Little Elm High School
Weekly Newsletter - January 27, 2019
Are You Ready For It?
Program Spotlight - DECA
DECA is a student organization whose members are smart dedicated individuals involved in preparing for successful careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. DECA members are experienced in workplace skills and are leaders within their peer groups and communities. The majority, generally Juniors and Seniors in high school, hold jobs and many own their own businesses. Eighty-six percent of DECA members will pursue post-secondary education. DECA is a co-curricular program, designed to be an integral part of the classroom instructional program. DECA provides teachers and members with educational and leadership development activities to merge with the classroom instructional program, teaching the skills that a successful career in business requires.
To accomplish DECA’s goal of providing authentic, experiential learning to prepare members for college and careers, DECA uses on-the-job experience, chapter projects, and competency based competitive events in 35 occupational areas. The LEHS DECA chapter also plans and hosts the LEHS College Fair each fall, organizes and promotes the annual campus canned food drive, and sponsors a Prom Fashion Show each year. Chapter activities are recognized as a part of the total educational program because they develop leadership skills, professional attitudes, business competency, citizenship characteristics and social growth of the individual. DECA activities provide members with opportunities to serve in leadership roles, work in teams and receive local, state and international recognition.
If students are interested in a career in the areas of marketing, finance, hospitality or management, they should talk to their counselor to find the courses that will support their career goals and then see Mr. Hutley to find out how to join DECA. A wise man once said, “Passion is the difference between having a job or having a career.” DECA can help students find their passion and ultimately find their career.
Renee Pentecost
Principal
Little Elm High School
Congratulations to LEHS DECA!
- Alaishya Golden - Apparel & Accessories Marketing
- Edel Fernandez & Jannely Alcala - Buying and Merchandising Team
- Bella Argenting & Aimen Shah - Creative Marketing Project
- Andrew Mendoza & Tyler Deponte - Business Law & Ethics Team
- Sam Doyle & Christian Elskamp - Buying & Merchandising Team
- Elizabeth Molina - Accounting Applications
- Gold Iro & Tajirah Washington - Hospitality Services Team
- Julia Herrera - Business Services Marketing
- Amy Lamberson - Learn & Earn Project
- Annabella Riatti, Yaiza Larrauri, Alexander Wainwright - Buying and Merchandising Operations Research Project
- Lucas Roper - Automotive Services Marketing
- Madison Bray - Apparel & Accessories Marketing
- Nassra Maghembe & Cole McCluskey - Entrepreneurship Team
- Michael Hernandez - Human Resource Management
- Razeen Zaman - Business Services Marketing
- Sarah Jones - Food Marketing
- Tatum Mowery - Quick Serve Restaurant Management
- Thomas Palasciano - Restaurant & Food Service Management
Coming Next Week: A Spotlight on HOSA
HOSA Competes in Area Competition
Reminder: Order Your Yearbook!
Just a reminder that the last day to order yearbooks is next Friday, February 1st. Typically, very few extra copies are ordered, so in order to guarantee that you receive a yearbook from your senior year, don't forget to visit www.jostens.com or room 1229 before next Friday. Online orders may be paid by debit/credit card, and there is an option for payment plans. In-person orders must be paid in full by cash or check in Mrs. White's room (1229). Cost is $65.
Sherri White--English Teacher
English III/ Journalism/Yearbook
LEHS 972-947-9443, ext. 21229
LEHS Students of the Month - January
Colton -
Mr. Perry - "Colton is a very quiet student with a very bright mind. Even though he is a quiet kid, when he does make a comment, it usually strikes like Monty Python. Very funny, very under the radar, and totally worth it. I have had him in AP English III and AP English IV, and each year he becomes more and more impressive!"
Mrs. Pope - "Colton is a very curious and intuitive student. He constantly strives to do his best and takes time to learn all that he can. He helps his classmates when needed and is always there to lend a hand or provide assistants when ever it is needed. He has become a wealth of knowledge for the classroom."
Heavin -
Ms. Hidalgo - "Since day one, Heavin has been a wonderful student who's also very creative and talented in the Arts. She's shown her sense of humor through her artwork and her good taste in movies as well (we both dressed up as Marty and his son from Back to the Future for 80's throwback day without planning it!) She's also a helpful classmate. Her neighbors can count on her if they have any questions or help. She deserves this award and I'm so happy I get to see her grow this year as a person and artist."
Mrs. Quint - "Heavin is an excellent student in class. She is a hard worker, helps other students with the assignment and is extremely well behaved. Heavin joined FCCLA her freshman year and participated in all activities through our organization. Heavin offers new ideas and is the first student to help when FCCLA needs it. She is the FCCLA Treasurer this year and will compete in the Focus on Children event at the FCCLA Region Conference in February."
Mrs. Garrett - "Heavin made a great impact with her social justice project on immigration. Here is the website she created: https://immigrationrights.my-free.website/
She always goes above and beyond expectations during class. In her free time, she volunteered to work on Beto O'Rourke's campaign (and she can't even vote yet!). I'm not at all surprised that she's been chosen as Student of the Month. She is a fantastic student!"
Mrs. Middleton - "Heavin is a wonderful student & very deserving of Student of the Month honor! She is kind and respectful to both teachers and classmates, and is always happy to help explain how to work a problem to a struggling classmate. She works well with her lab group as they talk through problems and seek solutions."
Mrs. Bobo - "Heavin is a conscientious, hard working student. She exhibits a positive outlook and attitude. She often assists other students. Heavin strives to be the best studentshe can possibly be. "
LEHS Winter Guard at Coppell Competition
Congratulations to the LEHS Winter Guard on their first competition performance of the season!
January is School Board Recognition Month
Thank a School Board Member!
January is School Board Recognition Month and Little Elm ISD is joining other districts across the state to thank these community volunteers for their commitment and contributions to our public schools. Preparing today’s students to be productive citizens and the leaders of tomorrow is a tremendous task. As elected officials, school board members are the voice of their communities, serving first and foremost in the best interest of our schoolchildren. We proudly salute these education advocates as they provide vision and leadership for student achievement, academic programs, district funding, and school facilities. Their service ensures that decisions about local public schools are made by those most familiar with the needs of our community’s children and families.
Great leadership always begins with a willing heart, a positive attitude, and a desire to make a difference. It’s more important than ever before that the public support public education so that today’s students are prepared to be productive citizens and the leaders of tomorrow. Please take a moment and tell school board members ‘thanks for caring about our children and giving so much to our community.’ Let them know we support them and that their dedicated service is recognized and truly appreciated. Please join us as we applaud these local leaders for planting the seeds of success!!
Thank you -
Melissa Myers, Board President
David Montemayor, Board Vice President
Jason Olson, Board Secretary
Dan Blackwood, Trustee
DeLeon English, Trustee
Alex Flores, Trustee
LeAnna Harding, Trustee
LEHS salutes you!
Save the Date - February 7th!
Are you an underclassmen and making decisions about advanced courses for next year that will set you up for success in college, then the event in the cafeteria is for you! We will have a representative from OnRamps that will share the advantages of Dual Enrollment classes with you and answer questions. Our NCTC representative will also share the requirements, advantages, and admission procedures for students seeking Dual Credit opportunities. Advanced Placement teachers will also be available to share the unique advanced studies opportunities through the College Board Advanced Placement program. Come out and learn about all of the great ways LEHS is providing advanced course pathways for students.
Lobo Honors: Students Recognizing Teachers
Students - if your letter and ultimately your honorary teacher are selected, you both will attend the awards banquet on April 12, 2019!
See the letters linked below for more information.
Practice Pays Off: Jazmín Regalado (Fort Sumner, NM)
College Board Communications 08/09/17
In an article titled “Student Shows Improving Standardized Test Scores Takes Practice, Not Money,” NBC News profiled Jazmín Regalado—a rising senior, student athlete, and aspiring medical student from New Mexico—who used Official SAT Practice to boost her test scores by hundreds of points.
Here’s an excerpt from the article:
Standardized test scores matter — higher test scores greatly increase a student's chances of getting into better, more competitive schools, resulting in more choices for scholarships and financial aid. While teens may get discouraged from re-taking standardized tests if their initial scores are low, the good news is that practice and the use of free online sample prep and testing can make all the difference.
Just ask Jazmín Regalado of New Mexico.
Regalado, 17, is a rising high school senior at Fort Sumner High School. She'll be the first from her mother’s side of the family to attend and finish college. Regalado wasn’t satisfied with her initial PSAT score (the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) test administered by the College Board). She tested in the “red” range: meaning she needed to build her reading and math skills.
Instead of becoming discouraged, she sought the advice of a school counselor who told her to sign on to Khan Academy for free online tutorials.
“I logged on to the Khan Academy account at least an hour a day—here were some days I’d study for more than an hour,” Regalado said. “I’d look for specific videos for PSAT and SAT practice. I love the way they explain things in the videos. They give you sample problems and then you solve them.”
By the time she took the test again this past spring, her score had increased 101 points. Her SAT score also jumped 120 points when she took it in June.
Read Jazmín's full story on NBC News and watch her talking about Official SAT Practice below.
LEHS is Providing a FREE SAT® During the School Day on MARCH 6
LEHS will be offering the SAT® to all juniors at Little Elm High School on a school day. Students typically have to sign up for a Saturday test date on their own, but we will be registering all juniors to take it on Wednesday, March 6th – free of charge! We think this will allow ALL of our juniors the opportunity to show colleges that they’re ready.
Each student will be allowed to send their scores to up to four colleges, universities, or scholarship programs for free, so students need to begin thinking about where they’d like to send their scores. They will have an opportunity to mark their four choices on their answer document when they take the test.
Students should have received an email from College Board with instructions on how to access their PSAT/NMSQT® scores from October, and on how to set up a College Board account. Please check your school email account if you missed it and set up your College Board account. Once you’ve set it up, you’ll be able to link it to a Khan Academy® account and take advantage of free SAT test prep. Khan Academy will give you a personalized study plan based on your PSAT/NMSQT scores.
Why practice?? A study of 250,000 seniors from the class of 2017 found that 20 hours on Khan Academy helped students increase their scores by an average of 115 points from the PSAT to the SAT. Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy helps students work on the areas they need it most. Khan Academy has 8 full-length tests written by College Board, video lessons, and thousands of practice questions – all online so students can practice whenever and wherever they’d like. And it’s free! Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy can be found at satpractice.org.
Questions about the SAT day opportunity see Mrs. Heller in Room 2100.
Questions about signing up or accessing your College Board account see Mrs. Keisha Brown in the library.
Boys Varsity Basketball at Lake Dallas 1-25-19
Action pictures courtesy of LEHS Yearbook - Thanks, Ms. White!
Congrats to LEHS Tennis!
Planning for a Potential New Student Club -ESports!
Little Elm High School is continually looking for ways to provide opportunities to tap into the interests and passions of our students. Online gaming is no different. Due to interest expressed by students we are assessing how many students would like to participate in an ESports club. If you are interested in being on the first ever LEHS ESports team, please comlete the survey found here.
CIS Invites Students to a UNT Visit and Basketball Game
Click on banner above to go to the LEHS Graduation web page for the latest information on graduation.
Seniors: Have you ordered your graduation Cap and Gown?
Senior Parents and Students
CIS hosts a Prom Showcase at NCTC Corinth for students attending prom needing a dress or suit, jewelry, shoes, and accessories. It is free for all students, and any LEHS student is welcome to attend. They will have a short presentation about NCTC, lunch/ snacks, and a great time picking out prom clothes. The signup for students is below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScECr9UWwRAxrC0TMuzqe0762o3xMqpRWBW1l9FGJPvq64cuA/viewform
The event is March 2nd from 9am to 1pm at NCTC Corinth. Please let me know if you have any questions!
Amanda Zimmerman, MS, LPC
Traditional Site Coordinator at Little Elm HS, room 2229
Communities In Schools of North Texas
Office: (972) 947-9443 ext. 20016
Are you an Alum of LEHS?
It is our pleasure to announce that our LEISD Communications department is embarking on the first steps of creating an official Alumni Association for LEHS. We understand that there may be some existing alumni Facebook page(s) and we are trying to make it easier to communicate with alumni. Our LEISD Eduction Foundation has also been working on this project and we're hoping to use the power of our social media to strengthen their efforts.
1. Please use the form, linked here, to submit your alumni information. Share, share, share this form as you see fit to all current alumni groups or individuals.
2. LEISD Communications has created an email address where alumni can get information and communicate with the District - alumni@littleelmisd.net
3. An alumni webpage is a work in progress -www.littleelmisd.net/alumni to share even more information.
We are hoping to capture as many class of 2019 students as we can before they head off to their next adventures. This will be a great place to start - but that's not all. We want as many alumni as we can find, from as far back as we can go. If we could manage to get a few well known alumni to Tweet or share with their alumni friends the efforts can multiply quickly.
Please share, share, share with your contacts, social media outlets, or however you need. Help us engage our alumni to connect our Lobo Nation. One Community, One Pack Alumni united can benefit our current students and keep the Lobo Spirit alive for generations.
Resources from the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens
Articles On Teen Vaping
Report Harmful, Harassing, and Bullying Behavior
LEISD has an on-line tool called "Anonymous Alerts" that students, parents, and teachers can use to report harmful, harassing, and bullying type behaviors. Anonymous Alerts bullying reporting mobile app helps combat bullying and other negative activity in schools by empowering students to speak up. Social and peer pressures are some of the hardest obstacles for students to overcome. Anonymous Alerts encourages students, parents and staff to quickly, easily, and anonymously report bullying, cyber-bullying, gang-related issues, and other sensitive topics through private messages to school officials by building. All reports remain completely anonymous even during a two-way email conversation, although submitters have the option to reveal their identity if they prefer to have a person-to-person discussion.
To send a report from the Web/Internet go to: www.anonymousalerts.com/littleelmisd/
To send a report from your phone:
- Download the Anonymous Alerts® app for free from the Apple Store, Google Play store, and the Chrome store
- Start the App, enter login: leisd and password: leisd
- Send important reports to school officials
- Add a screen shot or photo about the incident
Scholarship Opportunities
No one succeeds in college alone. That’s why the Jackie Robinson Foundationoffers promising minority students a generous four-year grant to assist with college costs as well as a support network of fellow scholars, alumni, and professional mentors to help them excel in college and beyond.
The application deadline is February 1, 2019, eligible students should apply right away. Learn more about the Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship.
Two Scholarships Available from TheDream.US
The application deadline for the Opportunity Scholarship Award, which provides scholarships up to $80,000 for first-time college students, is January 31, 2019. The application deadline for the National Scholarship Award, which offers scholarships up to $33,000 for high school or first-time college students and community college graduates, is February 28, 2019. Visit TheDream.Us for more information on eligibility, how to apply, and FAQs.
Texas UIL Scholarship
This scholarship is to honor Bettie Gonzalez, mother of six, who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 38. The scholarship is available to any college bound girl who is motherless for any reason. We believe that every young woman should have a chance at achieving her goals and fulfilling her dreams. We would like to be a part of empowering her on that journey toward her education goals. We are looking for that young woman who is motivated to do all she can to achieve her dreams!
Amount
The $1,000 Scholarship will be divided equally between semesters in the first year. Mentoring will also be provided if desired.
Payment
Funds will be released upon proof of enrollment. It is the responsibility of the recipient to send documentation confirming enrollment for each semester. The check will be made out jointly to the recipient and junior college, college, or university of the student’s choice.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen or legal, permanent resident with a permanent resident card
- Graduating high school senior
- Motherless daughter who is motivated to achieve her dreams
Application Process
Applications are available NOW and may be downloaded from www.BDGhope.org
To be considered, applicants must send or email completed application by March 30th , 2019 to: Bettie D. Gonzalez Foundation of Hope 1472 Sandstone Dr. Frisco, TX 75034 Or email to: scholarhip@BDGhope.org
Application can be accessed from here.
Students whose parents or family are on the Bettie D. Gonzalez Foundation Board of Directors are not eligible for this scholarship. For questions, please contact: info@BDGhope.org
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for this award, applicants must:
- demonstrate at school, at the workplace, and within the community the attributes of leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship;
- demonstrate strong academic performance (minimum 3.0 grade point average/4.0 scale or equivalent);
- be citizens of the United States of America;
- be current high school seniors attending high school in the United States (students living on U.S. Armed Forces base and homeschooled students are also eligible); and
- plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study toward a bachelor’s degree at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States for the entire upcoming academic year.
Semifinalists will be required to provide a recommendation from a community leader, such as a high school principal, elected official or executive director of a nonprofit organization, and must provide documentation to certify academic performance and financial need. Finalists will be interviewed via Skype or telephone by a member of the selection committee. Learn more about the qualifications of a GE-Reagan Foundation Scholar. Counselors and teachers, download the flyer using the link below:
Eligibility
The Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers is available to prospective teachers who are currently in, or plan to enter, an eligible teacher preparation program at a Raising Texas Teachers partner university. Aspiring Teachers can apply in the fall of any year between their senior year of high school and junior year of college. See below for the lists of eligible programs at each university.
To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be committed to teaching in a majority-economically disadvantaged school or in a shortage subject area (in a school where more than 50% of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch, or as a math, science, bilingual, or special education teacher) in a Texas public school. Preference is given to Texas residents. Visit the scholarship website here for more information.
he Charles Butt Scholarship application opens on September 17, 2018. The close date for applications for each program is listed below. To receive the scholarship, you must also be admitted to the university through which you are applying.
University - Close Date
Our Lady of the Lake University (Residency program) - January 18, 2019
Rice University - January 15, 2019
University of Houston - January 18, 2019
Southern Methodist University - December 14, 2018
Texas A&M University- Special Education program - January 10, 2019
Texas Tech University - December 1, 2018
Trinity University - January 18, 2019
University of North Texas-Dallas - December 7, 2018
UTeach Natural Sciences at UT Austin - February 9, 2019
UT Austin College of Education - February 9, 2019
UT-Rio Grande Valley (STEP UP) - January 18, 2019
If you have any questions, please email Raisingtxteachers@ryht.org.
Terry Scholarship
For more information: https://terryfoundation.org/future-scholars/freshman-scholarship/
Selection Criteria
- Academic Achievement
- Demonstrated Leadership
- Financial Need
Affiliated Universities
- The University of Texas- Austin
- Texas A&M University
- University of Houston
- Texas State University
- The University of Texas- Dallas
- The University of Texas- San Antonio
- Texas Tech University
- University of North Texas
- Texas Woman’s University
- Texas A&M University- Galveston
- Sam Houston State University
- The University of Texas- Arlington
- The University of Texas- El Paso
Scholarship Search Site Provided by College Board
College Covered
While you are there, check out the website College Covered. Do you want to know what you need in a winning college essay, what college entrance test score you need, or what makes a top notch college application? Get what you need to help get into the college of your dreams with the help of College Covered.
An App Matches Students with College Scholarships They Can Use
Little Elm High School
Chris Reza - Associate Principal (creza@littleelmisd.net)
Alen Palislamovic - White House Principal A - E (apalislamovic@littleelmisd.net)
Ruben Molinar - Grey House Principal F - Li (rmolinar@littleelmisd.net)
Kyle Heller - Blue House Principal Lo - Ri (kheller@littleelmisd.net)
Terilyn Thomas-Monday - Gold House Principal Ro - Z (tthomas-monday@littleelmisd.net)
Website: http://www.littleelmisd.net/Domain/9
Location: 1900 Walker Lane, Little Elm, TX, United States
Phone: (972) 947-9443
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Elm-High-School/736775073135970?notif_t=page_fan
Twitter: @LittleElmHS