Little Elm High School
Weekly Newsletter - April 28, 2019
Teachers Matter
Teaching and teachers have come a long way since the day of the one room school house. Today teachers welcome and embrace students from varied ability levels, with many different home languages, while teaching more concepts at an ever increasing difficulty, as they themselves try to stay ahead of the technology curve. Teachers not only have to be experts in their content area, they must be masterful relationship builders. Teachers did not choose their profession because of large salaries, or lavish benefits, or great fame. Teachers chose to dedicate their professional lives to students who are our future doctors, lawyers, soldiers, scientists, actors, presidents, CEO’s, CFO’s, nurses, teachers, police officers, fire fighters, librarians, inventors, bankers, stock brokers, pilots, architects, engineers, and all the other professions that must know how to read, write, and calculate.
The one thing teachers need to hear is that they make a difference. Next week (May 6-10) is the National Teacher Appreciation Week and the National Teacher Appreciation Day is Tuesday, May 7 but LEISD is celebrating one week early due to STAAR testing. Please take a moment to personally thank a teacher that made a difference in your life, in the life of your child, or in the life of a child you care deeply for such as a niece, nephew or grandchild. An easy way to show one or more of these teachers that they are appreciated is to send them a Lobo Shout Out!
We will celebrate and thank our teachers at LEHS all this week in conjunction with LEISD Teacher Appreciation Week so please join us in making sure they know that the investment they are making in our students is not only noticed but appreciated. In the words of Professor Stephen Hawking, “Today, we need great teachers more than ever. We must always remember teachers matter.”
Renee Pentecost
Principal
Little Elm High School
Send an Ecard to your LEHS teachers!
Websites with FREE Ecards to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week:
1) https://www.greetingsisland.com/ecards/thank-you/teacher-appreciation (all free)
2) http://www.123greetings.com/events/teachers_day/ (all free)
3) https://www.crosscards.com/cards/holidays/teachers-day?p=1 (all free)
4) https://www.baudville.com/epraise (all free)
5) http://www.dgreetings.com/teachersday/ (all free)
6) https://www.adoptaclassroom.org/ThankATeacher/ (3 video designs all free)
7) https://www.americangreetings.com/cards/ecards/celebrate-the-date/for-teachers/_/N-2aizd3ZaeyibpZ1x91zju (1 free video design)
8) https://www.hallmarkecards.com/ecards/collections/teacher (requires a subscription)
9) https://www.punchbowl.com/ecards/teacher-day (6 out of 8 designs free)
10) https://www.bluemountain.com/ecards/search/teacher (4 free options with another 12 options available for a small fee)
I hope you will take a few minutes to send an ecard to the teachers who make a difference every day!
LEHS Teacher of the Year 2019 - Mrs. Vericker
While Mrs Jessi Vericker has been voted the 2019 Teacher of the Year, she really is a teacher that could receive this distinction every year. Mrs. Vericker cares about her students not just what her students should learn. She has pioneered restorative practices in her classroom, giving students a safe place to share with each other the things that are on their mind. The circle time she facilitates is something students look forward to and it creates an environment where students want to learn. Mrs. Vericker puts students first in all that she does. Whether she takes on another course to teach because students need someone or she plans her own medical appointment around what is best for her class schedule, Mrs. Vericker will go to extraordinary lengths to do what is best for her students. She has been known to walk a struggling student to other classes to make sure they know she cares enough to hold them accountable. She works with students who need a different setting in Evening Academy ,Summer School, and Homebound. If there is a LEHS student who needs her help, she will find a way to be there for them. It is through all of these selfless actions that Mrs. Vericker has quickly become a teacher that students, parents, and colleagues respect and look up to. Her love for students, humble attitude and passion for making a difference sets her apart. She is so very deserving of this honor and we are grateful for all that she does to make LEHS better place for all who she comes in contact with.
Congratulations Ms. Simon's!
Click the image above or the link below to read about Ms. Simon's acceptance into the Liftoff Summer Institute for Science Teachers!
Last Week's Appreciation Activities for our Office Staff
Senior Activities MAY Calendar
Here is a calendar to print and keep handy so you don't miss any of the end of year events!
Important NEW Graduation Information
Final Exam Details: Please Read Carefully
Seniors:
- Thursday, May 16th and Friday, May 17th are FULL attendance days. You may leave after your last exam if you have transportation (walk, drive, or parent pick-up). If you stay on campus to wait for a ride, you must still report to scheduled classes.
- For example:
- On Thursday, May 16th - if you must take your 5A period exam but are exempt for 6th and 7th period exams then you may leave after period 5A IF you have turned in your exemption cards to each of your scheduled class teachers.
- On Thursday, May 16th - if you are exempt from all of the exams that day (5A, 6th, and 7th periods) you may leave after 4th period IF you have turned in your exemption cards to each of your scheduled class teachers.
- On Thursday, May 16th - if you have Early Release BUT NO Exemptions then you may leave at your normal dismissal after 5A.
- On Friday, May 17th - if you have Late Arrival AND have exemptions for ALL exams that day (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5B,) you must still come at your normal time to check into 3rd period for attendance purposes. You may leave if you have transportation (walk, drive, or parent pick-up) AND you have turned in your exemption cards to all scheduled class teachers.
- On Friday, May 17th - if you are scheduled to take all exams BUT have exemptions for all exams, you still must check in for the day's attendance in the auditorium 1st period AND turn in your exemption cards to all scheduled class teachers then you may leave if you have transportation (walk, drive, or parent pick-up).
Underclassmen:
- Friday, May 17th and Monday, May 20th are FULL attendance days. You may leave after 5th period if you are exempt for your exam on that day and you have transportation (walk, drive, or parent pick-up). If you stay on campus to wait for a ride, you must still report to scheduled classes.
- On Tuesday, May 21st ALL students will report to the first scheduled exam (4th period) for attendance. If you have exemptions for the remainder of the day (4th, 5A, and 5B periods) you may leave after the 7:25 AM announcement if you have transportation (walk, drive, or parent pick-up). If you stay on campus to wait for a ride, you must still report to all scheduled classes and should bring something to study or read.
- On Wednesday, May 22nd ALL students must report to the first scheduled exam (3rd period 7:20 AM to 8:35 AM) for attendance. If you have exemptions for the remainder of the day (1st, 2nd, and 3rd periods) you may leave after the 7:25 AM announcement if you have transportation (walk, drive, or parent pick-up). If you stay on campus to wait for a ride, you must still report to all scheduled classes and should bring something to study or read.
- On any exam day a student may leave when they have finished the exam period of their last exam for the day if they have transportation (walk, drive, parent pick-up).
ALL students:
- Students choose which class(es) they want to request an exemption and notify the teacher. Exemption cards will have eligible classes printed on the card.
- Teachers will have final approval of exemptions if the use of the exemption could result in a failing grade.
- ANY absences after exemptions have been printed can void the exemption. Teachers will verify eligibility if absences occur May 13 - May 22.
- Students must be present on exam days even if they are exempt.
- Each teacher will initial the exemption card to verify the exemption has been used and collect exemptions used in their class. Cards will be turned into Mr. Reza's office during check-out.
- A MISSED EXAM will be averaged as a zero and can impact whether a student earns credit for the course.
- Transfer students must attend school in district for a minimum of one full quarter to be eligible.
April: Fine Arts Month
Congratulations to LEISD Bands!
Congratulations to the LEHS Octathlon Team!
LEHS Octathlon Team Wins BIG!
Jack Weikert - 3rd place in Scholastic Essay
Jacob Smith - 2nd place in Varsity Science
Elijah Clements - 1st place in Varsity Science, 1st place in Varsity Economics, 3rd place in Varisty Music, and 4th place Overall Score in the Varsity Division!
Please congratulate these students on an outstanding performance!
Click image below to submit a Lobo Shout Out!
Monday, May 6 - STAAR Biology EOC, All Freshmen and Biology re-testers
Tuesday, May 7 - STAAR US Hisotry EOC, All Juniors and US History re-testers
Wednesday, May 8 - STAAR Algebra EOC, All Freshmen and Algebra re-testers
Also see the AP Testing Calendar linked here.
In preparation for these important graduation requirements, we are planning some specialized tutoring during the school day. In January we administered a STAAR benchmark assessment from TEA and experimented with a block schedule. As you know we have one period (5th) that is already on a block schedule (meets every other day). While this schedule is not practical for the entire year, it was a successful schedule for providing extra time for special projects. We will use this special schedule on the following dates:
LAST BLOCK DAYS THIS WEEK: Tuesday, April A-30, Wednesday, May 1-B
A days odd periods; B days even periods - See bell schedule below.
This schedule allows for extended time (1 hour 45 minutes each period) on a single day. While this extended time will allow EOC teachers the opportunity for strategic EOC preparation, other teachers will have the opportunity on these dates to plan other extended time projects needed in their content area.
Softball
Lobo Softball Heads to Second Round of Playoffs
The Lobo Softball team will now go to Grand Prairie to play Mansfield Legacy. See series details below.
LITTLE ELM vs MANSFIELD LEGACY - AREA SOFTBALL PLAYOFFS: GAME 1: Thurs, 5/2 7pm GAME 2: Fri, 5/3, 7pm GAME 3: Sat, 5/4 12pm ("if needed")
***All games at Grand Prairie HS
Baseball
The Little Elm Lobos now head into the playoffs and will play Brewer HS in the first round. See details below.
LITTLE ELM vs BREWER - BI-DISTRICT BASEBALL PLAYOFFS:
GAME 1: Thurs, 5/2 7:30 PM
GAME 2: Sat, 5/4, 12:00 PM
GAME 3: Sat, 5/4 3:00 PM ("if needed")
***All games at Northwest HS
Order your Lobo Baseball Playoff shirts here: https://www.agpestores.com/lewislet/groups.php … (Women’s run a size smaller than men’s). Deadline Sunday, 4/28 at midnight.
Regional Track and Field Meet
LEHS Track and Field Athletes Compete in Lubbock
Brandon Crossley finished 6th in long jump at 44’10”.
Kennadi Harris finished 7th in Discus at 112’6”.
Brandon Crossley finished 4th in Long Jump with 22' 9.25".
Kennadi Harris finished 4th in Shot Put with 38’ 5.75”.
Steveanna Hearn finished 5th in 200m 25.42.
Kofi Forson finished 7th in 200m 22.21.
Mehdi Yanouri 13th in 400m dash.
Breylan Parker 12th in 110 high hurdles.
Shamiso Zhiumo 9th in triple jump.(PR).
Girls 1600m Relay (4x400) finished 4th and ran a NEW SCHOOL RECORD 4:03:91! Amari Wright, Makyla Campbell, Steveanna Hearn, Cameryn Boykin
Click on banner above to go to the LEHS Graduation web page for the latest information on graduation.
Ticket Sales Update
Tickets are now:
$75 EACH
$140 COUPLES
See Ms. Busher in Room 2255B.
Prom Salon
Each year CIS offers free hair and make up before prom for any of the students attending LEHS. We usually host it at Little Elm Public Library, but since they are booked the day of the prom, the location is TBD. It most likely will be at the school. Please pass on the info to your students. The sign up is below.
May 18th from 11am-2pm
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
Prom Dress Code
If your prom date has graduated or attends a different high school, the linked form must be filled out and turned into Ms. Bausher in Room 2255B by May 10th.
Please note that if your date has graduated, a background check is required. Please go to this link and have your date fill it out before May 10th.
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.
Teenagers who are anxious or depressed often turn to pot or alcohol to make themselves feel better. It's easy to get, their friends are doing it, and there’s no stigma attached. It may actually help with their symptoms in the short term. But substance use can also delay and undermine their ability to get effective, lasting help and put them on a collision course with addiction.
This week on childmind.org we feature a comprehensive guide to substance use and mental health disorders, developed in collaboration with the Partnership for Drug Free Kids. In it we examine how substance use interacts specifically with disorders in adolescents and young adults — how does it affect symptoms, behavior, treatment, and long-term prognosis? The guide is for both parents and teenagers themselves, it’s downloadable, and we hope it will enable families to make decisions that will be effective for them, now and in the future.
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
Summer Camp Opportunity for those interested in Maritime Transportation Academy
Attention Parents/ Students/ Stake holders;
The Department of Engineering at Texas Southern University , in collaboration with the Army funded UNITE program, will host the Annual Pre-College Engineering Summer Program. The program encourages and prepares students to pursue a college education in engineering and related fields, as part of a national initiative to develop a talented and trained STEM workforce. Application is FREE. Application forms are available online at http://engineering.tsu.edu
Application Deadline: May 31, 2019
PROGRAM DATES: June 24, 2019—July 19, 2019
TIME: 9:00AM– 2:00PM
STIPEND: $400.00 (Full Attendance Required)
LOCATION: TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS
For more information email Marcia Robin-Stoute at Robinms@tsu.edu or Marcia.Robin-Stoute@tsu.edu
If any assistance is required please feel free to contact me at Robinms@tsu.edu or Marcia.Robin-Stoute@tsu.edu
Application Link: https://goo.gl/forms/A0P52x7ACaIqtmZP2
Spring College Readiness Dates to Remember
- TWU GO Center every Tuesday
- Senior Scholarship Recognition Assembly May 1
- College Search Series and College Fair June 12
Scholarship Opportunities
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
Important Dates
Important Dates –
Friday, April 26 MacBook turn-in begins
Seniors - April 26 & 29
Sophomores - April 30 & May 1
Juniors - April 30 & May 2-3
Freshman May 13-14
April 30 (Tues) - Career Signing Day 1:30 PM
April 30 (Tues)- Underclassmen Awards, 6:30 PM at LEHS Auditorium
May 1 (Wed) - Shattered Dreams speaker 10 AM Assembly, 11th grade only
May 1 (Wed) - Top Ten Luncheon at The Tribute by invitation (11 AM - 1 PM)
May 1 (Wed) - LEHS Scholarship Assembly 2:00 PM, LEHS Auditorium
May 2 (Thurs) - Shattered Dreams Video and Crash Scene, 11th grade only
May 3 - 4 (Fri - Sat) - Senior Lock In and Breakfast (9:00 PM 5/3 - 8:00 AM 5/4)
May 6-10 (Mon-Fri) - STAAR EOC Testing (Monday - Biology, Tuesday - US History, Wednesday - Algebra)
May 7 (Tues) - Spring Band Concert, 7:00 PM at LEHS Auditorium
May 13 (Mon) - Spring Choir Concert, 7:00 PM at LEHS Auditorium
May 14 (Tues) - Spring Jazz Concert, 7:00 PM at LEHS Auditorium
May 16 (Thurs) - Senior Awards, 6:30 PM at LEHS Auditorium
May 16-17 - Senior Exams
May 16 (Thurs) - Senior exams periods (5A, 6th & 7th periods)
May 17 (Fri) - Senior exams periods (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5B) - Underclass 7th period exam which is double blocked (1:05 PM - 2:55 PM, no 6th period on this day)
May 18 (Sat) - Senior Prom 7:30 PM @ The Springs Event Center Aubrey, Texas
May 19 (Sun) - Class of 2019 Baccalaureate Serve at Cross Ridge Church 5:00 - 6:00 PM
May 20 (Mon.) - Seniors - 8:00 AM, Cap & Gown Panoramic and Lobo Legacy Walk
May 20 (Mon.) - Underclassmen - Last regular day of instruction for periods 1 - 5A and 6th period final exam which is double blocked (1:05 PM - 2:55 PM no 7th period this day)
May 21 (Tues) - Class of 2019 Graduation Rehearsal at LEHS Main Gym 8:00 AM
May 21 (Tues.) - Exams (periods 4, 5A, 5B), early release @ 11:20 AM
May 22 (Wed.) - Exams (periods 1, 2, 3), early release @ 11:20 AM
May 23 (Thurs.) - Graduation @ UNT 10 AM
Appreciation Dates -
- Administrative Professionals (Secretaries) Week - April 22 - 26 (LEISD Administrative Professional Day, April 24)
- LEISD Teacher Appreciation Week - April 29 - May 3
- National Teacher Appreciation Week - May 6 - 10
- School Bus Driver Appreciation Day - May 2
- School Lunch Hero Day (Child Nutrition) - May 3
- National School Nurse Day - May 8
- National Police Appreciation Week - May 13-17
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