Palmer High School
Principal's Post
Parent-Teacher Conferences
It is hard to believe that November is just around the corner. We have just completed the tenth week of the school year and we will host parent-teacher conferences this coming Monday and Tuesday (October 30th and 31). To accommodate for parents working schedules we will host a long day on Monday with teachers available from 7:15 am to 7:00 pm (with the exception of lunch and planning from 11:00-12:00).Tuesday, we will be available from 8:00 am until 11:30 am.
Did you know that there is a direct correlation between student achievement and parent involvement? Studies show that students are likely to have higher grades and test scores, improved attendance, and are better adjusted socially when their parents are involved in their education. I often feel that parents find that when their student reach the high school level there is a disconnect. I encourage you to carve out the time in your busy schedules to meet with your student's teachers. I think you will find we offer a friendly and welcoming environment here at Palmer High, and regardless if they will acknowledge it or not, your student appreciates the extra effort. We hope to see you this Monday and Tuesday.
Digital Citizenship
Our ever-changing world involves more and more technology. This changing landscape in education and business comes with a new vocabulary. Snap chat, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube are all examples of social networks that our students are all too familiar with. While these formats provide an age of connectedness, there are also inevitably negative aspects on how one uses them.
At the start of the school year, we host class assembly. I took this opportunity to teach our students about digital citizenship. To my surprise, the students were not aware of this term. Digital citizenship by definition, is a person who develops the skills and knowledge to effectively use technology in a responsible and civil manner.
This is a conversation that administration have with our students on a weekly if not daily basis. Digital citizenship requires students to exercise personal management skills, and it is a skill that many students need to improve on. Please take the time to talk to your student about how they feel about their skill set when it comes to their devices. Ask the question, are you in control of your device, or is your device in control of you? If and when you come into teacher conference, inquire with their teachers about their self-management skills with their cell-phones. We will certainly appreciate the added support on this topic.
IB Test Deadline.
Students who plan on taking IB exams this spring need to register for those exams by November 7. Questions can be directed to IB teachers or our IB coordinator. This can be paid for and accessed on School Cash Online.