April 17, 2020 Message from the DHHS Principal Good afternoon Daniel Hand High School students and parents/guardians,
At this point, I hope the transition to online/distance learning is improving or continuing to go smoothly. See below for a few updates and reminders that I would like you to review prior the start of next week.
Updates and Reminders: 1. Some students have reported that they are inundated with electronic messages in this new learning experience. Click on the tab below to learn how to turn off these Google Classroom notifications. If you have not done so, I recommend that students download the Google Classroom mobile application. 2. As an ongoing reminder, appropriate online student behavior is expected at all times. This includes appropriate online screen names as well as appropriate communication while engaging with teachers and peers while working in the online arena.
3. The Board of Education confirmed the following calendar information this week:
4. A good percentage of parents/guardians responded to last week's survey about the online/distance learning experience for their children. The results of the survey have been shared with all DHHS teachers and will be considered when creating future teaching and learning opportunities in this virtual world.
5. Students, be on the lookout next week for an email as I plan to seek your input in a survey so you have an opportunity to share your thoughts regarding online/distance learning. The results of this survey will be shared with all DHHS teachers.
6. The topic of grading during online/distance learning has gotten a great deal of attention over the past few weeks at all levels but especially at the high school and college/university levels. Dr. Miguel A. Cardona, Commissioner of Education sent a memo to Connecticut Superintendents on April 7, 2020. One of the focal points of this memo was on grading during online/distance learning. As a district, we are working on a final decision regarding grading practices during this unprecedented time. Once a decision is finalized, a detailed communication will be sent electronically to the entire school community.
7. As most are aware, Governor Lamont recently shared that changes in current restrictions and the possibility of reopening some or all of Connecticut will not be reconsidered until May 20th. I anticipate that we will be able to finalize some decisions regarding end of school year events soon after the May 20th status update from our Governor.
8. If you have any questions for the high school administration, please send an email to initiate a conversation. As you know, support staff members, including guidance counselors, social workers, and school psychologists are readily available to support students and/or families in need.
9. Typically, many students purchase yearbooks when the publication arrives in June. However, due to our current circumstances and the limited number of available yearbooks, it is best to order now. If you would like a 2020 yearbook, please order online here. Feel free to contact Mr. Young or Ms. Johnson with any yearbook questions. For members of the Class of 2020, if you need financial assistance with the purchase of a yearbook, please contact Mr. Salutari directly. Our goal is that every senior receive a yearbook.
I can only imagine how the closure of school including the cancellation of co-curricular events/activities has impacted on our entire school community. I feel especially disappointed for the Class of 2020 and their families. I am hopeful that we return to normalcy prior to June 18, 2020 but I am not sure that this will be a reality. With that being said, I ask that all current seniors start brainstorming possible graduation options that we can consider if school remains in the virtual world for the remainder of this school year. I plan to reach out to the Class of 2020 soon after May 20th to seek suggestions for ways we can hold some form of graduation that will create a meaningful and memorable experience for all members of the Class of 2020, their families, and our school community. Please keep in mind that any suggestion must honor federal, state, and local guidelines, including guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
I urge you to continue to follow the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention while making responsible and healthy decisions. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.
Have a great weekend and stay healthy,
Mr. Salutari
Daniel Hand High School 286 Green Hill Road • Madison, CT 06443 • (203) 245-6350 |