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FRHS E-News
February 2, 2008
Based on the helpful suggestion of several subscribers I have converted all
of the Adelphia users whose emails were being returned as undeliverable to
Comcast users by simply replacing Adelphia.net with Comcast.net. I know from
the many people who have sent me their address changes over the past
year this won't correct the problem for everyone, since many people changed
their whole email address, but hopefully it will catch a few and reduce the
number of undeliverables.
If you are a former Adelphia user who is suddenly getting the e-news again
and you are no longer interested in receiving the news, send me an email at
FRHSnews@windstream.net with "Please Delete" in the subject line.
Today's news is very lengthy and wordy. I have included many repeats because
I wanted to remind people about these items. There are lots of event dates
and deadlines for a variety of items, so have your calendar handy. Please
take your time when scrolling down through the news.
Mark your calendar.....
(New or updated items in blue)
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4
What's happening:
Snowflake Dance tickets on sale,
during all lunch periods, $25/person
Meetings:
Key Club,
2:30 PM, room 234, letters to Marines in Iraq due
Photography Club, 2:20 PM
School Board, 7:30 PM,
Administration Conference Room (Heritage Elementary School)
Socratic Seminar Club (NEW), after
school, room 209
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5
What's happening:
Snowflake Dance tickets on sale,
during all lunch periods, $25/person
Meetings:
FR Football Boosters, 7:30 PM, FRHS
Library
Peer Mediators, 2:20 PM, Counseling
Center
Relay for Life Club, after school,
room 115
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6
What's happening:
NAHS Studio Time, 2:30 - 4:00 PM, room 134
Snowflake Dance tickets on sale,
during all lunch periods, $25/person
Meetings:
Science National Honor Society
(SNHS), 2:30 PM, room 119
WIRC,
after school, library
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7
What's happening:
College Search Seminar, 6:30 PM,
auditorium
Snowflake Dance tickets on sale,
during all lunch periods, $25/person
Deadlines:
Last day of Late Registration for the
March 1st SAT test, go to
www.collegeboard.com
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8
What's happening:
Breakfast of Champions, 6:45 AM
Field trip to tour NWCTC,
7:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Snowflake Dance tickets on sale,
during all lunch periods, $25/person - LAST DAY
Sophomore Class Trip to Seven Springs,
weather permitting, leave school at 4:10 PM, expected return time 10:00
PM
Deadlines:
Senior Fashion Show Registration
Senior Fashion Show Through the Years
Slide Show pictures (baby pictures, senior
photos, and more)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9
What's happening:
ACT Test @ neighboring schools
PTO news....
(New or updated items' titles are
highlighted in blue)
COLLEGE SEARCH SEMINAR
On Thursday evening,
February 7th at 6:30 p.m. in the senior high
auditorium, the counselors will present a seminar for parents on the
college search process. Topics include test scheduling, transcripts
and resumes, resources available, visitations and interviews, types
of admission, and the actual application process. Local test prep
tutor Jane Kerr will also be on hand to explain the difference
between the SAT and the ACT.
FYI - This
presentation is geared to junior parents, but I strongly recommend
sophomore and even freshman parents to attend. Having been through
this process once I can tell you from personal experience the sooner
you start getting familiar with the process the better. (I learned
it had changed a lot in the 30+ years since I applied to
college.) Plus the more times you hear something the more likely you
will actually remember it!
FRHS E-NEWS ARCHIVE
School news....
(New or updated items' titles
are highlighted in blue)
SENIOR FASHION SHOW
The Class of 2008 will present the annual fashion show on Wednesday evening, March 19, 2008 at 7:00 PM, in the High School Auditorium.
Registration packets are available in the main office. If you are a parent of a senior, PLEASE check with your child if he/she has picked up and/or completed their forms.
Additionally, photos for the �through the years� slideshow are needed. This includes a baby photo, a senior photo and �through the years� photos. Please encourage your child to submit photos even if your child does not plan on participating in the actual show. A DVD of the Show and Slideshow presentation will be available for sale. DVD order forms and photo information is included in the registration packet.
The deadline for the registration forms and photos is Friday, February 8th. Due to the amount of time needed for the preparation of the slideshow, any photos submitted after that date will not be guaranteed to be part of the slideshow.
FYI - For those of you new to the school or just not familiar with the Senior Fashion Show I will try to describe the event. First of all "fashion" really isn't the focus of the evening. Yes, every Senior Fashion Show I have attended did include some of the students dressed in prom finery provided by local tux or dress merchants, however that was not the focus of the show. A better descriptor might be Variety Show or possibly Talent Show, though the performances are not judged. Groups of seniors come up with a theme for their "act" and dress accordingly. Their act may include a lip sync, dance, skit, or simply a runway walk as the announcers recite each participant's favorite memories of high school and, if known, their plans for the future.
The first year I helped out I sold tickets and I was surprised how many underclassmen and community members attended the show. I had thought it something strictly for seniors. I was wrong. Anyone who knows a senior will enjoy the show. It is a trip down memory lane as photos of seniors are flashed up on the screen.
As the article above states even students who do not wish to participative in the show itself are encouraged to submit photos to be included in the slideshow.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE PROGRAM
This year, Franklin Regional School District will offer an opportunity for
our students to be part of a unique foreign exchange program with a high
school in Ecuador. In order for this program to operate, we need to locate
five host families willing to take exchange students into their home for
approximately 4 to 5 weeks, during March and April. In addition, we also
need students that would be interested in spending approximately 15 days in
Ecuador in July.
If you would be willing to open your home to a foreign exchange student or
if your child would like to travel as part of our foreign exchange program,
please complete the required form and submit it to Debbie Wills or Bonnie
Thomas at the high school indicating your willingness to participate in this
exciting program.
Franklin Regional School District takes pride in providing unique
educational opportunism. If you have any questions about this program, do
not hesitate to contact Ms. Wills (ext 5130) or Mrs. Thomas (ext 5128) at
724-327-5456.
(Ms. Wills and Mrs. Thomas)
FYI - If you are interested I
can send you the forms as an attachment. Just email me at
FRHSnews@windstream.net with "Exchange Program" in the subject line.
This information is addressed to Spanish III, IV and V students.
For those who are interested I
have included some details about the trip in July:
The trip will take place in
July and will last approximately 15 days
One teacher chaperone from
Franklin Regional will accompany the students
Each student will stay with
an Ecuadorian family
Each student will be
provided with food and housing for the duration of the trip
The approximate cost of the
trip will be $1000 (covers the cost of airfare to and from Ecuador)
Students are encouraged to
find sponsors to help pay for the cost of the trip
The amount of spending money
needed will vary per student and is the student's responsibility
If you child is interested in
going on the trip he/she will need to get an application from Ms. Wills or
Mrs. Thomas. Applications are due February 15th.
DATE OF DAYTIME OPEN HOUSE
ANNOUNCED
The date for Day-time Open House will be
Tuesday, February 26th. Registration will be begin at
7:15 AM.
All parents are welcome. We will extend this
opportunity if there is a two-hour delay as well. Make day is Wednesday,
February 27th.
FYI - I wanted to include an explanation for those of
you who may be unfamiliar with the Daytime Open House concept and format.
The daytime
open house is just what it sounds like, an opportunity to go to classes and
observe. It is an unique and wonderful opportunity the FRHS affords its
parents. As far as I know, FR is the only high school that opens its doors
and invites parents to spend time in classrooms during the school day.
Attending the open house does not mean you have to go to your
child's classes. You can: attend the same classes, but during different
periods, attend classes you may be considering for your child next year,
attend a class you find interesting, or a subject you had in school to see
how it has changed. As with the nighttime open house, it is not a time to
conference with your child's teacher.
I have gone to the daytime open house for 5 years and
I have enjoyed the experience each time. I have done all of the suggestions
given above expect just going to a class to see how the method of teaching a
subject has changed since I took it in high school. I have found the day to
be very low key. I have never had a teacher make an announcement of whose
parent was visiting the class. Basically I just came in the room, sat in the
back and observed. If you don't make a point of letting the students know
whose parent you are, it isn't an issue. The hardest part for me in some
of classes was not raising my hand and getting involved in the discussion!
If you are intrigued by the idea of attending classes
during the school day, please don't let your child's protests stop you from
attending. One parent told me her experience was that for the first period
or two the kids were a little uncomfortable, but by lunch time those who had
forbid their parents from coming wished they hadn't made such a big deal out
of it. At a PTO meeting once a parent made the suggestion to ensure
anonymity and to lesson your child's sense of dread you could write only
your first name on your visitor's tag. If your child is really freaking out
don't forget you can always attend their classes during a different time in
the day from their schedule.
On the day of the open house security personnel will
direct you to designated parking. When you enter the building, you will be
asked to present a photo ID and sign-in. You will be given a visitor's tag.
The master schedule for that day will be posted so you can easily find the
classes that interest you and maps will be available to help you find your
way. In previous years the cafeteria was open for coffee and snacks
throughout the day. You can purchase lunch from the cafeteria or you can go
off campus to eat. Please remember the FR is a smoke free campus (not just
the buildings).
I encourage you to give the daytime open house a try.
You really do get to experience what your child's day is like everyday. It
is kind of the reserve of Take Your Child to Work Day.
FOOTBALL BOOSTER MEETING
The first meeting of the Franklin Regional Football Boosters will be held On
Tuesday, February 5, at the FRHS Library at 7:30 pm. Any
parent who has a player who is going to be in 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th or
12th grade next year and is considering playing for the school football
program is encouraged to attend to learn about the upcoming season. Any
questions, please contact Debie Remaley, Booster Secretary, at 412.325.1210.
(Debie Remaley, FRHS Football Boosters Secretary)
SNOWFLAKE DANCE
SADD will be sponsoring the 4th Annual
Snowflake Dance on Saturday, February 23rd aboard the Gateway Clipper
Fleet. Boarding begins at 6:30 pm and the ship cruises from 7:00 pm
sharp until 10:00 pm. The dress is semi-formal, the same as the
Homecoming Dance. Tickets are $25 per person. Checks only please! Dates
are not necessary, students can go with their friends.
Tickets are on sale now at all three lunches to
the first 500 students. NO tickets will be sold at the door. If
you have any questions please contact Mrs. Pianetti in the nurse's
office.
FYI - Please make out the
check to FRSD with SADD included on the memo line.
EXCELLENCE AWARD NOMINATIONS NOW
BEING ACCEPTED
Has someone at Franklin Regional made a real
difference in the life of a child or a group of children? Perhaps this
individual is a teacher or an aide or a volunteer parent. Maybe he or she is
a member of the custodial or maintenance staff or is an administrator.
Whatever the role this individual has played, we are looking for you to
recognize this special person�s efforts by nominating him/her for the FR
Excellence Award.
We are so fortunate to be surrounded by
generous, creative, and dedicated persons who make very important
contributions to our educational community. The FR Excellence Award is a
concrete way to recognize these efforts and show your support. The process
is simple and relatively painless, the rewards for all are timeless and
endless but a nomination is required before consideration can begin.
So?.please put on your thinking cap, follow the simple guidelines below and
begin the process of letting these special someone�s know that their efforts
are recognized by others.
Ø
Download both pages of the application (http://www.franklinregional.k12.pa.us/)
Ø
Read the rubric �descriptors� to help you highlight all of the
important contributions this person or group of people has made to our
educational community
Ø
Type on the electronic document or print a hard copy
Ø
Fill in all of the required information
Ø
Be sure to get a second signature on the form
Ø
Do not nominate more than two individuals or groups (However,
you can second more than two
nominations)
Ø
Tell us why your nominee should receive the award by writing a
short letter or essay. Using the �descriptors of excellence� will help you
tell your story to the selection committee.
Ø
Keep it neat. A proofread document always helps to make a
positive statement.
The deadline for
nominations is Friday, February 15th. The selection
committee will meet the following week and the FR Excellence Award
recipients will be notified on Friday, Feb. 22nd. All nominees
will be given a copy of their nomination letter(s) but the nominator
information will be kept confidential.
Don�t miss this valuable opportunity to share
the good news with those whom you admire! If you have questions, please
contact Shelley Shaneyfelt by email or by phone or Karen Cadwell by email or
by phone at extension 7613.
FYI - Nomination forms are also available in the office of each school
building in the district.
LATEST HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
NOW POSTED ONLINE
Go to:
http://www.franklinregional.k12.pa.us/highschool/highschoolnewsletter.asp to
the January 2008 issue of the Franklin Regional High School Panther
News.
CELL PHONE USE REMINDER
Parents who want to communicate with their children
during the school day, including study halls and lunch, are asked to not
call or text their children via cell phone. If a parent has an urgent
need to speak to his or her child, the principals and teachers would
appreciate you calling the front office. Students may also use the
student phone that is in the front office; however, students are
not permitted to use or have their cell phone in open view anywhere
during the school day.
DRUG TESTING
KITS AVAILABLE
The Murrysville Po;ice Department is pleased
to announce the program, LEAD, Law Enforcement Against Drugs
Program. The program provides inexpensive drug and alcohol test
kits. These kits offer an outlet for parents to test their kids in
the privacy of their own home without the embarrassment of having to
buy them at a local pharmacy or hospital. The cost of the kits is
either $3.00 for alcohol tests or $4.00 for drug test kits. The
cost for peace of mind is priceless.
Kits can be purchased at the MPD or from
Officer Buzz at
MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS
Lists announcements and provides a link to a video recording of the
Panther News Break.
Lists Counseling Center's morning announcements and more.
FOOD SERVICE WEBPAGE
Gives links to menus, prices, and nutritional information.
CHANNEL 19 SCHEDULE
Counseling Center news...
(New or updated items'
titles are highlighted in blue)
SCHOLARSHIP
Freddie Fu Sports Medicine Scholarship:
http://www.franklinregional.k12.pa.us/highschool/counselingcorner.asp Deadline: April 18, 2008.
American Chemical Society Scholars Program:
Learn more about these and many other scholarship
opportunities by going to
http://www.franklinregional.k12.pa.us/highschool/counselingcorner.asp
INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN
LAW?
If you child is interested in pursuing a career in law and would
like to interact with those in the law field, he/she may want to
consider joining the Westmoreland County Bar Association Explorer
Post. Their first meeting is at 7:00 PM on
February 7, 2008 at the Westmoreland County Bar Association
Office in Greensburg. For more information, contact Jack Waite at
jwaite@bsamail.org.
Please note the date of the first meeting has
been changed since I sent out the first notice.
SAT PREP CLASS
CCAC Boyce Campus 8 sessions, starting Feb. 12, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., $99.00 (Course # XOU-201-1101) 2-day workshop, starting Feb. 9, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., $89.00 (Course # XOU-210-1101 To register, go online to www.ccac.edu COLLEGE FAIR
Pittsburgh National College Fair
David Lawrence Convention Center Thursday, Feb. 28: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Friday, Feb. 29: 9:00 a.m. - noon A brochure containing more information, including a list of attending colleges, is available in the Counseling Center.
Musical news....
(New or updated items'
titles are highlighted in blue)
MANY, MANY PHONES NEEDED
The FR musical this year is Bye Bye Birdie. We are in search of fifty,
(50), 1957 style rotary telephones. We can use any color or any design
and they do not need to work. Please check attics, storage areas and
garages for this very important prop for a major dance number in the
show. Please bring them to the high school office with your name and
phone number if you would like them returned after the show. Contact
Deb Scheinert at
FRSTAGEMOM@aol.com or call 412 491-0062 with any questions.
FYI - Please not there was a mistake in Deb's
email address the first time I ran this article. If you tried to send
her a message and were unsuccessful, please try again. Her correct email
is shown in the above article.
BYE BYE BIRDIE DEADLINES
The FRHS
Theatre Guild is offering various items for this year�s production of �Bye
Bye Birdie�. Order forms are available on the �Tickets/ContactUs� page of
the Musical web site:
www.frhsmusical.com
Due Dates:
Program
Ads: Feb. 6
Flowers: Feb. 13
Bake
Parents are
encouraged to get involved with the Musical production in various ways
including set construction, publicity, street scene, and ticket sales.
Please contact Cindy Boyd or Glori Law if you would like more information:
cboyd@frhsmusical.com,
glaw@frhsmusical.com
Finally,
announcements and schedule changes will be posted promptly to the web site.
All members of the cast, orchestra & crew should regularly check the
�Rehearsals/Announcements� page on the web site.
MUSICAL PROGRAM BOOK
The
February 6th deadline for submitting ads for the Bye Bye Birdie program
books is approaching!
PARENTS: If you wish to place an ad in the program book for your
cast/orchestra/tech crew member and you did not receive an ad packet, you
may access one on the "Tickets/ContactUs" page of the web site:
www.frhsmusical.com
FOR
BUSINESS ADS: Please check the list of businesses which have
already purchased ads, or have been approached, so that we can avoid
over-soliciting them:
http://www.frhsmusical.com/BBBAdSalesSpreadsheet.htm. Please check with
Mrs. Watts for availability before selling the covers or the centerfold
pages:
rwatts@frhsmusical.com
Ways to help....
(New or updated items' titles are highlighted in
blue)
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
FOR SENIOR FASHION SHOW
This is really such a
great evening for the seniors and their families and friends. If you are
interested in helping out with this fun event and working towards making it
the huge success it has been in the past, please let me know via e-mail.
Parents of students in all grades are encouraged and needed to help the
evening of the show so the senior parents can sit in the audience and enjoy
the show. I am also looking for a junior parent to co-chair the event so
this tradition will be able to continue next year.
GIANT EAGLE
APPLES FOR THE STUDENTS
The FRHS PTO is again encouraging any Giant Eagle shopper to help the high school in this FREE program. Register your Advantage Card and your spending will help the school earn points that can be exchanged for FREE educational products. Last year we received 3 microscopes, a DVD/VCR player and a volleyball. This year's program began on Sunday, October 28, 2007 and continues until Saturday, March 15, 2008. If you registered last year, you are already registered this year. THANK YOU! You can change the school that you wish to support anytime. You can designate up to 5 different schools for your spending to be divided equally among those chosen. There are two easy ways to register your Advantage Card so that the high school receives your spending electronically. 1. Call toll-free 1-800-474-4777 and follow the prompts. Have your Advantage Card on hand for the 12 digit number on the back. Our school code # is 1704. 2. Visit www.gianteagle.com. Search for Apples For The Students and follow the instructions. Have your Advantage Card ready and use our school code #1704. Encourage your friends and relatives to register their Advantage Cards to help the high school. We currently have 175 Advantage Cards registered for us. PLEASE REGISTER NOW! Our school account has been activated for this year's program. Don't put it off because these 20 weeks go by quickly. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Questions? Call Judy Stramat (724-733-5923) ALUMINUM CAN RECYCLING
Annie Essay's and
Judy Polcyznski's classes collect
aluminum cans. The Life Skill classes
use the money earned to participate in
functional and community based
activities such as the Special Olympics.
Cans can be dropped off in the fenced-in
collection bin behind the Middle School.
The cage is just for loose
aluminum cans. No plastic bottles or
bi-metal cans, please.
Please DO NOT put bags in the
cage! If you have collected
your cans in a bag or some other
container and you are unable to dump the
cans into the cage, please do not
toss them in container and all. Simply
place your container on the pavement
near the cage and the students will take
care of it. If a bag is tossed into the
cage someone must physically climb into
the cage and remove it! This can be
dangerous, not to mention unpleasant and
in the warm weather the bees and yellow
jackets add to the safety concerns
whenever someone has to climb in to
remove bagged cans. So please remember -
ONLY LOOSE CANS IN THE CAGE. Thanks!
The aluminum can
collection and recycling program is an
all-year activity.
(ASB)
OFFICE DEPOT DONATES TO
SCHOOLS
5% Back to Schools Program:
Office Depot will give the high school an Office Depot
Merchandise Card worth 5% of all qualifying school
supply purchases made during each program period.
Computers, TVs, all technology items including PDAs, all
furniture items and accessories, some bulk packaged
products, ink and tone cartridges, gift cards, and
purchases made to contract business account are not
qualifying purchases. BUT that still leaves notebooks,
index cards, pencils, pens, highlighters, filler paper,
dividers, glue sticks, paper clips, erasers, rubber
bands and many other items you typically purchase
throughout the year!
If you shop at Office Depot please
remember to ask the salesperson to apply your purchase
towards the Back to School Program. I was told at the
store that the program runs year round!
They can look up Franklin Regional High
School or you can make live a little easier for them by
giving them our school ID# - 70087330.
(ASB)
Have a great day!
Anne Brendel
FRHS E-News
Got news? Send your news, comments, suggestions, and corrections to
FRHSnews@windstream.net.
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