November 2023 Newsletter

Welcome back, everyone! January marks not just the start of a new year but also the return to the second half of the school year. As we launch into 2024, there is already so much going on in the building including the preparation for our spring musical, wrestling, basketball, and speech. January can be a long month, but with so many activities happening, it will go by fast. In this edition of our newsletter, we'll delve into the latest achievements, upcoming events, and the happenings that define our school's spirit.

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

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.

Check Student Grades and Credits: Parents, please take time to check your students grades and credits they earned from 1st semester. It is important that students stay on track for graduation. If your student failed a required graduation course, summer school is an option for some. More information will be out about summer school in the coming months.

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.

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 December. Congratulations to them for being positive representatives of Crete High School.

• Emmanuel Valdovinos Euyoque
• Camden Kent
• Tina Nguyen
• Alex Eltze
• Perla Hernandez Miranda
• Britney Alarcon Panzi
• Eliza Molina Cruz
• Damian Eby
• Jordyn Adam
• Jesse Avalos
• Leonardo Adame Lopez
• Kelsey Talkington
• Ivan Meneses Umana
• Marin Rasgorshek
• Kami Alfonso Estevez
• Oscar Sanchez
• Genesis Garay-Carpio
• Domingo (Anthony) Ramirez Lucas
• Sergio Ortiz Matias
• Juana Tercero-Bautista
• Carter Benes
• Candy Garcia Ramirez
• Gaspar Rafael Domingo
• Juan Lucas Funes
• Kaylee Bolano-Barrera
• Gabriel Lopez Lucas

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.