Sauk Prairie HS
December News
Principal's Message
Once again, the most pressing work for the high school faculty this month is related to our transition to the trimester in '17-'18. I recently spoke at a school board meeting about the transition, and the Eagle covered my remarks in this article: Schools tout state report card. discuss trimester format at high school. In the article I am quoted as saying that "A 45-minute period doesn't allow for hands on instruction." Just to clarify, I believe the rest of my statement there was "...in the same depth that 65 or 70 minutes does." Other than that, the Eagle did a good job of explaining, in broad strokes, why we are making this change.
In other trimester news, the school board in November approved a calendar that puts all Sauk Prairie Schools on a trimester grade reporting schedule. I really appreciate that the leaders and teachers in our middle and elementary schools have agreed to this change. While it likely will not lead to change in their daily bell schedule, it means that all schools in the district will be reporting grades to families based off of 12-week building blocks, instead of the 18-week (semester) that many of us are so used to. Essentially this is a good move for families because it assures that inservice, work days, and report cards will all continue to align.
Proposed New Courses move to Board for approval
MISSING ATTENDANCE: EMAILS SENT DAILY
For the first quarter this year, the attendance office has sent out emails to students at the end of each day for those who have an unknown absence for the day. This email asks students to come in the following day to the attendance office with a note from home or an explanation of where they were that period. If they do not do this by the end of the next day, the missing absence changes to an unexcused truancy.
This process has helped make our attendance more accurate more quickly. Starting December 5, we began including parents and guardians on these emails. These emails are sent out around 3:45 each school day to the email addresses on file in Skyward. When you get an email like the one below, please check in with your student and Skyward regarding the absence. If needed, please call or send in the needed documentation. Otherwise, encourage your student to come in to the attendance office to clear it up. He or she can come in at any time the next day, including passing periods, study halls, and lunch, to talk with Joleen. Thanks for your help, and as always, please contact us if you have any questions.
Sample Email
An unknown absence has been recorded today for Sam P. Eagle by one or more teachers for 12/1/2016 - 12/1/2016.
Please come to the attendance office and meet with Joleen Lins regarding the absence. Bring any documentation (note, appointment slip, etc) that you may have to help clear the absence. If possible, come during a passing period or study hall. Show this email to your teacher as a pass to go to the office.
Sincerely,
Joleen
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
Class of 2021 Parent Night
Eighth grade "Parent Night" is Monday, January 30th from 5:30-6:30 in the RA Theater. This meeting is geared toward the HS registration process and course selection for your child's freshman year. Please make every effort to attend. (Student attendance is not required, though you are welcome to bring your student with you inf you choose.)2017-18 Course Selection Process
Students will be selecting classes for the 2017-2018 school year the week of January 30th- February 3rd. Students will meet with the high school counselors in ARP during the week and will have all week to select classes in their Skyward account.
SOUNDS OF THE SEASON
Winter Break - Dec. 23rd - Jan. 2nd
January 18th, 19th and 20th
Jan. 18 will have Period 1 and 2 exams.
Jan. 19 Periods 4, 5 and 6 will test
Jan. 2o will be Periods 7 and 8.
Each day will also have resource and make-up opportunities. Look for a more detailed schedule next month.
Yearbook Senior Picture Deadline approaching!!!
One last reminder to submit senior pictures by December 15. Email a high resolution photo to bennett.west@saukprairieschools.org
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. West via this email or 643-5978