What's Up at Whitney?
2/12/2016 Weekly Update
New Grade 7 Immunizations
The Ohio Department of Health has changed the immunization requirements for students entering 7th grade. They are now requiring a Meningococcal shot along with the Tdap booster before entering 7th grade.
The district has created a new information/verification letter. There is a link on our website to the Health Services page which has this letter posted along with all the medical forms parents may need for the next school year.
Click here to view a copy of the letter
Honors Orchestra
Last week, over 50 Advanced Orchestra students auditioned for Strongsville's Honors Orchestra, from all 6 elementary schools. Miss Rogers is proud of all the students who prepared and took the audition at the middle school! A big CONGRATULATIONS to the students from Whitney who made the 2016 Honors Orchestra: From Left to Right: Paul Burlinghaus, Kodi Baxter, Alex Klaben, Bora Kalaja, and Kaitlin Oakes.
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Strongsville City Schools is fully committed to curbing student bullying and school violence, and providing a positive learning environment for all students that enhances personal safety and promotes respect, dignity, and equality among students. Students and parents now have a new tool to help. It is a new anonymous hotline. Click here for letter that explains this important new service.
K-5 Go Math! Program Technology Parent Meeting
Parents often ask me how they can can best help their student with Math homework. Strongsville has adopted a Math Curriculum called Go Math. If you are interested in learning more about the technology component of your K-5 child’s Go Math! program and how you can utilize it at home, please attend this parent informational meeting. Please click here to view the flyer and RSVP for the February 24th meeting at 5:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. Although not necessary, you are welcome to bring a laptop or Chromebook to the meeting and your child’s login information for Go Math!
The Counselor's Connection
Bingo Night!
Whitney Bingo night is scheduled for Friday, February 19th. Doors will open at 6:30 and Bingo will run from approximately 6:45 - 8:00pm. Popcorn and beverages will be available. Three guest teachers will be calling our numbers and letters. Mrs. McKinley, Mrs. Thome, and Mrs. Errington are planning to attend and be part of the fun. If you have questions, or would like to know how you may be able to help out, please contact Jennifer Lange at beanlange@gmail.com.
Strongsville Kiwanis Says READ!
A couple of newsletters past, I provided information about a series of reading programs offered at The Strongsville Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library. Those events are great ways to help stimulate your child's interest in reading. But I mistakenly called those as sponsored by the Strongsville Kiwanis Club. Here is the REAL link to the Kiwanis Read Around the World program. Check it out!
Entrance Criteria for Honors Classes at the Middle School
In May 2015, the District established two transition committees, Grades K-5 and Grades 6-8, comprised of teachers and administrators to provide recommendations as to what education would look like and how it would be structured within this new grade alignment. One major discussion in the grades 6-8 committee was to address honors courses for 6th graders, as well as entrance criteria for these courses. The committee and our District are committed to providing every child with the opportunity to access rigorous content at an appropriately challenging level. After much research and discussion on the topic of entrance criteria, the committee recommended and was approved to institute the following honors entrance criteria. Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade parents will have the opportunity to self-select their child’s honors placement for Language Arts, Science, and/or Social Studies. For Honors Mathematics, students will be required to meet established criteria for placement based on the district’s administered assessments. To assist parents in their decision, an individualized letter will be sent to all current 5th and 6th grade parents detailing the Strongsville City Schools recommended/required scores for placement in honors courses, their child’s score, and their child’s teacher recommendation for placement. Not only does this plan align with procedures in place at our high school for honors coursework, but it gives our students the opportunity in middle school to challenge themselves and find the best coursework to match their educational needs and goals.
Dates to Remember
February 2016:
11th Thursday –Parent/Teacher Conferences (after school)
12th Friday – 9:15 am – PTA General Meeting
12th Friday – 2:15 pm – Valentine Parties
15th Monday – No School – Presidents Day
19th Friday - BINGO Night – 7:00-9:00
24th Wednesday - GoMath Information Night - 5:00 & 6:30 - SCS Admin. Offices
25th Thursday - Middle School Transition Mtgs. - SHS Auditorium - 6 & 7 pm
March 2016:
- 4th Friday - 6:30 - 9:00 - Rockin' at the Rec - Green / St. Patty's Day
Newsletter Input
Email: jmartin@scsmustangs.org
Website: strongnet.org/Domain/806
Location: 20566 Albion Rd, Strongsville, OH 44136, United States
Phone: (440)268-5444