Jr. / Sr. High School News

Newsletter – August/September 2008

   We hope everyone has been able to enjoy a beautiful summer.  The weather has been as nice as any I can remember in a long time.  However, as another school year quickly approaches, students and parents are encouraged to begin thinking about how to make the upcoming school year as positive as the summer months have been.
Students should come to school on the first day with the basic school supplies: paper, pencils/pens, and folders.  Students who are less organized should also have a three-ring binder that they carry to each class.  Teachers will discuss any additional supplies needed in any given class during the first day or two.
 
   Speaking of the first day, school begins on August 19, 2008.  The bells to begin and end the school day will remain the same with school starting at 7:50 and ending at 2:44.  The bell schedule during the day, however, has slightly changed with the addition of a twenty-three minute academic assist period between fourth and fifth periods.  The main purpose for this period of time is to allow students needing more individual help in any given class to spend extra time with the classroom teacher where he/she is struggling.  We also have other plans for academic assist, but the main purpose is to provide extra help.

   School officials are excited to announce that for the fifth time in the past seven years, Antwerp Local School is expecting an “Excellent” report card from the Ohio Department of Education.  Our students performed at a high level on the 2007-2008 state-mandated tests, thus paving the way for another year of the highest distinction.  As mentioned many times before, this high level of achievement is a combination of efforts from the students, teachers, staff, and parents.  Everyone plays a part in the success of our school.
 
   We anxiously await the beginning of the fall sports seasons.  Football practice for high school students begins on Thursday, July 31, while practice for all other high school teams begins on Monday, August 4.  Students wishing to participate on any school- sponsored athletic teams must first have a physical completed by a doctor, or they may not begin practice.  For more information regarding athletics, students and parents may contact our athletic director, Mr. Altimus, or they may contact the head coach of the sport in which they would like to participate.

   Communication between parents and the school is of the highest importance.  As in any area of life, rumors are everywhere.  If you hear something on the street and just can’t believe that it’s true, please contact someone at the school to get the facts.  In today’s technological world e-mail may be the most effective means of communication, especially between parents and teachers.  All staff members’ e-mail addresses are listed on the school web-site.  You are encouraged to keep open lines of communication with your children’s teachers, and e-mailing is your best bet.  For more serious situations, phone calls or face-to-face meetings may be necessary. 
ProgressBook will again be available for parents wishing to keep current tabs on students’ grades.  Passwords will go home early in the school year for this feature.  If you have trouble accessing your children’s grades through ProgressBook, contact the building secretary or our district technology coordinator, Mrs. Barnett.

   The school dress code remains nearly identical to past years.  At the July 2008 school board meeting, the board of education approved two minor changes in the dress code: One, students may not come to school with Mohawk-style haircuts; Two, students may use only tape, band-aids, or similar items to cover visible piercings other than on their ears.  Clear caps and hair are no longer suitable means for covering visible piercings other than on their ears.  As in years past, students are expected to wear clothes to school that do not cause an educational distraction.  Parents are strongly encouraged to play an active role in what their children where to school.  Discipline and following the board-approved code of conduct will continue to be of high priorities at Antwerp Jr./Sr. High School.  Parental cooperation concerning student behavior is greatly appreciated.

   If you have any questions concerning the upcoming school year, feel free to contact me at the school. 

    If you have any questions concerning your child(ren) at Antwerp Jr. / Sr. High School, contact Mr. Arnold at the school (extension 2101).