Allen Park High School - Academy Publishing, Inc.

Allen Park High School
DECEMBER 2015 • Issue 3
A Publication for the Parents, Staff & Community of Allen Park High School
Principal’s Message
Dear Families,
In the Detroit Free Press on Sunday, November 16, 2015 in the MiBestLife section, there were several outstanding articles on the “The College
Chase.” They shared vital information and advice on some of the most pressing needs and concerns of senior students and their parents as they get
ready for this next chapter in their lives. In addition to practical matters such as getting a game plan started early, how to avoid college debt, getting
ready for dorm life, etc. they talked about overarching characteristics that will serve students well and help then succeed in this new setting.
As I reflected on what they shared, I asked a question of myself:At Allen Park High School how are we, as a school, preparing our youth for postsecondary education and the world beyond? The traits and habits described of those making a successful transition to college are certainly challenging
and ones that I note below.As parents, your question could be,“How am I also supporting my child in acquiring these important attributes?”
1. Thinking critically: As we have been actively reviewing and updating our curriculum and instructional practices at APHS over the
past ten years, I believe we have elevated the level of critical thinking we expect in our classrooms. The infusion of Common Core
State Standards, for all the anti-political rhetoric, has been a positive addition - with an emphasis on problem-solving, evidence-based
argument, integration of ideas and knowledge across disciplines, and independent discovery. One has only to look at the “modeling
instruction,” now embraced by the biology and chemistry teachers at APHS, to see this “discovery” learning in action.
2. Getting involved: There could not be a school in Wayne County with any more clubs, organizations and athletic teams than Allen
Park High School, something that could attract any young person. If there is an interest and a sponsor, we are willing to support any
idea. Opportunities exist in the more traditional clubs or organizations such as Student Council, National Honor Society, and Interact,
or the more recently added such as the Peace Club, Chess Club, Bowling Club, Robotics, Anime Club, etc. In addition to participating
in athletics and extra-curricular activities, the college advisors encouraged having students join those clubs that are most related to
a potential future career. For example, the student who is interested in politics may seek a leadership role in Student Council or the
student who is interested in accounting may seek a position as treasurer of an organization. Finding clubs and organizations to align with
career aspirations is another angle for a young person to consider while in high school to help prepare for the future.
3. Resiliency and Independent Problem-solving: In a Jag Wire newsletter I wrote last year, I spoke about a current theory of
successful youth and adults related to perseverance, resiliency and “grit.” To be able to handle disappointments and challenges with
skill and independence will be critical in a demanding world that is without the immediate support of family nearby. As an example,
one advisor from the University of Michigan, in the article, “Beyond books: Students’ college readiness isn’t purely academic,” said it’s
important for parents to talk with their son and daughter about experiencing failure themselves and how they handled it.This was in the
context of students at U of M who were used to being top in their class while in high school, yet now facing a much more competitive
field of all high achievers at the university level. Receiving a letter grade C for the first time could potentially be devastating, and, without
the proper coping skills, could result in a defeatist attitude, dramatically altering mood, attitude and achievement.
Another facet of resiliency and independent problem-solving is to let students learn to solve their own problems and not
assume the role of “helicopter parent.” While it is hard as parents to let go at any age, high school is the time when we should start to
encourage our young people to develop their independence. Instead of swooping in to “fix” a problem with a class, encourage them
to schedule an appointment with their teacher or counselor to work through the situation on their own and help them develop selfesteem and confidence. Being able to think and act independently with great resourcefulness will serve our youth well in the world of
college, where the safety net of home is gone.
4. A Good Sense of Self-Assessment: Terrence Frazier, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at MSU, said that students who
thrive at their university are the ones who have a good sense of self-assessment, who can determine what they need to succeed,
and who go after the resources to accomplish the goal. Self- assessment aligns with resiliency and independent problem-solving and
it reminds me of the changes we have made at Allen Park High School to support developing this quality. Parent/Teacher/Student
Conferences is one example of a conscious effort we made to change conferences from something done in isolation from the student
to one in which the student leads the discussion about his/her learning, progress, and areas for improvement.The ability to acknowledge
shortcomings, while also accurately describing strengths and abilities, is a critical one for advancing in any of life’s pathways, whether it
is in a career, college program or family life.
If these ideas are intriguing to you, I would urge you to think about reading one of their recommended books, How to Raise an Adult:
Break Free of the Over-parenting Trap and Prepare your Kid for Success by Julie Lythcott-Haims. In it, the author talks about all of the above noted
characteristics of successful students and how parents and schools can help us achieve this. While it is easier said than done, for we naturally
want to protect our youth, letting go and not over-controlling their lives is critical for a successful future. Our hope at Allen Park High School
is that we can join you, as parents, in a meaningful partnership to continue creating experiences that increase these competencies in our
youth.
Janet P. Wasko
[email protected]
We wish everyone a beautiful holiday
season filled with joy, peace and hope
for the coming New Year!
H T T P : / / W W W. A P P S . K 1 2 . M I . U S
18401 Campaign Road | Allen Park, MI 48101
Janet P. Wasko
Principal
[email protected]
(313) 827-1230
Karen Moran
Assistant Principal
[email protected]
(313) 827-1232
Ken Stephens
Assistant Principal
Athletic Director
[email protected]
(313) 827-1234
Main Phone: (313) 827-1200
Attendance: (313) 827-1250
Athletics: (313) 827-1234
Counseling: (313) 827-1236
Fax: (313) 386-8662
School Day:
7:40 a.m. - 2:39 p.m.
Office Hours:
7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Jag Wire
FROM THE PTSA
Hello Allen Park Families!
Once again, we are celebrating yet another successful event! We had a wonderful
turnout at Holiday Fever sponsored by Allen Park PTA/PTSA Council. As many of you
know, the funds earned go toward the Senior Scholarship Fund. Thank you to all who
attended, donated, rented tables, and volunteered! We had so many fabulous parents
AND students who made this event special and successful! I am always humbled and
overwhelmed by the generosity you all have shown at each of our events. We appreciate
it more than words can say.
We would like to invite you to our Human Trafficking Forum on Wednesday,
December 16, 2015 at 7:00pm in the LGI room. Our school social worker, Michelle
Calvillo, is scheduling guest speakers who will help us understand the problem is here,
and it’s real. With Detroit ranking #2 in the nation in human trafficking, and Toledo
ranking #4, we cannot miss this opportunity to share this life saving information with
all of you and our community. Everyone is welcome and there is no charge to attend. We
hope you will join us in our mission to advocate and educate and help bring awareness
about this life altering topic.
We now have a new website up and running! We will be posting valuable information
throughout the year. We currently have information on our Reflections program and
Founder’s Day, which are both coming up soon. AP PTA PTSA senior scholarship
information will also be posted when information becomes available. You can also follow
us on Facebook.
It is never too late to join the PTSA. Parents, students, family members, and
neighbors are all welcome to join, at any time, throughout the school year. The cost is
$7 per individual. We look forward to welcoming everyone in becoming a part of our
PTSA Family!
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
December 7 Founder’s Day nominations due (APHS PTSA due date only).
December 14 PTSA meeting and Book Study 6:00pm in the Media Center
December 16 Human Trafficking Forum 7:00pm in the LGI room
January 6
PTSA Reflections Tea 7:00pm in the Center for the Arts
January 11
PTSA Meeting & Book Study 6:00pm in the Media Center
February 8
PTSA Meeting & Book Study 6:00pm in the Media Center
February 24
PTSA Founder’s Day Event 6:00 pm at the Red Fawn
March 12
AP PTA/PTSA Council Spring Fever Event at APHS
Again, thank you all so much for your continued support! As always, please feel free
to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Lisa Szymanski, APHS PTSA President
http://aphsptsa.weebly.com/
HUMAN TRAFFICKING:
The PROBLEM is HERE & it’s REAL
Join us for a presentation on human trafficking statistics
in our area given by professionals who work in the field. Learn
to identify risk factors and help to prevent this horrific crime
from continuing in our community.
Parents, students, school personnel, & community
members are all welcome to attend!
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
7:00 – 8:30 P.M.
Allen Park High School – LGI Room
•
Presentation given by Section Commander D/F/LT. Mary Kapp, Michigan State
Police & Downriver Area Narcotics Organization
•
AP Parent and Anti-Human Trafficking Activist, Rolando Hinojosa
•
Michelle Calvillo, LMSW, AP Social Worker & Downriver Anti-Trafficking
Coalition Chair
•
Information from AP Liaison Officer Marcos Madrigal
•
Q &A
JagWire • DECEMBER 2015
Published Five Times Per Year
Allen Park High School
18401 Campaign Road
Allen Park, MI 48101
Issue #3
SUMMER PROPERTY TAX
LEVY INFORMATION
A public meeting was held by the Allen Park Board of
Education on November 9, 2015 at which time consideration was
given to adopt a resolution to impose a summer tax levy of all
annual school property taxes, including debt service, on July 1 of
each year. The Allen Park Board of Education unanimously adopted
the resolution to institute the change in the manner in which
school property taxes are collected effective July 1, 2016.
Considerations:
•
The Allen Park Public Schools has collected school property taxes through the City
of Allen Park Treasurers Office twice per year winter and summer for many years.
•
School Aid Funds from the State of Michigan are received in monthly increments,
beginning in October of each year.
•
As soon as the monthly increments are received, Allen Park Public Schools is in a
financial position to meet all payroll and other financial obligations.
•
In early fall, prior to the States distribution of monthly State School Aid Funds, the
Allen Park Public School District borrows funds through the State of Michigan School
Loan Revolving Fund in order to meet payroll and other financial obligations. This
comes at a cost to the district in interest as well as fees to facilitate the loan.
•
The district pays approximately $36,000 annually in interest through the State of
Michigan School Loan Revolving Fund and approximately $5,000 annually in fees to
facilitate the loan, for an annual cost to the district of $41,000.
•
In an effort to be fiscally responsible and further ensure that revenue
directly benefits students and quality public education, the Allen Park
Board of Education has determined that collecting school property
taxes once a year will, over time, generate a substantial savings for the
school district.
Points of Interest:
•
School property taxes for citizens living within the boundaries of the Allen Park Public
Schools will not be increased.
•
Basically the tax collection period changes from twice per year to once per year. All
school property taxes will be collected during the summer. (Beginning July 1, 2016)
M-STEP CONTINUES AS A COMPONENT OF
THE MICHIGAN MERIT EXAM TESTING
FOR THE JUNIOR CLASS
The State of Michigan will continue with the M-STEP testing program as begun last year,
with a few changes. The ELA and mathematics portions of this portion of the test will be
eliminated, thereby saving approximately eight hours of testing for our Juniors.
The entire Michigan Merit Examination for Grade 11 will include the following components:
•
ACT Plus Writing (April 12)
•
WorkKeys, a job assessment test in Applied Mathematics, Locating Information and
Reading for Information (April 13)
•
M-Step summative assessments in science and social studies –(on-line testing
beginning after April 13)
Social Studies 50 minutes for Part 1
50 minutes for Part 2
Science
50 minutes for Part 1
50 minutes for Part 2
The above times are approximate because the tests are untimed.
The State of Michigan has provided an enormous challenge for schools in order to
complete this testing program. We will do our best to facilitate a smooth process for our
students so that they can perform well and ask for your support in helping us to achieve
this goal.
As a reminder, all three days of testing must be taken in order to fulfill Allen Park Public
School District’s graduation requirements. Look for more information coming in February.
HOW TO BECOME A PRINCIPAL’S
SCHOLAR OR A MEMBER OF THE
PRINCIPAL’S ALL ACADEMIC TEAM
Every year at the annual Honors Convocation and the Underclass
Honors Assembly, we honor students for their exceptional academic
performance. The following criteria have been established:
•
Principal’s Scholar – a student who has achieved a 4.0 GPA or
higher on any of the first through third card marking periods in that
academic school year.
•
Principal’s All-Academic Team – a student who has achieved a
3.75 GPA for either the second semester of the previous school year
or the first semester of the current school year.
The recipients of these honors are invited to attend honors events
held in May. We do not look at middle school performance for the 9th
graders to become a member of the All-Academic Team. Their award is
based on the first semester of high school only.
SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR
EIGHTH ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL
INTERVIEW DAY!
We are again looking for community members to volunteer a morning,
afternoon or all day on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 to interview our juniors.
This mock interview experience provides valuable insight into the process
of applying for and obtaining a position and is an integral component of the
career research paper completed in ELA 11. Please consider contributing your
time to this important endeavor and e-mail your willingness to serve as an
interviewer to webb@appublicschools or [email protected].
CHANGE OF VENUE FOR
GRADUATION FOR THE
CLASS OF 2016
As you are aware, the City of Allen Park has sold the municipal center
and it will no longer be available for us to use for our graduation ceremony.
With no other venue available in Allen Park, we researched other facilities
that might be the best option for us. We are happy to announce we will be
starting a new tradition at the Taylor Sportsplex for the Class of 2016.
The following points have led to the decision:
1. There is seating and standing capacity for 2400+ people. In our
previous venue, we were only able to seat 1900.
2. The Taylor Sportsplex is in close proximity to Allen Park and is
impeccably well-maintained.
3. The facility is also used by the Taylor high schools for their
graduations and the staff has great experience and expertise in
conducting these ceremonies.
4. The stage available is appropriate for our needs and includes ceiling
curtain backdrop and additional draping on both sides of the stage.
5. There is a “staging” area available for the graduate line-up in a
second arena.
6. We will take the individual graduate pictures prior to the event, using
the meeting rooms in the facility.
7. They provide a professional sound/video company.
We are looking forward to creating a new tradition with our seniors
and will do all that we can to make this a memorable occasion for them.
Jag Wire
VETERANS WIN THE HEARTS OF
ALLEN PARK HIGH SCHOOL
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On Wednesday, November 11, Allen Park High School celebrated our Tenth Annual Veterans Day
Program.The day began with over a dozen teachers welcoming veterans and active military into classrooms
for presentations and Life Management teacher, Jane Cole and her students hosted our guests in her room
for an excellent lunch. In the afternoon, students, staff, and honored visitors admired the hallways decorated
by the art and ELA 11 classes, as they entered the Allen Park Center for the Arts for the afternoon
assemblies. The assemblies featured the following:
•
After emcee Jake Garibay gave the go-ahead, the Wyandotte Honor Guard once again posted colors and
trumpeter Mitchell Sturm played “Reveille” so that the audience could get into the spirit of the occasion.
•
The Voice of Democracy winner, Emily Watson, read her commentary on the world today, and what
we can do to change it.
•
Following the speech, Katlyn Spangler, Jonnie Vasquez, and Gabby Sikora performed “If You’re Reading
This,” while a series of images of past and present military personnel scrolled overhead.
•
Juan Hernandez then formally presented the plaques to the veterans that were made by the Woods
and Art classes.
•
The choir performed a moving rendition of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” to a riveted audience.
•
And then the “Missing Man Table” mini-ceremony was presented with the accompaniment of Izzy
Slate’s well-rehearsed prose.
•
We were very fortunate to hear the inspiring message of our keynote speaker, APHS alumnus Army
Sgt. 1st Class Heather Derringer. Sgt. Derringer has consistently supported our school for many years,
and has been on duty for our country in Germany, Cuba, and Iraq.
•
At the conclusion of the keynote address, the marching band performed “The Armed Forces Medley” and
encouraged the past and present military in attendance to stand when their branch’s song was played.
•
The program closed with EMU student Clarice Weiseman, who is a soprano currently completing her
degree at EMU. She gave a spectacular rendition of “God Bless America,” followed by a 21-gun salute,
“Taps” and the retirement of colors.
Many people helped to make sure that this program was successful once again, including members of
the APHS Veterans Day Committee:
Michelle Buchanan, Jane Cole, Don Csont, Patrick Danz, Ron Davis, Tanya Duffy, Jacob Garibay, Jeff
Goulasarian, Brittney Hartley, Andy Jackson, Kristi Kruger, Karen Moran, Robert Powell, Jelane
Richardson, Kathi Schwartz, Ken Stephens, Michelle Wallace, Janet Wasko, Gary Weshalek, Amy West,
and Tim Whitlow.
Staff Sergeant Jon Brewer, our new
Army recruiter, speaks at the “Adopt
a Jag” program.
Clarice Weiseman, Mezzo-Soprano from Eastern Michigan
University, was featured with the APHS marching band
performing ‘God Bless America.”
The choir performs for our
annual Veterans Day ceremony.
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Jag Wire
CLASS OF 2016 COMPOSITE PHOTO
REGULAR AND DAILY ATTENDANCE
PAYS OFF IN ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Seniors who don’t have their senior photos taken with Palazzolo will
not be included in the class composite photo unless they participate in a
separate photo session in the media center from 11:00-12:30 on Wednesday,
January 13, 2016.
Specifically for those who use a different photographer, a
Palazzolo photographer will come in to take photos of seniors who wish
to be included in this class composite. There is a charge of $20 (payable to
Palazzolo) that includes the sitting fee, a photo in the large composite and a
copy of the composite picture.
Please note - Palazzolo will not accept a photograph from a different
photographer for the class composite. In addition, Palazzolo will not allow us
to use the composite picture for the student’s yearbook picture.
Information for Senior Parent pages and baby photos will be sent
out after Christmas break. Due dates and costs will be included in the
informational letter.
If you have any questions, contact Mr. Riggs, [email protected]
or Mr. Powell, [email protected].
There is no question that daily attendance increases student achievement. In addition, responsible,
prompt and daily attendance is an expectation that will be required our entire lives, whether in school or
career. Unfortunately, statistics in our school, as well as across the state of Michigan, show that students
often are absent. In helping to develop “grit” and character, we must reinforce the message that we are
accountable to reporting to work and to school on time and every day! Our teachers and our bosses
expect this!
The Michigan State legislature, recognizing that poor attendance in school is a universal problem,
developed law to reinforce accountability of the home to assure student attendance in school. The
legislation MCL 388:1694a, Section 94a (9) requires the school district to report annually students who
have ten or more unexcused absences each school year in any single course.
Though the law only asks us to report unexcused absences, we would be remiss if we didn’t point out
that ten absences is excessive under most circumstances, excused or not, unless there are extenuating
medical circumstances. Please join with us in reinforcing the message to our students that daily attendance
is an expectation and one that pays off in school with better grades and “in life” with a paycheck.
STUDENT COUNCIL NEWS
SECOND SEMESTER PARENT/ TEACHER/STUDENT
CONFERENCES TO BE ONE DAY ONLY!
At the October meeting, the students debriefed Homecoming
and began brainstorming for the Downriver league meeting that Allen
Park hosted in early December. The freshman representatives were
elected and began working for their class. On Halloween, the Student
Council worked with the Leadership Class to host our first Color
Run. Over a 100 students participated.
In November, student leaders met with Mrs.Wasko at the Principal’s
Leadership meeting.With Mrs.Wasko, the leaders discussed the homeroom
format, Jag Time, and shared their ideas about what is working and what
can be improved. Students who attended the Harbor Renaissance field trip
also presented to the group. The classes participated in Dearborn Ham
and Cheesecake fundraisers.Additionally, the Downriver League continued
their preparations for the December meeting.
In December, the Student Council hosted a successful
Downriver meeting and the Senior Class put on a well-attended
Sadie Hawkins’s dance. The Downriver league began preparing for the
regional and state conferences.
During January and February, the Student Council will continue to
strengthen their leadership skills and will begin preparing for Spirit Week.
The Principal’s Leadership team will continue their work on proposing
Jag Time topics.
Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences will take place on one day only, Wednesday, March 2,
2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A reminder that we invite our students to participate actively in
conferences so they can share in the process of assessing their strengths and areas of improvement.
ALLEN PARK/MELVINDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT
ART EXHIBIT PEACE EXCHANGE RUNS
DECEMBER 8 - JANUARY 6
For the fourth year, Allen Park High School and Melvindale High School joined together to
collaborate on an artistic peace exchange.The goal of this project is to foster good relations that promote
peace, collaboration and a spirit of unity between the two schools. Each student created a “friendship gift”
to exchange with a student from the other school.
The art went on display at the Downriver Council for the Arts, located at 81 Chestnut St.,Wyandotte,
on December 8th. On this day, the student artists from both schools paired up and did a series of activities
to get to know each other, planting the seeds of friendship. In addition, they actually set up the art exhibit as
the exhibit curators. On December 10th, there was an opening reception to celebrate their creativity and
offerings of peace with each other as well as with family and friends. The exhibit will run through January
6th and is open to the public.
NEWS FROM THE ALLEN PARK HIGH SCHOOL
COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
Communications from the Counseling Department
Stay up to date with Counseling Department information, including college visits, scholarship opportunities for all
grades, college camps and events and much more by visiting our website at aphscounseling.weebly.com.
REMIND 101 is a way for you to receive messages via text or email from the Counseling Department.
•
You must first subscribe to begin receiving information by texting your class code to (313) 486-9970 or emailing to
the correct address listed below.
•
Meeting information, college visits, scholarships and other important information will be placed in these reminders.
•
Your phone/email information is never available to the counseling staff. This is a message send only service; no
response is possible.
Class of 2016: Text Code@a215f2 Email: [email protected]
Class of 2017: Text Code@1fe30 Email: [email protected]
Class of 2018: Text Code@counsel Email: [email protected]
Class of 2019: Text Code@8ef5ca Email: [email protected]
STUDENT CONNECT
Students can request access to teacher gradebooks through student connect. Students need to send an email to
[email protected] with their name, student ID number, and grade. They can pick up their PIN and
password from Mrs. Nightingale in the main office within a few days.
This is a one-way text messaging service and all personal information is completely confidential. Counselors will never
see your phone number and will only see the log-on name you create.
Career and College Fair 2016
Mark your calendars for the College and Career Fair on Wednesday, March 2nd from 5-7 p.m. during Parent/Teacher/
Student conferences. All students and parents are encouraged to plan time to attend. Numerous college, university and
trade school representatives will be in attendance in order to provide information and answer your questions. In addition,
we are adding a career component to the program. Current and former students from many of the schools will be
discussing their careers and the education necessary to achieve their goals.
Tutoring Information
Do you need tutoring? There are several ways to receive assistance.
•
Individual tutoring can be arranged through Mrs. Duffy in the counseling office. A fee of $10.00 per hour is charged.
•
Free homework help is available every Tuesday and Thursday at the Allen Park Public Library from 2:45-4:45. National
Honor Society students will be conducting these free sessions.
•
And, don’t forget Mrs. Moran’s ongoing Success Program that takes place all year long after school in the media center.
See her for the calendar and sign-up forms.
ACT Preparation
Are your students preparing to take the ACT test? They can visit the following websites to help them prepare: www.
mel.org. This is a free website for Michigan residents. It contains numerous resources, including test taking practices and
courses for reviewing and enhancing academic skills.
•
www.actstudent.org
There are also opportunities for free ACT prep sessions at various locations, please stop by the counseling office to pick up a flyer.
All Juniors received this information in November.They can also explore college and university options at www.collegeboard.com.
Homework tips for parents
Parents can help students establish good homework skills. Homework motivation ideas for parents can be found at
act.org/path/parent/motivate/homework.html.
Jag Wire 5
VISIT OUR COLLEGE FAIR
THE SAME NIGHT AS WINTER
CONFERENCES
Mark your calendars for College Night on Wednesday,
March 2 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. during Parent/ Teacher/Student
conferences. All students and their parents are welcome to
attend this event.
FIRST SEMESTER
FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE
Wednesday, January 27, 2015 (1/2 Day)
First hour – 7:40 AM to 9:15 AM
Second hour – 9:25 AM to 11:02 AM
Thursday, January 28, 2015 (1/2 Day)
Third hour - 7:40 AM to 9:15 AM
Fourth hour – 9:25 AM to 11:02 AM
Friday, January 29, 2015 (Full Day)
Fifth hour – 7:40 AM to 9:15 AM
Sixth hour – 9:25 AM to 11:02 AM
CREDIT RECOVERY
If your student is behind on credits or would like to
make up a failed course, Credit Recovery will be offered at
APHS beginning January 18, 2016 and will run through March
9, 2016. Please see a counselor to assist in selecting the proper
course and to complete the necessary paperwork. The cost
of each course is $180.00 and students may not register for
more than 2 courses per session. The last session of Credit
Recovery for the 2015-2016 school year is scheduled to begin
March 14, 2016 and finish on May 13, 2016.
APAW COMFORTS CATS
The Allen Park Animal Welfare (APAW) students made
17 cage blankets this fall. The mats are made of fleece and
are just big enough to fit into the cat cages at shelters. These
blankets provide a warm place for the cats to curl up on. The
blankets were donated to the Dearborn Animal Shelter. We
are currently collecting empty toilet paper and paper towel
rolls which we will make into enrichment toys for cats. We
also sold snacks for our fundraiser and have yet to decide how
we will use the money.
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Jag Wire
ALL FRESHMEN AND
SOPHOMORES TO
COMPLETE THE PSAT
IN THE SPRING
All freshmen and sophomores will have an
opportunity to take the PSAT test in the spring
on April 12th or 13th. The State of Michigan will
be providing these free preliminary SAT tests as
way to help our students prepare for the high
stakes SAT test that they will take as juniors.The
PSAT test covers the same skills and knowledge
required on the SAT and is an excellent practice
and preview of the three testing components in
reading, writing and language and math.
SNAP IT!
SHARE IT!
SEE IT!
Students have an opportunity to
submit awesome photos of their life around
the school by submitting their photographs
on “Yearbook Snap.” This new application
allows the yearbook sponsor access to all of
the photos that are submitted for possible
inclusion in the Imprint Yearbook.
Our school’s access code is jaguars.There are
two ways to submit photographs:
1. To submit photos using the Yearbook
Snap app: download the mobile app from
the App Store or Google Play. Enter the
access code and upload the photos.
2. To submit online, go to yearbookforever.
com and enter our school name. Click
on Community Upload and enter the
access code. Upload the photos.
EATING BREAKFAST IS A MUST FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Allen Park High School students are very active youth involved in attending and maintaining rigorous academic success in 6 periods
of courses daily, participating in Clubs, being active members on sports teams, holding part-time jobs afterschool and on weekends, and
studying several hours during the evenings. Recognizing how busy and active our student body is, huge benefits exist when high school
students get in the habit of eating breakfast daily.
School has been in session for approximately 9 (nine) weeks. During these first few months of school, four separate, isolated
situations have occurred with four female students who have fainted or nearly fainted while sitting in their morning classes. In each
case, the girls have discussed feeling weak, shaking, feeling like they are going to pass out, and appearing very pale upon the arrival of
administration. In each case, a similarity has been expressed by the girls regarding their morning activity prior to arriving to school:
breakfast was not eaten. A granola bar and a cold bottle of water were immediately offered to each girl; these items were accepted
and consumed by the weak students.
These unusual cases of fainting were the reflection piece that got some of the staff at APHS thinking about the common factor of
missing breakfast on the given day/s of the fainting episodes. We have all heard with frequency, the statement that “breakfast is the most
important meal of the day.” The “Food and Nutrition Service” states that feeling tired/lethargic in the morning and experiencing difficulty
concentrating during the day, can be remedied by eating breakfast regularly.
Eating breakfast can result in improved grades, increased concentration, and can result in decreased rates of tardiness and absences.
Let us point out to you some of the noted BEST breakfast choices to consider:
•
Toast with Peanut Butter
•
A piece of Fruit with Toast
•
Cereal with Milk
•
Granola Bar with a Glass of 100% Fruit Juice
Breakfast eaters do have better diets, consuming more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
An article in the 2014 Consumer Reports stated 5 good reasons to eat in the morning:
1. It may protect your heart
Researchers found that those who didn’t eat a morning meal were 27% more likely to develop heart disease than those who did.
2. It might lower your risk of Type 2 Diabetes
A morning meal may help you avoid fluctuating glucose levels, which can lead to diabetes.
3. It gets you moving
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted that people who ate breakfast were more physically active during the morning
than those who didn’t.
4. It might give you a mental edge
Research shows that eating breakfast on a consistent basis might improve memory, attention, the clear processing of information,
improve creativity, and improve learning.
5. It just might keep your weight down
Studies go back and forth on this issue, however, what is true, is that eating a balanced breakfast will add toward the reduction of
snacking throughout the morning hours which can reduce the intake of unwanted calories contributing to weight gains.
Eating a nutritious breakfast can certainly add to being more alert and can benefit a student’s ability to feel less fatigued and less weak.
Allen Park High School Students: Remember to eat breakfast daily; it truly is an important meal to practice eating regularly.
Allen Park High School Parents: Remind your high school child to make time to eat breakfast daily. Some students report that they get their
breakfast ready the night before by placing cereal in a bowl with the milk ready to pour or placing a granola bar on the counter ready to grab with
a juice box to go.These are ideas to use to avoid “beating the clock” which often results in missing breakfast.
CALENDAR
Dec. 8-Jan. 6
llen Park/Melvindale Peace Exchange Art Exhibit –
A
Downriver Council of the Arts
December 12
ACT Testing
December 12 7:00 PM - Sadie Hawkins’s Dance
December 14 7:30 PM - Adult Booster Meeting – Media Center
December 16 Progress Reports Available Online
December 16 7:00 PM – Human Trafficking Progam - LGI
December 18 Winter Recess begins at the end of the day
January 4
Classes resume
January 6
7:00 PM - PTSA Reflections - APCA
January 11
6:00 PM – PTSA/Book Study Meeting – Media Center
January 11
7:00 PM - Board of Education Meeting – LGI
January 12
7:00 PM - Music Boosters Meeting
January 15
Professional Development Day – no school for students
January 18
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration – APCA
January 18
Credit Recovery Session #2 begins
January 18
7:30 PM - Adult Boosters Meeting – Media Center
January 206:30 PM – Junior Parent Meeting – Getting Ready for
College – LGI
January 25
7:00 PM - Board of Education Meeting – LGI
January 27
7:00 PM - PTA/PTSA Council Meeting – Media Center
January 27-29 High School Exams – half day for students
February 3
6:30 PM - 8th Grade Parent Orientation – APCA
February 5
Report Cards distributed
February 6
8:00 AM - ACT Test
February 8
6:00 PM – PTSA/Book Study Meeting – Media Center
February 8
7:00 PM - Board of Education Meeting – LGI
February 9
7:00 PM - 8th Grade Parent Music Orientation
February 10
Student Count Day
February 11
6:00 PM- Advanced Placement Parent/Student
Information Night- APCA
February 15-16 Mid-Winter Recess - No school
February 19
Progress Report Period Ends
February 22
7:30 PM - Adult Boosters Meeting – Media Center
February 24
6:00 PM - PTA/PTSA Founder’s Day Event
March 2
4:00-8:00 PM - Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
March 2
5:00-7:00 PM – College and Career Fair
March 5
7:00 PM – Spirit Dance
March 8
7:00 PM – Music Booster Meeting – Music Room
Jag Wire
STUDENT SCHEDULES AND TEACHERS
MAY CHANGE SECOND SEMESTER
7
Allen Park High School has a complex master schedule. More than 120 different courses are being
offered this year. Forty of these courses are “one of a kind” classes. This means there is only one section of
each “one of a kind” class running the entire school year.These “one of a kind” classes include most advanced
placement classes, all five music classes, and an English publication class (Imprint). In 2015-2016, some of
the other “one of a kind” classes are Parenting, Calculus, Speech 1,Intermediate Writing, College Writing,
Personal Living,Video Production, Earth Science 1 and 2, French , Accounting, General Merchandising, Home
Repair, Autos 2 and 3, and many of the specialized art and construction classes.
What does this mean to your student? In order to be able to run so many different courses for
1119 students, the academic classes cannot always be linked.This means that the students’ academic classes
may not run the same class period during the two semesters and students may not have the same
teacher during both semesters for a particular class. The curriculum has been aligned for every
subject area so that the teacher assignment is not an issue.
We ask for your cooperation, understanding, and flexibility with this complicated process so that
Allen Park High School can continue to offer a comprehensive curriculum for all its students.
NEWS FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
The APHS Music Department is looking forward to our Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on January
18th.The choirs and jazz band will be performing literature specific to this event, and there will also be student
readings, dramatic performances and guest artists.This event is open to the public, with free admission.
We look forward to meeting all 8th grade musicians and their parents at the 8th grade music
orientation on February 9th at 7p.m. in the High School Band room. Join us at this informative meeting to
find out how to become a successful member of the High School Music Department team as a vocalist and/
or instrumentalist!
FIND US ON FACEBOOK! Simply search “Allen Park High School Music Department.” By “LIKING”
us on Facebook you will receive automatic updates on our department.
REMINDER – FRONT PARKING LOT
IS NOT A DROP OFF ZONE
We need your help. Recently, many parents have been pulling into the front parking lot and using this
area for dropping off their students.This front lot was not designed or designated to be a drop-off zone and
the use of the lot in this manner is causing many traffic and safety issues. Some parents are even parking in
the handicap spots, which is illegal, and could result in a ticket. We also need to keep these spots free for
our handicapped students and visitors to our building.
Allen Park High School has a special drop-off zone on the east end of the building for the students, a special
pull over/drop zone on Champaign Ave without blocking traffic and also an area along the back of the building
where they can be dropped off in a safe manner without hindering traffic and/or causing a safety situation.
Please help us to create a safer environment at Allen Park High School for all of our students and
refrain from using the front parking lot, unless you are parking and coming into the building as a visitor.
Thank you.
PRSRT STD.
U.S. Postage PAID
Allen Park, MI 48101
Permit # 30
Allen Park High School
18401 Champaign Rd.
Allen Park, Michigan 48101
Sponsored
by the
PTSA Board
Members
President:
Lisa Szymanski
First Vice-President:
Kelly Meister
Second Vice-President:
Stephen Szymanski (Junior Student)
Treasurer:
Michele Skarbinski
Secretary:
Bethany Fink (Junior Student)
For the third year, the Allen Park High School SADD Chapter joined students from
the Allen Park Community School to participate in a community event to raise funds and
increase suicide awareness. Under the leadership of Program Coordinator,Tanya Duffy, the
community walk raised almost $36,000.Approximately 450 people joined together to walk
for this important cause.
The Out of the Darkness Suicide Awareness Walk took place at the Metro Huron Park.
MARK YOUR CALEDNAR FOR THE
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PARENT/STUDENT
INFORMATION NIGHT ON FEBRUARY 11
All parents and students are invited to our Advanced Placement Information Meeting
on Thursday, February 11 at 6:00 p.m. in the Allen Park Center for the Arts. The meeting
will take approximately an hour and will show the array of offerings that we have in order
to make selections for next year. There will also be a panel discussion and an opportunity
to ask questions of staff, students, and parents familiar with the Advanced Placement
program. All are welcome!
Policy of Compliance with Federal Law
On October 20th, 2015, Allen Park High School senior government students, under
the guidance of their teachers, Bob Loyd and Joel Burkey, hosted a Candidate Forum in the
Allen Park Center for the Arts. This forum included all the candidates running for city office
and offered citizens a chance to hear what their candidates planned for the future of Allen
Park. It was filmed by students in the video production class, under the direction of teacher,
Rich Slate, and was then broadcasted on WOW and Comcast cable channel.
The Candidate Forum was planned and executed entirely by students, giving our
students valuable, hands-on experience in city government and elections as well as helping
students thoroughly understand the foundation of democracy. The students believe that to
elect representative officials, citizens should be well-informed in their decisions, and, therefore,
they wanted to provide residents with any knowledge they may need for the offices of mayor,
city clerk, treasurer, and council. The questions were all student-generated and included such
topics as a possible road millage, communications and public services. Allen Park government
teacher, Joel Burkey said, “This is an excellent opportunity for the students of Allen Park High
School to see how rewarding it can be to have an active role in the city’s politics.”
Principal Wasko applauds the initiative of these senior students and stated, “I am always
impressed to see students take an active role in city political life and am proud of the Allen Park
High School Social Studies Department. Our teachers make a concerted effort to show their
students that participation in a democracy is absolutely critical as young adults and becoming
informed and knowledgeable of the issues is integral to selecting quality candidates.”
Senior government students hosted the Allen
Park High School Candidates Forum.
Student moderator,Tiara Cruz, posed studentgenerated questions to the candidates for
City Council.
8
ACADEMY PUBLISHING SCHOOL NEWSLETTER PROGRAM ™ 800-644-3541
OUT OF THE DARKNESS COMMUNITY WALK
RAISES MONEY FOR SUICIDE AWARENESS
Jag Wire
GOVERNMENT STUDENTS HOST
CANDIDATE FORUM
In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, it is the policy of the Allen Park
Public Schools that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender, age, disability, height, weight, or marital status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination during any program, activity or service
or in employment. Inquiries related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 should be directed to: Mr. Mark Lowe, Principal, Allen Park Middle School, 8401 Vine, Allen Park, Michigan 48101, (313) 827-2200. Inquiries related to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act,
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, should be directed to: Ms. Janet Wasko, Principal, Allen Park High School, 18401 Champaign, Allen Park, Michigan 48101, (313) 827-1230.