Dear Families,

This is a Special Edition newsletter focused on the upcoming midterm/final exams. As you know, we operate on a semester block schedule. Most classes will conclude at the close of the semester. Others (AP courses, 9th and 10th grade English, etc.) will conclude in June and January marks the midpoint. In each case, all courses will have final/midterm exams or project presentations during the final week of the semester, January 22nd through 24th.

In order to give students time and a reasonable pace in which to prepare for these exams, we are implementing the schedule below. Although we generally do not support high stakes testing, feedback from graduates consistently points to the need to prepare students for such types of exams before matriculation. It's in that spirit that we've designed the schedule as we have.

Several important notes:

• Each exam corresponds with the associated period. In other words, all students in first block will test on Wednesday, January 22nd, regardless of the class.
• All periods are required to have a substantial activity for that block, whether it's a final exam or a final project or presentation. Therefore, no student should be saying that they don't have anything planned. Some special education programs may not have exams per se, but that time should be used for specialized instruction and exam planning.
• Although the exams are scheduled to conclude by noon on 1/22 and 1/23, teachers are available for extra help until 2:55. All students and teachers will have a scheduled lunch at 12:00, and extra help will begin at 12:30. It is strongly encouraged that students stay the full day and plan on studying for the next day exams in the presence of the teacher.
• That said, we will run a series of busses at both 12:00 on 1/22 and 1/23, and again at the regular times (2:55). On 1/24, busses will run at 10:00 and again at 2:55. This includes our METCO bus. In order to get an understanding of how many students will be present for lunch, we will publish a survey on 1/16 for students to complete.
• No athletic practices will be held before 2:55, in part because the middle school will be in full session.
• Semester grades will be published on 1/31 in Aspen by the close of school.
• On Monday, 1/27/2025 we will being second semester with block 3 (3451 rotation), in accordance with the calendar.

Students have begun preparing for finals and midterms in classes. Some assemblies will be held on organizational strategies to help students plan out their obligations and thoughtfully structure their study time. In particular, 9th grade students will have several presentations by our 9th grade team and school psychologist.

Some of the resources that we are sharing with students are included below. Your support in emphasizing the importance of studying and thoughtful planning obligations, and in maintaining attendance (legitimate sickness aside) is very much appreciated.

Should you have any questions about the nature of exams or in general, please reach out to your student'(s) teachers, counselors or to me directly.

Sincerely,

Brian T. Scott

Principal

Postural screening (scoliosis) will begin on 9th grade students during the month of January. The screening requires that the students remove their shirts so that the spine can be evaluated. The screening is done in the high school health office, where student privacy is provided.

All positive results will be sent to parents/guardians via email.

If you prefer to opt your student out of the screening, and have not already done so, please contact Judy Collins R.N. at jcollins@cohassetk12.org by Wed. Jan.15th.

The Cohasset PSO has pledged $50,000 to refurbish the book collection in the Cohasset Middle High School Library.

Because of this financial support, the school has already purchased 317 new books and that number keeps going up.

As 2024 comes to a close, we hope you'll consider donating to the PSO to help us fund this endeavor.

The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened to all on November 21, 10 days ahead of its expected December 1 launch date. This means that high school seniors and their families can start their FAFSA once they have their Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID). The Federal Student Aid office FSA is hosting a multi-session virtual event on Tuesday, December 10 about the StudentAid.gov account (FSA ID) and navigating the 2025-26 FAFSA form.

Additional information about applying for financial aid, including links to information and one-on-one help available to Massachusetts students, is available online. Eligible, non-U.S. citizens can apply for state financial aid through the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA).

Instructors: Jack Buckley, CSCR; Jeff Donze, CCT

See Ms. Battista or Mr. Scott with questions.

Course Format: Independent Study; hybrid blend of in-person, zoom, independent study in class, in the community, and on line.

Texts: Top 20 Essential Skills for ArcGIS Online (Esri Press)

Credits: 2.5-5.0

Course Description:

Are you ready to tackle real world environmental challenges while gaining cutting edge technical skills? In this innovative, profession-based learning course, juniors and seniors will step into the role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) professionals. Partnering with CSCR and the Cohasset Conservation Trust, students will explore how land conservation and water resource protection are key strategies for climate resilience and community sustainability.

Through a hands-on, "Map2See" approach, you’ll use GIS to analyze local watersheds, identify conservation priorities, and develop strategies to protect Cohasset’s natural resources. You’ll visit local sites, engage with town officials and stakeholders, and dive deep into mapping and analyzing land conservation and water management practices and policies.

By semester's end, you’ll earn an entry level GIS workforce credential and deliver professional quality GIS products, including:

• A publicly available web map highlighting water resource protection efforts.

• A compelling story map to educate and engage residents.

• A formal presentation to local decision-makers, showcasing your findings and solutions.

In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to pitch entrepreneurial ideas for community engagement to a "Shark Tank" panel of local business leaders, with the chance to turn your vision into a funded project.

Driving Questions:

• How can we inspire citizens to see land conservation as an investment in their future?

• How do we communicate the importance of water resource protection in ways that resonate with the community?

• What creative activities can engage and educate the public about these critical issues?

Why Take This Course? Why Sign Up?

• Collaborate with professionals and contribute to meaningful projects valued by the town of Cohasset.

• Build GIS skills that are in high demand across industries.

• Learn outdoors, explore your community, and connect with like-minded peers.

• Make a real impact while preparing for internships, jobs, and college programs.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will:

• Demonstrate proficiency in GIS through hands-on projects and a recognized credential.

• Understand the interconnectedness of environmental issues and the importance of local action.

• Gain experience presenting technical and creative solutions to professional audiences.

Take the first step toward becoming a leader in environmental stewardship—while building skills and credentials that will set you apart. Join us for a semester of discovery, innovation, and real world impact!

Please see the following list of technological resources and troubleshooting instructions for student technology:

https://www.cohassetk12.org/departments/technology/tech-for-families

https://photos.app.goo.gl/WLi5iLQXioitTuLT8

Dates to remember:

Website: www.cohassetk12.org
Location: 143 Pond Street, Cohasset, MA, USA
Phone: 781-383-6100
Twitter: @CoHSPrincipal