CENTER GROVE HIGH SCHOOL

2717 S Morgantown Rd, Greenwood, IN 46143

317-881-0581 Fax 317-885-4509

Www.centergrove.k12.in.us/cghs

PARENT EMAIL UPDATE - 10.2012

SPECIAL SCHEDULE FOR OCTOBER 17 During the morning of October 17h, CGHS has meaningful and

relevant activities planned for all grade levels. This date coincides

with the national date of the PSAT, given to all sophomores and

juniors at the high school. Since half of the student body will be

testing in the morning, regular classes will resume once testing is

concluded. We appreciate your support in making sure your student

is in attendance that day to avoid missing out on these opportuni-

ties.

FRESHMEN

Mock College Admission Case Studies

National Center for College Costs will return to our school to

review mock college admission case studies. Students will have

completed activities in their Keystone classes in preparation for the

visit. Students will review sample college admission applications,

discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates. Students

then determine which applicants should be admitted or denied.

National Center for College Costs session with freshmen will reveal

the actual admission decisions for the ones reviewed by students

and explain the rationale for acceptance or denial.

SOPHOMORES & JUNIORS

PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test)

All sophomores and juniors will be taking the PSAT. The high

school feels strongly in offering the PSAT to students for several

reasons: 1) Students and their parents receive an earlier and better

gauge of their post-secondary readiness; 2) Students have time to

adjust future course selections based upon individual student data;

3) Schools may use the PSAT data to identify students who may

benefit from classes that help prepare students for Advanced Place-

ment; and 4) Students and parents have access to a variety of col-

lege, career, and SAT preparation tools that have benefit throughout

high school.

Scores for Junior PSAT participation are utilized in the National

Merit Scholarship Program. National Merit Semi-Finalist and Fi-

nalist standing is determined based upon the scores received ONLY

during the junior year.

For more information parents/students can go to:

www.collegeboard.com or contact Kathy Buckingham at 881-0581,

x 4434.

SENIORS

College Visits, College Applications/Scholarships

Seniors are encouraged to take a college visitation day on October

17th. Please review page 10 of the Student Handbook or contact

the Guidance Office regarding the school procedures for taking a

college visit. Seniors who remain at school will have time to work

on college applications, essays, and scholarships. Computer labs

will be available for their use. An absence from school on Octo-

ber 17th during Periods 4 & 5 will count toward S to the 5th

qualifications EXCEPT if a student is taking a college visit day. Again, review the Student Handbook or contact the Guidance Of-

fice for more details.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL Tradition. Opportunity. Excellence. Adopted last school year,

this motto communicates the essence of CGHS. Proudly, CGHS

has received several pieces of good news about the academic

progress of our students, providing further evidence of how our

motto lives on.

SAT and ACT results were released in September showing con-

tinued positive trends for CGHS graduating seniors. Here is a

quick summary of the Class of 2012’s SAT and ACT results:

SAT

Mean score in Math, Critical Reading and Writing exceed

state and national averages.

77% of the Class of 2012 took the SAT at least once during

their high school career.

Mean Writing score is the highest since this section was

included on the SAT in 2007. Writing scores have risen

from 491 to 504 since 2007.

Mean Critical Reading score is the highest ever at 527

(mean score in 2003 was 517).

ACT

Mean scores well-above state and national averages.

Since 2003, percentage growth from 16% to 51% of our

senior class taking the ACT.

Numerical growth from 72 to 271 seniors taking the ACT.

Given our growth in ACT test-takers, our mean composite

(overall) score has still increased from 23 (’03) to 24.1 (’12)

In addition to these college admission test scores, we also re-

ceived wonderful news about National Merit award win-

ners. Listed in this newsletter, you will find the names of (8)

National Merit Semifinalists and (8) National Merit Com-

mended students. This year represents the most Semifinalists in

CGHS history! Congratulations to these students, their families,

and teachers!

By the end of October, the Indiana Department of Education will

release the school accountability letter grades for all schools in

the state. At the high school level, grades are based upon Alge-

bra I and English 10 end of courses assessment results, gradua-

tion rate, and college and career readiness (students earning dual

credit or passing an Advanced Placement exam). I am hopeful

that CGHS will obtain the highest rating under Indiana’s new

letter grade system.

Lastly, I have attached a copy of our school’s vision, mission,

and belief statements and the 21st Century Skills that we believe

are important for college and career readiness. Please review this

document so you know what guides our work each day with your

student!

Best Wishes,

Matt Shockley, Principal

IMPORTANT DATES

Oct. 17 , Wed. Special Schedule/PSAT

Oct. 12, Fri. End of 1st 9 Wks

Oct. 25-26, Thurs.-Fri. Fall Break - No School/Office Closed

BOOK RENTAL STATEMENTS All book rental statements were mailed home by October 5.

They are due upon receipt. A return envelope was enclosed

for your convenience. New this year, you can choose to pay

your student’s book rental online through Skyward Family

Access Fee Management. For more information on how to

make payments, go to the high school home page and click on

the Textbook Fee Information article. Payments also can be

made by credit card, check, money order or cash through the

high school treasurer’s office.

2012-13 COURSE FEE POLICY CHANGE

Center Grove High School students in grades 9-12 will be

billed course fees for the entire academic school year in

early October.

Indiana Textbook Rental Statements will be mailed to

each family in early October. Statements will not change

throughout the year as a result of schedule changes.

Course fee account information will also be viewable in

Skyward Family Access in early October.

Course fee payments can be made in the form of cash,

check, or credit card through the CGHS Treasurer’s Of-

fice.

Students who enroll at/withdraw from CGHS after the

early October billing date will be charged a prorated

amount for their course fees.

At least two unpaid balance reminders will be sent via

email and Skyward Family Access. Families without a

valid email address on file will be notified via mail.

Course fees that are not paid in full by February 1 will be

sent to the Center Grove Community School Corpora-

tion’s Business Office and if necessary, a collection

agency.

CONGRATULATIONS

National Merit Center Grove High School is proud to announce its National

Merit Semifinalist Students: Lydia Furrow, Hunter Haskell,

Abigail Long, Katherine Roeder, Catherine Sembroski, Ja-

cob Stallard, Damon Webb, and Marcus Wesley. These stu-

dents are a part of an elite group of approximately 16,000 stu-

dents nationwide that earned this designation by taking the

2011Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying

Test (PSAT/NMSQT) during their junior year. These students

will now progress in the National Merit Scholarship Competition.

Center Grove High School is proud to announce its National

Merit Commended Students: Darius Choksy, Mark Hazel-

baker, Julie Kramer, Anicia Mattingly, Kari Russell, Dorothy

Slover, Kimberly Sullivan, David Chandler. Commended

Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5

million students who entered the 2013 National Merit Scholar-

ship Program by taking the 2011 Preliminary SAT/ National

Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). These stu-

dents are recognized for their exceptional academic promise.

DAR Good Citzen Award Tori Schoettmer was selected as the CGHS Daughter’s of the

American Revolution Good Citizen Award. She will now com-

pete for the county award.

FALL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The CG Marching Band has been busy this fall starting

with 2nd place at Fishers and Lawrence Central. At Avon,

they received a 3rd place with awards for Best Percussion.

The band achieved a 1st place at Greenwood while earning

Best Music, Best Visual, Best General Effect, Best Color

Guard and Best Percussion. Most recently, a gold rating

was attained at the ISSMA district contest as well as Best

Music, Best Visual, Best General Effect.

The football team is 7-1 and tied for 2nd in the MIC.

Boys’ tennis won semi-state and advance to the Elite 8.

They were also Johnson County Champs.

Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country both won the Johnson

County Meet.

Girls’ soccer won sectional and play in the Shelbyville

regional on Oct. 10.

Boys’ soccer were sectional champs advancing to the Mt.

Vernon regional on Oct. 11.

The following students were named C9 Student of the

Month for September: Gizet Ballangee, Zachary Crank,

Robert Foltz, Grant Gilbert, Kylie Starling.

The following students were named C9 Student of the

Month for October: Mark Balish, Caleb Imel and Kaleb

Kelsheimer.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

FROM THE DEAN’S OFFICE

Don’t forget to turn in doctor’s notes for absences to the

attendance office. Absences with doctor’s notes will be

exempt and NOT count towards the attendance limit.

The consequence for missing an After School Detention

is a day of In-School Suspension.

STUDENT PARKING All students must park in the student lot and have a valid park-

ing permit. The CGPD has started their parking enforcement

issuing tickets or towing student vehicles that are not display-

ing a valid parking permit or parking illegally on school

grounds. See Mrs. Stuckey in the Main Office during lunch if

you need a parking permit.

DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION_ It is important that we have correct demographic information,

including parents’ or guardians’ place of employment and day-

time telephone number to reach you in the event of an emergen-

cy. Demographic information may be updated at home on Sky-

ward Family Access by Guardian #1 (primary guardian). Sky-

ward parent logins may be obtained by calling the technology

help desk at 882-1055.

CHOOSE CGHS TO GET REWARDS!

CGHS REWARDS CARDS CODES:

Marsh –28595 Target - 9033

SKYWARD EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS

On Skyward Family Access, parents are able to choose to have re-

minder emails sent regarding attendance, Food Service balance, and

progress reports. To do this, go to your account and select My Email

Notifications. Mark the boxes that apply and hit Change My Notifica-

tions. Only the primary guardian can elect to receive these notifica-

tions in Family Access. If these options aren’t available to you in Fami-

ly Access, you should assume that you aren’t the primary guardian.

Please contact CGHS to change the order of guardians for your child if

you would like to register for these notifications.

DELIVERY OF ITEMS TO

STUDENTS DURING SCHOOL DAY

If your child requests a parent bring something to school for them dur-

ing the day, please ask your student to check at the main office in be-

tween classes to see if it has arrived. Names will only be called out

during lunch or afterschool for pick up. To reduce interruptions, items

will not be delivered to students and names will not be called out over

the PA system in between periods. Please notify the receptionist if an

item is needed by a student for a medical emergency, and we will

make an exception to our policy and deliver it to the student.

PTO LEADERSHIP It’s not too late to get involved in PTO! Volunteers are always needed

to provide food, work events or plan/work Post Prom. Please contact

one of the leaders below if you’d like to get involved.

President Brandi Scott brandijscott@comcast.net

Volunteers Cathy Long cathy@boazproject.org

Parent/Teacher Meals Jenny Coy jennycoy@comcast.net

Post-Prom Decoration Jenny Coy

Post-Prom Prize Redemption Ellen Miller emiller@uindy.edu

For Only $20!

Send this completed form & payment to: Julie Coyne & Kelly Scholl CGHS Class of 2014 Sponsors 2717 S. Morgantown Rd. Greenwood, IN 46143

Your Name____________________________

Your Phone #__________________________

Requested Date(s)______________________

Check one greeting: Happy Birthday Good Luck Congratulations

Message: Up to 4 lines of text, not to exceed more than 12 letters per line. Line 1. _____________________ Line 2. ______________________ Line 3. _____________________ Line 4. ______________________

PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO “CGHS.” RENTAL SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

For only $20 a day, you can wish your CGHS student a

Happy Birthday! You can also wish their team, organization,

or club Good Luck or Congratulations!

FINAL EXAM SURVIVAL BAGS Would you like to surprise your student with a note

of encouragement just before they take their FINAL

EXAMS in December? Would you like to give them

a joke, some "Smarties", "Nerds", as well as some other goodies like a

stress ball, pencil, and a good eraser??

Then plan on buying a FINAL EXAM Survival Bag from National

Honor Society. The bags will cost only $5, you will write a note to

your student, and it will be delivered just as exams begin. Please

contact Heather Hart at harth@centergrove.k12.in.us to purchase a

Final Exam survival Bag.

COAT COLLECTION FOR

OPERATION BUNDLE UP Key Club is collecting new or gently used coats for this year’s Opera-

tion Bundle Up. Students and community members can bring coats to

the high school to be delivered to room 245 before Friday, October

12th, or they can bring coats to the home football game on Friday, Oc-

tober 12th to be placed in the Milto’s Cleaners truck.

MY COKE REWARDS

FOR SCHOOL PROGRAMS Center Grove High School Media Center has

joined the My Coke Rewards for Schools pro-

gram. That means by drinking Coca-Cola

products, you can get My Coke Rewards

points and donate them to help the Media Center. Your donations will

go toward rewards like magazines, equipment and other items for the

Media Center and school.

It’s easy to donate:

1 Purchase your favorite Coca-Cola products to get codes (they’re on

hundreds of different packages, in a variety of sizes and flavors).

2 Go to mycokerewards.com/school & sign in (register if you aren’t a

member).

3 Enter your codes to collect points – then search for our school to

donate points.

4 Enter the amount of points you’d like to give, then click “Donate”.

We will also be collecting bottle caps during home football games and

we have buckets in the Media Center to collect bottle caps. If you have

any questions see Mrs. Shook. Thank You for your help!

Mission It is the mission of Center Grove High School to provide meaningful learning experiences that will prepare students for post-secondary opportunities and empower them to thrive in the 21st century.

Vision Center Grove High School strives to be a safe and challenging institution that values the use of innovative and diverse teaching strategies, the immersion of technology, and strong community involvement.

Value Statements We will provide a safe, creative, and challenging learning environment that consists of numerous curricular and extra-curricular opportunities for our students. We will provide an environment that prepares our students for the future by instilling 21st century learning skills and embedding opportunities for students and teachers to access and use advancing technologies. We will inspire students to be life-long learners who can thrive as independent learners in a collaborative environment while also preparing them to be productive, accountable, and responsible citizens. We will utilize multi-sensory teaching styles and strategies that will connect with students and will teach relevant content that is derived from adopted state and national standards. We will offer a positive and caring school culture that will encompass an environment in which teachers help mentor students throughout the high school experience. We will foster professional development, teacher collaboration, and teacher input to attain maximum achievement for our students and school. We will promote a culture that offers various academic opportunities that will guide students in their pursuit of post-secondary career goals. We will offer a collaborative community environment that will allow teachers, students, administration, parents and other stakeholders to work together on the various facets of the high school experience.

21st Century Skills/Proficiencies In addition to core academic content, Center Grove High School believes in developing the following 21st century skills/proficiencies: • Collaboration • Communication • Creativity and Innovation • Global Awareness • Political and Economic Awareness • Adaptability • Financial Literacy • Technology • Critical Thinking • Optimal Health and Wellness • Independence and Responsibility

Tradition. Opportunity. Excellence.