Principal's Message - 10/1/23

Indigenous Peoples Day/Columbus Day-No School

Indigenous Peoples Day/Columbus Day-No School

October 1, 2023

 

Good evening,

 

We have just completed our first month of school and are well underway with a robust athletic and extracurricular calendar.  There is something for everyone whether a spectator or participant. 

 

Academically we are mid-1st quarter.  The past weeks have allowed FLEX Block opportunities to be teacher and student selections only and will continue so for this week ahead.  At this point students should have a strong understanding of their course expectations and work requirements as well as how FLEX can be used to support work completion and academic success.  Students should be developing a weekly plan of FLEX to positively and successfully support their academic and learning needs.  Enrichment options will be added for FLEX block starting the week of 10/9.

 

We have been pleased with our students' response to daily attendance and being in school on time.  We understand the many challenges that people face each morning and appreciate your efforts and commitment.  We are also pleased with our students’ response to our no cell phone use during class time.  There is a noticeable improvement in the learning environment during class time; thank you.

 

Here’s to all of you and a good week ahead! Go Spartans!

 

Best,

Mr. Lombardi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Communication

Daily Bulletin

        10/2/2023

        9/29/2023

        9/28/2023

        9/27/2023

        9/26/2023

        9/25/2023

 

Student Handbook

        2023-2024 Handbook HERE

 

Program of Studies

        2023 -2024 Program of Studies

 

Daily Schedule

        Daily Schedule with Lunch Assignments HERE

 

SHS Calendar

        SHS School Year Calendar HERE

 

District Calendar

        SPS 2023 - 2024 Calendar HERE

 

Parking and Traffic Route Map

        Driving routes / parking Map HERE

 

Social Media Links

        Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/shs.principal.184

        Instagram:  bluespartanshs

        Current Club / Organizations HERE

 

2023 - 2024 SHS Club and Student Organizations

        TBD

 

 

Save the date

        Monday, October 9:  No School; Indigenous Peoples Day

        Friday, October 13:  Picture Day

        Saturday, October 14; PSAT’s @ SHS

        Tuesday, November 21: Picture Retake Day

 

 

Students / All grades / Voices of Democracy Essay Contest

Enter to win a scholarship through the Voices of Democracy essay contest.

        This year's theme is: What are the greatest attributes of our democracy?

         The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship and there are state and local winners as well.

See the attached flyer HERE for more information

        Submit your application, audio recording, and written essay by 10/23/23 to either your history teacher or Mrs. Henderson.

 

 

Advanced Placement Tests / Students and Parents

Attention all students who are enrolled in an Advanced Placement (AP) level course this 2023 - 2024 school year.  The May AP Tests for all AP courses are required for those students enrolled in an AP course.   Please see below for important information and dates regarding AP exams including decision dates, registration details and fees.  Also included is a FAQ for parents / caregivers.

 

        AP Test Info  HERE

        Parent / Caregiver  FAQs HERE

 

 

SEO / Spartan Enrichment Organization Monthly Meeting

Spartan Enrichment Meeting

       Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 6:30pm via Zoom

 

Please join the Spartan Enrichment Organization (SEO) on Wednesday, October 11th at 6:30pm via Zoom! 

        Come learn more about how SEO supports the SHS community and how you can help. 

        At this month’s meeting, Principal Lombardi will share a brief SHS update and answer questions you may have.

Zoom Meeting Link: https://suffolk.zoom.us/j/91212592591

 

SEO meets 4-5 times a year and as needed between meetings. 

We could use help drafting the SEO Newsletter, sharing information on social media, and with fundraising. 

 

We currently have 2 board openings. Please email us if interested

 

As always, feel free to email the SEO with any questions or concerns at spartanenrichmentorg@gmail.com!

 

 

Attention Juniors; 2024 College Fair

Juniors, mark your calendar for the annual Cooperative College Fair at Reading Memorial High School.  It’s a great way to explore opportunities and possibilities for post secondary planning.

 

        March 13, 2024 6:30-8:30 Cooperative College Fair @ Reading Memorial High School

 

 

Free Parent / Caregiver Webinar; Addressing School-Related Anxiety and School Avoidance

Addressing School-Related Anxiety and School Avoidance

        Wednesday, October 4, 2023 | 7:00 - 8:00 PM ET | Live Webinar | Free

        This virtual workshop is part of a free webinar series for parents and caregivers in our community

        School-related anxiety and school avoidance have both increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Join Cartwheel’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Juliana Chen and clinical psychologist Dr. Tai Katzenstein as we explore parenting strategies to support kids and teens with anxiety and decrease conflicts at home.  We’ll cover

        The signs of school-related anxiety in children

        Strategies for parenting and helping kids cope

        Q&A to address your parenting challenges and concerns

 

        Register HERE

.

 

 

Students Picture Day Information / Picture Day October 13

 

 

 

 

New Weekly SHS Building Progress Report

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F7BKZx6OeF9z3266tacXPNEBKP46uOxc/view?usp=sharing

 

 

SHS Driving and Student Parking

Here is a MAP of our Parking Lot and Traffic Routes as well as the posted signs you will see.  Key points of the Map and parking and traffic plan.

        Drop off and Pick up traffic travels the perimeter of the middle parking spaces to the designated lower lot Drop Off / Pick Up Areas.

        Three walkways  connect the Drop Off / Pick Up Area to the High School

        No Drop Off / Pick Up is permitted in the Upper Lot unless due to physical need

        Middle traffic aisle is for middle row parking only

        Drop Off / Pick Up Traffic should not drive up the  middle parking aisle

 

In addition to these  posted travel routes and signage, the  primary message for all student drivers and parent / caregiver drivers is to be aware, cautious and patient when driving on school grounds and to follow the posted signs for travel, parking  and student pick / up drop off.  Travel speed should be no more than 10 miles per hour.

 

 If you find yourself cutting across the parking lot, driving over 1o MPH or not following the posted routes then YOU, are “THAT PERSON,” who is being selfish and inconsiderate to the safety of others.  Safety, whether school based or in the parking lot, requires all of us;  how we drive on campus, in a tight and congested space, is part of establishing a safe environment.  Please do your part!  We thank you for your support and attention to this matter.

 

We have distributed all parking passes for those students who completed the 1st round of Parking Application process. Parking Applications for the 2nd Round started on  Tuesday, September, 5 and will remain open until remaining parking spaces are assigned.

 

 

Stoneham Public School Lunch Program

Just a few reminders from Lunch Program:

        All students will be getting FREE Breakfast & Lunch again this year (and hopefully forever).

        Breakfast can be served in the morning, as a snack (if a student forgets one), or take home to eat the next morning.

        We would love to see more students participating in Breakfast

 

        Any free/reduced family must fill out a NEW application every year

        This will need to be done by October 16th

        Or they will revert back to paid

        Although everyone is free, a new application is needed to receive other state benefits.

        How to apply HERE

        Applications HERE

 

        High School & Middle School Menu

 

 

Stoneham Public Schools Yearly Chromebook User Agreement and Protection Plan Information

Dear Parents/Guardians,

 

We hope this email finds you well. As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to ensure that all students have access to the necessary tools for a successful learning experience. In light of this, we are excited to provide Chromebooks to our students to facilitate their education both in the classroom and at home.

 

To ensure the responsible and effective use of these devices, we have developed a Chromebook User Agreement and optional Protection Plan.

 

This agreement outlines the guidelines for using the Chromebooks and the steps we are taking to protect these devices.

 

We kindly ask that you review and complete this agreement and discuss its contents with your student:

 

        **Chromebook User Agreement Highlights**

        Responsible and ethical use of the device for educational purposes.

        Handling and care guidelines to maintain the functionality and appearance of the Chromebook.

        Adherence to the school's responsible use policy and digital citizenship guidelines.

        Awareness of online safety, cybersecurity, and protecting personal information.

 

        **Protection Plan Benefits**

        We understand that accidents can happen, and that's why we are offering an optional Protection Plan for the Chromebooks.

        If the yearly Chromebook protection plan is purchased, the student is covered for damages to their Chromebook and charger. 

 

        **Next Steps**

        Review and complete the required 23-24 SPS Chromebook Agreement. The form can be accessed HERE

        Discuss the agreement with your student to ensure a clear understanding of the responsibilities and expectations.

        Consider enrolling in the optional Protection Plan to safeguard your student's device throughout the school year.

        Enrolling in the Protection Plan is easy.

        Simply visit UniPay and follow the instructions to sign up.

        The plan costs $20 per year per student and provides valuable peace of mind.

 

Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to a successful and productive school year together.

 

 

Class of 2024:  New Graduation Date

The date for the Class of 2024 Graduation Commencement has been moved back from Friday, June 7 to Friday, May 31.

 

This change in date reflects a review of the School Calendar and the realization that the late Graduation date of June 7 resulted in end of school year, 6/12, conflicts with a variety of Grade 9 - 11 educational activities from Biology MCAS and Final Exams to Award Nights and 8th Grade Step Up Day.  The current calendar also had Seniors in school more school days than required.  The new dates remove any conflicts and have an end of school date with required school days as previous graduating classes.

 

New Senior Dates:

        Seniors last day of classes:  Monday, 5/20

        Senior Final Exams:  Tuesday, 5/21 - Friday, 5/24

        Senior Prom: Tuesday, 5/28

        Senior Family Picnic: Thursday, 5/30

        Graduation: Friday, 5/31

 

Academic Awards and Scholarships: TBD