The Sophomore Spirit
Team 2021 Updates and Information
Welcome to the Sophomore Year
Ways to Stay Informed
E-mail: A lot of essential information is shared via e-mail, so it is important that e-mail is checked regularly to stay informed.
BHS Website: There is a whole section devoted to parent resources and student resources. You can also find valuable information in the guidance section. Many questions parents have can be answered by investigating the website.
Twitter: BHS has a "twitter culture" where lots of information is shared on a daily basis.
- @BHSPrincipals
- @BHScounselors 2
- @studentsbhs
- @BHS College Ready
- @bhsdogs
Facebook: Search Brownsburg Community School Corporation and options will appear
Remind 101 for specific information related to Team 2021:
- Text 81010 to @bhspt2021
PowerSchool: This is a tool that parents and students can use to track grades on a daily basis. Instructions are available on the BHS website.
PSAT
All sophomore students will take the PSAT (free of charge) on October 10th. This is a practice for the SAT which will give students an idea of how well they would perform on the actual test, but it is also a tool that we use to determine placement in dual credit classes. Please try to avoid appointments in the morning on this day so that all students can participate; there is no make-up date. Students will take the PSAT again next year for another checkpoint and to try and qualify for National Merit Scholar. It is recommended that students take the SAT or ACT in the spring of their junior year
Please Avoid Appointments the Morning of PSAT as There is NO Make-up Date- If a Student Misses the Test, He/She Misses the Opportunity to Take it Sophomore Year
ISTEP Testing Information
From the Indiana Department of Education:
Every Indiana student in the graduating class of 2019 and beyond must demonstrate mastery of the Indiana Academic Standards measured by the ISTEP+ Grade 10 English/Language Arts and Mathematics assessments. The ISTEP+ Grade 10 Math Assessment is based on standards adopted in 2014; the Grade 10 English Assessment is based on standards adopted in 2014.
General Testing Information:
Ø ALL 10th graders will take the English and Math tests this year. The test is broken into two parts: Part 1 is predominately open ended questions while Part 2 is predominately multiple choice.
Testing Windows:
- English/Math Part 1: February 25th-March 22nd
- English/Math Part 2: April 8th-May 3rd
Brownsburg High School Preparations:
Ø English and Math teachers will provide in-class test preparation lessons throughout the year for all students taking an ISTEP test. This is in addition to regular course curriculum.
Ø As students show that they need additional support on key standards and skills, math and English teachers may assign at-home, online practice for students to complete.
Naviance
1. On the main BHS webpage, navigate to the tab on the left side of the page labeled "BHS Guidance"
2. Once there, find the Naviance tab on the left side of the page.
3. Username is the student ID #
Password is the student's birthdate as an 8 digit code. For example, if your teen's birth date is August 8, 2003, you would enter 08082003 as the password
4. Use the tabs at the top to explore the site. There information that is most relevant to freshmen is on the college tab and career tab.
- Please do NOT change the password
- Always use the Naviance that is on the BHS website. If you Google search, it won't work
Work Permits
Work permits are available in the main office from Mrs. Clary. Students must have a job before we can issue a work permit. We ask that permits be turned in for processing by 3:30pm if you would like it back the same day.
Mrs. Mehrtens and Mrs. Birkofer do NOT issue Work Permits
Driver's Education
Students have an option to take online courses or courses taught at BHS after-school. For after-school courses at BHS, there are three sessions:
- Session 1: Sept 17 through Sept. 28
- Session 2: Nov 26th through Dec. 13th
- Session 3: Feb. 25th through March 14th
Please see the link below for more information or contact them directly at 317-759-5560.
Dress Code
With days that give us warmer weather, summer outfits often make their way into school. It's important to note that not all articles of clothing - no matter how cute they may be - meet the dress code requirements. Particularly, shorts must be at or very near fingertip length and tops MUST HAVE SLEEVES, so tank tops (even ones with a wide strap) and jerseys are not allowed.
Sometimes students will make it through their day without being addressed on a clothing item, but that does not guarantee it meets dress code; it may be that an adult just didn't notice the garment due to the student sitting behind a desk, being blocked by a crowd of people in the hallway, etc. Please double-check with your child next week to make sure that everyone keeps in compliance throughout the end of year.
Full details on the dress code can be found in the student handbook.
Check PowerSchool for Grade Updates Regularly
Contact Teachers with Questions or Concerns
Community Service is Important
- Mission trips
- Start a community service project
- Explore organizations of interest (Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, Humane Society)
- Join a school club that is service oriented such as Key Club or Environmental Club
National Honor Society
- Scholarship
Must take rigorous and academically challenging courses and have a GPA of 3.8 or higher. - Service
This involves voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation. - Leadership
Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others. - Character
The student of good character is cooperative; demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others; and generally maintains a clean disciplinary record
Parent Meetings
Team 2021 welcomes parents to join us for parent meetings. We are available to discuss any concern or topic desired.
Common topics include:
-Academic progress
-College Career counselling
-Q and A
-High School Transition
-Four Year Planning
Please contact Mrs. Birkofer to get one scheduled
Team Contact Information
Mrs. Lori Mehrtens Counselor ext. 1603 lmehrtens@brownsburg.k12.in.us
Mr. JB McCallum Academic Coach ext. 1608 jmccallum@brownsburg.k12.in.us
Mrs. Celestine Birkofer Admin Asst. ext. 1601 cbirkofer@brownsburg.k12.in.us