jballard@cohassetk12.org
Finance and Operations News:
Cohasset Public Schools is Hiring:
We are looking for Educational Support Professionals, please visit www.schoolspring.com to apply
We are also looking for Café staff, please email your resume to vcordon@cohassetk12.org
Fitness Center and the Learning Commons are now open to the students on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Transportation News:
BUS REGISTRATION FOR THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR IS UNDERWAY
Online payment is available through MySchoolBucks. Please visit our Transportation Tab on our school website for more information on registering and paying online. You can also complete the registration form, which can be found on our website, and mail it with your payment, if applicable, to: Cohasset Public Schools, Transportation Department at: 143 Pond Street, Cohasset, MA 02025
If you have questions regarding transportation, please contact Ray Miscioscia, if you have questions regarding MySchoolBucks, please contact Jerilyn Ballard
We are excited to share with you that all bus passes will be available through your Aspen Parent Portal
Once bus passes are loaded into Aspen, these are the instructions for downloading the pass:
1) Log into Aspen: https://ma-cohasset.myfollett.com/aspen/logon.do
2) Click on Family Tab at the top
3) Click on Child’s Name
4) Click on Documents Side Tab
5) Look for and download Bus Pass 2023-2024 document
Students with a smartphone can download or display a screenshot of the bus pass on their devices.
If you have any issues logging into your Aspen Parent Portal account, please submit an IT ticket to: helpdesk@cohassetma.org. Please put “Aspen Parent Portal” in the subject line to ensure a timely response
STOPFINDER
*Stopfinder invites have been emailed, please contact Jerilyn Ballard if you have not received your invite or have questions about the app.
Stopfinder is the all-in-one parent engagement app designed by parents for parents to keep you in the know. Receive bus location and messages, updates, and alerts in real-time. No other parent app provides this much information in real-time to parents and school transportation departments. Think of the peace of mind when parents and guardians know where their child’s bus is and when their student arrives at school or when dropped off at the bus stop.
In the Transportation tab on our website, you will find helpful tutorials on how the parent app works.
On Friday, October 27th, METCO Directors, superintendents, and other district leaders from our 33 partner districts gathered to discuss the future of METCO in what has been titled, METCO 2.0. Led by Dr. Darnisa Amante-Jackson, founder and CEO of two companies – The Disruptive Equity Education Project (DEEP) and DEEP Corporate Consulting Partners (DCCP) and Dr. Lee Teitel, founder the Reimagining Integration: Diverse and Equitable Schools (RIDES) Project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, participants engaged in a series of activities and discussions outlining why the work of equity, inclusion and belonging is so vitally important to the success of not just BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) students, but ALL students.
As outlined in discussions, one of the biggest obstacles that we must overcome is a mindset shift around the role and purpose of the METCO Program. The program doesn't just benefit the students who are bussed into the various districts, but also for those who live in these districts. The vision that we must continue to work toward is, "Every student in a METCO district will experience an inclusive, equitable, and antiracist education."
At the end of the day, participants were able to take pictures with all six of the New England Patriots Super Bowl rings as well as a group picture on the stadium field.
There is much work to be done but as the late Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court,Thurgood Marshall once said, "Unless our children begin to learn together, then there is little hope that our people will ever learn to live together.” The work is too important to dismiss, and we all must join together.
More to come.…
We are a proud METCO District!
Cohasset Public Schools Vision of Equity
CPS Equity Vision Statement
BE THE CHANGE
Please visit our website for resources regarding the promotion of diversity.
Cohasset PSO Happenings
Thank you, PSO, for your great work in sponsoring the recent FUN RUNS at Osgood and Deer Hill! Thank you to everyone who donated and who participated.
Cohasset Education Foundation (CEF)
Thank you, CEF!
Thank you to the CEF for awarding $23,554 for innovative grants in the last grant cycle. We are so appreciative of the support.
Thank you, Cohasset Education Foundation (CEF) and to everyone who helped donate at the CEF Fall Festival. CEF raised $32K for Cohasset Public Schools! This included a wonderful silent auction.
RISE Program
The Student Opportunity Act
The Student Opportunity Act (SOA) implements the recommendations of the 2015 Foundation Budget Review Commission and includes other provisions to benefit our public schools.
As part of the SOA, districts are required to submit three-year, evidence-based plans aimed at closing persistent disparities in achievement among student subgroups. The District submitted the SOA Plan in January 2021 and then sent the amended plan in March 2022. Please see the presentation below.
Office of Student Services
Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition (BRYT) Information Session
Employment Opportunity
UPDATES
Opening Letters and Information Regarding Multi-Tiered Student System of Supports (MTSS)
Be Sure to View the Information on the Student Services Web Page
Digital Learning & Technology Updates
Dear CPS Families,
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year!
Please review our Tech For Families page on the Cohasset Public Schools web site for a list of links and Getting Started resources for CPS families, such as Aspen and Google.
LINK: https://www.cohassetk12.org/Page/4455
For Families in Grades 6-12, your child is a member of our BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program. Check out our recommended specifications to ensure that you purchase a device that will support their learning at CPS.
LINK:: https://www.cohassetk12.org/Page/4454
Follow these steps to help your child install the BYOD certificate at home:
LINK: https://www.cohassetk12.org/Page/4470
Contact our IT Help Desk for help with your Aspen Family or Student Portal Account, a forgot/lost Cohasset K12 Google Account password, or for assistance with your child’s BYOD device.
LINK: https://www.cohassetk12.org/Page/4481
SAFE HARBORS UPDATES
THURSDAY, December 14, 2023
The holiday season is upon us and we wish everyone a safe and healthy time celebrating with family and friends.
For some of us, the holiday season may bring heavy emotions or you may have a college student returning home for break. Find resources below to assist during this time.
Youth Ambassadors have kicked off their holiday season with their annual sticker shock at Curtis Liquors (read more here), suicide prevention training, Holiday Stroll presence, and are full steam ahead into the new year.
And as we look ahead into the new year, find information below for our Kick Start breakfast on January 11th. RSVP by December 20th so you do not miss out!
December is National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month
Since 1981, every US president has shown a commitment to stop impaired driving, by proclaiming December National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month, also known as National 3D Prevention Month.
Why December? The period between Thanksgiving and New Year's has statistically shown to be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on American roadways due to impaired driving.
Support for Individuals in Recovery
Above are some alkathons that are happening in the area during the holidays. An alkathon is an event or gathering focused on providing support and fellowship for individuals recovering from addiction. The holidays can be a particularly difficult time of year for many, and alkathons help provide a safe, sober place to celebrate.
To Download and View a Full-Size PDF version of this infographic, please CLICK HERE.
Impaired Driving, Talk With Your Kids
SAMHSA
Holidays bring more social event opportunities that may involve substances. Talk openly with family members about being in a vehicle when the driver is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, including marijuana. Communicate honestly with your children, friends, family members, and colleagues about expectations of behavior and safe choices when attending holiday events, whether they take place in someone’s home or at a public venue.
Please CLICK HERE to continue...
Preventing Risky Drinking By College Students The Focus of New Penn State Study
By Penn State news, December 2020
“Underage alcohol consumption has consistently been linked to more frequent consequences across students’ college years, including blackouts, drinking more often and more heavily, and a greater likelihood of driving under the influence or riding with an impaired driver. These outcomes can negatively affect students’ grades, their physical and emotional well-being, and can put them at greater risk of assault or legal problems.”
Please CLICK HERE to continue…
CLICK HERE for more FEATURED NEWS!
Safe Harbor Cohasset Kick Start Breakfast
RSVP by December 20th to safeharborcohasset@gmail.com
Fabulous Presentation at the November 1, 2023 School Committee Meeting by members of the Safe Harbors Youth Ambassadors. Great job, students!
Most Recent Safe Harbors Newsletter
Thank you to all of our counselors for their caring and selfless work throughout the District!
Osgood: Dave Vinton dvinton@cohassetk12.org (adjustment counselor)
Deer Hill: Robyn Costa rcosta@cohassetk12.org (adjustment counselor)
Deer Hill and Osgood: Maeve Dulles mdulles@cohassetk12.org (adjustment counselor)
Deer Hill and Osgood: Alyson Doyle adoyle@cohassetk12.org (school psychologist)
CMS: Emily Manewal emanewal@cohassetk12.org (adjustment Counselor)
Allison Pearce apearce@cohassetk12.org (school psychologist)
CHS: Laura Struzziery lstruzziery@cohassetk12.org (lead counselor)
Leanne McCarthy lmccarthy@cohassetk12.org (high school adjustment counselor)
Kevin McGowan kmcgowan@cohassetk12.org (high school counselor)
Allison Battista abattista@cohassetk12.org (high school counselor)
Catlin Stromberg cstromberg@cohassetk12.org (school psychologist)
Robert Collins rcollins@cohassetk12.org (middle and high school social worker)
Take Care of Yourself and Take Care of Each Other
Please click on the following link to access even more information on the Cohasset Public Schools Web Site.
Please follow me on Twitter for daily updates from the Cohasset Public Schools
Email: psullivan@cohassetk12.org
Website: https://www.cohassetk12.org/
Phone: 781 383 6111
Twitter: @SuperCohasset
You can also follow the entire leadership team on Twitter to see real-time updates.
Assistant Superintendent: @CPSAssistantSup
Joseph Osgood School: @JOsgoodppal
Deer Hill School: @DeerHillSchool
Cohasset Middle School: @comsprincipal
Cohasset High School: @CoHSPrincipal
We utilize both Aspen and Blackboard communications to inform families of important events, cancellations, and happenings.
Proud Superintendent of Cohasset Public Schools