Focus on Education
October 2020
College GO! Week
During the College GO! Week, we had themes for students to participate in to encourage their goals of what they want to do and our students, as always, did not let us down! We had trade/union days, armed forces days, and dress for your future career days where we discovered we have chefs, artists, veterinarians, doctors and nurses, carpenters, ironworkers, teachers, and so much more. They truly see their potential and the school is here to help.
Every student that attends our schools has learned about early college through Hobart University. The best part is that it is not just for those that are attending a college/university after graduation, but also those interested in the trades. We have had students graduate from Hobart with certifications, apprenticeship guides to help students prepare and succeed for all trades, and associates degrees that literally cut their college education in half and could have them graduating with a bachelors degree in TWO years! We help lay the foundation for every Brickie with any future they may want to pursue.
Just because the week is over does not mean our work is done. We encourage you to visit our College and Career Readiness web page at www.hobart.k12.in.us/CCR where you will find:
- Hobart High School Career Pathway & Course Description Guide
- College Planning Guide
- Trade Apprenticeship Guide
- Learn More Indiana's Guide to Student Success
- Helpful videos
- Career, College, and Dual Credit Information
- Financial Aid Assistance
- and more!
Let's not forget about Hobart University where you can get FREE college right in your high school classes - www.hobart.k12.in.us/HU. Finally, state-wide, Learn More Indiana is a complete resource standing behind you, dedicated to helping you accomplish your education the way you want and following your dreams as closely as possible. Get started down your own path and define your future. Check out their website and helpful information below or if you want to speak to someone personally, our Guidance Department is always there for you!
School City of Hobart NIPSCO Award Nominations
The School City of Hobart would like to thank Nipsco for the prestigious Luminary Award in Education.
What started as an invitation from NIPSCO in 2017 to the Center Of Workforce Innovations and Linda Woloshansky to the Superintendent of the School City of Hobart (SCOH) and the Hobart Middle School Principal to visit NIPSCO in La Porte as a means of exploring prospective interest in the Energy Technology career field bloomed into an amazing partnership between NIPSCO, Ivy Tech Community College, and the SCOH.
SCOH is always pursuing opportunities for their students. SCOH became the first school district in Indiana to have all its schools earn the designation of being fully Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) certified. The school district has had career pathways since 1999. In 2018, the SCOH launched an early college called Hobart University (HU) to further multiply and leverage the learning opportunities including partnerships with Ivy Tech, NIPSCO, and other community partners. Our 2020 class, for instance, earned 5,568 dual credits and saved $807,415.68. The Energy Technology Program serves as an incredible opportunity of fulfilling our mission, vision, and commitment to preparing students for the future!
Energy Success with Brickies:
The SCOH’s Energy Technology program started in 2018-2019 with a pilot group. This pilot cohort is finishing this school year with 3 students earning an Associate Degree in Energy Technology, and 2 students will be earning a technical certificate in Electric Line Technology. Our program is multiplying as there are now 25 students pursuing postsecondary credentials in Energy Technology. Job growth in the Energy Industry continues to exceed expectations. Ivy Tech has a 100% placement rate. We would like to thank our many partners:
- Nipsco and Rick Calinski
- Center of Workforce Innovations - Linda Woloshansky
- Ivy Tech - Aco Sikoski and Staff including Caleb Westberg and Anthony Gagliardi
- SCOH - Director of School Counseling Danielle Adams and Director of Secondary Curriculum Tim Krieg
- SCOH and Ivy Tech Faculty
Our Energy Technology program has set the path for a productive and successful future. Our energy – our future. Our students – our future!
Check out the Governors Announcement for the NIPSCO Luminary Award Winners!
Student Accomplishments With Hobart University!
During the 2018-2019 school year we had 727 students achieving college credits. We offered 72 courses that were taught by 36 educators, earning our Brickies a total of 6,222 college credits and a savings of $874,946 in tuition!
Last year, during the 2019-2020 school year we had an amazing 829 students achieve college credits while offering 96 courses taught by 49 educators. This earned our Brickies 7,704 college credits while saving an astonishing $1,152,233.20 in tuition!
Over all in the past two years, with the implementation of Hobart University, our Brickies have earned 13,926 college credits while achieving their high school degree and saved over TWO MILLION dollars in tuition! Students gain experience and skills in their field of interest with some even leaving high school with an Associate's degree and all graduating knowing they have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to succeed.
So what are you waiting for? Learn more about Hobart University at www.hobart.k12.in.us/HU
Learn More Indiana Magazines: Indiana's Guide to Student Success
Learn More Indiana publishes Learn More magazines for every age level, from kindergarten to adults, designed to help students take the right steps to prepare for and succeed in college. Magazines are available for downloading and can be viewed by clicking the link below or on our website at www.hobart.k12.in.us/ccr along with other helpful information!
HHS's "Careers In The Trades" Newsletter!
Did you know...
That every month a new "Careers In The Trades" newsletter is created? Click on the Smore newsletter below to see career opportunities available right now for our Brickies! Take advantage of a experiences that are offered to you and continue to grow into a successful Brickie!
So what?
It's more important than ever for you to make sure you have options for what skills you develop and what credentials you earn so that you are marketable.
What will it take for you to be successful?
The successful worker is one who is up-to-date on trends in their industry and who is always learning and refining skills and abilities.
What can you do now to prepare for the future?
By taking dual credit classes while in high school and working to earn a certificate, technical certificate, or associate's degree - you can save a lot of time and money while working towards finding and keeping your dream job. Talk to your counselor and see what HU can do for you!
Porter County Career and Technical Education (CTE) / Vocational Opportunities Through HU!
Did you know????
You’ve heard about Hobart University… but did you know that Hobart University includes vocational trades?
High school students attended presentations by our Ivy Tech and Porter County Career Center partners. During these presentations, they have learned about opportunities to earn college credit AND/OR earn technical certifications that they can use immediately after completing high school.
Did you know about our Energy program? It’s actually Ivy Tech’s Energy program, and it is in partnership with NIPSCO and it begins right here at Hobart High School. Students who start this program in 10th grade will complete it by the end of 12th grade and are guaranteed an interview with NIPSCO. Jobs in this field are moving toward renewable energy, so it’s not “just” about power lines, although if students are interested in that part, we have that too! Ask your kids about the salary. I am certain they will remember it.
We also offer a Medical Assistant program that prepares students to work in the field as a Medical Assistant at the end of the summer after their senior year.
What else do we have through our great partnerships? Diesel, automotive, robotics, cosmetology, just to name a few.
Does your child want to enter the workforce immediately after completing high school? No problem. Interested in the trades? We have direct links to local unions and can assist your child in whichever way he/she wants to go. The possibilities are endless and we talk to your kids about all of them.
Students in grades 9-11 have also participated in the Taste of HU, which is a “fair” highlighting all of the dual credit and technical certification opportunities that we have.
Whether students want to start a career immediately after completing high school or attend a post-secondary school, we can help them with a head start.
- Start by visiting Indiana Career Explorer
- Compare the estimated net price of attendance at Indiana colleges through Indiana College Costs
- Learn about career interest inventories, education requirements for different careers and more at Learn More Indiana.
- Check out Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs for the most recent in-demand careers and wages in the state!
- O*NET® Career Exploration Tools - Self-directed career exploration/assessment tools to help you consider and plan career options, preparation, and transitions more effectively. The tools are also designed for use by students who are exploring the school-to-work transition.
- Go to My skills. My future looks at the jobs you have held in the past to determine some similar positions for you in the future. It also allows you to learn more about those recommended careers.
- Skills Profiler - Use the Skills Profiler to create a list of your skills and match them to jobs that use those skills
Benefits of Mindfulness For Kids
Studies show that the benefits of mindfulness for kids may include:
1. Increased focus, attention, self-control, classroom participation, compassion.
2. Improved academic performance, ability to resolve conflict, overall well-being.
3. Decreased levels of stress, depression, anxiety, disruptive behavior.
Your children will participate in mindful practices focusing in on learning about the science of the brain, breathing and movement. Our goal is to teach your children how to successfully manage emotions, identify & discuss emotions, feel and show empathy to others and build positive relationships as well as make responsible decisions. The SEL tools that students will learn can be applied at home and taken with them to use throughout life. Our SCOH staff has been learning about the science of the brain for a number of years. We’re looking forward to putting plans in place at each level. Students will participate in Mindful Mondays and/or Wellness Wednesdays during Power Hour at HHS, Homeroom at HMS and morning meeting at the elementary level.
Resources for families is located on the School City of Hobart’s website under the title Academics and Social Emotional Learning.
Click here to access the page: Social Emotional Resources for Parents and Families
A Mindfulness Practice For Families
This is an informal mindfulness practice that you can do with your family. It’s the basis of most compassion and empathy training. You can do this practice on birthdays, or when other opportunities to make wishes come around. You can also use this practice to wind down before bed.
- To begin, find a comfortable sitting position. You can even place a hand on the heart. Allow your eyes to close or lower your gaze toward the floor.
- Bring to mind someone who you really respect and look up to, and who really loves you in return. Notice how you feel as you bring this person to mind.
- Make a kind wish and send it their way. What would make them happy?
- Next, bring to mind someone else you love and care about: A family member, a friend, a beloved colleague. Just bring this person to mind, sending this person a kind wish.
- We’ll move from here to a more neutral person. Perhaps someone you don’t know very well: A parent you see occasionally in the pick-up line, a person who delivers your mail, or makes your coffee in the morning. Just bring this person to mind and imagine yourself sending them some kind of kind wish.
- Lastly, bring to mind someone who has frustrated you lately, someone who is a little difficult. Send this last person a kind wish—something nice for them in their life.
- Check in with your mind and body as you conclude this practice. Allow your eyes to open if they’ve been closed. Notice if there’s any shift.
The point of is: We don’t have to be perfectly loving beings at all times. We don’t have the psychological, financial, or genetic resources to literally treat everyone as we treat our own child—let alone treat our own child as we’d always like to. Instead, we strive to do our best and aim for that middle path: loving, caring, and acts of kindness. Because compassion, and even self-compassion, runs in families. I encourage you to find ways to practice compassion. What you do now will make a difference for future generations.
Practicing SEL at Home!
Family Fall Fun with SEL!
This year the Early Learning Center at George Earle Elementary is celebrating 10 years of opening its doors! It is an exciting celebration! The Early Learning Center at George Earle is School City of Hobart’s highly acclaimed center for early childhood education. The Early Learning Center is focused on Hobart’s youngest citizens. The district is committed to providing opportunities for learning from the very beginnings of life! It provides a special school for important early childhood programs in one building. The Early Learning Center is home to Building Brickies, Ready Set Go Preschool Network, Early Childhood Development classes, Brickie Kidz, and Full-day Kindergarten.
Prior to the ELC's inception, kindergarten students were broken up into kindergarten grade levels within each of our elementary schools. The School City of Hobart had a vision of a school dedicated exclusively to our littlest learners. Our School Board, Superintendent, Dr. Peggy Buffington, and Director of Early Learning and Education, Sara Gutierrez, helped to spearhead this development in 2010 to champion for educational programs at the ELC that support our youngest students in every way while simultaneously supporting families on this educational journey. A school dedicated to this age group is an extraordinary opportunity for our students as well as our staff and a tremendous resource for our community!.
When developing the idea for the Early Learning Center, we worked toward being able to offer a school that could support the social and academic development of our students in kindergarten, as well as partner with families and the community to help prepare all Hobart children for kindergarten and school. The ELC would then become home to our Building Brickies program which starts working with Brickie families as early as birth until the start of kindergarten. The Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative would also offer early childhood development preschool programs. Later, Dr. B's Brickie Kidz Preschool was also added to our student body.
By having one building to house all of these programs alongside kindergarten, the ELC is able to offer such an early childhood education experience that is rich in academics and social development to students under 7 years old and families. Everything is geared toward the development of early childhood to support the children and families during these imperative early years.. Each program specializes in it's students abilities and interests and their development.
We teach our students "Be Nice, Work Hard and Stay Safe." We work hard to instill that in our students every day at the ELC. These are the values that make our Brickies! We offer many age appropriate celebrations and events that reinforce these values and provide rich experiences for our students in which our students can thrive.
Make Sure To Self-Screen Every Day Before Coming To School
Practice Your 3 W's Everywhere You Go!
FREE Mobile Program To Help Young Individuals Quit Vaping
Indiana teens are more likely to use vaping devices than cigarettes. The increase in vaping among youth is rising at such an alarming rate that the U.S. Surgeon General is calling it an epidemic that “demands action to protect the lives of young people.” The age for cigarette purchases has risen to 21, but this won't help those that are already addicted. Furthermore, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has been investigating vaping-related severe lung injuries since early August and have already reported 5 deaths caused by vaping. The number of vaping-related lung injuries continues to rise steadily in Indiana and nationwide. Vaping is the only common factor in these injuries to date. Most individuals have reported vaping THC, the ingredient in marijuana, or other substances, but it’s unknown what specific products, brand or substance is causing these injuries. More information is being learned as new cases are investigated and data analyzed.
In Indiana, the use of e-cigarettes and vaping among youth has risen more than 350 percent among high school and middle school students since 2012.
So what to do? Sign up with Truth Initiative's "This Is Quitting" program which is the first-of-its-kind program to help young people quit vaping, This is Quitting gives youth and young adults the motivation and support they need to ditch JUUL and other e-cigarettes. It is a free mobile program from Truth Initiative designed to help young people quit vaping. The first-of-its-kind text messaging program incorporates messages from other young people like them who have attempted to, or successfully quit, e-cigarettes. Our messages show the real side of quitting, both the good and the bad, to help young people feel motivated, inspired and supported throughout their quitting process. We also send young people evidence-based tips and strategies to quit and stay quit. This is Quitting is tailored based on age (within 13 to 24 years old) and product usage to give teens and young adults appropriate recommendations about quitting.
To enroll in This is Quitting, teens and young adults text DITCHJUUL to 88709. The first messages they receive will ask for their age and product usage so that they are able to receive relevant messages. Users receive one age-appropriate message per day tailored to their enrollment date or quit date, which can be set and reset via text message.
Those who are not ready to quit receive at least four weeks of messages focused on building skills and confidence. Users with a quit date receive one week of messages prior to that date and at least eight weeks of messages after their quit date. Throughout the program, users can text COPE, STRESS, SLIP or MORE to receive instant support. Upon completion of the program, users receive periodic text messages from truth® and may continue to use supportive keywords for as long as they like.
Nurse's Corner for October
Flu - Remember to continue to say “BOO” to the Flu! Handwashing is so important! Don’t
forget to get your flu shot and stay protected. Contact your healthcare provider or make an
appointment at our Brickie Clinic 219-945-9383
Sick students - PLEASE KEEP ALL SICK OR SUSPECTED SICK STUDENTS HOME FROM SCHOOL. PLEASE MARK THEM OFF IN SKYWARD. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE: fever greater than
100.4 degrees, CHILLS, SORE THROAT, COUGH( especially new onset, uncontrolled
cough), DIARRHEA, VOMITING, HEADACHE( particularly new onset of severe headache,
especially with a fever) , NEW LOSS OF TASTE OR SMELL, MUSCLE OR BODY ACHES
OR FATIGUE, CONGESTION OR RUNNY NOSE, SHORTNESS OF BREATH OR
DIFFICULTY BREATHING. If you are unsure, please call your healthcare provider or school
nurse for advice. Please do not send your student to school and instruct them to go directly
to the nurse before the school day begins. Again, if you have any questions or concerns
please contact your school nurse. For more information, please visit our website:
https://www.hobart.k12.in.us/protectbrickies
▪ SKYWARD INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS
ABSENT REQUESTS IN SKYWARD FOR PARENT/GUARDIANS- SEE VIDEO BELOW
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UVUSq5USyAh-AwDoDXVhZl-nP83REUqB/view?usp=sharing
COVID-19 INFORMATION- SYMPTOMS/SICK AND RETURN SCHOOL POLICY
Notify your school immediately of COVID-19 symptoms or any exposure to a COVID-19
positive test: nurse@hobart.k12.in.us
COVID-19: When a student, faculty, or staff member can return to school (Indiana Department
of Health) Updated 8.25.20
Indiana COVID-19 Testing Sites - Added July 18, 2020
Click Here to access the Indiana State Department of Health's Indiana COVID-19 Testing Sites
Note: For each testing site, the following information is provided: Location, Scheduling Options, Hours, Requirements to be Tested, Payment Options, Phone Number, Days/Hours of Operation, Format of Testing Reporting.
Current Testing Sites in Lake County (As of July 18, 2020):
● Methodist Hospital-Southlake Campus - 8701 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410
● Family Urgent Care - 1217 US HWY 41, Schererville, IN 46375
● Methodist Hospitals-Northlake Campus - 600 Grant St, Gary, IN 46402
● NW Indiana ER & Hospital - 7904 Cabela Dr, Hammond, IN 46324
● Physicians Urgent Care Indianapolis - 10343 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN 46322
● HealthLinc Community Health Center - 1313 W Chicago Ave, East Chicago, IN 46312
● ISDH Drive-Thru at Ivy Tech CC - 410 E Columbus Dr, East Chicago, IN 46312
● ISDH Drive-Thru at Oliver P. Morton High School - 6915 Grand Ave, Hammond, IN 46323
COVID-19: When to Isolate (ISDH Resources) - Added 8/12/2020
COVID-19: When to Quarantine (ISDH resource) - Added 8/12/2020
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Handwashing
Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from
getting sick. Learn when and how you should wash your hands to stay healthy.
How Germs Spread
Washing hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal
infections from one person to the next. Germs can spread from other people or surfaces
when you:
● Touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
● Prepare or eat food and drinks with unwashed hands
● Touch a contaminated surface or objects
● Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into hands and then touch other people’s hands or
common objects
Key Times to Wash Hands
You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often,
especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:
● Before, during, and after preparing food
● Before eating food
● Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
● Before and after treating a cut or wound
● After using the toilet
● After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
● After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
● After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
● After handling pet food or pet treats
● After touching garbage
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, you should also wash your hands
● After you have been in a public place and touched an item or surface that may have
been frequently touched by other people, such as door handles, tables, gas pumps,
shopping carts, or electronic cash registers/screens, etc.
● Before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth because that’s how germs enter our
bodies.
Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way
Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread
of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and
throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and
hospitals.
Follow these five steps every time.
1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply
soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your
hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday”
song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Why? Read the science behind the recommendations.
Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can’t Use Soap and Water
You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and
water are not available.
Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If
soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that
contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by
looking at the product label.
Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in many situations. However,
● Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs.
● Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
● Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and
heavy metals.
Caution! Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning if more than
a couple of mouthfuls are swallowed. Keep it out of reach of young children and supervise
their use.
How to use hand sanitizer:
● Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct
amount).
● Rub your hands together.
● Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.
This should take around 20 seconds
CDC’s Handwashing Campaign: Life is Better with Clean Hands
CDC’s Life is Better with Clean Hands campaign encourages adults to make handwashing
part of their everyday life and encourages parents to wash their hands to set a good
example for their kids. Visit the Life is Better with Clean Hands campaign page to download
resources to help promote handwashing in your community.
For more information on handwashing, visit CDC’s Handwashing website or call
1-800-CDC-INFO.
Help ALL Brickies Get A Lunch!
E-Learning Day for ALL students!
Friday, Oct 2, 2020, 07:30 AM
School City of Hobart, Hobart, IN, USA
Virtual Hobart High School Evening Parent Teacher Conferences
Tuesday, Oct 20, 2020, 05:00 PM
Hobart High School, East 10th Street, Hobart, IN, USA
Red Ribbon Week!
The entire community can come together during Red Ribbon week to teach kids to develop good habits earlThe entire community can come together during Red Ribbon week to teach kids to develop good habits early in life to help them achieve future success. All 5th grade Art classes, HMS Art classes and HHS Art classes will participate in Red Ribbon Poster making for their schools and the Lake County Substance Abuse Council (LCSAC). y in life to help them achieve future success. All 5th grade Art classes, HMS Art classes and HHS Art classes will participate in Red Ribbon Poster making for their schools and the Lake County Substance Abuse Council (LCSAC).
Friday, Oct 23, 2020, 07:00 AM
School City of Hobart
Fall Break!
Friday, Oct 23, 2020, 07:00 AM
School City of Hobart, Hobart, IN, USA
Published by:
The School City of Hobart does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, or disability, including limited English proficiency.