Sioux City North
2019-2020 March Newsletter
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Message from the Principal
We want to thank all the parents who came to learn more about North High School and visit classrooms. On February 18, groups of parents accompanied principals and teachers in multiple classroom observations. Parents were able to see, first hand, what classrooms are like at North High School.
We had parents provide us with feedback on what they liked about the observations and what they wondered.
Here are a few things they saw and liked:
· Engagement and attentiveness of the students
· Great reflection and discussion
· Teacher was positive during interactions with students
· Small groups for students to work and engage
· Use of visual cues and verbal cues to direct students to what matters most
· Use of academic vocabulary in discussions
· Hands on learning
· Students were able to state and explain what they were doing and why.
Here are some things they wondered:
What is NHS doing for mental health concerns?
Mental Health is a major obstacle. We will actually focus on this in another communication. We are continually learning how to best engage with our most struggling students. Nothing beats a positive adult-student relationship. Look for additional communication about schools and mental health.
How are students assigned to groups?
Teachers use a variety of strategies to group students. Teachers take into account a variety of items – from students’ academic level to their social needs. Sometimes they are random selections while others are highly structured and planned. Some of our classrooms have discussed True Colors with students to better learn about their personalities and to purposefully place students with different skills and needs together.
How many students do work on own computers at home because they don’t have software programs available at school?
One key component with every student having a school issued laptop is consistency. The school issued laptop should have all the programs a student needs to complete his or her schoolwork. Our biggest obstacle is reliable internet connections outside of school. We have written a grant to increase the number of “hotspots” that students can check out (free of charge) so that they can access the internet from home.
How do you get all the kids to focus? Lots of information… what’s important? How do you combat the distractions- earbuds, phones?
There are many distractions. Phones and ear buds are definitely a battle. Cell phones can be the greatest challenge. Teachers have the autonomy to allow or restrict cell phones based on needs of the classroom. To support teachers, we have a school-wide distraction policy. Here are the steps to that policy:
1. Students are asked to put whatever is distracting them away. This can be done as a whole class or as an individual student.
2. If a student continues to be distracted, the teacher will have the student place the distraction on the teacher’s desk to be picked up after class.
3. If the distraction continues and is a problem, the teacher will collect the distraction and keep it until a parent can come and pick it up.
If at any time a student refuses or is disrespectful, administration will be notified and a parent will need to pick up the distraction from the office. Cell phones are the number one distraction, but we wrote the policy to allow for anything that distracts students from learning.
We know the value of having parent input. We anticipate having another Parent Academic Walkthrough session during April or May.
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Congratulations Top 5% of the Class of 2020!
The following eighteen students make up the Top 5% of the North High School Class of 2020. The Top 5% is selected after seven semesters of work. These students will be represented in the graduation ceremony on May 23 with white caps and gowns and be recognized at the ceremony. These students average a 4.14 GPA and have earned, on average, 51 credits.
Carson Bogenrief
Kathleen Dam
Mario Enriquez
Emma Hawkinson
Derek Hwang
Froso Konidas
Jennifer Lopez Ramirez
Madison Lussier
Rylie Maliszewski
Ariel Merritt
Jazmin Mosqueda
Thanh Phung
Samantha Rosenthal
Adriana Sanchez Manzo
Kiara Sta. Maria
Paiten Stapleton
Hein Tran
Raquel Valladolid
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Cap and Gowns Orders are Due
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Going to College? Seniors Must Complete FASFA!
Are you a senior, or the parent of a senior, that has hopes to attend a two-year or four-year college? Have you already completed your FAFSA? If yes, that's great! If not ... NOW is the time!
Many schools have priority deadlines for financial aid so don't delay on getting your FAFSA complete.
GEAR UP staff will be available by appointment to assist families during conferences next week. Please schedule your individual appointment with Mr. Marrero by clicking on the link. Individual FAFSA Appointments
**You will need to bring a copy of both the student and the parent/guardians 2018 tax returns, Social Security Numbers (or Alien Registration Numbers), FSA ID's (if you already have them created), and your school issued laptop. **
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Coronavirus - Message from Principal Dumkrieger
Your child’s health and well-being are very important to us. With the recently elevated discussion regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the news, we’re reaching out to you to share some information on preventive safety measures and our processes.
Keep in mind, at this time, there are no reported cases in Iowa, and the vast majority of Americans have a low risk of exposure.
However, given recent announcements by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control that Coronavirus may spread – and that cases of influenza are regularly reported – we wanted to share some additional information about steps the school district is taking as well as steps you can take to help prevent the spread of viruses. Please visit our website for timely information. This web page will be updated as new information or guidelines are provided by public health officials.
We encourage our students, staff, and families to be mindful of key preventive measures. The CDC also offers tips that can be useful in avoiding the spread of this and other illnesses.
Thank you for your support and partnership as we work together to maintain a healthy learning environment.
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ACT DAY - TUESDAY, APRIL 21
This year, the Sioux City Community School District will again offer the ACT to all juniors. Students in the class of 2020-2021 will all be given the ACT test on April 21. This test will be offered at no cost to the student. Attendance is required for all juniors on April 21 from 7:55-noon. Freshmen, sophomores, and seniors will NOT have school on April 21.
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Have A Bachelor's Degree? Want To Work at North? No Teaching Degree Required to be a Substitute Teacher!
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We are reviewing the system that is in place and evaluating what adjustments should be made to make the system more effective and efficient.
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District and School Climate Survey: Now Open
Every voice matters in Sioux City Community Schools. That’s why we need to hear from all parents and guardians. Provide feedback using our District and School Climate Survey, which is open February 4 - March 13. The survey is available in English or Spanish.
How to take the survey:
• A link will be sent to parents/guardians by email, text message, and voicemail.
• If you do not receive a link, please contact 712-224-7471 to request a link.
• Paper surveys are available for pick up at your child’s school.
• Take the survey online at your child’s school while at conferences.
The survey asks for feedback on student and academic support, safety and behavior, school leadership, and family involvement. We will use the results to better understand our students’ needs, determine our strengths, and identify opportunities for improvement.
All survey responses are strictly confidential. The District has partnered with an independent research and communications firm, K12 Insight, to administer the survey and compile the results. District employees will not know who participates or see individual responses.
If you have questions, please contact Mandie Mayo, Director of Communications, at mayoa@live.siouxcityschools.com.
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2020 Census – Every Person Counts
Census Day is observed on April 1, 2020. Households begin receiving invitations to participate in the Census in mid-March. There are three ways to complete the census – online, by phone, or by mail – and the Census Bureau provides forms in 14 languages. It’s important that every household participate and that every person is counted.
What is the Census? Get the Facts.
How Census Data Is Used
The 2020 Census will determine congressional representation, inform hundreds of billions in federal funding for public programs like schools, and provide data that will impact communities for the next decade. Learn More.
Confidentiality
The answers you provide are used only to produce statistics. You are kept anonymous. The Census Bureau is not permitted to publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you or anyone else in your home.
Under Title 13, the Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about you, your home, or your business, even to law enforcement agencies. The law ensures that your private data is protected and that your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court. Learn More.
Census Data And The Impact on Public Schools
Public schools in Iowa will be directly impacted by the 2020 census. The 2010 census estimated there were 731,975 children in Iowa ages 0-18. Children ages 0-4 are typically undercounted, and Iowa estimates 4,726 children were not included in the census.
Iowa receives over $8 billion annually from the federal government based on population estimates from the 2010 census, including funds for Special Education Grants, the National School Breakfast & Lunch Programs, Head Start, and many other education programs vital to the success of Iowa’s children. Those 4,726 children who weren’t counted in 2010 are now in grades 6-9, and the state has lost out on millions of dollars in federal funding each year for those children’s education.
We cannot let the census become another barrier to the funding of our student’s educations. The Sioux City Community School District is asking for the help and support of all families in our district to ensure that every child is counted.
Help us make sure the students of our district receive the funding they deserve. Help us make sure all kids are counted!
Census Contact
If you have questions about the U.S. Census Bureau, contact their office directly by calling (301) 763-INFO.
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Will You Be the First In Your Family To Go To College?
Are you a First-Generation student who has questions about college?? If you are, there is a program that can help you figure it out. TRIO Talent Search is a federally funded grant program housed at Briar Cliff University that works with students in Siouxland, including North High. Currently Talent Search serves about 200 students at North High and 70 students at North Middle. During the school year students meet with an advisor once a month to work on career exploration, college preparation, scholarship assistance, ACT prep, and more. Students also have the opportunity to go on college visits – juniors and seniors during the school year and everyone during the summer. ACT prep sessions and practice tests, leadership events, and other college preparation activities are offered to students throughout the year as well.
Everything offered by the TRIO Talent Search program is provided FREE of charge. To sign up you must complete an application. They can be picked up in the counseling office, our advisor, Heather Nissen, is there most Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, or contact her at nissenh@live.siouxcityschools.com or heather.nissen@briarcliff.edu.
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ACT Information
Visit here to sign up and log in!
Future Test Dates:
April 4, 2020
April 21, 2020 (Administered to all 11th grade students at the high school; no cost to students)
June 13, 2020
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North High School Food Pantry
North High School is proud to serve our parents and students with a stocked food pantry, in partnership with Food Bank of Siouxland and Sioux City First Church. 7 out of 10 North High Students qualify for Free or Reduced lunch.
This is open to any North High or North Middle family at no cost. The pantry is open during regular school house as well. Contact North High School counseling office at 712-239-7007 for more information. The pantry is located within North High School in the the south gym hallways.
Dates:
- Friday, March 20th (3:00-4:00 pm) Friday, March 27th (3:00-4:00 pm)
- Friday, April 17th (3:00-4:00 pm) Thursday, April 23rd (3:00-4:00 pm)
- May (by appointment or phone call)
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Yearbook Information
2019-2020 NORTH HIGH YEARBOOK
The price of the yearbook is currently $80. To purchase a yearbook visit the following link, or pick up an order form in the office. WWW.YEARBOOKFOREVER.COM
If you have yet to pickup your 2018-2019 Yearbook, please email the Yearbook Advisor, Drew Gerch at gerchd@live.siouxcityschools.com
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Attention Junior (Class of 2021) Parents! Immunization Information
Iowa Immunization law requires that all students entering 7th grade have both a Meningococcal vaccination and a Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis/whooping cough) vaccination before school starts in the fall. Here is a link to specific requirements: https://idph.iowa.gov/ohds/oral-health-center/school-screenings
Iowa law requires that all students entering 12th grade have a Meningococcal vaccination. The requirement is 2 doses of meningococcal (A,C,W,Y) vaccine for students in grade 12, if born after September 15, 1999; or 1 dose if received when students are 16 years of age or older are required before school starts in the fall.
The Tdap requirement has been in place since the 2013/14 school year and requires a booster dose of Tetanus, Diphtheria, and acellular Pertussis containing vaccine for students entering 7th grade, regardless of the interval since the last Tetanus/Diphtheria containing vaccine. Pertussis (whooping cough) is a very contagious disease that causes violent coughing fits that make it hard to breathe.
The meningococcal vaccine has been required since the start of the 2017/18 school year. Meningococcal disease is a life threatening illness that is caused by bacteria that infects the brain, blood, and spinal cord. It easily spreads in crowded settings. The vaccine is required prior to both the 7th and 12th.
What does this mean for you? You will need to call your physician’s office to make an appointment for these vaccines. You will need to check your home records or call your physician’s office to see what your student’s status is. If you do not have insurance, you can contact the Siouxland District Health Department at 279-6119. Please send a copy of your student’s updated immunization record to the school nurse prior to the first day of school. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.
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Parking Expectations
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Homework Help Tutoring
Transportation is provided for those who participate. A bus picks students up around 4:05 pm each afternoon and drops students off at Clark, Perry Creek, Bryant, Hunt, Irving, Boys and Girls Home, Leeds, and Evergreen Village.
"Saturday School" will be offered on the following dates:
March 14
April 18
April 25
May 9
May 16
Transportation is not provided to or from Saturday School. The hours are 9:00-12:00 pm.
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Uniquely North - Season 3
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Earn Your Silver Cord!
Who is Eligible?
All North High students who would like to help the community and others.
How Do I Qualify to receive the Silver Cord for Graduation?
Students must complete a minimum of forty hours of committee-approved community service in their sophomore, junior and senior years at North High School. You cannot average 40 hours over the three year span; forty hours must be completed within each school year. Our goal is to instill the idea of community service as a life-long pursuit. If students successfully complete the amount of hours necessary they will receive a silver cord to wear at commencement similar to the gold cords worn by academic award winners.
Important Details:
Documentation: Students MUST document all service activities on the Silver Cord Award Form provided by North High – one form for each site or project, signed by a supervisor at the site. (A note confirming the students’ service signed by the supervisor at the project is also acceptable. It must be attached to the Silver Cord Form). Forms can be submitted to Ms. Ruhrer at North High School at any time during the year. For sophomores and juniors: if you don’t turn in forms by the end of the school year, you may submit them at any time during the following fall. There is no specific deadline for underclassmen to submit forms, although it is best to turn them in as soon as they are completed. Seniors should submit all Silver Cord forms by May 2nd of senior year. Forms may be picked up from the office or can be printed using the links below.
Summer Service: Service hours earned during the summer after the academic year may be applied toward EITHER the prior or following year – student’s choice. (For example, the summer after the sophomore year can apply toward either the sophomore or junior 40 hour requirement or divided between the two as needed). It is recommended that all summer projects be pre-approved in writing by Mrs. Ruhrer or a principal to make sure they are acceptable. Summer service that complies with the Silver Cord criteria will be accepted even if students were not able to submit pre-approval forms. Students should pick up blank Silver Cord Award forms before the end of school to use for documentation summer service. Please keep completed forms until you return to North in the fall. The Silver Cord Adviser will be responsible for keeping students’ Silver Cord files.
Important details regarding the Silver Cord Award:
Acceptable service activities: Silver Cord hours must be for providing a SERVICE or meeting a clear NEED for a non-profit agency, church, school, park, charity program, fundraiser or community event. The service should be “above and beyond” one’s usual scope of involvement and could be part of required service for a program such as Scouts or religious education. While some organizations meet during the school day, only hours outside of school time could be applied to Silver Cord service. If there is any question about whether a specific volunteer experience meets the criteria of “providing service” or “meeting a need” students should get prior approval from the Silver Cord Committee by submitting a pre-approval form. The Silver Cord Review Committee makes final determinations regarding service.
Organizations/Activities that have been approved:
Blood Bank/Blood Drives
Food Bank
United Way
Gospel Mission
Friendship Connections
Beyond The Bell
Goodwill
Watchful Eye Foundation
Local church activities
YMCA
Red Cross
Peer Tutoring/Extended Day
S.T.A.R.S
Humane Society
Head Start
Local medical centers
Retirement Homes
Salvation Army
Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Habitat for Humanity
Special Olympics
Ronald McDonald House
Junior League
American Heart Association
Art Splash
Ragbrai
Mid-Steps Service
Santa House
Political Organizations or Candidates
Important details regarding the Silver Cord Award:
Silver Cord hours CANNOT BE for a relative, or for pay or compensation of any kind. Other activities that would not be acceptable: NHS sports team managing, training or event timing or administration; most NHS music program events; concession stand or fundraising events in which proceeds benefit a NHS program; serving as a camp counselor while receiving free room and board (some exceptions made for camps for children with disabilities); performing in a musical, dance, or theater group unless related to a social cause or charity benefit; participation on committees in which the focus is on one’s own leadership development and does not include outreach to larger community. Court ordered community service hours are not eligible.
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Maintaining A Safe and Healthy Environment
The Sioux City Community School District is committed to providing an environment where students and staff members are treated with dignity and respect. We recognize that we are not unique, in that we experience the challenges of school and community-based bullying, yet we want to be unique in serving as a District that works to make a significant and positive difference in this arena. Please, join us in the effort to maintain a safe and healthy school environment. Visit our website, www.siouxcityschools.org/anti-bullying-harassment-hazing/, to learn more about our anti-bullying policy, view resources to help us combat bullying, or report concerns. We also welcome your feedback. Consider sharing your ideas or concerns using the Let’s Talk tool on our website.
Let's Talk
Communication and Preparedness
Focus 2022 Strategic Plan
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North High School Class of 2020 Graduation
Saturday, May 23, 2020, 11:00 AM
Tyson Events Center, Gordon Drive, Sioux City, IA, USA
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Statement of Non-Discrimination
The Sioux City Community School District offers career and technical programs in the following areas: Business & Marketing, Family & Consumer Science, Health Science, and Industrial Arts, Technology, & PLTW.
The Sioux City Community School District is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. It is an unfair or discriminatory practice for any educational institution to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information (for employment), national origin, religion, age (for employment), disability, socioeconomic status (for programs), marital status (for programs), or veteran status (for employment) in its educational programs and its employment practices.
Inquiries or grievances, including Section 504 grievances and grievances under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, may be directed to Jen Gomez, Director of Student Services & Equity Education at 627 4th Street, Sioux City, IA 51101, (712) 279-6075, gomezj2@live.siouxcityschools.com. Please see District Board policies 103 and 504.4 for additional information on available grievance procedures.
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About Us
Website: http://www.siouxcityschools.org/north-high-school/
Location: 4200 Cheyenne Boulevard, Sioux City, IA, United States
Phone: (712)-239-7000
Facebook: facebook.com/SiouxCityNorth
Twitter: @SiouxCityNorth