EGHS Principal's Newsletter 12-1-2017

Principal Michael Podraza’s EGHS Update

12-1-2017

EGHS News and Information!

A newsletter with information about upcoming events related to East Greenwich High School

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Local “Seal of Biliteracy” Approved for EGHS

The East Greenwich World Language Department is pleased to announce that the Seal of Biliteracy will be awarded to graduating Seniors in June 2018.  The Seal is a distinction on a student’s diploma showing comprehensive knowledge of English and another language. It was approved unanimously by the East Greenwich School Committee on Tuesday, October 17, 2017.

In order to be eligible to obtain the Seal of Biliteracy, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all ELA requirements for graduation.  They must also achieve at least a level of Intermediate Mid Proficiency in a World Language.  To measure this proficiency, students will take the standardized AAPPL tests in oral, written, listening, and reading domains in March of 2018.  Heritage Learners of other languages are encouraged to pursue the Seal in their native language.  

East Greenwich Public Schools prides itself on delivering a world class education.  The World Language Department is proud to continue with that tradition by recognizing students’ efforts and ability, ensuring that they are not only bilingual but also biliterate.  These are important skills that will enhance their opportunities in college, the workforce, and beyond.

An information session for Juniors, Seniors, and Heritage Learners who wish to pursue the Seal of Biliteracy was held in the auditorium during Advisory on Wednesday, November 29.  At that time, students were briefed on the requirements of the Seal of Biliteracy as well as given a form of intent. The slides from the presentation can be found here.

If you have any questions about the seal or the requirements please contact Mrs. Kristin Pontarelli, World Language Department Chair.

A Few Reminders As We Enter School Cancelation Season Due to Weather

• Sign-up for RI Broadcasters Association Alert Text Messaging. Details here.
• Keep track of the impact cancellations have on the school’s major events by checking for updates on the Google doc “SY 17-18 EGHS Major Events”. While not immediate, it is routinely updated after cancellations to reflect the changes due to cancelled school days.
• Sign-up to be included on Mr. Podraza’s “Remind” account. Instructions to join the group “EGHS Parents Important Information” can be found here. Please note that this account is used very sparingly. (I promise, you will not be inundated with texts if you sign up.)

EGHS PTG Looking for Bakers

Once again the PTG will show our appreciation to EGHS faculty and staff by hosting Cookie Extravaganza.   We are in need of 50 bakers to each bake 4 dozen cookies.  This event will be on Thursday, Dec 21.  

Please click on link below to sign up to be a baker.   If you have any questions, feel free to contact Sally Miranda (smiranda8@cox.net) or Bethany Fain (fainbethany@yahoo.com).

Click here to be taken to the sign-up page.

THIS WEEK’S

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Monday- 8 AM-2 PM EGHS Blood Drive in Auditorium
• Tuesday- EGPS School Committee Meeting 7 PM @ Cole Library
• Wednesday- Advisory: Letter/Pin ceremony for Fall Athletes in Auditorium. Advisory: Guidance counselors visit continue to visit Freshman Advisories  
• Friday- Cabaret 2017 presented by EGHS Drama Program. 7 PM in the EGHS Auditorium. Tickets are $10 and include refreshments while they last.

ADVANCED PLANNING

• 12/13 Mid-quarter 2
• 12/13 Music Department Evening Winter Concert in Auditorium
• 12/25 - 1/1 No School Winter Recess

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

This week’s “Food for Thought” is regarding a way we often unknowingly remove intrinsic motivation as a driving positive force in our children/students and therefore our homes and schools- Against the Sticker Chart; Priming kids to expect rewards for good behavior can harm their social skills in the long term.

“The problem with sticker charts and similar reward systems is not that they don’t work. Rather, they can work too well, creating significant negative and unintended long-term consequences for both the kids and their families. Sticker charts are powerful psychological tools, and they can go beyond affecting children’s motivation to influence their mindset and even affect their relationship with parents.”

Thank you for your support of East Greenwich High School. Have a wonderful weekend.

East Greenwich High School exists to EMPOWER

We, the EGHS community, strive to empower all members to achieve their full potential as learners, thinkers, and responsible global citizens. We take risks in order to inspire learning and discover passions.

We, the East Greenwich High School community, live our values:

• Respect: Be considerate of others' ideas and opinions while maintaining personal integrity and self- confidence.
• Creativity and Innovation: Embrace flexibility and individuality when explaining and demonstrating knowledge and skills.
• Relevance: Link concepts across subjects and make connections to today's global society.
• Enthusiasm: Generate excitement and curiosity about learning.
• Achievement: Work vigorously to obtain knowledge and skills measured against the highest standards.

We hold ourselves and each other accountable to these values in support of our mission.

East Greenwich High School

300 Avenger Drive, East Greenwich, RI, 02818