SPANISH SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL
Week of February 13 - February 17
From the desk of Sean Hall, Principal
Dear Cougar Families,
We have many celebrations to highlight this week.
Please join me in congratulating five of our choristers who successfully auditioned into the Nevada American Choral Director's All-State Chorus. In April, these students will be traveling to Las Vegas to rehearse and perform with the best singers in the state!
Congratulations to Coach Mendenhall and his superb air rifle team! Their Precision team finished 4th in the Western Region of the United States. Their Sporter team took 2nd place and the Sporter B team took 11th! This is an incredible accomplishment in an extremely competitive event! We should hear shortly which of these teams will be invited to the National Championships in Ohio this June! Super job Cougars!
I would like to wish our Wrestling Team luck as they travel to Winnemucca for the State Championship. Our wrestling Team won the Regional Competition last weekend. I will be traveling to see them compete this weekend. Go Cougars!
Our Boys and Girls Basketball be Teams be be heading to Regionals soon. Our Boys teams will be playing Tuesday and Thursday and our Girls will be playing Wednesday and Friday. We can't wait to see you guys play!
Our Cougar Elite Cheer Team competed at the Northern Nevada Cheer and Dance competition at Damonte Ranch High School where they placed 1st in their co-ed division. We also had a stunt team who competed and placed 4th.
This weekend, we are hosting a Speech and Debate Tournament. If you haven't attended one, I encourage you to check it out as our students really shine.
Finally, The District has sent out the final schedule for graduation!
Spanish Springs High School Graduation will be held at Lawler Event Center, on June 15th, 2023 at 6:30 pm.
Each graduate will receive 3 parking passes and 10 guest passes.
This is all the information we have so far. Once more is available, we will be sure to let our families know.
Have a great week.
Sincerely,
Sean Hall
Principal
Monday
A Day
1, 2, 7, 3
Tuesday
B Day
4, 5, 7, 6
Wednesday
A Day
1, 2, Cougar Pride, 3
Bell Schedules
Counselor's Corner
Thank you counselors!
Save the date!
Wednesday, February 22, 2023 6:00-8:00pm
More information to follow
A Couple Notes from the Student Relations Office (SRO)
Code Yellow 2.9.2023
We discovered a possible threat written on a bathroom wall at our school Thursday. We briefly placed our school on a Code Yellow/Secured Campus while School Police investigated. So far, we have found no evidence of a credible threat.
Here at the school district, and at Spanish Springs High School, safety and security are our highest priority. We take such rumors seriously and investigate each one. Our students have been proactive in reporting information to us, and we appreciate it.
We hope you will work with us to reassure your students that we are committed to keeping our school safe for them, our staff, and our families. Please remind your students not to circulate unfounded rumors on any social media sites. Making threats is illegal, and the persons responsible for this can be prosecuted for their actions.
We are all proud of Spanish Springs High School, and our efforts to maintain open, honest, and timely communication with all our families. As the principal, I wanted you to be aware of this situation and our thorough investigation, as I believe it helps continue to strengthen the strong relationship and trust we share.
We are following all safety protocols on campus, which we practice regularly. Classes were held as usual Thursday, and teaching and learning will continue in our classrooms.
I would like to thank School Police for their support and work in ensuring security for our students, staff and guests. If you have any questions or concerns about this event, please contact our office at 425-7733.
Student Drop Off Procedure
Our Student drop off is at the north side of the building, not the main roundabout in front of the school. We ask that you follow the signs toward the Parent Drop-off Zone on the north side of the building, near the cafeteria. All drop offs should occur in drop zone which offers an easy, safe exit to Eagle Canyon Drive. Please do not stop/park at the front entrance of the school in Staff Parking to drop off your students between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM. This creates traffic issues and significant safety concerns. Thank you for your help in keeping everyone safe while on campus.
Student Parking
The front parking lots are for staff only and are not unloading zones. For safety reasons, we have designed the drop off on the side of the building so traffic does not back out to Eagle Canyon.
Food Delivery
Cougar Families,
We need your help. We are seeing an increase in students ordering food delivery (Uber Eats, Door Dash, etc.) and this creates a significant safety risk. The district does not allow this, as it creates a situation where many strangers are entering campus, without our knowledge, and interacting with our students without supervision. Please have a conversation with your student(s) to help mitigate this safety risk. NOTE: Food delivered to campus will be confiscated and must be picked up by the student no later than 2:45pm in SRO. Delivery drivers will be escorted off campus immediately.
Thank you for your help.
SSHS Admin
SSHS is a Closed Campus!
Spanish Springs High School is a closed campus. This means students are NOT allowed to leave campus during the school day. During lunch, students must remain on campus. All students currently can get free breakfast and lunch at school. Students who have an off-campus in their schedule need to go to the counseling office and get a sticker to put on their ID that shows they are allowed to leave campus. Students will need to show their ID to be allowed to leave during the day. If your school ID does not reflect your off-campus status you will not be allowed to leave during the day.
You will have to see Ms. Alejos in SRO if you need an ID.
Thank you,
SSHS Administration
School Spirit
Dodgeball!
Our annual dodgeball tournament is on March 16th 5:30-9:30. If you would like to sign up come grab a packet in room 201 with your group!
Guess what's back, back again, Cougarlicious is back, tell a friend.
Cougarlicious is back! Any senior and junior boys interested come to room 201 for a packet. We are also having an informal meeting on February 1st in room 200! We’re excited for you to join us!
Lacrosse Practices!
Reminder to students - Lacrosse will be practicing in the student parking lot afterschool.
To avoid damage to your car, please move out of the student parking lot by 2:45pm
Singing Telegrams!
Want to send our SSHS Choirs to serenade your Valentine? Whether you want to embarrass a friend or share a love song with that special someone, you can purchase a singing telegram during lunch this week ($5 per telegram). Select from 10 specific songs including the option to Rick Roll your Valentine.
Roses for sale!
The JAG Career Association is selling roses with custom notes for $2 all day on February 14th in front of room 104.
Fruit Kabobs!
Latinos Unidos is selling fruit kabobs on Valentines Day during lunch next to the Career Center. Come enjoy this delicious treat!
Junior Prom!
Your 2023 Junior Senior prom is coming up soon on April 29th, 2023. The theme is going to be Lavender Daze. Stay tuned for more information about prom how to buy tickets.
Student Body Elections are fast approaching.
Hey juniors, do you want to run for student body? Student body packets for the 2023-2024 school year are now available in room 201. Packets will be due February 22nd.
Volleyball!
Freshmen interested in playing volleyball next year, see Coach Leach in room 152 for information about next year. Sophomores and Juniors interested in playing volleyball next year see Sando in room 250.
Speech and Debate Tournament Tonight and Tomorrow!
Congratulations Cheer Team!
Rifle Team
Congratulations to Coach Mendenhall and his superb air rifle team!
Their Precision team finished 4th in the Western Region of the US. Their Sporter team took 2nd place. and Sporter B team 11th! This is an incredible accomplishment in an extremely competitive event!
School Newspaper
Seniors
Senior Ads-This year families and friends can design their own senior ads—tributes to their graduates. Go to yearbookforever.com to purchase and design your senior ad. The deadline is February 28, 2023.
Senior Portraits
If your student still needs a senior portrait taken, the last day is January 30th. Go to prestigeportraits.com to schedule your session. If you would like to create a senior ad tribute, you can design it yourself and pay for it at yearbookforever.com. The deadline is February 28th. There are a few yearbooks left for purchase; make sure you reserve yours as soon as possible. Purchase your yearbook on our webstore at washoeschools.net/sshs. Direct any webstore questions to our bookkeeper Megan Svare.
You can use the QR code link to the webstore:
Contact yearbook adviser, Teresa Gil with any questions at tgil@washoeschools.net
Parent Announcements
Vocational Rehabilitation
A Message from Nurse Stafford
Upcoming Education Rally
Hi there,
Do you want to get involved and help education?
Ways to help right now…
- Attend the rally on Feb. 11th, 10am, downtown Reno City Plaza.
- Come check out some of the issues our schools are facing and how you can help.
- Come join our boosters!
Online Registration
Your Online Registration Link for the 2023-24 school year
is in your Parent Portal (Primary Household), Inbox
https://washoenv.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/parents/washoe.jsp
It is very important to do this now, as early as possible, for WCSD data analysis.
Please keep your child’s information current: student’s demographic information
(addresses and phone numbers), as well as Emergency contacts and Health information.
If you would like assistance, please contact the Office: (775) 425-7733
For assistance in Spanish, please ask to speak with: Cristina Avalos
Thank you for helping make Spanish Springs High School 100% in OLR (Online Registration)
College and Career Center
To Seniors and Parents of graduation class 2023 - Scholarship and other information for the class of 2023 is located on TEAMS class of 2023 folder. Seniors, I would advise you to check your class of 2023 TEAMS folder on a regular basis. Parents you need to advise them as well.
The SSHS College and Career Center Page is coming soon. It will allow students and parents to access information about TMCC, UNR, Scholarships etc.
First Annual Yard Sale
Spanish Springs High School is having its First Ever Yard/Thrift Sale to be held on Saturday March 18, 2023. This event will take place and will be located on the Northeast front parking lot facing Eagle Canyon. To participate, you must purchase a spot.
The cost of a single spot is $35.00, and a double spot is $65. Spots are now on sale, please see Francine E. McRae in the College and Career Center or email francine.mcrae@washoeschools.net or call 775-425-7733 x38032 if you are interested and want to purchase a spot.
Boosters
MEETING THE 13TH
Spanish Springs High School Booster's club would like to invite all parents to our next monthly meeting of the 2022-23 school year at 6 pm on Monday, February 13th in the Career Center. Please come join us and find out what all the excitement is about and learn how easy it is to earn money for our students. Looking forward to seeing you.
Thank you,
SSHS Boosters are the best!
How would you like to be part of our amazing Booster team? Check out the flyer to learn more!
Senior Trip
Senior Grad Nite
June 2nd 2023
6 Flags Vallejo
$285 ($40 deposit to hold spot, final payment due May 5th 2023)
Please let me know if you have any questions safensobersshsgradnight@gmail.com or call/text (775)842-9090. Faith Smith
Clubs
Amnesty
FBLA
Friendship Club
Everyone is welcome to join the friendship club. This is a safe and fun space to socialize while learning new social skills. We meet Tuesdays @ lunch in the College and Career Center.
GSA
The Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) will be meeting on Fridays during lunch in
Room 110.
Latinos Unidos Club
The Latinos Unidos club will meet every other Thursday in the College Career Center during lunch time. Anybody can join and participate.
Meditation Group
NEW! Writer's Craft
The writers craft club invites anyone who love to write and would like share their story’s with others who share the same passion. Club meetings are on Thursdays during lunch in room 225
Testing
ACT
Tuesday, March 7, 2023, will be a special attendance day to administer the ACT with Writing Exam, this exam is a graduation requirement. All 11th Grade students, and 12th Grade students who have not yet taken the ACT, will attend during regular school hours to take the ACT.
Testing students must arrive by 7:45 am and report immediately to their testing classrooms, the ACT exam will start promptly at 8:00 am. Testing will be completed at approximately 1:15 pm, students cannot be dismissed early. Buses will arrive and depart at the normal times. All students testing will need to bring their student IDs, they may bring an ACT permitted calculator, and may bring a snack for the test break. Cell phones and electronic devices are not allowed in the testing rooms.
All 9th, 10th, and 12th grade non-testing students are excused for the full school day. The following day, Wednesday, March 8 is an A-Day Schedule.
Civics Exam
CTE Exams
Athletics
Springs Sports are Here!
contact kelly.deen@washoeschools.net for more info or click the buttons below to learn more! Thank You.
A message from the NIAA Sports Medical Authority
If your student is or plans on being a student-athlete please read below.
This is a long message, with a lot of information. Please read it carefully.
In September 2022, the NIAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee met to review the Pre-Participation Physical forms and recommended to the NIAA Board of Control, using the American Academy of Pediatrics Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation forms. The NIAA Board of Control approved the recommendation on January 18, 2023.
The new Pre-Participation form consists of three pages (attached).
Students will be required to submit page 3, Medical Eligibility Form to the school.
Pages 1 and 2, the Health History Form (available in Spanish) and the Physical Examination Form must remain on file with the student’s medical provider.
The goal of updating the form is to:
1. Provide an updated history and physical exam to help ensure safe participation by students.
2. Ensure privacy of the student’s medical information.
The new form includes health history questions that may help pick up conditions or diseases that put the student at increased risk of injury or death. The form helps medical providers make the best clearance decision for each student.
The healthcare provider should provide detailed information about any medical conditions on the sports clearance page entitled Medical Eligibility Form. This form will be submitted to the school. The Health History Form and the Physical Examination Form should remain with the healthcare provider to ensure privacy of the student’s medical information.
We are currently working with Aktivate to update the new physical forms and remove the old forms. Once the update is complete, old physical forms previously submitted will remain viewable, but parents will only be able to download the new forms. Again, only the Medical Eligibility Form should be submitted and/or uploaded into Aktivate.
All incoming freshmen for next year (Class of 2027) will be required to use the new physical forms. Please make sure you give this form to parents at your informational meetings. While it is recommended that all student-athletes use the new form, existing student-athletes can use the old physical form until June 30, 2023. Only the new form can be accepted, NO exceptions, beginning July 1, 2023. Please note that as of the sending of this notification, the NIAA will no longer have the old physical form available on the website.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Athletic Secretary Kelly Deen 775-425-7733
Thank you,
SSHS Athletics
File attachments:
NIAA_PhysicalForm_Approved1-18-23.pdf
NIAA App
Hometown Ticketing
Athletic Contacts
Cougar Well Being
New
The Washoe County School District consistently meets with the Washoe County Health District to receive updated guidance regarding the safest way to respond to illness in the school district.
Per the Health District, beginning on January 10, 2023, the following ‘exclusion practices’ (guidelines for when students and staff may return following illnesses) will be observed in WCSD schools and other workplaces:
- Fever – The ill person needs to be fever free for 24 hours without medication prior to return.
- Vomiting/diarrhea – The ill person should not experience any vomiting/diarrhea for 24 hours without medication prior to returning.
- Rash of unknown origin – The ill person should not return to school or work until a medical exam confirms these symptoms are not contagious. If it is a contagious skin infection, the ill person must remain away from school or work until 24 hours after treatment has begun. Children or staff who have a rash with a fever should not be allowed to return until fever has been gone for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and should not return until there have been no new lesions for 24 hours.
- Yellow or greenish drainage from eyes, nose, or ears – The ill person can return to school or work if they have taken antibiotics for the 24 hours before returning or drainage has completely resolved.
- Sore throat – The ill person will be sent home and should be seen by a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen. The ill person may return the following day if symptoms improve.
- Cough – The ill person may attend school or work unless they have a fever or other symptoms indicating a possible infection.
- COVID – If diagnosed with a lab confirmed test or home test, the ill person will be excluded from school or work for 5 days, and may return on day 6 if they can wear a mask for the next 5 days.
Please consult with your school nurse if you have any questions. A general illness screener is available to help parents and staff determine when students and staff should stay home at www.washoeschools.net/selfscreening
These updated practices are not only for students but also for employees.
Thank you.
SSHS Food Pantry
Nutritional Services
COVID 19 Updates
Masks
WCSD Air Quality Webpage
Yearbooks
After School Tutoring
Bus stops are limited to the following locations:
- Alice Taylor
- Spanish Springs Elementary
- Sky Ranch MS/Bohatch ES
- VanGorder
- Wingfield Hills Rd and Lawry Dr.
- Wingfield Hills Rd and Darby Rose Lane
- Sparks Blvd. and Henry Orr Parkway.
Paper tutoring
As you may know, the Board of Trustees recently approved the implementation of the tutoring service Paper for all students in grades 6-12. While staff training for Paper are ongoing, this service is now active. Students can access this free 24/7 online tutoring service at any time.
Paper provides:
- Unlimited 24/7/365 tutoring support — sessions can run for as long as students need.
- Revisions for any typed writing assignments.
- Tutoring and writing support in 4 different languages — English, Spanish, French and Mandarin.
More information and resources for parents and students is available on our website at www.WashoeSchools.net/Paper.
Students can access Paper through by logging in to Clever with their student login and password. A login link for Clever is also available on that webpage.
If a student has any issues logging in to Clever to access Paper, they can reach out to our Family Tech line for assistance at www.washoeschools.net/familytechsupport
Thank you!
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
Tech Support
The hours are:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 7am-2:30pm and Tuesday, Thursday 11:30am-7:00pm.
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, https://www.washoeschools.net/Page/16915.
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 mailto:sshsattendance@washoeschools.net 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 https://www.washoeschools.net/Page/17303
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 OR Contact Tracing (HDED or HDCT) code is used when a school has been notified by Washoe County Health Department or Washoe County School District that a student is excluded from school. The HDED and HDCT codes do not count towards chronic absenteeism.
WCSD does not currently have permission from NDOE to conduct temporary distance learning during COVID Exclusions this year. The Make-up Work Policy for missed assignments is followed for these absences.
Transportation Blackouts Absences
WCSD does not currently have permission from NDOE to conduct temporary distance learning during transportation blackout dates this year. Absences due to not having bus transportation are not exempt and do count towards chronic absenteeism. The Make-up Work Policy for missed assignments is followed for these absences.
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.
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.