#StayTRU
Truman High School Newsletter-April 2024
Counting the Days, but Making Them Count!
It's the time of year that students-especially seniors, and yes, some staff- start counting the days until the end of the school year. Countdown clocks, calendar days crossed off at day's end, a number in the corner of the white board-all testament to the fact that everyone looks forward to the end of a school year. Muhamad Ali is quoted as saying, "Don't count the days. Make the days count." Here at Truman HS, we couldn't agree more.
Counting the days is completely understandable and normal. First, what awaits most everyone is the break-summer vacation. I've seen friends post countdown clocks of the number of days separating them from the current moment and their cruise/trip to Cabo/Disney trip-you get the idea. Everyone looks forward to a break, a vacation for the rest and relaxation, but also for the adventure of new places, sights, sounds, and experiences. Summer beckons us to count the days.
Second, this is normal because every school year has a beginning, a middle, and a natural end. Students and staff work hard all year. Teaching, learning, and growing is hard work! And everyone does this hard work amidst the challenges of life, the ups & the downs. We should all be looking forward to celebrating the hard work put into a year's worth of learning and progress-especially parents! The goal is that we are all changed-we are not the same people who began the year in August. We have met new people, experienced new things, learned new ideas & concepts, developed our skills & talents. We are different and I like to believe we are better for having traveled that journey together.
BUT WE ARE NOT DONE! There is much work to be done in the days and weeks that remain. Much to be learned & accomplished, many experiences yet to have, and so very much to celebrate. In fact, it is in these final days and weeks that some of the most important learning takes place before students show what they know and can do on final assessments.
So, WE MUST MAKE THE DAYS COUNT. As of the day this is being written, there are 34 days of school left-fewer than that for Seniors. We are committed to making each day count with your students. We hope you join us in this effort by sharing this message with your student, by making sure they are at school each day, by encouraging them to engage & participate in class, by helping them make good decisions. We are grateful that you share your students with us and look forward to making each day the best possible day!
Parent Square in the ISD-Are you connected yet?
We are excited about the enhanced features and functionality of this new school-parent communication platform.
Daily Attendance notifications are now going out through Parent Square and will no longer go out through School Messenger.
While we are in the voluntary/transition period from School Messenger to Parent Square, to ensure you do not miss any communications, you are encouraged to download the app, activate your account, and familiarize yourself with the new platform.
We will be doing this as a school as well.
You can access the following link which will take you the Parent Square landing page on our district website. Here you will find links, QR codes, and training videos.
Here is the link: https://www.isdschools.org/parentsquare/
Monday, April 8th-School Attendance Day and Solar Eclipse
Just a reminder that we do have school on Monday, April 8th.
We are excited to view the partial eclipse having last done so in 2017.
We will have a slightly altered schedule (much like an assembly schedule) to ensure all students and staff can view the partial eclipse. We have ISO approved glasses for everyone to have a safe viewing.
Important Dates at a Glance-April & May
Mark Your Calendars!
APRIL
4/1-No School-Spring Holiday
4/3-Title I Plan Review Mtg.
4/6-Relay for Life
4/8-School in Session-Solar Eclipse
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
MAY
5/8-Senior Awards Night 7pm THS Auditorium
5/9-Senior Grades Due 3pm and Orchestra Concert
5/10-Senior Chromebook Check-In and Legacy Walk
5/14-ISD Senior Career & College Fair
5/15-Graduation Practice, Legacy Ceremony, Senior Salute and Tentative Baccalaureate Service
5/18-Graduation Ceremony 5pm Truman High School
5/24-Last Day of School
Attendance Update
Attendance by the numbers:
Goal for 23-24 SY: 75% of students have attendance rate of 90% or better.
Current: 73. 82% of students attendance rate of 90% or better
244 students have 85%-89% attendance rate.
If all of those 244 students improved their attendance, and those who are currently 90% or better maintain their attendance, we can exceed our goal.
We are close to our goal, but it is more important than ever that all students are at school each day, for the whole day, in order for individual students and the school to reach our goal. Some of the most important learning of the year takes place in these last days and weeks with final projects, reviews, exams, etc.
Why is attendance important? Because students learn and perform better when they attend school.
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 and life in the future
5. Identifying struggles/barriers to good attendance and reaching out to the school for assistance
Spring Assessments-what you and your student need to know
End of Course Testing, AP Testing, District Benchmarks and Finals
What are all these tests?
1. EOCs-End of Course Exams required by the State of MO or Project Lead the Way courses.
2. AP-Advanced Placement Tests given for all AP courses. Some students may receive some college credit based on their score.
3. District Benchmarks-Tests written by the district given at the end of a unit of study in English, Math, Social Studies, and Science courses.
4. Finals-A comprehensive exam, project, or performance given by individual classroom teachers to reflect student knowledge and skill in that course. Sometimes, a teacher will use the District Benchmark as the Final Exam.
What are EOCs?
End of Course exams are two-fold. Some PLTW courses have End of Course exams.
The State of Missouri requires all districts give the following End of Course exams:
Algebra I (or Algebra II for students who took Algebra I in 8th grade)
American Government
General Biology
English II
The State of Missouri requires that all graduates have taken the above assessments, unless they received credit for the course from a another school, state, or country.
Why are they important?
These assessments provide students, families, teachers, and the district with some indication of what our students know and can do. Their performance helps us adjust and create curriculum and assessments, improve instruction, and support students for success.
When are EOCs given?
The test are given digitally during the student's class time.
4/30-5/3: American Government, Biology, and English II
5/7-5/10: Algebra I and Algebra II
Will we have normal classes on these days?
We will, but we will be on a Block Schedule, which means some days will we will only meet for EVEN periods (2,4,6,8) and some days we will only meet for ODD periods (1,3,5,7). The longer class periods on testing days help ensure students have plenty of time to complete their test.
Who participates?
All students enrolled in and passing the tested course.
Can students receive testing accommodations on EOCs?
Testing accommodations are available for students with IEPs or 504s, but there are also Universal Tools that are provided to any student.
How can I prepare my student for success on these exams?
-Promote strong, daily attendance
-Hold students accountable for completing coursework
-Promote good sleep habits
-Provide sensible meals like breakfast
-Promote positive mindset about school and around tests.
We seek to provide an appropriate testing environment for all students so they can do their best, and we want to encourage all students to take their time and do their best on the tests. This is their chance to show what they know and what they can do. Their teachers have prepared them well, so there is no need to be nervous or stressed.
Senior Prom and Project Prom
Senior Prom
Who can attend?: At Truman, Senior Prom is for eligible seniors and their eligible guests.
When & Where: Saturday, April 27th at Hilton Garden Inn in Independence from 7pm-10pm
Cost: Tickets are $50 a piece. (Includes charge for facility, DJ, and food/drink)
Eligible students may purchase their tickets on My School Bucks April 16th.
Attire: Prom is a formal event. Most students dress in formal gowns/dresses, tuxes, suits, etc.
Eligibility Requirements:
-90% attendance so far for the school year
-Passing 7 of 8 classes-`
-No major discipline (ISS/OSS)
-No obligations
Mrs. Herod emailed the interest form to all seniors on March 28th.
This form must be completed no later than April 8th by 3pm
Project Prom:
WHY: Keep the celebration going at the After Prom Party! A Lock-In style event that offers seniors a safe way to continue the celebration of their class.
WHERE & WHEN: Bridger Middle School/Henley Aquatic Center.
11pm-4am. Must arrive by 11:30pm
WHO can attend: Seniors and their guests who attend Senior Prom may attend Project Prom. Seniors who do not attend Prom may attend Project Prom for $10.00.
WHAT: Swimming will be offered early in the evening along with a variety of sports (basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and dodgeball) as well as inflatable bumper balls, ping pong, corn hole, and other yard games available throughout the night. Showcased entertainment will be caricature art, a comedy show, and fortune telling/tarot reading. There will be other activities including escape boxes, a murder mystery game, karaoke, board games, coloring pages, henna/temporary tattoos, and a movie. Also, on hand all night will be plenty of food! Enjoy pizza, wings, popcorn, cookies, cake, chips, candy, a coffee/hot chocolate bar, and more. Last, but not least, there will be over $1,250 worth of prizes and giveaways including gift cards, Diamond Club Royals’ tickets, and a cash prize!
This event is sponsored by our Truman High School PTSA. They are looking for parent volunteers to help with the event. Contact Robin Crick or Madora Graffeo if you can help.
Truman High School-PTSA Truman Patriots Club Facebook Page-https://www.facebook.com/groups/297650478495369
Twitter Page-https://twitter.com/THSPatriotsClub
Caron Education Alliance-Free Substance Abuse Awareness and Prevention Resources for Parents
Please see the youtube link below as well as an attachment about these free resources.
MCC College Classes for ISD students on Mondays for 2024-2025 School Year
Enrollment for Fall 2024 Begins Monday, April 8th
Enrollment for Fall 2024 term is just a few days away. We are excited to continue this partnership with MCC to give our students the opportunity to take college credit courses on Mondays. We wanted to send out a few important reminders for students and parents. Please see the flyer attachment for more details.
Enrollment Opens April 8th - these courses are designed with ISD students in mind, but they are also open to our general student population - so inquiring early is very encouraged to hold a spot in the class. Once a class is full it is full.
- Students who wish to enroll in classes need to complete the inquiry form for consideration: https://forms.office.com/r/CnZzdzr6QL
- MCC will enroll students once we have confirmed placement test OR high school GPA for those students who have submitted an inquiry form
- Payment for classes that start fall 2024 will be July 15th, 2024. Balances can be paid online through the student portal, in person at the Blue River Enrollment Center, or over the phone by calling 816-604-6534
- Any student or parent who would like to discuss dual enrollment more can schedule an appointment with me here: Book time with Singleton,Sarah M or they can email me at Sarah.Singleton@mcckc.edu
Missouri HealthNet Insurance Eligibility Information
We'd like to make all of our families aware of the Missouri HealthNet Insurance Eligibility Information for all children from birth through age 18 are eligible, depending on income levels. Information for how to apply is on the flyer.
This information, along with the link to the application, is available at https://isdschools.org/familyresources under "Physical Health".
Student and Staff of the Month for March for Initiative
Student of the Month is Zoe Ann Banks (Public Service Academy)-Nomination: " Ms. Banks is the epitome of the word initiative. Zoa-Ann goes way out of her way to help all of the younger JROTC students. That is a big reason why they all call her "MOM". She has no problem staying afterschool to help a cadet with marching. She is at school early every morning to put up the US Flag. At no time does she every complain about any of this. She helps out with the Raiders team, she teaches all of the new Raiders how to tie their seat for the one rope bridge."
Staff of the Month is Megan Schwindler (Librarian)-Nomination: "Megan takes the time to initiate conversations that foster productive outcomes with both students and colleagues. She reaches out to those around her to set up fun learning opportunities and is always willing to help people. She shows great focus on her work and is a great example of someone who shows initiative."
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
Are you following us?
Truman High School Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/THSPatriots Official Twitter: @THSPatriots Truman High School Official Sports Updates Twitter: @GoTrumanPats Truman High School PTSA -Truman Patriots Club Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/297650478495369 Twitter: @THSPatriotsClub Truman High School Counseling Center Instagram: @counseling_ths Twitter: @Counseling_THS Truman Student Council Instagram: @trumanstuco1 Truman High School Library Media Center Twitter: @truman_library Independence School District Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISDSchools/ Twitter: @ISDschools