amherst high school volume 34 april/may 2014 issue 4 … · in the high school cafeteria. if your...

AMHERST HIGH SCHOOL

Volume 34 April/May 2014 Issue 4

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

Good Planning is Essential for a Successful End to the School Year

Gregory Pigeon Principal

As we enter the final quarter of the school year, our end of year activities and academic responsibilities push into high gear. Once we return from Spring Recess on April 21st , I expect the final days of the school year to race by rather quickly. Shortly after spring break, Advanced Placement students will be sitting for AP exams. The Spring Drama Production hits midway through the AP cycle; followed by our music program’s spring concerts, SpringFest, the Art Show, the Awards Assembly, National Honor Society Induction, year-end banquets, dinners, prom, senior class trip, June exams, and graduation. It is a time of great excitement, celebration and camaraderie; however, it is also a time that requires great focus and time management. Please invest some time over the next few weeks to sit down with your child to assess all their upcoming commitments. These include both in academic and extracurricular responsibilities. Create a plan together and support your child through the fast- paced school year finale. Here are some highlights and suggestions for ensuring a smooth end to the school year. Final Exams

• Be sure to read and review the Final Assessment Policy (available online or in your child’s school agenda). It applies to in class exams and exams scheduled during June exam week.

• Be sure to check the Final Exam schedule for dates and times of all relevant exams (in class exams

and exams scheduled during June exam week 6/17 -6/25) and write them on your family calendar.

Fourth Quarter Grades Students should strive to make the Fourth Quarter their best quarter yet. The Fourth Quarter offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and growth over the school year. By staying on top of all homework assignments, putting in some extra study time for tests and quizzes, as well as making sure all projects and assessments are thoroughly completed and turned in on time; students can maximize learning and earn their best grades.

Senior & Graduation Information

� Graduation will be held on Saturday,

June 28th at 2:00 p.m. at the University Center for the Arts

� Students are required to attend the mandatory rehearsal that will be held on Wednesday, June 25 th at 9:00 a.m. in the High School cafeteria.

� If your graduating senior has not yet placed an order for cap, gown, & tassel, order forms are available from Herff -Jones in the Main Office from Ms. Mach. Orders should be placed as soon as possible. Seniors will not be able to participate in the graduation ceremony without a cap and gown. The cost is $23.00 CASH ONLY. They will arrive on May 29th and 30th.

� Students will be given 5 tickets to graduation at the time of graduation rehearsal. A letter will be sent out around the second week of May regarding any other graduation information.

AMHERST HIGH SCHOOL

Volume 34 April/May 2014 Issue 4

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

� Stay focused! All course work must be successfully completed by Wednesday, June 25th, 2014 , in order to participate in the ceremony.

Prom

� The Prom is scheduled for Saturday, May 31st at The Adam’s Mark. Letters will be sent home to parents within the next few weeks with more information.

Best Wishes for the end of the school year.

HIGH SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS

MAIN OFFICE – 362-8100

7:00 A.M. – 3:45 P.M. DEAN’S OFFICE – 362-8160

7:30 A.M. – 3:30 P.M. STUDENT SERVICES OFFICE – 362-8175

7:30 A.M. – 3:45 P.M.

TIGER TALES DEADLINES : ISSUE DEADLINE

End of year May 23 Fall July 28 All articles for Tiger Tales should be submitted to Sally Cukierski at the high school [email protected]. As always, please check out our website for the latest news and information:

www.amherstschools.org

HAVE YOU MOVED? In addition to updating the Health Emergency Cards for the Health Office, please see Mr. Thomas in Student Services. We need to update your records in our database. Two new proofs of residence in the Amherst Central School District are required.

CALENDAR REMINDERS FOR

APRIL and MAY

April 14-18 No School – Spring Recess May 2 & 3 Drama Club Play May 20 District Budget Vote May 16 Spring Orchestra Concert May 22 Awards Assembly May 26 No School Memorial Day May 31 Prom

IMPORTANT HIGH SCHOOL

PHONE NUMBERS

Guidance Counselors – 362-8175 Absence Call-In Line – 362-8249

Dean of Students – 362-8160

Main Office – 362-8100 Health Office – 362-8165

Tiger Tipline – 362-2255

Clip and save above phone numbers. HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDANCE CALL BACK LINE: 362-8249 – OPEN 24 HOURS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE!

Mr. Pat Murphy

Reminder to parents:

ABSENCES: Please make sure to provide your child with a note within three days of your child’s return from an absence. After three days, without a note, the absence will be considered “ILLEGAL” for Attendance Policy purposes. Illegal absences affect course credit (see Attendance Policy in the Student Handbook. When writing notes please include your child’s last name (printed). Also, please include the reason for the absence/tardiness, as well as your phone number. .

We would like to reinforce our school policies . SCHOOL RULES: It is expected that all students will demonstrate conduct and behavior consistent with the standards of the school and community. Teachers and students will treat each other with respect and dignity. Physical or verbal abuse will never be tolerated. Expectations for student behavior at Amherst High School – in classrooms, hallways, on school property, and at school events—is based on this premise of respect for the feelings beliefs, opinions, and property of others. The absence of a specific rule will not be license or reason for disrespect or limiting the rights of others.

Just in time for Spring cleaning out those closets,

basements & garages ... the 6th MS/HS PTSA

Annual Community-Wide Goodwill Drive will return to Amherst High School in May. You will be able to

donate all your gently used clothing, toys, household items and recycle televisions, computers and electronics. Additional details will be available

shortly through flyers, e-mails and the district website. For further information, contact Ellen

Marshall: [email protected] or 984-7015.

DRESS CODE: All students are expected to dress appropriately for school and school functions. A student’s dress, grooming and appearance, including hair style/color, jewelry, make-up and nails shall:

• Ensure that outside wear is not worn in the building.

• Pants, shorts, skirts should be worn on the waist. Girls – skirts and shorts need to be finger tip in length, you will be requested to change if they are not. Also, girls who wear tank tops must have straps that are 2 inches wide.

• Not include wearing of hats, scarves or bandannas in the school building except for medical or religious purposes.

• Not promote and/or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs and/or encourage other illegal or violent activities.

• Not include chains or chain wallets. • Recognize that students in violation of the dress

code may be sent home. Students who violate the student dress code shall be required to modify their appearance by covering or removing the offending item and, if necessary or practical, replacing it with an acceptable item. Any student who refuses to do so shall be subject to further discipline up to and including out-of-school suspension.

FROM THE DEAN’S OFFICE

COLLEGE EXPLORATION In January, the high school counselors spoke with all the juniors in their English classes regarding post-high school planning. Students were given the following information: • Post High School Planning

Booklet, which includes SAT and ACT test dates.

• A time line for the college application process.

Please help us to make your student’s transition from high school a smooth one by reviewing all materials sent home. The Student Services Office has a wide variety of print material and computer software as resources to assist with post-secondary school planning. Parents and/or students may make an appointment to meet with their school counselor or Mrs. Russell, Career and College Aide in Student Services to start the college search. You will find extensive college and career information on the school’s website. Visit the Student Services web page at: www.amherstschools.org; click on High School, then Student Services. COLLEGE TO-DO LIST FOR JUNIORS: APRIL/MAY • Contact colleges for

information and arrange for visits in the spring.

• Students may re-take Regents Exams to raise their grades. To request to retake an exam your child should see their counselor by April 10th.

• Participate in Spring Open Houses. (It is best to visit colleges while they are in session to get a true feel for the campus. Be sure to visit

•

• The Admissions and Financial

Aid offices). • Begin considering a summer

job, volunteer work, internship or pre-approved summer course.

• Parents complete and return Parental Statement to your child’s School Counselor. (Form can be downloaded from the Student Services web page under colleges and careers)

• Please see your School Counselor regarding an application to one of the Military Academies.

JUNE/SUMMER • Ask 2 to 3 teachers who can

speak to your personal and academic attributes for letters of recommendation.

• Plan for summer-visit colleges.

• Contact colleges for information.

• Double check your senior year schedule for all required courses, for both graduation and college admissions.

• Begin formulating ideas for the college essay.

• Develop a personal/academic resume.

• Register for NCAA eligibility at www.eligibilitycenter.org

SCHEDULING

The counselors have registered current ninth, tenth and eleventh graders for next year’s classes. In April, letters detailing your child’s course requests will be mailed home. If you have any questions regarding registration, please feel free to contact their counselor. David Benton 362-8169 Kristi Lares 362-8173 Laurie LeGoff 362-8174 Sherry Ciurczak 362-8172 Tammie Hobler 362-8171

PRIVATE SCHOOL REGISTRATION

Registration of private school students for next fall will take place in the High School Student Services Office on Friday, May

2nd, between 8am and 3pm. Parents wishing to register should call Mr. Thomas at 362-8170 before April 25th for information. There will be additional registration dates scheduled in August. Copies of the following will be needed to register a student: � 2 proofs of residence in

Amherst Central School District

� Birth Certificate or passport � Immunization record � Report Card � Custody or Guardianship

papers if student doesn’t live with both parents

� Immigration documents if not an American Citizen

� Additional paperwork as dictated by special circumstances

Students and parents may use the resources (college catalogs, viewbooks, videos, etc.) in the Student Services Office this summer. Office hours are daily from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:

The final exam schedule is posted on Amherst High School’s web page at www.amherstschools.org . It will also be posted in homerooms and outside the Main Office. SAT and ACT

JUNIORS. . . Mailing deadline for May 3, 2014 SAT is April 4. Deadline for June 7, 2014 SAT is May 9. Register online at www.collegeboard.com Mailing deadline for June 14, 2014 ACT is May 9. SAT PREP CLASSES

Please visit the school website at www.amherstschools.org Follow the links to Student Services, click on PSAT/SAT/ACT for more information on SAT prep classes.

Student Services Dept .

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SUMMER JOB APPLICATIONS Will be available from Mrs. Russell in Student Services. Interviews for positions will be held in Student Services in the spring. Date will be announced. Please check our website and Daily Bulletin for other summer employment or volunteer opportunities. A Reminder: To be eligible to attend and gain credit for a full year course during the summer credit recovery program a student must pass: • At least two marking periods

during the year -OR- • The final quarter and receive

a grade of 70% on the final exam

ACHS Summer Credit Recovery Program Amherst Central High School is dedicated to granting students multiple opportunities to achieve success. Our high school is pleased to announce that once again this summer, students will be afforded the opportunity to attend a summer program to recover credits. Using our NovaNET credit recovery software, ACHS will implement a credit bearing summer recovery program. NovaNET is a self-paced, comprehensive, standards-based online courseware. Instruction and assessment will take place online. Credit for the course will be awarded upon successful completion of the NovaNET course modules. NovaNET requires a minimum of 70% mastery to award credit. If you are pursuing a Regents or Advanced Regents diploma, YOU MUST PASS ALL YOUR REGENTS EXAMS WITH AT LEAST A 65.

Seniors: Please notify Mrs. Russell in Student Services of your college acceptances. Scholarships: Make an appointment with your school counselor to look at scholarship opportunities. Students can also find scholarship opportunities on our website at: www.amherstschools.org Follow the link to Student Services, then click on Scholarship Opportunities

Amherst Bookies A parent/teacher book club sponsored by the

Amherst MS/HS PTSA dedicated to the pursuit of

reading for enjoyment.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

7:00 pm

Amherst High School LMC

The Goldfinch By Donna Tartt

This program is free and open to the public. All welcome! Please call 834-4605 with any questions.

SELECT YOUR DEDICATION LEVEL: TEN YEAR $100 _____ LIFETIME $200 _____

DEDICATION TO BE ENGRAVED (THREE LINES 30 CHARACTER MAX ON EACH)

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

YOUR NAME: ________________________________

ADDRESS: ___________________________________

CITY: _______________ STATE: _____ ZIP: ________

PHONE: _____________ IF ALUMNI, YEAR: ________

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE AND SEND TO:

AMHERST CENTRAL ALUMNI FOUNDATION, INC.

4301 MAIN STREET—AMHERST, NEW YORK 14226

ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT

THE AMHERST APPEAL AT 716.362.8259

Congratulations 2014 PTSA

Award Recipients Please join us for this wonderful evening of celebration

with our PTSA award recipients, teachers, staff,

administration and parents.

(Please RSVP by May 5, 2014 by sending your reservation

form to Karen Myszkiewicz - 27 Dorchester Rd.,

Amherst, NY 14226

High School Outstanding Educator of the Year

Sherryl Elston

High School Special Service Award

Richard Crozier

Middle School Outstanding Educator of the Year

Linda Barnes

Middle School Special Service Award

Angela Earle

NYS PTA Honorary Life Membership

Alison Schick and Andrea Tan

PTA National Life Achievement Award

Gregory Pigeon

AMHERST MS/HS PTSA

ANNUAL AWARDS AND INSTALLATION DINNER

Monday, May 19, 2014

The Fairdale Banquet Center

672 Wehrle Drive

Amherst, New York

6:30pm Cash Bar & h’orderves

7:15pm Buffet Dinner

$25.00 per person Enjoy a wonderful evening with our school community to celebrate

the many accomplishments of the year.

************************************************** Amherst MS/HS PTSA Installation Dinner Reservation Form

Please complete this form, and enclose cash or check payment made out to Amherst MS/HS PTSA

Completed reservation forms may be placed in the PTSA mailbox in the main office of the HS or MS no later than 5/5/14

or Mail to: Karen Myszkiewicz – 27 Dorchester Rd., Amherst, NY 14226

839-6781 Name(s): ___________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________ Number attending: ________

Thank you for supporting your PTSA!

SHOW US YOUR STRIPES!

A NIGHT OUT FOR AMHERST!

Cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres & Food Stations!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

NORTHTOWN LEXUS 3845 Sheridan Drive, Amherst

Free parking. Dress is Casual. Must be 21. Wear Stripes!

$25 PURCHASE TICKETS: www.amherstappeal.org • contact your PTA / PTSA • The Boosters

Alumni Office • 716.362.8259 • PAY AT THE DOOR!

A

Please attend this special celebration of our Schools and our Amherst Community! All proceeds, sponsorships and donations benefit the Amherst Central School District! This is a fundraiser and an all-community celebration to benefit the students, teachers, parents, alumni and neighbors of Smallwood, Windermere, Amherst Middle and Amherst High Schools.

For information on how to become an event sponsor, please call or text 716.913.3094

AM

HERST APPE

AL

A

MH

ERST APPEA

L

AM

EAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM

Strong Schools Create a Strong Community.

PLEASE GIVE!www.AmherstAppeal.org

The Amherst Appeal directly impacts and postively

influences the future educational experience of

Windermere, Smallwood, Amherst Middle School and

Amherst High School. The Amherst School District, its

Board of Education and The Amherst Central Alumni

Foundation, Inc. invite your participation and partnership

in a promotion which directly benefits The Amherst

School District – Amherst’s students, teachers, academic

programs, arts offerings, athletic experiences, and our

schools’ buildings and learning spaces. Sustainability

and enhancement of our current programs are critical as

we recognize strict limitations on funding and revenue.

The dire need exists to seek sources of financial support

and we are asking you to please consider the people

and places of the Amherst Central School District at the

top of your philanthropic priority list.

PLEASE MAKE ALL DONATIONS PAYABLE TO:

Amherst Central Alumni Foundation, Inc.

4301 Main Street Amherst, New York 14226 716.362.8259

DONATE ONLINE @

www.amherstsappeal.org

Mar 2014 (Eastern Time)HS Calendar

23 24 25 26 27 28 1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31 1 2 3 4 5

ECMEA Elementary Festival

HS Big Band Festival - 7:00pm

B

3 : 3 0 p m - Faculty Meeting

C

3 : 3 0 p m - Poetry Slam Hallway Decorat ing

D

DECA - State Competition - Rochester thru 3/7

ECMEA - Elementary Festival

E

7 p m - District Orchestra Festival at MS @ MS

5 week reports

Cross Country/Track & Field Gatorade and Cliff Bar Sale Before SchoolECMEA Jazz Festival

F

ECMEA Jazz Festival

A

French Club Mtg.

3 : 3 0 p m - Building Tech Committee Meet ing -

6 : 3 0 p m - Student Council Talent Show -

B

7 p m - Board of Education Mtg. @ Dist. Conf. Rm.

7 p m - District Band Festival - MS -

C

7 p m - MS/HS PTSA Meeting

7 p m - Poetry Slam

D Blood Drive

Cross Country/Track & Field Gatorade and Cliff Bar Sale Before SchoolE

ECMEA Jr. High N. Festival -

French Club Breakfast

ECMEA Jr. High N. Festival -

Data Team Meet ings

F

A B C Cross Country/Track & Field Gatorade and Cliff Bar Sale Before SchoolD

ECMEA - Sr. High Festival -

ECMEA - Sr. High Festival - all d a y

B E


F

6 : 3 0 p m - Focus on Prevention -

A

7 : 3 0 p m - HS Concerto Concert -

B

Cross Country/Track & Field Gatorade and Cliff Bar Sale Before SchoolLast Day to drop a 2nd semester course

Last Day to take a 2nd semester course P/F

C

3 : 4 5 p m - BLT- Prin. Conf. Rm.

D E Band & Orchestra Trip - through 4 / 6

F

A

Cross Country/Track & Field Gatorade and Cliff Bar Sale Before SchoolEnd of 3rd quarter

Marks Close

Red Blazers Variety Show

Re Blazers Variety Show

Sun M o n T u e W e d Thu Fr i S a t

Apr 2014 (Eastern Time)HS Calendar

30 31 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 1 2 3

C

3 : 4 5 p m - BLT- Prin. Conf. Rm.

D E Band & Orchestra Trip - through 4 / 6

F

A

Cross Country/Track & Field Gatorade and Cliff Bar Sale Before SchoolEnd of 3rd quarter

Marks Close

Red Blazers Variety Show

Re Blazers Variety Show

1st day of 4th quarter

B


C

National College Fair


D

National College Fair


E

Grades due

6 : 3 0 p m - Career Fair - ECC South

Cross Country/Track & Field Gatorade and Cliff Bar Sale Before SchoolF

NO SCHOOL - SPRING RECESS NO SCHOOL - SPRING RECESS NO SCHOOL - SPRING RECESS NO SCHOOL - SPRING RECESS NO SCHOOL - SPRING RECESS

C A


B C Cross Country/Track & Field Gatorade and Cliff Bar Sale Before SchoolD

E

French Club Mtg.

Spanish Club Chocolate Bar Sale thru May 9th

F A B


C

Cross Country/Track & Field Gatorade and Cliff Bar Sale Before School7 p m - Drama Club - One Act Plays

DECA - National Competition - Atlanta, GA thru 5/6

SAT

7 p m - Drama Club - One Act Plays -


May 2014 (Eastern Time)HS Calendar

27 28 29 30 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

E

French Club Mtg.

Spanish Club Chocolate Bar Sale thru May 9th

F A B


C

Cross Country/Track & Field Gatorade and Cliff Bar Sale Before School7 p m - Drama Club - One Act Plays

DECA - National Competition - Atlanta, GA thru 5/6

SAT

7 p m - Drama Club - One Act Plays -

D


E


F A B

Cross Country/Track & Field Gatorade and Cliff Bar Sale Before School

C

3 : 4 5 p m - BLT - Prin. Conf. Rm.

D E


F 5 week reports

A

Cross Country/Track & Field Gatorade and Cliff Bar Sale Before School7 : 3 0 p m - HS Orchestra Concert -

B

French Club Mtg.

Student Elections

3 : 3 0 p m - Building Tech Commit tee Mtg.

Art Show

C

District Budget Vote

Student Council Kiss-a-Senior Goodbye sale through 5/30 s

D AWARDS ASSEMBLY

E

Cross Country/Track & Field Gatorade and Cliff Bar Sale Before SchoolF

NO SCHOOL - MEMORIAL DAY A B Bald for Bucks

C

Cap and Gown Pick Up

7 : 3 0 p m - HS Choral Concert -

Cap & Gown Pick Up

Cross Country/Track & Field Gatorade and Cliff Bar Sale Before SchoolD

Prom


amherst high school volume 34 april/may 2014 issue 4 … · in the high school cafeteria. if your...

Documents