April 7, 2020 Principals’ Letter

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 7, 2020

Good Morning GNBVT families,

We want to continue keeping you updated regarding school activities during the school closure due to coronavirus pandemic. First and foremost, we hope you are all staying safe and continuing to be practicing social distancing recommendations and other safety precautions widely reported to prevent the spread of this virus. This is the highest priority for all of us!

Last week we outlined the new remote learning plan for Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech consistent with the Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley’s recommended course of action. This plan was implemented yesterday with all students. Parents– please encourage your child to work on the daily learning objectives for their classes and contact teachers by email at any time during the school day with questions. Please remember that all staff have “office hours” from 2:00pm-3:00pm daily to assist students with any questions or concerns.

Secondly, students will be receiving credit/no credit on all assignments utilizing a district wide scoring rubric to assess student work in order to provide a Trimester 3 grade for each course. Each assignment should be no longer than one (1) hour in length and will focus on going “deeper” into a previously taught topic – not introducing a new learning topic. The only exception to this is the Trimester 3 courses and freshman vocational technical courses which were just getting underway at the time of the school closure. Students are reminded to check their school email daily and to utilize electronic devices appropriately to complete school assignments. A copy of the school schedule implemented this week is attached to this email.

Thirdly, spring sports have been delayed until at least May 4, 2020 consistent with the Governor Charlie Baker’s school closure directive. A decision by the MIAA on the spring season will be forthcoming if the school closure is extended. Information to spring athletes will be sent this week by Mr. Ryan Methia, Athletic Director.

Fourthly, due to the current Covid-19 healthcare crisis, families that have a change to their financial status have  the  ability  to  apply  for   assistance   (SNAP)   through   the   State   of   Massachusetts.   Please  visit https://dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov/ to apply for SNAP benefits or https://www.myschoolapps.com to complete the application for free or reduced pricing of school provided breakfast and lunches.

Finally, a couple quick notes for students/families in each class at GNBVT and a few final reminders to all students:

Seniors: Please note that the senior portfolio graduation requirement has been waived for this year. We recognize this healthcare pandemic has dramatically impacted the end of your formal education and high school experience. Please know that we recognize this; and continue to have conversations about the important components of the high school experience (prom, graduation, etc.) that lie in the months ahead. As with all other activities, we are currently following all recommendations by Governor Baker and the MA Department of Public Health. As information becomes available, we will share with each of you.

Juniors: You should have received an email to make course selections for your senior year at GNBVT. In coordination with guidance counselors, students will have the options of selecting elective courses during their senior year of high school. Please follow the instructions sheet disseminated with the email and please ask any questions you may have as you complete this form. As stated to the seniors, we will also provide information regarding the junior banquet as public health information is updated.

Sophomores: This is an important year in high school for MCAS and state assessments. At this point, we do not have any additional guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to share with you regarding this year’s assessments. As soon as information is shared with the schools, please know we will share that information with families and students.

Freshman: This has certainly been an unprecedented start to your high school journey. You have just begun your permanent shop placements. Your teachers are working to begin educating you in your chosen shop area during the remote learning days. We, and your teachers, understand this may be new to you. Please reach out and ask any questions you may have at any time.

As a reminder, there is no school this Friday, April 10, 2020. Trimester 2 grades are being finalized Tuesday, April 7, 2020 and will be available in the Aspen parent portal no later than Wednesday, April 15th.

Sincerely,

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

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

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