Weekly eNews Update
Spain Park High School 09.06.19
A Message from the Principal
Dear Parents,
Even though we had a four day week this week, the learning and extracurricular activities have been numerous. Under the School Announcements section below, you can follow all the opportunities your student may have to try out for teams, join clubs and other organizations within our school. It is vital for all students to be a part of our school culture. Research tells us that students who are involved in school activities are more successful academically and socially than those who are not engaged.
Our Senior class started working on the ACT WorkKeys Curriculum this Wednesday during JAG period and will continue during JAG next Wednesday as well. They should complete the curriculum on their own if not completed during the two assigned periods. The ACT WorkKeys Test date is Tuesday, October 1, 2019. This mandatory State Assessment is part of our school’s yearly report card and one of the requirements for the second-semester Senior Exam Exemption. More information to come as we get closer to the test date.
Each Thursday during AO throughout September, our counseling department is welcoming our new students to Spain Park by providing snacks and conversations. Our new students come to us from all over the country and world. These bright new faces and the diversity they bring to Spain Park makes us a better school.
Be on the look-out for your student’s first progress report next Thursday, September 12, 2019, which they will receive here, at Spain Park.
Finally, please mark your calendar for next Thursday, September 12th, 6:00-7:30 PM in the SPHS Theater for a community meeting with our superintendent, Dr. Kathy Murphy. She will be available to talk with us, give information about our school system, and take questions.
As always, I am available to hear your feedback on how we can make SPHS a great place to be.
Sincerely,
Peter L. Giangrosso
OLD School Announcements
The optional PSAT test for 10th and 11th graders is now open for registration until September 9th. Beginning Monday, August 26, you may pay $17 on my school fees, bring exact cash, or check (made out to SPHS) to Ms. Gilmore in the Guidance Office. We are unable to accept late payment as PSAT has a cut off date to order materials. Registration will close Monday, September 9th at midnight. After your payment is received, you are signed up to take the PSAT -- your payment reserves your seat. The test will be given on Wednesday, October 16th at 8:15 am. There are no refunds if you are unable to take the test. Taking the PSAT in 10th grade can be a valuable testing experience and tell you where you need to improve for junior year, especially if you're aiming for National Merit. Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT in 11th grade may enter the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. College Board's other scholarship partners also use the PSAT/NMSQT to find students qualified to apply for their programs. These organizations give out over $255 million in combined awards every year.
School Pictures will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, September 25-26th through History classes. All virtual History students should plan to have their photos made during JAG or AO. This is the picture that will go in the yearbook, so we want to be sure everyone is included! Email Julee Rodgers at jrodgers@hoover.k12.al.us with questions.
WE STILL HAVE COPIES OF THE 2018-2019 YEARBOOK AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE! Books are $65 and can be purchased with cash or check in Room 229 during AO or between classes.
Spain Park Tennis Team Tryouts will take place at the Spain Park High School courts on September 9th, 10th and 11th, from 3:30-5:30. Sign-ups are posted in room A239.
Flu shots will be given to any student who is covered by PEEHIP, whose parent completes the flu vaccination consent form, provides a copy of their insurance card, makes an online appointment, and does not have any contraindications to receiving the flu vaccination. Please email Becky Laney, RN at blaney@hoover.k12.al.us if your child is covered by PEEHIP and you would like them to receive their flu vaccination at this clinic. We will email the online calendar link and an ADPH flu vaccination consent form, which must be returned to the nurse with a copy of their insurance card by 9/12/2019. PEEHIP insured students will not be able to receive a flu vaccine during the Health Heroes flu clinic.
NEW School Announcements
- Any boys interested in trying out for the boys golf team need to see Coach Litton before September 13th for information regarding fall evaluations.
Boys Soccer Tryouts for the Spain Park High School soccer program will be September 23-27 4pm-6pm at the SPHS practice fields. All players must have a current, up to date physical. Players need to come by Coach Hall's classroom 208 to sign up and pick up a physical form. If you have any questions see Coach Hall or email him at mhall@hoover.k12.al.us.
Any junior or senior girl interested in playing Powder Puff during Homecoming week can sign-up and pay on My School Fees. The deadline to register is September 23.
GIRLS GOLF - Girls interested in trying out for the Golf Team should see Coach Holland before Thursday, September 19th.
Spain Park Softball Tryouts will be October 1st, 3rd, & 8th, (10th if needed). Please sign up with Coach Urse Hawkins in Room A102 by Wednesday, September 25th. All students trying out must have a current Physical Exam Form completed by their doctor & the HCS Consent to Participate form signed and turned in before tryouts. Visit www.spainparkathletics.org for current forms.
Join us for Dinner and a Date, our Spain Park Theatre annual fundraiser on Tuesday night, September 17. This year's theme is conspiracy theories. Tickets are $25, include a 3-course meal, and can be purchased on myschoolfees. See a theatre student for more info! If you can't make it that night, you can see the same performance that day during AO for $5!
Suicide Prevention Week
Spain Park High School is promoting National Suicide Prevention Week September 9th - 13th. Parents, we hope this opens up conversations between you and your student(s). Suicide is the second leading cause of death among school age youth. However, suicide is preventable. Youth who are contemplating suicide frequently give warning signs of their distress. Parents, teachers, and friends are in a key position to pick up on these signs and get help. Most important is to never take these warning signs lightly or promise to keep them secret. When all adults and students in the school community are committed to making suicide prevention a priority-and are empowered to take the correct actions-we can help youth before they engage in behavior with irreversible consequences. For further information on suicide prevention, click here. We are encouraging students to support each other, as well as reach out to a trusted adult. We appreciate all of your support.
Upcoming Events
- September 6--Football game @ Vestavia.
- September 12--Progress reports will be sent home.
- September 12--HCS Town Hall Meeting with Dr. Murphy
- September 25-26---School Pictures during History classes
- September 30-Oct 4--Homecoming Week
- October 1--eLearning day for 9th and 11th-grade students, pre-ACT Assessment for 10th grade and WorkKeys for 12th grade. More info soon!
- October 4--Homecoming Football game vs. Thompson
- October 5--Homecoming Dance
Check out the SPHS Athletics calendar for additional opportunities to support our athletics teams.
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