Pinckney Community High School

Pinckney Community
High School
www.pinckneyschools.org
November—December 2014
NOTES FROM PRINCIPAL DR. JAMES DARGA
10255 Dexter-Pinckney
Pinckney, MI 48169
Phone: 810-225-5500
Fax:
810-225-5505
Attendance Hotline
810-225-5510
Director New Tech
Mrs. Dianna Behl
New Tech Coordinator
Mr. Matt Jerome
Assistant Principals
Mrs. Dianna Behl
Mrs. April Woods
Shortly after returning from the holiday vacation, semester exams will be administered. The semester
exams comprise 20% of a student’s grade for most classes. Finals are designed to be a comprehensive assessment of the salient concepts learned throughout the semester. Preparing for exams follows
a prescribed process to ensure maximum achievement; this process is outlined on page two of the
newsletter. For freshmen, this will probably be the first time they are required to complete a comprehensive assessment. I strongly suggest parents encourage them to prepare thoroughly and systematically. There is a study session, Cocoa & Cram, planned for Freshman on January 8th, 2:45-4:00.
Exams will be administered January 14-16, 2015. January 15 and 16 will be a half day of school
with the students being dismissed at 10:55 a.m. Report cards will be distributed to students on Friday, January, 30, 2015.
Professional development in education runs parallel to research and development in the private sector. Without quality professional development it is very difficult for members of the staff to continue
developing their pedagogical skills. Having the opportunity to conduct professional development
training every Friday has proven to be very beneficial. The training needs of the staff as a whole, the
training needs of each department, and training needs of specific programs such as New Tech High
and Freshman Academy have been identified. A schedule for the school year has been developed
which creates continuity for the training session and is focused on the intended outcomes.
In addition, the following ongoing initiatives have been well supported with the Friday afternoon professional development time. The staff is preparing for the North Central Association On-Site ReInside Stories
Page view next March by becoming familiar with the accreditation standards and conducting a SelfAcademic Awards 5
Assessment of the school. Selected staff are continuing the work on developing Formative AssessACT Info
8-11 ment strategies. The entire staff has been working on identifying the students in the lower 30% for
Athletics
2
academic achievement, and developing strategies to meet their learning needs. In addition to the
Calendar Dates
2
Michigan Merit Curriculum graduation requirements and Common Core State Standards, the staff as
Exam Info
3
a whole is also working on developing a school structure which systematically provides all students
Food Service
6
Lost & Found
6
the opportunity to develop: Technological Literacy; 21st Century Skills; Project-Based Learning
Music Boosters
14
Skills; and Executive Functioning Skills. These ongoing efforts are intended to make every student’s
National
high school experience relevant and rewarding.
Honor Society
New Tech High
PAC Meetings
Service Learning
In Spanish
SFSC (Counseling)
4
12
15
13
6-7
On October 13, 292 students were recognized at an Academic Achievement Ceremony for maintaining at least a 3.5 G.P.A. for two consecutive semesters last school year. First-time recipients earned
an academic letter, students that met the criteria for four consecutive semesters were awarded a silver
medal, and those that met the criteria for six consecutive semesters earned gold medals.
Also, the National Honor Society induction ceremony was held on Thursday, November 13th. During the ceremony, sixty-nine students were admitted into this prestigious organization. These students were selected from among the applicants by a panel of teachers. The selection criteria included
academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, community service, and strength of character. Undoubtedly, these students will represent the school and community well.
If you have an idea or suggestion on how to improve Pinckney Community High School, please share
it with us by telephone, mail, e-mail, or in person at the next Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meeting
7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2015.
The staff and administration of Pinckney Community High School would like to wish all of the families in our community a wonderful holiday season.
Page 2
SCHOOL CALENDAR DATES
December 22—January 2 No School
Jan. 5 Classes Resume
Jan. 8
Cocoa & Cram 2:45—4:45
Jan. 14 Full Day—1-3rd hr Exams
Jan. 15 4-5 hr Exams AM—
No School PM
Jan. 16 6-7 hr Exams AM—
No School PM
END OF 2ND MARKING PERIOD/
1ST SEMESTER
Jan. 24 ACT Practice Test
Jan. 24 Winterfest Dance
Jan. 30 Report Cards Distributed
February 16-17 Winter Break
ATHLETICS
Congratulations to our Fall Sport PIRATES
** Nick Romano – All State Tennis **
** Isaac Harris – All State Cross Country **
WINTER 2014 HIGH SCHOOL TRY-OUT:
November 4:
Ice Hockey
November 10:
Competitive Cheer
November 11:
Girls Basketball
November 17:
Boys Basketball
Boys/Girls Bowling
Boys/Girls Skiing
Boys/Girls Snowboarder Cross
Wrestling
As always - student athletes must have a current physical (dated 4/15/2014 or later) to practice/tryout
All schedules are online at: www.schedulestar.com
Enter Pinckney’s zip code (48169) in the search option
Select Pinckney High School (for all sport schedules inclusive of Middle school)
Link available on the Pinckney Community Schools/Athletics web page
BOOK MARK THIS WEBPAGE SO YOU CAN BE SURE TO
COME OUT AND SUPPORT OUR
PIRATES!!
Registration and pay to play can be completed online at: http://register.pinckneyschools.org/
Select the appropriate sport to:
Register and pay to play
Print the MHSAA physical form
Attest to reading the Concussion Awareness Agreement, Athletic Code of Conduct and
Athletic Participation Fee Agreement
Options also available to:
Purchase athletic passes (adult, student and family)
Pay school fines
Pay for laptop protection plan
Printable forms can also be obtained from this site as well
PINCKNEY PIRATES VARSITY HOCKEY
PIRATE NIGHT
ATHLETIC BOOSTER
Who: All youth hockey players, family, friends and ALL pirate fans
The Booster Club meets the
second Monday every
month at 7:00 p.m. in the
High School Media Center.
What: Meet and skate with the Pirates
If you have any questions
about the Booster Club, or
need help on an issue about
athletics, feel free to call
Albert Niska at 734-3550856 (evenings). Or e-mail
at aniska65@live.com
Where: Arctic Coliseum (Chelsea, MI)
When: Friday, Dec. 13th 4:30pm
Pinckney vs. Swartz Creek
Kids, wear your youth hockey jersey, or bring in this sheet/ad to the game and
get FREE admission for yourself and one adult.
After the game, the kids will be able to meet the pirates, get autographs, a free tshirt, and visit the varsity locker room. Don’t forget your hockey skates, (rentals
are available for an extra cost at the rink) and join the pirates for an open skate and
music from 7:00pm-7:50pm.
All Pinckney students will receive FREE admission with valid student ID.
Semester Exams Begin
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Exams will be conducted on the following days in
January, 2015:
Wednesday—January 14 - 1st, 2nd, & 3rd hour exams
(Full day of School)
Thursday—January 15 - 4th & 5th hour exams
(Half day of School)
Friday—January 16 - 6th and 7th hour exams
(Half day of School)
Each exam will be approximately 100 minutes long in order
to allow for the comprehensive testing that takes place at
this time. Students will leave school at approximately 10:55
a.m. on each of these days in order to allow them time to
study for the next exam.
Students should use the extra time during this week to
prepare for their exams. A good exam improves their
overall GPA! Good exam grades make a difference.
Moving on to college, university, apprenticeship, or other
post-secondary options of choice may be dependent upon
maintaining a quality GPA. Admissions Representatives also
will look at standardized test scores as well as additional
information provided with the application.
The GPA (Grade Point Average) is often used as a baseline
of the student’s daily ability to complete work. Earning the
best possible grades in the classroom and on tests is extremely important.
Studying Makes The Difference
And Help Is Available!
Teachers want to help all of their students to prepare for
exams. They will be reviewing material in class and expecting students to study outside of class. Students may arrange for additional help with teachers for after-school
time. This should always be done in advance.
Please use the enclosed information and the “Tips” below
to help your student to study.
Tips for Studying
Page 3
 Get all your materials together (books, notes, paper,
pencil, etc.)
 Skim the material, deciding which parts are difficult and
which you understand best.
 Plan how much time you need for each topic.
 Read a sentence or section. Then stop and visualize or
talk to yourself about what it meant to you. If you do
not understand read it again aloud.
 Study with a partner or parent. Listen to yourself read.
Get someone to ask you questions about what you
read.
 Recopy your notes for clarity and understanding.
 Mark main ideas or key terms in your notes.
 Make maps of who did what, when things happened,
how things changed, etc.
 Pay special attention to vocabulary words and bold face
words in the text.
 Look at the outline of the book and re-write it
in your own words.
 Think about what the teacher has emphasized in class.
 Make mental pictures of material, events, or items that
you need to remember.
Tips For Test Taking
 Put your name on the paper or answer sheet.
 Read over the test and the instructions.
 Answer questions you know and the ones requiring
quick answers first.
 If there is an answer you are afraid you might forget, do
it immediately.
 Many times you can get clues to answers from reading
other parts of the test.
 Keep an eye on the time. Budget your time. Allow
more time to answer essay questions or other questions that are worth many points.
 Find out if there is a penalty for guessing. If not, then
make sure you fill in every question with an answer.
 In true-false tests long statements are more often true.
Words such as only, never, and always often indicate
the statement is false. Words such as often, sometimes,
probably, and usually indicate the statement is true.
Multiple choice tests usually offer four choices. Rule
out two immediately, then take a crack at the remain-ng
two.
 For matching sections, use the process of elimination as
you do in answering multiple choice questions.
 Essay or short-answer questions require you to organize your thoughts before you write. Be sure to be
grammatically correct. Underline key words or ideas in
your answer so that they stand out. Be clear and concise.
 When you are finished, check the entire test to be sure
you haven’t skipped any questions. Then check again.
Page 4
NaƟonal Honor Society News
On Thursday, November 13th, sixty‐nine new members were inducted into the John F. Kennedy chapter of the Na onal Honor Society. The Na onal Honor Society was formed in 1921 as a na onwide organiza on of talented high school students. Membership is based not only upon a G.P.A. of 3.4 or higher, but also a student's demonstrated leadership, character, and service to the community. The goal of NHS is to help its members develop themselves through community service and school relat‐
ed ac vi es. In addi on to the bi‐annual American Red Cross Blood Drives that we sponsor, NHS also hosts Winterfest and helps with tutoring at the elementary and middle school levels. We respond as we are able to all requests for assistance from our community members and organiza ons. This year's inductees included: Joey Bachmeier Zak Harwood Wya Shoner Bri any Bankes Ma Henning Beth Strong Michael Bankes Zoe Hicks Sarah Tolfree McKenzie Barth Liam Higgins Hava Topolski Makayla Beauchamp Nathan Houghteling Brian Valen ne Kenny Behmer LeAnn Howe Jessica VanBynen Carter Bonifas Jessica Hull Allyse Weidman Jensen Borkowski Morgan Hull Julianna Welling Zack Carlson Lynsey Jackson Aus n Wicker Bonnie Chris law Julia Jones Nathan Wilburn Sarah Haggart Emma Kehn Leah Williams Julia Haidler Jonathan Kowalski Gabrielle Wink Sophia Coke Duncan Kummer Emily Wi rup Jenna Dalrymple Kaitlyn Lechtanski Kelly Yanick Emily Dillehay Jus ne Lindquist Taylor Zdanowski Jessica Eddings Tiffany McIntyre Adam Flickema Malorie Moen Evan Fry Paul Moenart Steven Gaston Marissa Moore Taylor Nash Katrina Gensterblum Celeste Gomez Camryn Ozuch Alyssa Griffith Elliot Perpich Samantha Griffith Angelle Pine Megan Gunderson Ben Randall Maddie Haas Ellen Rapp Nathan Haberland Kailey Schoen Abby Hacke Emma Sco
ACADEMIC AWARDS PROGRAM AND RECEPTION
Page 5
The Academic Letter is awarded to all students who achieve a minimum of a 3.5 semester grade point average for two consecutive semesters,
providing they have been registered in Pinckney Community High School during both semesters. The award can carry over from one school
year to the next as long as the semesters are consecutive. Once the letter has been received, subsequent awards consist of pins to be displayed
on the letter.
Academic Letter—3.50 GPA
for Two Consecutive Semesters
Riley Alexander
Jaidah Argiero
Stephen Bagnick
Annaliese Bangert
Zachary Barton
Cassidy Beach
Jackson Bement
Megan Bossio
Sarah Brasch
Lukas Brockway
Emma Butler
Jonathan Campbell
Mackenzie Carano
Zackary Carlson
Mikala Cervelli
Cody Chalk
Nathanial Ciaravino
Garrett Clock
Hayley Conry
Erin Cotham
Felicity Couch
Alexandria Curtis
William Dalian
Jenna Ellis
Megan Emery
Sydney Estronza
Evan Fackler
Clarice Farina
Hannah Flickema
Rachel Flickema
Sara Folk
Lauren Folk
Kayleigh Forhan
Emma Gehring
Julie Gergel
Sean Graham
Sarah Haggart
Julia Haidler
Chloe Hanifan
Erik Harp
Christopher Hartman
Winter Hatfield
Allison Hayes
Alexander Hazelton
Hailey Hoover
Heather Hulbert
Daniel Jansen
Ashley Jasinski
Nicolas Balli Jean
Griffin Jones
Alex Kaczor
Jamie Katschor
Hannah Kerns
Danielle Knapp
Grace Kovacich
Kennedy Kunnert
Belle Lambert
Hailey Lenz
Caitlin Lesz
Jacob Lindquist
Ashley Loria
Hunter Mannen
Camille Marshall
Kaleigh Martin
Maudie McCullough
Jordan Mick
Marissa Moore
Tara Morey
Alais Murillo
James Muscato
Cody Musulin
Asha Narayan
Katherine Niska
Brielle Norris
Riley O'Keefe
Margaret Ozias
Anthony Patteri
Molly Patterson
Vincent Pecoraro
Samantha Pierman
Katelyn Plesiewicz
Karis Poszywak
Kyle Przysiecki
Ross Richards
Jeremy Robertson
Olivia Romano
Abbey Romans
Paige Sabuda
Zachary Schingeck
Emma Scott
Dakota Selmi
Gretchen Serino
Alexander Slepak
Trevor Sorek
Natalie Spittler
Catherine Stema
Catherine Stone
Alexandra Stowell
Rebecca Sutherland
Kylie Taft
Ryan Talbott
Jacob Taylor
Alexis Thompson
William Thornton
Macie Toy
Abigail Van Valkenburg
Maija Veinbergs
Abigail Wagner
Wilson Wagner
Jacob Wallace
Alexander Warshal
Cheyanne Weber
Anna Wilmanowicz
Luke Wittrup
Connor Wolschleger
Silver Pin - 3.50 GPA for Two
Consecutive Semesters - Second Time
Molly Aills
Alex Armstrong
Charles Bachmeier
Michael Bankes
Mckenzie Barth
Evan Bauer
Kenneth Behmer
Carter Bonifas
Jensen Borkowski
Jonathan Brennan
Jacob Burcon
Carson Burrows
Katherine Byrd
Halle Chiarelli
Bonnie Christilaw
Collin Close
Sophia Coke
Kira D'Agostino
Jenna Dalrymple
Joseph Dell Anno
Claire Destrampe
Justin Dickinson
Jessica Eddings
Evan Fry
Zachary Fuller
Steven Gaston
Katrina Gensterblum
Melanie Gibbish
Celeste Gomez
Alyssa Griffith
Samantha Griffith
Megan Gunderson
Madison Haas
Nathan Haberland
Abigail Hackett
Justin Harrington
David Harris
Damon Hartmeier
Victor Haubenstricker
Matthew Henning
Nathan Houghteling
LeAnn Howe
Morgan Hull
Emma Hultgren
Lynsey Jackson
Marisa Johnson
Julia Jones
Emma Kehn
Ryan Keough
Morgan Klipple
Jonathan Kowalski
Maren Krajacic
Duncan Kummer
John LaRosa
Kaitlyn Lechtanski
Madeline Lindberg
Justine Lindquist
Elliott Lyons
Jose Immanuel Malang
Ian Masinda
Tiffany McIntyre
William McNamee
Malorie Moen
Holly Morgan
Shell Mullett
Brianna Murphy
Rebecca Murphy
Taylor Nash
Sydney O'Leary
Kalista Opsahl
Camryn Ozuch
Brendan Palkowski
Elliot Perpich
Angelle Pine
Benjamin Randall
Ellen Rapp
Spencer Schauer
Kailey Schoen
Sarah Senne
Wyatt Shoner
Emmett Smrcka
Caleb Straub
Elizabeth Strong
Sydney Swope
Sarah Tolfree
Hava Topolski
Millicent Uridge
Jessica VanBynen
Patrick Westerberg
Matthew Whipple
Emily Whitmore
Austin Wicker
Nathanial Wilburn
Leah Williams
Chelsea Wilson
Jacob Wing
Gabrielle Wink
Caleb Withrow
Emily Wittrup
James Worthington
Kelly Yanick
Michael Yedinak
Taylor Zdanowski
Gold Pin - 3.50 GPA for Two
Consecutive Semesters - Third Time
Sven Adriaens
Tyler Allain
Sierra Alley
Taylor Antal
Mackenzie Arpi
Emily Ball
Cleo Barry
Makayla Beauchamp
Melanie Brennan
Brittney Brown
Keely Burns
Yannick Christensen
Kennedy Connolly
Rachel Darling
Adam DeSha
Shannon Dingman
Justin Eagy
Nicolas Emery
Adam Flickema
Gabrielle Harris
Isaac Harris
Alexis Hartley
Miranda Hartman
Nicholas Hartstang
Michael Hassa
Taylor Hassen
Liam Higgins
Paige Horvath
Sarah Hur
Brandi Jacek
Rachel Jansen
Lindsay Jasinski
Cooper Jenkins
Matthew Kelley
Lauren Kitada
Rebecca Klebba
Chance Kramer
Austin Krause
Samantha Krieg
Andrew Kruk
Shannon Kurz
Jenny Lin
Anna Lobbestael
Mackenzie Mann
Brenna Marshall
Griffin McNeilly
Rachael Menosky
Katelynn Merkel
Paul Moenart
Josephine Muscato
K'Leigh Olsen
Jennifer Pargoff
Isabelle Rembert
Jacob Rickerd
Bailey Roberts
Lauren Rollins
Nadia Rozmarniewicz
Rebecca Schaenzel
Michael Schmidt
Jacob Schmitter
Anna Serino
Maria Shamraj
Susan Slavik
Carlie Sleeman
Alissa Spearin
Hannah Taylor
Sarah Utchel
Brian Valentine
Anna Waltersdorf
Jennifer Waltz
Ashley Wardlow
Madison Welch
Claire Wohlfeil
Kaitlyn Yenor
Our staff consists of:
David Mitchell
Amy Sumner
Patty Higgins
Amanda McClellan
Kristen Hart
Mary Jo Marker
STUDENT AND FAMILY SERVICE CENTER
Counselor (A-K)
Counselor (L-Z)
Student and Family Specialist (L-Z)
Student and Family Specialist (A-K)
Project SUCCESS Counselor
Secretary
810-225-5604
810-225-5606
810-225-5607
810-225-5609
810-225-5602
810-225-5603
dmitchell@pinckneypirates.org
asumner@pinckneypirates.org
phiggins@pinckneypirates.org
amcclellan@pinckneypirates.org
khart@pinckneypirates.org
mmarker@pinckneypirates.org
Mission: The mission of the Student and Family Service Center is to provide a comprehensive counseling program addressing the academic and career development and personal/social needs for all students and support services for families.
The SFSC staff serves as advocates in helping students’ build relationships with staff members, parents and peers while
offering support, resources and advocacy to help all students reach their full potential as educated productive citizens. We
also serve as support for parents trying to accommodate their student’s academic, career, emotional, and social needs.
Services: Academic support and advising; community resources and referral information; crises intervention; educational
support groups for students; parent/family education, workshops and support; short-term individual counseling; substance
abuse prevention, education and interventions; and career and college preparation/application.
Visit the SFSC (Counseling) page on the Pinckney High School Web Site: To find the following information: Office Hours,
contact information, Course Selection Guide, Graduation Requirements, Transcript request information, Scholarship Opportunities,
ACT Prep Information, College Application Process, LATEC and SFSC and Community Information.
New Student Enrollment
The following information is needed before scheduling an appointment for enrollment at Pinckney Community High
School. Immunizations must be up to date, original birth certificate, proof of residency (utility bill, rental agreement, notarized letter of residence; we cannot accept a drivers license as proof of residence. For more information, please contact
Mary Jo Marker, Secretary at 810-225-5603.
Class of 2015
All 2015 seniors who will be seeking financial aid for college in 2015 must fill out an FAFSA (free application for federal
student aid). This form is available online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov.
Federal Deadline
Online applications must be submitted by midnight Central Time, June 30, 2015.
Any corrections or updates must be submitted by midnight Central Time, September 19, 2015.
Online applications must be submitted by midnight Central Time, June 30, 2014.
Any corrections or updates must be submitted by midnight Central Time, September 20, 2014.
State Deadline
Michigan - March 1, 2015 by midnight, Central Time.
College Deadline
Check with the college(s) you are interested in attending. You may also want to ask your college about its definition of an application deadline - whether it is the date the college receives your FAFSA, or the date your FAFSA
is processed.
Scholarships and College/University Information
Information is available in the SFSC. Scholarship searches are also available at schoolsoup.com, www.fastweb.com and
www.finaid.org. Pinckney Community High Schools Local Scholarship Drive will be held March 1st - March 20th.
Transcript Request
Alumni and active students need to go to parchment.com to request a transcript. If a college or university needs a
counselor form they will request it through Parchment. If a student is planning on attending an out of state College, University or Private College, they should bring their application into the Student and Family Service Center and we will
print out a transcript and mail the application. When registering with Parchment, please make sure you register with your
full name student number and correct year of graduation.
College and University Lunch Visits
Colleges and universities come to PCHS during the school year to offer students information and answer questions they
might have regarding their particular school. They are located in the commons during all three lunches on specific dates.
Check the SFSC window (facing the main office) weekly for updated information of college and university lunch visits.
Students should stop in the SFSC weekly to get information posted on the bulletin boards regarding college/university
open houses, information sessions and scholarship information.
Page 6
Lost & Found!
Please have your students
take a look in the Lost &
Found Room to see if any
of the coats, lunchboxes,
shoes, sweatshirts, or
other items belong to him
or her. The room is
overflowing and will be
cleared out at Thanksgiving break. The leftover
items will be donated to
charity.
Keys, jewelry, and any
electronic Lost & Found
items are held in the office.
BREAKFAST
(FOOD SERVICE)
The cafeteria will be
open for breakfast
from 7:00 a.m. to 7:25
a.m. Breakfast will be
available for all students including free
and reduced. Cost for
breakfast is
$1.85. Reduced price
is .30.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate with a diploma from Pinckney Community High School, students must meet the following
conditions for an Academic Diploma:
Classof2015:GraduationRequirements
Classof2016:GraduationRequirements
LanguageArts……………….……………..4.0
LanguageArts……………….……………..4.0
SocialStudies……………….………………3.0
SocialStudies……………….………………3.0
Math………………………………….………….4.0
Math………………………………….………….4.0
Science………………………….………………3.0
Science………………………….………………3.0
PhysicalEducation……………………...0.5
PhysicalEducation……………………...0.5
Computers…………………………………..0.5
Computers…………………………………..0.5
Health…………………………………….…..0.5
Health…………………………………….…..0.5
Visual,PerformingorAppliedArts…..1.0
Visual,PerformingorAppliedArts…..1.0
TotalRequiredAcademics………….16.5
WorldLanguage…………………………….2.0
MinimumElectiveCredits……………7.5
TotalRequiredAcademics……….18.5
TotalRequiredCredits……………….24
MinimumElectiveCredits…………6.5
4-yearPossibleCredits……………..26
TotalRequiredCredits……………….25
4-yearPossibleCredits……………..27
Classof2017and2018:GraduationRequirements
LanguageArts……………….……………..4.0
SocialStudies……………….………………3.0
Math………………………………….………….4.0
Science………………………….………………3.0
PhysicalEducation……………………...0.5
The Pinckney Community High
School Course Selection Guide can
be viewed at:
http://pinckneyschools.org/
index.php/course-selection-guide/
Health…………………………………….…..0.5
Visual,PerformingorAppliedArts…..1.0
WorldLanguage……………………………..2.0
TotalRequiredAcademics………….18
MinimumElectiveCredits……………8.0
TotalRequiredCredits……………….26
4-yearPossibleCredits……………..28
Tutor List
Go to
http://www.pinckneyschools.org/index.php/sfsc-news.
A list of tutors is also available in the SFSC.
Page 8
2014/2015 ACT TEST
DATES
TEST DATE REGISTER BY LATE REGISTRATION June 14, 2014
May 9, 2014
May 10–23, 2014
September 13, 2014
August 8, 2014
August 9–22, 2014
October 25, 2014
September 19, 2014
September 20–October 3, 2014
December 13, 2014
November 7, 2014
November 8–21, 2014
February 7, 2015*
January 9, 2015
January 10–16, 2015
April 18, 2015
March 13, 2015
March 14–27, 2015
TEST FEES: ACT No Writing $35.00; ACT Plus Writing $50.00
Sign up today at: www.actstudent.org/start
Students can pick up practice test booklets in the Student and Family Service Center.
The Pinckney Community High School code is 233-015
Please note: PCHS counselors strongly recommend that all students who take the ACT
on their own should include the writing
portion.
Page 9
ACT Practice Test Workshop
Attention all Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors: The ACT test is now required of all 11th graders in Michigan. It is part of the
Michigan Merit Exam (MME) that all juniors will take in March.
Pinckney High School is offering a practice ACT test on Saturday, January 24th, 2015. Registration and check in begins at 8:15. Students
from other schools are welcome to attend. Students will review test-taking strategies before taking an authentic, full-length practice ACT
purchased directly from the ACT company. Sylvan Learning Center of Brighton will administer the test. Each student’s scores will be
mailed to the student in a Sylvan envelope within two weeks. Proceeds go to the Pinckney Virtual Enterprises International and Business
Professionals of America programs, which allow students to participate in trade shows and compete in the areas of business and technology. If you have any questions about the ACT test, contact Christine Turnbow at Sylvan Learning Center of Brighton at 810-227-1800 or
sylvanbrighton@sbcglobal.net
Why should a 9th or 10th grade student take the practice ACT? The ACT that is given as part of the MME can be used for college
applications. Take a practice test now and see where you may potentially score on the real test. Then you have time to work on certain
areas of the test to raise your score when you take the real test your junior year.
Why should an 11th grade student take the practice ACT? Studies show that scores will improve by taking the ACT more than once.
This is a perfect time to sit for the test with less pressure and keep the results private. Take it now so you will know what to expect. You
will become familiar with the directions, have a better sense of timing, and will find out which areas you need to review.
Where: Pinckney High School: rooms C201-C204
Date: Saturday, January 24th, 2015
Time: 8:15-8:45 Registration
9:00-1:15 ACT Practice Test
Price: $25 pre-paid registration through January 22nd at 5:00 pm, $35 at the door
*Early registration is strongly recommended, as we are only able to accommodate a certain number of students*
Students should bring two #2 pencils and a calculator, and a drink and snack (a break will be
provided). Students should be well-rested and have breakfast prior to attendance.
For your convenience you may register:
1. Before or after school in the Main Office, attn Cyndi Millns
(Make checks payable to Pinckney Community Schools) CASH or CHECKS ONLY
2. Or by mailing the form below with a check (payable to Pinckney Community Schools):
Pinckney High School
c/o Cyndi Millns
10255 Dexter-Pinckney Road
Pinckney, MI 48169
Cancellations made by January 21st will receive a full refund. Cancellations made between January 22nd and 23rd
will receive a $10 refund. Cancellations or no shows on
the day of the test will not receive a refund.
CHECKS ONLY
_______________________________________________________
Name: ___________________________________ Parent’s E-mail: ________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________
Street
City
Phone: ____________________
Method of Payment:
Cash
State
Zip
High School: ____________________
Check
Grade: ________
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NEW TECH HIGH NEWS
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In American Studies our freshmen have begun reading Romeo and Juliet while at the same time learning
about the history of World War I. Their task in the upcoming “Tragedy in the Trenches” project will be to
create a movie trailer that updates Shakespeare’s classic tale by setting it during WWI. On the surface
these topics might not have a lot in common but the themes of tragedy and alliances are prevalent and easily explored in both WWI and Romeo and Juliet.
In SciTech our freshman recently created a recycling plan for their homes while learning about environmental sustainability. They are now learning about the Earth and will eventually be creating a brief movie
that could be used to explain Earth to potential visitors from other planets.
Our sophomores recently finished creating the story and a story-board for a video game about the Crusades
in World History class. Their next project will have them studying the Colombian Exchange time period
in order to develop a list of potential locations for a version of the Amazing Race.
In BioLit students are putting together an inaugural issue of an online magazine that focuses on science
issues in contemporary society. This issue will focus on food and food related problems. Student groups
are investigating any aspect of food that interests them. The top individual written pieces will be used as
articles in the magazine issue. Each group will be responsible for creating a documentary that highlights
aspects of their chosen food issue. The documentaries will be components of the magazine as well.
Our sophomores and juniors recently travelled to Washtenaw Community College to take WCC’s college
placement test, the COMPASS, and took a campus tour and orientation session. The trip provided good
exposure to the variety of options that await our students beyond high school. As an added bonus, if they
scored well enough on the COMPASS they could qualify to Dual Enroll in various college classes while
still in high school.
In Chemistry our students are making an interactive museum display depicting an element of their choosing. Their display should take into account different learning styles as well as the relevant content information to make their model scientifically accurate. An individual written component will be used to help
justify their team's final design.
Finally, our seniors recently finished up their projects on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, by
doing individual writing assignments supported by their opinions and structured ideas on the book. This
project is an extension of the first project of the year, which was all about storytelling. More specifically, it
was about how to tell your story in order to provide students with the opportunity to fine-tune the skills of
persuasion needed for college applications, scholarships, and essays. The world’s leading business thinkers
use storytelling to move policy and innovation.
In addition to providing meaningful experiences for our students, PNTH hosted the Greater Brighton Area
Chamber of Commerce Business Mixer in December and in October we provided an informational tour for
a school district from Florida. We also recently hosted the Superintendent and an Assistant Superintendent
of the Armada Schools from Armada, MI.
Based on PNTH’s commitment to serve as a leader in the field and for recognition of outstanding accomplishments to help students gain the knowledge and deeper learning skills they need to succeed in life, college, and the careers of tomorrow, for the third year in a row, PNTH has been granted the distinct honor of
official New Tech Network Demonstration site for 2014-2015 school year. Congratulations to the students,
teachers, administrators, and community at large for this prestigious award!
SERVICE LEARNING IN SPANISH
By: Vida Ruggero, Alex Armstrong, Cleo Barry and Riley Stheiner
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Vida Ruggero:
I attended a service-learning training over the summer in Detroit and I was excited to implement
what I learned with my Spanish 4 and AP classes. I was going to write this article myself, but I
think my student's first-hand account of their experience says it best. We are currently doing a
clothing drive for the clients at Cristo Rey Community Center in Lansing which serves all vulnerable populations and they have specific services for the large Spanish-speaking population in Lansing.
Alex Armstrong:
During the month of November, Ms. Ruggero’s Spanish 4 classes visited Cristo Rey, a community
center in Lansing, in order to help some people in need. During this trip we helped bag groceries to
pass out to the needy, prepared food so they could have something to eat, and did our best to make
sure they had everything taken care of for that day. Of all the field trips I have taken in my time in
school, this was by far the most beneficial and eye opening. Working at this community center was
a great experience, and helping people gave me a sense of self-satisfaction. I had always known
there were people out there who were underprivileged and in need of a little extra help, and this
trip gave me first hand exposure to these people, and at the end of the day I had found that these
were some of the nicest people I have encountered. I would recommend helping out at Cristo Rey,
or any other community center/food bank to anyone, and I hope students in upcoming years continue to go on this trip and get the same satisfaction that I did.
Cleo Barry:
The experience I had at the Cristo Rey center opened my eyes about how big the Spanish-speaking
community is outside of our area. Living in Pinckney, there aren't very many opportunities to find
a native tongue Spanish-speaker to talk to and hear about their life. Cristo Rey gave myself and my
peers a wonderful opportunity to not only talk to these people, but help them also. Upon walking
into the common area where most of the families were waiting for food, we were greeted with a
magnificent “hello” of cheers and claps. The families who come to Cristo Rey appreciate the people who help out so much. While at Cristo Rey, we had the opportunity to help pack take home
boxes filled with all sorts of essential foods for families in need, while others helped prepare and
serve breakfast in the kitchen. After breakfast was served, my peers and I had the opportunity to sit
down with the families and talk with them. I decided to help out in the clothing store that Cristo
Rey also offers for the families that need it. I helped clean out dressers, fold and hang clothing.
When I went back to the common area, I found almost every one of my classmates seated with
someone speaking to them in Spanish. There were barely any people left for me to sit down and
talk to! I did have the chance to hear a few conversations about different foods, language, family,
and even knitting. Everyone at Cristo Rey, from the families that come to eat and the volunteers
and workers that help out, are wonderful people. My experience at Cristo Rey inspired me to continue to volunteer and participate in philanthropic work
.
Riley Stheiner:
My trip to Cristo Rey was very unique. I've done my fair share of community service but this field
trip was different. At the same time that we were helping around the community center we were
learning from the people who were there. Me and three other girls helped out in the "clothing
shop". We met several people and chatted with casual conversation. Two specific people stood out
from my experience. They were both older women and both of them spoke in Spanish to each other. We had a small conversation with them in Spanish and she gave us a few pointers and helpful
tips about the Spanish language. I'm glad I had the opportunity to go on this field trip. I had so
much fun at Cristo Rey and I hope to do more service learning in the future.
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PAC MEETING DATES
The Pinckney Community High School Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) was organized and established during the 1988-89 school year. The focus of this committee is to explore and discuss school projects and curriculum issues. All parents are invited to become/remain members.
The 2014/2015 school year meetings will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the PCHS office conference room. January 12,
2015, February 9, 2015, March 9, 2015, &April 13, 2015
Homeless Students
Federal law, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (MV, for short), ensures that students experiencing
homelessness have a full and equal access to public education. With the nature of the Michigan economy, more of
our students and their families have been facing homelessness in recent years. Children and youth who lack a fixed,
adequate nighttime residence may qualify for assistance under MV. While we may think of homelessness by how it
is portrayed in TV/movies, such as people living under overpasses or in boxes on urban street corners, the reality is
that number of homeless students/families is steadily growing in Livingston County.
Examples of situations that may qualify a student as homeless under MV and make them eligible for services include:
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a family who loses their home for economic reasons and needs to move in with grandparents or other family
members
a parent who flees the home with the children due to domestic violence and moves in with a friend
a high school student who leaves home because of a family dispute and is “couch-surfing”, i.e. staying with various friends over various nights
a student who locates to The Connection, the teen shelter in Howell
a student who is awaiting foster care placement, they qualify as homeless under MV.
a family who experiences a house fire and must relocate for six months while the house is repaired
If a student qualifies as “homeless” under MV, they are entitled to:
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enroll in school with or without the usual requirements of a birth certificate, immunization record, previous school
records, proof of residency, etc.
stay in their current school (school of origin) if feasible and in their best interest
transportation to their school of origin, when appropriate
free breakfast/lunch
academic support through federal Title I grant if falling behind academically
other support as needed/appropriate
If a student or family is experiencing a situation that may qualify under MV, please contact your building Student &
Family Specialist or Counselor, building administrator or Brian Higgins, District MV (Homeless) Liaison (810-2253900).
The goal of MV is to keep students in school and provide as normal a learning environment as possible. We strive to
provide support to our students and families who may be enduring some difficult situations. Please contact us and
let us know how we can help. If you have any MV questions, please contact MV Liaison, Brian Higgins.