Horizon High School
Parent Newsletter August/September
5321 E. 13th Ave.
Thornton, CO 80602-7714 2020-2021
720-971-4400
Hello Horizon Parents and Students-
Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year! While starting remotely isn’t the way that we had all hoped this year would begin, our school community is resilient. Together we always work to find the best possible outcomes for our students! As we transition back into academics and learning, I hope that your families enjoyed some summer relaxation.
Despite this unique transition back to fall learning, you can still expect the same high quality instruction from the Horizon staff that your students are used to and for our 9th grade parents/students you will find that the HHS Team is dedicated to the success of ALL learners in our building. Our school values personal relationships and we pride ourselves on knowing students interests both inside and outside of the classroom. Over the summer we have been working diligently to become more agile with instructional technology and will be communicating with your students through Schoology (the district’s new learning management platform) as well as updating grades weekly through Infinite Campus.
In all of our classes, teachers will continue to focus on critical thinking and reasoning skills in order to prepare our students for their post secondary goals. While many of our State Mandated Assessments were canceled in the spring due to Covid 19, I am excited to share with you, that the two assessments that were administered: ACCESS Testing (for second language learners) and College Board-Advanced Placement Assessments both indicated positive results for our school. The Median Growth Percentile for HHS students on the ACCESS exam was an MGP in the 73rd percentile, state average is a 50 MGP. And, the percentage of students earning a 3 or higher on College Board AP Exams rose from 68% to 76%. I appreciate that our school community has high expectations for learning!
As previously mentioned, we had hoped to be able to start the year with an opportunity to meet our students in person, but please know the administrative team, teachers and staff will do everything in our power to support students through this time. We are honored to serve our school community-- It is always a great day to be a Hawk!
Appreciation,
Kim Brady
" Reaching our potential today meeting the challenges of tomorrow."
Back to School Information
This year for back to school night due to health and safety precautions, the Horizon High School staff will post information about their courses virtually for on demand viewing by students and parents. These videos can be found on each teacher’s profile page on the Horizon High School Website on Wednesday, August 27th by 4pm. In the video, staff members will share some professional background, class information/expectations, and the best way to communicate with them during the academic year.
HHS 9th Grade Orientation Plans
Please see the chart below for information on when an in-person orientation is available for incoming 9th grade students. All 9th grade students are welcome to attend these orientation activities on their assigned date/time following the outlined health precautions listed below. Should your student not be able to attend or you prefer a virtual option, an on demand video will be posted on the HHS website Wednesday, August 26th by 4 pm. Upperclassmen who are identified LINK leaders will also be reaching out to all incoming 9th grade students via their school gmail accounts to connect with students and answer questions they may have about the Horizon High School experience.
Orientation activities will be facilitated by LINK Leaders (4 per group) and the staff members indicated. The content will include the following: Chromebook distribution for students who need them, an introduction to HAWK PRIDE (a positive behavior support lesson), introductions to HHS Deans, Counselors, a school tour and review of basic handbook information/school operations.
Some important safety considerations will need to be followed for your student to participate in orientation activities. ONLY STUDENTS will be allowed.
Students must report to their assigned area for orientation, apply hand sanitizer upon arrival, and wear a mask.
Students must wear some type of face coverings while at the school, masks will not be provided.
When touring the facility students will maintain social distancing, staying 6 feet away from each other.
If your student is currently sick, has been sick within the last 72 hours, or is caring for someone who is symptomatic, it is obviously not appropriate that they come to the school. Please reach out directly so other arrangements can be made.
If your student is in a high-risk group please contact the school administration to make other arrangements for orientation and chromebook checkout.
Transportation to and from 9th grade orientation will not be provided.
For students who cannot attend orientation on their assigned day or who don’t feel comfortable participating in person, a video orientation will be posted on the HHS website Wednesday, August 26th, 2020 by 4pm for on demand viewing.
HORIZON HIGH SCHOOL Tentative List of ORGANIZED CLUBS/ACTIVITIES 2020 - 2021 (as of August 7, 2020)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT REPORT CARDS/GRADES
Parents: please make sure your IC Parent Portal account is active. We will communicate with you regarding your student’s academic progress through Infinite Campus. At the end of each grading term, report cards will be available through the Infinite Campus parent portal. You will also be able to check your student’s grades at any time during the semester using Infinite Campus.
If you have questions or need help signing up, please contact Ruth Cummings 720-972-4430 in the counseling office.
Infinite Campus also has a mobile app available for Apple or Android.
Horizon Improvement Team (HIT)
Parents:
• Are you looking for a way to become involved in your child’s education?
• Would you like to have chance to talk directly with the Principal about educational issues?
• Are you interested in learning more about HHS and our district?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, join us for the Horizon Improvement Team meeting the 2nd Monday of every month at 6:00 pm Virtual . The HIT team needs parents and community members to be involved in the ongoing process of establishing long-term goals and problem solving to support the Horizon’s vision for student learning. Much of this team’s work will address issues and challenges that face Horizon and our district.
Meeting dates for 2020-2021 are tentatively planned for:
- September 14th
- October 12th
- November 9th
- December 14th
- January 11th
- February 8th
- March 8th
- April 12th
CLOSED CAMPUS
Horizon has a modified closed campus. Grades 11 & 12 have an open campus. The campus is closed for 9th grade students. 10th grade students have the opportunity to earn the right to leave campus by earning a minimum of 6 credits toward graduation by the end of their 9th grade year. 11th and 12th grade students taking 9th and 10th grade students off campus will lose their parking privileges. Students must go to the Student Center if they do not have a class. Permission to leave campus will be granted for verified work, emergencies, confirmed appointments and school sponsored activities. Parent(s)/guardian(s) requesting their student to leave campus for an appointment must call the Attendance Office at least an hour beforehe/she can leave campus.
You are invited to attend
Parent/Teacher Conferences
September 23, 2020 4-7:30 pm
More information to come. We are unsure at this time if will be in person or virtual.
Interested in Volunteering?
Please check the box areas in which you would like to volunteer. Here is the link to fill out the form.
Fees and Payments Bookeeping
Beginning in the 2020-2021 school year students will no longer be allowed to attend field trips or school planned trips (i.e. class field trips, band trips, sport trips, cheer/pom competitions) if all outstanding or current fee are not paid. We will however work with families on setting up payment plans to pay monthly using a credit card which you will need to approve to be on file and charged monthly until all fees are cleared. Once the first payment is made your child will be released to attend events.
Also new in 2019-20 surplus balances on a student account in Infinite campus will be applied to outstanding fees. Any remaining balances will be refunded per District Policy 5630. (See Refund Policy).
Your check is welcome with the following:
- FULL NAME
- STREET ADDRESS (NO P.O.BOX)
- HOME PHONE # with AREA CODE
- WORK PHONE # with AREA CODE
- *DRIVER’S LICENSE # with STATE
If your check is returned, it may be re-presented electronically. A returned check fee of $20.00 will be charged. Any bank fees incurred by your bank as a result of the returned check are nonrefundable.Failure to respond to the returned check notice will result in a BAD Check Crime Report filed with the
District Attorney Office for dishonored checks.
2020-2021 Counseling Department
Ms. Rolision - A-Ci and 10th grade 504 students ext.4425
Mrs. Moquin - Cj-Ga and 12th grade 504 students ext. 4426
Ms. Shields - Gb-K and 11th grade 504 students ext.4431
Mrs. Gussman - L-M and 19th grade 504 students ext. 4592
Mr. Muedeking - N-Si and ELL students ext. 4428
Ms. Schwab - Sj-Z Naviaance ext. 4427
Mrs. Neumann - SOAR students ext. 4429
Mrs. Robbins- Social Worker ext. 4432
2020-2021 Dean's Office
Remote Learning Attendance Protocol
ATTENDANCE POLICY (District Policy 5020) (Spanish: District Policy 5020) In addition to the District Policy for attendance, the following are specific Horizon High School Attendance policies and procedures:
*Teachers will be taking attendance within the first 10 minutes of each class period.*
Parents/guardians are expected to take an active role in monitoring the attendance and academic progress of their children. We strongly encourage utilizing Infinite Campus, the district’s internet-based student information system.
Parents/ guardians are asked to call the Attendance Office (720)972-4597 on the day of or within 48 hours of the absence to excuse the student for that full day. Refer to District Policy 5020 for excused absences. Pre-arranged absences may be called in at any time prior to the absence.
Attempts will be made daily utilizing the automated calling system to inform parents/guardians of absences. Therefore, it is important that the Attendance Office is provided an accurate phone number that can receive these calls. You can update contact information online or by calling Ruth Cummings @ 720-972-4430
A student’s dean will be notified weekly when the student has had two or more unexcused absences recorded for the previous week. Consequences assigned for truancy vary and could include the following: ● Student/Dean Conference ● District Attendance Hearing ● District Discipline Hearing. Students with excessive absences risk entering non-student status resulting in withdrawal from school.
After these 5 excused absences have been accrued, documentation must be provided (i.e. a doctor’s note or court order) or contact must be made with an administrator. Non-medical absences must be excused by an administrator. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain an attendance printout signifying changes resulting from appeals and to notify teachers accordingly.
Extended absences (more than 3 days) for non-family emergencies such as vacations are discouraged and can impact student learning and academic performance, especially those at the end of a grading period. Please complete the extended absences form and share the document with your students teacher’s to ensure your student has received work expectations prior to leaving.
Resources:
Free & Reduced-Price School Meals
APPLY NOW!
Applications for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals are available online in English and Spanish. All Adams 12 Five Star Schools families are encouraged to apply online for meal benefits.
Families must reapply for free and reduced price school meals every year.
Benefits of applying online: ✓ Quicker approval process for eligibility ✓ Accuracy of submitted application ✓ Assists your child's school in receiving additional funds
If you do not have access to the online system, paper applications are available on request by contacting Nutrition Services. United States citizenship or immigration status in not a condition of eligibility for free and reduced price meal benefits.
Questions or for a paper application, contact nutritionmealbenefit@adams12.org or (720) 972-4195
Five Star Schools | Services www.adams12.org/nutrition (720) 972-4195
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.Parents please support us in our efforts to teach our students the following behavior expectations
HAWK PRIDE in Non-Educational Setting
- All electronic communication devices must be silent or turned off during class.
- Attend all class periods everyday on time.
Your support in teaching the following expectations is also appreciated!
- Exhibit HAWK PRIDE
- Be Conscious and helpful to others
- Use G-Rated Voice, Language and Physical
- Enter and Exit Safely
HAWK PRIDE IN EDUCATIONAL SETTING
- Exhibit HAWK PRIDE
- Leave Food and Drink in Designated Areas
- Use computers for Academic Purposes Only
- Respect Staff, Peers, Equipment and Environment
- Clean Up Your Area When Finished
HHS Parent Athletic & Activities Group
WHAT IS HHS PA&AG
The Horizon High Booster group is a parent-based volunteer organization that works to benefit the entire school including all student organizations, clubs, arts, sports, and student classes.
Earning are made from concessions, fundraising, and merchandise sales that are supported solely by parent and student volunteers. Some examples of items that we have helped finance:
Uniforms Ice Machine Scoreboards
Equipment Bleachers Chairs
Conferences JV Baseball Filed T-shirts
Sound Equipment Tubas Achievement Boards for
State Competitions Band Trailer Honor Roll
WE WANT YOU TO JOIN US!!!
• Very low time commitment—all levels of participation are welcome!
• Stay informed and be involved with HHS and the activities of our students
• Share your opinions and HAVE FUN!!!
For details, please contact our Booster Sponsor, Marty Tonjes at 720-972-4406
Meeting dates for 2020-2021 are tentatively planned for:
September 21st 6:00 pm
October 19th 6:00 pm
November 16th 6:00 pm
December TBD
January TBD
February TBD
March 15th 6:00 pm
April 19th 6:00 pm
May 17th 6:00 pm
Horizon High School Athletic Information 2020-2021
Check In Dates for all sports are as follows:
Season A: August 3 – 12, 2020
Cross Country
Boy's Tennis
Boy's Golf
Softball
Season B: December 7-16, 2020
Girl's/Boy's Basketball
Girls Swim Team
Wrestling
Season C: February 8 – 18, 2021
Football
Gymnastics
Boy's Soccer
Volleyball
Season D: April 12-22, 2021
Baseball
Girls's Golf
Lacrosse
Girl's Soccer
Track
All sports registrations are online and can be found on the school website or
use this link https://horizon-ar.rschooltoday.com/. Follow the instructions on
the registration site carefully.
Be sure to have the following available when you begin the process:
*Current Physical (in-person physical is required, no virtual physicals)
*Login information for PayForIt
Athletic Participation Fee for 2020-2021 is $150 per sport (max. $300/year). If a
student athlete attends a school outside Horizon, the fee is $225 per sport (max.
$450/year).
Athletic fees can be paid online through the PayForIt system and will be located
under “optional fees
Absolutely NO participation is allowed (practice or competition) until
Athletic Registration and payment is complete.
.
Information regarding camps or open gym workouts can be obtained through each
head coach. Contact information will be found on the Horizon Website
horizon.adams12.org
***Because of the ongoing situation these dates are subject to change.***
2020-2021 Important Dates *All dates subject to change, based on status of public health conditions.*
AUGUST
12-26 District In-Service Days & Teacher Duty
Days – No Students
21,24-26 9th Grade and New Student Orientation
27 First Day of School, All Students
27 Back to School Night, (Virtual) 4pm
SEPTEMBER
7 Labor Day – No Students
14 H.I.T. Meeting, 6:00 pm
16 Fall Academic Awards, (Virtual) 8:30-9:30 am
21 Athletics & Activities Parent Group, 6:00 pm
23 SAT Test Day (12th Grade Only)
23 Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4:00 – 7:30 pm
OCTOBER
12 H.I.T. Meeting, 6:00 pm
14 PSAT/NMSQT Optional Test, grades 10&11
16 End of 1st Quarter
19 Athletics & Activities Parent Group, 6:00 pm
27 SAT Make-up Day (12th Grade Only)
NOVEMBER
9 H.I.T. Meeting, 6:00 pm
11 Veterans Day Observed – No School
16 Athletics & Activities Parent Group, 6:00 pm
23-27 Thanksgiving Break
DECEMBER
14 H.I.T. Meeting, 6:00 pm
16, 17 Semester One Finals
17 End of 2nd Quarter/1st Semester
18 Teacher Duty Day – NO Students
TBD Athletics & Activities Parent Group, 6:00 pm
21- 1/1/21 Winter Break
(Early Release Day every Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.)
JANUARY
4 Building In-Service – No Students
5 School resumes for all students
11 H.I.T Meeting. 6:00 pm
13 Practice Test Day/ College Career Planning Day
18 Martin Luther King Day – No School
TBD Athletics & Activities Parent Group, 6:00 pm
FEBRUARY
8 H.I.T. Meeting, 6:00 pm
11 Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4:00 – 6:30 pm
12 District In-Service Day – No Students
15 Presidents’ Day – No School
TBD Athletics & Activities Parent Group , 6:00 pm
MARCH
8 8th Grade Open House, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
TBD H.I.T. Meeting, 6:00 pm
12 End of 3rd Quarter
15 Athletics & Activities Parent Group, 6:00 pm
22–26 Spring Break
APRIL
13 SAT, PSAT 10 Tests
14 PSAT 9, CMAS 11 Tests
12 H.I.T. Meeting, 6:00 pm
19 Athletics & Activities Parent Group, 6:00 pm
23 Building In-Service & Prom
28 Academic Awards, 2:00 pm
MAY
5 Seniors Last Day
7 Graduation Practice and BBQ, 9:30 am
10 H.I.T. Meeting 6:00 pm
TBD Graduation, TBD
17 Athletics & Activities Parent Group, 6:00 pm
26, 27 2nd Semester Finals
27 End of 2nd Semester (last day for students)
28 Teacher Duty Day
31 Memorial Day