SHRHS Newsletter

Dear Shepherd Hill Learning Community:

On September 25th, students, families, administration, school committee members, and

distinguished guests gathered for the 36th First Honors Recognition Dinner. One hundred forty

First Honors Scholars were recognized for outstanding academic achievement! The evening

featured a delicious meal, table magic, two keynote addresses, and the presentation of gifts. On

behalf of all who attended, I want to thank the Quo Vadis Club of Webster and Dudley for the

generous financial support that allowed us to provide the delicious meal! I also want to thank the

Shepherd Hill Booster Club for the generous donation, as well. Finally, there would not be a

First Honors Dinner without the selfless service of our faculty and staff, and I want to express

my gratitude for the planning and execution of this very successful event. THANK YOU!

Since the pandemic, combatting absenteeism has been a focus of the Massachusetts Department

of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE). The Office of Student and Family Support

(SFS) has been at the forefront of a number of initiatives designed to improve student attendance

rates in schools across Massachusetts. To state the obvious, students achieve more when they are

in-school every day. In addition to the obvious benefits of being present for instruction, as part of

the state accountability system, schools earn points for minimizing chronic absenteeism, which is

defined by DESE as 10% of the school year, or eighteen days. Recently, Shepherd Hill teachers

conducted an analysis of our school’s 2024 MCAS scores in Math, English, and Science and

Technology. Unsurprisingly, a strong correlation between absenteeism and performance was

noted. In order to ensure that we are in compliance with the law, district policy, and the

Handbook, we are increasing our communication regarding unexcused absences. The following

notifications will be provided to ensure that we are working collaboratively with parents and

families to promote attendance:

-Daily Absence Phone Alert

-Two Day Unexcused Absence Notification via Schoolbrains

-Five Day Unexcused Absence Notification via Schoolbrains

-Two Day Unexcused Tardy Notification via Schoolbrains

-Five Day Unexcused Tardy Notification via Schoolbrains

Additionally, a separate notification will be sent regarding credit loss when students exceed

seven unexcused absences, per semester. Please know that our staff are always willing to meet

with parents, families, and students to identify solutions to persistent attendance challenges. To

learn more about DESE’s attendance initiatives, I encourage you to visit

https://www.doe.mass.edu/sfs/attendance/.

Last month, I shared that the faculty are preparing for the self-study phase of the New England

Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation process. I appreciate all who took

the time to complete the parent survey; thank you! In addition to the survey, there will be other

opportunities for parents and families to participate in the accreditation process. One component

of NEASC is the school’s vision of the graduate. Per NEASC: "The school has a vision of the

graduate that includes the attainment of transferrable skills, knowledge, understandings and

dispositions necessary for future success and provides feedback to learners and parents on each

learner’s progress in achieving this vision." A committee will soon be formed to revisit Shepherd

Hill’s vision of the graduate and graduation requirements. Please be on the lookout for an

invitation to participate. Outcomes of the committee will include recommendations to

administration, the School Council, and School Committee regarding Shepherd Hill’s graduation

requirements.

Finally, October is Homecoming month, and this year’s dance will be held on Friday, October

18th . On Saturday, October 19th , I invite you all to experience the legendary Shepherd Hill “pride

and unity” during a day full of home competitions and other activities. Go Rams!

Sincerely,

Mr. Elwell

We have some exciting digital news for you. While we understand some paper has been sent home, we are asking all families to update critical information via the parent portal. This will be the method moving forward, so we appreciate your help in reducing our use of paper throughout the district.

1. New! Ability to update contact information through the Parent Portal. Parents can now update contact information, including phone numbers, email addresses, employment details, and emergency contact information. To access the Change Request Form, log in and click on your user icon in the top right corner.

Important Note: Address changes will not be accepted through the Parent Portal. If you have changed your address, please contact your child’s school directly to ensure the appropriate documentation is provided to update your student’s record.

2. Student Information Health Form will now be accessible in the Parent Portal. Log in to the Parent Portal to submit the required medical health forms for child[ren] in the District. These will be located under Forms section on your dashboard. This is a required, annual, document that will need to be submitted for child[ren].

Important Note: If more than one parent has a parent portal account, both accounts will have access to the form, however only one form per child is required for the District.

3. Dudley Charlton Regional School District Student Handbook Technology Acceptable Use Policy 2024-2025 - This year we have a digital version of the sign-off for the Student Handbook Technology Acceptable Use Policy . Use this link to access our student handbooks and sign off on the required forms for child[ren]. If you have more than one child in the District, you must submit a response for each student.

Tickets for the homecoming dance will be on sale at lunch all of next week. The dance will be Friday 10/18 from 7:00 to 10:00 in the cafeteria. Tickets will be $25 and we will be able to take cash, check or card, however there will be an additional fee to pay with a credit or debit card. If you are planning to bring a guest, please pick up a guest form in the main office. No guest will be admitted without a guest form. No tickets will be sold at the door, so please plan to purchase one at lunch next week.

Mrs. Festa's postgraduate students were excited to tour the campus of Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, Ma. this past month. Our students are partaking in Q.C.C.'s MAICEI Program, which allows students with disabilities to take courses at the college.

Year one will focus on visiting campus, taking part in meetings and webinars with other participants, as well as exploring various courses of interests for the upcoming year. We are so excited to be part of this wonderful opportunity!

This is a great place to relax, study, collaborate on projects, read a good book, or play a board game. Students have already completed 3 puzzles this year.

Like to draw or want to get better? It is almost Inktober! Check out our Instagram #shrhs.lmc for more information or stop in to check out our display of drawing books.

Come by and check us out.

SAVE THE DATE: SHRHS Drama Club will be presenting Hamlet: Noir on Friday, January 10th and Saturday, January 11th at 7 PM.

Official Cast List:

Prince Hamlet: Korina Paliyannis

AP Exam payments 2024-2025

Payments are due on or before November 1, 2024 and are accepted online through UniPay.

2024-2025 A.P. Exam costs (set by Collegeboard):

• All AP Exams (except AP Seminar or AP Research) - $99

• Free/Reduced lunch exam cost (except AP Seminar or AP Research) - $53

• AP Seminar or AP Research cost - $147

• Free/reduced lunch for AP Seminar or AP Research cost - $101

Financial Aid Workshop

Presented by Ms. Lindsay Louis Director of Financial Aid at Nichols College

When: Thursday October 10th at 6pm-6:45(Parent teacher conference night)

Where: Shepherd Hill Library

Open to parents and students of any grade

College Admissions Workshop

Presented by Mr. Michael Ricci Director of Enrollment at Nichols College

When: Thursday October 10th at 6:45-7:30(Parent teacher conference night)

Where: Shepherd Hill Library

Open to parents and students of any grade

Nichols College

We’re excited to continue offering high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to get a head start on their college education by taking an online Nichols College course while still in high school!

7-weeks, fully remote

Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., October 8 - November 19

Course fee: $350

Interested students can register here! Please note, the deadline to register is September 24.

College Fair

Save the date! Worcester State University will host a NEACAC college fair on Sunday, October 6, 2024 from 11 am to 1 pm in the DeFeudis Wellness Center, Competition Gymnasium. Over 120 colleges and universities will be in attendance

This event is free and open to the public. Ample parking is available on-site. Campus tours of Worcester State will be offered

Community College is Now Free in Massachusetts!

No matter your age or income: community college is now free in Massachusetts!

The MassEducate and MassReconnect programs allow all Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to attend a Massachusetts community college for free.

No tuition. No fees. And both programs include an allowance for books and supplies for certain students.

To be eligible for MassEducate or MassReconnect, you must:

· Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

· If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA and are an approved “High School Completer” under the Massachusetts tuition equity law, you can complete the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) and still attend for free.

· Apply to your local community college and enroll in an approved program of study. Applications are open all year long and there’s never an application fee.

· Have physically resided in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of your first enrolled term.

· Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent**

· Are enrolled in at least six credits (usually two classes) per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.

· Maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the college’s requirements.

https://masscc.org/masseducate/

We are excited to inform you that we have partnered with College Guidance Network (CGN) to help you with your student’s career and college planning. CGN will provide you with a personalized project plan with timelines and checklists based on your student’s interest, all supported by content from over 250 nationally recognized college and career experts to guide you through every step in the process. Additionally, you will have access to live, online programming from leading admissions, financial aid, and career experts and college admissions officers.

Create your account today at www.cgnroadmap.com Parents PIN 104507

CLASS CODE: 7whqbzf

Hard copy information on all scholarships is available in the Guidance Office.

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires that all schools receiving federal funds must provide the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of secondary students to military recruiters and institutions of higher education. The act also requires that military recruiters be given the same access to students that is given to recruiters for post secondary institutions and employers. If a parent objects to releasing this information he/she should notify the guidance office.

Purchase a Yearbook

Yearbook Website

2025 Senior Information

Baby Photo Submission Form due 11/1

Senior Portrait Submission Form due 12/6

Senior Ad Website due 2/14

Questions? E-mail Ms. Sullivan

at ShepherdHillYearbook@dcrsd.org

The Shepherd Hill Cheerleaders are excited to kick off their new season with 11 athletes on our Junior Varsity Team and 15 athletes on our Varsity Team! They have been working hard preparing to cheer on the Shepherd Hill football players and coaches this fall. The girls are looking forward to a great season, with their first competition on Sunday, October 13th in Milford.

We are also thrilled to announce our annual Hilloween Cheer Invitational, taking place at Shepherd Hill on Sunday, October 27th. This event will feature over 50 schools from across Massachusetts, starting at 12:00 noon. Be sure to stop by for some spooky fun and enjoy a thrilling day of cheerleading with a Halloween twist!

Come out to support our athletes, and let’s make this season one to remember!

The school hours for Shepherd Hill Regional High School are 7:40am-2:10pm. Students entering the building after 7:40am must check into the main office to receive a tardy pass to proceed to class.

To obtain an early dismissal please bring a written request from your parent or caregiver to the main office as soon as you arrive at school. The request will be reviewed and an early dismissal slip will be issued if warranted. If returning from a dismissal, students should check in to the main office to have their attendance record updated.

Students must be in school prior to or after 11:00 a.m. for the day to count for participation in school activities.

It is very important to follow this procedure whenever possible. Phone calls to classrooms for dismissals are very disruptive to the educational process. Advance notice of the dismissal with a note helps alleviate those disruptions. We appreciate your assistance!

Thank you! Mrs. Champagne and Mrs. Jalbert

SHRHS Main Office

The office will issue a bus pass for a student to ride a bus not assigned to them in emergency situations only. A parent/caregiver must call the main office at 508-943-6700 to explain the circumstances and request a bus pass for their student.

A bus pass will not be issued for social reasons.

Our Daily Announcements can be found on our website or by using the button below.

Our community and school take pride in the appearance that our students present. We expect that all students will dress and groom themselves neatly in clothes that are suitable for school activities. Students that dress in an inappropriate manner will be required to change into proper attire; the second offense will result in a detention and parent will be notified.

Class of 2025

Ms. Amanda Holton aholton@dcrsd.org & Mr. Daniel Duffy dduffy@dcrsd.org

Class of 2026 & Class of 2027

Ms. Sarah Armstrong sarmstrong@dcrsd.org & Ms. Jennifer McGrail jmcgrail@dcrsd.org

Class of 2028

Ms. Shannon Sullivan ssullivan2@dcrsd.org & Ms. Jennifer Kustar jkustar@dcrsd.org

Please email class advisors for questions pertaining to class dues, class activities, etc.

A student should stay at home:

• If they have a fever of 100 degrees F or greater (Must be fever free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school)

• If vomiting and or diarrhea has occurred in the last 24 hours

The Shepherd Hill Attendance Guideline designates six (6) unexcused class absences per subject, per semester (each 1/2 year) as the maximum allowed for normal circumstances of regular school attendance. The allowed number of days for absence is designed to accommodate:

· Personal illness

· Religious holidays

· Serious personal or family problems

· Professional appointments that could not be scheduled outside the regular school day

A reminder to parents and caregivers: Students should not be using their cell phone to contact parents if they are not feeling well. Our Health Center is staffed with a full time nurse who will meet with and assess students who are not feeling well. The Nursing Office will reach out to parents/caregivers if students who are ill need to be dismissed.

Thank you! Nurse Lombardo hlombardo@dcrsd.org

The Booster Club always welcomes new volunteers and new Junior Boosters (students). There are scholarship opportunities for those students who volunteer and meet the required hours.

President Scott Henault

Vice President Beth paradis

Treasurer Jim McGonagle

Assistant Treasurer Cady Maynard

Recording Secretary Michele McCarthy

Correspondence Secretary Michele McCarthy

First Member at Large Becky Faford

Second Member at Large Heather Gelardi

Email: rjalbert@dcrsd.org