Letter to Parents - October 8, 2009
Dear Parents,
It’s hard to believe that the first grading period of the year is already over! Report cards will be given to students at school between October 13th and 17th. If you do not receive a report card by October 17th, please let me know.
All freshmen took the PLAN test on September 17th. The PLAN is made by the makers of the ACT and is formatted almost identically. This test is our most reliable predictor of how students will perform on the ACT. We expect to have the scores back by January. These scores will help us identify strengths and weaknesses so that we can better prepare students for the ACT and college. Once we have the scores, we plan to have a parent session to explain how to use the scores to plan for the future.
On October 20th and 21st, Chris Dressler from KHEAA will be visiting with freshman classes. KHEAA (Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority) is an agency whose purpose it to promote education beyond high school. They work with students to explore higher education options and how to finance these options. They are also in charge of the KEES money that students receive according to their GPAs. For more information, you can visit www.kheaa.com and click “Students and Parents.”
We will be having a school-wide college week from November 16th to 20th. We’re still in the planning stages of this event, but I think it will be a great opportunity for our students.
In September, I visited all freshmen classes to discuss several important topics. We talked about what credits are required for graduation and the consequences of failing a class. I also stressed to the students the importance of being involved in a club, organization, or activity. Lastly, we talked about the difference in income between a person with a high school diploma and a college degree. (In 2008, the average high school graduate in the state of KY earned $2,100 per month before taxes, while the college graduate earned $3,400.) As a group, we prepared a list of expenses that an adult must pay, such as mortgage, car payment, insurance, cell phone, and others. It didn’t take the students long to realize that they would rather have the income of the college graduate.
When I visit classes, I often use a booklet entitled “Getting Started.” It contains great information that is targeted specifically to Kentucky freshmen. You can view/print this booklet online at http://www.kheaa.com/pdf/pubs/ky/kygstarted.pdf .
I also gave students a chart that outlined what types of tests, classes, and opportunities they can expect over the next 4 years. The chart also listed what students can do each year to prepare for life beyond high school. One of the important things that I stressed to them is keeping a folder or file at home containing all awards, report cards, records of community service, volunteer hours, etc. This information is vital later in high school when students begin to apply for scholarships and other programs. It is helpful if they have a detailed record of the activities they have been a part of and awards they have received. I’m including the chart at the bottom of this letter.
As always, please let me know if there is anything I can do for you and your family. You can reach me by phone or email. Also, you can check the guidance department website at www.lchsguidance.com or the school website at www.lchs-cougars.org for more information.
Have a wonderful day,
Mrs. Robbie Davis
Counselor - Freshmen and Sophomores
Logan County H.S.
Learn Challenge Honor Succeed
The mission of LCHS: "Our learning community exists to
challenge students today to be responsible leaders tomorrow."
What can I expect for the next 4 years?
| Grade | Required Classes | Tests | AP / Dual Credits Offered | Other |
| 9th | English I Algebra I Biology World Civ PractLiving | PLAN |
| · Choose a career cluster of interest in the ILP · Begin a file containing all of your awards, volunteer hours, community service, report cards, etc (also add to ILP) · Choose at least one organization, group, club, or sport to join |
| 10th | English II Geometry Chemistry Int. Soc. Std. | PLAN (Sept) CATS (?) |
| · Begin career academies (ACE, CLASS, or STEAM) · Begin requirements for graduating with Honors · Apply for Gatton Academy of Math and Science · May “double up” in math (take Geometry and Alg II in the same year) in order to be prepared to take AP Calculus as a senior |
| 11th | English III Algebra II Earth /Space Sci US History Humanities | PSAT (fall -optional) ASVAB (fall) ACT (March) CATS (?)
| AP US History/His 240 SPAN Chem I SPAN Chem II Psych 100 | · Research colleges/schools and begin checking requirements · Apply for Governors Scholars (fall) · Need to have started taking a foreign language to ensure being able to take 2 credits · Prepare for the ACT · Make sure you’ve taken classes that will be necessary if you want to co-op as a senior · Make sure you’re on track to graduate with Honors |
| 12th | English IV 4th math | On-Demand (Sept) ACT (as needed) SAT (as needed) | AP Spanish AP Biology AP Calculus AP English IV Western Civ 119 SPAN Chem I SPAN Chem II Math 116 Speech Comm 161 Intro to Edu 250 Psych 100 English 100 | · Continue to take ACT to obtain highest possible scores · Take SAT if required for desired college · Visit colleges to narrow choices · Apply for colleges and tech schools · Complete scholarship applications · Complete the FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Aid) · Make sure you’re on track to graduate with Honors
|
LCHS Students and Parents Set Graduation Goals
On July 27, Logan County High School welcomed its Class of 2013. Over the course of the evening, students listened to speakers, met with homeroom teachers, learned about clubs and extracurricular activities, and toured the building. Students were surprised to recieve a commencement program for their graduation in May of 2013. Students were told that they were now one class, not students from five middle schools. The purpose of the commencement program was to “begin with the end in mind” – a symbol of what they could achieve. They were encouraged to support one another to assure that every student would graduate and that no one would drop out. Robbie Davis, freshman counselor, told the students to hold on to the commencement program as a visual reminder to encourage each other to graduate. As an incentive to keep the program, students who turn in the commencement program when they are seniors will be entered into a drawing for priority seating at graduation for the students' families. Students and parents also signed a "No Drop Out" pledge. The student pledge stated, "I pledge to do whatever it takes to be a part of the graduating class of 2013. I know that a high school education is essential to survive in today's society. It will take effort, time, and hard work to achieve this goal. If I begin to feel discouraged, I will ask for help." Parents also signed a pledge. Theirs read, "As a parent, I pledge to support and encourage my child over the next four years. If he or she expresses a desire to drop out, I will not allow it. I want the best for my child and will accept nothing less. If I notice that my child is becoming discouraged, I will seek help from the school and do whatever is necessary to assure that my child is a member of the graduating class of 2013." Mr. Jaynes stressed to students and parents the importance of a high school education for future employment. The high school staff hopes that these pledges will encourage students to work hard and earn a diploma in 2013.