Hope

Spring is my favorite time of the year.  After a long, cold, dark winter, (or two days of pure rain) the spring time starts to make me feel warm and renewed again!  Right now as the trees are blooming, grass is greening up and the flowers popping out of the ground, it is the perfect time to be reminded of the hope that we can share with others.   

Everyday, all of you provide hope to all of our students in so many ways:
* Utilizing research-based grading practices and academic supports that do not allow students to make the decision to fail.
* Learning how to implement brain-aligned classroom work by Lori Desautels helps students who have had so much trauma in their life shift their brains to the academic work - providing them with hope for learning.
* Utilizing Industry Challenges and engaging students in authentic learning opportunities provides students with a purpose and an opportunity to know they can learn when they are engaged!
* Loving, caring, smiling faces greet students each and every day, never giving up on the toughest student! 

Just like the warm sun and beautiful sights and smells lift our spirits; caring adults can lift up children and make an impact on their lives forever! 

Hope all of you had a wonderful long, Easter Weekend!


Important Information:

ISTEP Testing - 10th Grade students will continue with ISTEP testing this week for English!  Most of the testing will happen in the English classrooms, but there are a few changes.  Please find the link to the ISTEP schedule HERE.  Thank you for your flexibility and help during this important test!

ILEARN - ILEARN testing will begin the following week.  We will be finalizing the testing schedule very soon.  Below you will see a rough estimate of testing days and times.  ILEARN is a little tricky as it is an un-timed test, so we are doing our best to create a schedule.  Flexibility is going to be important as we move through the next couple of weeks together.  Again, we will post more information as soon as we get it. 
   Monday, April 29 - ELA Test 1 (Computer Adaptive), Periods 2-4
   Tuesday, April 30 - ELA Test 2, Part 1 (Performance Task), Periods 2-3
   Wednesday, May 1 - ELA Test 2, Part 2 (Performance Task), Periods 2-4

   Monday, May 6 - Math Test 1 (Computer Adaptive), Periods 2-4
   Tuesday, May 7 - Math Test 2 (Performance Task), Periods 2-3

Junior High Teams - Thanks to all of the teachers for their help in our Pinning Ceremony on Thursday.  I think it was a great first start.  I know we are all feeling our way through this, but it was nice to see the students excited.  This Thursday will be our first team meeting during WIN.  Janet was able to type up the teams for us, so I will be sending out your group lists on Tuesday.  I will also send a "suggested" agenda for your meeting time - but please know your creativity is welcomed!  Our goal is to get the students excited and working together as a team!  More information to come soon!

Ron Clark Movie - Even though Spring is really a busy time, I did have a few people respond back and say that they could watch the Ron Clark Movie after school on May 7th.  We will tentative set the movie for 3:10 - 4:40 p.m. in the high school library.  I think the movie is going to be great!  More information to come as we get closer to this date.  It is my goal to utilize some of Ron Clark's work in our junior high next year.  Everyone is invited! 

Junior Interviews - On April 25th and 26th, Mike Bishop has arranged for 12 individuals from the community to come in and interview all junior students.  Interviews will not only be great practice for students, but some students will be interviewing for the Work Ethic Certification and Internship positions for next school year.  Maria Sweat taught students how to create a resume and be prepared for an interview.   We will have a schedule for interviews posted by the end of the day on Tuesday. 

Signing Day - Perry County will be hosting a Signing Day on Wednesday, May 1st for students that will be going straight into the workforce after high school.  Signing Days have been gaining a lot of traction as we celebrate all aspirations and goals after high school.  Students that will be recognized have worked hard to position themselves to have full-time employment already lined up; many utilizing their internships as a spring board.  Invitations will be sent soon!

End of School Dates - Just a reminder to check the end-of-the year calendar.  You can find a link HERE.  There are many field trips, testing, etc. that will be starting soon! 

Suicide Training - Just a reminder that the 2nd option for Suicide Training will be Tuesday, April 30th from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. in the high school library.

Band Concert - Perry Central Band will host a concert on Wednesday, April 24th at 6:00 p.m. on the stage.  Come on out and listen to our awesome musicians!