Lions Letter
February 10, 2021
Window to Revise Instructional Environment - February 15-19th
Counselor Information
"My Ascension" Suicide Prevention Film - Tonight at 6:00pm!
Dear Friends,
I was fortunate enough to have a first time “sneak peek” at this powerful documentary a couple of weeks ago. It will be released to the DFW area on February 10 at 6:00 p.m. I am asking each and every one of you to please help me spread the word about this event and share the link to register. It is free. This film really hit home for me – as we have lost too many beautiful children and young adults in our HP community to suicide. There will be a livestream discussion following the film with the amazing young lady who survived her attempt, Vanita Halliburton and several other mental health experts. Please share with your contacts, people in your various organizations and on social media.
Please watch this trailer about the documentary (3 minutes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYGs0Z2lW6Y
"My Ascension" for Suicide Prevention - Film Trailer
A suicide attempt left 16-year-old varsity cheerleader, Emma Benoit, paralyzed, but propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope, while shining more light on the suicide epidemic that is taking the lives of 20 young people every day in the United States. My Ascension is a feature length documentary that chronicles Emma's inspiring journey and quest to walk again; as she works to bring Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program, to Louisiana. The film also highlights the stories of two remarkable young people who tragically did not survive their attempts, and we learn first-hand from their families, friends, school officials and suicide prevention experts about the devastating effects of suicide.
Newport Healthcare & Grant Halliburton Foundation are hosting the complimentary advance screening of “My Ascension” on February 10th. This is a powerful documentary about teen mental health issues and suicide, so I hope you will join us for the film and panel discussion with Emma Benoit and behavioral health experts.
Space is limited, RSVP now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-newport-healthcare-for-an-advance-screening-of-the-film-my-ascension-registration-136676187155.
There is always HOPE.
Lydia Walden
Director of Academics and Support Services
Highland Park ISD
214-780-3048
Practice SAT - Monday, March 22
Hope Night
SEL Resources
Help Your Children Build Character with These Strategies
2. Model the behavior you want to see, i.e. show kids how to respect others.
3. Nurture your child's self esteem. Build self esteem by giving children responsibilities and choices.
4. Respect differences. Every child has unique talents and abilities.
5. Take advantage of support services, whether in the community or at school.
For more information, see the link below to "Social and Emotional Learning: Strategies for Parents" from Edutopia.
PTSA Volunteers Needed by Feb 12
The PTSA board is looking for volunteers who are interested in serving on the PTSA Board for the 2021-2022 school year.
We need to fill the following positions:
- President
- 1st VP - Membership
- 2nd VP - Programs
- 3rd VP - Ways and Means
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Parliamentarian
- Hospitality
- Homecoming
- Spirit Wear
- Student Recognition
- Community Partners
- Diversity
- SAGE
To learn more, visit McMillenPTSA.org/jobs. You must express your interest by Friday, February 12th.
10th and 11th Graders - Apply for Plano Mayor's Summer Internship Program by March 1
Details and the online application are available at planomayorsinterns.org. For student-related questions, contact Mary Peltier at mary.peltier@vwaitgroup.com. Companies interested in signing up may contact Vicki Wait at vicki@vwaitgroup.com.
Teen Support Group - Mondays and Wednesdays 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Student Opportunities
Cheer/Mascots Tryouts - March 18
Join McMillen Student Senate
Leadership Conference for Student Senate at Plano East Sr. High School - Feb 23
McMillen HS:
Date: Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Time: 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Location: Plano East IB Commons
Registration: https://forms.gle/jpjDpjp3GR2psYYb8
Senate Recruitment Information:
Join the Recruitment Google Classroom for more information about the senate application, teacher recommendations, and Frequently Asked Questions.
Join Code: 2kwganu
Paperwork Required for Dazzlers Drill Team Accepted through Feb 26
The McMillen High School Dazzlers Drill Team will be hosting a Mandatory Tryout Information Meeting over Zoom at 7 pm on Monday, February 1st, 2021.
Tryout packets and required paperwork will be distributed at this meeting.
Tryouts are March 1-4, 2021.
Check out our info video! https://youtu.be/gnnrH4hsBUk
To receive the Zoom link and more information, register at: https://tinyurl.com/ddt2122info
For more information, please contact Dazzlers Director, Cortney Davis, at Cortney.davis@pisd.edu
Support Our School!
McMillen Cheer Fundraiser
NAHS Fundraiser
Library Information
Dear Martin by Nic Stone
I am so excited to read Dear Martin, the book kids picked for me to read this week in honor of Black History Month. Look for my review in Goodreads and the McMillen Library Google Classroom.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/101253779-meredith-smith
Google Classroom: https://classroom.google.com/c/MTIzNTQyMzI1MTgz?cjc=gtenoop
Book Summary:
Justyce McAllister is top of his class and set for the Ivy League—but none of that matters to the police officer who just put him in handcuffs. And despite leaving his rough neighborhood behind, he can't escape the scorn of his former peers or the ridicule of his new classmates. Justyce looks to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for answers. But do they hold up anymore? He starts a journal to Dr. King to find out.Then comes the day Justyce goes driving with his best friend, Manny, windows rolled down, music turned up—way up, sparking the fury of a white off-duty cop beside them. Words fly. Shots are fired. Justyce and Manny are caught in the crosshairs. In the media fallout, it's Justyce who is under attack.