There are a few things that are different at the high school level that students and families might not be aware of. One of these things would be grading terms and report cards. DHS does not operate on quarters and our classes run as semester long courses. So, we do not have 9 week or quarter report cards to release. Report cards for semester 1 will be released in January and report cards for semester 2 will be released in June. These are the only two grading periods for the school year that we have. Sports and activities will check on students' grades more often to make sure they are meeting eligibility to participate in extracurriculars.

Tuesday November 11th will be our Veteran's Day Program at DHS. Students will get to be a part of honoring our veterans as well as listen to a guest speaker that is an active military member and DHS graduate.

Friday November 14th we are pushing out a platform to 9th and 10th grade students called Pathways. This is how I am completing 4 year plans with students electronically. Students will have access to theirs next week and parents will gain access in the coming months as well. We will start utilizing this more as we continue to work through the new diploma and using Pathways to track various parts of the new diploma. As you and your student gain access and have questions, don't hesitate to reach out. I have only completed about a quarter of the 4 year plans with students so if I have not met with them yet, the system automatically adds in some basic options until we meet and students can select which classes they want based on their future goals and honors seal type.

I am planning to send a Needs Assessment to all 9th grade students. This helps me to know what the needs of my students are. Based on these results, I will offer some optional workshops for students during SST. Topics could include: Time Management, Digital Balance, Healthy Friendships, What is Mental Health, Career and Technical Opportunities for Barons, College Credits, Career Discovery, Public Service, College 101, Finding the Right Fit For a Job. Students will also have the option to say no if they do not need additional help in these areas.

Based on the topics from the needs assessment, discuss with your student what areas of need they have. This is an important life skill for students to be able to pause, assess how they are doing, identify where they could use more support, and utilizing resources to grow in those areas.

How is your student adjusting to high school?

Do they need more support?

How can they get more involved in their school and community? Clubs? Sports? Serving somewhere?

Northeastern Center-- All students at DeKalb Central Schools receive 2 free counseling sessions. Call (260) 925-2453 and let them know your student is from our district to take advantage of this opportunity.

Indiana Crisis Lifeline-- Crisis support is here. Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline from anywhere in Indiana. 988 is more than a number; it’s a lifeline. Call, text or chat for mental health help.

I am happy to check in with students as well.