THE NAVIGATOR
June 7, 2024
Newsletter
END OF SCHOOL YEAR REMINDERS
Greetings Cohasset Families,
Congratulations on a tremendous school year! As we finish strong in the last week of school and move into the summer months, I wanted to remind you of the last day of school dismissal schedule, our summer hours, and summer ice-cream social event.
Last Day of School Dismissal Schedule (Friday, June 14, 2024):
Cohasset Middle School & Cohasset High School: 11:30AM
Deer Hill Elementary School: 12:15PM
Joseph Osgood Elementary School: 12:20PM
Lunch will not be served.
Summer Office Hours:
The following are our typical summer office hours (please know that any changes that impact this schedule will be communicated by the individual schools / posted on the school and district webpage):
Cohasset High School:
July: Tuesday – Thursday, 8:00 – 12:00
August: Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 2:00
Cohasset Middle School:
July: All requests/visits should please be directed to CHS Main Office
August: Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 2:00
Deer Hill School:
July: If you need to schedule an in-person visit, please email Principal Alex Sullivan
August: Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 2:00
Joseph Osgood School:
July: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 8:30-12:30
August: Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 2:00
Central Office:
July: Monday – Thursday, 8:00 – 3:00, Friday, 8:00 – 12:00
August: Monday – Thursday, 8:00 – 3:00, Friday, 8:00 – 12:00
District-Wide Summer Ice Cream Party:
Finally, we are happy to invite all Cohasset Public Schools students, families, and staff to a Welcome to the 2024-2025 School Year Ice Cream Party, which will be take place on the front field of the Middle School and High School on Thursday, August 15, from 5:30PM – 6:30PM. Details and reminders regarding this event and any additional scheduled events will be communicated by Superintendent Shannon throughout the summer.
Have a wonderful summer. It has been a pleasure and honor to work in Cohasset for the past seven years. On behalf of myself and my family...thank you, Cohasset.
Sincerely,
Patrick Sullivan, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Cohasset Public Schools
Images of the Week
Congratulations to the Cohasset High School Class of 2024! We are so proud of you! Thank you to Principal Scott and his team for their magnificent work in celebrating the seniors, to all the wonderful staff who attended this excellent event, to the Town of Cohasset, to the School Committee, to the District Leadership, to staff, and to families for everything you have done for the Class of 2024.
Pictured below are some images from graduation (some from Dan Leahy) and from our Senior Clap Out of CHS...students then proceeded to CMS, Deer Hill, and Osgood to visit their former schools.
Students and teachers at Osgood shared their love of reading during a recent visit.
The Preschool End of Year Celebration was filled with songs, dancing, and laughter!
At Wednesday's School Committee Meeting, Outgoing School Committee Member, Mr. Paul Kearney, was honored for his 8 years of amazing service to Cohasset Public Schools. Mr. Kearney's pride and urgency to help Cohasset Public Schools during his tenure as School Committee Member has allowed for innumerable advancements in wellness, education, and facilities. He stands as a great example of the power and importance of representing one's community. Thank you, Mr. Kearney!
Also acknowledged during Wednesday's School Committee Meeting was current Director of Student Services, Barbara Cerwonka. As Ms. Cerwonka departs for her next chapter in education, we want to thank her for her advocacy and guidance throughout the past four years. Thank you, Barbara!
School Resource Officer Taylor updated the School Committee about the Rape, Aggression, and Defense (RAD) Program and how he supports all the students in the district.
Excellent 8th Grade Step-up Day at CHS! Thank you, Principal Scott, Assistant Principal Noyes, students, and team for presenting a great orientation to our in-coming 9th grade students. We are excited to have you join CHS!
Excellent Snapper Sneaker Day at Osgood...this field day event is always wonderful and fun.
Fabulous "Bike to School Day" for Deer Hill. With over 100 riders, this event was a great success. Thank you to all the staff who participated, to the Cohasset Police and Officer Taylor for their fabulous work making this event safe, to all the students who participated, and to Mr. Youmans for his amazing work in organizing this fun event for all. A new tradition is born!
Excellent Kindergarten Family Information Night...thank you to Osgood and to all who came out to the event. We are excited to welcome you to Cohasset Public Schools.
Today, Safe Harbor's Youth Ambassadors presented the 2nd annual Cohasset Minds Matter event for middle school and high school focused on mental health awareness and lowering stress as the school year closes. Thank you, Safe Harbor! We are fortunate to have you as a community partner.
Deer Hill Field Day Fun!
8th Grade Projects Commended by DESE
Two of our 8th grade Research groups received Commendations from the State for their research projects as a result of the recent State Showcase at Bridgewater State University.
- “Dealing with Food Waste” - Research and Investigation Commendation: This project group conducted deep research into the root causes of their issue, gathered compelling evidence, and made a clear and persuasive argument about why action is needed.
- “Access to Clean Drinking Water” - Planning for Impact Commendation: This project group developed a detailed action plan with a clear goal that relates to the root cause(s) of their issue, logical decision-makers/influencers to target, and a range of tactics.
Congratulations to Mrs. Cerruti and to her students, Ali R, Myla P, Jack H, Natalia S, Katie K, and Charlotte R. Great job!
Celebrating Pride Month
Cohasset Public Schools Vision of Equity
CPS Equity Vision Statement
BE THE CHANGE
Please visit our website for resources regarding the promotion of diversity.
School Improvement Plans for 2024-2025
Excellent Spring Season...Congratulations, Coaches and Athletes!
COHASSET GIRLS TENNIS AND SOFTBALL EXIT TOURNAMENT
"Boys lacrosse moves into Round of 8 with 10-5 win over Ipswich. Great goaltending from Lincoln Pattison a big factor. Some tremendous offensive plays from a bunch of Skippers." @scifisportsguy (William Wassersug Photos Below)
COHASSET BOYS LACROSSE VS. SWAMPSCOTT, 6/8 AT 6:00pm AT ALUMNI STADIUM
Cohasset Girls Lacrosse with a 20 - 0 win over Abington in first round action (William Wassersug Photos)
Cohasset Girls Lacrosse moves on with a 22-7 victory over Monomoy. Here we come, Elite 8!!!
COHASSET GIRLS LACROSSE VS MANCHESTER ESSEX, 6/7 AT 6:00PM AT ALUMNI STADIUM
Sports Information
Cohasset High School Among the Top Schools according to US News & World Report
The most current US News and World Report Rankings were published and we again scored well, 787th nationally and 32nd in the state among 25,000 and 405 public high schools respectively evaluated. That puts us among the top 3% nationally and top 8% in the state. Congratulations to Principal Scott and Team!
Finance and Operations Updates
DISCUSSION REGARDING USER FEES WILL TAKE PLACE DURING THE JUNE 26 SC MEETING
Please review the following information, which will be part of a discussion and vote regarding the proposed raising of user fees. Thank you.
FY25 Budget and Capital Budget Approved at Town Meeting
Thank you to Director of Finance and Operations, Susan Owen, and to everyone who helped develop and approve our FY25 Budget and Capital considerations.
Please click on the links below to view budget and capital budget
Finance and Operations News:
Transportation News:
For Parents:
BUS REGISTRATION FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR HAS OPENED
Effective for the 2024-2025 school year, Cohasset Public Schools will continue to administer a fee-based transportation program. The application fee applies to students in Grades K-6 who reside less than or equal to 2 miles from their designated school, and all students in Grades 7-12.
Please visit the Cohasset Public Schools website for more information and the register your child for transportation.
Cohasset Public Schools is proud to offer the Stopfinder 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.
All this power in the palm of your hand.
The Stopfinder app is secure and protected. But the app requires your local district to be utilizing Transfinder’s Routefinder software. Stopfinder with Routefinder software will provide your district accurate real-time updates of routes and bus substitutions.
More information to follow in the coming weeks.
Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 2025 School Budget
A public hearing has been scheduled on April 10th, 2024, at 5:30 pm. The hearing will be held in the Learning Commons at the Cohasset Middle & High School, and Via Zoom Video Call. The purpose of this meeting is to invite public comment as the law requires, on the School Committee’s deliberation and certification of the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 School Budget
Food Service: The Skipper Cafe for Seniors Opened today! More information in next newsletter
2024 - 2025 Cohasset School District Calendar
At the 3/13/2024 Cohasset School Committee Meeting, the Cohasset School Committee unanimously approved the calendar below (please click on the image to view the full calendar).
Cohasset Public Schools Report Cards from DESE
We are pleased to share with you the 2023 school report card from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Please note that because the grade levels at Osgood do not take MCAS, the state indicates "insufficient data" for accountability for Osgood. Osgood's good work on MCAS is indicated in the grade 3 performance. You can access our schools' and district's report cards by clicking on the links below:
For JOS: Osgood 2023 School Report Card
For DH: Deer Hill 2023 School Report Card
For CMS: Cohasset Middle School 2023 School Report Card
For CHS: Cohasset High School 2023 School Report Card
School Menus! Please click on the image below.
Updated 2023 - 2024 School District Calendar
The June 19 School Committee has been rescheduled for June 26. Please click on the image below to access the updated calendar, which is also on the District Web Page.
February 28 School Committee Meeting at METCO Headquarters
Thank you to Ms. Gittens-Carle and to our amazing "Black Student Union" who presented at this past Wednesday's School Committee Meeting, which took place at METCO Headquarters at 11 Roxbury Street, Roxbury, MA. The presentation was wonderful and highlighted the fabulous students in this important group. This was a great example of increased student voice throughout the district. Excellent job, students! You made us all proud!
Opportunities for Staff, Students and Families
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.
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
Kindergarten Registration Now Open
Please click on the image below to access the Joseph Osgood Kindergarten Registration
Click below for more 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.
Curriculum
Students in grades K-5 will have access to the i-Ready My Path personalized learning platform during the summer until August 8th. Students can practice both their Math and ELA skills. Building principals will send the specific information.
Assessments
Dr. Leslie Scollins, Barbara Cerwonka, and Rock Roberts presented the "What and Why" of the Elementary Comprehensive Literacy Approach at the May 8 School Committee. Please see the presentation below.
Student Opportunity Act Plan for 2024-2027 was presented to the School Committee on March 27, 2024 and approved for submission by the Committee.
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
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
Director of Student Services Search Update
The search for the new Director of Student Services is in process. The Search Committee is made up of a variety of stakeholders (13 people). The committee met May 29th to review the process and discuss interview questions and met again on June 3 to finalize the interview questions and choose the candidates for the interviews. There were seven (7) candidates and the committee chose four (4) to interview. The interviews will take place on June 11th. The committee hopes to send two (2) to three (3) candidates to the superintendent for the next round of interviews.
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
Updated Safe Harbors Website
Important Dates
April 8 & 9
Samantha Skunk Performances
Grades K & 3
930AM
April 11
Mosaic Night at CMS
Visit our table!
6-730PM
April 22
Open Coalition Meeting
11-1230PM
April 27
National Drug Take Back Day
CPD
10-2PM
April 30
Overdose Prevention Night
East Coast Recovery
6-7PM
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