SPANISH SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL
DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 8
From the Desk of the Principal, Sean Hall
Hello Spanish Springs High School Families,
We are quickly approaching the finish line for Winter Finals. Parents, I highly encourage you to use Infinite Campus as a tool to check your student's progress. Students, please use Infinite Campus, the Paper Tutoring Resource, and our library website to help you prepare for your finals. Talk with your teachers and make sure you are on the right track to succeed and get you missing work turned in.
Students please take advantage of the breakfasts and lunches we offer here. Studies have shown students who eat a healthy meal in the morning perform higher academically, so please make sure you are eating and hydrating.
Finally, we believe attendance is critical for success. If you have been out sick, make sure you are checking in with your teachers to get caught up. As the finals approach, teachers are delivering the content you need for the exams, so please make sure you are going to class and not falling behind.
Have a great weekend cougars.
Sincerely,
Sean Hall
Principal
Our weekly newsletters can be found at the Library Website under newsletters.MONDAY
1, 2, 7, 3
TUESDAY
4, 5, 7, 6
WEDNESDAY
1, 2, COUGAR PRIDE, 3
Bell Schedules
Finals Reminders
-On Monday, December 18th, 3rd Period is the last class of the day.
-School lunch will not be served during finals except on 12/18.
-No exams (except performance exams) may be given early.
-Finals are required for all students in all classes.
-Students may not be released early from an exam.
-Students who miss a final must make it up within 6 weeks of the following semester or fail the course.
Class Fees
As the semester wraps up, please make sure you have paid your student's class fees. Class fees are used for labs, classroom supplies, and uniforms. Please email Megan Svare our bookkeeper if you are unsure if you have paid yet: msvare@washoeschools.net or you may visit our online store.
https://webstores.activenetwork.com/school-software/spanish_springs_high/
A helpful message from the library
Student Laptops
Need to borrow a laptop to help prepare for your finals?
Please stop by the library and pick up a form to check out a laptop if you don't have one at home. Students who borrow laptops may use them for the year and return them at the end of May for updates. Come see Mrs. Hefner for a laptop right away.
Students, make sure you take advantage of all the resources the library has to offer. From prepping for exams, doing research, accessing research paper templates, accessing our apps, getting password resets, or any other type of general help, please stop in or use our website to get the edge you need.
The counselors
Senior Ads for the yearbook!
The yearbook class is offering the opportunity for you to design your own senior ads for the 2024 yearbook. Just go to yearbookforever.com to purchase and design a tribute to your graduating senior. Click the link below for the flyer which should have all the information you need; however, if you have any questions, please email the yearbook adviser, Terri Gil, at tgil@washoeschools.net
Make sure to preorder your yearbook by December 15th in order to guarantee your student receives one. Purchase yearbooks at the webstore, www.washoeschools.net/sshs. If you have any trouble logging in or ordering, please contact our bookkeeper, Megan Svare, at msvare@washoeschools.net
All sales are final.
Yearbooks
Please remember with yearbooks, all sales are final.
Career Center Website
The FAFSA is now open! Click the button below for more information.
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Reno Rodeo Scholarship
Help Spread the News. Tell everyone about the 2024 Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship opportunities.
The Reno Rodeo Foundation distributes scholarships annually. $150,000 in scholarship funding has been designated by the Reno Rodeo Foundation Board of Trustees to distribute in 2024.
The foundation's scholarship program has expanded to provide opportunities to applicants planning on attending a Nevada College, University, Career College, or a Vocational School,
as well as additional consideration for Foster Youth, and students participating in 4H, FFA, Grange, and Rodeo.
The Reno Rodeo Foundation online scholarship application period opens at 8:00 AM on Thursday, October 26, 2023, and closes at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
All interested applicants are encouraged to carefully review the Guidelines & Information to determine the eligibility requirements before applying.
The number of scholarship recipients will vary based on the number of qualified applications received.
Learn More About Scholarships Here Did you know when you purchase the state Rodeo License plate you are helping to fund the Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarship program? Thank you!
School Spirit
Join us for three evenings of beautiful music!
December 5th Band Concert @ 7pm in Theater
December 6th Choir Concert @ 7pm in Theater
December 7th Orchestra Concert @ 7pm in Theater
Leadership
Talent Show December 1st!!!
Choir
Clubs
African American Student Union
The African American Student Union meets Wednesdays during lunch period 11:48 to 12:18 in the College and Career Center. The African American Student Union Club is open to all Spanish Springs Students. All current and new students are welcomed to come join in this special club.
Amnesty Club
Come join the amnesty club. We’re a club focusing on improving both our community and the world we live in through community service and other services like that. We meet every Wednesday at lunch in room 217
Art Club
Do you love art and want to be a part of making our school a more creative place. Please join us in room 147 Wednesdays.
Creative Writing Club
Interact Club Meeting
Take action, build international understanding, and make new friends around the world.
Interact clubs bring together students to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self.
Where we meet: SSHS Library
When: Lunchtime, 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month!
Key Club
Key Club meets in room 111 every TUESDAY during lunch. Join us to participate in diverse community activities.
Latinos Unidos
Come help us show diversity by joining Latinos Unidos! This club is a safe space for everyone. Join us on Thursdays during lunch in the College and Career Center
National Art Honors Society
Do you enjoy art? Come join our new chapter of the National Art Honors Society. Meet in 147 Wednesday 8/30 at lunch to find out more information! Cordero and Stanford would love to see you there!
National Honors Society
Hey cougars! Do you want to be more involved within our school and community? Do you want to make your college resume look its best? Come and join the National Honors Society! We meet every other Thursday at lunch in rooms 219/220! This club is for sophomores and above with at least a 3.25 GPA! We hope to see you on august
31st!
Boosters
Grad Nite
Fundraising Opportunity
How would you like to be part of our amazing Booster team? Check out the flyer to learn more!
Athletics
purple pride!
Winter Sports on the Way!
Cougar Athletics had a great Fall Sports Season, and the Winter Sports Season is right around the corner. The 2023-2024 Winter Sports Home Schedule for Basketball and Wrestling is below'
Student Game Attendance
Student Backpacks are NOT allowed at Athletic Events. Any student with a backpack will NOT be allowed entry to a game.
Skateboards and Scooters are NOT allowed at Athletic Events. Any Student with a skateboard or scooter will NOT be allowed entry to the game.
SSHS Hometown Ticketing
SSHS Parents and Students:
SSHS is only accepting online Hometown Tickets for all Athletic Events this school year and all Fall Sports ticket are currently available for purchase.
We will NOT have a cashbox available at the events.
Adult Tickets = $10.00 (Seniors 62 years and over receive free entry)
Student Tickets = $5.00 (Students 8 years and under receive free entry)
Military Personal Tickets = $5.00 (with valid ID)
SSHS Students who have purchased their Activity Fee and have Activities Fee (AF) paid on their Student ID will get free entry to all regular season home events. Activity Fee for the school year is $25.00, and all student-athletes are required to pay this fee.
Middle school students need to have a parent with them to enter the event.
All WCSD Employees and a Guest get into all regular season games (home and away) with a current school ID.
NIAA App
Register My Athlete
Athletic Contacts
Testing
ACT with Writing Exam
All Juniors, and Seniors that still need to meet the ACT requirement:
The ACT will be administered on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Please arrive by 7:45 am. Testing starts promptly at 8:00 am to approximately 1:15 pm, we cannot dismiss you early.
Tuesday, February 27, 2024, will be a special attendance day for Juniors to administer the ACT; all 9th, 10th, and 12th grade non-testing students are excused for the full school day. Wednesday, February 28, will be an A-Day Schedule.
For more information contact the Office or your Counselor.
· ACT is a graduation requirement.
· Students will complete their pre-administration (demographic information) in US History classes prior to test day.
· All students testing will need to bring their student IDs, you may bring an ACT permitted calculator, and you may bring a snack for the test break.
· Cell phones and all electronic devices are not allowed in the testing rooms.
· Cafeteria will be open for lunch after the test.
· Buses will arrive and depart at the normal times.
ACT TEST PREP BOOT CAMP-Upcoming 2023-2024 Session
SSHS Juniors (or any SSHS Student):
Taking the ACT during your Junior year is a Nevada graduation requirement. The ACT will be administered at SSHS for Juniors starting on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
For students who would like help preparing for this important exam, there is one ACT Weekend Boot Camp coming up at Spanish Springs HS. SSHS has partnered with Tutors Across America for their ACT Weekend Boot Camp and offers our students a discount to their regular price.
Schedules for the 3-Day (20-hour) ACT Weekend Boot Camp
To be held on campus at: Spanish Springs High School
Friday, February 23, 2024 4:00pm-8:30pm
Saturday, February 24, 2024 9:00am-6:00pm (lunch break from 1:00-2:00)
Sunday, February 25, 2024 9:00am-6:00pm (lunch break from 1:00-2:00)
The ACT weekend boot camps are averaging 3-7 point improvements in just one weekend, which can help with college admissions and scholarships.
Regular Cost: $399
Discounted Cost: $199 for Spanish Springs High School students.
Use coupon code SPANISHSPRINGS at checkout.
How To Enroll in the ACT Boot Camp 1. Go to: http://TutorsAcrossAmerica.com/ACTcourse
2. Click on ACT COURSES and scroll down to find the one you want.
3. Enroll as directed. You are free to enroll in any camp that works for you.
4. Use coupon code SPANISHSPRINGS at checkout to get the 50% discount.
For information about Tutors Across America and its founder Ryan Fitzgibbons go to: https://tutorsacrossamerica.com/
AP FEES
Cougar Well Being
SSHS Food Pantry
COVID 19 Updates
Masks
Immunizations
Hello, this is an important message from the Washoe County School District:
The State of Nevada requires the meningitis vaccine (MCV4) and the Tdap vaccine for all Nevada 7th graders and new students in grades 7-12 enrolling in the Washoe County School District.
As of the 2023-2024 school year, a student 16 years of age or who is enrolling in the 12th grade in Nevada schools must receive the meningitis – or MCV4—vaccine.
Project 150 Teen Shopping Boutique
Each Wednesday from 1:30p – 4:00p and the first
Saturday of each Month from 10:30a – 2:00p
Clothes, shoes, school supplies, toiletries and much more
Free with high school ID
· Project 150 Reno Boutique - 1340 Foster Dr. - Reno, NV 89509
· Follow us at Project150 Reno on Facebook
· Call (775)203-4755 or email info@project150reno.org
· Project 150 Reno non-profit provides basic needs for homeless, disadvantaged, and displaced high school students.
The Washoe County School District or the Board of Trustees neither endorses nor sponsors the organization or activity represented in this document. The distribution of this material is provided as a community service.
Driver's Education Class
DMV Certification of Attendance
· DMV Certifications of Attendance are processed at the district level by the Student Records Department.
· Visit the WCSD web page: www.washoeschools.net and select:
STUDENT AND PARENTS
>STUDENT RECORDS
> CLICK ON BACKPACK CURRENT STUDENT.
FILL OUT INFORMATION, AND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE CHECK THE DMV BOX.
· Please allow one week of processing time.
· Please note: Students who miss 10% or more of the total number of class periods for any reason during a semester (high school) for each course will be chronically absent and do not meet the DMV Certification of Attendance requirements. Chronic absenteeism rules are set by State and Federal guidelines.
Information for how to get the attendance for DMV is permanently found at:
The complete WCSD policy can be found here: WCSD DMV Attendance Policy
DMV QR Code
Attendance
Attendance Policy
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Spanish Springs HS follows all WCSD Attendance Policies and Procedures.
For information on the WCSD Attendance Policy as required by NRS, click here.
Reporting a Reason for an Absence
Parent/guardian must email, call or request an absence via the portal/app to report your student(s) absence. To verify the absence it must be done so no later than three (3) days after your student is absent. The Attendance Office is unable to record reasons for absences older than three days without a doctor’s note.
Emailing in a Reason for an Absence (preferred method)
Absences may be reported by email. Please email sshsattendance@washoeschools.net or use this link: SSHS Attendance and include:
· Your student's name
· Date of birth
· The date
· Length of the absence
· The reason for the absence
Changes will be made in Infinite Campus when the email is processed.
Calling in an Absence
To verify an absence, contact the Attendance Office call 775-425-7733 x 1. Voicemail is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please leave a message with the following:
· Your student's name
· Date of birth
· The date
· Length of the absence
· The reason for the absence
· Your contact information
Changes will be made in Infinite Campus when the absence is processed.
Requesting an Absence via the Parent Portal/App.
A new functionality was added to the Infinite Campus parent portal and app. It enables parents/guardians to request an absence via the portal/app. The portal/app accepts requests for absences for the current date or future dates only.
For step-by-step instructions, visit: Intervention / The Absence Request Form and App (washoeschools.net)
Changes will be made in Infinite Campus when the request is processed.
Picking Up a Student or Street Passes
When you need to pick up your student early from school, please be aware of the following procedures:
-You may call in advance to have your student waiting for you when you arrive. Please call the Attendance Office at 775-425-7733 x 1 with the exact time and reason your student needs to be dismissed.
-You may come into the Attendance Office to pick up your student. You will be required to show your ID on arrival. Please allow enough time for us to send for your student as it is difficult to send for a student during passing time or during lunch.
-ONLY LEGAL GUARDIANS may pick up a student. Anyone other than a guardian will need to have the guardian contact the attendance office in advance to give permission for the student to be released. If the person picking up the student will do so on a regular basis and is not the legal guardian, there is a form that can be completed giving permission for the student to be released with another adult. This form is valid only for the current school year and will need to be signed and turned in by the legal guardian.
Chronic Absenteeism
Students who miss 10% or more of the total number of class periods for any reason during a semester (high school) for each course will be chronically absent. Chronic absenteeism rules are set by State and Federal guidelines.
Students will not be retained or fail a course (high school) based on attendance. However, students who miss 10% or more of class periods for any course that meets in a semester will be chronically absent in that course(s).
If the student must miss an entire class period for any reason, it is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to see that a written/verbal verification is provided to the school prior to, during, or within three days of an absence. Failure to do so within three days of the student's return to school will result in the absence being coded as Unverified (UNV).
Intervention Guide for Families
COVID Exclusions
The Health Department Excluded (HDED) code is used for COVID exclusions when there is a positive COVID case. Current exclusion period is 5 days and can be extended up to 10 days in the event that a student still has symptoms. COVID excluded students will be placed on Temporary Distance Learning and will complete missing classwork per the make-up work policy. The HDED codes do not count towards chronic absenteeism.
Make-Up Work Policy for an Absence
Make-up work must be provided for any absence by the teacher, but it is the student’s responsibility to request the make-up work in advance or on the first day s/he returns to class. Because it is impossible to make-up some in-class assignments, coursework of a similar nature may be given. It is the student’s responsibility to turn in all make-up class work at the designated deadline. Failure to complete the make-up work within the designated deadline will result in no credit being received for the make-up work.
Students will have the number of days absent plus one to complete missed make-up work or concepts missed beginning on the day the teacher provides the missed assignments to the student. Teachers must provide missed make-up work or concepts missed within two days of the student’s return to class.
DMV Certification of Attendance
Spanish Springs High School assists with the student DMV Certification of Attendance required by the DMV using the following options:
OPTION 1 – Electronic
DMV Certifications of Attendance can be requested from the WCSD Student Records Department.
Effective July 1, 2019, in an effort to provide better and more secure service to our students ALL student records requests can be made online using the automated student record / information request system. Please go to this link on the Washoe County School District website to fill out the form: Application for DMV Certification Form or go to https://washoeschoolsnv.scriborder.com/
OPTION 2 – Hard Copy
If requesting a hard copy from the SSHS Attendance Office, the Student Information section must be completely filled out. SSHS does require 24 hours to complete and review the students’ attendance, it will then be available for pick up in the front office.
Hard Copy link: DMV Certification of Attendance Form
Please note: Students who miss 10% or more of the total number of class periods for any reason during a semester (high school) for each course will be chronically absent and do not meet the DMV Certification of Attendance requirements; the previous completed semester’s percentage is used to determine eligibility. Chronic absenteeism rules are set by State and Federal guidelines.
Guide to Attendance for Families
This guide, available in English and Spanish, helps parents, guardians, and families understand the various components of the attendance policy. Click on button below.
Spanish Springs High School Mission Statement
Bullying Resources
Bullying is unacceptable and comments or conduct that disparages or demonstrates hostility or aversion should not be tolerated. By being accepting, kind and inclusive, you can help make the world a better place. Together we can create a world without bullying!
TIPS FOR PARENTS
THE WORLD IS RAPIDLY CHANGING – EMBRACE THE CHANGE!
Digital technology and the internet now play a huge part in all of our lives – especially our children’s. For the most part, school, work and social lives are now all successfully integrated with the internet, offering opportunities that we could have only dreamed of a few years ago – with our children at the forefront of this exciting age of change. Try and embrace the change by seeing it as an adventure rather than a challenge!
LEARN WITH YOUR CHILD
If we are to help our children reach their full personal and academic potential in this new technological era, then we must learn with them on how to use the internet responsibly and safely. Your children might even be able to teach you a thing or two!
STAY A STEP AHEAD OF YOUR CHILDREN
This can be a challenge for many parents who are unfamiliar with the technical devices, websites and social media platforms that their children visit. This parents guide will help you to understand the dangers posed to children online and how to deal with them together as a family.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY
It is vital that your child or children can come to you with their online problems, and communicate freely without the fear of losing internet privileges, such as the closing of their social media accounts or confiscating devices such as mobile phones or laptops. If you can build a relationship with your child/children, where they feel comfortable sharing their online problems with you, it is much more likely that you will be able to help them with any online problems that do occur in the future – before they escalate to the point where your child/children cannot see a way out of the situation.
TOp Tips for Kids
GOLDEN RULES FOR CYBERBULLYING
DON’T RETALIATE
Do not respond to abusive messages or threats. It could make things worse and you might be accused of cyberbullying. Internet trolls want a reaction from you – why give them what they want?
TELL SOMEONE YOU TRUST
Don’t try and deal with this alone – talk to somebody you trust such as your parents, a friend, a family member or a teacher about it. New perspectives can help you to find new solutions.
SAVE EVIDENCE
Record and store any abusive posts, emails or messages. Some types of cyberbullying, harassment and online abuse constitute a criminal offense, and you might need to demonstrate ‘ongoing harassment’ for legal action to be successful at a later date. For help with how to store evidence, visit our technical advice section.
BLOCK AND REPORT
You can stop someone from sending you abusive messages and posting nasty comments on most major platforms by blocking and reporting them to the site administrator. Visit our social media guide to learn more about the reporting procedure for each individual social media platform.
ASK YOUR SCHOOL
Schools and colleges should have an anti-bullying policy which covers cyberbullying and online abuse. Ask what support your school can offer.
NEVER SHARE PASSWORDS
Never share your passwords with anybody, even your friends! If you do, you could lose control of your own accounts, and have trouble regaining control of them. People can then share your personal information publicly. Treat your passwords like your toothbrush – change them frequently and don’t share them with anybody!
NEVER ARRANGE TO MEET IN REAL LIFE
If anyone you don’t know tries to arrange to meet you, tell your parents or somebody you trust immediately. Never meet anybody you don’t know and don’t share personal information with them such as real names, addresses, emails or phone numbers.
THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK
Most online problems start with a misunderstanding, so think about what you really want to say before you start to write. Everybody that uses the internet should have a basic understanding of “netiquette”.
DON’T GET CAUGHT UP AND DON’T BE A BYSTANDER!
Avoid becoming involved in cyberbullying campaigns. Don’t pass on or promote an abusive or rude comment, message or picture just because “everyone else is doing it.” Stop and think about how that person feels.
REPORT CYBERBULLYING
If you see someone is being cyberbullied don’t just stand by and let them suffer. Report it to the platform you are using, your parents or a teacher at your school.
If you need help or support:
THE CYBERSMILE FOUNDATION – cybersmile.org
https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/facts
https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/what-you-can-do
https://www.dosomething.org/us/causes/bullying
https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/what-parents-can-do-about-childhood-bullying/