1. education
2. graduate school
3. college

Dear Parent,
I am so pleased to be back with students and staff at Swartz Creek High School. Another year is off to a
great start.
During September each student was welcomed back by one of the principals. The principals reviewed the
attendance policy, cell phone use, activities, dress code, and important dates. Freshmen students will
soon be hearing a presentation by a counselor about high school requirements and how to be successful in
school. The presentation will be posted on the SCHS Counseling webpage for you to see as well.
Counselors presented college information to all seniors and invite you to attend a Senior PARENT Night
Monday, October 6th in the PAC. In addition they are meeting individually with senior students.
A wealth of information can also be found in Career Cruising a web-based interactive career and college
resource designed to help students plan their futures. The individual student’s EDP includes assessment
results, short and long term goals, career interests and post-secondary plans. Is your student thinking
about going to college? Career Cruising has an entire section related to planning for college, student
federal financial aid-what it is and how to apply for it, and a planning timeline. Whether the decision has
already been made or is still years away, please browse through the College Planning Timeline, designed
to help your student prepare for college. Please note that although your child can complete most of the
necessary tasks in their junior or senior years of high school, you can help them start planning as early as
the eighth grade. Not only will this improve their chances of getting into the college of their choice, but it
will also make applying much easier.
SCHS Student Council hosted its 59th blood drive September 30th. This is one of many examples of how
SCHS students and staff give back to the community that supports them.
Many teachers have created electronic files and calendars that students AND parents can access at home
to find out what is being learned in classes, what a student may have missed while absent, and some really
great information to talk about. Parents please have frequent discussions with your student about what
they are learning in school. Just the act of telling you will help him/her retain the information, make
associations with other knowledge, and make one more connection with you. Even though I have
repeatedly heard over the years that high school is supposed to be fun, it is supposed to be much more
than that; it is supposed to prepare students for their post-secondary aspirations. If they are going to
college, it could mean saving both money and time. If they are going directly into the work world it could
be the difference between getting a job or being unemployed. In a recent Economic Modeling Specialist,
Inc., ATSD brief they reported that 80% of U.S. manufacturers cannot find educated skilled workers for
their entry-level positions. Specialists also reported that at the current rate of employment supply and
demand, 60% of new jobs will require skills held by 20% of the population by 2015. It would be great if
our kids were the 20% being sought after. Please help us, help your student have both fun and work hard
at school.
Researcher Michael Gottfried recently published a study that showed that higher attendance has a positive
and statistically significant relationship to grade-point averages and test scores. Please make certain your
child is in school every day. The SCHS School Improvement Goals are for an ever increasing number of
students to show they are college/career ready as measured by the ACT® and ACT Work Keys ® test in
their junior year. We have very good teachers at SCHS, but they cannot teach a student who is not in
school.
Sincerely,
Sandra Macut
Swartz Creek High School “Redefining Excellence”
Mission, Vision & Belief Statements
MISSION: Swartz Creek Community Schools inspires our learners to embrace challenges, set
goals, grow their talents, and realize their dreams for success in a global society.
VISION: Swartz Creek Community Schools provides a world class education through innovative
experiences while developing the unique talents of our learners.
BELIEF STATEMENTS:
** We believe in a culture of learning. ** We believe that student learning should be the primary goal
for all decisions made affecting the school district. ** We believe the climate and culture of the
school is engaging, nurturing, challenging, and inspires students to express their personal ideas. **
We believe curriculum is integrated, differentiated, meaningful, and pertinent to life. ** We believe in
culturally relevant education that provides the knowledge and skills to meet the global challenges
and opportunities of the 21st Century. ** We believe in continuous improvement informed by critical
evaluation and reflection. ** We believe expanding technologies enrich how teachers teach and
students learn. ** We believe in building relationships and sharing resources with our community,
parents, and staff members.
Sun
Mon
S W A R T Z CR EE K H I G H S C H OO L
O N E D R A G O N DR I VE
S W A R T Z CR EE K , M I 4 8 4 73
P H O N E : 8 1 0 - 5 9 1 -1 8 0 0
F A X : 8 1 0 - 59 1 - 1 8 9 5
October 2014
Tue
Wed
1
Thu
2
Fri
3
Sat
4
PSAT registration
begins in the
counseling office for
the first 100 juniors
5
Fire Prevention Week
Begins
12
19
6
Senior Parent Night
college planning
information 6:00 pm
in the PAC
7
13
14
20
21
8
8:00 am Picture
re-takes in Gym
15
PSAT Exam for
1st 100 Juniors who
registered in
Counseling Office
22
Early Release Day
7:30—12:05
National School Bus
Safety Week
26
27
28
29
9
10
Senior class meeting
5:15 pm in the
media center
11
16
17
Junior class meeting
6:00 pm in the
media center
18
23
25
College Night
Ballenger Field House,
Mott Community
College 6:00-7:30 pm
30
Marching band
festival @ Goodrich
High School
Drive one 4ur school
athletic fundraiser
9:00 am—4:00 pm
24
Senior candle walk
following football game
31
Happy Halloween
Marching band
Cedar Point
Halloween Parade
HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
FALL NEWSLETTER.....2014
The Counseling Department would like to welcome you and your student to the 2014-2015 school year. This
newsletter is put out periodically to help make you aware of upcoming events and services that the Counseling
Department provides. Please feel free to call with any questions you have or ask your student to stop by and
schedule an appointment.
We would like to take a moment to welcome McKenzie Evert and Morgan Taverniti as our Co-Op students this
year. They will each be working with us two hours a day. In addition to their classes and work schedule,
McKenzie is a member of the track team and also works with GISD physical education department; Morgan is a
member of the swim team and the lacrosse team.
STAFF:
EXTENSION:
E-Mail:
Carole Peer
Secretary
ext. 1866
[email protected]
Cheryl Reger
A-G
ext. 1870
[email protected]
Daniel Nolen
H-N
ext. 1869
[email protected]
Michelle Horning O-Z
ext. 1868
[email protected]
___________________________________________________________________________
COLLEGE BOUND STUDENTS
College recruiters will be visiting the high school giving presentations. Information will be posted in the
Counseling Office, in the daily announcements and on the website. The following conditions are to be met in
order to attend: (1) only juniors and seniors may attend (2) students can attend a maximum of 5 presentations
unless given special permission by a counselor (3) student academic records must be in line with college
admission requirements. Sign up sheets are in the Counseling Office. Since these presentations are updated on
a daily basis, please refer to our website for the complete list of these college visits.
(www.swartzcreek.org/highschoolcounselingoffice)
MOTT REGIONAL COLLEGE FAIR
Mott is sponsoring a College Fair on Thursday, October 23, 2014 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in Ballenger Field
House. There are 50 – 60 colleges or universities represented. This is another opportunity for seniors to visit
with college representatives for more information on colleges.
TESTING
PSAT Testing – All college bound juniors should take the PSAT test on Wednesday, October 15th. Registration
in the counseling office begins October 1st. There is no cost for students but we are limited to 100 tests. The
PSAT measures critical reading, mathematical reasoning and writing skills that are important for success in
college. Also, the PSAT prepares students for future college tests. Students who have qualifying scores may
enter the National Merit Scholarship competitions which may result in scholarships and special recognition.
There are only 100 openings. Register early to secure your test. Sophomores are allowed to sign up for this
test, however, their name will be placed on a waiting list.
HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
FALL NEWSLETTER.....2014
SKILL CENTER
Swartz Creek High School has 107 students attending the Genesee Area Technical Center for 2014-2015.
Students must follow all policies of the Skill Center. They are allowed only 5 unexcused absences per semester.
(Students have only 3 days to turn in a doctor’s note for a medical absence.) Any absences for vacation or
hunting will count toward the 5 unexcused absences. If a student goes over 5 absences, the student must attend
Saturday School at the Skill Center to make up the time, or receive an attendance grade of “E”. No student will
be allowed to accumulate more than 10 unexplained absences at any time.
Absence:
Any day that GASC is in session and the student is not in attendance will be recorded as an absence. Students
are allowed five (5) absences per Semester without penalty. The five absences are not “free” or “vacation” days
given to a student. They are to be utilized for personal business or illness.
Excessive Absences:
No student may accumulate more than ten (10) count absences within a semester. Students having more than
five (5) absences within a semester will be required to attend “Saturday Make-up” sessions. Any student who
exceeds ten (10) count absences within a semester will receive no credit (NC) and will be dropped from the
GASC Program at the end of the semester.
Make-up Sessions:
When a student exceeds the five-day absence allowance they are required to schedule and attend Make-up
sessions. Make-up sessions are scheduled only on Saturdays at the GASC facility under the supervision of
assigned GASC staff members (refer to “Calendar of Important Dates”). Failure to attend may result in a grade
of “NC (no credit issued) for Marking Periods/Semesters.
Swartz Creek Community Schools
High School Counseling Office
SENIOR INFORMATION
October, 2014
Counselors visited all English 12 classes on September 15th. The presentation consisted of what to expect during their
senior year and beyond. Counselors explained the college application process, how to request a transcript, and how to
access their school email account. The presentation can be found on the High School Counseling website. Counselors are
seeing each senior on an individual basis to discuss their personal post-secondary plan. Students planning on applying to
college must fill out an application on the college website by October 31st, and then log into Parchment to request a
transcript to be sent to the college. If you have questions about anything please contact your student’s counselor.
***SENIOR PARENT NIGHT***
COLLEGE PLANNING INFORMATION
MONDAY, OCT. 6TH @ 6:00 PM IN PAC
COLLEGE VISITS 2014
Grand Valley - September 30th @ 1:30
U of M Flint - October 1st @ 1:00
MSU - October 1st @ 7:30
Davenport - October 2nd @ 8:30
Kettering - October 2nd @ 12:15
SVSU - October 6th @ 1:20
ITT Tech - October 7th @ 8:35
U of M Dearborn - October 9 @ 12:45
Wayne State - October 13th @ 1:20
Oakland - October 14th @ 8:30
Eastern MI - October 23rd @1:20
U of M Ann Arbor - October 24th @ 9:40
Northern MI - October 27th @ 8:00
REQUESTING A TRANSCRIPT
Transcript requests can be placed on line through the high
school counseling website. Click the link to request a
transcript and you will be led to parchment.com. A
student must login or create an account to have a
transcript sent to colleges. If you have any questions,
please contact your student’s counselor.
HIGH SCHOOL EMAIL
Each student at Swartz Creek High School has a school email
account. Go to the SC Home Page and select High School
Student Email Access in the student link section. See below for
the login directions:
 Username: first initial of first & last name & Student ID #
(example - John Doe - jd1111111)
 Password: student password used to log onto a school computer
Dates are subject to change and are constantly updated
on website.
If your student needs assistance, please send them to see their
counselor.
ACT/SAT TEST DATES 2014-2015
Seniors should be starting the process of applying to colleges for the fall semester of 2015. Counselors are now meeting individually
with seniors to go over credits and talk about the admission process or other plans after graduation. In many cases the ACT or the
SAT must be taken for admission. If you are interested in improving your ACT score for college admissions, you may want to register
to retake the test. Test dates are listed below.
ACT:
Test Dates:
Deadline:
Late Deadline: (postmark deadlines and late fee)
Oct. 25h
Sept. 19th
Oct. 3rd
Dec. 13th
Nov. 7th
Nov. 21st
Feb. 7th
Jan. 9th
Jan. 16th
April 18th. **
Mar. 13th
Mar. 27th
June 13th**
May 8th
May 22nd
** Preferred Junior Test Dates
SAT:
If any student is interested in taking the SAT, they should see their counselor.
Packets for the ACT or SAT may be picked up at the Counseling Office. You may register on line at www.act.org. orwww.collegeboard.org.
MOTT REGIONAL COLLEGE FAIR
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014
6:00 to 7:30 P.M.
BALLENGER FIELD HOUSE
Swartz Creek Athletic Department
One Dragon Drive, Swartz Creek, MI 48473 Phone: (810)591-1809 Fax: (810)591-1896
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT FUNDRAISER
DRIVE ONE 4UR SCHOOL
WHAT:
 Randy Wise - Genesee Valley Auto Mall will have Lincoln Mercury
vehicles available to test-drive
 For every test-drive that takes place, Ford Motor Co. will make a
$20 donation to Swartz Creek Athletics, up to a total of $6,000.00
REQUIREMENTS FOR TEST-DRIVE DONATIONS:
 Participants must be 18 or older, and produce a valid driver’s license
 The $20 donation is limited to one per household
WHEN: Saturday, October 18, 2014
WHERE: Swartz Creek High School Parking Lot
TIME: 9am – 4pm
Yearbook News
The 2013-14 Yearbook
“Red(& White)Nation”
Is in and will be available at the Welcome Center of
the High school beginning Oct 6, 2014 for anyone
who has not yet picked it up
Order the 2014-15 Yearbook “A Super Year” this month for the lowest price
of the year - online at the high school webpage or see a yearbook staff
member or Mrs. Karagosian in room 404
Seniors- Get your senior photos in early - see your registration packet or the link on the high
school web page for requirements! Senior Photos and Baby ads (still just $35.00) due Jan 8
Contacting Yearbook
Yerbook now has a NEW dedicated email at [email protected] and is still working to get
our telephone extenstion up and running! Watch for official notice that the line has been open. Until then
please address all questions and concerns to our email address above!
YEARBOOK WANTS YOU!
Help Write SCHS History-join the Yearbook club- coming soon watch
ITC for Details and meeting dates
 Gain valuable business skills – looks GREAT on your resume
 Can be used in conjunction with a Co-OP position
 For more information and an application contact Mrs. Karagosian Rm 404 or email the
yearbook at [email protected].
Breaking old Ground: We can dig up yearbooks from as far back as 1989 availalble for purchase. Inquire at
[email protected]
This year the Swartz Creek High School has started a “Kindness Challenge”.
The Peers Who Care students started the year off by completing a Kindness Challenge and completed 905 random acts of kindness at
school, home, and in the community.
Our students have a variety of opportunities to be kind during the school day and in their community.
There is a bulletin board in the Assistant Principal’s office that students can choose a random act of kindness to complete. If they take
one of these acts of kindness, they commit to completing it within 24 hours.
There is a daily random act of kindness that is announced on ITC and there is also our “Kindness Sightings”. These are reports from
staff or students who have witnessed someone doing an act of kindness. A form is submitted and there are weekly drawings. The
sighting that is chosen is featured on ITC and on our tv in the main office. Pictures are taken of both people and they win a small prize.
There are also random kindness challenges that are sent out to students. Students may choose for themselves if they want to
complete the challenge.
It is our goal to have 1000 random acts of kindness completed by the end of the year.
To date we have 34 Random Acts of Kindness completed!! Below are pictures of our first 3 “Kindness Sighting” winners.
Senior Corner
Junior Class
Sponsors: Ms. Robinson
Sponsors:
Mrs. Warber & Mrs. Wensko
Class meeting: October 9 at 5:15 pm in the media center.
Senior candle walk: October 24 after the football game.
Follow us on Facebook Swartz Creek Class of 2015 or Twitter
@SCseniors15
Thanks to all the parent volunteers for the PowderPuff! Our class
raised over $1900.
Senior pictures & baby ad—due to yearbook by January 7, 2015.
Class meeting: October 16 at 6 pm in the
media center.
PowderPuff: Thank you to all students, parents,
community and athletic boosters for helping us to
make the PowderPuff game happen. The seniors
took the victory with a score of 14-8. We are very
proud of our Junior girls for playing a tough game!
This is a fundraising event with both classes
bringing in $1914!
Prom: The Junior class is hosting this year’s Junior/
Senior prom. We will need student input and parent
volunteers to make this happen!
Follow us on Facebook SCHS Class of 2016
SOPHOMORE CLASS
Sponsors: Mr. Fuller
Class Meeting: October 15 at 7:00 pm in the
media center.
FRESHMAN CLASS
Sponsors:
YEARBOOKS
The SCHS 2013-14 Yearbook, “Red(& White) Nation” has arrived and is available for pick up in
the Welcome Center of the High School during normal school hours. Friends or family members may
pick up books for Class of 2014 seniors!
Don’t chance missing out on the
2014-15 SCHS yearbook now on sale.
Take advantage of the fall price of just $63.60 and order yours today in room 402 with Mrs. Karagosian
Senior Pictures News: SENIOR PICTURES and BABY AD DEADLINE IS January 7, 2015
all photos and ads with payments must be submitted to the yearbook by that date!
HARD COPY PHOTOS WILL NOT BE RETURNED – DO NOT SEND ORIGINALS!