November 2024
South High School | Salina, Kansas
Dear Parents & Guardians
In today's digital age, social media is a significant part of our students' daily lives. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and others offer incredible opportunities for connection and learning. However, as with any tool, it's important that students use social media responsibly and safely. As partners in your child's education and well-being, I would like to encourage you to take an active role in monitoring and guiding their use of social media. Here are a few reasons why this is so important: 1. Mental Health and Well-Being - Social media can sometimes negatively impact students' self-esteem, mental health, and sense of belonging. Cyberbullying, unrealistic standards of beauty and constant comparisons can all affect how teens view themselves. By regularly discussing their online activity, you can help them manage these pressures and develop a healthy relationship with social media. 2. Digital Footprint - Everything posted online can potentially remain there forever. It's essential to remind students that their online behavior may impact future opportunities, including college admissions and job prospects. Encourage them to think twice before posting or sharing anything that could be considered inappropriate or harmful to themselves or others. 3. Safety and Privacy - Teens may not always be aware of how much personal information they are sharing online or who has access to it. Help your child understand the importance of privacy settings, the dangers of interacting with strangers and the risks of oversharing. Setting boundaries about what is safe to post and who they should be communicating with is crucial for their safety. 4. Time Management - Social media can be a significant distraction from schoolwork, extracurricular activities and even sleep. Help your child develop healthy habits around screen time and find a balance between their online and offline lives. Setting limits on device usage, especially during homework or family time, can have a positive impact on their academic performance and overall well-being. 5. Open Communication - Finally, encourage ongoing, open communication about social media. Let your child know they can come to you if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsure about something they encounter online. By staying engaged and curious about their experiences, you can guide them in making safe, responsible choices. As we work together to support your child's success, please know that our school also promotes responsible digital citizenship through classroom discussions and resources. Also, please be aware SnapChat accounts labeled South High are not endorsed or managed by USD 305. We are here to help and provide guidance in navigating these complex issues. Thank you for your partnership and commitment to your child's safety and success, both online and offline. Dr. Ginger Jones, Principal
We build positive relationships between home and school so that all students are safe, honorable, and successful.
Cougar Pause
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October Students of the Week
Danny Tso is a senior at South High School who is involved in student council, math relays, and scholar's bowl. Danny loves all of his teachers; he believes they are all very caring, understanding and loving. Outside of school Danny helps out with his family's business, The Great Wall. After graduation Danny plans on attending a four-year university. Some fun facts about Danny are that he is interested in math and physics and he plays the violin.
Kaitlyn Geist is a senior at South High. Kaitlyn's favorite part about school is choir. She loves to sing and loves her choir community. She is involved with FCA, NHS, New Dawn, and is a member of the track and field team. Outside of school Kaitlyn is involved with youth group, in a worship band at her church, takes vocal lessons and is in Theatre Salina's The Sound of Music. After graduation, Kaitlyn plans to attend Oklahoma Baptist University and major in worship studies. Fun facts about Kaitlyn are that she has two cats, Ollie and Harley, and she is a lifeguard.
October Teacher of the Month
Bethany Hicklin is a senior at SHS. She is a cheerleader, a member of the track and field team, and involved in NHS, FCA, and HOSA. Bethany loves math and her AP chemistry class this year. Her favorite teacher is Miss Mann, as she makes class enjoyable and engaging. Outside of school, Bethany works as a CNA. She is also an active member of her church, where she works in the nursery and participates in youth group. In her free time, Bethany pole vaults and enjoys arts and crafts, such as painting. Bethany plans to attend the University of Kansas and major in chemistry. Afterward, she plans on attending medical school. A fun fact about Bethany is that she has a Dachshund named Stella and an English Mastiff named Shadow.
Congratulations to Noah Hopkins! Noah is a business/technology teacher here at South High. This is Noah's first year teaching, however, last year he was a student teacher at South High under Mr. Carmona. Noah was inspired to pursue teaching by his passion for helping people and building relationships. He credits his parents and his own high school business teacher and Central High's Ms. Hanson for further inspiration. Noah finds it rewarding to watch his students grow in the business field and as individuals. A unique fact about Noah is that he was born partially deaf, he has had hearing aids since kindergarten and is thankful to have the ability to read lips.
Haley Hemberger is a senior at South High. She is a drum major in the band, a soccer manager and is working on her CNA. Outside of school she attends church. Haley enjoys the size of South High and she appreciates the variety of classes offered. Her favorite class is sports medicine with Mr. Wendell. After graduation, Haley plans to attend Wichita State University and pursue a nursing degree in labor and delivery. Some fun facts about Haley are that she has two older siblings that graduated from SHS, she is a previous member of the band's color guard, and she plays the saxophone and loves doing her nails.
Pre-enrollment for grades 9, 10 and 11 will begin this month. Your student will work with their academic counselor between now and March to discuss their Individual Plan of Study (IPS), graduation requirements, and confirm their requested classes in XELLO. Please sit down with your student to review their IPS, along with the USD 305 Course Enrollment Guide (link), and talk about their desired classes for the 2025-26 school year. The 2025-26 FAFSA will open on December 1, 2024. Students enrolling in college for the academic year 2025-26 can submit their FAFSA; families should use their 2023 income tax information. Before students and parents can complete the FAFSA, the student and all parents/guardians in the household must create an FSA ID. To create your FSA ID, go to FSA ID website. The SHS Counseling Department will be visiting South Middle School on Monday, December 2, to meet with Grade 8 students for pre-enrollment and transition to high school. South Middle School Grade 8 parents are invited to attend the Grade 8 Parent Night on Monday, December 2, at 6 p.m. in the SHS auditorium. We will discuss the pre-enrollment process as well as the transition from middle to high school.
Class of 2027 Information
Class of 2026 Information
The HOBY Leadership Seminars are designed for high school sophomores to recognize their leadership talents and apply them in becoming effective, ethical leaders in their home, school, workplace, and community. These seminars guide students through three phases of leadership: personal, group, and services. These seminars educate more than 8,500 students each year as they embrace a better sense of their leadership abilities. The seminars provide a high level of energy, encouragement and motivation, as well as interaction with peers, panelists and volunteers to nurture your future leadership roles. HOBY seminar dates are May 29 - June 1, 2025, in Manhattan, Kansas. Please see Mrs. Wagner if you are interested by November 8, 2024.
Applications for early graduation are now available in the Counseling Center with Mrs. Carlson. This contract application is for students who will have completed all academic requirements and wish to graduate at the end of the first semester of their senior year. In addition to academic requirements, the following criteria must be met: The student has a hardship or a unique cultural academic and/or vocational opportunity. The student's Individual Plan of Study (IPS) is up to date. The student must meet with the early graduation committee for approval. Applications are only valid if they are fully completed and include all required signatures. Applications are due to Ms. Smith in the Counseling Center by December 1, 2024, as outlined in USD 305 Board Policy.
Counseling Office News
Students can take advantage of ACT/SAT Test Prep in XELLO. Methodize is Method Learning's online learning platform. Methodize consists of newly updated and revised ACT and SAT courses. Our online program has served over a million students in the past two decades and Methodize distills that experience into a new platform that makes it easier for students and teachers to do test prep. Students can access Methodize under "Links and Resources" in their XELLO account. You can register to take the ACT test at www.act.org. The next national test date is Saturday, December 14. The deadline to register is Friday, November 8.
Quarter two credit recovery will begin on Monday, October 28, 2024, and will run through Tuesday, December 17, 2024. After school sessions will be held in room 2217, Monday - Thursday, from 3 - 4:15 p.m. If your student needs to earn credit for failed classes in English, Science, Social Studies and/or Math and has not made these classes up during summer school, during quarter one credit recovery, or by retaking the class, please encourage them to attend and to complete their class(es) during the quarter two session. If you have questions about your student's progress in meeting graduation requirements, you may contact their grade level counselor by calling Mrs. Carlson at 785-309-3715. Space in the Credit Recovery Lab is limited, therefore students will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Please encourage your student to arrive on time to secure their spot. Once all students have been admitted into the classroom, they are expected to stay and work until 4:15 p.m.
ACT/SAT Test Prep.
In compliance with The Jason Flatt Act (KSA 72-6284), USD 305 school personnel are provided with suicide awareness and prevention training annually. The content of this training is available for parents and guardians to review by calling the District Office at 785-309-4733.
The Jason Flatt Act
STOPit - The STOPit anonymous reporting app is a powerful tool designed to deter and promptly address school safety concerns such as school violence and inappropriate behaviors. Students will have access to STOPit through their Chromebook as well. With the STOPit app, users can anonymously submit tips, attach photos or videos, and privately message school leaders with the necessary information to help everyone involved. In addition, when a student or anyone in our school community needs immediate support, the STOPit app provides direct access to Crisis Text Line. Users can anonymously text with STOPit counselors (not affiliated with our schools) day or night until they feel safe and calm. Let's encourage everyone in our school community to download the STOPit App. The STOPit app is available on Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
Credit Recovery Program
Stopit App
November
SHS staff had a great time celebrating Halloween with a costume contest. First place went to the Science Department with The Atoms Family.
1 - No school 2 - Daylight Saving Time Ends 7-9 - School musical 13 - Athletic signing day 25 - Winter sports pictures 25-29 - Thanksgiving break
Calendar of Events
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South High Theatre Presents
Little Shop of Horrors
Phone | 785.309.3700 Principal | Dr. Ginger Jones Assistant Principals | Krista DeVoe, Timothy Quinn Athletic Director | Ryan Stuart Office Manager | Julie Work Website | 305southhigh.com
Talent Show SHS Theatre will host a school-wide talent show November 19-21. Encourage your young artist to bring their talent to the stage. There are many ways to showcase your fun gifts. Can you stack Oreos really fast? Can you sing in an operatic voice? Can you bust the moves in a dance? Come audition November 19 for the first SHS talent show. Performances will be November 21 at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5.
Unified School District #305 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Any person having inquiries concerning Unified School District #305 compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, ADA, Title IX, or Section 504 is directed to contact the Unified School District #305 Executive Director of Human Resources, P.O. Box 797, Salina, Kansas 67402, 785-309-4726.
November 7 - November 9 at 7:00 p.m. Adult tickets $10 Senior Citizen Tickets $7 Student tickets $7
#305GrowsGreatness
Click on the flyer below for more information: