Messages from the Secondary Principal

Dear Parents, It was nice to see so many of you at the Academic Excellence awards ceremony last week. Students who earned Honor Roll status during the first semester of the 2023-2024 school year gathered in the Theater to be recognized and receive certificates. We believe it is important to recognize and encourage high grades as this is one way that colleges and universities evaluate potential for post-secondary success.  However, grades are only one indicator of success. One of the hallmarks of our program is our celebration of differences and encouragement of individuality throughout our school community. Each of our students has unique interests and aptitudes, and we strive to encourage and develop growth in a variety of ways. While some students are captivated by scientific discovery or logical reasoning, others may be passionate about artistic exploration, creative design, or dramatic exhibition. Our holistic approach to learning embraces a wide range of qualities and interest...

Dear parents, I hope you and your family had a relaxing long weekend. I imagine that I will see many of you this coming Friday during the Semester Honor Roll Awards Ceremony. This event recognizes those students who have high levels of academic achievement as measured by grades and their Grade Point Average (GPA). Strong grades are an important indicator of current and potential academic success, and we look forward to congratulating a large group of students this Friday. However, grades are not the only indicator of success. We are excited to have begun a new recognition program that considers several other important characteristics. We have just instituted monthly Middle School and High School assemblies during which students will be recognized with our new Cougar Award. Each month teachers will nominate a few students who show growth or excel in the areas of compassion, cooperation, commitment to learning, creativity, and cultivating relationships. While more difficult to measure, t...

Dear parents, Here is a recap of the emails that were sent home last week: When there is an absence: Contact Carolina Soliz, Secondary Assistant, by phone or email. She will notify the appropriate teachers.  Absent students are responsible for arranging for additional instruction and/or make-up work with their teachers upon their return. Teachers are available on selected days after school and will work with students to help them get caught up, but students must initiate and follow through with this. Students who plan to be absent for any reason are expected to complete a Pre-Arranged Absence Form. This requires that students have conversations with each teacher 2-3 days prior to the absence. Forms are available in the Secondary Office.  Keep in mind that our 70-minute classes meet only three times each week, so each absence results in a significant loss of learning time. Excessive absences for any reason may result in decreased grades or a loss of credit due to the lost learn...