 Wildcat Weekly
October 28, 2018
Exciting Happenings
Deer Parker - An Online Newspaper Created by Students
The Deer Parker is an online student newspaper written and edited entirely by 9-12th graders. Students in the Introduction to Journalism course, as well as students working independently, come up with ideas for articles, conduct interviews, take photos, write, and publish stories of interest to other Deer Park students and the community in general. With some experienced student-journalists and others writing for the public for the first time, The Deer Parker is a great opportunity for writers and readers alike.
Washington DC Here We Come!
 Congrats to our 1st round of D.C. scholarship winners! These students had to write an essay to apply and will also have to help with fundraising efforts. We are hoping to find more opportunities to award students with half or full scholarships, so if you or your workplace is interested in sponsoring a student, please reach out to Jason Spelic at spelic.j@dpccsd.org
|
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Available at No Cost to You!
Community Forum to be Held Nov. 7 6:00pm - Hartzell United Methodist Church
From the Office of
College and Career Readiness
Need to Know By Grade Level
Seniors:
Seniors are working on completing college applications, asking teachers for letters of recommendations, meeting individually with Ms. Madden, and learning about the FAFSA.
The following colleges will be visiting Deer Park during X-bell: University of Cincinnati, Ball State University, Xavier University, Wittenberg University, Ashland University, Bellarmine University, and Wright State University. More will be added regularly.
Graduate Services was at Deer park High School on Monday September 24th to speak with seniors. Seniors were sent home with a packet of information on how to order cap and gowns. Please order cap and gowns before December 10th to avoid an increase in cost. Any questions can also be directed to Graduate Services at 513-272-5890.
Cap and Gown Q&A:
Q: When should I order my cap and gown?
A: The cost of cap and gowns will go up starting December 10th-order as soon as possible to ensure appropriate sizing.
Q: How can I order my cap and gown?
A: Orders can be placed on-line at www.graduateserviceinc.com or by phone at 513-272-5890. Graduates Services will accept cash, check or credit card.
*Graduate Services will be to the Scarlet Oaks campus on October 22nd to discuss cap and gown orders.
Juniors:
Will be taking assessments during CCR to determine how their values and interests apply to potential careers.
Sophomores:
Will be taking assessments during CCR that will explore how students interests correlate with potential job opportunities.
Interested in ordering a class ring-visit graduate services website here.
Freshmen:
During the month of October, Freshmen should be looking at their study skills as it relates to HW habits. If a student is not passing all of their classes by the end of the first quarter (Nov. 2nd), we recommend you reach out to his/her teachers and create an action plan for second quarter. They will wrap up October looking at and thinking about how they can live their life’s work vs. just going to a job every day.
Jr High:
Our 7th and 8th grader students will explore such topics as what makes successful habits and time management skills, along with activities like a career scavenger hunt and exploring a wealth of career-based videos called Road Trip Nation. They will also couple what they are learning in CCR and Naviance with their own personal strengths that they are exploring through TLC (Thriving Learning Communities).
This week, the junior high students should have taken the Via strengths finder, and so can you! Found at https://www.viacharacter.org/www, this free survey would allow you to see what strengths you and your student have in common!
Looking to Raise Healthy Kids?
Click HERE for the latest Know! Prevention Action Alliance Newsletter.
ACT Prep
John Baylor Prep is a free resource available to Deer Park Students preparing for the ACT. Below, you will find information about what John Baylor Prep can assist with. More information can be obtained by emailing Corrie Madden (madden.c@dpccsd.org).
Now 12 Sessions, split into two 20-minute videos. You’ll now have the flexibility to show the ACT Classic course in 40-minute sessions, as before, or 20-minute sessions. Students take a quiz and do a homework assignment after the second video in each session. Online section tests are available after each subject.
The (optional) Strategies for the Writing Section video and worksheet now appears as Session 13.
Full Online ACT Test | In addition to online section tests, student now have the option to take a full ACT test online after session 10.
Subject Related Resources:
English | The Grammar Rules have been refined and consolidated to 19 Rules! Simplicity, clarity, and higher scores correlate.
Math | We’ve added repeating decimals, scientific notation, basic trig identities, and a few other concepts that have all appeared recently on the test.
Reading | We’ve added a fourth Reading strategy to particularly help students who are racing to finish that final fourth passage. Now they can.
Science | In response to the ACT’s reduction in the number of science passages from seven to six, we’ve updated our strategy so that students exploit that extra time for each passage.
Naviance Student Information
Deer Park students grades 7 - 12 will continue to use the Naviance platform as part of their college and career readiness efforts. While the look and name has changed, the link is still found by clicking on Naviance Family Connections on the main highschool website under Quick Links. Your student's account will be their district email address and student ID number. Students can also download the app to their phone. Please check out this great tool together.
ACT vs. SAT
The ACT has English (grammar primarily), Math, Reading, and Science, while the SAT has Reading, Writing & Language (grammar primarily), Math (no calculator), and Math (with a calculator). For high school juniors focusing on the ACT, here are reasons why you might also try the SAT senior year:
- Your ACT Science score is well below your Math score. The SAT has two Math sections but no Science section.
- You want additional chances to trigger that big scholarship. Colleges don’t learn and don’t care how many times you take either test.
- You typically run out of time on the ACT’s Math and Reading Sections. The SAT allows 13 minutes per Reading Passage, while the ACT allows 8 minutes and 45 seconds per Reading passage.
College applications
 College applications are due November 1- February 1 (depending on the college)
FAFSA: Became available to complete on October 1. Apply early at www.fafsa.gov
www.fafsahelpoh.org: Provides calendar of FAFSA Workshops in OH, Paper FAFSA & Worksheet for review, Videos of FAFSA Tips & Completion process, Creating an FSA-ID, Responsible Borrowing
Students needing to take the ACT again, should register via www.actstudent.org.
10 Most Common College Application Mistakes:
1. Only apply to 1 or 2 schools
2. Not applying to a financial safety school
3. Only taking the ACT/SAT once or twice
4. Assuming that retail price is sticker price
5. Not visiting the school before accepting
6. Not filling out the FAFSA
7. Not attempting to negotiate financial aid
8. Not applying for private scholarship dollars
9. Not promoting you extracurricular skills
10. Not focusing on the essay
|
College Application Tips
Start early. Set deadlines for completing essays, collecting recommendations and filling out forms a few weeks before they’re actually required.
Be consistent. Using the exact same name on all your forms makes things easier for admission officers. Decide if you want to use a shortened version of your legal name or your middle name, and then always use the same version. Switching names — going from Bill to Billy, for example — increases the odds that your materials will get misfiled.
Be careful. Careless mistakes on your application can hurt your chances of getting accepted. After you finish an application, put it aside for a day and then check it over for errors. If you can, have a teacher or parent proofread it as well. Save and review online applications before you submit them.
Alert your school. You need to let school officials know which colleges you’re applying to so they can send along your transcripts. The people you ask to write recommendation letters also need to know where you’re applying if they’re mailing the letters themselves.
Completing the Package
Don’t wait. Anything that needs to be mailed, including your application itself, should be sent in several weeks before it is due. This allows time for delivery and processing. Online materials should be sent weeks before the deadline as well.
Submit once. When you apply online, you’ll usually get an automated response saying your materials have been received. If you don’t, contact the college’s admission office. Don’t apply online again or mail in another application.
Keep copies. Make a copy of each piece of each application. Save personal identification numbers, passwords, canceled checks and notes or emails from admission officers. This documentation can save you if a problem arises.
Get confirmation. If you mail applications, put a stamped postcard addressed to your house in each package so admission officers can let you know that your materials arrived. The U.S. Post Office also offers a similar “return receipt” service. It may take a few weeks for confirmation cards to reach you.
If you get a notice saying something is missing, don’t panic. Just call the admission office and calmly ask what steps you can take. This is why you wisely saved copies of everything and sent in your application early!
Wildcat Virtual Academy Update
If your student is taking one of our online WVA courses, we highly advise parents and students to log-in regularly together and check completion status. Students can log into the system at home; the website for the program is:
http://accelerate-deerpark.agilixbuzz.com
Login name is their lastname.firstinitial
Password is their student ID number.
Get Involved in a Club/Activity at Deer Park Jr/Sr High School
Art Club
Amber Landers
Drama Club
Rachel Hackney
Sara Godwin
FCA
Greg Tabar
International Club
Jen Taylor
Marti Kitsinis
INTERalliance
Scott Calcaterra
NHS
Tim Hubbard
Sean Maher
Newspaper
Craig West
Photography
Craig West
Step-Up
Jason Spelic
C.A.T.S.
Jason Spelic
Hope Squad
Corrie Madden
Sean Maher
Need to Know
End of 1st Quarter - Friday Nov. 2
It is next Friday! Parents, please check in with your student’s grades on Schoology to make sure they are on the right track, especially if they are a student athlete looking to play winter sports!
Help Needed!
Do you pick your student up from school? Want to help out but don't have a whole lot of time? The junior high is looking for a parent or two to assist junior high students get organized before they leave for home. Time commitment: 2:45 - 3:15. If you are interested, please contact Jason Spelic at spelic.j@dpccsd.org
Need Assistance During the Holidays?
 With the leaves beginning to change, we’re reminded that the holidays will be here before we know it. If you and your family are in need of assistance this holiday season, fill out a Holiday Food Drive form. All the buildings have forms available and the forms were also sent home with students.
Please make sure you return your holiday food drive request form as soon as possible to any building in the district. One form per family.
If you need assistance with this process or have questions, please contact Laura Buchanan at buchanan.l@dpccsd.org or 513-936-6286.
To print out a form, click here.
|
There is Still Time to Complete Free and Reduced Lunch Applications
If you feel you may qualify and have not yet completed, please fill out the Deer Park Free and Reduced Price School Meals Family Application and return it to your child's school.
If you have already filled out the form for the 2018-19 school year, and none of your information has changed, you do not need to fill out the form again.
You can download the form by clicking HERE or you can request a copy of the form be sent home with your child by calling the school.
Reminder Regarding Coats, Bookbags
Jackets and coats may not be worn during the school day. These garments are to be stored in lockers. Single-layered nylon-type wind-breakers, parkas, sweatshirts, sport coats, and blazers may be worn. Book bags, duffel bags, or gym bags may be brought to school but must remain in students’ lockers during the school day. Purses that are large enough to be considered book bags or are being used for that purpose will not be permitted in the classroom.
Eligibility for 7th Graders
All 7th graders entered junior high free to play fall sports, but the end of the 1st quarter is soon! Please refer to the eligibility requirements for 7th graders; we want all of our athletes to continue to play fall and winter sports!
Consider Joining the Athletic Boosters Organization
The Deer Park Athletic Boosters is a non-profit organization that provides support for all the sports currently in the Deer Park High School athletic program. The boosters help the athletic department by purchasing supplies and equipment, as well as providing awards and scholarships for our athletes.
The Athletic Booster Organization is funded solely through membership fees, concessions, special fundraising events, and the generous donations from a community that believes athletics is one of the greatest educational experiences of a lifetime. We team up each year with PTO for football game concessions and our annual golf outing.
Final Forms Reminder
If you haven’t completed Final Forms for your child, this needs to be completed ASAP. Students will not be permitted to attend field trips or dances or use a chromebook on a daily basis until all forms have been completed.
Student Parking Permits Now Required
All students who park in the school lot must have a parking pass. Please stop by the guidance office to get a pass for $15 from Mrs. Vickrey. At this point, any car on the lot without a pass may be subject to having their car towed at the cost of the owner.
Attendance Line 513-891-2414
Please remember to call the attendance number when you need to report your child absent or if they will be arriving late to school. This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is important that the student’s name and reason for their absence are left on the attendance line. Thank you.
Deer Park Schools Looking for Substitutes
 |
|
Deer Park Schools is looking for substitutes, educational aides, food service workers and secretary substitutes. Short-term and long term-positions are available.
Details:
Educational Aide: $11.00 per hour
Food Service: $9.50 per hour
Secretary: $11.00 per hour
Short-term and long-term positions available
Needs:
High School Diploma or GED
Clean criminal background check
Apply: rachelwixey.com
|
Smiles Program Coming to Jr/Sr HS 11-14
 Great news! Deer Park Community City Schools has partnered with the Smile Programs…the mobile dentists to offer in-school dental care!
The mobile dentist will be coming to the Jr. /Sr. High School on November 14th, 2018
Simply sign up your child today at www.myschooldentist.com or fill out and sign a permission form. Permission forms will be available for students to pick up in the main office. Please return forms to the school nurse by October 23rd.
Even better, dental care is usually at no cost to you. All insurance is accepted including Medicaid and CHIP. For those without insurance, a low cost self-pay option is available.
For more information please visit www.myschooldentist.com or contact the school nurse.
|
Jr High Homework Club and Math Lab (3:00pm-4:00pm)
Jr. High Homework Club
Tuesday - Ms. Winebar (Room 60)
Thursday - Ms. Malkowski (Room 151)
High School Math Lab
Mondays - Mr. Gabbard
Tuesdays - Ms. Ginn’s room
Wednesdays - in Mr. Moulton’s room
Thursdays - in Mr. Benjamin’s room
Staying Connected
There are multiple ways to stay connected to Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School. Please see the attached flyer for ways to stay connected through Email, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Text Messages.
-
E-Mail: If you are not already signed up, please register for the e-mail communication. To register, simply go to www.deerparkcityschools.org and click on the button on the left side of the page that says “Subscribe to District News”. From there, you will send an email requesting that you be added to future email communication from the district.
-
Twitter: Follow Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School for the most up-to-date news and happenings! @DeerParkHS, @DeerParkSchools and @dpcounselor.
-
Facebook: follow us at Deer Park Community City Schools and Deer Park Jr/Sr High School
-
Text Messages: Through a great program titled Remind, we can provide text message alerts/reminders in a safe, confidential manner.Remind never shows a person's cell number, which means we never see your number and you never see ours. Standard text messaging rates do apply. To subscribe, send an individual text message to: 81010 with the message @dpwildcats. Follow the instructions you receive via text message to complete your registration. Seniors also have a text messaging service. To subscribe, send an individual text message to: 81010 with the message @dpseniors.
-
Instagram: follow us at DeerParkHS and DP_Schools
Upcoming Events
|
