Sunday Weekly Update 9-22-24
Good afternoon, this is Rick Parker, Principal of Indian Land High School, calling with a Sunday Weekly Update. On Thursday, I traveled to watch our Swim Team compete at the Fort Mill Aquatics Center. I enjoyed meeting the families and watching our swimmers. Our swimmers are definitely a strong team with a competitive spirit! I was invited to a great Band event on Friday night before the football game. Forty-eight rising ninth graders and their parents joined the Indian Land Band family for a Chili Cook Off. We are looking to be close to 140 band members next year!
Here is What’s Important Now as we “Prepare the Land” for the week ahead!
FLEX Time: The purpose of Flex is extra time built in the schedule to provide PRIORITY small group academic support for any student that is under performing, provide a REQUIRED MASH (Missing Assignment Study Hall), or provide student choice enrichment activities or club time for those who are all caught up and in good academic standing.
From the Testing Coordinator:
On Monday, September 30, all students will participate in the Panorama Student Wellness Survey. The Panorama Student Wellness Survey provides insight into student mindsets, engagement, behavior, and feelings. School administrators and counselors will use the survey data to plan ongoing social and emotional learning support at the district, school, and individual levels. A link has been provided for you to review the survey questions.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UYKjmfTSyKc-6FxmRExfjN35XW6e22YhGOx5EhAb1LQ/edit
Also, I am providing a principal letter with an opt-out form if you choose for your child not to participate in the survey. The Opt-out Form needs to be returned to the school by 9/27.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/11MPH4SA_EWR2eJ2og9FjwFCrc0DzBMwJIy0Kt7hCEa0/edit?usp=sharing
SOPHOMORES, your PSAT is coming up on October 23, 2024. Mark your calendar now for this date, and you will receive more detailed information at the beginning of October.
JUNIORS, if you are interested in registering for the PSAT October 23 as a qualifier for the National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test program, email Dr. McManus, the testing coordinator for ILHS. The deadline to request registration is September 20at 5:00 p.m. There is a test fee of $18.00 required to take the National Merit test. Space is limited, so if you are interested, act quickly to secure a spot.
Students are only allowed to miss six days in a class. Missing over six days requires them to complete recovery to earn their grade. Attendance Recovery was offered this past week for students on Tues/Thurs and on Saturday.
· PTSO Family Membership: $20 / Staff Membership - $15
I would like to be a PTSO Member to help support Indian Land High School.
o Becoming a PTSO member is easy and provides support to all ILHS students and staff! Membership gives you a voice! PTSO Members vote on PTSO business. (One vote per household).
o Membership is active for one year from July 1st - June 30th.
o NO SELLING! NO HASSLE! NO CALLS begging family members to buy wrapping paper or cookie dough! It's so simple, but super helpful to our school. Any and all donation amounts are truly appreciated!
What is the ILHS PTSO?
PTSO stands for Parent Teacher and Student Organization. The PTSO is a nonprofit group comprised of parents, teachers, and staff dedicated to improving the educational experience of all students at Indian Land High School. Our goals are to encourage interaction between family and school, serve as a source of support, and work with teachers, staff, and the community at large to improve our children’s educational experience. The PTSO works closely with the school administration to meet this goal.
What does the PTSO do?
If you were to find “PTSO” in the dictionary, you would find words like: organize, support, help, and volunteer. The PTSO organizes special events such as, Senior Sunrise, Winter Dance, Teacher Appreciation Week, and Senior Scholarships just to name a few. We also provide financial support to our teachers and staff for educational materials like calculators, magazines, headphones, etc…
Who can join the PTSO?
Any parent or guardian of a current student of ILHS as well as all current teachers and staff.
Are PTSO Members expected to volunteer?
As much as we would love to have every member volunteer, the answer is no. We are happy to share all volunteer opportunities, but it is up to you how much time you would like or are able to commit. We are thrilled with all the help we can get and no amount is too small. There are many ways to help out, but nothing is "required" to be a PTSO member other than the $20 membership fee.
Are PTSO Members expected to vote?
As much as we would love to have every member vote, the answer is no. If voting on PTSO business if not your thing, thats cool. Nothing is "required" to be a PTSO member other than the $20 membership fee.
How do I become a member?
Becoming a member is easy! Check out our Membership tiers and pick which tier work best for you. Simply fill out the membership form, make your donation and give yourself a high-five for being awesome! (Membership dues are $20 per family.)
How do I pay?
We accept payment online using a debt or credit card, Venmo, Zelle & Cashapp. We also accept cash and checks payable to "ILHS PTSO". When paying with cash or check, please send payment to the high school office. PLEASE write "ATTN PTSO" on the envelope. Include a filled out membership form OR if you submitted a membership form online,(there is no need to send in another membership form),PLEASE be sure to include your name and email address with payments. Membership becomes valid after payment is received.
I am an ILHS Staff Member, how do I pay?
You can pay online using a debt or credit card, Venmo, Zelle & Cashapp. If you would like to pay with cash or check, please drop it in the PTSO Locked Box in the office lounge. Please be sure to include a printed membership form or fill one out online. Make sure to mark the envelope with your name and "Staff Membership" so we are sure to apply your payment to your membership.
What is the Warrior Senior Scholarship?
Every year the PTSO provides a scholarship to two ILHS seniors who are attending a college, university or trade school within 4 months of graduation. The seniors must be a PTSO member. We put all senior PTSO member's names in a drawing and two names are drawn at random.
Do I have to pay a membership fee for each child?
No, your dues cover all children in your immediate household.
How long is membership active?
Membership is active for one year and must be renewed every school year.
When and Where are the PTSO Meetings?
We have scheduled meetings throughout the school year.
The meetings are in the commons area at 6:30pm
Why should I come to PTSO Meetings?
Benefit your student. In doing so, you also help our school. The PTSO is a great opportunity to become involved in your child’s education at ILHS.
Get connected! There is no better way to get involved in what is happening at ILHS.
Stay informed. By getting involved at ILHS, you will be part of the team helping to make positive changes.
Tap into a network. Come and share ideas, concerns, and experiences with other parents and educators in the community. PTSO functions are an opportunity to meet other parents and teachers, build rapport and be informed.
Be a role model. By becoming active in the PTSO, you will be demonstrating the importance you place on education. Studies show children do better in school when parents are involved.
Speak Up! PTSO offers a forum for exchanging ideas as well as making suggestions. PTSO can be a way for you to more effectively express change at ILHS.
How can I help raise funds and support ILHS?
There are several easy ways to help.
Become a member
Make a donation to the PTSO
Participate in PTSO events
Purchase ILHS Spirit Wear
Publix Partners: Sign up an enter phone # when shopping at Publix.
Harris Teeter Together in Education Program: Connect ILHS to your Vic Card.
We have developed a Warrior University for students and parents to learn about important information for each grade level. These monthly sessions lead by our counseling team are designed to help improve our communication and keep you in the loop about opportunities and procedures. We had a great turn out in our first session last week. If you missed it. Please see the attached link upcoming for Monthly seminar sessions.
I leave you with this quote for the week: “Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money but you cannot get more time.” Jim Rohn
The theme for the Away Football game vs. Rock Hill on 9/27 is Western. Pull out your Cowboy Hats and Boots!
Have a great afternoon!