Grand Blanc High School
Newsletter ~ December 2015
Parental Support
A Message From Dr. Hammond
Dear Parents,
I am often asked, “Since Grand Blanc High School has so many students, what do you do to ensure that my child is supported, encouraged and recognized for his or her achievements?” This is the most exciting question for me to answer because we have been working diligently on making our large school environment one that is welcoming and inclusive to all students.
The first and most important relationship is that between a student and teacher. The GBHS teachers are outstanding. Not only are they knowledgeable, prepared, and skilled at the art of teaching, but they also understand the importance of building strong relationships with their students.
In addition, there are many programs at GBHS that we have implemented to recognize our students. The list below just scratches the surface of all of the wonderful and exciting ways that we have created a personalized experience for each student:
- Student of the Month. Staff members nominate students each month. Students receive a certificate and their pictures are posted in the main hallway.
- CLAW Recognition. Staff members give administrators good news about students. They are eligible for a gift card drawing and administrators make a positive phone call home.
- Monthly Leadership Meetings. Class officers and student council officers meet with administration to discuss and solve school issues.
- Bobcat Nation. Each fourth hour class selects one representative to attend these monthly meetings. Students then discuss school issues and ways to improve their experiences at GBHS.
- MAC Scholars. This is a group of African American male students who mentor younger African American male students. They meet monthly to promote leadership and academic success.
- Captain’s Club. Athletic team captains meet with the Athletic Director monthly to discuss topics related to the GBHS Athletic Program.
- LINKS. As part of their school day, students mentor Autistic students during a class and help them progress with their academic and behavioral goals. Students also participate in a variety of after-school events together.
- Center for Student Success. This program is designed to help students who are behind in credits recover credits via online learning during the school day. Over 120 students participate in CSS and are supported by staff who ensure academic, social, emotional, and behavioral success.
- Freshmen Challenge Day. The Peer Mediation students conducted training for all 9th grade students on how to positively interact with others by being tolerate and empathetic.
- Positive Note Campaign. Teachers are writing positive notes home to students to recognize their contributions and successes in class.
- 43 After School Clubs/Activities
- 54 Athletic Teams!
Upcoming Events
December 2 - Winter Band Concert
December 9 - Late Start Day
December 15 - Post Grad Meeting
December 16 - Winter Choir Concert
December 23 - Winter Break Begins
January 4 - School Resumes
January 18th - No School (ML King Day)
January 20th - 1/2 Day (Exams for 5th and 6th Hour)
January 21st - 1/2 Day (Exams for 3rd and 4th Hour)
January 22nd - 1/2 Day (Exams for 1st and 2nd Hour)
January 25th - No School (Records Day)
*NEW* Charge Lunch Policy
The Charge Lunch Policy changes depending on the student's grade. (Elementary, Middle, and High School Students)
Online Tools for Homework and Study Skills
In this New York Times article, Tara Parker-Pope recommends a series of online homework and study aids:
- www.Easybib.com – Students can type in a website or source name and Easybib will automatically generate a citation in whatever style format the teacher requires.
- www.Prezi.com – A cloud-based presentation tool that allows for zooming and panning and can make presentations more dynamic and fun.
- www.Quizlet.com – Students can create flashcards and study guides to review material online or on a mobile device. Created by high-school students in 2007, the site has more than 40 million study sets generated by users.
- www.Storybird.com – This site helps students create a story or poem or present material using a variety of illustrations.
- www.Sparknotes.com – Summaries of literary works with analyses of important quotes, key facts, study questions, essay topics, and quizzes.
- www.HowLongToReadThis.com – Students enter the name of a written work, a timer determines their reading speed as they read a sample paragraph, and they’re told how long it will take to finish the book.
- www.KhanAcademy.org – Brief tutorials on a wide array of topics and grade levels.
- Kindle books – Features include highlighting, vocabulary help, and being able to search a long book for a key passage.
- Google Docs – A group of students can create, edit, collaborate on, and store documents, which can be opened on any computer with an Internet connection. Teachers can add notes and comment on drafts.
“Help with Homework, Pixel by Pixel” by Tara Parker-Pope in The New York Times, November 17, 2015, http://nyti.ms/1XaaOM2
Casino Trip Fundraiser for Post Grad
Testing Out
Students interested in testing out of a class in January must put their request in writing to the principal's office no later than December 18, 2015. (This due date is firm.)
Students can only request to test out of courses that they are not currently enrolled in and may only test out of a maximum of 2 classes.
Tests will be given January 20, 21, & 22 in the afternoon after final exams.
M-STEP Testing for Juniors
~SENIORS~
Important Senior Dates to Remember!
Order YOUR Yearbook!
Pre-order your 2016 Echo Yearbook before the price increases. Cost is $75 until January 31st. This price includes the 28-page spring supplement, which will be included in the yearbook when it is delivered in May. Visit www.gbyearbook.com for order forms and information.
LAST CHANCE! PARENTS OF SENIORS! December 11th is the deadline to submit materials for your senior proud parent ad for the yearbook. It’s a great chance to give a gift that will last a lifetime. Prices range from $75 - $300 and all information (photos, text, payment) are due Friday, December 11. Visit www.gbyearbook.com for ad instructions and contracts.
Club photos day – The yearbook will be photographing all clubs, groups, and organizations on Tuesday, December 22, 1st – 3rd hour. Make sure your child is in school on this date to be included in the group photos for all of the extra-curriculars they are involved in.
Center for Student Success (CSS)
Parents:
If your student is behind one or more credits they are eligible to apply for our Center for Student Success (CSS) program. CSS is a unique opportunity for 125 students to recover credits during the school day. All seniors in the CSS program also have the opportunity to have a monthly on campus visit to either MOTT Community College or UM of Flint. If you believe your son or daughter would benefit from this award winning program please have them pick up an application from either West or East campus office. You can also contact Kevin Keilitz at 810-591-6357 for any additional questions you may have.
Counseling News
Would you like to earn college credit while in High School?
Attention Sophomores:
Would you like to earn college credit while in high school?
If you are a sophomore with a 3.0 or higher GPA you are eligible to apply to the Grand Blanc Early College. If accepted you will be taking 8 college courses, taught by U of M Flint professors, during your junior and senior year. These courses take place right on our campus during the regular school day. You will commit to a 5th year of high school where you complete 24 more college credits. At the end of the program you will earn 48 college credits. At the current U of M Flint tuition rate 48 credits would cost $19,538.00. The estimated costs of tuition for our Early College students is $852.00. If you would like to learn more you can check out information on the district website or call Janet Roberts at 591-6336.
Career & Technical Education
~ What is the SAT? ~
Why did Michigan switch to the SAT?
Click here to learn more about the nation's struggle between SAT and ACT, and why states like Michigan are chosing to make the switch. TIME magazine writes a pivotal article about building a test that not only measures college readiness but also curriculum standards. Also, find out more information about how colleges are stepping away from exam scores, and are looking more closely at high school transcripts.
Read about Bubble Trouble by TIME magazine here.