#StayTRU
Truman High School Newsletter
Hello, September!
We hope to continue that momentum as we focus on our goals and priorities for the school year.
1. Relationships and Engagement-We want all students and families to know we welcome you here. We want students to be engaged in every class, everyday, but we know that happens best when parents are engaged and connected with the school, and when teachers, admin, counselors & all school staff have strong positive relationships with students and their families. Only when this foundation is strong, can we achieve our goals.
2. Culture of Expectations and Results-We aim to foster a culture where we all have high expectations of ourselves as educators, and of our students. We want our students to have high expectations of themselves. Overall, we are committed to supporting one another and our students, holding one another accountable so we can all achieve the results we desire of ourselves and our school.
3. Improved attendance and academic outcomes-You will hear a great deal about attendance this year. There are more details in this newsletter with regards to specific statistics about our attendance and our goals for improvement. The bottom line is we can and we must do better. Improved attendance will lead to improved academic outcomes, but so will our continued commitment to engaging, rigorous, relevant learning.
We hope you take the time to read all of the information in this newsletter and encourage your parent friends to do the same. The more we communicate and work together, the better the experience for our students.
September is Attendance Awareness Month-Let's Show Up Together!
Did you know......
*Pre-Covid, approx. 8 million students were considered to be chronically absent
*Post-Covid that number has doubled to 16 million
*Pre-Covid between 83 and 86% of students at Truman HS attended school 90% or more.
*In the 22-23 school year, 73.93% of students attended school 90% or more.
*Students are chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of the school year
*Research shows that students who miss fewer than the equivalent of two (2) full days in September continued to miss fewer than two days a month for the remainder of the school year
*This year, we have 155 instructional days with students (140 at the time of this newsletter), so students who miss the equivalent of 15 full days of school or more for the year will be chronically absent?
*There are 72 instructional days in first semester, which means students missing the equivalent of 7 or more days 1st semester would be chronically absent.
*Students who averaged 15 days of being absent per school year in grades K-12 would miss 195 days of instruction/learning over the course of their educational career. That's more than a year's worth of instruction.
As you can see from the statistics above, chronic absenteeism is a critical issue facing the country & our school. Chronic absenteeism can stem from many sources: lack of sleep, lack of transportation, lack of other resources, school avoidance/anxiety, chronic mental & physical health issues, etc. We can & must do better in helping our students value the importance of daily attendance, set up routines & create good habits that promote daily attendance, and identify & address the barriers that contribute to chronic absenteeism.
This year, our goal is to improve student attendance by just over 1% to 75%. That is a modest goal and we believe we can exceed it, but we need your help.
This year, we will focus on Getting R.E.A.L to Attend Today so we can Achieve Tomorrow.
This semester, each student should Strive for Less Than 5 absences between Aug. 21 & Dec. 22nd.
So what is the school doing?
1. As always, we are focusing on building strong, positive relationships with all students and amongst students so everyone feels comfortable, safe, and welcomed at school.
2. We continue to focus on designing engaging and relevant learning that students are eager to attend school for.
3. This week, all students will be setting an attendance and academic goal for this semester. Teachers will be checking in weekly with students to monitor their progress & celebrate achieving their goal.
4. We send daily robo calls when students miss class so you can monitor their attendance.
5. We will send 4 & 7 day letters when a student has missed 4 days of any class as a gentle reminder that when they miss 7 days of class, they are in jeopardy of not receiving credit for the class.
6. We require 90% attendance to attend all dances and purchase a parking permit.
7. We require 90% attendance in each class or we deny credit for the course.
What we really desire is for students to want to be here, to want to learn and grow, to want to discover and pursue their dreams.
So what can families do?
1. Promote a positive attitude about school in general. Have high expectations of daily attendance at home.
2. Avoid appointments and vacations during school days
3. Educate themselves on how the school calculates attendance (see FAQs below)
4. Encourage outside groups (scouts, church, employers) to recognize students with good school attendance.
5. Communicate with their students about their attendance & academic goals mentioned above and support those goals at home as well.
6. Monitor and track student attendance on Powerschool
7. Reach out to the school for assistance when navigating chronic absenteeism issues.
8. Use the Get R.E.A.L. Framework below when talking to students about attendance:
- Showing up matters for R.E.A.L because it is an opportunity to:
Build Routines
Increase Engagement
Provide Access to resources
Support Learning
- Routines: Establishing a routine of daily attendance helps reduce stress at home, and supports a habit of attendance that will help your teenager get and keep a job.
- Engagement: Being in school helps students to get to know each other and school staff and builds relationships that can motivate participation in learning.
- Access to Resources: Schools provide access to valuable resources such as meals, health, mental health supports and fun enrichment activities such as sports, clubs, music, and other afterschool and summer programs.
- Learning: Students who attend school regularly do better academically are more likely to graduate from high school.
Parent FAQs about Attendance
How is my student’s attendance calculated?
We say "the equivalent of full days of school" above because student attendance is calculated by the minute, so when students arrive late to school, are tardy to a class, skip a class, or check out early for appointments, all that time adds up to equal full days missed.
But if I call and excuse my student’s absence, it doesn’t count against their attendance, right? Wrong. It is a common misconception that excused absences (which show up in Powerschool as "EXC") do not count against a student’s attendance. ALL absences count against a student’s attendance, whether excused or unexcused. While we may make provisions at the school level for medical absences, funerals, etc., all of those absences still do count in a student’s attendance rate. And of course, whether excused of not, the student has missed out on critical classroom instruction that cannot be replicated. An excused absence is is one where the parent has notified the school they are aware of the student's absence.
So what are unexcused absences then?
Unexcused absences, (which show as "A" in PowerSchool), are absences that the parent has not communicated to the school. It could be for an entire day(s), or a single block (ie, a student skips).
What about doctors' notes, appearances in court, funerals, etc.?
We understand that students may miss due to the reasons above, which is why good attendance the rest of time is so important. Unless students are truly ill, they should attend school. When we have doctor's notes, etc. we are able to code the absence as "M" in Powerschool. Here again, all these absences still counts in a student's attendance rate and they have missed important instructional time with their teacher and classmates. While we may take these absences into consideration at the school level when it comes to credit for classes and privileges like dances and parking permits, it is still a part of their attendance rate.
My student’s attendance doesn’t really effect anyone except my student so I don't see what the big deal is.
Also a misconception. A student’s absence effects many people-the teacher who has to take extra time away from other students to get a student caught up, grade late work, etc. It effects other students who are relying on classmates to show up, to contribute to group projects, and class discussions. Many man hours are taken up accounting for student absences.
What is an NG and why would it show up on my student's grade card instead of a grade?
An NG stands for No Grade. This shows up on a student' grade card when they have missed 7 or more days in any course. Once a student has missed 7 days, the are denied credit for the course. They will be put on Attendance Probation for the next semester and be required to make-up the missed time on Monday schools AND maintain a 90% attendance rate before we can award them their grade/credit. This can cause issues with staying on track towards graduation as well as MSHSAA eligibility.
What if I have tried everything I can and my student just refuses to come to school? We understand this is so frustrating and we are here to help. Please reach out to your student's teacher, counselor, and/or administrator so we can work together to help your student.
We appreciate your partnership in improving attendance for all students this year, and we are excited to see the impact we can have, working together, on improved attendance and thereby learning outcomes for students. Check out the two videos below.
JUNIOR CLASS RING/JEWELRY ORDERS-Class of 2025
Students/families who place orders on Sept. 7th receive a $40 discount, a gratitude ring, and Truman sweatshirt.
ALSO, Family ordering time will be Thurs. Sept. 7th from 4pm-6pm in our front lobby.
Finally, Junior Class Ring Ceremony will be held Mon. Dec. 11th at 7pm in our Auditorium. This is a short but special ceremony that has become a tradition here at Truman HS that involves parents and students. Mark your calendars now-you don't want to miss it!
Thursday, Sep 7, 2023, 10:30 AM
Truman High School, South Noland Road, Independence, MO, USA
Student Drop-Off Reminders
1. Please leave early enough to account for long waits, but still have students to school on time.
2. Please drop your student off as early as 6:45 to wait to enter the building when doors open at 7am. (In inclement weather, we will open our doors a little earlier). Students do not have to wait in their cars until 7am. They can be dropped off and wait at the door under the portico.
3. When using the front drive, please pull ALL THE WAY THROUGH to the digital sign and let your student walk back to the door. This will allow more cars to get in the drive and drop off students more quickly as opposed to dropping them off right at the door, which causes a good portion of the congestion.
3. We are permitting use of entries off 35th street so you can drop your student off at the EAST ENTRANCE-this is at the back of the school facing the football and baseball stadiums. Please DO NOT drop students off at the South or Patriot Entrance as this can cause some safety issues as well as more congestion in the parking lot. (See image below for route in to the East Entrance.)
4. Of course at all times, be slow, safe, and courteous. Getting into the school can be a hectic and frustrating time, but we want to be sure we are aware of others, polite, and above all safe as students are entering the building.
Homecoming Week-Sept. 18th-Sept. 22nd
1. Spirit Week 9/19-9/22--Students can watch for posters and STUCO's social media for how they can dress each day to show their spirit. These are also read on announcements.
2. Pep Assembly-Friday 9/22-During the last period of the day. We ask that parents avoid checking students out of school during this time because it can be difficult to locate them in the assembly. We will recognize fall sports and organizations as well as our homecoming court.
3. Football Game-Friday 9/22-Gates open at 6pm, Pregame begins at 6:30pm. Kickoff at 7pm. Queen crowned at halftime. (See reminders about attending sporting events below)
4. Homecoming Dance-Sat. 9/23 at Truman HS 7pm-10pm, doors open at 6:30pm. Homecoming King is crowned at the dance. (See more info about Homecoming Dance below)
Monday, Sep 18, 2023, 12:00 AM
Truman High School, South Noland Road, Independence, MO, USA
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. Only students from the two participating schools will be admitted, unless accompanied by their parent/guardian.
3. All middle school schools students must also have a current year student ID AND be accompanied by a parent.
4. No backpacks are allowed in to any events.
5. No re-entry: once students or patrons leave the event, there is no re-entry permitted.
6. No admission after halftime.
7. Students should be picked up within 10 minutes of the event ending.
8. All school rules apply to porting events-home and away.
9. We are a tobacco and firearm/weapon free campus.
10. Activity passes are available for purchase from our Athletics & Activities office. Otherwise, there is an entry fee for all events.
10. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students.
Homecoming Dance FAQs
It's important to remember that attending a dance is a privilege. That privilege is earned with good attendance, good grades, good behavior, and no obligations.
FIRST, All students must complete a Ticket Request Form to determine eligibility prior to purchasing a ticket.
This form will be emailed to all students the week of Sept. 5th by our Principal's Secretary, Mrs. Nicole Herod & it must be completed by Weds. Sept. 13th. Students who do not complete the Ticket Request Form by the deadline will not be permitted to purchase a ticket. Once students have completed their form, they should check their email daily for a response from Mrs. Herod regarding their eligibility.
Students requesting to purchase a ticket must meet the following criteria:
Academic: Passing 7 of their 8 classes.
Attendance: Have 90% attendance effective 9/12/23 & maintain through the date of the dance.
Behavior: No major disciplines issues (ISS/OSS)
Obligations: No obligations of any kind. All obligations must be cleared prior to purchasing a ticket.
Once approved for a ticket, students can then purchase a ticket.
Ticket sales begin Tues. Sept. 12th and ends Thurs. Sept. 21st.
Tickets can be purchased anytime on MySchoolBucks
Or in person during lunch shifts, or after school until 3:30pm Tues.-Thurs each week. Students should not miss class to purchase a ticket.
Please note-NO TICKET SALES ON FRIDAYS.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $10. If purchasing in person, must have exact change.
Tickets Non-refundable and non-transferable, meaning Student A cannot purchase a ticket, decide to not go, and give their ticket to Student B.
Is there a dress code?
Most students dress formal to semi-formal. Attire should not be overly revealing and should be appropriate for a high school dance. Administrators reserve the right to address any attire that could be questionable or unsafe.
What else should students and parents know?
1. No high heels are permitted on the dance floor and if worn, will be asked to be removed.
2. All students need to show their current student ID to enter the dance.
3. All school rules apply to dances.
4. No admission to the dance after 8pm. Once students leave the dance, they are not permitted to re-enter.
5. PTSA will run a shoe/coat check and sell bottled water and some snacks.
6. Rides should pick students up promptly at 10pm
4. Homecoming King is crowned at the dance.
Senior Class of 2024 Panoramic Picture
Picture order forms available in the front office.
Thursday, Sep 14, 2023, 08:45 AM
Truman High School, South Noland Road, Independence, MO, USA
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/Truman PTSA Mtg
We are very luck to have such an active and committed PTSA at Truman HS-many high schools no longer have a PTSA!
Many studies show that students do better when parents are involved in their education and the life of the school.
Don't miss this opportunity to get connected and involved with a great group of parents who have our students' and teachers' best interests at heart.
Haven't joined PTSA yet? No problem.
Visit and follow their Facebook Page at the following links: https://www.facebook.com/groups/297650478495369
Wednesday, Sep 20, 2023, 07:00 PM
Truman High School, South Noland Road, Independence, MO, USA
Testing Information
All students have likely engaged in taking Pre-Tests for the first units of study in all core areas and some electives. At the end of the units, they will take Common Benchmark tests to see how they have progressed in their learning of the concepts covered in that unit.
Soon, select seniors will be taking the ASVAB &/or the Work Keys test to determine aptitudes and skills in areas that can help them focus on college & career readiness.
On March 12th, Extreme Test day, all freshmen will attend a college visit, all sophomores will take either the ACT or Work Keys, and all juniors will take the ACT. See below for other ACT National Test dates.
Looking Ahead to October
Mark your calendars!
End of 1st Quarter-Friday, Oct. 13th-
Parent Teacher Conferences-TUESDAY Oct. 17th 3:30pm-7:30pm & WEDNESDAY Oct. 18th 3:30pm-7:00pm (No school on the preceding Mon. Oct. 16th)
Choir Concert at 7pm-Thurs. Oct. 19th-
Blood Drive-Tues. Oct. 24th-sponsored by JROTC
Picture Make-Up Dates-Oct. 11th-13th
Oct. 12th & Oct. 13th-SENIOR PORTAITS ONLY These dates are for any senior who did not have a portrait session this summer. This is your senior's yearbook photo. If they do not have their photo taken by Strawbridge, their photo will not be in the yearbook.
Watch your email closer to these dates for ordering information. While you have the opportunity to purchase portraits, purchase is not required to appear in the yearbook or receive an ID.
The ONLY way to ensure your student has a yearbook in May is to order NOW.
Senior Ads are currently on sale as well.
Truman High School Anti-Bullying Coordinator
taisha_newcomer@isdschools.org
816-521-5350
Are you following us?
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