The Principal's Bark

A hectic time at H-D high...

I haven't posted in awhile because it's been a hectic time at HDHS.  To give you an update we are in the middle of hiring teachers for the 2009-10 school year.  These positions include instrumental music, secondary English, business/technology shared with the middle school, and an alternative school teacher.  We just finished ITED testing and sent in testing materials for scoring.  Reports should be back mid way through the month of April.

The 4th quarter has started and is in full swing.  Spring sports are underway and multiple students are participating in the various sports.  Luckily it has been nice enough outside for the tracksters to go outdoors rather than run in the school.  We continue our partnership with Iowa Falls to offer soccer and have roughly 10 students taking advantage of that opportunity.

Looking ahead to the end of the school year there will a plethera of activities, much in part for seniors.  Please note the following dates:
April 10 & 13    No School (Easter Break)
April 22            2-hr early out
                        4th Qtr. Midterm
April 28            Fine Arts/Honor Society
April 29            2-hr late start
April 30            Senior Awards Night
May 2               Senior breakfast
May 13-15        Senior finals
May 17             Graduation
May 27-29        Grades 9-11 semester tests
May 29             Last day of the school year

Upcoming ITED testing

Freshman through junior students will be taking the ITED tests the week of March 9-13th.  The ITED tests are used to compare schools to other schools throughout the state and states to other states across the country.  Students need to understand that we are not expecting miracle scores on these test but rather expect students to give their best effort on the test.  The below schedules outline the plan for the week of testing.  Parents will receive their students scores in a mailing later in the school year.

Download ITED Schedule2009

Download ITED Senior Schedule

Imagine...

Should educators be apologizing to students?

PAY ATTENTION...

Are kids different because if digital media?

Why we need technology in schools...

The role of technology in education...

What is the vision of today's students?

ACT Prep Session for Students... Now a Reality

The ACT test is probably the most prolific assessment used for college entrance across the country.  Any college bound student must take the test to be admitted and potentially receive financial aid.  Our students compete with students across the state and country for positions at colleges across the country.  How can we give our students an edge?

Many of us have taken ACT Prep sessions through companies at a high cost.  Why can't we offer this for students?  Would more students take the ACT if we did?  Will students do better or get into better colleges and universities because of better preparation on this test?  I don't know the answer to these questions but we going to find out.

Mrs. Christiansen had the idea to offer the ACT Prep session this past fall.  After discussion with staff, other schools, and district administration we have decided to launch our first session.  It will cost participants on $20.  See the brochure for details and let me know what you think.  How will it go?  How can we make it better?

Download ACT Prep Brochure