Little Elm High School
Weekly Newsletter - December 2, 2018
End of Fall Semester - Finishing Strong
The next two weeks are an important time for students to stay focused on finishing out this semester as strong as possible. Finish Strong! These are two words that can create a powerful attitude for achievement. Dan Green a successful powerlifter and author states “Regardless of what came before, or what is yet to come, what’s important at this moment in time is how you chose to respond to the event before you. Will you fight? Or will you lie down?” Now is the time to Finish Strong! Thirteen school days can make a big difference.
With the end of the semester comes many stressors for teens. Whether it is end of semester assignments and projects, semester exams, a busy schedule of holiday activities, worries about finding that perfect gift, lack of sleep due to a busy schedule, or the uneasiness of the many events that require interacting with large groups of people. Everyone deals with stress. It is an unfortunate reality of life. There are expectations that aren’t always met and events that occur outside of our control. Teens deal with many sources of stress. Tests, homework, parents, siblings, friends, job, body-image, money, peer-pressure, and extra-curricular activities are just some of the pressures that create stress for teens. Not all stress is bad, there are stressors that activate the right hormones to enhance and quicken our responses to stressful situations. A car that pulls out in front of you will power up your fight or flight response and help you to slam on your brakes. Poised at the starting line at a track meet and your nervousness will initiate your body to become taunt and ready for action. Stressors can really help you out in a pinch, however, when stressors are a constant draining part of your life, then you need to learn how to control and combat them. Adolescence is an important time to learn to deal with stress because teens can then deal with it better in college and in their adult lives.
How do parents and teachers create the right kind of environment for teens in which teens are preparing for the stresses of life but aren’t killing themselves in the process? Parents can help their kids cope and find balance, even in their most stressful times, by encouraging them to schedule down time and helping them find coping strategies that work for them. Sometimes, parents who address their child’s stress head-on find themselves reevaluating their family values buy asking, “What is really the most important thing for my child?” Teens especially need to make time to sleep. Sleep deprivation affects your ability to cope with stress and parents can help teens by insisting they get enough sleep. Teachers can help teens learn to deal with stress by intentionally teaching skills such as time-management, goal-setting, role-playing, collaboration, and the importance of healthy habits such as nutrition and exercise.
The mission of Little Elm ISD is to Equip, Engage, and Empower each student to realize their full potential. Teaching students how to cope with stress is one way we are equipping them to become the best that they can be.
Attendance Matters - Semester Exam Exemptions
Fall exams are almost here!
2018-19 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 Sep. 5, 2018.
- 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 Dec. 7, 2018.
- It is extremely important that all parent and doctor notes be turned in to your house office by Dec. 7, 2018. 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 Dec. 7, 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 10 - 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 Mr. Reza's office on January 3.
- 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 -
- Friday, December 14th and Monday, 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 Tuesday, December 18th ALL students must attend 3rd period (7:20 AM to 7:25 AM) for attendance purposes. If you have exemptions for the remainder of the day (4th, 5A, and 5B 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.
- On Wednesday, December 19th ALL students must report to 3rd period (7:20 AM to 8:35 AM) and if you have exemptions for the remainder of the day (1st, 2nd, and 3rd 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.
- 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 Retesting Coming - December 3-7
Please make note of the Fall STAAR Retesting dates that are THIS week. Students, If You will be testing please make sure you are on time to your testing room (check lists posted in the hallways for specific testing rooms and the reminder that was delivered to you). Parents, if your LEHS student will be retesting please avoid any appointments that could cause your child to miss their testing date. There are limited opportunities to take the STAAR EOC's which are a graduation requirement. It is extremely important for students who need to retest to be present on the day of testing as well as be well rested and eat a healthy breakfast.
Recognized at the School Board Meeting
November LEHS Students of the Month
Richard "Ricky" Morales -
"Ricky is in my dual credit TWU class. He is my top student and is always asking wonderful questions and leading class discussions. He also collaborates well with others when we do our group work in class as well as being an awesome tutor. Ricky has really impressed me with his problem solving skills AND his compassion for others. This is a well deserved honor!!! " Mrs. Julie Brown, Math Teacher
"Richard Morales is a brilliant young man who is self-motivated, consistent and actively engages in learning and completes work with quality in mind." Mrs. Mary Philip, Science Teacher
"Ricky has great attention to detail. Any assignment or project that is turned in always has an extra special touch, or an added element, and he always goes above and beyond what is expected.
Ricky is sweet, kind, and humble. He is thoughtful of others. Ricky has great school spirit as well, for example he dressed up for every spirit day and is involved with school activities like decorating the hallways during homecoming. Ricky is the type of person who makes a impressive lasting impression. I’m so thankful he is my student this year. " Mrs. Jessi Vericker, Social Studies Teacher
"Ricky consistently aims to go beyond what is required of him. When given the opportunity to correct essays and other work, he will work to ensure he has fixed it to 100%. He also aims to be authentic in his preparation. When other students may not care about exact timing on practice AP tests, Ricky asks me to time him exactly and specifically about the best methods to achieve highly. Above all, he is consistently kind, positive, and attentive each day." Mrs. Kary Goff, English Teacher
Madison Banda -
"Madison is a great student in class. She always pays attention and helps her peers in class if needed. She is polite and respectful towards me and her peers. I had Madison in class last year and am glad I have her again in class this year." Mrs. Amy Klass, Math Teacher
"Madison Banda is a diligent and hard working student. She is observed to be very friendly and willing to help her peers with understanding the concepts or anything else." Mrs. Mary Philip, Science Teacher
"Madison is one of the most kind and hard working students I have had the pleasure to have. I have had Madison 3 times and she has excelled with an A average in all 3 classes. She is always willing to help others and has a great attitude towards hard work and putting forth her best effort. She is truly a bright spot in LEISD." Coach Sean Coffey, Social Studies Teacher
LEISD PEIMS Specialists Appreciated
Click on banner above to go to the LEHS Graduation web page for the latest information on graduation.
Articles on How to Help Your Teen Deal with Stress
Articles On Teen Vaping
Driver's Education Course Enroll Now!
A driver’s education course will be offered second semester at LEHS, starting on January 7th. 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 3-5pm Mon-Fri. 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 16th to enroll. Fee for the class is $400 made out to Little Elm High School. See Coach Cousins or your counselor for an enrollment form. Bring the attached documents and payment ASAP to Coach Cousins in room 1l08; as this class fills up very fast.
Chad Cousins/Social Studies Teacher/Coach/Driver's Ed
Recognized at the LEISD School Board Meeting
FREE Holiday Concert at LEHS
Concert - Cancelled
Due to the recent event involving President George H. W. Bush’s death, the USAF Band of the West has been recalled to San Antonio and has cancelled the entire Holiday in Blue tour. This includes Little Elm. We are very sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused, and we thank everyone for their support.
Please be sure to share this info with your admin on your campuses. Again, we apologize for this late notice and inconvenience. We hope to have these guys back in the near future.
Best,
LB
--LeAndre Benton
Associate Director of Bands
Little Elm High School
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
Recognized at the LEISD School Board Meeting
NHS Members - Scholarship Opportunity
About the Program
Since 1946, more than $15 million in scholarships has been awarded to outstanding NHS senior members. The scholarship program is supported by the parent organization of NHS, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
2018–19 Application Process
- October 1—NHS Scholarship application process opens. NHS advisers must download the application procedures here and distribute to senior members in good standing.
- (Please see additional information about the application process in the Frequently Asked Questions section)
- December 7—Deadline for student applications AND deadline to request recommendations
- December 14—Deadline to submit recommendations
2018–19 Award Distribution
575 national semifinalists – $3,200 scholarship
24 national finalists – $5,625 scholarship
1 national winner – $25,000 scholarship
600 total recipients
NHS Scholarship Webinars for Students
Students: How to Shine in Your Scholarship Applications
Watch this on demand webinar to get tips and best practices for transforming your service and leadership experiences into compelling stories for your scholarship application.
Scholarship Opportunities
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for this award, applicants must:
- demonstrate at school, at the workplace, and within the community the attributes of leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship;
- demonstrate strong academic performance (minimum 3.0 grade point average/4.0 scale or equivalent);
- be citizens of the United States of America;
- be current high school seniors attending high school in the United States (students living on U.S. Armed Forces base and homeschooled students are also eligible); and
- plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study toward a bachelor’s degree at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States for the entire upcoming academic year.
Semifinalists will be required to provide a recommendation from a community leader, such as a high school principal, elected official or executive director of a nonprofit organization, and must provide documentation to certify academic performance and financial need. Finalists will be interviewed via Skype or telephone by a member of the selection committee. Learn more about the qualifications of a GE-Reagan Foundation Scholar. Counselors and teachers, download the flyer using the link below:
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 lists of eligible programs at 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. Visit the scholarship website here for more information.
he Charles Butt Scholarship application opens on September 17, 2018. The close date for applications for each program is listed below. To receive the scholarship, you must also be admitted to the university through which you are applying.
University - Close Date
Our Lady of the Lake University (Residency program) - January 18, 2019
Rice University - January 15, 2019
University of Houston - January 18, 2019
Southern Methodist University - December 14, 2018
Texas A&M University- Special Education program - January 10, 2019
Texas Tech University - December 1, 2018
Trinity University - January 18, 2019
University of North Texas-Dallas - December 7, 2018
UTeach Natural Sciences at UT Austin - February 9, 2019
UT Austin College of Education - February 9, 2019
UT-Rio Grande Valley (STEP UP) - January 18, 2019
If you have any questions, please email Raisingtxteachers@ryht.org.
Terry Scholarship
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
College JumpStart Scholarship
Deadline: 10/17/18
Available to: High School Sophomores through College Seniors
Award Amount: $1,000
**Click image below to be taken to scholarship website.
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