PHS March Newsletter
2022
Hello Pella Dutch!
Thank you for your continued support! GO DUTCH!!!
Adam Beckel
Principal
Derek Schulte
Assistant Principal
2022-23 PELLA’S SCHOOL REGISTRATION IS OPEN ONLINE: DEADLINE IS MARCH 31
Parent-Teacher Conferences March 3rd: 4:30 - 8:00 PM
IOWA STATE ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT PROGRESS (ISASP): PRACTICE TESTS
On March 21, all 9th, 10th, & 11th graders will do their ISASP Math practice test in their math class while 10th graders will do their ISASP Science practice test during their science class.
On March 24, we will have a school-wide practice test for the Iowa State Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) for all 9th, 10th, & 11th graders. Students will report to their 4th period class at 8:10 a.m. for the practice tests. Seniors will not need to report to school until 9:00 a.m. on practice test day.
INFORMATION ON THE IOWA STATEWIDE ASSESSMENT (ISASP)
The state of Iowa will continue to use the state assessment that will be given to every student in grades 3-11 during the fourth quarter of this year. The test is called the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student progress or ISASP. The Pella Community Schools will give these tests March 28-April 1.
The tests are not timed. Students can take as long as they need but the following guidelines have been given to us for planning.
Reading - allow 60 minutes for grades 3-11
Math - allow for 60 minutes for grades 3-11
Language Arts / Writing - allow 120 minutes for grades 3-11 ( we will split this over two days)
Science - allow 60 minutes for grades 5, 8, and 10
Students will only take one test per day.
Questions are now varied in style including essay, short answer, and multiple choice.
The students will be taking practice tests in class on March 21 in the subject areas of science and math. On March 24, students will take practice tests in reading and writing in a “test day” format. This will introduce them to the format and help them learn the tools that are built into the online system for grades 3-11. If you would like to view the practice tests for any grade level, they are available at this link. We appreciate you communicating the importance of the test with your child and the importance of them doing their best. We want to show how truly great we really are!
REPORT CARDS FOR YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY
If your insurance company is in need of your child’s report card, please print the report card from the DOCUMENTS section on your Campus Parent Portal. Please, do not print off grades from the GRADES section. If you need assistance to access your child’s information, please contact Allissa Grandia at allissa.grandia@pellaschools.org.
ACT Test Prep & Registration
As students plan for taking the ACT test, there are multiple ways to prepare. The course work at Pella HS during a student’s junior year includes much of the content the ACT is testing.
An ACT workshop is planned at Pella High School for March 9 & 10. An instructor from the ZAPS company will lead students in a classroom setting workshop with tips and strategies for the ACT standardized test. It is encouraged for juniors to take the ACT test in April or June if they are anticipating attending a four year institution. Visit the Doorway to College website for registration, study tips and stats on the ZAPs workshop benefits.
The ACT registration website has all testing dates and deadlines for the Spring ACT testing dates.
There are also free online ACT test preparation options on the ACT website.
College Planning and Financial Aid
Pella High School will be hosting a Financial Aid Night for junior students and parents to gain insight on the college financial aid process. On Monday, April 11th, please join ICAN at 6:00pm in the PHS Auditorium to learn more.
The planning for post-secondary education greatly hinges on financial aid for families, especially as educational costs continue to rise. The regulations within the financial aid world have changed, and families of seniors are allowed to apply for aid starting October 1st of senior school year. Visit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) website to begin.
The ICAN (www.icansucceed.org) organization is a fabulous resource for families.
It is a free resource in Iowa, for any assistance about the online filing process and policies, please contact them. Virtual appointments are available to assist with any questions or concerns in regards to your family's financial aid process. Junior families, the best time to schedule an appointment for assistance will be in the fall.
OPEN CAMPUS NEXT YEAR
Please continue to make attendance and grades a priority for your students, as Open Campus eligibility for next year’s juniors during SMART Lunch and seniors during open periods is determined this semester. Parent permission for Open Campus for next year’s juniors and seniors is found in the 2022-23 Online Registration. No paper forms will be sent home.
SENIOR VOLUNTEER HOURS
The Digital Culture of Kids
Technology can do so much good in the world. But if not used well, it can also do so much harm. Never before in human history have young people had the ability to so radically change the trajectory of each other’s lives so quickly.
After 6 years, over 1,300 presentations, testifying in front of Congress, and countless conversations with parents, students, educators, and officers, PYE has discovered that parental controls alone don't work and instead, there are 5 traits that often determine digital success in many families. We call these 5 traits the Digital Trust Framework. What is Digital Trust? Do you have it? How does it apply to conversations about social media? Pornography? YouTube? TikTok?
Our fast-paced talk will use stories, simple examples, and quick tips that will give your family immediate actions.
Our desired outcomes include:
* Knowing the benefits of creating digital trust.
* Greater confidence leading your family in the digital age.
* Awareness of the hardware and software tools that support your digital goals.
Doug Crawford, COO: Doug is a faithful husband to Rose, father to five uniquely gifted children, and friend to everyone he meets. He has been with Chris since the early days of Protect Young Eyes and is driven by his desire to provide for, prepare, and protect those entrusted to his care. Doug is frequently interviewed by a variety of media outlets, including articles, podcasts and local news stations around the country. With over 20 years of experience helping students and their families around the world, Doug seeks to serve each audience with compassion, integrity, and a dash of whimsical flair. You can visit the team at ProtectYoungEyes.com/about.
Instagram: instagram.com/protectyoungeyes
Facebook: facebook.com/protectyoungeyes
Website: protectyoungeyes.comParent Informational Event - March 21 @ Tamory Hall 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Student Assembly Presentation - March 22 @ Pella High School
School Calendar
Semester Two
March 2: Professional Development: 90-Minute Early Dismissal
March 3: HS P/T Conferences 4:30 - 8:00
March 9: Professional Development: 90-Minute Early Dismissal
March 11: End 3rd Quarter
March 14-18: Spring Break
March 21: Begin 4th Quarter
March 22: 9-week grades are due
March 23: Professional Development: 90-Minute Early Dismissal
March 28-31 ISASP Testing Week
April 6: Professional Development: 90-Minute Early Dismissal
April 11: Financial Aid Night
April 12: 12-week grades due
April 15: No School - Good Friday
April 18 No School
April 23: Junior/Senior Prom (Format Pending)
April 27: Professional Development: 90-Minute Early Dismissal
May 3: 15-week grades are due
May 5: Tulip Time - 11:15 Dismissal
May 6: Tulip Time - 11:15 Dismissal
May 11: Senior Awards Night
May 11: Professional Development: 90-Minute Early Dismissal
May 18: Seniors Last Day
May 20: Graduation
May 23-25 (9th -11th) : Semester Assessment, Laptop Return, & Student Check-Out
May 26: Last Day of School - 12:30 Dismissal
May 27: Final grades are due
May 27: Teacher Work Day