The Monthly Update. Principal s Message

Transcription

1 Volume 3, Issue 2 October 2017 Cuyahoga Heights Middle and High Schools The Monthly Update PLANNING AHEAD October 3 George Gross XC Invitational at 4:00 p.m. Meet the Board of Education Candidates Night, CH Village Hall at 7:00 p.m. October 4 Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 p.m. CVCC College Fair at 6:00 p.m. October 7 Homecoming Dance in HS Cafeteria at 7:00 p.m. October 9 After Prom Meeting at 7:00 p.m. October 11 PSAT (Grades 8-11) and Senior Seminar (12) during Periods 1-4 October 12 End of First Quarter October 13 NEOEA Day, No School October 14 CH Community Corn Roast at 4:00 p.m. October 18 MS/HS Picture Re- Take Day October 19 Fall Choir and Orchestra Concert at 7:00 p.m. Principal s Message It may be October but summer is still holding on for dear life! Nevertheless, pumpkin and apple spice are found in everything from lattes to Twinkies to hand soap. The fall season will also take our students to the end of first semester and from one co-curricular season to another. I am looking forward to the great things our students will do in the upcoming weeks. As most know by now, the Ohio Department of Education recently released the state report card. On the report card, districts and schools are rated with letter grades in targeted categories that measure student achievement, student growth and graduation rate, among other indicators. Allow me to state how very proud I am of the efforts made by my students and teachers last spring. Our significant improvements on the state report card in key areas such as student growth and achievement were earned by very few districts across Ohio. In fact, our Performance Index (Achievement) ranks us 39th out of 608 public schools while our Value Added (Student Growth Prediction) Indicator ranks 59th, overall. This is, in part, because of the support our families and communities provide to our staff and students. Although our results are outstanding, I must emphasize that our students are more than just data points to be plotted, test scores to be plugged into equations, or statistics to be assigned a letter grade. Our students are young people that not only need to be educated as future leaders but also nurtured as valuable young men and women. The relationships we build with our students as parents and educators has a more profound influence on their future than the test scores they produce. We will always strive to improve, to be competitive, and to give our students every opportunity to demonstrate their potential not because it is best for a report card but because it is best for our children. At Cuyahoga Heights, we believe in the human element of education we believe in our school. Thank you for entrusting us with your children s education.

2 The Monthly Update September Pride Tribe Helpful Helpful To be helpful is to be of service. It is doing useful things for people, such as things they cannot do for themselves, something they do not have time to do, or just little things that make life easier. This month, six students were recognized for demonstrating helpfulness. Those students and their nominating teachers were: Week of September 4 Maddie Krzynowek, nominated by Ms. Dragon Week of September 11 Katarina Kiriazis, nominated by Mr. D Orazio Week of September 18 Lexi Baciak, nominated by Ms. Nolan Week of September 25 Kyle Calvey, nominated by Mr. Martin Week of October 2 Shayne Eaton, nominated by Mr. Rademaker September Students of the Month Selected students in grades 6 12 were honored as being our Students of the Month. These students perform exemplary in the classroom and are positive role models to their peers. Congratulations to the following students: 12th Grade Tabitha Spears 11th Grade Lauren Adamo 10th Grade Jordan Stefanko 9th Grade Nolan Borowy 8th Grade Zachary Bernstein 7th Grade Sophia Janezic 6th Grade Georgia Kattler Athletes of the Week for September During September, high school student-athletes nominated by their coaches were recognized as athletes of the week for excelling in athletic performance, leadership and sportsmanship. Those student-athletes were: Rachel Huff, Senior, Girls Golf Alex Dean, Senior, Boys Golf David Novak, Junior, Boys Cross Country Sarah Kepchar, Junior, Volleyball Lucas D Orazio, Senior, Football Page 2

3 The Monthly Update Planning for Parent Teacher Conferences First Quarter grades will close on October 12. Because ongoing communication is so important to a student's success in school, the faculty of Cuyahoga Heights Middle and High Schools will be available for Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday, November 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Friday, November 3 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. On the 3rd, Middle School and High School students will be released early from school. Please consider attending conferences on one of these dates, especially if you have questions or concerns about a particular subject or course. PSAT and Senior Seminar On October 11, students in Grades 8 through 11 will take the PSAT during Periods 1-4 with a normal school day beginning fifth period. This assessment should be considered a low-stakes test (except for those juniors pursuing the National Merit Competition), intended only for us to determine what students authentically know on the college readiness spectrum. The cost of the test for students is free. Also on that day, we have planned an amazing Senior Seminar for our seniors. The intention of the morning is to give Cuyahoga Heights seniors time and access to individuals who can assist them in College and Career Readiness initiatives. We will begin the day with John Michael, voice of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who will captivate us with his journey toward his current position as the play-by-play announcer with the Cavs. Next, students will begin a three session College and Career Coaching experience. College representatives from Cleveland State University, Baldwin Wallace University, and Cuyahoga Community College will present college admittance information. Cuyahoga Valley Career Center Career Specialist, Mrs. Amy Hanratty, will be available to assist students with updating their resumes or polishing their interviewing language and skills. School counselor, Mrs. Carolyn Douglas, will encourage seniors to utilize the Naviance website: whether students are requesting a Letter of Recommendation from their teacher, searching for national or regional scholarships, completing the Career Interest Profile, or working on their college applications through The Common Application. Finally, students will discover the opportunities and deadlines of Senior Project and Graduation in May 2018 from the Class Advisors, Mrs. Sharon Seitz and Mr. David Pesicka. Note Students in grades six and seven will have a normal academic day. Page 3

4 The Monthly Update Homecoming 2017 Homecoming is right around the corner. Below is a list of all activities that accompany this annual tradition. Spirit Week MS & HS 10/2 - Monochromatic (All One Color) Day 10/3 - Tourist Day 10/4 - Decades Day 10/5 - Athletes vs. Mathletes Day 10/6 - MEGA-Spirit Day Pillar Decorating (Gr. 9-12) 10/4 - After School, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Voting for King & Queen (Gr. 9-12) 10/6 - During English Classes Pep Rally & Queen/King Reveal (Gr. 6-12) 10/6-2:00 p.m. Homecoming Game 10/6-7:00 p.m. vs. Fairport Homecoming Ticket Sales 10/2 through 10/5 - $30 per ticket Homecoming Dance (Gr. 9-12) 10/6 - Dance Decorating after School 10/7 - Dance, 7:00 p.m. NHS/NJHS Fall Induction This year, we will be inducting new students into NHS/NJHS in the fall rather than late spring. In addition, NHS will now become an 11th and 12th grade organization only while NJHS changes to grades 8 and 9 only. Eligible students have been notified and the application process has begun. Here is a timeline of events and deadlines: Applications Due October 6 Tapping October 27 Induction November 12 at 2:00 p.m. CVCC College Fair On Wednesday, October 4, the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC) will host the Cuyahoga Valley Consortium College Night from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Over 100 colleges are expected to participate in this local college fair. College alumni or admissions representatives provide information packets and are available to answer questions. Nearly 3,000 students and parents typically attend this annual event. Page 4

5 The Monthly Update In early September, eighth grade students/families received information regarding the Washington, D.C. Trip. The dates for the trip are March 21-23, 2018, which are adjacent to Spring Break. Here is a summary of the trip: Dates: March 21 23, 2018 Departure from CHMS: 6:30 a.m. Return to CHMS: 9:00 p.m. Management: Nowak Tour Company Cost of Trip Includes: Deluxe Mobile Coach Eight (8) Meals Panoramic Photo Private Night Supervision All Admissions All Taxes and Gratuities Online Trip Management Hotel Information: Hyatt Place, Ridgetop Circle, Sterling, VA 20166, (703) th Grade Trip - First Payment Due in October Historical Monuments and Experiences: Memorials Iwo Jima, Air Force, Pentagon, WWII, Korea, Vietnam MLK, FDR, Lincoln and Jefferson Arlington National Cemetery Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Changing of the Guard and JFK Gravesite Smithsonian Museum Air & Space, American History and Natural History Holocaust Museum National Archives Gettysburg, PA The first payment of $100 is due to Nowak Tours by October 13. The second payment of $100 is due November 17. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Tartara or Nowak Tours. Community Service Hours - Volunteers Needed Opportunities are available for seniors, student council members, and NHS or NJHS students seeking community service hours. CHHS students are required to earn 60 hours for graduation. By visiting the Cuyahoga Heights Schools website, clicking the Guidance tab and choosing the High School link, students can find an updated list of community service events. If your senior student has questions about his/her volunteer hours, please see a senior class advisor or guidance counselor. Please have students consider one of the upcoming volunteer opportunities: Cuyahoga Heights Corn Roast Towpath Marathon Brooklyn Heights Scouts & Students for Seniors Leaf Raking Project Brooklyn Heights Senior Chore Services MetroHealth Volunteer Services Page 5

6 The Monthly Update ACT Results On September 7, ACT officially released test results to schools across the nation. As you will notice, Cuyahoga Heights students once again earned scores that exceed state average and national average. This continues to reflect the outstanding quality of teaching, learning and parenting that takes place in our district. Congratulations to all! SUBJECT English Mathematics Reading Science Composite College Readiness Percent (All 4 Areas)* School State Nation School State Nation School State Nation School State Nation School State Nation School * Benchmarks State English: 18 Mathematics: 22 Nation Biology: 23 Social Science: 22 Note: What is College Readiness? A benchmark score is the minimum score needed on a subject-area test to indicate a 50% chance of obtaining a B or higher or about a 75% chance of obtaining a C or higher in the corresponding credit-bearing college courses. Page 6

7 The Monthly Update SAT and ACT Testing for Juniors In Ohio, district and community schools must administer a state-funded College Entrance Exam to juniors in spring, 2018, as one of their three graduation options. Last year was the first time school districts in Ohio were required to select and administer a college entrance exam during the school day for the Junior Class. Last year, our school district chose the ACT as our college entrance exam; however, for the school year, Cuyahoga Heights will switch to the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) for the State-Funded College Entrance Exam. This test administration will be at no cost to our students and families. Along with providing college entrance scores that are accepted at all colleges and universities across the country, the SAT also offers many additional benefits for our students and families. The SAT assesses students in reading, writing, language, and mathematics. Ohio s remediation free scores for graduation are 530 in mathematics and 480 in evidence-based reading and writing. Reflecting on the academic culture and history of our school district, it is very obvious that the ACT college entrance exam is an embedded focus of instruction and preparation for our staff and students. Our school district feels that we need to continue to support students in their preparation of the ACT college entrance exam. This tradition has always provided our students with opportunities to be successful after high school and we wish to continue to service our students in an area that they have traditionally excelled. That being said, the Cuyahoga Heights School District will also offer our Junior Class the opportunity to participate in the ACT college entrance exam at no cost to our families and students. We feel that this additional testing opportunity gives our students the best chance to expand their potential for success as they prepare for their post-secondary life. We are excited about these college entrance opportunities for our students and the new direction in which we will serve our students and families. As we get closer to the actual test administration dates, you will receive information on both the SAT and ACT college entrance exam administrations directly from the guidance office. Upcoming ACT Test Dates and Deadlines ACT Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration ACT Scores Available October 28, 2017 September 22, 2017 September 23-October 6, 2017 November 14, 2017 December 9, 2017 November 3, 2017 November 4-17, 2017 December 21, 2017 Upcoming SAT Test Dates and Deadlines SAT Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration SAT Scores Available November 4, 2017 October 6, 2017 October 20, 2017 November 23, 2017 December 2, 2017 November 3, 2017 November 17, 2017 December 21, 2017 Page 7

8 Cuyahoga Heights Middle and High School Cuyahoga Heights Schools st Street Cuyahoga Heights, OH Phone: Fax: Cuyahoga Heights Local School District The mission of the Cuyahoga Heights Schools is to provide a safe, secure, and nurturing learning environment that graduates students who are college and career ready, are critical thinkers, are culturally aware, and are prepared to be successful citizens of the 21st century. Empowering students to reach new HEIGHTS! News from HS Guidance In mid-september, Mrs. Douglas conducted one-on-one meetings with senior students. During those meetings, the following information was discussed and distributed to students: Records Release Form, Activity Survey, College Application Processing Request Form, Common Application Schools, Naviance, College Visitation Form, ACT/SAT Information and Selective Service Information. In addition, members of the junior class also register with the Naviance program to begin the college planning process. All junior and senior students have been assigned the task of completing a Career Interest Inventory by the end of January. Further, senior students should check Naviance frequently for information on local, regional and national scholarships as they become available. Also, representatives from several colleges and universities will be present to meet with students throughout the year. If interested, students should contact Mrs. Mudra in the Guidance Office. This month s schedule is as follows: October 2 Wilmington College, 9:15 a.m. October 4 University of Dayton, 10:00 a.m. October 5 Notre Dame College, 11:39 a.m. October 6 Slippery Rock University, 10:51 a.m. October 9 Bowling Green State University, 10:45 a.m. October 11 Baldwin Wallace University, 8:45 a.m. October 11 Cuyahoga Community College, 9:15 a.m. October 11 Cleveland State University, 10:00 a.m. October 11 Walsh University, 12:15 p.m. October 17 Central State University, 11:39 a.m. October 19 Wright State University, 10:45 a.m. October 24 University of Cincinnati, 12:15 p.m. November 6 Heidelberg University, 12:15 p.m. Page 8

9

10

11

12

13