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From Steve Lindberg Welcome and greetings from Humboldt Sr. High, the best high school in the city of St. Paul! This month I would like to talk about the new federal legislation that I am sure most of you have heard about in the press. If you've heard or read about No Child Left Behind (NCLB), join the club. It seems that everyone, from neighbors to reporters to the governor, is talking about the new federal law. But what does it mean for our students? In short, the law is designed to help each and every one of our students, regardless of race, language, income or special needs, succeed in school. It requires us to use tests to measure what students know and can do in subjects including reading and math. If students are not succeeding, or making progress toward succeeding, the law outlines actions that schools must take to help students do better. At Humboldt Senior High, we've been working hard for a long time to help all of our students do their best and succeed. So the next time you hear people talking about No Child Left Behind, let them know that your student's school is working hard to help each and every students succeed, and that's what the law is all about. If you have any questions about Humboldt Senior High, please give me a call. Steve Lindberg, Principal 651-293-8600 ext. 10 17 SLC Parent Trip to New York CityOn November 12, parents, Anne Gangle, Susan Watson, John and Martha Mena, and Humboldt SLC Program Manager, Diane Schroepfer joined parents and staff from Harding, Johnson and Highland on a parent small school study trip to New York City. This trip was sponsored by the Center for School Change with assistance from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. During the three days in NYC, the group visited 4 schools ranging in student population from 500-3000. Each School was different, but was very successful in educating the urban student. At each site, the principal, students, and parent leaders introduced us to the mission and vision of the school, the parental participation and role, the curriculum and what they perceived to make their school a success. Tours of the building were given and with the opportunity to visit some classrooms and talk to students. The parent/parent dialogues were very helpful along with the student perspective. As representatives from Humboldt, we saw similarities that stood out in all the buildings. All staff had a belief in and respect for all students. All staff and students knew what was expected of them. All staff had high expectations for student achievement. A goal and vision that all students will attend college or some form of post-secondary education. The schools had a strong and supportive principal and dedicated staff. It was very clear that decisions made in the schools were based on the best interest of the students. Parent involvement was evident. They all had 50% parent representation on their Site-Councils, volunteered in the buildings, and in one school, parents led all the college visits and field trips. Participation in PTO, Open Houses, and Conferences were about the same as we experience. The difference was that parents put their names on lists for which they are interested in and are called when needed. The trip gave parents the opportunity to learn from and talk to parents of other St. Paul schools. This group has decided to meet to discuss how they can become a voice for school change. Many other small ideas came from this visit. Parents interested in more information can attend the PTO meeting, the next being January 5 at 6 PM at Humboldt, or the Site-Council meeting on December 8 at 6 PM at Humboldt High School. If interested in being put on an interest list, call Virginia Broich at 651-293-8600 ext. 1019, or Diane Schroepfer 293-8600 ext. 1263. Expect Respect? Give It to Get It The words above represented the theme of Respect Week, held at Humboldt Senior High School, during the week of October 27 - 31, 2003. SADD, Students Against Destructive Decisions, sponsored the week--hanging posters with the theme, selling respect-o-grams, and getting student signatures for the large cards presented to our custodial and cafeteria staffs. The week highlighted respect issues and gave everyone a chance to share words or acts of appreciation for others. Financial Aid Information for College! Seniors have a lot to think about this school year. Are you thinking about college next year? What are your plans after graduation? There are a couple of things you can begin working on TODAY, to help you plan for your future! If you are even thinking about attending post-secondary education next year (a 2 yr. college, 4 yr. college, trade school, university, etc.), you should begin applying for financial aid NOW! There are millions of dollars in scholarships, grants, loans and work-study that you can apply for. This money is first-come, first-serve, so you do not want to procrastinate! Here is a quick overview of the different types of financial aid for college: Scholarships: Free money from businesses, local agencies, donors, etc. Students need to fill out a paper or online application and usually need to write an essay. Scholarships are often awarded based upon things like good grades, talent in music, art, athletics, ethnic background, religion, gender, volunteer work, etc. Loans: Money that you borrow from the bank and must be paid back after you have completed college. College loans often have low interest rates and offer repayment plans over the course of several years. Most students end up having to take out at least a small loan. The FAFSA form needs to be completed to apply for loans. Grants: Free money from the federal and/or state government. Students are eligible for grants based upon their financial need; the more money you need for college, the more grants you will receive. If a student attends a college in MN, they are eligible for the MN state grant. The FAFSA form needs to be completed to apply for grants. Work-Study: A job on the campus of the college that helps pay for your tuition. Students are often awarded a "work-study" job on campus to help them pay for tuition. Students might work in the cafeteria, library, an office on campus, etc. The FAFSA form must be completed to apply for work study. How to apply? The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the application for need-based scholarships, grants and loans. This form can be filled out on paper or online and can be submitted as early as January 1st, 2004. FAFSA’s are available in the guidance office or from St. Olaf Educational Talent Search (Room 2251). Scholarship applications and information is available in the Career Resource Center or check some of the online resources such as www.fastweb.com.If you have any questions, see Educational Talent Search Advisors in room 2251 or your guidance counselor. Ludy, our French Amity Intern, Says "Hello" "I've been in the US for one month now and I really enjoy being here! At first, I have to avow that leaving my family and my friends was not an easy thing to do...I had to learn a new way of life, to eat different things, to wake up early (which I was not used to!)...but, hopefully I have wonderful people to help me. That's to say, my host family, the Martins, who are very kind to me, a good teacher, Ms. Hopen, who teaches me how to teach (it is really important as I want to become a teacher), and friendly students eager to learn about the French language and culture. I have lots of fun with them! I hope they do too....I'm aware I'm living a great and unique experience here with you and I'll try to bring you as much pleasure as I receive from you each day while being here?" Here's Ludy joining French 1 students as they act out ordering in a French cafe. She is pictured with Shaun Mensen, Henry Harris and Daniel Laborico. And here is Ludy on the first day it snowed in early November. She loves the snow and couldn't resist getting out in it! Ninth Grade Academy Receives Research Grant Congratulations to Tim Larsen and the 9th Grade Academy. They submitted a proposal for a Student Research for Action Grant. Out of 32 proposals, they were one of 12 that received funding. The title of their research is: "Evaluating the indoor air quality of an inner city school." This grant is only given to schools who have a Gates Small Learning Community Grant and is at a national level, not local. Ninth Grade Awards First Trimester Awards for the Ninth Grade Academy will be presented on Friday, December 5, 2003. The presentation will take place in the auditorium from 9:50 to 10:45 am. Parents and families are welcome to attend JROTC News By Cadet Captain Soua Yang, Hawk Battalion S-2 The Hawk Battalion just finished their first competition at Como High School called The Devil Dog Classic on October 24th, 2003. Unfortunately, they came back with no trophies for the competition teams. Nathan Nins on the other hand received a second place medal in the knock-out drill. On October 29th, 2003, Alpha Company went to Cherokee Elementary School for a Junior Achievement Blitz. On November 6th, 2003, Charlie and Delta Company went to Franklin Elementary School for Junior Achievement. All together, 25 Elementary classes (500 students) were taught by Humboldt JROTC students. "Junior Achievement was a great experience. I got to see young students learn about their family and community. The students were really smart. I am glad to be a part of this great program and movement." -Mai Nhia Thao, Hawk Battalion Executive Officer Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to educating young people about business, economics, and free enterprise. Through a dedicated volunteer network, JA offers in-school and after-school program for students in grades K-12. JA focuses on seven key content areas: business, citizenship, economics, entrepreneurship, ethics/character, financial, literacy, and career development. Today nearly 150 JA offices reached 4 million students nationwide. Through it’s international operation, JA reaches another 2 million student in more than 100 countries worldwide. If you want more information, visit www.ja.org. Public Achievement, which was a program that JROTC focused on, is now a class that is offered to all students in the Community Leadership Academy. This year, the students in Ms Skelly’s Public Achievement class were handpicked by Colonel Johnson. There are about 15 students in the Public Achievement class. The issues this year are changing the lunch menu, getting another language class into Humboldt, Drugs, and raising money for the Homeland Project. A group that went to Laos and Thailand in December, 2002. Upcoming events are the Dining In on December 19, 2003, the Red Bull Competition at Humboldt High School on December 6, 2003, and the Military Ball on February 21st, 2004 at the Officer’s Club, Fort Snelling. For the Red Bull competition, the competing teams have been practicing very hard every week. The competing teams are the Color Guard Team, the Drill Team, the Inspection Team, Orienteering Team, and the Quiz Bowl Team. Band Concert December 11th is your last chance to hear the Humboldt High School Band this year. The Band has had a busy calendar year, and of course, will maintain many performances for the remainder of the school year, but Thursday December 11th will be the last performance before the calendar change. Please come and support the Band Students at 7:00 PM in the Auditorium Policy Change Students who do not attend Saturday School now will be dismissed for one day instead of suspended for two days. Students may attend Community Service instead of Saturday school. Community Service meets every Thursday from 2:15-3:30 PM. Students must attend Community Service prior to their Saturday School. Athletics!! Congratulations to the following Fall Athletes: Dedicated Athletes Caleb Jennings, Football Mai Nhia Thao, Volleyball Sara Lopez, Girls Swimming Tiara Powell, Cross Country Candace Johnson, Girls Soccer Chia Lee, Boys Soccer All Conference Katie Nielsen, Volleyball Candace Johnson, Girls Soccer Pat Hoban, Football Steve Snyder, Football Honorable Mention Mai Nhia Thao, Volleyball Alejandra Villifan, Girls Soccer Tiara Powell, Cross Country Ulysses Izaola, Football Juan Mena, Football Aaron Thomas, Football Tony Warchol, Football Chai Lee, Boys Soccer Thao Vang, Boys Soccer WAY TO GO ATHLETES!!
SUPPORT YOUR ATHLETIC PROGRAM!! Humanities Academy The Humanities Academy is off to a great start, implementing programs for the 10th graders and planning the Academy program for next year's 11th and 12th graders. We have a Reading consultant, Eva Boehm from Hamline University, who is assisting Humanities teachers to develop new strategies for improving student reading achievement. We are restructuring our homeroom advisory periods to create better connections between teachers and students, while helping students with individual concerns - developing positive self-image and self-worth, interpersonal skills, and post-secondary planning. We are working on curriculum writing and several collaborative teaching experiences. A guest artist is coming to work on drama activities with students in the introductory class, and students will be exploring the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and other art institutions in the upcoming weeks. The Humanities Academy also kicked off a program of all-academy assemblies. Tou Ger Xiong, a Hmong motivational speaker came to perform for our Humanities Academy students. This was a great success! We plan to continue with programs that are meaningful and appeal to student interest. Thank you for your support. English Language Learners News ELL level 3B, American Government, has been learning about the Constitution and the rights and freedoms that go along with it. A few days ago, those classes were privileged to have Ms. Netzke, an attorney, come and speak. She talked about the judicial system and the differences between civil and criminal courts. After her presentation, the students asked her numerous questions. Ms. Netzke was impressed with the interest level of the students. They now have a clearer understanding of the judicial system and how it fits into the Constitution. Homework Help Is your child struggling in school? Humboldt offers Homework Help every Monday and Thursday in the library from 2:15 to 4:15 PM. At this time, student will receive assistance in any subject from several talented teachers. They also will receive a snack and bus tokens too. To participate, students must arrive by 2:30. Yearbooks On Sale Now! Yearbooks are now on sale for $39. Personalized yearbooks (extra fee) payments/orders due by December 11. Yearbooks without personalization payments/orders due by January 28.
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