Paly Community Update
Week 4
Viking Families!
Welcome to the end of week 4! We will be combining our Friday communications from the Principal and Guidance into one SMORE!
Wishing you a wonderful and safe weekend.
Principal's Update
Dear Paly Families,
I hope that you and your family are well and safe. I am changing it up a bit for my community update by sharing a video instead of a written newsletter. Here is the link to this week's update.
Have a great weekend!
Brent Kline, Principal
Paly Guidance
Advisory
This week 9th and 12th graders had Advisory on Wednesday, Sept 9 and Friday, Sept 11
9th Grade: The main focus of freshman advisory has always been to give students the tools they need to be successful in and acclimate to life in high school. Along with where to go for help, who to talk to for support, and how to manage your time, with the new way we do school we’ve had to practice other skills as well. This week’s advisory had two priorities: Take time to connect, relax, and have fun; Catch Up and Check In. If you’d like to see more, look here.
12th Grade: This Advisory focused on the different types of college applications - ED, REA, EA, Regular Decision, and Rolling and how the choice could impact financial aid. Seniors were told how important it is for them to understand the requirements of each application and the commitments they are making with an ED application before signing any forms. Click here to see a brief explanation of each application type.
If your student has follow-up questions about what was reviewed in Advisory this week, please have them reach out to their TA. If a student was sick and absent from advisory, please have them review the slide deck found in their Advisory class in Schoology and then follow-up with their TA with any questions they might have. If students have feedback to offer about advisory lessons, please have them speak with their TA or email Ann Deggelman (adeggelman@pausd.org).
College and Career Center
First Generation College Bound Student Group
Is your child a first-generation college-bound student? They are not alone! In fact, several staff members at Paly were the first in their families to graduate from 4-yr college, too. Being “first-gen” is exciting—but it can be a little scary too. We want to help answer your student's questions, explain what to expect, and offer support with college plans; and, we have a group just for them! If your student is interested in learning more, please email Mrs. Laguna at claguna@pausd.org.
New “C&CC Class of 2021” Schoology Course
Seniors and their parents will find a wealth of resources housed in a central location--in the C&CC’s new “course” in Schoology. Be sure to check it regularly for college-related updates, tips, and events.
National Merit Semifinalists
National Merit Corporation announced seniors who’ve been designated as semifinalists in their scholarship competition. Paly has 37 semifinalists. The cutoff number for CA semifinalists is 221. Semifinalists and their parents should look for a letter in the mail with more information about how to complete the application to move forward in the scholarship competition--and the Paly deadlines for required tasks. Please note that National Merit has announced SAT nor ACT are required to move forward with the competition to finalist standing this year; students without those test scores will still be eligible. The 37 semifinalists have been invited to join a meeting with Principal Kline on Tuesday, Sept 15th to hear more about the competition.
Senior Parent Night
Thank you for attending Senior Parent Night via zoom on Wednesday. Here is the slide deck that was used along with the FAQs we were unable to address.
Dropping a Course or Lane-Change Requests
From August 31 to November 6 there are two types of course changes that students can request: to drop a course or to change lanes within the same course (when multiple lanes are offered). For either of these requests, students need to have a discussion with their TA. Their TA will help them with next steps. The last day to request a lane change is Friday September 18th. The last day to drop a course without it showing up on the transcript is Friday November 6th. Students can no longer add a new course to their schedules.
Guidance Zoom Drop-in Hours
Ms. Garcia continues to enjoy seeing your students drop into our Guidance Zoom drop-in. She will continue to be available to help assist your students as needed. Also, please feel free to email her your questions or concerns during off hours via Schoology, and she’ll respond within 48 hours. Students can reach Ms. Garcia using the following zoom link. (Zoom: https://pausd.zoom.us/j/91386650189.) You can also reach Ms. Garcia at pgarcia@pausd.org. Daily drop-in hours will remain as follows: 8:45-10:50 and 11:50-3:30. Any adjustments to the drop-in zoom hours will be posted on Schoology and our website.
Community Service Update (reminder from Week 3)
All community service must be reported on HelperHelper (HH). If you need access please contact klarson@pausd.org
President’s Volunteer Service Award
Seniors (Class of 2021)
The deadline for submitting your request for transcript hours and/or a Fall 2020 PVSA is Tuesday, September 15. NO LATE REQUESTS will be accepted. Please complete the Google form on https://www.paly.net/campus-life/community-service
Juniors (Class of 2022) / Sophomores (Class of 2023)
The deadline for submitting your request for a Fall 2020 PVSA is Tuesday, September 22. NO LATE REQUESTS will be accepted. Please complete the Google form on https://www.paly.net/campus-life/community-service
Freshmen (Class of 2024)
HelperHelper (HH) accounts for freshmen have been activated and a message has been sent to school (@pausd.us) email accounts directly from HH. All community service is recorded on HelperHelper and Freshmen can claim any hours served after 8th grade graduation.
The deadline for submitting your request for a Fall 2020 PVSA is Tuesday, September 22. NO LATE REQUESTS will be accepted. Please complete the Google form on https://www.paly.net/campus-life/community-service
Transcripts (reminder from week 1)
Transcripts ordered through parchment have a turnaround time of 24-48 hours to be released (not including weekends). For prior approved courses taken over the summer, an official transcript must be sent to Merilyn Tonga (mtonga@pausd.org) directly from the institution/college.
Students must contact the teacher of record for any grade-change requests (due to errors or pre-arranged agreements). All other inquires to our registrar (mtonga@pausd.org) will have a reply back within 48 hours.