Godwin Heights High School
Weekly Newsletter February 19, 2021
Upcoming Events
February 22 - Board of Education Meeting 6 PM - Admin Building
February 24 - Early Release for students at 1:40 PM - (Schedule B)
March 1 - First Day of Women's History Month
March 1 - Feeding America Food Truck
March 8 - Board of Education Meeting - 6 PM at Administration Building
March 10 - Early Release for students at 1:40 PM - (Schedule B)
March 19 - End of 3rd Marking Period
March 22 - Board of Education Meeting - 6 PM - Admin Building
March 24 - Early Release for students
March 31 - Early Release for students
April 1 - Half Day for students - Dismissal at 12 PM
April 2-11 - Spring Break - No school
Social Justice and Equity
Advisory classes the last couple of months have been focusing on social justice, equity, as well as student social and emotional health. This time is specifically designed for students to be able to have a safe place to discuss a variety of topics. These topics include goal-setting, resilience, mindfulness, self-care, empathy, identity, social groups, differing perspectives, and reflecting on current issues and personal opinions.
In a recent survey, 88.6% of students said that conversations about social justice and equity are important. A majority of students also said that advisory conversations challenge their thinking and perspectives. Recently, students were asked to reflect on how a song connected with identity and social justice. Some specific student responses to these conversations are highlighted below:
"What sticks out to me from the lyrics from this is that you need to be brave and not care about what people think of you. People might say mean things to you or about you but just don't care about what they have to say because you should always be you no matter what."
"Never give up on yourself. Keep pushing to your dreams and what you want to do in your life."
"Have confidence and keep on working."
"This song reminded me of our identity and how some people might judge us but you should be strong and stand for who you are."
As Principal Conklin stated in our Godwin at a Glance, "The more we have these conversations, the more comfortable we will become standing up for ourselves and others. By doing this, it will send the message that racial injustices will not be tolerated." Thank you for joining us on the journey.
Athletics
Class of 2021
Just some reminders as we move into the weekend:
1. FINISH YOUR FAFSA
When you are done, please send Mrs. Ibarra a screenshot of your processed and submitted dates from your portal. Another option is to forward Mrs. Ibarra your email from them. The last day to show Mrs. Ibarra this for the gift card raffle is Friday, 2/26! Every senior should complete the FAFSA unless enrolled officially into the military. Please let Mrs. Ibarra know if you want to schedule a 1:1 meeting to do this.
2. APPLY TO COLLEGE/FINISH YOUR GRCC APPLICATION
Please send Mrs. Ibarra a picture of your admission letter with your name. She am keeping track of this so that we can highlight where our seniors were accepted. This will also help Mrs. Ibarra to help you make decisions about next steps/requirements. Also, don't forget to send your transcripts through Parchment.
3. FINISH YOUR CLASSES-SPECIFICALLY YOUR ONLINE CLASSES
Students must have 22 credits to graduate and complete the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC). You have 11 weeks now to finish everything. If you do not finish in this timeframe, you cannot participate in graduation and you will be required to continue attending school after the seniors last day (which still has not been determined yet).
Seal of Biliteracy
In 2017, the Michigan Department of Education initiated the Seal of Biliteracy. Biliteracy is defined as the ability to read, write, and speak proficiently in a language other than English. Godwin Heights High Schools offers Juniors and Seniors the opportunity to obtain the Seal of Biliteracy. GHPS will:
Award students who have demonstrated proficiency in English and at least one other world language by high school graduation
Recognize the language skills of students who complete extended sequences of world language study, as well as those whose native language is other than English
Value and celebrate the linguistic and cultural diversity in our community
Align to the goals and strategies of Michigan’s Top 10 in 10 endeavor
Awarding biliterate status requires an intermediate-high proficiency level on a test of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This is likely achieved with consistent language study by the junior/senior year. February 23rd is the date GHPS is offering the test. To confirm your interest please complete this survey. If you have additional questions, please speak with Mrs. Ibarra or Mrs. Bonilla.
Robotics
Our robotics program was awarded several Lego Education robotics sets by several generous donors using donorschoose.org. This will allow our district to provide robotics activities to several different grade levels. Currently our district is providing a Lego robotics program to 2nd graders at West Godwin and here at the High School. In the coming years I'd like to see a program offered in every building in the district.
If anyone is interested in our program or would like to support our program through donations or participation please reach out to me via email at robotics@godwinschools.org.
BigFuture Days College Fairs
BigFuture Days College Fairs
Our first virtual college fair is just a few days away. Help students at your school connect directly with colleges at BigFuture™ Days. They'll have a chance to meet with college admissions representatives and current college students, ask questions, and learn more about planning for college.
Students can sign up to meet with colleges in each region. They can attend any event and more than one.
BigFuture Day Southeast
Tuesday, February 23
American University, University of Richmond, LSU, Vanderbilt, and many more will be there.
See the full list of colleges.
BigFuture Day Northeast
Sunday, March 7
Cornell, Rutgers, Penn State, Boston University, and many more will be there.
See the full list of colleges.
BigFuture Day Midwest
Thursday, March 11
University of Chicago, Ohio State, University of Kansas, Purdue, and many more will be there.
KSSN Supports Available:
Mental Health Services:
Services are provided through the high school in partnership with Family Outreach Center, contact Kelsey Gruber (kelsey.gruber@godwinschools.org or (616) 426-9208)) for more information or with any questions!
We are currently working on helping to address the Wellness needs of our students. All students were offered an opportunity to complete a wellness survey to identify ways they would like support. The Student Services Team will be reaching out directly to students to connect them with resources.
Beginning mid February, we will offer group mental health services to support students with, Isolation and Loneliness, Motivation, Mindfulness and Self-Care as well as Social Justice and Equity. Again, contact Kelsey Gruber for more information.
Food Resources:
If your family is in need of additional food resources please call Kelsey Gruber at (616) 426-9208 to connect you with the most appropriate service for your family.
Feeding America Food Truck: March 1 @ High School Main entrance beginning around 4:30-5:00pm.
Clothing/Winter Apparel:
If your family is in need of winter apparel, connect with Kelsey Gruber so she can gather sizing information. (Youth and Adult sizes available).
Things to do in the Grand Rapids Area
Black History Walking Tour
John Ball Zoo
For more information please click the link.
Indoor Ultimate Frisbee
Godwin Heights High School
Email: cconklin@godwinschools.org
Website: https://hs.godwinschools.org/
Location: 50 35th Street Southwest, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Phone: 616-252-2050
Facebook: facebook.com/godwinhighschool
Twitter: @GodwinSchools