November 2023 Newsletter

Greetings and warm wishes as we navigate through the unique challenges that 2024 has presented us. It's been an eventful start, with unexpected snowfall causing a brief interruption to our routine. However, with resilience and determination, we've returned, completing two full weeks of school. Now, as we find our rhythm in the semester, it's time to celebrate our achievements and share crucial updates with you.

Click on the activities link to see upcoming events.

Activities

• Dr. McDowell will post a Friday update on the district’s Facebook page and school website.

Ways to Connect with Crete Public Schools

• District Social Media

• Website

• www.creteschools.org

• Facebook

• @cretepublicschools

• Twitter

• @CPSchools

• Youtube

• Crete Public Schools

ACT and PreACT: Juniors and Sophomores will be taking the ACT and PreACT in March. It is required by the state that all students take this exam. We have been preparing students in core content classes and using the PrepScholar platform to ensure they have the skills to do their best. Our goal is to help each student be prepared for this test, so that we can demonstrate the academic capabilities of our Crete High School students.

Cardinal Academies of Crete: This year was the start of our Cardinal Academies, all Freshmen have been working in their Freshmen seminar class to learn about the different pathways we will provide starting next year. The Freshmen selected their top 5 academy pathways that they would be interested in, they were then selected for their academy using an electronic platform that placed these students according to their top selections. The response from the students upon learning what academy they will be a part of was incredible. The students demonstrated genuine joy during the unveiling ceremony we had on February 2nd. It was evident that the purpose they have at school is becoming more clear to them. We are excited to see the great outcomes the academies will provide to our students moving forward.

Activities: It is hard to believe that our winter activities are starting to wind down. We have had many great successes on the wrestling mat, basketball court, and in the speech classroom. Stay tuned to see what athletes and teams make state in wrestling, basketball, and speech. We are truly honored to have such great students representing Crete High School.

PrepScholar: The ACT and Pre ACT are fast arriving. All Sophomores and Juniors will have the opportunity to prepare for these March exams over the next couple of months using the PrepScholar program. Students will be using this during Cardinal Time and we also encourage the use of it when students have some additional free time. Our goal is to always improve student achievement and this is one way that we can support our students.

New Communication Tool: The district will be rolling out a new communication tool called Aptegy. Apptegy brings a refreshing and innovative approach to our communication needs. What sets them apart is their mobile-first strategy. This means we can now send mass communications, post updates on social media, and manage our website content, all from the convenience of our phones through a single integrated platform.

Strength Finders: Our Freshmen students have been working hard in the classroom and also learning how to be a good student and citizen. The next big activity they will be involved in is finding their strengths. Students and Freshmen academy teachers will be learning about their strengths and how to use those strengths in school, at home, and in the community.

As we gear up for the second semester, we want to stress the significance of consistent attendance for your child's success. Here are some reasons why attendance is so important:

• Academic Success: Regular attendance ensures active participation, better comprehension of lessons and a strong educational foundation.

• Social and Emotional Growth: School offers more than academics. It's where friendships blossom, communication skills develop and a sense of belonging forms.

• Routine and Responsibility: A steady school routine teaches time management and responsibility—essential life skills.

• Teacher-Student Relationship: Regular interaction helps teachers meet your child's individual needs and build meaningful relationships.

• Graduation: Students at Crete High must pass 220 credit hours to graduate, this includes 4 years of English, 3 years of math, 3 years of science, 3 years of Social Studies, and 75 additional elective credits.

To improve your child's attendance:

• Set Routine: Create a consistent morning schedule allowing ample time for prep.

• Open Communication: Talk to your child about school, addressing any concerns promptly.

• Positive Outlook: Highlight exciting daily activities to create enthusiasm for school.

• Health Priority: Ensure rest and a healthy lifestyle to reduce avoidable sick days.

• Plan Accordingly: Schedule vacations and appointments outside school hours.

• Celebrate Progress: Recognize your child's accomplishments to maintain motivation.

• Lead by Example: Demonstrate commitment and punctuality in your own responsibilities.

Additionally, please note:

• Attendance Monitoring: Once your child reaches 5% of school days missed (8.5 days), you will receive a letter from the school as a reminder of the importance of consistent attendance.

• State Notification: If your child misses 10% of the school year (17 days), the state will be notified as part of our commitment to meeting attendance reporting requirements.

• County Attorney Notification: If you child misses 20 days, they will be reported to the county attorney of possible additional interventions through the court system.

The following students were students of the week during January. Congratulations to them for being positive representatives of Crete High School.

• Marlo Lastor Nix
• Alex Domingo Aguilar
• Reece Martin
• Jose Ixen Vicente
• Kaidyn Souders
• Brock Bohling
• Ali McDowell
• Sandra Ventura Ventura
• Evan Rezac
• Kilean Steele
• Nelly Titov
• Ruben Roagana
• Jace Peschong
• Pedro Ramos Alonzo
• Violeta Mendez
• Bryan Zapata-Ramos

Juniors and Seniors are using PrepScholar to help them prepare for the ACT test. Currently students are doing this every Tuesday and Thursday in their Cardinal Time. Students can work on PrepScholar at home or any time they want to. PrepScholar will help these students be prepared for the ACT and it will help them improve their scores which can lead to additional scholarship money. You can log onto PrepScholar by visiting the website: prepscholar.com.