Blue Hills News

February 1-5 is National School Counseling Week - we are thankful for our tremendous counseling staff here at Blue Hills, who have helped so many students navigate a difficult year. Thank you!

Important Notes:

Grade 9 Exploratory: An email went out this morning to all freshmen families regarding Exploratory. Please read this carefully and reach out to Vocational Director Michelle Sylvia (msylvia@bluehills.org) with any questions.

Grade 11: Juniors may now be eligible for Co-op. Speak with Ms. Poliseno if you'd like to learn more about getting paid to work!

Other Notes:

• Buses: Please remember that if you are riding on the bus this year, you need to be registered through FamilyID. Also, if you no longer take the bus, please let Ms. Fama know in the main office so we can update our list.

• P-EBT benefits are available from the state for students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. Please click here for more information.

• If your student is struggling, please reach out to the teacher and/or the guidance counselor. Students who are failing classes and/or require additional supports are being prioritized for in-person academic help.

• Meals for remote learners are available. For information and to request meals, click here. There is no cost for this service.

Sincerely,

Geoff Zini

Principal

(subject to change)

The Blue Hills Booster Club can be found on facebook for general information. You can find more detailed information through the school website by clicking on the Student/Parents tab then click on the Booster Club.

The Booster Club meets via zoom on the 4th Wednesday of each month. The calendar will provide information on store hours, meeting notes, times, and link to zoom, and upcoming events. If you should have any further questions or concerns please email us at bluehillsboosters@gmail.com.

Upcoming Event: Friday February 12th at 7pm: "The love of Boosters Basket Raffles"

(See below! More information can be found on the Boosters Facebook page or the school website.)

Reminder:

Massachusetts has called off the flu shot requirement for this academic year, but it is still recommended that students receive a flu shot.

Flu Requirements (Available in English and Multiple Languages)

Please send your records of physical exams to Nurse Gainey.

COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDELINES

*DAILY SYMPTOM CHECK

*MASK

*HANDWASHING

*PHYSICAL DISTANCING

EXPOSURE TO THE VIRUS CAN HAPPEN

What you do next will help control the spread of the infection:

TESTING, TRACING, ISOLATION, COMMUNICATION

• If you are sick with COVID-19 symptoms please stay home and get tested.
• If someone in your home tests positive you must quarantine for 14 days and get tested in 5-7 days or sooner if you become symptomatic.
• If you are informed that you are a close contact (within less than or equal to 6 feet for 10 to 15 minutes over 24 hours with or without mask or if someone coughed or sneezed directly in your unmasked face) you MUST quarantine for 14 days and get tested in 5-7 days or sooner if symptomatic.
• If a family member is identified as a close contact, and you are NOT symptomatic, you are expected to come to school. If that family member tested positive you would then be considered a close contact and be required to quarantine for 14 days and get tested in 5-7 days or sooner if you became symptomatic.
• If you return from out of state travel, you will be required to quarantine for fourteen days.
• Please notify the school jgainey@bluehills.org asap or call Mrs. Gainey RN @ 781-828-5800 X 2230 or Mrs. Pica @ X 2250 in Student Affairs if you are absent or to report a COVID-19 concern.

All students will receive free lunch and breakfast through the end of this school year.

Students that are learning at home are eligible for meal pickup - please click on the link below to place orders and learn more:

https://www.bluehills.org/students-and-parents/lunch-menu-and-remote-learner-meal-pickup

Remember - if you are not "in-person" on a given day, you are still REMOTE LEARNING. Anyone who is having technology issues should immediately reach out to the school by phone or email IT@bluehills.org.

Without question, figuring out which schedule you are following on a given day can be difficult when you are at home and your routine is thrown off. Here's a quick guide to help:

Vocational "Remote" Days - these all look the same! If you are on a vocational week and are remote, simply follow your shop's instructions for the synchronous meeting times (8:30 and 1:30, usually) and work independently or as needed during the day. Failure to attend both synchronous sessions will lead to the student being marked as "absent" and potentially receiving no credit for the day.

Academic "Remote" Days -

• "Blue Days" - Mostly on Mondays and Thursdays. Refer to the released schedule to make sure you have the right day. On these days, you'll meet "live" with periods 1-4. The rest of your day is extra help and independent work.
• "Green Days" - Mostly on Tuesdays and Fridays - Refer to the released schedule to make sure you have the right day. On these days, you'll meet "live" with periods 5-8. The rest of your day is extra help and independent work.
• "Wednesdays" - On Wednesdays, follow the Wednesday schedule! You'll meet with all of your academic classes throughout the day. HINT: We may occassionally use this schedule on other days, or schedule Wednesday to be in-person.

For both vocational and academic "remote" days: Please remember that school runs from 7:48 to 2:20. At any time in this period of time, you can be asked to meet with a teacher, attend a session, or do extra help/support activities. If class begins at 8:30 or 9:00, you may very well have things to do and prepare for prior to the start time. Be diligent in checking your email and google classroom. Getting an education is your "job" right now, and is the best investment you can make at this stage of life!

Blue Hills Regional Technical School’s mission is to continue its history of academic achievement, technical training and character development through a curriculum which emphasizes the integration of cutting-edge technical programs and challenging academic courses, enabling its students to become competent, caring and productive people in a diverse and changing world.

Website: www.bluehills.org
Location: 800 Randolph Street, Canton, MA, USA
Phone: 781 828 5800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blue-Hills-Regional-Technical-School-549020528796565/
Twitter: @bhrtech