THIS WEEK AT CHS (DEC. 15-DEC. 19)

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Term 2 Progress Reports

Progress Reports will be emailed home to parents/guardian on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 2:00pm. The progress reports will simply prompt parents/guardians to check Edline for grade reports, but they also will alert parents/guardians of any failing grades or "in danger" of failing. 

Edline Progress Reports will be posted by teachers on Dec. 18. If you need help accessing Edline, please contact Doreen Shea at shead@cantonma.org

Communication is both essential and critical during the halfway point of a term. I have asked our teachers to keep lines of communication open with parents/guardians and students. I ask that you keep in contact with teachers and your sons/daughters as well. Communication and collaboration has a tremendous impact on student achievement.

BYOD -- Possible Devices

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) will be a major discussion point and initiative moving forward through the second half of the school year. BYOD is an approach that prompts students to bring in their own device to school, access the wireless internet, and integrate technology into their learning experience.

CHS is going to pilot BYOD in the 4th quarter of this school year, and then launch a full BYOD approach for the 2015-16 school year. It is our hope that every student has a device in front of them for the next school year.

BYOD requires great collaboration, protocols and learning between everyone in the school community. As we plan moving forward, many parents have asked me for advice on a device.

There are many options, but I would recommend this approach

1. Ask your child if he or she has a device in mind. They are very knowledgeable about technology.

2. Most students say they like having a keyboard...An ipad is good, but a cover with a keyboard is better.

3. Accessing Google drive and wireless are key elements. This is standard for most devices.

4. Be sure the device is durable. Remember -- it will be placed in a book bag daily.

5. Laptops are excellent, but they are probably the most expensive option. Students who currently have laptops love them. (I use a MacBook Pro.)

6. Students also love the Chromebooks that they use in library. They are a Samsung version...but there are other manufacturers of Chromebooks. Chromebooks are web-based and created by Google. The are affordable and excellent for the students.

7. You have seen the ads...There are many tablets that double as a laptop. They are another good option for students. 

8. Visit stores, online reviews and consumer reports to gather information to find the best fit.

9. The device does not need to have Microsoft Word, etc. There are many options for applications and documents...Many students endorse Google Docs.

10. Again, ask your son or daughter...and feel free to write an email if you have any questions.

Congrats to the CHS Robotics Team!

The Canton High School Robotics Team has reason to celebrate! The CHS RoboDogs notched their first-ever first-place finish -- first out of 10 teams -- at this past weekend's competition at Walpole High Schools. Additionally, Robotics Advisor Katie Healey proudly announced the team's partnership with Lockheed Martin. Thank you to Mr. Reese, Mr. Thomas, and Mr. Healey for all of their help with the team.

The December Bullying Prevention message

Bullying Prevention

What are the building blocks for developing caring and responsible young people? The Search Institute, at www.searchinstitute.org, has outlined 40 research-based assets as playing a potential role in healthy youth development.  Both internal and external assets have been identified and indicate that all levels of relationships - with peers, family, school, and the wider community – are significant in the positive development of young people.

External assets fall under the categories of personal support networks, opportunities for empowerment, clear boundaries and expectations, and engagement in activities that promote a constructive use of time.

Internal assets fall under the categories of feeling a commitment to learning, practicing positive values, responsible decision-making, and a positive self-identity.

By talking to your children about these relationships you can help them recognize the powerful assets of support that surround them.

More specific information on this topic can be found in Direct from the Field:

A Guide to Bullying Prevention on page 37.  This document and more can be accessed from the Canton Public School’s district webpage.

http://www.cantonma.org/pages/CantonPublicSchools/BullyPreventionIntervention

Class of 2016 Fundraiser - Mon, Dec. 15

If you are out shopping or celebrating the season, stop by the 99 Restaurant on Monday, Dec. 15, from 5-10 p.m., for Dining For a Cause. The fundraiser will benefit the CHS Class of 2016 -- 15% gets donated the class.

My son/daughter is struggling...We need help!

Term 1 report cards were emailed home and we are in the early weeks of Term 2. Report Cards can either be affirmation for hard work or a sensitive topic of struggle. At CHS, we preach the need to "work hard" and "always strive to be better."

If your son or daughter is struggling with academics, here is some advice:

1. Have your son or daughter meet with the teacher and stay after for extra help.
2. Designate a time to compete homework and studying.
3. Utilize the Afterschool Academic Center as a structured area to complete work and get support.
4. Contact Kelly Blake at blakek@cantonma.org to arrange for peer tutoring through National Honor Society.
5. Contact the guidance department for further advice.

AFTERSCHOOL ACADEMIC CENTER

The Afterschool Academic Center in the library is now up and running. The library is open from 1:44 to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and there are two teachers available for tutoring in the library. It's a great opportunity for extra help. Here is the schedule.

Mondays           Mr. Dybdal (Math)

                         Ms. Busa (Spanish)

Tuesdays           Ms. Hayes (Special Education)                        

                        Ms. Rousseau (Science)

Wednesdays      Ms. Iacobucci (English)

                        Mr. Murphy (English)

Thursdays        Ms. Aspell (Math)

                         Mr. Pfeifer (Special Education/History)

If students want to access the library for technology or a structured environment, that's fine as well. 

Late Bus

The Late Bus is available on Mondays and Thursdays. Students taking the late bus must report to the Rodman loop by 3:20 p.m. The Late Bus pick up is 3:25 p.m.

Canton High School December Breakfast Menu

We are pleased once again to offer a terrific breakfast to our students for only $1.50. A good breakfast is a great way to start the day. Give it a try...The options are outstanding! Available in the cafeteria from 6:45-7:10 a.m. Click on the link above to access the menu.

Canton High School December Lunch Menu

MONDAY, December 15

• Day 6
• CHS breakfast, 6:45-7:10 a.m.
• Afterschool Academic Center, 1:44-3:30 p.m.
• Late Bus, 3:25 p.m.
• No Monthly Parent Meeting (Next meeting: 1/12/15, 6 p.m.)

TUESDAY, December 16

• Day 7

• CHS breakfast, 6:45-7:10 a.m.
• Annual Canton Youth Smoking Survey
• Afterschool Academic Center, 1:44-3:30 p.m

• CHS Winter Concert, 7 p.m. 

WEDNESDAY, December 17

• Day 1
• CHS breakfast, 6:45-7:10 a.m.

• Afterschool Academic Center, 1:44-3:30 p.m.
• No CFED meeting. (Next meeting will be 1/21/14)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18

• Day 2
• CHS breakfast, 6:45-7:10 a.m.
• Afterschool Academic Center, 1:44-3:30 p.m.
• School Committee, 7 p.m. in the DLL

FRIDAY, December 5

• Day 3
• CHS breakfast, 6:45-7:10 a.m.