Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School
NEWSLETTER
January 2024
from the principal
Upcoming Events
- Drama Club Production 1/12-14
Happy New Year Old Colony Community: I hope this edition of the Newsletter finds you all safe and warm as we navigate through another New England winter. As I write this it looks like we will get our first significant snowfall over the weekend. We have a lot going on this winter at Old Colony. The Drama Club is gearing up for their production of Legally Blonde on January 12, 13 and 14. Please check the website for times. We are excited to announce the Frosty Runner Road Race will take place on January 27th. We are approaching 200 runners who have registered. Sports are also in full swing. Come and support our basketball, hockey and wrestling teams. Our Grade 9 students have finished their Exploratory and have submitted their preferences for the Vocational Program they would like to be a part of. We look forward to them starting their vocational education. Be Well, Mr. Parker -
- MLK Day- No School 1/15/24
Click for:
Academics
Athletics
Guidance
PTO
Vocational
Click for:
Corporate Sponsors
Holiday Fundraiser
The Drama Club is hard at work practicing for The Legally Blonde Musical! We are memorizing lines, blocking scenes, planning sets and costumes, and learning music to be ready for our show dates: January 12th @ 6:30pm, 13th@ 1pm and 6:30pm, and 14th at 1pm! Tickets may be purchased at the door. See you there!
Continued...
Academic News
Excellence Cabinet - Computer Science Saturday Session
Hard work breeds excellence and we want to recognize the following students and teachers who committed their time on a Saturday to attend the first ComputerScience Saturday Session of the year last month:
Halfway Through Trimester 2!
Happy New Year and welcome back! It’s the very start of a new year, but we are nearly halfway through trimester two. Mid trimester reports will be posted to the Schoolbrains community portal on January 12, 2024 so please contact Ms. Lestage at blestage@oldcolony.info if you do not have your login credentials.
Mr. Sean Riley - Computer Science Teacher Ms. Sue Soucy - Computer Science Teacher
Landen Ingerslev Trevor Furtado Naseem Sassin Anthony Sergio
Audrey PerkinsSean Plouffe William Kane Steven Barnes Mason Peets
CPR/First Aid Certification
Congratulations to all students in the graduating class of 2027 for completing their CPR/First Aid certification!
Grade 9 Math Acceleration Academy - February Vacation
We are pleased to announce that we have been selected as recipients of a competitive federal grant to host a workshop based math academy from February 20, 2024 - February 23, 2024. During the week, highly qualified teachers facilitate small student groups as they apply mathematical reasoning to solve real world problems. If you are the parent/guardian of a grade 9 student, please fill out the interest survey here. Space is limited.
Advanced Placement (AP) Updates As part of the AP experience we have partnered with Mass Insight for Education and our students get to attend two Saturday Sessions per year at no cost. The Saturday Study Session schedule for the remainder of 23-24 school year is:
-
ELA
- Session II: February 10, 2024 (virtual)
- Environmental Science
- Session II: April 27, 2024 @ Durfee High School
- Computer Science
- Session II: April 6, 2024 @ New Bedford High School
- Calculus & Precalculus
- Session I: Jan 27, 2024 (Virtual)
- Session II: Mar 2, 2023 @ New Bedford High School
Academic News
Game Night Our most recent game night was a success. Over (x number) of students joined Mr. Teixeira and Mr. Terrien to participate in an afternoon of table-top gaming and pizza provided by the PTO. All are welcome to the next game night on January 12, 2024 from 2:30pm- 5:00pm!
Extra Help After School Days All teachers are available either on Tuesday or Thursday of each week, so be sure to take advantage of this time. If you don’t remember your teacher’s late day, remember to ask, check the syllabus or Google Classroom. Cougar Connection Our Library is open every Monday - Thursday until 4:30. Be sure to stop in if you want to use any of the library resources, form study or homework groups with your classmates, or just need a place to get some work done before heading home, work, or practice. There will be teachers in the library all four days to answer your questions. Students who drive or can arrange for a ride home are welcome to stay until 4:30. We also have late buses Mon - Th that depart at 3:50. Late Bus We have late buses available Monday - Thursday every week, with the exception of half days or days where we don’t have school. Buses leave promptly at 3:50pm.
E-Sports Mr. Teixeira held the first E-Sports meeting and the group will be competing in Mario-Kart 8 Deluxe. The team is registered to compete in MIAA competitions later in the year. Contact Mr. Teixeira at zteixeira@oldcolony.info for information on the next meeting.
Guidance News
Continued...
Upcoming Events
Grade 9 Vocational-Technical Program Placement Information: Students will be assigned to their permanent vocational-technical program placement on Thursday, January 11th during the early evening. Students and families will receive an email after school hours notifying them that the student’s program assignment can be viewed in their SchoolBrains account. On Friday, January 12th, students will report to their assigned Vocational Program Related Class at 10:28 AM (during their normally scheduled Freshman Related Class) instead of attending their typically scheduled class. This session will give students the information and details for their first day in their programs. On Tuesday, January 16th, 9th-grade students will report directly to their assigned Vocational Program area. Guidance Counselors will rotate throughout the cycle to meet their permanent students. Please be aware that not all students will receive their first choice vocational-technical program. Should a student wish to transfer from their awarded program, the Vocational-Technical Program Transfer Request Form will be available in February. All students will be required to complete the first cycle in their awarded program before any transfers occur.
1/18/24: UMass Dartmouth On-Site Admissions (Grade 12)
1/22/24: Cougar Time: College Applications & Scholarships (Grade 12)
1/26/24: Cougar Time: Senior Scholarships (Grade 12)
Please note that some grade 9 students may have a change in guidance counselor depending on their vocational program placement: Kelly Hevey, khevey@oldcolony.info, x128: House & Mill Carpentry, Health Careers, Metal Fabrication & Joining Technology, Electrical. Caitlin Vandal, cvandal@oldcolony.info, x127: Automotive Technology, Business Technology, Computer Science, Cosmetology, Machine & Tool Daniel Wright, dwright@oldcolony.info, x129: Architecture & Engineering Technology, Culinary Arts, Electronics Engineering Technology, Graphic Communication & Design Follow the guidance department on Facebook - Old Colony Guidance Department - for all things happening in guidance!
December Highlights in the OC Counseling Department:
- BCC On-Site Admissions
College applications with seniors
- Writing letters of recommendation
- Signing Co-op paperwork for seniors
- On-going student support as needed
Guidance News
Continued...
Attention Senior Families - Important FAFSA Information: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is an application for federal student aid. You need to complete the FAFSA form to apply for federal student aid such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans. Completing and submitting the FAFSA form is free and it gives you access to federal student aid—the largest source of aid— to help you pay for college or career/trade school. In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid. Some private aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid. Students and families can and should create their FSA ID now. Your FSA ID will be your digital signature and used to open your FAFSA account. It will take 3-4 days to receive your FSA ID once you apply for it. FAFSA will be available for the 2024-25 academic year in January.
SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS
All seniors should be applying for scholarships. Updated scholarship information can be found on the Old Colony website under “Guidance”. Visit this link for quick access to current scholarship information: Scholarship Link SouthCoast Community Foundation Scholarship Program: The SouthCoast Community Foundation offers a variety of scholarship awards to students throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. Most South Coast Community Foundation scholarships are available through the online scholarship portal. Visit this link for quick access to the SouthCoast Community Foundation Scholarship site: Southcoast Scholarships Link
Old Colony FAFSA Night at the Educational Opportunity Center: Completing the FAFSA form can be a confusing form to file, but it is an integral part of the college process. The OC guidance department will be holding our annual FAFSA Night at the Educational Opportunity Center on Tuesday, February 27th, 2024. Members from the EOC will work one-on-one with families to complete the FAFSA form. FAFSA Sign Up Form The Educational Opportunity Center is located in the north end of New Bedford: 10 Welby Road
New Bedford, MA 02745
UMass Dartmouth On-Site Admissions:
On Thursday, January 18th UMass Dartmouth admissions counselors will come to the Old Colony Guidance Department during the school day for on-site admissions with seniors. This is an opportunity for students to meet with a UMass Dartmouth admissions counselor, complete their application, and receive a decision regarding acceptance on the spot. If students have interest in UMass Dartmouth, we would highly recommend they sign up. Students will be assigned individual appointment times. Passes will be distributed shortly before the date. Seniors can sign up using the following link:
Guidance News
Wareham New Bedford Elks Lodge Student of the Month: Junior Alec Arsenault of the Machine & Tool vocational program was identified as the Wareham New Bedford Elks Lodge Student of the Month for January. Congratulations, Alec!
SAT Information:
2024 Digital SAT
SAT Test Date: March 9, 2024 (Location of your choosing)
Register by February 23, 2024
Late Registration Deadline: February 27, 2024
Visit Collegeboard.org for more information/registration
PTO NEWS
Vocational News
Continued...
SKILLS USA HIGHLIGHTS & NEWS:
Cooperative Education Program:
We would like to congratulate the following students for their participation in our Cooperative Education Program:
- Deagan Arruda - LVO Fine Home Building
- Brady Baldwin - Town of Acushnet
- Jonathan Buker - 110 Grill Fall River
- Madison Burnham - M&S Automotive
- Olivia DeSousa - Mahoney's Building Supply
- Shaelyn Loranger - Harlow's Hair Design
- Ella Lygren - Gloria & Company
- Mia Mendes - 110 Grille Plymouth
- Kylee Mendoza - Daniel & Company
- Camden Raposo - Town of Acushnet
- Joshua Ruzzano - NSR Metal Works Co, Inc.
- Marissa Watson - 110 Grill Plymouth
GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS & DESIGN:
The Graphic Communications & Design Department would like to congratulate Ashley Marcelino. The Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA) named Ashley the winner of its first-ever logo contest for its annual Connecting for Success (CFS) conference held each June. (CLICK FOR PRESS RELEASE)
HEALTH CAREERS:
The 11th-grade Health Careers Students completed their clinical training and will be preparing for their CNA test in February.
Thank you to our industry partners for their support of our Cooperative Education Program and for hiring our students to work at their place of employment.
We rely on our industry partners to support our mission of preparing and supporting students for the global demands of society and the workforce through rigorous vocational-technical experiences that foster responsible, productive citizens in our community.
Please see our website for more information:
Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors for donating towards our Holiday Fundraiser. We were abale to collect over $1,500.00 that will go to local families and students that need the extra help this time of year. Please take a moment to view the companies that were so kind to donate.
A & M Associates, LTD
Jan 2024
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Created on January 4, 2024
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Transcript
Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School
NEWSLETTER
January 2024
from the principal
Upcoming Events
Happy New Year Old Colony Community: I hope this edition of the Newsletter finds you all safe and warm as we navigate through another New England winter. As I write this it looks like we will get our first significant snowfall over the weekend. We have a lot going on this winter at Old Colony. The Drama Club is gearing up for their production of Legally Blonde on January 12, 13 and 14. Please check the website for times. We are excited to announce the Frosty Runner Road Race will take place on January 27th. We are approaching 200 runners who have registered. Sports are also in full swing. Come and support our basketball, hockey and wrestling teams. Our Grade 9 students have finished their Exploratory and have submitted their preferences for the Vocational Program they would like to be a part of. We look forward to them starting their vocational education. Be Well, Mr. Parker -
Click for:
Academics
Athletics
Guidance
PTO
Vocational
Click for:
Corporate Sponsors
Holiday Fundraiser
The Drama Club is hard at work practicing for The Legally Blonde Musical! We are memorizing lines, blocking scenes, planning sets and costumes, and learning music to be ready for our show dates: January 12th @ 6:30pm, 13th@ 1pm and 6:30pm, and 14th at 1pm! Tickets may be purchased at the door. See you there!
Continued...
Academic News
Excellence Cabinet - Computer Science Saturday Session Hard work breeds excellence and we want to recognize the following students and teachers who committed their time on a Saturday to attend the first ComputerScience Saturday Session of the year last month:
Halfway Through Trimester 2! Happy New Year and welcome back! It’s the very start of a new year, but we are nearly halfway through trimester two. Mid trimester reports will be posted to the Schoolbrains community portal on January 12, 2024 so please contact Ms. Lestage at blestage@oldcolony.info if you do not have your login credentials.
Mr. Sean Riley - Computer Science Teacher Ms. Sue Soucy - Computer Science Teacher
Landen Ingerslev Trevor Furtado Naseem Sassin Anthony Sergio
Audrey PerkinsSean Plouffe William Kane Steven Barnes Mason Peets
CPR/First Aid Certification Congratulations to all students in the graduating class of 2027 for completing their CPR/First Aid certification!
Grade 9 Math Acceleration Academy - February Vacation We are pleased to announce that we have been selected as recipients of a competitive federal grant to host a workshop based math academy from February 20, 2024 - February 23, 2024. During the week, highly qualified teachers facilitate small student groups as they apply mathematical reasoning to solve real world problems. If you are the parent/guardian of a grade 9 student, please fill out the interest survey here. Space is limited.
Advanced Placement (AP) Updates As part of the AP experience we have partnered with Mass Insight for Education and our students get to attend two Saturday Sessions per year at no cost. The Saturday Study Session schedule for the remainder of 23-24 school year is:
Academic News
Game Night Our most recent game night was a success. Over (x number) of students joined Mr. Teixeira and Mr. Terrien to participate in an afternoon of table-top gaming and pizza provided by the PTO. All are welcome to the next game night on January 12, 2024 from 2:30pm- 5:00pm!
Extra Help After School Days All teachers are available either on Tuesday or Thursday of each week, so be sure to take advantage of this time. If you don’t remember your teacher’s late day, remember to ask, check the syllabus or Google Classroom. Cougar Connection Our Library is open every Monday - Thursday until 4:30. Be sure to stop in if you want to use any of the library resources, form study or homework groups with your classmates, or just need a place to get some work done before heading home, work, or practice. There will be teachers in the library all four days to answer your questions. Students who drive or can arrange for a ride home are welcome to stay until 4:30. We also have late buses Mon - Th that depart at 3:50. Late Bus We have late buses available Monday - Thursday every week, with the exception of half days or days where we don’t have school. Buses leave promptly at 3:50pm.
E-Sports Mr. Teixeira held the first E-Sports meeting and the group will be competing in Mario-Kart 8 Deluxe. The team is registered to compete in MIAA competitions later in the year. Contact Mr. Teixeira at zteixeira@oldcolony.info for information on the next meeting.
Guidance News
Continued...
Upcoming Events
Grade 9 Vocational-Technical Program Placement Information: Students will be assigned to their permanent vocational-technical program placement on Thursday, January 11th during the early evening. Students and families will receive an email after school hours notifying them that the student’s program assignment can be viewed in their SchoolBrains account. On Friday, January 12th, students will report to their assigned Vocational Program Related Class at 10:28 AM (during their normally scheduled Freshman Related Class) instead of attending their typically scheduled class. This session will give students the information and details for their first day in their programs. On Tuesday, January 16th, 9th-grade students will report directly to their assigned Vocational Program area. Guidance Counselors will rotate throughout the cycle to meet their permanent students. Please be aware that not all students will receive their first choice vocational-technical program. Should a student wish to transfer from their awarded program, the Vocational-Technical Program Transfer Request Form will be available in February. All students will be required to complete the first cycle in their awarded program before any transfers occur.
1/18/24: UMass Dartmouth On-Site Admissions (Grade 12) 1/22/24: Cougar Time: College Applications & Scholarships (Grade 12) 1/26/24: Cougar Time: Senior Scholarships (Grade 12)
Please note that some grade 9 students may have a change in guidance counselor depending on their vocational program placement: Kelly Hevey, khevey@oldcolony.info, x128: House & Mill Carpentry, Health Careers, Metal Fabrication & Joining Technology, Electrical. Caitlin Vandal, cvandal@oldcolony.info, x127: Automotive Technology, Business Technology, Computer Science, Cosmetology, Machine & Tool Daniel Wright, dwright@oldcolony.info, x129: Architecture & Engineering Technology, Culinary Arts, Electronics Engineering Technology, Graphic Communication & Design Follow the guidance department on Facebook - Old Colony Guidance Department - for all things happening in guidance!
December Highlights in the OC Counseling Department:
Guidance News
Continued...
Attention Senior Families - Important FAFSA Information: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is an application for federal student aid. You need to complete the FAFSA form to apply for federal student aid such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans. Completing and submitting the FAFSA form is free and it gives you access to federal student aid—the largest source of aid— to help you pay for college or career/trade school. In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid. Some private aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid. Students and families can and should create their FSA ID now. Your FSA ID will be your digital signature and used to open your FAFSA account. It will take 3-4 days to receive your FSA ID once you apply for it. FAFSA will be available for the 2024-25 academic year in January.
SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS
All seniors should be applying for scholarships. Updated scholarship information can be found on the Old Colony website under “Guidance”. Visit this link for quick access to current scholarship information: Scholarship Link SouthCoast Community Foundation Scholarship Program: The SouthCoast Community Foundation offers a variety of scholarship awards to students throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. Most South Coast Community Foundation scholarships are available through the online scholarship portal. Visit this link for quick access to the SouthCoast Community Foundation Scholarship site: Southcoast Scholarships Link
Old Colony FAFSA Night at the Educational Opportunity Center: Completing the FAFSA form can be a confusing form to file, but it is an integral part of the college process. The OC guidance department will be holding our annual FAFSA Night at the Educational Opportunity Center on Tuesday, February 27th, 2024. Members from the EOC will work one-on-one with families to complete the FAFSA form. FAFSA Sign Up Form The Educational Opportunity Center is located in the north end of New Bedford: 10 Welby Road New Bedford, MA 02745
UMass Dartmouth On-Site Admissions: On Thursday, January 18th UMass Dartmouth admissions counselors will come to the Old Colony Guidance Department during the school day for on-site admissions with seniors. This is an opportunity for students to meet with a UMass Dartmouth admissions counselor, complete their application, and receive a decision regarding acceptance on the spot. If students have interest in UMass Dartmouth, we would highly recommend they sign up. Students will be assigned individual appointment times. Passes will be distributed shortly before the date. Seniors can sign up using the following link:
Guidance News
Wareham New Bedford Elks Lodge Student of the Month: Junior Alec Arsenault of the Machine & Tool vocational program was identified as the Wareham New Bedford Elks Lodge Student of the Month for January. Congratulations, Alec!
SAT Information: 2024 Digital SAT SAT Test Date: March 9, 2024 (Location of your choosing) Register by February 23, 2024 Late Registration Deadline: February 27, 2024 Visit Collegeboard.org for more information/registration
PTO NEWS
Vocational News
Continued...
SKILLS USA HIGHLIGHTS & NEWS:
Cooperative Education Program:
We would like to congratulate the following students for their participation in our Cooperative Education Program:
GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS & DESIGN:
The Graphic Communications & Design Department would like to congratulate Ashley Marcelino. The Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA) named Ashley the winner of its first-ever logo contest for its annual Connecting for Success (CFS) conference held each June. (CLICK FOR PRESS RELEASE)
HEALTH CAREERS:
The 11th-grade Health Careers Students completed their clinical training and will be preparing for their CNA test in February.
Thank you to our industry partners for their support of our Cooperative Education Program and for hiring our students to work at their place of employment. We rely on our industry partners to support our mission of preparing and supporting students for the global demands of society and the workforce through rigorous vocational-technical experiences that foster responsible, productive citizens in our community.
Please see our website for more information:
Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors for donating towards our Holiday Fundraiser. We were abale to collect over $1,500.00 that will go to local families and students that need the extra help this time of year. Please take a moment to view the companies that were so kind to donate.
A & M Associates, LTD