News from the Ridge
Shortridge High School News and Updates
October 4th, 2020
Dear Friends of Shortridge,
We had a very busy and productive first week at the Ridge as we welcome the change in seasons and look towards welcoming our students back on October 19th!
Here are a few updates:
- Continuing remote instruction wrapping up the end of the 1st quarter this Friday, October 9th.
- Preparing for the start of in-person instruction at Shortridge October 19th.
- World Changing 101 with Shortridge alumna and IPS leader in Racial Equity, Dr. Payne.
World Changing 101, a Shortridge speaker series, focuses on topics that equip, engage, and empower our students to be change agents. This Friday, World Changing 101 put into action our Black Lives Matter Pledge. Starting with a Racial Equity Forum followed by an interview of Dr. Payne, Shortridge highlights our pledge to do this important work alongside IPS, our students, and their families. I encourage you to watch the videos linked below in the World Changing 101 section and continue these meaningful conversations with your student at home!
As we continue to prepare for October 19th start of in-person instruction, look for important updates this week about:
- Procedures and Policies to ensure our students, teachers, staff, and families' safety and wellness.
- Changes in the Dress Code.
- In-person and Remote activities for helping our students transition to in-person instruction.
- For updates and additional information on Shortridge's remote and in-person plan, visit our complete FAQ found here.
We are excited about welcoming our students back into the building. I want to emphasize the importance of our priority and focus on Keeping Students, Staff, and Families Safe.
Please--wear a mask and take the necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy.
An additional change in policy due to COVID-19 and the district's health and safety practices, all visitors, including parents, must have a confirmed appointment with a staff member to enter Shortridge. Upon entry, please be prepared to present the staff member's name, department, and your appointment time.
Below you will find additional updates, celebrations, and important information from the Ridge. If you have anything you would like to share, please email Malinda Scott, our FACE coordinator.
Go Blue Devils!
Dennis Thomas
Principal
IPS begins a phased-in approach for in-person learning
- Grades Pre-K–3 starting Monday, Oct. 5
- The week of Oct. 12 will be full remote learning for all students.
- On Oct. 19, all students in Grades Pre-K–12 will return to the classroom.
For more details on the return to in-person learning, including information on the required daily screening checks, the revised IPS dress code and meal pickup visit the IPS Back to School page.
Families can also learn about the many health and safety protocols in place in the IPS Health and Safety Plan. Don’t forget, masks are required for all staff and students in Grades K–12. One reusable mask will be provided to each student and staff member.
Also plan to attend IPS Parent Institute Tuesday, Oct 6: IPS Transportation for In-Person Learning Students Register for this Zoom event can be accessed HERE. Information will be provided in English and Spanish. Learn about these changes by visiting IPS website HERE.
World Changing 101
Archived Friday Connects
- Nine13Sports interview Tom Hanley
- World Changing 101: Ashley Toruño
- 9/11 Presentations-Introductory Reflection from Mr. Zummo, Pre-recorded Interview with Pete Cowden
- Ms. Cory Interviews Two Shortridge Grads (share their SHS experiences)
- PIT week recordings (link to September 27th 2020 newsletter)
Academics
How are IB exam grades calculated? Check out this video explanation of how IB exam scores and Shortridge IB grades are calculated:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bgnv6E2Em9fwmCyZVPrqq63ykRXrEfrr/view?usp=sharing
MYP Updates:
"Hello SHS Families! A few updates from Mr. Merle - MYP Coordinator:
- Curious to learn more about the MYP Assessment system (Grades 9 and 10) at Shortridge? Look no further! The videos linked below are a "deep dive" into this system and how it differs from grading/assessment systems you may have encountered at previous schools. Reach out to Mr. Merle (merleg@myips.org) if you have questions!
This month, our IB Learner Profile focus is Caring
Technology Updates and Resources
Student Services
Meet the Student Services Team
Feel Good Friday -- weekly Mindful updates.
Athletics
Sectionals are upon us! Upcoming dates for these are:
Boys Soccer plays Pike at Carmel High School on 10/5 at 5:30
Girls Soccer plays the winner of Beech Grove/Greensburg on 10/8 at 7:00 at Batesville HS
Our Shortridge Booster Club is a wonderful organization that supports Blue Devil Athletics through social events and fundraising. Our athletic teams benefit greatly from their support and meeting with them every 4-6 weeks is a wonderful way to meet new people within our Shortridge community. If interested, please reach out to: shsdevilboosters@gmail.com
Craig Huljak
Athletic Director
Future Center
FAFSA-The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened on October 1. Any student planning to attend a 2 or 4 year college must complete this document in order to determine eligibility for student financial aid. To complete this document, go to fafsa.ed.gov
Helpful Resources
- Shortridge Financial Aid Night – October 27 – 6:00pm
- FAFSA Friday events offered through the Future Center
Key College Deadline Approaching
Many Colleges have a November 1 deadline to be eligible for merit based and other scholarships. The Shortridge Future Center encourages scholars to complete college applications by this date in order to not miss out on scholarship opportunities. It is always encouraged for students to check individual college websites for additional deadlines and scholarship opportunities.
SAT School Day for Seniors – October 27
IPS Will offer an SAT School Day for all seniors on October 27. Scholars can begin preparing for this test through Khan Academy. The Future Center will also hold test prep opportunities throughout the month of October.
Tutoring and Mentor Support for Shortridge Scholars through IUPUI
- Students will be matched with an IUPUI college mentor who will discuss academic goals, challenges, and support positive decision-making. In addition to mentoring services, tutoring is also available.
- College and career readiness workshops featuring topics to support student’s goals, such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) enrichment, college readiness tips, and more.
- Family engagement is so important to student learning and success. Family members will be invited to participate in a variety of workshops, webinars and informational sessions, such as positive youth development or college and career planning.
Interested families, please email Mrs. Harris, Future Center Coordinator at harria@myips
Andrea Harris – Future Center Coordinator – harria@myips.org – 317-426-8423
Christie Powell – Future Center Resource Associate – powellc@myips.org – 317-732-5088Chris Speckman – Writing Specialist – speckmanc@myips.org
PTSA -- Parent, Teacher, and Student Association
PTSA Zoom meeting on Oct 7th:
Topic: SHS PTSA October Meeting
Time: Oct 7, 2020 07:00 PM Indiana (East)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81192751048?pwd=RXVDS2pUVzJMeWxONXJxd1huajhRQT09
Meeting ID: 811 9275 1048
Passcode: SHS PTSA
We've extended the deadline to join the PTSA to September 30th! When you join, you'll get a nifty car magnet to show your Blue Devils Pride!
Samantha Weinbrecht
SHS PTSA President
FACE -- Family and Community Engagement
Rapid Re-Employment
The Employ Indy and Ascend Indiana online portal, Ascend Network, provides a centralized location for dislocated workers to connect with available jobs or training opportunities.
Listen | Apply for Rapid Re-Employment
Below is the link to Indy Rent Assistance Portal:
Become a JRF Scholar
https://www.jackierobinson.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JackieRobinsonPreview15-16.p
Malinda Scott
Family Community and Engagement Liaison
School Updates
School Photos
- Picture retake day will be October 23
- Students choosing to remain in remote learning can pickup their IDs the week of October 12
- Students returning to school will have them distributed the week of October 19
To view the update, click the link below:
http://myips.schoology.com/school/832932881/update/3101172749
Shortridge High school is creating a E-SPORTS CLUB and would like to know what demand there is for certain games. We are planing to register for High School esports league fall and spring majors. As a result this will help us for teams and group people together who want to play the same games.
To view the update, click the link below:
http://myips.schoology.com/school/832932881/update/3113570458
UPDATES
Check your email and your Class of GROUP (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Week of October 12 = All 5 days are required student days
Week of October 19 = return to in-person learning for high school students
SAVE-THE-DATE
October 27. SAT Day for all Seniors in the building*
November 3. Election day (no school in IPS)
November 6. ASVAB for all Juniors in the building*
‘* More Info to Follow
- October 19 = return to in-person school for students last name A-K who opted to return
- October 22 = return to in-person school for students last name L-Z who opted to return
- October 23 = Picture Day
- October 27 = District-Wide SAT Day
- Virtual Day for all high school students except grade 12 and life skills who will be in-person
- November 3 = Election Day = No School for Students or Staff
- November 6 = ASVAB testing for all juniors and 50+ seniors