Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood Update
September 29, 2021
Huskie Culture (PLEASE READ)
How do we define Huskie Culture? By culture, I mean the values by which we hold ourselves accountable. 95% of our students define it by integrity; you know, making good decisions regardless if they are being watched or not. Last Friday morning, we had 75 seniors participate in EssayPalooza beginning at 7:30 AM. We have another 75 scheduled for this Friday. It's wonderful to see students prioritizing academic excellence. These same students use TikTok, Instagram, and Snap Chat; they laugh and have fun...but NOT at the expense of their integrity.
Around the world, many students are making poor decisions in the name of TikTok and a quick laugh. Students risk police arrest, suspension, termination from employment, participation on clubs and organizations, and possibly even rejection from a future college. I may be wrong, but it doesn't sound worth the risk. There is nothing funny about theft and/or vandalism.
You don't have to be disrespectful, commit a crime, or dress a certain way to get attention. We all know that student, the one who will do anything to get a laugh or gain attention? The one who is like..."Look at me! Look at me!" There is nothing wrong with wanting attention, we are social beings. But don't compromise your self-respect or integrity to get it. In 2021, it's also about getting people to "follow" you. (Think about that, "follow" you.) Be careful of who and what you follow.
I'm not your parent, and I'm not trying to be; but I do care for our students and community. I'm well aware that it is the responsibility of parents and guardians to build values within their children. I doubt that any of our parents/guardians are proud of irresponsible student behavior. Don't bring reproach on your family name or our community by acting recklessly in the name of a "like." I've worked in a few different school communities, Rockford, Evanston, Lake Zurich; I've never seen so many academic opportunities offered to students. D214 is practically serving successful futures on a platter; and anyone who is willing, can take advantage of it. But sadly of our 2100 students, a handful are wasting valuable time.
Hersey along with most schools in the world have always had a small number (depending on the school and other factors) of students engage in unsavory behavior such as shoplifting, theft, disrespect, vandalism, parking violations, etc., we have never been exempt from these behaviors. BUT, it seems in this moment or pandemic climate coming "out" of 15-18 months of irregular school and social practice, there seems to be more of a, "Yeah, I did it and I don't care." attitude. It's almost like some students have forgotten what school decorum is. It's not prevalent, but that approach from just a handful of students can negatively influence a community. Regardless, it is unacceptable; it will not be tolerated and I hope you agree.
Please take note: Students engaged in any of the above behaviors will lose open campus privileges immediately and indefinitely. They may also be faced with legal prosecution from one of the local businesses. When we steal from Prospect Heights stores, we are stealing from our schools. We rely on customers buying goods, the schools benefit from the sales tax on those goods. If you are dishonestly taking those goods, you are hurting your community. (Side Note-The United States Government is providing free lunch to all students, why would we steal hot food from Tony's?) Please also note Tony's and other local business are making a concerted effort to address these problems with local law enforcement.
I spoke to the mayor of Prospect Heights today in another effort to solidify a small number of parking spots for our students until the basin lot is open. I've tried other avenues as former D214 administration has in the past, but to no avail. We understand the parking issue and I empathize, we are doing EVERYTHING we can to help our students. It's a complex issue but that doesn't give us the right to break the law, does it? Sadly, I can't magically make 100 parking spots appear, but we're continuously trying to work with the Prospect Crossing management just until November 1st. Students cannot just park in front of Jimmy Johns or the Hair Saloon taking prime spots away from paying customers just because they are late or because they feel entitled, what is that?
Parents, please connect with your child and encourage them to demonstrate integrity to the highest level. It will pay huge dividends down the road. There will be a time when I don't have to send these messages, but we have work to do. I apologize to those of you who don't really need this extra text, but I'm pleading with some households to partner with us to correct the matter. We're not perfect, I'm not perfect, I'm not looking for perfection; I'm looking for students to do their best. Make mistakes, but learn from them and grow.
I am not concerned with the behavior at other schools. We have a special opportunity at John Hersey High School. This is YOUR SCHOOL, TAKE CARE OF YOUR SCHOOL. Like in American Football, when someone does something to make the game unsafe, the ref throws a flag. I'm asking you to symbolically and respectfully throw a flag! Encourage your peers to make good decisions or let an adult know when you observe irresponsible and disrespectful behavior so we can keep our community safe, orderly, and productive. Keep learning and growth as the priority for John Hersey High School. We can do this AND have fun at the same time.
Still Not Too Late!
- Watch a movie in the Black Box Theatre (We're taking requests...)
- Play PS5 (FIFA 2021-NBA 2K21-Dirt Five Racing)
- Play Basketball
- Play Volleyball
- Play 3 on 3 Soccer
- Play Spike Ball
- Play Dodgeball (7:45 PM)
- Play Laser Tag (Teams of Four)
- Dance, Listen to Music (DJ Present)
- Meet New People
- Hang Out
Doors open at 7:00 PM. No admission after 7:30 PM. Enter ONLY at Door #36. No cost. Click HERE to RSVP today.
Homecoming Guidelines
We are excited to host our Homecoming 2021 Dance on Saturday, October 16th, in Roland Goins Stadium. For most of the student body this will be the first dance in roughly TWO years. Because of that, we have specific guidelines for the evening. There is no doubt that these unprecedented times have required us to think differently about how we run our building and co-curricular activities. While we will have plenty of school supervision at the dance, we also expect that all students employ responsible decision making and self awareness throughout the evening. Together, we can reach the ultimate goal of making Homecoming 2021 a fun, safe and memorable event for all. Please read the following and make sure you understand the expectations:
Students must arrive at the dance no later than one hour after the dance has officially begun. If a student arrives after this time, he/she will be subject to search and may be administered a breathalyzer test, or refused entry.
Students are not allowed to bring backpacks, water bottles, bags, glow sticks, canes, walking sticks, hats, etc, into the dance.
Anyone attending the dance is expected to dress appropriately for the occasion. Young men must keep their shirts on throughout the dance. Garments that are see-through, or cut low are not acceptable. Undergarments must not be visible. Dress that is considered inappropriate by school personnel will result in the student being sent home. (Keep in mind it may get chilly.)
All school rules, as outlined in the student handbook, apply to anyone who attends the dance. Slam dancing, crowd surfing, shoulder riding, mosh pits, inappropriate treatment of others, violent behavior, drug or alcohol use, smoking, are not permitted.
Click HERE for more Homecoming details.
Community Service Opportunity
The Village of Arlington Heights offers its residents aged 60+ and residents with disabilities a student snow shoveling referral program. We need Hersey students to help make the program work. The intent is to pay it forward by supporting our elderly community members. Snow on driveways and sidewalks can impede the life of our older residents. One inch of snow may be the difference between an 80 year old person getting some exercise or staying inside all day.
This is also an opportunity for students to earn some extra money. Remember this is a commitment to serve, so if you sign up, stick to your commitment. Perhaps sign up with a friend?
This will be the 7th season that the program has been in operation. We already have Arlington Heights households registered and now need students to sign-up to shovel. We ask your help in letting your students know of this opportunity.
Click HERE to sign up.
Be Productive
We have coordinated activities for students who would like to play basketball or participate in a yoga-type meditation sessions. We will also have a movie option starting soon.
Students interested in quiet study time can also use the ARC. Please let us know if you have some ideas for activities. We need more ideas!:)
Close Contact Quarantine Process
We plan to begin implementation of the "Test to Stay" strategy for students who are identified as Covid-19 close contacts. Per the Illinois Department of Public Health and CDC, students who have been identified as close contacts will be able to remain in school by testing negative via a Test to Stay Strategy. Parents may opt to have their child tested on campus days 1, 3, 5, 7 following exposure or last contact. Students may remain on campus throughout the testing period as long as test results remain negative.
TESTING WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HEALTH OFFICE BETWEEN 7:30 AM AND 8:15 AM on school days. A student who fails to show up for the Test to Stay strategy will be removed from the Test to Stay strategy and will be put in quarantine until one of the two following options occurs.
7 Day Reduced Quarantine- In certain instances, a close contact may return with documentation of a negative COVID-19 test taken on Day 6 of quarantine or after.
10 Day Quarantine- A 10-day quarantine is required if one of the above two options are not selected.
This is just another way to try to keep our students safe and in school.
Hersey Huskie Football Games
Also, in the event of lightning before or during a football game, you should hear an inclement weather siren (We call it Thorguard). Please proceed (walk briskly) to your vehicles or to a parent/friends vehicle until the weather improves. If you do not have a vehicle, proceed inside the main school building.
Mr. Keir Rogers
Email: keir.rogers@d214.org
Website: https://www.d214.org/jhhs
Location: John Hersey High School, East Thomas Street, Arlington Heights, IL, USA
Phone: (847)718-4810
Twitter: @mrrogersnhood
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