september-october 2014 - Perry

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2014
iPad Information
As we move into the second year of the 1:1 iPad program at PLHS, teachers and students continue
to increase their use in the classroom. Blackboard is the main platform in which teachers post their
class syllabus and assignment information. The Blackboard program can be accessed from an app
on the iPad or from any computer with internet. The link for Blackboard is http://ilearn.essdack.org.
You can log-in with your student’s account information, (which is the same as the student’s
PowerSchool log-in), or you can create your own parent account by following the instructions in our
webcast: http://youtu.be/nMUr7flR088
At this point in the school year we have not had a student damage their iPad. Of course accidents
can happen at any time. This year’s replacement cost of a school issued iPad is $350. Without
insurance, the replacement cost of the device will be the responsibility of the parent and student.
With that in mind, if you would like to add insurance to your iPad, it is still available. Here is a link to
the information on the website: http://bit.ly/1u4h59y
ACT Information
ACT results from last year’s graduating class were recently released and the average composite
score for students at Perry-Lecompton High School increased to 23.5. This is up from 21.2 last year!
In addition to an increased composite, the scores in each area also increased from the previous year.
The PLHS 2014 totals are listed below (2013 totals appear in parenthesis):
•
•
•
•
•
Composite: 23.5 (21.2)
English: 22.6 (20.3)
Mathematics: 23.3 (20.3)
Reading: 24.0 (22.4)
Science: 23.7 (21.2)
In addition to increasing in all areas on the ACT, PLHS was higher that the state average in all of the
areas listed above. (The statewide average Composite is 22.0, English is 21.4, Mathematics is 21.7,
Reading is 22.5, and Science is 21.8.)
The ACT is an indicator of college readiness. The composite readiness benchmarks are set at 18 for
English, 22 for Math, 22 for Reading, and 23 for Science. The PLHS average exceeded the
benchmarks in all areas.
Juniors and Sophomores who plan to attend a four-year university or college need to start thinking
about preparing for the ACT. Test dates for this school year are: September 13th, October 25th,
December 13th, February 7th, April 18th, and June 7th. Both the December and June ACT test will be
given at PLHS.) We highly encourage students to take advantage of the on-line ACT preparatory
site, (Shmoop.com) as well as the ACT preparatory class that is provided during the fall and spring
semester. Because of the extreme importance of this test, students should spend quality time
preparing for the ACT.
We are looking forward to another exceptional year in classroom and extracurricular activities! As the
school year continues to unfold, I would like to encourage you to contact the PLHS office if you have
any questions or concerns, (785) 597-5124 or jelliott@usd343.org. Go Kaws!
Respectfully,
J.B. Elliott
Principal
Perry-Lecompton High School
From the OFFICE . . . .
STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK
The
Perry-Lecompton
Student/Parent
Handbook
is
located
on
the
district
website:
http://www.usd343.net/vnews/display.v/ART/53fdf49b3c445. The student/parent handbook provides valuable information
about school rules and policies and is a great source of general information for both student and parent.
THANKS FOR CALLING!
A very large "thank you" is extended to all parents who call the office before 9:00 a.m. to let us know their son
or daughter will be absent. Parents are reminded that an excuse for student absences, written or oral,
from a parent or guardian must be provided within 48 hours of the absence if the absence is to be
excused. On Page 10 of the Student/Parent Handbook provides more detailed information as to
excused and unexcused absences. If you have specific questions regarding your student(s) absence,
you may call the office any time between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and we will be happy to
assist you.
REQUEST FOR HOMEWORK
HOMEWORK: On the second consecutive day of absence, a parent may call the high school office
by 9:00 a.m. and request homework assignments for the days absent. Homework can be picked up
at the office between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m.
Each teacher will establish homework and missing assignment rules and policies at the start
of the school year. In all classes, students have a minimum of two school days for each day
of excused absence to submit make-up assignments for full credit. In all classes, students
will be expected to complete and submit all homework regardless of “credit”. Teachers will
communicate with the office and parents as needed regarding students who habitually fail to
complete and submit their homework. (Page 11, Student Handbook)
TELEPHONE POLICY
Office phones are not for student use except in an emergency or illness. Students may use office phones to call parents
when sick or to notify parents that school activities have been canceled. When making a long distance call, students are
expected to call collect, charge the call to their home phone number, or use a calling card.
Some people are finding the pre-paid phone cards very convenient. Cell phone usage is
also authorized at the office. However, if a student is ill, we request that the student use the
phone located in the office. In an effort to decrease the spread of germs and viruses,
antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer is available for those students who are not ill and
need to use the phone.
AFTER SCHOOL STUDENT PICK-UP INFORMATION
Parents interested in picking up their students from school are requested to pick up their students from the East entrance.
We are instructing car-riding students to exit the building from the East exit. Using this exit will expedite the pickup of your
children as well as alleviate any problems with parking in the bus zone. We appreciate your compliance in this request.
BUILDING HOURS
To avoid potential problems, add to security, and provide adequate supervision, students are requested to report to the
building no earlier than 7:30 a.m. and leave each afternoon by 3:30 p.m. unless they are under the direct supervision of a
faculty member or coach of the school district.
Access to the building during school hours will be limited to the front (east) doors. All other doors will be locked to outside
access after 8:16 a.m. Visitors are to report to the office upon entry to the building.
High school personnel are in the office from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. An answering machine is available for messages
before and after office hours. We are very appreciative when parents call and inform us when their student(s) will be
absent. The office window becomes available to students at 7:50 a.m. and closes at 3:30 p.m.
FAMILY LEAVE REQUEST
A Family Leave Request and also known a Student Request for Personal Leave form is available in the office and must
be turned in to the administration for approval prior to the requested day off. All requests are not automatically approved.
Current attendance status will be one determinant. Academic arrangements must be made prior to leaving. PLHS
Handbook, page 11.
STUDENT ABSENCES
A student is considered absent when he or she is not in regular school classes or involved in a school sponsored activity.
If a student is absent, an attempt will be made by the staff to verify the absence by a call to the parents. This call will not
be necessary if a parent or guardian calls early on the morning of a student’s absence and reports it to the secretary.
Upon return from an absence, a student is required to obtain an admit slip from the office prior to attending class. An
excuse, written or oral, from a parent or guardian must be provided within 24 hours of the absence. Upon receipt of the
excuse, a determination will be made as to the excused or unexcused status of the absence. All absences due to
doctor/dental appointments are required to bring the “receipt” from the office visit for verification that it was a medically
excused absence. The principal will be the final determiner in all cases concerning absences.
For more information regarding ATTENDANCE information, please see page 10 of the Student Parent Handbook.
YEARBOOK NEWS
Once again, students and their parents will have an opportunity to purchase yearbooks covering the 2014-15 year at a
reduced rate. At this time, plain yearbooks are available for $45.00. Personalization can be purchased for an additional
$5.00 and icons for $3.45 each. After September 26, yearbooks will increase in price. Make all checks payable to PLHS.
Family and Consumer Science
Thank you! There are students, parents, and community members who work behind the scenes supporting various
programs in the school that often may go unrecognized for their dedication and hard work. An essential component
impacting the effectiveness of the Family and Community Services Pathway courses is the advisory team that formally
meets at least twice yearly to discuss curriculum, facilities, teaching resources, community resources, professional
development opportunities, and relevant employment information. The Family and Consumer Science Department would
like to extend a huge thank you to those who have served in this capacity in the past and to the following individuals who
will be serving on the Advisory Team this year: Aynsley Anderson, Community Services Director for Lawrence Memorial
Hospital; Amy Conklin, School Psychologist; Ramon Gonzalez, Emergency Worker; Julia Schafermeyer, Therapist; Staci
Hendrickson, Dietician; Sherry Dugan, Aerobics Instructor; McKayla Breese, Student and FCCLA Officer; Dylan
McCartney, Student, and Sara Hotchkiss, Student.
FROM THE COUNSELOR’S CORNER
September/October, 2014
Beginning the Year – This year has gotten off to a great start. The last minute class changes are done,
and students are settling into their schedule. Parents, please check PowerSchool frequently to get the current
progress for your student(s). Teachers will do their best to keep grades updated, and they appreciate your
continued involvement. Communication is a key to success!
The iPad has provided a great means to communicate with students. I will continue to email students about the
scholarships, college information and other information that I get when I feel it would be beneficial. In addition I
will also have announcements put in the Daily Bulletin. My goal is to increase student awareness of the
available opportunities. However, students are under no obligation or expectation to participate.
Seniors – This is the time when seniors really need to narrow down their post-secondary choices, if they
haven’t already. The preferred admission deadlines for 4-year colleges will quickly approach is usually around
November 1st, so students will need to be prepared to complete this process. Admission deadlines differ from
college to college, so check the institution’s website for their procedures and important dates. Students can
also visit the counseling office for additional assistance.
Here are some suggested activities to do during September and October:
September:
• Meet with school admission reps that visit our school. These will be announced.
• Make a list of deadlines (tests, scholarships, admission applications, financial aid) at schools you
are considering.
• Schedule college visits by following the college visit procedure and picking up a permission form.
• Visit with Mrs. Paramore about credits and your post-secondary plan
October:
• Take the ACT or SAT if necessary – check on the Testing Dates in the Counseling Corner for the
dates
• Review and work on admission, scholarship and financial aid applications
• Order caps, gowns and graduation announcements – a Jostens rep will meet with the class.
PSAT – The testing date for the Preliminary SAT (or PSAT) is October 15! This standardized test not only
gives students to practice for the SAT, but it also gives them an opportunity to enter NMSC scholarship
programs. The PSAT measures three skills: critical reading, math problem-solving and writing. Each student
will receive a results report which describes each individual score, plus they get feedback about career
opportunities that best fit their strengths. The test also gives students access to various college and career
planning tools. This optional test is offered to juniors; however, sophomores may take it for practice. Interested
students need to see me to get signed up. The sign-up testing deadline and testing date are listed below. If this
date does not work, students are able to take the test at Lawrence High on October 18. The cost for taking the
test is $14.00 (checks payable to either PLHS or Lawrence High). Space is limited, so sign up as soon as
possible!
ACT – Juniors are encouraged to take the ACT if they are planning to attend a 4-year college after high
school. College bound seniors need to take the test as soon as possible, if they have not taken it yet. The test
is given six times a year and students can take it as many times as they would like. However, the test does
cost around $44 every time it is taken. The first testing date is September 21. We will again be giving the test
at PLHS in December and June. If these dates do not work for your student, there are several area schools
that administer the test on the other four dates. Online registration is encouraged and can be done at
www.act.org. Not all students need to take the ACT! Please see me if you have any questions.
College & Military Visits – We frequently have college and military representatives visit the schools
during lunch and seminar to provide information about their institution. Juniors and seniors are encouraged to
attend these on-site visits. We are continually adding visits to the calendar, so please view the Upcoming
Events in Counselor’s Corner on the website for updates. Juniors and seniors are also allowed to visit colleges
to get a feel for the campus and to get further information. To do this, students must first get a form from the
counseling office two days prior to the visit, complete it and return it to the counseling office before taking the
trip.
ASVAB – Students have the opportunity to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASAB)
during school on December 3rd. This test is usually associated with the military, as it is used to predict future
academic and occupational success in the military. However, this test is not only for the military bound student,
as it provides information about other careers and how the scores would relate to the SAT and ACT tests. The
test is free to any junior or senior that is interested. I will have a signup sheet on my door for those who are
interested in taking the test.
BULLYING AWARENESS WEEK – Bullying Awareness Week will be in October. Announcements will be
made and emails will be sent to students that provide information about bullying and ways to help eliminate it.
We will also be encouraging students to participate in an activity to show their objection to being mean.
The 2013 Legislature amended the anti-bullying statute (KSA 72-8256) and effective July 1, 2013
requires schools to include the following in their bullying policies:
1) Bullying means: a) any intentional gesture or any intentional written, verbal, electronic or physical act or
threat either by any student, staff member or parent towards a student or by any student, staff member that is
sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that such gesture, act or threat creates an intimidating, threatening
or abusive educational environment that a reasonable person, under the circumstances, knows or should know
will have the effect of:
a. Harming a student or staff member, whether physically or mentally;
b. Damaging a student or staff member in reasonable fear of harm to the student or staff member; or
c. Placing a student or staff member in reasonable fear of damage to the student’s or staff member’s
property;
d. Cyberbullying; or
e. Any other form of intimidation or harassment prohibited by the board of education of the school
district in policies concerning bullying adopted pursuant to this section or subsection € of K.S.A. 728205 and amendments thereto.
(Information taken from: http://community.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabid=3899.)
Bullying incidents tend to involve three different groups of students: Bullies, Victims, and Bystanders. If you or
someone you know has been involved in a bullying incident or have witnessed a bullying incident, contact
someone for help, whether it be a family member, teacher, school administration or friend.
There is also a toll free hotline available that will provide support: 1-877-626-8203.
We are starting to receive scholarship information! These opportunities will be made available
on the school’s website in the Counselor’s Corner area of the high school section and the
information will be emailed to the seniors through their school email. Keep checking throughout
the year, as new opportunities will be added as they are received.
SCHOLARSHIPS
One such scholarship is the Hagan Scholarship. The awards vary up to $10,000 per year, and it is possible that they can
be renewed for up to three additional years. Students are eligible if they have a GPA of at least 3.5 and a composite ACT
score of at least 23. The deadline to apply is November 15. For information visit haganscholarships.org.
Recommended Web Site for scholarship search: www.fastweb.com
Some Upcoming Events . . .
September 13
ACT Testing Date
September 16
The representative from K-State will visit during seminar.
September 19
The deadline to register for the ACT given on October 25th.
September 23
A representative from the Marinello Schools of Beauty will visit during seminar.
September 26
Deadline to sign-up for the PSAT. The cost to take the test is $14.00, checks made
payable to PLHS. Tests are limited so sign up soon as soon as possible, if you are
interested. Payment will be needed before the student can take the test.
September 30
The representative from Highland Community College will visit during seminar.
October 7
The representative from Washburn University will visit during seminar.
October 15
PSAT at 8:15-11:30 at PLHS.
October 18
PSAT at 8:15-11:30 given at Lawrence High.
October 25
ACT Testing Date
November 6
The representative from Fort Hays State University will visit during seminar.
November 7
The deadline to register for the ACT given at PLHS on December 13.
Mark your calendars: Dec. 11 is Senior Financial Aid Night @ 6:30 p.m.
Please keep updated on calendar changes by regularly viewing the Daily Bulletin in PowerSchool and looking
at the Upcoming Events tab in the Counselor’s Corner. And as always, contact me if you ever have any
questions or concerns (597-5124 ext. 1007 or tparamore@usd343.org).
PLHS Counselor
Great news – EF Tours introduces its low price guarantee – No more departure fees, no more
enrollment fees, no more price increases! Whatever program fees are in place when you sign
up – that is your guaranteed price – it will not increase!!!
Sign up now for the Grand Tour of Italy!!
Perry Lecompton International Tours
www.eftours.com/1457696BP
Perry Lecompton International Tours and Mrs.Whitaker would like to invite you to join us on a 12 day
Italian adventure. Join us as we experience the beautiful countryside and ancient history of Italy!
Bella Italia – The Grand Tour of Italy – includes Rome, Venice, Milan, Assisi, Pompeii, Florence,
and so much more – we will visit the Vatican City and have the option to view the Tower of Piza and
the Isle of Capri!!!
This is a jam-packed trip that is filled lots of “ooohh – awwww” moments! A trip, that promises to be
an amazing experience, one that will be cherished for a lifetime.
This trip is open to students of USD 343, family members of students, and community members. The
program cost of the 12 day trip is approximately $3800.00. The program cost does not include
insurance, departure fees, and optional excursions.
Remember that your trip costs include: International round trip airfare, hotel, continental breakfast
and complete supper, a full time tour director, in country transportation, entrance into many castles
and museums, several day guides and walking tours.
Travelers will depart in late May 2016. You can sign up for the trip at www.eftours.com/1173900
Please contact Susie Whitaker at swhit0907@aol.com or 785-550-0267 if you want more information
about joining us on the wonderful journey.
This is not a PLHS or USD 343 function – this trip is hosted by Susie Whitaker.
WAIT - DON”T THROW THAT AWAY! RECYCLE IT!!
PLHS Library Media Center is collecting cell phones (old and those no longer wanted) and ink jet printer
cartridges. Any and all types are accepted – working or not working! This is a fund-raiser for the PLHS
Library! Proceeds will be used for the PLHS library and Perry Lecompton Library Media scholarship!
Deposit your old cell phones and cartridges (please place in a plastic bag first) in the tubs located at the PLHS
library. If you have any questions please contact Susie Whitaker. PLHS School Library Media Specialist at
swhitake@usd343.org or 785-597-5124. Thanks for your support!