November brings the conclusion of the first quarter of academics at Barnstable High School. Fall sports come to a conclusion and we anticipate the winter season. Theater students are rocking the stage with “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” this weekend. Our Facilities Department is bracing for inclement weather and parent/guardian-teacher conferences will soon be here in early December. Students and staff alike are looking forward to a long weekend next week with the Thanksgiving Holiday break.
This year is definitely feeling a bit more “normal”, as we bring back more in-person events. The musical and parent/guardian-teacher conferences are great examples. We have a number of BHS students planning to travel through our World Language department with trips planned to New York City/United Nations, France, and Italy. Additionally, we have students traveling for marine studies at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute this February.
Last month, I updated the community with the District’s Improvement Goals for 2022-2023. Earlier this week, I shared my personal goals for the 2022-2023 school year. My student learning goal focuses on the growth of literacy skills across all grades, schools, and students in our district. My professional practice goal focuses on the implementation of my Entry Plan and gathering input on the strengths and opportunities of Barnstable Public Schools as we work towards long term strategic goals.
My student learning goal has been informed, in part, by the District’s MCAS scores, which were presented and discussed at the November 16, 2022 School Committee meeting. Barnstable’s data mirrors the trends seen across Massachusetts. Math scores began to rebound in 2022, with scores increasing over 2021. Literacy scores, however, experienced a decrease – both in Barnstable and across the state. This year, and in years to come, literacy will continue to be a focus for us.
Did you know? Barnstable High School has an approved emotional support dog named Dallas?
Emotional Support Dogs provide comfort and affection and can assist with depression, anxiety, trauma, and certain phobias. As these dogs are becoming more common in schools and police departments, the Barnstable School Committee recently adopted a policy about the presence of emotional support dogs in BPS schools. Individuals are not permitted to bring emotional support animals to school, but, as part of a program to enhance the learning environment and for instructional purposes, a principal may request approval.
We want to wish the Barnstable community a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. As Thanksgiving approaches, we share that the REDHAWKS Rolling Rally will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 from 12-2 PM with a parade in Hyannis, culminating with a pep rally on the Hyannis Village Green. This rally will support our fall sports teams and cheer on the Redhawks Football team in advance of the home Thanksgiving game on Thursday. We hope to see you there!
