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Week of 5/05

 

Good Morning Parents!

I truly can’t believe how fast this year has gone.  Some of the end of year dates and activities are as followed:

What’s New:

 

Glenwood Community High School Semester Final Exams, May 2008

Monday, May 19 and Tuesday, May 20

Monday, May 19

All 2nd hour finals

8:10 – 9:40

All 4th hour finals

9:45 – 11:15

LUNCH

11:20 – 12:05

All 6th hour finals

12:10 – 1:40

All 8th hour finals

1:45 – 3:15

                    Tuesday, May 20

All 1st hour finals

8:10 – 9:40

All 3rd hour finals

9:45 – 11:15

LUNCH

11:20 – 12:05

All 5th hour finals

12:10 – 1:40

All 7th hour finals

1:45 – 3:15

 

Just a reminder to all parents:

 

Final exams are comprehensive and reflect what is truly important in each course--the concepts that we want kids to remember long after they leave each class.  They are based on the benchmarks, the essential learnings of each course.  The format for the final exams may vary, depending on the class.  Your child may be putting together presentations, projects, etc. to show what they have learned. 

 

The final exam schedule is the same as it was last year.  Essentially, there will be four finals on Monday (19th) (even hours) and four on Tuesday (20th) (odd hours) and then there will be no finals on Wednesday (21st).  Wednesday will have an 11:20 a.m. dismissal and is the last day of school.  Teachers will follow the final exam schedule listed above.  While in the individual testing blocks, students will not be allowed to leave “early” once they have taken their final.  So there is no reason for students to “rush” through their test.

 

In keeping with the Student Handbook, any student who skips a final exam will be given a failing grade for the semester.  Please make arrangements with each of your child’s teachers if you are not going to be here for final exams.

 

For all students (9-11) who have a signed parent permission slip (printed below), there will be open lunch (they will be allowed to leave) and will be allowed to leave if they do not have a scheduled final.  This includes band, vocal, PE, and study hall classes (unless otherwise directed by that teacher).  Given this, there should be very few students who have 8 finals. 

 

Students who are not taking finals and are NOT able to leave the building are to report to the cafeteria, informal area, or sign in at the library.  They can’t roam the building disrupting the testing blocks.

If you would like your child to STAY in the building and get extra help or use it for study time, please do not sign this permission slip.

 

 

My child, _______________________________________________ Grade_______________

 

has my permission to leave the building for lunch during final exams and leave the building if not previously scheduled to take a final during any particular period.  As stated in the handbook, I understand that if my child skips a final exam he/she will fail that course for the semester.

 

 

 

__________________________________________________________________________

Parent Signature

 

RETURN TO YOUR 1ST HOUR TEACHER BY Wednesday, May 14

 

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Week of 4/28

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Week of 4/21

Hello Parents!

I can’t believe there is only 4 weeks left in this school year!  It doesn’t seem possible.

This is prom week and that seems to dominate the week. 

What’s New!

  1. Prom and After-prom details

  1. Grade Reports:  Today we are mailing any student grade reports that have an F in any class.  We really need your support helping these students understand the significance of failing a class and not getting a credit.  If you have any questions, please let us help you contact teachers and get any information you might need.

  2. Senior awards night is Tuesday, May 6 @ 7:00 in the middle school auditorium.  Not all seniors will be recognized.  If your child is being honored we will be notifying you by mail soon.

  3. We have a lot of amazing band, vocal, speech, and art students.  A great night to see some amazing performances and view student work is on Fine Arts Night.  This year Fine Arts Night is Thursday, May 1 @ 7:00 p.m. at the high school.

 

Have a great rest of the week and weekend!!!

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Week of 4/14

Happy Monday and Happy Spring!  Hope you all had a great weekend!  A big thank you for all who helped to make the Glenwood Booster Club Auction a big success! 

What’s New:

  1. The registration process will begin soon.  Our counselors will go into classes and explain choices, class load information, credits, etc.  Students will fill out a worksheet with their selections and then enter that into the computer.  Please begin talking to your child about their choices.  If you have any concerns, feel free to contact their counselor to discuss.  Kathleen Loeffelbein works with the incoming freshman and the current freshman with classes and Bill Magnuson works with the current sophomores and juniors.  If you have concerns that you feel I could best answer, don’t hesitate to call or email.
  2. As many of you know, we have girls and boys tennis, golf, track, and soccer going on in the spring.  It is a little NUTS to say the least!  When any of these events are cancelled it becomes extremely difficult to reschedule.  We do our best to avoid Wednesdays and dates already taken by other school events (concerts, Fine Arts Night, etc.).  Mr. Arkfeld works very hard at accommodating a lot of requests.  Of course, as in all things, not everyone is happy with the results!  PLEASE remember to check the schedule on the high school web page. (www.glenwoodschools.org/hs) – the online schedule is the only one that stays current.  Any printed version misses too many changed dates.
  3. Parents of Seniors:  First of all, I can’t believe graduation is almost here!  I am sure you are feeling a variety of emotions right now.  I only hope that confusion is not one of them!  This is really all new for me as well.  PLEASE ask me questions about graduation.  That helps me stay on top of things.  A few dates for now – The Seniors last day of classes will be Thursday, May 15.  On Friday, May 16 students will check out, finalize some things in the office and have their annual senior picnic.  Graduation is Sunday, May 18, 2:00 p.m. on the football field (we hope).
  4. I am meeting with teachers on Thursday morning to complete planning for semester finals.  I will get that information to you as soon as that is completed.
  5. What follows is your PROM and AFTER PROM 101.  I am being asked to continue to clarify questions about prom (the dance) and after prom (the event).  With the help of my After Prom parents and my prom sponsor, I will do my best:

Thanks and have a great week!

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Week of 4/7

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Week of 3/31

Good Morning Parents-

It truly feels like a Karen Carpenter song today!  We are thinking, “warm and sunny” but it doesn’t seem to be working.

I am sorry I haven’t been faithful to this weekly email.  It is one of my goals to do a better job of communicating with all of you. 

There will be several follow-up emails targeting specific subjects this week.

 

What’s New:

  1. Just an FYI:  Some of you have asked questions about our school schedule for next year.  I am putting together an FAQ sheet this week.  I will send that out in a separate email.  I will rely on your questions, comments, and concerns to keep the communication flowing.  Thanks in advance for all your support!
  2. We now have boys’ and girls’ tennis, golf, track, and soccer going on.  In addition, concert and jazz band and all of vocal music is still in full swing!  Our All-State speech kids are performing today so that is now complete.  The spring is simply crazy!  The best source for current schedules and information is still our Schedule Star.  Please make a note of viewing that.  You can access the calendar from our high school website.  www.glenwoodschools.org/hs  The link from that page is simply stated at the top as, “calendar.”  That viewing will give you today’s and tomorrow’s events.
  3. Speaking of the high school website, it includes a lot of information that we give the students (including the announcements.  Perhaps your child comes home and tells you what is going on but if I relied on my freshman – I wouldn’t know where the school was! 
  4. We are scheduling ACT PREP:  If your child is taking the April 12 test or the June test, they are eligible for ACT prep next week.  I have a list of students from our Junior Parent meeting and we will call those students in and explain.  Here is our expectations for this prep course. 

    ANY STUDENT WISHING TO PARTICPATE must take a practice ACT on Saturday, April 5, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the High School.  The results from this test will be used to help students the following week in practice sessions.  IF STUDENTS CAN NOT ATTEND SATURDAY, They MUST pick up a practice test this Friday and complete the test using the directions by next Monday.  Students who do not turn in a completed practice test will not be admitted into the ACT prep sessions during the day next week.  If you have any questions concerning this expectation, please let me know.  There is no cost for this prep session.
  5. There is still a lot of confusion about Prom this year.  I will do a follow-up email for that as well.  Prom is really two events.  Prom, the dance, is free to seniors and juniors must pay for the tickets or have done the fundraising.  After-Prom is an event put on by parents.  Juniors and seniors must pay for After-Prom or have done the fundraising.  Students will be picking up their Prom (dance) tickets this week.  They will sign for them and register their date.  If they don’t know who their date is now they can get that ticket when they register their date.  Please email questions or wait for the more detailed follow-up email.
  6. Those of you looking ahead – if Graduation is outside, there is no limit to the number of guests you may invite.  If weather is bad and graduation is moved inside there will be a limit.  In the past 5-8 tickets were given to each senior.  The number really depends on the number of seniors going through the ceremony.
  7. Below is information about the Booster Club Auction:

Please plan to attend…

THE 15th ANNUAL GLENWOOD BOOSTER CLUB

AUCTION

Saturday - April 12th, 2008

Glenwood High School

Dinner and Silent Auction               5:00 p.m.

Live Auction                                    7:00 p.m.  

This auction is one of the Glenwood Booster Club’s biggest fundraisers of the year!

It generates a wide variety of support to the students at both the

Glenwood Community High School and the Glenwood Middle School.

The Booster Club has accepted the challenge to raise the funds for all

of the athletic programs, so that we as supporters are not bombarded with

buying coupon cards, cookie dough, etc., throughout the year.

We could use your help to meet this challenge!

Everyone is encouraged to contribute!  Looking for ideas?  Do you have a vacation property, some airline tickets or free nights in a hotel or resort?  Do you have season tickets and would like to donate some tickets to a game?  Additional ideas include:  artwork, sporting goods, dinners for a group, certificates for services, gift cards. 

The list does not stop there.  We would love to have your support!

All contributions are tax deductible and donors will be acknowledged in the Program Directory.  A donation form is enclosed for your convenience and should accompany your contribution.

Contributions can be sent to:

      Scott Arkfeld, Activities Director
       
Glenwood High School
       
400 Sivers Road
       
Glenwood, Iowa 51534

If you would like more information, please contact the auction Committee Chairs –

Linda White             712-527-4240 (home) or 402-689-8461 (cell)
Deanna Fuller           712-527-4740 (home)

2008 AUCTION DONATION FORM     

Glenwood High School
400 Sivers Road
Glenwood, Iowa 51534

 

All gifts and donations to the Glenwood Booster Club
are tax deductible.  Please check with your tax advisor.       
       
  Business Donation
       
  Parent Donation
       
  Community Member Donation
       
  Anonymous Donation  
 Donor Name (for Program Directory):   
 Street Address:       
 City, State and Zip Code:     
 Contact Name (if different from above):       
 Contact Phone:
 Item Name:      Value:
 Item Description (for Program Directory):     
       
Limitations (exclusions, time of year, # of persons, insurance requirements, expiration--one year from auction unless noted):  
       
       
Name:   Signature:      Date:  

  This is a physical item (see below)

  Please pick up this item at _______________
  Item delivered to school
       
  This is a gift certificate (see below)

  I will provide a gift certificate
  I want the Booster Club to provide a gift certificate       
 
OFFICE USE ONLY

Donation Received by: __________________________________________ Date: ______________

  Put in Program Directory    
       
  Silent Auction
       
  Live Auction
  Sent Thank You      
Form can also be found at Glenwoodsports.com

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Week of 3/24

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Week of 3/17

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Week of 3/10

Hello Parents-

Thank you for your patience as I try to regroup. I was working on this email Friday and never got back to it until right now. I want you to know that the teachers and students in this building are wonderful! The compassion and caring that I have witnessed over the past few days is hard to explain.

Last week we had a great night at Distinguished Scholars. The students who are honored as Distinguished Scholars must maintain a 3.5 for at least 2 consecutive semesters. During my talk with them I tried to share with them ways that they can make a positive difference in our school. The four points I shared were:

  1. Become partners in our school improvement efforts
  2. Help create a positive culture in the building
  3. Participate at a very HIGH level….using their talents and gifts to add quality to our programs
  4. Finally, to instill pride in the school -On this last point I shared that an easy way to do this is to simply take pride in the accomplishments of others. I had the opportunity to share an example with them and I would like to share that example with all of you.

There is a very prestigious honor awarded to 20 seniors in the conference. It is called the Hawkeye 10 All-Academic Team. To even get an application a student has to score a 29 on the ACT. The first “wow” was that we had 9 students eligible. Seven of these chose to fill out the application. Four of our students were selected! Those students are Jon S.r, Tiffany A., BJ K., and Cassandra W. With 4 honored, GLENWOOD had the highest number of honorees of any of the conference schools!!! Previously our “high” was 2 students.

I AM PROUD OF THEM and this accomplishment! I think the student body and the parents were as well. See how great it is to celebrate and “own” the accomplishments of others….

GO RAMS!!!!!!!!!

This is a very long post. There is a lot going on. Please feel free to call or email if you have specific questions.

What’s New

1. ACT review. We are planning a series of ACT prep sessions. Although still in the planning stages, we are timing those to help students who are taking the April and June test. Students wishing to register for the April 12 test can do so until March 21 (there will be a late fee). The deadline for the June 14 test is May 9. You can register online at http://www.actstudent.org/regist/index.html Students who are not planning on taking the test until next year, should wait until we schedule prep sessions for next year. I find they are not really motivated unless they know they will be taking the test soon!

2. March Madness is a fun night for our student body, especially our seniors. This year’s event is this Friday night, March 14.

3. All juniors have been invited to attend Career Day at Iowa Western on Thursday. Students have been given a permission slip and that must be returned in order for them to attend. It’s a great day for these students to explore various careers and areas of study.

4. Next year’s school calendar was adopted at Monday’s School Board Meeting. It can be downloaded from our school website: http://www.glenwoodschools.org/Calendar/calendar.htm If the new high school project stays on schedule and we move at the semester, the calendar may be adjusted to add extra days during winter break. These days would be tacked onto the end of the break, pushing the end of the school year back. We will know more about the schedule and potential calendar issues as summer approaches.

5. There are two committees and two distinct activities for Prom, the actual dance and the post-prom festivities. There has been a lot of confusion with Prom vs. After Prom. Prom (the decorating and dance) is put on by the Junior class under the direction of Lou Timson, a school employee. After Prom (promenade, dinner, and post prom games and activities) is hosted and organized by the Junior and Senior parents. Juniors and Seniors pay the $30.00 After Prom fee to attend. For all Jr. and Sr. parents-If your child plans on attending the After Prom activities and you have not paid your $30.00 fee yet, please send it to Patti Schmitt, 54981 228th Lane, Glenwood, IA 51534. Tickets for admittance to After Prom will be issued to all Jrs. and Srs. who have paid their fee in mid-April. (Anyone who sold 10 or more poinsettias can reduce their fee to $15.00.) Next After Prom meeting will be Sunday, March 30 at 6:00pm at the high school.

6. The Junior Class has established a memorial fund in Martha Winum’s name. Glenwood State Bank will administer this memorial. People can take or send a donation to the Glenwood State Bank and just mark that it is for the "Winum Family Memorial" fund. The Winum family will direct the memorials.

7. The Booster Club Auction is coming up! Saturday - April 12th, 2008, Glenwood High School, Dinner and Silent Auction 5:00 p.m., Live Auction 7:00 p.m. This auction is one of the Glenwood Booster Club’s biggest fundraisers of the year! It generates a wide variety of support to the students at both the Glenwood Community High School and the Glenwood Middle School. The Booster Club has accepted the challenge to raise the funds for all of the athletic programs, so that we as supporters are not bombarded with buying coupon cards, cookie dough, etc., throughout the year. We could use your help to meet this challenge! Looking for ideas? Do you have a vacation property, some airline tickets or free nights in a hotel or resort? Do you have season tickets and would like to donate some tickets to a game? Additional ideas include: artwork, sporting goods, dinners for a group, certificates for services, gift cards. The list does not stop there. We would love to have your support! All contributions are tax deductible and donors will be acknowledged in the Program Directory. Contributions can be sent to:

Scott Arkfeld, Activities Director
Glenwood High School
400 Sivers Road
Glenwood, Iowa 51534

If you would like more information, please contact the auction Committee Chairs:

Linda White 712-527-4240 (home) or 402-689-8461 (cell)
Deanna Fuller 712-527-4740 (home)

Have a wonderful “rest of the week!”
Thank you for your support!

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Week of 3/3

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Week of 2/25

Hello Parents-

Who knew our students would have a 5 day weekend in February! The spring activity season is beginning already and today it actually feels like it should be spring. Hope you had a great weekend. I am looking forward to seeing you all at conferences! Take Care.

What’s New

  1. Parent-Teacher Conferences. Our conferences are earlier this year. That will give you a great opportunity to connect with teachers and make sure you, your child, and the teachers are working together for optimal success. Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences Tuesday, February 26 and Thursday, February 28 (1 hour early outs each of these days) 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. each night
  2. Are you worried your Junior will soon be a Senior? We are scheduling a Junior Parent Meeting for anyone who can and would like to attend. February 28, Thursday, during Parent Teacher Conferences @ 6:45 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in the High School Media Center. Mr. Magnuson will share information with Junior Parents about looking to the future and their child’s senior year. We hope to develop a kind of FAQ sheet based on the questions you may have that night. Hope to see you there.
  3. We have scheduled a one hour presentation, Making Your College Search Count, for our junior class. The one hour presentation will be presented on Wednesday, February 27 during the school day.
  4. ITED testing is just around the corner. Just a reminder – Seniors do not take the ITED. We are giving the Reading Comprehension test next week in the 9th and 10th grade English classrooms during the regular school day (Tuesday and Wednesday) and on Thursday with our Juniors. The remainder of the ITED will be given on Wednesday – Thursday – Friday: March 5-6-and7. We will give part of the test each of those mornings. During this second week of testing, seniors do not have to report to school until after the testing and the regular school day starts. I will send you a detailed schedule when it is finalized. Most students have been given their ITED scores so that they can set personal goals. Below this email I have included our ITED goals for the 9th, 10th, and 11th graders. Please take a look!
  5. Distinguished Scholars night is scheduled for Monday, March 3 @ 7:00 p.m. To be a Distinguished Scholar a student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 for two consecutive semesters. Student invitations will be mailed this week.
  6. The next Post Prom meeting will be Sunday, March 2nd at 6:00 p.m. in the high school library. Please attend!
  7. The Booster Club Auction is coming up! Saturday - April 12th, 2008, Glenwood High School, Dinner and Silent Auction 5:00 p.m., Live Auction 7:00 p.m. This auction is one of the Glenwood Booster Club’s biggest fundraisers of the year! It generates a wide variety of support to the students at both the Glenwood Community High School and the Glenwood Middle School. The Booster Club has accepted the challenge to raise the funds for all of the athletic programs, so that we as supporters are not bombarded with buying coupon cards, cookie dough, etc., throughout the year. We could use your help to meet this challenge! Looking for ideas? Do you have a vacation property, some airline tickets or free nights in a hotel or resort? Do you have season tickets and would like to donate some tickets to a game? Additional ideas include: artwork, sporting goods, dinners for a group, certificates for services, gift cards. The list does not stop there. We would love to have your support! All contributions are tax deductible and donors will be acknowledged in the Program Directory. Contributions can be sent to:

Scott Arkfeld, Activities Director Glenwood High School
400 Sivers Road Glenwood, Iowa 51534

If you would like more information, please contact the auction Committee Chairs:

Linda White 712-527-4240 (home) or 402-689-8461 (cell)
Deanna Fuller 712-527-4740 (home)

2008 ITED Testing Goals Glenwood Community High School

When reading your goals, remember that proficient means that you have at least a 41 on the national percentile rank.

9th Graders:

10th Graders:

11th Graders:

Thanks for all you do! Have a great week!

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Week of 2/18

Hello Parents-

A reminder that there is no school on Monday, February 18 (President’s Day) or Tuesday, February 19 (Professional Development Day).

What’s New

1. Mid-quarter reports were printed on Monday. All progress reports that had an “F” were mailed home. Please feel free to contact your child’s teachers if you have any questions or concerns with recent grades. Most email in our district is set up last name-first name/first initial @glenwoodschools.org.(ex. portreyl@glenwoodschools.org) A full listing of teachers and their email accounts can be found on our webpage, http://www.glenwoodschools.org/hs/ Click onto Staff on the left hand side and the departments with email accounts will appear on the right. In addition, when you are in PowerSchool and looking up grades, you can simply click the teacher’s name and you will begin an email. If you don’t have access to email, please feel free to call and we will let the teachers know you want to talk with them. Our phone number is 527-4897. Our teachers really want to work with you to help your child be successful.

2. Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences. Our conferences are earlier this year. That will give you a great opportunity to connect with teachers and make sure you, your child, and the teachers are working together for optimal success.

Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences

Tuesday, February 26 and Thursday, February 28

4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. each night

3. We have scheduled a one hour presentation, Making Your College Search Count, for our junior class. The one hour presentation will be presented on Wednesday, February 27 during the school day.

4. Glenwood Community School District is a participant in the Iowa School Alerts program, which means you can sign up to receive free e-mail notifications when classes for our district, or a particular school building, are to be closed, dismissed early or started late due to weather or other circumstances. How to Sign Up Click on “Sign Up!” in the Main Menu at https://schoolalerts.iowa.gov. This will take you to the “Enterprise A&A” screen for the State of Iowa. Follow the steps on the website.

5. Distinguished Scholars night is scheduled for Monday, March 3 @ 7:00 p.m. To be a Distinguished Scholar a student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 for two consecutive semesters. Student invitations will be mailed this week.

6. The Booster Club Auction is coming up!

Saturday - April 12th, 2008, Glenwood High School, Dinner and Silent Auction 5:00 p.m., Live Auction 7:00 p.m. This auction is one of the Glenwood Booster Club’s biggest fundraisers of the year! It generates a wide variety of support to the students at both the Glenwood Community High School and the Glenwood Middle School. The Booster Club has accepted the challenge to raise the funds for all of the athletic programs, so that we as supporters are not bombarded with buying coupon cards, cookie dough, etc., throughout the year. We could use your help to meet this challenge!

Looking for ideas? Do you have a vacation property, some airline tickets or free nights in a hotel or resort? Do you have season tickets and would like to donate some tickets to a game? Additional ideas include: artwork, sporting goods, dinners for a group, certificates for services, gift cards. The list does not stop there. We would love to have your support! All contributions are tax deductible and donors will be acknowledged in the Program Directory. Contributions can be sent to:

Scott Arkfeld, Activities Director
Glenwood High School
400 Sivers Road
Glenwood, Iowa 51534

If you would like more information, please contact the auction Committee Chairs –

Thanks for all you do! Have a great week!

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Week of 2/11

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Week of 2/4

Hello Parents!

 

We completed our first lock-down drill at the high school.  It went very well.  We made note of quite a few problem areas and are working now to make sure those safety issues are addressed.  I also attended some advanced training regarding intruders.  It was extremely helpful and the training was a good addition to what we are already doing.  The students also came up with some great ideas to help with the drills and safety.  For example, the students suggested having a “mini-lock-down” drill where each period every teacher would take a few minutes to talk to students about the lock-down proceduresin each of their classes.  Overall, I thought it was a very positive practice drill.

 

What’s New:

  1. Valentine’s Day is fast approaching.  For a variety of reasons each of the schools in our district does not except flower, balloon, candy, etc. deliveries on Valentines Day.  Some of these issues include:  1- There are many juniors, seniors, and other students who are already gone from school when the Valentine balloons and flowers are distributed at the end of the day.  This causes a great deal of hard feelings on the part of parents who’ve spent a lot of money for their student to receive a surprise at school, but they’ve already left the building.  2- Occasionally some students don’t hear the message that they have a Valentine waiting for them and 3-  Finally and most importantly, with large orders of Valentines, we simply don’t have the staff or time available to arrange, announce, and deliver the large amount of flowers and balloons from the several different florists in the area.  This is all very disruptive to the school day.
  2. The junior class is voting today on the prom theme.   Juniors who did not sell magazines need to pay class dues of $50.  This payment was due in September and is needed ASAP as prom materials are being ordered.  Juniors who do not pay will not be issued prom tickets.  Seniors do not have to pay for their tickets.
  3. Mid-quarter report cards will be printed on Monday morning, February, 11.  If your child is receiving an “F” in any class you will get this report in the mail.  Please remember to check PowerSchool for your child’s grades.  In addition, Parent-Teacher Conferences will be Tuesday, February 26 and Thursday, February 28.
  4. Students who are ill and are leaving school MUST check out in the main office.  If the student leaves the building and does not follow this procedure they will be marked UNEXCUSED.

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Week of 1/28

Hi Parents!

Tomorrow (Friday 1/25) we will be conducting a lock-down drill. This drill is the first in a series of lock-down drills that we will have this semester. Each drill will give us information and help us solve problems and issues. Students were provided with procedures and have been included in discussions about safety. I will be attending a workshop next week with Lt. Col. Grossman who is an expert in the field of school safety. He will speak directly about intruders and lessons learned from school shootings. Mr. Arkfeld and Mr. Portrey will also be involved with additional training. There have been parents and community members who have offered their expertise in the area of school safety and that has been much appreciated! We feel that drills, like the lock-down, give us another opportunity to show our students how much we care about them and their safety. As always, we encourage our students to tell an adult if they know of a fellow student who is feeling bad enough to hurt themselves or others.

What’s New:

  1. A big thank you to all of the adults who helped to make our 9th grade field trip possible! It was a great success. The Glenwood PTA provided $900.00 to help cover the cost. We are very grateful for their support! If you are interested in joining the PTA, please let me know and I will get you the membership form. The PTA is a great organization that supports all of the children in our district.
  2. Glenwood Duffle Bags. Glenwood Rams PTA is once again selling $15 Ram bags. They are nylon, water-resistant, double drawstring, inside zippered pocket, and measure 18" x 13". Please email Kim Jones at dkdkbjones@hotmail.com if you would like one.
  3. Our large group speech students did a great job this past weekend and are sending many to state! Congratulations to this wonderful program!
  4. A reminder that members of the Junior Class have Prom dues. This covers the cost of prom. Many students reduced or eliminated the $50 fee by selling magazines. Juniors can check with Lou Timson to see what they owe. The prom theme will be determined in the next week or two.
  5. The Glenwood High School Booster Club is in the process of putting together a cookbook showcasing the diverse and talented cooks of Mills County. This is a major fundraiser for the Booster Club, so all help will be appreciated. How can you help? Simply share one or more of your favorite recipes by emailing Linda Forman here at school, formanli@glenwoodschools.org or Bev Cullison at cullisonb@msn.com we would like to receive all entries no later than February 14. Your recipe and name will appear in our “A Taste of Glenwood” cookbook available this spring. All proceeds will benefit the Glenwood Booster Club.

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Week of 1/21

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Week of 1/14

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Week of 1/7

Hi Parents!

I hope your holiday season was a great one!  We are back and already into the second semester.  We also had a recent network upgrade and hopefully we will see increased speed on our network throughout the district.  Just a reminder, if you do not wish to have these emails sent to any of your email addresses please reply to this email and let me know. 

What’s New:

  1. Semester report cards are being printed tomorrow and you should have them in the mail by Friday.  Please call if you have any questions with the grades.
  2. A big thank you to everyone who is helping to make security cameras a reality for the high school!  We are going to get bids this week and move on installation as soon as we can.  Many of you have expressed concerns about our lack of security cameras. Our students’ safety is of primary concern to all of us.  So, this is GREAT news!
  3. We are currently putting together a 9th grade field trip for January 23.  We think it will be a great experience for our students.  We are trying to combine a performance at the Holland Performing Arts Center with a trip to Durham Western Heritage Museum.  Please watch for details and a permission slip from your 9th grader.  I will provide additional information in next week’s email.  However, if you would like to join us and help with supervision—we would LOVE to have you!  Just let me know if you would be interested in attending.
  4. The next Jr. Parent After-Prom committee meeting is Sunday, January 13, 6:00 p.m. at the High School.  It is not too late to be a part of the planning.  We welcome your ideas and support!
  5. The Student Council is sponsoring a dance January 19, 8:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.  There is a small cost to get in (to cover expenses) and attire is casual.  Although the kids have chosen “Stop Light Dance” as their theme for this Sadie Hawkins dance, anything casual is fine.  Students who choose to bring a date who does not attend Glenwood Community High School need to register their date in the main office.  I simply need their name, school, and emergency contact information.  They need to do this prior to the dance on Saturday.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
  6. BLACK OUT!  Thursday January 10th, the wrestlers are at home against Lewis Central & Underwood and it's a "BLACK OUT". Wrestling on Thursday starts at 4:00 with the Middle School wrestlers and the High School following at 5:30. Come support our wrestlers and wear BLACK! GOLD RUSH!   The Glenwood Community High School Student Council will be sponsoring a Gold Rush on January 11th for the girls basketball game against Harlan.  The 9th Grade team plays at 4:45 followed by the JV and Varsity games.  So wear your gold and come support the girls.  At halftime, there will be a contest to find the most spirited/best-dressed/gold-wearing people in the crowd, a 3-point shooting contest, and a 50/50 raffle.  Student Council invites you to pack the stands with gold.

Have a great remainder of the week!

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Week of 12/17

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Week of 12/10

Hi Parents!

We are at the start of a busy season.  Winter activities are in full swing and first semester is winding down.  This email has information about final exams.  Please let me know if you have any further questions.

 

What’s New:

  1. Please do not call or text your child on their cell phone at school.  Students are not allowed to use their cell phones unless it is before school, after school, or during lunch.  Teachers have had instruction disrupted by calls only to find that it is parents calling their students.  Please help us keep our classroom disruptions to a minimum.
  2. Our High School Band and Vocal Holiday Concert is Thursday, December 13, 7:00 p.m. in the High School gym.  It truly is a wonderful event and all our welcome !!  We will have the back door open.  That will make the back parking lot a convenient place for you to park.  We do charge a small fee to get in.  All proceeds benefit our band and vocal programs. 
  3. Class Rings (sophomores) and Senior Announcements, robes, etc. (and other items)
    The company Glenwood Community High School works with on these items is School Traditions.  The order-promotion week is next week.  The schedule of events is as follows:

Monday, December 10

 

9:00 a.m. – School Traditions will meet with sophomores to discuss class rings.

9:40 a.m. – School Traditions will meet with seniors to discuss announcements, robes, etc.

Wed. , December 12

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. PARENT OPEN HOUSE @ the High School

Come when you can and see a selection of rings (sophomores) and senior items.  You can get price lists, etc.

Thurs., December 13

11:25 – 12:40 (during lunch)

School Traditions will be set up to take orders –

Fri., December 14

11:25 – 12:40 (during lunch)

School Traditions will be set up to take orders –

 Also, as stated in a previous email, Warren’s Jewelry, a local business can help you with class rings and other items.

  1. Attached is information about Final Exams.  However, I have also copied and pasted it below:
    Glenwood Community High School Semester Final Exams, December 2007
    Wednesday December, 19 and Thursday December, 20

Wednesday, December 19

All 1st hour finals

8:10 – 9:40

All 3rd hour finals

9:45 – 11:15

LUNCH

11:20 – 12:05

All 5th hour finals

12:10 – 1:40

All 7th hour finals

1:45 – 3:15

                    Thursday, December 20

All 2nd hour finals

8:10 – 9:40

All 4th hour finals

9:45 – 11:15

LUNCH

11:20 – 12:05

All 6th hour finals

12:10 – 1:40

All 8th hour finals

1:45 – 3:15

 

Just a reminder to all parents:

 

Final exams are comprehensive and reflect what is truly important in each course--the concepts that we want kids to remember long after they leave each class.  They are based on the benchmarks, the essential learnings of each course.  The format for the final exams may vary, depending on the class.  Your child may be putting together presentations, projects, etc. to show what they have learned. 

 

The final exam schedule is the same as it was last year.  Essentially, there will be four finals on Wednesday (odd hours) and four on Thursday (even hours) and then Friday will be a regular day. Teachers will follow the final exam schedule listed above.  While in the individual testing blocks, students will not be allowed to leave “early” once they have taken their final.  So there is no reason for students to “rush” through their test.

 

In keeping with the Student Handbook, any student who skips a final exam will be given a failing grade for the semester.

 

For all students (9-12) who have a signed parent permission slip (printed below), there will be open lunch (they will be allowed to leave) and will be allowed to leave if they do not have a scheduled final.  This includes band, vocal, PE, and study hall classes (unless otherwise directed by that teacher).  Given this, there should be very few students who have 8 finals. 

 

Students who are not taking finals and are NOT able to leave the building are to report to the cafeteria, informal area, or sign in at the library.  They can’t roam the building disrupting the testing blocks.

 

If you would like your child to STAY in the building and get extra help or use it for study time, please do not sign this permission slip.

 

 

My child, _______________________________________________ Grade_______________

 

has my permission to leave the building for lunch during final exams and leave the building if not previously scheduled to take a final during any particular period.  As stated in the handbook, I understand that if my child skips a final exam he/she will fail that course for the semester.

 

 

 

__________________________________________________________________________

Parent Signature

 

RETURN to your 2nd hour teacher BY Monday, December 17.

 

Have a great week!

 

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Week of 12/3

Hi Parents!

Welcome to December!

What’s New:

  1. Class Rings (sophomores) and Senior Announcements, robes, etc. (and other items).  The company Glenwood Community High School works with on these items is School Traditions.  The order-promotion week is next week.  The schedule of events is as follows: 
Monday, December 10

 

9:00 a.m. – School Traditions will meet with sophomores to discuss class rings.

9:40 a.m. – School Traditions will meet with seniors to discuss announcements, robes, etc.

Wed. , December 12 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. PARENT OPEN HOUSE @ the High School

Come when you can and see a selection of rings (sophomores) and senior items.  You can get price lists, etc.

Thurs., December 13 11:25 – 12:40 (during lunch)

School Traditions will be set up to take orders –

Fri., December 14 11:25 – 12:40 (during lunch)

School Traditions will be set up to take orders –

  1. Our High School Band and Vocal Holiday Concert is Thursday, December 13, 7:00 p.m. in the High School gym.  It truly is a wonderful event and all our welcome !!  We will have the back door open.  That will make the back parking lot a convenient place for you to park.  We do charge a small fee to get in.  All proceeds benefit our band and vocal programs. 
  2. The next post prom meeting will be Sunday, January 13 at 6:00pm at the high school. 
  3. Look for details about semester final exams in my next information email.  If you have questions and concerns about your child’s grades, please contact the teachers or our office to help with that communication.

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Week of 11/26

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Week of 11/19

I want to apologize for any inconvenience our phone system might have caused you.  We really didn’t discover it was down until 8th hour yesterday.  Although we had it “up and running” by 8:30 a.m. this morning, that didn’t help if you were trying to call your child “in.”  Again, I am sorry for the trouble.  It was frustrating for us as well.

The year is flying!  The mid-term falls at the end of the first week in December.  Remember the semester ends at the holiday break.  We will be giving comprehensive finals again this year.  They will be based on the benchmarks for the class.  This should be a test on the main, important ideas of the course.  We are working out the details of the testing schedule and I will communicate those as soon as possible. 

What’s New:

Have a great week!

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Week of 11/12

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Week of 11/5

Hi parents! I want to thank all of you for coming to Parent-Teacher Conferences last week. We had a 66% turn-out. I had several parents tell me they didn’t feel they needed to attend because they were being kept informed with Power-School. However, please don’t hesitate to contact a teacher if you have any questions concerning your child’s grades or behavior.

Our student production of MASH is this weekend! Mr. Crouch and the kids have really worked hard to bring you an outstanding show. Please come out either Friday or Saturday night @ 7:30 p.m.or Sunday afternoon @ 2:00 p.m. The play is at West Elementary.

What’s New:

• Mr. Winquist has developed an OUTSTANDING document. It is a Senior Checklist, full of information about preparing for life beyond graduation. Some parents picked this up at conferences. I have received many compliments and much gratitude for Mr. Winquist’s efforts. We will be distributing the checklist for all other seniors soon. Please ask to see it. It is really a document for parents and students to use together.

• Just an FYI…First semester grades for all Iowa Western classes will be recorded in our system and will be on our official transcripts. Students sending transcripts to colleges will have these college grades on their high school transcripts and cumulative GPA’s will reflect them.

• All freshmen will have an outstanding opportunity to hear a traveling scholar from the Smithsonian Institute, November 15. William Stapp is a historian and curator who will talk about “Terrorism in the American Civil War.” He will be presenting to all of the American History classes.

• Tomorrow-Thursday is the Spaghetti Dinner/Fundraiser sponsored by the Rotary. The HS swing choir performs and receives half of the proceeds with the other half going to the community’s Love Tree Program. The dinner is outstanding, the entertainment excellent, and 100% of the proceeds go to support local needs. Tickets are $6.00.

• Winter Sports Season is upon us! Please remember to check the high school webpage for announcements and schedules. http://www.glenwoodschools.org/hs

• A reminder that the After-Prom committee is busy planning the Annual Poinsettia sale. The poinsettias will be provided by Garden Treasures and delivered to the school November 19th so you may deliver them before Thanksgiving. Information was sent to your homes last week and remember your $30.00 after prom ticket will be reduced when you sell 10 poinsettias. An order collection box is available in the office and orders are picked up daily. All orders are due by November 14th.

• There will be a Post Prom meeting on Sunday, November 18th at 6:00 pm at the high school.

Have a great week!

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Week of 1O/29

Hello parents-

I hope you had a great weekend! Last week I worked with students who were registered for last Saturday’s ACT exam. We only worked 4 hours on ACT prep but I was pleased at how responsive the students were. We are planning to do ACT prep in some form at least during the top fall, winter, and spring testing dates. I have teachers who will be working with me in the future. Spending time with them reminded me (again) how great our kids are! Remember, there is no school on Friday (due to conferences).

WHAT’S NEW:

Have a great week!

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Week of 1O/22

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Week of 1O/15

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Week of 1O/8

There is a current and alarming trend in drug abuse among teens characterized by students using and abusing over-the-counter or prescription drugs. Recent news articles and reports from the media highlight the trends as well. My hope in sharing some of this information is that you can be aware for your own child and their friends. One trend is the use of an over-the-counter cold medicine, Coricidin. It is a red pill and comes in foil push out packets. Teens are reported taking about 10 of them to achieve a “high” that is similar to being drunk. In fact, that is how students generally respond having taken them. Taking Coricidin is sometimes referred to as, Skittling (Because it looks like the candy, Skittles). Another now-common abuse among some teens is to take more than the approved dosage of medicines prescribed for ADHD, ADD, Bipolar conditions, etc. Generally, they are getting these from friends or siblings.

In order to get students the help they need, I am working with teachers and administrators to create some new language for our handbook. In general, it will read as follows:

Students will be subject to the same behavior consequences associated with drugs and alcohol if:

  1. A student gives away or sells prescribed or over-the-counter drugs to others.
  2. A student takes more than the recommended dosage of prescribed or over-the-counter drugs in an attempt to achieve a “high” or do harm to themselves.
  3. A student communicates in any way that they are using or planning on using prescribed or over-the-counter drugs in an attempt to achieve a “high” or do harm to themselves or others.

Please let me know if you have any questions concerning this information.

What’s New:

  1. Looking ahead, first quarter ends October, 19. If you have concerns about any of your child’s grades, please don’t hesitate to contact the teacher. If you are unsure of how to contact any teacher, just let me know.
  2. Students are allowed to use their cell phones before school, during lunch, and after school. PLEASE DO NOT CALL YOUR CHILD’S CELL PHONE DURING SCHOOL HOURS. If you need to contact your child, call the main office. We will get a message to them or bring them to the office to call you.
  3. I am working with School Traditions and the senior class to select graduation announcements. There will be an evening in December where you can look over all of the “senior stuff” and place your order. I will let you know when that day gets closer.
  4. School Traditions targets sophomores for class rings. The parent meeting for class ring purchase is also scheduled for December. Again, I will let you know as it gets closer.
  5. Picture Make-up day is November 7.
  6. The booster club would like to thank all who supported the Chicken Dinner. It was a great success!

Hope you have a great week!

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Week of 1O/1

Hello parents! Hope you are having a great week. We are busy trying to settle back in after the big homecoming week. Overall, Homecoming Week was a tremendous success! Spirit Week was enjoyed by all! All of the teachers really “brought the spirit!” The students really appreciated the involvement of our staff. Our first annual outdoor community pep rally was a great way to prepare for the football game. The football game went well (except for the final outcome). Coronation went smoothly and the dance was great! A big thanks to all of the band parents who helped with the event! I can’t imagine more supportive partners. You can check out these and other homecoming memories on www.glenwoodsports.com (photo gallery).

What’s New:

  1. The Student Council is selling “Gold Rush” t-shirts. The cost is only $6. They are on sale before school and during lunch. Your student can pick one up then (and also one for you)!
  2. If you are getting these emails and you no longer have a child in the High School you can be removed by simply emailing me a short note letting me know.
  3. I am reviewing some handbook language and will be making some recommendations for change soon. Some of the concerns deal with visitors to the building and rules for dances. I believe there needs to be more clarity to these procedures. I will let you know as the teachers and I work through them.
  4. If you are new to our district this year you should have received an invitation to New Family Night. The evening is scheduled for Tuesday, October, 9 @ 7:00 p.m. @ West Elementary. Hope to see you there!
  5. There is a Post-Prom meeting Sunday, October, 21 @ 6:00 p.m. @ the High School.
  6. Looking ahead, first quarter ends October, 19. If you have concerns about any of your child’s grades, please don’t hesitate to contact the teacher. If you are unsure of how to contact any teacher, just let me know.
  7. The next late start is Tuesday, October, 9. During these scheduled professional development times the teachers at the high school will be working with me on increasing student engagement with classroom instruction. There are a variety of strategies and resources we will be using.

Hope you have a great weekend!

 

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Week of 9/24

I hope you had a grea