|
Plainfield South High School Cougar Newsletter Volume 2 Edition 1 October 2002 |
Important
Dates:
From
the Desk of Tom Hensel:
We had an excellent turn out for our September 25th Curriculum Night. The next teacher/parent event you may want to mark on your calendar is the Parent Conference Days on November 7-8. Our students will have a half-day of school on November 7th followed by conferences that afternoon and evening. November 8th the conferences will be in the morning. Watch our website for more information the closer we come to those dates.
Every year I emphasize the importance of attendance. Even though we will furnish the missed work and the time needed for that work to be completed, missed time in the classroom cannot be made up. We are well aware of illnesses and emergencies. We ask that whenever possible all our students are in class to benefit from the experience of instruction.
I am very pleased with the start of our school year. It is hard to believe that we are already at the end of our first six-week progress report period. Our students, staff and many parents have contributed to the fun of our homecoming week. We are rapidly coming to the end of our fall sports season. Our choral and band concerts and play dates are approaching rapidly. Please check our website calendar and plan to attend some of the many activities our students are involved with throughout the year.
Thank you for allowing us to get to know your child. I hope they enjoy their time with us.
Choral Department:
The Plainfield South Choral Department has been off to a busy start this fall. So far, the choirs have held auditions for the extra curricular Madrigal group, held elections for the choir officers and have been preparing for the IMEA District IX Choral festival. The Madrigal group is rehearsing every Tuesday and Thursday evening for 1˝ hours to prepare for their dinner on December 14th and 15th. Also, a select group of students attended a symposium at Elgin High School to review music for the IMEA District Auditions, which will be held at Addison Trail High School on October 8th, 2002. Good Luck to those students auditioning!
You might have also seen various choir members throughout the community. At the recent Plainfield High School vs. Plainfield South High School football game, some of our choir members sang the National Anthem. There were many students who devoted some time out of their busy schedules to decorate a float for this year’s homecoming parade. The PSHS Choral Department was well represented.
In addition, we are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Men’s A Cappella Group, Chapter 6, which will be performing on October 16th at 7:00 p.m. at the PHS auditorium. Everyone within the Plainfield community is welcome to enjoy the performance of these fabulous singers. We also hope to see you all at our first concert, which will take place on November 5th at 7:00 p.m. sharp. We can’t wait to see you all there!
Athletic Department:
Winter Team Awareness Date Change:
Team Awareness will now be held on Wednesday, November 20th, at 3:30. (The original date was November 16th.) Any parents who wish to attend are also invited to join us in welcoming our guest speaker, Jason Barber. Mr. Barber delivers a strong message for all ages.
Parent Orientation will also be held on Wednesday November 20th, at 7:00 p.m.
Social Workers:
Peer Mediation is available to help students resolve their conflicts before they escalate into larger problems. Students can find Mediation Request forms in their English classrooms as well as the Student Services and Attendance Offices.
Be on the look out for the Yellow Ribbon project beginning soon at both PSHS and PHS. Yellow Ribbon is a suicide prevention program aimed at giving students an opportunity to ask for assistance when they need it.
Talk about problems and answers!! Join a discussion group for parents of teens. S.T.E.P./Teen – for parents and others who want better communication with teenagers. For more information contact: Josh Bloodgood at 815/577-5515, or jbloodgo@learningcommunity202.org
Diversity Committee:
Students and staff at PSHS are busily preparing a major project entitled “PSHS-Making a World of Difference”. An 11 ft. by 17 ft. flag of the United States of America will be proudly displayed on the large wall at the south entrance to the cafeteria. The flag will be constructed of red, white and blue hands signed by students, staff, administration and parents who wish to demonstrate investment in respect for the individual dignity of all people regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. The spirit of this project was inspired by the “World of Difference” pledge promoted by the Anti-Defamation League.
As a part of the “School Improvement Plan”, a Diversity committee was formed at PSHS and has been meeting since summer. On September 10th, the committee presented its vision statement to the entire staff, and unveiled some of the plans that would impact the goals. The vision of the committee is to promote awareness of diversity and tolerance, and create an environment that works for all people while promoting a discrimination-free school, and respect for individual dignity. Faculty members will be incorporating aspects of tolerance and diversity across various curriculums throughout the school year.
Another early project of the Diversity Committee will help provide “comfort zones” within the building for students who may struggle with diversity issues. Staff members who have identified themselves as being willing to attend an in-service for training and direction in this area would have a symbol at the entrance to their classrooms so that students could easily identify the “comfort zones”.
As the year unfolds, the possibility of several other projects such as guest speakers, a mural, a monthly school theme, banners, marquee messages, and international week are being considered for development. Parents or community members who would like to provide input or assistance are encouraged to contact Ken Decker, Assistant Principal of Student Services at 439-5540.
Business Ed. Department:
According to the most recent brochure distributed by the Illinois Business Education Association, proficiency at the keyboard is becoming a basic requirement for almost any job today; workers at all levels are required to use the keyboard. We at Plainfield South High School firmly believe this and are committed to preparing students for the future. To help us in this endeavor, a new computer lab was opened this year in the new wing of the school. Currently there are fourteen sections of keyboarding offered to our students. Students learn to keyboard accurately and efficiently. Keyboarding is a tool and a resource that will aid our students throughout their school years, their careers and their lives.
Student Services:
All interested juniors are welcome to attend the JJC College Fair held at the JJC campus October 15th, starting at 5:00 p.m. Over 100 college reps will be there to answer any questions concerning their college.
PSHS will host a college night to be held in early February. Please watch future newsletter(s) for specifics on date and time.
The counselors from Student Services would like to extend a HUGE thank you to the Student Helpers who helped with Group Guidance. These people gave up some of their time to answer questions and talk to the freshmen on Thursday, September 12th. They all did a great job and were well received by the students that they worked with. GREAT WORK, HELPERS!
SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS: Do you know what career you want to pursue after high school? Have you thought about joining the military service for your country? Then you need to sign-up for the ASVAB test (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) given on Friday, October 25th. This test includes a multiple aptitude battery and an interest inventory, widely recognized as essential components in making comprehensive career choices. The military services use it to identify students who potentially qualify for entry into the military and for assignment to military occupational training. You may sign up for the test in Student Services on or before Friday, October 18th. You may sign up during your free time (before or after school or during passing periods) to take this FREE exam to explore some of your interests and abilities.
TESTING:
ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)
Who: Sophomores and Juniors who are undecided about what career they want to pursue after high school or who want to go in to the military
Date: October 25th, 2002
Place: Plainfield South High School Auditorium
Time: 8:15 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Registration: Register in Student Services by Friday, October 18th, 2002
Cost: FREE
PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
Who: College-bound Juniors and Honors Sophomores
Date: October 15th, 2002
Place: Plainfield Sough High School Auditorium
Time: 8:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $12.00 (Make checks payable to Plainfield South High School)
Registration: Completer a Registration Form (available in Student Services) and return it to the Student Services Office
Econ Proficiency Exam
Who: Juniors
Date: Wednesday, October 30th, 2002
Place: Plainfield South High Auditorium
Time: 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Registration: Register in Student Services
PLAN
Who: Sophomores
Date: October 29th, 2002 (preliminary interest inventory)
Place: Driver’s Education classes
Date: November 7th, 2002 (actual testing)
Place: Classrooms
Time: 8:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Cost: FREE
Registration: No registration necessary
(All sophomores take the PLAN test)
Foreign Language Department:
Plainfield South High School is the home of the first Foreign Language computer laboratory in District 202. The teachers have been trained to use just some of its many features, and classes are truly enjoying the personal touch of receiving instruction through headsets that only they can hear. So far classes have been using the features that allow the students to hear CD’s and talk in pairs and in groups. The teacher can also talk to students individually, in pairs, in groups, or all at once.
In the future, the lab will also be used for improving accent, showing videos and DVD’s, writing, instant messaging, telephoning, and testing among other things. As we continue along in this technical age, it is wonderful to see that Plainfield School District is supporting the trend of improving foreign language instruction in our global community. We are at the forefront of technology in the foreign language classroom!
Media Center:
The PSHS Media Center Can Help!!!
Does your son or daughter need help researching an assignment? Does your son or daughter need to type a paper or just find a good book? The Media Center staff can help! Our hours are:
Monday – Thursday 7:10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday 7:10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Please go to our Media Center link on the PSHS website for more information (www.learningcommunity202.org). We have databases, search engines and much more that your student can access from home or school.
Math Department:
The Math Department is off to a great start this year. Teachers and students have been very busy learning, using technology and receiving help in the Math Lab. The Math Lab is new this year and is open during periods 3, 4 and 5. Your son or daughter can go directly to the Math Lab instead of going to their lunch study hall. The Math Lab is located in room 321, which it shares with the Learning Lab. There are Math and English teachers in there during these periods along with student tutors. So encourage your son or daughter to come and see us!