Spain Park eNews
Spain Park High School 04/30/20
A Message from the Principal
Dear Parents,
As we end the month of April and begin May, we are in the final stretch of the school year. We are so thankful for many things, but especially for the resources that Hoover City Schools provide, not only for our teachers but also for our most valued assets, our students. Thank you for coming along with us on this unprecedented, life-changing journey. It is our hope, by working together with you, we can finish this year in a way that is beneficial to our students’ success.
It was great to see our Seniors today as they turned in their Chromebooks, textbooks, and most importantly, received their cap and gowns and other graduation regalia. If you were unable to come to school and pick-up graduation materials today, you may go to Campus Recognition- 2142 Pelham Parkway, Pelham, AL 35124, or call 205-985-0150. They will be open from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm each weekday. Should you still need to turn in your Chromebook or textbooks, or pick up graduation cords, the school will be open on Mondays and Thursdays between 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Remember, to receive your diploma, you must have all textbooks and Chromebooks turned in, and all fees cleared.
On Wednesday, May 6, 2020, at 7 pm, we will be hosting our Honor Societies Induction Ceremony virtually. The SPHS website will have the YouTube Premiere event posted on Monday, May 4, 2020. A special thank you to the sponsors of all our Honor Societies, and a special thank you to Ms. Joseph for coordinating our virtual inductions. Each week we will have special virtual events recognizing our students’ outstanding achievements, be sure to watch here for more information.
We ask that you take the time to review the other important events and information in the remainder of this newsletter.
It is my wish that you all stay safe and healthy.
Respectfully,
Peter L. Giangrosso
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Mandatory Senior Survey
There are still several seniors that have not completed the mandatory Senior Survey. Please keep in mind that this survey is important for each individual student as well as the school. Additionally, completion is required for students to receive their SPHS diploma. The data gathered from the survey will be the sole source used to send final transcripts and to organize programs and end-of-the-year ceremonies (senior awards, graduation, etc.). The absolute due date for survey completion is 3:35 on 4/24. The survey can be found at the following link:
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Spain Park Honor Society Induction Ceremony
Spain Park is pleased to announce the induction of 332 students into 13 honor societies. Join us Wednesday, May 6, 2020, at 7 pm for the inductions ceremony. A link to the Youtube Premiere will be sent next week and will be available for viewing on phones, computers, and Smart TVs. We encourage you to take pictures throughout the ceremony and share them at #BetheSpark.
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Hoover Helps
Cafeteria Accounts
Parents of graduating seniors can request a refund of Cafeteria accounts, use the attached refund request form and include the current address for the check to be mailed to:
email to: asargent@hoover.k12.al.us Anne Sargent, CNP Bookkeeper
If there is a sibling still attending any Hoover City School for 2020-2021, the funds can be transferred to their account.
All balances will roll over to next school year.
Also, if desired, the remaining balance can be donated into the discretionary account that is used when any student does not have money for breakfast or lunch during the school year.
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REQUIRED Course Verifications
Course Verifications for 2020-2021 are now open in INow. Students in grades 8-11 should log into the iNow home portal to verify course selections for the 2020-21 school year by May 15, 2020. Students should check grade-level Google Classrooms for information and directions. The course verification form must be completed by all 8th-11th grade students by May 15, 2020. No requests for changes will be accepted after that date.
SHOW CHOIR AUDITION INFORMATION
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AP EXAM Information
The following link gives you access to a recorded CollegeBoard webinar intended for parents of AP students. You will probably have to register to be able to view the recording if you did not register previously.
Helping Your Student Prepare for AP Exams
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A note from Hoover City Schools' Mental Health Specialist
Handling Disappointment During COVID 19
Another devastating effect of the pandemic is handling disappointment. Disappointments are significant during COVID 19 - not being able to participate in sports, graduation, significant birthdays, and class parties; it seems like everything has been canceled. Even the inability to meet friends for dinner or a movie is having a huge impact on adults and kids. This isolation may be causing intense emotions at times and everyone will cope a little differently. Here are some tips you can use for not only your child but yourself as well.
Listen and Validate: We can’t fix the problem but we can listen actively and validate their frustration. Remember not to judge; something that seems like no big deal to us may be devastating to them (missing end of year parties, a field trip, Prom, Graduation, etc.). Feeling disappointed right now is normal; give yourself and your child permission to grieve. Provide support and encouragement as they cope with this challenging situation.
It’s Not Forever: Although we don’t know exactly when this will end, it will end. Let your child know you understand their feelings, for example, “I hear your frustration that you don’t believe this will end and I agree that it is hard. I am proud of you for how you are handling this very difficult challenge.” Talk about what there is still to look forward to.
Find Solutions: Get creative. We may not be able to attend graduation or have the birthday party we planned but there are many ways we can celebrate differently, virtually, or otherwise. I passed a house in my neighborhood last week who had all their holiday blowups in their yard (Halloween, Christmas, Football) and signs celebrating their son’s birthday. A new family tradition?
Provide a Sense of Control: Since we have so little control over events happening around us, control the events happening to us. Let your kids decide some daily activities and plans. (pick out what to do for dinner, choose a movie to watch or game to play, decide on an outdoor activity like going to the park, riding bikes or hiking). Even small decisions like these can provide a positive feeling of control over their environment.
Find Ways to Give Back: It may be hard to participate in typical community service projects, but be creative and find ways you can help. Giving back to the community is a powerful way to have a sense of purpose. Send cards of encouragement to healthcare workers or people living in retirement communities and nursing homes. Leave your postal carrier a note of appreciation. (If you’re able, donate food to a food bank or to local families in need through Hoover Helps - accepting donations at the Hoover Rec Center Mon-Fri from 8:00 AM -10:30 AM.)
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PLEASE BE SURE ALL STUDENTS ARE CHECKING THEIR GOOGLE CLASSROOMS
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School Office Hours
Beginning, Monday, April 6, 2020, our office hours will be:
Mondays and Thursdays, 7:00 am-3:00 pm
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Spain Park High School
Email: hcsnotices@hoover.k12.al.us
Website: https://www.hoovercityschools.net/sphs
Location: 4700 Jaguar Drive, Birmingham, AL, USA
Phone: 205-439-1400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpainParkHS/
Twitter: @SpainPark