2010 Hutch High is a symposium for sophomores interested in biomedical research. It will be held at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Thursday, November 4th. Please see me if you are interested.
This is available to any senior who participates in at least one sport and is a leader in the school and community.
It is an on-line application due October 3, 2010.
The class of 2013 is under the new math requirements of the State of Washington. Starting with the class of 2013, these students must have 3 credits of math to graduate instead of the 2 currently required. Specific courses meet the requirement:
A third-year math must be rigorous and exceed the standards for K-8 math to be counted.
Students must also pass two end of course exams or a comprehensive exam (developed by the State) to graduate.
Students in the class of 2011 or 2012 still must have met standard on the HSPE or take (and pass) a math course every year standard is not met.) If you fall under this, be sure you are enrolled in a math class.
We have the opportunity this year to administer the ACT Explore. The Explore program is “designed to help 8th grade students explore the world of possibilities open to them, make the most of their opportunities in high school and beyond, and guide them as they start thinking about future educational and career opportunities.” In other words it lets them see their readiness for post high school. Using the results of the tests, students can take a more proactive approach to school and learning.
Watch for more information coming later.
The seniors will all be taking the COMPASS exam in October. This is a standardized test used by most community colleges in the state of Washington for placement. This test will be free to the class of 2011, saving them some money and a trip to Morton, but that’s only the beginning of the benefits of the COMPASS.
The COMPASS is a computer adaptive assessment that evaluates a student’s skills in five areas: reading, writing skills, writing an essay, and mathematics. Since it is a diagnostic test, it provides detailed information to identify specific areas where students may need help. I will go over the results with each senior. This will help students have a more focused approach to their learning and take a more proactive role in determining their needs in individual classes.
The COMPASS will be given again in the spring. Students can choose to have either score sent in to community colleges for placement.
This opportunity is made available through GearUp and is in cooperation with a study through the University of Washington.
“In the orchard of opportunity, it is better to pick the fruit than wait for it to fall.” -unknown
The guidance office is your resource at school. Remember the purpose of the guidance is three -fold:
In other words, if you need help with college, career, or just plain coping in high school, stop by.
The AC T and SAT are two four- year college placement tests. It helps four year colleges and universities decide admissions and once admitted, a student’s placement in courses.
It is recommended juniors take the exam (either ACT or SAT) once in their junior year and again early in the year. It’s also important that one prepares for the exam either at the official website, an online prep site, or using a book available in the guidance office. Remember, never take an exam you have not practiced.
The ACT will be give here at White Pass October 23 and December 11. Register online.
The 2010-2011 school year brings with it the opportunity for students to earn six credits toward the 24 needed to graduate for high school students.
All students need
Social studies requires students to receive credit in Pacific Northwest History, civics, World History, US History , and Contemporary World Problems.
The state math requirement has changed with the class of 2013. They will be required to have 3 credits of math to graduate (see the related article). Students who have yet to meet standard on the WASL or HSPE must take a year of math for each year they do not meet standard. This applies to juniors and seniors.
If a student fails a class or is otherwise denied credit, it puts him/her behind in the credit race. Please go over your student’s schedule with him/her.
“Diligence is the mother of good fortune” -Cervantes
It’s not to late to register for the summer High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE). This is for any student who did not meet standard in reading, writing, or math. The August HSPE schedule is as follows:
August 9-10 Writing
August 11 Reading
August 12 Math
If you would like to register, call 497-5816 ext. 306 or email me at bbarnes@whitepass.k12.wa.us and let me know your name and what test you will be taking.
Is your calendar marked for Friday, June 11 @ 7:00 pm for the White Pass High School graduation?
Seniors are being asked to arrive at 5:00 pm. Jostens (the photography company) will be here to take individual pictures of the graduates. These pictures will be available for purchase. Also, one picture will go into the graduating class photo display. Even if a student doesn’t want to purchase photos, the one for the wall is important as part of the graduating class and is free of charge.
Guests arriving before 7 pm will be able to watch a video of the graduates from their seats or in the commons area of the new school. Speaking of seating, seats on the floor of the gym are given to graduating seniors for their guests. Each senior can reserve up to ten chairs on the floor. The blocks of seats will be raffled off to the seniors. Each senior will be given a “map” of the seating floor plan with his/her seats designated so there is no question as to where guests sit.
This year, scholarships and awards will be announced at graduation. The seniors were told that if they received a special scholarship or award that I might not be aware of to let me know so we can honor them.
Hang in there, Senior Parents, it’s almost over. I will update soon.