Panther Corporation Newsletter
February 2020
Positive Happenings Around the District!
Look Who Dropped By For Girls Swimming Sectionals!
Very Proud of our Lady Panthers Swim Team!
Broke Another School Record? YEP...They Did:)
Gabe Campos Taking Home Some Hardware!
Connor Cervantes Getting Recognized and Awarded for His Accomplishment!
Cole Reitz...Way to Go!
Polar Plunge By Our Exceptional Learner Staff!
What a Great Group of Panthers...Always Going the Extra Mile for Kids!
Brrr....It Was Cold But It Benefited Special Olympics!
Fundraiser for Brandon Odle and Family...Please Join Us on February 25th at Jedi's Restaurant!
2020 Census Information...Very Imperative That Families Participate...School Funding is Impacted!
February 10th Community Forum Update
1. ALL students are required to pass a grade 10 assessment in order to obtain a diploma from Griffith Public Schools.
2. Students are provided multiple attempts to pass the grade 10 assessment.
3. Students who do not pass the grade 10 assessment must participate in remediation after each attempt to pass the grade 10 assessment until he/she passes the English and Math portions.
4. Any student who does not pass the grade 10 assessment by his/her senior year can not graduate unless he/she meets the waiver requirements. These requirements are:
a. Grade 10 assessment must be taken each time it is given if a student does not pass.
b. Remediation must be provided and taken by the student in the subject area/s he/she does not pass. This remediation must be provided and taken by the student after every attempt to pass the grade 10 assessment.
c. Attendance must be at a 95% rate for all four years of HS (grades 9 - 12).
d. GPA must be an average of a "C" in 34 of the 40 required credits. 6 credits must also be obtained in college and career pathway courses, and 5 flex credits must also be obtained. These remaining 11 credits must also meet the average of a "C" requirement.
NOTE: Students MUST have 40 credits to qualify for this waiver and a diploma!
e. Students must also meet locally graduation requirements.
f. Written recommendations from English and/or Math teacher are also required.
g. Principal signatures are required prior to fulfillment of waiver.
If the student does not meet the waiver requirements, he/she has one more option, the Graduation Pathways Waiver. This waiver has requirements as well and are the following:
a. Student has to participate in and attempt to pass 3 postsecondary - readiness competencies. These are the following: Take the SAT, ACT, ASVAB, or complete a pathway concentrator.
b. GPA must be an average of a "C" in 34 of the 40 required credits. 6 credits must also be obtained in college and career pathway courses, and 5 flex credits must also be obtained. These remaining 11 credits must also meet the average of a "C" requirement.
c. Attendance must be at a 95% rate for all four years of HS (grades 9 - 12).
d. Students must also meet locally graduation requirements.
e. Student must complete postsecondary planning by the following: college acceptance, occupational training program acceptance, workforce entry, or military enlistment.
g. Principal signatures are required prior to fulfillment of waiver.
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As we looked at the requirements set forth by the state of Indiana, we also took time to look at our own requirements (Student must have 40 credit hours to graduate.). We do know that the hours required at Griffith Public Schools were lowered prior to Mrs. Riise's arrival, and discussion was held at each table about whether the credit requirement should be increased. No decisions have been made at this time by the committee.
In addition, the following represents what was discussed as to what a GPS graduate should look like in the future:
1. GPS graduate must have the skills and foundation of certain standards established by GPS.
2. Students should be provided non-traditional options, such as showing mastery of skills and types of assessments while still maintaining traditional options.
3. GPS graduate should be adaptable.
4. We should remove barriers for students and what happens outside the classroom walls.
5. GPS should start young in forming the graduate of tomorrow.
6. GPS graduate must meet all the standards.
7. GPS graduate must exhibit a strong work ethic.
8. GPS graduate must demonstrate strong community relationships.
9. GPS graduate must have great verbal, written, and soft skills.
10. GPS graduate must be creative and able to problem solve.
11. GPS graduate must be confident and exhibit passion for what he/she wants to follow up in postsecondary endeavors.
12. GPS graduate must demonstrate workforce readiness.
13. GPS graduate must have leadership skills.
14. GPS graduate must be self-disciplined, as well as maintain control and regulation.
15. GPS graduate must have integrity and be able to adapt at any time and anywhere.
16. GPS graduate must be able to communicate effectively.
17. GPS graduate must have a desire to be a lifelong learner.
18. GPS graduate must meet the minimum IN requirements.
19. GPS graduate must provide community service and be able to give back to community.
20. GPS graduate must have a strong work ethic.
21. GPS graduate must demonstrate pathway completion.
22. GPS graduate must have explored career options.
23. GPS graduate must show initiative, perseverance, and motivation to learn.
24. GPS graduate must have conflict resolution skills.
25. GPS graduate must be a functioning member of a team and be able to work collaboratively.
26. GPS graduate must be exhibit time management.
27. GPS graduate must be intrinsically motivated.
28. GPS graduate must be able to be independent and demonstrate personal responsibility for his/her actions.
29. GPS must provide early interventions. This must be a team approach and monitor students closely.
30. GPS must ensure emotional well being for ALL students and provide the safe environment for ALL students and staff.
31. GPS graduate must possess employability skills.
32. GPS graduate must be able to form relationships, be trusted and honest, and demonstrate mutual respect.
33. GPS graduate must have GRIT!
34. GPS graduate demonstrates curiosity.
35. GPS graduate can multi-task.
36. GPS graduate can utilize the "latest" technology in a variety of ways and means.
37. GPS graduate has the life skills to be a successful member of society and is self sufficient.
38. GPS graduate is professional.
39. GPS graduate has successfully completed and demonstrated digital citizen tech skills.
40. GPS graduate is able to set and achieve goals.
41. GPS graduate is a critical thinker.
42. GPS graduate is a creator.
Please review the attachments as these were utilized during the formulation of GPS graduate profile.
Our next meeting is on Monday, February 24th at 5:30pm in the MS/HS library. It is our hope that we finalize what we would like to see in a GPS graduate and establish a profile for the future. At that point, we will discuss goals for the district and work on establishing a strategic plan.
If you should have any questions or would like to be a part of this committee, please reach out to Mrs. Riise by email at mriise@griffith.k12.in.us. She would be happy to respond to your questions or add you to the committee.