April 3, 2020 Letter to Parents

GREATER NEW BEDFORD REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL        

1121 Ashley Boulevard • New Bedford, MA • 02745-2496
Tel. 508-998-3321 •   Fax 508-995-7268 •  www.gnbvt.edu

Preparation • Passion • Perseverance

April 3, 2020

Greetings GNBVT families,

We hope you are all safely navigating through this coronavirus pandemic. We know that the next few weeks will be critical, so please continue practicing social distancing recommendations and all other safety precautions widely reported to prevent the spread of this virus. As you are aware, Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech will be closed until at least May 4, 2020.

Earlier this week, we outlined the new distance learning plan for Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech consistent with the Commissioner’s recommended course of action. We will fully implement this plan on Monday, April 6, 2020. Students should be reminded to adhere to their grade level course plan described below to complete their daily assignments. There are no scheduled course assignments for Friday as these days are being kept unscheduled to allow students additional time to complete their weekly course assignments. Teachers will be available every day to assist students during regularly scheduled school hours (7:30 am – 3:00pm).

Students will receive credit/no credit on all assignments beginning Monday, April 6, 2020 utilizing a district wide scoring rubric to assess student work in order to provide a Trimester 3 grade for each course. Teachers will be providing feedback on this work throughout the week to students and allowing them the opportunity to improve their work. Each assignment should be no longer than 1 hour in length and will focus on going “deeper” into a previously taught topic – not introducing a new learning topic. The only exception will be students enrolled in new Trimester 3 courses and freshman vocational technical courses which are just getting underway.

In addition to responding to all emails, all teachers will be available for ‘office hours’ from 2:00pm -3:00pm beginning April 6, 2020 and every Monday through Thursday throughout the closure to assist all students with any questions they may have regarding their assignments. Teachers will communicate with their students as to the most accessible format in which they will hold office hours for students.

Earlier this week we released the schedule for the next few weeks of school. Students should check their email daily on how to access their assignments. All assignments will be posted by Monday for the entire week by 7:30am.

The schedule, designed by grade, informs students which classes they should be working on for each school day as a means for providing structure during this time:

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Students can work on assignments posted for any of their classes. Students can improve any of their assignments from the week using feedback provided by teachers. This will give all students a chance to review/complete assignments and provide the opportunity for students to earn full credit. Teachers will be available during the workday by email. Please note that next Friday, April 10, 2020, is not a scheduled school day. Teachers will respond to any student questions during their next working day (if not sooner).

As a reminder, Trimester 2 grades will be finalized on Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 with report cards available electronically the following week. If you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s progress, please reach out to your guidance counselor for assistance.

Sincerely,

Michael P. Watson, Academic Principal
Robert J. Watt, CVTE Principal

To download the information click below on the appropriate button for the version with the language of your preference.  If your preferred language is not translated below, then please use the google translation option on the top, black navigation bar.

Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all students. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, homelessness, immigration status or veteran status in its education programs and activities, including admission to or employment in such programs or activities.

James L. O’Brien, Superintendent-Director

Michael P. Watson, Academic Principal • Robert J. Watt, Vocational Technical Principal