Godwin Heights High School
Weekly Newsletter January 29, 2021
Función de traducción
Translation
Upcoming Events
February 1 - Feeding America Food Truck - High School Front Office - 5 PM
February 6 - Board of Education Meeting 6 PM - Admin Building
February 10 - Pupil Count Day
February 10 - Early Dismissal for students (Schedule B)
February 12 - Half Day for students (Schedule C)
February 15 - No School - Mid Winter Break
February 16 - Parent Focus Group 6 PM
February 22 - Board of Education Meeting 6 PM - Admin Building
February 24 - Early Release for students at 1:40 PM - (Schedule B)
Students are NOT the only ones learning in school
Traditionally, the day to celebrate and honor Dr. King’s legacy is filled with parades of support and through acts of service and togetherness. To celebrate as a district-wide staff community, the K-12 Instructional Team designed experiences to allow for learning and reflection. Our learning target for Monday, January 18, allowed us to connect on the impact of systemic racism within our community, particularly those historically underserved.
Given the current reality, we offered a remote learning opportunity. The staff could join from home or come into the building. Lead facilitators, including instructional coaches/specialists and administrators, guided dialogue for over 200 members of our staff. Each group held approx. 20-24 members, including paraprofessionals, secretaries, and student teachers.
While teams were careful to recognize everyone is at a different place on the journey, many positive responses from the day were shared publicly and in an anonymous survey.
Below are a few reactions:
When I allow myself to become "unapologetically me" I can create deeper and more authentic relationships with students.
Today’s PD caused me to reflect on times that I may have been insensitive to my students or our families unintentionally. In the future, I will be more aware of how things may be perceived, and be intentional and aware of the conversations that I have with students and their families.
From today's sessions, I learned a lot about the growth that Godwin Heights has made over the years and the strong loyalties people have to this district. I learned a lot about the injustices that nonwhite school districts experience compared to white districts. I became more aware of the racial injustices that the people in my community and school face every day and how I can be better at responding to these situations as a white person.
Although this is an uncomfortable topic for many people I believe this is giving our community a big step in learning and moving forward. I believe we are better prepared for what is happening in our country and are better prepared to have tough conversations with other people not in our Godwin community. Part of our job as teachers is not to be a tourist but inform other communities about and celebrate our diverse culture and community.
Seal of Biliteracy
n 2017, the Michigan Department of Education initiated the Seal of Biliteracy. Biliteracy is defined as the ability to read, write, and speak proficiently in a language other than English. Again this school year, Godwin Heights High Schools will offer Juniors and Seniors the opportunity to obtain the Seal of Biliteracy. GHPS will: Award students who have demonstrated proficiency in English and at least one other world language by high school graduation Recognize the language skills of students who complete extended sequences of world language study, as well as those whose native language is other than English Value and celebrate the linguistic and cultural diversity in our community Align to the goals and strategies of Michigan’s Top 10 in 10 endeavor
Awarding biliterate status requires an intermediate-high proficiency level on a test of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This is likely achieved with consistent language study by the junior/senior year. February 23rd is the date GHPS is offering the test. To confirm your interest please complete this survey by Feb. 17.
If you have additional questions, please speak with Mrs. Ibarra or Mrs. Bonilla.
SENIORS - 2021
Class of 2021
Just some reminders:
1. Fill out your college apps now! Please email me all acceptance letters!!!! If military bound, please send me the branch you have selected and where you are at in the process.
2. Complete your FAFSA if you plan to attend college at any time during next year (fall or winter semester/community college, university, or trade school). Please send me your screenshot of the submitted and processed dates. Giftcard drawing will be the week of 2/1.
3. Apply for scholarships!! I will be in your English 12 classes on 2/2-2/4 helping you on some big ones (GR community foundation, GRCC, Golden G), but there are many more out there. Check out Google classroom for a starting point. Trade school students can still apply for scholarships. Please review qualifying criteria for each scholarship.
4. Interested in the Seal of Biliteracy?
You must complete the below survey (even if you have previously emailed me). Testing will occur at the end of February. Students who pass, will get a seal on their high school diploma and a special engraved metal for graduation. This seal is designed for students who are bilingual in a language other than English.
Looking to get some college classes out of the way before next year? Sign up for CLEP testing. I can help you create your free account on Modern States Alliance where you will get college level instruction to prep you for the exam. As long as you pass the class, you can get a voucher to take the exam for $5 (normally $110+). If you pass the exam you can earn college credit for that class and essentially "test out" of taking it in college saving you thousands of dollars (IE: most classes are 3 CR. GRCC is $400+ for one 3 CR hour class)!!!!!
Need help? PLEASE schedule a one on one time to meet with me! I am here to help!
Thank you,
Mrs. Ibarra
616-252-2050 ext. 2143
YEARBOOK
PROM
1. Please login and create your seller account for the prom fundraiser using the following information:
Link to explain sale: https://vimeo.com/439332954
Link to set up your online sale: https://supportmyfundraiser.org/
Group ID: 118545
Link to Mrs. Williams video on how to set up your sale: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12Gd2UvEAb9uIWfhmecephwA9Sbqmk59A/view
When you start sharing this and sending emails, please make sure to include your Seller ID so that their sales are linked to your account. Also, make sure to explain to people what you are raising money for.
EVERYONE CAN DO THIS TO GET MONEY OFF THEIR PROM TICKETS.
If you are virtual and have any questions please contact Miss Williams.
KSSN Supports Available:
Mental Health Services:
Services are provided through the high school in partnership with Family Outreach Center, contact Kelsey Gruber (kelsey.gruber@godwinschools.org or (616) 426-9208)) for more information or with any questions!
We are currently working on helping to address the Wellness needs of our students. All students were offered an opportunity to complete a wellness survey to identify ways they would like support. The Student Services Team will be reaching out directly to students to connect them with resources.
Beginning mid February, we will offer group mental health services to support students with, Isolation and Loneliness, Motivation, Mindfulness and Self-Care as well as Social Justice and Equity. Again, contact Kelsey Gruber for more information.
Food Resources:
If your family is in need of additional food resources please call Kelsey Gruber at (616) 426-9208 to connect you with the most appropriate service for your family.
Feeding America Food Truck: February 1 @ High School Main entrance beginning around 4:30-5:00pm.
Clothing/Winter Apparel:
If your family is in need of winter apparel, connect with Kelsey Gruber so she can gather sizing information. (Youth and Adult sizes available).
Champion Force
Hi! Wow, to say this year has been tough is an understatement. We miss being directly in the schools and our community recreation centers but we understand why this is not possible this school year. The need for youth programs has never been more apparent. We have found a way to rent outside of the school (for now) and safely provide our programs for the kids in our community. Check out our COVID-19 preventive measures https://championforce.com/covid-19-preventative-measures/.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! Attached is our Spring 2021 flyer. We are hoping that you can help us by emailing this to your elementary families, pre-school - middle school. In the past, you have approved CFA for paper flyer distribution and we are hoping that you will approve and email out this flyer for us too.
We also attached our Foundation's 501c3 and a video showing one of the 2020 recipients being surprised with her scholarship. A portion of our small class fee goes back to the kids by providing opportunities for assistance with higher education! Check it out! This was our favorite one yet... way better than our annual awards ceremony! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnQKy09l9Io Who would have known that something could have turned out "better" during this time!
Lastly, we want to extend a helping hand in the community. If you are aware of a child that needs our programs but the parents can't even afford the $9 a week please reach out to us directly and we will do what we can to help!
Together we can 2021 better for our kids!
Salute to Godwin School Board Members
As a local school board member, can you imagine getting an email late in the evening in early March from your district superintendent letting you know that your state Governor has just ordered all K-12 schools closed beginning Monday, March 16, due to what was to become a pandemic? In the weeks to come, face to face instruction was delayed again and again.
As a school board member in the Godwin community, as in most, your role is voluntary with little or no compensation. Your role - work collaboratively with your district education team to find a way to provide a valued educational experience for the youth of your community and help them to continue to grow both personally and academically. The past year added unprecedented uncertainty, with continuous changes in direction at the state and federal level, subsequently increasing levels of anxiety throughout the community as well as uncertainty in funding support, new and unfamiliar health protocols, and an extensive requirement of creativity to engage all levels of students virtually, as well as, safely.
January is School Board Recognition Month in the State of Michigan. I hope you will join me in honoring the members of The Godwin Heights Public Schools Board of Education for their leadership, dedicated efforts and collaboration with district leaders and staff during this unique educational experience.
Let this recognition continue beyond January and remain each month and passing day. Our Board has proven in 2020 that their commitment to our mission and vision is unwavering. Challenges become opportunities, failures become learning opportunities, and successes become celebrations in the growth of our students and community.
If you see any of our Board members out in the community, please thank them for their valued service and dedication to Godwin Heights!
Godwin Heights High School
Email: cconklin@godwinschools.org
Website: hs.godwinschools.org
Location: 50 35th Street Southwest, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Phone: (616) 252-2050
Facebook: www.facebook.com/godwinhighschool
Twitter: @GodwinSchools