In the midst of the holiday season, we sit at our dinner tables and give thanks for our many blessings. At Pella High School, we are thankful that our halls are not empty, that lessons are being delivered both live and virtually, and that we continue to enjoy watching our students perform in the many things that they have worked hard for over the years. We are also thankful for our community that supports one another through times where we may need a shoulder to lean on, or an ear to listen.

In just a few short weeks we will be wrapping up our first semester and preparing for semester exams. As we move forward, we cannot stress enough the importance of student engagement both in person and virtually. As we close this semester it is imperative that students complete and submit work in a timely manner. Parents may view and track student progress through the Parent Portal.

In closing I want to thank you for your continued support and wish you and your family health and happiness during these challenging times. I am confident that these times will bring us all closer as we grow and gain new perspectives on the things that make Pella High School such a great place.

We are thankful for you!

Sincerely,

Adam Beckel

Principal

Derek Schulte

Assistant Principal

Semester assessments will be given in all classes. The students will be assessed in multiple ways by high school teachers. A student may be evaluated with a standard semester test, a project, a portfolio, a presentation, or an essay, etc.

1. There will be 80-minute assessment sessions on December 18th - 21st.

2. Students are only required to be in school if they have a test. Students should be in the commons, the library, or leave campus if they do not have an assessment. Students are not to be in the academic areas of the building during semester assessments.

3. All students will eat during the same single lunch period.

4. Students who cannot take their assessments during the scheduled semester test days will be expected to make-up assessments. All make-up assessments must be coordinated with teachers. Students are not allowed to move any semester assessments without administrative approval.

5. Students are NOT to be dismissed early from assessment sessions.

Through the Infinite Campus portal, students and parents are able to view and print class schedules from the Reports tab. Second-semester schedules may have changed since the first semester, so please review student schedules on the campus portal. Also, please encourage your students to review their second-semester schedule before winter break.

At the beginning of each semester, students will be allowed five (5) school days in which to add or drop a course. After the tenth school day, dropping a course will result in an “F” for the class, unless an extreme circumstance exists.

Students are always encouraged to plan ahead in regard to their class options and future plans. Our hope is that students choose classes that will help them explore a variety of fields and possibly even narrow down some future career options. If you would like to discuss your student’s four-year academic plan, please contact one of our counselors, Teresa Thompson or Jessica Manning, to set up a meeting.

Students have been informed of a small group opportunity focused on grief. Mrs. Manning and Mrs. Thompson will be running several small groups on this topic beginning in December and running through the Spring. Students were able to self-refer for the groups, but if you would like to refer your student, please contact one of the counselors.

Grades for Semester 1 are due January 4, 2020 by 3:00 PM. By the end of that week, report cards will be made available on the Infinite Campus Parent Portal under the REPORTS tab which will include the student’s term and cumulative GPA from the end of the first semester.

It is that time of year again where we have the possibility of closing school, starting late, or dismissing early due to weather issues. We will continue to notify parents/guardians by phone, text, and email. Below lists other avenues to see if school is delayed or canceled.

• Pella Community School District Website

• KNIA/KRLS

• KCOB/KRTI

• KBOE

• KCWN

• WHO Radio

• WHO TV: Channel 13

• KCCI TV: Channel

• LOCAL abc5 - We Are IOWA : Channel 5

To update your phone number and email address, log into the Infinite Campus Parent Portal and click on MORE tab. Your change request will sit in a queue until our staff can process your request.

December

2 - Professional Development: 90-Minute Early Dismissal

9 - Professional Development: 90-Minute Early Dismissal

16 - Professional Development: 90-Minute Early Dismissal

22 - 90-Minute Early Dismissal - Winter Break

End 2nd Quarter

23 - Jan 3 - No School - Winter Break

January

4 - Teacher Work Day

5 - Classes Resume - Begin 2nd Semester