september-october 2014 - Perry
Transcription
september-october 2014 - Perry
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2014 iPad Information As we move into the second year of the 1:1 iPad program at PLHS, teachers and students continue to increase their use in the classroom. Blackboard is the main platform in which teachers post their class syllabus and assignment information. The Blackboard program can be accessed from an app on the iPad or from any computer with internet. The link for Blackboard is http://ilearn.essdack.org. You can log-in with your student’s account information, (which is the same as the student’s PowerSchool log-in), or you can create your own parent account by following the instructions in our webcast: http://youtu.be/nMUr7flR088 At this point in the school year we have not had a student damage their iPad. Of course accidents can happen at any time. This year’s replacement cost of a school issued iPad is $350. Without insurance, the replacement cost of the device will be the responsibility of the parent and student. With that in mind, if you would like to add insurance to your iPad, it is still available. Here is a link to the information on the website: http://bit.ly/1u4h59y ACT Information ACT results from last year’s graduating class were recently released and the average composite score for students at Perry-Lecompton High School increased to 23.5. This is up from 21.2 last year! In addition to an increased composite, the scores in each area also increased from the previous year. The PLHS 2014 totals are listed below (2013 totals appear in parenthesis): • • • • • Composite: 23.5 (21.2) English: 22.6 (20.3) Mathematics: 23.3 (20.3) Reading: 24.0 (22.4) Science: 23.7 (21.2) In addition to increasing in all areas on the ACT, PLHS was higher that the state average in all of the areas listed above. (The statewide average Composite is 22.0, English is 21.4, Mathematics is 21.7, Reading is 22.5, and Science is 21.8.) The ACT is an indicator of college readiness. The composite readiness benchmarks are set at 18 for English, 22 for Math, 22 for Reading, and 23 for Science. The PLHS average exceeded the benchmarks in all areas. Juniors and Sophomores who plan to attend a four-year university or college need to start thinking about preparing for the ACT. Test dates for this school year are: September 13th, October 25th, December 13th, February 7th, April 18th, and June 7th. Both the December and June ACT test will be given at PLHS.) We highly encourage students to take advantage of the on-line ACT preparatory site, (Shmoop.com) as well as the ACT preparatory class that is provided during the fall and spring semester. Because of the extreme importance of this test, students should spend quality time preparing for the ACT. We are looking forward to another exceptional year in classroom and extracurricular activities! As the school year continues to unfold, I would like to encourage you to contact the PLHS office if you have any questions or concerns, (785) 597-5124 or [email protected]. Go Kaws! Respectfully, J.B. Elliott Principal Perry-Lecompton High School From the OFFICE . . . . STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK The Perry-Lecompton Student/Parent Handbook is located on the district website: http://www.usd343.net/vnews/display.v/ART/53fdf49b3c445. The student/parent handbook provides valuable information about school rules and policies and is a great source of general information for both student and parent. THANKS FOR CALLING! A very large "thank you" is extended to all parents who call the office before 9:00 a.m. to let us know their son or daughter will be absent. Parents are reminded that an excuse for student absences, written or oral, from a parent or guardian must be provided within 48 hours of the absence if the absence is to be excused. On Page 10 of the Student/Parent Handbook provides more detailed information as to excused and unexcused absences. If you have specific questions regarding your student(s) absence, you may call the office any time between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and we will be happy to assist you. REQUEST FOR HOMEWORK HOMEWORK: On the second consecutive day of absence, a parent may call the high school office by 9:00 a.m. and request homework assignments for the days absent. Homework can be picked up at the office between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m. Each teacher will establish homework and missing assignment rules and policies at the start of the school year. In all classes, students have a minimum of two school days for each day of excused absence to submit make-up assignments for full credit. In all classes, students will be expected to complete and submit all homework regardless of “credit”. Teachers will communicate with the office and parents as needed regarding students who habitually fail to complete and submit their homework. (Page 11, Student Handbook) TELEPHONE POLICY Office phones are not for student use except in an emergency or illness. Students may use office phones to call parents when sick or to notify parents that school activities have been canceled. When making a long distance call, students are expected to call collect, charge the call to their home phone number, or use a calling card. Some people are finding the pre-paid phone cards very convenient. Cell phone usage is also authorized at the office. However, if a student is ill, we request that the student use the phone located in the office. In an effort to decrease the spread of germs and viruses, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer is available for those students who are not ill and need to use the phone. AFTER SCHOOL STUDENT PICK-UP INFORMATION Parents interested in picking up their students from school are requested to pick up their students from the East entrance. We are instructing car-riding students to exit the building from the East exit. Using this exit will expedite the pickup of your children as well as alleviate any problems with parking in the bus zone. We appreciate your compliance in this request. BUILDING HOURS To avoid potential problems, add to security, and provide adequate supervision, students are requested to report to the building no earlier than 7:30 a.m. and leave each afternoon by 3:30 p.m. unless they are under the direct supervision of a faculty member or coach of the school district. Access to the building during school hours will be limited to the front (east) doors. All other doors will be locked to outside access after 8:16 a.m. Visitors are to report to the office upon entry to the building. High school personnel are in the office from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. An answering machine is available for messages before and after office hours. We are very appreciative when parents call and inform us when their student(s) will be absent. The office window becomes available to students at 7:50 a.m. and closes at 3:30 p.m. FAMILY LEAVE REQUEST A Family Leave Request and also known a Student Request for Personal Leave form is available in the office and must be turned in to the administration for approval prior to the requested day off. All requests are not automatically approved. Current attendance status will be one determinant. Academic arrangements must be made prior to leaving. PLHS Handbook, page 11. STUDENT ABSENCES A student is considered absent when he or she is not in regular school classes or involved in a school sponsored activity. If a student is absent, an attempt will be made by the staff to verify the absence by a call to the parents. This call will not be necessary if a parent or guardian calls early on the morning of a student’s absence and reports it to the secretary. Upon return from an absence, a student is required to obtain an admit slip from the office prior to attending class. An excuse, written or oral, from a parent or guardian must be provided within 24 hours of the absence. Upon receipt of the excuse, a determination will be made as to the excused or unexcused status of the absence. All absences due to doctor/dental appointments are required to bring the “receipt” from the office visit for verification that it was a medically excused absence. The principal will be the final determiner in all cases concerning absences. For more information regarding ATTENDANCE information, please see page 10 of the Student Parent Handbook. YEARBOOK NEWS Once again, students and their parents will have an opportunity to purchase yearbooks covering the 2014-15 year at a reduced rate. At this time, plain yearbooks are available for $45.00. Personalization can be purchased for an additional $5.00 and icons for $3.45 each. After September 26, yearbooks will increase in price. Make all checks payable to PLHS. Family and Consumer Science Thank you! There are students, parents, and community members who work behind the scenes supporting various programs in the school that often may go unrecognized for their dedication and hard work. An essential component impacting the effectiveness of the Family and Community Services Pathway courses is the advisory team that formally meets at least twice yearly to discuss curriculum, facilities, teaching resources, community resources, professional development opportunities, and relevant employment information. The Family and Consumer Science Department would like to extend a huge thank you to those who have served in this capacity in the past and to the following individuals who will be serving on the Advisory Team this year: Aynsley Anderson, Community Services Director for Lawrence Memorial Hospital; Amy Conklin, School Psychologist; Ramon Gonzalez, Emergency Worker; Julia Schafermeyer, Therapist; Staci Hendrickson, Dietician; Sherry Dugan, Aerobics Instructor; McKayla Breese, Student and FCCLA Officer; Dylan McCartney, Student, and Sara Hotchkiss, Student. FROM THE COUNSELOR’S CORNER September/October, 2014 Beginning the Year – This year has gotten off to a great start. The last minute class changes are done, and students are settling into their schedule. Parents, please check PowerSchool frequently to get the current progress for your student(s). Teachers will do their best to keep grades updated, and they appreciate your continued involvement. Communication is a key to success! The iPad has provided a great means to communicate with students. I will continue to email students about the scholarships, college information and other information that I get when I feel it would be beneficial. In addition I will also have announcements put in the Daily Bulletin. My goal is to increase student awareness of the available opportunities. However, students are under no obligation or expectation to participate. Seniors – This is the time when seniors really need to narrow down their post-secondary choices, if they haven’t already. The preferred admission deadlines for 4-year colleges will quickly approach is usually around November 1st, so students will need to be prepared to complete this process. Admission deadlines differ from college to college, so check the institution’s website for their procedures and important dates. Students can also visit the counseling office for additional assistance. Here are some suggested activities to do during September and October: September: • Meet with school admission reps that visit our school. These will be announced. • Make a list of deadlines (tests, scholarships, admission applications, financial aid) at schools you are considering. • Schedule college visits by following the college visit procedure and picking up a permission form. • Visit with Mrs. Paramore about credits and your post-secondary plan October: • Take the ACT or SAT if necessary – check on the Testing Dates in the Counseling Corner for the dates • Review and work on admission, scholarship and financial aid applications • Order caps, gowns and graduation announcements – a Jostens rep will meet with the class. PSAT – The testing date for the Preliminary SAT (or PSAT) is October 15! This standardized test not only gives students to practice for the SAT, but it also gives them an opportunity to enter NMSC scholarship programs. The PSAT measures three skills: critical reading, math problem-solving and writing. Each student will receive a results report which describes each individual score, plus they get feedback about career opportunities that best fit their strengths. The test also gives students access to various college and career planning tools. This optional test is offered to juniors; however, sophomores may take it for practice. Interested students need to see me to get signed up. The sign-up testing deadline and testing date are listed below. If this date does not work, students are able to take the test at Lawrence High on October 18. The cost for taking the test is $14.00 (checks payable to either PLHS or Lawrence High). Space is limited, so sign up as soon as possible! ACT – Juniors are encouraged to take the ACT if they are planning to attend a 4-year college after high school. College bound seniors need to take the test as soon as possible, if they have not taken it yet. The test is given six times a year and students can take it as many times as they would like. However, the test does cost around $44 every time it is taken. The first testing date is September 21. We will again be giving the test at PLHS in December and June. If these dates do not work for your student, there are several area schools that administer the test on the other four dates. Online registration is encouraged and can be done at www.act.org. Not all students need to take the ACT! Please see me if you have any questions. College & Military Visits – We frequently have college and military representatives visit the schools during lunch and seminar to provide information about their institution. Juniors and seniors are encouraged to attend these on-site visits. We are continually adding visits to the calendar, so please view the Upcoming Events in Counselor’s Corner on the website for updates. Juniors and seniors are also allowed to visit colleges to get a feel for the campus and to get further information. To do this, students must first get a form from the counseling office two days prior to the visit, complete it and return it to the counseling office before taking the trip. ASVAB – Students have the opportunity to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASAB) during school on December 3rd. This test is usually associated with the military, as it is used to predict future academic and occupational success in the military. However, this test is not only for the military bound student, as it provides information about other careers and how the scores would relate to the SAT and ACT tests. The test is free to any junior or senior that is interested. I will have a signup sheet on my door for those who are interested in taking the test. BULLYING AWARENESS WEEK – Bullying Awareness Week will be in October. Announcements will be made and emails will be sent to students that provide information about bullying and ways to help eliminate it. We will also be encouraging students to participate in an activity to show their objection to being mean. The 2013 Legislature amended the anti-bullying statute (KSA 72-8256) and effective July 1, 2013 requires schools to include the following in their bullying policies: 1) Bullying means: a) any intentional gesture or any intentional written, verbal, electronic or physical act or threat either by any student, staff member or parent towards a student or by any student, staff member that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that such gesture, act or threat creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment that a reasonable person, under the circumstances, knows or should know will have the effect of: a. Harming a student or staff member, whether physically or mentally; b. Damaging a student or staff member in reasonable fear of harm to the student or staff member; or c. Placing a student or staff member in reasonable fear of damage to the student’s or staff member’s property; d. Cyberbullying; or e. Any other form of intimidation or harassment prohibited by the board of education of the school district in policies concerning bullying adopted pursuant to this section or subsection € of K.S.A. 728205 and amendments thereto. (Information taken from: http://community.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabid=3899.) Bullying incidents tend to involve three different groups of students: Bullies, Victims, and Bystanders. If you or someone you know has been involved in a bullying incident or have witnessed a bullying incident, contact someone for help, whether it be a family member, teacher, school administration or friend. There is also a toll free hotline available that will provide support: 1-877-626-8203. We are starting to receive scholarship information! These opportunities will be made available on the school’s website in the Counselor’s Corner area of the high school section and the information will be emailed to the seniors through their school email. Keep checking throughout the year, as new opportunities will be added as they are received. SCHOLARSHIPS One such scholarship is the Hagan Scholarship. The awards vary up to $10,000 per year, and it is possible that they can be renewed for up to three additional years. Students are eligible if they have a GPA of at least 3.5 and a composite ACT score of at least 23. The deadline to apply is November 15. For information visit haganscholarships.org. Recommended Web Site for scholarship search: www.fastweb.com Some Upcoming Events . . . September 13 ACT Testing Date September 16 The representative from K-State will visit during seminar. September 19 The deadline to register for the ACT given on October 25th. September 23 A representative from the Marinello Schools of Beauty will visit during seminar. September 26 Deadline to sign-up for the PSAT. The cost to take the test is $14.00, checks made payable to PLHS. Tests are limited so sign up soon as soon as possible, if you are interested. Payment will be needed before the student can take the test. September 30 The representative from Highland Community College will visit during seminar. October 7 The representative from Washburn University will visit during seminar. October 15 PSAT at 8:15-11:30 at PLHS. October 18 PSAT at 8:15-11:30 given at Lawrence High. October 25 ACT Testing Date November 6 The representative from Fort Hays State University will visit during seminar. November 7 The deadline to register for the ACT given at PLHS on December 13. Mark your calendars: Dec. 11 is Senior Financial Aid Night @ 6:30 p.m. Please keep updated on calendar changes by regularly viewing the Daily Bulletin in PowerSchool and looking at the Upcoming Events tab in the Counselor’s Corner. And as always, contact me if you ever have any questions or concerns (597-5124 ext. 1007 or [email protected]). PLHS Counselor Great news – EF Tours introduces its low price guarantee – No more departure fees, no more enrollment fees, no more price increases! Whatever program fees are in place when you sign up – that is your guaranteed price – it will not increase!!! Sign up now for the Grand Tour of Italy!! Perry Lecompton International Tours www.eftours.com/1457696BP Perry Lecompton International Tours and Mrs.Whitaker would like to invite you to join us on a 12 day Italian adventure. Join us as we experience the beautiful countryside and ancient history of Italy! Bella Italia – The Grand Tour of Italy – includes Rome, Venice, Milan, Assisi, Pompeii, Florence, and so much more – we will visit the Vatican City and have the option to view the Tower of Piza and the Isle of Capri!!! This is a jam-packed trip that is filled lots of “ooohh – awwww” moments! A trip, that promises to be an amazing experience, one that will be cherished for a lifetime. This trip is open to students of USD 343, family members of students, and community members. The program cost of the 12 day trip is approximately $3800.00. The program cost does not include insurance, departure fees, and optional excursions. Remember that your trip costs include: International round trip airfare, hotel, continental breakfast and complete supper, a full time tour director, in country transportation, entrance into many castles and museums, several day guides and walking tours. Travelers will depart in late May 2016. You can sign up for the trip at www.eftours.com/1173900 Please contact Susie Whitaker at [email protected] or 785-550-0267 if you want more information about joining us on the wonderful journey. This is not a PLHS or USD 343 function – this trip is hosted by Susie Whitaker. WAIT - DON”T THROW THAT AWAY! RECYCLE IT!! PLHS Library Media Center is collecting cell phones (old and those no longer wanted) and ink jet printer cartridges. Any and all types are accepted – working or not working! This is a fund-raiser for the PLHS Library! Proceeds will be used for the PLHS library and Perry Lecompton Library Media scholarship! Deposit your old cell phones and cartridges (please place in a plastic bag first) in the tubs located at the PLHS library. If you have any questions please contact Susie Whitaker. PLHS School Library Media Specialist at [email protected] or 785-597-5124. Thanks for your support!