Attendance

If students are not in class, then they cannot learn! It really is that simple. Today was the first day of hallway sweeps. The purpose is not to be a "gotcha" - it's to send the message that we care enough about our students, and their attendance, to hold them accountable for being present and on time to class. Our first question to students is likely the same question you ask them - Why are you late? Important to point out; however, is that a total of 70 students were stopped in the hallway for tardiness today and 46/70 (66%) were not marked tardy as of 4:00 pm. Please remember that you have a professional responsibility to take accurate attendance each day, for every period. The administrators heard loud and clear your concerns about attendance, but it takes a village and all of us need to do our part.  

Upcoming Events
Monday, September 11th:
Tuesday, September 12th: Fire drill @ 7:59 am; Fall Extravaganza @ lunch in bus loop
Wednesday, September 13th: Department meetings @ SHS @ 2:28 pm
Thursday, September 14th: Senior Meetings with counselors in Salem auditorium: 1st hour SHS, 2nd hour PHS, 3rd hour CHS 
Friday, September 15th:Last day for students to participate in 1:1 & sign up to receive a chromebook. Distribution schedule will resume on 9/21. More information to follow.

Hello, my name is Steve Rooney I am teaching chemistry. I have taught chemistry at the high school level for 12 years , and at the community college level for 5 years. I earned my degrees from the University of Illinois @ Chicago, and I am currently working on a PhD at Wayne State.

I recently picked up a motorcycle hat is in somewhat disrepair, my goal is to get it running during winter, and then go on a road trip over the summer. Professionally I would like to work towards becoming a Google Educator this year.

I have been married to Deb for 15 years , and we have two daughters Emily (14) and Abigail (11). Spare time... What is that? I am constantly working on remodeling projects around the house, recently finished a pergola and am currently working on a master bath/walk in closet. When not constructing/making/mending things I like to brew beer, and when that's done I like to lie in my hammock reading a book.

I have just started Ignition by John Clark,. The book is about the development of rocket fuels, good solid facts, but most importantly quite funny.

1) Voice amplification system: A friendly reminder that using the voice amplification system makes such a big difference! Several random parents stopped me during Open House to comment on how well they could hear teachers who used the "microphone." This is the only part of the 21st century classroom that has been shown to increase student achievement. It's not about how much louder it makes the sound; it's about how the system disperses the sound throughout the room.

2) Learning walks continued: The PHS administrative team loved getting into classrooms for learning walks last year. Remember that these learning walks serve as a valuable tool for us to dialogue about instruction, progress monitor our school improvement plan, and interact with students/staff - they are NOT evaluative - they're for our growth and learning! We plan to get into classrooms soon.

3) Chromebook distribution: Chromebooks are set to be distributed again out of Salem on 9/21. Set English classes will be assigned a date/hour for the pick-up. Students will need to bring their chromebook agreement form on their assigned pick-up day, and also have paid online for one of the insurance options (for free/reduced lunch the insurance option is either waived or reduced to $5)

4) Lunch duty: We are still looking for teachers who can help out on lunch duty. This pays 13.62/lunch period. Please fill out this FORM if you are interested. You can let us know on the form how many days a week you are interested in working. Also, you can sign up to sub.

5) Lowe's Small Toolbox for Education Grant Program: Educators and parent groups have less than three weeks to apply for $2,000 to $5,000 grants from the Lowe's Small Toolbox for Education grant program. The focus for the 2017–2018 funding cycle is school improvement centered on one of
four areas: technology upgrades, STEM programs, facilities improvements and safety enhancements.

6) Teens Using Drugs Series: This is a "free, ongoing resource designed to educate parents, families, teens and professionals about how to identify and help young people who may be experiencing problems related to alcohol/other drug use. When teens are in trouble in school, at home or in the community, alcohol/other drugs are often factors – and may the last factors to be seen. Early identification and intervention with substance-involved young people can often prevent serious, sometimes irreversible consequences. The “Teens Using Drugs: What To Know and What To Do” series provides a starting point for families struggling with teen alcohol/other drug use and professionals who want to help. Please click on the link above for more information and session dates/times.