Minuteman Moment: Fall 2023
Summative Designations
High School
Hopefully, you saw that we received a summative designation of “Exemplary” from the Illinois State Board of Education. It was pretty exciting to hear that after a year of being designated “Commendable,” we were Exemplary once again! A couple of weeks ago, we celebrated with a high school afternoon of fun to reward the students for their hard work. And, as promised, seniors do not have to take fall finals as a result of their hard work on the SAT and ISA tests.
The graduation rate makes up at least 50% of a school’s designation score, so our 100% graduation rate really helped!
High School Designations are based upon the following criteria:
- Graduation Rate
- Chronic Absenteeism
- Freshmen Passing Classes
- SAT Scores
- 5Essential Survey
- Science Assessment (ISA) Scores
Even though we were Exemplary, there are still some things we can work on. For example, we have opportunities to improve our SAT scores and will be completing some test prep during Minuteman Period when we return from winter break.
Junior High School
The Junior High was once again designated “Commendable.” Being Commendable is nothing to be ashamed of, but the Junior High is in a tough position because both the High School and the Elementary School are Exemplary. We will continue to work on improving our scores, but we’re proud of all of the work our students and teachers have done already!
Junior High Designation are based upon the following:
- Standardized Test Growth
- Chronic Absenteeism
- Standardized Test Proficiency
- Science Assessment Scores
- 5Essentials Survey
Chronic Absenteeism
According to the State of Illinois, chronic absenteeism is missing 10% or more of the school year. That is any absence–excused or unexcused.
With the school year typically made up of just under 180 days, students cannot miss more than 17 days the entire year. This number may not sound like much but when students miss just two days a month, they will fall into the chronically absent category.
You can help your student avoid being identified as chronically absent by scheduling appointments for outside of the school day and planning vacations during school non-attendance days.
High School Study Hall
We monitor student grades weekly, and any student receiving a D or an F receives an email reminder to check their grades.
We are continuing to require students with D’s and/or F’s to attend study hall. Please remember that we have three teachers on staff assigned to help during 8th period: Mrs. Burcenski (English), Mrs. Grunloh (math), and Mrs. Killian (math/science).
Skipping/Missing Classes
If students do not attend school or skip any period(s) throughout the day, including Minuteman Period or study hall, then they are ineligible to participate in evening activities (e.g., band concerts, athletic practices or events, etc.).
Also, athletes who are late to school or miss school without a valid reason are not allowed to participate in evening activities: practice, games, etc.
JH Lockers
As a reminder, all students have been issued locks for their hallway- and PE lockers. Additionally, junior high students must keep cell phones and other devices in their lockers as they are not allowed to have them with them throughout the day, nor are they allowed to take backpacks or bags to class. It is especially important that students protect their valuables as the school district is not responsible for lost or stolen items. We are fortunate that when things go missing, it is usually a result of another student playing a prank; however, these nerve-wracking events can be avoided when students lock their lockers.
Please speak with your student and remind him or her of your expectations to lock their lockers.
High School Bags & Materials
We’ve had a few students leaving bags, books, Chromebooks, water bottles, etc. throughout the building–from the hallways and classrooms, to the windows and doorways in the high school.
On one hand, it’s nice that our students feel confident that no one will steal their items, but on the other hand, things do go missing around here sometimes. Additionally, when bags and books are strewn throughout the hallways, it looks unprofessional to anyone walking through our building. Students are assigned lockers to hold their materials as they are not allowed to take bags into classrooms. Please remind your student to use his or her locker and not leave items in inappropriate places.
Illinois State Scholars
Congratulations to the six seniors who earned the honor of Illinois State Scholar: Gavin Abels, Kyle Bradford, Emilee Bratcher, Mary Doll, Claire Peacock, and Travis Stanfield!
High School Finals Schedule
Monday | Tuesday | ||
1st | 8:25-9:40 | 2nd | 8:25-9:40 |
3rd | 9:50-11:05 | 4th | 9:50-11:05 |
5th | 11:15-12:30 | 6th | 11:15-12:30 |
Lunch | 12:30-1:10 | Lunch | 12:30-1:10 |
7th | 1:15-2:30 | 8th | 1:15-3:15 |
8th | 2:35-3:15 | ||
Dates to Note:
December 8th: JH-HS Winter Concert, 7pm
December 18th & 19th: High School FINALS
December 20th-January 3rd: Winter Break
January 4th: School Resumes!
January 15th: No School, Martin Luther King, Jr Day Observed