THE JAYHAWK BLAST
JHS Bulletin - Volume I, Issue 2, 10/18/2019
A Message From The Co-Principals
Good Afternoon and Happy Friday,
We are happy to release the second issue of the Jayhawk Blast. It has been a great few weeks at JHS. Some highlights included a successful Blood Drive, the JHS Debate Team hosting a highly competitive tournament, a calming visit from Josie, our therapy dog, and dozens of college visits providing our 11th and 12th graders with key opportunities to meet with college representatives.
On Saturday we will be hosting the PSAT exam. Emails went out Thursday afternoon to the parents of students who registered for the PSAT with important information about the administration of the exam. If you have any questions about the PSAT please email Ms. Behr at kbehr@jerichoschools.org.
This issue of the Jayhawk Blast is filled with important information, notifications, student highlights and much, much more. So please take the time to read the entire newsletter including all links to supporting documents and resources.
As you know, vaping continues to be a huge issue for our teens. It seems that each week we read articles about major health issues, even deaths, related to vaping. In the “Parent Resource” section we have included a thumbnail link to an alarming video report that was recently on the Today Show regarding devices available on the internet that allow teenagers to hide this dangerous trend from parents and school staff. Please take a few minutes to watch the video and become informed. We encourage you to then have a conversation with your child(ren) to better ensure they are making healthy decisions.
Finally, take note of the upcoming events and important deadlines listed below. Please remember that November 5 is a Superintendent’s Conference Day and schools will be closed for students. We hope to see you at the next PTSA Meeting on November 12 at 7pm in the High School Library.
Sincerely,
Joan Rosenberg and David Cohen
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UPCOMING EVENTS
- 10/23 - SEPTA Mtg (MS Library - 7 PM)
- 10/24 - HS World Lang. Honor Society Induction Ceremony (MS/HS Aud. 7:30 PM)
- 10/29 - PTA Council Parent University (MS Library 7 PM)
- 11/12 - HS PTSA Mtg. (HS Library - 7 PM)
- 11/12 - Gr. 9-11 Picture/ID Card Make-Up
- 11/13 - HS Winter Chorus/Orchestra Concert (MS/HS Aud. - 7:30 PM)
Did you know that JHS has over 55 clubs? Research shows joining a club is a great way to make new friends, gain self-confidence, relieve stress and learn real-world skills. Check out the club calendar below!
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- 10/19: PSAT Exam
- 10/22: Late Registration Deadline for 11/2 SAT I & II Exams
- 11/1: Last day to make payments for AP Exams
- 11/5: Schools Closed for Students - Superintendent's Conference Day
- 11/8: Registration Deadline for 12/14 ACT Exam
- 11/8: Registration Deadline for 12/7 SAT I & II Exams
- 11/11: School Closed
- 11/12: HS Wrestling & Bowling Seasons Begin
Please read the flyer below and click on the thumbnail links to the supporting documents to learn all about mandatory orientation meetings for students and how to register your children for JHS winter athletics.
"The Night I Died at the Palace Theater". Click on the thumbnail link below to learn more about the upcoming production.
Peer Tutoring Club
The Peer Tutoring Club is open to all students and is a great resource for helping or getting help from your peers! If you would like to apply as a tutor or would like to be tutored, please read the following instructions:
1) To be a tutor, sign up with the online form below. Please note that the peer tutoring club has gone paperless. All forms are to be filled out online. Additionally, the peer tutoring forms can be accessed through the Peer Tutoring Canvas page.
Sign up link to be a tutor: Google Form for Tutors
2) To get tutored, sign up with the online form below. We will match you with a tutor who is qualified to tutor you in the subject you need help with. Sign-up link to be tutored: https://forms.gle/6omvzhfhbrM15AQc9
Please note that only high school students or students taking high school classes may be tutored through the club. In addition, you must attend meetings in addition to tutor in order to receive club credit. The Peer Tutoring club meets every B week on Thursdays at 8:15 in room 253.
Jericho Brick Fundraiser
The Jericho Educational Foundation has extended the deadline for the next round of the Jericho Brick Fundraiser to Pave the Way for Educational Excellence. The net proceeds from all brick sales will directly benefit the entire Jericho educational community. Purchase a brick in honor of your children (current students or alums), teachers, mentors, administration or staff members. Businesses are also welcome to participate in this program. The bricks will be installed in front of the Jericho Middle/High School entrance. A tax-deductible contribution of $200 to the Jericho Educational Fund (JEF) will get you a commemorative brick, which will be engraved with a personalized message and installed outside of the school. The deadline has been extended to December 26. Click here for more information and details on how to order: https://bit.ly/2pTjwoB
Modified Drop Off Policy
Dear Parents,
Based on recommendations received from the Altaris security group, we will be initiating a few minor changes to our drop off policy effective Monday, October 7, 2019. On the rare occasion that a student forgets to bring an item necessary for that day (i.e. lunch, homework assignment, athletic equipment, musical instrument) parents may leave that item, labeled with the student’s name, on an unattended cart in the security vestibule at the HS attendance entrance. Throughout the day, the cart will be brought just inside the entrance doors where students will be able to retrieve their belongings. Please note that school personnel will not be managing this process and students will be responsible for picking up only their own identified items during a free period or in between classes.
Since the safety for our students and staff is our foremost concern, no outside vendors will be allowed to drop off items. In order to maintain a safe and orderly process, beverage drop-offs will not be permitted. In addition, dropping off “group food” (example: pizza or burgers for your child and their friends) is not permitted. This will also ensure that children don’t feel excluded.
We recognize that this modification will provide assistance to families and students while also maintaining a safe environment with minimal disruptions to the school day. Therefore, we hope that “parent drop-off” will be the exception and ask that you don’t drop off meals for your child every day. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to a smooth transition. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
Regards,
HS Administration
PTA Council's Parent University
Please join us at PTA Council’s October 29th Parent University. This PU event is a Parent Camp – Parents’ interests, concerns and expertise will drive the discussions.
What’s on your mind? Want to talk about stress? The college application process? Social media? Vaping? Homework? How to encourage your child to read for leisure? Let’s start the conversation! Not sure what a Parent Camp is? Watch this video: https://youtu.be/OJN5862bsrQ
Before the workshops begin, there will be a celebration by Canon in the MS/HS main lobby at 6:30 PM to celebrate Jericho’s Future Authors. Refreshments will be served. Then Parent Camp will start at 7 PM at the Middle School/High School auditorium.
We hope to see you on Tuesday, October 29!
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PARENTAL RESOURCES
Did you know that there are items sold on the internet and in vape shops that make it easy for teens to hide their vaping from parents and teachers? On October 10, 2019, the Today Show presented a segment on this dangerous trend. We encourage you to watch by following the link below and please continue to speak to your teens about the dangers of vaping!
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PTSA CONNECTIONS CORNER
Dear Parents,
Welcome to the PTSA Connections Corner! Here you will find the latest PTSA news and information about upcoming events and happenings that the HS PTSA sponsors and/or supports. We are always available to answer any questions and look forward to a wonderful school year. We thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Your PTSA Co-Presidents
Tania Schwarzwald
Allyson Edelman
Using Canvas and PowerSchool
The PTSA would like to thank Patrick Fogarty, Director of Technology, for his informative presentation on Canvas and Powerschool at our last meeting. Please click on the following link for information in case you would like to review it or were unable to make it to the meeting:
2019 Reflections Art Contest
The High School PTSA is proud to announce participation in the 2019 Reflections Art Contest. The theme this year is "Look Within".
The 6 categories in the contest are:
- Dance Choreography
- Photography
- Film Production
- Literature
- Music Composition
- Visual Arts.
The High School submission deadline is 11/12/2019.
https://nyspta.org/home/programs/reflections/
All students are welcome to participate. Students do not need to be taking a class in one of these subjects in order to provide a submission.
We look forward to seeing the work of our talented students. Good Luck.
Senior families, please see this important information about the senior party:
Please support our PTSA by sending in your membership dues today. Membership is $10 per person. Membership is mandatory for 4 years of HS in order to be eligible to receive a PTSA Scholarship as a senior.
- 10/29/19 ~ PTA Council PARENT UNIVERSITY will be held in the MS Library at 7 PM.
- 11/12/19 ~ We look forward to seeing you all at our next PTSA Meeting at 7 PM in the HS Library. Our next guest speaker will be Greg Sloan, Curriculum Associate for School Counseling.
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HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
Jericho HS Student Ambassadors Meet With New Students
Jericho High School’s Student Ambassadors are a group of student leaders who have volunteered to mentor and support new Jericho High School students. and help them navigate school activities and policies. The Student Ambassadors will promote inclusiveness and open communication for new students and assist in transitioning students to their new school setting. This program was developed and run by the school counselors and several students. The first meeting (pictured here) of the Student Ambassadors and the new students was a great success.
Jericho hosted another debate tournament last Saturday, October 12th. Ten other schools from across Long Island attended and individual debates were held in classrooms throughout the Middle School and High School. Students spent weeks preparing their cases and rebuttals about various topics including the use of standardized tests in college admissions and China's Belt and Road Initiative. Jericho students did exceptionally well individually and, as a team, received a third place trophy! In addition, many students were present all day providing support to their teammates, directions to all of the visitors and helping Ms. Drayer and Ms. Kakounis make the day a great success.
Considering the change in location (the blood drive was moved to the Little Theater), the drive did well! 55 registered to donate and 45 pints were collected. Student helpers were great & we expect to be back in the Sam Springer for the May 2020 drive!
Visit Jericho High School’s award-winning online newspaper: The JerEcho!
For over 50 years, The JerEcho has reported on school, local, and national issues.
Currently, we report the news through a variety of articles, videos, and podcasts. We’re comprised of a dedicated coalition of editors, reporters, and photographers.
We hope you enjoy exploring our site.
-The JerEcho Team
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COUNSELING CORNER
Attention Seniors:
Use the link below to access a document listing all of the Common Application Deadlines and Requirements.
College Visits:
Approximately 130 college admission representatives visit Jericho HS each fall. 12th graders are eligible to attend these meetings if they fill out a college visit pass and get signed permission from their teacher. 11th graders can attend college visits during their lunch and/or free period. 11th graders may also request signed permission from their teachers for a total of 5 college rep visits during class time. Students must then sign up for the visit through Naviance. College visit passes may be picked up in the Counseling Center. Below is a link to a full list of College Visits already scheduled for this year, along with clear instructions for how Seniors and Juniors can register.
AP Payments
If you child is taking AP courses this school year you should have received a personalized letter via email, from Mr. Cohen regarding your child's AP exam payments. Within the letter
the total amount due for the exams was listed. Payments are being collected in Mr. Cohen's office through Friday, November 1st. His office is located in the HS Social Studies wing next to the elevator and across from room 244. Checks and/or money orders, made payable to Jericho UFSD, as well as cash (for the exact amount - we can not make change) will be accepted. Please clearly mark your child's name and grade on your check and envelope.
If you have any questions, regarding AP payments please contact Kathryn Behr (kbehr@jerichoschools.org - extension: 3246)
Method Test Prep
Jericho High School is delighted to provide your child with free access to Method Test Prep (MTP), an online SAT/ACT test prep program that helps students build their math, reading, and writing skills. Students can listen to tutorials, watch instructional videos, and take quizzes to test for mastery. The program is highly adaptive and keeps track of a student’s strengths and weaknesses. Students have access to a large pool of practice questions and receive instant feedback upon completion of each question.
Students in grades 9-12 can access Method Test Prep through their Canvas accounts. The link to Method Test Prep is listed on your child’s Canvas account below the link for Naviance. Please have your child see their counselor if they require any assistance in accessing this free resource.
Method Test Prep is interactive, time efficient, and designed to be used independently or as a supplement to other SAT or ACT prep. We encourage you to take advantage of this valuable resource. To view a brief instructional video that highlights the features of Method Test Prep’s online tool visit:
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Jericho High School on the Web
Visit the Jericho High School Website!