Renaissance Revival

"Our mission is to help students identify and learn how to cope and overcome their academic and behavioral challenges in order to become productive and responsible members within Warren Township school population and community at large."

"I never lose. I either WIN or Learn." Nelson Mandela

Greetings,

Wow! We are almost through the month of January. Before we know it the school year will come to an end. As a parent of a high school senior and a 7th and 8th grader it amazes me the amount of last minute things they share with me. "Mom, I need basketball shoes tomorrow" and it's 9pm. Or, "Mom, I need a poster board for class today" and we are already on our way to school. As busy as I know parents are today as a school leader and school system we are trying to communicate on as many platforms, (newsletter, website, Facebook, twitter, etc) to ensure that you are as up-to-date on what's happening with your child's education as possible.

Currently, we are still utilizing Tyler as our "Student Information System". Both student and parents have the ability to access information regarding grades, attendance, and behavior at any time. Students are able to go into their Tyler 360 and parents can access Tyler through the parent portal. If you have not already requested a password please give our front office staff a call (317-532-2996) and we can get you set up immediately.

For our high school students who are busy earning credits it is vital that students and parents are tracking the number of credits already earned and what is still needed towards graduation. Middle school students are able to access information about grades and academic progress.

In addition to Tyler SIS, information can always be found via our school and district websites for events and other important information regarding you students schooling.

As always, it is a pleasure serving you and your students.

Welcome back after our three-day weekend.

Why do four-day weeks seem so looooong??? We have a theory: Tuesday is our Monday. Wednesday is Tuesday. Wednesday doesn't actually exist, and Friday is almost here. That’s why.

We have had several students and adults out of school lately as there are some nasty bugs going around. Please encourage your student to wash their hands with soap and water regularly. Hand sanitizer is NOT a replacement for hand washing. If they do catch a bug, please keep them home to minimize spreading the love. We want to sail through this winter in as healthy a manner as we can!

We are looking forward to Black History Month next month and the possibility of going to see The Watsons Go to Birmingham. Please ask your student about their Black History Month project around the middle of February.

Secret word of the week is “goldfish.” The teacher of the week is Mrs. Nowling. The first middle school student to find Mrs. Nowling and say, “goldfish” to her will win a gift card. Nobody won last week. Come on, middle school students and parents!!

This week’s affirmation: When I fall down, I will get back up again!

Middle School Team

CORE/Success, Mrs. Shaw, kshaw@warren.k12.in.us

Math: Mrs. Nowling, rnowling@warren.k12.in.us

English: Ms. Craycroft, scraycro@warren.k12.in.us

Make no mistake about it--the number one duty of a school is to contribute to and provide opportunities for student success. Schools contribute to student success is by providing a safe and well-maintained learning environment. At renaissance we offer our students an opportunity for a second chance to accomplish their academic goals, we are committed to providing out students the academic and emotional support to enter the next phase of their lives.

For students to be truly successful, however, schools cannot do it alone. Student success is the product of an equal partnership among school, home, and most importantly, the student. This partnership is like a three-legged stool. All legs must be working for the stool, or in this case, the student, to function well. So, without equally contributing legs, the stool falls. Similarly, we have found that when parents set expectations for their children to attend school every day, give great effort in their schoolwork, complete assignments on time, and civilly conduct themselves, students can maximize their learning opportunities. While the home sets expectations for success, ultimately the student’s effort and perseverance yields the greatest results. When students give school all they have, they enjoy the fruits of their labor, regardless of whether their plans include college, work, trade school, or the military. Renaissance takes its responsibility to promote student success very seriously.

"A system of education is not one thing, nor does it have a single definite object, nor is it a mere matter of schools. Education is that whole system of human training within and without the school house walls, which molds and develops men."

- W. E. B. Du Bois

“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”
Albert Einstein

Student Success Handbook for Warren Township:

https://coredocs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/359717/Student_Success_Handbook_Board_Approved_19-20_school_year.pdf

As we head toward midterm grades students should already have in mind what their goals are for the quarter. One of the advantages of Renaissance is the ability for students to work at their own pace and to catch up on their credits. To be successful students should set their academic goals and review them regularly.

"A goal without a plan is just a wish."

Student goals should be SMART - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. An example SMART goal: "This semester I will catch up on three science credits. I will work on those courses in class and I will spend one hour a day at home as well. I will let my teacher know my goals so she can help me stay on track. This goal is realistic because I will have two quarters and time at home to complete these classes."

Watch this video to learn more about setting SMART goals.

Students are welcome to work with Ms. Nassar on setting academic goals during their time at Renaissance.

ISTEP retakes are scheduled for February. Schedules for that day will be announced.

Feb 11 - Math Part One

Feb 12 - Math Part Two

Feb 13 -ELA Part One

Feb 14 - ELA Part Two

Important Dates

SAT registration information

Next Date March 14, 2020

Registration February 14, 2020

Late Registration February 16-March 3, 2020.

Upcoming ACT Registration Deadline:

Next Date February 8, 2020

Registration January 10, 2020

Late Registration January 11, 2020- January 17, 2020

ACT registration information

Reminder: All of our 21st Century Scholars must take the SAT or ACT to claim their scholarship. Please see information below

From the Desk of the Social Worker

Familial Incarceration

Familial incarceration impacts millions of students and families around the nation each day.

Did you know?

· 162,000 Indiana citizens are in the criminal justice system, 47,000 of those being imprisoned

· 2.7 million children in the U.S. with an incarcerated parent

· People of color are over-represented in prisons and jails. While people of color makeup only 37% of the U.S. population, they represent 67% of the prison population.

Impact on Student

Having a parent (or close family member) who is in prison can impact a student’s mental health, social behavior, and educational prospects. Students who have incarcerated family members struggle with a variety of experiences. It is common for students to:

· Struggle with misbehavior

· Experience mental illnesses (like anxiety or depression)

· Have trouble trusting people

· Feel guilt and shame

· Have trouble focusing

· Express more aggression

Resilience

However, students with incarcerated family members tend to develop more resilience. Resilience is the ability to mentally and/or emotionally cope with crises. To help students develop more resilience, surround them with supportive adults, provide outlets to express emotions, and encourage a positive, goal-oriented mindset.

Resources

There are a few different programs in Indianapolis that provide resources to families experiencing the imprisonment of a family member. Here are a few:

Use What You’ve Got Ministry

http://www.usewhatyouvegotministry.org/

Youth.gov

https://youth.gov/youth-topics/children-of-incarcerated-parents/tools-guides-resources

Connect Network

https://web.connectnetwork.com/programs-for-children-of-incarcerated-parents/

Community Resources:

Renaissance supportive services offered for 2019-2020;

v Gallahue Community Hospital - Counseling School-Based service programs to assist with social and emotional challenges

v Future Promises Program - Teen parenting and casework services-Marion County Health Department

v The Indianapolis Urban League - College Readiness Program and other extracurricular activities offered

v Inner Beauty is now housed in our building every Thursday evening 7-9p

Renaissance is always seeking to add more community resources and programs to promote, improve and increase social and emotional skills within our community.

Lori B. Dodson, MSW

School Social Worker

Phone: (317) 532.2996 ext. 2962

ldodson1@warren.k12.in.us

Graduation

There has been a change in the Cap and Gowns. Students will be wearing one color(Black)with the cap(black)and tassel(black and gold).The price has changed to $34.00 dollars. All else will stay the same. Students may go to the website (herffjones.com) to access the picture of the Cap and Gown.

College and Career Planning

Led by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, Learn More Indiana is a partnership of state and local organizations working to help Hoosiers of all ages complete education and training beyond high school. Go to this website and take personality quizzes, research potential careers and educational opportunities, build a resume and more!

https://learnmoreindiana.org/

Financial Aid Information

Is your student a 21st Century Scholar? Log on to ScholarTrack to check your student's enrollment status, update contact information or check progress on their required ScholarTrack activities.

https://scholars.in.gov/parents/keep-your-scholar-on-track/

Financial Aid for Seniors

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications are available on October 1, 2019. Stay tuned for information about a FAFSA Completion night at Renaissance when we will go through the application process.

Also, be sure to follow the College and Career Readiness page on twitter for regular updates!

@CCR_WarrenTwp

Core Character Traits Spotlight For the Month of January is: Civility and Order!

What is Civility?

noun

1. 
   

   
   

   formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech.

   
   

   "I hope we can treat each other with civility and respect"

What is Order?

noun

1. 
   

   
   

   
   

   1.a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.

2. 
   

   due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others.
   

   
   

Help us congratulate our students who are showing CORE,( Civility, Order, Respect, Excellence)! Each week students are being recognized!

1/17 C.O.R.E Drawing Winners

Quincey F. - Civility

Trinity E. - Excellence

Mikey D. - Respect

Dewayne P. - Excellence

Taylor S. - Order

Shiare M. - Respect

Joe B. - Excellence

The below students were given C.O.R.E. Bucks this week for showing CORE:

Middle School CORE Awards

Dewayne P.

Shiare M.

Anthony Mo.

Amya C.

Jaiden B.

Dayonna L.

Heaven H.

Aaliyah M.

Char’dea W.

Amiya M.

Dasani D.

Khaliah H.

El’Jenae M.

High School CORE Awards

Quincey F.

Trinity E.

Mikey D.

Taylor S.

Joe B.

Donell B.

Trevor T.

Lakayla D.

Avonia F.

Aiyanna K.

Janeigh W.

KeeKee H.

Camry B.

Keshawn M.

Ruby C.

TreVon T.

Gooch

James C.

Dimitrius W.

Anthony C.

Gage B.

Lamont H.

Darrionna .

Makayla W.

Dimetrius W.

Mickail W.

Elijah W.

Ta’dryell W.

Marranda A.

Juan M.

Ashley T.

Vonte H.

Currently, every visitor who enters our building is asked to present a state of federal ID, such as a Driver’s License, and it is scanned into the Raptor System. Once the visitor has been approved, the office staff enters the reason, destination of the visit and the Raptor System will print a photo ID visitor badge. If for any reason a parent or guardian does not have a U.S. government-issued ID, the staff member can use any form of ID and manually enter the person’s name into the Raptor System. Beginning November 11, 2019, this will apply to our PreK-4 campuses as well.

A photo ID visitor badge is not required for those who visit our schools to drop off an item or pick-up paperwork at the front desk. Further, they may drop off their items(s) or remain in the waiting area until their student is available. Please be aware that current practices established in each building remain in effect.

The safety of our students is our highest priority. The Raptor Visitor Management System provides us with a consistent process of knowing who is in our buildings at all times as well as a tool to identify those individuals who may present a danger to our students and staff.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support towards enhancing school safety protocols in our district. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us here at Renaissance at 317-532-2996.

IT'S EVERYTHING WARREN TOWNSHIP IN YOUR POCKET!

Catch up with the latest student stories, sports scores, and news updates. It’s everything Warren Township, in your pocket. Download the app on Android: http://bit.ly/2Fp2N3T or iPhone: https://apple.co/2quwRR9.