Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood Update
Freshman Summer Edition
August 15th is the First Day of School!!
Welcome Class of 2026! We're so excited for your arrival. The purpose of these newsletters is to inform and prepare you for a wonderful school year. It is possible for all students at Hersey to be academically and social-emotionally successful. Our purpose and mission at John Hersey High School is to help students learn and grow. Please take 5-10 minutes to read through this information with your child. The more students who arrive understanding our mission, the greater success we have as a school community. Let's get going!:)
The first Day of School is Monday, August 15th; it's an Orange Day (A) which covers Blocks 1-4. Tuesday, August 16th is a Brown Day (B) (Blocks 5-8). All freshman have eight blocks (or class periods) one of which is a closed study hall. The schedule alternates each day (Orange/Brown...See Bell Schedule below.) Freshman will receive hard copies of their schedules at Freshman Orientation on August 10th. (Unable to attend? Parents should have access to the schedule through their Infinite Campus Parent Portal if they have created an account. Parents are sent an activation code upon completing registration. If your Activation Code expired, you'll need to call the Hersey Help Desk at 847-718-4901.)
Technology Staff will also help freshman login to their Infinite Campus student portal to see their schedules. Don't worry about school supplies other than the basics of paper, pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. Teachers will provide more specifics during the first days of school.
1st/5th Block starts at 8:30 AM. Please plan accordingly with morning transportation so students are physically in the building no later than 8:25 AM. Morning drop off is an exercise in patience, Thomas Street really gets backed up. Students are encouraged to exit the vehicle and start briskly walking if you anticipate a delay in getting dropped off right in front. (Students do not need to be dropped off right in front of the building.) Students are required to be inside the classroom before the bell rings; they will be marked late in Infinite Campus otherwise. The entire 2022-2023 Orange/Brown Calendar is also attached at the bottom of this newsletter.
I've included an image of a what a student schedule resembles below. Here's what you should notice: The term which is semester one and ends December 22. The schedule is split between A (Blocks 1-4 on the left) and B (Blocks 5-8 on the right.) You'll see the time of the block, subject, instructor name, and room number. You should also see which lunch you have under one of the blocks. We have three lunch periods (A-B-C), your assigned lunch period could be different for A/B days. All grades eat together.
Please get those physicals and immunizations completed and turned in as soon as possible; they can be brought to the Main Office next week Mon-Fri 7:30-3:30 PM. Students will not be able to attend classes without the required documentation. Bussing information will be sent to homes from the D214 Transportation Department. Please call 847-718-7470 if you have questions regarding bus routes.
Living By Principles
All students are required to read Sean Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens before August 15th. (Email Mr. Rogers if you need a hard copy of the book!) The habits are closely aligned with five critical social-emotional skills that will serve our youth well. Students, good habits will help you in your quest to Discover Your Future. Every JHHS community member has a role in keeping our learning environment safe, organized, and productive. This literature is a wonderful segue to high school life.
We are genuinely concerned for our students' mental and emotional health. The past three years have pushed buttons and tested our resolve. Community has never been so important. We need to know how our students are doing and assure them of the hope that lies ahead. Students please click HERE and take a brief (really brief) survey that will help inform our decision making for activities related to mental well-being and social-emotional growth.
We understand that each child is different, some are entering high school already having experienced adverse childhood trauma. Mental health is very much a part of our continuous school improvement planning. We are a safe learning environment, don't hesitate to reach out if you have concerns.
We encourage parents to allow their child to navigate typical high school challenges. Young adults can learn to deal with adversity and disappointment in a healthy manner. Problems will arise, mistakes will be made; and that is totally fine. Our brains literally grow when we make mistakes. Let's work together to help students get back on their feet when they stumble; let's give them opportunities to think for themselves, to be critical thinkers, and to be problem solvers. The summer reading is based on "living by principles." We cannot possibly post rules for everything; we may not always be in a position to tell our children exactly what to say, what to do, or how to respond for every tricky situation; at some point students have to apply principles and values that they have learned at home or school. Let's make sure our students are equipped in advance (to the degree possible) to handle unexpected, complex, and/or sensitive obstacles. .
We plan on distributing Student Identification Cards at Freshman Orientation, August 10th. Students must be in possession of their ID at all times. They will show it to security staff each time they enter the building. We have one full time SRO (Student Resource Officer) from the Arlington Heights Police Department during the school day, Officer Mark Johanson. Additional officers may be on site for student arrival in the morning.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE READ THE STUDENT HANDBOOK!
All families (especially students) are encouraged to read through the John Hersey High School Student Handbook. You can access it by clicking HERE. Set yourself up for success. Know, understand, and embrace our standards and expectations. School has a certain decorum, and while no one is perfect, we expect students to do their best to respect that decorum. Students cannot attend school events such as homecoming, athletic events, clubs and activities if they accumulate three or more late arrivals, cuts, or unexcused absences. Major disciplinary infractions such as disrespect, academic dishonesty, and bullying threaten the safety and integrity of our community, therefore we will do everything we can to minimize this type of behavior.
Be a Huskie!
Get involved immediately! Click HERE to see the numerous clubs and activities available to students. If you can't decide what to join, you can show school spirit and support by attending an event. We have phenomenal academic, fine arts, athletic, and service opportunities. Click HERE to access the activities calendar. We're working on a more streamlined way to highlight daily/weekly events.
Please remember that you represent the John Hersey High School community when you compete, perform, and/or participate in school sanctioned activities. Approach these opportunities with respect for the adults who help provide and facilitate them for you. Act and speak with dignity and honor at all times.
Students must be passing (Grade D or higher) at least five classes and in good community standing to maintain a place in "co-curriculars."
Crisis Response Preparedness
The School Safety Drill Act requires schools to perform a minimum of three school evacuation drills. In addition, schools must conduct one bus evacuation drill, one severe weather-shelter in place drill, and one law enforcement drill, which is conducted specifically to address an active shooter scenario (with local police on-site.) We ask students to approach these drills with respect.
In the event that students and staff are required to relocate (as a result of an emergency,) we will proceed to MacArthur Middle School at 700 North Schoenbeck Road in Prospect Heights, IL.
We don't joke about these matters. We rely on each other to keep Hersey safe.
Be Resourceful
Students, use the available academic resources if you run into problem. Each class should have a syllabus; teachers may distribute this in person or through Schoology. Have your child double check to carefully read and follow directions/instructions for all assignments. They should exhaust all efforts to problem-solve on their own to the best of their ability. Direct them to ask a responsible peer or their teacher if they cannot resolve the concern on their own. The Academic Resource Center (ARC) is a gold mine for academic support.
In the event that parents and/or students need to communicate with staff, please be patient and courteous when communicating via phone and/or email. It may take up to 24-48 hours for a response.
Freshman Orientation
Freshman Orientation is Wednesday, August 10th from 8:30-11:30 AM. Please RSVP using the QR Code above. Enter either Door #1 in the front of the building or Door #32 in the back. Head to Carter Gym when you arrive.
Don't hesitate to reach out to Mr. Rogers at keir.rogers@d214.org if we can help with your students' transition to John Hersey High School. We want all of you to feel welcome and ready on that first day...and beyond.
My School Bucks (Lunch Account Information)
Last Word(s)
John Hersey High School is not an ordinary high school, we're an excellent high school. Excellence is not being the best; it is doing your best. Students, use every ability you have to do your best; that's all we ask.
Leadership is interaction where influence occurs. The influence can be positive or negative. Thus, Everyone at Hersey is a leader. Please take some time to discuss as a family how you will lead in a positive and healthy way.
Freshman families can find more Class of 2026 Information by clicking HERE. A 2022-2023 Calendar is attached along with an invite for our Thursday, September 1 Open House.
Here's a LINK to my last newsletter if you are interested.
Open House
Thursday, Sep 1, 2022, 06:00 PM
John Hersey High School, East Thomas Street, Arlington Heights, IL, USA
Mr. Keir Rogers
Email: keir.rogers@d214.org
Website: https://www.d214.org/jhhs
Location: John Hersey High School, East Thomas Street, Arlington Heights, IL, USA
Phone: (847)718-4810
Twitter: @mrrogersnhood
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