Little Elm High School
Weekly Newsletter - February 10, 2019
Discovering What Makes You Come Alive
What Makes a Well Rounded Student?
All students have to take the required core curricular classes such as English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. But the rest of a student’s schedule is comprised of courses that students can choose. With the creation of the Foundation Graduation Plan in Texas, students have more choices to explore their interests and find their passion leading to opportunities to explore possible future careers. While academics are an important part of every student’s high school years and are the pathway to graduation, students need time to explore their talents and refine their employability skills.
Parents and teachers spend a lot of time encouraging teens to study more and play less as a recipe for success in school. However, there is another more playful component of a well-rounded education, outside of the regular academic program, that may positively impact students’ success. Extracurricular activities, such as athletics, fine arts, clubs, and student government can round out a students’ high school experience and provide learning opportunities within an enjoyable context. Besides being fun and a great way to socialize with peers, extracurricular activities can enhance students’ time management skills, develop leadership abilities, demonstrate long term commitment, teach the value of making a contribution, and highlight the benefits of teamwork. Many times being involved in extracurricular activities helps to raise the self esteem of teens. Many teens struggle with feelings of being inadequate or worthlessness. Everyone wants to find something that they are really good at and extracurricular activities provide them with a way that they can get involved in something, giving their self esteem a boost.
As Lobos we value unleashing every individual’s highest potential so we offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities for students. You can find a list of extra-curricular activities with descriptions and contact information on our website. For many students these activities are the reason they look forward to school every day. Click here to hear about why students love participating in high school sports and activities. Most people’s fondest memories of high school are typically connected to some extracurricular activity. In the words of actor Morgan Freeman, “When I was a teenager, I began to settle into school because I’d discovered the extracurricular activities that interested me: music and theater.” While extracurricular activities alone will not guarantee a student’s success, they are one ingredient of a well-rounded student.
Renee Pentecost
Principal
Little Elm High School
Fire Science Meeting this Wednesday!
Valentine's Random Act of Kindness
We also ask that all flowers, balloons and food items be exchanged after school hours due to the distraction to learning and the possibility of allergic reactions. LEHS Administration appreciates your help in this area.
Academic Decathlon Competes at Regional Competition
Malik Paulino - Gold Medal, Math
Ruvarashe Chitakunye - Bronze Medal, Math
Cesar Guerrero - Bronze Medal, Interview
Tamia Thompson - Bronze Medal, Literature
Larissa Hernandez - Silver Medal, Economics
Joseph Startz - Bronze Medal, Math
Congratulations to the team and their coaches Mr. HIller, Mrs. Shackleton, and Mrs. Vericker. They will find out later this week if they advance to the state competition in March!
Mrs. Carother's 5A Theatre class is rehearsing a play about racial expectations in high school that deals with many issues, but specifically Black America issues.
The Student Council Leadership Class presented the Black National Anthem (see video below) and inspirational African American quotes at the Pep Rally on Friday. They will also hang 50 pictures of African American leaders throughout the school.
Ms. Maginnis' Spanish classes will learn about "20 notable Afro-latinos" from different career fields to celebrate Black History month.
Mrs. Vericker's AP US History class will be doing a project based on Ralph Waldo Emerson's Invisible Man - Students will research a “invisible” African American during the time period 1850- current. They will choose someone they have not heard of before or know every little on, hence invisible then create a mini bio on the person. Who, what, when, why, where. Also, what makes them invisible? Are they just invisible currently? Well known at the time? Only well known now? Why?
Coach Swinney's US Government Classes are studying about influential African American members of Congress.
Ms. Jones' Sociology and World Geography classes have set up a wall of quotes of notable African Americans for others to read down the hallway. (See pictures below) These classes will also complete task cards throughout the month to have them thinking of those contributions to equality and justice. They will be thinking of ways they can help move their community towards greatness and make an impact no matter how small.
LEHS is Providing a FREE SAT® During the School Day on MARCH 6
LEHS will be offering the SAT® to all juniors at Little Elm High School on a school day. Students typically have to sign up for a Saturday test date on their own, but we will be registering all juniors to take it on Wednesday, March 6th – free of charge! We think this will allow ALL of our juniors the opportunity to show colleges that they’re ready.
Each student will be allowed to send their scores to up to four colleges, universities, or scholarship programs for free, so students need to begin thinking about where they’d like to send their scores. They will have an opportunity to mark their four choices on their answer document when they take the test.
Students should have received an email from College Board with instructions on how to access their PSAT/NMSQT® scores from October, and on how to set up a College Board account. Please check your school email account if you missed it and set up your College Board account. Once you’ve set it up, you’ll be able to link it to a Khan Academy® account and take advantage of free SAT test prep. Khan Academy will give you a personalized study plan based on your PSAT/NMSQT scores.
Why practice?? A study of 250,000 seniors from the class of 2017 found that 20 hours on Khan Academy helped students increase their scores by an average of 115 points from the PSAT to the SAT. Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy helps students work on the areas they need it most. Khan Academy has 8 full-length tests written by College Board, video lessons, and thousands of practice questions – all online so students can practice whenever and wherever they’d like. And it’s free! Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy can be found at satpractice.org.
Questions about the SAT day opportunity see Mrs. Heller in Room 2100.
Questions about signing up or accessing your College Board account see Mrs. Keisha Brown in the library.
Advanced Academics Informational Meeting Recap
Counselors:
Michelle Gentry
Lead Counselor, Career
Front Office
mgentry@littleelmisd.net
Michael Absher
Last Name A-E
2nd floor office in 1200 wing
Sarah McKimmey
Last Name F-Li
Office across from the cafeteria
smckimmey@littleelmisd.net
Amy Chamberlin
Last Name Lo-Ri
2nd floor office above The TabLE
achamberlin@littleelmisd.net
Juan Schmidt
Last Name Ro-Z
Office in the 1100 wing
Adriana Beck
Crisis Intervention Counselor
Office in the 2200 wing
abeck@littleelmisd.net
Teresa Smith
Transition Specialist
Office in the 1100 wing
Interested in a Career with the Texas Department of Transportation?
The Texas Dept. of Transportation offers a Conditional Grant Program to eligible students pursuing a degree in civil engineering or a department-approved operational business discipline. The Conditional Grant Program will consider both Texas public and private four-year institutions.
Students accepted into the program receive up to $3,000 per semester or $6,000 per academic year for tuition, based on financial need.
The application may be downloaded at: http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/hrd/cgp-application.pdf , completed and mailed to the address below.
Mail application packets to: Texas Department of Transportation
HRD/Employment Opportunities/CGP
125 East 11th Street
Austin, TX 78701-2483
Are You Interested In a Career in the Trades?
The time has come to announce another modest pile of money available through the Work Ethic Scholarship Program for people willing to learn a trade that’s in demand. The 2019 Work Ethic Scholarship Program officially opens on Monday, January 28, 2019, and the deadline to submit applications is Thursday, March 28, 2019.
The next generation of aspiring workers is needed who will work smart and hard. This program doesn’t focus on test scores, grades, or grammar. It’s about the people who share our values and understand the importance of work ethic, personal responsibility, delayed gratification, and a positive attitude.
Basketball Senior Night
JV Boy's Basketball Team Win!
Congrats to the February Student Athletic Trainers of the Month
Planning for a Potential New Student Club -ESports!
Little Elm High School is continually looking for ways to provide opportunities to tap into the interests and passions of our students. Online gaming is no different. Due to interest expressed by students we are assessing how many students would like to participate in an ESports club. If you are interested in being on the first ever LEHS ESports team, please comlete the survey found here.
Click on banner above to go to the LEHS Graduation web page for the latest information on graduation.
Seniors: Have you ordered your graduation Cap and Gown?
Senior Parents and Students
Prom Dress Code
If your prom date has graduated or attends a different high school, the linked form must be filled out and turned into Ms. Bausher in Room 2255B by May 10th.
Please note that if your date has graduated, a background check is required. Please go to this link and have your date fill it out before May 10th.
CIS hosts a Prom Showcase at NCTC Corinth for students attending prom needing a dress or suit, jewelry, shoes, and accessories. It is free for all students, and any LEHS student is welcome to attend. They will have a short presentation about NCTC, lunch/ snacks, and a great time picking out prom clothes. The signup for students is below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScECr9UWwRAxrC0TMuzqe0762o3xMqpRWBW1l9FGJPvq64cuA/viewform
The event is March 2nd from 9am to 1pm at NCTC Corinth. Please let me know if you have any questions!
Amanda Zimmerman, MS, LPC
Traditional Site Coordinator at Little Elm HS, room 2229
Communities In Schools of North Texas
Office: (972) 947-9443 ext. 20016
Are you an Alum of LEHS?
It is our pleasure to announce that our LEISD Communications department is embarking on the first steps of creating an official Alumni Association for LEHS. We understand that there may be some existing alumni Facebook page(s) and we are trying to make it easier to communicate with alumni. Our LEISD Eduction Foundation has also been working on this project and we're hoping to use the power of our social media to strengthen their efforts.
1. Please use the form, linked here, to submit your alumni information. Share, share, share this form as you see fit to all current alumni groups or individuals.
2. LEISD Communications has created an email address where alumni can get information and communicate with the District - alumni@littleelmisd.net
3. An alumni webpage is a work in progress -www.littleelmisd.net/alumni to share even more information.
We are hoping to capture as many class of 2019 students as we can before they head off to their next adventures. This will be a great place to start - but that's not all. We want as many alumni as we can find, from as far back as we can go. If we could manage to get a few well known alumni to Tweet or share with their alumni friends the efforts can multiply quickly.
Please share, share, share with your contacts, social media outlets, or however you need. Help us engage our alumni to connect our Lobo Nation. One Community, One Pack Alumni united can benefit our current students and keep the Lobo Spirit alive for generations.
Resources from the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens
Articles On Teen Vaping
Report Harmful, Harassing, and Bullying Behavior
LEISD has an on-line tool called "Anonymous Alerts" that students, parents, and teachers can use to report harmful, harassing, and bullying type behaviors. Anonymous Alerts bullying reporting mobile app helps combat bullying and other negative activity in schools by empowering students to speak up. Social and peer pressures are some of the hardest obstacles for students to overcome. Anonymous Alerts encourages students, parents and staff to quickly, easily, and anonymously report bullying, cyber-bullying, gang-related issues, and other sensitive topics through private messages to school officials by building. All reports remain completely anonymous even during a two-way email conversation, although submitters have the option to reveal their identity if they prefer to have a person-to-person discussion.
To send a report from the Web/Internet go to: www.anonymousalerts.com/littleelmisd/
To send a report from your phone:
- Download the Anonymous Alerts® app for free from the Apple Store, Google Play store, and the Chrome store
- Start the App, enter login: leisd and password: leisd
- Send important reports to school officials
- Add a screen shot or photo about the incident
Are You Considering Collin College?
Super Saturday at Collin College
Saturday, February 16, 2019
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Target Audience: Parents and Students Grades 9 – 12
Frisco Campus, 9700 Wade Boulevard, Frisco.
This Super Saturday event will include a campus tour as well as resource tables from various academic departments, student organizations, and services areas at Collin College. A presentation about Collin College will also be offered. This event is free, but registration is required. For details and to register, please go to Weekend Campus
Tours at: http://www.collin.edu/gettingstarted/explore/campus_tours.html.
For questions, please contact Teresa Ramos at tramos@collin.edu or call 972-548-6723.
Young Business Leaders Summer Program
The College of Business at Prairie View A&M University has begun accepting applications to their pre-college program for high school students, the Young Business Leaders Summer Program (formerly BASIS) scheduled for June 3-7, 2019. The YBLSP is a one-week residential program designed for 9th – 11th graders or rising seniors who are interested in business. Throughout the week, students partake in field-specific workshops/seminars surrounding management, marketing, finance, information technology, and entrepreneurship. Students are also given a final project or presentation.
Linked below you will find more information about the program and the application process. This is an exciting opportunity for students considering a career in a business field.
Scholarship Opportunities
Deadline to Apply - February 28, 2019
I am a living legend. In honor of Black History Month and those who changed history, Regions is giving students an opportunity to embrace their own legacies. Tell us about an African-American who has inspired you by entering the Regions Riding Forward® Scholarship Essay Contest, and you could earn a $5,000 or $3,500 college scholarship.
Deadline to Apply - March 1, 2019
NTCRA scholarships are available for the second year and the application is posted. Application deadlines are March 1, 2019. Please share this information to your students interested in pursuing/ continuing their education in Environmental Sustainability at a college here, in the North Texas area. This is for a one-time scholarship of $500 per year presented to up to 3 candidates.
For more information and to apply to the scholarship, visit our website at: http://ntcra.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/2019-NTCRA-Env-Scholarship.pdf or download the attached PDF.
Deadline to Apply - April 1, 2019
Two Scholarships Available from TheDream.US
The application deadline for the Opportunity Scholarship Award, which provides scholarships up to $80,000 for first-time college students, is January 31, 2019. The application deadline for the National Scholarship Award, which offers scholarships up to $33,000 for high school or first-time college students and community college graduates, is February 28, 2019. Visit TheDream.Us for more information on eligibility, how to apply, and FAQs.
Texas UIL Scholarship
This scholarship is to honor Bettie Gonzalez, mother of six, who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 38. The scholarship is available to any college bound girl who is motherless for any reason. We believe that every young woman should have a chance at achieving her goals and fulfilling her dreams. We would like to be a part of empowering her on that journey toward her education goals. We are looking for that young woman who is motivated to do all she can to achieve her dreams!
Amount
The $1,000 Scholarship will be divided equally between semesters in the first year. Mentoring will also be provided if desired.
Payment
Funds will be released upon proof of enrollment. It is the responsibility of the recipient to send documentation confirming enrollment for each semester. The check will be made out jointly to the recipient and junior college, college, or university of the student’s choice.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen or legal, permanent resident with a permanent resident card
- Graduating high school senior
- Motherless daughter who is motivated to achieve her dreams
Application Process
Applications are available NOW and may be downloaded from www.BDGhope.org
To be considered, applicants must send or email completed application by March 30th , 2019 to: Bettie D. Gonzalez Foundation of Hope 1472 Sandstone Dr. Frisco, TX 75034 Or email to: scholarhip@BDGhope.org
Application can be accessed from here.
Students whose parents or family are on the Bettie D. Gonzalez Foundation Board of Directors are not eligible for this scholarship. For questions, please contact: info@BDGhope.org
Scholarship Search Site Provided by College Board
College Covered
While you are there, check out the website College Covered. Do you want to know what you need in a winning college essay, what college entrance test score you need, or what makes a top notch college application? Get what you need to help get into the college of your dreams with the help of College Covered.
An App Matches Students with College Scholarships They Can Use
Little Elm High School
Chris Reza - Associate Principal (creza@littleelmisd.net)
Alen Palislamovic - White House Principal A - E (apalislamovic@littleelmisd.net)
Ruben Molinar - Grey House Principal F - Li (rmolinar@littleelmisd.net)
Kyle Heller - Blue House Principal Lo - Ri (kheller@littleelmisd.net)
Terilyn Thomas-Monday - Gold House Principal Ro - Z (tthomas-monday@littleelmisd.net)
Website: http://www.littleelmisd.net/Domain/9
Location: 1900 Walker Lane, Little Elm, TX, United States
Phone: (972) 947-9443
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Elm-High-School/736775073135970?notif_t=page_fan
Twitter: @LittleElmHS