TMHS Weekly Update
May 11 , 2020
While School is out...
Last week I delivered two certificates of excellence from the Merrimack Valley Superintendents Association to our Valedictorian, Victoria Schille and Salutatorian, Megan Cunningham. Below are pictures of the social distancing presentation!
Again, we want to thank you for all of your continued support and patience during this unprecedented time in our history.
Stay healthy and safe!
Victoria Schille receiving her MVC Certificate!
Megan Cunningham receiving her MVC Certificate!
Senior Celebrations
Here are a few reminders:
- Please continue to check for emails from the TMHS PAC and read their bulletins for information about how we are celebrating our seniors.
-Please remind your senior to check their school email for the link to the form that needs to completed by seniors for graduation. The link works with the seniors school email. Here is the link: https://forms.gle/kHbnYBnx511QeXPJ6
We have partnered with Jostens for the creation of our graduation ceremony. We have created our own personalized distribution of diplomas for our seniors. Here is the Josten's link:
Remote Learning Phase 3- New Content
In late March, Massachusetts Commissioner of Education Jeff Riley gave school districts the “green light” to begin Remote Learning on April 6th with a recommended Credit/No Credit (Pass/Fail) assessment model. On Tuesday, April 21st, Governor Baker subsequently extended school closures through the end of the school year. On Friday April 24th, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education sent districts key learning standards in ELA, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. As a result, teachers will be focusing on teaching new concepts, skills and content moving forward. Our teachers have identified the most important standards, skills and concepts that they believe students need to know and be able to do based on what they have not already taught this school year. There is no expectation that teachers will be teaching content in breadth and depth as they would if they were seeing students everyday in the classroom. With all that being said, our most important focus is the social emotional well being of our students at this time. We have created a schedule where assignments will be staggered throughout the week. We in no way want our students feeling overwhelmed.
Here is the link to the Remote Learning Schedule:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dgGDaC-18GCLjDH71bRNseXmKKYQtMvHSbsVvJjlUfE/edit?usp=sharing
Semester 2 Grading
Understanding that we will now be in a Remote Learning Environment through to the last day of school on June 15th, we have worked out the following grading plan:
Grade Semester 2 as Credit/No Credit:
1. Eliminate Quarter 4 & Final Exam for Semester 2 grading purpose
2. Semester 2 elective courses will be graded Pass/Fail(Credit/No Credit).
3. The Semester 2 Credit/No Credit Grade for spring 2020 will not be factored into calculating a student’s overall GPA.
Semester 2 (Q3-Q4) elective courses (2.5 credits)
Students’ final grade will be calculated based on two components:
Work completed prior to March 13, 2020
Work completed during the Remote Learning period
Students will receive credit for completing the work described above. Students who do not complete the Remote Learning activities, will most likely not receive credit.
4. GPA Calculations
For courses taken during the 2019-2020 school year, GPA calculations will be based on final grades for full-year and first-semester courses. Half-year (2.5 credit) courses taken during the second semester will not be factored into the GPA calculation.
Colleges and Universities are all aware that circumstances for this school year are unlike any other in our lifetime and are adapting their admission processes. Remember every school in the country and around the world has been impacted.
TMHS will note any changes on our academic profile so that all colleges will continue to know what a rigorous academic program we are continuing to provide.
The following have not changed:
Only Final year end grades appear on Transcripts and are shared with Colleges.
Only Quarter grades are used when calculating GPA.
Only final year end grades are used in determining: National Honor Society; High Honors; Honors; etc..
Semester 1 Grades are the last grades used to calculate Seniors’ GPA as it pertains to recognizing top performing students for recognition nationally, regionally and locally.
Utilizing a Credit/No Credit Grading Model for 2nd Semester accomplishes the following:
Complies with the Department of Education Commissioner Jeff Reilly’s recommendation for Remote Learning to be graded Credit/No Credit.
Stays consistent with Tewksbury Memorial High School’s awarding of a Semester Grade & accompanying credit towards graduation.
Is equitable and fair to all students.
Recognizes that ⅓ rd of 3rd Qtr. and all of 4th Qtr (12 ½ weeks of the 18 week 2nd Semester) will have been spent in a remote learning environment ( Credit/No Credit)
Creates a unified platform for grading where all students will be graded as Credit/No Credit.
Remote Learning and Aspen
Virtual Art Show K-12
Physical Education/Wellness Activities
Here is the link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_bJZ_Q1i4aifdMb14AcxgbT_uwWcIwuAhxrBigAq3Qk/edit?usp=sharing
District Remote Learning Plan
Here is the link to the TPS Remote Learning Plan.
https://sites.google.com/tewksbury.k12.ma.us/tps-remote-learning/home
Family Resources
AP Exams Information
Grab and Go Lunch
A Grab and Go Lunch plan has been established for all students in the district. Starting this week lunches will be distributed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
For Parents
Here is a good article with tips and suggestions to manage our children during remote learning.
