SOUTH ST. PAUL Secondary Building

SOUTH ST. PAUL
Secondary Building
NOVEMBER 2014 NEWSLETTER
South
St. Paul
Public Schools
Envisioning
the Future
Developing
Lifelong
Learners
International BaccalaureContact us at www.sspps.org
Student Council Blood Drive
South St. Paul High School Student Council and the American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive on Wednesday,
October 29 at Central Square. The gift of a blood donation is one of the best presents you can give to accident victims,
persons requiring surgery, or those being treated for a chronic illness like leukemia. Every two seconds, someone in the
United States requires a blood transfusion.
If are you are at least 16 years old are in good health, please consider being a donor and helping save lives. Giving
blood for someone else is purely a voluntary act of kindness! Interested students who would like to donate blood, should
contact Mrs. Weinfurtner in room A259.
2014 Mistletoe Dance
The annual Mistletoe Dance is quickly approaching! Students in grades 9-12 are welcome to attend. This year, the
senior council is planning a memorable evening with the theme of Enchanted Forest - “Once Upon a Time”. Mistletoe
will be held on Saturday, December 13, from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM in the high school cafeteria.
Dan Grevas Photography will be available to take professional pictures of any students
attending the dance. Tickets will be sold for $20 per person or $40 per couple during high school
lunches in the cafeteria, December 1st through December 9th.
Eyeglasses for the Lion’s Club
The Health Office is collecting eyeglasses for the Lion’s Club. Drop off any unused glasses you may have at the High
School Health Office. They will recycle the glasses to help others in need. Thanks for your support of this worthy
project!
Trimester 1 Finals Schedule
Trimester 1 Finals
Thursday, November 13 - Finals in periods 1, 3, and 5
Friday, November 14th - Last day of the trimester - Finals in periods 2, 4, and 6
Monday, November 17th - No School
Tuesday, November 18th - First Day of Trimester 2 - Students will receive schedules in their 1st period classes.
Teacher Awarded Prestigious Fellowship
Congratulations to Alexandra Nugent, SSP Secondary World Language Teacher, on being awarded a prestigious
Fellowship for her outstanding work as a graduate student at the University of Minnesota.
Ms. Nugent has been awarded a Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship for
Academic Year 2014-2015 to study Chinese. We are proud to have her represent South Saint
Paul Public Schools at the University of Minnesota in such a positive capacity!
SSP Secondary Theatre to Present Disney’s Aladdin
South St. Paul Secondary School is proud to present the 2014 Fall all-school musical: Disney's Aladdin! Join us in a
fun-filled adventure for the whole family as Aladdin and Jazmin battle the evil Jafar with the help of an eccentric
Genie. This show features memorable songs from the classic Disney movie such as "Arabian Nights", "Friend Like Me",
and "A Whole New World." We are also presenting this show with an intriguing twist in that it is a dual language show
cleverly written so that the entire story is understandable by both English and Spanish speakers. Performances will be
Oct. 30 and Nov. 1 at 7:00pm, and Nov. 2 and 2:00pm at the High School Auditorium. Advance, reserved-seat tickets
for students and seniors are $7, and $9 for adults. Tickets at the door are $1 more. Students with an activity pass get
in for half price. To order tickets, visit www.showtix4u.com or call 651-457-9430 (leave a message).
Reminder From the Attendance Office Regarding
Student’s Absence for a Pre-Arranged Trip
Absences for family trips need to be pre-approved by written application to the Attendance Office by the parent/guardian.
Families are encouraged to schedule vacations during school breaks and the summer. (Excerpt taken from the Student
Handbook, attendance policy)
If your student will be going out of town on a pre-arranged trip, the following process is to be followed:

The student is to bring a note from a parent/guardian notifying the school of the upcoming absences.

The Attendance Secretary will issue a trip slip to the student that is to be signed by all of the student’s teachers and
returned to the office.
National Honor Society Requirements
National Honor Society, a group founded on the concept of the total education and development of students in
secondary schools, recognizes students who achieve and demonstrate the highest qualities in academics, leadership,
and character. Being selected for membership is indeed an honor.
Who is eligible for NHS and how are members selected?
Students in grades 11 and 12 who are academically eligible (cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above after the first trimester of
the school year) are informed of their eligibility and invited to apply. These letters will be mailed out in early January.
In order to apply for the National Honor Society, the following criteria must be met:

Must be a junior or senior with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.

50 hours of documented community service completed during the year, which does include the summer prior to
the start of the school year.

Documented leadership positions in and/or out of school and a written explanation of what you
accomplished as a leader. Documented means that a boss/supervisor, etc. signs off on your explanation of what
was accomplished.

Three letters of recommendation from non-family members that attest to your character. One letter must be from a
non-school employee.

No chemical violations.

No prior conduct or ethical issues
If you have any questions regarding NHS, please contact Robin O’Reilly, Assistant Principal
at 651-306-3686 or by email at roreilly@sspps.org.
Peer Tutoring
The Peer Tutoring program is starting its 6th year at the high school and it has been very beneficial to junior high and
high school students. Starting off the school year on a positive note is important to student achievement and Peer
Tutoring can help make sure all students get off to a good start. The Peer Tutoring program pairs students with other
students who can provide assistance in one or more subject areas. The peer tutors receive basic training in how to
assist students who need help to be more successful in one or more classes.
There is a large body of evidence indicating that both the tutor and the person receiving assistance experience an academic benefit from the tutoring relationship. The student receiving tutoring receives extra help mastering concepts, and
the tutor increases their understanding of the subject by teaching the skill or concept.
Peer tutoring will take place on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2:45 PM to 4:00 PM and Wednesday mornings
from 7:00 AM to 7:40 AM. The Peer Tutoring will take place in Mrs. Merchant’s room, A261. Students are welcome to
stop by during any of these times if they need assistance with an assignment or project. Please see Ms. Merchant if
you are interested or have any further questions.
Graduation Assessment Requirements
for Grade 10 Students and Younger in School Year 2014-2015
(first enrolled in grade 8 in 2012-2013)
In order to be eligible for a diploma from a Minnesota public high school, all students must fulfill graduation assessment
requirements. Based on the revisions to Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.30, the graduation assessment requirements
have changed. There are different routes to meeting graduation assessment requirements depending on what year
students were first enrolled in grade 8.
Students in grade 10 and younger in the 2014-2015 school year (first enrolled in grade 8 in 2012-2013) will meet
graduation assessment requirements through participating in the series of career and college assessments, which will
first be administered in school year 2014–2015:

Take Grade 8 ACT Explore career and college assessment (Note: this assessment was not available statewide for
grade 8 students in school year 2013–2014.)
AND

Take Grade 10 ACT Plan career and college assessment *
AND

Take Grade 11 ACT Plus Writing statewide administration (college entrance exam)
POSSIBLY
*Take ACT Compass (college placement diagnostic assessment) Students not yet academically ready for a
career or college based on their growth in academic achievement between grades 8 and 10 (as determined by
performance on the available grade 8 and 10 assessments) must take the college placement diagnostic exam before
taking the college entrance exam in the spring.
ACT EXPLORE and PLAN Test Administration
South St. Paul Secondary Building students in grade 8 will take the ACT EXPLORE test and students in grade 10 will
take the ACT PLAN test on Tuesday, November 4, from 7:55 AM to 10:30 AM.
The EXPLORE® program is designed to help eighth graders explore a broad range of options for their future. It
prepares students not only for their high school coursework but for their post-high school choices as well.
EXPLORE is a curriculum-based educational and career planning program for 8th graders that measures achievement
in English, math, reading, and science. The assessment is based on the major areas of high school and postsecondary
instructional programs and measures the skills and knowledge needed for college success.
Additionally, EXPLORE includes a career exploration component that stimulates students' thinking about
future plans and relates personal characteristics to career options.
Student Website: www.explorestudent.org
The PLAN® program helps 10th graders build a solid foundation for future academic and career success and provides information needed to address school districts' high-priority issues. It is a comprehensive
guidance resource that helps students measure their current academic development, explore career/training options,
and make plans for the remaining years of high school and post-graduation years.
PLAN can help all students - those who are college-bound as well as those who are likely to enter the workforce directly
after high school.
Student Website: www.planstudent.org
Come to our information meeting on
Monday, November 3 at 3:00 PM
in the Lecture Hall.
Treats will be provided!
SPEECH
… has something for everyone!
There are thirteen categories from which to choose. Some involve writing a speech,
while for others you work on interpreting an already published play, poem, or story—much like
participating in theater! There’s even a category called Discussion in which you work as a member of a group.
… fits in well with other activities!
Speech works well with most other activities because we don’t have daily mandatory
group practices. We will have one all-team meeting/practice each week starting in late January, probably on Thursday evenings from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Each team member also will also sign
up for at least one (1) 30 minute practice session per week. Team members who cannot make
the all-team meeting/practice will sign up for two individual practice sessions. Practice times
can be before or after school. We have practice times available as late as 8 p.m., if necessary,
so that students can schedule a time that fits around their other activities! Just sign up for a
practice time that fits your schedule with the coach!
… competitions are mostly on SATURDAYS!
Again, unlike other activities, team members are not required to attend every competition, though we do encourage team members to commit to at least six competitions from the
invitationals we offer. All invitationals are held on Saturdays beginning late January and continuing through the end of March. We generally leave around 7 a.m. and return by 4 p.m. Remember, it is not necessary to compete every weekend, but the more experience you get, the
more you learn. The section and state tournaments will be held in April.
Give Speech a Try!
DUO INTERPRETATION
Two people performing together! Another great category for students who want
to hone their theatrical skills!
Serious Interpretation of
PROSE
or
POETRY
or
HUMOROUS
INTERPRETATION
DRAMA
Hone your theater skills in
one of these categories!

Original Oratory
Perform a funny selection from a play,
movie script, poem, or book!
Write a persuasive speech on a topic
of your choice.


EXTEMPORANEOUS
SPEAKING
●
●
●
Informative
Speaking
For the student who has opinions
about current events in the U.S.
and/or around the world!
EXTEMPORANEOUS
READING

Become an expressive reader and bring life to
prose or poetry as you read aloud from the text!
●
●
●
Write a speech informing the
audience about something
interesting and novel!

CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Written by the student—perfect for the creative writer!
DISCUSSION
GREAT SPEECHES
Combine parts of a great speech with
your analysis of
Interested in “America’s Image Abroad:
Re-thinking Our Standing as the Only Remaining
Global Superpower”
STORYTELLING
Are you good at telling stories? In this event you recreate folktales in your own words.
2016 IB History Trip
Informational Meeting for Parents and Students
Tuesday, October 28, 2014 7:00 PM
Since 1994, hundreds of South St. Paul students in grades 10-12 have participated in the IB History Trip that runs every other year. Registration will begin soon for the 2016 IB History Trip to France and Belgium. This will be a tremendous trip that will provide the participants with an amazing cultural, historical, language, and arts experience.
On Tuesday, October 28th at 7:00 PM in the High School Lecture Hall there will be an informational meeting for
interested students and parents. At this meeting the following information will be provided:

Presentation of the 2016 Trip Itinerary;

Information about Worldstrides, the educational travel company that we are using;

Explanation of the cost of the trip and what it covers and does not cover;

Registration guidelines and enrollment instructions will be explained;

All Student and Parent questions regarding the trip will be answered.
Itinerary highlights of the 2016 trip include:

City tour of beautiful Brussels, Belgium

Beautiful Cathedral of Rouen

Tour the European Parliamentarium


Waterloo Battlefield, site of Napoleon’s Defeat
Visit the Normandy Coast and the sites of the
historic D-Day Landings

Paris City Tour

Visit the Louvre

Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur

Dinner on the Eifel Tower

Free day in Paris

WWI Trenches and Forts of the Battle of the
Somme and Verdun

Several WWI and WWII Museums

WWII historic site of Bastogne, the allies historic
stand against Germany

Breathtaking Cathedral of Reims
Preliminary Information

The dates have not been finalized, but we will be traveling during Spring Break, 2016.

If we have 25 participants, the cost of the trip will be approximately $3,889, not counting personal spending money.
This pays for all transportation, lodging in 3 and 4 star hotels, 2 meals a day, and entrances to all museums,
activities, and travel insurance. In addition, $125.00 is collected from each student to pay for tipping and other
incidental group expenses. If 30 or more students attend, the cost of the trip decreases slightly. If we get less than
25 students, the price will increase slightly.

Students will have to enroll by November 14, 2014 to get this price (we have negotiated a $400.00 discount that will
expire after that date).

Worldstrides offers an “EZ Pay Plan” that allows for families to pay in monthly installments. At this price, after a
$300 deposit, there would be 15 payments of approximately $239.00
Direct all questions about the trip and this informational meeting trip to Conrad Anderson at (651) 747-6987 or
canderson@sspps.org .
College and Career News
Paul Miller, College and Career Advisor
651-306-3654 or pmiller@sspps.org
Career Center Scheduled Post-Graduate School Visits (Students should see Mr. Miller in the Career Center in advance
if you are interested in visiting with a school representative)
Date
11/4
11/5
11/6
11/11
11/11
11/13
11/13
Time
8 am
9 am
11 am
8:15 am
11 am
8:30 am
11:30 am
School
St. Olaf College
Century College
Minnesota State-Mankato
UM Morris
NDSU Multicultural Recruiter
St. Cloud State
St. Norbert’s College
This list is updated as schools contact us — please check postings in Career Center display areas.
ACT Information
December 13 – Registration Deadline; November 7
SEE THE SOUTH ST. PAUL WEBSITE FOR 2015 TEST DATES
Fee: $38.00 without the writing test
$54.50 with writing
Note: ACT recommends that you take the writing portion of the test. A number of institutions will require the
Writing Test for admission or require that an essay be submitted if the test has not been taken. It is recommended that you check with institutions in which the student has interest to determine their requirements.
Juniors will be taking the ACT PLUS Writing Test as per a NEW State of Minnesota Mandate in school on Tuesday, April 28th. This late spring date will allow them the opportunity to have the benefit of the bulk of the
coursework they will take during their junior year. Seniors who plan on applying to four year colleges and universities should already have taken the ACT. If students need to improve their score for purposes of admission
and/or scholarship opportunities, they should take the test in December in order to get their new score on their
transcripts. If you have questions about the ACT, please feel free to contact me. You can register for the test on
-line at www.actstudent.org.
South St. Paul High School will serve as a ACT Test Host Site on the following Test Dates:
December 13th and April 18th
ACT Test Features
The ACT is the curriculum-based college entrance exam that measures skills and knowledge in English, mathematics, reading, and
science. The ACT is aligned to the Common Core State Standards and includes an optional Writing Test.
Content/Skills Area
ACT English Test (45 minutes)
Usage / Mechanics
Percent Range
Punctuation
10-15%
Grammar and Usage
15-20%
Sentence Structure
20-25%
Rhetorical Skills
Strategy
15-20%
Organization
10-15%
Style
15-20%
TOTAL
75 Questions
ACT Mathematics Test (60 minutes)
Percent Range
Pre-Algebra
20-25%
Elementary Algebra
15-20%
Intermediate Algebra
15-20%
Coordinate Geometry
15-20%
Plane Geometry
20-25%
Trigonometry
5-10%
TOTAL
60 Questions
ACT Reading Test (35 minutes)
Percent Range
Literary Narrative or Prose Fiction
25%
Humanities
25%
Social Studies
25%
Natural Sciences
25%
TOTAL
40 Questions
ACT Science Test (35 minutes)
Format
Percent Range
Biology
Data Representation
30-40%
Earth/Space Sciences
Research Summaries
45%
Chemistry
Conflicting Viewpoints
15-20%
Physics
TOTAL
Source: www.act.org/products
40 Questions
R
esources that matter...now.
Programs and opportunities that may help you along your journey.
Family Support Worker, Chris Miller: I am here to help students, parents and staff explore ways to take
care of concerns that get in the way of learning and graduating. This can include finding resources in the
community for specific needs such as housing, medical and mental health, financial assistance, food,
clothing, and independent living.
Holiday Programs:
Neighbor's Inc. has a holiday gift giving program that will assist eligible families with items needed to make
their Holidays special. You may contact them at #651-455-5000 for more information about the program
eligibility and dates.
Thanksgiving Meals: There are often programs that are available to those who are alone, unable to make
their holiday meal in their home. Please call if you would like more information about these options. Many
places also accept donations or volunteer opportunities if you would like to take part in that way.
Mobile Dental Clinic: U Care members can call to make an appointment with the mobile dental clinic
available November 3 - 7, 2014 at the Northern Service Center at 1 Mendota Road West, West St. Paul,
MN. #1-866-451-1555. Eligible members can call for a ride at #1-800-864-2157.
Health Office Update
Whooping Cough Epidemic:
Whooping Cough Epidemic: Minnesota is on track to have the highest number of cases of whooping cough since the
1940s. The disease is occurring in all age groups, but the median age of those who contract the disease is 11 year
olds. Parents (and students who haven’t had the shot) should check with their doctor to see if he/she recommends that
you have the Tdap vaccination. The shot protects us against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Website for
more information:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/pertussis/pfacts.pdf
Cold and Flu Season
Self-Care Tips for:
Colds: Drink plenty of liquids
Eat chicken soup (helps clear mucus)
Use salt water drops for nasal congestion (Mix ½ tsp. salt in 1 cup warm water. Put 3-4 drops in each nostril several
times a day)
Coughs: Drink plenty of liquids (hot liquids for dry cough)
Use a cool-mist vaporizer or take a shower for coughs that bring up mucus
Gargle with warm salt water (1/4 tsp. salt in ½ cup water)
Flu:
Rest
Drink plenty of liquids
With flu season nearing, we encourage students, especially those with weakened immune systems, certain long-term
health problems, and those on long-term aspirin treatment, to get a flu shot.
Protect yourself and others from the flu:
 Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of the tissue afterward
 If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve
 Clean your hands after you cough or sneeze with soap and warm water
 Surfaces that are touched or handled frequently can also spread the flu virus (i.e. doorknobs, water faucets,
refrigerator handles, telephones). Clean these surfaces on a regular basis, using a standard household cleaner.
 If you get the flu, or any respiratory illness, avoid exposing others. Stay home from work or school.
 Keep yourself healthy by eating right, getting plenty of rest, and participating in moderate exercise on a regular
basis.
Ask your doctor if you should be vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia – a common and potentially serious
complication of the flu. Unlike the flu vaccine, the pneumococcal vaccine does not need to be given every year.
Symptoms of the flu, which tend to come on suddenly, can include a sore throat, coughing, fever, headache, muscle
aches and fatigue. People who become severely ill with flu-like symptoms should see a physician.