The Tracker

PRINCIPAL MARTY LANG
 

Come join us Wednesday, December 7^th for the first annual Parent Teacher Student Organization General Membership Meeting.  The PTSO elected board has been hard at work building a strong foundation for this newly formed parent organization and they’re ready to share their progress and invite you into the PTSO’s mission: “To enhance the educational, social, emotional, and physical well being of our students through communication and cooperation among families, students, faculty, and administration.”
 
The meeting on December 7^th is open to members who signed up at parent conferences, those who’d like to join, and anyone who’s curious and wants to learn more.  I hope you’ll come hear about all the great ideas in the works! The meeting is in the ERHS library from 6:30 – 8:00pm.
 

 
As I’ve highlighted previously, this year we are undergoing a six-year recertification with the AdvancED accreditation organization.  As part of this process, AdvancEd requires us to collect feedback from 20% of our parents through a stakeholder survey.  We are 15 surveys short of our goal!  If you haven’t provided your feedback, I encourage you to do so no later than December 15^th.  We want your input!

 

 
As we finish up the semester, I want to wish everyone in our school community a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. Whether you’re traveling far and wide or enjoying a well-deserved rest at home, I hope your holidays are filled with the joy of the season. 

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL 
VIKKI MCCONNELL
Curriculum & Activities
 

Please provide encouragement for your children to do well and stay on top of their assignments for their classes.  Stay “Connected” with Zangle! https://parentconnect.asdk12.org
 
Student Schedules: 
2^nd Semester schedules will be distributed to students mid-December, and then counselors will be accepting course request changes.  Students will receive an updated schedule on Jan. 9^th and after that, students will have up to 10 school days to request a schedule change. However, many courses will already be filled by that time, so it’s best that students choose wisely in advance. As of January 23^rd, students are expected to complete the course in which they are enrolled.  Additionally, students are expected to complete both semesters of a yearlong class, especially in a core content area.  If you have questions or concerns about a possible academic misplacement in a yearlong class, please talk with the teacher and/or your son or daughter’s counselor.

Seniors!
Remember that Honors Graduation standing is determined by the seventh semester cumulative grade point average.  A 3.5 G.P.A. in January 2017 will determine whether or not you graduate with Honors.
 
Semester Finals
For your planning purposes, Final exams are scheduled for the 21^st and 22^nd of December, and are not given early. If you are leaving on vacation prior to ASD’s scheduled Winter Break, it is the student’s responsibility to arrange for a time to take a Final Exam upon their return. Please make sure a prearranged absence form is filled out and returned to the Attendance Office no later than three school days prior to leaving. Forms can be found in the Attendance Office. Make up exams will be administered after return from Break.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
 
Students participating in afterschool sports, clubs or activities are expected to be under the direct supervision of a coach/advisor.  Students must report to activities by 2:15 p.m. each afternoon.  Besides the various sports practices in season, students may also attend After-School Tutoring in the Library Mon.—Thurs. from 2:15—4:15, or work out in the Weight Room Mon—Thurs. from 2:30—4:00. We run a second bus for students who live on Base at 4:45 pm.
 
SPORTS and ACTIVITIES
 
Thank you to athletes, coaches and parents for a fantastic fall sports season. Winter sports have begun! Please make sure to check the ERHS website for all necessary paperwork, fees and information on sports physicals:
http://eagleriverhigh.asdk12.org/activities/athletics/
 
December 22^nd marks the end of 1^st semester, and the next grading period for Athletic Eligibility. 1^st Semester grades are used to determine academic eligibility for the latter half of the Winter Sports season. It is possible for a student to become ineligible during the season as a result. Students and parents may check academic progress weekly using Student and Parent Connect. Students should also seek assistance from teachers sooner rather than later to ensure a positive academic outcome to the conclusion of 1^st Semester.
 
COACHES END OF SEASON EVALUATION (FORM)

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL 
LUKE ALMON
Student and Staff Services

Greetings from the Student and Staff Services Office:

It is hard to believe, but we are nearing the end of first semester, and finals are just around the corner.  It is time to look back at the material covered throughout the semester, and then begin to plan for the last few weeks of class.  This includes planning for what needs to be done to make the most efficient use of time and to take advantage of strategies that will help limit stress and anxiety.

Students may consider the following checklist:

1. Consider writing down everything you can remember without relying on books, the Internet and other sources—this will give you an idea of what you already know, and of the gaps in your understanding, which can provide a clearer focus on what you need to study more.
2. Eliminate distractions, and study in shorter intervals of 30 minutes to 1 hour and take small 5-10 minute breaks to keep your mind fresh and increase your working memory.
3. Create a schedule and spread long term projects over several days to avoid last minute completion.
4. Get some exercise. It improves memory and allows you to focus more clearly when you do sit down to study.
5. Eat right and get enough sleep. Your study time will be more efficient as a result.

Although at first glance these five items may seem simple, and so obvious they don’t bear repeating, they are much more challenging to put into practice. That said, having a plan and attempting to follow it will make it more likely that all students are successful and arrive at semester break feeling they have taken full advantage of their opportunities.
 
Luke Almon
Assistant Principal