April Newsletter
April
A Note From the Principal
Dear parents and Guardians,
As we welcome the vibrant energy of spring, I hope this message finds you in good spirits and ready for the engaging activities we have planned for this April. It's a pivotal time of the year, and I am filled with appreciation for our collective efforts to create a supportive and enriching learning environment for our students.
As we move forward into April, please take note of several key points and upcoming events that highlight this month:
State Testing: April is an important month for state testing. These assessments are crucial for understanding our students' progress and areas where we can enhance our educational approach. To support your child in performing their best, please ensure they are well-rested, enjoy a nutritious breakfast, and arrive at school punctually on testing days.
Progress Reports and 3rd Quarter Grades: I encourage you to check your child’s progress reports and 3rd quarter grades via Infinite Campus. This platform is an invaluable tool for keeping abreast of your child's academic achievements and areas for improvement. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's progress, please do not hesitate to reach out to their teachers. Collaboration and communication between home and school are fundamental to supporting our students' growth and development.
Spring Sports: Spring brings not only blossoms and warm breezes but also the thrill of spring sports. Our student-athletes are gearing up for an exciting season. We encourage you to come out and support our teams. The dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship displayed by our students are inspiring and deserve our collective cheers and encouragement. Let's show our school spirit and back our teams together!
We deeply value the connection between home and school and believe that through our continued collaboration, we can provide the best possible educational experience for our students. Your insights, involvement, and support are critical to this endeavor, and we are grateful for your active participation in our school community.
Should you have any immediate questions or would like to discuss your child’s progress, please reach out to us. Together, we can ensure that our students achieve their full potential.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support and commitment.
With GIANT PRIDE,
Cindy Schmidt
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) Testing Dates
Mr. Hageman's Government class took a trip to the Capital.
Updated COVID Guidance
The CDC has recently updated and released new recommendations and guidance for individuals that test positive for COVID-19. It continues to be best practice to stay home and away from others when sick and/or symptomatic. An individual may return to normal routines if they have had 24 hours of symptom improvement and 24 hours fever free (without the use of fever-reducing medication). It is important to recognize that one may continue to be contagious even when feeling better, therefore it is suggested to take extra precautions when returning to normal activity (ie. frequent handwashing, cover your cough, practice distancing from others, consider wearing a mask). Le Sueur - Henderson Public Schools will be adopting this new guidance. We ask that you continue to notify the school of any illness related absences.
Help Us Support Student Learning
As we navigate through the ever-evolving landscape of education, one issue that continually arises is the impact of cell phones on the school day. While these devices are undoubtedly powerful tools for communication and learning, their misuse can significantly hinder our students' educational experiences and development.
Research and our own observations have found that unrestricted cell phone use during school hours can lead to several challenges, including:
- Distraction: Even the most diligent students can find it hard to resist the allure of social media, games, or text messages, which can detract from their focus and engagement in class.
- Disruption: Cell phones can interrupt classes, not just for the user but for their classmates and teachers, affecting the overall learning environment.
- Dependency: Excessive reliance on devices for entertainment or social interaction during breaks can impede students' social skills and their ability to engage in real-life interactions and physical activities.
- Cyberbullying: Unsupervised use of cell phones increases the risk of cyberbullying, which can occur during school hours and contribute to a hostile and unsafe learning environment.
We understand that completely eliminating cell phone use may not be practical or necessary. However, we believe that certain measures can be taken to mitigate the negative impacts of cell phones on our students' learning experiences. To this end, we are reaching out to you, our parent community, to ask for your support in this matter.
How You Can Help:
- Discuss with Your Child: Talk to your child about the importance of focusing on their studies during school hours and the potential distractions and problems associated with cell phone use.
- Set Restrictions: Consider using parental controls to limit your child's cell phone use during school hours. Many phones and apps offer features that allow you to block access to certain apps or functions during specified times.
- Encourage Alternatives: Encourage your child to engage in alternative activities during breaks, such as reading, participating in clubs, or spending time with friends face-to-face.
- Lead by Example: Model good cell phone habits yourself. Show your child that it's possible to limit phone use and still maintain a balanced, fulfilling life.
We are committed to providing a learning environment that fosters focus, engagement, and respect for everyone. By working together, we can help our students understand the value of being present and fully engaged in their education. We believe that by taking these steps, we can enhance our students' learning experiences and help them develop healthier relationships with technology.
Rock Paper Scissors Tournament
World Autism Awareness Day -Wear Blue!
Off-Road Ready: ATV/UTV Safety for Every Ride
Information for Seniors
Scholarships
Scholarship deadlines are coming up! Please make sure your seniors are checking the LSH LSH Scholarship Google Doc regularly as new scholarships are being added frequently.
Financial Aid Information
It is now time for seniors to complete the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) if you are planning on attending any technical, 2- or 4-year college or university next fall. Please click the link to start your FAFSA application. Once your FAFSA application is complete, it will be sent to your selected schools around mid-March. Financial aid packages can be expected to be received from your college approximately mid-April, but will depend on each institution. For a step by step guide in both English and Spanish, please click the respective links. Federal Student Aid’s YouTube channel also has a variety of helpful videos that can be accessed here.
The Minnesota Dream Act, the state's financial aid application for students with undocumented status, is now available for students to complete. College-bound students who plan to attend college or career school during the 2024-25 school year should complete the 2024-25 MN Dream Act. Like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the application must be completed each academic year that the student is enrolled in college.
Students who complete the MN Dream Act are eligible for state-based financial aid, including the Minnesota State Grant and North Star Promise Scholarship, if they meet state residency requirements. Students can also receive in-state resident tuition rates and privately funded financial aid at Minnesota public colleges and universities. Please click here for additional information and application. Please contact Mrs. Jessica Kirschner, School Counselor, for any questions at jkirschner@isd2397.org or 507-665-5807. All inquiries will remain confidential.
Important Dates and information for seniors
If your student is amongst those receiving scholarships and awards, please be sure to let the counseling department know so we can celebrate their hard work.
Click this link for LSH Scholarship Opportunities
April 26: Information for Class of 24 highlight in papers due to Newspaper or office
May 8: Scholarship night Wednesday (students receiving scholarships and their families)
May 10: HS Awards Program
May 17: Rehearsal 8:10 am- 12:00 pm, Senior Walk and picnic
May 19: Baccalaureate 7:00 pm
Wednesday May 22: Graduation 7:00 pm High School Gym.
Upcoming Events
April 6: Retail & Business Expo @ 6:00pm MS Gym
April 12: 2 Hour Early Release
April 23: Band Concert 7:00 pm HS Auditorium
May 4: Prom / Grand March 7:30 HS Auditorium
May 10: 2 Hour Early Release
Teacher Fellows Program
About Us
Email: cschmidt@isd2397.org
Website: https://www.isd2397.org/
Location: 901 E Ferry Street, Le Sueur, MN, USA
Phone: 507-665-5800