#StayTRU
Truman High School Newsletter-March 2024
Hope, Love, & Inspiration
You know what they say, "March enters like a lion, and leaves like a lamb." While weather-wise that may not be true this year, for us at school, it is fairly accurate as we begin March with the end of 3rd qtr, Parent Teacher Conferences, Extreme Test Day, the beginning of spring season sports, and special events like celebrating our McCoy Medal Award winners as well as our Teacher of the Year, Ms. Sam DeGraeve and our Classified Employee of the Year, Mrs. Nicole Herod and holding the Military Ball.
As the lion transitions to a lamb, March gives us a chance to awaken from the dark, sleepy winter, and seize the opportunities of longer days and more temperate weather. March offers us the opportunity to focus on the character trait of "Initiative" as we dig in to focus on strong daily attendance and improved academics. Our Parent Camp event with Guest Speaker Josh Varner provides an opportunity to learn more about trauma, how it impacts our bodies and brains, and how we can support others who have/are experiencing it. With Women's History month, March beckons us to acknowledge the contributions women make in all aspects of society. We work hard in March as we begin the 4th and final quarter of the school year so that we can end strong. Students in general, with an end nearing in sight, seem to dig in and give their best in the attendance and academics. Teachers and students alike understand that every day of learning matters and the maximize every minute together.
And then finally, we end March like a lamb-with a day off of school, a chance to reflect and reset as we peacefully look towards April.
We are glad to experience all that March has to offer with you and your students.
Spring Conferences Tues., March, 12th and Weds., March 12th
The focus for Spring Conferences include a review of your student's Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) and your student's Course Requests for 2024-2025 school year. Ideally, we would like for your student to be with you for this review. To complete this review, you will need to be sure to visit your student's PAT teacher, but you are welcome to visit any of your student's teachers. All teachers will be located in their classrooms/teaching areas unless designated otherwise that evening.
Tues., March 12th Conferences from 3:30pm-6:00pm will be by appointment only.
Tues., March 12th Conferences 5:00pm-7:00 conferences will be first-come, first-served-an open/drop-in format.
Click the following link to sign up for MARCH 12th Conferences: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E094FA9AA2CA7FD0-44894889-parent
Weds., March 13th Conferences from 3:30pm-5:00pm will be first-come, first-served-an open/drop-in format.
Weds. March 13th Conferences 5:00pm-7:00 conferences will be by appointment only.
Click the following link to sign up for MARCH 12th Conferences: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E094FA9AA2CA7FD0-48397036-parent
To honor everyone's time, we ask that you keep conferences brief-no longer than 10 minutes-and schedule another time to speak at length if necessary.
Easter Craft & Vendor Fair
Who? All are welcome
What? Easter Craft & Vendor Fair
When? This Sat., March 16th 9am-3pm
Where? Truman High School-Big Gym/South Entrance
Why? To support our Girl's Wrestling Team. Come support small businesses by stocking up on Easter and St. Patrick's Day decorations and enjoy food from some food trucks.
How? Just show up! Bring a friend! Or, visit this link for the Facebook Group: https://fb.me/e/4oWrkwB7b
Parent Survey
Please take a moment to complete our Parent Survey at the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2yClSs_pMytlNnZOjMOXiDDmQNnrr0rUUBZoKA1uav4-CxA/viewform
The results of this survey help us improve a variety of items as a school from parent engagement events to how we spend Title I funds.
A Title I review meeting will take place later in March where we will review the results as well as some other pieces of data and feedback to prioritize plans for next year. If you would be interested in attending this meeting and/or being a member of our Title I Team, please email Mrs. Scott at ronda_scott@isdschools.org
Parent Camp Event with Guest Speaker Josh Varner
Join us for this event and bring your friends-neighbors, parents at any school, employers, pastors, officers-anyone who works with people, but especially young people will find this presentation informative and engaging. We hope many are able to attend as we come together to support our children and others in our community so we can be the best we can be. You do not want to miss this! Make the most of your Monday evening and join us!
Classified Employee of the Year-Mrs. Nicole Herod
Mrs. Herod wins this award in her first year at Truman High School! She previously worked in the Transportation Dept. where she did everything from dispatch and routing to driving a bus. She is the epitome of a team-player and we are glad to have her on our team. Please congratulate Mrs. Herod when you have chance.
Important Dates at a Glance-March & April
Mark Your Calendars!
MARCH
3/5-McCoy Medal Awards at William Chrisman High School
3/8-End of 3rd Quarter
3/11-School in Session
3/12-Extreme Test Day (College visit for all Freshmen)
3/12 and 3/13-Parent Teacher Conferences
3/18-No school for students-
3/18-PARENT CAMP EVENT-Guest Speaker Josh Varner 6:30pm Truman HS Auditorium. All community members welcome.
3/29-No School-Spring Holiday
APRIL
4/1-No School-Spring Holiday
4/6-Relay for Life
4/8-School in Session
4/10-Academic Letter Ceremony
4/11-Sr. Mtg during PAT-Cap & Gown Distribution
4/13-Connecting Hearts Gala-ISD Foundation
4/15-Non-Student Attendance Day (Monday School available)
4/19-4/21-Spring Play
4/24-PARENT CAMP EVENT-Highlighting Our PE Dept. and Self-Defense techniques
4/27-Senior Prom
4/30-EOC State Testing Begins (Alternative Bell Schedule)
4/30-Band Concert
Attendance Update
We are hopeful that with improved weather, flu season behind us, students & families are able to get back into routines of strong, daily attendance. Parents can support this effort by:
1. Scheduling appointments outside of the school day or when school is not in session.
2. Scheduling vacations when school is not in session
3. Speaking with children about the importance of attendance & setting goals for great attendance.
4. Discussing with students how important good attendance is at work
5. Identifying struggles/barriers to good attendance and reaching out to the school for assistance
Our 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year-Ms. Sam DeGraeve
Join us in celebrating our 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year, Ms. Sam DeGraeve. Ms. DeGraeve has been in the district since 2012 and at Truman for the last seven years teaching students in our autism program. She has been Teacher of the Year previously at Bridger 6th grade Center. If you see Ms. DeGraeve, please tell her congratulations!
EXTREME TEST DAY, MARCH 12th
What's the why behind this day?
Assessments of these types (standardized tests) help students, parents, and educators gather important information that helps families plan their student's courses in high school & their college and career steps, and helps educators plan for continued improved instruction & programming to ensure all students graduate college and career ready. When they receive results, students can identify areas of strength and areas for improvement. Additionally, it gives students some experience with national standardized testing as many will take some assessments more than once. The ACT is a college readiness exam and the Work Keys is a workplace readiness exam.
When is Extreme Test Day?
Tuesday, March 12th, 2024
Will we have normal classes on this day?
No, there will be a special schedule this day that will be shared closer to the date.
Who participates?
All juniors and some sophomores will take the ACT.
Sophomores who do not take the ACT will take the Work Keys.
All Freshmen will have college visits.
Seniors who have completed all required assessments prior to March 12th, have 90% attendance or better with no make-up time needed, and are on track towards graduation (not behind in credits or failing any courses needed for graduationare encouraged to attend a college visit or job shadow. Seniors who do not meet those criteria should plan on reporting to school that day.
How much does the ACT cost?
There is not cost for the ACT this as the district is picking up the cost.
Can students receive testing accommodations on Extreme Test Day?
Testing accommodations are available for students with IEPs or 504s on the ACT and WorkKeys. Administrators at Truman will work with ACT and WorkKeys to ensure students are granted appropriate accommodations.
Does Truman offer any test preparation for the ACT test?
Yes, in addition to the course curriculum, we are hosting a half day ACT Bootcamp on February 1st from 8 to 11 am. This half-day program is held during school hours at the building and is exclusively for students who are taking the ACT on Extreme Test Day. Outside presenters will be leading the session. The cost to students is $20 and includes an ACT workbook. Payment can be made through MySchoolBucks: https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/login/getmain.action. Students would be excused from their regular classes on this day. Test preparation materials are also available through the ACT website: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation.html. There are only 32 spots available. It will be on a first come first serve THE DEADLINE TO SIGN UP IS JANUARY 16TH
Beyond the ACT Bootcamp opprotunity, we do offer some free sessions as noted above. We will be sharing helpful information with students during their 5th block class each week to help them prepare. Finally, the best prepartion for any test is to attend school each day and engage in the learning the teacher is presenting.
We strongly encourage all students to take advantage of all of these opportunities to adequately prepare for the ACT. By dedicating time and effort to test awareness & preparation, our students will have a better chance of achieving their desired scores and opening doors to future opportunities. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the ACT administration or test preparation, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to support our students and ensure they have every opportunity for success. Thank you for your continued support in helping our students reach their full potential.
MCC College Classes for ISD students on Mondays for 2024-2025 School Year
Student and Staff of the Month for February for Cooperation
Student of the Month is Kaitlynn Xayaphet (Business Academy)-Nomination: "I think that Kaitlynn is one of the most cooperative students I have had in class. She not only does her work in class but then will help other students if they need help in any way she can to insure that they are keeping up on classwork as well. Kaitlynn has all A's and B's in class and helps out with Black Voices by helping with fundraisers for the group as well as giving out school supplies at the beginning of the school year and selling tickets for the upcoming Black Excellence dinner. Kaitlynn is respectful to peers and staff and would be an excellent representation of what cooperative means."
Staff of the Month is Emily Hornbuckle (Math Dept.)-Nomination: "What an asset we have at Truman, to have Ms. Hornbuckle on our staff. She has such a sweet and kind nature to all that she meets. She cooperates with her department by collaborating and sharing, she cooperates with building policies and enforces rules fairly. She works hard to help her students learn by designing engaging lessons and helping students in class. She works with the students for not only after hours tutoring but gives so much of her time on after hours student group activities."
Senior ads-same, space is filling up fast.
Purchase yearbooks and senior ads at yearbookforever.com.
The price for yearbooks increases in March, so order yours now!
Did you know.....
Downloading the School Messenger App is the best way to catch all voicemail, email, and text messages from the district and your student's school.
Click the link below to learn more about downloading the app and how it works.
Sports Schedules, School Gear Store, and more
Need to know when your student is playing?
Want to order some Truman Gear?
Want score updates?
Interested in joining our Patriot Booster Club?
Click the link below for your one-stop for all things Sports and Activities at THS.
https://gotruman.com/Sporting Event Reminders
1. All students need to show a current year school ID to attend all home and away events or be accompanied by their parent or gaurdian.
2. All middle school schools students must also have a current year student ID AND be accompanied by a parent.
3. No backpacks are allowed in to any events.
4. No re-entry: once students or patrons leave the event, there is no re-entry permitted.
5. All school rules apply to porting events-home and away.
6. Activity passes are available for purchase from our Activities office. Otherwise, there is an entry fee for all events.
Truman HIgh School Anti-Bullying Coordinator
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