The Eagle | Issue Two | February 2021

THE EAGLE PLYMOUTH NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

41 OBERY• FEBRUARY 2021 • ISSUE 2

New Hybrid Learning Rules

All public schools across Massachusetts must implement a new hybrid learning structure for their students By: Caroline Richards

Established on December 18th, 2020, new learning regulations from Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education force Plymouth schools to search for new interactions in order to keep students connected with their teachers while at home.

Effective January 19th, all Massachusetts hybrid-learning school districts must provide their students with an average of 35 hours of “live instruction” over a 10-day school period through the hybrid model of learning. “Live instruction” means that students and to be interacting with teachers live either virtually or physically.

Since Plymouth Public Schools only incorporate an average of 34 hours of “live learning” in their hybrid schedule, administration and staff had to think quickly and incorporate more quality instruction hours into the curriculum for teachers and students to interact every school day.

Starting January 21st at the Elementary level, all students will receive an additional 15 minute “live” session on their two “Learn-fromHome” days. For the middle school level students, they are receiving an additional 20 minutes of “live learning” while they are at home, but the teachers will be teaching virtually during their duty period.

The high school students will be logging on during their usual class time for the first 20 minutes. Teachers plan to instruct a lesson for a short period of time. If teachers would like, they are allowed to instruct the kids virtually present for longer than the 20 minute allotted time.

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Chess Club Check out what the Chess Club has been up to and how they've adapted to COVID! Photo of members courtesy of Mr. Hales!

“It’s about having face to face time with trusted adults. The research is beginning to come out from places like John Hopkins and Mass General Hospital around the concern adults have for students' mental health and being able to have eyes on students every single day,” said Dr. Stacy Rogers, the Assistant Superintendent.

“Kids really look forward to interacting with trusted adults in their life and I feel like that's been a huge void during the pandemic. Just allowing kids the opportunity to connect with adults that are important to them to let them know they are supported.”

These new face to face requirements will help students navigate through their new-normal of at home learning and allow more assistance for students from teachers through this difficult time.

Although a seemingly difficult task, all Plymouth North teachers have begun adjusting to these new rules.

“It may cause some students to feel more motivated to do work on their ‘at-home learning days’ I think that is the idealistic hope, at least,” said English teacher Mrs. Elizabeth Hughes.

Students have begun preparing themselves for the new hybrid learning changes. Although some may be seeking more face to face time with their teachers, others may not be looking forward to the new changes.

“I know that it is necessary for the schedule to be in place, but a lot of kids are going to have to move around their work schedules or just daily habits. Kids have spent the last few months adapting to the new learning schedule, so these new rules will force them to learn another routine,” said Plymouth North Junior, Abby Andrade.“I also feel like it’s taking away from the kids that are physically in class by logging on. I know for me and many students, getting a little

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English Language Learners Read about how the district is adapting to increasing English Learner enrollment.

extra sleep really benefited them especially after sitting all day and going to sports or clubs”.

Other students plan to use the additional face-to-face time as a way to receive more help from teachers.

“I think hybrid will benefit me mostly because of the class time. I get to see my teachers either in person or on screen each day. This way, if I have any questions or concerns I can get a love response and view of my classroom even on the days I can’t be there. This will definitely give me more structure,” said Plymouth North Freshman Gabby Colorusso.

“On my off days it’s sometimes hard to stay motivated and complete my assignments. But now I will have to wake up and stick to a routine which will motivate me to get my work done. It’s very hard for teachers to

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always answer emails when they are flooded by so many students, other school emails, etc, and I understand that. So, they don’t always get back when I need help. Getting to ask them online on Google Meet will help all of us get that communication nearly face to face.”

In an unprecedented time, Plymouth North High School continues to navigate through challenges in order to create a meaningful structure while keeping the students and teachers safe. “It's a good mental break for kids to log on and see their friends and the kids miss each other,” said Rogers. “I think it's an opportunity for all the whole class to be together and I think the kids are missing out on that social piece and this is an opportunity for a little bit of that.”

Winter Sports Let's dive into some winter sports and how our athletes are breaking barriers and tides!

**This photo was taken before pre-covid, shared by Mary High

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College Acceptance Get a sneak peek on what's it's been like for our seniors going through the college process.

January 2021

Page 2

A Long Awaited Victory In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic the Plymouth North Chess team conquers the teachers in their annual match for the first time in over five years.

By Andrew Melville Every year the Plymouth North Chess team plays a match against some of the more skilled faculty members. For years the team has had issues winning this match until 2020 winning by the largest spread since the creation of the team in 2012.

Finally defeating their rivals for the first time in over five years.

On December 15th the Plymouth North chess team consisting of twenty six players of all skills gathered in the cafeteria for their annual match. Twelve players on the team individually faced off against twelve members of the staff including Mr. Hales and Mr. Buckley the creators of the club. The outcome of the matches was nine to three in the students favor.

This year with the pandemic, the

Each Win is allot 1 point and in ties each player earns 0.5 points for their team.

student-faculty chess match looked a little different., Covid-19 protocols involved “Students [keeping] face masks on, [staying] distant as much as they can, and [using] hand sanitizer. The boards and pieces get sprayed with lysol after each match,” said Mr. Hales is one of the founders and leaders of the club. Due to these protocols the match was held in the cafeteria instead of Mr. Hales’ classroom.

around 8 years ago, Mr. Hales and I got a club started here." Mr. Buckley and Mr. Hales both care about the chess club and see the benefits of the sport.

When they started the club they created the match with the teachers, “as a way for the faculty and students to interact. It has been great fun,” said Mr. Buckley.

As the seniors graduate and leave the team this year the teachers hope to win once again and take back the cup. However, “there are some pretty good juniors so I think they will be safe for a year” said Adam Capozzi when asked about the future of the competition.

If students are interested in

joining the chess club it meets on Tuesday and Wednesdays. The club is open to all and forms its ranking of games played at practice. In April there is an annual tournament for the entire school, and Mr. Hales invites all students to play.

"A way for the faculty and students to interact."

FINALS CANCELLATION COVID-19 and the hybrid school model have resulted in a cancellation of all Plymouth North course’s midterms and finals.

By: Christian Hohulin

The record of the matches since the club's creation.

This is the team’s first win since 2014, their last and only other win; pulling the overall score to 3 student points to 5 faculty points. This win is especially memorable because it is the largest winning margin the students have ever achieved, coming off the back of their largest loss on record. In 2019 the team lost ten to four.

The chess team is a club sport meaning that it isn't a part of the MIAA. The team plays in the prestigious South Eastern Massachusetts Chess League, which has been in existence for 50 years.

The Eagles did well in their first year in the league, coming in second and that can be attributed to North’s balanced team.

“Most players are somewhat skilled instead of having two or three highly skilled players while the rest hope to be as good,”. said Adam Capozzi, a senior who's been on the team for a number of years.

These matches have been occurring for years since the club's creation. Mr. Buckley said, “I started a chess club in Texas where I used to teach, for kids who wanted to learn the game. When I moved here

As Plymouth North approached the end of semester one on January 29th, the students usually began to gear up for the upcoming finals for half-year courses, but in a recent announcement it was concluded that finals would be canceled for this school year.

Prior to December 7th, Plymouth North principal Peter Parcellin and Plymouth South principal Patricia Fry met on numerous occasions to discuss canceling finals for this academic school year. With the cooperation and approval of superintendent Dr. Chris Campbell, assistant superintendent Dr. Stacey Rogers and the School Committee, this idea was made possible.

December 7th marked the day that the teachers at Plymouth North High School were informed that finals were going to be canceled this school year.

With finals usually carrying a weight of 10% of the overall grade this leaves an exponential grading gap to be closed.

To close the grading gap, each term now makes up 25% of the cumulative grade for full-year courses and each term makes up 50% for half-year courses.

With reduced in-person learning time this year due to the hybrid school model, teachers are left with the near-impossible task of selecting which fractions of the workload are most important and adapting their lesson plans accordingly, especially with each term grade weighing more on the overall. This has been tough for many teachers at Plymouth North, but in spite of all this, they continue to stay positive as the year continues.

“The challenge this poses has to do with assessments in general.

A final assessment is supposed to provide proof of achievement.

The good news is that exams aren't the only way to prove what you've learned,” Mr. Kelly said.

Across the many different departments at Plymouth North teachers are choosing whether or not they want a heavily weighted grade to assess their students on the modified curriculum.

“Many of our half year electives continue to have an end of year project and/or paper due before the end of the semester.

While some teachers may give a more comprehensive test on what has been covered so far, most are choosing to continue on with their chapter assessments to be able to have time to cover everything,” said Mr. Clark, the head of the Social Studies department.

From the perspective of some Plymouth North students, the cancellation of finals leaves them ecstatic to relieve the weight of final exams.

“Only being in school two days a week makes it hard for students to learn everything they would need to know on a final exam,” said Russell Hoch ‘21 This leaves many other students worried, fearing the lack of finals will leave them unprepared as they move onto higher education within the next few years.

“I think it was a good idea, but at the same time finals are going to be in college and these tests are a good way to prepare yourself for that level,” said Sean Riley ‘21 With this unprecedented school year drawing closer to the halfway point, everyday teachers and students continue to adjust to the new normal of this school year. At this moment there is no sure-fire answer as to whether or not these tests will be happening in the coming years.

“Like always, we’ll be reviewing the needs for finals and midterms in the future,” said Mr. Parcellin.

February 2021

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The English Learner Program in the Plymouth District to see an increase in EL (English Learner) enrollment where numbers have never been higher before.

English Learners are students with limited English proficiency who speak a native language other than English.

These students require modified instruction in their academic courses in addition to explicit English Over time the number of students in language instruction. the English Learner Education In Plymouth, the schools use a Program has increased considerably model called Sheltered English both at North and across the country.

Immersion. In SEI teachers use In 1964 the Civil Rights Act stated strategies that make grade-level within Title VI that discrimination on knowledge more accessible while the basis of race, color, or nationality developing proficiency in another in any federal program would be language. These courses are taught by unlawful. The Bilingual Education Act trained ESL (English as a Second of 1968 would establish programs and Language) teachers. The teachers take funding towards aiding minority general education classes integrated language students in the classroom with Sheltered English Instruction. setting giving students an equal and The district uses the program as a equitable education opportunity. Now, way to immerse ELs with instructional Plymouth North High is one of the strategies and learning materials in many communities in Massachusetts order to help them navigate through

The Plymouth Public district is learning how to adapt as the increasing ELL enrollment calls for changes from traditional classroom instruction and searching for increased staff.

By Karen Phan

Students Learn to Adapt to their Jobs With COVID-19 How a wide variety of high school In the early stages of COVID, up to 60% of jobs have been affected. residents at Newfield House in Plymouth were infected with the virus and some sadly By: Jamie Keep

passed away. This has led the staff to wear a When students left school in March of last lot of PPE during this time such as N95 masks, aprons, and glasses as well as getting year, it meant many different things for the tested weekly for the virus. outside-of-school lives of students. Things “I think the saddest part of this whole such as sports, hanging out with friends, and thing, has been seeing a lot of residents going out to dinner was no longer allowed. passing away from this virus. It really hurts However, another role that most high not being able to help them,” said Nat school upperclassmen have is a job. It gives Curtin, a senior and worker at Newfield something else to do after school and on the House. weekends just to make some money. When However, being an essential worker, the pandemic hit, each type of industry was means that you are in Phase 1 of the hit differently.

Massachusetts Covid-19 vaccine Leaving students having mixed emotions distribution.

“We actually all had access to about working through a pandemic. Such as the vaccine on January 12th,” said Curtin. not only thinking about themselves but their Some jobs have not been the same since families and friends of risking exposure.

March, like movie theaters.

Regal Cinemas in Now since most high schoolers aren’t Kingston, which hires a lot of high school working in an office that could easily students, closed down entirely in the middle transfer remotely for a while, the majority of of March 2020 and did not reopen until industries that students are getting hired for August 2020. Eventually to only get shut are ones that are considered “essential” like down again in a few weeks and does not plan nursing homes and grocery stores.

This has led to many changes in a typical to reopen until April of 2021.

“When we reopened, our numbers grocery store, such as plexiglass in front of decreased dramatically. Going from almost cashiers, masks, and gloves. With a 2,000 customers a day to as little as 30-60, maximum number of people allowed in the going to work when we reopened never had store at once, this has led to many lines the same feeling as it did before the forming outside the store still 10 months pandemic,” said Alyssa Brocklesby, a senior later after the pandemic started. These and worker at Regal Cinemas. precautions have helped reduce the risk of With limited snacks and concessions and spreading Coronavirus. wearing a mask during the duration of the “As soon as COVID hit, I took a few months movie.

After shutting down in March and off. Work has become very worrisome since August, employees were forced to either find the beginning and still is for my family new jobs or apply for unemployment because my mom is at such high risk,” said benefits.

Emma Cappola, a senior who works at We are almost a full year since the Ziggy’s. pandemic began, and we are hopefully Nursing homes on the other hand have starting to go back to normal with the made a deadly turn. Going into work and vaccine being distributed to essential taking care of people who are at extremely workers and hopefully the rest of the world. high risk of the Coronavirus.

their general education classroom.

Students are experiencing a culturally responsive learning environment using technology to aid them and building their language skills across the curriculum.

In addition, English language learners are also attending ESL classes that are tailored to developing their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. As part of the state’s general law, ELs are required to participate in the statewide assessment system.

Eyleen Dias is a current senior and English Learner at Plymouth North who emigrated from Brazil during her sophomore year, speaking little to no English. She has since advanced her language proficiency, inducted into Spanish Honors Society, and made headlines in the Boston Globe as a volleyball star. “It is never easy, there is a lot to balance both at home and in school.

My friends in the program have many priorities like providing for their families and passing their classes.” Eyleen said.

The district strives to provide assistance in translation and interpretation resources for families with limited English proficiency. The district also makes RETELL and SEI endorsement opportunities accessible to staff to ensure that educators are qualified and trained to address academic challenges experienced by EL students.

In 2009 across the entire district, forty-two ELs students were receiving ESL services, in 2014 the number rose to sixty-five. From 2019 to the current school year at a record high across the entire district, one hundred and seventy five students are currently receiving English Language Education according to Sean Halpin is the Director of Student Support Services, Dr. Halpin is responsible for overseeing all the district-wide support programs.

Acknowledging the growth of the number of students is an informative step towards the development of the program.

“Our staff has not grown in proportion to the amount of students in the English Learner Education program. There is pressure on a variety of levels, but working with the department head and entire staff we’ve made changes along the way to accommodate for our students.” Halpin said.

These changes include reflecting on the number of teachers available to provide the necessary education.

In order to address an increase in students, the district identifies five schools, Cold Spring Elementary, Hedge Elementary, Nathaniel Morton Elementary, PCIS, and Plymouth North High as the primary

anchor schools. Anchor schools are the only schools that offer ELE because these areas are more populated with English Learners.

“It is so teachers are able to move from different classrooms so the kids don’t have to,” Halpin said. There is currently at least one teacher per school.

In 2014 the staff grew from three teachers to five. In 2021,.Dr. Halpin explained the goal is to fill two more positions. Job postings normally happen during the summer and spring as the school plan rolls out, but due to the pandemic the announcement was overshadowed by the increasing cases and election.

As a result, those positions are still yet to be filled.

Another way to address this rising concern was to incorporate a new method of instruction through a pull-out/push-in model of ESL instruction as well. The Pull-out ESL instruction is when teachers are taking out students from the general classroom setting to work in a separate room and group. While the Push-in instruction is where the English teacher goes directly into the classroom and provides aid to the students. By combining the methods, students are able to get improved support in their general education classes and direct English language instruction.

Within the hybrid model EL students are obtaining the required classroom minutes in a different way both in-person and virtually, which is making it more difficult to maintain a balanced academic routine while learning a new language. However the district has offered families the opportunity to request additional classroom time if they need more assistance. They are providing transportation as well.

Starting a new year in the midst of a pandemic is also a learning curve for the program at Plymouth North High School Mrs. DaSilva retired following the new year as Mr. Carpenito has taken on her position as the Department Head.

The English Learner community trends to grow substantially in the coming years, it is going to be crucial that the district continue to embrace the diversity of children in the public school system with the help of the ESL teachers and Dr. Halpin.

February 2021

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As the new year rolls around, the way winter athletics are normally played has been drastically changed due to Covid-19. Athletes are forced to adapt to the new rules put in place to keep themselves and others safe.

The MIAA has decided to move Indoor Track to the fall II season that will take place in February while Wrestling, winter Cheerleading, and Dance are planned for spring. Sports that are currently being played (Gymnastics, Basketball, Hockey, and Swim) have been significantly altered in hopes of keeping students active, but also safe.

The gymnastic modifications are much different than any other sport.

Athletes have the option to take off their masks while they are competing.

Competitions are dual meets only to lessen the amount of people at each meet. Gymnasts must supply their own equipment such as grips, water, chalk, and anything else they may need to compete.

As for basketball, the game looks a lot different than previous years.

There is no longer a jump ball to start the game. Instead, a coin tossed method is put in place to decide which team gets to start with the ball.

PHOTO OF NORTH

&

SOUTH

GYMNASTICS TEAM FROM

BROOKE REARDON

NEW COVID

FOR WINTER Athletes must adapt to the new rules and

regulations for the winter athletic season

PHOTOGRAPHED BY

EMMA GEORGE

FROM YEARBOOK

ON SENIOR NIGHT

During free throws, the lanes are limited to 4 players. For two/three shot fouls, the lanes must be empty and players can only enter the lanes on the final shot. As for one-and-one and single free throws, the players can position themselves in the lanes on the first attempt.

Like in all other winter sports, masks must be worn during game play and athletes are only allowed two spectators per game. “One major change is the atmosphere of the gym.

We are a team that feeds off a crowd's energy so playing with little to no crowd has been tough,” said Julian Llopiz, varsity basketball captain.

The basketball team has learned to overcome the hardships and create their own energy from the bench. Staying positive and supportive of each other has made the team very successful so far this season.

Another sport that has been altered due to Covid is boys and girls ice hockey. With a limited number of players allowed on the bench, they must expand outside of the bench to ensure 6 foot distance. Also, only one player is allowed in the penalty box at a time. If a second person receives a penalty they must be socially distanced outside of the box.

Players are not allowed to use the locker rooms which means they have to change in the parking lot. During the cold win ter weather, athletes have to adapt and change the way they normally do things to be able to play and have a season.

Not only do the locker rooms affect where the players change, it has a huge impact on team bonding. Whether it is listening to music to get hype before a game or getting a post-game pep talk, athletes use their time in the locker rooms before and after games to bond and really get to know each other.

“The locker room has a massive impact on team building and not being able to do that this year is such a shame,” said Jack O’Connell, senior on the boys hockey team.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY EMMA GEORGE

MARIAH CHUONG FROM YEARBOOK

&

February 2021

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'

BOY S HOCKEY

PHOTOGRAPHED BY

BRENDON NYGUEN

RULES

Even without locker rooms, the hockey team has still been able to bond and get closer. The players can relate to one another because they are all experiencing the same struggles during practices and games.

With the cancellation of many loved sports this season, Plymouth North and South have come together to form a swim team. With 38 students on the team, they have decided to split up into three groups based on experience.

Senior Captain Noelle Schneider, has been swimming for 10 years and is excited to finally be able to represent her high school in the sport she loves. However, the swim team still has to follow Covid guidelines and adjust to the challenges it brings.

One of them being the 12 person capacity limit in the pool.

“We are only allowed four swimmers in one lane at a time, this just makes practice different and getting to know everyone harder,” said Schneider.

On top of that, swimmers must wear their mask until right before they jump into the pool and right when they get out of the water.

Like the swim team, all Plymouth North’s coaches and staff have done an outstanding job making sure athletes are doing their part at practice.

This can be hard to manage, but according to Noelle, the team has been doing a great job of staying safe and protecting their teammates.

Instead of competing live against other teams, they must compete virtually. Points are awarded to first, second, and third place based on times in each event which determines the winner of the meet.

“It’s odd because you are only c competing against your own teammates and it’s much quieter, but there is still a sense of competition because you want to beat your teammates and your own

ATHLETICS

BY AMBER PESTANA

previous times,” said Ava Whiting, first year swimmer and junior on the team.

Despite the challenges, staff and students are excited to see and learn more about the swim team as their season continues.

Mr. Justin Domigos, Plymouth North athletic director, has made sure student athletes are keeping themselves

KOLBE SHANNON AND

NOELLE SCHNEIDER

OBSERVING

,

SHARED BY

YEARBOOK CLUB

and others safe at practices and games.

Mr. Domingos said, “Our coaches are continually driving home the concepts of our athletes wearing their masks the right way, socially distancing, and making good decisions away from athletics. The MIAA has implemented some rule changes for sports, but it is really the simple things that will keep PN athletes safe- wearing masks, staying socially distant, and washing their hands.”

Following protocols is what will keep sports up and running for the rest of the winter season. Athletics provides students with an outlet for their future, as well as a way to have fun and stay active with their friends.

Going remote for one week has shown students and athletes that being safe in and outside of school is essential to keep hybrid learning and sports going. With that being said, make good decisions, stay six feet apart, and wear your mask!

PHOTO OF HOCKEY

CAPTAINS SHARED

BY MARY HIGH

PHOTO SHARED BY

YEARBOOK

!

February 2021

Page 6

Decisions…

Decisions…

How the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected the college decision making process for seniors in the Class of 2021 By: Kailey Reardon

Congratulations, you have been accepted to the Class of 2025! This is the phrase every senior hopes to hear after they have spent hours writing essays, building their resumes, and completing applications.

Yet, the college acceptance and decision process is different than in years past. Due to COVID-19, many colleges and universities have stopped in-person tours due to the uprise in the pandemic.

In normal circumstances, students in the Class of 2021 would have spent time over their April Break and summer visiting colleges. Many students were unable to tour any schools before the pandemic hit, which left their college search stressful and full of unknowns.

Colleges in Massachusetts are working hard to assure seniors that though they may not be able to see campus in-person, their schools are still welcoming environments for learning and making memories for the next four years.

Among all other universities in the country, Bridgewater State University has had to make numerous changes in regard to the ongoing pandemic.

BSU has shifted from having fully inperson classes to a mixture of synchronous, asynchronous, and blended classes.

Admissions Officers at BSU said that they have received fewer applications this year in comparison to past years due to the pandemic.

Bridgewater State University Admissions Counselor Sharon Peterson said, “We do our best to connect students with our current students to be able to answer questions about being a student here at BSU.” The pandemic has also made seniors have a new criteria when deciding on a college. How they are dealing with COVID19.

Peterson said, “We require maskwearing and social-distancing 100% of the time when on campus. All on-campus students are tested for COVID-19 weekly.”

With online tours and accepted student days being the future for those in the seniors in the Class of 2021,

students still believe that getting a feel for campus life is important.

Plymouth North Senior Emma George stayed ahead of the admissions process by submitting all applications before the start of the 2020-2021 school year.

Emma carefully created her college list based on a list of important factors that she believed would affect her overall college experience.

George said, “The factors impacting my choice are the safety of the campus, the cost, having a good program for your major, and location.”

She is looking to attend college out West. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, she was not able to visit the universities she is looking at in Colorado and Montana.

As a prospective student looking to attend school far away, touring schools is important to George. For now, she is using resources online tours and information sessions to help make her decision; though she feels that making the decision to commit to college through a screen is difficult.

George said, “I think it is very important for students to be able to go to the college physically and get a feel for it. I hope that there will be some way to travel before we have to make our decisions.”

A resource for seniors throughout their decision process is the guidance department. Plymouth North Guidance Counselor Andrea Norton helps students think through making their college and post-graduate decisions.

When kids are having trouble deciding which college is right for them, we usually help them try to process through the pros and the cons. We also heavily encourage involving family in the decision as distance, convenience, and financial aid usually factor into the decision as well,” said Norton. “Mostly, we encourage students to go with their gut and to try not to rule out a school based on someone else's experience there or the fact that it may not have been their original plan.”

Plymouth North Senior Abigail King has also been working hard to apply to

many colleges throughout the challenges the pandemic has brought.

“Being able to visit and see campus life will ultimately affect my decision. This is because college is more than just getting an education, it's where you start your early adult years and if you don't feel comfortable with anything at the college you're visiting, don't settle for it!” said King. “College is a choice you make that can jumpstart your life, so you have to make the choice that's right for you and your needs.”

King said that information sessions have given her more knowledge on the schools she has been accepted to. She enjoyed hearing current students speak upon their experiences and the campus life. King has taken all of the feedback from the sessions into consideration while going through the college decision making process.

In past years, many incoming college freshmen have been able to meet other students at events such as accepted students day. Colleges and universities are working hard to find ways to still make these events possible safely.

The University of Massachusetts Boston has had to move special events such as their accepted students day, to be held online.

“We do have a Welcome Day, which is typically a large in-person event. We have migrated Welcome Day online,” said The University of Massachusetts Boston admissions office.

The University of Massachusetts Boston also said that they will first send an update in the student’s application portal, then a letter in the mail containing their admissions decision. UMass Boston urges students to continuously check their emails for application status updates and dates for various information sessions.

Seniors that find themselves feeling stuck during their college decision process can reach out to a trusted adult or to their guidance counselor for advice. Also, seniors can reach out to admissions counselors of the schools they have been accepted to with any questions that may bring them closer to their decision.