Cohasset High School Newsletter

Dear Families,

Welcome back! As we begin a new school year, we're excited to share what your children can look forward to in their classrooms, on our fields and courts, and throughout their time at Cohasset High School. Our work this year is guided by one central question: what does high-quality teaching and learning look like in Cohasset?

In Cohasset, high-quality teaching and learning means every student experiences instruction that is:

• Engaging and relevant — lessons that connect to who our students are and the world they're growing up in;
• Consistent — the same high standard of teaching, no matter which classroom or which teacher a student has;
• Responsive — teaching that adapts to how students actually learn, not a one-size-fits-all approach;
• Grounded in student and teacher voice — this year, we're building on years of cultural survey data in which we heard directly from students and teachers about their experience, so we can keep improving based on real feedback, not assumptions

Behind the scenes, our faculty will spend the year deepening their craft together — planning lessons collaboratively and growing through professional development in areas like inclusive teaching, thoughtful use of artificial intelligence, grading and assessment, and deeper learning strategies. Your student may not see these conversations happening, but they'll feel the difference in the classroom.

Great teaching is only part of the picture. This year, we're also asking a bigger question as a school community: what does success actually mean for a Cohasset student?

We're working with our Success Committee to define that answer — and to build programming around it that supports a well-balanced student, not just strong grades. That includes:

• A closer look at grading and assessment, to make sure how we report student progress truly reflects their learning;
• New mentoring programs and affinity groups, designed to make sure every student — especially those who may need extra support — has a trusted adult and community in their corner
• Continued attention to student wellness as a foundation for everything else, including a new outdoor wellness space generously funded by the CEF and a grant from the Clark Chatterton Foundation.

Finally, for our student-athletes, we're launching a more intentional approach to development on and off the field. Working with our Athletics Council, we're building a program that goes beyond wins and losses to include:

• Leadership training
• Sportsmanship
• Health and wellness
• Time management skills that serve students well beyond high school

We're also exploring new ways to invest in our athletics programs, including a dedicated athletics fundraising effort that will work alongside our existing booster organizations to expand opportunities for our student-athletes.

None of this happens in isolation. This work reflects input from our Deeper Learning Committee, our Success Committee, our Athletics Council, and — most importantly — the voices of our students, teachers, and families. We'll be listening closely all year, and we'll keep you updated as this work unfolds.

We're genuinely excited for the year ahead and grateful to partner with you in it.

Sincerely,

Brian T. Scott

Principal

Several important points:

• School begins at 8:15 and ends at 2:55.
• All five classes will meet, beginning with period 1 on Wednesday. Schedules can be located on Aspen and faculty can assist students in finding rooms. The first day will consist of student pictures, assemblies, and other tasks, including the PEAR Survey (more information below).
• On Thursday, students will also meet with all five of their classes, in the same order (1-5). This time will be dedicated to classroom teachers. The rotation of periods for the month is below as is the master calendar. This rotation does not change for interruptions like snow days or other cancellations.
• There are no supply lists for the high school. Students should bring a charged Chromebook, a pen/pencil and a scratchpad. Everything they need for the year will be communicated by teachers.
• Note that there are no cell phones, wireless earbuds, or smartwatches allowed for use in class without the express permission of the teacher. The general expectation is that these devices will be away for the day, although students may have them in their backpacks.
• Please adhere to the traffic pattern for drop off and pick up. No vehicles other than busses are allowed on the main driveway before 8:15. All bus traffic will use the main driveway. Student drivers and parents should proceed up the driveway along Alumni Field and use the student lot and the back loop for drop off. No students or parents should use the Central Office lot for parking or turning around.

Attendance procedures for reporting a student absence will remain consistent, as outlined in the handbook. However, due to an administrative reduction in force, we will be shifting responsibilities internally. That may mean that you will receive a communication regarding attendance from Ms. Simmons, who is physically located in the Middle School. Should you have questions regarding attendance, you may reach out to her directly at dsimmons@cohassetk12.org.

Currently only accepting registration for rising seniors!

Seniors, please complete the following parking registration form here.

• Parking fee is $180.00 flat rate. The fee must be paid before a parking space is assigned, via UNIPAY. (unipaygold.unibank.com/default.aspx)
• Students must have a valid driver’s license.
• Any outstanding student obligations must be cleared prior to receiving a parking space.
• If you have any outstanding obligations, you received an email from Mrs. Tokarz on 8/17/2026.
• Parking lanyards will be distributed during the the first week of school. Stay tuned for dates in your Google Classroom.
• All seniors will have first parking assignments, with a valid drivers license. You must be registered no later than 9/17/26. Juniors will be assigned spaces on 9/18/26 on a first come first serve basis.
• Students that do not have an assigned spot must park at Milliken Field.
• NOTE: Students who are chronically tardy are at risk of losing their parking spot.

Registering for parking will assume compliance with the standards outlined in the Family-Student Handbook.

Although I assume many of you have been diligent in your summer reading obligations, for those of you who may have chosen more robust activities for July and August, please refer to summer reading lists here.

We continue to partner with Partnerships in Education and Resilience (PEAR) in order to promote the positive social-emotional development of our students. There is increasing evidence that helping students feel good about themselves, their school and their relationships improves their learning. We will administer PEAR’s Holistic Student Assessment (HSA) to students in grades 9-12.

As part of this effort, your child will be asked to complete a brief survey about him or herself at the beginning and end of the year. Designated school staff will have access to these results. This information can help staff tailor teaching and support to your child’s unique strengths and needs. PEAR, conducts cutting edge research to improve the ways schools promote social-emotional development. PEAR will use data from our school for research and educational work. Your child’s name will never be used as part of this research. If you have any questions about this effort or would like to see a copy of this survey, please contact Mr. Scott.

Similarly, IF YOU DO NOT WANT YOUR CHILD TO COMPLETE THIS SURVEY, please email Mr. Scott. If you do not indicate this by September 2nd, we will assume that we have permission for your child to complete the survey at the beginning of the school year, for information to be given to designated staff to help them understand your child’s strengths, relationships, interests, and needs.

Please note the following:

On Thursday, October 8, 2026, Cohasset High School will administer the PSAT during the school day for all interested 10th- and 11th-grade students.

The PSAT gives students valuable practice with the content, format, and experience of taking a college entrance exam (SAT). We encourage students to take the PSAT in both sophomore and junior year. For juniors, the PSAT is also the only qualifying exam for National Merit Scholarship consideration.

Registration & Payment

• $50 if paid by September 14, 2026
• $60 after September 14, 2026

• Payment deadline: September 21, 2026

• Payment information will be sent shortly

• Payment automatically registers your student.
• Fees are non-refundable once tests have been ordered.

For questions about registration or testing accommodations, or if the fee presents a financial hardship, please contact your student’s counselor.

For questions about test administration, please contact SAT Coordinator, Shawn Turner at sturner@cohassetk12.org.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAT – October 2, 2026

On Friday, October 2, 2026, Cohasset High School will offer the SAT during the school day for 12th-grade students.

While many colleges and universities are test-optional, many still consider SAT scores. For the most up-to-date testing requirements, visit FairTest and individual college websites. Students and families may also contact their school counselor for assistance in developing a testing plan.

Registration & Payment

• $68 if paid by September 14, 2026

• $106 after September 14, 2026

• Payment deadline: September 21, 2026

• Payment information will be sent shortly
• Payment automatically registers your student.
• Fees are non-refundable once tests have been ordered.

For questions about registration or testing accommodations, or if the fee presents a financial hardship, please contact your student’s counselor.

For questions about test administration, contact SAT Coordinator, Shawn Turner at sturner@cohassetk12.org.

CHS is looking for parent volunteers to serve on the School Council for 2026-2027. The role of the school council is to assist principals in:

Student Clubs largely begin after the start of the school year. We will host a Club Fair during utility period on Friday, October 16th, 2026.

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

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

Dates to remember:

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