Eagle Eye - December 2022

Windom Schools has built a proud tradition of offering a multitude of courses taught by our teachers for concurrent college credit. This month, we highlight the courses offered and offer some insight from some of our students.

We currently offer 12 courses for college credit, equating to over 30 college credits! Courses offered for college credit include: Biology, Speech, Literature, Composition, Economics, Political Science, Intro to Education, Intro to Growth & Development (new this year), Pre-Calculus, Algebra, Statistics and Certified Nursing Assistant (new this year.) We partner with Minnesota State University, Mankato, Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall & MN West in Worthington. Information about qualifying for college in the schools courses is shared with students during registration.

To highlight some of the benefits, we have a few student testimonials:

"I find taking college classes in high school very beneficial, It helps me learn how things will work in college. It has helped me learn different study skills, and that you have to stay organized between all your classes, and check your syllabus before class so you know what you are doing." Abbi Zieske, Senior

"College classes in high school are very important because it allows you take to a high-level course which allows students to learn how hard college classes really are. It also allows you to know your professors and get help easily since they are also high school teachers. Finally, taking college classes in high school is free so you do not have to spend as much money on college." Hailey Veenker, Junior

"Taking college classes in high school has a TON of benefits, and something I benefit from the most is the amount of help you get from the teachers. You don't often get the amount of help from college professors as you do from high school teachers, so it's something really nice to take advantage of. Taking college classes in high school is also really nice because it prepares you for the intensity of college, and it saves you lots of money because you don't have to pay for some of your college generals!" Chloe Shamp, Senior

"I believe it is important to take college classes because it gives you an amazing opportunity to be able to learn what a "real" class is like. Another important lesson from taking these types of classes is learning how to manage your time and what responsibility really means. It also allows you to grow as a person because it gives you the chance to learn more about the subjects you don't touch in normal subjects. In summary, you should take college classes because it lets you learn more about important skills for college and more about the world around you." Eli Friewald, Junior

•This course has given me a better understanding on how to write effectively on a higher level

and showed me how to take a topic and create an entire body of work through different types of

essays about the same topic rather than making a single essay about a topic and moving on to the

next essay with a different topic. - Senior

• After taking this class I do feel confident in going to college, because I know what the teacher

might ask for. I know the fact that a college class is way different than a high school class. This

class prepared me mentally and showed me how to use my time wisely. - Senior

We have had 22 broken Chromebooks this year. The devices are proving durable; however, when dropped or have things slammed against them, the screens prove vulnerable to breakage. Here is a reminder of the fee breakdown: Charger: $45.00, Screen: $50.00, Keyboard: $90.00, Touchpad: $25.00, Unrepairable or Lost (new Chromebook needed): $250.00, Neoprene Sleeve: $20.00. Fees for breaks/lost are assessed on Skyward and can be paid electronically. Please continue to encourage your student to fully charge their Chromebook each night and transport the Chromebook in its sleeve at all times. Thanks!

We can't believe it is already December! We hope Quarter 2 is off to a good start and that you are feeling more comfortable. Almost Thanksgiving break!

Counseling Center Highlights

• Helping seniors with college applications.

• Writing letters of recommendation.

• Meeting with all students that have multiple failing grades for their quarter grades.

• Scheduling parent meetings.

• On-going student support as needed.

• In December the registration process for the 23-24 school year will start.

• On December 6th Night School will start for credit recovery.

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid available online Oct. 1.

• NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (NCAA)

  Potential Division I and II athletes must meet NCAA academic eligibility requirements in high school prior to entering a college. Students must apply junior or senior year.

  Go to the NCAA website at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net to register and learn about the eligibility requirements.

Mrs. Leah Lovell, School Counselor

Email: llovell@ISD177.com

507-831-6910 ext. 346

Mrs. Kylie Nielsen, School Social Worker

Email: knielsen@ISD177.com

507-831-6910 ext. 105

Mrs. Jennifer Squires, School Counselor

Email: jsquires@ISD177.com

507-831-6910 ext. 103

Please reach out if you have any concerns or questions.

Attendance is vitally important to student success. After all, the world is run by those who show up! If your student will be absent, please email attendancemshs@isd177.com, or call the office at 507-831-6910. Did you know you can also request an absence in the Skyward system? In your students portal on Skyward (while in parent view/family access) click on the attendance tab, then click on Request Absence and you can enter the details. Submitting this request sends an instant alert to our office and automatically updates our system.

Absences that are not excused are made up through after school detention. In addition, students who are chronically tardy make up time during lunch or after school should the situation become severe. Thank you for your help in supporting your students on-time presence in class!

Email: bjoyce@isd177.com
Website: https://windomasdmn.sites.thrillshare.com/
Location: 1400 17th St. PO Box 177 Windom, MN 56101
Phone: (507) 831-6910
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WindomAreaSchoolDistrict/
Twitter: @Windom_Eagles