Hooray!

You made it to the end of the school year... Congratulations!  (Definitely a thumbs up to summer break.)  At times it felt like it was a really challenging year, but it also felt like it went by quickly overall.  I hope that you have a wonderful and relaxing summer... but before you slip into total summer mode, I need to share some news with you.

Today just after 9:30am the administration at WKHS officially locked and handed over the class schedules to us which includes lots of schedule conflicts.  (Conflicts and tough choices between classes you wanted is definitely a thumbs down.)  I started calling for students like crazy to try to have you all make some really tough decisions regarding your classes for next year, but I wasn't even half way through before the day ended.  So, I am going to email students over the next few days with details about decisions or conflicts that I need you to share your thoughts, ideas or make decisions between classes so that you will have a schedule that works next fall.  Since I'm not sure if you will still be checking your school email I will also try to copy a parent on the message with the hopes that will help make certain you see the message.

I still have a few more days at school to deal with 2nd semester failures, help get students registered for summer school, and now to deal with conflicts... none of which would be anywhere near the top of my list of favorite parts of my job so know that I miss you already, but I do hope you have a well-deserved, relaxing, enjoyable, safe, and fun summer.

Summer School Reminder

Just as a reminder, if you fail a class in high school, you have to repeat that course before you can move on to the next level.  So, for example, if you fail Math 1 then you have to take Math 1 again before you move on to Math 2.  This is particularly challenging for students who fail English or Math since those courses each require 4 credits to graduate.  If this applies to you, PLEASE be sure to sign up for Worthington Summer School ASAP!  It will be held at WKHS, it is free and transportation is available if you need it.  Here is the link to sign up for credit recovery in Worthington Summer School.

Additionally, back in February when we were looking at your intended courses for next year many of you reported that you would be taking classes during the summer to get-ahead in your classes/ credits.  That is completely acceptable - you just need to make sure you are taking your classes through an accredited school and then transferring that credit back to us by bringing in a copy of your transcript.  Many students have found TRECA to be a cost effective alternative, but again, it can be any accredited school.

If something has changed in your plans and you will not be taking a class that you had previously indicated you were going to complete via summer school, please stop to see me or send me an email at school to let me know that so that I can adjust your schedule for next year.  (This goes with advanced classes and for classes that you have failed.)  I want to try to get as many of these adjustments made as possible before the school year ends so that your courses will be right in August when you pick up your schedule.

Congratulations Class of 2022

Congratulations to the Class of 2022!  Today was a great celebration and I am excited for all that is ahead of you in the future. I wish you all the very best of luck in all of your endeavors as you leave Kilbourne behind and now start chasing new dreams.  I hope you will look back on your high school years with pride for all you have accomplished.  

Honors, AP, IB Summer Work

Lately so much attention has been on seniors because of tomorrow's graduation ceremony and all of the end of the year events.  But, for the younger students, school is still in session and focusing on academics is still paramount.

As you start thinking ahead to next year it is important to remember that many students are planning  to take Honors, AP and IB classes for next year and so I wanted to remind you that many of those classes will have summer assignments.  Honors/ AP/ IB teachers have been working hard to prepare meaningful learning opportunities to help you get a jump start during the summer months.  Please pay close attention to the announcements each day because there will be meetings before/ after school for students to meet with the teachers for next year or Google/ Schoology classrooms for you to join, to learn about the summer requirements and expectations, and to understand what you will need to do if you have questions or need support. We have also posted copies of the summer assignments that teachers have shared with us on the Counselor Website so that you can have easy access to them there as well.

It is also important that all students are aware that there is a drop deadline of July 15th for all AP and IB courses.  Prior to July 15th students can drop the classes without penalty.  After July 15th the summer assignments are still required and the grades for the summer work will be transferred into the new class that you will transferring into for next year instead of your intended class.  So, it is important not only that you know what you will need to do, but also to start working on the assignments - at least enough to make sure you feel confident that you are going to enjoy the course - so that you will know by July 15th if you feel you are going to need to change out of that class.

Senior Recognition Night

Tonight's Senior Recognition night kicked off the festivities of honoring seniors which will conclude on Sunday at graduation.  I was thankful that so many of my students and their families were able to be there tonight.  I am exhausted, but excited.  As I listened to Mr. Thomas share about the unbelievable scholarship amounts you all have been offered, read some of the awards and recognitions you have received (which, by the way, it was really hard to limit it to 3), and reflected on the fact that 62% of your class was being recognized tonight, I simply keep thinking, WOW.

What an impressive class of students you are and what a great job you have done to contribute in positive and meaningful ways at WKHS.  And the reality is, even for those who weren't invited to attend tonight, each of you has made a positive difference at Kilbourne.  Whether it has been in the classroom, with a club, a sport, or simply being a friend to someone on a bad day, you help make WKHS such a special place.

I am grateful that I have been able to share in your journey through high school and tonight my heart is full as I celebrate and honor you.

Also, Mr. Crozier (Gavin's dad), shared an impressive closing speech that was a nice way to cap off a special evening.

And, although it didn't get announced tonight, a few students asked me about all of the regalia that you received and yes, you do wear that on Sunday.  So if you received a Celebration of Excellence medal, any cords, or stole, then all of those items are worn over top of your gown at the commencement ceremony.

Senior Reminders

Seniors, tomorrow is your LAST DAY of high school!  I have a few quick reminders about things you need to be sure that you take care of before graduation rehearsal on Friday.

Actually, I should probably start there.  You have graduation rehearsal at WKHS on Friday at 10am. You will be done around noon. This is mandatory if you plan on participating in the commencement ceremony on Sunday.  You do not need to dress up or where your cap and gown to the rehearsal.  I will be honest, the rehearsal isn't anywhere near as exciting as the actual graduation ceremony will be, but it will be worth it when everything goes well during the real event Sunday.  Because the practice can get boring, I suggest bringing something to help keep you occupied in your seat.  (Fully charged phone, book to read, etc.) 

Other events this week include Senior Teas at your elementary schools on Thursday.  Senior Recognition Night for those students who have earned awards/ scholarships/ recognitions.  If you will not be attending, please be sure to let Mrs. McDaniel know by stopping to see her in the Counseling Center or sending her an email to kmcdaniel@wscloud.org so that she knows you will not be there to pick up your recognition materials and can make arrangements to get them to you separately.  Baccalaureate is on Friday night at Worthington Christian Church and this is open to all seniors students and families and is always an awesome night each year.  And then, there is also this big event down at the Convention Center on Sunday at noon - GRADUATION!  :-)  It's going to be a busy and fun few days.

* Fees/ Fines: Some students still have outstanding fees and fines that you owe to the school. It may be a very small fee for an overdue library book or it could be a much larger fee for a lost textbook, but either way, please make sure that all of your debt is paid this week so that you will be able to participate in the commencement ceremony.

* Textbook/ Library Book Returns: You will need to turn in all of your textbooks as well as any library books that you still have. You can return your books to Mrs. Dominach in the Counseling Center or book room.

* Scholarship Thank You's: If you received a scholarship, don't forget the importance of writing a thank you note to the individual, group or organization who is providing you with the scholarship.

* Iron your gown: Ok, this isn't a requirement, but I'm hoping you have at least taken your gown out of the package already so that some of the wrinkles have fallen away.  But I do strongly suggest you consider ironing your gown because you will look much nicer in pictures if you're not a wrinkled mess.  (And, I say that fully acknowledging that I pretty much iron once a year and that is for this exact event to iron my gown for the ceremony each year.)

* Set a post-graduation ceremony meeting place: This is my many years of experience being down at the Convention Center for graduation giving this suggestion... I realize that most of you haven't been to the site of the ceremony, but after graduation you will want to meet up with your family and friends for photos and to celebrate.  Having a place where you know to go to find your family identified ahead of time will help more than you can imagine.  I can assure you that in the past, the worst place to be as soon as the ceremony is over is anywhere near the bottom of the escalator because everyone who attended the graduation ceremony will be trying to leave and coming out at the escalator.  So consider picking some other area where you can meet that is NOT near the escalators.

* Stop by and see me: Selfishly, I would like to also add this to your list as I would love to have a few more minutes with you while you are still in high school. And, I haven't received any senior pictures this year, so please know that I would still love to have one! :-)

Sending AP Scores

Seniors, I talked about the fact that if you have taken CC+ classes that you need to be sure that you send your CSCC or COTC transcripts directly to your intended college, but I realized that I neglected to mention that if you have taken an AP exam, you will also need to send those official scores to your intended college.

As you are likely aware, colleges each get to set their own protocol for what AP tests they will accept and what scores will result in earning credits at their school.  You can check out the AP Credit Policy using the search on CollegeBoard's website here: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/getting-credit-placement/search-policies

One great aspect about sending the AP Scores is that they will send your current and past scores to the college with one report so if you have taken 5 AP tests, you don't have to pay to send 5 different scores.  And, if you have taken an AP test this year, you can still request your scores to be sent to 1 school for free if you log into your account and select your intended college before June 20th.

Here is the page that explains everything you need to know about sending your AP Scores: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/sending-scores

Arts in Action Day

I love so many traditions that we have at WKHS and the end of the year is filled with many of them... Arts in Action day is always high on that list.  Wasn't it incredible to walk around and see the talent that our students have in all of the various arts?  I love seeing the displays that are posted in the halls throughout the year, but on arts in action day, there is so much more to see and the excitement and pride is palpable.  Part of what I love about this day each year is that it is a chance for others to participate in the arts - whether that is with watching the throw down competition, getting your face painted, salsa dancing, working on the guatemalan carpet, getting a marigold plant, trying air brushing, drumming, or so much more it is a reminder of the talents that are within our students.

The healing drumming circle was so much fun!  Thank you to everyone who came out and participated.  It was a beautifull day to be outside and to drum together.  Iggy Garcia was our guest who led the drumming circle.  He also happens to be the uncle of two of our students, Adriana and Marissa Dolciato, which made it an even more special connection to WKHS.  The Worthington Kilbourne Activity Club funded this event for our school and we are so grateful for their ongoing support of so many of Kilbourne's special projects including the drumming circle.  If you didn't get to join us for the drumming, it really was a cool experience.  As Iggy shared with us, we all have a rhythm inside of ourselves which starts in our heart and then as we drum together we find that shared connection where our hearts are all joined together.

Here are a few more photos from the drumming circles:

Let's Drum

As a part of tomorrow's Arts in Action fun, all students are invited to come outside (the weather is going to be amazing!) and drum for a little while.  We are lucky to have a guest coming to WKHS to bring some drums and to allow students to engage in healing drumming circles.  This is a great chance for you to connect with the beat that is already inside of you and have fun at the same time.  You do NOT need to have any experience with drumming in order to join in on this activity.  I anticipate that the drumming will take place out on the bridge, but we will have signs posted so that you can find us... and, who knows, the drumming noise may make it obvious where to go.  I hope you will take a few minutes out of your lunch period to come and try it out and see what you think!

As a reminder, all students will be able to participate in a range of fun activities during lunches tomorrow in celebration of Arts in Action day.  There will be a competition for who can throw the best clay pot in a tournament bracket.  Lots of impressive artwork will be displayed throughout the first floor.  Students can participate in Salsa Dancing in the gym.  There will be musical performances.  A Guatemalan artist will be helping students create a traditional carpet artwork.  There will be stations where you can participate in learning, creating, or adding to art pieces.  And, of course, there will be drumming.

It is going to be a great day and I hope to see you outside for the drumming as part of your lunch time.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Musab Erciyas who shared his intention to play football at Capital next year.  Musab had his "signing" ceremony after school today representing an accomplishment that had been years (and multiple sports) in the making. Competing at the college level as a kicker and punter is an exciting opportunity.  Musab was surrounded by family members, coaches, teammates, and friends who attended to show their support and to celebrate this great accomplishment. Congratulations Musab! We are so proud of you!

Mental Health

Did you know that, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, 20% of youth between the ages 13-18 live with a mental health condition and 8% of youth have an anxiety disorder?  What is even scarier to me is that according to the same data reports, nearly 50% of youth between ages 8 – 15 didn’t receive any mental health services in the last year.

If you stop to really reflect on that, it would be unheard of for people to be ill with a physical illness and not receive any health care.  So that brings us to the question of why people aren’t getting the help they need.  “Many people feel embarrassed or ashamed of symptoms because our society places illogical taboos on mental health issues over physical conditions,” said clinical psychologist Nikki Massey-Hastings, PsyD.

This can be seen even in the school setting.  When someone walks back into school with a cast or brace after breaking a bone or having ACL reconstructive surgery, other students will rush up to offer sympathy and support.  When students return after being out with the flu, classmates will welcome them back and ask how they are feeling.  But it isn’t always that easy when someone returns after being out due to a mental illness.  Sometimes it is because the students returning are worried about being judged by others and sometimes it is because their classmates are worried that they might say something stupid so they refrain from saying anything at all. 

This cartoon shows some of the things that people have said to those with mental health issues, but we would never dream of saying to someone who was sick with a physical illness.  With all these barriers, it is no wonder that mental health goes untreated so often.  So what can you say to someone after they have missed school due to mental illness?  Welcome back.  I’m glad to see you again.  I’m here for you.  I care about you.  You are important.  You were missed.  Actually, let’s be honest, that is what we all want to hear from those around us if we have been gone and that simple act of compassion can help minimize the stress and stigma and make a transition back to school more positive.

It is important to me that all students know that you can talk to me, a teacher or another staff member because every adult at WKHS is here to help support you.  If you have been feeling down, crying a lot, can’t sleep or facing another concern that is worrying you, please know that there is help available.  Don’t be afraid to seek help!  People will understand, there are plenty of resources of support available and even if you don’t have something significant going on you can always just stop by my office to chat – I look forward to that!

CC+ Transcripts

If you are a senior who took College Credit Plus (CC+) classes through CSCC or COTC last year or this year, you need to be sure that you request for your CSCC and/ or COTC transcripts to be sent to your future college.

If you are going to continue at Columbus State, then you don't have to do anything with your CSCC transcript (they already have that), but you would need to send them your COTC transcript.

If you are going to a 4 year college, then you will need to send them both transcripts... and yes, this is in addition to us at WKHS sending them your final high school transcript.

We have posted the links for how to send your CC+ transcripts on the Counselor website so if this is something that applies to you, please be sure to request them to be sent.  As always, let me know if you have any questions. 

Socratic Society

Friday morning was the ceremony to induct students into the Socratic Society.  Staff members are given the opportunity to recognize students for excellence in one or more of the core Socratic values of Scholarship, Integrity, Personal Effort, Compassion, or Lifelong Learning. Students are only eligible to be selected for this honor one time during their high school career.

A special congratulations to "my" students who were among those recognized this month! Dilara Alpay, Haley Aminaka, Alaina Barton, Alyssa Berger, Aron Berger, Ella Blanton, Evelyn Bomsta, Isabelle Bradley, Hailey Brooner, Grant Burson, Owen Chilcoat, Meara Couvillon, Sophia Culshaw, James Culver, Maybrie Domecq and George Fant.  I am proud of you all!

Prom

Tonight is prom night for WKHS juniors and seniors. This is an exciting and memorable night for students and I hope you have a great evening. Let's be honest, I also hope that it is a safe evening! You want prom to be memorable because it was a positive experience... 

Hopefully you have finalized all of your plans and are looking forward to a great night both at prom and at After-Hours. I am looking forward to being a chaperone at prom again this year because I love seeing "my" students dressed up and enjoying themselves. It should be fun!  Please be sure to stop by and say hi to me so that I get to see you in your tuxes and dresses.

One last reminder about safety - please remember that just because it is prom night that does NOT give you the excuse to make choices that you know are not wise.  Take the time to talk with your parents before you leave tonight about what you will do if you end up in an unexpected situation and need help. If, for any reason, you need help tonight while at prom - you know that you can find me. Have a good time - and please, be smart and stay safe!

Career Club Reflection

Thank you so much to all of the students who attended any of the career club presentations this spring.  Over the course of the last few months we were fortunate enough to have guest speakers come in to share their insights about their jobs as a nurse, small business entrepreneur, realtor, interior decorator, and paramedic/firefighter.

These guest presenters included a former WKHS student, parents of current/ former WKHS students, and relatives of some of our staff.  Their willingness to dedicate their time to speak to students when time is the most precious gift, is something I don't take for granted.  It was interesting to hear all of their paths towards the success they have today.  The presenters had areas of similarities and definite differences as well which made it fun to hear about their careers.

We anticipate that we will continue with the Career Club in the future and I can't wait to see which speaker(s) might inspire you towards the future you want for your own lives.

Today's speaker was Alec Bickell, who graduated from Kilbourne in 2018.  I loved hearing him share his experiences because I can so vividly remember him as a student and it made me so proud to see him today.  I can't wait to see that same transformation for all of you in the future.

So if you take nothing else away from the Career Club speakers, I hope you realize that whatever career you want to pursue is a possibility and to never give up on your dreams.

Sports in College

Competing in sports during high school is such a huge part of many student's lives.  The hours of time that you dedicate to practice, the effort you put forth during games, and the friendships you have made through your involvement all combine together to make this one of the more significant areas of these four years.  It can be hard to imagine life without your sport, but as I discussed on this blog earlier this spring, the statistics are not encouraging - most high school athletes do not continue on to compete in college at the varsity level. But please don't let that news frustrate you because you CAN always find a different level of involvement so that athletics can continue to be a part of your life.  For example, most colleges offer a variety of ways that students can meet their athletic goals such as through club and intramural options.

Club sports are often competitive and frequently include tryouts.  They frequently will compete against other colleges and travel in season.  It is less intense of a time commitment than varsity sports at the college level, but still a rigorous athletic commitment.

Intramural sports are more about having fun.  Depending on the college, there may be different levels of intensity available for you to choose from on intramurals or they may have just one level for the sport. In addition to different levels of competitiveness of the teams, they may have some options that will be guys only, girls only, or mixed participation so you will find a lot of different intramural options.  This provides a great way to meet new people and to even have fun doing sports you have never tried before.  I also love that on many campuses there may be fun and creative intramural opportunities such as intertube water polo, quidditch, and broom-ball.

The biggest reminder that I have for you is that if you can't imagine your life without sports, please remember that there are always ways to find opportunities to meet those needs in your life.  If, for some reason, your college doesn't have the sport you love, maybe you will find a new sport to enjoy.  Or you may start to explore what adult leagues may be available that you could join in the community.  For example, if you are a hockey player, you might not be able to find club or intramural hockey at your campus, but there are adult hockey leagues that you could join.  

That leads me to the point that you may be thinking ahead to adjusting to life without sports after college... and so, as I just mentioned you can pursue adult leagues in the community, but if sports are really important to you it is worth considering how you can take those skills and aspects that you love and tie them into your career choices.  For example, if you are a highly competitive person who loves working on a team toward achieving a common goal, then hopefully you will work to find a job that will allow you to work cooperatively towards common goals in a competitive environment.  If you are someone who needs the physical activity to burn off stress or to help you focus, then hopefully you will consider either a job that has physical variety or you will make working out a primary commitment in your daily life.

For now, if you are finding yourself struggling with the idea of your competitive athletic career ending during high school, always feel free to come and talk to me as I know that this is a big adjustment.

June ACT

Just a quick reminder for those students planning to sign up for the June ACT test administration, the deadline to register for the test is May 6th.  I also wanted to remind you that one of the options you can sign up for (and pay for) is the Test Information Release option.  The Test Information Release is a program that allows students to receive a copy of your test questions and answers along with the right answers so that you can compare your results and determine where you are strong and what areas you might need to focus on for improving your scores in the future.  It is a great option for students who want to take the test with the anticipation that they will continue to work to improve their scores over the summer before testing again in the fall.  You will sign up for the June ACT and, if interested, in the Test Information Release option, directly on the ACT website.

Senior Information Form

A quick deadline reminder for seniors - your Mandatory Graduation Questionnaires are due back by tomorrow, Tuesday, May 3rd.  This is a required form and it provides us with the information we need for Senior Recognition Night and your Commencement Ceremony programs.  It is also where you will indicate who you want to have as your Diploma Presenter and where you want to have your final transcript mailed.  Believe me, it is critical that the information we highlight for these events is accurate and we cannot do this without your help.  This form is submittable as a Google Form document which was emailed to seniors and there is also a link on the WKHS Counselor website.  Please be sure that you complete all of the form.

AP & IB Exams

Over the next two weeks many WKHS students will be taking Advanced Placement and IB Exams. The AP and IB exams are held on designated days and will be in designated locations throughout WKHS.  I know that many of you have been spending an extraordinary amount of time studying to prepare for the exams. Good Luck!  You will do great!  Remember, you have spent the whole year learning all of the content that you need to know in order to take the tests to hopefully earn the college credit. Stop by sometime and let me know how you felt after the tests.