Greyhound Newsletter 12/2/22
Return of Final Exams
Semester 1 Final Exams: Thursday, January 19 and Friday, January 20
Final Exams are Back
I think it's safe to say that most of our students are VERY intimidated by the thought of a final exam! This will be a new experience for almost all of them and we'll do our best to help them feel prepared and ready for success. This newsletter contains a lot of information that will be helpful to our students and families as the end of the semester approaches.
Our POV group (made up of student leaders from all of our advocacy and leadership groups) met on Monday of this week and had a lot of great discussion around how we can best help our students feel prepared and informed.
- The schedule for final exams is below. This schedule allows students to focus on 3 finals each day, rather than the potential of 6 in a day.
- Students often want to know where their semester grade will fall based on how they do on the final. I have created this google sheet to allow them to enter their percentages and see what certain final exam grades would result in. (They can play around with the calculations to see what is needed to meet their goal for a final grade.) For Students: Calculate Your Final Semester Grade This link will force them to make a copy they can then use. If you should accidentally "break" a calculation formula in a box, just revisit this link to make a new copy.
- Teachers have been asked to provide students with a study guide or outline of the topics that will be included on the final and to let students know what the format will be.
- COCOA AND CRAM is a study session held after school on Tuesday, January 17. Tutors will be available or students can form study groups to prepare for their finals. All grades are welcome!
- Teachers have been asked to help students learn HOW to prepare for a final exam and to remind them that this has a significant impact on their final semester grade.
Please take a moment to read the next article about final exams, attendance expectations, and grading calculations. Help reassure students that they are ready and they're going to do a great job showing what they've learned this semester!
22-23 Final Exam Guidelines and Expectations
It has been a long time since we have been able to hold traditional final exams. This year our grading system is fully back to pre-pandemic procedures, including the return of final exam grades in every class. Each semester is calculated as Term 43%, Term 43%, Final Exam 14%. Final exams can look very different by course, but a grade will be entered for every course this year. Since it’s been awhile since we have had final exams, we want to make sure that all students and families are aware of these reminders. We will also work to help students learn how to prepare for exams.
All students must complete the final to earn a grade. Students who just sign their name or don't attempt the final will receive a failing grade for that course.
Hallways are closed until 8:45 on Final Exam days to keep it quiet for Zero Hour finals.
The only calls or notes accepted by the Attendance Office during final exams will be:
Full day absence due to illness (including any COVID required quarantine) and medical appointments with verification from a medical office. If a student is absent on a final exam day due to illness, a doctor's note must be provided upon their return in order to obtain permission to make up exams. COVID quarantine is not included in this requirement.
School sponsored mandatory events such as away games will be officially excused by coaches/advisors. Students are responsible for working with teachers to discuss make-up options. We work hard to make sure no away games are scheduled during finals week but sometimes it can’t be avoided.
Exception: Scheduled Study Halls may be excused by parent/guardian for any reason during finals week only.
2022-2023 Final Exam Dates:
Semester 1: January 19, 20 (No School Monday, January 23)
Semester 2: Senior finals May 30-June 2 and for Grades 9-11 from June 6-8
PLEASE do not schedule appointments or vacations for final exam days. Exams will only be administered according to the attached schedule. Any request for changes must be in writing from the parent/guardian to the principal at least five days in advance with the reason for the request. Only emergencies will be considered. Please plan your vacations accordingly. The Exam Committee will review all requests.
Make Up Exam Policies
The Exam Committee, made up of teachers, counselors, and administration, may allow individual students to take the final exam at an alternate time or in an alternate format if the team is satisfied that the exception is based on good and sufficient reasons and if such an exception is unlikely to materially advantage or disadvantage the interests of other students in the course.
Following an approved absence from the Exam Committee arrangements may be made between the committee and the teacher that may include the following:
Alternate Assignment or Alternate Exam
Late Exam Date
Incompletes will not be given. Students called in absent will receive a grade of zero for their final exam until and if an approved make-up option is given.
Free Tutoring with St. Scholastica Students!
Free online tutoring for K-12 students is available through the CSS/ISD 709 Tutor Program. We have tutors in most grade levels and subjects. They have completed training and are ready to work with Duluth students!
Go to this web address: https://css709tutor.setmore.com/ to book tutoring appointments. Once there you will be able to choose the grade level needed, the content, the tutor and the time they are available. Once you book a tutoring session you will receive an email with the details of your appointment. Appointments are online via videoconference. A link to the video conference session will be sent with the email.
Duluth East A'la Carte Concert Expanding to TWO SHOWS!
Tickets are now available for the Duluth East A’la Carte Holiday Concerts, featuring music performed by Choralaires, Jazz Ensemble, and Sterling Strings. New this year are two holiday concert opportunities, one at 5:00pm and one at 8:00pm. Both shows are at the Clyde Iron Malting Room in Duluth on December 6th. Desserts are catered by the Malting Room-Clyde Iron Works.
Tickets are $30 and are available for purchase online only at demboosters.org. Tables of 8 can be reserved by emailing demboosters@gmail.com. All proceeds benefit the Duluth East Music Department.
Saturday School and Prescription for Success
Remaining Saturday School Dates for 22-23 School Year:
- December 10th
- January 7th
- February 11th
- March 11th and 25th
- April 22nd
- May 20th
Attendance Concerns Contacts:
Main East High School Number (218)336-8845
David Clark: Dean of Students Ext 3044, david.clark@isd709.org
Kyle Rock: Assistant Principal Ext. 2348, kyle.rock@isd709.org
Jon Flaa: Assistant Principal Ext. 2325, jon.flaa@isd709.org
Yearbooks are now $95 and will only be sold until January 27. Parent ads are due by January 30.
Counseling Office Notes
LEARN MORE ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS IN THE COMMUNITY
Counseling Office Contacts:
218-336-8845
Jen LaBelle, Registrar: ext 2143, jennifer.labelle@isd709.org
Jamie Savre, Counselor (A-E): ext 2154, jamie.savre@isd709.org
Jessica Forsman, .8 Counselor (F-Ka): ext 2041, jessica.forsman@isd709.org
Alaina Abraham, Counselor (Ke-Q): ext 1121, alaina.abraham@isd709.org
Laura Horton, Counselor (R-Z): ext 2148, laura.horton@isd709.org
Dave Bergan, Counselor (9th Grade): ext 1345, david.bergan@isd709.org
Activities Office News
LEARN MORE ABOUT ACTIVITIES AT DULUTH EAST HIGH SCHOOL
Activities Office Contacts
218-336-8845
Lynn Carlson, Clerical/Treasurer: ext 1321, lynn.carlson@isd709.org
Shawn Roed, Activities Director: ext 2151, shawn.roed@isd709.org
Notes and Resources from Outside Agencies (Not ISD 709)
The 2nd order of our Duluth East High School Team Spirit Blankets* has Arrived!
It is the perfect time of year to snuggle up with these large (60x80), warm, fuzzy custom blankets! So, give the gift of a “blanket hug” as your loved one curls up this holiday season while at the same time showing your school spirit.
We have a limited supply in stock with another order expected in the first part of December.
Visit our site to purchase your blanket(s) today! https://sites.google.com/spectatorblankets.com/dulutheastgreyhounds/home
Email Jodi Paulson at jjpaulson44@gmail.com with questions and/or to arrange pickup.
Duluth East Basketball program fundraiser. The blankets have been designed to show support for Duluth East High School and do not note any specific activity/program at the school.
Thank you for your support!
Seniors: REGISTER NOW! Duluth East All-Night Grad Party 2023
Registration for the 2023 Duluth East Senior Grad Party is LIVE! You can now register and pay online (separate online forms) as well as submit baby and graduation photos. You can also join the committee, sign-up to volunteer, and donate to the party! Tickets are $50 per student.
Please visit www.dulutheastgradparty.com for more details on the party and registration.
To register, click on the "Register" button and complete the Google form. Back on the grad party site, click on the "Buy Tickets" button on the home page to submit your payment via PayPal for your Senior. Please be sure to include their name in the comments section so we know who the ticket is for. If you would like a paper copy of the registration, you can email eastgradparty@gmail.com. Checks and paper registration forms can be dropped off in the Dog House box in the main office. Please make checks out to East ANGP.
Scholarships are available for the party as part of a generous grant from the Duluth East High School Foundation. Please answer the question on your registration form if you would like a scholarship for the party.
New this year: Busing will not be included from commencement to the Heritage Center, so students will need to arrange for transportation and vehicles. The committee is still recommending parent pick-up after the party.
Questions: Please email eastgradparty@gmail.com. Congratulations to the class of 2023. We look forward to celebrating with you on Wednesday, June 7, at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center!
Duluth East High School
Assistant Principals: Jon Flaa, Kyle Rock
Activities Director: Shawn Roed
Email: darcy.motschenbacher@isd709.org
Website: https://www.isd709.org/duluth-east
Location: 301 North 40th Avenue East, Duluth, MN, USA
Phone: 218-336-8845
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dulutheasthighschool