December Hawk Talk Newsletter

HAWK TALK
http://www.gilbertschools.net
December 2014
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
The semester is winding down quickly here in Hawk territory. It seems
like last week we were welcoming students in and now we’re handing
out study guides for final exams. Time flies the busier you are,
I suppose!
This edition of the newsletter is loaded with information for you.
Please note that our holiday concerts are coming up with Band on
Thursday, December 4, Choir on December 10 and Orchestra on
December 12 and 13. Our elves have been busy buying toys for preschoolers, but if you’d like to help, please have your student pull a tag
from the tree in Hawk Hall and deliver it to room 1110 by Friday,
December 12.
Also take note that the way we handle schedules in January is changing
from previous years. Make sure you take time to
review those changes with your students.
I wish you all a peaceful and blessed holiday
season, filled with family, friends and all the
season has to offer.
Melinda Murphy
2014 TAX CREDIT REMINDER!
Taxpayers filing in Arizona have the unique opportunity to redirect a portion of state tax dollars they already
pay, to public education. The credit allows an Arizona taxpayer to contribute $200 per individual tax return or
$400 per joint tax return to a school’s extracurricular program.
You may download the 2014 Tax Credit Form from the Gilbert Public Schools website or you may make your
tax credit contribution online. The deadline to take advantage of the 2014 Arizona Tax Credit is December 31,
2014.
Please consider making your tax credit contribution to Highland High School.
DECEMBER CALENDAR
by Lance Smith, Assistant Principal
3
Honors Testing – Career Center – 8:00AM
4
HHS Blood Drive – Mini Gym – All Day
4
Hawk of the Month Recognition – Faculty Dining Room – 2:45PM-3:45PM
4
Band Concert – Auditorium – 7:30PM
5
Last Day for 2nd Semester Schedule Changes
5
Hawk Spirit Assembly – Gym – 3rd Hour A/B Schedule
6
3rd Annual Holiday Boutique – Front Parking Lot 9:00AM – 3:00PM
6
Winter Formal – Hawk Hall – 8:00pm – 11:00PM
10
Choir Concert – Auditorium – 7:30PM
11
FFA Silent Auction/ Potluck – Cafeteria – 6:30PM – 8:30PM
11
Drama Showcase- Auditorium – 7:00PM
12
Deadline for Jostens Graduation Orders – 4th/5th Hour
12
Orchestra Concert – Auditorium – 7:30PM
13
Orchestra Concert – Auditorium – 1:30PM/ 7:30PM
18
Early Release Day – Final Exams
19
Early Release Day – Final Exams – Grading Day - Last Day of First Semester
22-31
Winter Break – No School
THANK YOU HIGHLAND HIGH!
Thanks to your efforts this year, the HHS Food Drive Committee filled 7 bins of food and raised $1,284.85
for the United Food Bank! Every $1 provides 5 meals.
(Information provided by Jill Schlessinger, English/GC105 teacher)
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A BIG SHOUT OUT TO ACADEMIC DECATHLON
Information provided by Karen Konfederak, Academic Decathlon Coach
Our Highland High School Academic Decathlon students recently placed 4th among 15 teams.
The decathletes took seven different tests, wrote an essay, underwent an interview, and performed a
prepared and impromptu speech over the course of two days.
Meet our Academic Decathlon Team:
Honors:
Derek McCants, Jason Qian, Michael Qian
Scholastic:
Kurgan Freedle, Madisyn Goodballet, Morgan Nurenberg, Christiana Pettis, Madelyn Sugg
Varsity:
Daniel Evans, George Howe, Lizett Mendez, David Phan, Alec Rosso, and Cyd Shrader
Non-competing members are Ryann DuBose, Luke Paris, Ahnaf Rahman, and Yusuf Salim.
The award recipient list includes:
Essay
2nd Place
George Howe
Math
2nd Place
3rd Place
Jason Qian and Daniel Evans
David Phan and Kurgan Freedle
Music
2nd Place
Kurgan Freedle
Science
1st Place
Jason Qian
Social Studies
3rd Place
Madelyn Sugg
Congratulations to all of our hardworking decathletes.
The next competition is at Campo Verde on January 9 and 10.
Highland High School Hotline Number—480.507.1421
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FOR SENIORS ONLY
by Lance Smith, Assistant Principal
Dec. 12
Deadline - Graduation Announcement Orders – 4th/5th Hour
Jan. 7-12
Senior Credit Checks – Career Center
Feb. 2
AP Registration Begins – Bookstore
Feb. 3
Senior Panoramic Picture – Main Gym – 3rd Hour
Feb. 27
AP Registration Ends
March 6
Last Day to Drop a Class w/out W/F
March 6
Deadline for Seniors – Extra Mile Hours
March 31
Cap & Gown Photos – Auditorium Lobby – 7:00AM-1:30PM
April 8-9
Jostens Distribute Cap & Gowns – Bookstore
April 11
PROM 7:00-11:00PM
April 15
Senior Graduation Visits - Counselors
May 1
Senior Slide Show – Auditorium – 3A/3B Schedule
May 4-15
AP Testing
May 11
Scholarship Reception/ Senior Gilbert Golden Scholars – Cafeteria – 6:00PM
May 13
Extra Mile Cord Distribution
May 15-19
Senior Final Exams
May 17
Baccalaureate – Auditorium – 3:00PM
May 19
Senior Picnic – 1:30 – 3:30PM
May 21
Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal - Hawk Stadium - 7:00 AM
May 21
Graduation – Hawk Stadium – 7:00PM
SENIORS ENROLLED IN ONLINE CLASSES
Seniors enrolled in online courses must remain diligent in completing coursework by
the specific deadlines. Any coursework taken through Gilbert’s Global Academy will
automatically be added to student transcripts at Highland High School.
For students enrolled in an online course outside of GPS, it is imperative for the
student to request an official transcript to be sent to Highland High School at the
completion of any course. Coursework may only be placed on a Highland transcript through receipt of a handcarried or mailed official transcript. For first semester, please ensure the Registrar has received your most up-todate transcript by December 15. This will allow for these classes to be reflected on the Senior Credit Checks in
January.
Ultimately, ALL online courses are due to the HHS Registrar no later than April 23, 2015 in order to participate
in Graduation for the Class of 2015.
Jostens Graduation Orders are due by December 12.
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HEALTHY HAWK TALK
“When is ill too ill?”
With the cold and flu season underway, here are some important tips to know on deciding whether or not to
send your ill child to school. When your child has experienced any of these symptoms within the last 24
hours, they should be kept home from school:
Fever 100 degrees or above
Vomiting
Symptoms of Pink Eye (redness, itching, discharge)
Diarrhea
Skin rashes (open blisters, discharge, fever)
Students exhibiting the above symptoms are considered contagious and, in general, are not feeling well
enough to be in school. Once these symptoms have subsided for 24 hours without the use of medication
(Tylenol, Imodium), they may return to school. Students who do not have any of the above symptoms, but
may have some mild cold symptoms such as nasal congestion, cough or headache may attend school.
During this time, I always encourage our students to get adequate rest, nutrition and hydration. I cannot
stress enough the importance of handwashing; especially after using the restroom (you’d be surprised how
many don’t!) and before eating.
In good health,
Helen Sandrolini RN BSN
Christie Crecileus HA
“The Christmas Carol”
HHS Auditorium—Thursday, December 11
7:00 p.m.
Please bring a can of food in lieu of admission.
HHS Band Concert
HHS Auditorium
Thursday, December 4—7:30 p.m.
HHS Choir Concert
HHS Auditorium
Wednesday, December 10—7:00 p.m.
HHS Orchestra Concert
HHS Auditorium
Friday, December 12, and Saturday, December 13—7:30 p.m.
Saturday afternoon—1:30 p.m.
Admission—$5
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SEEKING ACADEMIC VOLUNTEERS FOR HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL
Dear Parents and Guardians, (See page 7 for the volunteer application.)
Our Highland students would really appreciate any and every person who may be able to assist them with their
academics during their regular lunch periods (10:30-12:30). Volunteers able to assist with all academic subjects
are welcome but we are especially seeking volunteers able to assist in English, with proof-reading and editing of
essays and research papers; the sciences, particularly chemistry and physics, and math.
I am a parent who has been working as a volunteer with the Math department at Highland High School for the
past two years during their lunch hour tutoring. I currently have two children at Highland High, a junior and a
freshman. My time at Highland is never wasted, even if I work with only one student a day. Volunteering on
campus one day a week has allowed me a better understanding of how high school works today (as opposed to 20
or 30 years ago); has allowed me to meet my teenagers peer group and fellow student body, to meet more faculty
& staff and has always been a positive experience. I meet the students who are actively seeking help with their
academics and they are exceedingly polite and grateful – even when I cannot answer their question. Please
consider becoming a volunteer, or encouraging someone you may know who enjoys instruction to consider
becoming an Academic Volunteer.
Beth Boyle-Roden
Photo taken by Emily Brown
Photo taken by Mady Haas
The Highland High School Digital Photo Class
Field Trip to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
Photo taken by Trinity Wilson
Page 6
How to Register and Complete Application as a Volunteer in Gilbert Public Schools
1. Go to district homepage at //www.gilbertschools.net
2. Click on the Employment Link, this near top of page, on right side of dark grey bar ——->
3. Select “Apply for Support Staff” position———->
4. Read and scroll down page to select, “Create Account” – at this point you will be asked to provide your name,
residence, phone number, select a user name and password——->
5. Once your account with GPS is created, you will be asked to login to the Employment System, you will need to
enter the username and password you just created——->
6. On this page choose Applications and then from pull down menu “Classified/Support Staff”——->
7. The employment website will take you through the series of forms you need to fill out, your personal
information will already be entered in the User Profile, click Next——->
8. On the Classified Application page, you will find the box to select for Volunteer in the far right column under
the heading Instruction, select this box, then scroll down and provide your education information. You may
choose to enter employer information if you wish as well, but that is not required for a volunteer.
9. Select Next and you will be taken to the ARS 15-512D form which you must read and answer Yes/No
questions; select Next——->
10. You will be on the References and Background Information page, you will be asked for names and contact
information, emails and phone numbers, for at least two personal references. Professional references may be
entered but are not required for a volunteer. You will also have a series of Yes/No questions to answer.
11. When you complete the Reference and Background Check, the system should take you to a page that says
“Classified Application Overview”. Check to see there is a note at the top of the page that states: “Y OUR NAME
- your application is currently active and is viewable by GPS Administrators. You may update your application as
often as you wish”——->
12. Email Beth Boyle-Roden at [email protected] to inform her that your volunteer registration forms
are complete. She will contact Highland administration and will inform you when the next available date to be
fingerprinted.
13. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME
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NOVEMBER HAWKS OF THE MONTH
Nicole Ward, Lauren Peterson
Lindsay Mask
In addition, Nicole Ward is the
Town of Gilbert Student of the Month.
ANNUAL HOLIDAY BLOOD DRIVE AT HHS
December 4, 2014
The Annual HHS Holiday Blood Drive will take place in the
Mini-Gym on Thursday, December 4. The drive begins at 7:15
a.m. and ends at 12:45 p.m.
A small study from Johns Hopkins adds to the growing body of
evidence that red blood cells stored longer than three weeks begin
to lose the capacity to deliver oxygen-rich cells where they may be most needed. Our blood
drive is even more vital as we try to make sure there is blood on the shelves for our loved-ones
over the holidays.
(Information provided by Bob Allen, GC105/Extra Mile Community Outreach)
Page 8
S NOVEMBER EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Lauren Levy-Harmon, Assistant Principal
presents award to Tracey Greer
Parapro/Special Education
S NOVEMBER EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
CONGRATULATIONS
TO OUR NOVEMBER
EMPLOYEES OF THE
MONTH!
Cindy Harrison, Counselor
S NOVEMBER EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
James Archambault, Physics Teacher
Page 9
HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Period
Minutes
A
6:30
–
7:25
55 Final Exam
8
2:35
–
3:30
55 Final Exam
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Period
A
6:30
1
7:30
2
8:51
3
9:48
4
10:48
5
11:45
6
12:42
7
1:39
8
2:35
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
7:25
8:46
9:43
10:43
11:40
12:37
1:34
2:30
3:30
55
76
52
55
52
52
52
51
55
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Period
4
7:30
3
8:52
2
10:14
–
–
–
8:46
10:08
11:30
Minutes
76 Final Exam
76 Final Exam
76 Final Exam
Friday, December 19, 2014
Period
5
7:30
6
8:52
7
10:14
–
–
–
8:46
10:08
11:30
Minutes
76 Final Exam
76 Final Exam
76 Final Exam
Minutes
Final Exam
Final Exam
Announcements
Lunch
Lunch
Final Exam
A Hour Classes: “A” hour classes will not meet on Thursday, December 18 or Friday, December 19.
EVIT students must be on the HHS Campus during their scheduled final exams.
Page 10
The Lady Hawks lead Alhambra!
Kendall Perry brings the ball up court in the
Highland Lady Hawk Thanksgiving Classic!
Page 11
Student Schedule Changes for Second Semester
by Lauren Levy-Harmon, Assistant Principal
There will be a change in our typical first day procedure when school
resumes after winter break. We will NOT be printing schedules for the
first day of school, January 5, 2015. If students want a copy of next
semester’s schedule of classes, they should go to the portal on Infinite
Campus and print their schedule. If students have a hole in their
schedule next semester or need an adjustment, please have them stop by
the counseling office prior to the end of the semester. All changes must
be made prior to December 5, 2014. No schedule changes will be made
in January. No teacher, elective or lunch changes will be made.
If you or your student do not know how to access the Infinite Campus
Portal, directions are available on the Highland High website under the
Parents/Alumni tab.
Students who do not have access to a computer will be able to obtain a
copy of their schedule on January 5, 2015. However, it is our goal to cut
back on paper usage and your help in this matter is appreciated.
Registration for 2015-2016 School Year is just around the corner….
With course selection for the 2015-2016 school year starting in January, the following information will highlight
important details that will be key to student and parent success when selecting classes.
Course selection will be a school-wide event for current 9th -11th grade students. Your child will receive materials
(credit check and a course selection form) from their 1st hour class on January 16, 2014. In addition, all teachers will
address course sequencing specific to their department/content area and answer questions students may have.
Students will attend informational presentations by the counselors, which will include course selection information
and training on entering their class selections into the Infinite Campus Student Portal. The portal will be available 24
hours a day from Friday, January 16 to Sunday, February 1, at midnight. All 9th, 10th and 11th grade students must
enter their class selections during this time period. If students and parents experience any difficulties entering course
selections, the Career Center in the Counseling Office will be open, to students, for assistance before and after school
and during lunch.
We highly encourage parents to assist their children with the course selection process by carefully looking over and
discussing the materials with your child. Please note, schedule changes will not be made if your child receives a
course they requested, an alternate or if they did not turn in a course selection form. This makes it imperative for
students to choose their classes and alternates wisely. Highland’s master schedule will be built from student requests
during the course selection timeframe. The final step in this process will be counselor advisement with your son or
daughter, during the month of February, at which time your child will turn in their signed course selection form.
Evacuation and Fire Drill Improvements
Improving and sustaining a safe environment for our students and staff at Highland High is one of our highest
priorities. Therefore, we collaborated with district personnel and Gilbert PD to update our fire and evacuation
procedures in order to meet our local dynamic needs and to reflect good practices. We will be implementing our new
plan during our December drill. The purpose of a drill is to practice organization preparedness, evaluate effectiveness,
reflect, and adjust the plan accordingly. As we practice our new system, we will make small ongoing modifications to
our procedures, creating the most seamless, logical, and safe plan possible. If you would like to learn more about the
details of our improved safety procedures, please do not hesitate to contact any of our Highland administrators.
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