News from the Ridge
Shortridge High School News and Updates
September 20th, 2020
Dear Friends of Shortridge,
We have two important items to address this week (details listed below):
- the start of in-person learning at Shortridge and the need for all families to complete the survey, and
- this week's Parent in Touch events.
As we prepare to offer in-person learning, beginning October 19, each family must complete the Remote or In-Person Opt-In and Transportation Opt-Out Form. Having an accurate count of our students continuing remote learning or electing to start in-person instruction provides us the needed information to meet the academic needs and address our learning community's safety and wellness.
Below you will find additional updates, celebrations, and important information from the Ridge. If you have anything you would like to share, please email Malinda Scott, our FACE coordinator.
Go Blue Devils!
Dennis Thomas
Principal
Remote Learning Opt-In and Transportation Opt-Out Form
Please complete the included survey, where you will be asked if you:
- Plan for your student to remain in remote learning through the remainder of the semester,
- Plan for your student to return to in-person classes but opt-out of IPS transportation (bussing) through the remainder of the semester, or
- Plan for your student to return to in-person classes with IPS transportation (bussing) through the remainder of the semester.
Details for students qualifying for additional supports:
- Middle and High School students who classify as Special Education, McKinney Vento, and are in the Newcomers program will attend in person on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Wednesday will be a remote learning day for these students.
- A full-time remote option is available for Special Education, McKinney Vento, and Newcomer students as well.
For updates and additional information on Shortridge's remote and in-person plan, visit our complete FAQ found here.
The Remote Learning Opt-In and Transportation Opt-Out survey can be found here. The survey is due by September 22, 2020.
In an effort to maximize social distancing on district buses, IPS strongly encourages families, based on their ability, to carpool or walk if they are able. Choosing to opt-out of IPS transportation through December 2020 will allow for better social distancing and safer bus rides for students who need transportation.
If you have questions about the Remote Learning Opt-In and Transportation Opt-Out Form, please contact Shortridge at 317-226-2810 or email Malinda Scott, FACE Representative: tinsleym@myips.org.
For more information about the district's phase-in approach to In-Person Learning, please visit www.myips.org.
Parent in Touch Day (week's events)
For a traditional Parent in Touch day, we are able to provide parents with other important information in between conferences with classroom teachers. To compensate for that opportunity loss, we plan to host a virtual "SHS PIT Week."
Parent / Teacher Conferences on Wednesday (signup link and directions below).
We will reconfigure our Town Hall meetings scheduled for Tuesday due to internet issues.
The information that was on the agenda for tonight's 9th and 10th grade Town Hall will be recorded and shared in the next Newsletter and posted on our Webpage. We will also include a Survey for families to ask questions. The Shortridge team is modeling our asynchronous teaching and learning--leaning in, taking risks, and staying open-minded!
Thursday's Town Hall is still scheduled as planned-- to share grade level information and updates. (We will send a Town Hall reminder along with a link to join the day before the meeting).
- 9th and 10th grades: MYP updates--Will record and share in the next newsletter
- Wednesday (9/23)- Parent/Teacher conferences 12:00 to 7:00 pm11th and 12th grades
PIT Might need to shift if we still have internet issues (look for additional communications)
- Thursday (9/24)- Town Hall Meetings: DP, CP, updates
- Juniors starting at 6:00
- Seniors starting at 6:45
How to Sign up for Pit Day teacher conferences:
- Go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/shspit
- Use the tabs at the top to find teachers by last name.
- Look for available time slots that say "Sign Up." Check the box next to the time slot that works for you.
- Click the "Submit and Sign-Up" button at the bottom.
- Enter your name, email, phone number, and your student's name.
- If you prefer a phone call over the Teams video conference, please indicate that in the comments section.
- Click the "Sign Up Now" button at the bottom.
- You will be taken to a page that says Thank You! You are all signed up. An email confirmation will be sent, along with a reminder email the day before PIT day.
**You will receive access to the Teams link for your conference the day before PIT day in an email reminder from SignUpGenius. If you indicated that you prefer a phone call, the phone number you sign up with will be called at the start of your time slot.
On PIT Day, Wednesday, September 23rd.
Click on the teacher's Teams link, from the SignUpGenius email reminder, 1-2 minutes prior to your appointment time. You will be in a virtual waiting room. The teacher will allow you into the conference when the previous conference has ended. If you indicated at signup that you prefer a phone call, the teacher will call the number you provided on SignUpGenius with at the start of your conference time.
**You do not need an app to access this virtual conference. You can use any phone, tablet, or computer device with an internet browser.
World Changing 101
Ms. Cory Interviews Two Shortridge Grads (share their SHS experiences)
Archived Friday Connects
Academics
CP and DP updates
Juniors
CP juniors have read their Service Learning handbook and have signed a verification form that they understand the service learning requirements. By September 25th, juniors should have their Service Project proposal form completed and uploaded to Managebac. Questions can be directed to their ATL teacher or the SL coordinator, Sarah Tekolste tekolstes@myips.org
DP juniors are working on their Creativity Activity Service requirements. They should be logging service, activity, and creativity into ManageBac. Their project proposal form is due September 25. Questions can be directed to their ATL teacher or the CAS coordinator, Jenny Bielefeld bielefeldj@myips.org
Seniors
CP seniors are submitting their reflective project essay rough drafts to Managebac by September 25th. Rough drafts must include 2500 words with in-text citations and a works cited page.Questions can be directed to the RP Coordinator, Becky Huehls huehlsr@myips.org Be sure to utilize the writing center as needed to assist with reflective project (RP) and IAs. Mr Speckman leads the writing center. speckmanc@myips.org
DP seniors submitted their extended essay first drafts on September 15. Any student who did not meet that deadline is required to meet with the writing center to make a plan for catching up. Seniors are finalizing many of their official IB components this semester. Ask your student what he or she is working on. They are doing awesome things!
MYP Updates:
"Hello SHS Families! A few updates from Mr. Merle - MYP Coordinator:
- Curious to learn more about the MYP Assessment system (Grades 9 and 10) at Shortridge? Look no further! The videos linked below are a "deep dive" into this system and how it differs from grading/assessment systems you may have encountered at previous schools. Reach out to Mr. Merle (merleg@myips.org) if you have questions!
This month, our IB Learner Profile focus is Caring
FRESHMAN ACADEMY
Technology Updates and Resources
Student Services
Listed below are some reminders for the month of September 2020. Links for events and information are posted as well!
1. The Ernst and Young College MAP Program applications are due Friday, September 11th.
2. The National College Fair (virtually) begins on Sunday, September 13th.
3. College Go Week is September 21 - 25th. Juniors-take a College Virtual Tour.
4. HBCU (Historical Black College Universities) Virtual College Fair is September 30th and October 1st 5 - 9 pm.
5. Shared in Students' schoology-- NEXT Magazine Grades 11 - 12. Great information as you prepare for your career of choice!
Here is a link that lists the key contacts in Student Services.
SHS Student Services Updates (link to Quarterly Updates from Student Services at Shortridge HS)
Feel Good Friday Newsletter (shared with our students every Friday from our Social Worker)
Athletics
- If interested in volunteering with athletics this year, we can always use people at our team contests to take gate and work concessions! Please think about signing up at: https://www.signupgenius.com/index.cfm?go=s.signup&urlid=4090e48a8ac28a6f85-volunteer&view=calendar
- Reminder, ticketless entry to all home team contests are available at: https://events.ticketspicket.com/agency/70e3ac7e-d19e-43c7-9193-23b0625904fe
- Athletics Fall Flash Sale is only available for another week! https://go.ordermygear.com/shortridge-high-school/
Craig Huljak
Athletic Director
Future Center
It’s College Go! Week - September 21 -25
The Shortridge Future Center is excited to celebrate College Go! Week by sharing college going information and opportunities to all Shortridge scholars. Virtual College Tours, College Rep Visits and information on what each grade should be doing now plus much more will be rolled out during ATL throughout the week.
We’re kicking off College Go! Week by encouraging our scholars to attend the Common Black College Application HBCU College Fair on September 19 – Register here
- Find our College Go! Week welcome video here.
- The Indiana NEXT magazine for Juniors and Seniors offering resources, advice and stories of how other Indiana students are figuring out their plans for after high school can be found here
- The Learn more Indiana Guide To Student Success magazine for Freshmen and Sophomores can be found here
- Learn More Indiana, 21st Century Scholars and several of Indiana’s colleges will be hosting events. For a list of events, dates and times click here
- College Application Day, Friday, September 25 – All seniors are encouraged to apply to at least one college – workshop opportunities to support seniors will be offered through the Future Center.
- Students can enter to win a $1,500 Indiana College Scholarship. Enter here
Tutoring and Mentor Support for Shortridge Scholars through IUPUI
- Students will be matched with an IUPUI college mentor who will discuss academic goals, challenges, and support positive decision-making. In addition to mentoring services, tutoring is also available.
- College and career readiness workshops featuring topics to support student’s goals, such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) enrichment, college readiness tips, and more.
- Family engagement is so important to student learning and success. Family members will be invited to participate in a variety of workshops, webinars and informational sessions, such as positive youth development or college and career planning.
- Interested families, please email Mrs. Harris, Future Center Coordinator at harria@myips
Christie Powell – Future Center Resource Associate – powellc@myips.org – 317-732-5088
Chris Speckman – Writing Specialist – speckmanc@myips.org
PTSA -- Parent, Teacher, and Student Association
PTSA Zoom meeting on Oct 7th:
Topic: SHS PTSA October Meeting
Time: Oct 7, 2020 07:00 PM Indiana (East)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81192751048?pwd=RXVDS2pUVzJMeWxONXJxd1huajhRQT09
Meeting ID: 811 9275 1048
Passcode: SHS PTSA
We've extended the deadline to join the PTSA to September 30th! When you join, you'll get a nifty car magnet to show your Blue Devils Pride!
Samantha Weinbrecht
SHS PTSA President
FACE -- Family and Community Engagement
Rapid Re-Employment
The EmployIndy and Ascend Indiana online portal, Ascend Network, provides a centralized location for dislocated workers to connect with available jobs or training opportunities.
Listen | Apply for Rapid Re-Employment
Below is the link to Indy Rent Assistance Portal:
We look forward to connecting with you next Wednesday, September 23, 2020 from 1200 - 700 for Parents-in-Touch Day. More info will follow in a separate communication.
Malinda Scott
Family Community and Engagement Liaison
School Updates
School Photos
Picture retake day will be Tuesday, October 13
Picture Day ID: EVTCRYN6D2
You can order or preview pictures on mylifetouch.com
Information about School IDs will be shared next week
Information from LifeTouch can be found here