Tredyffrin/Easttown School District



Parent Conference Day Planned

Parent Conference Day will be held on Monday, November 28, 2011.  Please remember that conferences will be fifteen minutes long and are held between the hours of 1:00-4:30PM and 6:00-8:30PM.  If you were unable to schedule a conference with a particular teacher during those times, please contact Mr. Phillips at (610) 240-1067 so that the teacher can be informed to contact you to schedule an appointment at a mutually agreeable time. We look forward to this opportunity to meet you. 

 

On conference day, we ask that you:

• Arrive a few minutes early; appointments will be very tightly scheduled.

• Enter the building through the main lobby.

Observe the fifteen-minute time frame; others will expect to meet at their scheduled times.

Report Card Distribution

Marking Period 1 ends on Friday, November 4, 2011. Report cards for all grade levels will be distributed in Homeroom on Wednesday, November 16. Should a student be absent on that day, the report cards will remain with homeroom teachers through Homeroom on Thursday, November 17 for distribution to students. After that date, remaining report cards will be returned to Data Processing.

Mid-year Exam Schedule Announced

Barring snow days or other emergency school closings, mid-year exams are slated to take place on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, January 18, 19 and 20, 2012. Additional information will be mailed home in early January 2012.

2011 - 2012 Schedule Change Modifications

Over the past several years, we have implemented practices to help students minimize stress and maximize their success on midterm and final exams. These practices include: 1) reading days prior to exams, 2) quiet study rooms for free period students, 3) in-class lessons on exam prep, time management, and study skills and 4) provision of study guides to help students with individual preparation. In addition to the above practices, course level changes can be made until December 23, 2011 (the last school day prior to winter break) and will resume on January 23, 2012 (the first day of the second semester).

New Option For Culminating Project Every student in Pennsylvania must complete a culminating project.  The purpose of the project, which may include completion of a college application, research, writing, or some other appropriate form of demonstration, is to assure that the student is able to apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information and communicate significant knowledge and understanding. As a result of recent changes by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, most CHS students will fulfill this requirement through completing a college application prior to leaving for their senior internship.

Completion of the project will be recorded on the student’s transcript.  Please direct questions to Mr. Boyle at 610-240-1029 or contact a guidance counselor.  Also, please consult the Conestoga Culminating Project web page.

Pass-Fail Reminder Under certain circumstances, students may request Pass-Fail grading for one of their courses. Pass-Fail grading is an option designed to encourage students to explore new areas of interest without fear that carrying too heavy a course load will hurt their overall performance. There is still time to apply for Pass-Fail grading for a full-year or second semester course. The application deadlines are as follows:

October 14, 2011 for a First Semester Course January 6, 2012 for a Full-Year Course March 5, 2012 for a Second Semester Course

To qualify, students must be enrolled in six major courses. The course may not be a graduation requirement. Applications and full details concerning Pass-Fail grading are available from Mr. Fagan in the Main Office.

Extended Experience The fall Extended Experience Physical Education application period ended on September 16, 2011. For those students who have EEPE on their schedule and have turned the application form in by this date, Extended Experience should appear on your 1st marking period report card with an S, signifying that the appropriate paperwork has been submitted. Failure to return a completed application form in a timely fashion will result in removal of Extended Experience from the student schedule. Fall verification forms will be posted on the web in early December, 2011. These forms verify that the experience has been completed and are due back to Conestoga's main office January 13, 2012. Failure to return a completed verification form will result in a U on the report card.

Spring Extended Experience applications will be posted on the web by January 6, 2012. These second semester forms are due back to the Conestoga main office on or before February 3, 2012. Seniors who do not have a completed application in by that time will be placed in a gym class. Sophomores and juniors will have extended experience removed from their schedules and will have to add an additional gym in the coming school year. Please remember that Conestoga's graduation requirements include credit for eight physical education courses.

CHS Seniors Honored

Congratulations to the fifty one (51) Pioneers recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and The College Board based on their performance on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Tests.  Twenty six (26) seniors were named National Merit Semi-finalists, twenty four (24) were recognized National Merit Commended Students, five (5) were named National Hispanic Scholars and one (1) was named National Achievement Scholar.

National Merit Semi-finalist recognition places students among the top 1% of students nationwide.  Best wishes to the Semi-finalists as they go on to compete for Finalist status and for possible scholarships.  Commended students are among the top 4 % of students nationwide.  The National Hispanic Scholars are among the top 2% of PSAT takers of Hispanic descent.   The National Achievement Scholars program recognizes the 1600 top scoring African American Students.

2011 AP Scholars

As of October 25, 2011, College Board has recognized two hundred and eighty three (283) Conestoga students for their achievement in Advanced Placement testing.  Eighty (80) Conestoga students were recognized as AP Scholars, which is granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.  Fifty-nine (59) students were named Scholar with Honor, which is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.

One hundred and twenty (120) students were named Scholar with Distinction, which is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Twenty-four (24) students were named National Scholar, which is granted to students in the United States who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams.

Tri-M Music Honor Society Inducts New Members

On October 5, 2011, fifty-eight (58) students were inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society.  Taking its name from Modern Music Masters, this international society awards membership based upon academic achievement, musical ability, leadership, service, character and participation in at least one of Conestoga's music performance groups.

‘Stoga Showcase of Sound

The Conestoga High School and the Marching Pioneers will host their Second Annual Cavalcade of Bands competition, 'Stoga Showcase of Sound, on Saturday, November 5, 2011 starting at 4:30PM and ending by 10:00PM. More than twelve high school bands from Pennsylvania and New Jersey are already scheduled to perform on our very own Teamer Field at Conestoga.  It will be an extravaganza of music and color guard performances, bringing over 1,000 people into the stands.  Tickets are available now at .  If you or your organization would like to place an ad, make a donation, sponsor a trophy or any of the activities for the evening, OR if you would like to help out in any way, please contact Co-Chairs Joan Capolupo at jazcapsax@ or Janet Fell at  janet.fell@.  Mark the date on your calendar and plan to bring the whole family for an educational and enjoyable evening of musical entertainment.

Stoga Theatre presents…

The Shakespeare comedy, Twelfth Night

[pic]

Thursday, November 17 – 7:30 pm

Friday, November 18 – 7:30 pm

Saturday, November 19 – 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm

Join us for one of Shakespeare’s most memorable comedies, Twelfth Night. The classic tale combines the Bard’s priceless wit, gift of jest, and romance fused with some of his most memorable characters. Stoga’s take on this classic includes an updated setting that will appeal to both Shakespeare novices and scholars alike.

Tickets are on sale now all seats reserved - $10. Special discounts - $8 for Students (age 19 & under), Seniors (62+) and TESD Staff and $6 for Groups of 15 or more. To purchase TICKETS or for more information, visit or call 610.240.1022.

Counselor Update

The fall semester is a busy time for counselors and the 2011-2012 year is no exception. Counselors have been meeting with twelfth graders to finalize post-high school plans.

o Seniors should submit their college applications by the posted deadlines.

o Juniors and their parents will be invited to schedule a post-high school planning meeting. Letters of invitation will be mailed in December. Counselors will be visiting eleventh grade homerooms to discuss college testing, college conferences, college fairs and the college selection process.

o Sophomore “get-to-know-your-counselor" meetings will be scheduled in the spring.

o Freshmen individual and small group "get-to-know-your-counselor" sessions are almost completed.

Students who are absent for any of the above should contact their counselor for an update and follow-up session.

Counselor Assignment By Student Last Name

Mrs. Laureen McGloin (ext. 1008) A - BR

Mrs. Rachelle Gough (ext. 1011) BU - DH

Mrs. Misty Whelan (ext. 1007) DI - GAI

Mr. Brian Samson (ext. 1012) GAL - JA

Mrs. Melissa Lieber (ext. 1051) JE - L

Mrs. Jennifer Kratsa (ext. 1010) MA - NA

Mr. Andy Mullen (ext. 1009) NE - R

Ms. Leashia Rahr (ext. 1038) S - TE

Miss Megan Ryan (ext. 1013) TH - Z

College Admissions & NCAA Night

Don't miss one of Conestoga's most popular evening programs on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 7:00PM. College admissions officers from regional colleges and universities will present vital information on the admissions process.  Representatives will be on hand from the following school categories: Highly Selective (Columbia University), Small Private (Gettysburg College), PA State System of Higher Ed (West Chester University), Penn State University, and Delaware County Community College.  Representatives will speak on the differences and similarities of their types of institutions and the admission process at each college.  An invaluable question and answer session will be held where parents and students have the opportunity to hear it from the experts! Prior to the admissions program, a session for COLLEGE BOUND ATHLETES will be held in Room 142 at 6:00PM. Coaches and students will be on hand to discuss college admissions for the student athlete.

Financial Aid Night/FAFSA Evening

Financing a college education is a tremendous undertaking. Conestoga’s counselors understand that paying for college can be complex and that knowledge of the options is key, and so they invite parents to attend a comprehensive, informative seminar on financial aid on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 7:00PM in the CHS auditorium. All are welcome.

Selective Service Registration

Young men seventeen years of age or older are reminded to register with the Selective Service within 30 days of their eighteenth birthday. There are several penalties for failure to register, including denial of financial aid for college. Registration materials are available at any U.S. Post Office or online at .

Requesting a College Application Transcript

All seniors must notify their counselors fifteen school days prior to an application deadline in order for the counselor to meet the college deadline.  Seniors must turn in a College Application Data Sheet with their counselor to officially request their transcript and letters of recommendation to be sent.

College Testing Times

All college testing programs will begin between approximately 8:15 and 8:30AM. Therefore, it is advised that students arrive no later 7:45AM.  Students will not be permitted to enter the testing room after testing has begun.  Ending times vary from test to test.  Juniors and seniors taking the Scholastic Aptitude Test should finish by 1:00PM. Ending times for the SAT subject tests (given simultaneously with the SAT) vary with the number of tests an individual takes.  Students taking only one test are normally dismissed by approximately 9:45AM, while those taking two or three tests are dismissed by 11:15AM or 12:30PM respectively. Students must present photo identification at the test centers. They should report to the CHS Main Lobby for room assignments. College Board and ACT no longer permit cell phones in the test centers during SAT and ACT exams.

Senior Alert

The time is upon us… Seniors will be able to place orders for caps, gowns, tassels, as well graduation stationary ON-LINE this year at bit.ly/conestoga. Seniors will be receiving information about the ordering process during homeroom the first week of November. Students who do not wish to order on-line may elect to use a paper order form (which can be picked up in the main office).

This year all orders from Student Services Company will be completed on-line with the exception of those families that wish to use the paper order form. All on-line and paper forms are due no later than Tuesday, November 15th, 2011. Students using the paper form can return their order to the main office. The cost of the cap, gown, and tassel is $23.60 plus tax for a total of $25.00. Payment can be made via credit card or check. EVERY SENIOR MUST PURCHASE A CAP, GOWN, AND TASSEL IN ORDER TO WALK AT GRADUATION. All of the other products in the packet are optional and involve a service charge and shipping fee. Please make sure to look for ordering information beginning in November and place your orders by November 15th!!! Questions regarding order forms or the process should be directed to Senior Class Advisors Mrs. Lydia Hallman (hallmanl@) or Mrs. Amy Hawkins (hawkinsa@).

Attention All Winter Athletes                   

Please make note of the following important dates:

October 26, 2011 – Winter Sports Parent meeting, 7:00PM, starting in the Auditorium and followed by break-out sessions.   November 4, 2011 – LAST day to turn in all paperwork for students participating in a Winter Sport. Please see the Athletics page of the Conestoga website for more details.                           

November 18, 2011 - First day of Varsity and JV winter sports.

November 28, 2011 - First day of freshman winter sports.  

Conestoga Sports Schedules

Daily sports schedules, updates or changes for any Conestoga High School athletic team is available online at   by entering "Conestoga High School” or by visiting the Conestoga Athletics webpage.

News From The Attendance Office

Parents/Guardians must provide the school with a written excuse explaining why their children were absent within three calendar days of an absence. Conestoga will continue to accept hand written notes, emails from parent’s/guardians designated email address or faxes created and sent by parents/guardians. For more information, go to and select Conestoga. Look under “Quick Links” on the Conestoga Home page and then click on “Student Attendance Contact Information”.

Conestoga Attendance Office

Phone: (610)240-1050

Fax: (610) 240-1150

Email: chsattendance@

School Closing Information

If it is necessary to close or delay the opening of school, announcements will be made on the T/E All-Call Phone Notification System, the T/E Information Hotline, (610) 240-1970, T/E TV on Comcast Channel 14 and Verizon Channel 20, as well as on local commercial radio and television stations.

The Tredyffrin/Easttown School District’s emergency closing number is 854.

Bus Questions

As a general rule, if a bus arrives late to school, Conestoga personnel present at the bus circle entrance will provide students with a pass excusing them for tardiness to first period. If a student occasionally needs to ride a bus other than the one assigned, he or she must obtain a bus pass from the Attendance Office in advance. A note explaining the reason for riding a bus, the bus number and the requested date(s) is required. The bus driver will collect the pass. If there are questions about this, please phone (610) 240-1069. Also, please be advised that in accordance with T/E School District Policy 8070, random video and audio monitoring on school buses will continue to help ensure a safe environment for students and school personnel. Such video and audio monitoring will help to deter misconduct that jeopardizes student safety and will encourage students to act responsibly.

Parent Meetings Slated

The November meetings of the grade level parent organizations will be held as follows:

    Grade 12      Thursday, November 10  

    Grade 11      Tuesday, November 8

    Grade 10      Thursday, November 17 

    Grade 9        Tuesday, November 15

All meetings are at 9:30AM and are usually held in room 142.  Parents with questions or discussion topics are encouraged to contact the class chairpersons: Grade 12, Jeanne Braun; Grade 11, Jean Kane; Grade 10, Cammy Wagner; Grade 9, Gretchen Guttman. Pattie Littlewood, Coordinator of Community and Volunteer Services, at (610) 240-1913, would also like to hear from you.  Please note there are no parent meetings scheduled in December.

Class Email List

To receive important, timely information pertinent to your child’s class at Conestoga, be sure you are on your Class Parent email list.  Contact the following people to add your email address to the list:

Class of 2012: Jeanne Braun   chs2012@

Class of 2013:  Jean Kane   conestoga2013@

Class of 2014:  Cammy Wagner   conestoga2014@

Class of 2015: Gretchen Guttman conestoga2015@

African American Parent Group Meetings

African American Parent Group meetings are scheduled for the third Tuesday each month at 7:00PM in the Faculty Dining Room of Conestoga High School. The next scheduled dates are:

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

T&E Care Offers School Meal Assistance

T&E Care is a local non-profit that helps families in our community. Because effective learning is best done on a full stomach, T&E Care supports families in the T/E School District with a school meal assistance program. This assistance is available to families meeting certain income criteria. Families who are approved for free or reduced lunch assistance are not eligible to apply. More details on the acceptance criteria can be found on the short application which is on the T&E Care website (), or can be picked up from your child’s guidance counselor. There is no deadline to apply – this can be done anytime throughout the school year.

Please don’t hesitate to contact T&E Care if your family could use a little extra help with breakfast and/or lunch assistance or in any other way. Any community members interested in making donations to T&E Care to help fund these initiatives please go to T&E Care’s website for contact information.

ARCH UPDATE

The Adolescent Brain: Hormones, Smartphones & Parental Groans

Thursday, November 3, 2011

7:00 – 8:30 PM in the TEMS Auditorium

Have you ever asked your child “WHAT were you THINKING???” Jerry McMullen, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist, will speak about exactly what is going in our sons’ and daughters’ brains during the adolescent/teen years and what behavioral implications and vulnerabilities come with the territory. Jerry will also discuss the gender-based differences in perception and thought that may hinder parents from being on the same page. ALL ARE WELCOME.

Race to Nowhere

Thursday, November 17, 2011

9:30 -11:30 AM in Room 201 at the T/E Administrative Office

RACE TO NOWHERE is a close-up look at the pressures on today's students, offering an intimate view of lives packed with activities, leaving little room for down-time or family time. The film is 80 minutes. There will be a follow-up discussion led by a moderator. Tickets are available online at , $10 per person.

Free Parent Webinars

ARCH and the T/E School District invite you to take advantage of a series of monthly webinars on today’s most pressing issues for teens.  You can view the webinars ‘live’, participate in discussions, and ask questions of nationally-renowned experts OR you can view the archived recordings at a later date.

• Monday, November 7, 8:00-9:00 PM: He Said, She Said: How Men and Women Learn Differently

• Monday, December 6, 8:00-9:00 PM: Your Digital Identities Net Worth: From College Admit to Future Employers

• Monday, January 2, 8:00-9:00 PM: The Battle Against Bullying: How Bystanders Fit Into the Equation

To gain access to these webinars, email ARCHcares@ and you will be given instructions for signing on.

ARCH is a 501c3 non-profit organization and accepts donations. Visit our website: .

CAPCO UPDATE

Cash for Gold - All Welcome

Could you use some cash for Christmas? Back by popular demand, CAPCO will sponsor the Cash for Gold program at CHS in room 127A on November 15 & November 16 from 8:00AM to 3:30PM. Bring any item that is gold or silver, your broken chains, missing match to earrings, coins predated 1964, vintage watches, bracelets, etc. and make money. This event

supports the After Prom Party. Must be 18 years old to participate. Contact victoria@ to set up an appointment for you convenience.

Gift Cards perfect for the Holidays

Buy your gift cards through Capco and support this years After Prom Party Celebration. The program is so easy and convenient, a perfect gift for this busy time of year. Many choices of stores to choose from! All you need to do is go on line to . and register. Please wait until November 1st to register. More information regarding the gift card program will be posted on the Capco link of the CHS web page. The first order will be placed on November 9th and Cards will be distributed on November 17th at CHS. Please contact CAPCO2013@ with any questions.

REMINDER – Check the On-Line School Calendar Often!

As you know, the District activities calendar has gone digital! Please remember to check the on-line District calendar and your school’s on-line calendar frequently, as this will be the fastest way to find out about calendar changes and additions.

To access the District calendar, visit and click on “Calendar” at the top of the page. To access your school’s calendar, visit , click on “Schools” and select the name of your school. From your school’s home page, click on “Calendar” at the top of the page.

Please note: All emergency school closings will result in changes to the school calendar, as approved by the School Board. Check the on-line calendar for the most up to date information on the last day of school.

Update Your Email Address

Please help us communicate with you by updating your email address. Visit and look under “Quick Links”. Click on “Parents: Click here to add or update your email address,” select your school and complete the information.

School Board Update

Please check the TESD website, , or the Information Hotline (610) 240-1970 for upcoming meetings, agendas and minutes for the Facilities, Education, Diversity, Public Information, Policy and Finance Committees. You may also refer to your class newsletter for summaries written by the committee chairpersons.

Dates to Remember

Nov. 1 National Honor Society Induction, 7:00PM,

Auditorium

Nov. 2 NCAA Night, 6:00PM, Room 268

College Admission Night, 7:00PM, Aud.

Nov. 4 End of 1st Marking Period

Nov. 5 SAT Testing, 8:00AM at CHS

Cavalcade of Bands, 3:00 – 10:00PM, Teamer Field

Nov. 8 Junior Parent Meeting, 9:30AM

Nov. 8 – 10 CPR Training

Nov. 10 Senior Parent Meeting, 9:30AM Nov. 15 Blood Drive, 8:00AM – 1:30PM, Large Gym

Freshman Parent Meeting, 9:30AM

AAPG Meeting, 7:00PM, Fac. Dining Room

Nov. 16 Report cards distributed in homeroom

Nov. 17 Sophomore Parent Meeting, 9:30AM

Fall Drama, Twelfth Night, 7:30PM

Nov. 18 Winter Sports Begin

Fall Drama, Twelfth Night, 7:30PM

Nov. 19 Fall Drama, Twelfth Night, 2:00PM

Fall Drama, Twelfth Night, 7:30PM

Nov. 22 CORNUCOPIA, 7:20AM – 2:20PM

Nov. 23-27 Thanksgiving Recess

Nov. 28 Parent Conference Day - No School

Nov. 30 Financial Aid/FAFSA Evening, 7:00PM, Aud.

**********

Dec. 7 Winter Concert I, 7:00PM, Auditorium

Dec. 9 – 21 ‘Stoga Big Give

Comedy Night, 7:00PM, Auditorium

Dec. 14 Winter Concert II, 7:00PM, Auditorium

Dec. 26-Jan. 2 Winter Recess

**********

Jan. 3 Students Report

Jan . 4 Winter Tri-M Recital, 5:00PM

Jan. 10 Junior Parent Meeting, 9:30AM

Jan. 12 Senior Parent Meeting, 9:30AM

Jan. 16 Martin Luther King Day – No School

Jan. 17 Freshman Parent Meeting, 9:30AM

AAPG Meeting, 7:00PM, Fac. Dining Room

Jan. 18 - 20 Midyear Exams

(Tentative-barring snow days)

Jan.19 Sophomore Parent Meeting, 9:30AM

Jan. 20 End of First Semester

Jan. 26 Course Selection Evening, 7:00PM, Aud.

Jan. 28 SAT Testing, 8:00AM at CHS

Conestoga Administrative Team

Amy Meisinger, Principal

Patrick Boyle, Assistant Principal, Athletic Director

Michele Capuano, Assistant Principal

Kevin Fagan, Assistant Principal

Andy Phillips, Assistant Principal

[pic]

-----------------------

PIONEER

PREVIEW

An update from the Administration of Conestoga High School

Vol. 19, No. 2, November 2011

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download