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THE NAVIGATOR

January 27, 2023

THENAVIGATOR January 27, 2023

Newsletter

This Newsletter updates on all matters connected to Cohasset Public Schools. This letter is sent as part of a District initiative focusing on communication.

Transportation Announcement Transportation Announcement

Greetings Cohasset Families,


We are happy to report that in collaboration with the transportation service First Student, we have secured two additional bus drivers, placing us in a position of creating a more secure outlook for our transportation delivery model moving forward. Securing these new drivers has also allowed us to add an additional bus route, which will help shorten our longer routes, ensure more efficient transport for students to and from school, and reduce the numbers of students on our most populated buses, thus creating a safer transport for all.


Although bus stops will remain the same as they are currently, beginning on Monday, January 30, 2023, the following transportation changes will take hold:


  • Students riding on bus route 3 and bus route 5 will now be transported by First Student drivers and buses. These drivers are working in collaboration and communication with our own bus drivers and transportation supervisor. We are in the process of setting up the Stopfinder application with these new buses, and hope to have that application working as soon as possible.


  • Students who have bus stops at Avalon, Walnut Hill, and Locust Street will now be transported by our own added bus, bus route 9.



  • Students riding on bus route 6 and bus route 8 should expect a five (5) minute earlier pick-up in the morning and a five (5) minute earlier drop-off in the afternoon than regularly scheduled, due to us moving bus stops from these routes to create bus route 9.



On behalf of Cohasset Public Schools, I want to thank everyone for their understanding throughout this difficult driver shortage. We feel confident that these changes will improve transportations service, as we move throughout the remainder of the year.


Sincerely,



Patrick Sullivan, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Cohasset Public Schools

Cohasset School Committee Meeting to be held at METCO Headquarters on February 1, 2023 Cohasset School Committee Meeting to be held at METCO Headquarters on February 1, 2023

We are excited for our School Committee Meeting on February 1, which will be held in Nubian Square in Roxbury, MA, at the new METCO Headquarters. Please see the agenda below regarding this exciting event. The meeting will be streamed on Facebook and Zoom.

School Committee Agenda for 2/1/2023

SCH_Agenda_2023_02_01.pdf

SCH_Agenda_2023_02_01.pdf

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Cohasset Public Schools to Hold Inaugural Multi-Cultural Night at Cohasset High School and Cohasset Middle School on April 13, 2023, from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Cohasset Public Schools to Hold Inaugural Multi-Cultural Night at Cohasset High School and Cohasset Middle School on April 13, 2023, from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

The Cohasset Public Schools will have its first Multicultural Night on April 13, 2023, from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, throughout the Cohasset Middle and Cohasset High Schools. We are looking for individuals to help coordinate the evening. We will have a performance by the Origination Dance Company of Boston, as well as students from our schools. If you are interested, please contact, Aleisa Gittens-Carle, the METCO Director at agittens-carle@cohassetk12.org or Jenna Gibbons, CMS English teacher, at jgibbons@cohassetk12.org. We would like to have a member of the staff, or a parent representative from each school.

MultiCultural Event Flyer--April 13, 2023.pdf

MultiCultural Event Flyer--April 13, 2023.pdf

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METCO Advocacy Day METCO Advocacy Day

METCO Advocacy Day 2023 - color flyer.pdf

METCO Advocacy Day 2023 - color flyer.pdf

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Wonderful Letter from Principal Scott regarding the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. In last week's CHS Newsletter

Cohasset High School Newsletter

News and Happenings at Cohasset High Schoo


January 20, 2023



Dear Families,


Over this past weekend I happened upon an interview that Martin Luther King did in 1967 with NBC News and an interviewer named Sander Vanocour. There is a lot of commentary in the interview that continues to be thought-provoking -- on topics including nonviolence and civil disobedience, education and inclusion -- but I was struck in particular by a piece in which King discusses economic injustice and specifically addresses the notion of "picking oneself up by their bootstraps".


The question posed was this: "What is it about the Negro, that every other group that came as an immigrant, somehow, not easily, but somehow got around it? Is it simply the fact that negroes are black?" King makes two key points in response. First, that no other ethnic group has been enslaved on American soil, and second that American culture made skin color a stigma. These two factors that were unique to Black America.


Here is an excerpt from his response:


America freed the slaves in 1863 through the Emancipation Proclamation of Abraham Lincoln, but gave the slaves no land, or nothing in reality, and as a matter of fact, to get started on. At the same time, America was giving away millions of acres of land in the west and the Midwest, which meant that there was a willingness to give the white peasants from Europe an economic base, and yet it refused to give its black peasants from Africa, who came here involuntarily in chains and had worked free for 244 years, any kind of economic base.


And so emancipation for the Negro was really freedom to hunger. It was freedom to the winds and rains of heaven. It was freedom without food to eat or land to cultivate, and therefore it was freedom and famine at the same time. And when white Americans tell the Negro to lift himself by his own bootstraps, they don't look over the legacy of slavery and segregation.


I believe we ought to do all we can and seek to lift ourselves by our own bootstraps, but it's a cruel jest to say to a bootless man that he ought to lift himself by his own bootstraps, and many Negroes by the thousands and millions have been left bootless as a result of all of these years of oppression, and as a result of a society that deliberately made his color a stigma and something worthless and degrading."


My thoughts here are not a commentary on race necessarily or reparations or affirmative action or the value of hard work or rugged individualism, although as I mentioned earlier there is a lot here to be digested in the context of modern America, and those considerations are certainly at the heart of his dialogue. What struck me -- and the reason I choose to write about it in the school newsletter -- is how utterly absurd the notion is that anyone in a functioning society should be expected to "pick themselves up by their own bootstraps" -- a phrase that could only be used with a group that is considered fundamentally "other".


The phrase itself was never meant as an encouraging metaphor for socioeconomic advancement for anyone. In fact, it was meant sarcastically. The saying actually dates back to the late 1800s, attributed to a physics schoolbook that contained the example question, "Why cannot a man lift himself by pulling up on his bootstraps?”


The question is redundant. He can't. It's physically impossible. It reminds me of an episode of The Simpsons where Homer, who has become lodged in quicksand, declares that he can save himself. "First, I'll just reach in and pull my legs out," he says, his arms and legs now firmly engulfed. "Now, I'll pull my arms out with my face."


Education, in the broadest sense, allows practical intelligence to be employed in an ever-expanding series of concentric circles of social influence, beginning in the family unit and extending out to the larger family, friends, schools and teams or clubs, neighborhoods, communities, geographical areas, genders, abilities, ages, religions, races, and cultures. It's in this context that students develop healthy and sophisticated relationships, become a part of something larger than themselves, see beyond the external projections of people, and develop a sense of personal authenticity.


Functioning family units teach hard work and responsibility. But they provide the necessary tools and supports in which to learn those skills. We make students do homework, for example, but we provide books. We encourage eating healthy, but we don't require them to farm the vegetables. We promote that they are active, and we enroll them in sports and buy them equipment. They are not just simply left to figure it out on gumption.


Expanding students' circles of influence both as teacher and learner create environments of mutual challenge and support so that there is both ownership and accountability and an understanding that we are not in this alone. We are both a product of others' help and the source of help for others. So as we move out of Martin Luther King Day and into Black History Month, I'd like to focus on what our students are doing collaboratively to create these concentric and interconnected networks.


  • Members of the high school Diversity Club creating a mentoring program with middle school students where the group studies and affirms various aspects of identity.
  • Collaboration with groups like Safe Harbor, who will take several students next week to the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) conference, which offers leadership training for students and adults around student and adult well-being. The students will employ some of those strategies here with our students when they return.
  • Students working with CSCR, local universities, and town government helping with open space planning and the health of our watershed environment.
  • Lainey Larsen and Declan Lee working with A Shot for Life to raise money and awareness of cancer.
  • Members of our Green Team working with Middle School students to bring action and awareness to our composting efforts and the reduction of our carbon footprint.
  • Students who will visit the elementary schools to combine Black history awareness with International and World Read Aloud Day.
  • Members of Ms. Hanssens' economics class working with Ms. DeSalvo's 5th grade class to teach students about money, banking, and saving.


These are just a few of the ways in which our students are working to apply their intellect and talents in meaningful social networks that both challenge them and others and continue to build a community in which no one is expected to lift themselves by their own bootstraps, but builds on the help of others and pays that help forward.


Sincerely,


Brian T. Scott

Principal

Cohasset High School

Wonderful METCO Conference at Gillette. So proud that Cohasset is a METCO District.

Wonderful video regarding the history of METCO, entitled " METCO Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow "

METCO: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

We are a proud METCO District!

Please see the METCO webpage on our District website for important information regarding our METCO program.

Images of the Week Images of the Week

"Grade 2 friends are using many different tools and methods to show their math skills when measuring. It’s all about the teamwork! 😊" - Principal Farrell

O SO GOOD Call of the week! "We would like to give a big wahoo to Miles B. in grade 2! He is being recognized for being a good friend and great classroom leader! " - Principal Farrell

It is always a joy to visit Kindergarten

"Happy Lunar New Year! Ms. Mosher’s class was so lucky to have Parker P’s mom visit for a lesson on Tet, the Vietnamese celebration of this holiday." - Principal Sullivan

"Recreating history in Ms. Weisslinger’s World Geo class: This week gr 6 students recreated the art of Ancient Mesopotamia!" - Principal Mills

"Mr. Ford teaching the importance of CPR and Heimlich Maneuver to all his freshman Wellness classes." - Assistant Principal Noyes

Helping Children with Events in the News

In an effort to support families as they process information in the news media involving Cohasset, I am sharing the below link from Common Sense Media, with some additional resources included at the bottom of the article from the American Association of Psychologists:


https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/explaining-the-news-to-our-kids


Also, linked below is a good resource regarding how to talk to students about traumatic events. This resource comes from Riverside Trauma Center, who is currently working with Cohasset school faculty and staff to support them and to guide them on working with students. Riverside could potentially be available at a later date to work with families.


Talking with Your Children about Traumatic Events


Our primary goal is to maintain our routines for our students, as we support students, families, and staff. We always stress the importance of adhering to normal routines during all difficult times, as children find comfort in knowing that schools are safe and supportive.


Please be mindful that schools are required to respect student and staff confidentiality rights, which prohibit us from being able to disseminate confidential information to the public.


The District Website has a page dedicated to Social Emotional Learning and Wellness. Our schools are a resource to the Cohasset community, and our counselors, school psychologists, and social workers can support you and your child, if your child is in need of someone to talk to or to help process anything they have seen in the media or heard in school.


Please do not hesitate to contact principals or counselors if we can assist you in any way.



Here are a list of our counselors at each building:

Osgood: Dave Vinton dvinton@cohassetk12.org (adjustment counselor)

Deer Hill: Robyn Costa rcosta@cohassetk12.org (adjustment counselor)

Deer Hill and Osgood: Maeve Dullea mdullea@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)

Cohasset Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Cohasset Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

Cohasset maintains a full-time facility for emergency operations called the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC (pictured above) is located the basement of the Deer Hill School building and maintains a separate entrance and parking from the schools. The EOC is routinely utilized in the event of a snowstorm, wide-spread power outage, or other event that requires a working space for multiple organizations to collaborate and to communicate.


Recently, the Cohasset Police held a press conference in the EOC to update relevant parties, including the media, about the status of the missing Cohasset resident. At no time did this activity impact our operations at the Deer Hill School. Cohasset police officers were on site directing traffic, and the superintendent and other relevant officials were present throughout the entire press conference, overseeing the operations of Deer Hill and ensuring that there was no disruption to the school day.


We thank the members of our community who called in to offer support and to ask questions. We always welcome this kind of interaction. If anyone has any questions about ongoing activities at the Deer Hill School, or in any of our school buildings, please contact the superintendent's office.

Volunteers Needed for CHS Credit for Life Fair Volunteers Needed for CHS Credit for Life Fair

Cohasset High School’s Credit for Life Fair on Friday, February 10th from 8:30am-11am at CHS!


The Credit for Life Fair 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. It only works if we can collaborate with our business community to provide real-world examples and advice.


Businesses of all types are welcome! All booth materials will be provided and reviewed prior to the event. See the booth descriptions, the primary duty of each booth, and the option to sign up at the link below.


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.


https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b48abaa2fa2fd0-credit#/

Substitute Nurses Needed! Substitute Nurses Needed!

Are you an experienced RN licensed in the state of MA, current on CPR and AED training? Cohasset Public Schools is looking to expand its call list of nurses who can substitute if needed. If interested and would like more information, please contact Kelli Gildea at kgildea@cohassetk12.org.

Cohasset Preschool Lottery 2023-2024 Cohasset Preschool Lottery 2023-2024

Preschool Lottery 2023-2024 which is now accepting online submissions until January 31, 2023.


Child Find Notice

Cohasset Kindergarten Registration 2023-2024 Cohasset Kindergarten Registration 2023-2024

Kindergarten Registration for the 2023-2024 School Year for children who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023. Kindergarten registration packets are available online at the Cohasset Public Schools website www.cohassetk12.org under the Osgood News section or may be picked up at the Joseph Osgood School. For more information, please call Joseph Osgood School at 781-383-6117.



Kindergarten Registration will be held at the Joseph Osgood Elementary School, 210 Sohier Street, Cohasset, MA on:

Tuesday, January 24th from 10:00am - 12:00pm

Wednesday, January 25th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Thursday,January 26th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Friday, January 27th from 10:00am - 12:00pm

Thursday, February 2rd from 4:00pm -7:00pm


In order to register for kindergarten, please complete the following steps:

Step 1: Sign up for a registration time.

Please click HERE to sign up for a time to bring in your registration paperwork


Step 2: Please fill out the registration forms.


Step 3: Bring the completed registration forms with you to the Kindergarten Registration, along with the required documents listed below:

Birth Certificate

Proof of Residency

Immunizations/Most Recent Physical

Deposit of $500 for the full-day program made payable to: Cohasset Public Schools


Whether you are a new or returning family, we are excited to begin this journey with you and look forward to welcoming you to our Cohasset Public Schools family.

Reminders Regarding Our School Cancelation Process

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 6:55 A.M., during a two-hour delayed opening, your child will be picked up at 8:55 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.

Finance and Operations Finance and Operations

Budget Calendar for 2022-2023

Budget Priorities

MCAS Action Plan Presented to Cohasset School Committee MCAS Action Plan Presented to Cohasset School Committee

Dr. Scollins, Mrs. Cerwonka, and Dr. Sullivan presented the District MCAS Action Plan as a follow-up to the November 2 MCAS Data Review Presentation. Thank you to everyone who is working so hard to address the scores and to ensure that our students are receiving the most effective interventions and actions. Please see below for the Action Plan presentation.
MCAS Action Plan 2022-2023.pdf

MCAS Action Plan 2022-2023.pdf

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Sports Information Sports Information

Cohasset Wrestling Defeats Middleborough (William Wassersug Photo)

Cohasset Sports Photos

Cohasset Hull Boys Hockey Defeats Abington

Both goalies (Merrick and Cosentino) star, but Cohasset/Hull boys hockey defeats Abington

Both goalies (Merrick and Cosentino) star, but Cohasset/Hull boys hockey defeats Abington

ROCKLAND - Norwell is the target. Though a combined tally of 0-2 against the one-loss Clippers this season, both the Abington and Cohasset/Hull boys hockey teams are out to make up ground as best they can in the South Shore League race. As Cohasset/Hull senior Matt Mahoney put it, "Every point is crucial.

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Cohasset Girls Basketball Making Great Strides...Defeat East Bridgewater

Laney Larsen and Sarah Chenette have Cohasset High girls basketball back on track

Laney Larsen and Sarah Chenette have Cohasset High girls basketball back on track

COHASSET - After looking at the stats of Cohasset High girls basketball leading scorer Sarah Chenette, you'd be surprised by what you see in person. The 19.4-points-a-night scorer is actually defensive-minded guard. As a junior captain, it just so happens that her defense leads to offense on the court.

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Check Out Anchor Sports and William Wassersug Photos of Our Winter Sports Teams Check Out Anchor Sports and William Wassersug Photos of Our Winter Sports Teams

Cohasset Sports - Cohasset Anchor

Cohasset Sports - Cohasset Anchor

Find Out The Latest About What's Happening in Cohasset Sports. From Football, Girls & Boys Soccer, Field Hockey, Cross Country & More.

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Support Cohasset’s Volleyball Team for the Fall 2023


In the Fall of 2022, Cohasset HS volleyball hit the court for the FIRST TIME!


It's time to kick-off a new fundraising season!! Once again, an additional $20,000 must be privately raised to keep this team playing for a 2nd season. Over the past 2 years, an impressive group of volunteers from this High School community, successfully raised $13,500 at this Boston Volleyball Festival event alone. Again this year, Festival Organizers have approached us to help put courts together and break them down after the tournament, and they have increased our per-court payout; for 20 courts, $6,500 will go to our cause. That's 1/3 of our Season-2 fundraising needs!!


We need 48 volunteers on Wednesday, February 22nd and Sunday, March 5th, willing to commit 3 work hours (6hrs if volunteering both days), getting their hands dirty to help lay court flooring.

For students applying to the National Honor Society, your service hours will be recognized.
Parents bring your students and their siblings or grab some friends. Click on the following sign-up link: https://rebrand.ly/Volleyball2023


Can’t attend? Should you be unable to join us on these dates, but still want to support this exciting endeavor, click on this GoFundMe link. https://rebrand.ly/GoFundCohoVolleyball We appreciate any amount that you can afford.

Questions? Email Laura Soderberg at Laura@Soderberg.ws. Thank you for your support.
Looking to get rid of unused sports equipment? You’re in luck! Donate now to the Cohasset Recreation's used sports equipment drive (drop off at rec center behind Red Lion Inn Monday-Friday 3:00-6:00 PM January 9th-March 26th). All donated items will be available for purchase at Deer Hill School on March 26, 2023. All proceeds will go to the Social Service League of Cohasset. Items including but not limited to bags, cleats, rackets, sticks, skates, etc. This is a great opportunity to repurpose unused equipment while also contributing to a great organization that supports ou
Cohasset Middle High School

Cohasset Middle High School

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Arts and Music Events Upcoming Arts and Music Events Upcoming

We are excited for these events and more to come!

Arts Events Planned 11 16 2022 .pdf

Arts Events Planned 11 16 2022 .pdf

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CHS Athletic Complex Update CHS Athletic Complex Update

We are excited for the new track. Here are some pictures showing the finished product!

Turf Renovation Underway Turf Renovation Underway

The turf replacement project at Alumni Stadium is underway! Access to the turf and track will be prohibited until further notice. This turf replacement project, along with the recently completed track, and stadium lights is a welcomed improvement to our athletic facilities. We are thankful for the school community and town support and understanding, as we work to provide the best facilities possible for our students and town.


Here are some pictures showing the progress.

Unusually warm weather has allowed more work to be done on the turf.

Excessive Student Absence Notification Excessive Student Absence Notification

Massachusetts General Law Chapter 76 requires that each school notify parents and guardians if their student has five (5) or more unexcused school absences. Parents and guardians will receive a letter when their child has 5, 10, and/or 15+ days of unexcused absences. The letter will also include the number of unexcused tardies and unexcused early dismissals.


Absences will be excused under the following circumstances:

  • After a medical appointment documented with a note from the medical office

  • Illness or quarantine with a note from the appropriate medical office

  • Observance of a religious holiday

  • Bereavement or serious illness in family

  • Court appearance

  • A child may also be excused for other exceptional reasons with approval of the Principal or designee in accordance with the school committee policy and the regulations set in Chapter 76


Daily attendance is essential to a student's success. Missing a significant number of days of school has a detrimental effect on academic and social development. Therefore, each school will work with individual families to support student attendance.

Committee Updates Committee Updates

The Wellness Committee met on November 2. The committee is made up of district and school leaders, teachers, students and family members. The committee meets four times a year as a whole group and subcommittees meet through out the year to work on the goals chosen by the committee. Please see the minutes from the November 2, 2022 meeting. The next meeting is January 25th.

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Assistant Superintendent Leslie Scollins, Ed.D. Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Assistant Superintendent Leslie Scollins, Ed.D.

Assessment Updates Assessment Updates

Winter Benchmark Assessments are being administered in grades K-8 in January and February. CHS just completed mid-year finals.


Students in grades 3-8 and 10 participate in MCAS in ELA and Math and students in grades 5, 8 and 9 participate in MCAS in Science. If you would like to learn more about MCAS and access resources related to MCAS please use the links below:

Deer Hill MCAS Tutorials

CMS MCAS Tutorials

Professional Development Professional Development

January 13th

Both Osgood and Deer Hill staff participated in professional development focused on literacy with Teaching and Learning Alliance (TLA) consultants. While CMS staff continued their collaboration in creating culturally responsive teaching and the science department focused on the implementation of the new curriculum OpenSciEd. CHS is involved in the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Accreditation process.


Please see the professional development calendar below for more information about the professional development that is planned for the year.

_CPS Professional Development Calendar 2022-2023.docx.pdf

_CPS Professional Development Calendar 2022-2023.docx.pdf

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Cohasset High School Vision of the Graduate Cohasset High School Vision of the Graduate

Please see the graphic below, which was established through the collaborative work of the Cohasset High School Community as part of their accreditation process with NEASC. This work also helped to set our District theme for the year, "Find Your Compass."

Student Opportunity Act (SOA) Student Opportunity Act (SOA)

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.

Student Opportunity Act Presentation March 2022

District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP) Revised District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP) Revised

Thank you to Director of Student Services, Barbara Cerwonka, and to all the educators who helped work on the revision of our District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP), which is now posted on the District webpage. As articulated in the DCAP, "Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Section 38Q1/2 states that a school district shall adopt and implement a curriculum accommodation plan to assist principals in ensuring that all efforts have been made to meet the students' needs in regular education. The plan shall be designed to assist the regular classroom teacher in analyzing and accommodating diverse learning styles of all children in the regular education programming, including, but not limited to, direct and systematic instruction in reading and provisions of services to address the needs of children whose behavior may interfere with learning, or who do not qualify for special education services under chapter 71B. The curriculum accommodation plan shall include provisions encouraging teacher mentoring and collaboration and parental involvement."
DCAP 2022.pdf

DCAP 2022.pdf

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Cohasset Public Schools' Strategic Plan for 2021- 2024 Cohasset Public Schools' Strategic Plan for 2021- 2024

Please Click on the Link Below to Access the Entire Strategic Plan

Cohasset Public Schools_FINAL.pdf

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A Downloadable Version of the Calendar Can Be Found Below

Please see below for a link to download the District and School Calendars

Cohasset Public Schools / Calendar

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Just a reminder that for the 2023 - 2024 School Year, the first day of school for students will be Wednesday, August 30 (before Labor Day). There will be no school for students or staff the Friday before Labor Day. Just a reminder that for the 2023 - 2024 School Year, the first day of school for students will be Wednesday, August 30 (before Labor Day). There will be no school for students or staff the Friday before Labor Day.

From Commissioner of Education Riley’s memo to Superintendents sent on August 15, 2022:


“The Commonwealth is not recommending universal mask requirements, surveillance testing of asymptomatic individuals, contact tracing, or test-to-stay testing in schools. Districts and schools are reminded that there is no longer any statewide masking mandate in schools (other than school health offices) and there is no testing requirement for schools.” We will continue to respect the right of individuals to wear masks at any time during the school day.


“Effective August 15, 2022, all students and staff in childcare, school in grades K-12, or participating in out-of-school time (OST) and recreational camp settings should follow the updated isolation and exposure guidance issued by DPH, in alignment with recently issued guidance from CDC. No asymptomatic person should be excluded from school as a result of exposure, regardless of vaccination status or exposure setting.”


An additional link on isolation and exposure guidance can be found here:


https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-isolation-and-exposure-guidance-for-the-general-public

Cohasset Public Schools Vision of Equity

CPS Equity Vision Statement CPS Equity Vision Statement

BE THE CHANGE BE THE CHANGE

Please visit our website for resources regarding the promotion of diversity. Please visit our website for resources regarding the promotion of diversity.

Cultural Proficiency / Cultural Diversity

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We will continue to engage students and staff in the meaningful discussions necessary to promote change. We are committed to promoting anti-racism and cultural responsive teaching and learning.

Cohasset PSO Happenings Cohasset PSO Happenings

Home

Home

The PSO is a 100% volunteer-based, non-profit organization connecting the school community with volunteer efforts in facilitating special events at the Cohasset Public School System.

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Cohasset Education Foundation (CEF) Cohasset Education Foundation (CEF)

Check your mailboxes....our Annual Appeal went out this week! Every donation helps to fund our grant programs. We appreciate you!
Cohasset Education Foundation

Cohasset Education Foundation

The Cohasset Education Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt community-based organization whose mission is to ensure that Cohasset students, teachers and administrators have access to the programs, materials and up-to-date equipment necessary to maintain a level of academic excellence in today's competitive environment.

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RISE Program RISE Program

CPS is pleased to continue its partnership with the Cohasset Recreation Department by providing before and after school care for our elementary students. We have an amazing staff that provides wonderful opportunities for our students through the RISE program. Please see this link for more information.

Office of Student Services Office of Student Services

UPDATES UPDATES

Opening Letters and Information Regarding Multi-Tiered Student System of Supports (MTSS) Opening Letters and Information Regarding Multi-Tiered Student System of Supports (MTSS)

School Opening Letters-Office of Student Services and MTSS.pdf

School Opening Letters-Office of Student Services and MTSS.pdf

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Multi-Tiered System of Supports


To Parents/Guardians of Cohasset Public Schools :


The Cohasset Public Schools believes in providing the highest quality of education for our students. This letter is to provide you with information about a three-tiered instructional approach we use to meet this goal, referred to as Multi Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).


For MTSS, all students will participate in the core curriculum, with three levels (tiers) of interventions for students who demonstrate at-risk skills in general academics or behavior/social emotional areas. Each tier provides additional support beyond the core curriculum and instruction. All students receive formal and informal checks to measure their progress to determine if they are performing at an expected level. Behavioral and social emotional impacts are also monitored on a regular basis through the year.


● Tier One- As the largest tier, and the foundation for the entire framework, Tier 1 encompasses the entire school with core instruction and basic interventions. This structure helps to build positive relationships between staff and students. It includes proactive classroom strategies aimed at creating a supportive learning atmosphere. Teachers will use different strategies as universal supports within the core curriculum and instruction to address all student educational needs. These supports include but are not limited to items identified within the District Accommodation Plan (DCAP) and/or the School Accommodation Plans.


● Tier Two- Based on progress data, students who require more support than Tier One will be provided targeted interventions matched to their needs within the general classroom by the classroom teacher and/or support staff in the classroom. The Multi Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Team will track the student’s progress, and parents/guardians will receive ongoing progress data.


● Tier Three- Students who continue to require measures beyond Tier Two will receive more intensive individualized interventions at this level. Parents/guardians will be notified of these supports and receive ongoing progress data. After Tier Three implementation, students who continue to display limited progress may then be considered for further evaluation and services.


Our School is excited to take part in this process to improve educational outcomes for all students. As always, do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or myself if you have questions or concerns.



Respectfully,


___________________________

Barbara Cerwonka, M.Ed.

Director of Student Services

Child Find Notification Child Find Notification

Child Find Letterhead.pdf

Child Find Letterhead.pdf

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Be Sure to View the Information on the Student Services Web Page Be Sure to View the Information on the Student Services Web Page

Student Services & Special Education / Overview

The Cohasset Public Schools provides services for students with special needs in accordance with the Federal Regulations Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and state (603 CMR 28.00) regulations. Cohasset Public Schools provides a continuum of special education services for students based on individual needs and Team recommendations.

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SAFE HARBORS UPDATES SAFE HARBORS UPDATES

Latest Newsletter

Got a parenting playbook?

Got a parenting playbook?

From Partnership To End Addiction, check out the Playbook for Parents of Teens for tips to protect your teens well-being, January's rockstar Youth Ambassador of the month, Cohasset happenings & more here!

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The time to talk to our children about Fentanyl is NOW

Fentanyl is not just in the headlines; it is closer to your home and stronger than you realize. This is why we are hosting Wendy Woolcock head of DEA Special Operations Division in this upcoming FREE webinar next Tuesday, January 24th. She will share what she tells her own kids about Fentanyl and what she does as a parent to keep everyone around her protected. This webinar will also explain how teens are being targeted and getting access to Fentanyl as well as provides resources for parents, schools, and other organizations on education and prevention.

REGISTER NOW

IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND LIVE, REGISTER FOR A FREE RECORDING.


“Nine Things Every Parent with an Anxious Child Should Try”
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There are many stressors to our day-to-day lives; however, there are many resources available. The District Website has a page dedicated to Social Emotional Learning and Wellness. Please remember that our schools are a resource, and that our counselors, school psychologists, and social workers can support you and your child.


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 Dullea mdullea@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 Take Care of Yourself and Take Care of Each Other

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if we can do anything to help your student or your family during this difficult time. Most important is the physical and mental health of everyone, and we will stay focused on making that a priority. Please take good care.

Please click on the following link to access even more information on the Cohasset Public Schools Web Site. Please click on the following link to access even more information on the Cohasset Public Schools Web Site.

Cohasset Public Schools / Homepage

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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.

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_Wellness Committee Minutes 20221102.pdf
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