ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTOBER 2015 • PAGE 1 ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL 4333 John R Road Troy, MI 48085 248.823.2900 athens.troy.k12.mi.us October, 2015 Attendance Office 248.823.2901 Fax 248.823.2913 ATHENS ADMINISTRATION Dr. Lara Dixon, Principal Mr. Bob Dowd Assistant Principal, 12th Grade 9th Grade H - O Athletic Director Ms. Bettie Goss Assistant Prinicpal, 11th Grade 9th Grade A - G Testing / Special Education Mr. Bill Turner Assistant Principal, 10th Grade 9th Grade P - Z Student Services / Activities October 1, 2015 Dear Athens Parents and Students, Wow – Coming off a successful and spirited Homecoming Week and a great Open House has us in the right frame of mind to have a wonderful October. Our goal now is for students to continue to balance their academic and social pursuits as they seek challenges to take risks and learn deeply. Please let us know how we can help support and further our Red Hawk’s learning. Please also remember, A.S.A.P., our after-school tutoring (Monday-Thursday, room 1508 N) is a great way to receive in- dividualized help from both teachers and other students. As a recap from Open House, we want students to know that what they do here is important, and who they are is important. Our mission is Ensure learning today - inspire learning tomorrow. Our primary goal is to make certain students are good communicators and critical thinkers so that they have the foundation they need to be successful, in whatever way they determine success to be. To achieve this, our faculty is committed to helping students’ show deep thinking - committed to ensuring every student achieves more than one year’s growth in one year’s time. In May, we will hold a showcase, where we will measure, share and celebrate our success. Students and parents are an integral part of what we do, and you deserve both sup- port and up to date information and feedback. • We will use our Website to share information. As our website is getting a face- lift, we appreciate your patience with the transition. • We will also use email and twitter to share information and updates. • My handle is t@ldixon2. I use Twitter to celebrate daily life at Athens, as does our school handle @troy_athens. There is joy every day in our halls, and Twitter is one of many ways we can easily share a glimpse of what it is like to be a Red Hawk. • Our t@AHSCounseling highlights our Red Hawks, scheduling opportunities, resources such as our quick release (QR) scholarship links, and par- ent night information. • Class information (Syllabi, assignments, calendars and grades) will be shared via Schoology and HAC. These systems will provide many benefits for all, but with all new technology, there is a learning curve - for teachers, students, and parents alike. We will learn the benefits of these systems together, over-time. Thank you for your flexibility and patience. We love seeing parents in our school and at our events. Below are few highlights this month. • October 10th is our Marching Band Competition at Athens 3:30 – 9:30 p.m. • Our annual College Fair is Monday October 12th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. It will be the kick-off to a week of in-school events and activities aimed at supporting our students’ interest in and knowledge of post-graduate and collegiate endeavors. Details will be emailed and posted t@AHSCounseling. • Our next Parent Coffee is October 13th at 9:30 a.m. in the TACC (Troy Athens Conference Corner) Lounge. That evening, also in the TACC, is our PTO meet- ing at 7:00 p.m. where Superintendent, Dr. Machesky, will join us and present information on the upcoming millage renewal.
Transcript
ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015 • pAGE 1
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ATHENS ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Lara Dixon, Principal Mr. Bob DowdAssistant Principal, 12th Grade 9th Grade H - O Athletic Director
Ms. Bettie GossAssistant Prinicpal, 11th Grade9th Grade A - GTesting / Special Education
Mr. Bill TurnerAssistant Principal, 10th Grade 9th Grade P - Z Student Services / Activities
October 1, 2015
Dear Athens Parents and Students,
Wow – Coming off a successful and spirited Homecoming Week and a great Open House has us in the right frame of mind to have a wonderful October. Our goal now is for students to continue to balance their academic and social pursuits as they seek challenges to take risks and learn deeply. Please let us know how we can help support and further our Red Hawk’s learning. Please also remember, A.S.A.P., our after-school tutoring (Monday-Thursday, room 1508 N) is a great way to receive in-dividualized help from both teachers and other students.
As a recap from Open House, we want students to know that what they do here is important, and who they are is important. Our mission is Ensure learning today - inspire learning tomorrow. Our primary goal is to make certain students are good communicators and critical thinkers so that they have the foundation they need to be successful, in whatever way they determine success to be. To achieve this, our faculty is committed to helping students’ show deep thinking - committed to ensuring every student achieves more than one year’s growth in one year’s time. In May, we will hold a showcase, where we will measure, share and celebrate our success.
Students and parents are an integral part of what we do, and you deserve both sup-port and up to date information and feedback.
• We will use our Website to share information. As our website is getting a face-lift, we appreciate your patience with the transition.
• We will also use email and twitter to share information and updates.
• My handle is t@ldixon2. I use Twitter to celebrate daily life at Athens, as does our school handle @troy_athens. There is joy every day in our halls, and Twitter is one of many ways we can easily share a glimpse of what it is like to be a Red Hawk.
• Our t@AHSCounseling highlights our Red Hawks, scheduling opportunities, resources such as our quick release (QR) scholarship links, and par-ent night information.
• Class information (Syllabi, assignments, calendars and grades) will be shared via Schoology and HAC. These systems will provide many benefits for all, but with all new technology, there is a learning curve - for teachers, students, and parents alike. We will learn the benefits of these systems together, over-time. Thank you for your flexibility and patience.
We love seeing parents in our school and at our events. Below are few highlights this month.
• October 10th is our Marching Band Competition at Athens 3:30 – 9:30 p.m.
• Our annual College Fair is Monday October 12th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. It will be the kick-off to a week of in-school events and activities aimed at supporting our students’ interest in and knowledge of post-graduate and collegiate endeavors.
Details will be emailed and posted t@AHSCounseling.
• Our next Parent Coffee is October 13th at 9:30 a.m. in the TACC (Troy Athens Conference Corner) Lounge. That evening, also in the TACC, is our PTO meet-ing at 7:00 p.m. where Superintendent, Dr. Machesky, will join us and present information on the upcoming millage renewal.
pAGE 2• ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015
• We wish all juniors good effort and great results on their October 14th PSAT test (hours 1-3). The goal is not only to help students become familiar with the test prior to taking the state SAT test in April, but also to give everyone an opportunity to qualify as a National Merit Scholar, an accomplishment that typically comes with great collegiate options and financial support. That being said, the evening of the 14th, we will also celebrate our current senior National Merit Scholars at a 6:00 p.m. banquet. Congrats to these distinguished scholars!
• Parent Conferences are Oct. 22nd from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. We hope you can join us.
• If you haven’t yet had the pleasure, please consider taking your son or daughter to lunch at our recently re-modeled Terrace Café, which opens the end of October.
Wishing you a fabulous fall,
Lara J. Dixon, Ed. D.Principal Troy Athens High School248-823-2905@ldixon2http://athens.troy.k12.mi.us
The names of more than 16,000 semifinalists in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program were an-nounced in September. These academically talented high school seniors represent about half of one percent of each state’s graduating class. Semifinalists have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,200 merit scholarships, worth approximately $28 million, to be awarded next spring.
More than 1.5 million students in over 21,000 U.S. high schools entered the 2015 Merit Program as juniors by taking the 2015 Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of the large volume of entrants. Those designated semifinalists in each state are the top scorers who must now advance to the finalist level of the competition in order to be considered for merit scholarships. About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to become finalists, and all merit scholarship winners will be chosen from the group of exceptionally able finalists. Award recipients will be the candidates judged to have the greatest potential for success in rigorous college studies. Congratulations to the seven semifinalists who will have the opportunity to advance to the next level in the competition.
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
2016 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists Jiwoo Choe
Noshin T. KhanJonathan M. Li
Apurva R. VirkudEric Y. YuJeanna Yu
Commended Students in the 2016
National Merit Program
Zahin HussainJoyce S. Li
Pooja H. Shah
ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015 • pAGE 3
PICTURE RE-TAKE DAYKaiser Studios will be at AHS on Thursday, October 15th for picture re-take day.
If you were unhappy with your origi-nal pictures, please bring the picture packet back to school on the 10th in order to haveyour picture re-taken.
Also, if you haven't already had your I.D. card picture taken at the beginning of the school year, please be sure to do so on October 15th, as well.
October 13November 10January 12February 9
March 8 May 10
PARENT COFFEE DATES 2015-16
News You Can Use..................................PSAT EXAM
(Practice SAT exam)
The PSAT Exam will be administered to 11th
Grade students Wednesday,
October 14, 2015 During school hours, at
Athens
Qualifier for possible National Merit
program
PARENT TEACHER
CONFERENCES
Thursday, October 22nd
12:30 - 3:30 p.m.&
5:30-8:30 p.m.Auxiliary Gym
39th Annual TSD College Night T h e 39th Annual Troy School District College Night will be held at Ath -e n s H i g h S c h o o l o n Monday, October 12, 2015. The Guidance Department at Athens invites all high school students and their par-ents to attend this op-p o r t u n i t y t o g a t h e r inf o r m a t i o n a n d a s k q u e s t i o n s o f r e p -r e s e n t a t i v e s f r o m over 100 col leges and universities.
The fair will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There will also be individual sessions available with colleges who choose to do a 30-minute group pre-sentation. College Night is a great place to ask questions about specific schools and to learn about the many options one has after high school.
2015-2016 Newsletter Article Due Dates
ISSUE ARTICLES DUE November 10/15/15 December/January 11/23/15 February 1/14/16 March 2/17/16 April 3/17/16 May 4/17/16 June 5/15/16
pAGE 4• ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015
Visitor Policy ReviewedEvery year we have numerous requests from students and parents to have non-Athens students attend AHS for a day. With a Red Hawk population of over 1,550 students it is difficult to accommodate additional persons. We are proud of our faculty, facility, and programs but, regrettably, we cannot give permission for students from other districts to be here unless an emergency situation necessitates the visit. Non-students who want to see the building will have to do so after school hours. Neighbors or cousins who attend other schools and have free days from their school should plan other activities for the day.
Is your child interested in a career in education or working with children? Athens offers a Teaching Careers course that gives students hands on experience working in a preschool and elementary classroom. Stu-dents gain interpersonal and leader-ship skills while creating and imple-menting lesson plans for children. Not only can students understand the role of teachers they can also earn college credits while enrolled in the program. Students also have the opportunity to work in schools as a paraprofessional upon graduation after completing the course.
Amy Dent, Teaching Careers Instructor
Student Code of ConductThe "Rights & Responsibilites/Code of Student Conduct" may be found on the district's website at www.troy.k12.mi.us. It is suggested that both parents and students review this document.
MEDIA CENTER NEWSWebsite: www.troyathensmediacenter.weebly.com
Hours: Daily hours: 6:45 AM - 3:00 PM
Lunch: We are open A & C lunch unless a class is using the Media Center for research projects. Students can check the daily schedule posted on the door to see whether we are open or not. We are always closed B lunch since there is no adult supervision during that time period.
Questions about Media Center fines? Contact Mrs. Vought at [email protected]. Students can check their fines from home by logging into the library catalog.
Students - want to join our book club? Look for details on the Media Center website or see Mrs. Vought!
ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015 • pAGE 5
pAGE 6• ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015
Athens Counseling
REMIND For Students And Parents Sign up for Remind via text or e-mail to receive important reminders and information, specific to your graduating class.
Text the number 81010 with your corresponding class code. OR Send an e-mail (no subject needed) to the corresponding class e-mail.
Go to www.parchment.com and create an account to electronically request and send transcripts.
Simply scan the QR Code (below) with your smart phone or tablet to view a growing list of scholarships or click this link:
Scholarships
News• Students and their parents
should attend our College Night on Monday, October 12th(6:30-8:00 p.m.).
• Juniors should be researching and visiting colleges to narrow down their choices to the 3-5 schools they plan on applying to at the beginning of Senior Year.
• Freshmen will visit the Guid-ance Office in October to learn about our couseling services and meet with their counselor.
• Freshmen should seek help from their counselor if they are experiencing any personal or academic problems.
COSMETOLOGY INFORMATION NIGHT AT OSTCStudents interested in Cosmetology please attend the OSTC (Oakland Schools Technical Campuses) upcoming Cosmetology Information Night. It will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2015 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Attending this Information Night is vital for parents and potential students to hear and begin to understand the expectations of successfully completing the Cosmetology program.
Following Cosmetology Information Night, we hope parents and students return on the evening of Thursday, December 3, 2015 for our Career Night / Open House to see first-hand our current Cosmetology students in a Fan-tasy Hair/Make-Up competition, which is typically very popular for all visitors that evening!
Follow Athens Counseling on Twitter! t@AHSCounseling
ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015 • pAGE 7
College WeekOctober 12-16
MONDAY – College Conversation Day & Our 39th Annual College Night @ 6:30 PM
TUESDAY – College Quiz DayQuiz will take place 2nd hour during announcements.
The winning class will receive a bagel party!
WEDNESDAY – Career/Professional DayDress like the profession you would like to pursue!
(Please follow dress code)
THURSDAY – “I Applied” Day Seniors – Let everyone know where you applied by signing your
name on college banners in the cafeteria. Also, tweet @ahscounseling with the hashtag #iapplied and let us know where
you applied! One lucky tweeter will receive a college goodie bag!
FRIDAY – WHO ARE YOU ROOTING FOR?UofM vs. Michigan State
Rivalry Day!
pAGE 8• ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015
UPCOMING COLLEGE VISITS10/5 at 12:15pm – Loyola University Chicago
10/6 Central Michigan University ON-SITE ADMISSIONS10/7 at 12:30pm – University of Chicago
10/8 at 9:30am – Hope College10/12 at 9:30am – Wayne State University10/13 at 1:15pm – Cornerstone University
10/15 at 1:15pm – Michigan State University10/20 Western Michigan University ON-SITE ADMISSIONS
11/3 at 12:15pm – Kalamazoo College11/5 at 9:30am – University of Michigan FLINT
11/12 at 12:15pm – Northern Michigan University
Reminder to students: Pass from hour teacher is required to
attend presentation.
ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015 • pAGE 9
On-Site College Admissions
October 6 Central Michigan
University
October 20Western Michigan
University
A college representative will meet with students individually to review their application and to interview the student. At the end of the visit, the student will be told whether they have been accepted, denied or deferred. Print application from individual col-lege. Application, fee, and ACT scores are due to Mrs. Sparbeck in the Coun-seling Office ASAP. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come-first serve basis.
NCAA Eligibility Division 1
16 Core-Course Rule16 Core Courses:
• 4 years of English
• 3 years of mathematics. (Algebra 1 or higher)
• 2 years of natural/physical sci-ence (1 year of lab if offered by the high school)
• 1 year of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science
• 2 years of social science.
• 4 years of additional courses (from any area above, world language or nondoctrinal religion)
foR MoRE iNfoRMATioN, ViSiT THE
NCAA ELigibiLiTY CENTER
www.ELigibiLiTYCENTER.oRg
FINANCIAL AID NEWSFINANCIAL AID
• January – all seniors who want to be considered for financial aid for college must complete the FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
• FAFSA cannot be completed un-til January of Senior Year (2015 tax information).
• FAFSA information can be found at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
Mark Your Calendars-fiNANCiAL AiD NigHT JANUARY 11, 2016 @ Athens High School
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
• When accepted to a university, many schools will automatically notify you if you qualify for an academic scholarship.
• Upon completing the FAFSA (Jan/Feb), schools that have accepted you will send you a financial aid statement (March/April).
• The financial aid statement will include scholarships/grants and possible parent and student loans.
PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIPS
• We have listed many of the scholarships that our students may qualify for on our school website under "Counseling".
• This year’s information will be added as received.
• Daily announcements list schol-arships with upcoming dead-lines.
• There are websites to help search nationally (i.e., fastweb.com).
ATTENTION CLASS OF 2016:Prestige will be at Athens in the Auditorium Lobby on October 22nd from 1:00-7:00 p.m. to take a free "quick shoot" Senior Picture for the Composite/Year-book. If you did not have your senior picture taken by Prestige, you will not be in the Senior Composite. Therefore, if you would like your picture in the Senior Composite or if you would like a picture for the yearbook, this is your opportunity to have your picture taken for free by Prestige. See Mrs. Ohlert in the AP Office if you have any questions.
SENIOR PANORAMICThe senior panoramic picture will be taken on October 23rd at 7:45 a.m. in the main gym.
News for Seniors.................................
pAGE 10• ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015
wHAT? wHEN? How MUCH? MANDAToRY? Senior portrait Aug. - Nov. $150 + NO One Shot picture for Oct. 22, 2015Composite / Yearbook - Free 1:00-7:00 p.m. FREE NO Senior panoramic photo Oct. 23, 2015 $20-$25 NO College Application Fee Fall-Winter $30-$50 YES Senior Class Momentoes (T-Shirt, Coffee Mug, etc.) Sept-June $50 + NO Yearbook Oct. - May $75 + NO Announcements Fall Approx. $1.25 each NO YESCap & Gown October Approx. $28 (to participate in ceremony)
prom May 7, 2016 $250 + (ticket/attire) NO All-Night party June 6, 2015 $60 thru 12/23/15 $70 thru 6/7/16 NO (but a good idea) $85 cash only at door
This last year at Athens will be an exciting and event-filled one for you and your 12th grader. It also can be an exhausting and expense-filled year, as well. “First-timers", especially, find the numerous costs associated with getting through this last year of high school staggering. So, for your information, the following is an overview of many senior expenditures. It is far from complete, but does cover major events. All fees are approximations.
Attention Parents of Seniors:
10/25/15 Senior Panoramic Photo
10/30/15 Senior Picture Deadline for Yearbook 1/11/16 Financial Aid Workshop 7:00 p.m. 5/7/16 Prom - Andiamo's - Warren
5/31/16 Last Full Day of School for Seniors
6/1/16 Hours 1,2,3 - SENIORS ONLY
6/2/16 Second Semester Exams, Hours 4,5,6 - SENIORS ONLY
6/3/16 Second Semester Exams, Hours 1,2,3 - SENIORS ONLY
TBA Senior Picnic, 11:00 a.m.
6/7/16 Commencement Practice, Cap & Gown Distribution, 9:00 a.m.
Students should watch for posted announcements regarding the sport of their choice. Don't forget to have your physical and emergency cards
Winter Sports Start Dates
2015-2016 Fall Sports Schedule
Please place www.oaklandactivities-assoc.org on your computer favorites list to receive up-to-date information regarding Athens Red Hawk sports’ teams – events, times, locations, maps to away games, etc. This site will answer all your questions as well as provide you with current schedules for all of our teams. Please plan to cheer on the Red Hawks at one or more of our scheduled contests. Go Hawks!
Attention Students/Parents "All Events -
Athletic "A" Pass"**Last Chance to Purchase"
October 15th is the last picture ID re-take day. Purchase your Athletic “A” Pass from the Athletic Department prior to or on October 13h. Make your check payable to TSD. Forms are available in the Assistant Principal’s Office. The cost is $45.00 for a Stu-dent Pass and $65.00 per one Par-ent Pass or $95.00 for two passes for the 2014-2015 school year. Passes are good for admittance to THS home games also. If you are replacing a lost ID card, the cost is $5.00.
Travel Athletic TeamsAs we begin a new school year, it is important to restate the policy dealing with Athens' students who are also members of athletic teams outside of Athens. If your student has to miss school due to competitions involving these programs, they can be excused, but not exempt. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Dowd, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at 248.823.2933.
WINTER SPORTS MEETING FOR PARENTS,
ATHLETES AND COACHES WILL BE HELD IN THE MAIN GYM - MONDAY,
NOVEMBER 30 AT 7:00 P.M.
A Plea From A Youth Athlete To Adults (Author Unknown)As a parent, when I read this it made me sit back and think. I can still remember hearing my father and mother, and at times mom was much louder, yelling for me to keep playing hard and next time. I think that I heard “you will get him next time” more than my name. I can also remember hearing other parents screaming at their son or another player or the coach about what a bum they were. It would make me cringe. As I grew older and played at different levels, it was always a comfort to know that my parents would continue to en-courage me to work harder, to improve, but also that I did my best.
Those conversations continued through my days coaching high school sports with weekly phone conversations on Sundays. Those con-versations happened up to the time my father passed away. I remember them still today and they make me smile. The impact that we can have on our children is so great, the conver-sations that we will have they will remember for all their days, we can control if they will be remembered fondly or just remembered. Take my word for it; it is much better to have them remembered fondly.
News from the Athletic OfficeHockey is Back at AthensThis coming season, Athens and Troy High will have a cooperative team. The home rink is the Troy Sports Center. Troy High will be the host school and questions can be di-rected to Mr. James Johnson at 248 823 2732.
pAGE 12• ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015
More News from the Athletic OfficeHere is some reading that we all should see and something that all parents and student athletes should know. This is why our children should be involved in as many sports as they can. The specialization of athletics is causing major injuries and burn out in young people.
Can I tell you something? One of the biggest problems that orthopedic surgeons, athletic trainers, physical thera-pists, and college coaches are seeing among high school athletes is specialization. What are they seeing – over-used and injured ligaments (more ACL surgeries at younger ages, more Tommy John elbow surgeries), burn out of athletes, and more angry parents. Below is a chart that has been provided by the NCAA, detailing the participation of student athletes, the number of high school athletes, then the number that move forward to the professional ranks. I think that we all would be better off if we could.
Probability of Competing Beyond High School
There are more than 460,000 NCAA student-athletes, and fewer than two percent will go pro in their sports. For the rest, the experiences of college athletics and the life lessons they learn along the way will help them as they pursue careers in business, education, athletics administration, communications, law, medicine and many more fields. Education is a vital part of the college athletics experience, and student-athletes treat it that way. Overall, student-athletes graduate at higher rates than their peers in the student body, and those rates rise each year.
The chart below shows the probability of competing in athletics beyond high school – both college and profession-ally. These percentages are based on estimated data.
Men's Women's Men's Men'sStudent Athletes Basketball Basketball Football Baseball Ice Hockey SoccerHigh School Student- Athletes 538,676 433,120 1,086,627 474,791 35,198 410,982
High School SeniorStudent-Athletes 153,907 123,749 310,465 135,655 10,057 117,423
Percent High School to NCAA 3.3% 3.7% 6.5% 6.8% 11.3% 5.7%
Percent NCAA to Professional 1.2% 0.9% 1.6% 9.4% 0.8% 1.9%
Percent High School to Professional 0.03% 0.03% 0.08% 0.50% 0.07% 0.09%
ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015 • pAGE 13
pAGE 14• ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015
ATHENS THEATRE COMPANY Fund raiser:
A HAUNTED HOUSE
October 30th & 31stAt Athens High School• Entrance at the garage door on the half circle drive• $5.00 at the door
Official School VendorsEach year we receive inquiries regarding official AHS suppliers. Athens has contracted with the following vendors for specific goods and services for the school year.Senior Pictures - Prestige (248) 548.7660Underclass Pictures - Kaiser Studios (248) 619.9119Senior Announcements & Caps/Gowns Balfour (248) 689.4445Class Rings Graduate Services/Herff Jones (734) 699.4757 The free enterprise system forbids us from demanding that you purchase goods from these companies. However, we encourage you to patronize them since all AHS students receive support f rom these suppl iers for school publications, senior events, and all school activities.
ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015 • pAGE 15
Athens High SchoolStaff Member of the Month Nomination Form
A committee of Athens staff members invites parents, former students, and fellow staff members to recognize the wonderful contributions of those who work each day to make Athens a special place for kids. Nominations with accompanying rationale should be submitted to Mr. Turner in the Athens AP office.
Nominee:
please write a description detailing why the staff member should be nominated.
Rationale:
Submitted By: Staff Member Parent
Former Student Other
pLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO THE Ap OFFICE
pAGE 16• ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015
Troy School District will continue the “Pay to Participate” program for athletics, clubs and intramural activities for the 2015-2016 school year. The district will assess a fee to those students participating in interscholastic athletics (Grade 7-12). In addition, a separate fee will be assessed to students (Grade 6-12) who participate in intramural and/or club activities.
The parameters of this program include the following:
IMPORTANT PAYMENT NOTICE:
• Payment for participation in high school and middle school sports is due following team try-outs (approximately one (1) to two (2) weeks after the start of practice). The coach will announce the date the fee is due. The attached Pay to Participate form should be turned in to the coach or an authorized Athletic Department representative for your student’s sport. The fee must be processed through Payschools, available through the TSD website link www.troy.k12.mi.us.
• A $175.00 per sport fee (1st and 2nd sport) will be assessed per high school athlete for the 2015-16 school year.* The payment is made through the “athletics link” on Payschools only. If you are unable to make a payment through Payschools, please contact the TSD Athletic Office at 248-823-5154 to make arrangements to drop off your payment.
• A $75.00 per sport fee (1st and 2nd sport) will be assessed per middle school athlete for the 2015-16 school year.* The payment is made through the “athletics link” on Payschools only. If you are unable to make a payment through Payschools, please contact the TSD Athletic Office at 248-823-5154 to make arrangements to drop off your payment.
*A maximum $600.00 fee per household/per year for athletic participation, applies to those families who have multiple students participating in your home.
• A $50.00 fee will be assessed for high school and middle school students participating in clubs or intramurals for the 2015-16 school year.* This payment is made through the “individual link on your school’s website” for Payschools. If you are unable to make a payment through Payschools, please contact your home school office to make arrangements to drop off a payment.
*A maximum $100.00 fee per household/per year for clubs and/or intramurals applies to those families who have multiple students participating in your home.
Pay to Participate Programfor Athletics/Clubs/Intramural Activities
ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015 • pAGE 17
• Participation Fees will be assessed one time annually.
• A student MAY NOT participate in a scrimmage or contest, intramural or club related activity, until the completed contract has been received by the club sponsor, coach or Athletic Director and all partici-pation fees have been paid. These fees are payable through Payschools. NO CHECKS SHOULD BE GIVEN TO COACHES.
• A reduction in the “Pay to Participate” athletic fees will be available to students with financial hard-ships. Participants in the Troy School District Free and/or Reduced Lunch Program will qualify for this reduction. All information is kept confidential.
If you have been approved for the Free Lunch Program, you will receive credit for the athletic team(s) you participate in for the 2015-16 school year. If you are approved for the Reduced Lunch Program, you must pay 25% of the “Pay to Participate” fee.
Please “check” the “Request for Waiver” box on the Athletic Participation Fee, Transportation Agree-ment and Letter of Understanding form. The form should be accompanied by a completed Free and/or Reduced Lunch Program form and a Sharing Information with Other Programs form to apply for the reduction in the “Pay to Participate” fee. These forms are available at the High School’s Main Office, the Administrative Office, the Athletic Office or the Food Service Office. Mail/send the forms to the following address:
Troy School DistrictFood Services Department
Attention: Gayle Moran4420 LivernoisTroy, MI 48098
• There are NO REFUNDS of a “Pay to Participate” fee which has been paid unless the student athlete suffers a season ending injury prior to mid-point of the season, which precludes them from par-ticipating in one-half of the regularly scheduled contests. A medical authorization letter from a physician must accompany any such request. Requests for refunds should be made to the Athletic Department at (248) 823-5154 before the mid-point of the season.
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ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015 • pAGE 19
pAGE 20• ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015
Reservations: Call 248.823.2923Tickets:$10 Adults $7 Students $5 Seniors
November 20, 21 8:01 pm
November 22 3:01pm
Student Matinee - Monday, November 23
8:10 am.
ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015 • pAGE 21
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Athens Band Boosters NewsMarching Band Invitational at Athens - October 10Looking for a great family night outing? Join the Troy Athens Red Hawk Marching band October10 as they welcome 17 awesome march-ing bands from southeast Michigan to perform their competition shows at this Michigan Competing Bands Association (MCBA) festival. The Red Hawk Marching Band will per-form its 2015 show entitled “Blast Off: An Adventure in Space” which takes the audience on a spectacular journey from an everyday backyard into the starry night skies.
The 7th annual Troy Athens March-ing Band Invitational will begin at 3:45. Doors will open at 2:45. Tick-ets will be on sale at the gate at the Athens stadium. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for students and se-nior citizens. A variety of delicious food items will be available for pur-chase at the concession stand and bake sale booth.
AHSMB Takin’ it to the Subdivision Streets for HalloweenThe Red Hawk Marching Band will be marching in costume through the streets of Golf Trails and Stoneridge subdivisions on Sunday, October 25 to join residents of these neighbor-hoods in celebrating Halloween. At the conclusion of each parade the band will perform the music from their 2015 competition show.
Calling All CraftersCrafters’ applications are now being accepted for the 25th annual “Festival Art and Craft Show” which will take place on Saturday, December 12 at Athens High School. This venue proved to be very popular with both craft-ers and shoppers alike for the past two years. Last year the Athens bands hosted over 200 crafters. Space is limited so be sure to reserve your table now! Please visit www.athensband.com and check out the craft show link for more information.
25th Annual "Festival Art & Craft Show"
Saturday, December 12thAthens High School
ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015 • pAGE 23
The Sheets are Back!The very popular sheet sale fundraiser is back! These ultra soft, 1600 count microfiber sheet sets are available in your choice of ten colors and come in twin, full, queen, king, and new for 2015, California King sizes. At only $37.00 per set they are a great deal. Also new for 2015 are extra pillow case sets (standard or king) for only $12 per set of two. Customers who have tried these sheets keep coming back for more! See your favorite band student for more information or check out the band website.
Pink Flamingos Still in Town!It’s not too late to surprise someone with a yard full of friendly pink flamingos this fall. The Troy Athens Band Flock-A-Yard fundraiser continues until the snow arrives and the birds head south. Aided by the Troy Athens Band, flocks of pink flamingos secretly land in a yard under the cover of darkness. They come complete with care instructions for the “flockee” and informa-tion on how to send the flock somewhere else. Don’t worry: professional flamingo handlers will remove the flock within a day or two.
This fundraiser helps support the Troy Athens Band program which includes campus, concert, symphony, jazz, marching band and winter guard pro-grams. For more information on Flock-a-Yard or the Athens Band, please visit www.athensband.com.
October
3 Competition at Novi
10 MCBA/Athens Invitational at Athens
16 Athens/Troy High Game with Drum Off
17 Milford Competition at Lakeland
24 Competition at Clarkston
25 Halloween Parades
31 Competition at Huron Valley
November
7 State Finals at Ford Field
11-14 BOA Grand Nationals in Indianapolis
Support the Athens Bands with AmazonSmileAre you looking for an easy way to support the Athens bands from the comfort of your own home? Shop at AmazonSmile and Amazon will make a donation to the Troy Athens Band Boosters. You simply need to designate TABB as your organiza-tion of choice. More information and a link to AmazonSmile is available at www.athensband.com
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ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015 • pAGE 25
"" ""orchtoberfest" October 19th 7:00 pm
Yates Cider Mill Field Trip! Friday, October 9, right after schoolWe will be heading to Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills for cider, doughnuts and other delicious treats at this area treasure. Parents are needed to accompany us and enjoy the fun. Contact Ryan Quinn for details ([email protected])
AOPA (Athens Orchestra Parent Association) Meeting, Tuesday, October 13, 6:30-8:30, Troy Athens Media CenterWould you like to lend a hand and work with some of the best kids around? AOPA needs parents to fill board positions as well as volunteers for programs throughout the year. Our meetings are the second Tuesday of most months. Come to the meeting this month to learn about plans for the year and see where your talents can be used.
Mark your calendars! Orchtoberfest is Monday, October 19th at 7PMOrchtoberfest is the Athens Orchestras’ student written production. The theme, as is tradition, is a secret, but this is always fun and filled with surprises as well as great music performed by our fantastic students. Refreshments will be available after the concert. Admission is free. We hope to see you there!
Orchestra Students in the SpotlightOur orchestra students tend to be an active group in extracurricular activities. Some use their talent to participate in music programs/groups outside Troy Athens, some are active in theater and others in sports. Whatever you can imagine there is probably an orchestra student who is involved.
Emily Lin is on the Athens’ Varsity Golf Team and is a volunteer in the weight room.
ben Eidt composes music and is currently working on a violin concerto. His work will also be performed as part of Orchtoberfest.
Support AoPA (Athens orchestra Parent Association)AOPA provides scholarships to students as well as supporting the work of the Troy Athens Orchestras. If you would like to become a member of AOPA and make a tax deductible donation then please complete the membership form and return it to Ryan Quinn at Troy Athens. We appreciate your donation!
Athens Orchestra News (AOPA)
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ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA PARENT ASSOCIATION ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL,
4333 JOHN R, TROY, MI 48085Membership Form
2015-2016 We encourage you to support the Athens Orchestras by joining AOPA (Athens Orchestra Parent Associa-tion). Your contribution helps provide the enrichment of our students through scholarships. The following donation levels are tax deductible. Please make your check payable to AOPA and return it with this form. Membership in AOPA also makes your student(s) eligible to apply for AOPA scholarships.
ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015 • pAGE 27
ATHENS ATHLETIC BOOSTER
NEWS
Coach's Corner
what are you looking forward to this season?
For the runners to improve, learn, and have a priceless experience with the Cross Country team.
How have you prepared for the year?
Lots of summer running and team building. The kids are very close and have a unique common bond of dis-tance running.
How has team training changed from last yar?
We held our first summer camp in Gaylord this yar. It was very good for the runners, parents and coaches.
what is the most important team tradition you perform?
Probably our huddle cry, before the race begins. We use the same one from the mid-90's. It is from the teen-age mutant turtles: "COWABUNGA, GO HAWKS!".
what keeps you motivated?
The sport itself. It's a healthy one, and encourages a healthy lifestyle. We are movtivated by the strong competition in the tri-county area.
who do you coach with?
Assistant coach, Shawn DuFresne.He is a vital part of our success as a team for the last twenty years.
It Takes a Team!
At most games and competitions hosted by Athens, the boosters pro-vide food and drink at the conces-sion stand. It is an all volunteer staff made up of members just like you.
• October 5, 2015• November 2, 2015• December 7, 2015
In this issue, we spoke with Cross Country Varsity Head Coach, Mike Stallsmith:
what is the best way parents can suppport their student athlete?
Love 'em and support em, no matter the outcome. Teens are out there to learn and grow, not to win races.
Deadline for Booster Membership is NearOctober is a crucial month for boost-er members who are interested in applying for scholarships and gratns for their student athelete. Last year, the boosters awarded $4,500 in grants to freshmen through junior students who met the criteria. In-dividual grants are given to encour-age student athletes to participate in camps or training programs that support their development in a cho-sen sport. Seven $500 scholarships were given to seniors in 2015. Up-per clasmen who qualify can use the money toward their higher educa-tion pursuits. Inorder to ensure all potential candidates fulfil the neces-sary steps, the October meeting of the boosters will focus on scholar-ship/grant applications forms. This is the time to bring your questions and concenrs and have them ad-dressed by board members.
Next meet is on October 5th at 7:00 in the teachers' lounge at Athens.
During the 2014 to 2015 school year, the boosters raised almost $30,000. The majority of the money came from concession sales.
In addition to scholarships/grants, the boosters provide funds for team training programs, fees and equip-ment.For a few hours of our time, you have an opportunity to do a lot of good for out student athletes.
Sign up to volunteer at athenssath-leticboosters.com.
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Thank you to the 300 plus TEST DRIVERS and volunteers who attended the Friday, Sep-tember 25th Drive 4UR School sponsored by Ford Motor Co., Elder Ford and the Athens PTO. We believe we have met our goal for this fall event. We lose a small percentage for duplicate households or form legibility normally when Ford confirms the count.
Thank you to the Homecom-ing dance volunteers. You are so appreciated! It was such a wonderful fun event to work and the students were great.
Make sure you watch your email for “Sign up Genius” for additional volunteer opportu-nities that not only give you the opportunity to help at Ath-ens but also count towards your student’s scholarship application.
Target has awarded Athens $3,146.00 for our annual check from the members who have designated Athens as their Tar-get School for Education. Thank you for your help. Please con-sider designating Athens, it only takes about 2 minutes to com-plete at www-secure.target.com/redcard/tcoe/home . You will still receive your 5% cash back as well for your purchases. If we had 25% of the school or 400 members we would receive over $8,000 a year towards your children’s education. With no ex-tra cost to you.
who we are: The Athens Par-ent Teacher Organization (PTO) is comprised of parents, teach-ers and administrators who work together to raise funds, provide volunteers, and organize events.
what we do: We provide volun-teers and financial support for all kinds of events including student clubs and activities, All Night Par-ty, Prom, and much more. Stu-dents whose families are mem-bers may apply for senior and underclassmen scholarships, and we provide teacher members with enrichment scholarships. The PTO is the only organization that provides for all Athens stu-dents.
How to join: If you have a stu-dent at Athens, you may fill out the Athens PTO Membership Form and submit the form along with $15.00 dues to the Athens PTO mailbox (or the PTO table during registration). You will re-ceive a Student Directory as part of your membership which can be picked up at Open House. Ad-ditional directories may be pur-chased for $5.00 each. Member-ship is open until October 31, or 60 days after your student begins attending Athens.Teachers complete the Teacher Membership Form and submit with dues to Athens PTO mail-box.
when we meet: We meet the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Staff Lounge (across from the back doors, of the cafe-teria). We do not meet in Decem-ber, meeting dates for the 2015-16 school year are:
october 13November 10 January 12february 9
March 8 April 12 May 10 June 14
Welcome to Fall, Red HawksFrom Your Athens PTO
How to help: The PTO has sev-eral volunteer opportunities; see the Athens Newsletter for vol-unteer event dates and times or once a member you will receive an email from Sign up Genius. Join with a small $15 fee, volun-teer as your schedule per mits, Test drive September 25th, as-sign your Target card to Athens Target for Education.
Visit the PTo at http://athensp-to.weebly.com/index.html
ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015 • pAGE 29
The Athens Senior All Night Party Committee would like to thank everyone who donated to the success of the 2015 party. Whether you donated your time at the party, money or merchandise, we would like to sincerely thank you for helping to make the 2015 party a success. We could not have done it without your con-tinued support!
Help Plan the 2016 Party
Underclass Parents are needed to join the Committee that plans the Senior All Night Party, learn the ropes to carry on this great tradition. There are a few committee positions still available - please consider attending our next meeting taking place on Wednesday, October 14th at 7 pm in the Media Center and learn about these positions and what we’re all about-this party doesn’t happen without parent participation and support from all classes. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our chair at [email protected].
**************************************************************************************************The Athens Senior All Night Party is held the night of graduation and starts at 10:00pm. Your new Alumni are let out approximately 5:30am. Only graduating seniors may attend. It is the perfect, safe celebration after an important and emotion-filled day. The party is filled with games, entertainment, prizes, food and much more.
This event is only possible with parent participation through the volunteer efforts of parents from all classes at Athens High School and is fully financed by ticket sales and donations. (Regardless of what your student tells you, you will not be in their way!)
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We need volunteers to set up and decorate the Friday evening before (3pm -10pm & food provided) and volun-teers to work the night of the party. We have two shifts: 9pm-1:00am and 12:30am-4:30am (take down). Please consider 2nd shift, it is after all, an “all night party”!
Tickets are available for purchase at Open House or November Conferences. Or, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope with payment to: Athens Senior All Night Party Tickets, 4333 John R Rd., Troy, MI 48085. To pur-chase your ticket throughout the school year, please bring this form to the MAIN OFFICE. Or, email [email protected] with your questions.
We will have an “Early Bird” drawing for tickets sold through our first meeting in October. The winner will be refunded the price of their ticket. Encourage your senior to buy their ticket early! Ticket prices are $60 through December 31, 2015. Makes a great gift!! ($70 as of January 1, 2016).
Please use this order form below to purchase All-Night Party tickets. Detach and completely fill out!
Check the website at http://athensparty.weebly.com/tickets.html for more information, commonly asked questions, confirmation of individuals who purchased tickets, and to enter your name for volunteering. Please volunteer if you can!
Cut at dotted line
ATHEN’S SENIOR ALL NIGHT PARTY TICKET ORDER FORMSenior’s Full Name: ______________________________________; Student ID: _________________________
Parent Name_____________________________________; Contact # (night of party):____________________
Parent Name_____________________________________; Contact # (night of party):____________________
*Confirmation of purchase will be sent to the email addresses listed on this order form! Please print neatly.
* Before emailing the Committee check the website at http://athensparty.weebly.com/tickets.html under the tickets tab to check to see if your name is on the list of purchased tickets.
Below is For Committee use:Cash:_______ Check #: _________ Amt:________ Ticket # Assigned ___________
ATHEN’S SENIOR ALL NIGHT PARTY (continued)
ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER, OCTObER 2015 • pAGE 31
Please consider making a donation of $25.00 OR MORE to this worthwhile event. SPONSOR LEVEL – donate $25 BRONZE LEVEL - donate up to $49
SILVER LEVEL - donate up to $99 GOLD LEVEL - donate above $100
Family names will be listed as a supporter in the souvenir program distributed at the Senior All Night Party and on our website http://athensparty.weebly.com/
UNDERCLASSMEN RAFFLE INCENTIVE!All underclassmen families who send in a check by Friday, May, 1, 2016
will be eligible to win one of three (3) FREE TICKETSfor their student to attend their own All Night Party!
Don’t miss out on this great incentive!ATHENS SENIOR ALL NIGHT PARTY
Drop off or mail to: Athens High School 4333 John R Troy, MI. 48085
We thank you in advance for your generous contribution! Please return coupon below with your check. Thank You
Write your check to: ATHENS SENIOR ALL NIGHT PARTY Please complete the information below:
The family of ___________________________________________________________________________ Student NameAddress:___________________________________________________Troy,MI 480__________________
Amount of contribution $_________________ Phone: ____________________________________________
Circle One: Freshman / Sophomore / Junior Raffle: YES NO
YOU CAN ALSO VOLUNTEER TO WORK THE PARTY THIS YEARFirst Shift 9:00 PM - 1:00 AM Second Shift 12:30 AM - 5:30 AM
You can sign up at the address below or via the SANP website http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c45a9a62ba0fe3-20151
DON’T LET THE KIDS HAVE ALL THE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a request for your support of this year’s ATHENS SENIOR ALL NIGHT PARTY to be held on Saturday, June 11, 2016. This is a drug free and alcohol free event that ensures our graduates have a safe, happy and memorable celebration the night of their commencement ceremonies.
The ALL NIGHT PARTY is organized and supported by Athens families and the community at large. No school funding is involved. Along with the support from the businesses in our area, we pull together donations to hire entertain-ment, rent games, award prizes and feed the graduates. This is why we are turn-ing to you, our loyal Athens parents, for help in reaching our goal. Athens Senior All Night Party is a 501(c) (3); your contribution could be tax deductible.
ATHEN’S SENIOR ALL
NIGHT PARTY2016
Dear Athens High School Underclass Families:
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November
07........Count Day10........Marching band Competition at Athens 3:30-9:30 pM12........39th Annual College Night 6:30-8:00 pM13........parent Coffee 9:30 AM13........pTO Meeting 7:00 pM14........pSAT Testing - 11th Grade15........picture Re-Take Day16........Athens vs. Troy High Varsity Football 7:00 pM19........"Orchtoberfest" 7:00 pM23........Senior panoramic photo 7:45 AM30 & 31 ATC Haunted House 6:00-9:30 pM
President, Nancy PhilippartVice-President, Karl SchmidtSecretary, Paula FlemingTrustee, Ida EdmundsTrustee, Gary Hauff Trustee, Todd MilettiTrustee, Wendy Underwood
AdministrationDr. Richard M. Machesky Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Mark Dziatczak Deputy Superintendent, Teaching & Learning
