SIDNEY HIGH SCHOOLEagle Quarterly

August 2015 * No. 01

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Welcome Back!

A Message from the Principal

The entire staff at SHS is ready for the year and this first addition of the newsletter will provide answers to many of the questions that typically arise each school year. Please keep this copy somewhere safe as it will serve as a ready reference throughout the school year. School Year ’15-16 is in full swing and it looks to be a memorable year for all. SHS has several new staff members that will be introduced to you in this newsletter.

You, as parents, will receive the most important word about how the school year has begun by the informal reports given to you by your son or daughter. The faculty and staff at Sidney High School hope that these reports are positive and that the school year has begun well for your child.

This year was Sidney High School’s 7th annual “New Student and Freshman Orientation”, which allowed the 9th grade and new students to attend school a day earlier than the 10th-12th grade students. The orientation consisted of several items that should prove beneficial for freshmen to “hit the ground running” these first days of school with all of the students.

I would sincerely encourage you to talk to your son and/or daughter about getting involved in some type of club or athletic activity this fall. Clubs and Athletics are both great ways for students to feel more connected to their school, meet friends, develop relationships, and much more. If your son and/or daughter have not already joined an activity, it is not too late. Please have them talk to the coach or advisor as soon as possible.

Sidney High School is not new to me, although I am beginning my third year as Principal. I graduated from SHS (let’s just say it was a long time ago) and served as the Assistant Principal from 2008-2011. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to cultivating relationships with staff and students here. Please feel free to stop by any time. My door is open!

Mrs. Sue Andersen

From the Assistant Principal, Loretta Thiel

Once again we’re looking forward to a new school year-boy, has the summer flown by quickly! I’ve had the opportunity to visit with many students who have come in for registration. Freshman are excited to finally be at the high school and seniors are amazed that they are nearly finished with school and looking forward to soon beginning “adult life”. It’s always exciting to start the new school year and do our best as a faculty to impart as much knowledge as we can over the next nine months.

This year we are using a new student data program, so please bear with us as we try to navigate the new program and put in the appropriate student information. Mrs. Spangler and I are both working to learn the program. Feel free to call either one of us with any questions or concerns that you have with regard to attendance or behavior.

Attendance has been a major issue and continues to be critical here at the high school. Parents, if at all possible, please try to make appointments and out of town trips outside the regular school day. Being in class is critical for student success. Students gain valuable information when interacting with their teachers and peers. Our procedure will stay the same as far as contacting the school to report absences. Please call before 9:00 am to let us know that your child will not be in school. It is very important to keep absences below ten for each semester. You may have seen articles in the newspaper about the importance of attendance for student success in school. In the time that I have been in the high school I have seen students fail because of poor attendance and not completing homework more than anything else! Focusing on school takes real commitment and perseverance. Students can make it through school, but they really need to make school a priority.

If there is any way that I can help you or your student, please contact me at your convenience.

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School PicturesIndividual student pictures will be taken September 3 at the high school. All students are required to take pictures for activity tickets and for permanent records. Picture ordering information will be given to students the week prior. Athletic pictures will also be taken after school on this day: VB-3:15, Golf-4:00, XC-4:30, FB-5:15. Picture re-takes will be on Wednesday October 28.

SHS Welcomes New Staff

Sidney High School welcomes several new or “new to subject” staff members for the upcoming 2015-2016 school year. Stop by, introduce yourself, and welcome them to the community and to SHS!

Jennifer King BusinessRuben Moreno Social ScienceJohn Sweet Fitness 10 Jessica Sweet Comm. Arts & PsychologyChris Merica Fitness 9, Weight-training

Activity for LifeDenise Rauch Vocal MusicJaime Harrison ArtZach Yockim ITSteve O’Toole Science & FitnessCarl Dynneson BiologyRachael Beyer Special Education Aide

Attendance Phone Number

To excuse an absence, please contactSusan Spangler, Attendance Clerk or

Loretta Thiel, Assistant Principal at 433-2330

2015-16 Calendar

InformationFirst Day of School (Freshmen Only) Wednesday, August 19, 2015First day of School – all students Thursday, August 20, 2015Parent Night GL 9-12 Monday, August 24, 2015 6-8pmGraduation Sunday, May 22, 2016, 2:00 pmLast Day of School Friday, May 27, 2016

No School for High School Students

Teacher In-service Day Monday & Tuesday, August 17-18, 2015Labor Day Monday, September 7, 2015MEA/Teacher In-service Thursday & Friday, October 15 & 16, 2015Parent-Teacher Conf. Make-Up Day Friday, October 30, 2015Thanksgiving Vacation Wednesday-Friday, Nov. 25- 27, 2015Christmas Vacation December 21, 2015- January 1, 2016BPA Regional Conf Wednesday, January 20, 2016Parent-Teacher Conf. Make-Up Day Monday, February 21, 2016No School Monday, March 30, 2016Spring Break Tuesday, March 22-Monday, March 28 2016

Parent-Teacher Conferences

To Be Announced

Early Dismissals for Students

October 14 May 27

Grading Periods1st Nine Weeks August 19-October 232nd Nine Weeks October 26-January 153rd Nine Weeks January 18-March 184th Nine Weeks March 29-May 27

Report cards are usually handed out on the Tuesday or Wednesday following the end of each nine week grading period. Credit is granted on a semester basis.

Progress reports will be mailed to parents between the 4th and 6th week of each grading period if deemed necessary by individual teachers. If there is a

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need for it, reports may be made at additional times.

Following each marking period, we ask parents to review grades and if academic concerns exist, it will be important for you to talk to your student’s teachers. As the saying goes, “a stitch in time saves nine.” Early intervention can make the difference between having a successful school year and one that is filled with frustration. Resources will be available to assist parents and students if needed.

2015-2016 Bell Schedule

High school students will begin school at 8:00 a.m. each day and students should be at school no later than 7:55 a.m. each day. The schedule for M, T, TH, F is as follows.

7:50 Teacher Bell 7:55 Student Warning Bell 8:00 First Period 8:54 Second Period 9:48 Third Period 10:42 Fourth Period 11:36 Fifth Period (Homeroom)11:56-12:35 LUNCH12:33 5 minute Warning Bell 12:38 Sixth Period 1:32 Seventh Period 2:26 Eighth Period The schedule for W is as follows: 8:00 First Period 8:45 Second Period 9:30 Third Period 10:15 Fourth Period 11:00 Fifth Period 11:45 Homeroom (fifth period)12:00-12:40 LUNCH12:38 5 minute Warning Bell12:43 Sixth Period1:28 Seventh Period

Senior Portraits

In an effort to produce the best possible senior sections and coverage, the 2016 Stagecoach yearbook and the Spokesman newspaper would like to remind you of very important information about your senior portrait.

o First, be choosy with this picture-it

will follow you the rest of your life.

o Second, submit one copy of your formal senior portrait to the yearbook staff no later than Tuesday, November 24, 2015.

o Third, remind your photographer that your senior portrait must be a vertical close-up head shot taken inside the studio.

Graduating seniors are also reminded of the senior portrait deadline of December 1. An electronic photo must be submitted to Elaine Stedman at estedman@sidney.k12.mt.us or an electronic copy may be brought in via a CD or jump drive. Often the photographer will submit the photo for you; just check with your photographer. The photos must be 300 dpi-a high resolution and must be a headshot with no props, hats, hands, etc. Indoor photos also work best as the outdoor photos tend to wash out in the yearbook or add distraction with tree leaves, etc. The deadline is November 24 and will not be extended as we have a deadline that we must meet with our publisher.

Academics and After School HelpAfter school assistance will again be offered to

students at the high school this year. Students who receive a failing grade in any class after the first two weeks of school WILL be notified and WILL be encouraged to remain at school and work with any teacher from 3:15 to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, until the grade becomes passing. Homework Help will also be available Monday-Thursday from 3:15-3:45 for any students wishing to work on homework at school with their peers. Additionally, Ms. Crowe will be available Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 5:00 to help tutor students in math and in other content areas in the ITV room.

It should stand to reason that the purpose of after school support is to help students meet with success. Students are ultimately encouraged to spend time after school with their teachers before they begin to experience problems. No after school activities operate during this study period and students simply need to talk with their teachers to arrange for additional help. As parents, if you have questions about available assistance for your child, please call.

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Yearbook UpdateThe 2015 yearbooks have arrived and are ready

for delivery. 2015 seniors may pick their yearbook up at the school or have a family member pick it up. If your student was unable to order a yearbook last year. We have some extra copies available for sale. Please contact Elaine Stedman at 433-2330

Orders are currently being taken for the 2016 yearbook. The price for the yearbook is $55 for a yearbook or $65 for a yearbook embossed with the student’s name. These prices will be in effect until December 1 when the prices will rise $5. The prices will go up again February 1 and April 1 in $5 increments, so it pays to order early. Yearbooks may also be ordered and paid for online by using the following website: www.yearbookforever.com

Directory/Student Information .At times, Sidney High School will disclose directory information. Requests for directory information often come from post-secondary institutions and all branches of military service for recruitment purposes. Directory information is information in a student’s educational record that is not generally considered to be harmful, and its release is not considered an invasion of the student’s privacy. Examples of directory information include, but are not limited to, the following data about a student: name, address and telephone, date and place of birth, official activities, dates of attendance, height and weight, honors and photographs. Parents retain the right to consent to the disclosure of directory information; consequently, parents who wish to retain this right must notify the school in writing using the form provided at registration.

Peer Tutoring-Homework Help

Who: SHS studentsWhat: help with schoolworkWhere: LibraryWhen: M, T, Th 3:15-3:45

W 2:40Why: To succeed in academics

Parent Grade Access

Sidney High School will again provide parents with a means to check attendance, grades, and other information from home this year.

To access your student’s information, you must get the Infinite Campus ID number and a pin number from our office staff. However, until staff can get all the kinks worked out with this new system, we do not yet have this available to parents. We will be sending you a letter with information about this in the near future.

Teachers update grades on a weekly basis usually between Friday and Monday mornings.

If you have questions or need assistance, please call the high school office.

idney High School also publishes a weekly bulletin, which is posted on the High School Web Page. This page contains a variety of

information sources for parents and students. If you can’t find it in the newsletter, try the Internet.

S2015-2016

SIDNEY HIGH SCHOOL CLUBS I Wouldn’t Miss It!

Teens who attend school regularly have stronger bonds to their school and are more likely to graduate. Good attendance also creates a habit that can carry over into work later. Consider these tips:*Set expectations. Being out for even a day or two a month can hurt your child’s performance. Tell him/her that the only acceptable excuses are illness, family emergencies, or pre-approved college visits.*Discuss results. Point out that missing school means he’ll/she’ll have to make up coursework. If he/she falls behind, he/she may have to retake courses.*Keep in contact. Write notes or call the attendance clerk for excused absences so the school knows your child’s not skipping (preferably by 9:00am). If he/she does skip, contact the Assistant Principal so you can create a plan to get him/her back on track.

School PlayFall play tryouts will be held on

Monday, August 26 & 27 at 4:00 at the high school in room 204. Productions of the play

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are scheduled for: Friday-Sunday, September 25-27th.

Communication Matters: The following information

is intended to provide you with the necessary links to SHS staff and administration. Below you will find the instructors name, area and their e-mail addresses.

T SHS INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF

Name Area e-mailCollins, StaceyCrowe, Cori

GuidanceAlternative Ed & Math

ccollins@sidney.k12.mt.usccrowe@sidney.k12.mt.us

Dynneson, Carl Science cdynneson@sidney.k12.mt.us Faulhaber, Brad Social Science bfaulhaber@sidney.k12.mt.usFaulhaber, Erin Social Science efaulhaber@sidney.k12.mt.usFranklin, Nicole French nfranklin@sidney.k12.mt.usFulgham, Ted Ag Education tfulgham@sidney.k12.mt.usGebhardt, Yvonne Math & School-to Work ygebhardt@sidney.k12.mt.usGordon, Hunter Social Science hgordon@sidney.k12.mt.usGordon, London Special Education lgordon@sidney.k12.mt.usHarrison, Jaime Art jharrison@sidney.k12.mt.us Halvorson, Mark Advanced Biology mhalvorson@sidney.k12.mt.usHart, Dan Library dhart@sidney.k12.mt.us Hearron, Carol Communication Arts 11 chearron@sidney.k12.mt.us Hunter, Rhonda Study Hall Monitor rhunter@sidney.k12.mt.usKing, Jennifer Business/Computers jking@sidney.k12.mt.usLang, Jeanne Family/Consumer Science jlang@sidney.k12.mt.usLeland, Tammy Special Education tleland@sidney.k12.mt.usMcDonald, David Science/Computer Progr. dmcdonald@sidney.k12.mt.usMcDonald, Joy-Lyn Science jmcdonald@sidney.k12.mt.usMelby, Guy Industrial Arts (Vo-Ed) gmelby@sidney.k12.mt.usMerica, Chris Fitness & Weight Training cmerica@sidney.k12.mt.usMerritt, Roger Industrial Arts (Vo-Ed) dmcdonald@sidney.k12.mt.usMoreno, Ruben Social Science rmoreno@sidney.k12.mt.usNesper, Jesse Math jnesper@sidney.k12.mt.usO’Toole, Steve Science & Fitness sotoole@sidney.k12.mt.usOsland, Cindy Comm. Arts 12 cosland@sidney.k12.mt.usRauch, Denise Vocal Music drauch@sidney.k12.mt.usRedman, Holly Math hredman@sidney.k12.mt.usRice, Staci Math srice@sidney.k12.mt.usStedman, Elaine Business/Computers estedman@sidney.k12.mt.us

Strupp, Peggy Instructional/Business estedman@sidney.k12.mt.usSundt, Kilee Instrumental Music ksundt@sidney.k12.mt.us

Sweet, Jessica Comm. Arts, Psychology jmsweet@sidney.k12.mt.usSweet, John Fitness jgsweet@sidney.k12.mt.us

Wagner, Lindsay Special Education lwagner@sidney.k12.mt.us

Weltikol, Crystal Comm. Arts cweltikol@sidney.k12.mt.usWitt, Shay Comm. Arts switt@sidney.k12.mt.usYockim, Steve Technology syockim@sidney.k12.mt.us Andersen, Sue Principal sandersen@sidney,k12.mt.us Thiel, Loretta Assistant Principal lthiel@sidney.k12.mt.us

Morehouse Lisa Office manager lmorehouse@sidney.k12.mt.us

Peters, Maria Admin. Secretary mpeters@sidney.k12.mt.us

Kiamas, Brenda Head HS maintenance bkiamas@sidney.k12.mt.us

Spangler, Susan Attendance Clerk sspangler@sidney.k12.mt.us

Radke, Pam Food Service pradke@sidney.k12.mt.us

LeFors, Brian Transportation blefors@sidney.k12.mt.us

Sidney High School Mailing Address1012 4th Ave SE

Sidney, MT 59270

SHS TELEPHONE NUMBERSDEPARTMENT PHONE #

Sidney High School Office 433-2330Sidney High School Office Fax 433-2481

Alternative Education 433-8152Maintenance/Transportation 433-6370

District Superintendent’s Office 433-4080Sidney Middle School 433-4050

Sidney Elementary Schools 433-5501/2530District Technology Coordinator 433-2330

Dist. Sp. Ed. Coordinator—Michelle Monson 433-4251

Check out the Web Page

sidney.k12.mt.us

My E-AlertsBe sure to get signed up for pertinent announcements that may be sent from the school through the course of the year. Information regarding weather-related cancellations, etc. can be sent directly to your phone and/or computer. Directions for completing this task can be found on the school website under the parents/students tab, then website registration information.

Course Drop/Add GuidelinesDuring the first five days of each semester,

students may initiate drop/add requests for valid reasons with a school counselor. After the fifth instructional day of a semester, the following guidelines apply:

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1. Teachers or the building principal may initiate Drop/Adds for valid academic reasons that benefit the student or the instructional schedule.2. Students and parents may initiate Drop/Adds for valid academic reasons only. Parents, teachers, counselors and the building principal will approve all Drop/Adds in these instances.

Drop/Adds-Extenuating ReasonsDrop/Adds requested after the 5th

instructional day of a semester will be allowed for extenuating reasons as presented by a parent and student, for reasons deemed necessary by the high school principal in consult with a student’s instructors, or for reasons of compliance with federal or state laws. Extenuating circumstances are generally medical in nature or for reasons of family emergency. It is not possible to list every extenuating circumstance and requests will be considered as received. Requests related to poor student performance in a class, outside work, or for other reasons that students and parents generally have control over will not be considered as extenuating and will not be allowed.

Levi and Crystal Weltikol are offering a weight-lifting program (mostly for girls) Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 7:00-8:30PM, at the high school weight room starting the first week of September.

SPS District Mission StatementThe Sidney School District is a professional learning community with the mission of collaborating for the academic, emotional, and social growth of each student through quality and purposeful educational experiences in and out of the classroom. The District and community will share in the responsibilities of nurturing students along the path to thrive as productive life-long learners in a culturally rich world.

If you recall, students were dismissed at 2:10 every Wednesday last school year. In order to continue our work as Professional Learning Communities (PLC’s), Sidney Public Schools will operate on the early Wednesday release schedule every week during the 2015-2016 school year. Students will be released at 2:10 to allow time for staff to work collaboratively in addressing the learning needs of each of our students. We appreciate your support of this schedule; one that

The remainder of the newsletters sent from the high school this year will

be ONLY electronic. Please stay updated with

school happeningsonline.

CCSSThe Common Core State Standards don’t tell teachers how to teach, or what books students should read. Instead, they are standards for

what students should know at each grade level. Teachers create their own lessons for their

students, just as they always have. The standards were designed to make sure that

students gain a more in-depth mastery of the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in college and compete in the global workforce.

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provides needed time for collaborative teaming among staff.

HI!My name is Jaime Harrison and I am the new Art Teacher for grades 9-12. I am very happy to be here from the Black Hills of South Dakota! I have been an artist my entire life and graduated with a B.A. in Art from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. I worked as a Graphic Designer for nearly 20 years, which led me into Ad Agencies, eventually operating my own Ad Agency as an Art Director, and then working on a national level as Marketing Director for two motorcycle companies. I have always loved Art and children and obtained my Master of Science in Secondary Education and taught K-12 Art in Rapid City, SD prior to taking this position. I am excited to share my knowledge and encourage your students with their artistic endeavors!

1st Home Football GameSept. 4; 7PM; Swanson FieldSidney Eagles v Williston Coyotes

1st Home Volleyball MatchSeptember 12; 1/2:30/4Sidney Eagles v Laurel Locomotives

There is a NEW LAW in town…..starting October 1st, 2015!All students in grades K – 12th MUST:Have 2 doses of Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine OR Documentation of the student having had the disease OR Have blood testing done to provide laboratory evidence of immunity to chickenpox

Students MUST be in compliance (2 doses of vaccine) with this new law by December 31st , 2015 to be able to attend school beginning January 4th.  

If you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment please call the Richland County Health Department @ 433-2207.

Each year SHS 9-11th grade students complete a survey entitled

‘My College Options’.Here are some results from last year’s survey:

34.3% plan to pursue a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) career versus 32.1% nationally.

23.4% will be the first in their families to attend college.

91.4% plan to attend a four-year institution.

Hey Parents!Breakfast & Lunch will be available in the cafeteria. Lunch accounts can be set up in the office. Students will not be served a meal if they do not have enough money in their lunch account. Deposits may be made to the lunch account until 4th period each day. The lunch price for students (6-12) is $3.00 and for adults is $4.00.

HS Fall Band & Choir ConcertThursday, October 22

7:00PMMS Auditorium

High School Gym

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High School Begins 30th Year with Preschool Program

The Family and Consumer Sciences Department and the Early Childhood Education class will begin its 30th year with the Busy Beaver Preschool program. This program for 4- and 5- year old children was piloted in the 1986-87 school year and has continued to be an integral part of the education of students enrolled in Early Childhood Education. Students in the class are either planning careers that will involve children, such as elementary education, medical careers, early childhood education programs or as future parents. Students in the class study the physical, social-emotional and intellectual development of this age group in preparation for presenting lessons and activities that are “developmentally appropriate” for the preschool age group. Students are teamed together to form four “teaching groups” in each of the 2 sections of the class that operate the program. The Busy Beaver Preschool operates on a 3-day a week schedule for a total of 24 weeks of the school year, with their program running from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Children attend on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of each week, unless the high school schedule necessitates an adjustment in the days of operation.Children are recruited through “word of mouth” advertising so as not to compete with other preshcools in the area. Opening day this year is October 20, with approximately 20 children.

FCS Students Learn Employee Skills While Studying Culinary Arts

Students enrolled in Culinary Arts I or II or International Foods are used to working together cooperatively. They are used to working on a time schedule and working together to achieve their common goal. Groups that work together are paired up with 3-4 students in a group who plan, prepare and clean-up after a foods lab, trying to complete their assigned or chosen recipe during the 50-minute class period or coming to a stopping point to continue preparation the following day.Students are figuring the nutritional value of the food they are preparing as we compute carbohydrate content and calorie math for the 3 energy nutrients. They are finding out that baking is a “science” and not following a recipe accurately or not reading it correctly can lead to a product that isn’t worth eating and doesn’t measure up to the competition of the other 5 groups in the class.All students enrolled seem to love to cook, (with varying degrees of success and experience), but when it comes to eating-that’s something everyone enjoys! Food is such an integral part of our lives; not only does it nourish the body, but it nourishes the soul. In our increasingly hectic and stressed-out lives, sharing food or a meal can be one of life’s greatest pleasures. Good food often leads to good conversations; good conversations often lead to renewed relationships. Even the process of preparing a meal can be part of traditions that keep us grounded, sane and connected. Many students are enrolled in the class with friends, others make new friends as they work together, trying to stay on schedule and cooperate to produce that almost perfect recipe.

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SIDNEY HIGH SCHOOL US POSTAGE PAID1012 4TH AVE SE PERMIT NO. 264SIDNEY, MT 59270 NON-PROFIT ORG.

SIDNEY, MT 59270

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