Little Elm High School
Weekly Newsletter - December 1, 2019
Countdown to the End of the Semester
Finishing Strong
The end of our first semester is only a few weeks away now. 14 school days are still available for students who are struggling in one or more class. There is still time to turn in missing work, redo a summative assignment or attend tutorials for extra help in preparing for semester exams. Students, especially Freshmen, need to understand that it is never too late to make a positive change. Most classes are year- long which means that the first semester grade averages with the second semester grade. For example, if a student currently has a 55 in a full year class it would take an 85 second semester to average the two for a year end average of 70 which would mean credit would be awarded for both semesters. So any improvement students can achieve now can mean less is needed in the Spring to pass for the year.
The week of December 9-13 some students will be taking STAAR EOC exams. These exams are a state graduation requirement. This is an important opportunity especially for any senior who still needs to pass one or more EOC exam. There is only one more opportunity in the Spring semester to take these exams before graduation. The Spring administration of STAAR EOC’s will not provide results until the week of graduation meaning if a senior still needs to pass an EOC in the Spring, we may not know whether they will be able to participate in graduation until the day of graduation. It is important to successfully complete this graduation requirement now so that in the Spring semester seniors can focus on completing credits needed and not have to worry about an EOC exam. .
Semester exams are also an important assessment for all students since they average as 15% of the final semester average for all courses. Students who have had exemplary attendance and grades may be eligible for a semester exam exemption. Please see the Exemption Criteria and Procedures linked below for details and timeline. This Friday, December 6 is an important date on the exemption timeline. ALL absence notes must be turned into house offices by this Friday so that attendance records are accurate to determine exemption eligibility. ANY unexcused absence will prevent a student from receiving exam exemptions. Please get those notes turned in by Friday!
Another important deadline is also approaching. Students who wish to request a schedule change for the Spring semester must do so by Monday, December 9. The procedure for requesting changes is linked below under Counselor's Corner. Please remember as stated in the course guide, "Random changing of courses at the beginning of school and semester will not be honored due to the effect such changes have on classroom enrollment and the disruption of instruction." Counselors will work with students to make the needed changes in Spring schedules according to the list of allowable changes. All schedule changes will depend on seats available in the requested course. Please do not wait until the last minute to request a change.
These last 14 days of the Fall semester are full of important deadlines. Please read the provided information on STAAR EOC testing, exam exemptions, and schedule changes to ensure a smooth finish for the Fall Semester while also preparing for success in the Spring Semester. In the words of Alexander Graham Bell, "Before anything else, preparation is the key to success."
Renee Pentecost
Principal
Little Elm High School
Attendance Matters: Semester Exam Exemptions
Fall Exams are Almost Here!
2019-20 LEHS Exam Exemptions
- Students are eligible to earn semester final exam exemptions based on academic performance, attendance, citizenship and community service.
- The start date for exam exemption eligibility was August 19, 2019.
- US History courses are excluded from Fall exam exemptions. Dual Credit, OnRamps, AP and Online Languages courses may also be excluded from exam exemptions in order to meet their program requirements.
- The final eligibility report will be run through the house offices and posted by December 13, 2019.
- It is extremely important that all parent and doctor notes be turned in to your house office by December 6, 2019. Notes turned in after this date will not impact students’ eligibility for exam exemptions.
- Students wanting the FamiLE exemption must turn in their documented 30 hours to house offices by December 6, 2018.
- House offices will generate the official list of students eligible for exam exemptions.
- House offices will provide exemption cards through 3rd period classes to students listing the number of exam exemptions for which they are eligible.
- Students choose which class(es) they want to request an exemption and notify the teacher. Exemption cards will have eligible classes printed on the card.
- Teachers will have final approval of exemptions if the use of the exemption could result in a failing grade.
- ANY absences after exemptions have been printed can void the exemption. Teachers will verify eligibility if absences occur December 13 - December 19.
- Students must be present on exam days even if they are exempt.
- Each teacher will initial the exemption card to verify the exemption has been used and collect exemptions used in their class. Cards will be turned into Mrs. Chesnut's office on January 6.
- A MISSED EXAM will be averaged as a zero and can impact whether a student earns credit for the course.
- Transfer students must attend school in district for a minimum of one full quarter to be eligible.
Attendance on Exam Days -
- Monday, December 16th and Tuesday, December 17th are FULL attendance days. You may leave after 5th period if you are exempt for your exam on that day and if you have transportation (walk, drive, or parent pick-up). If you stay on campus to wait for a ride, you must still report to scheduled classes.
- On Wednesday, December 18th ALL students must attend 1st period (7:20 AM to 7:25 AM) for attendance purposes. If you have exemptions for the remainder of the day (3rd, and 5A periods) you may leave after 7:25 AM if you have transportation (walk, drive, or parent pick-up). If you stay on campus to wait for a ride, you must still report to all scheduled classes and should bring something to study or read. Late Arrival Students will report to 3rd period (8:40 AM to 8:45 AM) for attendance purposes and may leave if exempt from 3rd and 5A exams.
- On Thursday, December 19th ALL students must report to 2nd period (7:20 AM to 7:25 AM) and if you have exemptions for the remainder of the day (2nd, 4th, and 5B periods) you may leave after attendance has been taken if you have transportation (walk, drive, or parent pick-up). If you stay on campus to wait for a ride, you must still report to all scheduled classes and should bring something to study or read.Late Arrival Students will report to 4th period (8:40 AM to 8:45 AM) for attendance purposes and may leave if exempt from 4th and 5B exams.
- On any exam day a student may leave when they have finished the exam period of their last exam for the day if they have transportation (walk, drive, parent pick-up).
STAAR EOC Testing
December 10-13
Please make note of the Fall STAAR Retesting dates that are just a week away. Parents, if your LEHS student will be retesting please avoid any appointments that could cause your child to miss their testing date. Our testing window has been reduced by the state so it is extremely important for students to be in attendance on the day of the scheduled test. There are limited opportunities to take the STAAR EOC's which are a graduation requirement. It is not only important for students who need to retest to be present on the day of testing but it will also help students to do their best if they are well rested and eat a healthy breakfast.
2nd Annual LEHS Dinner Theatre Tickets on Sale NOW!
Driver Education Course - Enroll Now!
A driver’s education course will be offered second semester at LEHS, starting on January 8th. It will include classroom and behind the wheel instruction. Successful completion of the course will enable the student to apply for their driver’s license. Enrollment will be limited so it will be on a first-come first-serve basis. Classroom instruction will be after school from 3:00 -5:00 pm Monday -Friday. The driving instruction will be on a schedule of your choosing. More details to follow. Students must be 15 years of age or older as of January 20th to enroll. Fee for the class is $400 made out to Little Elm High School. Print the registration form linked above. Bring the completed registration form and payment ASAP to Coach Rhoades in room 2212 as this class fills up very fast.
Healthy Habits Lead to a Healthy Life
LEHS Partnering with the American Heart Association for Healthier Lifestyles
We are proud to partner with the American Heart Association for the American Heart Challenge at Little Elm High School! Through this program, students are encouraged to take heart healthy challenges and raise money for The American Heart Association. All money raised will go towards life-saving research in the areas of heart disease and stroke, education, and advocacy.
So far, 142 students have taken the challenge to say no to smoking/vaping—just one of the three challenges students can take while participating in the program—and we have raised $690 to fight heart disease—the leading cause of death globally.
We raised $2500 last year and are looking to beat that number but need your help!
Many students have already signed up for our school’s online fundraising page! If you receive a text message or email from a student about American Heart Challenge, just click on the link in the message to donate! If your student hasn’t already signed up, go to heart.org/americanheartchallenge to sign up for our school’s online fundraising page and donate!
We are excited to partner with the American Heart Association for this event! Our school and students benefit from the money raised and the resources provided through American Heart Challenge! We hope you will support our students as they help others and raise awareness for heart disease and stroke.
You can review the presentation on heart health and the dangers of vaping at the link below.
Teens and Vaping
American Cancer Society Warns About Risks of Vaping for Youth
CDC Warns Against Vaping During Lung Illness Investigation
Report: Vaping Up, Smoking Down Among Teens
What Do We Know About E-Cigarettes?
The Teen Vaping Trend – What Parents Need to Know - Where ...
Talk with Your Teen About E-cigarettes: A Tip Sheet for Parents
How to Talk With Teenagers About Vaping - The New York Times
Getting Through to your Teen About the Dangers of Vaping
How to Talk to Your Teen About the Dangers of Vaping
Teen Vaping Linked to More Health Risks
Do You Need Some New 19-20 Spirit Wear?-
Also don't forget to download the official Little Elm Lobos App. We hope every Lobo Fan will download the app which allows live streaming, access to online schedules, news, and push notifications for scores for all of your favorite Lobo teams! See graphic below on all that the app has to offer!
- Reduced device protection fee to use a district issued laptop.
- Fee waiver to take the SAT and/or ACT for free
- Dual Credit tuition for free at NCTC
- AP Exam Test fee reduction
High school students often do not want to participate in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program. The Federal Free/Reduced Lunch Program is the standard used by many programs to qualify students for financial assistance. Even if a student never uses their eligibility in the lunchroom, they can benefit greatly in other areas if they qualify for the Lunch Program. Eligibility has to be reestablished each year. You can fill out the application here. We highly suggest that all families fill out an application to see if you qualify.
Girl's Basketball Action from Last Week
LEHS vs Berkner
Varsity and JV Win
LEHS vs. Wakeland
Lobos SWEEP Wakeland
Freshmen Boys Claim 3rd Place in Reedy Tournament!
December and January Student Athletic Trainers of the Month
Students, Parents, Coaches, & Administrators:
Please congratulate the December & January Student Athletic Trainers of the Month: Claire Stevens, Andreya Garces, Delaney Miller, Aja Washington, and Evelin Torres.
SATs casted their votes on Rookie & Veteran Student Athletic Trainers to be recognized. Please check out what their plans are for the upcoming Holiday Season, their favorite things about Winter, & their New Years’ Resolutions.
The LESMD-LC (Little Elm Sports Medicine- Leadership Council) coordinates monthly to send out themed questionnaires to the winners of the Student Athletic Trainers of the Month’s votes. This month Senior Ashlyne Smith (LESMD-LC 4th year Rep) designed the questions & presentation for the December and January winners and did an extraordinary job! Thank you Ashlyne!
Thank you Claire, Andreya, Delaney, Aja, and Evelin for your hard work and commitment to the LE Sports Medicine Program -“The Pack Behind The Pack”!
Coach Cox & Doc Stine
Time to Order Graduation Products!
List of Fall Senior Events
Class of 2020 Graduation at UNT
Thursday, May 21, 2020
10:00 AM
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
https://www.littleelmisd.net/domain/1726
College Readiness Newsletter
Scholarship Opportunities
Eligibility
The Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers is available to prospective teachers who are currently in, or plan to enter, an eligible teacher preparation program at a Raising Texas Teachers partner university. Aspiring Teachers can apply in the fall of any year between their senior year of high school and junior year of college. See below for the list of eligible programs at each university and the application deadline for each university.
To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be committed to teaching in a majority-economically disadvantaged school or in a shortage subject area (in a school where more than 50% of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch, or as a math, science, bilingual, or special education teacher) in a Texas public school. Preference is given to Texas residents.
Click on the partner universities listed below to view eligible programs:
Texas Student Housing Scholarship
Click on the link below for the fallible application.
Current National Honor Society Members - Scholarship Opportunity
Applications are now being accepted for the 2019–20 NHS Scholarship!
How to Apply
- Senior members of an active NHS chapter who are in good standing are eligible to apply for an NHS Scholarship.
- NHS Members must first create a student account before they can access the NHS Scholarship application.
- Their NHS adviser must verify the student’s membership before the student can begin the application. Applicants should not log into the application until the verification process is complete.
- Verified NHS members may start the NHS Scholarship application. Click HERE to access the NHS Scholarship Application after your membership has been verified.
- All applications require two recommendations, and certification by the NHS adviser in order to be considered complete. Incomplete applications are not evaluated.
Deadlines
11:59 pm PST on December 6, 2019
The student portion of the application is due.
11:59 pm PST on December 10, 2019
All recommendations (two) and adviser certification is due.
View detailed information in the NHS Scholarship Application Guide:
Terry Scholarships
For more information: https://terryfoundation.org/future-scholars/freshman-scholarship/
Selection Criteria
- Academic Achievement
- Demonstrated Leadership
- Financial Need
Affiliated Universities
- The University of Texas- Austin
- Texas A&M University
- University of Houston
- Texas State University
- The University of Texas- Dallas
- The University of Texas- San Antonio
- Texas Tech University
- University of North Texas
- Texas Woman’s University
- Texas A&M University- Galveston
- Sam Houston State University
- The University of Texas- Arlington
- The University of Texas- El Paso
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
Misty Chesnut - Academic Dean (mchesnut@littleelmisd.net)
Michelle Gentry - Lead Counselor (mgentry@littleelmisd.net)
Gerald Muhammad - House Principal A - E (gmuhammad@littleelmisd.net)
Michael Absher - House A - E Counselor (mabsher@littleelmisd.net)
Ruben Molinar - House Principal F - Li (rmolinar@littleelmisd.net)
Kaitlyn McGuire - House F - Li Counselor (kmcguire@littleelmisd.net)
Kyle Heller - House Principal Lo - Ri (kheller@littleelmisd.net)
Amy Chamberlin - House Counselor Lo - Ri (achamberlin@littleelmisd.net)
Terilyn Thomas-Monday - House Principal Ro - Z (tthomas-monday@littleelmisd.net)
Juan Schmidt - House Ro - Z Counselor (jschmidt@littleelmisd.net)
Adriana Beck - Intervention Counselor (abeck@littleelmisd.net)
Ana Kibbe - CIS Site Coordinator (akibbe@littleelmisd.net)
Marisa Flores - Parent Liaison and Translator (mflores@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