St. Croix Central High School
Family Newsletter: February 18, 2019
Our Vision of Learning at SCC High School
In full support of our district mission and vision we at SCC High School are committed to...
Creating a learning experience built on creativity, choice, efficiency, and engagement resulting in high-achieving and creative problem-solvers who take intellectual risks to discover the world around them and maximize their potential.
From Mr. Soderberg
Hello SCC Families,
While winter won't seem to go away we are excited about the opportunities and challenges the winter months have offered. I can't recall another time when the school year has been hit so hard by freezing temperatures and snowy days and like everyone else I look forward to days without hats, gloves, scraping windows and warming up vehicles.
But the show (not snow) must go on.
This Wednesday, February 20th, is a big day for our juniors as they finally get to take the ACT which they have been preparing for over the past several weeks. A special thank you to our entire staff who have shuffled students and schedules to clear the way for our ELA, math & science teachers to provide ACT prep for all juniors. It has been a group effort and we are looking forward to a successful day of testing for our students.
Why does the ACT matter?
- The skills assessed on the ACT are directly tied to the state standards we teach. Therefore, we can use the information to improve our instruction.
- Regardless of the student's post-high school plans, maximizing their knowledge, skills, and experiences will allow for a wider range of career options moving forward.
The ACT testing day also provides us with the opportunity for students and staff to connect through fun activities in the snow, on the ice, on the slopes, and at the MOA. It will be a great chance to build positive relationships and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Thanks to our wonderful community, families, students & staff we have a very special place work and learn.
Thank you for your continued support.
Go Panthers,
Kurt
VAPING... A growing problem
There is a rapidly growing problem with vaping throughout the U.S. and SCC is not immune to the problem. We are aware that a growing number of students are vaping and are sincerely concerned about the impact this will have on student health and school culture.
Please educate yourself and talk to your child about the dangers and addictiveness of this behavior. Most importantly, be alert, ask questions, and look for the signs of vaping.
JUNIORS: ACT Testing Information
Dear Parent or Guardian:
As part of the Wisconsin statewide assessment system, your 11th-grade student will take the ACT Plus Writing test on Wednesday, February 20th and the ACT WorkKeys test on Wednesday, March 13th. Both tests will begin promptly at 8:05 a.m. These tests measure what your student has learned and will provide information about your student’s readiness for more education after high school or entry into a career.
The scores from the ACT can be used for many purposes such as entrance into universities and technical colleges, scholarship applications, and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility. Your student can also earn a National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) from the WorkKeys assessment. This certificate is used by some employers to make sure prospective employees have the skills necessary for the job they are applying for.
There is NO charge for this ACT and ACT WorkKeys. However, if your child decides to retake the ACT on one of the national test dates, they must register online at www.actstudent.org. Students are encouraged to take the test a second time to try and improve their scores. As far as preparation for the ACT, students have gone through our ACT Prep Sessions that began in mid-January. Students will receive their scores via mail 3-8 weeks after their test date. Scores will be sent to the address students provide on their answer documents.
Attendance is imperative on February 20th and March 13th. Please make sure your child has received sufficient sleep and has breakfast in the morning. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Finally, juniors will be dismissed from school after ACT Testing. We expect the ACT to conclude around 1:00 pm. Students testing with accommodations may take longer. Those students who wish to stay at school until the end of the day are free to do so.
Thanks for your support!
From the Counseling Office
State Testing Information
ACT Information
- Wednesday, February 20th - Statewide ACT (juniors)
- Wednesday, March 13th - Statewide WorkKeys (juniors)
Testing Dates for Freshmen and Sophomores
Aspire - April 23, 2019 (Freshmen and Sophomores)
Forward - April 24, 2019 (Sophomores)
WINTER FUN DAY
On February 20th, while the juniors are taking the ACT all 9th, 10th, and 12th-grade students will be enjoying our Winter Fun Day. All students are expected to sign up for an activity and participate in the events of the day.
If you have any questions please contact Tracy Klein (tklein@scc.k12.wi.us) at your convenience.
Scholarships
Local Scholarships will become available for the Class of 2019 on Tuesday, February 5th. Mr. Fern will meet with all Seniors on a date yet to be determined. Scholarship materials are due to the counseling office no later than Friday, March 15th. To see a list of last year’s scholarships, please click this link.
College Applications- Class of 2019
If students need to send a transcript, please click on the SCC Transcript link listed below. The link will redirect you to our transcript page which will give you step by step instructions on how to request a transcript. Most transcripts are required to be processed online.
Apply On-Line to Colleges
Mental Health Awareness - Car Decals for Sale
At SCC we try to keep mental health at the forefront of the minds of our students, staff, and families. We do this in a variety of ways including messaging, guest speakers, and programming.
Thanks to Tonya and Chad Gullixson (Gullixson Racing) we have mental health/suicide awareness decals for sale. The funds raised from the decals will go toward our efforts to support students and raise awareness. The decals will be available (while supplies last) at most home events.
Each year Gullixson Racing donates a percentage of their race winnings to support our efforts. A special thank you to Tonya and Chad Gullixson for their continued generosity.
From the Athletics and Activities Office
Link to Athletics/Activities Newsletter
Parents: As we enter playoffs, please remember that we are not able to accept passes. The cost for admission is $5 for adult, seniors and students and $1 for children 6 and under.
From the Main Office
Graduation: Friday, May 24, 2019 - 7:30 PM - HS Gym
UPCOMING EVENTS
2019 SCC PROM - A Night Under the Stars
Dance: 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm - High School Commons
Link: SCC Prom
Saturday, May 4, 2019, 08:00 PM
St. Croix Central High School, Broadway Street, Hammond, WI, USA
Forensics Invitationals and Tournaments
Feb. 23 -- at New Richmond
Feb. 28 -- Sub-Districts, at SCC
March 18 -- Districts, at Viking MS
April 12-13 -- State, at UW-Madison
Participants should be signing up for practice on Mrs. Jourdeans' door. Contact Coach Heather Jourdeans for more information at hjourdeans@scc.k12.wi.us.
Graduation
Doors open at 6:30 pm
- No tickets required
- No reserved seating
Friday, May 24, 2019, 07:30 PM
1751 Broadway Street, Hammond, WI, USA
Talking Standards-Based Assessment and Reporting
On Wednesday, November 28th the high school hosted a presentation and discussion with parents of high school students about standards-based assessment and reporting. We focused specifically on the method we use for converting from achievement level to letter grade and grade-point-average. Every teacher who is currently utilizing SBA&R was present and engaged in a question and answer session with parents. Our goals for the evening were to inform the parents and improve our practices based on our discussion with them. Both goals were met.
We look forward to hosting another presentation and discussion about SBA&R in the coming months.
Here are the links to the grade conversion video we watched and the presentation:
SBA&R: Converting to Grades Video: Video Link
SBA&R Parent Meeting from 11.28.18: Presentation Link
SBA&R at SCC High School:
We have a system that maintains the functionality and importance of grade-point-averages, letter grades, transcripts, and IEP's while providing accurate and timely information about what our students know as determined by their performance on the essential standards.
In a standards-based system, we provide multiple opportunities (3-5 or more) for students to grow in their achievement level on each standard which is why you will see multiple ratings for the same standard. Therefore, their achievement levels will grow as they learn the content within the specific standard. As a practice, we measure their achievement level by looking at the "most recent" rating for each standard. If the most recent rating doesn't reflect their previous performance (i.e. the rating drops), we will work with the student to find the most accurate measure. Our goal is accuracy and fairness in all grading practices and for students to display academic growth and retention of knowledge.
What Courses are Currently Standards-Based
Math
- Algebra 1: Mr. Turpin, Ms. McGee
- Algebra 1 - bold: Ms. Lent, Ms. McGee
- Algebra 2: Mr. Kimberly
- Calculus: Mr. Turpin
- Geometry: Ms. Tasler, Ms. McGee
- Geometry - bold: Ms. Tasler
- Intermediate Algebra: Ms. Tasler, Ms. Lent
- Trigonometry - Mr. Turpin
English - Language Arts
- Language 9 (not honors) - Ms. Timmers
- Language 10 (not honors) - Ms. Stansbury
Science
- Physical Science (all courses) - Mr. Tackmann, Mr. Klimek
If you have specific questions, please contact your child's teacher or you are always welcome to contact Mr. Soderberg (ksoderberg@scc.k12.wi.us)
SBA&R Videos
SBA&R: The Fundamentals: https://youtu.be/VawWPPUerYA
SBA&R: Converting to Grades: https://youtu.be/At67depV_BA
SBA&R: The Gradebook: https://youtu.be/w9o_DmawsBY
Permanent Links
Stay Connected
Email: ksoderberg@scc.k12.wi.us
Website: www.scc.k12.wi.us/hs/
Location: 1751 Broadway Street, Hammond, WI, United States
Phone: (715) 796-5383
Twitter: @MrSoderbergSCC