Grand Blanc High School
Newsletter ~ December 2014
Parental Support
A Message from Dr. Hammond
Effective Consequences
Discipline gets tricky in the teen years. Your child wants more independence, and you want her to stay safe and be responsible. How can you make all of that happen? One key is to set consequences that will encourage her to follow your rules.
Make them relate.
Try these guidelines: Tie consequences to your teenager’s behavior, be sure they make sense, and apply them for a reasonable time period. For instance, you might set a rule that your teen can’t attend parties if the host’s parents aren’t home. The consequence of breaking that rule could be to ground her for two weekends. If you grounded her for six months, the time period wouldn’t make sense to her – and it would be hard for you to enforce.
Make them meaningful.
Think about the goals of your consequences. They’re not simply to punish your highschooler, but to change her behavior so she acts the way you want the next time (and time after that). To achieve that, you need to come up with consequences that she won’t want to repeat. Take away a cell phone from a teen who “can’t live without it” or remove driving from one who loves the car, for example.
Make them stick
Your child may complain, get angry, or challenge your decision to impose consequences. This can definitely be hard on you as a parent. But resist the urge to keep explaining yourself – you’ll just be giving in to her attempt to wear you down. Explain the situation calmly, and walk away. Then, be sure to enforce the consequence you’ve set so your teen knows you mean business.
High School Years, December 2014
Work-Place Skills
Businesses want employees who are ready to work with others to tackle challenges. Your teenager can practice these skills through his courses and extracurricular activities at home. Here’s how.
Collaborate.
The best ideas often come from combining thoughts. Encourage your teen to listen carefully during group discussions and to build upon what he hears. When tossing around topics for a project, for instance, he might repeat Johnny’s idea and add a new twist.
Negotiate.
This is also a good time to practice negotiating. If your high schooler’s drama club is debating fund-raising plans, he could help forge a compromise. (“What if we do a winter raffle and a spring car wash?”) Tip: To help him get comfortable with negotiating, try steering him into his role when you’re deciding on a family event.
Communicate.
Having ideas is one thing, but sharing them is another. Here’s a fun way to show the importance of speaking and writing clearly. Sit back-to-back, with a sheet of paper and markers for each of you. Have your child sketch a design, giving you directions so you can draw a duplicate. Play again, but this time he should pass you written directions. Compare your drawings afterward – how close are they?
High School Years, December 2014
A Message from D/Sgt. Bryan Byarski
Child Sexually Abusive Material & Technology
I would like to remind parents to be vigilant when it comes to protecting your children when it comes to taking, sending, or posting pictures. A student who captures an image of themselves or another that is nude or partially nude, and the person photographed or videoed is under the age of 18, they have produced Child Sexually Abusive Material, commonly referred to as Child Pornography. This statute also addresses if someone was to “persuade, induce, entice, coerce, cause or knowingly allow” a person under the age of 18 to engage in Child Sexually Abusive Activity. This crime is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or $100,000 in fines. Now, if they send or post that picture or video, they have distributed Child Pornography which is punishable by up to 7 years in prison and/or $50,000 in fines. Then by simply possessing that picture or video, they could face another 4 years in prison and/or $10,000 in fines. All 3 charges require a person to report to the Sex Offender Registry.
So, for taking one picture or video, sending it to someone, and having it still in their possession they could be looking at 31 years in prison. On top of that, they could be charged with Using a Computer to Commit a Crime, since smart phones are considered computers. That crime is equivalent to the crime that is was used to commit. Therefore, they could be looking at an additional 31 years in prison. That is a total of 72 years in prison for taking, sending, and possessing 1 picture or video of a student under the age of 18 in a sexual nature.
Please know what your children are doing on their phones and what is being posted or sent.
Calendar
PLEASE VOTE ON FEBRUARY 24TH, 2015
18 MILL NON-HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX RENEWAL
What is the is the 18 Mill Renewal?
-It's part of the state's per-pupil funding formula.
-It's a tax on non-homestead (industrial and commercial property).
-Districts must collect the full 18 mills in order to receive their full funding allowance.
-The state reduces its obligation to the district by the amount of the non-homestead milage.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
Q. Why is this referred to as a "Non-Homestead" ballot issue?
A. The 18 mill non-homestead property tax is levied on industrial, commercial, and some agricultural property. It DOES NOT affect the taxes on your property home (the residence you own and live in).
Q. Is this a new tax?
A. No. The 18 mill levy on non-homestead property must be renewed every five years. The 18 mill levy that was renewed by voters in 2010 expires in 2015.
Q. How will this affect my property taxes?
A. If you do not own any Non-Homestead property (A business or second home) in the Grand Blanc school district, you do NOT pay this tax.
Q. Doesn't the state guarantee per-pupil funding?
A. By law, in order to receive full foundation allowance, school districts must collect a local non-homestead milage. The state reduces its obligations to school districts by the amount of the non-homestead milage. Therefore, it is critical for schools to collect 18 mills on non home-stead property in order to receive full funding.
Q. What does the 18 mills pay for?
A. As a significant part of the districts foundation allowance, the 18 mill levy helps pay critical operating costs including the following:
Teacher and instructional support staff
Classroom supplies
Keeping our buildings clean
Buses and student transportation
Textbooks and workbooks
Instructional technology
Snow removal and grounds care
Q. When is the election?
A. The election will be held on February 24th, 2015. You must register by January 26th to vote in the February 24th election.
Q. I'm unable to get to the polls on February 24th. Can I still vote?
A. Yes. Absentee ballots are available for all elections. For more information on absentee ballots, visit: http://www.michigan.gov/sos and click on the "Voter Information" link.
Grand Blanc Performing Arts
Counseling News
FAFSA:
(Free Admission for Federal Student Aid) forms and web-based worksheets will be available in the Counseling Office after the holiday break. This form is vital in being considered for financial aid and some scholarships. All seniors attending college are encouraged to apply, regardless of income level. FAFSA applications must be filed and received by March 1, 2015 to be considered for State aid. We strongly encourage parents to apply on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov . Before beginning the FAFSA, you should apply for a U.S. Department of Education personal identification number (PIN) at www.pin.ed.gov. This can be done any time.
Financial Aid Night:
We will hold a Financial Aid Night on Tuesday, January 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium where helpful information will be given for filling out the FAFSA. There will be a brief presentation on scholarships starting at 5:45.
**REMEMBER – There is no charge to complete the FAFSA! Make sure you are completing the form on the .gov website only! There are websites out there that look very similar but ask you to pay a fee to submit the information. Please call the Counseling Office if you have any questions.
College Applications:
Seniors are encouraged to continue turning in college applications or applying online if they have not done so yet. They should also check out scholarship opportunities in the Counseling Office. We provide updated spreadsheets of scholarships received by our office.
PSAT test results will arrive soon and will be returned along with the test booklets to all students who took the test. Please review the results with your student and if you have questions, call the Counseling Office.
Help on our Website:
To help guide you through the college and financial aid process, we have included a Financial Aid-Grants/Scholarships link on our website under Guidance & Counseling on the GBHS home page at www.grandblanc.schoolfusion.us. We know that this process can be overwhelming at times. Please beware of scams involving scholarship companies that charge a fee for their services. Most of this information is readily available at no cost to you. Let us know how we can assist you. If you have questions, please feel free to call 591-6647 to speak with a counselor or make an appointment.
2nd semester schedules:
We are in the process of making sure all 2nd semester schedules are complete. Due to extremely limited availability, we cannot honor requests to change teachers, elective courses or to drop a full year or AP course unless a senior needs a class to satisfy graduation requirements. Feel free to contact your child’s counselor with any questions or concerns.
Credit Recovery: All students, especially seniors, should be enrolled in credit recovery if needed. Classes are available after school on Monday-Thursday from 2:30-4:30. The last day for a senior to begin a credit recovery course is April 27. All coursework must be completed by May 15. Credit recovery classes are $100 per course but financial assistance is available for students receiving free or reduced lunch. Contact your child’s counselor with any questions or concerns.
Yearbook
ALL NEW! The yearbook will include all spring sports coverage through the third week of April! The 28-page spring supplement will be included in the yearbook at no extra cost!
Yearbooks are $75 each - reserve yours on jostens.com or purchase one in room 305 at East Campus. Order forms are also available on gbyearbook.com
Seniors: Important Yearbook Deadline:
- Ads range from $75-300.
- Deadline is December 12. All materials (text, photos, and payment) are due.
- Senior ad contract and information available at gbyearbook.com
For More Information Visit www.gbyearbook.com
Support Businesses Who Support Grand Blanc Yearbook
Echo Yearbook Sponsors
GOLD
1. Lake Agency, Inc.
2. Leo’s Coney Island
3. Kicker’s Sports Bar
4. Hungry Howie’s Pizza
5. Drs. Burua Family Dentistry
6. Cici’s Pizza
7. Royal Gardens Flowers
8. Jeffrey L. Hardenburg, D.D.S
9. Christopher D. Tykocki
10. Grand Blanc Apartments
11. Grand Blanc Township Police Officers Association
12. Morgan’s Early Learning Center
13. Andy’s Roofing
14. WmE. Walter, Inc.
15. Asthma, Allergy, and Sinus P.C.
16. Michigan Health Specialists
17. Grand Jewelers
18. Youthful You Med Spa
19. Hamilton Assisted Living
20. Graff Truck Centers
21. Patrick Gray D.D.S – Michelle Haskins-Borg D.D.S
22. Sweet Basil
23. Christenson & Fiederlein, PC
SILVER
1. Genesys Athletic Club
2. Dr. James L. Chambers, DO
3. Ace Hardware
4. Sinbad
5. Michigan Rheumatology Group
6. Mary’s Bouquet
7. Sagano Japanese Bistro Steakhouse
8. Baskets Plus
9. Carl’s Appliance
10. Genesys Health System-Pediatrics & Adolescents
11. Genesee Urgent Care
12. Michael Wolfgram D.D.S. – Lakeside Dental
13. Viva Grand Salon
14. Roy Noye & Associates
15. Penn Veterinary Supply
16. Michigan Physical Therapy Associates
17. Allsafe Driver’s Ed, LLC
18. Spud Software Inc
19. DeCamp Spotlight School of Dance
20. The Coach Stop
21. Family Care Plus Physical Therapy and Wellness
22. Dr. Dhiraj Bedi
23. Suzanne Upton Photography
24. Jenny Lane Studios
BRONZE
1. Donna’s donuts
2. Habib Akrawi MD
3. Big Apple Bagels
4. Grand Blanc Vision Clinic
5. Cottage Inn Pizza
6. The UPS Store
7. Menu1 Advanced Online Interactive Menus + Marketing Solutions
8. Seifert Golf Center, LLC
9. Waddles & Toddles
10. Raymond James Financial Services
11. Mason Burgess Title Agency
12. Venus Family Restaurant
13. Skaff Carpet and Furniture
14. Baig Pediatric and Adolescent Care
15. Goyette Mechanical
16. Thomas Appliance
17. DBA Kuntz tool Inc.
18. Genesis Total Health Care
19. Edward Jones
20. FroYo Nation
21. Re/Max Platinum
22. Dr. John Ulrich DO PC
23. Sunrise Greenhouse
24. Great Lakes Oral Surgery and Implant
25. Lasco Ford, Inc
26. Mark H. Knight, D.D.S.
27. The French Laundry
28. Michael Wolfgram D.D.S. – Lakeside Dentistry
29. Empress of China
30. Grand Blanc Soccer Zone
31. Holly Tire & Auto Service
32. Lucy Ham Group Inc.
33. 4M Collision
34. Palace Jewelers
35. Chris’ Country Corner
36. Michigan’s Greatest Fudge and Taffy
37. Family Care Chiropractic
38. Spa Rodzina
39. Kevin Rush Attorney at Law
40. Drake Wood Manor Assisted Living
41. Hot Dog Stand
42. Kyle R. Riem Attorney at Law PLC
43. Kevin L. Rush Attorney at Law
44. Edible Arrangements – Grand Blanc
45. Dr. Aimee Vakula-Rollins, D.D.S.
46. SisBro’s Salon
47. Cork on Saginaw
48. Kumon
49. BH Photography
50. Gavin Smith Photography
51. Gill-Roy’s Hardware
52. Church of the Holy Family
Career & Technical Education
CTE PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
The Grand Blanc Community Schools is pleased to offer Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to its high school students. Programs include:
-Automotive Technology
-Business Management Technology
-Child Psychology/Parenting
-Computer Programming
-Construction/Carpentry
-Cosmetology
-Education
-Finance and Accounting
-Foods and Nutrition
-Life Management
-Marketing
-Medical Occupations
-Personal Living
-Pre-Engineering/Drafting & C.A.D.
-Radio & TV Broadcasting Technology
-Web Design
For more information on GBCS CTE programs, please contact Jennifer Hammond, High School Principal, at (810) 591-6931.
Admissions Criteria: Grand Blanc High School CTE courses are open to all GBHS 10th – 12th grade (some programs are open to 9th grade) students without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, a lack of English language skills, or disability. If you need the CTE information in another language other than English, please contact our office. Si quisiera tener la información de CTE en español, por favor, llame nuestra oficina.
The Grand Blanc Board of Education is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in relation to race, color, sex, age, religion, height, weight, marital status, disability and national origin. The Board appointed coordinator for all concerns and complaints for issues relating to Title IX, Section 504, the Age Discrimination Act and Title II is: Director of Personnel, Administration Building, 11920 S Saginaw, Grand Blanc, MI 48439, 810-591-6001.
Are you looking to gain workplace skills and build your resume?
Work-based learning is an opportunity available to students that previously have or are currently participating in Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses. We will be interviewing students to serve as interns in office clerical positions for second semester placements. Interns serve in un-paid positions for either a semester or full year term within the school and would report to their intern job placement instead of one of their elective courses. This type of work-based learning provides great experience for students that are looking to build their job skills and resumes.
Work-based learning opportunities (jobs/internships that relate to your EDP career goals) are also available for elective credit through external placements in local businesses for CTE and Non-CTE students.
Interested students should contact the Grand Blanc Placement Coordinator, Mr. Wiltse for additional details: wwiltse@GrandBlancSchools.org
TEENQUEST
Teenquest will be offering free pre-employability leadership training to students who are currently 14-18 years old and in grades 9-11. Students who participate in this training will be eligible to attend the SYI Job Fair in May 2015.
For more information or an application, visit http://www.flintandgenesee.org/learn/teenquest/, stop by the HS East or West Career Resource Center (CRC), or visit the CRC website at http://crc.grandblanc.career.schoolfusion.us. Completed applications can be turned in to the HS East or West CRC. Students will be notified by the GRCC if they have been accepted into the program.
Student Volunteer Hours
If your student has done any sort of volunteer work so far this school year (June 2014-present) make sure they turn those hours in to the Career Resource Center (CRC) as soon as possible (and continue to do so throughout the year). Hours can also be documented online by clicking the “Student Volunteer Hours Form” in the “CRC Links” section of the website (http://crc.grandblanc.career.schoolfusion.us/).
Just a reminder…any student who accumulates at least 100 volunteer hours in a school year (at one or more locations) is eligible for a President’s Volunteer Service Award. Additionally, students who receive two Presidential Volunteer Service awards in their high school career can quality for recognition at senior honor’s night. For more information, contact the HS East Career Resource Center at 810-591-6929.
Student Opportunities
Interested in more information on available volunteer, job, or career-related opportunities? Make sure to visit the Career Resource Center website (http://crc.grandblanc.career.schoolfusion.us/). The site is updated as new opportunities become available so make sure to check it often.
Opportunities with Hurley Hospital
-Hurley Medical Center is hosting a series Healthcare Career Days for high school students interested in health care related careers. To participate, students must be at least 15 years old in at least 10th grade on the date your student is planning to attend.
-Hurley is also currently accepting applications for their youth volunteering program. This is a great opportunity for students 15 years and older to learn more about the health field and careers in medicine.
Information and registration requirements for both opportunities is available in the HS East or West Career Resource Center (CRC) and on the CRC SchoolFusion site at http://crc.grandblanc.career.schoolfusion.us/).
Hurley takes registrations and applications on a first come/first served basis.
Career Planning and EDPs
In the 21st century, unlimited opportunities in education, training and careers await your child. To help him/her make responsible and informed decisions about the future, the Grand Blanc Community School District has integrated career exploration and educational planning into your child’s curriculum.
As part of this process, all 8th-12th graders create and update their electronic Educational Development Plan (EDP) using an online program, Career Cruising (www.careercruising.com). Each year your child will update his/her career goals, interests, skills and educational plans within his/her EDP. Your support throughout this process is imperative. Working together we will help your child discover answers to the key questions: “Who Am I?”, “Where Am I Going?”, and “How Am I Going to Get There?”
To access Career Cruising:
§ Visit the Career Cruising website at www.careercruising.com
§ Enter your child’s EDP username and password in the login area at the top and click “Login”.
· EDP Username: grbl-student id (i.e. grbl-012678)
· EDP Password: edpstudentid (i.e. edp012678 )
Searching for College, Scholarship, and Financial Aid Information on Career Cruising
Did you know that Career Cruising contains a wealth of college, scholarship, and Financial Aid information available to all GBCS 8th-12th graders? Using Career Cruising’s “Schools” and “Financial Aid” sections, students can:
§ Search for Schools & Majors to learn more about specific schools and what they offer (i.e. tuition, admissions info., etc.)
§ Compare Schools to see a side by side comparison of up to three different schools
§ Get a suggested college preparation Planning Timeline to help students learn about what they should be doing each year, starting in 8th grade, to prepare for and apply to college
§ Learn more about Financial Aid resources including Federal Financial Aid information and possible scholarships a student may be qualified to apply for
For information on how to access Career Cruising, please see listing, “Career Planning and EDPs”
Detailed instructions on using Career Cruising’s Scholarship Search function can be found in the “Important Documents” section of your student’s EDP homepage. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Garey, EDP Coordinator, at 810-591-6929 or sgarey@grandblancschools.org.
**Information contained in Career Cruising has been compiled and is maintained by Career Cruising; school districts play no part in the screening, modification, or maintenance of this information.
Searching for Jobs and Employment Skills Information and Related Resources on Career Cruising
Did you know that Career Cruising has an “Employment” section that contains a wealth of employment-related information including an employment guide, resume builder, and job search that is available to all GBCS Career Cruising users? To utilize Career Cruising’s “Employment” section:
For information on how to access Career Cruising, please see listing, “Career Planning and EDPs”
§ Click on the “Employment” link from the area at the top**
Detailed instructions on using Career Cruising’s Employment resources can be found in the “Important Documents” section of your student’s EDP homepage.
**Information contained in Career Cruising has been compiled and is maintained by Career Cruising; school districts play no part in the screening, modification, or maintenance of this information.