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PALMER
IMPORTANT
DATES
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March 3-5 PARRC PBA
Testing
March 13 End of 3rd
Quarter
March 16 Start of 4th
Quarter
March 11 Permit Course
Registration Night for
NEW permit students
3:30-5:30
March 23-27 Spring Break
April 1 Link Crew Teacher Nomination Forms
Due
April 1 & 2 NHS Blood
Drive
Spring Musical
“Fantasticks”April 9-7:00
pm, April 10-7:00pm
April 11th 2:00pm & 7:00
pm
April 10 Link Crew Student Nomination Forms
due
April 16 NHS Induction
Ceremony 7-8 PM
April 16 4th Quarter
Progress Reports
April 20th,21st, &23rd
PARRC EOY Testing
April 28 ACT Test for all
Juniors
May 1st Unity Fest in the
Courtyard
April 17 Assessment Day
– NO STUDENTS
April 17 ASVAB Test at
Palmer
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:
PARCC PBA
Schedule
2,3
Bus Schedule for 4
PARCC Days
IB News
5-13
News from the
14Counseling Cen- 23
ter
Miscellaneous
News
2427
Attendance
Office
28
William J Palmer High School
Lara Disney, Principal
M A R C H - A P R I L
2 0 1 5
Message From The Principal
Dear Palmer Community,
Spring is just around the corner! Many of the winter sports seasons have come to a close and spring
sports are starting up. Spring is certainly a busy time of our school year!
Over the next week, students in the ninth, tenth and eleventh grades will take the PARCC assessments in English Language Arts and Math. They will complete the End of Year Assessments in late
April and Juniors will take the ACT. AP and IB students are preparing for their exams in May. Group
performance on the assessments helps to drive decisions that we make about curriculum and instruction. Individual performance on assessments helps us make decisions regarding placement of
students in courses that are appropriately rigorous. It is important that our students “show what
they know” for this reason.
Students have been busy raising money for the Make a Wish Foundation and will help Chloe reach
her dream of going to Disneyland. Our students are preparing for the Spring Musical and One Act
Plays. We will have our National Honor Society induction ceremony in April. Finally, we are busy
planning our graduation ceremonies for 2015. The spring season is certainly a busy time for students
and staff alike.
Please take the opportunity to talk with your child about the appropriate use of social media. We
continue to experience disruptions to the learning environment that stem from social media posts
and replies. If you notice this type of behavior, please alert the school, Safe to Tell, or the police.
The physical and emotional safety of our students and staff is of utmost importance to us, and we
will deal with the infractions as appropriate as they come to our attention.
Although the permit window has officially closed, we will continue to accept permits for the 2015-16
school year. If you know of students that are interested in attending Palmer, encourage their parents
to submit a Choice Enrollment form today. Please refer to the Palmer website at http://
palmer.d11.org for additional information or call us at 328-5042 if we may answer questions.
All my best,
Lara Disney, Principal
Important Numbers
Dean of Students Brown: 328-5039
Main Office:
328-5000
Attendance:
328-5013
Dean of Students Lamphere:
Business Office:
328-5044
328-5131
Asst. Prin. Kilroy:
328-5003
Athl. Dir. Framel :
328-5043
Asst. Prin. Geiser:
328-5004
Counseling:
328-5012
Asst. Prin. Claybaugh: 328-5005
Prin. Secretary:
328-5042
Registrar:
328-5106
IB Program:
328-5073
Asst. Prin. Sec:
328-5011
IB Secretary
328-5073
1
2015 PARCC PBA SCHEDULE
Tuesday, March 3
Thursday, March 5
Wednesday, March 4
7:40 – 10th Graders Arrive
7:40 – 9th Graders Arrive
7:45 – Begin Instructions
7:45 – Begin Instructions
Grade
ELA
Testing
9:05 – 9:15 – In Class
Break
9:15 – 10:45 – ELA Unit 2
10:45 – 10:55 – In Class
Break
7:45 – Begin Instructions
7:50 – 9:05 – ELA Unit 1
7:50 – 9:05 – ELA Unit 1
9th
7:40 – 11th Graders Arrive
10th
Grade
ELA
Testing
9:05 – 9:15 – In Class
Break
9:15 – 10:45 – ELA Unit
2
7:50 – 9:05 – ELA Unit 1
11th
Grade
ELA
Testing
10:45 – 10:55 – In Class
Break
10:55 – 11:55 – ELA Unit 3
11:55 – 10 Gr. Dismissed
10th
12:05 – 11th Graders
Arrive
Grade
Math
Testing
12:15 – Begin Instructions
11th
12:20 – 1:50 – Math Unit 1
Grade
1:50 – 2:00 – In Class
Break
Math
2:00 – 3:15 – Math Unit 2
Testing
12:15 – Begin Instructions
12:20 – 1:50 – Math
Unit 1
1:50 – 2:00 – In Class
Break
2:00 – 3:15 – Math Unit
2
10:45 – 10:55 – In Class
Break
11:55 – 11th Gr. Dismissed
th
12:05 – 10th Graders Arrive
9:15 – 10:45 – ELA Unit 2
10:55 – 11:55 – ELA Unit
3
10:55 – 11:55 – ELA Unit
3
11:55 – 9th Gr. Dismissed
9:05 – 9:15 – In Class
Break
12:05 – 9th Graders Arrive
9th
Grade
Math
Testing
12:15 – Begin Instructions
12:20 – 1:50 – Math Unit
1
1:50 – 2:00 – In Class
Break
2:00 – 3:15 – Math Unit 2
2
2015 PARCC EOY SCHEDULE
Monday, April 20
Tuesday, April 21
7:50 – 8:50 – ELA Unit 1
7:50 – 8:50 – ELA
Unit 1
8:50 – 9:00 – In Class Break
8:50 – 9:00 – In Class
Break
8:50 – 9:00 – In
Class Break
9:00 – 10:00 – ELA Unit 2
9:00 – 10:00 – ELA Unit 2
10:00 – 10:10 – In Class Break
10:00 – 10:10 – In Class
Break
9:00 – 10:00 – ELA
Unit 2
7:50 – 8:50 – ELA Unit 1
10:10 – 11:40 – Math Unit 1
11:40 – 11:50 – In Class Break
Testing
7:45 – Begin Instructions
7:45 – Begin Instructions
7:45 – Begin Instructions
Grade
7:40 – 9th Graders
Arrive
7:40 – 10th Graders Arrive
7:40 – 11th Graders Arrive
11th
Thursday, April 23
11:50 – 1:05 – Math Unit 2
1:05 – 11th Gr. Dismissed
10th
Grade
ELA
Testing
10:10 – 11:30 – Math Unit
1
11:30 – 11:40 – In Class
Break
11:40 – 12:55 – Math Unit
2
12:55 – 10th Gr. Dismissed
1:05 – 1:55 – Lunch for Staff
1:55 – 3:00 – Department /
PLC Time / AP-IB
Review / Intervention Time
12:55 – 1:45 – Lunch for
Staff
1:45 – 3:00 – Department / PLC Time / AP
-IB Review / Intervention Time
10:00 – 10:10 – In
Class Break
9th
Grade
ELA
Testing
10:10 – 11:30 –
Math Unit 1
11:30 – 11:40 – In
Class Break
11:40 – 12:55 –
Math Unit 2
12:55 – 9th Gr. Dismissed
12:55 – 1:45 –
Lunch for Staff
1:45 – 3:00 – Department / PLC
Time / AP-IB
Review / Intervention Time
3
PARCC Testing and Bus Schedule
Palmer High School
March 3, 4 and 5, 2015
9TH GRADERS
Tuesday MORNING, March 3
Testing: 7:40 – 11:55 a.m.
Buses pick up in AM at REGULAR stops at REGULAR times.
Buses arrive at Palmer at 7:15 a.m. (Breakfast will be available.)
Buses depart Palmer at 12:05 p.m. and drop off at REGULAR stops approx.. 20 minutes after departure.
Thursday AFTERNOON, March 5 –
Testing: 12:05 – 3:15 p.m.
Buses pick up at REGULAR Stops approx..4 hours and 40 minutes AFTER REGULAR a.m. pick up time. (Example: 6:40
a.m. pick up = 11:20 a.m. pick up)
Buses arrive at Palmer at 12:00 Noon.
Buses depart Palmer at 3:20 p.m. and drop at REGULAR stops approx.. 10 minutes after regular times.
TH
10 GRADERS
Tuesday AFTERNOON, March 9 –
Testing: 12:05 – 3:15 p.m.
Buses pick up at REGULAR Stops approx..4 hours and 40 minutes AFTER REGULAR a.m. pick up time. (Example: 6:40
a.m. pick up = 11:20 a.m. pick up)
Buses arrive at Palmer at 12:00 Noon.
Buses depart Palmer at 3:20 p.m. and drop at REGULAR stops approx.. 10 minutes after regular times.
Wednesday MORNING, March 4 –
Testing: 7:40 – 11:55 a.m.
Buses pick up in AM at REGULAR stops at REGULAR times.
Buses arrive at Palmer at 7:15 a.m. (Breakfast will be available.)
Buses depart Palmer at 12:05 p.m. and drop off at REGULAR stops approx.. 20 minutes after departure.
11TH GRADERS
Wednesday AFTERNOON, March 4 –
Testing: 12:05 – 3:15 p.m.
Buses pick up at REGULAR Stops approx..4 hours and 40 minutes AFTER REGULAR a.m. pick up time. (Example: 6:40
a.m. pick up = 11:20 a.m. pick up)
Buses arrive at Palmer at 12:00 Noon.
Buses depart Palmer at 3:20 p.m. and drop at REGULAR stops approx.. 10 minutes after regular times.
Thursday MORNING, March 5 –
Testing: 7:40 – 11:55 a.m.
Buses pick up in AM at REGULAR stops at REGULAR times.
Buses arrive at Palmer at 7:15 a.m. (Breakfast will be available.)
4
IB NEWS
Seniors heading into homestretch
By Steve Kern, IB Diploma Coordinator
The second semester of the senior year is a challenging combination of intensive preparation and
looking ahead to life beyond high school. At this point seniors have completed their Extended Essays and
some of what IB refers to as “Internal Assessments,” such as the Oral Commentary for English. In some foreign language classes, practice orals have also concluded. In Theory of Knowledge, students have finished
and uploaded their final, IB-required essays. In many other classes, Internal Assessments are the main agenda item for the third quarter: science labs, math projects, historical investigations, and psychology studies
are several of the internal assessments seniors are completing.
The Internal Assessment scheme is one of several aspects that separate the IB from the Advanced
Placement program. In AP classes, a student’s entire mark rests on how he or she performs on a standardized test given in May. While IB also has May exams (more about those in a moment), IB includes a variety
of assessments that teachers themselves oversee and grade (hence the adjective, “internal”). After teachers
submit their marks, we are asked to send samples to IB for moderation to insure that teachers are grading
according to the IB standard.
As someone who has taught English in both IB and AP settings, I have always believed that IB marks
are a more accurate indicator of what students know and can do. Internal Assessments give the teacher an
opportunity to contribute to the student’s final mark (as much as 30%, in fact), and the nature of the work
provides a more comprehensive picture of what students actually know. For instance, in Higher Level English, a student’s final mark is based on oral work (prepared and impromptu), work written out of class, and
two different timed exams in May.
Many Diploma classes are able to begin reviewing right after spring break; others will still need a little time wrapping up content. The Theory of Knowledge class comes off senior schedules at the conclusion
of the third quarter, providing students with a useful free period for study.
A complete schedule with exam times can be found elsewhere in this issue of the newsletter. Please
note that not all exams are completed by graduation. This is beyond Palmer’s or District 11’s control as the
schedule is set by the IB for all schools and programs around the world.
5
We know how things get lost in backpacks, so just in case you didn’t get
this from your student--Dear parents of IB Freshman, IB Sophomores, & IB Juniors,
Last year, we sent a form home similar to this one to create an e-list of parent emails. Thank you for responding as I’ve been sending you articles, information shared with your student, etc. all year. I’d like to
have a complete list of Freshman/Sophomore/Junior Parent emails and that is why I’m sending this home
once more. Thank you for filling this out and sending back to school with your student. If you’d rather just
email me, I’ll add your email to my e-list from the message you send. Please tell me the “name” of your student along with your name when you email. My email is carolyn.moyer@d11.org. THANK YOU!! There are
other links below and if you’d like to be added to the “weekly Palmer Parent E-News”, check the box or let
me know in your email.
Your name: ____________________________________________________________
Your IB student(s): _____________________________Grade: ___________________
Your preferred email: ____________________________________________________
Your phone number: _____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Yes _____Please add my email to the Palmer Parent E-News which includes timely school information and
announcements for the following week.
Other sources of information about Palmer and the IB Program:
1- IB program newsletter: http://palmer.d11.org/IB/Pages/ -- at the bottom of the page
2 – Palmer IB PAB facebook page—Like us, please!
3 - Palmer High School Bi-Monthly Newsletter: http://palmer.d11.org/pages/news.aspx
4 – Palmer’s College & Career Website on My Teacher Pages
webpages/PCounseling/
http://teachersites.schoolworld.com/
If sending in this form, please send this completed form with your student to Palmer and
have them give the form to their 1st period teacher. Thanks!
6
Save the Date
PIZZA PALS are here! You get a $22 loaded pizza for only $11 from Old Chicago.
The monies from this go to our IB Diploma Scholarship Fund, Senior Celebration
and other activities that directly impact our IB students. Pizza Pals have no expiration.
If you would like to order a Pizza Pal, email Deborah Goodale, at deborahgdale@aol.com, and let her know how many you want to order.
Then, please send your check made out to Palmer High School (number of Pizza
Pals you are ordering x $11) and a self-addressed stamped envelope to Deborah
Goodale at 1908 Tesla Drive, Colorado Springs CO 80909. She will then send your
Pizza Pals to you through the mail.
Pizza Pals make great gifts! You can order your pizza ahead and not have to cook
on a busy night.
7
News from the IB Middle Years Program:
During Spring Semester sophomores enrolled in Honors Tech and Design will work on
completing their Personal Projects. The Personal Project is a required element of all MYP students during their last year in the program and is a show case of the skills and interests of
each individual. Each student works in close collaboration with a faculty supervisor towards the
completion of the goals of the project. As the work on this assignment falls primarily outside of
the structured classroom, the Personal Project is a true testament to student motivation, organization and dedication.
The following dates are of critical importance for the completion of this assignment in
the coming months:
A minimum of 3 working meetings with their supervisor over the course of the semester
April 22nd, project, written work and process journal excerpts due to supervisor
April 29th, evening Open House celebrating the completion of the Personal Project- mandatory participation for students, entire community welcome to attend
Please direct questions about the Personal Project to Carolyn Derr, carolyn.derr@d11.org
Palmer IB will host its third annual “Community Service Expo” the evening of May 13th to
celebrate the significant contributions IB freshmen have made to the Palmer and Colorado
Springs communities this past year. Community engagement is a central focus for students in
IB and is encouraged as part of the learning in the classroom and beyond. Through field trips,
and classroom instruction, students learn about the needs of our community and develop a
plan for their personal involvement. The Expo provides us all the time to hear student presentations about the nature of their community service and what they learned as a result. Attendance at the Expo is required of IB freshmen in Honors History class. The event begins at 6:00
pm in the auditorium and ends at 8:00 pm.
Many thanks to Palmer’s wonderful IB Parent Advisory Board for hosting such a delicious
faculty breakfast on the first morning following Winter Break. This event made for a lovely reentry into busy school days, and provided us all with the chance to catch up over a delicious
meal and feel valued as a school community. Thank you, Parents!
8
February 2015
IB COUNSELING NEWS
by Carolyn Moyer, IB Counselor
Semester 2 brings registration for next year’s classes. Freshmen MYP students will register for sophomore classes on Tuesday
and Thursday, February 17th & 19th, 2015 in the Distance Learning Lab. Ms. Kristin Matta and I will visit the 9th grade classes
on Friday, February 13th, explaining the 10th grade curriculum and elective choices for the students. We went over the pathways
students can choose for their 10th grade academic plan. Sophomore MYP students will register for junior classes on Monday,
Tuesday and Thursday, February 9th, 10th and 12th, 2015 in the Distance Learning Lab. Ms. Dawn Boden and I visited 10 th grade
students to plan their Diploma schedule or their Global Studies/Career Pathways plan on Friday, February 6th. Juniors inputted
their senior courses on February 3rd and 5th in the Distance Learning Lab. I have been working with 10 – 12th grade students
and the rest of the counselors with 9th graders who are struggling academically (D/F grades). We have met with students individually to find strategies for success. We encourage these students to meet with their teachers during a time that is convenient for
them, usually lunch, before/after school or during their teachers’ planning period. They can also utilize the Math, Writing or Science Tutoring centers that are open all day.
9th – 10th grade goals include:
Attend school and classes on time
Do and submit, daily homework
Explore and experiment to find a best learning style
Set up a time management system – use of planner, their phones, ipods, etc.
Aim for no zeros in teacher’s grade books, zeros severely lower grades
Organize backpack/homework folder so retrieval of information/homework is easy
Advocate for self – be willing to go to your teacher and ask for help
Meetings with parents, teachers, and students to create a success plan are always welcome.
Please call or email if I can be of further assistance: 328-5006 – carolyn.moyer@d11.org.
Junior/Senior News
College applications were mailed by the end of December for those early applicants and January for those rolling admission students. Now the seniors play the waiting game when it comes to hearing from colleges. If applying to a college with rolling admission (usually your state universities), the wait is four to five weeks after applying. If a student has applied to an out-of-state college or a private college, they will hear back between now and the beginning of April. A reminder to all seniors: keep up those
second semester grades - remember colleges will be looking critically at how you finish out your high school experience.
Seniors, this is the time to be completing the FAFSA online to get the financial aid process started for college. The website to
begin is https://fafsa.ed.gov. You must email and request your pin which is your electronic signature to be used every year
you attend college. Keep this “pin” in a safe place. Parents, you need to get your taxes done in a timely manner so 2014’s tax
information can be used on the FAFSA. If that’s not possible, use estimated numbers based on your 2013 tax return and then go
back to update your FAFSA once taxes are complete for 2014. Colleges make decisions on which students they are going to offer
financial aid to during the month of March. If you are counting on the college/university giving your student financial aid you
should work to complete your FAFSA in February.
Palmer High School Website- College Information
Have you visited the Palmer High School Website lately? Ever? I would encourage you to do so!!! The Palmer Counseling Website
is http://palmer.d11.org/counseling/Pages/Counseling%20Home.aspx. This site has our scholarship list posted and “timely”
counseling information listed under Hot News.
A new addition created by Kristin Matta, Counselor, is the Counselor Teacher page. Check out the College Planning Timelines for Parents as well as the College Planning Timelines for students. There is helpful information on this website including our Scholarship list, College Visits Calendar, Important Dates Calendar and a comprehensive Q&A. To access it, go to http://
teachersites.schoolworld.com/webpages/PCounseling/ College and Career Website.
9
College Planning for 11th Grade Students
The College Planning process should take on a new intensity during the second semester of the junior year. Students should do
the following: Develop a “Reasonable List” of colleges (start with 10-12 and narrow it down to five or six). These are colleges
that might meet your wants and desires in a college. Your counselor can help you develop this list. Take the ACT and/or SAT
test between now and the end of the year. All juniors take the CO State ACT on April 28, 2015 here at Palmer for FREE. Students will register through their English classes with counselors. Palmer hosts the National ACT in October, February and June.
Take the SAT II tests in June if colleges you have on your long list require these tests. Buy a guidebook and study for the SAT
II’s before you take the test, use the free ACT/SAT prep at collegeincolorado.org, or enroll in a test prep workshop. Grades are
important during junior year. Colleges know this is a demanding year and will look at your grades with a critical eye. See Ms.
Moyer if you’d like the name of a local ACT/SAT Tutor who is a Palmer alum.
Continue to pursue interests outside of classes and develop a resume or “brag sheet” or continue to update your ZINCH profile
@ www.Zinch.com or Academic resume as you choose.
Research and begin to narrow your college choices from a “Long List” to a “Short List.” The “Short List” is the colleges that you
will apply to in the fall.
ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) Aptitude Test
April 17, 2015
7:30 -11:30 a.m.
This is highly recommended for all juniors – NO MILITARY SERVICE COMMITMENT – great information for career/college majors.
If interested, please call Carmen Ortiz for more information: 719-328-5012
Colorado State ACT for All Juniors:
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
7:30-11:50 a.m.
Palmer High School
Free for all juniors. Counselors will register juniors through their English classes.
Juniors will report to school by 7:30 am and be in their testing room by 7:40 am in order to begin testing. This ACT (College
Entrance Exam) is FREE to all Colorado students.
ACT/SAT Test Prep
The After School University located at Briargate/Union and/or Gorman Education Center at S. Circle is a great resource to use if
your student would like ACT or SAT Test Prep. They also offer tutoring for your student provided by current undergrad/graduate
UCCS students for a fee.
10
IB Exam Schedule
May 2015
Where do I go? Exams are held in Hibbard Hall at First United Methodist Church, on Nevada between St. Vrain and Boulder. Use
the church’s main (north) entrance on St. Vrain. Hibbard Hall is in the basement in what the church calls its “Youth Zone.” Follow
the signs from the main entrance. DO NOT PARK IN CHURCH PARKING LOTS.
Start times: The times listed below are when the exam begins. Arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to start time. Students will be
admitted to the exam room between 5 and 10 minutes prior to the listed start time to get settled and hear instructions.
Classroom attendance: Students are “field-tripped” by the IB office for 20 minutes prior to each exam, and
for 15 minutes following each exam. For morning exams, students are excused entirely from first period. If
you have a morning exam that goes late, you are also allowed time for lunch. When the exam is finished, you
are expected to return to class. If you only have an afternoon exam, you are not field tripped for the morning; if you only have a morning exam, you should go to afternoon classes.
What do I bring? For all exams, supply your own pens, highlighters, rulers, etc. You will be supplied with answer paper. You may
bring a water bottle, but no food or other drinks are allowed. Backpacks, etc. will be brought into the exam room but placed to the
side of the room. You will not have access to them during the exam. Switch off cell phones and leave them in back packs.
What about supporting material? If the subject requires it (math, some sciences), you will be given a clean copy of the appropriate
data or formula booklet. Graph paper will also be supplied if needed.
What about calculators? Your math and sciences teachers will have details for you in April.
How long do I have to stay? IB guidelines require that you stay at least 1 hour. Also, you may not leave during the final fifteen
minutes of any exam. If school is in session, you are expected to return to class.
What if I am late for an exam? Come anyway. If you are later than 30 minutes, you cannot be admitted to the exam without a
valid excuse. We’ll sort that out later. Come as soon as you possibly and safely can.
What if I am absent from an exam? Absences can only be excused for serious illness (with doctor’s note) or circumstances beyond
your control (e.g., car accident, with police report). Getting lost, misreading the schedule, oversleeping, etc. are not acceptable
excuses. IB is completely inflexible on this point.
What about class attendance after the May exams? Courses meet until the end of the official school calendar (or last day for seniors). Teachers are expected to continue to take attendance. If you are absent and do not wish to receive an unexcused absence, a
parent must excuse you.
What about conflicts with other activities or events ? All students in an IB school must take the exam together at the time scheduled. IB does not have make-up exams. IB will not allow schools to make allowances for school activities, sporting events, family
occasions, or other exams (AP). IB is an international organization with tens of thousands of students world-wide taking exams. IB
believes exceptions to posted schedules negatively impact exam security. If you have a conflict, you will have to make a choice.
Day Date
Subject
Exam / Time
Students
Testing Time
Location
M
May 4: AM
English HL
#1 = 2 hours
62
8:30-10:30
Hibbard
T
May 5: PM
English HL
#2 = 2 hours
62
12:15-2:15
Hibbard
W
May 6: AM
Biology HL
#1 = 1 hour
17
8:30-9:30
Hibbard
W
May 6: PM
Psychology HL/SL
#2 = 2 ¼ hours
#1 = 2 hours
9:45-12:00
12:45-2:45
Hibbard
Th
May 7: AM
Psychology HL/SL
#2 SL = 1 hour
8:30-9:30
Hibbard
#2 HL = 2 hours
67 TOTAL
(HL=49; SL=18)
67 TOTAL
(HL=49; SL=18)
8:30-10:30
Th
May 7: PM
Biology HL
#3 HL = 1 hour
#3 = 1¼ hours
17
10:45-11:45
12:45-2:00
Hibbard
F
May 8: PM
Chinese SL
#1 = 1½ hours
10
12:15-1:45
Hibbard
11
Day
Date
Subject
Exam / Time
Students
Testing Time
Location
M
May 11: AM
Chinese SL
#2: 1 hour
10
8:30-9:30
Hibbard
T
May 12: AM
Math SL
#1 = 1½ hours
8:30-10:00
Hibbard
Math Studies
Math HL
#1 = 1½ hours
48 TOTAL
(SL=15; Studies=33; HL = 23)
T
May 12: PM
Spanish B
#2 = 2 hours
#1 = 1½ hours
W
May 13: AM
Spanish B
#2 = 1½ hours
W
May 13: PM
Math SL
#2 = 1½ hours
Math Studies
Math HL
#2 = 1½ hours
33 TOTAL
(31=SL; 2=HL)
33 TOTAL
(31=SL; 2=HL)
48 TOTAL
(SL=15; Studies=33; HL = 23)
Th
May 14: AM
History HL/SL
#2 = 2 hours
#1 = 1 hour
Th
May 14: PM
Chemistry HL/SL
SL #1 = ¾ hours
25 TOTAL (SL=
10; HL = 15)
18 TOTAL
HL #1 = 1 hour
(SL=7; HL=11)
F
May 15: AM
Chemistry HL/SL
SL #2 = 1¼ hours
HL #2 = 2¼ hours
SL #3 = 1 hour
F
May 15: PM
History HL/SL
M
May 18: AM
M
8:30-10:00
10:15-12:15
1:00-2:30
Hibbard
8:30-10:00
Hibbard
12:00-1:30
Hibbard
12:00-1:30
1:45-3:45
8:30-9:30
12:30-1:15 (SL)
12:30-1:30 (HL)
Hibbard
Hibbard
1:45-3:00 (SL)
1:45-4:00 (HL)
18 TOTAL
8:30-9:30 (SL)
Hibbard
HL #3 = 1¼ hours
#2: 1½ hours
(SL=7; HL=11)
25 TOTAL (SL=
10; HL = 15)
8:30-9:45 (HL)
12:30-2:00
Hibbard
History HL
#3 = 2½ hours
15
8:30-11:00
Hibbard
May 18: PM
French B
#1 = 1½ hours
23 TOTAL
12:30-2:00
Hibbard
T
May 19: AM
French B
#2 = 1½ hours
(SL=22; HL=1)
23 TOTAL
8:30-10:00
Hibbard
T
May 19: PM
#1 = 1½ hours
(SL=22; HL=1)
14
12:30-2:00
Hibbard
W
May 20: AM
#2 = 1 hour
14
7:00-8:00 (AM!!!)
WORLD ARENA – room to be determined.
Th
May 21: PM
Computer Science
Computer Science
ES&S
#1 = 1 hour
58
12:00-1:00
Hibbard
Th
May 21: PM
Math HL
#3 = 1 hour
23
1:30-2:30
Hibbard
F
May 22: AM
ES&S
#2 = 2 hours
58
8:30-10:30
Hibbard
Questions? Contact Mr. Kern: stephen.kern@d11.org; 719-328-5078.
12
The IB Parent Advisory Board (IBPAB)
The IB Parent Advisory Board is a group of parents with children in the IB program, We meet once a month with Diploma
Program Coordinator Steve Kern and Middle Years Coordinator Carolyn Derr to facilitate parent involvement and support for the Palmer IB program and activities throughout the school year.
This is what we have done so far this year and are going to do:
-We implemented an online way to donate.
-We re-formulated our mission statement.
-We sent our requests and got volunteers for IB Oral exams in English, Chinese, and Spanish, and will support other IB exams as needed.
-We provided treats for the Fall Personal Project Night and will do so again in the spring.
-We presented at the Academic Options Night.
-We provide feedback and learn from Carolyn Derr and Steve Kern.
-We sold Pizza Pals for fundraising.
-We are updating the by-laws.
-We hosted a Teacher Appreciation Breakfast for 130 teachers for a joint teacher training with North and Palmer.
-We provide other teacher appreciation gifts through the year.
-We will provide treats for Group 4 Project Night and Community Service/IB Open House Night this spring.
-We are planning the IB Senior Celebration in May.
Any parent is welcome to the meeting or can just be on the email list and receive the meeting minutes, and/or help out where needed
throughout the year. Email Polly Fiedler to get on the list. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR CHILD/CHILDREN’S NAME(S) AND GRADUATION YEAR(S) and your phone number.
We meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00am in the Community Room, which is just off the cafeteria. We will do that every
month this year except May. We also have a Facebook page where you can follow along.
We URGE you to join and participate at any level that is comfortable for you.
IBPAB BOARD 2014-2015
Co-chair Polly Fiedler pollyfiedler@comcast.net, 444-0141
Co-chair Karen Jones wedgewoodcottage@q.com, 641-1355
Co-Treasurer Hillary Becker hillarybeck5@hotmail.com, 963-6634
Co-Treasurer Deborah Goodale deborahgdale@aol.com, 209-8586
Secretary Diane Reece reece2-2@comcast.net, 632-2598
SAVE THE DATE – IB SENIOR CELEBRATION!
Parents of seniors, mark your calendars for May 19 from 4:00-6:00 at First Presbyterian Church for this special event to
honor all the hard work and achievements of our seniors. More details will follow but you can start looking now for the
baby or kid picture to send us for our power point slide show. Academic Honors presentations will follow at 7:00 back at
Palmer.
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Drive Smart Campaign 2013
14
NCAA ELIGIBILITY
Students planning to participate in athletics at a Division I or Division II institution should be sure they are taking the
courses required for eligibility. Please refer to www.ncaaclearinghouse.net for detailed information. Registration to
the Clearinghouse should begin during the junior year. This includes completing the online application, requesting that
an official transcript be sent and having test scores sent directly from ACT or SAT. If you have any questions, please
consult your counselor .
SENIORS if you haven’t already ordered your cap and gown for graduation, contact Herff Jones at 573-1234
immediately. Don’t delay because with no cap and gown, you won’t be allowed to walk at graduation. The
Senior Packet for graduation will be posted on Palmer’s website at: http://palmer.d11.org/
Documents/2014_Senior_Packet.pdf
PROCEDURES FOR GRANTING CREDIT FOR ONLINE/CORRESPONDENCE COURSES
Credit for online/correspondence courses will be granted using the criteria listed below. Students must be enrolled in
a District Eleven high school as a full time student for a minimum of one full school year immediately preceding graduation. Enrollment must occur during the first semester of your senior year. Institutions offering online or correspondence courses must be accredited. Department Chairs with counselors will make recommendations to the principal for
evaluation and approval of all online or correspondence course curriculums. A maximum of two (2) correspondence
courses per year may be approved or a total of eight (8) in a high school career unless there are special circumstances.
Upon the completion of an online or correspondence course, official transcripts must be submitted to the student’s
counselor and registrar for inclusion to the permanent records. Correspondence courses will be given a “G” grade and
will not be included in the GPA rank. **All courses must be aligned to standards.
Senior Reminder: Academic Awards Ceremony
On Tuesday evening, May 19th, we will be holding our Academic Awards Ceremony for all seniors. We would like to
recognize each senior for ALL scholarships/awards they have received, including those from colleges or universities
they do not plan to attend. Please have your student bring a copy of the April Report on Future Planning (in this
newsletter) to the Counseling Center secretary, Mrs. Ortiz, so she can assemble the list and certificates for this special evening. This list is also part of the graduation program. Thank you for beginning early on this project and keep in
mind we are asking for scholarships and awards earned only during the student's senior year. Get this form to us as
soon as you receive them! Deadline is April 30, 2015. You may also e-mail awards and amounts to Mrs. Ortiz at maria.ortiz@d11.org. Please wear commencement gowns, but no caps to the Awards Ceremony.
Concurrent Enrollment
Concurrent Enrollment allows d-11 students to access supplemental tuition funds to study at the postsecondary level
while still in high school. Through this program, students may earn both high school and college credit. Students who
would not typically access college without an “advance” start, students with significant academic needs and students
who have exhausted district curriculum may be interested in the Colorado Springs School District 11 Enrollment Program (CE). The counseling department is hosting an informational meeting for students interested in CE. The meeting
will take place on Thursday, March 12 from 4:00-5:00 p.m. in room 115.
15
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
The Palmer Counseling Center receives information about scholarship opportunities for college-bound seniors throughout the school year. Seniors receive scholarship info through their D11 email from their senior
counselor. If a student believes that he/she qualifies to compete for any of the scholarships, we can provide
them with the application in the Post Graduate Center
Explore college and career options on Palmer’s College & Career Website!
The Palmer High School Counseling Department has a College & Career website designed to provide Palmer students and parents
the information and resources they need to make educated decisions about the future. Site features include:
Calendar of events (including college admission workshops, ACT / SAT test dates, deadlines, college visits and more).
College timelines for students (Learn what you need to do and when you need to do it when it comes to exploring colleges
and submitting applications).
College timelines for parents (A year by year guide to help parents understand what they can do to support their collegebound student).
Scholarship and financial aid information (including a comprehensive list of scholarships made available to Palmer students)
Go to on Palmer.d11.org and click on “counseling” then “college planning”!
FINANCIAL AID FORMS FOR SENIORS PLANNING ON COLLEGE NEXT FALL
In general, all colleges and universities use the same procedures for accepting, processing, and evaluating
applications for financial aid. Deadlines for submitting applications, however, will vary, and some schools
may also require a supplemental application or copies of income tax forms to verify information provided on
a financial aid form. Students must file a free federally approved form called the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA). Some schools may also request a supplemental form, called the CSS PROFILE, to be
filed. Students should check with the financial aid office at colleges that they are applying to. The FAFSA is
on the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The completed forms determine the amount of aid available to qualified students. We recommend the forms be submitted as soon as possible to meet college priority deadlines, typically March 1. In order to sign the FAFSA electronically the student must apply for a PIN. To get a
PIN go to www.pin.ed.gov.
THE COLORADO ACT
The Colorado ACT will be administered to all third year high school students (juniors and a few others) on
Wednesday, April 28th. This test is part of the Colorado State Assessment Program and all juniors and other third year students in the state will test on that Wednesday morning. All colleges and universities will
accept the results of this college entrance exam, with the exception of the military academies. Juniors will
report to school at the regular time. The normal bus routes will run.
CollegeInColorado.org
Welcome to CollegeInColorado.org. On this website you will find everything you need to know about going
to college in Colorado. Plan to take the high school courses you’ll need to get into and succeed in college,
compare colleges that interest you both in-state and out-of-state, go on virtual campus tours, find college
fairs taking place near you, take career assessment tests, explore your financial aid options, and even apply
to college online. To log into your account, your user name is cssd+student id number (example:
cssd1234567) and your password is your birthday MMDDYY (example: 110895). For assistance, see your
counselor.
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17
18
Seniors
Academic Awards Assembly
is on May 19th, 2015 at
7:00 P.M.
We would like to recognize each
senior for all scholarships/awards
they have received, including
those from colleges or universities
they do not plan to attend.
Please bring the form from the next
page to Ms. Ortiz ASAP to assure your
name gets added on the program. The
deadline is April 30,th 2015
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April Report on Future Planning
Name (Please Print) ­______________________________________
What College will you be attending?
_______________________
Colleges accepted to:
(Circle the one you plan to attend)
Scholarships you received from
this school.
Total dollar
amount per
year
Renewable?
(Is this $ a one-time scholarship or renewable for 4 years?)
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
IMPORTANT POINT TO REMEMBER:
Senior Academic Awards Assembly is May 19th, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. (the night before graduation). If you would like to be honored for any
academic achievements, scholarships, awards, special recognition etc. you have received this year you will need to get a copy of the supporting documents to me as soon as possible so we can get your name and information in the evening’s program in time to be announced at
this important event as well as on the program insert that goes into your graduation program. You can email information at maria.ortiz@d11.org
Please return this form (with all supporting documents) to Ms. Ortiz
by April 30th, 2015.
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Scholarships or Awards that you have received.
Total dollar amount per
year
Renewable?
(Is this $ a one-time scholarship or renewable for 4 years?)
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
___Renew ___One-time
21
Registration and Ordering for AP Exams:
Students taking AP exams will register online this year. Students are be able to begin registering at this website:
https://user.totalregistration.net/AP/060288
Students taking AP exams at William J Palmer High School must register for exams by 11:59 PM Friday March 13,
2015. For the 2015 AP Exams, the cost of each AP exam is being covered by School District 11 if ordered by this
deadline. Registrations NOT received by 11:59 PM, Friday March 13, 2015 will incur a $15 Late Fee for each AP
exam. The cost of each AP exam will still be covered by School District 11 - however the student will be responsible
for late fees. Students who register AFTER March 13, 2015 will be assessed a $15 late fee. NO exams will be ordered after March 31, 2015. If you experience problems with the registration process – please contact Mr. Schulzki
as soon as possible – deadlines will NOT be extended due to ‘technical issues.’
IF a student is enrolled in BOTH AP and IB programs it is the responsibility of the student to check if there are
conflicts with AP and IB exams. If a conflict exists - students will take the IB exam and must contact Mr. Schulzki to
arrange an alternate AP exam. An alternative exam will be ordered and the cost of each AP exam will be covered by
School District 11.
Students who order an exam and then cancel the exam prior to May 1, 2015 will be charged a $15 return fee. Students who do not show up for an AP exam or cancels an exam AFTER May 1, 2015 will be charged a $30 return fee.
If a student has an emergency illness on the day of an AP exam the student must contact Mr. Schulzki as soon as
possible. If the student wishes to arrange for an alternate exam due to illness a doctor's note or other official notification may be required.
Students are expected to attend a pre-administration session to complete necessary paperwork prior to the AP Exams. Students MUST attend one of the three sessions listed below (to be held in the Lecture Hall):
Seniors must attend on:
April 15, 2015 at 7:40 am.
Juniors must attend on:
April 22, 2015 at 7:40 am.
Sophomores must attend on:
April 29, 2015 at 7:40 am.
Students need attend only ONE session. Failure to attend a pre-administration session may result in you forfeiting your right to sit for any and all AP Exams.
Ensuring Accommodations on College Board Exams
The College Board is committed to making sure that students with disabilities can take the Advanced Placement® Exams with the accommodations they need. All reasonable requests are considered.
It is important that if a student is requesting accommodations on an AP exam the request MUST be sent to the College Board by February 20, 2015. Using accommodations not approved by the College Board results in cancellation
of scores. No one is automatically approved. All requests are sent to the College Board and NOT to Palmer High
School. For details please see information at https://www.collegeboard.org/students-with-disabilities
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More course offerings are expected for the 2015-2016 school year. Below are the current course offerings. Visit the Palmer CU Succeed website for more information: http://palmer.d11.org/Pages/GT/Pages/CU-Succeed.aspx
2014-2015 CU Succeed Courses at Palmer High School
University of Colorado – Denver Courses 2014/2015 School Year
Palmer Course Name
CU Course Name
Dept/Course #
Credit Hours
AP Chemistry (fall) Madsen
General Chemistry I
CHEM 2031
3
AP Chemistry (fall) Madsen
General Chemistry Lab 1
CHEM 2038
1
AP Chemistry (spring) Madsen
General Chemistry II
CHEM 2041
3
AP Chemistry (spring) Madsen
General Chemistry Lab II
CHEM 2048
2
University of Colorado – Colorado Springs Courses 2014/2015 School Year – Spring
Palmer Course Name
CU Course Name
Dept/Course #
AP Statistics Cline, Owens
Intro to Basic Statistics
MATH 2810
3
Calculus AB Swankowski
Calculus 1 (AB)
MATH 1350
4
IB Spanish 7,8 Shonewill
Intermediate Spanish I
SPAN 2110
5
IB/AP Spanish 9,10 Shonewill
Intermediate Spanish II
SPAN 2120
3
GDD 1100
3
CS1020
3
Game Design Wybrant
Web Page Wybrant
Introduction to Game Development
Web Page Design for NonComputer Science Majors
Credit Hours
Java Programming 1,2 Honors/
IB Computer Science SL5,SL6
Wybrant
Principles of Computer Science
CS1150
3
Honors Physics 1Hirsch
Physics for Life Science 1
PES 1010
4
Honors Physics 2 Hirsch
Physics for Life Science II
PES 1020
4
AP U.S. History Nelson
US - Birth of a Nation &
US – Emergence of Modern
America
HIST 1510 &
HIST 1530
World Religion Kennington
Introduction to Religion
PHIL 1100
3, each (6)
3
Colorado Springs School District 11 pays CU Succeed tuition - no-cost for students and parents.
UCD, CU Succeed/Gold web site: http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/continuing-education/CUSucceed/Pages/default.aspx
UCCS, CU Succeed web site: http://www.uccs.edu/extendedstudies/uccs_cu_succeed.html
Palmer, CU Succeed web site: http://palmer.d11.org/Pages/GT/Pages/CU-Succeed.aspx
Michael Chamberlin
Palmer CU Succeed Coordinator
michael.chamberlin@d11.org
23
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!!
Prom is May 9, 2015 At the Pinery in Black Forest 8:00 PM
to Midnight. Come to the Prom Expo in the Eagle Wing
March 9th. There will be sweet discounts and you can find
out this year’s prom theme!
Teacher Cadet
Hands-on curriculum
Christmas Baskets Orga­
nized by Student Council
Classroom field observations
DO YOU WHAT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE
FUTURE?
Mini-teaching experiences
DO YOU LIKE CHILDREN?
Educational career shadow opportunities
Future Educators of America
Check us out! See Ms Bennett room 1 or talk to
your counselor.
Scholarship/Job Potential
Freshman Tours
The CSHS/Palmer Alumni Association
Started in 1984, the current Alumni Association has been considered one of the most active
Alumni Associations in the nation. Not only are there scholarships offered, but other support
to the school is provided—many things of which you’ll most lively never even hear about. But
there are the Freshmen Tours, Beautification Day, I Love to Read and the Senior Brunch.
There is the history of the school and school traditions that we continue to make sure that
folks don’t forget. There is also the Alumni Historical Room on the 3rd floor (by appt.). This
houses not only mementos of the school and its history, but memories of past students, too.
Do you know how many family members (parents, grandparents, etc.) went here? Chances
are that there are some.
Please, visit our website: http://cshs-palmer-alumni.org and find out who to contact for general information. We also have our Facebook page: CSHS-Palmer Alumni Association, Inc.
24
National Honor Society
National Honor Society –
The Palmer High School Chapter is open to qualifying juniors and seniors. Please visit the Palmer Chapter of the National Honor Society
(NHS) for more information –
http://palmer.d11.org/Pages/National-Honor-Society.aspx
Michael Chamberlin
michael.chamberlin@d11.org
Gifted and Talented
Excellence in the
areas of Scholarship,
Leadership, Service,
and Character is
what NHS stands
for.
Please visit the Palmer GT website for current information –
http://palmer.d11.org/Pages/GT/Pages/Gifted-and-Talented.aspx
All gifted students are asked to complete the 15-20 minutes online ALP. Students can complete the ALP
questionnaire at school or from home. Visit the website for details. If you have already completed the
online ALP, thank you.
Michael Chamberlin
michael.chamberlin@d11.org
ACT Testing for Juniors
ACT Testing for all 11th graders will take place on Tuesday, April 28th.
Testing will begin promptly at 7:40 a.m. and end at approximately
11:50.
25
Connections
Sign-up for Enews today! Enews is a weekly email to parents, which is
sent at the end of each week with pertinent and timely information for
the following week. The email includes announcements, information
about events, a selection of student announcements, counseling information and deadlines, upcoming events/save the date, and the weekly
sports schedule. It is brief and will not jam up your email. To sign up,
send an email to Sonia.Urban@d 11.org with "Subscribe Enews" in the
subject line. Watch for information on future parent workshops and our
annual Dinner Before the Show fundraiser.
Palmer Superfan
Business Office
Please make any payments for prom tickets, obligations, etc. with cash or at
the Business Office with your credit card. I cannot take credit card payments
over the phone nor accept a credit card that does not belong to the person
using it.
MAKE SURE YOUR LEGAL NAME IS CORRECT IN THE
PALMER COMPUTER SYSTEM.
Graduation Reminder
Palmer High School Graduation
Class of 2015
May 20, 2014, 9:00 a.m. World Arena
Look for more details in the next newsletter available online in April. See the Palmer website regarding the
rules and requirements for the graduation ceremony. Make sure you order your cap and gown from Herff
Jones 573-1234. YOU MUST HAVE A CAP AND GOWN TO PARTICIPATE.
26
Attendance Policies
All student absences should be excused by parent/guardian within
48 hours.
The Attendance recording lines are open 24 hours a day for your calls.
Attendance phone lines are:
Cathy Wagner
328-5013
DeLynn Maberry 328-5014
The Spanish Language Attendance Line is 328-5133
If you call after 3:15 p.m. your call will not be processed until the following school day and you will receive an auto-dial call informing you of
your student’s absence that day. The attendance office receives an average of 300 calls each day and we process the calls as quickly as possible
in the order received. We DO NOT make confirmation calls due to the large number of calls received daily.
WHEN YOU CALL THE ATTENDANCE LINE:
PLEASE REMEMBER TO SPELL YOUR STUDENT’S FIRST AND LAST NAME.
When reporting a partial day absence please state the time NOT THE PERIODS, i.e. 9:00 am to10:00 am– NOT 2ND AND 3RD PERIODS. We have
various schedules for different days.
IF YOU ARE PICKING UP YOUR STUDENT EARLY :
PLEASE NOTIFY ATTENDANCE THE DAY BEFORE OR A MINIMUM OF 2 HOURS PRIOR TO PICK UP TIME This is a big school. There are 4 buildings and we cover 3 city blocks. It can take a minimum of 15 - 20 minutes to get your student from class-even for emergencies. The two hour
window gives enough time to process the message, write the pass, and send a runner to get your student. When this procedure is followed your
student should be dismissed on time.
DO NOT SEND NOTES OR EMAILS– WE ONLY ACCEPT PHONE CALLS.
We appreciate your help in insuring the accuracy of your student’s attendance by utilizing Parent Connect on a regular basis. If you feel there
has been an error please contact us immediately.
YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY IS OUR FIRST PRIORTY .
27