Gopher
Communicator
April 15, 2015
Principal’s Message A Century of Excellence
An International Baccalaureate
World School
Each year we talk to students about the effects of spring weather on student attendance and academic performance. My years of educational experience lead me to conclude that sunny weather is bad for a student’s academic health. Although the effects of spring on school performance are understandable, the intense need of modern society for student’s to earn a high school diploma makes even a small let down in effort worrisome. GPA, attendance, and individual class grades can all determine post high school choices for students. Given the limited vision and understanding of what the future may hold often causes young people to make short term decisions regarding assignments and attendance that can cause long term harm to their academic record. It is the adults in their lives that must take an active role to help them stay focused. As a parent myself, I know how difficult this task can be, but it is nonetheless very important. At my house, each night at 7 PM, I force my son to show me the notes he has taken in each class that day. I make him read those notes once and write a one-‐sentence summary about them and then he puts them back in his folder. The entire process takes no longer than fifteen minutes. He dislikes this exercise but we both persevere. I do this with him, because like many students, he is not as disciplined as he could be and he needs that extra nudge to study. I also know that when a student studies a little bit each night retention and comprehension increase substantially. It is not surprising that he has started to report that his understanding in his classes is increasing as w ell. Parents, we understand that it is hard for most students to stay highly motivated to perform in school and this creates a constant challenge to get many them to focus on school. Believe it or not, once students see and feel the positive results of you forcing them to spend a little bit of time each night to review the day’s w ork, they will actually start to do it on their own. Inside: Best Regards, • Calendar/Events John Koch • Student success characterisitcs • Prom/Every 15 Minutes • Dance Team success • Transfer information GHS Guiding Principles: • Spring play dates and info. • Senior information • Counseling/Career Center REAL: News Respect Our Mission: •
State testing info. Excellence Every student prepared •
College Placement Test Accountability for a lifetime of learning, •
Summer School Leadership career opportunities, and •
Website Translation Tool makes you a success now productive contributions • IB information and in the future. to the community. • College Possible GHS: Preparing every student for success. Page 1
Gresham-‐Barlow School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of this district and the board of education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups in any educational programs, activities or employment. Gresham-‐Barlow provides equal access to individuals with disabilities. Gopher
Communicator
April 15, 2015
Spring Events:
For more detailed information please visit the GHS website at:
http://ghs.gresham.k12.or.us/
April 8 Oregon University System (OUS) Night in the GHS Library from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm April 15 Community Advisory Committee meeting at 6:30 pm in the Library April 21 Site Council meeting at 7:15 am April 22-‐23 Every 15 Minutes Program; Assembly after lunch on Thursday, April 23, Gym April 24 Jr./Sr. PROM, Providence Park from 8-‐11 pm. P hotos at GHS 4:00 – 6:30 pm April 24 No School, End of 12-‐week Grading Period; Progress reports will b e mailed during week of May 3 April 24 IB Student Extended Essay lock in—Good luck to those students. April 27 Smarter Balance Assessment Window Opens and stays open through June 5 April 29-‐5/2 Spring Play May 4-‐22 IB Exams, Contact IB Coordinator, Ms. Kathy Childress for more information May 5 Required Senior Class Meeting & Photo, 10:00 AM, Main Gym (CAL and ACE students will be released to attend) May 14 Pass/No Pass Deadline; 3:00pm May 14-‐15 Jostens Cap and Gown Distribution at lunchtime in the Main Gym May 21 AVID Grade 12 Celebration May 25 Memorial Day, (No School) May 26 Senior Check-‐out forms distributed and must be returned to bookkeeper by June 3 . May 26 Senior Banquet, 6:30 PM, GHS cafeteria May 27 Senior Recognition/Scholarship Night, 6:30 PM, Cafeteria, (generally for seniors who have received scholarships and/or awards and their parents/guardians) June 3 Seniors’ Last Day! All class work must be completed and turned in by 3:00 pm. Senior Check-‐out procedures must be completed and forms turned in to the b ookkeeper for final checkout. All fees must be paid by this date. Commencement tickets (10) will be distributed. Extra tickets, up to five (5) and by request only, are available after check out is
completed.
June 13 Graduation Practice, Memorial Coliseum, 7:30 am – 9:00 am; All seniors are REQUIRED to attend and must provide their own transportation to and from practice. There are two additional events at the MODA Center that day so parking is at a premium. June 13 Commencement Ceremony, Memorial Coliseum, 3:30 PM; all seniors must arrive by 2:45 pm. June 13 Senior All-‐Night Party, buses will depart from Gresham High School at approximately 9:00 pm. (The Senior All-‐Night Party is not a school-‐sponsored function; it is planned and chaperoned by senior parents.) *Senior specific events are bolded.
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Gresham-‐Barlow School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of this district and the board of education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups in any educational programs, activities or employment. Gresham-‐Barlow provides equal access to individuals with disabilities. Gopher
Communicator
April 15, 2015
Gopher
Trivia:
Are you a Gopher whiz?
1. Who was the first winner of the Mr. Gresham Contest?
2. What is the name of the GHS football/soccer stadium?
3. The GHS football program holds the “big school” record for consecutive
playoff appearances. How many years?
4. What function did rooms 119 & 120 originally serve?
5. What feature used to sit where the Auxiliary Gym bleachers are now?
Answers found on the last page. Paul Tough in his book How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character does a great job attempting to answer this complex question. It is very interesting reading. In it he deduces that more than intelligence, it is strength of character is the best predictor of life long success. Although intelligence can play a role, intelligence is not the overriding factor that brings success. More often, personal character qualities are what bring success. The seven characteristics that his research found to bring high rates of success are grit, self-‐control, zest, social intelligence, gratitude, optimism, and curiosity. Even more, Mr. Tough has also concluded that all of these essential character qualities can be learned. This means that all kids, regardless of circumstance, can eventually find success by focusing on improving personal character qualities. Below is his list and brief definitions. • Grit is defined as toughness. Many students have challenging lives. The adult world is also quite challenging. Thriving through all of the hurdles, failures, and successes in life depends on a person’s grit. • Self-‐control is defined as a person’s ability to put aside the fun stuff when needed. Those people that have the ability to prioritize work and play appropriately also have a leg up. • Zest is defined as a feeling of enjoyment or excitement for life. Sometimes, especially during life’s more difficult events, it is hard to find zest. However, those that have zest tend to be more successful than those that do not. • Social intelligence is a person’s ability to identify, support, and work with others in a positive manner. People that have these qualities are respected and supported by friends and colleagues. What Makes Students Successful? Page 3
Gresham-‐Barlow School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of this district and the board of education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups in any educational programs, activities or employment. Gresham-‐Barlow provides equal access to individuals with disabilities. Gopher
Communicator
April 15, 2015
•
•
•
Gratitude is defined as a person’s ability to recognize the role other’s play in supporting them. Humans are social beings and it is important to respect and appreciate what others do to support you. Optimism is also very important. Belief that life is good and that eventually hard times will turn into good times gives people hope to press on. Also, research has shown us again and again, people enjoy associating with those who are optimistic because they always seem to find a “silver lining” in daily events. Curiosity is a person’s ability to wonder. “What if” questions lead to new ideas and possibilities. Those with curiosity find energy n new discoveries that can lead to even more success and enjoyment in life. Parents and guardians, if you get the chance read this book. Not only does it paint a realistic picture of what students face today, it also gives you hope that the human condition is not finite, but defined by how well we know ourselves and are able to help each other improve. I also encourage you discuss these characteristics with your students and talk as a family about what they mean to you in the context of school and career success. Not only do these discussions emphasize what parents and children value, it helps each of you gain a common understanding of your life perspectives. The 2015 Junior/Senior Prom is Coming! This year’s gala is scheduled to begin at 8 PM on April 24th at Providence Park. It ends at 11:00 pm. Those students who wish to memorialize this year’s dance in pictures may choose to have them professionally done in the GHS Main Gym between 4 and 8 PM. The cost of tickets to the promis $27 dollars with ASB sticker and $30 without. Prom Safety Awareness: Every 15 Minutes Every 15 minutes, somewhere in the country, poor student choices related to impaired or reckless driving lead to tragedy. The staff at GHS is keenly aware of this possibility. To bring home the reality that every fifteen minutes across our country a driving related fatality or serious injury impacts a teen(s), we partner with the Gresham Police and Fire Departments to bring the Every 15 Minutes Program to GHS. Every 15 minutes, two days prior to prom, we will pull preselected students from classrooms to signify the loss of a young life. These students will then roam the halls dressed in black with painted faces but they are not permitted to interact with other students. At the end of the day, these same youngsters go to a hotel for the night where they prepare to be reunited with the student body and their families at an assembly hosted by the Gresham Police and Fire Departments the next day. This program has been in use for many years and the impact on students and families is powerful. In the end, our goal is to remind students that safety should always be a primary consideration in anything they do, but to be especially aware the weekend of the prom. Page 4
Gresham-‐Barlow School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of this district and the board of education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups in any educational programs, activities or employment. Gresham-‐Barlow provides equal access to individuals with disabilities. Gopher
Communicator
April 15, 2015
GRESHAM HIGH SCHOOL DANCE POLICY (Last updated April 2015) 1. No guests younger than a high school freshman age nor older than 20 years of age will be allowed at any dance and then only with administrative approval. There is no exception to this rule. 2. All School Rules and Policies are in effect for the duration of all school-‐sponsored events. (Reference Student Planner) 3. Students and guests will be turned away from school dances if they do not adhere to school dress codes, including, but not limited to: no hats or headgear, no chains, no attire that could be interpreted as gang-‐affiliated, no immodest attire that allows excessive exposure of the chest, midriff, banc, thighs, buttocks, etc. or other attire that is disruptive in nature. 4. Students and guests are expected to refrain from inappropriate sexual dancing as follows: a. No simulated sex acts, including pelvic thrusts or grinding. b. No bending over or squatting down to the floor. c. All students must be upright with both feet on the floor. d. No straddling or wrapping legs around another person or object. e. No “sandwiches” that involve grinding or pelvic thrusts. f. No lap dancing. g. No dancing that could cause harm, slam dancing or moshing. 5. Chaperones will intervene if inappropriate dancing is observed and students will be directed to stop. Failure to comply with a chaperon’s directive may result in further disciplinary action, including removal from the dance. 6. Anyone who fails to comply with a reasonable request from an administrator, teacher, or agent thereof will be asked to leave the dance and may lose future privileges to attend dances. 7. Administrators shall reserve the right to turn away or ask any guest to leave a dance based on safety considerations and/or the welfare of both the dance patrons and the staff. GHS DANCE TEAM MAKES US PROUD Congratulations to the Gresham Rythmettes, their coaches, and the parents and guardians who support the program for winning the OSAA state championship for the second year in a row! On April 3 a school wide assembly was held to celebrate this outstanding accomplishment. It is difficult to describe in words the dedication it takes to win a state title. This is even truer when the team wins two years in a row. Hard work, dedication and a true understanding of what it means to be a team are what brought them this success and we are very proud of our dancers. IN-‐DISTRICT TRANSFER REQUEST WINDOW OPENS The window for requesting in-‐district school transfers for the 2015-‐16 school year is open from April 1-‐30. If the transfer is approved it will last through the last year of the school requested. For instance, if a sixth grade student is approved to transfer from one middle school to another, that transfer is good through the Page 5
Gresham-‐Barlow School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of this district and the board of education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups in any educational programs, activities or employment. Gresham-‐Barlow provides equal access to individuals with disabilities. Gopher
Communicator
April 15, 2015
eighth grade year. Below are some helpful reminders: • Forms can be found on the district website under “Parent Resources” or at the main offices of each school. • Forms can be turned in at the District Office or the Main Office of your child’s school. • Final decisions are made later in the summer. Come and See the Nationally Recognize GHS Drama Department in: “You can’t Take it with You” Gresham High School Theatre Arts department is thrilled to bring to the Gresham community the classic comedy “You Can’t Take It With You”. Written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, this Pulitzer Prize winning comedy has been delighting audience since 1936. Although much has changed since the 1930’s the shows universal themes of family, love and living life to the fullest still continues to resonate in us today. A hilarious story about Grandpa Vanderhof the head of a unique household teaches us that there are many pathways to happiness. The Vanderhof household, in many ways, is the embodiment of the American Dream. They have a wonderful place to live, they are happy, and they are each pursuing their individual dreams. Come and enjoy an evening of fun, laughs and a delightful perspective on life. Don’t miss this hilarious show. Saturday, April 25thand Sunday April 26th and Thursday-‐Sunday April 30th –May 3rd. 7pm shows and 2pm shows on Sundays. Order your tickets online at http://ghsdrama.yolasite.com/ or call 503-‐674-‐5516 for more information. SECOND SEMESTER END IS FAST APPROACHING: Tracking SENIOR Grades is Critical The second semester is here and there are less than 40 school days left before graduation. It is critical that all seniors track whether they have met the essential skills of writing, reading and math as well as personalized learning requirements. Parents and students can check the status of graduation requirements simply by following the steps below. 1. Log in to Student or ParentVue. Page 6
Gresham-‐Barlow School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of this district and the board of education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups in any educational programs, activities or employment. Gresham-‐Barlow provides equal access to individuals with disabilities. Gopher
Communicator
April 15, 2015
2. Click the “course history” button on the right side of the page 3. Look for the link entitled “graduation status” in the top right corner of the screen. This screen will have information about credits earned and needed, state tests, and personalized learning requirements. A list of personalized learning requirements can be found in the student handbook but includes a career plan, an extended essay, and two, career related learning experiences (CRLE). Seniors that had health first semester should have this assignment completed. Those that have health in the second semester will complete this assignment this spring. CRLE’s are sometimes completed in class but many times are worked on independently. Inevitably, each year, students wait until the last minute to complete these assignments and jeopardize their participation in the graduation ceremony. Parents and guardians should pay close attention to these details. Notice: As the spring season begins to unfold, we will begin auto-‐dialer calls to the parents or guardians of students that are missing requirements. COUNSELING NEWS Counselors are looking forward to special meetings with their junior students in mid-‐April. During the week of April 13-‐17, each counselor and junior students will review academic, career, college and graduation requirements. Junior students should have already received a blue postcard invitation through the mail. Juniors should use this invite as a pass to their scheduled group meeting. If a student has lost or did not not receive a pass, they can come to the counseling office and see Kerry Smith, who will check the appointment schedule. If a student cannot attend as planned, students can ask for another time to meet with their counselor. Monday, April 13 Armando Gonzales A-‐B & ELL Tuesday, April 14 Gloria Hull G-‐L Wednesday, April 15 Megan Chartier C-‐F Thursday, April 16 Susan Fields M-‐R Friday, April 17 Re'nice Siefer S-‐Z We value this time with our juniors. If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact our office at 503 674-‐5508. Here is what’s going on in the College and Career Center! Kendra Maddox, Career Center Coordinator Seniors, don’t leave high school feeling like your future looks like a blinking cursor on an empty computer monitor. If you are unsure about what you will do after graduation come to the Career Center and schedule a meeting with Kendra Maddox. Let’s discuss career Page 7
Gresham-‐Barlow School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of this district and the board of education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups in any educational programs, activities or employment. Gresham-‐Barlow provides equal access to individuals with disabilities. Gopher
Communicator
April 15, 2015
opportunities and the many ways you can gain living wage jobs with and without a college degree. Parents, if you think your student could benefit by meeting with Kendra, feel free to send an email request and include your student’s name and student ID number if available. Have you been awarded any scholarships? We want to recognize your achievement! Please report all awarded scholarships to Kendra in the College and Career Center. Scholarship Reporting Forms are available in the Career Center. So far the Class of 2015 has reported $175,800 in awarded scholarships. Scholarships: Many local scholarship applications are now available in the Career Center to pick up. ! MHCC Foundation Scholarship – Due April 3rd ! GBEA – Future Educator Scholarship – Due April 10th ! Suburban Auto Group Scholar Athlete – Due April 17th ! Gresham Rotary Club Scholarship -‐ Due April 20th ! Matt Hartner Memorial Scholarship – Due April 24th ! Cascade Athletic Club – Due April 30th ! GHS Alumni Class of 1961 Scholarship -‐ Due May 1st ! AGSA/Sodexo – Zeno Katterle Scholarship – Due May 4th College and Career Ready Workshop, April 21st at 6:30 pm. This workshop will provide parents and students with information about to plan and prepare for life beyond high school. Topics discussed include higher education options, apprenticeships, financing higher education, etc. The Portland Spring College Fair will be on Sunday, April 26th from noon to 3:00pm at the University of Portland, Chiles Center. This is a free event open to all ages. Stop by to learn more about many different schools. Meet with their representatives, and see which college may be right for you. It is extremely important that you make the effort now to talk to school representatives. Learning what schools have to offer will make your college decision much easier in the future. JUNIOR STATE TESTING STARTS SOON
Smarter Balance Assessment (SBA) New state tests do a better job of measuring what students know and can do. Beginning on April 27 junior students will take Oregon’s new state test for math and English, known as the Smarter Balanced Assessment. This test is different in that it goes beyond multiple-‐
choice questions to include math exercises, short answer, and essay questions. The tests are more interactive and engaging because they do a better job of modeling classroom instruction in a test environment. In other words, the days of bubble testing are over. Much of the SBA requires the test taker to analyze, synthesize, and Page 8
Gresham-‐Barlow School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of this district and the board of education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups in any educational programs, activities or employment. Gresham-‐Barlow provides equal access to individuals with disabilities. Gopher
Communicator
April 15, 2015
write conclusions as opposed to bubbling an answer. This design models classroom instruction better than past tests like OAKS. Learn more about why Oregon is moving to these new tests and what to expect during the transition by visiting our website at ghs.gresham.k12.or.us. You can also find information on the Oregon Department of Education website. Passing state tests or their equivalent is a graduation requirement. Given this high stakes reality for students it is critical that each person prepare appropriately. Below are some tips. 1. Practice, practice, practice. Most teachers design lessons that teach students the skills needed to pass the test. The best practice is outstanding classroom attendance and diligent completion of homework. 2. Studying for any test is best when it is extended over time. Just a simple review of classroom notes each evening is critical to long-‐term retention of information. 3. Eat a good breakfast the morning of the test. 4. Do not drink beverages for an hour before the test and go to the bathroom before the test begins. A full bladder impacts concentration and lowers performance. 5. Get a full night’s sleep. For high school students nine hours is a must every night. 6. Wear comfortable clothing. 7. Pace yourself. There is plenty of time to complete the test so relax and focus. 8. Review your answers. This is one of the most helpful methods for clarifying what you have written. 9. Answers that take a positive tone are more likely to be correct. Answers that are more informative also tend to be correct. Gresham High School Testing Plan
All juniors will be testing in English throughout the week of April 27, and in Math throughout the week of May 18. It is critical that your child attend school every day during these two weeks for two reasons: 1) to ensure that your child has as much time as needed to complete the assessments, and 2) to prevent your child from having to take the assessments on make-‐up dates, causing days of missed classroom instruction. To minimize test fatigue during those weeks, no student will be testing for more than 3 periods on any given day. (Please note that our Testing Coordinator Barb Cooke will be contacting students in the IB, ACE, and CAL programs separately to communicate a different test schedule that meets their specific needs.) Oregon University System Smarter Balanced Placement Policy
(This notice is copied from a memo authored by representatives from these institutions.) In support of Oregon's adoption of Oregon's new College and Career Readiness standards, and in recognition of the Smarter Balanced assessment as confirmation of a student's readiness to enter credit bearing, college level coursework, many public universities agree: Page 9
Gresham-‐Barlow School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of this district and the board of education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups in any educational programs, activities or employment. Gresham-‐Barlow provides equal access to individuals with disabilities. Gopher
Communicator
April 15, 2015
IN MATHEMATICS Students will be exempt developmental courses without further placement testing if they: • Earn a Level 4 on the 11th grade Smarter Balanced Assessment in mathematics, and complete an appropriate mathematics course in grade 12; or • Earn a Level 3 on the 11th grade Smarter Balanced Assessment in mathematics, and complete an appropriate mathematics course in grade 12 with a B or better. IN ENGLISH Similarly, the many universities agree that students will be eligible to enroll directly in a WR 121 or equivalent course that meets a general education English/writing requirement if they: • Earn a Level 4 on the 11th grade· Smarter Balanced Assessment in English/Language arts and complete an appropriate English/Language Arts course in grade 12; or • Earn a Level 3 on the 11th grade Smarter Balanced Assessment in English/Language arts and complete an appropriate English/Language Arts course in grade 12 with a B or better. Students must enroll in an entry-‐level, transferable, college credit-‐bearing math or ELA course as specified by each university during the first year immediately following high school graduation for this exemption to apply. Students who score below Level 3 in mathematics or English/Language Arts, require opportunities to become college-‐ready by grade 12. Students who retest on the Smarter Balanced Assessment during grade 12 (if available) and earn a Level 3 or higher will be exempt from placement testing for developmental education coursework provided they follow the immediate enrollment policy indicated above. Universities may expand these options as other college readiness indicators are developed. This agreement will apply to the high school graduating classes of 2016 through 2018. It will be reviewed and renewed or revised formally in winter 2018 based on relevant data gathered on the Smarter Balanced Assessment, such as (a) correlations with other assessment results, (b) grade 12 student performance, and (c) student performance in subsequent college courses. Page 10
Gresham-‐Barlow School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of this district and the board of education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups in any educational programs, activities or employment. Gresham-‐Barlow provides equal access to individuals with disabilities. Gopher
Communicator
April 15, 2015
GHS Summer School: June 22 to July 9, 2015 Summer School at Gresham High School is a three-‐week program designed to help students retrieve credit from previously failed classes and to stay on track for graduation. June 22 is the date for registration, and no classes are held that day. June 23 will be the first day of class, and July 9 will be the final day. Course offerings have yet to be determined, but in the past, courses in English, Math, Social Studies, and Science have been offered. Below are some key details to remember: • Check your child's grades regularly through ParentVue and consult with his or her counselor for specific summer school course recommendations. • There will be two sessions per day, so students may enroll in up to two courses. Session 1 is 7:50 to 10:05 a.m. and Session 2 is 10:15 to 12:30 p.m. • Tuition ($100 per course) must be paid in full at the time of registration, June 22. • Tuition is not refundable after June 23. • The cost for students on free or reduced lunch will be $75. Given the uncertain budget climate at the state level, the offering of summer school is subject to change. Additional details including the availability of registration forms will be shared at a later date. Translation Made Easier New translation tool makes getting information from school and district websites easier The Gresham-‐Barlow School District has added a new translation tool to all school and district websites that allows the website to be translated with the click of a mouse. You will find the translation tool on the left side menu of your school’s webpage, at the bottom of the menu bar just above the calendar. Click on the “select language” link to translate the website. We hope this new tool will allow our families greater access to information about their school and what’s happening in the school district! Page 11
Gresham-‐Barlow School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of this district and the board of education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups in any educational programs, activities or employment. Gresham-‐Barlow provides equal access to individuals with disabilities. Gopher
Communicator
April 15, 2015
Новая технология поможет проще получить перевод информации с веб -‐ сайта школы и школьного округа Школьный район Gresham-‐Barlow добавил новый метод перевода на веб-‐ сайтах всех школ и школьного района с одного щелчка мышкой. Вы найдете этот инструмент для перевода на левой стороне меню веб -‐ страницы вашей школы в нижней части меню чуть выше календаря. Нажмите на кнопку “выбрать язык” чтобы перевести веб-‐сайт. Мы надеемся, что этот новый метод позволит нашим семьям получить более широкий доступ к информации о своей школе и о том что происходит в школьном районе! IB UPDATE: In May senior (some junior) students will take the IB end-‐of-‐course assessments. Scores on these tests will determine if college credit will be granted or not. Believe it or not there are specific test taking skills like time management, thought organization, and question selection that can help students increase their performance. Students should begin asking about these strategies during their IB classes. THERE ARE MANY HELPFUL WEBSITE THAT SPEAK TO TEST TAKING
SKILLS AND IDEAS THAT ASSIST STUDENTS TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE.
SOME OF THESE IDEAS ARE INCLUDED IN THE SBA ARTICLE OF THIS NEWSLETTER.
1. Does your child wish to go to college but is not sure how to make that happen? 2. Do you wish to have someone on staff to help mentor your student through the college search, preparation and enrollment process? Then College Possible may be the program for you. College Possible is continuing to recruit current sophomores for College Possible enrollment during the 15-‐16 school year. Next year will be the third year that this no cost, non-‐profit, nationally recognized college mentoring support program for youth from low-‐income backgrounds that wish to attend four-‐year post high school programs will be housed at Gresham High Participation Benefits: • ACT Test Preparation and practice test administrations • Community service and team building events • College campus visits • Mentoring from program staff all the way through college Page 12
Gresham-‐Barlow School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of this district and the board of education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups in any educational programs, activities or employment. Gresham-‐Barlow provides equal access to individuals with disabilities. April 15, 2015
Gopher
Communicator
School. This program has been very successful during its first two years at GHS and we look forward to a strong partnership next year as well. Accepted students will start attending afterschool sessions their junior year. During their junior year, students study for the ACT, draft their college essays, write resumes, and research the schools they are applying to. Senior year students continue to write their college essays and supplements, apply to colleges, apply for scholarships, and fill out the FASFA. It’s early in the year and already 100% of this year’s senior cohort has applied to college and We
are
looking
for
students
who:
79% have been admitted! On average 98% of College Possible Ø are interested in going to college
students are admitted to college. Ø
can
meet
for
two
hours
twice
a
week
after
Students that go on to college receive mentoring school (multiple session times offered)
from College Possible in college as well. Ø
have
a
GPA
of
2.0
or
higher
The maximum Ø come from low-income background
enrollment for next year’s cohort is 40 students. Throughout February students will receive information at lunch, in forecasting assemblies and in classrooms. Do not wait! Space is limited.
Interested students or parents should visit the College Possible office in the
College & Career Center (room 107) or call 503-907-0248 to learn more.
www.CollegePossible.org
1.
2.
4.
School Partnerships: Gopher Trivia Answers:
Bud Monnes, former school board member and father to Oregon Legislator Laurrie Monnes Anderson.
Stapleton Field; named after George Stapleton, the superintendent at the time Gresham High School
was constructed.
3. Twenty years from 1981 to 2001.
The Boy’s Locker Room. The ramp running from the Main Gym down to the Mat Room was originally
a staircase connecting the locker room to the Gym.
5. A large snack bar that served burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes, and an amazing array of candy.
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Gresham-‐Barlow School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of this district and the board of education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups in any educational programs, activities or employment. Gresham-‐Barlow provides equal access to individuals with disabilities.