SPANISH SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL
Week of January 17 - January 21
From the desk of Sean Hall, Principal
Congratulations everyone, we have made it through the second week of the semester! I understand it hasn’t been without many challenges, but I would like to focus on the great things happening in our building this past week and especially highlight our Student Leadership Team, our Fine Arts Department, and our Custodial Staff.
There are quite a few shout outs this week. I have chosen to focus on our Student Leadership program here at SSHS. I know this will be a long one, but I want you all to know just how hard our students and advisors work to provide a spirited atmosphere for our school and how they serve our community.
The year began with uncertainty. Most students in our class had little experience running events and were unaware of our system because it had been so long since life was “normal." Despite the circumstances, the entire class displayed an overwhelming amount of perseverance and extraordinary goals were achieved.
• Fall Homecoming (Outside Assembly, Homecoming Dance, Dodgeball)
With this being the first large event of the year, many efforts were devoted to the preparation and execution of the event. To comply with Covid restrictions, we successfully shifted our typical homecoming events to the outdoors. The assembly and dance went well. After a year of nothing, attendance exceeded expectations and students were more spirited than ever! We initially struggled to advertise for dodgeball but through media and posters, we were able to construct a tournament full of 35 teams. After countless hours painting posters, rehearsing scripts, setting up dance decorations, searching for chaperones and compiling all dodgeball supplies our demanding work was rewarded by uplifting feedback from our student body.
• Treat or Treat the Halls
This event was one of the most demanding yet rewarding. Beginning with flyer designs, print shop orders and deliveries to schools around the community, members in leadership spent a majority of October devoted to the event. We visited stores, asking for candy donations, worked with clubs at Spanish Springs to design carnival-style games and spent most of our free time constructing posters to decorate the halls. To coincide with our general theme of thriving on last minute changes, we were able to move the event indoors after months of planning to have it outside. Even though this required extra meetings and communication with the community, it worked in our favor and brought thousands of trick-or-treaters back to the halls. In response to such a great turnout, Spanish Springs clubs earned a total of $7,000 and over 15 barrels of canned food were stored in the food bank at our school. Not to mention, the work of trick or treat in the halls did not stop after the event was over. Leaders spent weeks of their class time shifting through and organizing the canned food.
• Thanksgiving Drive
We delivered 16 packages to Spanish Springs students and families. For the weeks leading up to the donations, we developed a sign-up sheet for students and teachers willing to donate food. The response was astounding, we received more donations than asked for and were able to add extra servings to each box. Despite a setback where we lost four turkeys due to a faulty fridge, all donations were successful and greatly appreciated.
• Christmas Toy Drive
In an effort to spread joy locally leadership students worked with the student body to organize a toy drive in which all donations were delivered to Sun Valley Elementary School. Despite some apprehensions about the amount of participation, we were pleased to find 80 toy donations. In one day, all leadership students collaborated to wrap all 80 toys which were later delivered to a joyous and grateful elementary school staff. Along with the toy drive, we put on a raffle to reward one lucky donator. We are currently working with C3Media to develop a video that explains the event and presents the winner with their prize.
• Charity Volleyball
Every year, we work with Reed High School’s leadership program to organize volleyball games between the girls’ team, a boys' team, and a teacher’s team. We pair this event with a bake sale where all the proceeds go to a community of our choosing. This year, we chose to donate to the Eddy House, and we were happy to earn $1,172 for them.
• Class Officer Meetings
We meet monthly with all Student Council members to discuss upcoming events and brainstorm ideas to get the student body involved. We work with them to encourage more leadership contribution and even though a majority of them are not involved in the leadership class, their participation and assistance offers insight into new ideas for SSHS events.
• Blood Drives
We are honored to host two blood drives per year and contribute to the community of health. In our previous blood drive, we were able to get 103 participants to donate. Currently, our sign-ups for January’s blood drive are around 120.
• Winter Homecoming (Dec the Halls, Battle of the Bands, Game Night, Pep Rally)
We are currently in the middle of presenting our Winter Homecoming spirit week. Those in charge of Battle of the Bands have searched tirelessly for talented Spanish Springs students to perform in our event on Wednesday. They have produced flyers, sign-ups, and meetings to ensure the event is legendary. In lieu of our traditional homecoming dance, we have constructed a new event to bring our student body together. For this event, we have collected board games, video games and refreshments to provide a fun environment for students to bond. On Friday, we have taken a new approach to our typical assembly. Instead, we will be running a pep rally before the basketball games to present winter homecoming nominees and offer a glimpse of normality to the otherwise unusual year.
Thank you Leadership
Mrs. Yeom shared the incredible things going with students on in our Art programs.
We would like to share the good news from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards 2022.
14 students in SSHS Art and CTE programs received regional awards in the 2022 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.
In total, we received 4 Gold keys, 6 Silver keys, and 19 Honorable Mentions. The 4 Gold key winning work will be sent to the national competition.
All award-winning work will be displayed at the Sheppard Contemporary Gallery located in the Church Fine Arts building at UNR from 2/05/2022 to 2/25/2022.
Finally, Mr. Hirschman shared his thoughts about the battle of the bands competition that happened on Wednesday night. He said, “I had the pleasure of attending the Battle of the Bands last night. It. Was. Awesome!
We have such talented students and staff here. It was an eclectic night featuring SSHS student bands, a staff band (Rock on, Carpenter with your 90’s Grunge set) and an amazing student band from Reed High School. Our students welcomed them as members of our community and good vibes were felt that night.
Thank you, Leadership! Your team works tirelessly to help improve our culture and bring us together.
Thank you, Custodial Staff! You continue to help us maintain a safe environment where we can bring us all together and celebrate each other’s gifts.
Warm regards,
Sean Hall
Monday
No School
Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Holiday
Tuesday
1, 2, 7, 3
Wednesday
4, 5, 6
Online Registration for 2022-2023
Parents, please go online to begin registering your students for the upcoming school year. We are requesting that you complete registration by the end of February.
WCSD has streamlined the process for families with more than one student, so the process is easier than ever! If this is the first time you are registering your student/s, we have created a how to guide to help you get into the Infinite Campus Online Registration portal more readily. How to Log Into Infinite Campus and Complete Online Registration
If you do not know how to log into Infinite Campus, please contact Francine McCrae at the SSHS Career Center or Lindsay Beck in the Library.
A Note from the Student Relations Office
Hey, Cougars.
Here are a couple important reminders:
1. We are a closed campus. When leaving, either by vehicle or on foot, you will be required to show your current off-campus sticker on the back of your ID. It is bright green and new for the second semester. If you got one for the first semester, it will not work beginning on Tuesday, January 19th. Go to SRO for an ID. Go to Counseling or the Career Center for the off-campus sticker.
2. Students may not hang out inside vehicles during lunch. It is a safety risk, as we cannot keep you safe if we cannot see you. You may hang out at, or near, your vehicle but only in the first row. You may collect items from you vehicle, but you cannot sit inside.
Thank you.
COVID 19 Updates
Spanish Springs High School Mask Mandate
As a reminder, student's should arrive at school with a mask.
At the current time and/or until further guidance is given from the Washoe County School District, masks will be required indoors for both students and adults/staff. Masks may be removed when outdoors or performing strenuous exercises.
SSHS Well Being
SSHS Food Pantry
Yearbooks
Academic Support
After School Tutoring
A late bus is now available to provide transportation to students. The late bus will leave SSHS at 4:15 and will drop off at specific elementary schools/drop off locations. Students who need transportation should sign up in the Career Center to be added to the bus roster. The drop off locations are listed below:
Taylor
Spanish Springs ES
Van Gorder ES
2 stops in the lower Raley's area (one on each side of Vista Blvd)
Sepulveda ES
Bennet ES
Palmer ES
Sun Valley ES
Spanish Springs High School Needs You!
1 Theater teacher
2 Special Education Resource Teachers
1 Special Education CLS teacher
4 openings for Strategies Aide II (27 hr/week)
3 openings for CLS teacher Aide (27 hr/week)
4 openings for Custodian (40hrs/week)
Please go to the following website to apply today!
Shout Outs!
Thank you!
COVID-19 Testing For Families Monday and Wednesdays
COVID-19 testing will be offered at Spanish Springs High School for both school screening purposes (1-3 pm) and after school hours for those who have been excluded for symptoms or been in close contact with a positive COVID-19 case (3:30-4:30 pm).
The after-hours 3:30-4:30 pm testing, while offered inside in our Commons Area (Cafeteria), is open to all students, staff, and their families regardless of where they go to school or work.
You must register first.
More information is available online at WashoeSchools.net/covid19testing.
Boosters
Senior Trip
Our trip is to Six Flags Vallejo, CA.
June 3rd 2022. Tickets are still on sale for $220 and must be purchased in advance of the event.
Space is limited! Deposit is $40 to hold your spot and monthly payments are $36 (if deposit is made by Dec 31, 2021, after 12/31/21 payment plans will be adjusted based on time left until the trip).
Don’t forget you can work in concessions to help pay for your trip, go to www.Lotsa helping hands.com/c/700254/ and sign up for any shift that works with your schedule.
Please let me know if you have any questions safensobersshsgradnight@gmail.com or call/text (775)842-9090. Faith Smith
Clubs
AASU
Key Club
Mural Club
Athletics
Ready to make a Splash?
Lacrosse
NIAA and WCSD Athletic Guidance
Important Updates
Please make sure that ALL of the Student-Athletes for winter athletics are pre-registered with Northshore.
Winter Sport Athletes:
Please have the attached COVID Testing Consent Form for Athletic/Activity Participation on file for all student-athletes in your program.
Please make sure that all Boys and Girls Basketball, Wrestling, and Cheer student-athletes are registered at COVID 19 Testing Consent Form
Masks are required to be worn by all spectators, regardless of vaccination status, at all indoor school events per governor directive. Everyone planning on attending indoor events at the school should self-monitor for COVID symptoms before attending, socially distance where possible, and wearing masks at all times while in any area inside the school. We need to adhere to these requirements to keep our students playing and to keep athletics and activities running at our school.
WCSD COVID 19 Testing Flowchart
SSHS will resume COVID testing for Winter Sport Student-Athletes on Monday 11/22.
Monday/ Wednesday Group 5A (1PM- 3PM)
Winter Athletic Registration
2021-2022 WINTER SPORT REGISTRATION IS OPEN
The Athletic Department welcomes you and your family to the 2021-22 sports school year.
Parents can complete the sports registration by going to RegisterMyAthlete.com.
Upload:
- Sports Physical (if applicable) & NIAA Health Questionnaire (1st/3rd year)
- or NIAA Pre-Participation History (2nd/4th year)
All forms can be found online or in SSHS Office - Contact the Coach for times and dates for conditioning, practices, and try-outs.
IF NO REGISTRATION AND SPORTS CLEARANCE, THERE IS NO PRACTICING OR TRYOUTS.
Winter Coaches
Cheer
Lisa Shults (775-223-3604)
Basketball (Boys)
Kyle Penney (775-240-4991)
Basketball (Girls)
Arturo Cardenas (775-741-7031)
Ski
JD Wile (413-348-6112)
Wrestling
Joe Imelli (775-473-8311)
Senior Portraits- deadline extended to February 15th
Senior Portraits are being taken at the Prestige Portraits/Lifetouch studio at 80 East Patriot Blvd., Reno.
Click the large purple button below to schedule an appointment or use the QR code to schedule an appointment.
Photo must be in a tux or drape with Moonlight Blue background for yearbook.
Portrait Deadline: You need to sit for your portrait by February 15, 2022.
Accreditation
SSHS Accreditation Review Visit Scheduled January 12 and 13, 2022
Spanish Springs High School is going through a Re-Accreditation Review this 2021-2022 school year, which is a required process every 5 years to review our teaching practices. The Accreditation Review process helps the school staff focus on continuous school improvement and the quality of learning and teaching.
Cognia, a non-profit organization, will conduct our accreditation review. A Review Team of 3-4 educators will oversee our virtual review via Zoom, January 12 and 13, 2022. Teachers and staff are busy collecting and analyzing school data to provide evidence that we are meeting the Cognia Accreditation Standards. Parents and students will also play an important role in the process; a small number of parents and students will be invited to serve on the interview teams to share their feedback and experience they have had as a member of the SSHS community with the Review Team.
For questions, please email Ms. Silvia Marin simarin@washoeschools.net
Testing
Attention Seniors: Civics Exam
The Civics Exam is coming soon. Participation in the Civics Exam is a graduation requirement in the state of Nevada. All seniors enrolled in Government this semester will be taking the exam in that class starting as early as November 15th. If you are a senior who is not in a government class this year, please contact your counselor to make testing arrangements.
ACT
SSHS Juniors and Sophomores:
ACT TEST PREP BOOT CAMPS
Taking the ACT during your Junior year is a Nevada graduation requirement. The ACT will be administered at SSHS for Juniors starting on March 1, 2022.
For students who would like help preparing for this important exam, Spanish Springs HS will once again be partnering with Tutors Across America to provide two discounted ACT
Weekend Boot Camps.
Schedules for the 3-Day (20-hour) ACT Weekend Boot Camps
2 different camps to pick from
To be held on campus at: Spanish Springs High School
Friday, January 21, 2022 4:00pm-8:30pm
Saturday, January 22, 2022 9:00am-6:00pm (lunch break from 1:00-2:00)
Sunday, January 23, 2022 9:00am-6:00pm (lunch break from 1:00-2:00)
Friday, February 25, 2022 4:00pm-8:30pm
Saturday, February 26, 2022 9:00am-6:00pm (lunch break from 1:00-2:00)
Sunday, February 27, 2022 9:00am-6:00pm (lunch break from 1:00-2:00)
The ACT weekend camps are averaging 3-7 point improvements per student, which represents a 20-40 percentile point jump in just one weekend. That is a game-changer for your college admissions, and especially scholarships!
Regular Cost: $299
Discounted Cost: $149 for Spanish Springs High School students.
Use coupon code GOCOUGARS at checkout
How To Enroll in the ACT Boot Camp 1. Go to: http://TutorsAcrossAmerica.com/ACTcourse
2. Click on ACT COURSES at the top, and scroll down to find your camp.
3. Enroll as directed. You may choose any camp that works for you.
4. Use coupon code GOCOUGARS at checkout to get the 50% discount.
AP Testing
Please see below for important information for Advanced Placement (AP) students:
Students must have an AP account with College Board in order to register for the test as well as to access AP classroom for classroom curriculum. Teachers have given students the JOIN codes and instructions on how to complete this task. If your student has any questions, please direct them to their teacher.
AP tests are $94. $40 deposit to order test is due by November 15th. They can pay this to Megan Svare (bookkeeper) at lunch/afterschool or via the webstore.
AP testing is REQUIRED for all students in an AP class, there is NO OPT OUT this year.
November 15th is the final day for students to sign up for the AP classroom without a late fee. After November 15th there is a $40 late fee in addition to the testing fee.
All tests will be paper-and-pencil at school in May 2022.
Click here to view the: AP Testing Schedule
Bell Schedule
Please click this link for a copy of this year's Bell Schedule.
Attendance
Attendance Policy
Spanish Springs HS follows all WCSD Attendance Policies and Procedures.
In Summary:
If your student(s) is sick, please keep your student(s) home from school.
Parent/guardian must call or email the school each day their student(s) is
absent to verify the student’s absence on that day to ensure the child's
safety. Please call the SSHS Office at 425-7733 to verify student absences.
Students who miss 10% or more of the total number of class periods for any reason during a semester (high school) for each course will be chronically absent. Chronic absenteeism rules are set by State and Federal guidelines.
Students will not be retained or fail a course (high school) based on attendance. However, students who miss 10% or more of class periods for any course that meets in a semester will be chronically absent in that course(s).
If the student must miss an entire class period for any reason, it is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to see that a written/verbal verification is provided to the school prior to, during, or within three days of an absence. Failure to do so within three days of the student's return to school will result in the absence being coded as Unverified (AUK).
The Health Department Excluded Distance Learning OR Contact Tracing (HDED or HDCT) code is used when a school has been notified by Washoe County Health Department or Washoe County School District that a student is excluded from school but is able to work on Temporary Distance Learning for the length of the exclusion.
Students are to attend Temporary Distance Learning daily and complete work assigned. Students will check-in daily on MS Teams through the Daily Agenda. If a student is unable to work due to health reasons or the student chooses not to work or communicate with the teacher daily, the student will be marked HDE. The HDED and HDCT codes do not count toward chronic absenteeism. HDE does count toward chronic absenteeism.
Guide to Attendance for Families
This guide, available in English and Spanish, helps parents, guardians, and families understand the various components of the attendance policy. Click on button below.
A Note About Finals
Students who missed a final exam have been given an incomplete (INC). Students will have the first 6 weeks into the Spring semester to make up their finals. The deadline to complete work or a final is February 11th!
Make-Up Work
Make-up work must be provided for any absence, but it is the student’s responsibility to request the make-up work in advance or on the first day s/he returns to class. Because it is impossible to make-up some in-class assignments, coursework of a similar nature may be given. It is the student’s responsibility to turn in all make-up class work at the designated deadline. Failure to complete the make-up work within the designated deadline will result in no credit received for the make-up work.
Students will have the number of days absent plus one to complete missed make up work or concepts missed beginning on the day the teacher provides the missed assignments to the student. Teachers must provide missed make-up work or concepts missed within two days of the student’s return to class.
DMV Certification of Attendance
· DMV Certifications of Attendance are processed at the district level by the Student Records Department.
· Visit the WCSD web page: www.washoeschools.net and select:
STUDENT AND PARENTS
>STUDENT RECORDS
> CLICK ON BACKPACK CURRENT STUDENT.
FILL OUT INFORMATION, AND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE CHECK THE DMV BOX.
· Please allow one week of processing time.
· Please note: Students who miss 10% or more of the total number of class periods for any reason during a semester (high school) for each course will be chronically absent and do not meet the DMV Certification of Attendance requirements. Chronic absenteeism rules are set by State and Federal guidelines.
Information for how to get the attendance for DMV is permanently found at:
The complete WCSD policy can be found here: WCSD DMV Attendance Policy
Tech Support
The hours are:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 7am-2:30pm and Tuesday, Thursday 11:30am-7:00pm.
Spanish Springs High School Mission Statement
New Tardy Policy
Students will be given a Cumulative Tardy Log. Students need to carry it with them every day to every class. When they are tardy, they will present the log upon entrance to class.
-Teachers will sign on the appropriate line and continue marking the student tardy in IC.
The Student Relations Office will assign consequences for excessive tardies.