News from the Ridge
Shortridge High School News and Updates
September 13th, 2020
Dear Friends of Shortridge,
As educators, our primary goal is to build and maintain relationships, allowing us to learn about our students' interests and create authentic and relevant learning opportunities.
O-Week, the first week of school, our primary focus was to build these bonds between teachers and students. In the last couple of weeks, we focused on establishing the rituals and routines that provide the environment to thrive. Some of these are new (Schoology and Teams), others are established good teaching practices, but all have the goal of actively engaging our students in meaningful learning opportunities.
We continue to review and look at ways to best support our students, increase engagement, and enhance academic along with social and emotional growth.
This year, we felt that it was significantly more critical to provide a stable and predictive way to support our students' growth. All of our classes are using Schoology to post assignments and activities. We are taking attendance in every class within the first 10 minutes. Each student has an advisory (ATL) that meets every day to check-in and provide help were needed. In Friday's ATL, the students are asked to review the previous week's work and, with the advisor's help, set goals (academic, executive, social) to work on that day or continue over the weekend.
I do want to stress the importance that you help us support these rituals and routines. We ask that our students attend their classes every day by logging into Teams, checking the Schoology calendar for assignments, and completing the daily activities. On Friday, though it is not a traditional schedule, each student needs to attend/check-in with advisory (ATL) and fully participate with the intentional goal setting and our World Changing 101 activities for our enrichment and innovative initiatives to be fully supportive. We, the school and family, are a team-- focused on our students' successes and growth, and our support of each other is critical in this endeavor.
Below you will find updates, celebrations, and important information from the Ridge. If you have anything you would like to share, please email Malinda Scott, our FACE coordinator.
Go Blue Devils!
Dennis Thomas
Principal
Cohort Aligned Supports
Each Class (Cohort) has a team to support our students and teachers. As always, the teacher and advisor are the first contact if you have any questions or concerns about a class. The chart below lists our cohort teams. These cohort teams work with our teachers and students as we look to enhance our supports.
SUCCESS COACH
In previous Newsletters, we have highlighted members of the Cohort team (last week Ms. Salmon, our Freshman Administrator). This week we highlight one of our Success Coaches, Autoria Jackson.
My name is Autoria Jackson, and I am one of four Success Coaches here at Shortridge High School! My overarching goal with all the students is to help them succeed in any way possible in addition to providing them with the necessary skills and behaviors that can help them today, tomorrow and (hopefully) forever. I can always be reached at jacksona@myips.org and look forward to another year at Shortridge. Go Blue Devils!
World Changing 101
Archived Friday Connects
Ebony Lee, Shortridge English teacher, attended the "March for Freedom" in Washington D.C.
Last week, during our World Changing 101 topic, we talked about Voting. As we start to develop our thinking in how we can use World Changing 101 topics, we want to consider what we can do to help make an impact on our students as they pay attention to the ever-changing world ahead of them.
Ebony Lee, Shortridge High School’s English 9 teacher, attended the March for Freedom in Washington DC on August 28th with her family. She will be featured at a later date during one of our World Changing 101 topics. As a school, we wanted to highlight her experience not only for students but also for our school community. After reading her experience, I was in awe and inspired. I hope you are, too.
Please read her reflection included at the end of this newsletter. You will be moved!
Freshman Academy
As we continue to learn to navigate the virtual learning environment, we are seeing trends among engagement and what it looks like in the virtual classroom. As I talk with teachers, most students are engaging through the chat feature or verbally on Teams or through email. I want to encourage those students to continue to do that! A trend that is concerning, that I want to make sure those who support our students are aware of is that students are not logging into Schoology, where they access their class agenda and assignments for the day. We are sending the dialer with text messages, phone calls and emails to make sure you are aware that your child is not accessing Schoology. Students should be accessing Schoology everyday for every period. If you receive a dialer message it is because they are not logging into Schoology at all.
We are pulling attendance data everyday and working with our Success Coaches to help support students who are struggling with attendance. If you receive a phone call or text from one of our Success Coaches, please know they are reaching out to help support your student. They are reaching out as asked to do so by administration.
Please contact Shortridge High School if you need support or have questions in the area of attendance.
Academics
CP and DP updates
How to earn the IB diploma: Students need to earn a total of 24 points on their IB course assessments to earn the IB diploma. Each of their six classes is worth up to 7 points. These points are determined by students’ scores on the official IB work for each class (internal assessments, external assessments, and exams.) Students must also earn passing marks on their Theory of Knowledge work and their Extended Essay (worth up to 3 bonus points), and they must complete the creativity-activity-service (CAS) requirements.
How to earn the IB career-related certificate: Students must 3 or higher in two IB courses, complete the language portfolio and service learning requirements, and pass reflective project. They must also complete the career-related study for the pathway they have chosen.
Class of 2020 CP and DP Students Updates
Parents and guardians of 11th and 12th grade students, please read and sign the CP/DP Student Parent School Agreement, which includes academic expectations for the classes of 2021 and 2022. Once you have read the agreement, sign the Parent Verification form. Students will read and sign their version of this form during ATL class next week.
Shortridge 11th and 12th graders engage in Creativity, Activity, & Service (CAS) if they are part of the IB diploma program, and they engage in Service Learning (SL) if they are part of the IB career-related program. 11th graders have been asked to read their CAS guide or SL guide and sign the CAS verification form or SL verification form, stating that they have read and understand the requirements. 12th graders have been asked to document and reflect on the appropriate number or experiences/hours (see handbook & deadlines in Schoology).
DP seniors have until September 15 to complete any late official IB work (Internal Assessments) from last year and to submit their Extended Essay first draft. Ask your senior what he or she has left to do and how you can support them.
MYP Updates:
"Hello SHS Families! A few updates from Mr. Merle - MYP Coordinator:
- Curious to learn more about the MYP Assessment system (Grades 9 and 10) at Shortridge? Look no further! The videos linked below are a "deep dive" into this system and how it differs from grading/assessment systems you may have encountered at previous schools. Reach out to Mr. Merle (merleg@myips.org) if you have questions!
Technology Updates and Resources
Student Services
1. The Ernst and Young College MAP Program applications are due Friday, September 11th.
2. The National College Fair (virtually) begins on Sunday, September 13th.
3. College Go Week is September 21 - 25th. Juniors-take a College Virtual Tour.
4. HBCU (Historical Black College Universities) Virtual College Fair is September 30th and October 1st 5 - 9 pm.
5. Shared in Students' schoology-- NEXT Magazine Grades 11 - 12. Great information as you prepare for your career of choice!
Here is a link that lists the key contacts in Student Services.
Athletics
Upcoming Senior Nights:
Boys Soccer:9/15 5:00 Game at TAB
Volleyball: 9/16 Varsity Game is at 6:30
- If interested in volunteering with athletics this year, we can always use people at our team contests to take gate and work concessions! Please think about signing up at: https://www.signupgenius.com/index.cfm?go=s.signup&urlid=4090e48a8ac28a6f85-volunteer&view=calendar
- Reminder, ticketless entry to all home team contests are available at: https://events.ticketspicket.com/agency/70e3ac7e-d19e-43c7-9193-23b0625904fe
- Athletics Fall Flash Sale is only available for another week! https://go.ordermygear.com/shortridge-high-school/
- Friday Football at Lutheran High School is at 7:00 on 9/11 is a mask required event and there is only two tickets per football player available. All tickets are $5 and must be purchased from a football coach by end of practice Thursday. Streaming will be available at: https://youtu.be/4zZl9-H9nGY
Craig Huljak
Athletic Director
CHEER TRYOUTS
“It’s not too late to try out for Shortridge Cheer. Please see the following video or email the cheer coach, Chastity Brooks-Deaton a brooks-deatonc@myips.org.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1x32yRqfgWFGPAL2CuehK9E3Rdc9Sa69w?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Brc89i6vGDHUSMUXTGNs_-JAZ0827KK4/view?usp=sharing
Chastity Brooks-deaton
English Teacher/Cheer Coach
Future Center
Virtual College Fairs
Many college fairs have transitioned to virtual events this fall. Below are four upcoming fairs that all students and parents are able to attend. Links to register are included.
INACAC
- Virtual College Exploration for Indiana students. College Information Panels, individual college presentations and more
- For more information, dates and to register click here
Common Black College Application HBCU College Fairs
- Workshops, Live Guest Speakers and the opportunity to engage with HBCU admission reps
- For more information, dates and to register click here
NACAC National College Fair
- Connect with hundreds of colleges and universities nearby, across the country and around the world.
- For more information, dates and to register click here
Indianapolis Black Alumni Council 41st HBCU College Fair
- Connect with multiple HBCU’s to learn more about their campuses, programs, etc.
- October 1 and 2 – learn more by clicking here
Tutoring and Mentor Support for Shortridge Scholars through IUPUI
- Students will be matched with an IUPUI college mentor who will discuss academic goals, challenges, and support positive decision-making. In addition to mentoring services, tutoring is also available.
- College and career readiness workshops featuring topics to support student’s goals, such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) enrichment, college readiness tips, and more.
- Family engagement is so important to student learning and success. Family members will be invited to participate in a variety of workshops, webinars and informational sessions, such as positive youth development or college and career planning.
- Interested families, please email Mrs. Harris, Future Center Coordinator at harria@myips
College Go! Week Events and Activities
- Learn More Indiana, 21st Century Scholars and several of Indiana’s colleges will be hosting events beginning September 10. For a list of events, dates and times click here
Student Opportunities
Center for Leadership Development
- CLD is a mission-driven organization founded in 1977 focused on developing Central Indiana’s youth into successful business and community leaders by providing resources through programming/services administered here at the center
- Fall Workshop opportunity for grades 10-12 – Self-Discovery/Career Exploration
- Click here for additional information and to register for this and other programs
College Prep Academy
- For High School Juniors and Seniors Interested in Health Careers
- October 24, 2020 to March 6, 2021
- Application Deadline – October 2, 2020
- Program Includes
- Health Career Exploration
- SAT/ACT Prep
- Life Skill Workshops & More
- $800 Stipend
- For more information – email Shaun Golden at goldentn@uindy.edu
Upcoming Future Center Events:
Tuesday, September 15
- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Virtual Visit – 12:00 to 1:00pm
- Valparaiso University Virtual Visit – 12:00 to 1:00pm
- Xavier University Virtual Visit – 12:00 to 1:00pm
- Senior Open Teams with Mrs. Harris – 12:00 to 1:00pm
Wednesday, September 16
- Earlham College Virtual Visit – 12:00 to 1:00pm
- Eastern Illinois Virtual Visit – 12:00 to 1:00pm
Thursday, September 17
- University of Chicago Virtual Visit – 12:00 to 1:00pm
- Vincennes University Virtual Visit – 12:00 to 1:00pm
- Senior Open Teams with Mrs. Harris – 12:00 to 1:00pm
Friday, September 18
- Boston University Virtual Visit – 12:00 to 1:00pm
Christie Powell – Future Center Resource Associate – powellc@myips.org – 317-732-5088
Chris Speckman – Writing Specialist – speckmanc@myips.org
PTSA -- Parent, Teacher, and Student Association
PTSA Zoom meeting on Oct 7th:
Topic: SHS PTSA October Meeting
Time: Oct 7, 2020 07:00 PM Indiana (East)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81192751048?pwd=RXVDS2pUVzJMeWxONXJxd1huajhRQT09
Meeting ID: 811 9275 1048
Passcode: SHS PTSA
We've extended the deadline to join the PTSA to September 30th! When you join, you'll get a nifty car magnet to show your Blue Devils Pride!
Samantha Weinbrecht
SHS PTSA President
FACE -- Family and Community Engagement
Rapid Re-Employment
The EmployIndy and Ascend Indiana online portal, Ascend Network, provides a centralized location for dislocated workers to connect with available jobs or training opportunities.
Listen | Apply for Rapid Re-Employment
Below is the link to Indy Rent Assistance Portal:
Malinda Scott
Family Community and Engagement Liaison
School Updates
School Photos
Picture retake day will be Tuesday, October 13
Picture Day ID: EVTCRYN6D2
You can order or preview pictures on mylifetouch.com
Information about School IDs will be shared next week
Information from LifeTouch can be found here
Previous News From the Ridge
Ebony Lee's Commitment March 2020 Reflection:
Dear SHS Family & Friends,
There are defining moments in our life where you know that your life may never be the same because of an event or an experience. Well, that is what happened for me last weekend during the 57th Anniversary of Dr. King’s infamous March on Washington 1963. Everything about being present felt right. I was at the right place, at the right time. This event is second to being a believer, a wife, and a mother.
I knew over the past month that attending the Commitment March of 2020 was going to be a big deal. When Rev. Al Sharpton made the announcement at George Floyd’s memorial, I knew that I had to be there. It was my husband who said that we were going. I, then, encouraged him to allow our 13-year-old twins to attend. I knew that this was historic, and I didn’t want them not to experience the day. Going to the Commitment March 2020, gave my family an opportunity to lift our voices and stand in unity with others. It was the charge to stand together for social injustices that are perpetrated against the disenfranchised people in America. These social injustices are embedded in the fabric of America. They began a long time ago, starting with the genocide against the Natives, enforcing free labor by stealing Africans and incorporating the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, the Jim Crow laws of the South, the lynchings throughout America, the assassinations of great leaders, the crack epidemic, the School-To-Prison pipeline, and now we witness, on live television, at least once a week, the murder of a Black person (father, mother, sister, brother, or friend) by the very people who are charged with the mantra: Protect and Serve.
The murders of Black people were the defining factor on why I could no longer sit on the sideline silently. And just to be sure, even if you are guilty, no one should be murdered in the street. Now is the time for me to speak up and make my voice heard, loud and clear. I know that there is absolutely no excuse for the mistreatment of another human being. I also know that my one voice may not make a difference. The truth of the matter is, I can no longer be silent about the things that matter most to me. Black lives matter to me.
On August 28, 2020, I spoke with many different people, and the main question that I asked was, “Why is this important to you?” I asked this question to young people, old people, White people, Black people, an Asain woman, a Native American woman, and the overall consensus is they all felt that it was time. I received a similar response from all of them. “This means everything to me because it is time.” Katherine, a 57 year old White woman from a small town in Ohio stated, “It is horrible to see how people (Black) are treated. It is unfair.” A Native American/African American (biracial woman) who traveled alone from California stated, “I just had to get here!” Harry and Crystal, a Black couple from Virginia, were concerned for Harry’s pre-teen sons. You see, Harry is a Black man who is skeptical about the change he wants to see. Harry was basking in the intensity of the moment, but the most significant statement he made to me was, “I want change!” He further stated, “I am angry. We need younger leaders in our community who are ready for this!” And the this that Harry is referring to is the time it takes to see actual change. Harry reminded me of one of my older cousins or my brother, who is gentle and kind, as well as, passionate and true to self.
The underlying current of all of the conversations is, “If not now, then when?!” If we don’t use our voices, platforms, and spaces now, then it is very unlikely that you will ever use your voice. When will there ever be a more important time than now to truly stand together? We have to stand with all of our differences, yet sharing our humanity. This means that we will be standing together to lift our voices for a cause that can and will inspire future generations to move forward and truly build a country that is, “For the people, by the people.”
In closing, people have been peacefully protesting for decades. If you are American, you know that protesting is a part of the DNA of this country. Americans know the history of this country because it is not a secret. So:
If you are still unable to see why Kap 7 knelt...
If you can’t understand why ball players like Lebron James and Chris Paul speak out...
If you are angry because Naomi Osaka decided not to play...
If you can’t understand the Black Lives Matter movement...
If you don’t understand how Black communities have a real fear...
If you don’t understand how Black and Brown communities die at a higher rate from Covid-19...
If you are afraid of a group of people that you have never personally engaged with...
If you treat your pet better than you treat people...
Well, ask yourself what side of history do you plan to be on? What commitment do you plan to make for your well-being and America’s future?
Let’s be clear, Black people don’t want revenge for all the wrongs that have been done in America. It is my belief that Black people might be the most forgiving people I know. All Black people, Brown people, and non-Whites in America really want is an opportunity to be afforded what the Declaration of Independence promises: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
As a Christian Black woman, I love everyone and Black Lives Matter to me and they should matter to you, too.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ebony M. Lee