Pinckney Community High School
Transcription
Pinckney Community High School
Pinckney Community High School www.pinckneyschools.org November—December 2014 NOTES FROM PRINCIPAL DR. JAMES DARGA 10255 Dexter-Pinckney Pinckney, MI 48169 Phone: 810-225-5500 Fax: 810-225-5505 Attendance Hotline 810-225-5510 Director New Tech Mrs. Dianna Behl New Tech Coordinator Mr. Matt Jerome Assistant Principals Mrs. Dianna Behl Mrs. April Woods Shortly after returning from the holiday vacation, semester exams will be administered. The semester exams comprise 20% of a student’s grade for most classes. Finals are designed to be a comprehensive assessment of the salient concepts learned throughout the semester. Preparing for exams follows a prescribed process to ensure maximum achievement; this process is outlined on page two of the newsletter. For freshmen, this will probably be the first time they are required to complete a comprehensive assessment. I strongly suggest parents encourage them to prepare thoroughly and systematically. There is a study session, Cocoa & Cram, planned for Freshman on January 8th, 2:45-4:00. Exams will be administered January 14-16, 2015. January 15 and 16 will be a half day of school with the students being dismissed at 10:55 a.m. Report cards will be distributed to students on Friday, January, 30, 2015. Professional development in education runs parallel to research and development in the private sector. Without quality professional development it is very difficult for members of the staff to continue developing their pedagogical skills. Having the opportunity to conduct professional development training every Friday has proven to be very beneficial. The training needs of the staff as a whole, the training needs of each department, and training needs of specific programs such as New Tech High and Freshman Academy have been identified. A schedule for the school year has been developed which creates continuity for the training session and is focused on the intended outcomes. In addition, the following ongoing initiatives have been well supported with the Friday afternoon professional development time. The staff is preparing for the North Central Association On-Site ReInside Stories Page view next March by becoming familiar with the accreditation standards and conducting a SelfAcademic Awards 5 Assessment of the school. Selected staff are continuing the work on developing Formative AssessACT Info 8-11 ment strategies. The entire staff has been working on identifying the students in the lower 30% for Athletics 2 academic achievement, and developing strategies to meet their learning needs. In addition to the Calendar Dates 2 Michigan Merit Curriculum graduation requirements and Common Core State Standards, the staff as Exam Info 3 a whole is also working on developing a school structure which systematically provides all students Food Service 6 Lost & Found 6 the opportunity to develop: Technological Literacy; 21st Century Skills; Project-Based Learning Music Boosters 14 Skills; and Executive Functioning Skills. These ongoing efforts are intended to make every student’s National high school experience relevant and rewarding. Honor Society New Tech High PAC Meetings Service Learning In Spanish SFSC (Counseling) 4 12 15 13 6-7 On October 13, 292 students were recognized at an Academic Achievement Ceremony for maintaining at least a 3.5 G.P.A. for two consecutive semesters last school year. First-time recipients earned an academic letter, students that met the criteria for four consecutive semesters were awarded a silver medal, and those that met the criteria for six consecutive semesters earned gold medals. Also, the National Honor Society induction ceremony was held on Thursday, November 13th. During the ceremony, sixty-nine students were admitted into this prestigious organization. These students were selected from among the applicants by a panel of teachers. The selection criteria included academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, community service, and strength of character. Undoubtedly, these students will represent the school and community well. If you have an idea or suggestion on how to improve Pinckney Community High School, please share it with us by telephone, mail, e-mail, or in person at the next Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meeting 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2015. The staff and administration of Pinckney Community High School would like to wish all of the families in our community a wonderful holiday season. Page 2 SCHOOL CALENDAR DATES December 22—January 2 No School Jan. 5 Classes Resume Jan. 8 Cocoa & Cram 2:45—4:45 Jan. 14 Full Day—1-3rd hr Exams Jan. 15 4-5 hr Exams AM— No School PM Jan. 16 6-7 hr Exams AM— No School PM END OF 2ND MARKING PERIOD/ 1ST SEMESTER Jan. 24 ACT Practice Test Jan. 24 Winterfest Dance Jan. 30 Report Cards Distributed February 16-17 Winter Break ATHLETICS Congratulations to our Fall Sport PIRATES ** Nick Romano – All State Tennis ** ** Isaac Harris – All State Cross Country ** WINTER 2014 HIGH SCHOOL TRY-OUT: November 4: Ice Hockey November 10: Competitive Cheer November 11: Girls Basketball November 17: Boys Basketball Boys/Girls Bowling Boys/Girls Skiing Boys/Girls Snowboarder Cross Wrestling As always - student athletes must have a current physical (dated 4/15/2014 or later) to practice/tryout All schedules are online at: www.schedulestar.com Enter Pinckney’s zip code (48169) in the search option Select Pinckney High School (for all sport schedules inclusive of Middle school) Link available on the Pinckney Community Schools/Athletics web page BOOK MARK THIS WEBPAGE SO YOU CAN BE SURE TO COME OUT AND SUPPORT OUR PIRATES!! Registration and pay to play can be completed online at: http://register.pinckneyschools.org/ Select the appropriate sport to: Register and pay to play Print the MHSAA physical form Attest to reading the Concussion Awareness Agreement, Athletic Code of Conduct and Athletic Participation Fee Agreement Options also available to: Purchase athletic passes (adult, student and family) Pay school fines Pay for laptop protection plan Printable forms can also be obtained from this site as well PINCKNEY PIRATES VARSITY HOCKEY PIRATE NIGHT ATHLETIC BOOSTER Who: All youth hockey players, family, friends and ALL pirate fans The Booster Club meets the second Monday every month at 7:00 p.m. in the High School Media Center. What: Meet and skate with the Pirates If you have any questions about the Booster Club, or need help on an issue about athletics, feel free to call Albert Niska at 734-3550856 (evenings). Or e-mail at [email protected] Where: Arctic Coliseum (Chelsea, MI) When: Friday, Dec. 13th 4:30pm Pinckney vs. Swartz Creek Kids, wear your youth hockey jersey, or bring in this sheet/ad to the game and get FREE admission for yourself and one adult. After the game, the kids will be able to meet the pirates, get autographs, a free tshirt, and visit the varsity locker room. Don’t forget your hockey skates, (rentals are available for an extra cost at the rink) and join the pirates for an open skate and music from 7:00pm-7:50pm. All Pinckney students will receive FREE admission with valid student ID. Semester Exams Begin Wednesday, January 14, 2015 Exams will be conducted on the following days in January, 2015: Wednesday—January 14 - 1st, 2nd, & 3rd hour exams (Full day of School) Thursday—January 15 - 4th & 5th hour exams (Half day of School) Friday—January 16 - 6th and 7th hour exams (Half day of School) Each exam will be approximately 100 minutes long in order to allow for the comprehensive testing that takes place at this time. Students will leave school at approximately 10:55 a.m. on each of these days in order to allow them time to study for the next exam. Students should use the extra time during this week to prepare for their exams. A good exam improves their overall GPA! Good exam grades make a difference. Moving on to college, university, apprenticeship, or other post-secondary options of choice may be dependent upon maintaining a quality GPA. Admissions Representatives also will look at standardized test scores as well as additional information provided with the application. The GPA (Grade Point Average) is often used as a baseline of the student’s daily ability to complete work. Earning the best possible grades in the classroom and on tests is extremely important. Studying Makes The Difference And Help Is Available! Teachers want to help all of their students to prepare for exams. They will be reviewing material in class and expecting students to study outside of class. Students may arrange for additional help with teachers for after-school time. This should always be done in advance. Please use the enclosed information and the “Tips” below to help your student to study. Tips for Studying Page 3 Get all your materials together (books, notes, paper, pencil, etc.) Skim the material, deciding which parts are difficult and which you understand best. Plan how much time you need for each topic. Read a sentence or section. Then stop and visualize or talk to yourself about what it meant to you. If you do not understand read it again aloud. Study with a partner or parent. Listen to yourself read. Get someone to ask you questions about what you read. Recopy your notes for clarity and understanding. Mark main ideas or key terms in your notes. Make maps of who did what, when things happened, how things changed, etc. Pay special attention to vocabulary words and bold face words in the text. Look at the outline of the book and re-write it in your own words. Think about what the teacher has emphasized in class. Make mental pictures of material, events, or items that you need to remember. Tips For Test Taking Put your name on the paper or answer sheet. Read over the test and the instructions. Answer questions you know and the ones requiring quick answers first. If there is an answer you are afraid you might forget, do it immediately. Many times you can get clues to answers from reading other parts of the test. Keep an eye on the time. Budget your time. Allow more time to answer essay questions or other questions that are worth many points. Find out if there is a penalty for guessing. If not, then make sure you fill in every question with an answer. In true-false tests long statements are more often true. Words such as only, never, and always often indicate the statement is false. Words such as often, sometimes, probably, and usually indicate the statement is true. Multiple choice tests usually offer four choices. Rule out two immediately, then take a crack at the remain-ng two. For matching sections, use the process of elimination as you do in answering multiple choice questions. Essay or short-answer questions require you to organize your thoughts before you write. Be sure to be grammatically correct. Underline key words or ideas in your answer so that they stand out. Be clear and concise. When you are finished, check the entire test to be sure you haven’t skipped any questions. Then check again. Page 4 NaƟonal Honor Society News On Thursday, November 13th, sixty‐nine new members were inducted into the John F. Kennedy chapter of the Na onal Honor Society. The Na onal Honor Society was formed in 1921 as a na onwide organiza on of talented high school students. Membership is based not only upon a G.P.A. of 3.4 or higher, but also a student's demonstrated leadership, character, and service to the community. The goal of NHS is to help its members develop themselves through community service and school relat‐ ed ac vi es. In addi on to the bi‐annual American Red Cross Blood Drives that we sponsor, NHS also hosts Winterfest and helps with tutoring at the elementary and middle school levels. We respond as we are able to all requests for assistance from our community members and organiza ons. This year's inductees included: Joey Bachmeier Zak Harwood Wya Shoner Bri any Bankes Ma Henning Beth Strong Michael Bankes Zoe Hicks Sarah Tolfree McKenzie Barth Liam Higgins Hava Topolski Makayla Beauchamp Nathan Houghteling Brian Valen ne Kenny Behmer LeAnn Howe Jessica VanBynen Carter Bonifas Jessica Hull Allyse Weidman Jensen Borkowski Morgan Hull Julianna Welling Zack Carlson Lynsey Jackson Aus n Wicker Bonnie Chris law Julia Jones Nathan Wilburn Sarah Haggart Emma Kehn Leah Williams Julia Haidler Jonathan Kowalski Gabrielle Wink Sophia Coke Duncan Kummer Emily Wi rup Jenna Dalrymple Kaitlyn Lechtanski Kelly Yanick Emily Dillehay Jus ne Lindquist Taylor Zdanowski Jessica Eddings Tiffany McIntyre Adam Flickema Malorie Moen Evan Fry Paul Moenart Steven Gaston Marissa Moore Taylor Nash Katrina Gensterblum Celeste Gomez Camryn Ozuch Alyssa Griffith Elliot Perpich Samantha Griffith Angelle Pine Megan Gunderson Ben Randall Maddie Haas Ellen Rapp Nathan Haberland Kailey Schoen Abby Hacke Emma Sco ACADEMIC AWARDS PROGRAM AND RECEPTION Page 5 The Academic Letter is awarded to all students who achieve a minimum of a 3.5 semester grade point average for two consecutive semesters, providing they have been registered in Pinckney Community High School during both semesters. The award can carry over from one school year to the next as long as the semesters are consecutive. Once the letter has been received, subsequent awards consist of pins to be displayed on the letter. Academic Letter—3.50 GPA for Two Consecutive Semesters Riley Alexander Jaidah Argiero Stephen Bagnick Annaliese Bangert Zachary Barton Cassidy Beach Jackson Bement Megan Bossio Sarah Brasch Lukas Brockway Emma Butler Jonathan Campbell Mackenzie Carano Zackary Carlson Mikala Cervelli Cody Chalk Nathanial Ciaravino Garrett Clock Hayley Conry Erin Cotham Felicity Couch Alexandria Curtis William Dalian Jenna Ellis Megan Emery Sydney Estronza Evan Fackler Clarice Farina Hannah Flickema Rachel Flickema Sara Folk Lauren Folk Kayleigh Forhan Emma Gehring Julie Gergel Sean Graham Sarah Haggart Julia Haidler Chloe Hanifan Erik Harp Christopher Hartman Winter Hatfield Allison Hayes Alexander Hazelton Hailey Hoover Heather Hulbert Daniel Jansen Ashley Jasinski Nicolas Balli Jean Griffin Jones Alex Kaczor Jamie Katschor Hannah Kerns Danielle Knapp Grace Kovacich Kennedy Kunnert Belle Lambert Hailey Lenz Caitlin Lesz Jacob Lindquist Ashley Loria Hunter Mannen Camille Marshall Kaleigh Martin Maudie McCullough Jordan Mick Marissa Moore Tara Morey Alais Murillo James Muscato Cody Musulin Asha Narayan Katherine Niska Brielle Norris Riley O'Keefe Margaret Ozias Anthony Patteri Molly Patterson Vincent Pecoraro Samantha Pierman Katelyn Plesiewicz Karis Poszywak Kyle Przysiecki Ross Richards Jeremy Robertson Olivia Romano Abbey Romans Paige Sabuda Zachary Schingeck Emma Scott Dakota Selmi Gretchen Serino Alexander Slepak Trevor Sorek Natalie Spittler Catherine Stema Catherine Stone Alexandra Stowell Rebecca Sutherland Kylie Taft Ryan Talbott Jacob Taylor Alexis Thompson William Thornton Macie Toy Abigail Van Valkenburg Maija Veinbergs Abigail Wagner Wilson Wagner Jacob Wallace Alexander Warshal Cheyanne Weber Anna Wilmanowicz Luke Wittrup Connor Wolschleger Silver Pin - 3.50 GPA for Two Consecutive Semesters - Second Time Molly Aills Alex Armstrong Charles Bachmeier Michael Bankes Mckenzie Barth Evan Bauer Kenneth Behmer Carter Bonifas Jensen Borkowski Jonathan Brennan Jacob Burcon Carson Burrows Katherine Byrd Halle Chiarelli Bonnie Christilaw Collin Close Sophia Coke Kira D'Agostino Jenna Dalrymple Joseph Dell Anno Claire Destrampe Justin Dickinson Jessica Eddings Evan Fry Zachary Fuller Steven Gaston Katrina Gensterblum Melanie Gibbish Celeste Gomez Alyssa Griffith Samantha Griffith Megan Gunderson Madison Haas Nathan Haberland Abigail Hackett Justin Harrington David Harris Damon Hartmeier Victor Haubenstricker Matthew Henning Nathan Houghteling LeAnn Howe Morgan Hull Emma Hultgren Lynsey Jackson Marisa Johnson Julia Jones Emma Kehn Ryan Keough Morgan Klipple Jonathan Kowalski Maren Krajacic Duncan Kummer John LaRosa Kaitlyn Lechtanski Madeline Lindberg Justine Lindquist Elliott Lyons Jose Immanuel Malang Ian Masinda Tiffany McIntyre William McNamee Malorie Moen Holly Morgan Shell Mullett Brianna Murphy Rebecca Murphy Taylor Nash Sydney O'Leary Kalista Opsahl Camryn Ozuch Brendan Palkowski Elliot Perpich Angelle Pine Benjamin Randall Ellen Rapp Spencer Schauer Kailey Schoen Sarah Senne Wyatt Shoner Emmett Smrcka Caleb Straub Elizabeth Strong Sydney Swope Sarah Tolfree Hava Topolski Millicent Uridge Jessica VanBynen Patrick Westerberg Matthew Whipple Emily Whitmore Austin Wicker Nathanial Wilburn Leah Williams Chelsea Wilson Jacob Wing Gabrielle Wink Caleb Withrow Emily Wittrup James Worthington Kelly Yanick Michael Yedinak Taylor Zdanowski Gold Pin - 3.50 GPA for Two Consecutive Semesters - Third Time Sven Adriaens Tyler Allain Sierra Alley Taylor Antal Mackenzie Arpi Emily Ball Cleo Barry Makayla Beauchamp Melanie Brennan Brittney Brown Keely Burns Yannick Christensen Kennedy Connolly Rachel Darling Adam DeSha Shannon Dingman Justin Eagy Nicolas Emery Adam Flickema Gabrielle Harris Isaac Harris Alexis Hartley Miranda Hartman Nicholas Hartstang Michael Hassa Taylor Hassen Liam Higgins Paige Horvath Sarah Hur Brandi Jacek Rachel Jansen Lindsay Jasinski Cooper Jenkins Matthew Kelley Lauren Kitada Rebecca Klebba Chance Kramer Austin Krause Samantha Krieg Andrew Kruk Shannon Kurz Jenny Lin Anna Lobbestael Mackenzie Mann Brenna Marshall Griffin McNeilly Rachael Menosky Katelynn Merkel Paul Moenart Josephine Muscato K'Leigh Olsen Jennifer Pargoff Isabelle Rembert Jacob Rickerd Bailey Roberts Lauren Rollins Nadia Rozmarniewicz Rebecca Schaenzel Michael Schmidt Jacob Schmitter Anna Serino Maria Shamraj Susan Slavik Carlie Sleeman Alissa Spearin Hannah Taylor Sarah Utchel Brian Valentine Anna Waltersdorf Jennifer Waltz Ashley Wardlow Madison Welch Claire Wohlfeil Kaitlyn Yenor Our staff consists of: David Mitchell Amy Sumner Patty Higgins Amanda McClellan Kristen Hart Mary Jo Marker STUDENT AND FAMILY SERVICE CENTER Counselor (A-K) Counselor (L-Z) Student and Family Specialist (L-Z) Student and Family Specialist (A-K) Project SUCCESS Counselor Secretary 810-225-5604 810-225-5606 810-225-5607 810-225-5609 810-225-5602 810-225-5603 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Mission: The mission of the Student and Family Service Center is to provide a comprehensive counseling program addressing the academic and career development and personal/social needs for all students and support services for families. The SFSC staff serves as advocates in helping students’ build relationships with staff members, parents and peers while offering support, resources and advocacy to help all students reach their full potential as educated productive citizens. We also serve as support for parents trying to accommodate their student’s academic, career, emotional, and social needs. Services: Academic support and advising; community resources and referral information; crises intervention; educational support groups for students; parent/family education, workshops and support; short-term individual counseling; substance abuse prevention, education and interventions; and career and college preparation/application. Visit the SFSC (Counseling) page on the Pinckney High School Web Site: To find the following information: Office Hours, contact information, Course Selection Guide, Graduation Requirements, Transcript request information, Scholarship Opportunities, ACT Prep Information, College Application Process, LATEC and SFSC and Community Information. New Student Enrollment The following information is needed before scheduling an appointment for enrollment at Pinckney Community High School. Immunizations must be up to date, original birth certificate, proof of residency (utility bill, rental agreement, notarized letter of residence; we cannot accept a drivers license as proof of residence. For more information, please contact Mary Jo Marker, Secretary at 810-225-5603. Class of 2015 All 2015 seniors who will be seeking financial aid for college in 2015 must fill out an FAFSA (free application for federal student aid). This form is available online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov. Federal Deadline Online applications must be submitted by midnight Central Time, June 30, 2015. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by midnight Central Time, September 19, 2015. Online applications must be submitted by midnight Central Time, June 30, 2014. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by midnight Central Time, September 20, 2014. State Deadline Michigan - March 1, 2015 by midnight, Central Time. College Deadline Check with the college(s) you are interested in attending. You may also want to ask your college about its definition of an application deadline - whether it is the date the college receives your FAFSA, or the date your FAFSA is processed. Scholarships and College/University Information Information is available in the SFSC. Scholarship searches are also available at schoolsoup.com, www.fastweb.com and www.finaid.org. Pinckney Community High Schools Local Scholarship Drive will be held March 1st - March 20th. Transcript Request Alumni and active students need to go to parchment.com to request a transcript. If a college or university needs a counselor form they will request it through Parchment. If a student is planning on attending an out of state College, University or Private College, they should bring their application into the Student and Family Service Center and we will print out a transcript and mail the application. When registering with Parchment, please make sure you register with your full name student number and correct year of graduation. College and University Lunch Visits Colleges and universities come to PCHS during the school year to offer students information and answer questions they might have regarding their particular school. They are located in the commons during all three lunches on specific dates. Check the SFSC window (facing the main office) weekly for updated information of college and university lunch visits. Students should stop in the SFSC weekly to get information posted on the bulletin boards regarding college/university open houses, information sessions and scholarship information. Page 6 Lost & Found! Please have your students take a look in the Lost & Found Room to see if any of the coats, lunchboxes, shoes, sweatshirts, or other items belong to him or her. The room is overflowing and will be cleared out at Thanksgiving break. The leftover items will be donated to charity. Keys, jewelry, and any electronic Lost & Found items are held in the office. BREAKFAST (FOOD SERVICE) The cafeteria will be open for breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 7:25 a.m. Breakfast will be available for all students including free and reduced. Cost for breakfast is $1.85. Reduced price is .30. Graduation Requirements To graduate with a diploma from Pinckney Community High School, students must meet the following conditions for an Academic Diploma: Classof2015:GraduationRequirements Classof2016:GraduationRequirements LanguageArts……………….……………..4.0 LanguageArts……………….……………..4.0 SocialStudies……………….………………3.0 SocialStudies……………….………………3.0 Math………………………………….………….4.0 Math………………………………….………….4.0 Science………………………….………………3.0 Science………………………….………………3.0 PhysicalEducation……………………...0.5 PhysicalEducation……………………...0.5 Computers…………………………………..0.5 Computers…………………………………..0.5 Health…………………………………….…..0.5 Health…………………………………….…..0.5 Visual,PerformingorAppliedArts…..1.0 Visual,PerformingorAppliedArts…..1.0 TotalRequiredAcademics………….16.5 WorldLanguage…………………………….2.0 MinimumElectiveCredits……………7.5 TotalRequiredAcademics……….18.5 TotalRequiredCredits……………….24 MinimumElectiveCredits…………6.5 4-yearPossibleCredits……………..26 TotalRequiredCredits……………….25 4-yearPossibleCredits……………..27 Classof2017and2018:GraduationRequirements LanguageArts……………….……………..4.0 SocialStudies……………….………………3.0 Math………………………………….………….4.0 Science………………………….………………3.0 PhysicalEducation……………………...0.5 The Pinckney Community High School Course Selection Guide can be viewed at: http://pinckneyschools.org/ index.php/course-selection-guide/ Health…………………………………….…..0.5 Visual,PerformingorAppliedArts…..1.0 WorldLanguage……………………………..2.0 TotalRequiredAcademics………….18 MinimumElectiveCredits……………8.0 TotalRequiredCredits……………….26 4-yearPossibleCredits……………..28 Tutor List Go to http://www.pinckneyschools.org/index.php/sfsc-news. A list of tutors is also available in the SFSC. Page 8 2014/2015 ACT TEST DATES TEST DATE REGISTER BY LATE REGISTRATION June 14, 2014 May 9, 2014 May 10–23, 2014 September 13, 2014 August 8, 2014 August 9–22, 2014 October 25, 2014 September 19, 2014 September 20–October 3, 2014 December 13, 2014 November 7, 2014 November 8–21, 2014 February 7, 2015* January 9, 2015 January 10–16, 2015 April 18, 2015 March 13, 2015 March 14–27, 2015 TEST FEES: ACT No Writing $35.00; ACT Plus Writing $50.00 Sign up today at: www.actstudent.org/start Students can pick up practice test booklets in the Student and Family Service Center. The Pinckney Community High School code is 233-015 Please note: PCHS counselors strongly recommend that all students who take the ACT on their own should include the writing portion. Page 9 ACT Practice Test Workshop Attention all Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors: The ACT test is now required of all 11th graders in Michigan. It is part of the Michigan Merit Exam (MME) that all juniors will take in March. Pinckney High School is offering a practice ACT test on Saturday, January 24th, 2015. Registration and check in begins at 8:15. Students from other schools are welcome to attend. Students will review test-taking strategies before taking an authentic, full-length practice ACT purchased directly from the ACT company. Sylvan Learning Center of Brighton will administer the test. Each student’s scores will be mailed to the student in a Sylvan envelope within two weeks. Proceeds go to the Pinckney Virtual Enterprises International and Business Professionals of America programs, which allow students to participate in trade shows and compete in the areas of business and technology. If you have any questions about the ACT test, contact Christine Turnbow at Sylvan Learning Center of Brighton at 810-227-1800 or [email protected] Why should a 9th or 10th grade student take the practice ACT? The ACT that is given as part of the MME can be used for college applications. Take a practice test now and see where you may potentially score on the real test. Then you have time to work on certain areas of the test to raise your score when you take the real test your junior year. Why should an 11th grade student take the practice ACT? Studies show that scores will improve by taking the ACT more than once. This is a perfect time to sit for the test with less pressure and keep the results private. Take it now so you will know what to expect. You will become familiar with the directions, have a better sense of timing, and will find out which areas you need to review. Where: Pinckney High School: rooms C201-C204 Date: Saturday, January 24th, 2015 Time: 8:15-8:45 Registration 9:00-1:15 ACT Practice Test Price: $25 pre-paid registration through January 22nd at 5:00 pm, $35 at the door *Early registration is strongly recommended, as we are only able to accommodate a certain number of students* Students should bring two #2 pencils and a calculator, and a drink and snack (a break will be provided). Students should be well-rested and have breakfast prior to attendance. For your convenience you may register: 1. Before or after school in the Main Office, attn Cyndi Millns (Make checks payable to Pinckney Community Schools) CASH or CHECKS ONLY 2. Or by mailing the form below with a check (payable to Pinckney Community Schools): Pinckney High School c/o Cyndi Millns 10255 Dexter-Pinckney Road Pinckney, MI 48169 Cancellations made by January 21st will receive a full refund. Cancellations made between January 22nd and 23rd will receive a $10 refund. Cancellations or no shows on the day of the test will not receive a refund. CHECKS ONLY _______________________________________________________ Name: ___________________________________ Parent’s E-mail: ________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ Street City Phone: ____________________ Method of Payment: Cash State Zip High School: ____________________ Check Grade: ________ Page 10 Page 11 NEW TECH HIGH NEWS Page 12 In American Studies our freshmen have begun reading Romeo and Juliet while at the same time learning about the history of World War I. Their task in the upcoming “Tragedy in the Trenches” project will be to create a movie trailer that updates Shakespeare’s classic tale by setting it during WWI. On the surface these topics might not have a lot in common but the themes of tragedy and alliances are prevalent and easily explored in both WWI and Romeo and Juliet. In SciTech our freshman recently created a recycling plan for their homes while learning about environmental sustainability. They are now learning about the Earth and will eventually be creating a brief movie that could be used to explain Earth to potential visitors from other planets. Our sophomores recently finished creating the story and a story-board for a video game about the Crusades in World History class. Their next project will have them studying the Colombian Exchange time period in order to develop a list of potential locations for a version of the Amazing Race. In BioLit students are putting together an inaugural issue of an online magazine that focuses on science issues in contemporary society. This issue will focus on food and food related problems. Student groups are investigating any aspect of food that interests them. The top individual written pieces will be used as articles in the magazine issue. Each group will be responsible for creating a documentary that highlights aspects of their chosen food issue. The documentaries will be components of the magazine as well. Our sophomores and juniors recently travelled to Washtenaw Community College to take WCC’s college placement test, the COMPASS, and took a campus tour and orientation session. The trip provided good exposure to the variety of options that await our students beyond high school. As an added bonus, if they scored well enough on the COMPASS they could qualify to Dual Enroll in various college classes while still in high school. In Chemistry our students are making an interactive museum display depicting an element of their choosing. Their display should take into account different learning styles as well as the relevant content information to make their model scientifically accurate. An individual written component will be used to help justify their team's final design. Finally, our seniors recently finished up their projects on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, by doing individual writing assignments supported by their opinions and structured ideas on the book. This project is an extension of the first project of the year, which was all about storytelling. More specifically, it was about how to tell your story in order to provide students with the opportunity to fine-tune the skills of persuasion needed for college applications, scholarships, and essays. The world’s leading business thinkers use storytelling to move policy and innovation. In addition to providing meaningful experiences for our students, PNTH hosted the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce Business Mixer in December and in October we provided an informational tour for a school district from Florida. We also recently hosted the Superintendent and an Assistant Superintendent of the Armada Schools from Armada, MI. Based on PNTH’s commitment to serve as a leader in the field and for recognition of outstanding accomplishments to help students gain the knowledge and deeper learning skills they need to succeed in life, college, and the careers of tomorrow, for the third year in a row, PNTH has been granted the distinct honor of official New Tech Network Demonstration site for 2014-2015 school year. Congratulations to the students, teachers, administrators, and community at large for this prestigious award! SERVICE LEARNING IN SPANISH By: Vida Ruggero, Alex Armstrong, Cleo Barry and Riley Stheiner Page 13 Vida Ruggero: I attended a service-learning training over the summer in Detroit and I was excited to implement what I learned with my Spanish 4 and AP classes. I was going to write this article myself, but I think my student's first-hand account of their experience says it best. We are currently doing a clothing drive for the clients at Cristo Rey Community Center in Lansing which serves all vulnerable populations and they have specific services for the large Spanish-speaking population in Lansing. Alex Armstrong: During the month of November, Ms. Ruggero’s Spanish 4 classes visited Cristo Rey, a community center in Lansing, in order to help some people in need. During this trip we helped bag groceries to pass out to the needy, prepared food so they could have something to eat, and did our best to make sure they had everything taken care of for that day. Of all the field trips I have taken in my time in school, this was by far the most beneficial and eye opening. Working at this community center was a great experience, and helping people gave me a sense of self-satisfaction. I had always known there were people out there who were underprivileged and in need of a little extra help, and this trip gave me first hand exposure to these people, and at the end of the day I had found that these were some of the nicest people I have encountered. I would recommend helping out at Cristo Rey, or any other community center/food bank to anyone, and I hope students in upcoming years continue to go on this trip and get the same satisfaction that I did. Cleo Barry: The experience I had at the Cristo Rey center opened my eyes about how big the Spanish-speaking community is outside of our area. Living in Pinckney, there aren't very many opportunities to find a native tongue Spanish-speaker to talk to and hear about their life. Cristo Rey gave myself and my peers a wonderful opportunity to not only talk to these people, but help them also. Upon walking into the common area where most of the families were waiting for food, we were greeted with a magnificent “hello” of cheers and claps. The families who come to Cristo Rey appreciate the people who help out so much. While at Cristo Rey, we had the opportunity to help pack take home boxes filled with all sorts of essential foods for families in need, while others helped prepare and serve breakfast in the kitchen. After breakfast was served, my peers and I had the opportunity to sit down with the families and talk with them. I decided to help out in the clothing store that Cristo Rey also offers for the families that need it. I helped clean out dressers, fold and hang clothing. When I went back to the common area, I found almost every one of my classmates seated with someone speaking to them in Spanish. There were barely any people left for me to sit down and talk to! I did have the chance to hear a few conversations about different foods, language, family, and even knitting. Everyone at Cristo Rey, from the families that come to eat and the volunteers and workers that help out, are wonderful people. My experience at Cristo Rey inspired me to continue to volunteer and participate in philanthropic work . Riley Stheiner: My trip to Cristo Rey was very unique. I've done my fair share of community service but this field trip was different. At the same time that we were helping around the community center we were learning from the people who were there. Me and three other girls helped out in the "clothing shop". We met several people and chatted with casual conversation. Two specific people stood out from my experience. They were both older women and both of them spoke in Spanish to each other. We had a small conversation with them in Spanish and she gave us a few pointers and helpful tips about the Spanish language. I'm glad I had the opportunity to go on this field trip. I had so much fun at Cristo Rey and I hope to do more service learning in the future. Page 14 Page 15 PAC MEETING DATES The Pinckney Community High School Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) was organized and established during the 1988-89 school year. The focus of this committee is to explore and discuss school projects and curriculum issues. All parents are invited to become/remain members. The 2014/2015 school year meetings will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the PCHS office conference room. January 12, 2015, February 9, 2015, March 9, 2015, &April 13, 2015 Homeless Students Federal law, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (MV, for short), ensures that students experiencing homelessness have a full and equal access to public education. With the nature of the Michigan economy, more of our students and their families have been facing homelessness in recent years. Children and youth who lack a fixed, adequate nighttime residence may qualify for assistance under MV. While we may think of homelessness by how it is portrayed in TV/movies, such as people living under overpasses or in boxes on urban street corners, the reality is that number of homeless students/families is steadily growing in Livingston County. Examples of situations that may qualify a student as homeless under MV and make them eligible for services include: a family who loses their home for economic reasons and needs to move in with grandparents or other family members a parent who flees the home with the children due to domestic violence and moves in with a friend a high school student who leaves home because of a family dispute and is “couch-surfing”, i.e. staying with various friends over various nights a student who locates to The Connection, the teen shelter in Howell a student who is awaiting foster care placement, they qualify as homeless under MV. a family who experiences a house fire and must relocate for six months while the house is repaired If a student qualifies as “homeless” under MV, they are entitled to: enroll in school with or without the usual requirements of a birth certificate, immunization record, previous school records, proof of residency, etc. stay in their current school (school of origin) if feasible and in their best interest transportation to their school of origin, when appropriate free breakfast/lunch academic support through federal Title I grant if falling behind academically other support as needed/appropriate If a student or family is experiencing a situation that may qualify under MV, please contact your building Student & Family Specialist or Counselor, building administrator or Brian Higgins, District MV (Homeless) Liaison (810-2253900). The goal of MV is to keep students in school and provide as normal a learning environment as possible. We strive to provide support to our students and families who may be enduring some difficult situations. Please contact us and let us know how we can help. If you have any MV questions, please contact MV Liaison, Brian Higgins.