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Principal’s Message

Dear Families of St. Helens High School

Students,

We had a great first semester

with 137 students on the honor roll and 37

students who had a 4.0 GPA. Congratu-

lations to the great accomplishments

and hard work of these students!

We have had a fantastic winter

sports season as well! Our Boy Swimmers

200 Medley Relay, 400 Freestyle Relay

and Dylan Swatski made it to State. Our

Lady Lion Swimmers 400 Freestyle Relay

made it to State. Way to go swimmers!

Our Wrestlers placed 3rd at Districts with

11 district placers and 6 moving on to

State this weekend! Coach Timmons

won NWOC Coach of the Year Great job

St. Helens High School Athletes!

The Tempest, a William Shake-

speare Comedy, was a drama presenta-

tion in February featuring enjoyable per-

formances from several students. Audi-

tions are beginning for the spring drama

Arsenic debuting on Thursday, May 7 in

the Olmscheid Auditorium. Come out

and support our dramatists.

Sound FX most recent perform-

ance on Feb 11th was outstanding! They

received a superior rating of 98/100 at

Scappoose Pop/Jazz Festival. Their next

event is A Cappella in Albany on March

7th and a concert at school on March

12th @ 7pm. Congratulations and good

luck!

SHHS jazz band was very suc-

cessful in their recent festival on February

7th at West Salem High School. They

came in 1st place in their division, way to

go! Band will perform at school on March

17th and 18th, both at 7pm.

The Robotics Team had their first

competition this Friday and Satur-

day. After six long weeks of designing,

building, programming, and trouble-

shooting, the team has a working robot

that is fully capable of stacking recycling

containers and garbage cans. This is the

first year that a team from SHHS has com-

peted in the FIRST Robotics Chal-

lenge. Past SHHS teams competed one

division down, in the FIRST Tech Chal-

lenge, where the robots were smaller

and the build season longer. The team

adapted to the new set of rules and

building materials and is proud of all they

have accomplished. The team will par-

ticipate in a second competition in Philo-

math on March 26-28.

Our student leadership team just

finished a successful blood drive through

American Red Cross. They had 145 peo-

ple registered to donate.

As we move into spring and start

preparing for graduation, it is important

to remember all seniors must have their

fees paid by May 8 in order to attend

prom and walk at graduation. If you are

uncertain if your student has fees, please

contact Lorraine Coopersmith at 503-366

-7401. If your student qualifies for a con-

centrated area of study cord their forms

are due to their counselor by April 15th. If

your student is receiving any scholarships

or awards that you have been notified of

please submit your information to Mrs.

Allen by May 15th. Additionally, if you

have any questions as to whether your

student is on track for graduation please

contact their counselor. More informa-

tion on graduation events will be coming

out soon. Graduation is set for June 5th

with seating in the Doc’ Ackerson Sta-

dium.

The Week of March 2-6 was

Classified Employee Appreciation Week.

Our classified employees at SHHS are a

vital part of the instructional process and

we are very fortunate to

have such an awesome

group of employees. Please

join all of us in thanking them

for their dedication and hard

work.

Best Wishes and Warm Regards,

BG Aguirre

Principal St. Helens High School

Important Dates

March / April

3/2 ASB Officer Applications Due

3/3 District 3 Band Festival

3/7

Boys & Girls Basketball

Play Ins

Wind Ensemble/George Fox

SoundFX / Albany

3/6—3/9 Equestrian Team Meet

3/9

Safe & Sober Parent Meeting

7:00 pm Loo Wit Room

3/11 Winter Sports Dessert

3/12 SHHS All Choirs Concert

3/16—3/20 First Week of Spring Sports Contests

3/17 A Cappella OMEA Festival

3/17—18 HS / MS Band Concert

3/23—3/27 NO SCHOOL—Spring Break

3/28—3/29 Abby’s Closet Prom Gown Giveaway

4/3 ASB Campaign Assembly

4/6—4/7 ASB Officer Elections & Spring Royalty

4/7 NWOC Art Show

4/8 Clatskanie Choir Festival

4/9 3rd Quarter Ends

4/10 NO SCHOOL Teacher Workday

4/11 Lower Columbia Invitational Track Meet

4/14

4/16

NWOC League Choir Festival

NWOC League Band Contest

4/15—4/17

4/20—4/21

Class Officer Speeches

Class Officer Elections

4/27—5/1 Spring Fling Week

5/7—5/9 Spring Play/Arsenic & Old Lace

5/16 Prom / Portland Spirit

ST. HELENS HIGH SCHOOL

PARENT NEWSLETTER MARCH 2015

2 SHHS ACTIVITIES, HONORS Page 2

Winter Sports Highlights

Congratulations and Thank You to Great Coaches, Athletic Event Managers and Outstanding Athletes

Girls Basketball: Coached by Billy McKinney, Nate Holme, and April Bingaman

Boys Basketball: Coached by Scott Archer, Jordan Massinger, Andy Haug, and Jake Ramiskey

State Swimmers: Coached by Bill Rash

200 IM and 100 Backstroke: Dillon Swatski

Boys 200 Medley Relay Team: Cameron Lein, Dillon Swatski, Jonathan Prevish, Ross Munro

Girls 400 Freestyle Relay Team: Jackie Prevish, Trinity Howard, Hannah Spears, Brook Hopkins

Boys 400 Freestyle Relay Team: Cameron Lein, Dillon Swatski, Trevor Moss, Ross Munro

Second Team All League Swimmers:

Jackie Prevish, Cameron Lein, Dillon Swatski, Jonathan Prevish, Ross Munro, Chase Parhurst

Honorable Mention All League Swimmers:

Trinity Howard, Ross Munro, Brook Hopkins, Jackie Prevish, Cameron Lein, Jacob Opdahl, Chase Parkhurst, Jonathan Prevish, Trevor Moss, Amy Sumsion, Hannah Spears, Dillon Swatski

State Wrestlers: Coached by Jeff Timmons and Tyler Hills

John Dewitt - NWOC 2nd place 106 lbs

Elias Fields – NWOC 3rd place 120 lbs

Haidon Allen – NWOC 3rd place 126 lbs

Michael Bowen – NWOC 2nd place 132 lbs

Colton Beisley – NWOC 4th place 138 lbs

Miles Terry – NWOC Champion 182 lbs

Equestrian Team: Coached by Kim Snook and Marci Brumbaugh

Mikael Snook, Kaitlyn Lobby, Jessie Bartolomucci, Azaya Holmes, Cricket Holmes, Hayley Nehls, Chastity Cuthair, Rhainnon Chirila, Melissa Crippen, Karly Moore,

Gloria Montoya, Sophie Parrott

Event Management/Game Crews:Cyndy Miller, Dan West, Naomi Reedy, Larry Klick, Wayne Rofinot, Steve Tupper, Kristin Warner, Stan Girard, Jack Carter,

Robert Brawand, Jack Cooper, Chris Poorman, Bonnie Moss, Crystal Briggs, Linda Briggs, Leanne Haresnape, Andrea Howard, Columbia River Fire Rescue.

There have been many successes so far this year and I am proud to be part of the St Helens community and St Helens High

School Athletics.

Robotics Team Competition Results

Congratulations to the robotics team! The team competed at the Ore-

gon City Event last weekend.

Highlights include:

-The SHHS robot was on the alliance with the highest single match

score of the tournament (148 pts)

-SHHS was one of 24 teams to advance to the elimination rounds

-Our team was the winner of the Rookie All-Star Award

It was an exciting weekend and all the team members should be proud of their accomplishments. The team competes again in Philomath on

March 26th-28th.

Excellent Attendance Awards

On February 10th, 88 students with an attendance rate of

99% or better for Semester 1, were appreciated for their

achievement with a Pizza Party. On February 11th, 265

students with an attendance percentage of 96-98% for

Semester 1 were recognized for their achievement and

received cupcakes. Thanks to all the students and families

for making attendance a top priority!

Elks Teen of the Month

September Timothy Curtiss October Michelle Sass November Leah Cave December JoNathan Denakis January Alyssa Giesbers

February Bryce Sanford

SHHS Band News

The SHHS Jazz Band took 1st Place in their division at

W. Salem Jazz Festival. Outstanding soloist awards were given to

Ben Aday and Riann Waggoner.

SHHS Wind Ensemble qualified for the OSAA State

Band Contest at the OMEA Dist. 3 Band Festival hosted at

SHHS.

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Page 3 SHHS News

Spring Fever…. As spring approaches, the days get longer and warmer, students are often tempted to take a “sick” day or leave campus early in order to enjoy a beautiful spring day. While we all understand this temptation, it is very important to remember it is difficult for students to perform well academically when they are absent from school. We will continue to monitor student absences and missed class periods.

Please remind your teenagers the importance of being in school.

We encourage parents to support regular school atten-dance. We do understand there may be an occasional need to sched-ule medical, dental, or DMV appointments during school hours. These appointments can be prearranged via note or phone call to the atten-dance office (503.366.7447). The school must receive a note or phone call to the attendance office within 3 days of the student’s re-

turn to school in order for the absence to be excused.

As a reminder to parents, under ORS339.065, an ex

cused absence includes: personal illness, family illness, emergencies,

funerals, and suspensions. Absences that are not excused under Oregon law include: car trouble, missing the bus, over-sleeping, hair

appointments, and job interviews.

We appreciate your cooperation in encouraging your teen-ager to be in school. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns

or questions regarding your student.

A SPECIAL NOTE:

We had several students who had perfect attendance during the first semester. We applaud these students as well as all of the stu-dents who were “tardy free” and made the effort to get to class on time! Congratulations to you all

and keep up the good work!

Chris Hanson

Intervention Specialist

503.366.7436

SHHS Band Highlights

March 8th Wind Ensemble at George Fox Band Festival March 18th Concert Band and Jazz Band Spring Concert 6:30pm March 19th Wind Ensemble & Portland State University Wind

Symphony Concert 7pm

SHHS Choir Highlights

March 7th Sound FX A Capella in Albany

March 12th All Choirs Concert SHHS Auditorium

March 17th OMEA District Choir Festival @ Scappoose

April 8th Clatskanie Choir Festival

April 14th NWOC League Choir Festival

Art Department Update

TBA Master Gardeners’ Spring Fair @HS Commons

April 7 NWOC League Art Show will be held at Wilsonville

High School on April 7th. 15 students will be selected to repre-

sent our school. Interested students should submit two works

to Mr. Sumsion before March 6.

April 10 Columbia-Pacific Food Bank Empty Bowls dinner @

McBride.

April 11, 18, & 25 Wood Fire w/ Linfield, George Fox Uni-

versity Chemeketa @ East Creek (Willamina, OR)

May 1-3 OPA Showcase @ Portland Coliseum, HS gallery

and Saturday-night throw-off

SHHS Writing Center

Want help editing your paper before you

turn it in? Need help revising a graded paper to save

your grade? Have to write an essay for a class and

don’t know where to start?

The SHHS Writing Center can help!

Our trained writing center tutors are high

school students just like you—juniors

and seniors who have exceptional writ-

ing skills but have also been your shoes.

They can provide you with specific

feedback on how to improve your pa-

per, or help you find a good place to start. The writ-

ing center is available during AAP and during Home-

work Club in the library on Tuesdays and Thurs-

days.

You can sign up for an appointment at:

http://bit.ly/shhwritingcenter, or drop in during

Homework Club.

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Important Dates:

* April 3rd- Graduation announcements arrive from Jostens.

* April 15th - Concentrated Area of Study forms (cords) due to your counselor.

* April 30th- All fees need to be paid to Mrs. Coopersmith in the front office to participate in Graduation

Exercises.

* May 15th- Cap, gown, and tassels arrival from Jostens.

* May 18th- Senior Award forms are due to Mrs. Allen for honors at Senior Award Night.

Mon & Tues June 1st & 2nd: Regular in-seat day for seniors. Textbooks and borrowed materials need to

be turned in, lockers cleaned out, and all of your fees & fines paid.

Wednesday June 3rd: Last regular in-seat day for seniors. Graduation walking order and partners will be

posted in the commons by 4pm.

6:30pm Senior Awards Ceremony. Report to the auditorium with your parents. You will not need your cap and gown, but dress in your nicest clothing. You will NOT receive an honor or award unless you have in-

formed our head secretary, Brie Allen, of that award prior to Monday May 18th.

8:00pm Baccalaureate. Following the Senior Awards Assembly, exit to put on your cap and gown. Line up

in the auditorium lobby to formally re-enter as a group, in walking order. This event is religious in nature and

all attendance is optional. It is created and coordinated by students and ministries aside from our school pro-

grams. It is generally 45 minutes in length.

Thursday June 4th

8am Marching order & assembly practice. Find your marching partner and quickly line up in the Com-

mons; couple #1 at the door leading to A Building and the line continuing up the ramp toward the LooWit

room and C Building. You will be wearing your Cap and Gown attire for the assembly.

9:50am Senior Assembly in Main Gymn. Wearing cap and gown, we will enter the gym in processional,

once the student body is seated and waiting. We will exit the gym in recessional and go directly to the back

gym.

11:30am—Following Assembly – Class Photo by Bell Studios. At this time, we will take a full class photo

wearing cap and gowns. Following the photo, we will return to our assembly seating and depart to the sta-

dium, each graduate carrying their chair with them.

11:45am- Stadium Set Up & Practice. Graduates will leave the gym in marching order. Once lined up and

staged in grad-marching/seating format, they will move to the stadium to practice their first official graduation

entry.

Page 4 Graduation Week Basics: Senior Obligations

REMEMBER April 30th 4pm Fee Deadline

All Fees must be paid at this time to participate in Prom or our

evening Graduation Exercise.

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Friday June 5th 12 Noon – Senior B-B-Q “Lunchtime for the Graduates!” Please assist our Parent Volun-

teers with cleanup from the luncheon.

1:15pm – Doc’ Ackerson Stadium: Report to the track and line up in your walking order. We will be

lined up and walking at 1pm.You must be present at this practice and diploma procedure to participate

in the Graduation Ceremony.

6pm – Graduation Night! Report to the commons to form your marching order and prepare for

graduation. Wear your cap and gown! Students must be wearing proper attire. Ladies’ flowers and

Honor Cords will be handed out at this time.

“Proper Attire” - Young men: Dark pants (slacks preferred) & dark shoes (no flipflops or tennis shoes).

- Young ladies: Dresses, skirts & dress slacks & dress shoes (sandals/open toes must

have a heel). Don’t be afraid to look nice!

Immediately Following the Ceremony: A) Go to the Commons to meet with families B) Change

clothing and line up outside of B-40 to board Senior Party Bus. C) Diplomas may be picked up the follow-

ing week, Mon-Wed, 10am – 2pm.

Page 5 Office Notes & Graduation Notes

** Spring / Mother’s Day Plant Sale ** March 9 through April 18

Fundraiser for the St. Helens High School Seniors Celebrating Success

Class of 2015 Party

Beautiful plants available – arriving just in time for Mother’s Day!!

Hanging Baskets Perennials Organic Vegetables Bedding Annuals Organic Herbs

Place your order with a SHHS Senior Student Order forms will be sent home with all elementary students Order forms available at high school front office, Mrs. Coopersmith Request a form by calling or emailing Bridget at dbrkc5@msn.com, 503.396.0715

Pick up your plants May 9 between 10-2pm at the high school front door by the flagpole

ORDER YOURS TODAY!!

501C3 #46-3769446 PO Box 302, St. Helens, OR 97051 503.396.0715 (Bridget)

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Seniors Celebrating Success

Future Planning Meetings at 7 pm in the Loo Wit Room at the High School

March 9th April 13th May 11th

“SENIORS CELEBRATING SUCCESS”

SAFE & SOBER PARTY

PAYMENT IS DUE BY APRIL 1st 2015

Committee Purpose: St. Helens High School Seniors Celebrating Success Committee, SHHSSCS (aka:

Safe and Sober Party) exists to provide planning/organization for the Senior Party to all those wishing to at-

tend, to determine location(s), costs, volunteer opportunities, fundraising efforts and by working together to

make sure this is a memorable occasion for our Senior Class of 2015.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Email: Classof2015SafeandSober@gmail.com

Mailing Address: SHHSSCS, PO Box 302, St. Helens, OR 97051

Website: www.shhssafeandsober.org

Facebook: Parents St. Helens Class of 2015 Parents Group

Facebook: Students Class of 2015 Safe and Sober Party

BOARD MEMBERS: Chair: Judy Reed, Co-Chair: Torrie Hughes, Secretary: Angela Hughes

Treasurer/Volunteer Coordinator: Tracy Oliver

PAYMENTS: Please make checks payable to SHHSSCS, payments can be given to Mrs. Coopersmith in the office or mailed directly to our PO Box.

COST of PARTY: *$50.00 PLUS 10 Hours of Fundraising Volunteer

Hours by parent or student

*$200.00 BUY-OUT

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

POP CAN DRIVES: APRIL 4, MAY 2, 8:30 AM TO 4:30 PM. NEED 2 PARENTS AND 3-4 SENIORS PER SHIFT. CONTACT:

Torrie Hughes or Damian Hughes. SIGN UP www.shhssafeandsober.org

SPRING/MOTHER’s DAY PLANT SALE: Beginning in March, order forms will be going out to all elementary schools, orders are due

4/18/2015 for pick up May 9th, 10-2pm. CONTACT: Bridget Duarte, SIGN UP to help pass out plants for Mother’s Day:

www.shhssafeandsober.org

T-Shirts FOR SALE! “I Love My LIONS” t-shirts, gold glitter or glow in the dark. CONTACT: Judy Reed

OVER 21 games night/Silent Auction/Spaghetti Dinner/Band at the ELKS LODGE: April 18. CONTACT: Angela Hughes, Bridget

Duarte, Deb Sisco. **NEED ADULT VOLUNTEERS AND AUCTION ITEMS.**

EXPO CENTER: ROADSTER SHOW March 20-22, AUTO SWAP MEET April 10-12, ONE CONCESSION STAND, **NEED LOTS

OF VOLUNTERS PER SHIFT, 3 ADULTS W/OLCC CARDS, 4 STUDENTS. ** CONTACT: Melissa Lungburg, SIGN UP at

www.shhssafeandsober.org (T-shirts will be given to all volunteers or if you already have one, please wear it! )

PARTNERSHIP NIGHTS: Klondike, March 11; Dockside, May 5; YoPlace- TBD; Javalation- TBD

**GET YOUR $50.00 DEPOSIT IN BY April 1st … AND GET YOUR 10 HOURS

DONE, ONCE THE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ARE FINISHED, WE WILL

NOT BE ABLE TO OFFER MORE**

**You may also ‘sponsor’ a senior who may otherwise not be able to attend.**

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St. Helens High School

2375 Gable Rd.

St. Helens, OR 97051

School Phone: 503-397-1900