At THS we are working to ensure that our practices are aligned and fair for all stu-dents. Every content area devotes countless hours to aligning what they teach, how they teach it, and how they grade the students in order to reduce the inequity that has traditionally existed in schools across the country. We are also spending a lot of our energy on analyzing our data about student achieve-ment and determining who needs additional support and/or extended learning opportu-nities.

As you can see, this process takes time, energy, and col-laboration that can only hap-pen when teachers are free to work together when students are not present. Hence, while the students are making their great early Friday escape, we are rolling up our sleeves for some serious work together to make THS the best school for our students. If you’d like more information on this jour-ney, feel free to give me a call.

Thanks for your continued support.

Scott Seaman

If the thought has crossed your mind about what is hap-pening during all those Friday early release days in our dis-trict, I’ve got some answers. I’m sure you’ve wondered why and what could they pos-sibly need all that time for on every single Friday. Without dragging you through a whole bunch of education jargon, I’ll try to give you a glimpse of what the staff at Tumwater High School is doing every Friday.

For years in education, it has been an acceptable practice to let students fail and fall out of the system. Thanks to many federal mandates, like No Child Left Behind, schools are now charged with ensur-ing every student’s success. This means that schools across the country can no longer accept mediocre test scores, low graduation rates, and poor performance in classrooms. These big changes at the federal level have sparked a flurry of changes in what has long been the traditional high school.

When most of us went through the system, we learned how to play the game of education. We learned

about which teachers not to take, which classes to avoid, which classes had easy “A” grades, etc. Many were mas-ters at navigating a system that really wasn’t designed to be equitable and fair for all students. Well, at THS, we’ve been working hard to erase that inequity in our classrooms. We want to re-move the factor of certain classrooms not offering the same educational opportuni-ties as other classrooms.

What does that look like? Well, have you ever thought about what actually consti-tutes a “B” grade in a class-room? Does that “B” grade mean the student was on time, completed their work, be-haved accordingly, etc.? Or, does that “B” grade truly re-flect that the student knows and understands the material? Does that “B” grade equal the same “B” grade in another classroom of the same content area? In other words, if two students are both taking World History from two dif-ferent teachers, shouldn’t the expectations for teaching and learning be the same? The answer, yes.

Principal’s Message

T-Bird Special O c t o b e r 2 0 1 1

October Calendar of Events

Tues., October 18 Picture Retakes Wed., October 19 Fine Arts Fest., 6:00 -9:00 p.m. PAC & Gym Thurs. October 21 Senior Yearbook Photos Due Pioneer Bowl Spaghetti Feed in Commons Sat., October 22 School on Saturday 9:00 am FBLA Scrapbooking Commons Tues., October 25 Jostens will be here during lunches for graduation info Wed.., October 26 Junior/Senior Info Night 6:30 p.m. in the PAC Sat., October 29 Senior. Auction at SPSCC: Silent Auction 5:30 p.m., Dinner/live auction 7:00 p.m.

Looking Ahead

November 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 Fall Production of “Our Town” 7:00 p.m. PAC. General Admission: $8.00 Students: $5.00 Pre-sale: $1 off

Sat., Nov. 5 School on Saturday 9–11a.m.

Mon. November 7 Blood Dirve #1– 8-2 Student Parking lot by stadium-Community/staff/students encouraged to participate

Fri., November 11 NO SCHOOL (Veterans Day)

Mon., November 14 Winter sports begin

Sat., November 19 School on Saturday 9-11 a.m.

Wed., November 23 Early Release Day 10:15 a.m. Buses pick up at 10:20 a.m. No lunches served

November 24 & 25 NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break

FRIDAY ACT TIME

OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER Business: Kaelin Campbell Andrew Wright English: Jordan Frost Ashlie Roswall Fine Arts: Seth Crites ~ Band Destiny Nelson ~ Choir Industrial Arts: Brandon Dardano ~ Graphics Jordan Neumeier ~ Family & Consumer Science

Math: Anna Lund James Adams Physical Education: Jordan Dickson Rachel Farrington Science: Lane Russell Jullysa Fox Social Studies: Madison Davis Dallas Roberts World Language: James Killough ~ French Carly Simon ~ French

Business: Tessa Achevarra Eric Schmidt English: Korye Trejo Madison Mielitz Fine Arts: Marguerite Henderson ~ Art Sarah Olive-McStay ~ Drama Industrial Arts: Morgan Beghin ~ Drafting Michael Bringhurst ~ Construction Trades

Math: Josh Hanson Samantha Snyder Physical Education: Tim Hopkins Kaylene Glasgo Science: Cecilia Gould Taylor Sumrok Social Studies: James Adams Allysha Belt World Language: Alexa Rasmussen - Japanese Kylie Fabre - Japanese

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THS 5Oth Anniversary a Huge Success

School on Saturday continues through the school year:

Dates: October 22; November 5, 19; December 3; January 21, 28; February 25; March 17; April 28, May 19, and June 2. Location: Tumwater High School library Time: 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Originally, School on Saturday was established as an opportunity for stu-dents who were identified by their respective math, science, social stud-ies, and/or English teacher(s) needing focused/targeted assistance in these areas in order to bring their grades to at least a 'C'. Certified personnel with support staff and peer tutors provide the backbone of this mentor program. However, many other students have heard about the benefits of attending School on Saturday and have responded by "choosing" to par-ticipate. This has become a win for all.

If you have any questions about School on Saturday, contact Brian Hard-castle, Assistant Principal, at 709-7606.

There is something for every-one. Organize a table of 8 and you will receive a gift. Reserva-tion forms are available on the TEF website ~ www.tefteam.org There is still time for seniors and parents to get involved. Every student who works a minimum of 15 hours will qual-ify for a scholarship. Parent involvement counts as well, as long as the student has worked

15 hours. Help is still needed to set up, transport donated items to the auction site, clean up afterward, etc. Questions: Contact Mary Henley at 280-7681 or maryh@tefteam.org NOTE: Reservations for a table have been extended to October 20th.

Make plans to attend the Senior Scholarship Auction. The pro-ceeds from this year’s auction will benefit the Tumwater School District’s graduating class of 2012. The live auction will feature a trip to Victoria, and many more baskets and items put together by all the Tumwater sites. The silent auc-tion will feature tickets to attend theater productions, dinner cer-tificates, massages, and more.

Senior Scholarship Auction Saturday, October 29th ~ Don’t miss this big event!

School-on-Saturday - An Intervention for All

Theme: “Scream for Scholarships” Where: South Puget Sound Community College. Time: Silent Auction 5:30 p.m. Dinner & Live Auction at 7:00 p.m. Price: $35 per person

Junior & Senior Information Night Wednesday, October 26, 2011

6:30 p.m. in the PAC Come one, come all!! You don’t want to miss this packed evening of gradua-tion requirement information and valu-able college planning. Find out what’s expected of you as you navigate the final two years of your time here at THS. In the past this night has been so helpful that parents have suggested that both juniors and seniors be encouraged to attend.

CLASS OF 2012 GRADUATION REQUIREMENT PRESENTATION DEADLINES

All seniors must turn in their completed Resume` and proof of 30 hours of Community Service to Mrs. Tyrrell in the Student Services Office (Career Ctr.) on March 7th, 8th or 9th, at which point students will have the choice of being assigned a presentation on March 19-21 or March 26-29.

How do you put into words the smiles, hugs, laughter, and tears shared during the 50th Anniversary weekend of September 16, 17, and 20th - Fifty years of alumni, faculty, and community supporters all in one place at one time; many renewed friendships and new ones made; the sharing of stories ex-changed while enjoying the chili feed; watching the alumni dance team perform their super routine, alumni cheerleaders doing the fight song together, T-Bird win-ning football, the Tumwater Superinten-dents, Principals and the first faculty & football team of THS honored; Saturday’s commemorative 5K Fun Run; 50th Anniver-sary Ceremony & Alumni photos; sharing cake & a stroll down the historical lane. Many enjoyed touring the school with a current THS student. It was priceless! Each experience made you feel so proud to be a part of Tumwater High School his-tory and tradition! It was fun to talk to teachers you had; a coach; school nurse; your alumni class and those from other classes; sibling’s friends, even T-Bird fans

who didn’t have a student there; meeting the spouses and children of alumni too! The warm heart feeling and tears experienced when people added names to the Alumni & Faculty Memorial and Veterans Wall. The joy felt hearing the “remember when” or surprised faces when people real-ized who someone was after looking at their nametag. Watching people take pictures not only of each other but in-front of the Historical walk of 50 years of pictures; the memorial; sharing cake; enjoying the live music; and the fantastic car show. The energy was superb! It could be debatable as to who had more fun….the alumni or the current students who volunteered and helped with the event?! The experience they had was also memorable! Many students talked how rewarding it was to hear memories shared of stories from “this class” or experienced in “that hallway” and tips the alumni shared of what they needed to do to get the best out of their time at THS. The Sunday golf tournament could now become an annual event. Rain didn’t stop the laughter and fun. All who prepared and participated in any part of the 50th Anni-versary Celebration had a great and memorable time! The sponsors and many donations given were greatly appreciated. “Thank you” to all the committees for their donation of time and hard work; to the student volunteers, and the staff that all helped make sure the THS 50th Anni-versary Celebration was a huge success and one to always remember! Now to the future….how do we alumni give back? How about a Tumwater High School Alumni Association where we can continue T-Bird tradition and pride? How about “Student Shadow” events? For students to shadow an alumni in an occupation they are interested in pursuing. If this is something you have some interest in please email me at LouisaTHS75@gmail.com written by Louisa Shimamoto

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T-BIRD TIDBITS PARKING PERMITS REQUIRED

If you drive to school and do not have a parking per-mit, you will receive a $10 fine each time you park in the student and overflow parking lots. Students with or without a permit will receive a $10 fine each time you park in the staff parking lot. Permit forms can be found on the THS website under Quick Links on the left, Fall Student Informa-tion and Forms ***NEW***, then open “Parking Regulations and Permit Form,” or get one outside the ASB office.

THS BLOOD DRIVE Monday, November 7th

Where: The blood mobiles will be in the south entrance to the stadium on the stu-dent parking lot side . When: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This is a community blood drive. Please, give blood to save lives.

DIVERSITY CLUB IS IN FULL SWING

The Diversity Club is now planning for the Latino Youth Summit and The Native American College Day. This club meets on Fridays (ACT days) during Club Time At 9:06-9:31 a.m. in the Counseling Center. If you are interested in joining the Diversity Club, contact Counselor Todd Caffey for more information ~ email address: todd.caffey@tumwater.k12.wa.us or telephone 709-7617.

The policy states that “before a student enters a classroom, all per-sonal electronic devices need to be put away, turned off and not be taken out or heard until the bell rings at the end of class. Students in violation of this policy will have their items confiscated by a teacher. The teacher will bring the item to the main office. All items will be returned to parents and not students.” Specific items such as Ipods and MP3 players, cell phones, radios, electronic games, CD players, video recorders, and cameras, are subject to the same consequences. This policy is enforced to avoid disruption of the learning environ-ment and to discontinue the misuse and sometimes illegal use of the cell phone. If an adult asks a student for an electronic device, the student should politely and without argument, give the device to that person. You will get it back. For student who create repeated disruptions with their technology, your administrator reserves the right to follow pro-gressive discipline procedures. Parents: We want to thank you for your support of this policy. It is not about punishing students or parents, but rather we are trying to teach students to be responsible for their actions. It is our hope that we can be instrumental in helping prepare them for the real world of cell phone etiquette.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS NOVEMBER 6th

Remember: Change your clocks to fall back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night, Nov. 5th. Daylight sav-

MATH TUTOR - TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS

Kyle Haag - Tuesday 2:15 – 3:15 in Room A-22 Mike Boerner - Thursday 2:15 – 3:15 in the library When winter sports start after November 14th:

Cecilia Harvey will take over for Mike Boerner in on Thursdays - 2:15-3:15 in room A-24

LIFE THREATENING ALLERGIES NO LATEX IN THE BUILDING!

Please be aware that there are times when we will have students attending THS with life threatening al-lergies. We have been advised to eliminate LATEX products from our building. Therefore, no latex bal-loons should be delivered to our high school for stu-dents or staff. There is no safe place for latex balloons to be stored until the end of the school day. Latex allergy is a reac-tion to certain proteins in latex rubber that can be found in non latex free gloves and balloons as well as other products. The proteins can be transmitted from product to hand to mouth, and/or hand to object to hand to mouth. In some cases latex can be transmitted air borne, such as in the removal of powdered gloves (proteins attach to the powder) or the popping of bal-loons. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our school nurse, Bonnie Krause at 709-7618.

WINTER SPORTS BEGIN MON. NOV. 14th

Winter Sports Offered for 2011-12

Boys Basketball: Curtis Medved Girls Basektball: Dave Littleton Girls Bowling: Wendy Roberson Wrestling: Tony Prentice Dance/Drill: Kim Hille Cheerleadership: Lynn Madison

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Tumwater High School Thunderbird Theatre is proud to present:

Our Town by Thornton Wilder

directed by Joann Boswell

One of the most popular standards of classic theatre, Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, will be staged at Tumwater High School Performing Arts Center for five performances: November 4-5 & 10-12.

Our Town debuted in 1938, telling the story of real everyday life in the made up town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. The story is shared with the audience by the Stage Manager, a character who interacts with both the cast and the audience as she tells the story of two families in scenes that cover 1901 to 1913. The play is uniquely performed with little to no props, set and scenery, allowing the audience and actors to free their imaginations as they focus on the lives of the Gibbs and Webb families.

Our Town has so gripped the realities of what it means to live on this earth, that it was even banned in the So-viet Union in 1946 for fear that a production could inspire widespread depression. Not to worry, though, I’m sure you will walk away content. The poignancy of the story will leave you breathless as you exit the theatre, contemplating the characters and how their lives affect your life.

Thunderbird Theatre’s production boasts 47 cast & crew members who have been working on the show since early September.

All performances are at 7pm. Seating is general admission and the doors open 30 minutes before curtain. The school is located at 700 Israel Road SW, Tumwater, WA 98501.

Tickets are $8 for general admission and $5 for students and children. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $1 less per ticket. Presale tickets are available in the THS ASB office and online at http://tumwatertheatre.tix.com. This show is produced through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. We hope to see you there!

Contact: Joann Boswell Tumwater High School Theatre Teacher & Director joann.boswell@tumwater.k12.wa.us (360) 709-7655

PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE

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