HAWK TALK http://www.gilbertschools.net February 2016

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Hawk Families,

The year is off to a great start with lots happening in the second semester at

Highland High School. We have a new mission statement here at Highland and

we are working to make sure that everyone is aware of the change:

The HAWK Family provides an accepting, positive learning

environment where growth and success happen.

Stakeholder groups, including parents, teachers, staff and students all contributed to revising our mission

statement and we feel this is a reflection of not only who we are, but sets a vision for the choices we make that

impact your students here at Highland. We are very proud of the work that went into revising the mission

statement and will be using it going forward.

Another big change coming our way is the addition of the new marquee! The old marquee quit working and

was not able to be repaired in September of 2014. Thanks to a very generous donation by Dr. Paul Kelly

(Kelly Maxillofacial), Jostens, and the Classes of 2015 and 2016 we will be getting a new marquee this spring.

We are really looking forward to being able to let you know about all of the events and activities going on at

HHS.

There are a couple of important dates just around the corner. Coming up quickly is our Golden Scholars

Ceremony which will be held in late February. This is much earlier than in past years. We are hoping that by

moving it to earlier in the second semester we can take some of the pressure off of the month of May where

many of these students are taking AP tests and getting ready for final exams. Also, please be aware that AZ

Merit testing is set for March 29, 30, April 5th and AIMS Science for 9th graders is April 12. We would

appreciate it if your students are here, well rested and fed for the state assessments.

One of the top priorities is student safety. We have had a number of calls from the neighborhoods surrounding

Highland about students speeding through neighborhoods. If you would please remind your students to slow

down and watch for kids and cars, it would be greatly appreciated by the residents of those areas. Student

drivers are always a challenge for us and we are concerned that someone will be hurt if they don’t slow down.

We are presently working with Gilbert PD to help keep students safe on the roads.

Finally, we are changing the School Site Council structure across the District (currently known as the Parent

Advisory group). If you are interested in serving on the site council as a parent advisor, please email me. The

site council will be responsible for setting budget priorities, advising me on issues that are important to the

parent community and ensuring that our plans are consistent with the purpose of Highland High. Meetings

will be held monthly beginning in April or May. Thank you always for your support of the Hawks!

Melinda Murphy, Principal

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HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS TRAIN SERVICE DOGS

Four National Future Farmers of America (FFA) seniors at Highland High School in Gilbert received three puppies

from Guide Dogs for the Blind, which they will train for months to become someone’s service dog.

Guide Dogs for the Blind and Highland High have partnered to provide FFA students hands-on learning to take care of

a live animal.

Shelby Arrington, Briar Lopez, Megan Kelly, and Liz Parra will raise these Labrador puppies for the next 15 months.

Shelby said, “We have a lot of responsibility with this project because we are training these dogs to become someone’s

guide for life. It takes on a bigger meaning.”

Amy Dillard, Agriculture Instructor, states that training potential service dogs provides a way for students to not only

volunteer their time to train their puppies, but a way for them to apply their

knowledge of what they have learned within the FFA veterinarian/science

course.

In an interview with the East Valley Tribune, Deana Allen, communication

field representative for Guide Dogs for the Blind, states she believes the

partnership between both entities is a perfect relationship. Their program

and FFA programs align together. “The puppies that are raised in a high

school environment tend to be more settled and comfortable in a chaotic

environment, so it’s really wonderful for their socialization.”

Vladimir and Tucson are the golden labs and the black puppy is Ametta.

MATT PRATER RECEIVES

A GRANT FROM THE

GILBERT EDUCATION

FOUNDATION

Mr. Chris Keeler (Gilbert Education

Foundation) presents an award to Matt

Prater, Robotics Advisor and Science

Teacher at Highland High School.

The money received for this award will

be used to purchase a 3d printer for

Robotics.

Highland High School Hotline Number—480.507.1421 Page 3

COMMENDED STUDENTS IN THE 2016

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Nathan Bitter

Shannon Chott

Ashley Denison

Ellie Evans

Nathan Foote

Andrew Gorrie

Reilly Greer

Evan Newman

Jodie Parkinson

Christine Wiltbank

“The young men and women being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding

potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for the National Merit Scholarship

Corporation. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments,

as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of

educational excellence in our nation. We hope this recognition will help broaden their educational

opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”

30TH ANNUAL

NEW HORIZON

BEST OF HIGH SCHOOL

ART SHOW

AT THE

SHEMER ART CENTER!

Maryn Solomon was awarded $50 for the

featured oil painting of the Salt River.

Congratulations Maryn!

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SENIOR SCOOP

by Lance Smith, Assistant Principal

SENIOR KEY DATES:

2/1 AP Registration Continues—Bookstore

2/2 Senior Panoramic Picture—Main Gym—3rd Hour

2/19 AP Registration Ends

3/11 Deadline for Seniors—Extra Mile Hours

3/11 Last Day to Drop a Class without a W/F

3/31 Cap & Gown Photos—Hawk Hall—7:00 a.m.—1:30 p.m.

4/2 PROM—8:00 p.m.—11:00 p.m.

4/6 Senior Graduation Visits—Counselors

4/6-7 Jostens Distribute Cap & Gowns—Bookstore

4/22 All Online Coursework (outside of Gilbert Public Schools) must be completed and transcripts

submitted to the Highland High School Registrar.

4/29 Senior Slide Show—Auditorium—3A/3B Schedule

5/2-13 AP Testing

5/9 Scholarship Reception—Cafeteria

5/13-17 Senior Final Exams

5/15 Baccalaureate—Auditorium—3:00 p.m.

5/17 Senior Picnic

5/19 Mandatory—Graduation Rehearsal —Hawk Stadium—7:00 a.m.

5/19 Graduation—Hawk Stadium—7:00 p.m.

In order to receive important updates and information, please keep your contact information up-to-date.

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FEBRUARY 2016 CALENDAR

1-19 AP Registration

1-19 Course Selection/ECAP – All Grades

2 Poetry Out Loud Competition – Lecture Hall – All Day

2 Senior Panoramic Picture – Gym – 3rd Hour

3 One Hour Early Release – Professional Learning Day

4 HHS Blood Drive – Mini Gym – All Day

4 Incoming Freshman Preview Night – Auditorium – 7:00 p.m.

8 FAFSA Presentation – Cafeteria – 6:30 p.m.

9 Orchestra – Valentine’s Dinner – Cafeteria – 7:00 p.m.

10 One Hour Early Release – Professional Learning Day

11 Competition One-Act Performance – Auditorium – 7:00 p.m.

15 Presidents’ Day – No School

16 Spring Sports Parent Meeting – Auditorium – 6:00 p.m.

17 One Hour Early Release – Professional Learning Day

18 Mr. Highland Pageant & Talent Show – Auditorium – 7:00 p.m.

22 Site Council Meeting – Career Center – 6:30 p.m.

24 One Hour Early Release – Professional Learning Day

24 Band Concert – Auditorium – 7:00 p.m.

25 Golden Scholars FR/SOPH/JR – Auditorium – 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

25 Jostens - classroom visits in senior social studies classes for class rings

29 Orchestra Concert – 7:30 p.m.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO LOGAN SEABURG!

Logan recently competed in the Scottsdale Community College Math and Science Competition. There were

over 250 students competing. Logan received the only perfect score and received first place in the math

division.

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MLK YOUTH

ART COMPETITION

Nick Lucchese is a winner of the Dr. Martin

Luther King Jr. Youth Art Competition! He

was acknowledged at the Gilbert Town

Council meeting on January 14. His artwork

was also on display in the lobby of the

Southeast Regional Library.

Charlie Huero from KOOL 94.5 presented a $1000 check to our Orchestra students for playing the National

Anthem for their noon salute. The students are Aaron Payne and Shannon McConaghie.

HHS ORCHESTRA RECEIVES CHECK FOR $1000 FROM KOOL 94.5

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The 2015-16 Varsity Boys Soccer team is currently in first place in Section III with four games to play in the

regular season. The team is led by Senior Captains Raphaello Colasito, Jacob Faircloth, and Peysen Webster.

The team is averaging 2.75 goals per game. The teams leading point producers are Hunter Figueroa with 10

goals, Raphaello Colasito with 7 goals and Nick Rizzo with 10 assists. The teams defense is anchored by Senior

Chris Boyd and goalkeeper Jacob Faircloth. The team is averaging .75 goals against on the season with 6 shut-

outs in 13 games. Information provided by Richard Esperti.

The Varsity Girls Soccer team comes into the season looking to defend its 2015 State Championship. The team

is led by senior captains Tori Rinsem, Ashlyn Lovell, and Brooke Niimi. Having lost 9 starting seniors from last

year’s squad, the team will be a little short on experience, but loaded with depth. The team currently sits middle

of the pack in power point standings and is looking to gel at the right time as we head into the stretch run and

another hopeful lengthy playoff run. Tori Rinsem currently leads the team in goals and points while Niimi

anchors the back line and Lovell helps to control the midfield. Information provided by Andy Barber.

The Wrestling team is in the grueling part of the season right now. We traveled to Tucson and competed in a

Nationally ranked tournament where Tanner Waite received a 6th place medal. Most of the team improved while

competing in Tucson. Tanner Waite also won the tourney at the Skyline Invitational placing 1st place there.

Other notables on the team are Dylan Delia, Jared Hahn, Parker Fullmer, and Abel Figueroa. Information provided by Abel Figueroa.

This year’s Lady Hawks Basketball Team is made up of 8 seniors, 5 juniors, and 1 sophomore. The 2015-16

season is well underway and the Lady Hawks are ranked in the top 10 in the state behind strong play and

leadership from Seniors: Anna Grone, Kelsey Miranda, and Tatum Thomas.

The Lady Hawks are entering the final push of the season as they gear up for an exciting run at the State

Tournament. Information provided by Gene Valocchi.

This is a reminder that all spring sports begin on February 8, 2016. If your student athlete intends to play or try-

out for a spring sport, please go to registermyathlete.com to obtain clearance for your student. All athletes who

have played a sport this school year, will only need to add the next sport and fill out a few steps to be ready for

the new season.

All new athletes will need to complete the appropriate steps on registermyathlete.com.

The process is not instantaneous so please be sure to complete it in a timely manner. If you wait to register until

February 4th or later, your child may not be cleared in time for his/her sport.

SPRING SPORTS BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 8

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS FOR THEIR

SUCCESSFUL AUDITION INTO THE 2016 ARIZONA ALL-STATE JAZZ BANDS!

All-State Jazz Band I

Matt Ambagis Alto Sax

Nathan Bitter Trombone (1st in State)

Melissa Dubin Piano (1st in State)

All-State Jazz Band II

Travis Danforth Trumpet

Christopher Marchant Alto Sax

Hasan Sannoufi Trombone

30th ANNUAL NEW HORIZON

BEST OF HIGH SCHOOL ART SHOW

Braedon Smith and his entry for the Shemer Art Show!

Additional Course Fee Information:

Students who are taking more than 6 credit bearing classes, for the second semester of the 2015-2016 school year will be

assessed a Board approved fee, which is currently $160.00 per half credit.

The payment is due no later than, Thursday, March 10, 2016. If the fee is not received by this date, your child will be

dropped from the additional course and will receive a Withdraw/Fail.

Please note, there are a few ways you can pay for the additional course fee. You can pay with cash or check, at the

Highland Bookstore. If writing a check, please write the check out to Highland High School. You can also now pay

online through Infinite Campus Portal.

The families that incur the assessment for second semester will receive an email with further details within the next week.

If your family is experiencing financial hardship, a fee waiver form will be emailed out to all families that will be

assessed the additional course fee. The form can be returned to the front office or the Bookstore.

ONLINE COURSES TAKEN OUTSIDE OF THE DISTRICT

New this year: If your son/daughter takes an online course outside of Gilbert Public Schools, he/she will need

to take a GPS final and receive a grade of at least 70% to get credit for the course he/she wants to transfer

in, otherwise it will be posted to your child’s transcript as elective credit, regardless of the subject. Elective

classes are the exception and a district final is not required.

SENIORS ENROLLED IN ONLINE CLASSES

Seniors enrolled in online courses must remain diligent in completing coursework by specific deadlines.

Any coursework taken through Gilbert’s Global Academy will automatically be added to student transcripts

at HHS.

For students enrolled in an online course outside of GPS, it is imperative for the student to request an

official transcript be sent to HHS at the completion of any course. Coursework may only be placed on a

Highland transcript through receipt of a hand-carried or mailed official transcript.

In order to prepare for Graduation for the Class of 2016, all online courses taken outside the GPS District

are due to the HHS Registrar no later than April 22, 2016.

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HHS IS HOSTING THE ANNUAL WINTER

BLOOD DRIVE

Thursday, February 4, 7:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.

Place: Highland High School Mini-Gym

ADVANCED PLACEMENT REGISTRATION FOR 2016

ENDS ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Is your child currently enrolled in an Advanced Placement class and planning on taking the end of the year

Advanced Placement examination? If so, registration will end on Friday, February 19. Late registration will not

be accepted. Students may register for the Advanced Placement exams at the Highland Bookstore. Each

examination will cost $93 and accepted payments are cash or check only.

If you opt to pay using a tax credit, please do NOT pay online—but, rather submit your tax credit payment at the

time your child registers for the AP Exam at the Bookstore. This allows us to quickly and effectively track

payment and registration for the exams. If you opt to use tax credit, you will need to complete the tax credit form

available in the Administration Office or at the Bookstore. Please know that we are unable to provide refunds per

state law for those who pay utilizing a tax credit.

Registration for AP exams is not related to the next year course selection process—but rather pertains ONLY to

classes your child is currently enrolled in and taking at Highland High School this year. In the past there has been

confusion regarding the process of course selection registration and registration for the test itself.

If you have any questions regarding AP exams, please contact Cindy Harrison in the Highland Counseling Office.