Principal's Newsletter
March 2021
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to the month of March! We are super excited about the progress that we have made with our Responsible Return Plan and we are looking forward to welcoming all wave groups into our building simultaneously starting the week of March 8th. While there have been struggles, I feel confident that we are on a path toward a greater sense of normalcy. I would like to thank our students, parents, and community members for all of their support during these challenging times. As we continue to move forward, we encourage parents to be vigilant in monitoring student grades through Power School and Schoology.
With the return of larger student groups, it is imperative that students remain informed regarding our safety policies. In order to ensure the safety of all students and staff, we ask that students review the safety protocols posted on our school website. Students must wear masks properly, practice physical distancing, wash and disinfect hands, and take the screening process seriously each and every day. Safety is our top priority!
While we are still unable to host larger indoor ceremonies, we are happy to announce our first school fundraising event for the year, the BBQ Bash n Dash. This event allows families to purchase a pre-packaged family meal that includes one pound of pulled pork, 4 rolls, cole slaw, baked beans, and dessert for just $20. For your convenience, families can pre-order, pay, and choose a pick-up time slot all on-line. Click HERE to order.
The second semester has also brought the return of spectator athletic events. Families of student athletes may purchase two passes for home games for those 21 years and older. Please contact your child's coach with questions or e-mail our Athletic Director, Dan Dobronz, at DRDobronz@worcesterk12.org. Meanwhile, our extracurricular clubs and programs have continued to remain active. The National Honor Society is continuing its safety campaign and the Key Club just concluded its very successful Sock Drive for Diakonia, collecting over 800 pairs of socks! Also, please be on the lookout for the new spring programs sponsored by the After School Academy.
For our seniors, we are working on finalizing the graduation schedule and we will be publishing it soon. Seniors are reminded to order cap & gowns, check Naviance frequently for scholarship information, keep up with their grades, and finish strong!
As always, I encourage you to please continue to refer to the county website, our school website, https://stephen-decaturhs.com, and our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Snapchat) for additional information. For your convenience, helpful links and resources are posted on this page as well.
In closing, I want to reiterate our gratitude for your continued support and wish you and your family good health and good spirits. Warmer weather and better times are ahead!
Sincerely,
Thomas Sites, Principal
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to the month of March! We are super excited about the progress that we have made with our Responsible Return Plan and we are looking forward to welcoming all wave groups into our building simultaneously starting the week of March 8th. While there have been struggles, I feel confident that we are on a path toward a greater sense of normalcy. I would like to thank our students, parents, and community members for all of their support during these challenging times. As we continue to move forward, we encourage parents to be vigilant in monitoring student grades through Power School and Schoology.
With the return of larger student groups, it is imperative that students remain informed regarding our safety policies. In order to ensure the safety of all students and staff, we ask that students review the safety protocols posted on our school website. Students must wear masks properly, practice physical distancing, wash and disinfect hands, and take the screening process seriously each and every day. Safety is our top priority!
While we are still unable to host larger indoor ceremonies, we are happy to announce our first school fundraising event for the year, the BBQ Bash n Dash. This event allows families to purchase a pre-packaged family meal that includes one pound of pulled pork, 4 rolls, cole slaw, baked beans, and dessert for just $20. For your convenience, families can pre-order, pay, and choose a pick-up time slot all on-line. Click HERE to order.
The second semester has also brought the return of spectator athletic events. Families of student athletes may purchase two passes for home games for those 21 years and older. Please contact your child's coach with questions or e-mail our Athletic Director, Dan Dobronz, at DRDobronz@worcesterk12.org. Meanwhile, our extracurricular clubs and programs have continued to remain active. The National Honor Society is continuing its safety campaign and the Key Club just concluded its very successful Sock Drive for Diakonia, collecting over 800 pairs of socks! Also, please be on the lookout for the new spring programs sponsored by the After School Academy.
For our seniors, we are working on finalizing the graduation schedule and we will be publishing it soon. Seniors are reminded to order cap & gowns, check Naviance frequently for scholarship information, keep up with their grades, and finish strong!
As always, I encourage you to please continue to refer to the county website, our school website, https://stephen-decaturhs.com, and our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Snapchat) for additional information. For your convenience, helpful links and resources are posted on this page as well.
In closing, I want to reiterate our gratitude for your continued support and wish you and your family good health and good spirits. Warmer weather and better times are ahead!
Sincerely,
Thomas Sites, Principal
HELPFUL RESOURCES for VIRTUAL LEARNING
General: PLEASE USE THE WEB VERSION OF SCHOOLOGY, NOT THE APP ON THE IPAD!
- Provide a quiet, comfortable place for students to work.
- Post the Classes Schedule in a visible place for students.
- 1st class 1(A) 8:00 1st Block
- 2nd class 2(A) 9:30 2nd Block
- 3rd class 4(A) 11:00 4th Block (Lunch Block)
- 4th class 5(A) 1:10 5th Block
- Eventually, something with the technology will NOT work properly.
- Communicate device/connectivity issues early with teachers.
- Be patient w/ teacher technology problems and those working on solutions for you.
- Be a positive influence!
- The Schoology App works fine sometimes – Web Browser is highly recommended.
- Download ‘Get’ Google Chrome from the Leaf App (titled “Student”) to use Schoology on Chrome.
- Username & password were mailed with student’s schedule (same info as last year).
- Students will be expected to attend live (synchronous) class meetings throughout each week.
- Students will have assignments to complete every day in each class.
- Assignments will be due by the end of the day unless a specific due date was noted.
- The link to join each Zoom will be found on the teacher’s Schoology page.
- Audio and (possibly) video from students during discussions will be necessary.
- Make sure iPads and pens are charged and ready for each day of learning.
- General Video Resources: Click here or use this link - https://tinyurl.com/yxrsy4g4.
- Grades are not visible to parents/students until September 11th.
- Get the app and set up notifications as desired to track progress with grades.
- Click on the teacher's name to send them an e-mail.
- First, contact a student’s teacher for assistance.
- Second, Contact helpdesk@worcesterk12.org.
Other Helpful Resources for both Students & Parents:
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OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES and HINTS for DISTANCE LEARNING:
- Maintain a consistent school routine. Don't let your circadian rhythms get too far away from a normal school-week routine.
- Be sure to check in to Schoology and complete work for each class every day.
- Communicate issues with teachers, counselors, and/or administrators if you need clarification or have questions or concerns.
- Stay positive. We are all in this together and we will emerge from this stronger than before.
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SCHOOLOGYAll students can access their course content through Schoology. Daily and weekly assignments will be posted. In most cases, students will be given a range of time to complete assignments. Students should be checking Schoology daily. Students can access Schoology through this link or by visiting the "Digital Programs" page on our school website,
www.stephen-decaturhs.com. One helpful hint: Schoology works best with the Chrome web browser. |
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Important Social Media Accounts:
INSTAGRAM
Page of our School Counselors:
@sdhsschoolcounselors
An excellent resource for students, parents, and our community. Check out their Tips of the Day too!
Page of our School Counselors:
@sdhsschoolcounselors
An excellent resource for students, parents, and our community. Check out their Tips of the Day too!
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INSTAGRAM
Page for Senior Information: @seniorseahawks All of the important information seniors need from our guidance department. Application & scholarship help. |
INSTAGRAM & TWITTER
Information from our Testing Office:
@sdhstesting
An excellent resource for our students & parents about county and state assessments and Advanced Placement testing.
Information from our Testing Office:
@sdhstesting
An excellent resource for our students & parents about county and state assessments and Advanced Placement testing.
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FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER, and SNAPCHAT
Official pages for school communication: @SDHSSeahawks For important information, announcements, and celebrations of our students and our school. |
