Parent e-News Archives August 2008
NELA OATS
Geneva Saint-Amour 08/29/08
NELA Outdoor Adventure Team
Teacher sponsor: Brendan Haggerty
Coach: Nancy Reid-McKee
Captains: 9th grade- Micah Rigner
10th grade- Cody Reid-McKee
11th grade- Wyatt Bond
Activities:
Sept. 6th, Saturday 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. hike Sycamore Canyon. This will entail a 1-hour drive, then 2 mile hike to the swimming hole.
Cost is $5 donation for gas. Get sign-up forms from your class Captain or Mr. Haggerty. These forms are due Wednesday, Sept. 3rd, to Mr. Haggerty. Students much also produce a copy of their family health insurance card or purchase the schools health insurance for $50, since this is considered a sports club activity. Spaces are limited, so the first preference will be given to those who attended one of the OAT meetings, or to Jr's (since they were away during our meeting). We need drivers - so far we have space in Mr. Haggerty and Nancy 's vehicles for 7. Parents who can drive please contact us ASAP so we can let students know how many can come. nreidmckee@cableone.net.
Kayak Classes: Thursday's in September from 7 p.m.-8 p.m at the YMCA, starting Sept. 4th. Space is limited to 12, and we must have 5 to do this. Cost is $25 for YMCA members, $35 for non-members. Sign up by e-mail to Nancy Reid-McKee by Tuesday, Sept. 2nd if you plan to attend.
Rock Climbing class at Granite Mountain, Friday Oct. 24th noon- 5:00. All equipment provided- helmets, ropes, shoes, etc. Cost is $35 (we will do fund-raising to help cover cost for those in need). Class size limited to 12, so sign up ASAP if interested. Contact Nancy or Mr. Haggerty.
Coming up: Hike Spruce Mt. in November, tube the Salt River, and do the High Ropes Coarse at Chapel Rock.
SCHOOL PICTURE DAY
Geneva Saint-Amour 08/29/08
School picture day is Friday September 5. All grades will have individual photos and also ID cards created.
See below for more information!!
LOOKING FOR PART-TIME WORK?
Geneva Saint-Amour 08/29/08
HELLO: These are the positions currently open in PUSD that do not require a teaching certificate. Some offer benefits. If you are interested please contact the district office directly at 445-5400. Pass these along to others who may be seeking employment!
http://www.prescottschools.com/job_postings.htm
COMPUTER KITS AND INSURANCE
Geneva Saint-Amour 08/28/08
Hello!
Many of you have asked about the computer kit and insurance for this school year. Attached is a photo display of the computer kit. This is a new package for our students. The insurance procedure is also new.
COMPUTER KIT- The padded sleeve, hard shell case, keyboard cover and charger are all included for the package price. If you already own any of the items, we will deduct that value from the total. It must be the EXACT item, not just similar. These products have been selected for their durability and compatibility with the MacBook 13.3 that our school uses. Please have your student bring in their EXACT item for me to approve. Then the remainder of the fee will be charged to you, or refunded as necessary. See the attached photo for detailed information about each item.
COMPUTER INSURANCE- Each year of use the computers show varying degrees of wear and tear. From simple scratches on the external case, to marks on the screen and keyboard there are minor damages recorded by even the most careful user. Additionally, damage can occur that is not visible (such as the hard drive, charger connection, battery and disk drives) which we discover during summer maintenance. The self-insurance was always part of the plan for the NELA systems, we just did not have enough to manage it yet. Now we are collecting the $100 insurance payment. If your machine is returned without damage you will receive a $50.00 refund in June. If the machine is damaged the district will pay for that damage without troubling you (or your insurance company) for paperwork.
We anticipate that computers will be distributed early in September. Your child will need to have these fees paid and all items prepared when the machines are distributed.
If you need further information on either of these topics, please call or email me.
"ENABLING VS LOVING YOUR DRUG-USING TEEN"
Geneva Saint-Amour 08/25/08
While we all hope it never happens in our household, it is already there in too many lives. Please consider attending this workshop to learn more about the issues of teen drug use and how you can take action now to address it with your teen!
Geneva
Dear Teachers and Parents,
Please see the attached flier about a great (free) educational presentation titled “Enabling vs Loving Your Drug-Using Teen.” It will be held on Thursday, August 28th.
Jeanne Wellins, Public Relations Assistant
928- 713-7500
MATForce Yavapai County Substance Abuse Coalition
ENABLING VS LOVING YOUR DRUG-USING TEEN PRESENTATION 
NELA TARDY POLICY
Geneva Saint-Amour 08/25/08
Tardy Policy/Procedure
Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy believes that all students can demonstrate one of the Discovery 6 P’s by being PROMPT to all classes. Bells will ring indicating that students are to be in the room. No “warning bells” are available, as we expect students to pass promptly between their classes.
Classroom tardies:
In the event that a student is tardy to class, the teacher will document that tardy in the school record keeping system per semester. This will reflect in a students HOW grade.
After three tardies (on the fourth tardy) the student will be referred to the office for a conference. Consequences will be discussed and determined. If additional tardies are accrued referrals will include parent contact and alternative behavior plans.
Tardy to school/morning tardies:
Any student arriving after the starting bell must visit the office for a pass and the late arrival must be cleared by a parent by written notification, phone call or visit in person. Excessive morning tardies may result in review sessions, parent contact and referral to Yavapai County Attorney.
Any tardy that is in excess of 15 minutes is considered an absence. This applies also to arrival to class with a pass from the office or any teacher. Refer to attendance policy above for information regarding maximum absences allowed for credit retention.
FROM THE GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
Ramie Liddle 08/22/08
Introduction of our new Guidance Counselor and also registration info for PSAT (taken by grades 10 and 11).
We will facilitate registration through our Crews. Watch for more information!!
Geneva
Hello NELA Parents:
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as Northpoint’s new guidance counselor. I am extremely excited and honored to be a part of this amazing school. Although only a half-time employee, I am absolutely committed to supporting your students in their academic, personal, and post-secondary development.
I will be working hard toward NELA’s goal of preparing all our students for college. That means paying attention to lots of deadlines for testing, applications, scholarship opportunities, and sorting through the financial process.
As you probably know, the crew leaders are your first point of contact at Northpoint regarding specific student needs. With that said, I will be sending you information throughout the year that is directly related to guidance counseling, as well as some wonderful opportunities for you and your students. Please feel free to contact me with any questions and ideas throughout the year.
All the best,
Ramie Liddle
Ramie.liddle@prescottschools.com
ONLINE ORDERING OF REQUIRED ATTIRE
Geneva Saint-Amour 08/22/08
Please print or save
REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN ORDER A WIDE VARIETY OF NORTHPOINT ATTIRE ONLINE.
www.companycasuals.com/northpoint
IN ADDITION TO THE SHIRTS FROM OUR STORE THEY CARRY HATS, BEANIES AND OTHER ACCESSORIES. TAKE A LOOK.
THANKS.
AIMS RE-TESTING
Geneva Saint-Amour 08/20/08
Hello all:
All students have now received their AIMS test results for Math, Writing and Reading. These were handed out and also mailed home.
Students are required to earn a "MEETS" or "EXCEEDS" on each of these tests in order to graduate. Additionally, students who earn an "EXCEEDS" before their Senior year may qualify for a High Honors Tuition Waiver (money for college) for a state university.
The next testing date is October 28, 29, 30. All students who did not "MEET" or "EXCEED" must re-test during this Fall testing window. Any student wishing to improve their score may choose to test.
I am preparing to order test materials. If your child earned a "MEET" on any category I need to know if you want your son/daughter to attempt to raise their score. They are not required to do this. They can also choose to do it later in the year (Spring) after they have had more course preparation and study time.
A student will not be penalized if they score lower on the retake. Only the highest score will be recorded for their permanent record. However, if a student has not completed academic work to support them raising their score, it makes more sense to wait.
If your child scored "FALLS FAR BELOW" or "APPROACHES" then they must retake the test at every opportunity (including this Fall). No communication is necessary.
Thank you for reading through this note. I hope this makes sense. If you have questions please send me a note, or email our school guidance counselor at ramie.liddle@prescottschools.com for more info.
CREDIT RECOVERY AND ON SCHEDULE FOR GRADUATION...
Geneva Saint-Amour 08/20/08
Hello:
I am writing to remind you that your child signed a contract with you and the Crew leader which covered Credit Recovery plans. The deadline for fulfilling those contracts and returning documentation is fast approaching. All credits must be completed by August 29th in order for us to accept it this year.
If your child has already completed the necessary credits, please send us a transcript ASAP. If your child is still working on it, they should be very busy!!
If your child is not going to complete credit recovery please let us know now so we can adjust his/her schedule accordingly. Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy is very serious about expecting students to demonstrate the proper credits for each grade level.
NELA does not support or encourage the practice of "social promotion" which includes moving a child to a grade level simply due to years of attendance. Graduation credit requirements at Northpoint are aligned with the Arizona Board of Regents University Admission Guidelines. All students at this college-prep, magnet are expected to comply.
Eleventh graders who don’t have proper credits will be returned to grade 10.
Tenth graders who do not have proper credits will be returned to 9th grade if a contract was signed.
Also, please note that we are VERY PROUD of those students who worked hard all school year to meet all credit requirements, pass all courses with their academic grades and HOW grades and move onto to the next grade level with full credits. Your hard work has paid off!
Thanks for helping us work towards upholding the high expectations of a college-prep magnet school in PUSD.
IS YOUR CHILD AN ATHLETE...ATTEND THIS!!
Jeff Korneisel 08/19/08
Bradshaw Mountain High School and Athletic Director Maury Ruble will be hosting nationally recognized recruiting expert Jack Renkens and his award-winning Recruiting Realities presentation.
On Maury's behalf, we would like to cordially invite you and your coaching staff, as well as your student-athletes (and their families) who have the aspirations to continue playing in college to attend this event.
Bradshaw Mountain High School - Gary Kunow Gym
Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 at 7:00 PM
Featuring Jack Renkens of Recruiting Realities
This is an educational program for student-athletes and their families. A few of the subjects that will be covered:
~ Getting Families Realistic (level of play)
~ NCAA Eligibility and Clearinghouse
~ How College Coaches Recruit
~ Clubs/Camps/Showcases
~ How to Market Yourself (Don't blame your coach!!!)
Jack has a unique message. In addition to the valuable information on the recruiting process, Jack talks about making good decisions. He doesn't say 'don't do drugs' or 'don't drink alalcohol that's obvious, what Jack says is that if you choose to do these things at a party, everyone there has a camera on their phone, and you're going to get caught.
Please take a few minute to See Jack in Action... 'Right Way/Wrong Way' - http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1681717845&channel=1634745975(2:05) 'Getting Mail from Colleges' - http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1681717842&channel=1634745975 (1:51)
'Don't Blame Your Coach' - http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1680571198&channel=1634745975 (1:44)
Please feel free to forward this to anyone who may be interested. If you have any questions, please let me know. jason@recruitingrealities.com
Jason Korneisel, Director of Marketing
Recruiting Realities
Toll Free (800)242-0165 | Mobile (347)436-2441
jason@recruitingrealities.com | www.recruitingrealities.com
CORRECTION OF DISMISSAL TIME AND WATER IN HALLWAYS
Geneva Saint-Amour 08/08/08
Hello students, parents and staff:
I am writing to clarify two mistakes that I have discovered this week! Please accept my apologies as we work to correct this issue.
1. Students are to have no liquids in the hallways except water. Open containers of soda, coffee, slush, milk, etc., are not welcome in our hallways. Water bottles are always welcome and encouraged. Especially one with a student's name on it that can be refilled and recycled and reused for hikes!!
(Food is tolerated, until it becomes a problem, gum is a NO…schoolwide…NO GUM.) The school handbook is attached for your reference.
2. The final dismissal time on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday is 3:10. Buses will pick up between 3:12 and 3:17. Students are to remain in classrooms until 3:10 each day. The daily bell schedule is attached for your reference.
In addition to this, I would like to remind you that school begins at 8:05 this year. Students should plan to arrive on campus by 8:00 AM in order to get to class on time. Please drop off and pick up at the upper end of the front lot. We are trying to discourage students from walking behind the cars in the front parking lot. Please assist us with this by dropping off your child near a gate, where they can safely enter the campus and avoid the traffic.
The 3:10 dismissal will take effect on Monday Aug. 11. Please help us by picking your child up from the upper parking lot, rather than encouraging dangerous traffic around the moving vehicles.
Thanks…..
GEAR CHECK BEGINS TOMORROW
Geneva Saint-Amour 08/06/08
Dear Amazing Families of NELA students:
If you haven't heard it from your child.....gear checks begin on Thursday and Friday of this week. The hired wilderness guides will be on campus to review student gear and advise them on packing. If your child has the items off the gear list ready to go, they can bring them in Thurs or Fri. All gear will be reviewed with an adult, labelled with names and stored in a locked room. Additional items can be added prior to departure, and excess items can be taken home.
Grade 10- departing Monday. Need a backpack that can hold all your personal gear (incl. tent if available, pad, clothing, water) There is a gear and water drop with limited space, pack light!
Grade 9- departing August 18. Need a daypack for the destination hikes, and a duffle bag for all personal gear. There is a gear and water drop set up, but students must be able to carry their own belongings down a short dirt road. Pack light!!
Grade 11- departing August 25. MUST HAVE a large capacity (4500cf) inner frame pack which will carry approx 35 lbs of personal gear, food and water. There is no base camp and there can be no gear drop. Students will carry their own clothes, tents, sleeping bags, pads, water, food and cooking equipment every day for 5 miles on Mt. Baldy. Pack very light.
All students should begin some degree of personal physical training each evening. (consider this homework) They should wear the shoes they will hike in and spend some time walking, hiking, cycling or being physical in some way. These trips will be strenuous and require students to keep pace with the group and carry their own supplies (either for a day or a week) We will be doing some training at school, but our time is limited. Please help your child understand the importance of being fit, rested and well-hydrated for this trip.
If you have further questions about the upcoming trips, gear needs, or other info please utilize our CREW leader communication system. In all instances the CREW LEADER should be the first point of contact for answering your questions or offering advice. The crew leaders can be reached by email. Addresses shown here.
elynn.colaianni@prescottschools.com
randee.dermer@prescottschools.com
alex.edelmann@prescottschools.com
cassie.habeck@prescottschools.com
brendan.haggerty@prescottschools.com
charles.mentken@prescottschools.com
sidney.shepherd@prescottschools.com
andy.smith@prescottschools.com
melissa.wagoner@prescottschools.com
alison.w-zych@prescottschools.com
NEED EMPLOYMENT?
Geneva Saint-Amour 08/06/08
I will send out these notices periodically. These are positions within Prescott Unified School District that you may be qualified for. They do not require teacher certification, but they do require a fingerprint clearance card. If you would like more information please call Human Resources at 445-5400.
ps-please note there is an opening for the NELA cafeteria at this time!!
Cafeteria Manager, Elementary, Lincoln Elementary
10 months
$8.08 per hour
6 hours per day
Grade/Step: 401
Benefits: Sick Leave, AZ State Retirement, Paid Health Ins.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Cafeteria Manager, High School, Northpoint Expeditionary
10 months
$9.35 per hour
5 hours per day
Grade/Step: 701
Benefits: Sick Leave, AZ State Retirement, Health Ins. (optional at 1/2 the premium cost to employee)
Application Deadline: Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Secretary, Discovery Garden Early Childhood Center, Taylor Hicks, Discovery Gardens
10 months
$10.83 per hour
4 hours per day
Grade/Step: 1001
Benefits: Sick Leave, AZ State Retirement, Health Ins. (optional at 1/2 the premium cost to employee)
Additional Information: This position is contingent on the continued receipt of outside funding and is for the 2008-2009 school year only.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Custodian - District Office
12 months
$9.35 per hour
1 hour per day
Grade/Step: 701
Benefits: None
Application Deadline: Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Noon Assistant - Taylor Hicks Elementary
10 months
$8.08 per hour
.75 hour per day Grade/Step: 401
Benefits: None
Additional Information: 11:55 a.m. - 12:40 p.m.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Substitute Kitchen Helper, Food Service
$7.33 per hour
Hours vary
Substitute Bus Assistant, Service Center, Transportation
10 months
$9.35 per hour
Hours Vary
NEW CLUB
Geneva Saint-Amour 08/06/08
DRESS CODE CLARIFICATION
Geneva Saint-Amour 08/04/08
Dress Code
Because of the high expectations we have for all students, the involvement with the community and our focus on quality work, we have adopted a selection of approved school shirts that all students will be required to wear. These must be worn when students arrive on campus and remain on until students leave (not just in classrooms, but at all times in the building and as required on school trips). Exceptions to this may apply on a case by case basis (as in camping trips or work projects)
The shirt styles are polo shirts, crew and v-neck t- shirts that include the school logo. Long sleeved shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters and coats will be available during cold weather.
Additional styles can be ordered online at www.companycasuals.com/northpoint or 632-0124. Students can select their own bottom wear, provided that it meets the following guidelines.
Keep in mind the following:
--School shirts should not be altered in any way- this includes but is not limited to markers, paint, knots, glitter, adornments, alterations, tears, holes. If you are not sure, ask at the office before you enter the main building.
--Shorts must have an inseam longer than two inches (dollar bill height).
--Pants must not be excessively baggy or sagging; underwear and skin must be covered.
--Skirts or dresses must not be more than six inches from the top of the kneecap (dollar bill length).
--Shoes must be worn at all times (not slippers, not socks) with exceptions made by office staff or crew leader as needed.
--Clothing, packs and materials with obscene words, slogans or other disrespectful appearance is not allowed.
--Clothing, packs or materials which may be interpreted as gang affiliation is not allowed.
--Appropriate head coverings (including caps, bandanas, etc) are allowed, but must be removed inside the building.
--Clothing which causes damage or is a safety concern is not allowed
--Clothing should be selected which is appropriate for daily events; this could include walking shoes and attire for outside activities. Be prepared for many activities including weather.
NORTHPOINT ATTIRE MUST BE THE OUTSIDE LAYER OF CLOTHING
NORTHPOINT ATTIRE MUST BE WORN UNDER ALL OPEN FRONT SHIRTS
(i.e.-zippered/button even if they are NELA)
Simply stated- don’t show up with anything but Northpoint on top.