cuyahoga heights middle and high schools the … parent newsletter hsms2.pdfand how to enroll in...
TRANSCRIPT
Cuyahoga Heights Middle and High Schools
January 2017 Volume 2, Issue 5
The Monthly Update
PLANNING AHEAD
January 3
Winter Break ends and
Classes Resume
January 4
Board of Education
Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
January 9
Athletic Booster Club
Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
January 10, 11
HS Midterm Exams
Early Release for HS/MS
Students at 12:20 p.m.
January 12
HS Midterm Exams
Early Release for HS/MS
Students at 11:20 a.m.
End Quarter 2
January 13
Staff Professional
Development Day, No
School for Students
January 16
MLK Day, No School
January 18
8th Grade Transition to HS
Meeting for Parents at 6:00
p.m.
Tentative BOE Meeting at
7:00 p.m.
January 25
10th Grade Field Trip to
CVCC
January 27
Final Payment Due for 8th
Grade Trip
Happy New Year to all families within the Cuyahoga Heights School District! I hope that the
holidays were enjoyable and allowed you all some time to relax and to spend quality time with both
family and friends. The start of a new year is a time to look forward to the graduation of the Class of
2017 and the promotion of our 8th graders to high school.
The new year is a great time to reflect on the changes students want to or need to make as they
prepare for their future, especially if they plan to attend college. The International College Counselors
offers a few resolutions students may want to consider.
1. Stop procrastinating. How often have you underestimated how much time it will take to get
something done? Then, how sad are you when you don’t have the time to do your best? At some
point, the procrastinator has to write four college essays in one night – on top of completing
schoolwork. Usually, this doesn’t turn out so well. If you finish a project earlier than you thought
you would, then consider yourself ahead.
2. Commit yourself to getting good grades. Good grades are entirely necessary to get into a good
school unless you’re a top notch athlete. The best case scenario is that you have good grades from
the beginning. However, if you start off badly and improve your grades, colleges will give you
points for this. Many admissions officers won’t look at your application if your grades are too
low or show a steady decline. Spending a night studying while your friends play Wii may not
excite you, but you need to look at this long-term. Think of it this way, grades are a bridge. They
will serve you to get into a college where you will have more freedom. In college, grades may not
be as important as in high school.
3. Don’t do it all. It’s better to concentrate on a few things and excel in them than if you join every
sport, activity and club that you can cram into your schedule. Anyone can join 10 clubs and be
marginally involved in them all. Schools are looking for commitment that shows you’re willing
to stick with something and make the most of it.
4. Keep a calendar. Deadlines creep up quickly. And the closer the date, the more you’ll feel the
pressure. Most students don’t do their best under pressure. And colleges, scholarships, federal
aid, and standardized testing services are not going to be sympathetic to any excuses you have
about missing a deadline. If you miss a deadline, you miss an opportunity.
5. Take standardized tests early. You won’t know how high you can score until you take the test.
Wait too long and you won’t have enough time to retake it. And many things can affect your test
score on any given day, including the state of your health, and you can’t plan not to get the flu or
food poisoning. Taking the test early will also allow time to take a test prep course if necessary.
Article continues on page 7.
Principal’s Message
The inspired student is filled with confidence and the desire to do something positive for
himself/herself and others. Inspired students often inspire greatness in others.
This month, four students were recognized for demonstrating inspiration:
Week of December 5—Hannah Trusso, nominated by Mrs. Broski
Week of December 12—Vito Pavlovic, nominated by Mr. Amari
December Pride Tribe—Inspired
Page 2
The Monthly Update
The following students have been selected in grades 6–12 as 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—Nathan Schroeder
11th Grade—Marcella Michalski
10th Grade—Jordan Sturgill
9th Grade—Katarina Kiriazis
8th Grade—Devon Patel
7th Grade—Olivia Santiago
6th Grade—Kaelib Graaf
December Students of the Month
During December, 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:
Brooke Wilson, Girls Basketball
Trey Combs, Wrestling
Please visit the Cuyahoga Heights Calendar on our website for dates and times for all events and
for an opportunity to see our student-athletes in action.
Athletes of the Month—December
The 8th Grade Washington, D.C. and Gettysburg Trip is less than three months away. As a
reminder, the final payment pf $261 is due to Nowak Tours by January 27. In addition, the
Roommate Request Form is due February 1st, with all other forms due March 1st. Please follow
the links below to access the Nowak Tours website and the Parent Information Packet.
Nowak Tours
Parent Information Packet
8th Grade Trip—Final Payment Due in January
Congratulations to Coach Martin, his staff and the football players on earning the OHSAA Division VI State
Runner-Up. Although we came up short against Marion Local by a score of 21 – 17 in a hard-fought game, the
resiliency, effort and character of our players was unmatched. A special thanks to the cheerleader, band,
student body and community for supporting the team during the playoff run. The community spirit, pride,
excitement and energy created an atmosphere that those involved will never forget. Thank you to all who “Put
the unity in community!”
OHSAA Division VI Football State Runner Up!
The Monthly Update
Page 3
Opponent Score Record
LaGrange Keystone 35-13 1-0
New London 48-6 2-0
New Middletown Springfield 45-21 3-0
Gates Mills Hawken 33-7 4-0
Middlefield Cardinal 41-13 5-0
Richmond Heights 42-6 6-0
Fairport Harding 35-6 7-0
Burton Berkshire 49-28 8-0
Kirtland 21-0 9-0
Independence 45-7 10-0
Opponent Score Record
Jeromesville Hillsdale 24-7 11-0
Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas 34-0 12-0
Kirtland 17-0 13-0
Newark Catholic 30-14 14-0
Maria Stein Marion Local 17-21 14-1
For over eighty years the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, Inc. has been instrumental in giving young artists
across the country an opportunity to display their artwork and compete for scholarships. Sponsored at the regional level
by the Cleveland Institute of Art and the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, this National Competition selects
artworks from over 100 area schools to jury and display the first round of the competition, with Gold Key winners (first
place winners) moving onto the national exhibition in Washington D.C. Gold and Silver Key winners will be on display
at the Cleveland Institute of Art from January 17 through February 3, 2017. Honorable mentions are displayed
digitally. This year, of our submitted artworks, Cuyahoga Heights High School has three students to recognize:
Emily Foote
Gold Key for her drawing Life from Death
Silver Key for her portfolio Odyssey
Silver Key for her drawing Work Space
Silver Key for her photo Life’s Reflection
Honorable Mention for her illustration Three Witches
Life After Death Work Space Life’s Reflection
Jessica Gray Ada Gee
Silver Key for her drawing Geometric Illusion Honorable Mention for her drawing A=2(1+v2)a
Geometric Illusion A=2(1+v2)a
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
The Monthly Update
Page 4
Page 5
The Monthly Update
Districts and community schools must administer a state-funded college and career readiness test
to juniors in spring 2017 as one of their three diploma options. Each district and community school
will choose to either administer the state-funded ACT or SAT college and career readiness test.
State law is clear that both tests meet Ohio’s graduation requirements to earn a high school
diploma.
Cuyahoga Heights will tentatively be administering the ACT on March 21, 2017. More
information will be available early second semester. College readiness, as defined by Ohio’s
university presidents, correlates to a student earning an 18 or higher on the English subtest, a 22 or
higher on the Mathematics subtest and a 22 or higher on the Reading subtest. Please note that this
version on the ACT will not include a Writing subtest. For questions about the ACT or SAT,
please contact Mrs. Douglas in the Guidance Office.
The ACT is Coming to the Class of 2018 and Beyond
2016-17 ACT and SAT Dates
ACT Test Dates and Deadlines
ACT Test Date Registration Deadline ACT Scores Available
February 11, 2017 Jan. 13, 2017 Feb. 22, 2017
April 8, 2017 Mar. 3, 2017 Apr. 18, 2017
June 10, 2017 May 5, 2017 Jun. 20, 2017
SAT Test Dates and Deadlines
SAT Test Date Registration Deadline SAT Scores Available
March 11, 2017 Feb. 10, 2017 Mar. 30, 2017
May 6, 2017 Apr. 7, 2017 May 25, 2017
June 3, 2017 May 9, 2017 Jun. 22, 2017
ACT PREP WORKSHOPS AT CVCC ($20 per Workshop)
Date Subject Time
January 28, 2017 General Overview 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
February 4, 2017 Math Test 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
February 25, 2017 English Test 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
March 4, 2017 Reading Test 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
March 11, 2017 Science Test 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
March 18, 2017 Review 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Page 6
The Monthly Update
On Wednesday, January 18, at 6:00 p.m. in the HS Auditorium, I will host an 8th Grade
Transition to High School Meeting for Parents. At this meeting, I will provide information on
course scheduling, graduation requirements, high school testing, co-curricular activities and
planning beyond high school. This will be a very beneficial meeting for parents to not only
provide guidance on future planning to their students but also to make the most informed
decisions as parents of 2021 graduates. See you then!
8th Grade Transition to HS Parent Meeting
Ohio's College Credit Plus program allows students in grades 7-12 to earn college and high
school credits at the same time by taking college courses from community colleges or
universities. The purpose of this program is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to
provide a wide variety of options to college-ready students.
If you are interested in learning more about the College Credit Plus program, please attend
an information session on Thursday, January 19, from 2:45 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. in the Cuyahoga
Heights High School Auditorium. All interested parents and students are encouraged to attend.
Students may choose to attend any number of universities; however, a representative from
Cuyahoga Community College will present information regarding College Credit Plus (CCP)
and how to enroll in appropriate coursework both at the home district (Cuyahoga Heights), as
well as in the Admissions Office of the college.
Independence High School is also offering a CCP presentation on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at
2:30 p.m. at Independence High School’s Auditorium. This is another opportunity to hear the
presentation from a Tri-C representative.
It is best practice that students AND parents participate in the CCP meeting on Thursday,
January 19, 2017 or the CCP meeting at Independence High School on February 14, 2017.
College Credit Plus Meeting
One often complicated, yet critical responsibility is to help students prepare for success on the
SAT, ACT, and other standardized tests. These tests are major educational milestones, and
student need support, encouragement, and the right tools for the job. Too often, cost, time, and
technology can be barriers to meeting the needs of every student. It is the understanding of these
needs and opportunities that the U.S. Army offers March2Success.com.
March 2 Success is a free, interactive online tutorial and test prep tool designed to help students
in grades 8 - 12 prepare for standardized tests such as SAT, ACT, state exit exams, and the
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). It is important to note that this free
resource is not used for military recruiting purposes, as student information is not provided to
recruiters. Personal information is not collected. The privacy of March 2 Success participants is
respected.
Free ACT/SAT Prep Online
Page 7
The Monthly Update
Family vacations are absences that will count in the 10-day limit on approved absences.
The absence will be unexcused unless all of the following criteria are met:
One of the student’s parents or legal guardian accompanies him/her on the vacation.
The Vacation Form, obtained in the Attendance Office, is submitted 5 days prior to
the absence.
The student must not be in danger of failing any classes and must have an acceptable
attendance rate.
The student must obtain assignments and submit them before the vacation or on the
first day returning to school, as determined by the individual teacher.
Note: Maximum of 5 vacation days for the school year allowed. No vacations will be
approved during the last five days of any semester.
Family Vacation Absences
For both the HS and MS, Ms. Bacci handles all absences, tardies, late entries and early
dismissals. It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to call their child off school each
day they are absent no later than 8:00 a.m. You will be asked to provide your student’s
name and grade, your name and relation to the student, the reason for the absence and a
parent phone number. Doctor and dental absences should be accompanied by a note
upon return to school. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Bacci in the Main
Office at 216-429-5707.
Reporting Absences—Grades 6 through 12
Cuyahoga Heights Middle/High School administration and faculty believe that
exemplary attendance directly influences academic achievement and prepares students to
be successful in college and careers. Attendance guidelines and policies have been
established to set reasonable expectations for attendance that will ensure the appropriate,
active involvement of students in school and to help them achieve their goals.
Students are permitted no more than ten (10) absences in a school year. Parent notes will
not be accepted for absences beyond the 10-day limit. All absences beyond the 10-day
limit will be unexcused unless they are accompanied by a physician’s note or a
court document. Students do not earn credit for work collected dur ing an
unexcused absence. Students, who are excessively absent, both excused and unexcused,
find themselves in danger of forfeiting academic credit, per individual class, for the
semester.
Absences from School - 10 Day Limit
Cuyahoga Heights Schools
4820 71st Street
Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125
Phone: 216-429-5700
Fax: 216-341-3737
E-mail: [email protected]
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.
Cuyahoga Heights Middle and High School
6. Do your research. Know what the choices are when it comes to colleges. This way you can avoid any “coulda, shoulda, woulda”
regrets later in life. Research could be as simple as visiting a school’s website.
7. Try something new. High school is a great time to spread your wings. It’s about new experiences and self-discovery. Want a
certain internship, there’s no harm in calling up and asking if they have any room for an eager high school student to work there.
Want to try a new sport or activity, go ahead and try it. You’re not expected to leave high school knowing exactly what you
want to do, but this is a chance to start narrowing down your interests. You’ll never know what you like – or how good you are
at something – until you try something.
8. Be excited about going to college. Wherever you go to college, you’re going to meet new people, learn new things, and have a
great time. That’s reason enough to be excited whether you end up attending a first choice school or a safety.
9. Do what your college counselor tells you. Students: We at International College Counselors are here to get you what you want
out of life.
10. Banish the self-doubt. Doubting your own abilities only holds you back from achieving what you want to achieve. Just say no to
these thoughts and others like them:
I can’t do this.
I’m not as smart as my classmates.
I’ll never get better than a 2.7 grade-point average.
I’ll only get into a community college anyway.
There’s no point in thinking I’ll get into my first choice college.
Have a terrific 2017...It’s Great To Be At Cuyahoga Heights!
Source: http://internationalcollegecounselors.com/10-new-year-resolutions-for-high-school-students
Principal’s Message...Continued
Empowering students to reach new
HEIGHTS!
Cuyahoga Heights Local School District
We’re on the Web!
www.cuyhts.org