Fall Parent Newsletter

UPCOMING EVENTS: INSIDE THIS ISSUE: The Power of PowerSchool

2

Ask Questions

3

Take College Classes for Free

2

Site Council

3

Did You Know

2

Attendance and Tardies

4

Happy 15th Anniversary

3

PRIDE

4

Andover Central High School 603 E. Central Andover, KS 67002

Plan to Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent—Teacher conferences are an excellent time to get to know your child’s teacher. You will find out their expectations and that they do assign homework. It never hurts to have your child accompany you to the Parent – Teacher conferences as well. Sometimes it is very beneficial to have everyone there to discuss your child’s progress.

Here are some tips for conferences:

Parent– Teacher Conferences October 17 and 18

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ACHS Production, “The Heiress” November 16 & 17

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Holiday Vocal Concert December 5 at 7 p.m.

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Band Winter Concert December 10 at 7 p.m.

The Jungle News October 12, 2012

ACHS Parent-Teacher conferences will be Wednesday, October 17 and Thursday, October 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The conferences will still be in an arena style in the ACHS gym; however, we have made some changes and moved some teachers to the commons area.

This will provide more space between tables and insure that you have a more private conference with your student’s teachers. Please limit your time with each teacher to five minutes if there is a line waiting for that teacher. If you require additional time with the teacher, it would be best to schedule a conference before or after school.

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Fall Issue, 2012

an excellent resource that can keep you informed of school events, missing assignments and grades. If you have any questions regarding PowerSchool please contact your child’s counselor or administrator.

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Make a plan. Write down questions to ask each teacher.

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Make sure you attend. Try to arrange your schedule so at least one parent can be there.

How Much Homework Is TOO Much?

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Find out what your child will be expected to do in each class (homework policy, tests, group projects).

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Ask how to get in touch with teachers if you have questions.

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Mention any problems at home that may affect their learning—divorce, illness, etc.

If your child spends less than 10 hours a week studying, it may not be enough.

Most experts believe that two hours per night is about the right amount of homework for high school students.

Does 10 hours sound like too much?

How much time are they texting, communicating online, or playing video games?

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Discuss questions you may have about topics such as your child’s attitude, work ethic, etc.

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Take notes. There will be a great deal of information in a short time.

Even after Parent-Teacher Conferences, your child’s progress can be monitored through PowerSchool. PowerSchool is

You will often hear that nothing is due tomorrow, but once a student is in high school, there is always something they can do to work ahead on assignments or study for a future quiz or test. In some cases, 10 hours won’t be enough. If it is test time or a major assignment or project is due, they may need 15 hours or more. Stay positive and encourage your child to avoid procrastination.

The POWER of PowerSchool Have you ever wished you could have regular updates on how your student is performing academically at school? Do you feel out of the loop with ACHS activities? All of this information is a click away with the help of PowerSchool. We have discovered that only 32% of our parents are signed up for regular progress reports. Here are some instructions on how to sign up for email notifications from PowerSchool.

Page Fall 2Issue,

Log into PowerSchool, and on the Navigation Bar on the left click on email notification. Then, choose what you want to have sent to you and how frequently. Make sure you hit SUBMIT. You will have the capability to check grade history, graduation progress, attendance, and discipline logs. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact the high school for assistance.

2 The Jungle Page News

2012

Juniors and Seniors-

Did You Know...

Take College Classes for Free Earlier this year the legislature passed and Governor Brownback signed into law Senate Bill 155. Simply stated, SB155 allows juniors and seniors in high school to take Career Technical Education classes tuition free at area community and public technical colleges. For our students that means juniors and seniors can attend either Butler County Community College or the Wichita Area Technical College and get a head start on various programs at very little cost to them (mainly books and fees).

Though general education classes (i.e.

English, math, social sciences, and science) are not included in this law, the list of possible courses is very extensive.

Students can take many computer classes, a variety of business classes, courses to become a Certified Nurse Aide, automotive classes, machine and sheet metal working, welding, even culinary arts classes – all tuition FREE.

your degree. These types of opportunities are a step up from minimum wage retail positions many students work to help make ends meet.

Students will need to take and pass any admission tests required by the college. Students should also remember these are college courses – if a student cannot handle the rigors and maturity level needed to be successful in a college course the student should wait until they are ready.

If you would like a list of classes which qualify for this program, please consult the Counselor’s Corner link on the ACHS webpage; in addition, you will also find instructions on how to enroll in these courses.

By Lisa Stinson

The object of this law is to give students the opportunity to get a head start on some high skilled areas to study. Completing some of these courses will allow students to get good paying jobs even if they continue their education – i.e. being a CNA while attending nursing school or being certified in fixing computers and working with the “Geek Squad” while completing

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That 71% of the Andover School District’s general fund will come from state aid this year?

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That decisions made by our legislators in Topeka will have a direct impact on opportunities for our students?

Please join the Andover Parents Legislative Council (APLC) for our October meeting. We will welcome Mr. Mark Tallman, Assistant Executive Director/ Advocacy of the Kansas Association of School Boards, to discuss the outlook for school funding in Kansas and what it means to students, parents, and community members of the Andover School District.

WHAT: APLC Meeting WHEN: Thursday, October 18 11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.

WHERE: USD 385, District Office 1432 N. Andover Road

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Mr. Tallman who is an expert in this field. Get up to speed on school finance issues before the legislative session begins in January.

Happy 15th Anniversary Andover Advantage!

Andover Advantage Foundation is celebrating 15 years of supporting Andover Public Schools. Fifteen years ago, some concerned parents and community members felt the need to start a foundation to partner with USD #385. This partnership would enable the district to maintain its standard of excellence. This year AAF will have granted over $725,000 in grants and special projects to students and teachers. Today, the community of

Andover enjoys one of the best school districts in the state of Kansas because of AAF. The Annual Giving Campaign kicks-off the first week of October. “Investing in Excellence” has been chosen as the theme this year. Please look for the new Annual Report and brochure. If you would like to learn more about AAF or would like to donate, visit AAF at www.andoveradvantage.org.

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Fall Issue, 2012

ASK QUESTIONSBefore your teen attends the next party, ask questions. Some teens are exposed to drugs, alcohol and sexual activity at teenage parties. Such behavior can dramatically affect your child’s life—especially his/her health and schoolwork. When your teen is invited to a party, ask him/her questions.

Here’s a list to get you started: Who is giving the party?

Will there be alcohol at the party?

Where do they live?

Who are you going with?

Will parents be there?

When will the party end?

Don’t be afraid to check out the answers your teen gives you.

Call the parents of the host. Make sure they know there is going to be a party at their house and that they plan to be there.

This is a time to set clear rules. Know where your teen is going, who is driving, and when he will be home. Let your teen know that he/she must never get into a car driven by anyone who has been drinking. Also, that your teen can call you at any time, and you’ll come get him/her- no questions asked.

Some parents prefer having their teen host a party at home. That way, they have control. Talk about the rules of being a host with your teen---no alcohol or drugs of course. The theft and abuse

of prescription drugs is becoming more common across the country as well as in Kansas. The best thing parents can do is lock up prescription drugs to insure that they are secure and not easily accessible to your child’s guests.

All Site Council meetings are open to the public.

Avoid open-invitation parties. Once your teen opens a party to friends of friends, you can’t control what goes on.

Make it clear that you will be there and that you see it as your responsibility to supervise.

All meetings begin at 7:00 a.m. in the office conference room at ACHS.

Site Council Meeting Dates: November 14, December 12, January 16, February 13, March 13, and April 10.

SITE COUNCIL MEMBERS Source: Richard Heyman, How to Say It To Teens, 2001 (Prentice Hall Berkeley, 405 Murray Hill Pkwy., East Rutherford NJ 07073, 1-800-631-8571), ISBN: 0-735-20188-9, paperback, 456 pp., $16.

2012-2013 ACHS SITE COUNCIL The purpose of a school Site Council is to advise the school on matters such as student learning, education programs, school improvement planning, and accreditation issues. The Site Council also is an advocate for the school regarding the same issues. Additionally, the Site Council provides ongoing support for the students and staff of the school.

Agenda items include discussion of student learning, educational programs, and school improvement planning. If there is ever an item you would like the Site Council to discuss, please contact any of the Site Council members listed to the right.

2012-2013 Cheryl Hochhalter

Principal

Barb Minton

Classified staff

Pat Glen

Classified staff

Mark Fleske

Teacher

Doug Snyder

Teacher

Mary Ann Maupin

Teacher

Catherine Dreiling

parent

Jennifer Block

parent

Kathy Murray

parent

Cristie Karber

parent

Amy Arnhold

parent

Josie Stamp

parent

Angie Friesen

parent

Laura Naff

parent

Craig Noah

parent

Helen Soultanian, Meg Huelskamp & Jacob Murray, Dylan Harris- Student/ Stuco Representatives

ATTENDANCE & TARDIES Teachers examined our behavior data over the last 4 years and discovered that attendance and tardiness are two significant issues at ACHS. From May 2008 to August 2011, ACHS averaged 1388 tardies a school year. During our last school year, 2011-2012, ACHS recorded only 1129 tardies. This is certainly an improvement; however, we think with the help of parents that we can continue to lower this rate.

Some students oversleep and miss their first class or two. They may go out to lunch and not return. Does attendance make a difference? Yes, research has shown a direct link between what students learn and the amount of time they spend at school. Help your son or daughter by stressing the importance of showing up prepared and on time every day. They will get a taste of adult responsibility. This lesson is just as important as the things learned in the classroom.

For teens that are going to work after school, attendance is even more important. Employers want to know that their employees can be counted on to come to work. In today’s job market, dependability is even more essential because employers do not have to settle for employees who do not show up on time. At ACHS, we believe that a student’s punctuality in high school directly relates to their success in the work force and future.

10/23

Individual Picture Retakes

Week of 11/5

Math Assessments

11/16 & 11/17

ACHS Play

11/20

Winter Sports Pictures

Week of 11/26

Reading Assessments

11/30

Sr. Cap & Gown Portraits

We need your help!! Please make sure your son/daughter attends classes. Additionally, check PowerSchool, and monitor your child’s attendance. Also, take time to look over the attendance and tardy policies of ACHS, which can be found in your student’s agenda. Simply arriving one minute late to school may result in 30 minutes of detention.

12/5

Vocal Concert

12/10

Band Concert

Week of 12/10

Science Assessments

12/18

Review for Finals, 2nd & 6th Hour Finals

12/19

Finals 1,4 & 5

12/20

Finals 3 & 7

Most of the detention that is assigned is due to attendance issues. With your help, ACHS can continue to improve our attendance rates and help our students become even more successful. Thank you for partnering with us.

1/3

School Resumes

1/25

Sophomore Class Ring mtg.

1/28 & 1/29

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Source: High School Years. Resource for Educators, Aspen Publishers, Inc (ISSN 1540-5605)

Fall Issue, 2012

P R

IMPORTANT DATES:

Page 4

PRIDE is a term that is key to the success of Andover Central High School. For those of you who are unsure what PRIDE stands for here at ACHS, here is an overview of its meaning, where it came from, and where we are going with it.

I D E

PRIDE is an acronym that stands for Punctual, Respectful, Integrity, Dependable and Engaged. These are all characteristics of a well-rounded student at ACHS. The origin of PRIDE derived from the staff as a whole and a small sub group of teachers who comprise the Multi-Tiered System of Support team. By analyzing our behavioral data, the MTSS team was able to identify areas in which we could improve upon as a whole. PRIDE was chosen as the acronym that tied the analyzed data to our projected goals.

Andover Central High School Jaguars

@ ACHSJaguars

Last year, the MTSS team worked on creating mini-lessons that would be taught to our students during their seminar classes this year. To start the year, teachers did an overview lesson on PRIDE. Last week teachers taught a lesson on punctuality. Over the course of this year, teachers will teach a minilesson on every letter of PRIDE. We hope that focusing on these specific character traits will improve the everyday experience of our students as well as lower the number of discipline referrals in the building.