The Bird Call
April 2023
It's a Learning Experience
As you continue to grow and learn, which I hope applies to everyone reading this - students and adults - it is important to recognize the idea that a huge purpose = huge standards.
It is easy to feel lost in today's fast-paced world. With so many choices and distractions, it can be challenging to find our purpose and stay focused on what truly matters. Stepping back and defining what drives you and what you are passionate about will change your perspective and provide clarity for where you are headed. It is about finding your "why", the driving force behind everything you do. It gives you direction and helps you prioritize what is most important in your life. When you have a clear sense of purpose, you can set high standards for yourself and work towards achieving your goals with confidence and determination.
Think about it - when you have a purpose, you are more likely to make choices that align with your values and bring you closer to your goals. You are more focused and motivated, and you are better equipped to handle the challenges that come your way. It is human nature to start with the outcome as the focus. In reality, one's purpose is the starting line for fulfillment.
Setting high standards for yourself is not just about achieving a specific goal, but about creating a mindset for success. By having a purpose, you are setting yourself up for greatness and giving yourself permission to dream big. This allows you to take the pressure off of individual results which can be distractions. Successes and failures are part of the journey. Being driven by a purpose bigger than any individual outcome is what will keep you on track. When you set high standards on a personal level, you are pushing yourself to reach your full potential.
So, as we work our way through Spring which is a time for renewal, optimism, and fresh starts, I encourage you to take the time to discover, or rediscover, your purpose and let it guide you in setting high standards for yourself. Whether it's in your academics, career, or personal life, aim high! Remember, you have the power to create the life you want, so dream big and never give up on your purpose.
Go Jays!
Joe Casey
High School Principal
Email: caseyj@cleverbluejays.org
Remind: Text "@clever9-12" to 81010
Twitter: @CleverPrincipal
Hickman's Happenings
Character Education in the HS
Our character word of the month for April is Patience. A Clever Bluejay who is Patient is attentive when others are speaking and does not interrupt. They wait calmly without complaining until it is their turn. They also remain calm while explaining something to a classmate or friend who may not understand at first.
A+ News:
Sophomores and Juniors: Emails have gone out to A+ sophomores and juniors encouraging them to sign up for A+ tutoring when looking at summer school and fall schedules. Registration is open for summer school and information was given last week regarding fall schedules.
Senior Attendance Appeals: Paperwork will be sent home around April 17th to parents/guardians of seniors who are below 95% cumulative attendance. Please have this appeal paperwork completed and turned back into the office by Friday, April 28th.
Senior Male Students: Just a reminder that one of the requirements for A+ is to sign up for the Selective Service. If you have reached the age of 18 (or 17 years and 3 months), please go to https://www.sss.gov to register.
Seniors: Just a reminder to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This is one of the requirements to be eligible for the A+ scholarship. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Hickman or Mrs. Waisner.
Students and parents should first set up a FSA ID: https://fsaid.ed.gov
File the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This is a free website - beware of other sites which may charge a fee!!
Counselor's Corner
Scholarships are happening now. Local scholarships are due soon.
Mental Health
We know that mental health and suicide can be difficult topics for anyone to discuss. One way to begin the conversation is by asking about protective factors, the aspects of life that can help reduce the risk of suicide. This works with children of all ages and even into adulthood. We have found that time in the car can provide a great opportunity for these conversations. "I know that you have been talking about personal safety and suicide at school this year. Who have you identified as your trusted adults if you are concerned about a friend's safety?"
Protective factors are aspects of life that can help to reduce the risk of suicide.
Absent Work & Re-Do Policy
Absent Work
The number of days allowed for making up/turning in work due to an absence will be equal to the number of days missed. For example, a student who misses two days of school will have until the end of the school day on the second day he/she is back to turn in missing assignments.
Assignments not completed within the allowed timeframe will be recorded as Incomplete ("I") and will then follow the guidelines for missing assignments.
Missing Assignments & Re-Do Procedure
All Formative and Summative activities not turned in on time will be recorded as an Incomplete ("I") in the grade book. This will be calculated as a zero in the student's overall grade. For assignments completed on time, the original grade will be recorded. Turning in incomplete work or re-doing an assignment will be allowed and the new grade will be recorded as long as the following timeframes are met. If the timeframes are not met, the grade will remain an Incomplete or the original grade will be the final grade.
Formative: Due no later than the beginning of class the following Tuesday*.
Summative: Due no later than the end of the school day 7 calendar days* from the original due date (missing) or the day the graded assignment was recorded in Lumen (re-do).
*If the final due date is a day that school is not in session (inclement weather, breaks, etc.), it will extend to the next day school is in session.
It is recognized that unforeseen hardships will arise which might result in the need for flexibility within this policy. In those circumstances, individual exceptions will be considered at the discretion of the teacher or building administration as long as the student or parent/guardian communicates in a proactive manner.
Eligibility Policy
Academic eligibility checks will take place once every three weeks beginning on the fourth Wednesday of each semester. If a student has two or more failing grades at the time of an eligibility check, he/she will be academically ineligible until the following eligibility check at the earliest. Ineligible students will not be permitted to participate in or attend any extracurricular activities. This includes all athletic events, clubs, and activities as well as attending any school-sponsored events outside of the school day, such as Homecoming or Prom.
Eligibility checks will take place on the following days during the school year:
September 14, 2022
October 5, 2022
October 26, 2022
November 16, 2022
December 7, 2022
*Eligibility will be reset on January 3rd**
January 25, 2023
February 15, 2023
March 8, 2023
March 29, 2023
April 19, 2023
May 10, 2023
Clever High School
Email: caseyj@cleverbluejays.org
Website: www.cleverbluejays.org
Phone: 417-743-4830
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clever-High-School-107961380555502/