March 26, 2020
Dear Conard Families,
Below is an email that I sent to all Conard students earlier today. There is a lot of general information that I believe may be helpful for you as well. My goal will be to send an email every Thursday with relevant information in a quick and easy to read format. Email will continue to be our primary method of communication with families and students. Please help me ensure that everyone is receiving and reading what is sent from the District Office and Conard. If you hear from others that they have not received our email messages, please ask them to log in to PowerSchool and ensure that we have their correct email address. They may also call the Conard main office number at (860) 231-5000 and leave a message. Someone will get back to them.
In addition, I will be hosting a Principal's Coffee (Parent/ Principal Forum) every Wednesday (through Google Meet).
If you do not have access to Google Meet, you can also call the number below and be part of the meetings.
The purpose of this forum is to provide parents/guardians with an opportunity to ask questions, express concerns, or just say hello and keep connected with one another. As always, you can set up an individual meeting with any of our administrators (phone, email, video conferencing) to discuss specific issues
.
Wednesdays, 9:30 - 10:00 am
meet.google.com/dsc-iiwj-qoe
Join by phone
+1 657-464-5060 PIN: 523 820 731#
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Dear Conard Students,
Since we don't get the opportunity to come together for a few minutes every day for morning announcements, I will email you every Thursday to keep you updated on relevant information.
School/Office Closures
Governor Lamont recently announced that the school closings would remain until at least April 20. So, we will continue with implementing our online learning plan. Here is the link to that plan:
WHPS Online Learning Plan
Office Hours and Expectations
This "new" way of learning is going to be here for a while, so I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to own your learning. I want to help clarify expectations of Classroom Office Hours. The bottom line is that although they are not mandatory, you should be participating in these sessions unless a family priority takes precedence. I understand you may not have any questions about the week's assignments, but checking in with your teacher and participating in group discussions will be beneficial for any student. Simply put, if it's a decision between sleeping in, watching Netflix, or playing games, as opposed to being in your Classroom Hours, you should be in your classroom office hours. If you need to help your family with the care of your siblings, perform essential tasks around the house, or you have other family obligations, then we understand you may not be able to be in every session. However, we encourage you to create a time to reach out to your teachers.
Access to Technology
We continue to distribute Chromebooks to students who need them. If you are having technology issues, please use this site to assist you with troubleshooting:
Technology Trouble-shooting
. If you still need a Chromebook please email me (
Julio_Duarte@whps.org
).
If you have not started following @ConardCHS on Twitter and Instagram, I would encourage you to do so. In the coming days, we will continue our virtual Spirit Week. Based on the report I received from teachers, some of you crushed "PJ" day! Please send Ms. Barry your suggestions for other Spirit Day Ideas (
Marisa_Barry@whps.org
).
WHPS "Grab & Go" Meals and Community Food Programs
You may be thinking about what WHPS children will do for meals while school is out. The good news is that the U.S. Department of Agriculture partners in local communities to serve free bagged meals. It’s food that’s in, while school is out. There are no income requirements, and any student of the West Hartford Public Schools (WHPS) may enjoy a bagged breakfast and/or lunch. Click the hyperlink for information about
WHPS Nutrition Services’ “Grab and Go” pick-up meal service
and community food programs.
Standardized Testing
All school-based standardized tests have been waived for this school year. This means that juniors will not be taking the school day CT SAT or the NGSS (Science) assessment. The CSDE is aware that many students use the no cost CT SAT for college application/placement. It is currently working with the College Board to offer interested Grade 11 students the opportunity to take the SAT during a weekend administration at no cost. More details will be shared with schools as they develop In addition, College Board has canceled March and May weekend SAT's. Students will receive refunds for any registrations on these dates. The June administration has not yet been canceled.
College Credit Courses
Advanced Placement Exams:
For the 2019–20 exam administration only, students can take a 45-minute online free-response exam at home. More information can be found at
AP Central
. In addition, to support from our own CHS teachers, the College Board is providing free AP Review Classes via the AP YouTube channel. More information can be found at
Free AP Review Classes
. I would strongly encourage you to participate in these sessions.
UConn/ECE:
UConn is planning to allow ECE students to continue coursework for college credit. That plan should be finalized in the coming weeks.
PPT and 504 Meeting Status
All PPT and 504 meetings are currently on hold until we receive more specific direction from the state. If you have concerns or questions about your plan, please reach out directly to your case manager (IEP) or school counselor (504 Plan).
Message from Assistant Superintendent Dr. Morrow:
As we all work together to stop the spread of COVID-19, I want to remind you and your families that all group activities are prohibited on Town properties, and this includes our schools. The tracks and fields are being left open for individuals, but please maintain at least 6 feet of separation and do not share any equipment including sticks, balls, etc. Playgrounds have also been posted as closed to slow the spread of the virus through contact. Thank you all for your support and I know that together our community will stay strong.
Please be safe and I will “see” you soon,
Julio Duarte
Principal
Conard High School
