December 2008 Braves Bulletin

STAR VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL A Newsletter for Parents and Students

December 2008

Braves Bulletin

HOW DOES STAR VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL MEASURE?

SVHS’s 2008 PAWS RESULTS Grade 11

Rigor

Relevance

(Scale: percent % at or above proficient)

Reading 85% (2008) 85.4% (2007) 84.9% (2006) The state average for Reading was 44% in 2008. Writing 89.8% (2008) 90.1% (2007) 86.8 (2006) The state average for Writing was 56.3% in 2008. Math 73.3% (2008) 70.2% (2007) 63.4% (2006) The state average for Math was 47.3% in 2008. Source: WY Dept. of Education, 2006-2007 Note:

Science was tested for the first time in 2008; hence, comparative data will not be available until 2009.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH PAWS? Schools across Wyoming and the nation are expected to improve each year, according to the No Child Left Behind federal law. This is typically referred to Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Each year, students at Star Valley High School take the Proficiency Assessments for Wyoming Students (PAWS), which is the assessment system developed by the Wyoming Department of Education in cooperation with Harcourt Assessment, Inc. The instructionally supportive design of PAWS presents a palette of information focusing on individual student growth and performance. Assessments in PAWS include reading, writing, math and science. Star Valley High School has made AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) every year since the beginning of state testing.

Academics

Bravely preparing for the everchanging world

Relationships

Activities

SVHS’s Vision: Bravely Preparing Students for the the Everchanging World through Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships in Academics and Activities.

Yeah, SVHS! WE’RE #1…….. WE’RE #1……... #1 SVHS GETS IT DONE! For the 2008 school year, SVHS was #1 in the state in reading and #1 in writing and #2 in math compared to schools the size (number of students) of SVHS or bigger! YOU COULD WIN AN IPOD OR AN ITUNES GIFT CERTIFICATE! You could be this month’s winner! Each student has two chances to win. Here’s how….. Chance #1: Take this newsletter home to your parent/ guardian. Read “The Braves Bulletin” with your parent/ guardian. Have your parent/guardian fill out the quick questionnaire that accompanies the information in “The Braves Bulletin.”

Chance #2: Take home the Child Identification Kit. Do the DNA test. Then f ill out the participation slip on the bottom of the form. Bring both papers: the survey that goes with “The Braves Bulletin” and the Child I.D. participation slip to Mrs. For 2008, 267 schools in Wyoming out of 354 made AYP which was a 21% decrease from 2007. “87 schools Hart’s office by January 16, 2008. Make sure that you write your name on both papers, so you have two chances to win. did mot make AYP this year, which compares with 22 schools not making AYP from the last year.” (Dr. Jim Good luck! Remember: The School Improvement team McBride, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, August verifies that your parent/guardian completed the 5, 2008). information sheets.

STAR VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

2008 ACT RESULTS

December 2008

ACTing Above the State

ACT Reading Results SVHS 22.9% State 21.8%

The ACT® test assesses high school students'

ACT English SVHS 21.9% State 20.1%

general educational development and their ability to complete college-

ACT Math SVHS 21.9% State 20.8%

level work. The multiplechoice tests cover four

ACT Science SVHS 22% State 21%

skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Since 2008 the

ACT Composite SVHS 22.3% State 21.2%

state administers the ACT to all students in the

Source: American College Testing Program

spring of the junior year.

SVHS’S ACT-TESTED STUDENTS READY FOR COLLEGE-LEVEL COURSEWORK

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College English Composition

SVHS State

88% 68%

College Algebra SVHS 49% State 41% College Social Studies SVHS 64% State 55% College Biology SVHS 32% State 27% Meeting All 4 Areas SVHS 25% State 21%

SVHS SETS GOALS The staff and administration at SVHS feels strongly about adequately preparing students for their futures. In order to be successful, students must learn information in many areas, and the faculty teaches a plethora of skills in academic and technical areas. During the past ten years, SVHS has focused on goals such as speaking, listening, writing, reading, and math. Presently, as the faculty at SVHS began researching the most effective goals to prepare students for the future, two target areas stood out: reading and math. One reason that SVHS selected reading and math goals is that competency in these two areas is essential to all students’ future success. Another reason for these two goals is that SVHS is required to set two goals as part of the North Central Accreditation process. (Accreditation is an on-going, extensive process of meeting standards, continuous improvement, and quality assurance demonstrated through an internal and external review).

Furthermore, reading and math are tested by the Wyoming Dept. of Education on the PAWS test and on the ACT examination. With all these reasons in mind, the faculty at SVHS has determined that reading and math will become the primary goals for teachers and for students for the next few years.

SVHS PLANS TO MEET GOALS Although SVHS students are doing very well compared to other schools in the state, the faculty wants all students proficient in areas essential to a student’s success. Hence, SVHS has adopted the following programs to help students in the crucial areas of reading and math. Reading Goal: All Students will improve in reading skills and in comprehension. In order to ensure that all students will improve reading skills and comprehension, SVHS has adopted the following programs: *Guided Reading Literacy Groups *Read 180 Program *Intensive English *Guided Practice/Peer Tutoring *Summer School *MAP Testing *After-School Tutoring

Math Goal: All students will improve in math and in problem solving skills.

MATH READING

To attain the goal of all students improving math and problem solving skills, SVHS adopted the following plan: *Intensive Math Courses *After-school Tutoring *Individual Learning Plans for at-risk students *Parent Meeting for at-risk students *Accelerated Math Program *MAP Testing *Summer School

STAR VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

December 2008

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BOOKS AND STUDENTS: CREATING BALANCED LITERACY S.V.H.S. Literarily Takes a Time Out for Balanced Literacy The research is clear: the more students read, the better they do in school and in the workplace. With this awareness of the benefits of reading, the school goal to improve students’ reading skills and comprehension, and the hope of creating increased literacy, Star Valley High School’s faculty collectively chose to implement a program called the Guided Reading, which has left some to ask “What’s all the buzz behind the books?” What is the rationale for this program? Research indicates that students who read higher-level books tend to have connections, and tolerance, and an awareness of others’ attitudes as well as the ability to attain and to maintain higher-level thinking skills. In addition, reading is tested on the ACT, PAWS, and many other tests and is one of the goals for SVHS. The staff members also strongly believe that students can achieve success in any subject with solid reading skills. To accomplish these goals, the high school embarked upon a program which combines both literacy education and high-interest books. How was the Literacy Block implemented? Four years ago, after the SVHS faculty received training from Sheryl Lain, a veteran teacher and the Reading Specialist for the State of Wyoming, and training from teachers with expertise in reading, the faculty chose a few of their favorite books to read with the “Teenagers [who] will read if they find pleasure in reading” (Jrnl of Adl/Adult Lit. Nov 2004). Then, once the books arrived, the magic of balanced literacy began. How does the Literacy Block work? Business as usual at Star Valley High School literarily stops, and the students and staff take a break from the world of academia and enter the worlds of Les Miserables, The Lord of the Rings, The Jurassic Park and the words of Brown, Grisham, and Meyer. Between first and second hours, students attend Guided Reading for 25 minutes. A tour through the halls of the high school would reveal teachers, administrators, counselors, and students collectively reading and discussing the intricacies and strategies of best sellers. What are the effects of the LIteracy Block? The benefits of reading in a sustained and a consistent program beyond the classroom texts are appearing. Teachers are noticing that students seem to understand human nature in various situations and to appreciate the awareness of others’ perspectives, backgrounds, and problems found in these books. The students at SVHS are also gaining reading rate, fluency, and retention, as well as the fundamental skills of sequencing, analysis, prediction, justification, decoding, inference, and more. Most importantly, however, is the idea that reading isn’t antiquated and outdated. As students read with all of the teachers from p.e. to math teachers, the students gain an awareness of the importance and relevance to reading.

Parent Teacher Conference We will be at SVHS on Tuesday, February 10th, and in the lower valley at Etna Elementary on Wednesday, February 11th.

SVHS Students Reaping the Reading Rewards

STAR VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

December 2008

4 GO CLUBBING

GETTING MORE THAN A DIPLOMA In an effort to create a rigorous and relevant curriculum for students, SVHS has the following college/technical courses to prepare the students for college or a for career. Biology 3 credits English 1010 3 credits (required for all college freshmen) English 1020 3 credits (required for all college freshmen) Physical Geology 4 credits Office Procedures 3 credits Spanish III 4 credits Spanish IV 4 credits Honors French I 4 credits Honors French II 4 credits Computer Information System 3 credits Desktop Publishing 1 credit Internet Web Design 2 credits Desktop Publishing 1 credit Drafting II, III, IV 3 credits CNA/CPR 5 credits Calculus I 4 credits Calculus II 4 credits American Sign Language 4 credits Machine Tool Processing 4 / 4 credits Ag Welding III 3 /3 credits For more information on courses, contact SVHS’s Counseling Office.

School resumes on Monday, January 5, 2009, which is a red day. This is the last week of the semester.

What’s a bored student to do when the winter gets too long? A student can fend off the “winter blues” or “cabin fever” by joining one of the many clubs at SVHS. In addition to wrestling meets, basketball games, and dances, there’s much, much more do to. Here’s a list of clubs and activities that can take your mind off the freezing temperatures and seemingly never-ending snow storms. What’s more, you might meet friends and have fun. When you participate in a club or an activity, you can build relationships and find relevance in your skills. RAD (Rise Above Drugs) FCCLA (Future Career and Community Leaders of America)

FHA (Future Homemakers of America) VICA (Vocational Industrial. Club of America) Dance Club: Swing, Salsa, Ballroom, and more NHS (National Honor Society) FFA (Future Farmers of America) NAC (National Art Club) Academic Olympiad Science Club Millionaires Club Music Groups: Singcopation, Trebble,



Concert Chorale

Music: Pep Band, Jazz Band, Blue Grass Speech and Debate Drama Rodeo Club Publications: Yearbook and Newspaper Musicals Plays For more information on clubs and activities, see Mr. Holyoak, Activities Director for SVHS.

SVHS IS A BUSY, BUSY PLACE On most nights and weekends, the parking lot at SVHS is full of cars. Go to

www.svhs.lcsd2.org

for events and activities.

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PAC--AN ESSENTIAL PART OF SVHS Star Valley High School’s parent advisory committee (PAC) is a committee consisting of administrators, teachers, parents, and other district personnel. The PAC meets the third Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. The main purpose of this committee is to promote two-way communication between the parents and the school and to work collectively to improve Star Valley High School. The school and district personnel try to keep the PAC members informed about a variety of things involving SVHS including: test scores & accountability, policies & procedures, school improvement efforts & accreditation, budget, activities & events, technology, staff evaluation & professional development, curriculum & instruction and various issues and concerns that may arise. The parent members of PAC bring concerns and ideas and give us input on many of the previously mentioned topics. In addition, the parent members of the PAC volunteer to organize and to assist with various activities throughout the year including; teacher appreciation week, “Braves in Action” service day, and Valentine’s Day distribution of flowers and gifts. The parents on the PAC are one of our most important links to all of our parents and the community as a whole. PAC members serve at the request of the administration or because they have a desire to be informed and contribute to the workings of Star Valley High School. The members represent all areas of Star Valley from Alpine to Smoot and everywhere in between. In addition to the regular members, guests are welcome to visit our meetings if they have a concern or special interest in a current topic. For more information feel free to contact the principal, Shannon Harris, at 885-3019 or at [email protected].

PAC--PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE for 2008-09 school year SVHS would like to thank the following parents for serving on the advisory committee. Claudia Baker Julie Buckley Christine Call Julie Challis Evelyn Coesens Amber Crook Dave Dunn Tara Haderlie Connie Lancaster Jerry Mower Kristi Nicoll Diane Palmer Mary Romine Chris Simpson Terri Webb

PLEASE JOIN THE PAC! SVHS invites parents/guardians to join PAC. Please contact Anita Harmon or Shannon Harris to join at 885-SVHS (885-7847) MRS. JOHNSON NEEDS HELP….?????? Star Valley High School is hosting a speech tournament on January 16th and 17th. Mrs. Robyn Johnson and the speech team needs help with this event. If you can spare some time and if you want to see some talented students, Mrs. Johnson would appreciate you help. We will be offering and will need help in the following events: *Lincoln Douglas Debate *Student Congress *Dramatic Interp *Humorous Interp *Poetry

*Oratory *Extemp

*Impromptu Mrs. Johnson will be holding a judging clinic on Wednesday, January 14th, at 6:30 p.m. in the library to teach how to judge. If you are interested or if you want more information, please contact Mrs. Johnson by phone at 885-7847

EXT 7266 or by e-mail [email protected]

The faculty and staff at SVHS hope that your holidays are happy and wish you the best for the new year.

STAR VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

December 2008 Star Valley High School’s Mission Statement (Proposed)

The mission of Star Valley High School and its stakeholders is to provide a safe, secure, respectful, and stimulating environment where all students will be engaged in a rigorous, relevant curriculum. Success will be measured through local, state, and national testing. All students will be challenged to become collaborative workers, effective communicators, and critical thinkers with problem solving skills. Their development will be fostered by positive relationships. All students will be guaranteed equal access to available resources.

Left to Right: Principal Shannon Harris, Activities Director Jamie Holyoak, Assistant Principal Shelly Cowell

Upon graduation, they will demonstrate personal accountability, become responsible citizens in a democratic society, and be prepared for the challenges of an everchanging global society.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL--SHANNON HARRIS

With the semester drawing to a close it is a busy time of year. We are well into the winter sports and activities, and things are starting to get busy once again. The drama students did well at their state competition, and the winter sports have already started. Drama students continue their treks to speech meets as well. We wish them all the best. Our music students have also been busy with competitions and concerts with many more to come before the holiday break. The Christmas break will begin at noon on December 23rd. Students will return on January 5th and finish the semester on Friday, January 9th. If your grades need attention please make use of homeroom and after-school-tutoring. The teachers are available and willing to help you if you will just come in. We thank all the parents who joined us for parent-teacher conferences in November. We had a nice turnout, and we appreciate your attendance to discuss your children with us. The next conferences will be held in February. We had a wonderful day on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and we so appreciate all the students who showed up and worked so hard to complete our many service projects throughout the community. We were able to complete all of the projects that Mr. Erickson and the student body officers had lined up for us; it was a great success! Thanks again for choosing to be a part of this day and giving back to the community. In closing I’d like to inform you of a special event coming up in January on the 15th. Dr. Allen Guelzo, a two-time Lincoln Prize Winner, will be in Star Valley to commemorate the Bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. An assembly will be held for the SVHS students the morning of the 15th. That same evening the community is invited to attend a dinner and presentation also at SVHS. Please watch for more information as this event is being sponsored by the Star Valley Arts Council & Lincoln County School District #2. In conjunction with this special presentation, an Abraham Lincoln art/ poetry/essay contest is currently underway throughout the district. For more information on the contest please contact the school at 885-SVHS(7847). Do you need a break from too much holiday, family fun? Come support the basketball teams! On December 27, the Braves play Bear Lake High Schoolwith the Frosh. Basketball team beginning at 2:15, followed by JV and Varsity B-Ball teams. On December 30, SVHS Basketball squares off against longtime rival Jackson High School. The games begin at 4:00.

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STAR VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

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SVHS RODEO CLUB During the 2007-08 school year, Brandon Sanchez and Candice Jensen started the Star Valley High School Rodeo Team, which focuses on supporting the sport of rodeo and the high school students who have that cowboy/cowgirl spirit and the skills. Currently, the Rodeo Club is working on a beginner/youth clinic scheduled for March 2009 at the Trail Ridge Arena in Alpine. This clinic will help youth in various events, such as barrel racing, roping, and working with roughstock. For more information, please contact Candice Jensen in room 243 at the high school or e-mail [email protected] You can also visit visit SVHS Rodeo Club’s website at

http://svhsrodeoclub.webs.com

A BIG

THANKS

Thanks for your input! SVHS would like to thank the parents who completed the survey about the school’s vision and mission statements in the last “Braves Bulletin.” Every survey has been read by teachers who work on the vision and mission statements. Parents/ guardians provided insightful information and suggestions. The teachers are using this information to improve instruction.

Top Row: Left to Right: Dawson Loveland, Lane Jensen, Zach Shapiro, Gavin Clark, Jasper Loveland Bottom Row: Left to Right: Advisor Candice Jensen, Nicole Wellard, Stevie Randall, Kristi Hulet, Hannah Burch

THE DRAMATIC RESULTS Drama students from SVHS attended the 2008 Wyoming State Drama Competition at Central Wyoming College in Riverton, WY Dec. 4, 5, and 6. Competing in both acting and technical theater events, students from the Drama 2 class competed against 600 other Wyoming high school students. The team, directed by Venice Lancaster, received several awards. They are as follows: Technical Theatre awards: Original Script 2 person scene - Jessa Kierstead 2nd place and All State, 1st year Publicity - Kyle Paxton 1st place and All State, Alan Izatt and Riley Drollette Honorable Mention; 1st Year Real Make Up - Jordan Ames All State; 1st year Fantasy Make Up - Shantell LeFevre All State; 3rd Year Fantasy Make Up - Nicole Krambule 3rd place and All State; 2nd year Costume Design - Jessica Cole 2nd place. Acting Events: Group Performance Art - Cassie Ricks Honorable Mention; Proscenium 1 Act Play Haylee Anderson All State, Riley Drollette and Kyle Paxton Honorable Mention.

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WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE? Students entering the job market will most likely make over $1,000,000 in their life time. The decisions that they make regarding how they control those one million dollars will determine whether they live a secure, happy life or a life full of debt and frustration. The SVHS Business Department is in its second successful year teaching the class titled “Millionaire’s Club.” Mr. Eberspacher, Mr. Simpson & Principal Harris came up with the idea for the new class. The course allows up to 46 students to enroll. Students are split into two groups. One group goes with Mr. E, the other goes with Mr. Simpson. At nine weeks, the classes “swap” teachers as each instructor covers different material. Students learn the key aspects of sound financial strategies to be successful in life. A few topics covered are Credit Card Usage, Stock & Mutual Fund Investing, Budgets, Car Purchases, Checking and Debit Card Accounts, Avoiding Scams (phishing & fake checks), Payday Loans, Wills, Insurance, Tax Forms, and the Importance of Giving. “Once graduated, these students have to grow up fast; this class gets them started on a firm financial base in order to make good money choices in the future,” stated Mr. Simpson. Local businessmen are often used as guest speakers in the classroom and at their business locations. Students also make annual Field Trips to Jackson Hole and Salt Lake City to enhance concepts learned in the classroom. Senator Mike Enzie visited SVHS in October and discussed the importance of classes like Millionaire’s Club which help bridge the financial literacy gap. When asked about the financial crisis we are facing in America, Enzi stated, “We are lacking financial literacy not only in the U.S. but also in the world.” BRAVE NEWS AROUND THE STATE (Reprinted with permission from the Casper Star Tribune.)

By MEGAN LEE, Star-Tribune staff writer Sunday, December 14, 2008 2:05 AM MST L.E. Schoenhals knows the true joy of being a volunteer. An avid doer-forothers her entire life, Schoenhals, an Alpine resident, found herself in a bit of need when the weather turned cold this year. Luckily, according to Star Valley Independent, a group of Star Valley High School students decided to help Schoenhals, not even realizing her history of volunteerism. They just knew she needed some firewood.

Members of the Millionaire Club visit the Jazz Arena in Salt Lake City. Students learned about marketing, job opportunities, and the business operations of the Utah Jazz.

As members of the Braves in Action organization, the western Wyoming youth participate in dozens of varied charitable activities. These activities can include anything from picking up trash from the school parking lot to hauling wood for elderly neighbors. And despite freezing-cold temperatures,

DON’T FORGET…. Make sure you have your parent/guardian fill out the questionnaire for “The Braves Bulletin” and the Child Identification Participation Slip. Return both of these forms to the Attendance Office by January 16 for a chance to win an Ipod.

If you have any suggestions, questions, or comments about “The Braves Bulletin,” please contact Melanie Robinson by phone 885-7847 (extension 7296) or by e-mail: [email protected]

25 Braves worked -- outdoors and indoors -- to make sure Schoenhals would be warm enough this winter. "I myself always gave; always helped," Schoenhals said to Star Valley Independent reporter Dahl Erickson. "Now I get the chance to see the other side of it and I've never realized what has to occur. I hope this goes on forever and ever." So much for the stereotypical selfish teenager.