News from the Ridge
Shortridge High School News and Updates
August 29th, 2021
Dear Friends,
Thank you to all that attended our first Townhall (virtual) meeting on Thursday. For those that could not attend, or if you would like to drill into the additional resources, below, you will find the links to the recorded Teams Live Event (Townhall), Presentation with embedded links.
Last week PowerSchool had inconsistent availability, and many of our teachers, students, and families could not log in. Hopefully, we will have access to PowerSchool on Monday so the teacher can update grades. Teachers update their grades at least every two weeks. Remember that the grade in PowerSchool reflects a snapshot, a pulse of where your student is on meeting the learning outcomes for their class. Schoology, our Learning Management System, gives more details about assignments, activities, and lessons.
Also, below in the Academics section, you will find additional explanations and links to learn more about Assessment and Grading at Shortridge.
Click this link for directions on how to access both PowerSchool and Schoology.
Here are the links to last weeks Townhall presentation:
- Town Hall Presentation
- Town Hall Slides (.pdf)
- Town Hall Slides (Google Sheets)
Please continue to affirm with your student to arrive at Shortridge ready to learn, serve, and thrive in preparedness, dress, actions, behavior, and mindset.
As COVID cases continue to increase, please continue to affirm the importance of wearing their mask at school with your student. All individuals (regardless of whether they have been vaccinated) must wear a mask while at school. This includes on the bus and in any of our buildings.
Click here for COVID-19 protocols for the 2021-22 school year. As always, the health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority.
Below you will find updates, celebrations, and important information from the Ridge.
Go Blue Devils!
Dennis Thomas
Principal
Additional Updates
Next week September 6th and 7th, Students do not have school! The 6th is Labor Day, and the 7th is Professional Development Day for all Staff Members. Students do not report on the 6th and 7th of September!
**Girls INC Young Women in Leadership**
Calling all Class of 2023 women+: Do you want to join a group of your peers to develop leadership skills, explore post-secondary options, and participate in service-learning opportunities?
Girls Inc has partnered with Shortridge High School to provide YWIL programming at Shortridge during the school day! YWIL is a year-long program designed to enhance leadership skills, college preparedness, and career development, all while meeting your CAS (DP) or SL (CP) requirements for both your IB program and your Indiana diploma (bucket #2 employability skills).
Interested? Please complete the Girls Inc YWIL 21-22 Interest Form (<-- click) by June 4th
+including those who identify as such or those that identify as nonbinary
ACADEMICS
Understanding Assessment and Grading at Shortridge High School:
At Shortridge High School we utilize a combination of mastery based grading and highest sustained mark. What does that mean? It means SHS teachers don't' average all grades to determine your student's level of achievement. Some students take more time to learn a concept, so we are always spiraling back through content and skills to give students more opportunities to demonstrate what they know. Additionally, a student does not perform to their personal best, every single day. Teachers look for and record the highest level of achievement students have consistently demonstrated.
Grades are updated in PowerSchool every two weeks. The first grade updates will be in PowerSchool this week. Please review those with your student. Ask them to share one thing they are proud of and an academic goal to focus on for the next two weeks. Students will also be reflecting on grades and setting academic goals in ATL.
Do you have a 9th or 10th grader? For more detailed information, take a look at the MYP Assessment Deep Dive Part 1 and Part 2.
All 11th and 12th-grade students at SHS take at least two IB courses. These courses use the SHS IB grading system. Watch this video for more information about how IB courses at SHS are graded. Non IB courses at the 11th and 12th grade level follow MYP style assessments.
Seniors: Extended Essay and Reflective Project
Ask your senior about their Reflective Project (CP students) or Extended Essay (DP students). These papers were started in April last school year. Major deadlines are listed below. If students are behind or need support, they can set up an appointment with the writing center and/or contact their EE or RP supervisor. Coordinators are starting the intervention process for students who are behind next week.
First Draft: August 15
Rough Draft: September 15
Final Draft: October 15
Career-Related Program Students:
The CP Coordinator, Ms. Carlson, visited all 7 sections of Year 1 Personal and Professional Skills to review the Career-Related Program (CP) Certificate requirements and how they help ensure students meet the new Indiana graduation pathway requirements for their high school diploma. Please review the presentation here.
If you have any questions regarding your student's IB program components, courses, or grades, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of the coordinators.
MYP Coordinator: Garret Merle, merleg@myips.org
CP Coordinator: Jessica Carlson, carlsonjr@myips.org
DP Coordinator: Melody Coryell, coryelmd@myips.org
2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
View the calendar online here.
Key Dates:
- Aug 2- Student First Day
- Oct 11-Oct 15 - Fall Break
- Dec 20-Dec 31- Winter Break
- Mar 28- Apr 1 - Spring Break
- May 24- Student Last Day
Student Services
Meet the Shortridge Student Service Team
Virtual College Fairs
Multiple opportunities for all scholars to engage with a variety of colleges virtually through NACAC Virtual College Fairs. Click on this link to learn more and to register.
SAT/ACT Test Dates and Registration Links
Seniors who plan to take the SAT and/or ACT for college admission or scholarship eligibility should register for an upcoming test in August, September, or October. Please follow the links below for test dates, registration deadlines, and to register.
Fee Waivers
Fee Waivers are available for the SAT, ACT, and College Applications to those students who qualify. To request a fee waiver, students must complete the form linked below.
21st Century Scholars
Is your student a 21st Century Scholar? If so, check out the below link and click on the High School Scholars section for information about the requirements and other frequently asked questions.
World Changing 101
Click World Changing 101 picture below to access WC101 YouTube Channel.
Athletics
We are excited for another great year of Shortridge Athletics! We are introducing a focused program in concerns to our balanced athletes. We have narrowed down our communication tools. We are ready to carry out another competitive year that is run safely and respectfully to the highest of the Blue Devil standards!
New Direction: The Balanced Athlete!
We would like for our student-athletes to grow in every fashion as young men and women through athletics and other offerings at Shortridge. To do so, we would like to focus our program on creating a balanced athlete. Please see the following statement in concerns to this change:
Shortridge Athletics focuses on the balanced athlete. Our students embody the whole child experience by encouraging athletes to partake in multiple sports. This focus on academics, athletics, and emotional growth is a career-long emphasis throughout their time at Shortridge. By infusing our International Baccalaureate program and our Arts & Humanities programs with our athletics and clubs, our students are engaged in a wide range of beneficial experiences throughout the year.
This balance leads to improved academics, expectations, leadership, and character development.
Our athletes consistently maintain their academic eligibility and their physical resistance to injury or mental fatigue. At Shortridge, we pride ourselves in creating a balanced student-athlete that is principled and caring and prepared mentally, physically, and emotionally for their time after high school.
- If interested in volunteering in the concessions or gate at any of our events, please see the following sign-up. Help is always very much appreciated! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090e48a8ac28a6f85-fall
- Head Coach Contact List: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mIhCgUg-FEwDFJ0DfScDQcaVJjPf2NRPJAh5k1iWbEY/edit?usp=sharing
- All Athletic Schedules: Download the Shortridge Athletics app from Google Play or the Apple Store. This is easily the best way to know the schedules and info.
- Most up to date Athletics announcements and news on Twitter: @Blue_Devils_SHS
- Band App: Invitation only communication for coaches, athletes, and parents
- Covid Guidelines for contests can be found here: https://myips.org/shortridge/athletics/our-program-athletics/
- Our preferred method of tickets can be found online here: https://events.ticketspicket.com/agency/70e3ac7e-d19e-43c7-9193-23b0625904fe
We will also have cash tickets available at the gate
- Our Booster Club can always use new members! If interested, please email: shsdevilboosters@gmail.com. They are an integral part of the culture and success of our athletic program.
I am personally honored to work with your wonderful students in their athletics world. We are very excited for the upcoming year, and I look forward to seeing you all in the stands!
Go Blue Devils!
Sincerely,
Craig Huljak
Shortridge Athletic Director
PTSA
Join the PTSA! Your partnership and support are critical for our work at Shortridge!
Part of Indianapolis Public Schools, Shortridge High School educates students to think freely, demonstrate intellectual vitality, and address needs and realities greater than themselves.