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11TH GRADE CELEBRATION OF LEARNING
Geneva Saint-Amour 12/05/08
Please join us for an 11th grade Celebration of Learning on December 12th between 3 and 6 PM at the Prescott College Crossroads Center. Open this attachment for more details and information.
Hope to see you there.
11TH GRADE CELEBRATION OF LEARNING 
RETURN TIME
Geneva Saint-Amour 11/19/08
The Junior class field work has checked in.
They are leaving the downtown Phoenix area NOW (4:30) and expect to be in the Prescott area at 6:30PM.
Students will have access to personal phones and office phones to call parents as needed.
Thanks for your support of this trip. I went down to see the kids on Tuesday and they were doing some amazing service work at an Expeditionary Learning based elementary school (Valley View- Roosevelt School District) and working with children.
11TH GRADE FIELD WORK PERMISSION SLIP
Geneva Saint-Amour 11/14/08
Permission slip reminder for trip departing on Monday. Thanks.
UPCOMING FIELDWORK
Geneva Saint-Amour 10/30/08
Hello Grade 11 parents:
Linked below is the permission slip, information and packing list for the upcoming field work. We have an educational and interesting set of visits planned for these students.
Please sign and return this to the crew leader with all requested items. Also please help us be sure that your child is packed with the appropriate items (and not a lot of excess!!) for the trip.
FROM THE COUNSELOR: NOTE TO JUNIOR PARENTS
Ramie Liddle 10/02/08
Please contact Mrs. Liddle at ramie.liddle@prescottschools.com
Hello Parents of NELA Juniors:
As parents of juniors at a college-prep high school, this is an important year for thinking about the future. We have had some wonderful opportunities for our students to take advantage of over the last few weeks, and more on the way.
* On September 17, students were invited to attend the evening college fair at Bradshaw Mountain High School. The fair was very well attended by local students and their parents. I saw some NELA students taking advantage of the opportunities provided – I would have loved to have seen more. The counselors at BMHS have assured me that this opportunity will be available next year, too.
* This week 12 of our outstanding girls took advantage of the opportunity to spend the day at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for their Women in Aviation and Engineering Day. The girls spent time with ERAU students and learned about college life, as well as the decision-making process they had recently been through. The college students also shared their passion for the work they are doing as young women in a male-dominated field. Our students got to fly in flight simulators, experience the wind tunnels, and stuff themselves full of food at the wonderful cafeteria. They walked away from the experience having a better understanding of what it takes to be a successful college student, and that time management is crucial for their success.
* Also this week, junior students had their first opportunity to talk with a college representative here at Northpoint. David Wagner spent the afternoon with about half of our junior class. Mr. Wagner discussed Hampshire College in Amherst, MA in particular, and what a small, liberal arts college experience might be like, in general. Students were encouraged to attend if they were thinking about a liberal arts school or perhaps living far from home.
* The juniors that did not attend the Hampshire College session were introduced to an invaluable tool for their college decision making. Please ask them to sit down with you and show you the www.collegeboard.com web site. There is a tremendous amount of valuable information on this site. I hope that your student continues to explore all the options and enjoys the process of planning for their adult life.
* On October 16 I will be taking a group of juniors to Embry-Riddle for a College Fair. This event will highlight Arizona colleges and universities. The students will be invited according to their Habits of Work (HOW) grades.
* I am pleased to know that 40 Northpoint students will be taking the PSAT in mid-October. However, only 24 of those students are juniors. That means there will be about half of this class that will jump into the SAT without the advantage of up to 300 points typically gleaned from the PSAT experience. Unfortunately, it is too late now to register for the test. This means that keeping up with SAT and ACT testing information is vitally important. The dates and registration information is on the www.collegeboard.com web site and will be provided to you and your students throughout the year.
* Finally, if your student is thinking about attending a university right after high school:
o They will start applying in August. Universities will look at grades through their junior year. Junior year grades are critical for admission decisions. Encourage them to keep them up!
o Take the SAT and/or the ACT by the end of this year. You can take it more than once to improve your scores.
o If your student hasn’t EXCEEDED on the AIMS reading, writing and math portions they will retake the appropriate test(s) again at the end of October. Once they exceed on all three tests they become eligible for tuition waivers from the three state universities in Arizona (NAU, U of A and AZ State).
There is a lot to think about. Please know that I am here for you and your students. I am committed to supporting NELA students through this process, and can’t wait for them to start receiving acceptance letters!
All the best,
Ramie Liddle, School Counselor
GRADE 11 ACADEMIC CONCERNS
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/29/08
Dear Parents of Grade 11:
I am writing to share some grave concerns regarding the academic efforts that we are observing from many of the students in grade 11.
Initially I thought perhaps it was just a few students (see Pre-Calc comments below).....but as I review the comments from the Chemistry teacher I am even more worried.
Mr. Pettit instructs Chemistry to EVERY 11th grade student at Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy. He has been experiencing frustrations with the behaviors and efforts of a large percentage of Juniors. The side conversations, apathetic attitude and low effort is interfering with the ability of many students to earn passing marks in his course.
Other instructors are reporting similar concerns in grade 11 courses (Social Studies, Language Arts, Spanish) which makes it difficult for me to determine the cause of the problem. If it is across the board, then perhaps it is not just one set of methodology or one instructor. If it is across subject areas then perhaps it is not the topic or the materials. If it is just the Juniors and not the Sophomores (who share instructors) then I am even more perplexed. But rather than attaching blame to the problem, I am seeking solutions to allow all of our students to see academic success.
Take a look at this information: Pre-Calculus Grid. This is a spreadsheet of information from a test taken in a math course. You can see that the 11th graders ALL failed the exam, but the 10th graders ALL passed. They were in the same course, same teacher, same classroom, same test. Leaving me just one conclusion…Juniors are a mess!!! (hee hee hee)
Seriously, I understand the apathy and frustration that a teenager can create. (I have two in college!!) But I also understand that completing high school is a necessary part of the process for these students. Earning passing marks and therefore credits is critical. That means that they should be working on assigned homework every night. And when they are not doing assigned homework they should be studying the topics, looking ahead or reading novels. There is not a moment to be wasted as these Juniors take their academics seriously at this college-prep magnet school.
Please have this discussion with your teen. Especially in light of those wishing to take the courses with Honors designation.
Please take a look at InTouch and watch the mail for first quarter progress reports.
Please schedule conferences with teachers to discuss behavior and academics.
Please stop by the school just once per week to observe your child's teachers and classes.
Please work with our guidance counselor to schedule the appropriate tests to prepare for college admission and scholarship (less than 1/2 of the Juniors registered for the PSAT/NMSQ exam).
Please limit your child's activities in order to maximize homework time and study time as described above.
Please remember that they need you now more than ever in their lives!!
Get them to school on time, every day!
Thanks for taking the time to read and discuss this information. I truly care about the success of our students and I want to do all I can to help with this. Keep in touch.
From: Thomas Pettit
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 6:04 AM
To: Geneva Saint-Amour; Randee Dermer
Subject: RE: Thought I would share
Thank you for another perspective. I thoroughly agree with Mr. Dermer's assessment of the poor performance by many of the 11th grade students. I spend a tremendous amount of time on classroom management issues which detracts from presentation of chemistry content. I had the students do a Small Scale Experiment from the textbook weighing water drops and pennies to study the concept of density, a key factor in the mining industry. The disrespect displayed by the students for the experimental inquiry process left much to be desired. There are a few students who work diligently on the tasks presented, but the commotion and noise from students detracts from maintaining a rigorous and strong educational atmosphere. And the 1st quarter grades are reflective of this reality.
Thomas (Tom) L. Pettit, Ph.D., Chemistry Instructor
-----Original Message-----
From: Geneva Saint-Amour
Sent: Fri 9/26/2008 4:54 PM
To: Randee Dermer
Subject: Thought I would share
Parents:
I thought I would share the sentiments from the Pre-Calc teacher at our school. I am not sure if you are seeing the homework, but your kids should have some from Pre-Calc and/or Chem. every night. It looks like the extra studying time is not being devoted to this class.
PS-if you have questions, please send a note to Mr. Dermer at randee.dermer@prescottschools.com to set up a meeting or reply to concerns.
Thanks,
Geneva
-----Original Message-----
From: Randee Dermer
Sent: Friday, September 26, 2008 4:18 PM
To: Geneva Saint-Amour
Subject: Pre-Calculus Concerns
Dear Ms. Saint-Amour:
Today, I administered an exam on logarithmic functions in the Pre-Calculus class. Prior to handing out the test, I allowed 15 minutes for students to prepare by studying notes or asking me to complete potential questions on the board. Importantly, I had given students a study guide which explicitly described examples from the text that might be on the test, stating that "if it is not on the study guide, then it will not be on the exam." In the ensuing fifteen minutes a total of five students took time to pore through their notes. The other thirteen students saw fit to talk or work on other projects.
The test was handed out and I was immediately inundated with student requests for retakes of the exam even before they had laid pencil to paper.
This is an area of great concern as it appears that students believe that they do not have to prepare for exams, but rather be given one and use that as a study guide for the "real exam" (a retake).
In addition, students are resistant to a reasonable homework load and insist that I should assign a minimal number of problems. However, this is in direct contradiction to the level of rigor expected at Prescott High School, where Pre-Calculus teachers assign approximately thirty problems daily. I expect that Northpoint students should closely, though not completely, follow the homework model at PHS. If not, we are doing them an injustice by leaving them ill-prepared for college and university life.
Currently, many students are failing due to lack of initiative (with the quarter only a week from completion) and I am hoping that you can provide feedback and insight.
Sincerely,
Randee Dermer, Math Instructor
NELA ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/19/08
I hope you can open and review the attached documents. These include Expedition descriptions and course syllabi for the classes the 11th graders are enrolled in this semester. Please contact crew leaders if you have questions.
EXPEDITION TOPIC FALL SEMESTER 2008
LANGUAGE ARTS FALL SEMESTER 2008
ACTION REQUIRED - PSAT INFORMATION AND MISINFORMATION
Ramie Liddle 09/13/08
Hello Parents of NELA Grade 10 and Grade 11 students:
What a way to begin the year with a new counselor! With a big mistake.
I have a big apology to make. But first, I would like to honor you for recognizing the value of preparing your child for the college admissions process by registering him or her for the PSAT to be taken on October 18th.
The original information regarding the cost of taking the PSAT was incorrect. You or your student has paid $15. The actual cost to take the exam at Prescott High School is $18. Therefore, it is necessary for the difference of $3 to be paid in order to register your student. I will need to have the additional funds by Thursday, September 18, 2008. Alternatively, you may choose to have your student take the test at Bradshaw Mountain High School for $15. Either way, I will need to know by Thursday.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. I am truly sorry for this misunderstanding and hope that it doesn’t prove to be a major hurdle to your student taking this important test.
All the best,
Ramie Liddle, School Counselor
TRIP REMINDER....TOMORROW (THURSDAY)
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/03/08
Please remember that the Junior class is going on a field work trip tomorrow (Thursday). They will be entering a mass shipping factory. Due to regulations all students must have on long pants, closed toed shoes, no scarves, dangly's or wavy things to get caught in machinery. They must have NELA attire on the outside visible layer. They cannot take bags, packs, purses, bandanas etc into the plant. Please help us make this a valuable, educational experience. Thank you.
PSAT PAYMENT DEADLINE
Ramie Liddle 09/02/08
Greetings Parents of 10th and 11th graders:
Thank you to all the parents who have dropped off payment for the PSAT. This is an important test for our students in their preparation for college. A reminder that payment for the exam is THIS FRIDAY, September 5th.
The high schools that are hosting the exam need to order additional materials so we must reserve our seats early. This test is given once a year and there is no late registration in our case.
Many of you have e-mailed me or your student's crew leader indicating an interest in taking the exam. Please follow-up with the $15 payment (checks can be made to "NELA') by the end of the week or your spot will not be reserved.
Who: all 10th and 11th grade students interested in going to college
When: Saturday, October 18th
Where: either Bradshaw Mountain High School or Prescott High School (please indicate which school upon registration) Registration deadline: Friday, September 5th Payable to: "NELA" give to Shannon, Ramie or Crew leader
Thanks for your attention to this matter.
Ramie Liddle
Guidance Counselor
Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy Ramie.liddle@prescottschools.com
928-717-3272 x106
ARRIVAL TIME FRIDAY AUGUST 29TH
Geneva Saint-Amour 08/29/08
Hello families:
I am writing to let you know that the arrival time has been moved to approx. 4:30 PM today. They have had a few delays on the drive home (weather and bus cleaning).
Please feel free to pick them up at 4:30 PM at Northpoint.
Thanks.
REPORT FROM WHITE MOUNTAINS
Geneva Saint-Amour 08/28/08
I just received a report from the White Mountains. All three hiking groups have returned safely to camp. They are preparing dinner (Mac N Cheese with hot dogs) and thinking about breakfast (Snickers pancakes). There are a few sore muscles, blisters, and backs. A few kids are also complaining of sore throats (lots of deep, heavy breathing from the hikes?) but in general all 45 of them are doing fine. All seem to feel proud of their accomplishment, yet tired and ready for a shower. Wait, let me rephrase that....ready for a shower in a household shower with soap and warm water. They have had steady rain showers since the day of departure.
Once again, I must state that the class of 2010 is an amazing group of students!!
They will arrive on campus tomorrow at about 2:30 or 3:00. We will drop gear in front and then circle up on the grass for a brief closing circle. They can ride the school bus, or call you for pick up. They may leave as soon as they complete the closing circle. Please remain hidden from view until this is completed.
Thanks for your support.
PS- If your child borrowed gear, please help them be responsible for cleaning it and returning it to the owner. Also remember, force the fluids for the next 24 to 48 hours.
THEY ARRIVED...
Geneva Saint-Amour 08/25/08
I have received confirmation that all students arrived safely to the starting point for the trip. They will have the opportunity to test their warm clothes and rain gear, as the weather has offered up sunshine, rain, hail and wind already! Remember that if there is any sort of emergency or concern, we will contact you. No news means just that, no news.
Thanks for all your help in gathering supplies and equipment to make this trip possible. Please remember to also help support our field work and wilderness trips through paying your school fees and also sending in your Arizona tax credit donation. And remind friends and family to do the same....any Arizona resident can donate to Northpoint!!
I will send more updates as information becomes available. Have a peaceful week!
HELP, WE NEED....
Geneva Saint-Amour 08/21/08
Hello:
We are in need of loans or donations of a VERY SPECIFIC type of cooking stove.
In order to serve food to the Juniors during their Wilderness Orientation next week we need some more "back pacl" or "whisper-lite" style stoves. These are SMALL cooking units that operate on white gas or propane. (ALCOHOL BURNING STOVES PROHIBITED IN FOREST.)
If you, or someone you know has one we could borrow...please label it with a name and phone number and drop it off at the NELA office. We will purchase fuel (unless you are feeling generous).
Thanks for checking for this and helping us with a successful trip next week.
GEAR FOR WILDERNESS
Geneva Saint-Amour 08/20/08
Hello families:
We are moving down to the wire for gear checks and making sure our students are safe and prepared for the trip. There is much misinformation circulating about the larger gear items. Please review for clarification.
Backpack= all students need an inner frame or external frame backpack. It should be at least a 50cu sized pack to carry personal gear, food and a portion of the group supplies.
Sleeping bag= all students must have a synthetic sleeping bag, preferably compacted into a stuff sack. It will be cold in the White Mts. A good quality bag will be comforting and last a long time. A cheap one will work just fine and get through this school year (yes, they will need it again for NELA trips this year).
Hiking boots= These can be any style of deep tread, sturdy shoe. They can be nylon, leather, combo, high top, ankle or low cut. They can be new, used, borrowed, recycled or other. They cannot be smooth tread skate shoes or daily wear converse style shoes. They can be daily wear deep tread tennies or cross-terrain shoes.
Tent= this item in optional. The guides will provide high quality tarps which will be strung appropriately for rain protection (unlike their 9th grade experience) but if a student has a VERY LIGHT, VERY SMALL tent they want to carry, they may do so. (under 6 lbs)
Water bottles= Most students are using recycled soda, tea and juice bottles. Any 3 to 4 plastic bottles with lids are suitable for this. Students DO NOT need expensive hydration packs, nalgenes or name brand water bottles. This may come from your refrig, kitchen or grocery store.
Dishes= Every student needs an unbreakable set of personal dishes. This should include a bowl with lid, spoon, fork, mug with lid. This DOES NOT need to be a fancy campset. This can come from your kitchen.
Sleeping pad= This is optional, but will provide some comfort and protection on the ground. It must be a small pad. It can secure to the outside of the pack.
LIGHT= Any household flashlight or head light will due. Extra batteries are welcome.
HAT= Any baseball or other styled head protection. Sunburned scalps are painful.
SUNGLASSES= optional but nice during the brightest part of the day
RAINGEAR= There is one thing for sure….the kids will stink when they get home, and it will rain on them! Good rain gear is not a 99cent poncho but an good plastic jacket (long) and rain pants (opt). A few extra trash bags can be thrown in to supplement the rain gear.
SYNTHETIC CLOTHING= This request is based on the wicking and quick dry abilities of synthetics. Most students already own a few shirts and pants that are non-cotton material. Check the tags and make due with what you already own.
WARM LAYER= It will be chilly at night. Any synthetic jacket will work for warmth. This could be woolly, fuzzy, fleecy or other. Just not a basic cotton hoodie!
SUNBLOCK AND INSECT REPELLANT= Small sizes, please
TOILETRIES= Small sizes please, keep it to a minimum
STUFF SACK= This is used for tying items together and hanging them from trees. A few of these are handy to compress clothes, dirty items
GARBAGE BAGS/ZIPPERED BAGS= A few extras of different sizes of plastic bags are handy for wet items, dry items, snacks and more.
DAYPACK= this can be any small backpack used for day trips. It can attach to the large pack or be worn separate.
NO PILLOWS
NO CELL PHONES
NO MUSIC DEVICES
PACK LIGHT!!
If you review this list and find that you are still missing items please appeal to your community of resources for assistance. Ask people in your neighborhood, ask around your church, post it on Craigslist or Freecycle, put up a sign at the store, check the local second-hand stores, call relatives.
Northpoint does not have any additional gear to loan. We strongly suggest you check the big-box stores for sale items, the locally owned stores for good price deals and even Big 5 with packs and gear on sale. REI in Tempe rents gear, some local or Flagstaff shops also may offer rental.
However, as you consider the purchase of items, remember that NELA will be taking fieldwork trips all year that will require basic gear (sleeping bag, pad, synthetic fabrics, stuff sacks and even backpacks or daypacks).
Thank you for your cooperation in preparing for this Wilderness Orientation. And remember, next year will be even bigger and better (with similar gear needs).