Hawk Talk
Peninsula High School - January 15th, 2021
A Message from Dr. Potts
Dear Seahawk Families,
We are nearing the conclusion of the first semester and there is still time for students to complete missing assignments and re-do assessments to improve academic performance. Those interested in improving grades and increasing success should speak directly to their teachers who are available during the week in class, of course, and then during office hours.
As the new semester begins, we will make a few changes in preparation for a return to in-person learning. No definite date has been selected for a return, but we will want to change schedules so that the transition is smooth and productive for students and teachers. We will send more information out when these changes are going to occur. Students will remain with the same blocked format that they are in currently (1,2,3/4,5,6) until the time that the District determines we are able to return to in-person learning.
For our seniors, the change of the term also represents the final semester of their high school experience. Senior parents are sponsoring a Senior Surprise on January 27. This is a fun experience for our seniors and all are encouraged to drive through and pick up a bag of gifts. Our senior have endured much through this time, and they deserve to be rewarded in every way that we can imagine. Those seniors planning on attending college in the fall should take advantage of the FAFSA presentation by Whitworth College, who will provide information for those planning to attend there or another college or university.
Also contained in our Hawk Talk is information about 9th grade Chromebook pick up, AVID, and Hybrid Learning. Our webinar on a transition back to in-person learning is recorded and located on our web page for anyone to access. We are also happy to address questions that students or parents might have regarding the hybrid or the remote options for students.
Finally, included is a link to our Student of the Quarter presentation—completed virtually. We have recognized students who have performed exceptionally and who deserve to be recognized for excellence. These are the students who represent all that is good in the world, and all that is exceptional about Peninsula High School.
If we can be of service to you, please do contact us.
Go Seahawks!
Joe Potts, Ph.D.
Principal
Important Dates
- January 18th- MLK Day- No School
- January 26th- Finals 4,5,6
- January 28th- Finals 1,2,3
- January 29th- Semester Break- No School
9th Grade NEW Chromebooks
All 9th graders may pick up a new Chromebook at PHS Wednesday, January 20th from 7 AM - 6 PM. Bring the Chromebook and charger you have to the library and we’ll check out a new one to you. Follow the orange signs in the library windows to the outdoor entrance. Wear a mask and please stay 6 feet apart while waiting your turn.
Schedules & Transcripts
Student Schedules
Second semester schedules are currently under construction as we continue to finalize necessary changes being made to the master schedule to accommodate the hybrid model. We appreciate your patience as we work to ensure each student schedule fits their choice of learning model. Please see the PHS website- counseling page and "Class of" Schoology pages for updates regarding when schedules will be officially released and for a process to request a change at that time.
Transcript Reminder
If you need to request a transcript for personal use or to be forwarded to a future school/institution, please see the following link to create an account with Parchment - PSD's online transcript service. District policy prevents staff from releasing transcripts via email. Transcripts will be updated to reflect semester one grades in early February. https://www.psd401.net/about-us/transcript-request
PHS Athletics
- Football
- Girls Soccer
- Cross Country
- Girls Swim & Dive
- Volleyball
- Golf
Please click HERE to register.
Physicals are required.
Please call the Athletic Office if you have questions 253-530-4411
AVID Opportunity
AVID stands for Advancement via Individual Determination. It is a program that prepares students for admission to a four-year college or university, community college, or technical school. Students take an AVID Elective course throughout high school that provides them with the skills needed to be successful in advancing academically with the ultimate goal of attending post-secondary education. The core component of the AVID Program is the AVID Elective class, which supports students as they challenge themselves in more rigorous classes. Students are taught study skills, note taking, time management, writing and research skills, all while being immersed in a college-going culture. The class also includes collaborative sessions that are led by adult mentors and provide support for success in the academically rigorous curriculum. Additionally, the AVID class provides access to information about colleges and universities through field trips, guest speakers, mentors, scholarship opportunities and college admission requirement information. Students spend their Senior year focused on college applications & acceptance and paying for college by working on the FAFSA and scholarships.
Some Important Information:
- AVID is for college bound students (including 4 year colleges, community college, or technical school).
- It is a commitment for all four years of high school.
- It is NOT a remedial program.
- After applying, there is an interview process and then students will be selected based on application and interview results.
- The application is due by Friday, Jan 22nd.
- The online application can be found here (students should login from their PSD account to fill it out): https://forms.gle/TrGtsJZu1tYV5qx4A
What AVID is:
- an acronym that stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination
- an in-school academic support program for grades 9 – 12 that prepares students for college eligibility and success
- for all students, but it targets those in the academic middle
- typically for 1st generation college goers, however, is not exclusive to that group
- implemented school-wide and district-wide (it is at both HRMS and KPMS)
- an amazing opportunity for your child to be successful and reach their goals
Hybrid Schedule Information
Please don't hesitate to call the front office if you have additional questions regarding the schedule.
FAFSA
If you have not filled out your FAFSA yet and have questions on how to do it, please plan on attending the Zoom meeting presented by Whitworth College to get your questions answered.
You do not have to be applying to Whitworth College to attend and get the information. Whitworth is inviting anyone with questions about how to fill out the FAFSA no matter where you might be applying. If you have already filled out the FAFSA but would like more info about best strategies to use when you are offered financial aid and best strategies for applying for scholarships, then you could attend one of those meetings. Please click HERE for more information.
PHS Students of the Quarter
Click HERE to view the presentation and learn about some of our awesome Seahawks.
Certificates will be mailed home after the break with a copy of the comments from their teacher.
Peninsula High School
Website: https://phs.psd401.net/
Location: 14105 Purdy Drive, Gig Harbor, WA, USA
Phone: (253) 530-4400
Facebook: facebook.com/PHSBEAWESOME
Twitter: @Peninsula1947