2nd Semester Schedule Changes

I wanted to point out that it is almost the end of the 1st semester/ start of the 2nd semester which means that you will be switching any semester long classes once we reach the new year.  The reason this is important is that while you have had your schedules since August, you might not have been thinking much about your 2nd semester classes and if you are wanting to make any changes to them for next semester... but now is the time to make those adjustments if needed.

When would it be appropriate to make a 2nd semester class change?

1. If you are in a year long elective and are not enjoying it and/ or not doing well in it.  For example, if you are in Spanish 2 and failing the class, I'd suggest you consider making a change to a different elective for the 2nd semester rather than remaining in a class and potentially failing for the year since that class is such a building block course.

2. If you are in an advanced course (like Honors or AP) of something and you are not doing well in the class, the semester is a good time to change levels and move to a regular course.  For example, if you are in Honors Biology and earning a D or an F, it might be appropriate to change to Regular Biology for the 2nd semester where you could hopefully earn a higher grade for the 2nd semester.

3. If you don't have an academic prep or options period in your day and know that you will need it to be successful in your classes.  If you aren't likely to get work done at home, be smart and give yourself time in the school day to be able to focus on work completion.  It is also particularly helpful to have a time in the day if you tend to miss a few days of school in a typical quarter because it gives you time to work with teachers and academic assistants to get caught up on your coursework.

4. Your interests have changed in your elective choices and you would like to take something different.  If you have realized that you're really interested in business for the future, it might be smart to try to change your schedule and drop something in order to add another business class to your day.

5. You failed a semester class required for graduation and need to add it back into your schedule.  For example, if you failed Government in the first semester, you can avoid having to take summer school by adding Government back into your schedule for the 2nd semester and dropping some other elective class.

When should you NOT make 2nd semester class changes?

1. Seniors in particular need to be wary of making course changes - especially if you are switching classes that will make your schedule appear easier and less rigorous to colleges.  In fact, if you are making a schedule change, I would STRONGLY recommend that you contact the college admissions offices where you applied and let them know you are looking to make a schedule change, what that will be, and verify that it will not negatively impact your admissions decision.

2. If you are doing well in your classes, you don't want to just cut back because you want an easier path.  So, with the example above about changing levels from an Honors or AP class to a regular class if you're not doing well in the course... if you are doing well in the class then you should stay in that rigorous class even if you don't love it.

Other reminders:

Schedule changes can only be made within the confines of the master schedule.  There are a lot of classes that are full and we cannot overload them.  We also do not make any teacher changes so I won't be able to adjust your classes in order to facilitate a switch in teachers.

If you want to make any changes to your schedule for next semester, please come and see me this week or next week during exams rather than waiting until January!  We want to make sure we have you set up to be successful in the new year now, so please don't procrastinate on making these adjustments.

Tomorrow's Schedule

The holiday spirit has definitely been alive and well at Kilbourne lately.  Hearing about the contributions and watching students in the gym wrapping presents and seeing the impact of your generosity was incredible!  To build on that enthusiasm, tomorrow will be the annual holiday assembly.  Because of exams, you will still have another week and a half of school left, but it will be a great way to celebrate the end of the first semester.  

Below is the bell schedule for your reference as it is definitely different than normal.

Here is the breakdown for the day:

Period 1 - 8:40 - 9:19
Period 2 - 9:24 - 10:55 (Students will be divided to spend 1/2 the time in class and 1/2 in the assembly)
Period 3 - 11:01 - 11:40 
Period 4 - 11:45 - 12:24
Period 5 - 12:29 - 1:08
Period 6 - 1:13 - 1:52
Period 7 - 1:57 - 2:36
Period 8 - 2:41 - 3:20

I am looking forward to seeing all of my students who are participating as a part of the assembly tomorrow.  I also want to send out a huge good luck to all of the Band, Orchestra, and Choir students who will be performing tonight and tomorrow in the Home for the Holidays concert.

And then last, but certainly not least, I'd like to wish a Happy Hannukah to all of my students and families who are celebrating beginning tonight.

Planning Ahead

I have been talking a lot lately about End of Course tests and Semester exams both of which are taking place this month, but those aren't the only tests which students should be keeping in mind.  Juniors, as you know, you will be taking the ACT for free in March.  I realize that right now that seems far away, but when we return from winter break you will have just 10 weeks until the test.  That will fly by.  

Why does that matter?  This is a great time for you to start planning ahead for your test prep needs and developing a plan for what you will do to make sure you are prepared for the ACT.  Hopefully you have logged in and looked at your PSAT scores online and/ or reviewed your Pre-ACT test results that you picked up from the Counseling Center (if you haven't picked up your results, please see a secretary in the counseling center this week to get them).  Those two practice tests are great ways to get a feel for what you understood well and where you might need to focus some additional time and energy.

Remember, there are plenty of free resources available to you!  For example, your PSAT scores come with a direct link to Khan Academy to create a tailor made practice plan.  Additionally, some students will elect to work with a tutor or take a test-prep course.  If that is part of your plan, you will want to start investigating options to get that set up so that you aren't trying to cram all of your studying into the last few weeks ahead of the test.

It's nice to be thinking about something that is farther away and that you have more control over timing and your own personal prep plan.  Just don't forget to actually set up goals and a plan for how you will review to make the most of the free test opportunity.

Semester Exam Schedule

I wanted to give all students and parents a summary of the semester exam schedule with some additional frequently asked questions...

Day One - Monday, December 18th:

8:40 - 10:35: 1st period exam
10:45 - 12:40: 4th period exam
12:40 - 1:20: Lunch
1:25 - 3:20: 7th period exam

Day Two - Tuesday, December 19th:
8:40 - 10:35: 2nd period exam
10:45 - 12:40: 5th period exam
12:40 - 1:20: Lunch
1:25 - 3:20: 8th period exam

Day Three - Wednesday, December 20th:
8:40 - 10:35: 3rd period exam

10:45 - 12:40: 6th period exam

12:40 - 120: NO Lunch Provided! (bag lunches will be available for pick up between 3rd and 6th period exams)

1:25 - 3:20: Make-Up Exams

A couple of questions that tend to come up at exam time...

Yes, you are REQUIRED and EXPECTED to be in all of your classes during an exam. (Even if you don't have an actual exam, the teachers are going to be working with you on projects, papers, or other learning related to their course.)

No, you do NOT need to be in school during your scheduled lunch period or during your Options or Prep periods. (Which means, for example, that if you have 3rd period prep and 6th period lunch that you do not have to come to school at all on the 20th.)

Yes, there will be two bus runs on Wednesday - so you can leave after your 6th period exam, but if you need to stay for a make-up exam period then there will be another bus run to take you home then too.

Hope that helps clarify and I hope your studying efforts are going well.

Simpson Strong Tie

One area that Worthington Schools has been working to build is our partnerships with central Ohio companies who are interested in having students work as interns during their senior year in preparation for potential employment after graduation.  I have previously blogged about Worthington Industries which has been our biggest partner to date.  But I wanted to share information with you about Simpson Strong Tie which is a new partner that will be taking on senior interns next semester.

Simpson Strong Tie is located just off 270 at Roberts Road on the west side of Columbus.  They have a strong culture with many employees working their for their entire careers because they care about the mission and vision within the organization.  As you can see in the photo, what Simpson Strong Tie creates are the metal pieces which create a stronger tie between other items such as two pieces of wood.  Their products are sold at companies like Lowe's and Home Depot as well as directly to construction companies.

Last week I had the opportunity to tour their site, learn about the organization and the opportunities available to a select number of senior students.  I am confident this is going to be a great experience for students who are interested in a manufacturing type of job.  If you think this sounds appealing, we will be hosting a field trip for students next week on December 13th so that you can see the facilities and learn about the organization first hand.  If you are interested, please stop and see me to pick up a permission slip so that you can attend.

Students of the Month

On Friday morning before school a ceremony was held to honor December's Students of the Month! Students can only earn this recognition once during their high school career.  

A special congratulations to "my" students who were honored as Students of the Month!  They included (L to R): Ivan Chivington, Morgan Boone, Mikaela Bevelander, EJ Adams, Itzel Alarcon and not pictured Joel Blake.

I am proud of you! Thank you for representing the best of Worthington Kilbourne High School.

Winter End of Course Tests

Let's talk about End of Course tests for a moment.  And no, I am not talking about your semester exams that count for grades in your actual classes.  The End of Course tests are those assessments required by the state of Ohio that all students must complete.  The tests are also how you will earn the various components that you need to graduate.

The next 2 weeks are the winter testing window for the End of Course tests.  You will be taking these tests if you are currently in Government, if you took a tested class during the summer, if you took a tested class last school year but due to illness or other reasons you weren't able to complete the tests when the state testing window was open, if you need to try to improve your scores, or if you moved in from out of state and need to take the assessments.

All students are strongly encouraged to check your school email to look for information about End of Course tests.  If you need to complete a test then you will have received an email giving you information about what date you will complete your test and which room to go to for testing.

I know that it is really hard to miss class time for the testing (especially when you only have 10 days of classes left in the semester), but remember that because these tests play a role in you earing the graduation requirements you want to try to do your best on the tests when taking them.