August 2019 Newsletter
Principal’s Letter
To Parents/Guardians:
Welcome to the 2019-20 school year. Please refer to the information below to assist you in planning for the beginning of the school year:
- PAW/homeroom assignments for all students will be posted on the Daniel Hand website, in the newspaper, and on channel 19 in the middle of August.
- Freshmen/new student orientation will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30 in the Dining and Assembly Hall. During this time, freshmen and new students will obtain their class schedules, receive an orientation that includes a tour of the building by upperclassmen, and have an opportunity to ask questions. During the tour, freshmen will visit the Library Media Center where they will receive their district-issued Chromebooks. At the same time the administration will be hosting a freshmen/new student parent/guardian orientation to share information and answer questions.
- The first day of school for all students will be Tuesday, September 3. All students will report to homeroom at 7:25 a.m. to receive their schedules, handbooks, forms to be signed and returned, and other miscellaneous information. After homeroom, students will follow an abbreviated class schedule that includes lunch. The cost of a full lunch ranges from $3.50-$5.50. Many a la carte menu items are always available.
- All freshmen and students new to Daniel Hand High School will receive, The Handbook for Students and Parents. They will also bring home a form called Affidavit of Responsibility. Please review the Handbook with your child, sign the Affidavit, and return it to school no later than Friday, September 6. The handbook contains pertinent information and is reviewed with all students in PAW groups during the first few days of school. For your convenience, The Handbook for Students and Parents is accessible on the DHHS website, as well as in the Main Office or Guidance Office.
- As returning members of the Class of 2022, students will be issued a Chromebook during the first few days of the new school year. Students and parents must read and sign the enclosed Student Chromebook Pledge and Network Use Agreement. Please plan to return these forms on the first day of school. Additionally, the annual, non-refundable, $35.00 maintenance fee should be paid via the electronic payment option within Infinite Campus. Important information regarding this initiative, including student and parent responsibilities, can be found on the district Website at: www.madison.k12.ct.us/chromebooks. Please note that Chromebooks will not be issued to students with outstanding obligations.
- Safety concerns and efficiency in traffic flow require parent/guardian pick-up and drop-off to be in the back of the west building (gymnasium) before and after school. Late arrivals (after 7:25 a.m.) or early dismissals (prior to 1:45 p.m.) will be in the front of the east building (main office). In an effort to alleviate traffic congestion in the mornings and afternoons, we ask that you encourage your children to take the bus.
- Student parking privileges will only be available to seniors. Information regarding parking procedures and parking applications will be provided on the first day of school. The cost of parking is $60. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
- In an effort to encourage home/school communications, conferences to discuss student progress will be ongoing and scheduled throughout the year at the request of parents/guardians, teachers, or students at a mutually agreed upon time. We encourage you to regularly review your child’s academic progress through Infinite Campus and view teacher websites with Finalsite.
- Throughout the school year, four DHHS newsletters will be published on the website. These newsletters contain positive news, helpful reminders, notes from our health office, and other various updates. We also encourage you to regularly visit our school website, www.danielhand.org. Notices such as weather-related schedule changes or information of an important and immediate nature will be sent through e-Notify. Please be sure to sign up on our website if you have not already done so. We look forward to sharing the school year with our students and invite you to become an active part of our school community.
Sincerely,
Anthony R, Salutari, Jr.
Principal
Daniel Hand High School’s Core Values and Beliefs
Our primary purpose is to graduate successful life-long learners who are responsible citizens in the global community. Daniel Hand High School students, in collaboration with educators, parents, and the Madison community, will develop as motivated, self-reliant, creative, and ethical individuals who respect differences in others.
Core Values and Beliefs Statement:
The Daniel Hand High School community believes that the mission of our school is to support all students by providing them with challenging educational opportunities which will prepare them to be globally aware citizens of the 21st century. To succeed in this mission, we recognize that our students must demonstrate competence in oral and written communications; understand effective and responsible use of technology; and develop critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity. In addition, it is critical that our students respect and contribute to the diverse, multicultural community and international community in which they live.
Attendance:
If your child is absent, tardy or has an early dismissal, please either e-mail attendance wohlgemuthc@madison.k12.ct.us or call the attendance phone number, 203-245-6355 and leave a message. Please be sure to include your child’s name, your name, and reason.
Visitors:
All visitors must sign in and sign out through the Main Office. Your visitor’s badge must be worn while in the building. Please return your badge when signing out.
Important Phone Numbers/e-mails:
Attendance: 203-245-6355 /wohlgemuthc@madison.k12.ct.us
Health Office: 203-245-6370 /konarskid@madison.k12.ct.us
Main Office: 203-245-6350
Guidance Office: 203-245-6360
Athletic Office: 203-245-6366
eNotify
New for the 2019-2020 school year, you will no longer subscribe to receive messages.
Messages will be sent to you based on the school your child attends, using the email address we have on file for you in our official student information system.
All parents are encouraged to download the Madison Public School District Smartphone app https://www.madison.k12.ct.us/district/communication
Online Payment
We are happy to announce that Daniel Hand High School will now accept online payments for school fees such as class dues, parking, event tickets and more!
- Login to your Infinite Campus account*
- Click on Fees in the left column
- Click the "Make Payment" button and follow the instructions on the screen.
* If you cannot remember your login information, parents, students and staff should use the “I forgot” link on the login page. If that doesn’t work, contact the school’s main office. New login information will be mailed to your home.
Important Dates
FRESHMAN ORIENTATION
Friday, August 30th
12:00 pm to 2:00 P.M.
Welcome Class of 2023!
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Tuesday, September 3rd
SPORTS NIGHT
Thursday, September 12th
6:15 PM
Dining and Assembly Hall
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
Thursday, September 12th
6:45P.M.
Dining and Assembly Hall
PICTURE DAY
Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors
Tuesday, September 17th
DHHS Gym
SENIOR PICNIC
Friday, September 13th
COLLEGE AND FINANCIAL PLANNING NIGHT
Thursday, September 26th
6:00 P.M.
Dining and Assembly Hall
SPORTS PICTURE DAY
Tuesday, October 8th
Picture Day ID: RI099026X0
COLLEGE /CAREER FAIR
Thursday, October 24th
6:00 P.M.
First Days of School
- Tuesday, September 3rd - All students report to Homeroom - full school day - special schedule.
- Wednesday, September 4th and Thursday, September 5th - Students report to periods 1 and 2 followed by PAW – full school day special schedule.
- Friday, September 6th - Students report to Period 1- regular schedule.
Bus Schedules and Bus Stops
Information regarding bus stops and schedules can be found on the district website
Parking
Both the Daniel Hand and Polson entrances can be use when arriving and leaving school. Parking on campus is only available for Seniors. Senior parking spots are designated by white lines and are available in both front and back parking lots. Senior parking registration forms will be distributed in PAW. All fines received during 18-19 along with any other obligations must be paid before registering to park on campus.
Student Drop off/Pick up
NO STUDENT DROP - OFF or PICK – UP IN FRONT CIRCLE, PARKING LOT OR UNDER BRIDGE AT THE START OR END OF SCHOOL DAY.
Before 7:25 am. All students are to be dropped off and picked up in back of the west building in front of the “Tiger Door”. Period 1 begins at 7:25 am. Students are expected to be in class at this time. All doors will lock at 7:25 am.
After 7:25 am: Students must enter through the Main Entrance. Ring buzzer to the left of the door and wait to hear the “CLICK”, then open door. Students arriving before 7:45 a.m. should report directly to class. After 7:45 a.m. check-in in the Main Office to obtain a pass to class.
DHHS Cafeteria
The Madison Public School district is committed to providing wholesome, nutritious meals that our students enjoy. We offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. The district values our relationships with local vendors such as: Cohen’s Bagels Company, Ashley’s Ice Cream, and fresh produce from farms located in Connecticut.
The DHHS cafeteria serves breakfast and lunch items, and is also open after school for snacks.
Lunch menus are posted on our website – just look for the button on the homepage, or find the link in the student and parent portals.
Parents can make payments, including outstanding balances from previous school year, and view their student’s transaction history online at www.mypaymentsplus.com
Health Office
Notice to Parents of 10th Grade Students
Connecticut State law requires each student in grade 10 to have a physical examination performed by a MD, APRN, DO, or PA. Tenth grade physical examinations are due before entry to the eleventh grade. Forms (State of CT, HAR-3, rev 7/2018 forms) are available in the DHHS Health Office & online.
In order to protect the health of all students & staff, we ask parents/guardians to keep their children home when they are ill.
Students must stay home from school if they:
- Have a fever over 100.4; recorded by a thermometer
- Have a severe cough
- Have an undiagnosed rash;
- Have vomited in the past 24 hours;
- Have more than one episode of diarrhea;
- Have copious yellow/green mucus discharge from nose;
- Complain of severe earache, with or without fever;
- Until treatment for conjunctivitis is initiated;
- Have an active infestation of head lice;
- Have a communicable illness.
And communicate with your child’s medical provider for advice.
SUNSCREEN (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2019) (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 10-212a of the general statutes, any student who is six years of age or older may possess and self-apply an over-the counter sunscreen product while in school prior to engaging in any outdoor activity, provided a written authorization signed by the student's parent or guardian is submitted to the school nurse.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Donna Konarski, RN or Mrs. Pat Drake, Health Paraprofessional II at 245-6370, DHHS Health Office.
Yearbook
Order your yearbook early to receive the following discounts:
- Order by September 20th to save $10.
- Order between September 21st and December 20th to save $5
Yearbook Ads for Seniors!
Save $20. Early bird pricing only available until November 15, 2019. Deadline to submit an ad is February 1, 2020 https// www.jostensadservice.com.
Questions? Contact Julie Johnson or Josh Young
Picture Day - Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed for picture day, Tuesday, September 17th. Volunteers must be available to help from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Volunteers will receive either a free or discounted package as a thank you from Life Touch. Underclassmen parent volunteers will be allowed to select any package on our underclassmen price list at no cost to them for helping. Senior parent volunteers, who help, will receive a 50% discount off any senior portrait package on our price list. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Peggy Keenan.
Athletics
Registration for Fall Sports is open. Students must have a current physical on file with the school nurse to be eligible to participate. Registration can be done online through the Athletics home page on the district website.
The fall season starts on Thursday, August 29th for most sports. Registration must be completed and approved no later than August 16th. A $25 late fee will automatically be applied to all registrations received after that date. Tryout information is also available on the website by team.
BE IN THE KNOW – Sign up for schedule changes by subscribing for email updates from the CIAC. Click on the link located on the Athletics home page.
ALL SPORTS PASSES are available for purchase online (through Family ID when you register) or through the Athletics Office. Passes are good for all home games for all seasons (excluding state tournaments and the Thanksgiving Day Football game). Students - $35, Family - $125, Individual - $60.
SCHOOL STORE – Get your Tiger apparel from the school store located in the Athletics office or online by clicking the School Spirit Wear tab located on the top of the Athletics home page. Merchandise will also be available during Back to School Night on September 12th.
LIVE STREAM GAMES – Games played at the Surf Club can now be live streamed via The High School Sports Network - NFHS. Subscribe on the Athletics home page.
Sports Equipment
The Athletics Barn will be open for your convenience to drop off your sport’s equipment prior to the start of school and will remain open during the day for parents to drop off equipment. Please do not bring sports equipment into the school.
Guidance
College and Financial Planning Night
The Guidance and School Counseling Department will host their College and Financial Planning Night on Thursday, September 26th, 6:00 PM in the Dining and Assembly Hall. All parents/guardians of are invited to hear from the Guidance and School Counseling Department to discuss the following; the senior class fall calendar dates, Naviance, Common Applications, Early Action/Early Decision, the College Application essay, scholarships, and more!
Starting at approximately 6:45 pm, Lewis DeLuca the Coordinator of Student Financial Literacy & Advising from Southern Connecticut State University will hold an informative presentation, ‘Paying for College’. Parents from all grades are invited to attend.
College Representative Visits
College admission representatives are scheduling appointments to meet with students and school counselors in the Career Center. These visits provide a wonderful opportunity for our juniors and seniors to meet in either a group or individual basis with a college representative. The students gain first-hand information regarding the colleges and the programs offered as well as visitation opportunities and the application process. Students may view a list of all upcoming scheduled visits and then register to attend these meetings on the “colleges” tab in Naviance.
College Fair
This year, the Guidance and School Counseling Department will be hosting their annual College Fair on October 24th from 6:00pm – 7:30pm in the school’s gymnasium. We expect over 100 college, career, technical and post-secondary representatives to meet with students and parents of all grades. Note: This will replace the April College Fair.
Upcoming/Fall Test dates (*DHHS is a designated testing location on these dates)
Date: Test: How to register:
August 24 SAT www.collegeboard.org
September 14 ACT www.act.org
October 5 SAT* www.collegeboard.org
October 19 PSAT* In Guidance Office, notices will be mailed and posted on-line.
October 26 ACT www.act.org
November 2 SAT* www.collegeboard.org
November 9 PreACT* In Guidance Office, notices will be mailed and posted on-line.
December 7 SAT* www.collegeboard.org
December 14 ACT www.act.org
Counselor Assignments 2019-2020 (with exceptions)
Counselor 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade
Coyle A – Ch A – C A – Da A – Cra
Curran Ci – Gl D – He De – He Cre – I
Judson Go – Ma Hi – Ma Hi – Lo J – Mee
Skarsten Mc – R Mc – Rote Lu – R Men – Ri
Heins S – Z Roth – Z S – Z Ro – Z
SAT Prep Class
A review course will be offered here once again this fall. The course will begin Monday, 9/23/2019 and end 10/8/2019. The classes are Monday – Thursdays, 2:10 p.m. – 3:10 p.m. and is limited to 30 students. Registration begins September 3rd and all interested students should register in the main office with a check made payable to DHHS for $150. For more information: millerr@madison.k12.ct.us
DHHS PTO
Greetings!
Studies show the more connected parents are to their teenagers’ lives, the less isolated the kids feel and the more successful they become as adults. A great way for you to be informed and involved in your child’s high school experience is by attending the monthly DHHS PTO meetings. Meetings are generally held the first Tuesday of the month at 8:00 a.m. (school calendar permitting) at DHHS. These meetings are a wonderful opportunity for an open forum discussion regarding curriculum, sports, and navigating through your child’s high school years. Most meetings feature a guest speaker from one of the DHHS departments.
Please support DHHS PTO by becoming a member today! Your $25.00 membership dues (a tax deductible contribution) support the purchase of school equipment, books, and core program enhancements. The PTO also supports the fall and spring Blood Drives, Staff Appreciation Breakfast, Art Receptions, College Fair, and special event programming such as professional speakers or school-wide assemblies.
DHHS PTO Meetings 2019-2020
All meetings begin at 8:00 a.m. and are held in the Library or Guidance Center depending upon room availability. Every effort is made to hold our meetings on the first Tuesday of each month.
Tuesday, October 1 Tuesday, February 4
Tuesday, November 5 Tuesday, March 3
Tuesday, December 3 Tuesday, April 7
Tuesday, January 7 Tuesday, May 3
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Please complete the information below and make checks payable to DHHS PTO.
Membership dues: $25.00 per family (a tax deductible contribution)
Your Name: ___________________________________________
Your Email: ___________________________________________
Return to the Main Office or mail to:
DHHS PTO
Attn: Treasurer
286 Green Hill Road
Madison, CT 06443
Corporate Matching: Company Name _____________________________________