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Principal's Update - February 10th 2023

Dear Shawsheen Students, Parents/Guardians, and Colleagues,

 

Happy SkillsUSA Week! At Shawsheen, we value the work ethic, skill, and dedication demonstrated by our students who participate in SkillsUSA. In honor of SkillsUSA week, I'd like to share some details about the program from the SkillsUSA team at Shawsheen: 

  • SkillsUSA provides quality educational experiences for students in teamwork, citizenship, and character development.  It builds self-confidence, positive work attitudes, and communications skills.
  • Did you know SkillsUSA has more than 370,000 members nationwide and is respected by higher education and employers when they view it on your resume or in your job portfolio?  SkillsUSA helps every student excel.  
  • SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.  They provide leadership and employability skills. 
  • If you want to learn more about how SkillsUSA can help you, please talk to your shop’s SkillsUSA advisor.  If you are interested in joining Shawsheen’s Chapter Leadership Team, meetings are every Wednesday from 2:15 – 3:00 in room 601 in the Life Science Wing.  Everyone is welcome.

You can also learn more about SkillsUSA by visiting the following websites:

 

Families with MassHealth Need to Renew Coverage

The following message is from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education:

Families with MassHealth need to renew their coverage this year in order to maintain coverage. Coverage protections put in place during the pandemic will end soon, and MassHealth will return to standard annual eligibility renewal processes. Please help inform MassHealth families that they need to take the following steps:

  • Update contact information – make sure MassHealth has their most up-to-date address, phone number, and email so that they do not miss important information and notices about what else is needed.
  • Report household changes to make sure MassHealth knows about any changes in their household, like a new job, address, changes to income, disability status, or pregnancy.

More information is available on the MassHealth’s Redetermination website.

 

 

Extra COVID Food Funds for Families Ending March 2

The following message is from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education:  

Recent action by the federal government will end the extra COVID Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits created during the pandemic to help individuals and families buy food. Massachusetts households will receive their last extra COVID SNAP payment on March 2. The Department of Transitional Assistance has launched a new website, Mass.gov/ExtraCOVIDSNAP, to help residents plan for the end of these temporary federal benefits. Over the next several months, individuals and families should examine any optional expenses that may increase their normal SNAP benefits.

 

Reminder: Free MCAS Test Preparation Programs 

The following message was sent to parents/guardians of Shawsheen Sophomores on 1/9/23 by Ms. Danica Johnston, Director of Academic Programs:

Shawsheen is offering two free English Language Arts MCAS Workshops. Information on the dates, times, and registration can be found below. Attached to this email [see below] you will find additional information about both workshops. Please register soon as space is limited. 

ELA MCAS

 

Reminder: 2023 Spring Sports Registration is Open - Spring Sports: Baseball, Softball, Boys Lacrosse, Girls Lacrosse, Tennis and Track/Field

The following information is from the Shawsheen Athletics Department:

  • Tryouts begin on Monday, March 20.
  • Sport Specific Tryout Information will be posted at a later date.
  • All Student-Athletes interested in playing a Spring sport; MUST register through FamilyID (Click Here to Register) by Friday, 3/17/23. All student-athletes must have a current physical uploaded to their FamilyID account. 
  • Student-Athletes MUST also complete the following two Concussion Protocols: NFHS Concussion in Sports Course (you do not need to turn in the certificate of completion) and ImPACT Baseline Concussion Test (The ImPACT test must be completed by all NEW (9th graders & transfers) as well as RETURNING 11th graders and those student-athletes who are new or have not previously taken it) prior to tryouts.
  • If you completed these two concussion items during the Fall/Winter season; you do not need to take them again. Any questions regarding the concussion protocols; please email our Athletic Trainer, Conner Holland
  • If you have any questions/issues setting up a FamilyID account - Click Here for FamilyID Registration Information
  • If you have any additional questions, please contact the Athletic Office at jlee@shawtech.org
  • Please follow Shawsheen Athletics on Twitter or visit our website: ST Athletics

 

 

Reminder: Substance Use Awareness Night - Monday, March 13, 2023

The following message was originally shared in the January 20, 2023 Principal's Update:

In November, I wrote to the Shawsheen community about vaping concerns at Shawsheen Tech. In that message, I shared that we were planning a Substance Use Awareness night for later in the school year to provide additional information and resources to families. In partnership with the Billerica Substance Abuse Prevention Committee, Shawsheen Tech will be hosting a Substance Use Awareness Night for Shawsheen families, staff, students, and community members on Monday, March 13, 2023 from 5:30pm-8pm. To learn more about that evening, please view the flyer and links below.

Click the following link for a PDF version of the flyer below: Substance Use Awareness Night Flyer

suanf

 

Best,

Jessica Cook

(she/her/hers)

Principal

 

Quick Links:

 

Reminders:

  • February 20-24: February Break - NO SCHOOL
  • Wednesday, March 8: School Council Meeting at 2:30pm 
  • Monday, March 13: Substance Use Awareness Night, 5:30pm - 8pm
  • Friday, March 17, 2023: Deadline to Register for Spring Sports - Click Here to Register