Grand Blanc High School
Newsletter ~ October 2014
Parental Support
A Message from Dr. Hammond
What’s It Like To Be a High School Principal?
So often when I talk to people and tell them I’m a high school principal, one of the first things they say to me is “I could never do your job.” While I think it is meant to be a compliment, I often wonder what they think I do to illicit such a response. Do they think I’m yelling at students? Do they think I’m fielding hundreds of parent complaints? Do they think that I sit around and drink coffee all day?
Being an educator is hard work, whether you are a classroom teacher, a guidance counselor, a support staff member or an administrator, you give your heart and soul to the betterment of the students that you serve. You make thousands of decisions each day while always remembering to do what is best for students. Even though this is hard work, it is also the most rewarding. When you see students enjoying learning, watching them mature over time, seeing them dressed up at the homecoming dance or even making a touchdown at the football game, you know your decision to be an educator was the right one. You get to influence the lives of young people, helping them find their way in life and determining what their future holds. On a daily basis, I get to experience all of these wonderful experiences as a high school principal.
I typically arrive at school around 6:30 am and have a variety of responsibilities including:
- Safety and security of staff and students
- Supervision and hiring of 200 support staff and certified staff
- Two to three classroom observations per day
- Budget management
- Curriculum support
- Leading or participating in a variety of committees: later start committee, building curriculum committee, department chair committee, district curriculum committee, post-graduation committee, parent advisor and booster committee
- State-mandated student assessments
- Supervising after-school and evening activities
- Career and Technical Education Director
- Early College coordinator
- Solving parent, student and staff concerns.
I am proud of what I do and what we have accomplished in the past 9 years. As a learning community, we have increased our college and career readiness opportunities, provided additional Advanced Placement, dual enrollment and articulated courses, started a Peer Mediation program, infused positive behavior supports, and are embarking on a new and innovative Early College. So the next time someone says, “I could never do your job” I’ll make sure they know what a privilege it is to be the principal at Grand Blanc High SchoolJ
Calendar
Parent Teacher Conferences
Conferences for October 2014
Both conference days are full days of school. Conferences will be held in both gyms.
Wednesday, October 8th: 5-8:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 9th: 5-8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 10th: 1/2 Day of School (No conferences.)
- Carry a list of questions. Ask your high schooler what she wants you to mention, and add questions you have. Aside from specific concerns, find out about her overall performance. (“Does effort match her potential?” “What are some ways she can improve?”)
- Make minutes count. Plan to arrive a little early so you’re not rushed. Then, agree on a way to follow up if time runs out.
Note: If you can’t attend conference in person, try to touch base with teachers on the phone or by email.
Counseling News
Testing Information
The PSAT test will be given at Grand Blanc High School on Saturday, October 18. This test is the qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship program for juniors, and sophomores can take it as a practice test. We strongly encourage students who are good test takers and who have high GPA’s to take this test. Registration will be available during lunch hours Wednesday, October 8 through Wednesday, October 15 in the hallway by the commons.Parents or students can also stop in the Counseling Office during those days to register. Because of limited test availability, it will be on a first come- first serve basis. Cost is $20, cash or money order only. NO CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED. An alternate testing date/site for the PSAT is Wednesday, October 16 at Powers High School. Call Mrs. Gardner (591-6652) in the Counseling office for more details.
Class Rank Committee
We are looking for parent and student volunteers to sit on a committee to evaluate the effectiveness of class rank. The committee will meet on Monday, October 6 and Tuesday, October 21 at 2:30 to discuss our current ranking policies. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please call the Counseling Office for additional details.
College Applications
Applications should be submitted to colleges in the fall. Seniors can do the hard-copy form (in-state are available in the Counseling Office) however, most colleges prefer that students apply online. Some may even waive the registration fee if the application is submitted online. Transcripts must be requested through www.Parchment.com. Detailed college application information sheets and instructions for requesting transcripts are available in the Counseling Office and on the website under Guidance. Also, all seniors received this information in their senior meetings last week. Please call your student’s counselor with any questions.
College Visits
College reps are visiting us on almost a daily basis! Check the Counseling Office or the GBHS Facebook page for an updated schedule of college visits. Students must sign up at least one day in advance – no passes will be given the day of the visit. This is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about different colleges and ask questions!
Credit Recovery
Any students who are behind on credit have an opportunity to catch up through the Credit Recovery program. The class meets in room 635 at West Campus on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-4:30. Cost is $100/class unless students qualify for free/reduced lunch. Forms are available in the counseling office.
Personal Curriculum:
To receive a Grand Blanc High School diploma, all students must satisfy the graduation requirements set forth by the Grand Blanc Board of Education and the State of Michigan. A personal curriculum may be a choice for students who may be unable to complete the entire Algebra II requirement by the end of their senior year. Parents requesting a personal curriculum should contact their child’s counselor for further information.
Will You Be Our Friend?
The GBHS Counseling Office frequently posts updates to the GBHS Facebook and Twitter pages. If you haven’t done so yet, “like” the Grand Blanc High School Facebook page or follow us on Twitter at @Grand BlancPride
Your GBHS Counseling staff includes:
John Hentes: CSS 591-6354 jhentes@grandblancschools.org
Pamela Hall: 9th grade 591-6649 phall@grandblancschools.org
10th-12th grade:
Phyllis Mol A-Ga 591-6648 pmol@grandblancschools.org
Nikki Kernen Ge-N 591-6651 nkernen@grandblancschools.org
Mary Gardner O-Z 591-6652 mgardner@grandblancschools.org
Linda McCleary, Administrative Assistant 591-6647
Please feel free to contact any member of the counseling staff if you have questions or concerns.
HEALTH ALERT ENTEROVIRUS D68
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
Non-polio enteroviruses are very common viruses. They cause about 10 to 15 million infections in the United States each year. Many people are hospitalized each year for illnesses caused by enteroviruses. Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is one of more than 100 non-polio enteroviruses. Anyone can get infected with non-polio enteroviruses. But infants, children, and teenagers are more likely to get infected and become sick. That's because they do not yet have immunity (protection) from previous exposures to the viruses. Since EV-D68 causes respiratory illness, the virus can be found in an infected person’s respiratory secretions, such as saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum. EV-D68 likely spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches contaminated surfaces. You can also get infected by touching objects or surfaces that have the virus on them then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Children with ASTHMA may have a higher risk for severe respiratory illness caused by EV-D68 infection!
SYMPTOMS include the following:
EV-D68 can cause mild to severe respiratory illness.
- Mild symptoms may include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and
body and muscle aches.
- Severe symptoms may include wheezing and difficulty breathing.
If you notice any of these symptoms, please call your doctor for directions for care.
You can help protect yourself and others from EV-D68 infections by:
- Washing hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after
changing diapers
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who
are sick
- Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs,
especially if someone is sick
- Keeping your child home if (s)he is sick
REMEMBER!!! You can help stop the spread of ENTEROVIRUS D68 by notifying your
child's school, school nurse, doctor and anyone else with whom your child has had any contact.
Please see the Genesee County Health Department website at www.gchd.us for more
information.
Thank you!
Yearbook
ALL NEW! The yearbook will include all spring sports coverage through the third week of April! The 28-page spring supplement will be included in the yearbook at no extra cost!
Yearbooks are $75 each - reserve yours on jostens.com or purchase one in room 305 at East Campus. Order forms are also available on gbyearbook.com
Seniors: Important Yearbook Deadlines:
- Senior ads earlybird deadline is Friday, October 11
- Ads range from $60-275.
- After Oct. 11, the final deadline is December 12 and prices range from $75-300, All materials (text, photos, and payment) are due by deadline date to be eligible for deadlines and discounts.
- Senior ad contract and information available at gbyearbook.com
Career & Technical Education
Career Planning and EDPs
In the 21st century, unlimited opportunities in education, training and careers await your child. To help him/her make responsible and informed decisions about the future, the Grand Blanc Community School District has integrated career exploration and educational planning into your child’s curriculum.
As part of this process, all 8th-12th graders create and update their electronic Educational Development Plan (EDP) using an online program, Career Cruising (www.careercruising.com). Each year your child will update his/her career goals, interests, skills and educational plans within his/her EDP. Your support throughout this process is imperative. Working together we will help your child discover answers to the key questions: “Who Am I?”, “Where Am I Going?”, and “How Am I Going to Get There?”
To access Career Cruising:
§ Visit the Career Cruising website at www.careercruising.com
§ Enter your child’s EDP username and password in the login area at the top and click “Login”.
· EDP Username: grbl-student id (i.e. grbl-012678)
· EDP Password: edpstudentid (i.e. edp012678 )
Searching for College, Scholarship, and Financial Aid Information on Career Cruising
Did you know that Career Cruising contains a wealth of college, scholarship, and Financial Aid information available to all GBCS 8th-12th graders? Using Career Cruising’s “Schools” and “Financial Aid” sections, students can:
§ Search for Schools & Majors to learn more about specific schools and what they offer (i.e. tuition, admissions info., etc.)
§ Compare Schools to see a side by side comparison of up to three different schools
§ Get a suggested college preparation Planning Timeline to help students learn about what they should be doing each year, starting in 8th grade, to prepare for and apply to college
§ Learn more about Financial Aid resources including Federal Financial Aid information and possible scholarships a student may be qualified to apply for
For information on how to access Career Cruising, please see listing, “Career Planning and EDPs”
Detailed instructions on using Career Cruising’s Scholarship Search function can be found in the “Important Documents” section of your student’s EDP homepage. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Garey, HS EDP Coordinator, at 810-591-6929 or sgarey@grandblancschools.org.
**Information contained in Career Cruising has been compiled and is maintained by Career Cruising; school districts play no part in the screening, modification, or maintenance of this information.
Searching for Jobs and Employment Skills Information and Related Resources on Career Cruising
Did you know that Career Cruising has an “Employment” section that contains a wealth of employment-related information including an employment guide, resume builder, and job search that is available to all GBCS Career Cruising users? To utilize Career Cruising’s “Employment” section:
For information on how to access Career Cruising, please see listing, “Career Planning and EDPs”
§ Click on the “Employment” link from the area at the top**
Detailed instructions on using Career Cruising’s Employment resources can be found in the “Important Documents” section of your student’s EDP homepage.
**Information contained in Career Cruising has been compiled and is maintained by Career Cruising; school districts play no part in the screening, modification, or maintenance of this information.
TEENQUEST
Teenquest will be offering free pre-employability leadership training to students who are currently 14-18 years old and in grades 9-11. Students who participate in this training will be eligible to attend the SYI Job Fair in May 2015.
For more information or an application, visit http://www.flintandgenesee.org/learn/teenquest/, stop by the HS East or West Career Resource Center (CRC), or visit the CRC website at http://crc.grandblanc.career.schoolfusion.us. Completed applications can be turned in to the HS East or West CRC. Students will be notified by the GRCC if they have been accepted into the program.
Junior Interview
Did your student receive a letter about the Junior Interview? In September, several students received letters advising them that they need to do the Junior Interview Project, a GBHS graduation requirement. If your student received one of these letters, please make sure to read the entire letter so that you/your student can decide and notify us about how they will be doing the project.
Student Volunteer Hours
If your student has done any sort of volunteer work so far this school year (June 2014-present) make sure they turn those hours in to the Career Resource Center (CRC) as soon as possible (and continue to do so throughout the year). Hours can also be documented online by clicking the “Student Volunteer Hours Form” in the “CRC Links” section of the website (http://crc.grandblanc.career.schoolfusion.us/).
Just a reminder…any student who accumulates at least 100 volunteer hours in a school year (at one or more locations) is eligible for a President’s Volunteer Service Award. Additionally, students who receive two Presidential Volunteer Service awards in their high school career can quality for recognition at senior honor’s night. For more information, contact the HS East Career Resource Center at 810-591-6929.
Student Opportunities
Interested in more information on available volunteer, job, or career-related opportunities? Make sure to visit the Career Resource Center website (http://crc.grandblanc.career.schoolfusion.us/). The site is updated as new opportunities become available so make sure to check it often.
ASVAB Testing
Interested in taking the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test? The Student ASVAB is free of charge and is used for career exploration for high school and college students. ASVAB test results and “Find Your Interests” are tools for students to explore different occupations, identify a college major, and find out about their personality. A student’s AFQT military qualification score is reflected on their test results and can be used to enlist in any of the military services. For more information on the ASVAB, visit http://www.military.com/ASVAB/0,,ASVAB-versions.html#sasvab
The test is being offered at GBHS on Wednesday, October 29th. If you are interested in having your student take the test, make sure to check the CRC SchoolFusion as sign up will begin soon.
Opportunities with Hurley Hospital
Hurley Medical Center is hosting a series Healthcare Career Days for high school students interested in health care related careers. To participate, students must be at least 15 years old in at least 10th grade on the date your student is planning to attend.
Hurley is also currently accepting applications for their youth volunteering program. This is a great opportunity for students 15 years and older to learn more about the health field and careers in medicine.
Information and registration requirements for both opportunities is available in the HS East or West Career Resource Center (CRC) and on the CRC SchoolFusion site at http://crc.grandblanc.career.schoolfusion.us/).
Hurley takes registrations and applications on a first come/first served basis.